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HENDERSON’S 


HANDBOOK OF ‘PLANTS 
GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


BY 


PETER HENDERSON, 


AUTHOR OF *.. of 
GARDENING FOR PROFIT,” ‘“‘PRACTICAL FLORICULTURE,” 
* GARDENING FOR PLEASURE,” ETC., ETC., 


AND JOINT AUTHOR OF 


‘HOW THE FARM PAYS.” 


NEW EDITION. 


- NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY PETER HENDERSON & COMPANY, 
35 AND 37 CORTLANDT STREET. 


1910, 


Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by 
PETER HENDERSON & CO., 


In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, BG 


Press of Joun C. Rankin Co., New York. 


PREFACK TO THE SECOND EDITION. 


LTHOUGH I have every reason to be satisfied with the flattering reception 

given to the first edition of the Hanpsoox or Pranrts, issued in 1881, yet I 

have ever believed that its scope was too limited; that the requirements 

of the thousands of amateurs, young florists and gardeners, needed some- 

thing having a wider range. To meet that want there is not only added in the present 

edition all the new genera of any importance up to date, but there is specified in many 

instances the more important and useful species and varieties of the genera 

described, together with brief instructions for propagation and culture. The botanical 

and technical terms, and a very full list of the best-known English or popular names, are 

also given, and great care has been exercised to have all the generic names accentuated 

according to the latest authorities. Nearly one thousand engravings of the various 

plants described in the body of this work are shown. The natural system of arrange- 

ment being now generally used, is adopted in the descriptions instead of the Linnean or 
artificial system. — 

Very full instructions are given for the culture and forcing of all Fruits, Flowers 
and Vegetables of importance, such as Grape Vines, Strawberries, Roses, Bulbs of all 
kinds, Celery, Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Mushrooms, etc.; in short, I believe 
that there is sufficient matter given on all gardening subjects to allow me to claim for 
this book that it is an 


AMERICAN Gardener’s Dictionary. 


A series of tables and memoranda on horticultural and agricultural subjects, such 
as Seeds, Crops, Stock, Forestry, Measures, Weights, Temperature, etc., is also added, 
which, together with a carefully compiled glossary of the technical terms used in 
describing plants, and a monthly calendar of operations for the green-house and window 
garden, flower, fruit and kitchen garden, will undoubtedly render this edition valuable 
as a book of reference. 

The name of the book will now be “Tue Hanppoox or Piants anp Genera Horri- 
cuLtuRE,” and I believe that for all practical purposes it will be better adapted to the 
wants of American horticulturists than any of the more costly British works on garden- 
ing, and at one-third of their cost; for though from a foreign standpoint these are all 
they claim to be, yet for the American climate much of the information, and especially 
the gardening instructions, are not only useless, but actually misleading. 

In the first edition of this work I was largely indebted to the following books as 
authorities : 


Loudon’s Encyclopedia of Plants; Paxton’s: Botanical Dictionary; Paxton’s Magazine of 
Botany; Johnson’s Gardener’s Dictionary; McIntosh’s Book of the Garden; Rhind’s Vegetable 
Kingdom; Lindley’s Treasury of Botany; Orchid Grower’s Manual; Miller’s Gardener’s Diction- 
ary; Gerarde’s Herbal (1597); Parkinson’s Garden of Pleasant Flowers (1629); Dodoen’s Plants 
(1587); Gray’s Manual of Botany; Chapman’s Southern Flora; American Agriculturist, of New 
York; The Gardener’s Monthly, of Philadelphia, Pa. ; and The Garden, London, England. 


In addition to the above, I am indebted for plants of late introduction to— 


Nicholson’s Dictionary of Gardening, The Garden Oracle, Robinson’s English Flower Garden, 
The Gardener’s Chronicle, Journal of Horticulture (London), and the various American horticultural 
journals. 


In compiling this edition, I have been most ably assisted by Mr. Wu. J. Davipson, 
of Brooklyn, N. Y., who not only is a thorough botanist, but is perhaps the peer of any 
man in the United States to-day in his all-round knowledge of garden work. 


PETER HENDERSON. 
Jersey Crry, N. J., January, 1890. 


INDEX. 


Although this work is alphabetically arranged, yet as a quicker means of looking up cultural 
directions of important plants and matters pertairling to general horticulture, we give the fdllow- 


ing Index: 


PacE 
Alfalftisncoccsdoeseanagesenreenies 15 
Alpine Plants weg, AT 
Annuals 24 
Asparagus........ Sei 45 
AVENUES 6 siscissca snwissiaaiiewsemen 39 
Bark? sesscecegeeswuasies: ns secie es 42 
Bedding ... 46 
Binding Plants... ........2....6 50 
Blackberry ........0..-25 0 seeeee 384 


Blight .....c.ccccsecceeeeeeeee ss BL 


Borders, Flower. 53 
Bouquets, etc..........cceeee eee 54 
Budding ............ceececeeeeee 59 
Cauliflower ........00 eee eeeeeeees 15 


Celery. sisincineccaewseictin- aww TE 


Cisterns...... 88 
Club Root.... 92 
Coffee .........55-- 94 
Cold Frames and Pits...... caves 96 
Color in Flowers.... ...2sssece+2 97 
Conservatory .. -.-.. 

Coral Tree ........ .. 

Cotton Plant..... 

Cranberry ......... saseesenas 9k 
Cultivator ,....-... 111 


Damping off ....... 
Designs .......... 
Draining........--.se00+ 


Fertilizers ........ 

Florists’ Flowers........--eeeees . 156 
Forcing Fruits, Flowers anti Vege- 
dizuiee sinieteinn 206. 
wee 157 


Frozen Plants........-- seoeeesee 159 
Gas Lime aud Gas Tar........-+. 163 
eccscccccees 390 


Ginkgo Tree ......... 


Gladiolus .......... 
Glass and Glazing. . 
Grafting ..... ose 
Grape Vine..... Perr ee eee 482 


Grasses .......-+eececeees 173 and 174 
Green-bouse .......6+ seee LI6 


Hand Glass .......++ ++. 180 

Hanging Baskets.......6.--- «+++ 180 

Heating by Flues, Hot-beds, Hot 
Water, etc......-.seseeeee »-.181-183 


Hedges . yorou 
Herbaceous leita: .ascwereoes 186 


Herbarium ......cceee eee veee es 188 


Horse-radish.. «- 193 
Hybridization. -. 197 
Immortelles ........2.. 00.000 185 
Insecticides..... bin Sia, cia or areaypyale aie 201 
EMBO CUE esses jctseraressiveareiiats oteieisis aiaraiss 202 
Johnson Grags......cece cee eeee ve 210 
Lawn ......... ‘ seeeee 219 
THU OB e cceie vsciassiein sin Siw wee sae neesqeieinn eo) BOD 
Lily of the Valley 

Magnolia ...... 


Manures ... 
Marker...... 


260 
261 


Narcissus .... oe 
Orchard ......c.scceccesreaces oe» 286 
Orchid Culture ...........0..4002 287 
Ornamental Planting . 
Paper Plants........ 
Parlor Gardening . . 
Pearl Millet.........+..+ siarerauasiei’ . 309 
Pitcher Plants .........+- ssseee. 278 
Planting ....- «2... 
Planting, Evil of Deep.. 
Plant Protectors ...... 
Plants in Rooms...... 
Plants for Shady Places 
Plants for Sea Side.... 
Plant Stove .......cccsesaceecseee 
Plants, Unhealthy .... 
Poisonous Plants . 


Propagation by Cuttings. 
Propagation by Layering ........ 352 
Propagation by Seeds, etc........ 349 


® PLUNING. «cies: sie iaiare'ns sis sees 353 
Rake, useof ..... 363 
Raspberry ..... . 384 


Rhubarb... saisaieeinnec  OOk 
Rock Garden.......c0cscecersceee 378 
Rock Work .... .. 
Rollers....... 


seseee 880 


Rose, culture of the. 
Rotation of Crops .. 


+. 385 


Paes 
Rustic Work.......-- eevee eeeee 386 
Sainfoin 
Screens.... 


Sea Kale 
Seeds, where grown........ 


Strawberry 
Strawberry Forcing.... 


Stock Gilliflower..... . 245 
Subsoiling ............. . 440 
Sub-tropical Garden . misieiatis . 440 


Table, Stage and Bench 
Temperature......... 

Transplanting .... 
Trenching ..........+.- 
Tuberose .. 
Vases .... 20.008 
Ventilating .......... 
Violets.......20. eves 


Wardian Case...... 


Water Cress......-.0006 . 270 

» 489 
Watering ......... seein deesenreis 489 
Water Lilies ............. 278 and 478 
Water Plants. .......sseeeceereee 490 
Weeds ........5 swioiartate asia ~ 492 


Winter Flowering Plants. ae 495 
Working Roots.........000 esos 497 


Glossary) ......se.00-0. eeeee 504-610 
Calendar of Garden Operations 
(Monthly).. .. ............ 611-518 
Tables on Temperature. .. . 619 
Soil, Memoranda on «oe 520 
Manures, se 620 
Fertilizers, ef . 60 
Crops, ts 621 
Seeds, sd «+ 621 
Stock, ae sveveeveceers 522 
Forestry, - seseeerseeeee 523 
Masonry, etc., ‘ saan wae 523 
Weights and Measures . vee G24 
Foreign Money... ....... seeeeee 526 


Measuring Trees and other Mis- 
cellaneous Information........ 526 


HHENDERSON’S 


HANDBOOK 


OF PLANTS 


AND 


GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


AAR 


A aron’s Beard. Hypericum calycinum. 
aron’s Club. Verbascum Thapsus. 


Aba’ca, a popular name given to. one of the 
Musas or Banagas of the Philippine Islands, 
which yields Manilla hemp. 


Abe'le. The White Poplar, Populus alba, of Eu- 
rope; a tree that has been extensively planted 
as an ornamental tree, but discarded because 
of its tendency to sucker and spread beyond 
control. . 


Abe'lia. After Dr. Abel, physician to the embas- 
sage of Lord Amherst to China. Nat. Ord. 
Caprifoliacew. 

A small genus of green-house shrubs, found 
in India, China, Mexico, and Japan. They are 
of a slender branching habit, bearing opposite 
leaves and terminal bunches of tubular rose- 
colored or dark crimson flowers. <A. rupestris, 
a native of China, is of dwarf habit, and flow- 
ers profusely in autumn or winter. The 
flowers are in compact clusters, very fragrant. 
A. rupestris grandiflora, a seedling of Italian 
origin, has larger flowers, and the whole plant 
is more robust. <A. floribunla, a Mexican 
species, has dark-colored flowers, produced 
from the axils of the leaves. All the species 
are increased by cuttings. Introduced in 
1844. 

Abelmo’schus esculentus. The modern botan- 
ical name for Okra. See Hibiscus. 

Abe’ria. A genus of Flacourtiacee, consisting of 
afew species, mostly natives of tropical Af- 
rica, the Cape, and Ceylon. The fruits of A. 
Caffra, the Kei apple of the Cape, are of a 
golden-yellow color, about the size of a small 
apple, and are used by the natives for making 
a preserve. They are so exceedingly acid 
when fresh, that the Dutch settlers prepare 
them for their table as a pickle, without vin- 
egar. The plant is also much grown for 
hedges; being densely clothed with strong, 
dry spines, it forms an impenetrable fence. 

Aberrant. Something which differs from the 
customary or usual structure, or deviates 
from the natural or direct way. Also, agroup 
of plants which stands intermediate, as it 
were, between two other groups; e. g., Fuma- 


riacez, which are by some regarded as an 


aberrant group of Papaveracee. 


A/bies. Spruce, Fir. The classical Latin name, 
Nat. Ord. Conifer. 

An extensive genus of hardy evergreen trees. 

Most of the species are ornamental, and are 


ABR 


extensively planted for hedges around large 
grounds, or for single specimens on the lawn. 
A. excelsa, the Norway Spruce, is the most 
commonly planted, and is one of the most 
graceful and popular species. A. alba is the 
White Spruce; A. balsumea, the Balsam Fir; 
and A. nigra, the Black or Double Spruce. 
The correct name of A. Canadensis, the Hem- 
lock Spruce, is Tsuga Canadensis, which see. 
A. Douglasii, syn. Pseudotsuga Douglasti, is a 
noble species, common west of the Rocky 
-Mountains. It attains a height of two hun- 
dred feet, and a diameter of ten feet, and is 
entitled to a place among the ‘great trees” 
of California. 


Abnormal. Opposed to the usual structure. 
Thus, stamens standing opposite to petals are 
abnormal, it being usual for stamens to be 
alternate with petals if equal to them in num- 
ber. Leaves growing in pairs from the same 
side of a stem, as in Atropa Belladonna, and 
flower stalks adherent to the midrib of a 
bract, as in Tilia, are also abnormal. 


Abo’bra. Its Brazilian name. Nat. Ord. Cu- 
curbitacee. 

A. viridifiora is a very pretty climber, suita- 
ble for planting out during summer. Foliage 
dark green and glossy; flowers insignificant, 
but the small scarlet fruit makes the plant 
very effective. Root tuberous, perennial. 
Keep during winter like the Dahlia. 


Abortive. Imperfectly developed; as abortive 
stamens, which consist of a filament only; 
abortive petals, which are mere bristles or 
scales. 


Abro’ma. From a, privative, and broma, food; 
unfit to be eaten. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacea. 
Handsome, free-flowering species of easy 
culture, growing readily in common loam, and 
propagated by seeds or offsets. The flowers 
are in terminal or axillary clusters, yellow or 
purple. A. sinuosa, from Madagascar, intro- 
duced in 1884, is a very pretty plant of slender 
habit. The bark of A. augusta, a native of the 
East Indies, furnishes a very strong white 
tiber, used in the manufacture of cordage that 
is not liable to be weakened by exposure to 
wet. Of easy culture; propagated by seeds 
orcuttings. Introduced to cultivation in 1770. 


Abro/nia. Sand Verbena. From abros, deli- 
eate; referring to its involucrum. Nat. Ord. 
Nyctaginacee. ‘ 

These charming annuals are natives of Cal- 
ifornia. A. wmbellata, introduced in 1826, is a 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ABR 


handsome trailing plant, well adapted for 
rock-work, suspended baskets, or beds, flow- 
ering freely during the autumn months. 
Flowers in trusses, like the Verbena, of a 
rosy-lilac color, very fragrant. They succeed 
well also in the garden border. Seed should 
be sown as soon as the ground is in order. 
They may with profit be started in a hot-bed 
or frame, and transplanted to any desired sit- 
uation. 


A’brus. Wild Liquorice. From abros, soft; in 
allusion to the delicacy of the leaves. Nat. 
Ord, Leguminose. 

A. precatorius, the only species, is found in 
India, the West Indies, and the Mauritius. It 
is chiefly remarkable for its small, egg-shaped 
seeds, which are of a brilliant scarlet color, 
with a black mark, indicating the place where 
they were attached to the pod. These seeds 
are much used for necklaces and other orna- 
mental purposes, and are employed in India 
as a standard of weight, under the name of 
Rati. The weight of the Koh-i-noor diamond 
is known to have been ascertained in this way. 
The specific name is from precatorius, prayer, 
the seeds being used for rosaries. 

Absinth. See Artemisia absinthium. 


Abu'tilon. Chinese Bell-flower. Arabic name 
for a plant like a Mallow. Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 
A highly interesting genus of free-growing 
and free-flowering shrubs, excellent both for 
the green-house and for garden decoration in 
summer. They produce white, rose, yellow, 
or orange-colored flowers, all except the white 
being veined or striped with red and crimson. 
They grow rapidly when planted in sandy 
loam, and are readily propagated by cuttings. 
Aca’cia. From akazo, to sharpen, on account 
of the prickliness of the species first noticed. 
Nat. Ord. Eeguminose. 

An extensive group of really handsome 
plants, many of them assuming in their native 
positions the character of timber trees; but 
with us are easily accommodated in a good 
conservatory, where their bright yellow flow- 
ers, produced in winter and early spring, are 
highly ornamental. The species best deserv- 
ing of cultivation are all natives of Australia, 
New South Wales, and other temperate re- 
gions, and are among the hardiest and most 
easily cultivated of green-house plants. They 
succeed best when planted out in the green- 
house, but may be satisfactorily managed in 
pots, if grown in a sandy loam. Cuttings may 
be struck in a gentle heat under glass, though 
young plants are more easily obtained from 
seed. 


Ace’na. From Akaina, a thorn; in allusion to 
the thorns or bristles on the calyx or fruit. 
Nat. Ord. Rosaceew. 

A small genus, natives of Australia and Tas- 
mania. <A. microphylla is a dwarf-growing 
plant, with dark brown pinnately-divided 
leaves, growing freely in light soil; flowers in 
globular heads in August and September. It 
is chiefly remarkable for the crimson-colored 
spines that protrude from the angles of the 
calyx. Propagation by cuttings. Introduced 
1854, Syn. A. Nove Zealandia. 


Aca/lypha. From akalos, unpleasant, and aphe, 
touch. Nat. Ord. Huphorbiacee. 

This genus comprises over two hundred 

species, widely distributed over the warmer 


ACA 


regions, several being extra-tropical Ameri- 
can. A. tricolor is a handsome green-house 
shrub with coppery-green foliage, curiously 
blotched, mottled, and splashed with red and 
crimson. It is a native of the New Hebrides. 
‘Introduced in 1866. A. Macafeeana, A. Mar- 
gimata, and others of the hybridized varieties, 
when well grown have highly-colored leaves, 
and as they stand the sun well, are desirable 
for vases, rustic designs, or garden decora- 
tions. They are increased by cuttings. 

Acantha’cez. A large order of soft-wooded 
herbaceous plants with monopetalous axillary 
flowers. In tropical regions they are very 
common, constituting a large part of the herb- 
age. One genus, however, the Acanthus, is 
found in Greece, and two, Dianthera and 
Ruellia, are natives of this country. The 
greater part are mere weeds, but some are 
plants of great beauty, especially the species 
of Justicia, Aphelandra, Cyrtanthera, and 
Ruellia. ‘For the most part they are mucilag- 
inous and slightly bitter, and some are used 
in dyeing. * 

Acantholi’mon, From Acanthos, a spine, and 
limon, sea-lavender; referring to its leaves 
and bracts. Nat. Ord. Plumbaginacee. 

A. glumaceum, the only species of interest, 
is a dense, tufty, prostrate plant, with needle- 
shaped leaves and pink flowers, closely re- 
lated to Statice, and formerly grown under the 
name of S. Ararati; it is well adapted for 
rock-work; blooms in July and August. Na- 
tive of Armenia. Introduced in 1851. 


Acanthopa’/nax. From acanthos, a spine, and 
Panaz; alluding to the spiny stems and Panax- 
like aspect of the plants. Nat. Ord. Araliacez. 

A genus of green-house shrubs, natives of 
Japan, China, and tropical Asia, differing bo- 
tanically from Aralia, from which genus they 
areremoved. There are about eight species, 
of which the most desirable are A. ricinifolia 
(syn. Aralia Maximowiczii) and A. spinosum, 
better known as Aralia pentaphylla. 


Acanthophip’pium. A genus of terrestrial or- 
chids allied to Bletia, with large fleshy, tubu- 
lar flowers growing almost at the base of the 
leaves. The flowers are rather pretty and 
fragrant, remaining a long time in bloom. 
There are, however, so many more desirable 
orchids that they are rarely seen‘in collections 
of these popular plants. 


Acanthophe'nix. A genus of Palms, estab- 
lished for two species, closely allied to Areca, 
from the Mascaren Islands. They do not ap- 
pear to differ from that genus except in habit. 
The stems are shorter, and the petiole and 
midrib of the leaves are armed with long fili- 
form prickles. Introduced in 1868. 


Acanthorhi’za. A small genus of Palms, 
closely allied to Chamerops, from which, how- 
ever, they differ in having their leaves divided 
into broad segments, and the peculiar spiny 
roots which surround the base of the stem. 
These plants are very ornamental, either for 
the conservatory or the sub-tropical garden. 


Acan’thus. From akanthos, a spine; some of 
the species being spiny. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
thacea. 


A group of stately ornamental perennial 
plants, mostly hardy, remarkable for their vig- 
orous growth and beautiful foliage. It is con- 


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ABRONIA. ADONIS STIVALIS. ABOBRA. 


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ADONIS VERNALIS, 


ACHIMB> La. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. qT 


ACA 


jectured that the leaf of A. spinosus furnished 
the model for the decoration of the capitals of 
the columns in the Corinthian style of archi- 
tecture. Propagated by seeds or division of 
the roots. , 

Acaulescent. With apparently no stem. 


Accessory. Something additional, not usually 
present. 

Acclimatize. To accustom a plant to live in 
the open air without protection, in a country 
where it is not indigenous. We give the 
meaning attached to the term, though we 


question the popular belief. Plants may be- 


come acclimatized in the course of ages, but 
not perceptibly in any one generation. It is 
true we can temporarily and gradually harden 
off a plant so that it will stand a great degree 
of cold, but the product of that plant, whether 
from cuttings or seeds, will not be hardier 
than the original individual. 


Accumbent. Lying against anything; used in 
opposition to incumbent, or lying upon some- 
thing; a term employed in describing the em- 
bryo of Crucifers. 


A’cer. Maple. From acer, hard, or sharp; the 
wood is extremely hard, and was formerly 
much used for making pikes and lances. Nat. 
Ord. Aceracee. 

A genus comprised for the most part of 
handsome deciduous shrubs and trees, well 
adapted for forming shrubberies, and used ex- 
tensively as shade-trees. Several of the spe- 
cies produce very valuable timber. Sugar is 
one of the constituent parts of the sap in all 
of the species, and in this country large quan- 
tities of excellent sugar and syrup are manu- 
factured from the sap of the Sugar Maple, A. 
Saccharatum. The beautiful varieties of A. 
Japonicum and A. palmatum, introduced by 
Mr. Thomas Hogg from Japan, form strikingly 
handsome objects for lawn decoration. The 
leaves of some of them are beautifully dis- 
sected, rivalling fern fronds in beauty, while 
many others have the richest tints of yellow, 
pink, red and brown, giving them during the 
entire summer a rich autumnal appearance. 
They are perfectly hardy, and are increased 
by grafting on a dwarf Japanese species. A. 
negundo, or Box Elder, is now called Negundo 
aceroides, or N. fraxinifolium, which see. 


Acera’ceze. A natural order of trees and shrubs 
inhabiting Europe, the temperate parts of Asia, 
the north of India, and North America. . The 
order is unknown in Africa and the southern 
hemisphere. The bark of some is astringent, 
and yields reddish-brown and yellow colors. 
The order only contains three genera, and 
rather more than fifty species, of which the 
Maple and Sycamore are well-known repre- 
sentatives. 


A’ceras. Man Orchis. From a, without, and 
Keras, a horn; the lip having no spur. A 
very interesting genus of terrestrial orchids, 
the most singular of which is the Green Man 
Orchis, indigenous to dry, chalky pastures in 
the southeast of England. 


Acera’tes. Green Milkweed. A genus of Ascle- 
pediacee, natives of America and Mexico. The 
leaves of A. Viridifiora, one of the most com- 
mon species, are singularly variable in form, 
ranging from obovate to lanceolate, or 
linear. 


ACI 


Acerose. Needle pointed; fine and slender, with 
a sharp point. 

Acha’nia Malvaviscus. A synonym of Malva- 
viscus arboreus, which see. 


Achille’a. Yarrow. Named in honor of Achilles, 
a pupil of Chiron, who first used it in medi- 
cine. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Free-flowering, hardy herbaceous plants, 
particularly suited to plant among rock-work, 
or in situations refused by more tender plants. 
They are chiefly European plants, and the pre- 
vailing colors of the flowers are yellow and 
white. A. millefolium, or Milfoil, the common 
Yarrow, is common on our roadsides and neg- 
lected fields. A. tomentosa, of dense habit, 
is one of the best and brightest yellow flowers 
for the herbaceous border, or rock-garden. <A. 
Ptarmica flore-pleno is another most useful 
hardy perennial, producing a wealth of its 
double white flowers all summer. It is also 
very useful for cutting. Called erroneously 
‘by some A. alba flora-plena. 


Achime’nes. From cheimaino, to suffer from 
cold, and a prefixed as an augmentive; allud- 
ing to the tenderness of the genus. Nat. Ord. 
Gesneracee, 

One of the finest of modern introductions, 
the whole of the species being splendid sum- 
mer ornaments of the green-house or conserv- 
atory. Flowers of all shades, from white to 
crimson. The scaly bulbs or tubers require 
to be kept perfectly dormant in winter, and 
about January to be potted in light loam and 
leaf-mould, plunged into a moderate hot-bed, 
and encouraged with a warm, genial atmos- 
phere. When they have attained a few inches 
in height they may be placed several together 
in a shallow pan, or repotted separately, and 
by the end of April gradually inured to the 
temperature of the green-house, where they 
afford a blaze of beauty the whole of the sum- 
mer. They are mostly natives of Mexico and 
Guatemala, though a few have been received 
from the West Indies. 


Achyra’nthes, From achuron,chaff, and anthos, 
a flower; in allusion to the chaffy nature of 
the floral leaves. Nat. Ord. Amaranthacee. 

Most of this genus are of but little value. 
Some of the species are very beautiful, and 
largely employed in ribbon-gardening, or any 
situation where plants need to be “trained,” 
as they can be made to grow in any desired 
shape orform. They require the full sunshine 
to develop theirintensecolor. Propagated by 
cuttings. Syns. Iresine and Chamissoa. 


Acine’ta. From akinefa, immovable; the lip 
being jointless. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A small genus of curious epiphytal Orchids 
from Mexico. Flowers yellow, crimson and 
yellow, and chocolate and crimson, borne on 
slender spikes about one foot long. They are 
of easy culture, requiring a house of medium 
temperature, and to be grown in baskets of 
moss. Introduced in 1837. 


Aciphy'lla. From ake, a point, and phyllon, a 
leaf; referring to the sharply-pointed seg- 
ments of the leaf. 

A remarkable genus of Umbellifere, differing 
only by its curious habit and spinescent char- 
acter from Ligusticum. A. Colensoi, a native 
of New Zealand, forms a circular bush five or 
six feet in diameter, of bayonet-like spines, 
having flowering stems six to nine feet high, 


8 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ACI 


covered with very long spinous leaflets. Two 
species are known, both of which are called 
Spear Grass and Wild Spaniard by the settlers. 
Propagated by seeds or divisions in spring. 
Introduced in 1875. 

A’cis. After Acis, a Sicilian shepherd. Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A genus of hardy bulbs closely allied to the 
Snowflake; propagated readily by offsets. 
They should have a sandy soil, and not be 
often divided. : 


Acme’na. A small genus of green-house ever- 
green shrubs of the Nat. Ord. Myrtacew. A. 
ovata has ovate leaves, which, along with the 
stems and petioles, are dark purple, giving the 
plants when making new growth a very strik- 
ing appearance. : 

Acni’da. Water Hemp. Taken from a, priva- 
tive, and knide, nettle; the plant being like a 
Nettle, but without stings. Nat. Ord. Cheno- 
podiacee. 

A. cannabina, the only species, is a coarse- 
growing, uninteresting plant, common in salt 
marshes on the coast from Massachusetts to 
the Carolinas. 

Aconite. See Aconitum. 


Aconite, Winter. A popularname for Eranthis 
hyemalis. 


Aconitum. Aconite, Monkshood, Wolfsbane. 
From Acone, a town in Bithynia, where found. 
Nat. Ord. Ranunculacee. 

Herbaceous perennials, chiefly natives of 
Europe, but partly of North America and Ja- 
pan. They are all hardy, and are generally 
tall-growing, handsome plants, producing 
abundance of dark blue, purple or yellow flow- 
ers. They grow freely, and are good plants 
for the open border. They are readily in- 
creased by division of the roots, which are 
generally tuberous, or by seeds. All the spe- 
cies are more or less poisonous, the poison 
being strongest in the root. Like all plants 
which grow with tall, erect stems, and pro- 
duce their flowers in terminal spikes, they are 
only suitable for growing in borders in large 
gardens, orforclumpsonalawn. Thespecies 
may be divided into two kinds: those with the 
helmet like a monk’s cowl, which are called 
Monkshood, and’ those which have an elon- 
gated conical helmet, and are called Wolfs- 
bane. 


Aco’ntias. A small genus of plants so named 
in allusion to the spots on the stem, which re- 
semble those of a species of serpent, so called. 
The genus belongs to the Caladium tribe 
of the Arwm family, and require the same 


treatment. Natives of Brazil. Syn. Xan- 
thosma. 
Acorus. Sweet Flag, Calamus. From a, priva- 


tive, and kore, the pupil of the eye; referring 
to its medicinal qualities. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A well-known genus of marsh plants, natives 
of the United States, Europe and Asia. A. 
calamus is the Sweet Flag, esteemed for its 
medicinal virtues. A. gramineus variegatus is 
a pretty species, with white-striped leaves 
forming handsome little tufts, very useful for 
hanging baskets, vases, &c., as well as for 
cutting. 


Acotyledons. Plants having no cotyledons or 
seed-lobes, as in Cuscuta. In systematic bot- 
any applied to spore-bearing plants which do 


ACR 


not produce cotyledons, as Ferns and Mosses ; 
also to spores themselves, which are embryos, 
without cotyledons. 


Acrade/nia. Nat. Ord. Rutacea. 

A neat, compact, evergreen green-house 
plant, itttroduced from Tasmania in 1845. A. 
Franklinie has pure white flowers, produced 
in great profusion in terminalclusters. Leaves 
fragrant, opposite, and trifoliate. 

Acrocli/nium. From akros, top, and kline, a 
bed ; referring to the open flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

This interesting annual is one of the most 
valuable of the class known as Everlasting 
Flowers, and is grown extensively for winter 
bouquets. The seeds should be startedin the 
hot-bed and transplanted where they are to 
grow. Flowers should be picked as they be- 
gin to expand, and carefully dried in the 
shade. Introduced from Western Australia 
in 1854. 


Acroco’mia. From akros, top, and kome, a tuft ;. 
referring to the way the leaves are produced. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of gigantic Palms, natives of South 
America and the West Indies. Some of the 
species grow to the height of forty feet, with 
leaves fifteen feet in length, giving to the coun- 
tries they inhabit a feature of exquisite grand- 
eur. The young leaves are eaten as a vege- 
table, and the fruit, root, and stems are ap- 
plied to various economic purposes. Some of 
the species are found in our green-houses, but 
are too large for general hot-house culture. 


A’crogens. Plants increasing at the summit, 
as Ferns, etc. 


Acrony’chia. From akon, tuft or summit, and 
onux, a claw, on account of the original spe- 
cies having an incurved point at the top of the 
petals. Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

A Cunninghami, the only described species, 
is a tall handsome shrub, bearing clusters of 
white flowers of an exquisite odor, resembling 
orange blossoms, combined with the aromatic 
warmth of ginger. The leaves abound in a 
resinous or oily fluid of a powerful turpentine- 
like odor. It requires to be grown in a 
warm house, and is propagated by cuttings. 
Introduced in 1838 from Moreton Bay. 


Acrope’ra. From acros, the extremity and 
pera, a small sack; because of the saccate ap- 
pendage at the apex of the labellum. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidacew. 

A small genus of interesting plants from 
Mexico and Central America, producing their 
curious flowers plentifully in pendant bunches. 
A. Loddigesii is one of the more common spe- 
cies, and is a free-flowering plant of easy cul- 
ture. None of the species take a very high 
rank among Orchids. This genus is included 
under Gongora, by some botanists. 


Acro’phorus., From akros, summit, and phoreo, 
to bear. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 2 
A small genus of handsome green-house 
Ferns from Borneo and New Zealand. They 
are closely allied to Davallia and require the 
same treatment. 


Acrophy’llum. From akros, summit, and 
phyllon, a leaf; referring to the way in which 
the leaves are produced at the summit of the 
branches above the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Cunoniacee. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 9 
ACR ADD 
Asmall genus of very handsome green-house | A’da. A complimentary name. Nat. Ord. 
plants, that flower protusely in the spring. Orchidaceae. 


The flowers are small, white tinged with red, 
produced in dense whorls round the upper 
part of the stem and branches. They are na- 
tives of New Holland, introduced in 1836. 
Propagated by cuttings. 

Acro’pteris. From akros, a summit, and pteris, 
aFern. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

This beautiful Fern, allied to Asplenium, ia 

a green-house variety, readily propagated by 
division of the roots. It requires a light, 
loamy soil, with a liberal mixture of sand and 
leat mould. A native of New Holland. 


Acros'tichum. Supposed to refer to the begin- 
ning of a verse, on account of the back sur- 
faces of the leaves being so lined as to resem- 
ble in some degree the commencement of lines 
in poetry. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea. ; 

An interesting genus of tropical Ferns, that 
succeed wellin a mixture of loam and leaf 
mould. The species having long fronds, are 
admirably adapted for growing on blocks or 
in hanging baskets, and the dwarfer sorts do 
well in Wardian cases. Increased by division 
of roots, or by seed. First introduced from 
the West Indies in 1792. According to some 
botanists the genus now includes Aconiopteris, 
Chrysodium, Egenolphia, Elaphoglossum, Gym- 
nopteris, Olfersia, Polybotrya, Rhipidopteris, 
Soromanes, Stenochlena and Stenosemia. 

Actz’a, Baneberry. From aktara, the Elm; 
resemblance of the leaves. Nat. Ord. Ranun- 
culacew. 

A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, of 
but little beauty; common in rich woods in the 
Northern States. The berries are poisonous. 


Actini/dia. From actin, aray; the styles radi- 
ate like the spokes of a wheel. Nat. Crd. 
Ternstremiacee. A genus of ornamental, 
hardy, deciduous, climbing shrubs, with en- 
tire leaves and axillary corymbs of white 
flowers. A. polygame is a vigorous and ele- 
gant perfectly hardy climber, with white 
sweet-scented flowers much resembling the 
Hawthorn, followed by bunches of edible 
berries. It was introduced from Japan in 
1870, and is propagated by seeds, layers or 
cuttings.’ 

A/ctino/meris. From aktin, a ray, and meris, a 
part referring to the radiated aspect of the 
plants. Nat. Ord. Composite. Hardy orna- 
mental plants, allied to Helianthus, with yel- 
low Coreopsis-like flower heads; natives of 
this country, sometimes cultivated. 

A’ctinio’pteris. From aktin, a ray, and pteris, 
a Fern; the fronds are radiately cut into nar- 
row segments. Nat. Ord. Filices. A small 
genus of neat and distinct Stove Ferns. The 
fronds of A. radiata, grow three to five inches 
high, divided inwards from the margin and is 
a perfect miniature of the Fan Palm, Livis- 
tona Chinensis. 


Aculeate. Furnished with prickles, as dis- 
tinguished from spines. 


Acuminate. A term applied to leaves or other 
flat bodies which narrow gradually till they 
form a long termination. If the narrowing 
takes place toward the base, it is so stated, 
as, acuminate at the base ; if toward the point, 
the term is used without qualification. 


Acute. Sharp pointed. 


A, aurantiaca, the only species, is a beauti- 
fulepiphytal Orchid, found in high latitudes in 
New Grenada. It has broad, evergreen foli- 
age, and long terminal nodding racemes of 
orange-scarlet flowers, lasting a long time in 
perfection. It is a free-growing plant, and 
should have a cool, airy situation in the 
Orchid-house. It is increased by division. 
Introduced in 1844. 


Adam and Eve. See Aplectrum. 


Ada’mia. Named in honor of John Adam, some 
time Governor General of India. Nat. Ord. 
Saxifragacee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
shrubs, natives of China and the East Indies. 
A. versicolor, one of the most beautiful of the 
few known species, is a native of China, and 
forms a dwarf smooth-branched shrub, fur- 
nished with large opposite leaves, resembling 
those of Hydrangea japonica. The flowers are 
produced in a pyramidal panicle nearly a foot 
in diameter, whitish while in bud, but grad- 
ually change to purple and violet. Propa- 
gated by cuttings. Introduced in 1844. 

Adam's Apple. The fruit of Musa paradisiaca. 

Adam's Needle. See Yucca. 

Adam's Needle andThread. Yucca filamentosa. 


Adanso’nia. Baobab Tree. Named in honor of 
Michel Adanson, a famous French botanist and 
author, born in 1727. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacee. 

A. digitata (called Monkey Bread) is a native 
of Western Africa, and is also accredited to 
Egypt and Abyssinia. Previous to the dis- 
covery of the Sequoia in California, the Adan- 
sonia, or Baobab, as it is popularly called, was 
considered the largest tree in the world, some 
specimens being found thirty feet in diameter. 
At the height of twenty feet, the trunks sepa- 
rate into branches forty to fifty feet long and 
the size of great trees, with their remote 
branches touching the ground. The roots for 
a long distance are exposed, some of them 
measuring more than a hundred feet in length 
on the surface. How much longer they are,- 
unexposed, could not readily be ascertained. 
The fruit is gourd-shaped, and is from nine to 

_ twelve inches long, and about four in diameter. 
The pulp is farinaceous and fibrous, and when 
ripe has a refreshing, acid taste. Eaten with 
sugar it is both pleasant and wholesome. The 
negroes on the western coast apply the trunks 
of these trees to a very extraordinary purpose. 
The tree is liable to be attacked by a fungus, 
which, vegetating in the woody part, without 
changing the color or appearance, destroys 
life, and renders the part so attacked as soft 
as the pith of trees in general. Such trunks 
are then hollowed into chambers, and within 
these are suspended the dead bodies of those 
to whom are refused the honor of burial. 
There they become mummies, perfectly dry, 
and well preserved, without further prepara- 
tion or embalming, and are known by the name 
giuriots. 

Adder’s Mouth. The common name of the M- 
crostylis, a small bulbous plant, common in 
moist woods southward. 


Adder’s Tongue. A name applied to the Ery- 
throniwm Americanum, and also to the Fern, 
Ophioglossum vulgatum. 


10 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ADE 


Adena’ndra. From aden, a gland, and aner, the 
stamen or male organ; referring to the aspect 
of the anthers. Nat. Ord. Rutacew. 

A somewhat extensive genus of green-house 
evergreen shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope. 
Some of them are cultivated for their large 
terminal corymbs of bright pink flowers, which 
are produced in June. All the species are in- 
creased by cuttings of the young wood. Intro- 
duced in 1812. 


Adenanthe’ra. The name is derived from aden, 
a gland, and anthera, an anther, in allusion to 
a gland on each anther. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

A small genus of handsome tropical ever- 
green trees. A. pavonia grows to a great size 
in the East Indies, and yields a solid, useful 
timber, called Red Sandal wood. A dye is 
obtained by simply rubbing the wood against 
a wet stone; and this is used by the Brahmins 
for marking their foreheads after religious 
bathing. The seeds are of a bright scarlet 
color, and are used by the jewellers in the 
East as weights, each seed weighing uniformly 
four grains. 

Adena’nthos. From aden, a gland, and anthos, 
a flower; referring to the glands on the flow- 
ers. Nat. Ord. Proteacee. 

Ornamental evergreen pilose shrubs with 
red flowers, natives of New Holland. Prop- 
oe by cuttings. First introduced in 

Adenoca’rpus. From aden, a gland, and karpos, 
fruit; referring to the glands on the fruit. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

This genus is allied to Cytisus, and furnishes 
some remarkably handsome plants because of 
their profuse racemes of yellow flowers. A. 
hispanicus is a low, compact, rigid bush, re- 
markable for the number of its short lateral 
branches. It is very common on the hillsides 
of Southern Europe. A. decorticans is a beau- 
tiful evergreen shrub with bright yellow flow- 
ers, having the general appearance of Furze. 
It was introduced from Spain in 1883. 


Adeno’phora. A genus of hardy herbaceous 
perennials, allied to Campanula. The flowers 
are bell-shaped, and produced in branching 
panicles. They are readily increased by seeds, 
but will not bear division, and dislike being 
removed. Flowers blue. Native of Siberia. 


Ade’smia.. An extensive genus of South Amer- 
ican plants, belonging to the Nat. Ord. Legu- 
minose. ‘They are mostly plants of but little 
interest. A. balsamifera, a Chilian species, 
called Jarilla, is a plant of great beauty when 
in flower. It yields a balsam which has a very 
pleasant odor, perceptible at a great distance. 


Adha’toda. Native name. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
thacee. 

A small genus of green-house shrubs, na- 
tives of India. The few species composing 
this genus were formerly included in Justicia. 
One of the more common species, A. vasica, 
was formerly called Justicia Adhatoda. A. 
cydoniefolia produces its flowers in panicles 
at the point of every branch. They are of a 
rich purple color, the large lower lip having a 
white stripe in the centre. It is very showy 
when in bloom, and makes an excellent plant 
for training up pillars or rafters. They bear 
a close resemblance to the Justicias, and re- 
quire the same treatment. 


ADL 


Adia'ntez. Asection of polypodiaceous Ferns, 
in which the receptacles to which the spore 
cases are attached are -placed on the under 
surface of the indusium itself, so that the 
fructification is, as it were, upside down, and 
is hence said to be resupinate. 


Adi/anto’psis. From adiantum and opsis, like; 
resembling the Maiden-hair. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
podiacee. 

A small genus of elegant little Ferns from 
South America, the West Indies, and Africa. 
A. radiata, one of the best known species, is 
common in the West Indies. The fronds rise 
about a foot high from a tufted crown, and 
radiate in a regular manner from a common 
center. The species are often seen in cultiva- 
tion, on account of their small size and elegant 
character. Propagated from seed. Some au- 
thorities now place this genus under Cheil- 
anthes. 7 


Adia/ntum. Maiden-hair Fern. From adiantos, 
dry; the smooth foliage repelling rain-drops. 
Nat. Ord. Polypodiacew. 

Of this extensive and much-admired genus 
of Ferns, this country furnishes but one va- 
riety, A. pedatum, our commun Maiden-hair, 
which grows in moist woods in nearly every 
section. Taken up in early spring and trans- 
planted into shady corners of our gardens, it 
grows readily, and is indispensable in the nat- 
ural arrangement of Aowers in vases or bas- 
kets. Some of the exotic species of this genus 
may safely be pronounced the most beautiful 
Ferns known, which is a very broad assertion, 
in view of the very many rare and beautiful 
plants to be found in this natural order. All 
doubts, however, of the truth of the assertion 
will be removed when we see a well-grown 
plant of A. Farleyense in the fern-house. This 
interesting plant is a native of Barbadoes, 
whence it was introduced in 1864. It is the 
most distinct and beautiful of all the Maiden- 
hair Ferns, and the most difficult to grow to 
perfection. It requires a warm, moist atmos- 
phere. A. gracillimum and <A. cuneatum are 
magnificent plants, and are grown in large 
numbers, the young plants, as well as the cut 
fronds, being used extensively in floral decora- 
tion. ‘There are many other rare species under 
cultivation. The growing of this genus from 
spores has for a long time been practiced, and 
the several species, with the exception of Far- 
leyense, have been increased at a rapid rate in 
this way. But getting new varieties from 
spores, after hybridizing some of the finer spe- 
cies, is a new and unexpected result that has 
been achieved in a most astonishing and satis- 
factory manner by F. Roenbeck, of Bayonne, 
N.J., who has not only given us several varie- 
ties, but one, A. Roenbeckii, which bears his 
name, that is, without exception, the most 
useful as well as the most graceful of any yet 
introduced. The fronds are erect, with a me- 
tallic luster, combined with the delicacy and 
grace of the finer species. It is well adapted 
for specimen culture, and is particularly useful 
in the arrangement of cut flowers, and when 
so used looks like a lace veil hung over the 
flowers. This variety was first exhibited in 
1376. 


Adlu'mia. Mountain Fringe. Dedicated by 
Rafinesque to Major Adlum, an American au« 
thor. Nat. Ord. fumariacee. 


ADIANTUM CUNEATUM. 


1a AGROSTIS NEBULOSA. AGROSTEMMA, AGERATUM 


t WME 


ALSTRGMERIA. 


ALOPECURUS PRATENSIS (MEADOW FOX TAIL. GRASS.) 


ALFALFA OR LUCERNE (MEDIOAGO.) 11 


‘ 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 11 


ADN 


This beautiful climber is a hardy biennial, 
growing in moist woods in New York and the 
Alleghany Mountains of Virginia. It is com- 
monly called Fumitory, Alleghany Vine, and 
various other local names. It grows readily 
from seed, which should be sown in May, near 
a trellis or arbor. The plants will flower 
freely, without further care, the following 

«@ season. 


Adnate. Grown to anything by the whole sur- 
face; when an ovary is united to the side of 
the calyx, it is adnate. 


Ado’nis. Name of classical derivation. Nat. 
Ord. Ranunculacee. 

Herbaceous plants with showy flowers, na- 
tives of Europe, and of easy culture in any 
soil. The most ornamental species are A. ver- 
nalis, the spring-flowering Adonis, a perennial 
with bright yellow flowers, which is quite 
hardy, and is easily increased: by division of 
the root; and A. autumnalis, the common an- 
nual Flos Adonis, or Pheasant’s Eye, with dark 
erimson flowers. The annual kinds should be 
sown in autumn, as they will stand the winter 
in the open air; or in February or March, as 
they are a long time in coming up. 


Adventitious. A term used to denote some 
part or organ that is developed in an unusual 
position; as the leaf-buds that appear on va- 
rious parts of the surface of the stem, instead 
of being confined, as is generally the case, to 
the axils of the leaves. Applied also to roots, 
etc. ; for example, the Ivy throws out adventi- 
tious roots from along the stems, by which it 
clings to walls or trees for support. 


Adverse. Opposite. 


#'chmea. From aichme, a point; in reference 
to the rigid points on the calices, or flower en- 
velopes. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacee. 

A small genus of tropical plants, often epi- 
phytal, growing on the trunks of trees in the 
dense forests. They have strap, or sword- 
shaped, leaves, and produce panicles of bril- 
liant scarlet flowers. Propagated by division 
of the suckers or offsets. First introduced in 
1844. 


Zigi'ceras. From aiz, a goat, and keros, a horn; 
alluding to the shape of the fruit. Nat. Ord. 
Myrsinacee. 

Small trees with obovate entire leaves and 
white fragrant flowers. 4. fragrans is astout 
green-house evergreen milky shrub, flowering 
in April. Introduced from New Holland in 
1824. 


ZVgilops. Goat’s eye. Supposed to be useful 
for a disease of one corner of the eye; hence 
the name. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of grasses allied to Triticum, or 
Wheat grass. It occurs wild in the South of 
Europe and parts of Asia. It has been held 


that the seeds of this plant may be changed 


into wheat by cultivation ; and that the ancient 
worship of Ceres, which considered the fields 
of Enna and of Trinacoria as the cradles of 
agriculture, had its origin in this transforma- 
tion of the native grass. Professor Latopie, 
of Bordeaux, affirms that, having cultivated 
the seed of the Agilops, the plant has changed 
its generic character, and has made approaches 
to that of wheat. Other specific botanists 
have made the same assertion, giving the re- 
sults of their various experiments. It is, how- 


ES 


ever, but just to say that but little credit has 
been given to these statements. We prefer to 
believe wheat to have been a special creation, 
rather than to have evolved from an inferior 
species. 


gle. Bengal Quince. From gle one of the 


Hesperides. Nat. Ord. Rutacew. 

4. Marmelos, the only species, is a native 
of the East Indies, where it is highly esteemed 
for the fragrance of its orange-like flowers, 
and for its delicious fruit, which also, possesses 
an aperient quality which is particularly ser- 
viceablein habitual costiveness. Notonly the 
fruit, but other portions of the plant are used 
for medicinal purposes; and a yellow dye is 
prepared from the rind of the fruit. 


igopo’dium. Gout weed. Bishop-weed. An 


umbelliferous plant with smooth thrice ternate 
leaves and white flowers, propagating itself by 
creeping root-stocks, which, like our native 
bind weed are singularly vivacious, so that 
when once it gets established, it is very diffi- 
cult to eradicate. A great pest in British and 
Continental gardens. A very pretty varie- 
gated variety is in cultivation, as a border 
plant. 


Aeration. The exposure of the soil to the free 


action of the air, as essential to the growth of 
plants. 


Aerial. Plants or parts of plants which grow 


entirely above the surface of the earth or 
water. 


Ae’rides. From aer,tneair; in reference to the 


power they have of living on air. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

Asplendid genus of East Indian epiphytal 
Orchids, remarkable for their beautiful white, 
pink, or rose-colored, fragrant flowers, and for 
their rich evergreen foliage. The general ap- 
pearance of these plants, their wonderful tenac- 
ity of life, the remarkable property they pos- 
sess of imbibing the whole of their nutriment 
from the atmosphere, without the intervention 
of any kind of earth, and the elegance and rich 
perfume of their flowers, combine to make 
them objects of universal admiration. They 
require to be grown in a high temperature and 
avery moist atmosphere. The more popular 
species are of quite recent introduction. 


Aischyna’nthus. From aischuno, to be ashamed, 


and anthos, a flower. Nat. Ord. Gesneracew. 

A beautiful genus of tropical epiphytal plants. 
The species are chiefly found in tropical Asia 
and the East Indies, and may properly be 
classed with the most gorgeous green-house 
plants. They have mostly pendant stems, op- 
posite fleshy leaves, and scarlet or orange-scar- 
let flowers. One of the finer species, 4. spec- 
tosus is a native of Java. It is of sub-erect 
habit, with fascicles of about twenty erect, 
long-tubed flowers, of rich orange-yellow below 
and passing into searlet at the top, with yel- 
low and black markings. Z. grandiflorus, has 
orange-scarlet flowers with a band of bright 
scarlet round the entrance of the tube. 4. 
longiflorus, with bright crimson and 4, 
Lobbianus, with scarlet flowers, both intro- 
duced from Java, are of the same general 
habit. All the species are admirably adapted 
for hanging baskets, and require to be grown 
in considerable heat and moisture. First in- 
troduced in 1845. 


12 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ZES 


#2’sculus. Horse Chestnut, Buckeye. From 
esca, nourishment; referring to the ground 
flour from the kernels of some species. Nat. 
Ord. Sapindacee. 

Agenus of hardy ornamental deciduous 
trees, too well known to need description. 
4. Hippocastanum, the common Horse Chest- 
nut, is a native of Asia, introduced into our 
nurseries from Europe at an early day. 4. 
glabra (Buckeye) is a large growing tree, com- 
mon South and West, particularly in Ohio, 
whence the name Buckeye State. 4. flava, 
the Sweet Buckeye, and 4. pavia, the Red 
Buckeye, are shrubs or small trees, natives of 
Virginia, and West and South. 4. Californica 
is a beautiful, large, spreading shrub, the most 
ornamental of the whole genus. Its flowers 
are rose-colored, in racemes.about six inches 
long, and are produced in great abundance 
from June till July. All the species are prop- 
agated by seeds. See Pavia. 


Zistivation. The manner of folding the calyx 
and corolla in the flower bud. 


Z&thione’ma. From aitho, toscorch, and nema, 
a filament; in reference to some burnt appear- 
ance inthe stamens. Nat. Ord. Cruciferae. 

This is a beautiful genus of the Arabis family, 
but differs from the greater number of the 
Crucifers in light elegant habit and wiry stems, 
and usually glaucous leaves. They are mostly 
found on sunny mountains near the Mediter- 
ranean, particularly eastward, and are especi- 
ally valuable for gardens, forming stronger 
and more free-flowering tufts in cultivation 
than in a wild state. 4. grandiflorum forms a 
spreading bush about a foot high, from which 
spring numerous racemes of pink and lilac 
flowers. Itis a true perennial, growing well 
in the ordinary border, but from its prostrate, 
spreading habit, it is best adapted for the rock- 
garden, when the roots may descend into deep 
earth, and the stems fall gracefully over the 
rocks. The species are easily raised from seed, 
and thrive well in ordinary sandy loam. The 
best known kinds are 4. coridifolium, pul- 
chellum, and grandifiorum. 

Z2thu’sa. Fool’s Parsley. The name alludes to 
the acridity of the plants, and is derived from 
aithusso, to heat or make hot. Nat. Ord. Um. 
bellifere. 

Quite a hardy species of little beauty. The 
stem and leaves of 4. Cynapium, are poison- 
ous and contain a peculiar alkali called 
Cynopia. 

African Almond. Brabeium Stellatifolium. 

African Lily. See Agapanthus. © 

African Lotus. Zizyphus Lotus. 

African Marigold. See Tagetes erecta. 

African Oak and Teak. Vitex Doniana. 


Aga’lmyla. From agalma, an ornament, and 
hute, aforest. Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 

Asmall genus of beautiful green-house or hot- 
house plants from the islands of the Eastern 
Archipelago. A. staminea is a very handsome 
plant, epiphytal in habit, creeping and rooting 
on the trunks of trees. It has very strong 
stems, large, fleshy, Gloxinia-like leaves, and 
axillary fascicles of from twelve to fifteen 
flowers each, tubular-shaped, two inches long, 
bright scarlet. Propagated by cuttings. 


Agami'sia. From aganos, desirable ; in reference 
to the beauty of these neat little plants. Nat. 


AGA 


Ord. Orchidacew. <A. pulchella is a very pretty 
and rare orchid, a native of Demarara. It 
blossoms at different times of the year and 
lasts two or three weeks in perfection. The 
flowers are white, with a blotch of yellow in 
the centre of the lip. A. cwrulea, introduced 
from Brazil in 1876, has beautiful dark-blue 
flowers, the lip blotched with violet. They 
require a warm, moist temperature, and suc-® 
ceed best when grown on blocks of wood or 
cork. 


Aganos’ma. From aganos, mild, and osme, scent 


of flowers. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. A genus 
of shrubby climbing plants, with opposite 
leaves, and terminal corymbs of large funnel- 
shaped white, yellow, or purple flowers. Na- 
tives of India, they require a warm green- 
house and thrive best in a compost of loam, 
leaf-mould and sand. Propagated by cuttings. 


Agapan’thus. From agape, love, and anthos, a 


flower. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

‘The Blue African Lily, A. umbellatus, is a 
noble plant, with thick, fleshy roots, and re- 
tains its leaves all the winter. There is a 
variety with striped leaves. <A. albidus has 
white flowers, but it does not differ from the 
common kind in any otherrespect. The Afri- 
can Lilies all require a loamy soil, enriched 
with rotted manure, and they should be fully 
exposed to the light. The plants are always 
large before they flower; and when the flower- 
stalks appear, the plant should be in a large 
pot, so that the roots may have plenty of 
room. They should be abundantly supplied 
with water, taking care, however, not to let 
any remain in a stagnant state about the 
roots. Thus treated, this plant will frequent- 
ly send up a flower-stalk above three feet high, 
crowned with twenty or thirty flowers, which 
will open in succession. It flowers in sum- 
mer, and forms a noble ornament to an archi- 
tectural terrace, and is also a fine object on a 
lawn. 


Agape’tes. From agapetos, beloved, in refer- 


ence to the showy character of the plant. Nat. 
Ord. Vacciniacewe. A genus of evergreen 
shrubs with alternate leathery leaves. Na-. 
tives of India. Several species are in cultiva- 
tion, one of the best of which A. buwifolia, has. 
beautiful bright red flowers about an inch 
long. Itforms an interesting and effective 
green-house plant. 


Aga'ricus. Mushrooms. Derived from Agaria,. 


the name of a town in Sarmatia. Nat. Ord. 
Fungi. 

This, the most extensive genus in the veg- 
etable kingdom, is divided into several. 
groups. Some of the species are very beauti-- 
ful in form and color. Many of them are 
poisonous and some of the species virulently 
so, while others notably <A. campestris the 
common field Mushroom is not only edible, 
but is esteemed a great delicacy. See Mush-- 
room. 


Agathz’a. Blue Daisy. From agathos, excel-- 


lent; in reference to the beauty of the flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A. ca@lestis, a native of the Cape of Good 
Hope, is a neat green-house plant, somewhat 
resembling the Gazania in foliage and shape 
of flower. As it blooms profusely, and the: 
eolor isa rare and beautiful shade of blue, 
which contrasts tinely with the golden yellow 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 13 


AGA 


disk, it is much valued as an ingredient in 

winter bouquets. Itisaneat plant, and the 

peculiar color (mazarine blue) is very unusual 
7 this class of plants. Propagated by cut- 
ings. 


A’gathophy’'llum. Madagascar Nutmeg. From 
agathos, pleasant, and phyllon, a leaf. Nat. 
Ord. Lauracew. A. aromaticum is a warm 
green-house evergreen shrub of economic 
value only. The fruit is aromatic, but en- 
closes a kernel of an acrid, caustic taste, 
known as Madagascar Clove Nutmeg. 


Aga’ve. American Aloe. Century Plant. From 
agauos, admirable, referring to the stately 
form in which some of them flower. Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidaceew. 


This genus is described by B. 8. Wil- 
liams as follows: ‘They are noble, mas- 
sive growing plants, and form magnificent 
ornaments in the green-house or conserya- 
tory; whilst, from their slow growth they 
do not rapidly get too large, even for a 
small green-house. Indeed some of the real 
gems of this genus are neat, compact-growing 
plants, seldom exceeding two feet in height. 
Besides being fine ornamental plants for in- 
door decoration, the larger growing kinds are 
unquestionably the finest objects for the em- 
bellishment of terrace walks, or surmounting 
flights of steps in the open air during the sum- 
mer season, and also for plunging in rock- 
work, or about any rustic nooks in the pleas- 
ure grounds, as, in such situations, they are 
quite in keeping, and thrive admirably. As 
is well known, they attain maturity very 
slowly; but when this condition is reached, 
the plant sends up a flower-spike, and after 
perfecting this, dies.”” Anumber of the dwarfer 
growing species, such as A. applanata, A. 
attenuata, A. Celsiana, A. filifera, A. Salmiana. 
A. Victorie Regina, and many others, are 
much used in sub-tropical gardening, and for 
bedding out on lawns, et>., during summer. 
A. Americana, is a splendid decorative plant, 
anative of South America introduced to cul- 
tivation in 1640. The varieties with striped 
foliage are considered the most desirable as 
ornamental plants. It was at one time a pre- 
vailing idea that this plant only flowered once in 
a hundred years ; but this is found now tobe a 
popular error. If given sufficient heat, it will 
flower when ten or twelve years old. The 
flower stem rises from the center of the plant 
to a height of about thirty feet, bearing an 
immense number of yellowish-green flowers, 
after perfecting which the plant perishes. 
New plants are formed around the base of the 
old one in the form of suckers. It furnishes 
a variety of products; the plants form impen- 
etrable fences; the leaves furnish fibers of 
various qualities, from that used in the finest 
thread to that in the strongest rope cables; 
the juice, when the watery part is evaporated, 
forms a good soap, and will mix and form a 
lather with salt water as well as fresh; a very 
intoxicating drink is also made from the juice, 
as well as other preparations of a similar 
nature; the leaves are made into razor- 
strops, and are also used in scouring all sorts 
of culinary utensils. Over one hundred spe- 
cies have been described, but according to 
Bentham and Hooker, not over fifty are suf- 
ficiently distinct to rank as such. They are 


AGR 


distributed over South America, Mexico, and 
the Southern States. 

Agera'tum. From a not, and geras, old; in 
reference to the flowers being always clear. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. A. Mexicanum, the type 
of this genus is a well known occupant of our 
flower borders. It bears a profusion of lilac- 
blue flowers all season, and is very useful for 
cutting. Several very dwarf varieties of it 
have originated under cultivation which are 
very useful in ribbon and carpet bedding. A 
variegated form is also cultivated for its 
pretty foliage. Syn. Calestina. 


Agglomerate. Collected into a heap or head. 


Aglai/a. From Aglaia, one of the Graces. Nat. 
Ord. Meliacee. 

A genus of evergreen trees or shrubs, hav- 
ing very small flowers, borne in axillary pani- 
cles. The leaves are showy and finely divided. 
It contains about nineteen species, natives of 
China, and the Malay and Pacific Islands. A. 
odorata has small yellow flowers, very sweet- 
scented, said to be used by the Chinese to 
scent their teas. 


Aglamo'rpha. From aglaos, beautiful, and moy- 
pha, aform. ‘Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A. Meyeniana, the only species. is a beauti- 
ful herbaceous Fern, a native of the Philip- 
pine Islands. It is propagated by division or 
from spores, and requires the same treatment 
as Polypodiwm, under which genus it is in- 
cluded by some authors. 


Aglaone'ma. From aglaos, bright, and nema, a 
thread ; supposed to refer to the shining sta- 
mens. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A genus of stove-house plants, allied’ to 
Arum, with entire leaves and white fragrant 
flowers. 


Agnes, St., Flower. See Leucojum. 


Agno’stus. A synonym of Stenocarpus, which 
see. 
Ago’nis. From agon, a gathering, a collection; 


in allusion to the number of the seeds. Nat. 
Ord. Myriacew. 

A genus of evergreen shrubs or small trees, 
natives of Western Australia. The flowers 
are white, rather small, in dense globose axil- 
lary, or terminal heads. The species are still 
rare in cultivation, and will undoubtedly prove 
hardy south of Washington. Propagated by 


cuttings. 
Agrimo’nia. Agrimony. A corruption of Arge- 
mone. Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 


A small genus of yellow-flowered, weedy 
plants, common throughout the United States. 
The larger flowered, or common Agrimony, is 
a native of Europe, but has become pretty 
generally naturalized. They are plants of but 
little interest. s 


Agroste’mma. Rose Campion. From agros, a 
field, and stemma, a crown; referring to the 
beauty of the flower. Nat. Ord. Caryophyl- 
lace. 

A. coronaria is a hardy perennial, introduced 
from Russia in 1834. Suitable for border 
plants, their showy white and red flowers con- 
trasting finely with shrubbery. Propagated 
by division of roots or by seeds. A. cali-rosea, 
or Rose of Heaven, is a favorite annual spe- 
cies, with delicate rose, white or purple flow- 
ers. It should be grown in groups. 


14 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


AGR 


Agro’stis. Bent Grass, Red Top. This is the 
Greek name for all grasses, from agros, a field. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A well-known genus of grasses, including 
A. canina, the Rhode Island Bent Grass; A. 
stolonifera, the Creeping Bent Grass, and A. 
vulgaris, the common Ked Top. These species 
have all been introduced from Europe, but are 
now thoroughly naturalized in this country. 
A. pulchella and A. nebulosa are both very del- 
icate, feather-like annual grasses, valuable for 
bouquet-making and for winter decorative 
purposes. 

Ague Root. A common name for Aletris farinosa. 

Ague Tree. Laurus Sassafras. 

Ague Weed, Indian. Eupatorium perfoliatum. 


Aila’ntus. From ailanto, Tree of Heaven, refer- 
ring to its lofty growth. Nat. Ord. Xantho- 
xylacee. 

Deciduous trees of rapid growth, natives of 
China. They were at one time extensively 
planted as street trees, and should not now be 
so generally discarded, as they will thrive well 
in cities and barren soils, making a beautiful 
shade tree, as well as valuable timber. The 
only objection that has ever been made to 
them is the unpleasant odor of their flowers. 
That objection can be easily avoided. This 
tree is dioecious, and is rapidly increased by 
root-cuttings. By taking cuttings from the 
female plant, the flowers of which are inodor- 
ous, they can be increased to any extent. 


Aira. Hair Grass. The Hair Grass is named 
from the Greek, and signifies to destroy; but 
why it has received this unwelcome name is 
apparently uncertain. Nat. Ord. Graminacea. 

There are several species common tv this 
country and Europe. A. cespitosais typical of 
the genus, a very handsome Grass, the flowers 
of which are well adapted for decoration, being 
very graceful. It wili flourish in almost any 


situation, but prefers damp fields, where it | 


forms large tufts, known as ‘‘hassocks,” and 
as itis not eaten by cattle except when nothing 
else can be procured, a field in which it abounds 
has a singularly unsightly, and to farmers un- 
welcome appearance. 

Air Plants. These are plants that grow on 
trees, or other objects, and not in the earth, 
deriving their nutriment from the atmosphere. 
The term was formerly, and is still to some 
extent, applied to epiphytal Orchids. There 
are, however, many other families of air 
plants. ‘The class is to be distinguished from 
the various parasites that have no roots in 
the earth, but derive their nourishment di- 
rectly from the plants on which they grow. 


Aito/nia. In honor of W. Aiton, once Head 
Gardener at Kew. Nat. Ord. Meliacee. 
A small and interesting evergreen shrub 
from the Cape of Good Hope, bearing pink 
flowers. Introduced in 1777. 


A’jax. A subdivision of the genus Narcissus, 
including the common Daffodil, and other spe- 
cies having a long trumpet-shaped coronet to 
the flowers. 


Aju’ga. Bugle. From a, privative, and zugon, 
a yoke; in reference to the calyx being one- 
leaved. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A small genus of hardy annual and peren- 
nial herbaceous plants. A. reptans (common 
Bugle) has been introduced into the garden, 


ALE 


and given a position in massing and ribbon 
borders of plants for its dark-colored foliage. 
The species were at one time highly esteemed 
for the medicinal properties they were sup- 
posed to possess. ‘‘Ruellus writeth that they 
commonly said in France, howe he needeth 
neither physician nor surgeon that hathe Bugle 
and Sanicle, for it not only cureth woundes, 
being inwardly taken, but also applied to them 
outwardly.”—Gerarde. They are propagated 
readily from seed. 

Akaz'za. The name of an ordeal poison used 
in the Gaboon country, supposed to be the 
product of a species of Strychnos. 


Ake’bia. The name it bears in Japan. Nat. 
Ord. Lardizabalacee. 

A. quinata was introduced from China, in 
1844, by Robert Fortune. It is a hardy 
climber, of rapid growth, suitable for large 
arbors or trellises, in sunny or shady situa- 
tions. It will twine around old trees, com- 
pletely covering the branches, from which it 
will hang in graceful festoons. The color of 
the flower is dark brown, and it is very sweet- 
scented. In a light, rich soil it will grow to 
the height of thirty feet. It is propagated 
readily by layering or cuttings. 2 

Alatus. Furnished with a thin wing or expan- 
sion. 


Albi/zzia. Named after an Italian. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

A small genus of ornamental green-house 
plants, very like Acacias, to which they are 
often referred. The plant so well known as 
Acucia lophantha is placed under this genus. 

Albu'ca. From albus, white, referring to the 
prevalence of white flowers in the genus (not 
a very happy allusion, though, because the 
flowers are mostly green). Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

This is a genus of but little beauty, closely 
allied to the Ornithogalum, introduced from 
the Cape of Good Hope abuut 1750. They are 
tender bulbous plants, easily cultivated in the 
green-house, grown in pots in light, sandy 
soil. They flower in May and June. 

Albumen. The matter that is interposed be- 
tween the skin of a seed and the embryo. 
It is of a farinaceous, oily or horny con- 
sistency, and surrounds the embryo wholly 
or in part, and affords nourishment to the 
young plant during the earliest stages of 
germination. 

Alburnum. Thewhite and softer part of wood, 
between the inner bark and heart-wood, com- 
monly known as sap-wood; the young woud 
before it comes to a proper consistence. 

Alchemi'lila. A genus of herbaceous annual or 
perennial plants, belonging to the natural or- 
der Rosacew. All thespecies have lobed leaves 
and inconspicuous yellow or greenish flowers. 
A. vulgaris, the common Lady’s Mantle, is fre- 
quent in English woods and wet pastures, 

Alder. See Alnus. 


Alder, Black. The popular name for Prinos 
verticilluta. : 

Alder, Red. Cunonia Capensis. 

Alder, White. The popular name for Clethra 
alnifolia. 

Ale-cost. An old English name for Pyrethrum 


Tanacetum, commonly known as Balsamita vul- 
garis, the Costmary of Gardens. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 15 


ALF 


Ale'tris. Colic-root. Star-grass. From aletron, 
meal; referring to the powdery appearance of 
the whole plant. Nat. Ord. Hamodoracee. 

There are but two species included in this 
genus, both natives of the United States, and 
pretty generally distributed. A. farinosa is 
highly esteemed for its medicinal properties, 
and is a very pretty plant for the border. It 
is a herbaceous perennial, the leaves growing 
in a close tuft, from which arises a flower-stem 
from one to three feet high, terminating in a 
spiked raceme of small, white, oblong; bell- 
i flowers. Propagated by division or by 
seeds. 


Aleuri/tes. From the Greek word, signifying 
flour, all the parts of the plant seeming to be 
dusted with it. Nat. Ord. Huphorbiacee. 

A. triloba is a handsome evergreen tree, with 
small white clustered flowers. Itis a native of 
the Moluccas and the Southern Pacific Islands, 
andiscommonlycultivated in tropical countries 
for the sake of its nuts, which, when dried, 
are stuck on a reed and used as candles, and 
as an article of food in New Georgia. It is of 
easy culture, and is propagated freely by cut- 
tings. 

Aleurito’pteris. A genus of Ferns, now joined 
with Cheilanthes. 


Alfalfa or Lucerne (Medicago Sativa). Though 
this has been a favorite forage plant in some 
parts of the Old World for hundreds of years, 
it-is not surprising that in a country so wide- 
spread and diversified as the United States, a 
crop that is so valued in some localities is un- 
known in others. 

The great value of Alfalfa is in its enormous 
yield of sweet and nutritious forage, which is 
highly relished by stock either when green or 
cured into hay. It will grow and yield abun- 
dantly in hot, dry sections, and on poor, light 
and sandy land, where no grasses can 
be grown, for it sends its roots down to 
enormous depths, they having been found in 
sandy soil 13 feet long; consequently it con- 
sumes food, moisture, and the leach of fer- 
tilizers from depths entirely beyond the action 
of drought or heat, and which have been for 
years beyond the reach of ordinary plants. 

Alfalfa greatly enriches the svil even more 
than ordinary Clovers, as it derives a very 
large portion of nutritive material from the 
atmosphere. It aérates the land to a great 
depth, and a large portion of its great fleshy 
roots, equalling small carrots in size, annually 
decay from the outside and keep growing 
larger from the center, and are constantly 
increasing the fertility of the ground. 

Alfalfa is not considered perfectly hardy in 
our more Northern States, yet experiments 
made by some of our Northern Agricultural 
Experimental Stations prove it of more value 
North than previously supposed. 

The soil best suited for the growth of Alfalfa 
is that which is deep and sandy; hence the 
soil of Florida and many other portions of the 
cotton belt is eminently fitted for its culture. 
When Alfalfa is to be grown on a large scale, 
to get at the best results, the ground chosen 
should be high and level. or ifnot high, such 
asis entirely free from under water. Drainage 
must be as nearly perfect as possivle—either 
naturally or artificially. This in fact is a 
primary necessity for every crop—unless it be 
such as is aquatic or sub-aquatic. 


ALF 


Deep plowing, thorough harrowing and level- 
ing with that valuable implement,the ‘‘smooth- 
ing harrow,” to get a smooth and level surface, 
are the next operations. This should be done 
in the Southern States from Ist to 2Uth 
October—or at such season in the fall as 
would be soon enough to ensure a growth 
of four or five inches before the season of 
growth stops. Draw outlines on the prepared 
land twenty inches apart (if for horse culture, 
but if for hand culture fourteen inches), 
and two or three inches deep. These lines 
are best made by what market gardeners call 
a ‘‘marker,” which is made by nailing six 
tooth-shaped pickets six or eight inches long 
at the required distance apart to a three by 
four inch joist, to which a handle is attached 
—which makes the marker or drag. The first 
tooth is set against a garden line drawn tight 
across the field, the marker is dragged back- 
wards by the workman, each tooth marking a 
line; thns the six teeth mark six lines, if the 
line is set each time; but it is best to place 
the end tooth of the marker in a line already 
made, so that in this way only five lines are 
marked at once, but it is quicker to do this 
than move the line. The lines being marked 
out, the seed is sown by hand or by seed-drill, 
at the rate of eight to twelve pounds per acre. 
After sowing—-and this rule applies to all seeds 
if sown by hand—the seed must be trodden in 
by walking on the lines, so as to jrress the 
seed down into the drills. After treading in, 
the ground must be levelled by raking with 
a wooden or steel rake along the lines length- 
ways—not across. That done, it would be ad- 
vantageous to use a roller over the land so as 
to smooth the surface and further firm the 
seed, but this is not indispensable. When 
seeds are drilled in by machine, the wheel 
presses down the soil on the seed, so that 
treading in with the feet is not necessary. 
After the seeds germinate so as to show the 
rows, which will be in from two to four weeks, 
according to the weather, the ground must be 
hoed between, and this is best done by some 
light wheel-hoe, if by hand, such as the, 
“Planet, Jr.” On light sandy soil, such as in 
Florida, a man could with ease run over two 
or three acres per day. The labor entailed 
in this method of sowing Alfalfa in drills is 
somewhat greater than when sown broadcast 
in the usual way of grasses and clover, but 
there is no question that it is by far the best 
and most profitable plan, for it must be remem- 
bered that the plantis a hardy perennial, and is 
good for a crop for eight to ten years. More- 
over, the sowing in drills admits of the crop 
being easily fertilized, if itis found necessary to 
do so; as all that is necessary is to sow bone 
dust, superphosphates, or other concentrated 
fertilizer between the rows, and then stiritinto 
the soil by the use of the wheel-hoe. Because 
Alfalfa flourishes on poor and worn out lands, 
it should not be thought unadapted to good 
soils. In the latter, its yield almost exceeds 
belief. At the New Jersey State farm, seed of 
it sown, April 28th, in drills, and the plants 
cultivated, had grown forty inches tall, 
when cut on July 7th, 70 days from sow- 
ing, yielding (green) 7% tons per acre; the 
second cutting made on August 18th, yielded 
(green) 84/ tons per acre; the third cutting 
was made September 27th, and yielded (green) 
46 tons per acre; a total of 20 tons of green 


16 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ALG 


fodder per acre the first year sown, which 
would equal at least five tons of cured hay. If 
sown on light, dry soils during a dry spell, or 
if sown broadcast, not much, if any, crop can 
be expected the first year, as the roots have 
to get a vigorous hold of the soil; the second 
year it can (if sown under such conditions) be 
cut two or three times, but it is not until the 
third year that it develops into full vigor, and 
after that it yields magnificent crops for ten 
or fifteen years. 

Alfalfa will not flourish on land where water 
stands a short distance below the surface, nor 
in heavy, sticky clays. It attains its highest 
perfection on mellow, well-drained or rolling 
Jand where water readily passes away. 


A'lgz. A large and important tribe of Crypto- 
gamia, the greater part of which live either in 
salt or fresh water. They are related on the one 
hand to Funguses, and on the other to Lichens 
their distinctive characters being more easily 
derived from their respective habits, than from 
differences of structure. Some of the species, 
as the Dulse and Pepper Dulse, are edible and 
are used in Britain as a condiment, while the 
Carrageen or Irish Moss, besides its value in 
eattle-feeding when boiled and mixed with 
other nutritious matters, forms an excellent 
dessert something like curds when boiled in 
milk. 

Alge, best known as ‘‘Sea.weed,” have long 
been used as manure by the farmers along the 
coasts of Long Island, New England, etc., im- 
mense quantities being thrown ashore in the 
fall of the year. It is generally composted 
with barn yard manure and is often used as 
a covering for Strawberries and Asparagus for 
winter. 

Algaro’ba Bean, or Carob. The fruit of Cer- 
atonia Siliqua, which see. 


Alha’gi. The Arabic name of the plant. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 


A small genus of shrubby plants, with 
simple leaves and spiny flower-stalks, inhabit- 
ing Southern Asia and Western Africa. A 
manna-like substance is produced from some 
of these plants in Persia and Bokhara, and is 
collected by merely shaking the branches. 
The secretion is supposed by some to be iden- 
tical with the Manna by which the Israelites 
were miraculously fed. 


Ali/sma. Water Plantain. A. Plantago var. 
Americana, is a native aquatic with small 
white or rose-colored flowers, arranged in a 
loose, compound, many-flowered panicle. 


Alisma’cez. A small order of aquatic or marsh 
plants, with three-petaled flowers, on leafless 
scapes, and simple, radicalleaves. The genera 
best known are Alisma, Butomus and Sagit- 
taria. 


A/Ikanet, or Hoary Puccoon. The common 
name of Lithospermum canescens; also, a name 
applied to the roots of Anchusa tinctoria, ex- 
tensively used as a dye, which is also called 
“alkanet.” 


Allama’nda. Named in honor of Dr. Allamand, 
of Leyden. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

This genus consists principally of handsome 
climbing green-house shrubs. A. Schottii, a 
native of Brazil, produces immense numbers 
of large, funnel-shaped flowers, which are of a 
full yellow, with a deeper yellow throat. A. 


ALO 


nobilis, A. Chelsont and other species are all 
most desirable flowering plants for green- 
house decoration. They delight in a warm, 
moist situation, and should have a light, 
fibrous soil. Propagated by cuttings. First 
introduced from Brazil in 1846. 


Allanto'dia. From allantos, a sausage ; in refer- 
ence to the cylindrical form of the indusium. 
A genus of Ferns now reduced to one species, 
A. Brunoniana, which is a very pretty plant, 
with fronds one to two feet in length. Itisa 
native of the Himalayas, at an elevation of 
6,000 feet, and is of easy culture in the.green- 
house. Syn. Asplenium Javanicum. 

Alleghany Vine. See Adlumia. 

All-Heal. Valeriana officinalis. 

Alligator Apple. See Anona palustris. 

Alligator Pear. See Persea gratissima. 


Alligator Wood. The timber of Guarea grandi- 
folia, a West Indian tree. 


A'llium. From the Celtic all, meaning hot or 
burning; referring to the well-known qualities 
of the genus. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

Of the one hundred and fifty species of this 
tribe, but few are considered ornamental; in- 
deed, the family, probably from prejudice, has 
been much neglected, where many far less 
showy plants have found favor. .A. Moly pro- 
duces large trusses of golden yellow flowers 
in June. A. Neapolitanum is a fine species, 
bearing pure white flowers in a large umbel. 
The former is perfectly hardy, and worthy a 
place in the garden. The latter is tender, re- 
quiring the protection of the green-house. 
Propagated readily by offsets. The various 
species of Allium, as Onion, Leek, Garlic, Chives, 
etc., are described’ under their respective 
names. 


Allople’ctus. A small genus of interesting 
green-house shrubs, belonging to the order 
Gesneracee, and requiring the same treatment. 


Alloso'rus. From allos, diverse, and soros, a 
heap; in allusion to the changing of the sori. 
Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

Asmall genus of very beautiful dwarf Ferns. 
A. crispus, a British Fern, sometimes called 
the Mountain Parsley Fern, is a beautiful 
plant for rockeries. Two or three exotic spe- 
cies are favorites in the green-house. They 
are propagated from spores. 


Allspice. Carolina. Calycanthus floridus. 
Allspice-Tree. See Pimenia. 
Almond. See Amygdatus communis. 


Almond, Double-Plowering, Dwarf. <Amyg- 
dalus nana, which see. 


Almond, Earth or Chufa. Cyperus esculentus. 


Alnus. The Alder. From al, near, and lan, the 
bank of ariver; in reference to the situation 
where the Alder delights to grow. Nat. Ord. 
Betulacee. 

An extensive genus of shrubs or small trees 
common throughout North America and 
Europe. The principal use of the Alder is for 
charcoal, which is highly valued in the manu- 
facture of gunpowder. 


Aloca’sia. Aslight alteration of Colocasia. Nat. 
Ord. Aroideew. 
This name is applied to a section of the 
genus Colocasia; by some considered a distinct 
genus. Natives of India, the Indian Archi- 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 7 


ALO 


pelago, &c. A. metallica is a magnificent spe- 
cies from Borneo, producing very large oval 
leaves, having a rich bronze-colored surface, 
making it a conspicuous ornament for the hot- 
house. The leaves look like large polished 
metal shields. Many other species, some of 
them of great beauty, with large and hand- 
somely variegated, usually peltate, leaves, are 
highly-prized occupants of our plant stoves. 


Aloe. From alloeh, its Arabicname. Nat. Ord. 


Tiliacee. 

The name Aloe is so frequently applied in 
conversation to the American Aloe, or Agave, 
that many persons are not aware that the true 
Aloe is not only quite a different genus, but 
helongs to a different natural order, the Amer- 
ican Aloe being one of the Amaryllis tribe, 
while the true Aloe belongs to the Lily tribe. 
The qualities of the two plants are also essen- 
tially different, the American Aloe abounding 
in starchy, nourishing matter, while every 
part of the true Aloe is purgative. The true 
Aloe also flowers every year, and the flowers 
are tube-shaped, and produced on a spike; 
while each plant of the American Aloe flowers 
but once, sending up an enormous flower-stem 
with candelabra-like branches and cup-shaped 
flowers. The true Aloes are succulent plants, 
natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and grow 
best in this country in green-houses or rooms, 
inalight, sandy soil. To this, when the plants 
are wanted to attain a large size, may be added 
a little leaf-mould. When grown in rooms, a 
poor soil is, however, preferable, as it keeps 
the plants of a smaller and more manageable 
size, and makes them less easily affected by 
changes of température. The colors of the 
flowers will also be richer when the plants are 
grown in poor soil. The drug called aloes is 
made principally from the pulp of the fleshy 
leaf of the A. socotrina, the flowers of which 
are red, tipped with green; but it is also made 
from several other species. 


A’loe, Partridge-Breast. Aloe variegata. 

A’loe, Pearl. Aloe margaritifera. 
A’loes-Wood. See Aguilaria. 

Alo’na. From nola, a little bell (letters trans- 


pp in allusion to the shape of the flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Nolanacee. 

A genus of pretty evergreen shrubs, A. Ca- 
lestis, has pale-blue, large flowers; an excel- 
Jent plant for growing out-of-doors during 
summer. Propagated by cuttings. Intro- 
duced from Chili in 1845. 


Alonso’a. The Mask Flower. Named after Za- 


nomi Alonso, a Spaniard, by the authors of 
Flora Peruviana. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

The species are low under-shrubs, or herba- 
ceous plants, natives of Peru, and two of them 
—A. incisifolia and A. linearis—are very orna- 
mental, either in the green-house or grown as 
annuals in the open border during summer. 
They thrive well in any light, rich soil, and 
are readily increased by seeds or cuttings. 
They are very desirable for flower-gardens, on 
account of the brilliant scarlet of their flow- 
ers; and where there is no green-house, the 
plants should be raised from seeds sown on a 
hot-bed in February, or struck from cuttings 
early in spring, and brought forward in a frame 
or pit, and turned out into the open air in May. 


Alopecu'rus. The generic name of the Foxtail 


Grass 


ALS 


Aloy’sia. Lemon Verbena. Named in honor of 
Maria Lowisa, Queen of Spain. Nat. Ord. Ver- 
benaceew. 

The only known species of this genus is A. 
citriodora, introduced from Chili in 1784, and 
formerly called Verbena triphylla, or the Lemon- 
scented Verbena. Under this name it is gen- 
erally sold, and is a universal favorite, readily 
propagated from cuttings, and planted in the 
open border in May. If taken up after a light 
frost and put in a cold frame or cool cellar 
during winter, the plants will keep well; and, 
planted out in spring again, they make large 
and pleasing shrubs. The leaves, when dried, 
will retain their odor for many years. Syn. 
Lippia citriodora. 

Alphabet-plant. Spilanthes acmella. 

Allpine. Strictly speaking, this term refers to 
the higher part of the Alps, in contradistine- 
tion to ‘‘mountainous,” which designates the 
middle portion of the higher Alps, or tops of 
inferior mountains. Plants found in very high 
elevations are called Alpine Plants. 


Alpine Azalea. The popular name for Loisleu- 
ria procumbens. 


A’lpine Plants. This very interesting class con- 
sists mostly of plants nativesof high elevations, 
and, although they are naturally exposed to 
the full influence of the sun and wind, they 
require in our hot, dry summers shade and 
and shelter more than exposure. Wherever 
a Rock Garden or Rockery is constructed, a 
portion of it should be devoted to the culture 
.of Alpines, for as a rule they flourish better 
on a properly-constructed Rockery than in any 
other position, because thorough drainage is 
effected, and the long, fine roots can run down 
in the crevices where the soil is cool and moist. 
It should, however, be so arranged that all. 
aspects are secured, shady and sunny, fully, 
or in a degree only. Many Alpines are 
easily grown in the ordinary border in a 
sheltered, well-drained situation. Excavate 
to the depth of eighteen inches, put in a layer 
of stones or rubble six inches deep, and fill up 
with a mixture of good fibrous loam and leaf- 
mould, adding sand enough to keep it porous. 
When the desired subjects are firmly planted, 
the surface may be covered with small stones 
or rough gravel, which, while allowing the 
rain to penetrate the soil, checks evaporation, 
keeping it moist and cool, as well as giving 
the surface an appearance more in keeping 
with the plants. | 


Alpi‘nia. In memory of Prosper Alpinus, an 
Italian botanist. Nat. Ord. Zingiberacea. 

A genus of tropical herbaceous perennials, 
mostly natives of the East Indies, requiring . 
to be grown in great heat and moisture. A. 
vittata is an ornamental-leaved species of small 
growth. The plant throws up numerous 
stems from the underground rhizomes, bear- 
ing lance-shaped leaves. pale green in color, 
striped with creamy white. A. alba bears a 
_fruitknown as Ovoid China Cardamoms; others, 
as A. nutans, are remarkable for the exceeding 
beauty of their flowers. They are increased 
-by division of their roots. 


Alseuo’smia. From alsos, a grove, and euosmia, 
a grateful odor; alluding to the powerful fra- 
grance of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Caprifoliacee. 

A small genus of highly-glabrous shrubs, 
with greenish or red flowers, and generally 


18 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ALS 


alternate leaves. A. Macrophylla, the only 
species yet introduced to cultivation, has 
small, very fragrant, dull-red flowers, some- 
times streaked with white. It forms a neat 
green-house shrub, and is propagated by cut- 
tings of the half-ripened wood. Introduced 
from New Zealand in 1884. 

Alsike. See Trifolium hybridum. 

Also’phila. From alsos, a grove, and phileo, to 
love ; in reference to the situation best suited 
to the plants. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

This genus contains some of our most beau- 
tiful green-house Tree Ferns. A. Australis, 
the type, is a native of Australia, and one of 
the most ornamental of the order. In the or- 
dinary green-house it thrives finely, produc- 
ing its graceful fronds from three to four feet 
long and one and a half wide. There are sev- 
eral species, all tropical, and all worthy a 
place in the fern-house. They are increased 
py. aa or from spores. Introduced in 


Alstreme’ria. In honor of Baron Alstremer, a 
Swedish botanist. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 
This is a genus of tuberous-rooted plants, 
with beautiful flowers, natives of South Amer- 
ica, and capable of being grown to a high de- 
gree of perfection in the hot-house, green- 
house or open air, according to the species. 
The soil which suits all the Alstromerias is a 
mixture of sandy loam and leaf-mould, or 
well-rotted manure. Of all the hot-house 
species, A. Ligtu, with white and scarlet flow- 
ers, is the most difficult tc flower; but by giv- 
ing it abundance of water during the summer, 
and a strong heat in December, it will flower 
in February: and one plant will scent a 
whole house with fragrance like that of 
Mignonette. A. edulis is another hot-house 
species, which climbs to the height of ten or 
twelve feet, and, like all other climbers, 
thrives best when turned out into the open 
border. Propagation is effected by separation 
of the tubers, or by seeds; the latter is apt to 
produce new varieties, as they are by .no 
means constant from seed. 


Alternanthe’ra. Alluding to the anthers being 
alternately fertile and barren. Nat. Ord. 
Amaranthacee. 

This uscful little green-house perennial for 
ribbon beds and edgings is a native of Buenos 
Ayres, introduced in 1732. Propagated read- 
ily from cuttings. The _ variegated-leaved 
varieties, of which new and striking sorts are 
constantly being introduced, alone are culti- 
tivated, the flowers being inconspicuous. A 
recent variety, A. paronychioides major, is now 
known as the Rainbow-plant. 


Alternate. Placed on opposite sides of an 
axis, on a different level, as in alternate 
leaves. 


Althz’a. Marsh Mallow. From altheo, to cure; 
in reference to its medicinal qualities. Nat. 
Ord. Malvaceae. 

There are many annuals in this family, 
some of them of much merit. The Marsh 
Mallows are hardy perennials, and formerly 
much used as border plants. A. rosea, the 
eommon Hollyhock, is one of our most splen- 
did ornamental biennials. It grows to the 
height of trom five to eight teet, and there 
are varieties of almost every color, including 
white, and purple so deep as to be almost 


AMA 


black. The seeds of the Hollyhock, should 
be sown in March or April. When the plants 
come up, they should be thinned out, and 
then suffered to remain till September, when 
they should be transplanted to the place where 
they are to flower. Introduced from Chinain 
1573. The hardy shrub commonly known as 
Althea, is Hibiscus Syriacus. ~ 

Alum Root. The common name of Heuchera 
Americana, the roots of which are very as- 
tringent. 


Aly’ssum. Derived from a, privative, and lyssa, 
rage; from a notion among the ancients that 
the plant possessed the power of allaying an- 
ger. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

Dwarf hardy perennials, or sub-shrubby 
plants, with cruciferous flowers. <A. sazatile 
is very suitable for rock-work, or the front 
part of a flower border, and forms a beautiful 
spring-blooming bed in the flower garden. 
Flowers produced in large clusters, of a deep, 
pure yellow. Itis increased by cuttings and 
seeds. The herbaceous species are propa- 
gated by division, the sub-shrubby ones by 
cuttings. Vigorous two-year-old plants are 
the best for flowering; the others are unim- 
portant. The plant commonly called Sweet 
Alyssum is not of this genus; it is Koniga 
maritima, which see. 

Amarabo’ya. The native name. 
Melastomacee. 

Asmall genus (three species) of evergreen 
shrubs, natives of New Grenada The 
branches are thick, bluntly four-angled, with 
large, prominently nerved leaves, green above 
and reddish-carmine beneath. The white or 
carmine flowers are borne in terminal cymes, 
and are very showy. Introduced in 1887. 


Amarantha’cez. An extensive order of herbs 
or (rarely) shrubs with inconspicuous apetal- 
ous flowers, almost in all cases of a scarious 
or shrivelled texture. The majority of this 
order are weeds, though many of the species 
of Amaranthus and Gomphrena (Globe Ama- 
ranth) are: beautiful border plants and are 
well known. 


Amaranth Globe. See Gomphrena. 


Amara’nthus. Amaranth. Derived from a, not, 
and miaraino, to wither; in reference to the 
length of time some flowers retain their color. 
Nat. Ord. Amaranthacee. 

Ornamental foliaged plants, of an extremely 
graceful and interesting character, producing 
a striking effect, whether grown for the deco- 
ration of the conservatory or the out-door 
flower garden. If the seeds are sown early in 
awarm hot-bed and planted out the last of 
May or in June, in rich soil, they make ex- 
ceedingly handsome specimens for the center 
of beds, or mixed flower or shrubbery bor- 
ders. Most of the varieties are natives of the 
East Indies, and were introduced into Eng- 
land about 1600. The well-known A. tricolor, or 
“‘Joseph’s Coat,” is one of the most beautiful 
of ornamental-leaved plants. A. caudatus, 
“‘Love lies Bleeding,” is another showy spe- 
cies, and A. salicifolius, ‘The Fountain Plant,” 
makes a lovely specimen for lawn decoration 
or for the centre of a “foliage bed.” 


Amaryllida’cez. A large Natural Order, con- 
sisting for the most part of bulbous plants, 
but occasionally forming a tall, cylindrical, 
woody stem, as in the genus Agave. They 


Nat. Ord. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 19 


AMA 


differ from Irises in having six introrse sta- 
mens, and from Liliaceous plants in their 
ovary being inferior. A few species of Nar- 
cissus and Galanthus are found in the north of 
Europe and the same parallels. As we pro- 
ceed south they increase. Pancratium ap- 
pears on the shores of the Mediterranean, 
and on our own Southern coasts; Crinum 
and Pancratium in the West and East Indies; 
Hemanthus is found for the first time, with 
some of the latter, on the Gold Coast; Hip- 
peastra show themselves in countless num- 
bers in Brazil and across the whole continent 
of South America; and, finally, at the Cape of 
Good Hope the maximum ot the order is be- 
held in all the beauty of Hamanthus, Crinum, 
Clivia, Cyrtanthus and Brunsvigia. A few are 
found in New Holland, the most remarkable 
of which is Doryanthes. ‘Poisonous properties 
oceur in the viscid juice of the bulbs of Bu- 
phane toxicaria and Hippeastrum; those of 
Leucojum vernum, the Snowdrop, and Daffodil 
and other kinds of Nurcissus, are emetic. 
Nevertheless, the Agave, or American Aloe, 
as it is called, has an insipid, sweet juice. 
Others are detergent, and afew yield a kind 
of arrow-root. Between 300 and 400 species’ 
are known. 


Amary’llis. The name of a nymph celebrated 
by the poet Virgil. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 
Bulbous plants, chiefly natives of the Cape 
of Good Hope and South America, but which 
have been increased in number tenfold by hy- 
brids and varieties raised in England and on 
the Continent. All the kinds are eminently 
ornamental, and they are all of easy culture, 
the great secret being to give them alternately 
a season of excitement and a season of re- 
pose. To do this effectually, the plants 
should be abundantly supplied with water 
and heat, and placed near the glass when 
they are coming into flower, and water should 
be withheld from them by degrees when they 
have done flowering, till they have entirely 
ceased growing, when they should be kept 
quite dryand in astate ofrest. When in this 
state they may be placed in any obscure part 


of a green-house where it is dry, and of a tem- 


perature not under forty or fifty degrees. If 
kept in such a situation during winter, some 
kinds may be turned out into a warm border 
in spring, where they will flower; and if the 
season be fine, they will renew their bulbs in 
time to be taken up before the approach of 
frost. The chief value of these plants, how- 
ever, is to produce flowers in the winter sea- 


son which they readily do if they are kept | 


dry and dormant during the latter part of the 
summer and autumn. Indeed, by having a 
large stock of these bulbs, a regular succes- 
sion of flowers may be procured during every 
month in the year. When the dormant bulbs 
are intended to be brought into flower, they 
should be freshly potted in sandy loam and 
leaf-mould, and put in a hot-house or hot- 
bed, the heat beginning at fifty degrees, and 
ascending to sixty or seventy degrees; and 
when the leaves appear, they should be 
abundantly supplied with water. Where 
seeds are wanted the watering must be con- 
tinued, though somewhat less abundantly, 
after the flowers have faded, till the seeds are 
ripe; and when these are gathered, they ought 
to be sown immediately in light, sandy loam, 


AMH 


and placed in a frame, or near the glass, ina 
moist part of the hot-house. If the young 
plants are potted off assoon as they are aninch 
or two in height, and shifted frequently in the 
course of the growing season, they will attain 
a flowering size in from fifteen to twenty 
months. The pots in which these and all 
-other bulbs are grown ought to be thoroughly 
drained by a handful or more of potsherds 
(broken pots) laid in the bottom of each pot, 
and covered with turfy loam, and tne mould 
used should also be turfy, in order the more 
freely to admit the passage of water. Our 
long and warm summers enable us to culti- 
vate many of these béautiful bulbs in the open 
air, merely protecting the roots in the winter 
in the same manner as those of the Dahlia. 
See Hippeastrum. 


Amary'llis formosissima. A synonym of Spre- 
kelia, which see. 


Amaso’nia. Named in honor of Thomas Ama- 
son, an American traveller. Nat. Ord. Ver- 
benacew. A genus of South American shrubs 
found chiefly in Brazil; closely allied to Cler- 
odendron, from which they differ chiefly in 
habit. <A. calycina, better known as A. puni- 
cea, is particularly striking, in having a series 
of the richest Poinsettia-like, vermilion-crim- 
son, spreading bracts, arranged along the en- 
tire length of the racemes, which are a foot 
long. These bracts are fourinches in length, 
and remain in perfection fully two months. 
Syn. Taligalea. 


Ambro’sia. The botanical name of Ragweed, 
Bitterweed, etc. 
Amela’nchier. June Berry, Shad Berry, Ser- 


vice Berry. From Amelanchier, the popular 
name of one of the species in Savoy. Nat. 
Ord. Rosacee. 

A. Canadensis (the only American species) 
and its numerous varieties are low trees, com- 
mon in the woods in the Northern States, re- 
markable for their numerous white flowers, 
which appear about the middle of April, com- 
pletely covering the tree before the foliage or 
flowers of the neighboring trees have com- 
menced their growth. The foliage resembles 
that of the Pear, and changes to a bright yel- 
low in autumn. The fruit is a dark-purple 
berry, ripe in July or August, and has: an 
agreeable flavor. 


American Aloe. Agave Americana, which see. 
American Centaury. The popular name for 
Sabbatia. 
American Columbo. See Frasera Carolinensis. 
American Cowslip. See Dodecatheon Meadia. 
American Cranberry. See Ozycoccus macro- 
carpus. 
American Cress. Barbarea precox. 
American Frog's Bit. Limnobium spongia. 
American Ivy. Ampelopsis quinquefolia. 
American Pitcher Plant. See Sarracenia. 
American Wood Lily. See Trillium. 


Amhe'rstia. In honor of the Rt. Hon. Countess 
Amherst and her daughter Lady Sarah 
Amherst; the zealous friends and promoters 
of every branch of natural history, but espe- 
cially of Botany. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A. nobilis, the only species is an East Indian 
tree, said to be one of the most magnificent 


20 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


AMI 


blooming trees in existence, bearing in Spring 
large racemes of vermilion-colored flowers 
diversified with three yellow spots. The 
Burmanese name of the plant is Thoca, and 
handfuls of the flowers are offered before the 
images of Buddha. The tree is to be found 
in some of the larger English collections; but 
requiring so much space it is rarely grown. 


Ami'cia. This pretty Leguminous green-house 
perennial is valuable on account of its flower- 


ing late in the fall. Flowers yellow splashed | 


with purple, branches and petioles pubescent. 
Introduced from Mexico in 1826. 


Ammo’bium. From ammos, sand, and bio, to 
live; in reference to tile sandy soil in which it 
thrives. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Pretty annuals of hardy character from New 
Holland, producing white everlasting flowers. 
The seed may be sown in the open border, in 
almost any situation, between the middle of 
March and the end of May. 


Ammobro’ma. From ammos, sand, and bromos, 
food; a name given by Dr. Toirey to a leaf- 
less plant of parasitic habit, native of Northern 
Mexico. The plant has the habit of an Oro- 
banche, the scaly roots being buried in thesand, 
its roots parasitic on the roots of an unknown 
plant. Colonel Grey, the original discoverer 
of this plant met with it inthe country of the 
Papigo Indians, a barren, sandy waste, where 
rain scarcely ever falls but ‘‘where Nature 
has provided for the sustenance of man, one of 
the most nutritious and palatable of vege- 
tables.” The plant is roasted upon hot coals, 
and ground with mesquit beans and resem- 
bles in taste the sweet potato, “but is far 
more delicate.” 


Ammo'charis. A genus of Amaryllidacee, usu- 
ally included in Brunsvigia. 


Ammo’phila. Beach Grass. From ammos, sand, 
and phileo, to_love; in allusion to its native 
habitat. Nat. Ord. Graminacew. 

A genus of coarse growing, reed-like grasses 
common on the sea-shores of this country and 
Europe. A. arundinacea, Syn. Calamagrostis 
Arenaria, is the best known species; as an 
agricultural grass it is of no value, but its 
value as anatural sand-builder cannot be over- 
estimated; many thousand acres of land on 
various parts of our coast are preserved from 
being overwhelmed with the drifting sand 
solely by its agency. It seems to have been 
provided for this special purpose, having very 
strong rhizomes, or creeping roots, from 30 
to 40 feet long, with many small tubers, about 
the size of peas, which prevent the drifting of 
the sand from the action of the wind and 
waves thus forming a barrier against the en- 
croachmeunts of the ocean. 

In speaking of the importance of this grass 
in protecting our coasts, Flint, in his book on 
grasses says,—‘‘ The town of Provincetown, 
once called Cape Cod, where the pilgrims first 
landed, and its harbor, still called the harbor 
of Cape Cod,—one of the best and most im- 
portant in the United States, sufficient in 
depth for ships of the largest size, and in ex- 
tent to anchor three thousand vessels at once, 
owe their preservation to this grass. To an 
inhabitant of an inland country, it is difficult 
to conceive the extent and the violence with 
which the sands at the extremity of Cape Cod 
are thrown up from the depths of the sea, and 


AMO 


left on the beach in thousands of tons, by every 
drifting storm, ‘These sand-hills when dried 
by the sun, ere hurled by the winds into the 
harbor aud upon the town. Beach grass is 
said to have been cultivated here as early as 
1812. Before that time, when the sand 
drifted down upon the dwelling-houses—as it 
did whenever the beach was broken—to save 
them from burial, the only resort was to 
wheeling it off with barrows. Thus tons were | 
removed every year from places that are now 
perfectly secure from the drifting of sand. 
Indeed, were it not for the window-glass in 
some of the oldest houses in these localities, 
you would be ready to deny this statement; 
but the sand has blown with such force and 
so long against this glass, as to make it 
perfectly ground.” 

Congress appropriated, between the years 
of 1826 and 1839, about twenty-eight thousand 
dollars, which were expended in setting out 
beach-grass near the village of Provincetown, 
for the protection of the harbor. Other ap- 
propriations have since been made, which, to- 
gether with the efforts of the town committee, 
whose duty it is to enter any man’s enclosure, 
summer or winter, and set out the grass, if 
the sand is uncovered and movable. By this 
means they are now rid of sand-storms, which 
were once the terror of the place, and the 
coast appears a fertile meadow. 


Amo’mum. From a, not, and momos, impurity ; 


in reterence to its supposed quality of counter- 
acting poison. Nat. Ord. Zingiberacee. 

This genus of aromatic herbs furnishes the 
Grains of Paradise and the Cardamom Seeds, 
which are aromatic and stimulant. The plants 
grow readily in the green-house, and are prop- 
agated by division of the root. Introduced- 
in 1820 from the East Indies. 


Amo’rpha. False Indigo. From a, not, and 


morpha, form; in reference to the irregularity 
of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of large, spreading shrubs, 
natives of North America. The leaves are 
compound, resembling the Locust, only the 
leaflets are finer. The flowers are dark-purple 
or violet, spangled with yellow, disposed in long 
panicleson the tops of the branches. <A. fruti- 
cosa is a very ornamental shrub for the liwn, 
and is readily propagated from suckers, which 
are produced in abundance. A. canescens is a 
small-growing speciés, common in the Western 
and Southern States. It has received the local 
name of Lead Plant, on account of the white, 
hairy down with which it is covered. 


Amo'’rphopha'llus. From amorphos, disfigured, 


and phallos, u mace ; form of spadix. Nat. Ord. 
Aroidee. 

These plants were formerly in the genus 
Arum, from which they are distinguished by 
their spreading spathes. They are natives of 
India and other parts of tropical Asia, where 
they are cultivated for the abundance of starch 
that is found in their root-stocks. Most varie- 
ties are ornamental plants for the green-house 
or garden. <A. Rivieri, called the Umbrella 
Plant, is particularly so, having large, solitary 
decompound leaves three to five feet in diam- 
eter, on a thick, tall, marbled stem, very orna- 
mental, either as a solitary plant or in groups 
on the lawn. After planting, the first appear- 
ance is the flower stalk, which rises to the 


AMARYLLIS BELLADONNA 


AMPELOPSIS VEITCHIL. 


AMARYLLIS VITTATA HYBRIDs. ANEMONE CORONARIA. 


ANEMONE FULGENS. 


z = 
ANEMONE JAPONICA. AMARANTHATIA GTRRnena a 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. at 


AMO 


height of two feet. As it expands, the fetor 
it exhales is overpowering and sickening, and 
so perfectly resembles that of carrion as to in- 
duce flies to cover the club of the spadix with 
their eggs. Propagated by offsets. 


Amorphous. Without definite form. 


Ampelo’psis. Woodbine. From ampelos, a vine, 
and opsis, resemblance: in reference to its re- 
semblance to the Grape vine. Nat. Ord. Vita- 
cee. 


A. quinquefolia is well known by its common 
names of Virginia Creeper and Five-leaved 
Ivy. Its flowers have no beauty, but it is 
worth cultivating as an ornamental plant, 
from the brilliant scarlet and orange which 
its leaves assume in autumn, and which look 
particularly well at that season, when in- 
termingled with those of the common Ivy, 
from the fine contrast they afford. The plant 
is of very rapid growth in any kind of soil, 
and it is propagated by layers or cuttings. 
The Virginia Creeper is one of our finest indig- 
enous climbers. It grows very rapidly, at- 
taches itself firmly to wood or stone buildings, 
or to the trunks of old trees, and soon covers 
these objects with a fine mantle of rich foliage. 
Nothing can be more admirably adapted than 
this plant for concealing and disguising the 
unsightly stone fences which are so common, 
and so great a deformity in many parts of the 
country. <A. tricuspidata (syn. A. Veitchii), with 
its sub-variety A. t. Royalii, is one of the most 
valuable of hardy climbing plants, and is now 
planted in immense quantities. It was first 
extensively used in this country in Boston, 
Mass., where it is now to be seen covering 
some of the finest public and private build- 
ings in the city. It clings with great tenacity 
to wood, as well as brick or stone, and in 
summer the. leaves lapping over each other 
resemble a coat of mail, and form a dense 
sheet of rich, glossy.green, changing in au- 
tumn to the most gorgeous shades of crimson, 
scarlet and yellow. Itis also used largely on 
rocky and shaly railroad cuts and embank- 
ments, where its clinging tendency helps 
greatly to keep the rocks from dropping on to 
the track. Jt is perfectly hardy, and is prop- 
agated by cuttings, layers, or most generally 
from seeds. Introduced from Japan in 1868. 


Ampely’gonum. The name is an allusion to the 
grape-like fruit. Nat. Ord. Polygonacee. 

This interesting species from China is one 
from which the finest quality of indigo is ob- 
tained. Itisan herbaceous perennial, obtained 
readily from seed. 


Amphicarpe’a. Hog Pea Nut. From amphi, 
both, and Karpos, a fruit; in allusion to the 
two kinds of pods; those of the upper flowers 
being scimitar-shaped, three to four-seeded ; 
those of the lower, pear-shaped, fleshy, usu- 
ally ripening but one seed. These lower pods 
bury themselves in the ground after fertiliza- 
tion. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

Ornamental annuals, with herbaceous twin- 
ing stems, of easy culture. Allied to Wistaria. 


Amphi/come. From amphi, around, and Kome, 
hair; in allusion to the structure of the seeds. 
Nat. Ord. Bignoniacew. 

This genus consists of two species of very 
elegant perennial herbs, natives of the temper- 


ANA 


ate regions of North-western India. A. Emodi 
is a remarkably handsome plant, and well de- 
serves a place in choice collections. It is 
about one foot high, and the flowers, which 
are large for the plant, stand erect when ex- 
panded, The fruits are about the length and 
thickness of a small quill, and their seeds are 
provided with a tuft of hairs at each end, a 
circumstance which gave rise to the name. 


Amplexzicaul. Stem-clasping ; as when the base 
of the leaf surrounds the stem, as in Cestrum 
auriculatum, Lonicera, etc. 


Amso’nia. In memory of Charles Amson, a cel- 
ebrated traveler. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 
Asmall genus of herbaceous perennial plants, 
with beautiful blue flowers produced in ter- 
minal panicled clusters. The several species 
are natives of the United States. A. Taberna- 
montana, one of the more beautiful species, is 
common on low grounds in the Southern and 
Western States. 


Amy’gdalus. Almond. From amysso, to lacer- 
ate; in reference to the fissured channels in 
the stone of the fruit; but some suppose from 
a Hebrew word signifying vigilant, as its early 
flowers announce the return of spring. Nat. 
Ord. Rosacee. 

A. nana is the common Flowering Almond of 
gardens, of which there are several varie- 
ties, the double white and double pink alone 
being desirable. Native of Russia. Intro- 
duced in 1683. Propagated readily by suck- 
ers. A. communis bears the sweet, and.A. am- 
arus the bitter Almonds of commerce. They 
are supposed to be natives of Western Asia, 
and are mentioned in sacred history as among 
the best fruits of the land of Canaan. The 
Almond is plentiful in China, in most Eastern 
countries, and also in Barbary. It is exten- 
sively cultivated in Italy, Spain and the South 
of France. The several varieties, such a3 
hard, soft or paper shelled, have all originated 
from A. communis. 


Amyrida’ceze. With the appearance of Oranges, 
and sometimes with the dotted leaves of that 
order, these plants differ in their fruit, form- 
ing a shell whose husk eventually splits into 
valve-like segments. The tropics of India, 
Africa and America exclusively produce the 
species. Their resinous juice is of great 
importance, forming an ingredient of frankin- 
cense and other preparations demanding a 
fragrant combustible matter. 


Anacanthous. Spineless. 


Anacardia’cez. When trees or bushes have a 
resinous, milky, often caustic juice, dotless 
leaves, and small, inconspicuous flowers, with 
an ovary containing a single ovule, suspended 
at the end of an erect cord, it is pretty certain 
that they belong to this order, of which more 
than 400 species are described, inhabiting the 
tropics both north and south of the equator, 
but not known to occur in Australia. Pistacia 
and some kinds of Rhus inhabit temperate 
latitudes. Among the products of the order 
are the Mango fruit, and that called in the 
West Indies the Hog Plum; the nuts named 
Pistachios and Cashews, the Black Varnish of 
Burmah and elsewhere, Mastic, Fustic, ete. 
These varnishes are extremely acrid, and pro- 
duce dangerous consequences to persons who 
use them incautiously. 


22 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ANA 


Anaca'rdium. From ana, like, and kardia, the 
heart; in reference to the form of the nut. 
Nat. Ord. Anacardiacew. 

Ornamental evergreen trees, natives of the 
East and West Indies, remarkable for their 
beautiful, fragrant flowers, and for their fruit, 
known as the Cashew-nut. The trees are too 
large for introduction into the green-house. 


Anacy’clus. A genus of Composite comprising 
about ten species of hardy or half-hardy annual 
herbs, natives of Southern Europe and North- 

‘ern Africa. <A. radiatus purpureus, a very 
pretty and free-flowering hardy annual, is the 
only species in general cultivation, and thrives 
well under ordinary cultivation. 


Anaga'llis. Pimpernel. From anagelao, to 
laugh; fabled to possess a virtue to remove 
sadness. Nat. Ord. Primulaceaw. 

A genus of pretty dwarf annual and 
biennial plants. The former have given place 
tu the many seminal improvements of the 
the latter, insomuch as to be rarely met with. 
They are universal favorites for planting in 
the beds ofthe flower garden, where their 
numerous blue or red flowers, expanded when- 
ever the sun shines, are very effective. They 
are propagated by seeds or cuttings. When 
seed is desired, the branch or plant on which 
it is growing should be taken entire, a little 
before the autumn frosts begin, and hung up 
in a dry, sunny place, such as before the 
windows of a shed, allowing the pods to 
remain upon it until wanted in the spring for 
sowing as it requires a long time to become 
properly ripened; afterwards it vegetates 
freely if sown in a gentle hot-bed. The garden 
varieties are hybrids. The species under 
cultivation were introduced from Southern 
Europe in 1830. A. arvensis, the common 
Pimpernel, is plenty in waste, sandy places in 
the United States, having been introduced 
from Europe and become thoroughly natural- 
ized. 

Analogy. Resemblance to a thing in form, but 
not in function, or in fungtion, but not in 
form. Corresponding with a thing in many 
points, but differing in more, or in points of 
more importance. Thus the flowers of Potent- 
ila and Ranunculus are analogous. 


Anami'rta, A genus of plants inhabiting Ceylon, 
Malabar, and the Eastern Isles of India, and 
belonging to the natural order Menispermacee. 

The most important, if not the only plant of 


this genus, is the A. cocculus, the plant which 


produces the seeds known as Cocculus Indicus, 
which were formerly used in the adulteration 
of malt liquors; it is also used to poison fish. 
It is a climbing plant, with ash-colored corky 
bark; not in cultivation. 


Anana’ssa Pineapple. From nanas, the Guiana 
name. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacee. 

A. sativa, the common Pineapple, is 
universally acknowledged to be one of the 
most delicious fruits in existence. More than 
three hundred years ago it was described by 
Jean de Lery,a Huguenot priest, as being of 
such excellence, that the gods might 
luxuriate upon it, and that it should only be 
gathered by the hand of Venus. It isa 
native of Brazil, and was first introduced into 
Europe in 1555, having been sent there by 
André Thevet, a monk, from Peru. The 
plant is perennial, not unlike the Aloe, but the 


AND ; 


leaves are much thinner, and of a hard fibrous 
texture, with numerous short, sharp spines 
on the edges; the variegated form is highly 
prized as one of the most valuable plants for 
decorative purposes. The fruit varies like 
most other species, there now being nearly 
fifty varieties in cultivation. 


Anasta'tica. From anastatis, resurrection, in 
reference to its hygruometrical property. Nat. - 
Ord. Crucifere. 

An annual plant, indigenous to the Egyptian 
deserts, and called the Kose of Jericho. When 
full grown it contracts its rigid branches into 
a round ball, and is then tossed about by the 
wind. When it alights in water, or damp 
ground, the branches relax and open out, as if 
its life were renewed; hence its name of 
Resurrection Plant. Among the superstitious 
tales told of it is, that ‘‘it first bloomed on 
Christmas Eve, to salute the birth of the 
Redeemer, and paid homage to His resurrec- 
tion by remaining expanded until Easter.” This 
curious annual can readily be grown from seed, 
but will not stand the severity of our winters; 
they can, however, be taken up and kept dry 
in a house. When wanted to expand, put 
them in a saucer of water. 


Anceps. Twoedged, as the stem of an Iris. 


Ancho’manes. A remarkable and beautiful stove 
aroid allied to Amorphophallus. A. Hookeri, has 
a pale purple spathe appearing before the leaf 
which when fully developed is much divided 
and toothed. Introduced from Fernando, Po., 
in 1832. 


A’nchovy Pear. See Grias. 


Anchu’sa From anchousa, a cosmetic paint 
made from one of the species; used for stain- 
ing the skin. Nat. Ord. Boraginacew. 

Hardy herbaceous plants, suitable for deep 
shrubbery bordersor any unfrequented place. 
Most of the species have purple tlowers. 


Ancylo’gyne. From ankylos, curved, and gyne, a 
female; the pistil is curved. Nat. Ord. 
Acanthacee. . 

A small genus of tropical under-shrubs, 
with terminal spikes or racemes of showy 
flowers. A: longiflora. from Guayaquil, is a 
valuable species for the green-house. It 
produces, large, drooping panicles of rich 
purple, tubulose flowers, two inches long, and 
of a most attractive character. Propagated 
by cuttings. Introduced in 1866, 


Andrew's (St.) Cross. Ascyrum Crux Andree. 


Andro’gynous. Producing male and female 
flowers on the same plant, or on the same spike 
or head. 


Andro/meda Kill Calf. A classical name, after 
the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiope, king 
and queen of Athiopia. Nat. Ord. Ericacee. 

A. Mariana, Stagger-bush, so common on the 
plains of Long Island, is a beautiful represen- 
tative of this genus, one much sought after in 
Europe, where it is considered one of the 
finest American plants. They are beautiful 
shrubs, growing about two feet high, with 
leaves similar to those of the privet; flowers 
white, in spikes or racemes three to eight 
inches long,:produced in June. They are 
conspicuous throughout the season on account 
of their form and foliage. The foliage is said 
to poison lambs and calves. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 23. 


7 AND 


Andropo’gon. Beard grass. A genus of grasses 
of but little value, either for agricultural 
‘purposes, or as objects of interest in the 
garden. They have the widest geographical 
range; several of the.species are common on 
our coasts, growing in dry sandy soils. 


Andro’sace. From aner, a man, and sakos, a 
buckler, in reference to the resemblance of 
the anther to an ancient buckler. Nat. Ord. 

* Primulacee. 

The species forming this genus (which is 

’ nearly allied to the Primula) are elegant little 

“ plantsfrom the Alps. They consist of annuals, 
biennials, and perennials, all perfectly hardy, 
and well adapted for rock-work on partially 
exposed spots. Propagated by cuttings, or 
from seeds... 


Aneile’ma. A genus of green-house perennials 
belonging to the Nat. Ord. Commelynacee. 
They are generally of a trailing or creeping 
‘habit and are useful for hanging baskets, etc. 
Natives of New Holland and China. Flowers 
blue. 


Ane’mia. From aneimon, naked; in reference 
to the naked inflorescence. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
podiacee. 

An extensive genus oftropical Ferns. There 
are numerous species in the West Indies and 
South America, some of which are of an 
ornamental character, and are much prized in 
collections. A. adiantifolia is one oi the most 

beautiful. The genus is more interesting to 
the botanist than the florist. Propagated by 
spores or division. 


Anemidi/ctyon. Included now with the genus 
Anemia. 


Anemo’ne. Wind Flower. From anemos, the 
wind; inhabiting exposed places. Nat. Ord. 
Ranunculacee. 

The species are showy flowering plants, 


valued for their hardy nature, and also because - 


they will flower atany required season, accord- 
ing to the time the roots are kept out of the 
ground. The roots of A. coronaria are solid, 
flattened masses, closely resembling ginger. 
They should be planted in the garden as early 
in the spring as possible, in very rich soil and 
in partial shade. When the tops are dead, 
take up and store in a dry, airy place, or 
in boxes of dry sand until the planting 
season. For indoor cultivation they can be 
planted at any time in very rich soil in 
pots or boxes. The prevailing colors are 
red, white and blue; flowers double or 
semi-double. A. Japonica is one of the most 
beautiful of garden flowers giving a profusion 
of bloom from August till November, and even 
later if protected. The flowers of A. Japonica 
alba are two to three inches across, pure white, 
with a centre of deep lemon-colored stamens, 
and are invaluable for cutting. Introduced 
from Japan in 1844, One of the earliest spring 
flowers is A. nemorosa, the white Wind Flower 
of our woods. A. pulsatilla and its varieties, 
with whitish, violet and purple flowers, are 
known in English gardens as Pasque Flowers. 


Ane’thum. See Dill. 
Angels’ Byes. Veronica Chamedrys. 


Angels’ Trumpets. A popular name for the 
flowers of Brugmansia suaveolens. 


Ange'lica. The name was given in reference to 


ANI 


the supposed angelic medicinal virtues of some 
species. Nat. Ord. Umbellifera. 

One of the species, A. Curtisii, is common in 
moist places, from Pennsylvania southward. 
The ‘intrinsic virtues” that it was once 
supposed to possess are entirely lost, its great 
virtue now consisting in its efficacy as a trap 
for earwigs. If thestem becut in short pieces 
and thrown among plants, those pests will 
creep into the hollow stems, and their de- 
struction is simple and easy. 


Ange'lica-tree. See Aralia spinosa. 
Angelo/nia. From angelon, its local name in 


South America. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A genus of very handsome herbaceous 
perennials, growing from one to three feet 
high, and producing dense terminal racemes 
of deep violet colored and blue flowers. 
Natives of South America; propagated by cut- 
tings of the young shoots. Introduced in 1846. 


Angio’pteris. From aggeion, a vessel, and pteris, 


awing. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A small genus of noble tropical ferns, com- 
mon in Ceylon, India and the islands of the 
Eastern Archipelago. It is a remarkably hand- 
some genus, but the plants are too large to be 
of use in the green-house. 


Angre’cum. From angurek, the Malayan name 


for air plants. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

An extensive genus of tropical Orchids, 
embracing a number of classes that are mere 
weeds and a few very rare and beautiful spe- 


cies. Among the latter is A. sesquipedale, a 


magnificent plant, a native of Madagascar, 
where it grows in great profusion, covering 
trees from top to bottom. The stems are 
three to four feet high, the foliage about a 
foot long, dark, shining green; flowers six 
inches in diameter, ivory white, with a tail 
from ten to eighteen inches long. Unlike 
many of this order, the plants flower when 
quite small. The flowers have a powerful fra- 
grance, particularly atnight. There are about 
forty species, nearly all natives of tropical or 
South Africa and the Mascarene Islands. 


Angulo/a. In honorof Angulo, a Spanish natur- 


alist. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

Asmall genus of very remarkable terrestrial 
Orchids, inhabiting the forests of tropical 
America. They have broad, ribbed leaves, 
short, leafy scapes, bearing a single large, 
fleshy flower, white, yellow, or spotted with 
crimson, on a pale yellow ground. There are 
several of the species under cultivation. They 
are increased by division. Introduced in 1845. 


Angu'ria. One of the Greek names for the 


Cucumber. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

A genus of climbing plants allied to Momor- 
dica. They have a somewhat four-angled 
fruit, and some of the species are well worth 
cultivating. Natives of South America. 


Anigoza’/nthus. From anoigo, to expand, and 


anthos, a flower; in reference to the branching 
expansion of the flower-stalks. 

A curious and handsome genus of Hemodo- 
racee from the Swan River district of Austra- 
lia, including some very distinct and peculiar 
species. They are perennial tufted-growing 
plants, with erect stems, clothed with short, 
thick, persistent, velvety down, which, as it 
contrasts with the rather large, yellow or dark 
purple flowers, makes them desirable plants 
for green-house decoration. : 


24 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ANI 


Animated Oats. See Avena. 
Anise. Pimpinella anisum. 
Aniseed Tree. See Illicium. 


Annuals. These include all plants which spring 
from the seed, flower-and die within the course 
of a year. Many, however, which are not 
strictly of annual duration, but which are 
sown every year, in preference to housing the 
roots over winter, are generally classed under 
the head of Annuals. To produce the best 
results where such seeds are to be sown in the 
open border, the soil should be enriched with 
stable manure or other fertilizer, just as fora 
crop of vegetables or fruits; thoroughly dug, 
and raked level and smooth. The location for 
nearly all kinds of Annual flowers should be 
free from shade, though many sorts will suc- 
ceed well where they get sunlight for half the 
day only. Hardy Annuals are those which 
require no artificial aid to enable them to 
develop, but grow and flower freely in the 
open air. All such may be sown in the open 
ground as soon as the soil is dry enough in 
springtowork. Tender Annualsare generally 
of tropical origin, and should not be sown in 
the vicinity of New York until the first week 
in May. Indeed, the best rule for all sections 
of the country, from Maine to Florida, is not 
to sow the tender kinds until such time as the 
farmers begin to plant Corn, Melons and 
Cucumbers. Many seeds of Annuals may be 
sown thickly and transplanted, thinning them 
out sufficiently to allow the plants to develop 
and exhibit their true character. Successive 
sowings of many of the showy species will be 
found to prolong their floweringseason. They 
are usually sown in rows from six to twenty- 
four inches apart, or in circular patches of 
from one to two feet in diameter, each circle 
being from one to two feet apart, according to 
the growth of the variety. But whether sown 
in rows or in circular patches, the soil should 
be first loosened, so that the seed may be cov- 
ered from one quarter of an inch to one inch 
indepth. After the seed is sown, shake over 
it fine soil, sufficient to cover the seeds, lighter 
or heavier according to their size. It is a 
good plan to place a label in the centre of each 
circular patch or at the end of each row, so as 
to mark where the seed has been sown, for in 
nearly all soils there are the seeds of weeds, 
which spring up often quicker than the flower 
seeds do; therefore it is necessary to know 
exactly where the seeds have been sown, so 
that the weeds can be pulled out or hoed up, 
and not crowd and smother the young seed- 
lings. Some of the more tender Annuals 
require to be started in the green-house or 
hot-bed, and, after being potted off into small 
pots, and gradually hardened off, planted out 
where they are to remain. 


Annular. Having a ring-like form. 


Ane’ctochi'lus. From anoiktos, open, and chei- 
los, a lip; the apex spreading. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidaceae. 

These admired little-plants have small, white, 
rather inconspicuous flowers, but the want of 
beauty here is fully compensated for, in the 
rich and lovely markings of the leaves, which 
are covered with a gold network on a choco- 
late-colored or olive-green velvet like ground. 
They should be potted in a mixture of leaf- 

‘mould, sphagnum and silver sand, and a bell- 


ANO 


glass kept continually over them, in the 
warmest part of the hot-house, in order to 
assimilate their present condition with their 
native one in the hot, humid jungles of the 
East, whence they have been derived. First 
introduced from Java in 1836. 


Anomalous. Irregular, unusual, contrary to 
rule; as where a plant is very unlike the great, 
alenty of those to which it is most nearly 
allied. 


Anomathe’ca. From anomos, singular, and 
theca, a capsule or seed pod. Nat. Ord. Irid- 
acew. 

Interesting little bulbous-rooted plants from 
the Cape of Good Hope. A. cruenta is useful 
for planting in masses, as it produces its 
blood-colored flowers in great profusion. They 
may be increased to almost any extent from 
seed, and the young plants will bloom the 
same season if sown in a gentle heat about 
the early part of March, and afterward 
removed to the open air. 


Ano’na. Custard Apple. From Menona, its 
Banda name. Nat. Ord. Anonacea. 

A South American and West Indian genus of 
shrubs and trees, where several of the species 
are cultivated for the sake of their fruits. A. 
muricata, the rough Custard Apple, is a middle- 
sized tree, growing abundantly on the savan- 
nahs in Jamaica, and bearing a large, oval 
fruit of a greenish yellow color, covered with 
small knobs on the outside, and containing a 
white pulp, having a flavor compounded of 
sweet and acid, and very cooling and agree- 
able. It is, however, too common to be much 
esteemed by the wealthier people, though itis 
much sought after and relished by the negroes. 
The odor and taste of the whole plant is simi- 
lar to that of the black currant. This fruit is 
called by the natives Sour-sop. A. squamosa 
is a low-growing tree or shrub, common in 
both the East and West Indies. The fruit is 
nearly the size of the head of an artichoke, 
scaly, and of a greenish yellow color. The 
rind is strong and thick; but the pulp is deli- 
cious, having the odor of rose-water, and tast- 
ing like clotted cream mixed with sugar. It 
is, like many other fruits, said to have a much 
finer flavor in the Indian Archipelago than in 
the West Indies. Thelocal name for this fruit 
isSweet-sop. <A. cherimolia, aSouth American 
species, is known as the Cherimoyer in Peru, 
where it is accounted one of their best fruits. 
The tree which produces this fruit has a trunk 
about ten feet high; the leaves are oval, and 
pointed at both ends; the flowers are solitary, 
very fragrant, and of a greenish color; the 
fruit is large, heart-shaped, rough on the out- 
side, and greyish-brown, or nearly black, when 
ripe. The flesh, in which the seeds are con- 
tained, is soft, sweet and pleasant, and highly 
esteemed both by natives and foreigners. A. 
palustris yields the Alligator Apple, which fruit 
is shining and smooth in appearance, sweet 
and not unpleasant to the taste; but it is a 
strong narcotic, and therefore not generally 
eaten. The wood of the Alligator Apple tree 
is so soft and compressible, that the people 
of Jamaica call it cork-wood, and employ it for 
stoppers. 

Ano’pterus. From ano, upward, and pteron, a 
wing; in reference to the seeds, which are 
winged at the apex. Nat. Ord. Sawifragacee. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 25 


Anse'llia. 


Antenna’ria. 


Anterior. 
A’nthemis. 


ANS 


A. glandulosa, the only species introduced 
into our green-houses, is a very beautiful 
shrub, remarkable for its large, handsome 
leaves, and axillary panicles or spikes of large 
white and pink flowers. Introduced from Van 
Diemen’s Land in 1846. Propagated by cut- 
tings. 


In honor of Mr. Ansell, the botanical 
collector who accompanied the ill-fated Niger 
expedition. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

Asmall genus ofepiphytal Orchids. A. Afri- 
cana is a very beautiful plant, found growing 
on oil-palm trees in the island of Fernando 
Po. It has a tall stem resembling the sugar 
cane; broad, strap-shaped leaves, and large, 
drooping panicles of greenish flowers, blotched 
with purple. The plant flowers in January, 
and keeps in perfection for several months. 
Propagated by division. Introduced in 1844. 


From anienne, feelers; in refer- 
ence to the downy heads of the seeds. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

A genus of herbaceous perennials, widely 
disseminated throughout this country and 
Europe. Some of the species are used as bed- 
ding plants. A. Margaritacea, a native spe- 
cies, popularly known as Pearly Everlasting, 
is a favorite garden plant in Europe 


Placed in front, or outwards. 


Chamomile. From anthemon, a 
flower; in reference to the great number of 
flowers produced. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

The genus of plants to which the Chamomile 
belongs, the flowers of which are much valued 
as a tonic, and for other medicinal properties. 
A, tinctoria furnishes a yellow dye. A. Pyre- 
thrum, the Pellitory of Spain, is a pretty little 
perennial, with large white flowers, stained 
with lilac on the back. Miller raised this 
plant in a rather curious way in 1732, finding 
its seeds among some Malaga raisins to which 
they had adhered. 


Authe’ricum. From anthos, a flower, and herkos, 
a hedge; in reference to the tall flower stems. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A. Liliastrum, avery pretty hardy herbaceous 
plant, has broadish grassy leaves, and a flower 
stalk one and a half to two feet high, bearing 
many large, pure white, sweet-scented flow- 
ers, marked on each segment with a green dot. 
This is commonly called St. Bruno’s Lily. A. 
vittatum variegatum, a species of recent intro- 
duction, from the Cape of Good Hope, has 
foliage of a bright grassy green color, beauti- 
fully striped and margined with creamy white. 
In variegation and habit it closely resembles 
Pandanus Veitchii, but is of more rapid growth 
and easy of cultivation. It has a hardy con- 
stitution, not as against cold, but as against 
the dry atmosphere and gases of the drawing- 
room, which makes it a valuable plant for the 
conservatory or for filling in baskets, jardin. 
ieres, or rustic designs. The method of prop- 
agating this species is both interesting and 
peculiar. Buds or short shoots are formed on 
the flower stems, which, put in as cuttings in 
the ordinary way, root rapidly. It is also 
propagated by seeds or division of roots. In- 
troduced from the Cape of Good Hope in 1824. 


Antheri/dia. The reproductive organs in crypto- 
gamic plants, analogous to anthers in flower- 
ing plants. 


Anthospe’rmum. Amber Tree. 


Anthri'scus. 


ANT 


Antholy’za. From anthos, a flower, and lyssa, 


rage; in reference to the opening of the flower 
like the mouth of an enraged animal. Nat. 
Ord. Lridacee. 

_ A pretty genus of Cape bulbs, like the Ano- 
matheca, but of stronger habit. They should 
be grown in light, rich earth, and have the 
protection of a frame, or some other cover- 
ing, in winter, to exclude frost. Scarlet and 
orange are the prevailing colors of the flowers. 
Introduced from the Cape of Good Hope in 
1759. Propagated by offsets. 

From anthos, 
a flower, and sperma, aseed. Nat. Ord. Rubi- 
acee. 

An ornamental evergreen shrub, from the 
Cape of Good Hope. ‘A. Afthopicum is an inter- 
esting plant, with verticillate spikes of green 
and white flowers, thriving best in peat, loam 
and sand. Increased by cuttings. 


Anthoxa'nthum. Sweet-scented Vernal Grass. 


From anthos, a flower, and xanthus, yellow. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A small genus of grasses found in nearly all 
the temperate portions of the globe. ~A. odor- 
atum, the best known species, is a native of 
Europe, but has become thoroughly natural- 
ized in this country, so much so that it is gen- 
erally supposed indigenous. This is one of 
the earliest spring grasses, ag well as one of 
the latest in autumn, and is almost the only 
grass thatisfragrant. It possesses a property 
said to be peculiar to this species, known as 
coumarin, which not only gives it its aromatic 
odor, but imparts it to other grasses with 
which it is cured. Professor Johnstone says 
the fragrant resinous principle which occurs 
in this grass is the same which gives fragrance 
to the Tonka Bean, to the Faham Tea of the 
Mauritius, and to the Melilotus Alba. The 
vapor of coumarin is stated to act powerfully 
on the brain, and it is supposed by many that 
hay fever, to which many persons are liable, . 
may be owing to the presence of this substance 
in unusual quantities during the period of 
hay-making. This grass possesses but little 
value of itself, as its nutritive properties are 
slight; nor is it much relished by stock of 
any kind. A slight mixture of it with other 
grasses is sometimes used because of its early 
growth. 


Chervil. Derivation of name 
uncertain, but said to have been given by 
Pliny. Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 

A small genus of mostly uninteresting 
plants, common throughout Europe. There 
are but two species under cultivation. A. 
cerefolium, the common Chervil, an annual 
plant indigenous to various parts of Europe, is 
sometimes naturalized in and around old gar- 
dens. It rises to nearly two feet in height, 
the leaves are of a very delicate texture, three 
times divided, and the flowers, which are of 
a whitish color, appear in June. The tender 
leaves are much used in soups and salads, and 
those of a curled variety in garnishing. It is 
easily grown from seed, which should be sown 
early in May. A. bulbosus (syn. Cherophyllum 
bulbosum), the tuberous-rooted Chervil, is a 
native of France, where it is cultivated to 
some extent asavegetable. Insize and shape 
the root attains the size of asmall carrot. It 
is outwardly of a grey color, but when cut the 
flesh is white, mealy, and by no means 


26 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ANT 


unpleasant to the taste. When boiled the 
flavor is intermediate between that of the 
chestnut and potato, in consequence of which 
it has been recommended by English horti- 
culturists for cultivation as a substitute for 
the latter root. 


Anthurium. From anthos, a flower, and oura, 
a tail; referring to the inflorescence. Nat. Ord. 
Aroidee. 

This very large genus of stove and green- 
house plants, natives of Central and Tropical 
America, for the most part growing upon trees 
or in their forks, is remarkable both for the 
peculiar inflorescence, and often noble and 
beautifully veined and colored leaves, and is 
distinguished in structure from all the Europe- 
an members of the family in the flowers being 
hermaphrodite. Of those species most admired 
for their flowers, A. Andreanum and A. 
Scherzerianum, are the most noticeable. The 
singular form and intense coloring of the 


flowers, together with the gracefully-curved. 


foliage, and long duration of the flowers, render 
them most valuable plants for the decoration 
of the warm green-house. A. Splendidum, A. 
Regale, A. Crystallinum, and many other 
beautiful species are grown for their magnif- 
icent foliage and are indispensable in a 
collection of stove plants. 


Anthy'llis. From anthos, a flower, and ioulos, 
down; literally downy flower. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

A genus of trailing herbs or shrubs, annuals 
and perennials. About twenty species are 
known, chiefly from the countries bordering on 
the Mediterranean Sea, most of which are 
uninteresting plants. A. vulneraria, is a 
native of Great Britain, and is frequently met 
in dry pastures near the sea. The leaves are 
large, of a bluish tinge and downy. The 
flowers are yellow, and grow in crowded 
heads, mostly in pairs. Its popular name is 
Kidney Vetch, or Lady’s Fingers. A. Barba- 
Jovis, is an evergreen shrub, a native of 
the South of Europe. It has pinnate leaves, 
and yelluw flowers, and the whole plant has a 
silvery appearance, from which it has derived 
its name of Jupiter’s Beard and the Silver- 
bush. This is a very handsome shrub, butnot 
hardy north of the Carolinas. 


Antia’‘ris. Upas Tree. From anja, its Java name. 
Nat. Ord. Artocarpacee. 

A. toxicarid is the fabled Upas Tree of Java, 
which furnishes a deadly poison in the form of 
a milky juice that exudes when slightly bruised 
orcut. The exaggerated accounts, that no 
other plants, or animals, or birds could live 
near the tree; that the death penalty was 
satisfied if the criminal would cut from the 
tree a branch or collect some of its juices, 
were effectually dispelled by Mr. Davidson, 
author of Trade and Travel in the Far East, 
who, with anumber of friends, climbed up into 
the tree, took lunch, smoked their cigars, and 
enjoyed a few hours socially in its branches. 
The Upas has undoubtedly derived its evil 
reputation chiefly from its having been found 
growing in the celebrated vailey of Java, 
‘where. through volcanic agency, there is a 
‘constant evolution of carbonic acid gas, fatal 
‘to air-breathing animals, and where both 
man and beast frequently fall victims to this 
‘invisible danger. ‘‘Asifto prove the saying 
that reality is more strange than fiction, at 


Antirrhi/num. 


ANT 


least in botany, the very nearest plant in 
affinity, to this deadly poisonous tree, is the 


Cow Tree of South America, whose milky juice 


is as wholesome as that of an ‘ Alderney,’ and 
that the Bread Fruit Tree is also closely allied 
to the Upas.” 


Antigo’non. From anti, against or opposite, 


and gonia, an angle. <A splendid genus of 
green-house climbing plants, belonging to the 
Nat. Ord. Polygonacee. 

A. leptopus, a native of Nicaragua, is a 
magnificent climber for the stove-house, rival- 
ling the Bougainvillea in the color and abund- 
ance of its flowers. The chief attraction of 
the flowers is afforded by the sepals, which are 
half an inch long, of a bright rose color. As 
the flowers are produced in such great pro- 
fusion, the plant in its season of flowering 
presents a brilliant and extremely showy 
appearance. Its discoverer, Dr. Seeman, writes 
respecting it: ‘‘Iam well acquainted with the 
contents of our gardens and the vegetation of 
most parts of the world, but I have no hesita- 
tion in giving it as my deliberate opinion that 
there is no more graceful or beautiful climber 
than Antigonon leptopus.” 


Antigra’mme. From anti, like, and gramma, 


writing. Alluding to the arrangement of the 
sori. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

This genus is composed of two species of 
tender ferns, natives of Brazil. A. Brasiliensis, 
is a simple-fronded Fern, with something of 
the habit of the Bird’s-nest Fern, Asplenium 
Nidus, but, in a mature state of a glaucous 
opaque green-color, and remarkable in the 
young plants, for having a broad band of 
silvery-gray on each side of the central midrib 
of the frond, giving it a variegated appearance. 
Propagated by seeds. Introduced in 1780. 

This genus is now included under Scolopen- 
drium, by some authors. 


Snapdragon. Derived from 
anti, similar, and rhin, nose. The flowers of 
most of the species resemble the snout of 
some animal. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 


Annual and perennial plants, natives of the 
middle and south of Europe, and of which one 
species, A. majus, the common Snapdragon, 
is in every garden.. There are many varieties 
of this species, the finest of which, A. m. cary- 
ophylloides, has the flowers striped like those 
of a flaked Carnation. All the species of Snap- 
dragon grow in any soil that is tolerably dry, 
and they are readily increased by cuttings; 
for though they produce abundance of seeds, 
yet the varieties can only be perpetuated 
with certainty by the former mode of propa- 
gation. The beautiful carnation-like variety 
will, indeed, very seldom produce striped flow- 
ers two years in succession from the same 
root; and thus a person who has purchased a 
plant with beautifully-striped flowers will gen- 
erally have the mortification, the second year, 
of finding it produce nothing but flowers of 
the common Snap-dragon, unless cuttings have 
been made from the young shoots of the plant, 
and the old root thrown away. As this plant, 
in its wild state, is very commonly found 
growing on the tops of old walls, it may be 
considered as one of the most ornamental 
plants for placing in such a situation. 


Ants. See Insects. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 27 


AOT 


Ao'tus. From a, not, and ous, ear; the ear-like 


appendages to the calyx are wanting. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 

A somewhat extensive genus of small ever- 
green shrubs from New Holland. They are 
slender plants, with heath-like leaves, 
arranged in whorls around the stem. The 
flowers are pea-shaped, bright yellow, on short 
stalks. A. gracillima, a native of West Aus- 
tralia, is a favorite species for the green-house. 
It is a slender shrub, with copious yellow 
flowers, which are so thickly set on the stems 
as to hide the leaves from view. Botanists 
report several very beautiful species not yet 
in cultivation. Propagated by seeds or cut- 
tings. Introduced in 1844. 


Apetalous. Without petals. 
Aphela‘ndra. From apheles, simple, and aner, 


a male; the anthers being one-celled. Nat. 
Ord. Acanthacee. 

A small genus of dwarf shrubs from tropical 
America, allied to the Justicia. <A. cristata is 
a remarkably handsome hot-house plant, pro- 
ducing large spikes of orange-scarlet flowers. 
A., aurantiaca has no less handsome flowers of 
light orange color, and grows freely in the 
green-house. A. Margarite has bright orange 
or apricot-colored flowers, growing in short, 
terminal spikes. The leaves are barred with 
white on each side of the midrib; underneath 
they are of a clear, rose color; a very showy 
species, introduced from Central America in 
1884. They are increased by cuttings. 


Aphele’xis. From apheles, simple, and ezis, 


habit. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Green-house evergreen shrubs, from the 
Cape of Good Hope, having much resemblance 
to that class of everlasting flowers known as 
Helichrysum. The genus is composed of five 
species, all of them having very small leaves, 
which are closely pressed to the stem like 
those of club-moss. The flowers are solitary, 
of a pink or yellow color, in small clusters of 
two or three. A. humilis and its varieties 
are most showy and valuable green-house 
plants. When in bloom they remain in per- 
fection for six or seven weeks. Propagated 
by cuttings, or from seeds, Introduced in 
1796. 


Aphides. See Insects. 


Aphylia’‘nthes. Its stems are like a rush, and 


bear on their summits a little tuft of flowers; 
hence the name, from aphyllos, leafless, and 
anthos, a flower. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

Asmall genus of hardy, herbaceous, rush- 
like perennials, common in Southern Europe. 
The flower scape is very slender and grass- 
like and bears a cluster of small blue flowers, 
that are of but short duration. This plant is 
of considerable interest to the botanist, but 
not of the slightest use to the florist or gar- 
dener. 


‘Aphy’llon. Naked Broom Rape. A genus of 


Orobanchacee, comprising two species, both 
natives of this country. They are character- 


. ized by their solitary bractless flowers, regu- 


larly five-cleft calyx, and almost regular 


. eorolia. The flowers are perfect, purplish, on 


« 


long, naked scapes or peduncles. The plants 
are brownish or yellowish. 


Aphy’llous. Destitute of leaves. It sometimes 


signifies their partial or imperfect produc- 
tion. 


APO 


Api'cra. A division of succulents allied to the 
Aloe, and comprising along with Haworthia a 
group of species of very different aspect from 
the great cylindrical or tubular-flowered Aloes 
more commonly associated with the name. 
The present are dwarf or stemless plants, with 
very crowded leaves and slender flower scapes, 
bearing erect greenish-white flowers. 


Apiculate. Terminated in a little point. 


A’pios. From apion, a pear, in reference to the 
form of the roots. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A. tuberosa, the only species, is found in the 
woods and hedges from Massachusetts to the 
Carolinas. It is an elegant climbing plant, 
allied to the Wistaria. It bears large clusters 
of brownish-purple, sweet-scented flowers in 
July. Readily propagated by division of 
tubers, which are edible. Commonly known 
as Ground-nut, and erroneously as Tuberous 
Wistaria. 


A’pium. From apon, Celtic for water; in refer- 
ence to the habitat of the genus. Nat. Ord. 
Umbellifere. 

Though this genus contains but a few spe- 
cies, two of our best known vegetables belong 
to it, viz.: The ‘‘Celery,” A. graveolens, and 
“Parsley,” A. petroselinum, for culture of 
which, see under their respective names. 


Aple/ctrum. Putty Root. Adam and Eve. 
From a, not, and plektron, a spur; the flower 
without spurs. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A, hyemale, the only species, is a hardy 
bulbous Orchid. The flowers are produced in 
summer in a raceme a foot or more high, and 
are of a dingy color, more curious than beau- 
tiful. The plant is occasionally found in the 
Northern and Eastern States. 

Aplopa’ppus. A synonym of Haplopappus, 
a genus of Composite, of but little interest. 


Apocyna’cez. A large natural order of trees, 
shrubs and herbs, with simple, opposite, some- 
times alternate or whorled leaves. Most of 
the species inhabit tropical countries; the 
northern forms are the Vinca or Periwinkle, 
Nerium or Oleander, and afew more. In gen- 
eral the species form a poisonous, acrid, milky 
secretion, which renders them dangerous; but 
others are mild enough in their action to be 
useful in mediciae, and in a few cases the milk 
is bland enough to form a palatable beverage. 
Well-known genera belonging to this order 
are Allamanda, Nerium, Tabernemontana, and 
Vinca. About 600 species are known, distri- 
buted through about 100 genera. 


Apo’cynum. Indian Hemp. From apo, from, 
and kyon, a dog; poisonous to dogs. Nat. 
Ord. Apocynacew. 

A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, in- 
digenous throughout the United States. ‘A. 
cannabinum is commonly called Indian Hemp, 
from the fact of the Indians using the fibrous 
bark as a substitute for hemp in making their 
fishing-nets, mats, clothing, and various other 
articles for which the true Hemp is generally 
used. A. androswmifolium is termed by Eng- 

lish botanists the ‘‘Fly Trap of North Amer- 
ica,” and is cultivated as-an object of curiosity. 
They do not class it as insectiverous further 
than that its flowers catch and kill the flies, 
but do not feed upon them. None of the spe- 
cies possesses sufficient beauty to warrant its 
introduction into the garden. : : 


28 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 


APO 


Aponoge’ton. Water Hawthorn. The name is 
derived from the Celtic apon, water, and the 
Greek word geiton, near; the species growing 
in water. Nat. Ord. Naiadacee. 

A genus of interesting aquatics, inhabiting 
the waters of the Cape of Good Hope, the 
East Indies and Australia. A. distachyon is a 
handsome aquatic plant, remarkable for its 
floating branched spikes of small fragrant 
white flowers. This species is a native of the 
Cape of Good Hope, but will flourish in a lake 
or stream if planted at a depth of about two 
feet of water. In appearance it resembles a 
Pondweed (Potamogeton), except that itis of a 
clear green color, without any tinge of brown. 
The leaves float on the surface of the water, 
are oblong, about 18 inches long when full 
grown, flat, and have three distinct veins run- 
ning parallel with the mainrib. A charming 
variety, with rose-tinted flowers, is also ‘in cul- 
tivation, having been introduced in 1885, 

Appendiculate. Having appendages. 

Applanate. Flattened out. 

Apple. Pyrus Malus. The history of the Apple 
shares obscurity with all the fruits, vegetables, 
and fiowers that were in cultivation before any 
records were kept; consequently speculation 
must take the place of facts in connection with 
the early history of this valuable fruit. The 
general opinion is that the origin of the culti- 
vated Apple is the wild Crab, which is found 
indigenous in nearly all parts of Europe, as 
well as in most parts of the United States. 

The Apple can only be grown in small 
gardens as a dwarf, either kept in a bush form 
or trained as a pyramid or other shape. Two 
sorts of dwarfing stocks are used by nursery- 
men, the Doucin and the Paradise. Trees 
upon the Doucin will ultimately grow quite 
large; and as the Paradise is the only stock 
which makes really dwarf trees, the amateur 
who wishes to grow dwarf apple-trees should 
make sure that they are worked on Paradise 
stocks. Of course, trees ofthis kind are not 
advised as a source of profit; but there can 
scarcely be a handsomer object in the garden 
than a bush six feet high, and about the same 
‘through, loaded with enormous apples. The 
following sorts are recommended for garden 
culture. (For descriptions, see nursery cata- 
logues.) Baldwin, Gravenstein, Rhode Island 
Greening, King of Tompkins County, Maiden’s 
Blush, Esopus Spitzenberg, Early Harvest, 
Northern Spy, Porter, Fall Pippin, Stump, 
Hubbardston Nonsuch and Jonathan, etc. 

Apple, Adam’s. Citrus Limetta. 

Alligator. Anona palustris. 
Balsam. Momordica Balsamina. 


Beef. Sapota rugosa. 
Bitter. Cucumis (Citrullus) Colocynthis. 
Cherry. Pyrus baccata. 


Chinese. Pyrus (Malus) Spectabilis. 

Dead Sea or of Sodom. The fruit of Solanwn 
Sodomeum, also applied to the galls of 
Quercus infectoria. 

Devil’s. Mandragora officinalis. 

Elephant’s. Feronia elephantum. 

Golden. -Afgle marmelos, and Spondias lutea. 

Kangaroo. Solanum laciniatum. 

Love. Lycopersicum esculentum, or Tomato. 

” May. Passiflora incarnata, also Podophyllum 
peltatum. 

Mamme. 

Monkey. 


Mammea Americana. 
Clusia flava. 


AQU 


Apple. N. American Crab. Pyrus Coronaria. 

Oak, A gall produced by insects on the leaves 
and twigs of the Oak. 

Of Jerusalem. Momordica Balsamina. 

Of Paradise. Citrus medica. A fruit used by 
the Jews at the feast of Tabernacles. 

Of Scripture. Probably the ‘Apricot, Prunus 
Armeniaca, or the Quince, Cydonia vulgaris. 

Of the Earth. An old name for Aristolochia 
rotunda and Cyclamen. 

Oregon Crab. Pyrus rivularis. 

Paradise. malus precox, much used for 
grafting and budding superior sorts upon. 

Rose. The various species of Hugenia. 

Sugar. Anona squamosa. 

Thorn. Datura Stramonium. 

Wild Balsam. Echinocystis lobata. 

Wild Star. Chrysophyllum oliveforme. 

Apple-Berry. Australian. The genus Billar- 
diera, which see. 


Apple-Mint. Mentha rotundifolia. 
Apple-Scented Geranium. Pelargonium odor- 


ata. 
Apple-Tree of Australia. Hucalyptus Stuartiana. 


Apple-Tree of New South Wales. Angophora 
subvelutina. 

Apple-Tree of Victoria. Angophora lanceolata. 

Apple-Wood. Feronia elephantum. 

Apricot. Prunus Armeniaca. The Apricot is a 
native of Central Asia, China, Japan, Armenia, 
and Arabia. In all these countries it is 
found in its native state, and is also exten- 
sively cultivated. The difference in the 
quality of this fruit in its wild and cultivated 
states is not so great as in most other fruits, 
nature having left less work for man to do in 
order to enjoy it in its highest condition. 
The fruit or pulp of the wild Apricot, however, 
does not compare with many of the cultivated 
varieties that have resulted from selections, 
yet it is afair and wholesome fruit. The 
Apricot is extensively grown in China and 
Japan, and the natives employ it variously in 
the arts. The Persians also grow this fruit 
extensively ; so highly do they esteem it that 
they call it the ‘‘Seed of the Sun.” The Apricot 
was introduced into England in 1524 by Woolf, 
the gardener to Henry VIII. Parkinson (1629) 
mentions eight varieties. Since then many 
varieties have been added to the list which is by 
no means so extensive as that of other kinds of 
fruit. The ravages of the Curculio prevent the 
cultivation of this excellent fruit in some 
parts of this country; but for that pest it 
could be produced in the greatest abundance 
at a very low price. 

Apterous. Without wings. 

Aqua’tic Plants. Theculture of Aquatic Plants 
is most interesting, and is yearly becoming 
better understood. Many of the more tender 
sorts can be protected during winter, and 
give quantities of flowers during the summer 
and autumn months (see Nymphea). A 
number of species of the following genera are 
well worthy of attention. Aponogeton, Butomus, 
Cyperus, Damasonium, Calla, Hottonia, Lim- 
nocharis, Menyanthes, Nelumbium, Nuphar, 
Nymphea, Ouwvirandra, Pistia, Pontederia, 
Polygonum, Sagittaria, Salvinia, Thalia, Trapa, 
Typha, Villarsia, Victoria, etc. 

Aqua’ticus. Living in water. 

Aquatilis, Living under water. 


fa, 


ANTHOXANTHUM (SWEET VERNAL GRAS®). 


‘28s ANTIRRHINUM 


ABISTOLOCHIA ELEGANS. 


ABRHENATHERUM (TALL MEADOW OAT GRASS). 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 29 


AQU 


Aquifo'lia/ceze. The common Holly Tree Ilex 
Aquilfolium, is the type of this small natural 
order of shrubs andtrees. The species may be 
said to possess in general, emetic qualities, 
variously modified in various instances. Bird- 
lime is obtained from the bark of the common 
Holly, and the beautiful white wood is much 
esteemed by cabinet-makers for inlaying. 
A decoction of Ilex vomitoria, called Black 
Drink, was used by the Creek Indians at the 
opening of their Councils, and it acts as a 
mild emetic. But the most celebrated pro- 
duct of the order is Maté, or Paraguay Tea, the 
dried leaves of Ilex Paraguariensis, which see. 
There are about 150 species, and the follow- 
ing genera Byronia, Ilex, and Nemopanthes. 
The order is sometimes known as LIllicinee. 


Aquila’'ria. Eagle Wood. From aquila, an eagle; 
locally called Eagle-wood in Malacca, where it 
abounds. Nat. Ord. Aquilariacee. 

A small genus of tropical evergreen shrubs 
and trees. A. Agallocha, a large tree inhabit- 
ing Silket, and provided with alternate lanceo- 
late leaves, furnishes an odoriferous wood 
called Aloes-wood, or Eagle-wood. The wood 
contains an abundance of resin, and. an 
essential oil, which is separated and highly 
esteemed as a perfume. The Orientals burn 
it in their temples for the sake of its slight 
fragrance, on which account it was used in the 
palace of Napoleon the First. 


Aquile’gia. Columbine. From aquila, an eagle; 
alluding to the form of the petal. Nat. Ord. 
Ranunculacee. 

Perennial herbaceous plants growing from 
one to three feet high, of which several species 
are very ornamental, especially, A. vulgaris, 
and its varieties. A. Canadensis is the wild 
Columbine of the United States. A. chry- 
santha, from the Rocky Mountains, has 
eenary-colored flowers, contrasting finely with 
the blue A. alpina and A. cwrulea. There are 
also many beautiful hybrids, as well as species 
in cultivation. They are of easy cultivation 
and are propagated by seeds, or by division of 
the root. 


Alrabis. Rock Cress. From Arabia ; probably 
in reference to the dry situations where many 
of the species grow. Nat. Ord. Cruciferae. 

An extensive genus of annual or perennial 
herbaceous plants, bearing white or, rarely, 
purple flowers. A. alpina has white flowers, 
which, in its native country, appear in March; 
and A. albida flowers the greater part of the 
year, commencing in mild winters in January, 
and producing its large tufts of white blossoms 
till October. Some of the species and vari- 
eties, such as A. verna, A. alpina nana, and A. 
bellidifolia, do not grow above three inches 
high, and are admirable plants for rock-work. 


Ara’cez or Aro/idez. An extensive genus of 
herbaceous plants with numerous unisexual 
or hermaphrodite flowers, closely packed 
upon a spadix, shielded when young by the 
hooded leaf called a spathe, as is seen in the 
common Indian Turnip, Ariswma triphyllum. 
They are common in tropical countries, but 
rare in those with a cold or temperate climate. 
Most of them have tuberous rhizomes, but 
some acquire the stature of small trees, the 
most interesting of which is the Dumb Cane a 
species of Dieffenbachia, others as Philo- 
dendron and Monstera have scrambling stems 


ARA 


by which they attach themselves to the trunks 
of trees. The tuberous species all contain 
starch in such abundance that it may be 
separated in the form of arrow-rvot, and used 
as food, only however,. after very careful 
washing to remove the acrid juices; and the: 
Colocasias are grown as an article of food 
in hot countries as common field crops. 
Scarcely more than 200 species are known, 
Caladium, Richardia, Arum, Amorphophallus, 
etc., are examples of this order. 

A’rachis, Peanut. From a, privative, and 
rachis, a branch; a branchless plant. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

A. hypogea (underground), the only species, 
is the Peanut of our shops. It is a native of ° 
the West Indies and Western Africa, but has 
become generally cultivated in all warm 
climates as an article of food, to be eaten like 
other nuts, or as food for swine. It is also 
largely cultivated in the East Indies and 
Cochin China for the oil obtained from the 
seeds, which is thin and of a straw color, 
resembling the finer kinds of olive oil. Itis 
said to be of a superior quality, and for table 
use preferable to the best olive oil. It is free 
from stearine, and is used by watchmakers and 
others for delicate machinery. The plantis an 
annual, of a trailing habit, with yellow, pea- 
shaped flowers, produced from the axils of the 
leaves in bunches of five or seven, close to or 
even under the ground. They should be 
grown in a light, sandy soil, and the stems 
covered lightly with earth when in flower, as 
the seeds are only ripened under ground. The 
peanut is profitably grown in nearly all of the 
Southern States. : 

A’rachnis. Name from the Greek: a spider. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of very curious and interest- 
ing epiphytal orchids from Java; deriving 
their name from their extraordinary resem- 
blance to a spider. A. moschifera, the best 
known species, is a very peculiar plant, some- 
what like a Renanthera in habit. The flowers 
are large, creamy white, or -lemon-color, with 
purple spots; they are delicately scented with 
musk, and continue in perfection a long time. 

Arachnoid. Resembling a cob-web in appear- 
ance. 

Ara’lia. A name of unknown meaning. Nat. 
Ord. Araliace, : 

This genus consists of trees, herbs and 
shrubs, mostly of an ornamental character, 
but of no value as flowering plants. The 
roots, of A. nudicaulis, one of our native species 
is largely sold for sarsaparilla. A. racemosa, 
is our beautiful Spikenard, much esteemed for 
its medicinal properties. A. spinosa, one of 
our native shrubs or low trees, is common in 
cultivation, and is known as the Angelica Tree 
and Hercules Club. A. papyrifera, which 
assumes a tree form, grows in great quantities 
in the deep, swampy forests of the island of 
Formosa. Thestems of this species are filled 
with pith of a very fine texture, from which is 
manufactured the celebrated rice paper of the 
Chinese, which is chiefly used in making artifi- 
cial flowers. A. Sieboldi (Syn. Fatsia japonica) 
has large leathery, deep green leaves and is 
much used in sub-tropical and window gar- 
dening; a very beautiful variegated variety 
of this species is in cultivation. The vari- 


ous species with much divided leaves in- 


30 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ARA 


troduced from the South Sea Islands, such 
as A. Veitchii, A. reticulata, A. gracillima, 
etc., are extremely beautiful and admirably 
suited for the warm green-house and for table 
decoration. : 


Ara’lia'cez. These form a small natural order 
closely approaching Umbellifers, from which 
they in reality differ in little, except in their 
fruit. They are also more generally arbores- 
cent, many of them being trees or large shrubs, 
and very few herbs. Several are conspicuous 
for their broad, noble foliage. The species are 
found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions 
of the world, and in some of the coldest, as in 
Canada, the northwest coast of America, and 
Japan. Aralia polaris even occurs in Lord 
Auckland’s Islands, in 501g° south latitude. 
Hedera, Panaz and Aralia, are examples of 
this order. 


Arauca’ria. From araucanos, its name among 
the people in whose country the Araucaria 
imbricata grows in Chili. Nat. Ord. Conifer. 

The genus consists of lofty evergreen trees, 
none of which will bear the open air of the 
climate of the Northern States. The most 
beautiful of the species is A. eaxcelsa, from 
Norfolk Island, where it is known as Norfolk 
Island Pine. It grows to the height of 200 
feet. Itssymmetrical growth and deep green, 
finely-cut. foliage give it a fern-like appear- 
ance. All the species are fine ornaments for the 
lawn during summer, but require the protec- 
tion of the green-house during winter. 
Propagation can be effected by cuttings, 
though aslow and uncertain process. They 
grow readily from seed. 

Arauja, is given by Bentham and Hooker as 
the correct name of the genus Physianthus. 


Arborescent. Having a tendency to become a 
tree. 


Arboretum. A collection of hardy treesformed 
for pleasure or instruction, and which, when 
well managed, is a source of much interesting 
study. They afford shelter, improve the 
local climate, renovate bad soils, etc., and also 
by concealing or hiding disagreeable objects, 
heighten the effect of agreeable ones, create 
beauty, and add value. A properly arranged 
Arboretum should be constructed with a view 
to picturesque beauty and not systematically, 
as is usually the case in Botanic Gardens, 
although scientific purposes are best served 
by a systematic arrangement. 


Arbor Vite. A common name for Thuja. 


A'rbutus. Strawberry-tree. From arboise, a 
Celtic word for rough fruit. Nat. Ord. 
Ericacee. ; 

A genus of evergreen shrubs or low growing 
trees, numbering about twenty species, 
natives of southern Europe, the. Canary 
Islands, Chili, and in some parts of this 
country. A. unedo is called the strawberry-tree 
from its fruit resembling a strawberry at a 
distance. It is a small tree from ten to twenty 
feet high. Flowers numerous, white, appearing 
in September or October. Fruit scarlet, ripen- 
ing the second year. This fine evergreen is 
common in southern Europe, and is also met 
about the lakes of Killarney, in Ireland. The 
fruit of this species, when eaten in quantites is 
said to be narcotic. A wine is made from itin 
Corsica, but it has the same property as the 
fruit. In Spain both a sugar and a spirit are 


ARE 


obtained from it. The bark and leaves of 
the same plant are used as astringents; in 
some parts of Greece they are employed in 
tanning leather. It is cultivated, where the 
climate will permit, as an ornamental shrub, 
and as it ripens its fruit the second year, it is 
particularly beautiful in October and Novem- 
ber, being covered at the same time with 
blossoms and ripe fruit. — 


Archange’lica. From arche, chief, and angelica, - 
from its supposed virtues. Nat. Ord. Umbelli- 
Sere. 

A genus of mostly useless biennial plants; a 
few of the species are natives of this country. 
A. officinalis, is the Angelica, formerly much 
used in domestic medicine. 

Archego’/nium. The female organ in ferns, etc. 
Analogous with the ovary in flowering plants. 

Archill or Orchill. A coloring matter obtained 
from various species of Lichens, especially 
Rocella tinctoria. 


A’retium. A name that is now employed by 
some botanists for the genus Lappa, Burdock. 

Arctosta'phylos. Bearberry. From arktos, a 
bear, and staphyle, a berry; the Greek of the 
popular name. Nat. Ord. Hricacew. 

A small genus of fruit-bearing shrubs, com- 
mon in our Northern and Eastern States. 
The whole plant of A. Uva-ursi is astringent, 
and has been used for tanning leather. The 
berries of the several species are a favorite 
food of game birds. 


Arcto’tis. Derived from arktos, a bear, and ows, 
an ear; shaggy fruit. Nat. Ord. Composite. 
This genus consists of .annuals, bienniais, 
and green-house perennials. The annuals 
should be started in the hot-bed early, as they 
require a long season to develop their showy 
flowers, which are sulphur and orange. They 
grow freely in ordinary soil, and keep in 
bloom until killed by frost. Introduced from 
the Cape of Good Hope in 1774. 


Arcuate. Curved or bent like a bow; forming 
an arch. 


Ardi'sia. From ardis, a spear head; in refer- 
ence to the sharp-pointed divisions of the 
flower. Nat. Ord. Myrsinacee. 

Handsome green-house plants from the East 
Indies, producing either red or white flowers. 
A. crenulata is admired alike for its white 

flowers and vermilion berries, being constantly 

covered with either one or the other, or both. 
Propagated by seeds in the green-house. 
Plants usually fruit when one year old, and are 
invaluable plants for winter decoration. 
There is also a pretty white-fruited variety. 


Ardui/na. A genus of Apocynacee, consisting 
of shrubs with a milky juice. Natives of 
Asia, Africa and tropical Australia. A. bispin- 
osa is a pretty, close-growing green-house 
shrub, with small, box-like leaves and white, 
sweet-scented flowers. <A. grandiflora is a 
native of Natal, where the fruits are much 
valued, and known as the Natal Plum. They 
have an agreeable sub-acid flavor, and are 
used to make an excellent preserve. 


Are’ca. Called areec in Malabar, when an cld 
tree. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

An extensive genus of lofty, magnificent 
Palms, natives of the East and West Indies 
and South America. The most prominent of 
the species is A: oleracea, the Cabbage Palm. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 31 


ARE 


This is one of the most beautiful and stately 
of the Palm tribe, and is called in some of the 
tropical islands the Royal Palmetto. The stem 
of a full-sized tree at the base is seven feet in 
circumference, and it rises to the enormous 
height of one hundred and thirty feet. A 
noted traveler, in his description of this tree, 
says: ‘‘Nearthe base, the trunk is of a brown 
color, hard, woody, and jointed, with a pith 
inside like theelder. The upper part of the 
trunk, from whence the foliage springs, 
resembles a well-turned, finely-polished bal- 
uster, of a lively green color, gently swelling 
from its pedestal, and diminishing gradually 
to the top, where it expands into branches, 
waving like plumes of ostrich feathers. These 
are decorated with numerous leaflets, some of 
which are about three feet long, and an inch 
and a half broad, tapering into a sharp point. 
The leaflets gradually decrease in size as they 
approach the extremities of the branches. 
This lofty, regular group of foliage, impelled 
by the most gentle gale, and constantly wav- 
ing in feathery elegance, is an object of beauty 
which cannot be imagined by an inhabitant of 
temperate climes, unused to the magnificent 
vegetation of a tropical sun. Within the 
leaves, which constitute the summit of the 
trunk, the portion called the cabbage lies con- 
eealed. This substance is white, about two 
feet long, of cylindrical form, and the thick- 
ness of a man’s arm. It is composed of longi- 
tudinal flakes like ribbons, and so compact as: 
to form a solid, crisp body. Wheneaten raw, 
it tastes somewhat like the almond, but more 
tender and delicious. When cut into slices 
and boiled, it is served up with meat as a 
vegetable. To obtain this great delicacy— 
growing on the very summit of such a stately 
trunk—the noble tree must be felled to the 
ground. In the place where the cabbage grew, 
a species of beetle generally deposits its eggs, 
from which, in due time, grubs are hatched, 
that have received the name of Palm-tree 
Worms. They are about the size of a man’s 
thumb, very fat and esteemed a great lux- 
ury. They are fried with a little butter and. 
salt, and their flavor partakes of all the spices 
of India.” A. catechu, is a handsome tree cul- 
tivated in all the warmer parts of Asia for its 
fruits, known as Areca or Betel nuts. These 
nuts are cut into narrow pieces, which are 
rolled up with a little lime in the leaves of the 
Betel pepper. The pellet is then chewed, and 
is hot and acrid, but possesses aromatic and 
astringent properties, ahd is considered bene- 
ficial rather than otherwise. The natives are 
so addicted to the practice that they would 
rather go without food than their favorite 
Areca nuts. y 


- Arena’ria. Sandwort. From arena, sand; in 


reference to the sandy soil in which the plants 
grow. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacew. : 

A large genus of diminutive weeds, usually 
found growing on sandy soils. 

Are’nga. Name not explained. Nat. Ord. Pal- 
macece. 

A. saccharifera, is a very useful and inter- 
esting Palm, a native of the Asiatic islands. 
In its native country the fibres attached to 
the petioles are twisted into ropes, the me- 
dulla of the trunk is used as sago, and the 


saccharine juice forms excellent sugar. It is | 


said that this species alone will supply all the 


ARI 


actual needs of the native: food, clothing, and 
a simple hut made from the leaves, are all 
supplied from this species, and are all that a 
native’s necessities require. Known also as 
Saguerus saccharifer. 

Areolate. Divided off into distinct spaces, usu-" 
ally more or less angular. The skin of a plant 
is areolate. 


Arethu’sa, A classical name, after one of 
Diana’s nymphs. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A. bulbosa is a beautiful species found 
growing in damp places and bogs, Virginia to 
Maine, and northward. The flowers are a 
bright rose-purple, from one to two inches 
long. One of the prettiest of our native 
Orchids. 


Arga/nia. From argam, its aboriginal name. 
Nat. Ord. Sapotacee. 

A. Siderozylon, the Argal tree; or Iron 
Wood, isaremarkable evergreen tree, a native 
of Morocco. It has a spiny trunk of con- 
siderable size, but of low stature. It gives off 
branches at a few feet from the ground, which 
incline downwards until they rest upon the 
earth; at length, at a considerable distance 
from the trunk, they ascend, and again reach 
out to a long distance. A tree mentioned in 
the Journal of Botany, measured sixteen feet 
only in height, while its circumference was 
220 feet. The woodisvery hard, and so heavy 
as to sink in water. 


Argemo’/ne. Prickly Poppy. From argema, a 
cataract of the eye; in reference to its medi- 
cinal qualities. Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. 

Highly ornamental hardy annuals and peren- 
nials from Mexico, with large flowers like 
those of the Poppy, and of the easiest culture. 
The plants, spreading widely, require a good 
deal of room to look handsome. The seed of 
A. Mexicana is the: Fico del Inferno (Infernal 
Fig) of the Spaniards; a purgative and power- 
ful narcotic, especially if smoked with tobacco. 

Argenteus. Silvery, a pale color resembling 
silver. 


Argyre’ia. Named in reference to the white, 
silvery texture of the leaves, from argyreios, 
silvery. Nat. Ord. Convolvulacee. 

A fine genus of strong-growing climbers 
from the Hast Indies. They are only adapted 
for the green-house, and require a long time, 
with liberal pot room, to bring them into 
flower. <A. cuneata is a dwarf-growing, free- 
flowering species, colors .white and purple, 
resembling the Ipom@a. Propagated by cut-. 
tings. Introduced in 1822. 

Aril, Arillus. A fleshy growth which rises up 
from the placenta and encompasses the seed, 
like the Mace surrounding.the Nutmeg, and 
the red sac the Huonymus. 

Arisz’ma. Indian Turnip. Dragon Arum. 
From aron, Arum, and sana, a standard; in 
reference to the close affinity to Arum. Nat. 
Ord. Aroidee. . 

A genus of hardy tuberous-rooted peren- 
nials. Two of the species, A. triphyllum, the 
Indian Turnip, and A. Dracontium, the Green 
Dragon or Dragon Root, are common in moist 
woods and along streams in most parts of the 
United States. They bear cultivation well, 
and make beautiful plants for a shady border. 
The flowers are popularly known as Jack-in- 
the-Pulpit. These are succeeded by a cluster 


of scarlet berries, that make a. showy appear- 


32 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ARI 


ance until winter. The biting, acrid properties 
of this genus are such that the smallest por- 
tion chewed, either of leaves or root, produces 
a feeling as if the tongue were pierced with 
needles. 

Aristate. Having a beard or awn, as the glumes 
of barley. 

Ari/stea. From arista, a point or beard; in 
reference to the rigid points of the leaves. 
Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 

A genus of tender herbaceous perennials 
from the Cape of Good Hope, embracing about 
fifteen species. They vary in height from 
three inches to three feet and produce their 
interesting blue flowers all summer. Easily 
propagated by division or seeds. 


Aristida. From arista, a beard or awn. Nat. 
Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of harsh perennial grasses, com- 
mon on dry, barren soils throughout the United 
States. A. dichotoma is commonly known as 
Poverty Grass, as it is a sure indication of 
poorand barrensoil. A. strictais the Southern 
Wiregrass. ; 


Ari/stolo’chia. Birthwort. From aristos, best, 
and locheia, parturition, its supposed medi- 
cinal character. Nat. Ord. Aristolochiacea. 

A genus of climbing plants natives princi- 
pally of South America, a few species being 
found in North America, Europe and India. 
Most of them extend their branches a long 
distance, though some are to be found that are 
neat and compact in their growth. The flowers 
of all are extremely curious, generally of some 
lurid color, and bearing a resemblance to the 
expanded mouth of ahorn. The larger ones 
have, not inaptly, been compared to the ear 
of an elephant, while others are distinguished 
by a long, pendant pouch. The tender species 
require either the hot-house or green-house, 
and a few are sufficiently robust to bear ex- 
posure to our winters. They grow freely in 
rich loam and leaf mould. A. sipho (Dutch- 
man’s Pipe) is a native of the Southern States, 
and one of the best climbers for covering 
walls or trellises; under favorable circum- 
stances it will grow twenty feet in a season. 
The foliage is large, of a deep, rich green; 
it is propagated by seed, layers, or cuttings, 
and is perfectly hardy. A. serpentaria, the 
Virginian Snake Root, is well known for its 
aromatic-stimulant root, and is used in medi- 
cine. 


Ari’stolochia’/cez. In the tropical parts of both 
hemispheres, and occasionally beyond those 
limits, occurs a race of plants with singularly 
inflated, irregular flowers, consisting of a 
calyx only, of a dull, dingy color, varying from 
yellow to shades of chocolate, purple, or 
brown, and often emitting an offensive odor. 
A hot summer appears to be one condition of 
their existence, with a few exceptions, the 
most striking of which are the Asarums, little 
stemless plants, natives of Europe and North 
America, 


Aristote'lia. A genus of evergreen shrubs of 
the Nat. Ord. Tiliacce. 

A. Macqui ig esteemed for its handsome 
foliage. The berries are purple, becoming 
black with age and are edible. The wood is 
used in Chili for making musical instruments, 
its tough bark forming the strings. The varie- 
gated form is a very ornamental plant. 


ARR 


Arme'’niaca. The Apricot. Prunus Armeniaca. 
Armme'ria. Thrift. The Latin name for the 
Sweet William. Nat. Ord. Plumbaginacee. 

A genus of highly ornamental, hardy herba- 
ceous plants, of dwarf habit, with flowers of 
various shades between pink and purple, pro- 
duced on the majority of the species in great 
profusion. The common Thrift, A. vulgaris, 
is a well-known substitute for Box as an edging 
to flower borders. They grow with freedom 
in almost any soil, and without regard tositu- 
ation, except that the drip of trees is injurious 
to most of them. Propagated by division. 
Exceedingly common on the rocky sea coasta 
of Britain. Several pretty varieties have been 
introduced into cultivation, especially a gar- 
den variety called Crimson Gem, with large 
heads of bright crimson-pink flowers, and 
tufted habit. 


Arne’bia. Handsome, hardy herbaceous per- 
ennials of the Nat. Ord. Boraginacee; allied to 
Lithospermum. . ‘i 

A. echioides is one of the showiest hardy 
plants for the herbaceous border or rock- 
garden. Flowers bright primrose yellow, with 
a purplish spot, borne in large terminal spikes. 

A’rnica. From arnakis, a lamb’s skin; in ref- 
erence to the texture of the leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

A small genus of hardy, dwarf herbaceous 
plants. Some of the species are common in 
this country, though not of special interest. 
A. montana is a native of the mountainous dis- 
tricts of Northern and Middle Europe. The 
tincture of Arnica is prepared from this 
species ; was first introduced by the home- 
opathists, and soon after came into general 
use, and is considered invaluable for wounds 
or bruises. 


Arno’tto, or Ana’tto. See Biza Orellano. 
Aromatic Wintergreen. See Gaultheria. 


Aroni/cum. From arnikis, alamb’s skin; in ref- 
ence to the softness of the flower-heads. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

A small genus of pretty herbaceous peren- 
nials, inhabiting Central Europe and Asia. 
They have flower stalks varying from three 
inches to two feet high, with terminal 
heads of bright, yellow flowers. <A. Clusii, 
a pretty little Alpine species growing from 

‘three to five inches high, is well adapted 
for a border plant or for rock-work. They are 
increased by division, or from seed. Syn. 
Doronicum Clusii., From arpe, a scimitar, and 
phyllon, aleaf ; the leaf is sword-shaped. 


Arpophy'llum. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

Asmall genus of handsome Orchids from 
Mexico and New Grenada. They are of grace- 
ful habit, easy of culture, and the flowers last 
long in perfection. They are increased by 
division, and should be grown rapidly to pro- 
duce large bulbs, as small ones do not 
flower. 


Arrhena'therum. Oat-grass. From arrhen, a 
male, and anther, a point; on account of awns 
on the male spikes. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A small genus of strong growing grasses, 
occasionally cultivated in this country as a 
pasture grass and for hay; it is not supposed 
to be very rich in nutritive matter, but is 
considered valuable in mixture with other 
grasses for moist meadows, as it produces a 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 33 


Arrow Cane. 
Arrow Grass. 
Arrow-head. Chinese. 


ARR 


plentiful supply of early foliage, which is 
eaten with avidity by cattle. It is a trouble- 
some grass with other crops. 


Gynerium saggitatum. 

Triglochin palustre. 

Sagittaria Chinensis. 

Common. Sagitiaria sagittefolia. 

Arrow Poison. Gaboon or Trop. Africa. 
phanthus hispidus. 

Guiana, Curari or Curali. Strychnos toxifera. 

Javanese. Strychnos Tiente. 

Malay. Antiaris toxicaria. . 

Arrow-root. A pure kind of starch employed 
for dietary and other purposes, obtained 
from various sources, the principal of which 
are the following: 

American. Zea mays. 

Bermuda. Maranta arundinacea. 

Brazilian or Tapioca. Manihot utilissima 

Chinese. Nelwmbium speciosum. 

E. Indian. Curcuma angustifolia, and other 
species. 

English. Solanum tuberosum. 

Mexican. Dion edule. 

Portland. Arum maculatum. 


Arrow-wood. American. Viburnum dentatum. 


Stro- 


Californian. Viburnum ellipticum. 
British Columbian. Spirea Douglassi, S. 
opulifolia. 


Artane’ma. An interesting genus of plants 
belonging to the Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A. fimbriatum (closely allied to Torenia) 
isa handsome evergreen shrub with large 
funnel-shaped, fringed, blue flowers, bloom- 
ing from June to November. It was intro- 
duced from Moreton Bay, New Holland, in 
1830, and is readily increased by cuttings or 
seeds. 


Art/anthe. Derivation ofname notgiven. Nat. 
Ord. Piperacee. 

A small genus belonging to the Pepper 
family. They are woody plants, with jointed 
stems, rough leaves, and spikes of flowers 
opposite the leaves. A. elongata furnishes 
one of the articles known by the Peruvians as 
Matico, and which is used by them for the 
same purpose as Cubebs, the produce of a 
nearly-allied plant; but its chief value is the 
power it has of staunching blood. The un- 
der-surface of the leaf is rough, traversed 
by a network of projecting veins, and covered 
with hairs; hence its effect in stopping hem- 
orrhage is probably mechanical, like that of 
lint, cobweb, and other commonly used ap- 
pliances. The species are not esteemed valu- 
able as flowering plants. Placed by some 
authors under Piper. 


Artemi’sia. Wormwood. From Artemis, one of 
the names of Diana. Nat. Ord. Composiia. 
Shrubby or herbaceous plants with their 
leaves usually muchdivided and frequently of 
agrey color. The genus is widely distributed 
over the temperate regions of the globe and 
most of them are remarkable for their 
strong odor and bitter taste. In certain 
parts of the West, as Utah, Texas, New 
Mexico, etc., there are large tracts almost 
entirely destitute of other vegetation than 
that afforded by various kinds of Artemisia 
which cover vast plains, and give them 
an universal greyish green hue. They 
are unfortunately of no value for forage. 


Arthroste’/mma. 


ART 


This genus contains amongst others the well 
known Southern wood or Old Man, A. Abro- 
tanum, the finely divided leaves of which have 
a fragrant aromatic odor. A. Absinthium,the 
common Wormwood, possesses aromatic, 
bitter, and tonic properties and was formerly 
much used as a vermifuge; it is also in con- 
nection with several species growing in Switz- 
erland and used in the manufacture of the 
bitter aromatic tonic ‘‘ Extrait d’ Absinthe.” 
The Tarragon, A. Dracunculus, differs from the 
majority of its fellows, in that its leaves are 
undivided, they are narrow, of a bright green 
color and possess a peculiar aromatic flavor 
much valued in Salads, etc. Native of Siberia. 
The Chinese Chrysanthemums are fre- 
quently miscalled Artemisias. 


Arthropo’dium. From arthron, a joint, and 


pous, a foot; the foot-stalks of the flowers 
being jointed. A genus of Australian and New 
Zealand Liliaceew allied to Anthericum, with 
grass-like leaves, and purplish or white flow- 
ers in loose racemes. 


From arthron, a joint, and 
stemon, a stamen, in reference to the stamens 
being jointed. Stove or green-house, ever- 
green shrubs, from Central America, belong- 
ing to the Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. 

Some of the species are very handsome, 
with rose or lilac flowers, resembling the 
Rhexias. Propagated by cuttings. 


A’rtichoke. The Cynara scolymus, the Globe 


Artichoke of gardens, is a hardy perennial, 
growing from three to four feet in height. 
with numerous branches. The leaves meas- 
ure from three to four feet in length, pinnati- 
fid, or cut in deep, horizontal, convex seg- 
ments, which are covered with an ash-colored 
down, the whole plant resembling a large 
Thistle. The portion eaten is the under side 
of the head, before the flower opens. The 
whole head is removed and boiled, the leaves 
laid aside, and the bottom eaten, dipped in 
butter, with a little pepper and salt. The 
Artichoke is a supposed native of the south of 
Europe. The first account of its cultivation 
was in Italy, in 1473, and from that period, 
when it was said to be very scarce, it has 
steadily grown in favor, and its cultivation 
extended. The artichoke thrives best in a 
light, very rich, moist soil. One containing a 
large proportion of saline properties suits it 
best. Propagated by seeds or by suckers 
from established plants. The Jerusalem Arti- 
choke is in no sense a true Artichoke, but the 
tuberous root of a species of Sunflower, Heli- 
anthus tuberosus, a native of the north-western 
States, the north-western British Possessions 
and Canada. Its nativity has generally been 
credited to Brazil, without any good author- 
ity; on the contrary, there is abundant proof 
that it abounds in a wild state in the localities 
above-named. Its cultivation is now strongly 
recommended on dry soils, liable to excessive 
droughts. It is said that 1,500 bushels per 
acre can be produced, upon which swine will 
thrive finely, the tubers furnishing sufficient 
water to allay thirst. They also furnish excel- 
lent food for sheep. Some agriculturists 
claim that the tops, cut and properly cured, 
form an excellent hay, with a yield of five or 
six tons to the acre. 


Articulated. Jointed, having joints. 


34 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ART 


Artillery Plant. See Pilea serpillifolia and 


P. herniarieefolia. 


Artocarpa’/cez. A group of apetalous trees, 
not unlike the Plane-trees of Europe ; but for 
the most part inhabiting the tropics. They 
abound ina milky juice, and have, forthe most 
part, their female flowers collected into fleshy 
masses or heads. Moreover, they have great 
sheathing, convolute stipules, like those of a 
Fig-tree. This natural order presents strange 
anomalies: the invaluable Bread-fruit tree of 
the tropics, the useful Cow-tree of Caraccas, 
and the virulent poison of the Upas-tree of 
Java, side by side. The more important 
genera are Artocarpus and Antiaris. 


Artoca’rpus. Bread Fruit. From artos, bread, 
and carpos, fruit; the fruit baked resembles 
bread. Nat. Ord. Artocarpacee. 

A. incisa, the Bread-fruit, originally found 
in the southeastern parts of Asia and the 
islands of the Pacific, though now intro- 
duced into the West Indies and South Amer- 
ica, is one of the most interesting as well as 
singular productions of the vegetable king- 
dom. The Bread-fruit isa beautiful as well 
as a useful tree. The trunk rises to the 
height of about forty feet, and, in a full-grown 
tree, is from twelve to fifteen inches in diam- 
eter; the branches come out in a horizontal 
manner, the lower ones about ten feet from 
the ground, and they become shorter and 
shorter until they reach the top, giving the 
tree an appearance of perfectsymmetry. The 
leaves are of a lively green, divided into seven 
or nine lobes, from eighteen inches to two feet 
long. The fruit is about nine inches long, 
heart-shaped, of a greenish color, and marked 
with hexagonal warts in clusters. The pulp 
is white, partly farinaceous and partly fibrous; 
but when quite ripe it becomes yellow and 
juicy. The Bread-fruit furnishes the chief 
sustenance of the inhabitants of the Society 
and South Sea Islands, and is used to a con- 
siderable extent in the West Indies. It is 
usually cut into pieces, and roasted or baked 
in ovens on the ground heated by hot stones. 


Arum. From aron; supposed to be an ancient 
Egyptian word. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

There are several interesting species con- 
tained in this genus which may be accounted 
pretty additions to the collections of the hot- 
house and green-house, though the flowers 
possess a disagreeable odor. In contrast with 

-the other species is A. Palestinum, that has 
flowers of deep crimson, with a delicious fra- 
grance not unlike the Violet. In shape it 
resembles the Calla Lily, Richardia Atthiopica ; 
in fact, when it was introduced, in 1876, into 
the United States, it was under the name of 
“Crimson Calla.” Numerous offsets are 
annually produced, by which the species are 
extended. .A. Sanctum, the Black Calla, alate 
introduction (1887) from the Holy Land, is 
described as ‘‘ producing large, sweet-scented 
flowers, rising above the leaves on aslender 
but vigorous stalk, of a brown-red color at the 
lower part and green at the upper end. The 
spathe is from fourteen to eighteen inches 
long and four inches wide, of a brilliant dark 
purple color and green underneath. The 
spadix is about ten inches long, velvet-like, 
and quite black. The whole plant is most 
stately and elegant in appearance.” A. Dra- 
cunculus, the Dragon Arum, deserves a place 


ASA 


in the flower garden forits large, very remark- 
able flowers. This species requires the same 
treatment as the Gladiolus. The roots of all 
this natural order, when green, contain a 
milky fluid, which is exceedingly acrid, 
exciting a painful sensation of burning heat 
in the tongue and mouth. Whencut in slices 
and applied to the skin, it will very quickly 
produce a blister. This same active principle 
is not confined to the roots of the various 
genera and species, but is found in the leaves 
as well. A piece of the Calla leaf, not larger 
than a pin’s head, if taken into the mouth, will 
produce violent and painful burnings. Some 
of the species yield an excellent quality of 
Arrow-root. : 


Arum Lily. Richardia Aithiopica. 
Spotted Leaved. Richardia maculata. 
Yellow. Richardia hastata. 


Arundina'ria. An alteration of the word Arundo, 
to which this genus may be compared in refer- 
ence to its large size. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of grasses of a shrubby or arbo- 
rescent nature, with strong-jointed stems, 
resembling those of the Bamboo cane. They 
are mostly from the warmer parts of the globe, 
and in some instances attain a great size. A. 
falcata is one of the hardiest kinds, and is 
very ornamental in the sub-tropical garden. 
This species will endure the winter without 
protection, from Washington, southward. A. 
Schomburgkii, a native of Guiana, is an import- 
ant species. The canes grow sixteen feet high, 
with a diameter at the base of from twelve to 
eighteen inches. It is this plant that chiefly 
furnishes the native Indians with the tubes 
from which they blow their poisonous arrows, 
which act with such fatal effect on their vic- 
tims. A. giganiea and A. tecta, two species 
found in the Southern and Western States, 
from Florida to Indiana, form canes from ten 
to twenty feet high and are now much used 
by florists for plant stakes, the toughest 
and best of which come from Indiana. 


Aru'ndo. Reed. A word of doubtful deriva- 
tion, perhaps from the Latin word arundo, a 
reed. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A. Donaz is a splendid Bamboo-looking reed, 
rather tender in severe winters, but which, if 
the season be favorable, will grow, in rich soil 
kept moist, to the height of ten or twelve feet 
in one year, producing a fine oriental appear- 
ance when standing singly on a lawn or near © 
water. This variety is a native of Southern 
Europe, introduced in 1648, and for many 
years has been an inmate of our flower gar- 
dens. A. Donax variegata, a variety with 
leaves beautifully striped in different colors, 
similar to those of the commer Ribbon-grass 
of our gardens, is one of the most beautiful 
plants for the sub-tropical garden. It re- 
quires, however, the protection of the green- 
house during winter in our Northern States. 
It is propagated by division of the roots, and 
will succeed in ordinary garden soil. 


Asafo'tida plant. Narthex asafetida. 
Asafoe'tida plant, Persian. Ferula Persica. 


Asaraba’cca. A common name for Asarum 
Europeum. 

A’sarum. Wild Ginger. From a, private, and 
saron, feminine; the application of the term 
unexplained. Nat. Ord. Aristolochiacee. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 35 
ASC ASP 
A genus of rather curious hardy herbaceous | Ash. Jerusalem. JIsatis tinctoria, or Reseda 
perennials, common in most parts of the luteola. 


United States, usually in rich, moist woods. 
They are highly esteemed for their medicinal 
properties. A. Canadense is the Canada Snake- 
root or Wild Ginger. It is recognized by its 
single pair of broad, kidney-shaped leaves, 
and a single large, brownish-purple flower on 
a short peduncle, sometimes nearly buried. 
The roots are pungent and aromatic. 
Ascending. Directed upwards; as the stem, 
which is the ascending axis. 


Ascle'piada’ceze. The very large natural order 
which bears this name is known by its pollen 
being collected in the form of waxy masses or 
bags, derived from the separable inner lining 
of the anther cells, and by the fruit consisting 
most commonly of a pair of divaricating in- 
flated seed-pods. Fully 1,000 species are 
known, for the most part inhabiting the 
tropics of the Old and New Worlds. They 
vary extremely in appearance, many being 
leafless succulents, like Stapelia; others 
(and they are more numerous) consisting of 
twiners like Hoya; while another portion 
consists of upright herbaceous plants, such 
as Asclepias and Vincetoxicum; a few are 
tropical trees. Asa general rule the species 
are poisonous; an acrid milk which pervades 
all their parts being eminently emetic and 
purgative. The genera Stapelia, Hoya, Ascle- 
pias, Vincetoxicum, Ceropegia and Periploca, 
are good examples of the order. 

Ascle’pias. Milkweed. The Greek name of the 
isculapius of the Latins. Nat. Ord. Ascle- 
piadacee. 

An extensive genus of tall-growing plants, 
mostly of a hardy herbaceous character, 
remarkable for their curious flowers and the 
silky substance which fills the seed-pod. The 
most ornamental native species is A. tuberosa, 
which has fine orange-colored flowers but is 
somewhat difficult to cultivate. A. Mexicana, 
white, and A. Curassavica, orange-scarlet, 
both tender species, are excellent plants for 
the mixed border in summer; the former is 
especially valuable for cut flowers. They are 
all easily raised from seeds. 


A’scyrum. From a, without, and skyros, hard; 
that is to say, a plant that is soft to the touch. 
Nat. Ord. Hypericacew. 

A genus of elegant little herbs and sub- 
shrubs numbering five species, all of them 
American with a distribution from the North- 
ern States to New Grenada. A. Crux Andree, 
is called St. Andrew’s Cross from the circum- 
ference of the four pale yellow petals approach- 
ing each other in pairs, they appear like a 
eross with equal arms. Collectively they are 
called St. John’s-worts. 


Ash, American Black or Water. Fraxinus 
sambucifolia. 

Black Mountain. Eucalyptus Leucoxylon. 

Blue. Fraxinus quadrangulata. 

Cape. Hkebergia Capensis. 

Carolina Water. Frazxinus platycarpa. 

Chinese. Fraxinus Chinensis. 

Common. Frazxinus excelsior. 

Flowering. Fraxinus Ornus. 

Gray. Fraxinus Americana var. cinerea. 

Ground. AXgopodium podograria, and Angelic 
sylvestris. ‘ 

Hoop. Celtis crassifolia. 


Manna. Fraxinus Ornus var. rotundifolia. 
Mountain or Wild. English. Pyrus eucuparia. 
Mountain. N. American. Pyrus Americana. 
Northern Prickly. Xanthoxylum Americamun. 
Oregon. Fraxinus Oregana. 

Poison. Rhus Venenata. 

Prickly. Xanthoxylum fraxineum. 

Red American. Fraxinus pubescens. 
Southern Prickly. Xanthoxylum Carolinianum. 
Wafer. Ptelea trifoliata. 

Water. Fraxinus sambucifolia. 

White. Fraxinus Americana var. alba. 


Ash-keys, or Ash Candles. The fruit of Frazi- 
nus excelsior. 


Ash-leaved Maple. Acer Negundo. 
Asiatic Poison Bulb. Crinum Asiaticum. 


Asi/mina, Papaw. Named from Asiminier of 
the French colonists. Nat. Ord. Anonacee. 
A. triloba, the only species, is a low-grow- 
ing tree or shrub, common in the Western 
and Southern States, where it is popularly 
known as Papaw. The fruit is from three to 
four inches long, yellowish, and when fully 
ripe is by many highly esteemed. 


Aspa’ragus. From a, intensive, and spar- 
asso, to tear; in reference to the strong. 
prickles of some species. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

Of this extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
and green-house plants, the common garden 
Asparagus, A. officinalis, is the best known 
species. There are, however, several green- 
house climbing species, natives of Southern 
Africa, that have of late years been cultivated 
for decorative purposes, and well deserve a 
place in every collection, however small. Of 
these A. tenuissimus is the most largely cul- 
tivated as itis easily increased by cuttings, 
and its foliage is remarkable for its extreme 
slenderness, and delicate appearance. A. plu- 
mosus, and its variety A. p. nanus, are most 
elegant plants, with smooth stems, and grace- 
fully arching, fine filmy foliage, rivalling the 
delicate beauty of the finest Maiden-hair Ferns, 
while their cut sprays have theadvantage of 
much greater persistency than any fern, re- 
taining their freshness in water from three to 
four weeks. They also form excellent plants 
for the green-house, when trained in pots, 
and are invaluable for cutting. They are un- 
fortunately slow of propagation being in- 
creased only by seeds, or by division. They 
were introduced to cultivation in 1876. 


The Garden Asparagus, A. officinalis, is a 
native of Great Britain, Russia, and Poland. 
In many other parts of Europe it is found 
growing wild, but is probably an escape in 
many localities, and is perfectly naturalized, as 
itis sparingly on our own coasts. The Aspar- 
agus is one of the oldest as well as one of the 
most delicious of our garden vegetables. It 
was cultivated in the time of Cato the Elder, 
200 years B. C. ; and Pliny mentions asort that 
grew in his time near Ravenna, of which 
three heads would weigh a pound. From 
these accounts it would appear that there is 
nothing new under the sun in the line of 
Asparagus. Many of our best gardeners con- 
tend that adaptation of soil, together with 
thorough cultivation, alone explains the 
difference in this vegetable, as offered in our 
markets, but we feel satisfied that there are 


36 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ASP 


varieties in Asparagus, as well’as in other 
vegetables, and such selections as Conover’s 
Colossal, and the Palmetto, are undoubted 
improvements on the original sort. Its value 
and importance as a Vegetable can hardly be 
over-estimated, it is extensively grown and 
when properly managed produces a lucrative 
crop. 

The preparation of the Asparagus bed 
should be made with more care than for most 
vegetables, from the fact that it is a perma- 
nent crop, which ought to yield as well at the 
end of twenty-five as of five years, if the 


soil has been well prepared. The Asparagus | 


bed, to start with, should be on ground thor- 
oughly drained, either naturally or artificially, 
and if choice can be had, on a rather light, 
sandy loam. This should be trenched and 
mixed with sufficient manure to form a coat- 
ing at least six inches thick over the bed. 
This manure should be worked into the soil 
by trenching to the depth of two feet, as the 
roots of the plant will reach quite that depth 
in afew years. In setting, the crowns of the 
plants should be placed at least three inches 
below the surface. Asparagus may be planted 
either in the spring or the fall. If in the 
spring, it should be done as early as the 
ground is dry enough to work; and if in the 
fall, just as soon as the plants can be had, 
which is usually in the early part of October. 
We prefer fall planting on light, well-drained 
soils, for the reason that, if it is done then, 
young roots are formed which are ready to 
grow on the approach of spring; but if the 
planting is done in March, April, or May, this 
formation of newroots has to take place then, 
and causes a corresponding delay in growth. 
Plants are sold by market gardeners and seeds- 
men; and as it will save a year or two to pur- 
chase them, it is not worth while to raise 
them from seed in a private garden. 

The edible portion is the undeveloped stems, 
which, if cut away as soon as they appear, are 
followed by others, which start from the 
crown of the plant. The cutting, if continued 
too long, would finally exhaust the root; 
hence it is customary to stop cutting as soon 
as early peas become plenty, and allow the 
remaining shoots to grow during the rest of 
the season, and thus accumulate sufficient 
strength in the plant to allow it to produce 
another crop of shoots the next season. 

The surface of the Asparagus bed should 
have a top dressing of three or four inches of 
rough stable maure every fall (November), 
which should be lightly forked into the bed 
in the spring. The variety mostly grown is 
the Colossal, although the new French variety, 
known as the Palmetto, is likely to supersede 
it, its merit being that the shoots grow more 
uniformly large than the Colossal. 

In some localities Asparagus is attacked by 
an insect called the Asparagus Beetle. The 
best method of getting rid of this pest, that 
we have found, isto coop up a hen, and let 
the chickens eat the insects and their eggs. 

Asparagus can also be forced to advantage 
{f brought into market before March. By 
that time Florida begins to supply our mar- 
kets in quantity, and the price depreciates. 
Strong, healthy young plants, three to four 
years old, are best suited for this purpose, 
and should be sown yearly and grown on in 
succession, on the surface plan; that is, not 


ASP 


planted deep in the ground as for permanent 
beds. The general management for forcing is 
similar to that required for Rhubarb. See 
article on ‘‘ Forcing Vegetables.” 


Aspa’ragus, Bath or Prussian, consists of the 
spikes when about eight inches long, of 
Ornithogalum Pyrenaicum which grows abund- 
antly enough in hedges and pastures in that 
locality (Bath, England), to be worth gather- 
ing for sale. 


Aspa’ragus of the Cossacks. Typha latifolia. 


Aspa'sia. From aspazomai, I embrace; the 
column embraced by the labellum. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacew. 

A small genus of epiphytal Orchids from 
Central and South America. One of the more 
important species, A. epidendroides, has yellow 
and brown sepals, the petals light purple, the 
lip white, with purple in the centre. The 
species should be grown in baskets, or on 
blocks of wood or cork, with plenty of moss. 
They do not require a high temperature, but 
need plenty of air. Increased by division. 
Introduced in 1833. 

A’spen. See Populus tremula. 

A/spera. Rough, with hairs or points. 

Aspe’rula. The diminutive of asper, rough; in 
reference to the rough leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Rubiacee. ’ 

Pretty, dwarf, hardy plants, chiefly natives 
of the European Continent, well adapted for 
shaded situations among trees. A. odorata, 
the common Woodruff, is esteemed for its 
delightful scent. This pretty little plant, 
when wilted, has the odor of new-mown hay, 
and when kept among clothes, it not only 
imparts an agreeable perfume to them, but 
preserves them from insects. 


Asphalt. Artificial Asphalt is used very gen- 
erally for foot-paths in gardens, etc. One of 
the best methods is the following: Lime 
rubbish, two parts ; coal ashes, one part, (both 
must be very dry and sifted very fine); mix 
them and leave a hole in the middle of the 
heap, wherein pour boiling hot cval-tar;. mix 
well together. When as stiff as mortar, lay it 
down three inches thick, on a dry and previ- 
ously well-leveled surface, sprinkle with dry 
sifted sand and roll thoroughly with a heavy 
roller. Only just enough tar to last about ten 
minutes must be taken from the furnace at 
one time, as, if it be not boiling, the walks 
will become soft under the action of very hot 
sun. This may be repeated every three years. 
It is imperative that the surface, lime, coal 
ashes, and sand, be perfectly dry, and that 
the days selected for the operation be very 
fine, the hotter the better. 


Aspho/’delus. Asphodel. From a, privative, 
and sphallo, to supplant; the stately flowers 
not easily surpassed. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

Showy plants suitable for the open border, 
with white or yellow flowers. They may be 
grown in any soil, and are readily increased 
by separation of the roots. Most varieties are 
from the south of Europe, haye long been in 
cultivation in our gardens, and are perfectly 
hardy. 


Aspi/diez. A section of polypodineous Ferns, 
in which the sori are punctiform. or dot-like, 
and covered either by reniform or peltate 
indusia. 


ARUM DRACUNCULUS, 


AUBBETIA, “ 


Wise 
a rN 


36 ARTIOHOKE (GLOBE), ARUM SANCTUM (BLACK CALLA), 


*, 


ASTILBE JAPONIOA. ASTER (SCARLET TRIUMPH), 


ASTER (MINIATURE BOUQUET). 


ASPARAGUS TENUISSIMUS. AVENA FLAVESOENS (YELLOW OAT GRASS.) 
37 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 37 


A/ster. 


ASP 
Aspidi/stra. From aspidiseon, a little round 
shield; the form of the flower. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 


A small genus found in China and Japan, 
remarkable for producing their flowers under 
the surface of the earth. They are useful 
house plants, and are propagated by suckers. 
The foliage of A. elativr variegata (green with 
broad stripes of white) contrasts finely with 
ornamental-foliaged plants. For the produc- 
tion of well-marked plants, the pots in which 
they are grown should be small, and the soil 
ie mixed with sand. Introduced in 


Aspi'dium. Shield Fern, Wood Fern. From 
aspidion, a little buckler; the shape of the 
indusium. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacew. 

An extensive genus of hardy and green- 
house Ferns. Many of the species are com- 
mon in moist, shady places throughout the 
United States. The green-house varieties are 
mostly from the West Indies. All the species 
are of easy culture. Many of them are 
ac ae popular in the fern-house or shady 

order, 


Asple’niez. A section of polypodineous Ferns, 
in which the simple linear or oblong sori are 
parallel with the veins, and oblique to the 
midrib, produced on one side of the veins, 
and covered by indusia of the same form. 


Asple/nium. Spleenwort. From a, privative, 
and splen, spleen; referring to its supposed 
medicinal properties. Nat.Ord. Polypodiacee. 

This genus, as established by Linnseus, was 
a very extensive one, and the species exceed- 
ingly varied. So much confusion existed in 
regard to it, that modern botanists have 
divided and sub-divided it; yet it contains a 
large number of hardy and tropical species, 
amany of which are exceedingly beautiful and 
interesting, and are commonly found in our 
green-houses. Some of the species have the 
very singular property of bearing little buds on 
their surface, from which young plants are 
formed. It is not an uncommon thing to see 
fifteen or twenty of these young plants, all 
perfectly developed, from one to two inches 
high, on a single frond. They are popularly 
known as bulb-bearing Ferns. Several of the 
species are indigenous throughout the United 
States, and there is scarcely a country in 
which some of the species may not be found. 


Aste’lma. Strawberry Everlasting. From a, 
not, and stelma, acrown; in reference to the 
construction of the fruit. Green-house ever- 
green shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope. 
The bracts of the flowers of A. eximium are of 
a rich rosy tint, and are incurved so as to 
form close heads, bearing some resemblance 
to Strawberries. Ithas been long introduced 
but is comparatively rare in cultivation. 


Star-wort. Michaelmas Daisy. From 
aster, a star. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

There are upward of one hundred and fifty 
species included in this genus, chiefly hardy 
herbaceous plants, useful for ornamenting the 
flower borders in the autumn; generally at- 
taining a height of from two to four feet, and 
producing white, purple or blue flowers. They 
are easily increased by separating the old 
stools. The well-known German and China 
Asters are now classed under Callistephus. 


Asti'lbe. 


Astroca/ryum. From astron, 


ATA 


The sweet, musk-scented plant known as 
Aster Argophyllus is now placed under Eurybia, 
which see. 


From a, privative, and stilbe, bright- 
ness; flowers not very striking. Nat. Ord. 
Savifragacee. 

A. Japonica, sometimes called Spiraea Japoni- 
ca, Hoteia Japonicaand A. barbata, isa native of 
Japan, anda perfectly hardy herbaceous plant. 
The dark green cut leaves form a handsome 
tuft, from which arise numerous crowded 
panicles of feathery white flowers. Excellent 
for forcing in pots, and fine for cutting. There 
is a variety with variegated foliage, green and 
yellow, not so vigorous in habit, but in all 
other respects similar. Propagated by divi- 
sion. See Spirea. 


Astra/galus. Milk Vetch. The ancient Greek 
- name for some leguminous plant. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

An extensive genus of hardy annuals, per- 
ennials, and deciduous trees and shrubs. 
Many of the species are beautiful plants 
for the flower garden. They are vigorous 
growers, and succeed in a well-drained, sandy 
soil. The genus is widely distributed, there 
being scarcely a country where it is not indig- 
enous. The flowers are pea-shaped, and 
mostly yellow or purple. Several of our na- 
tive species produce a fruit resembling green 
plums, that are edible. On the prairies they 
are called Ground Plums. A. mollissimus, 
popularly known as ‘Loco,’ or ‘Crazy 
Weed,” is the notorious cattle-poisoning 
weed of Colorado and California. Cattle and 
horses eating it show many of the symptoms 
of drunkenness, and under certain circum- 
stances the results are fatal. The gum-like 
substance called Tragacanth is the produce 
of several species growing in Persia, Asia 
Minor, and Kurdistan. The gum exudes 
naturally from the bark in the same way that 
gum exudes from the bark of Cherry or Plum 
trees. While many of the species are useful 
or ornamental, by far the larger number are 
troublesome weeds. 


Astra/ntia. A genusof Umbellifere. Native of 
Europe and Western Asia, containing ten or 
twelve species. They are hardy herbaceous 
perennials, with black aromatic roots, and 
generally white or pink flowers. A. Carniola 
and A. Major are the most distinct and orna- 
mental species, easily increased by root divi- 
sion. 


a star, and 
karyon, a nut; referring to the distribution 
of the fruit. Nat. Ord. Palmacea. 

A small genus of Palms allied to Cocos, 
chiefly natives of the Upper Amazon. They 
have large pinnate leaves, and are armed with 
spines, sometimes a foot long, and exceedingly 
sharp. The fruit of some of the species fur- 
nishes food for cattle and swine. The young 
leaves of A. vulgare yield a fine thread, from 
which the best hammocks are woven. 


Ata’ccia. Malay name. Nat. Ord. Taccacee. 


_ There are few more remarkable-looking 
plants than A. cristata, sometimes met in the 
gardens under the incorrect name of Tacca 
inteyrifolia. It has a short, conical, under- 
ground caudex, or rhizome, and produces 
from this caudex three or four large, oblong, 
acuminate, purplish-green stalked leaves. 


38 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ATA 


The scape is about as long as the leaves, erect, 
stout, angled, dark purple, terminated by a 
large four-leaved involucre, of which the two 
outer leaflets are dark purple, and the two 
inner much larger, placed side by side, green 
with a deep purple base and stalk. The 
species are remarkable for their curious struc- 
ture, but are of no value as flowering plants, 
or for economic purposes. 


Atama’'sco Lily. See Zephyranthes. 


Athana’sia. Ornamental green-house ever- 
green shrubs, belonging to the Nat. Ord. 
Composite. They have yellow flowers, lasting 
a long time in perfection. Natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope. 

Atherospe’rma. 
an awn, and sperma, a seed; the seed awned. 
Nat. Ord. Monimiacee. 

A beautiful green-house evergreen tree, 
with the aspect of a stately conifer. Flowers 
white, in panicles, the leaves being strongly 
musk-scented. A native of New Holland, 
readily propagated by cuttings. Introduced 
in 1824. 


Athy’rium. A small genus of ferns, until re- 
cently included in Asplenium. A. Goringianum 
pictum is a beautiful half-hardy deciduous va- 
riety from Japan. 


Atlee Gall. A gall nut produced abundantly 
by Tamarix orientalis, which is called Atlé by 
the Egyptians. Itis filled with a deep scarlet 
liquid. 

Atra’/gene. A genus of ornamental, hardy, 
climbing, deciduous shrubs, closely allied to 
Clematis, and belonging to Nat. Ord. Ranun- 
culacee. 

They occur in the temperate regions of the 
Old and New Continent. A. Americana (Syn. 
Clematis verticillaris) is found in Western New 
England, Virginia and Wisconsin. A. alpina, 
blue, and its white variety, are not uncommon 
in cultivation. 


Atrapha’xis. A genus of Polygonacee. Natives 
of Asia and the Cape of Good Hope, consist- 
ing of low shrubs with rigid, much branched, 
often spiny stems. A few species are culti- 
vated as green-house plants, but the most in- 
teresting, A. Spinosa, is perfectly hardy and 
forms a dense shrub, which when covered 
with flowers is very showy. It isan excellent 
plant for the rock-garden, growing wellin any 
situation. Syn. Tragopyron. 


A’triplex. Orache, Mountain Spinach. From 
ater, black, and plexus, woven together; on 
account of the dark color and habit of some 
of the species. ‘ Nat. Ord. Chenopodiacee. 

A. hortensis, the only species of interest, is 
a tall-growing, hardy plant, annual, known in 
our gardens as Orache. It is but little grown 
in this country, but very popular in France. 
It is a native of Tartary, introduced into 
France in 1548. It grows freely with ordinary 
gardenculture. Seeds are sown in both spring 
and fall to secure a succession. 


A'tropa. Deadly Nightshade. 
Atropos, one of the Three Fates. 
Solanaceew. 

Asmall genus of hardy herbaceous perennials 
and evergreen shrubs, remarkable for their poi- 
sonous properties. A. Belladonna, one of the 
best known species, is a hardy herbaceous 
plant, indigenous to shady grounds and waste 


Named after 
Nat. Ord. 


Plume Nutmeg. From ather,- 


AUC 


places in-Southern Europe and Western Asia, 
also in Great Britain. The root is thick, 
whitish and perennial, sending forth annually 
a strong, branched, purple-colored stem, from 
three to five feeLhigh. The leaves are of un- 
equal size, and are entire, oval-pointed, stand- 
ing in pairs on veryshort footstalks. The 
flowers are large, bell-shaped, pendant, and 
of a brown purple hue; appearing in June or 
July, and are succeeded by round, purple ber- 
ries, which ripen in September. All parts of 
the plant are poisonous. It is supposed to 
have been the plant which produced such re- 
markable and fatal effects onthe Romans dur- 
ing their retreat from the Parthians, under 
Mark Antony, as recorded in Plutarch’s 
Life of Antony. Buchanan relates the de- 
struction of the army of Sweno the Dane, 
when it invaded Scotland, by the berries of 
this plant. They were mixed with the drink 
which the Scots, according to the terms of 
the truce, were to supply to the Danes, 
which so intoxicated them that the Scots 
killed a greater part of Sweno’s army while 
asleep. The extract of Belladonna is exten- 
sively used in the Homeopathic practice of 
medicine, in cases of fever, and also as a diur- 
etic. Dr. Milno remarks, that nature has 
been more parsimonious in her warnings in. 
respect to this plant, than to others of the 
same natural family. Neither the smell nor 
the taste is offensive, and if the color-of the 
flowers proves in some degree a repellant, 
that of the fruit, on the other hand, isin an 
equal degree, at least, attractive and inviting. 

Attale’a. From attalus, magnificent ; in refcrence 
to the beauty of these Palms. Nat. Ord. Pal- 
mace. 

A genus of very beautiful Palms allied to 
Cocos. With one or two exceptions, they are 
natives of Brazil. <A. funifera yields a black 
fiber resembling whalebone, an article of con- 
siderable commercial value as a material for 
making brooms and brushes. It is popularly 
known as Piassaba Palm. The nuts of this 
species are very hard, about four inches long, 
finely mottled, dark and light brown, and are 
highly esteemed for turning into knobs, um- 
brella handles, and various other purposes. 
A. Cohune furnishes Cohoun nuts, from which 
is extracted Cohoun oil, used for burning, for 
which purpose it is superior to cocoanut oil. 
The species are too large for green-house 
cultivation. 


Attenuated. Tapering gradually to a point. 


Aubergine, Egg Plant. Solanum melongena 
var. ovigerum. 


Aubrie'tia. Named after M. Aubriet, a French 
botanical draughtsman. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 
A genus of pretty little plants, generally 
about three inches high, admirably adapted 
for pots or miniature rock-work; the flowers 
are purple, and appear in March. They are 
readily propagated -by division. Natives of 
the South of Europe, introduced in 1710. 
Au’cuba. The name of the shrub in Japan. 
Nat. Ord. Cornacee. . 

A genus of hardy evergreen shrubs from 
Japan, useful, and highly prized for their 
vigorous habit, rapid growth, and capability 
of enduring, and even thriving in, the atmos- 
phere of cities. The flowers are inconspicu- 
ous, but since the introduction of the male 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE, 39 


AUR 


or pollen-bearing plant, by Robert Fortune, 
to England in 1861, we have been enabled to 
secure the beautiful coral-red berries, which 
are borne in profusion, and render the bushes 
exceedingly ornamental. The conspicuously 
marked foliage of A. Japonica variegata, which 
is green and yellow, admirably adapts it for 
the shrubbery border, or as a single plant upon 
the lawn. This variety is not usually hardy 
north of Washington. Propagated by cut- 
Lp tale root freely in sand. Introduced 
in ; 


Aurantia’cez. The Orange, Lemon, and simi- 
lar fruits are produced by trees belonging to 
this natural order. They are all bushy or 
woody plants, having the leaves filied with 
transparent oil cysts, giving them a dotted 
appearance, and a fruit more or less pulpy. 
Less than 100 speciesare known. The genera 
are almost exclusively found in the East In- 
dies, whence they have, in some cases, spread 
over the rest of the tropics. 


Aureus. Of a bright golden color, composed of 
yellow with a small portion of red. 


Auricle. An ear. 


Auricomus. A head or tuft, like hair, of a 
golden color. 


Auricula. See Primula auricula. 


Auriculate. Auricled. Having ear-like ap- 
pendages, as in the case of many leaves, as in 
Jasminum auriculatum. ° 


Auriculately-sagittate. Eared at the base, so 
as to give the leaf the appearance of the 
head of an arrow. 


Austra’lis (Southern). This term is frequent- 
ly applied to plants which grow in warm 
climates, without regard to their being 
strictly confined to the southern hemisphere. 


Autumn Bell Flower. Gentiana Pneuwmon- 
anthe. 


Ave’na. Oat. Aname of obscure origin. 
Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of grasses of which the common 
Oat, A. sativa, is the best known, and 
which is invaluable in agricultural econ- 
omy. There are several species of Oats, 
and a vast number of varieties. The nativity 
of the Oat is accredited to Mesopotamia; this 
is, however, a matter of conjecture. The 
quality and appearance of the Oat vary 
greatly when grown’on different soils and in 
different climates. The justly celebrated 
Norway Oat loses its distinctive character 
when grown in the warm, dry climate of the 
Middle New England States, and seed has 
consequently to be imported every season, 
in order to keep the cropupto the high 
standard claimed for it. The Naked or 
Hull-less Oatis A. nuda, found growing wild in 
many parts of Europe, and considered merely 
a degeneration of the common Oat. A very 
fine variety of this species has been introdueed 
from China, but its merits as a farm crop have 
not been fully tested. A. sterilis, a native of 
the South of Europe, is the Animated Oat of 
the gardens. The ‘‘animation” is produced 
by the contraction and expansion of the awns, 
which cause the seed to crawl a short dis- 
tance. Moisture from dews is sufficient to 
produce this slight motion. 


Avens. Geum urbanum. 


Nat. 


AZA 


Avenues in Landscape Gardening. In 
forming an avenue, a gradual winding 
line should above all be obtained, which 
must in no way interfere with the view 
from the house. An old authority on this 
subject says that ‘‘ there never should be any 
deviation from a straight line unless for some 
real or apparent cause,” so in a winding or 
curved line a tree, rock or building must be 
placed at the bends as a reason for going 
around such obsiacles. Twelve to fifteen 
feet is the width usually allowed for the road, 
but this depends upon individual taste; this 
remark aiso applies to planting in double 
rows, the trees forming a series of triangles; 
or in single rows. The distance across the 
road from one row of trees to those opposite 
should be at least twenty-five feet. The Lime 
or Linden tree is extensively used for avenues, 
on account of its regular growth and the 
shade it affords. The American and English 
Elms are also valuable trees for this purpose. 
The Horse Chesnut in sheltered spots, is very 
ornamental, and the various species of Maples 
and Planes, are unsurpassed for this purpose. 
The Spruce and other Firs are also much used 
and are eminently suited for avenue planting. 
Groups of shrubs and herbaceous plants may 
be introduced between the trees, and so re- 
move any bareress that may occur. 


Avocado Pear. Persea gratissima. 
Awl Tree. Morinda citrifolia. 
Awl-wort. Subularia aquatica. 


Axil, Axilla. The angle formed by the union 
of the leaf and stem or other organs; the point 
on the stem from which a leaf proceeds. 


Aza'lea. From azaleos, dry; in reference to the 
habitation of the plant. Nat. Ord. Hricaceew. 
Beautiful flowering plants, natives of North 
America, Turkey, and China. The American 
or Hardy Azaleas, A. calendulacea, A. nudiflora 
and A. viscosa, with hosts of garden varieties 
bred from them, are inhabitants of all our 
best shrubberies, and have been so wonder- 
fully improved by seedling culture as to 
throw into the shade the original species; 
there can now be selected twenty or thirty 
varieties better than the very best of the 
original species. Every year, too, adds to the 
diversity of sorts and to the size of the 
flowers which is one of the characteristics of 
the improved kinds. In many places they 
thrive in the common soil of the garden, but, 
in general, they require leaf mould to be dug 
in with the natural soil; and where there is to 
be any quantity grown, or a nursery of them 
made, beds of leaf mould, or composts of 
the greatest part of this, must be made up. 
They are raised from seed sown in beds in the 
open air, but from its extreme diminutive- 
ness, many prefer sowing in pans and wide- 
mouthed pots. When they are large enough, 
they should be planted out in beds six inches 
apart. The second year every alternate plant 
may be taken out and planted elsewhere, to 
make room ; and as they increase in size they 
should have more room. They are propa- 
gated chiefly by grafting and by layers, but cut- 
tings of the last year’s wood will root readily 
insand. A. Pontica is a native of Turkey. 
A. Indica (the Chinese Azalea) and its varieties 
are those we meet with in the green-house. 
The florists’ catalogues abound with rare 


40 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


AZA 


sorts, the results of careful and skillful 
cross-fertilization. We are largely indebted 
for our finer sorts to the nurserymen at 
Ghent, Belgium. They are increased easily 
in spring by cuttings of the half-ripened 
young shoots. 
Aza’ra. Named after J. N. Azara, a Spanish 
promoter of botany. Nat. Ord. Flacourtiacee. 
A genus of evergreen shrubs, natives of 
Chili. A. Gilliesii, is the most desirable 
species. Its leaves are evergreen, somewhat 
resembling the Holly; flowers yellow, pro- 


BAL 


duced in axillary clusters. 
cuttings. Introduced in 1844. 


Azo’lla. A very curious genus of aquatic cryp- 
togamous ‘plants found floating upon the 
water, forming green or reddish patches, 
throwing down rootlets on the under side, 
amongst which are situated, principally in 
the axils of the leaves, the organs of fructifi- 
cation. The species occur in Australia, and 
New Zealand. The only native species, A. 
Caroliniana, is found in still water, from New 
York to Wisconsin, and southward. 


Propagated by 


B. 


abia’na, 
baboon; in reference to the bulbs being 
eaten by baboons. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 


A genus of Cape plants, with solid bulbs or 


corms, which are eaten by the Hottentots, and 
which, when roasted, are said to resemble 
chestnuts. All the species have showy flow- 
ers, of various colors, blue predominating. 
Some of- the varieties are finely variegated. 
They succeed in very sandy loam, and may be 
grown either in pots for ornamenting the 
green-house, or planted ina cold frame, where, 
if protected from frost in winter, they may be 
allowed to remain altogether. They increase 
rapidly by offsets. Introduced from the Cape 
of Good Hope in 1757. 


Babingto’nia. Named incompliment to Charles 
Babington, of Cambridge, England, a distin- 


guished botanist. Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 
B. camphoroeme, the only species of import- 
ance in this genus, is a graceful green-house 


shrub from New Holland. It is of easy culti- 


vation. and produces flowers freely during the 


summer months, in terminal clusters, color 
white or pinkish. The branches have a droop- 


ing habit, giving the plant a graceful outline. 
Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1842. 
Baby’s Breath. 
name for Gypsophila paniculata. 
Baccate. Havinga pulpy or succulent texture ; 
berried, fleshy. 


Bac’charis. Groundsel-tree. From Bacchus, 


the god of wine; referring to the spicy odor of 


the roots. The ancients sometimes boiled 
down their wines and mixed them with such 
spices. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

This genus consists of upward of 200 spe- 


cies, all South American except three, two of 


which are found from Massachusetts south- 
ward, and the third in California. They are 
tall-growing shrubs, and distinguished from 
their allies by having the male flowers on one 
plant and the females on‘another. The fertile 
plant of the native B. halimifolia is very con- 
spicuous in the autumn by its very long and 
white pappus. Thereis asingular and remark- 
able fact in relation to one of the species, B. 
Douglassi, which is found in California and in 
Chili, without being found in any intervening 
place. The medicinal properties of some of the 
South American species are highly esteemed 
for fevers and rheumatism. 


From babianer, the Dutch for 


See Muscari; also a local 


Bachelor's Buttons. A garden name given to 
the flowers of Centaurea Cyanus, Globe Ama- 
ranthus, and to the double-flowering buttercup, 
Ranunculus acris, fi. pl. 


Ba'ctris. From baktron, a cane; the young 
stems being used for walking sticks. Nat. 
Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus comprising several species of 
slender-growing palms, inhabiting the West 
Indies, Central and South America. They do 
not rank with the handsomest of palms, 
although when young they are of an orna- 
mental character. B. integrifolia, a native of 
Rio Negro, is an elegant species, with a 
slender reed-like stem, producing a small 
crown of dark-green leaves,densely armed with 
long, flat, black spines. It can be used with 
beautiful effect for table decoration. B. Mar- 
aja, the Marajah Palm of Brazil, grows upon 
the banks of the Amazon and other rivers. It 
is the largest species of the genus, its trunk 
attaining the height of fifty feet. It is thickly 
armed with spines, and has a succulent, 
rather acid but agreeably-tasted fruit, from 
which a vinous beverage is prepared. B. 
minor, has astem from twelve to fifteen feet 
high, and seldom more than an inch in 
diameter. ‘Its stems are very smooth, and are 
used for walking-sticks. 


Be’ria. In honor of Professor Baer of the 

University of Dorpat. Nat Ord. Composite. 

A genus of bright yellow Californian annu- 
als, with solitary terminal flowers about one 
inch across. They are pretty and desirable, 
B. chrysostoma being of dwarf, slender, erect 
habit, and very showy. Propagated by seeds 
sown in spring. 

Bahi’a. Name probably from the port of Bahia 

in South America. Nat. Ord. Composite. 
’ B. lanata, the only described species, is an 
ornamental, hardy herbaceous perennial, 
much branched from the base of the stem, 
and having a greyish appearance. It produces 
its large yellow flower heads in great pro- 
fusion, and is readily increased by seeds or 
division. 

Bala’/ntium. A name proposed for a genus of 
Ferns, now considered synonymous with Dick- 
sonia. 

Bald Cypress, 

Balloon Vine. 


See Taxodium distichum. 
See Cardiospermum. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 41 


BAL 


Ballo'ta. Fetid Horehound. From baillo, to 


reject; in allusion to its offensive odor. Nat. 
Ord. Labiate. 

A small genus of mere weeds, occasionally 
met with in the Eastern States, having found 
their way from Europe, where they are 
natives. 


Ball Thistle. Another name for Globe Thistle. 


Balm. Melissa officinalis. A perennial herb 
often used in the manufacture of a drink for 
sick persons, and sometimes employed for 
culinary purposes. 

Bee. Monarda didyma. 

Field. Calamintha nepeta. 

Indian. Trilliwm pendulum. 

Of Gilead. Cedronella triphylla. 

Of Gilead Tree. Balsamodendron Gileadense, 
and Populus balsamifera var. candicans. 

Of Heaven. Oreodaphne Californica. 


Balmony. One of the popular names of Chelone 
glabra. 


Balsam. Ladies’ Slipper. Impatiens Balsamina. 
A well-known, tender annual, a native of 
India. It is one of the showiest and most 
popular of summer flowers, blooming as it 
does till the advent of frost. Numerous hand- 
some varieties are grown, the prevailing colors 
of which are red and white, the former extend- 
ing to every shade of purple, crimson, scarlet, 
rose, lilac, and carnation or flesh-color; but 
some of the most superb sorts are elegantly 
spotted with white. The spotted varieties 
form a class by themselves, and are justly 
regarded as among the most brilliant orna- 
ments of the garden; there are the crimson, 
scarlet, rose, purple, and _ violet-spotted. 
Another class is striped, after the manner of 
Carnations, with purple, crimson, rose, scarlet 
on pure white grounds, some with one color, 
others with two or more colors, and some are 
curiously mottled and striped. The most 
improved varieties are very double, and styled 
Camellia-flowered by the French. Some of 
the flowers are almost as perfect and as double 
as those of the Camellia, and nearly as regular 
in shape. The Germans call them Rose- 
flowered, as many of them approach the per- 
fection of that flower in shape and fullness. 
There is a class of Dwarf Balsams that do not 
grow over a foot high, but very fulland bushy 
in habit. They do not produce flowers so 
double as the Camellia or Rose-flowered 
varieties, but are desirable for the garden. 
They should not be planted with the tall 
varicties, which attain the height of two or 
three feet, when properly cultivated. The 
only way to propagate the Balsam is from 
seeds, which do not always produce kinds 
exactly the same as the parent, but approach 
very near, when great care has been taken to 
keep the different varieties by themselves, as 
is now practiced by those who make a busi- 
ness of raising the seed. Careful growers of 
Balsams, who wish to raise prize flowers, never 
use seed less than three years old; and they 
are particular in saving it from the most 
double and handsomest flowers, the best being 
those which have their colors distinctly 
marked, like a Carnation. Introduced from 
the East Indies in 1596. 

Balsam. A name given to various gum-resinous 


or oleo-resinous substances. Bayee Balsam, 
a product of Balsamodendron pubescens. 


BAM 


Canadian Balsam, a product of Abies balsamea. 
Carpathian Balsam, a product of Pinus Cem- 
bra. Copalm Balsam, aproduct of Liquidam- 
bar styraciflua. Hungarian Balsam, an oleo- 
resinous product of Pinus Pumilio. Balsam of 
Acouchi, a product of Icica Aracouchini. 
Balsam of Copaiva, an acrid production of 
various species of Copaifera. Balsam of 
Maria, a product of Verticillaria acuminata. 
Balsam of Peru, a product of Myrospermum 
Peruiferum. Balsam of Quinquino, a product 
of Myrospermum pubescens, sold as White 
Balsam. Balsam of Tolu, a product of 
Myrospermum toluiferum. Balsam of Umiri, 
a product of Humirium floribundum. Tam- 
acoari Balsam, a product of a Brazilian species 
of Caraipa. White Balsam, the same as the 
Balsam of Quinquino above. 

Balsam Apple and Balsam Pear. See 
Momordica. 


Balsam Fir. See Abies. 


Balsami/nez. A tribe of plants belonging to 
the order Geraniacew, sepals and petals all 
colored, consisting of six segments one of 
them ending below in a conical spur. The 
best known genus is Impatiens. 

Balsa’mita. A genus of Composite, of but little 
interest, only that it contains the well known 
Costmary, or Alecost, B. vulgaris, a native 
of Italy; although common in every village 
garden in Britain and on the continent it is 
almost entirely discarded for culinary pur- 
poses, and even in France it is only used 
occasionally to mix in salads. This plant is 
the Pyrethrum tanacetum of Linneus. 


Balsa’mode’ndron. From balsamon, an old 
Greek name for balm or balsam, and dendron, 
atree. Nat. Ord. Burseracew. 

A genus of balsam-bearing trees with small 
green, often uni-sexual flowers. B. myrrha is 
supposed to yield some of the gum resin 
known as myrrh, others produce Balm of 
Gilead, or Balm of Mecca; a gum resin 
obtained by incision into the bark, and con- 
sidered by the ancients as a panacea for 
almost all the ills that flesh is heir to. 


Balsam Tree. A common name for Balsam- 
odendron, and Clusia. 
Canada. Abies balsamea and Pinus Fraseri. 
Copalm. Liquidambar Styractfiua. 
Florida. Amyris Floridana. 
Hungarian. Pinus Pumitlio. 
Jamaica. Clusia flava. 


Balsam Weed. . A popular name for Gnaphal- 
ium polycephalum, a native plant used in the 
manufacture of paper. 


Bamboo. Australian. Poa ramigera. 
Blow-pipe. Arundinaria Schomburgkit. 
Common. Bambusa arundinacea. 
Fortune’s. Bambusa Fortunei. 
Metake. Bambusa Japonica. 

Sacred. Nandina domestica. 


Bambu’sa. Bamboo Cane. From bambu, its 
Indian name. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of gigantic reeds, common through- 
out Southern China and Japan. B. arundi- 
nacea is the species of greatest importance. 
When growing it has the appearance of an 
immense sheaf of wheat standing onend. It 
grows in large tufts or clumps, some of them 
upwards of sixty feet in height, and the 
quantity of canes which they yield is simply 


42 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BAN 


enormous. The cane is porous in the center 
and partly hollow. Externally the epidermis 
is composed of a hard wood, into which silex 
enters so largely that it will strike fire with a 
steel like a piece of flint. Although this plant 
grows spontaneously and most profusely in 
nearly all the immense southern districts of 
the Chinese Empire, yet the Chinese give the 
cultivation of this reed great care and atten- 
tion. They have treatises and whole volumes 
solely on this subject, laying down rules 
derived from experience, and showing the 
proper soils, the best kinds of water, and the 
seasons for planting and _ transplanting 
the useful production. The variety of pur- 
poses to which the Bamboo is applied is 
almost endless. The Chinese use it, in one 
way or other, for nearly everything they 
require. The sails of their ships, as well as 
the masts and rigging, consist chiefly of 
Bamboo, manufactured in different ways. 
Almost every article of furniture in their 
houses, including mats, screens. chairs, tables, 
bedsteads, and bedding, are made of the same 
material; and in some sections entire dwell-. 
ings are constructed of Bamboo. Fine paper 
is made from the fiber of this plant. Inshort, 
scarcely anything is to be found in China either 
upon land or water, into the composition of 
which Bamboo does not enter. The same 
extensive use is also made of this reed in 
Japan, Java, Sumatra, Siam, and other East- 
era countries. 


Bana/na or Plantain Tree. 
Abyssinian. Musa Ensete. 
Dwarf Chinese. Musa Cavendishit. 


Banded Rush. See Scirpus. 
Bane-berry, See Actea spicata. 
Bane-wort. Atropa belladonna. 


Baniste’ria. A name applied to a genus of 
the natural family, Malphighiacee, consisting 
of trees or shrubs, frequently climbing. They 
are natives of Brazil and the West Indies. 
Several are in cultivation for the sake of their 
pretty, yellow flowers and in some instances, 
fine foliage. Propagated by cuttings. 


Ba/nksia. A genus of Proteacew, established by 
the younger Linneeus in honor of Sir Joseph 
Banks. Green-house evergreens principally 
grown for the beauty of their foliage; which 
is remarkable for its harsh, rigid coriaceous 
character. The leaves are generally dark green 
on the upper surface and clothed with a white 
or rufous down beneath, their margins being 
either deeply serrated or spinous, rarely 
entire. This genus is peculiar to Australia 
and contains upwards of fifty species. 


Banner Plant. The genus Anthurium. 
Banyan Tree. See Ficus indica. 
Baobab Tree. See Adansonia digitata. 


Ba’phia. Camwood. Barwood. From baphe, a 
dye, referring to the use of the wood in dyeing. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

B. nitida, the only species, produces the 
Camwood or Barwood of commerce. It 
is an evergreen tree, growing to the 
height of fifty feet, with shining green 
leaves, composed of two pairs of leaflets 
and an odd one. Its flowers are yellow, 
and bear some resemblance to the common 
laburnum. It is a native of Sierra Leone, 
and forms an important article of commerce. 


Musa Sapientum. 


BAR 


The native women on the west coast of Africa 
use the pounded wood for painting their 
bodies; amulets are also made of it, and it is 


used in their Fetish ceremonies. Introduced 
in 1793. 
Bapti’sia. From bapto, to dye; some of the 


species possessing dyeing properties. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 

This genus of native plants (commonly 
called False Indigo) are rather pretty for the 
border. Flowers are white, blue or yellow. 
They grow in any good garden soil, and are 
increased by division. 


Barbace’nia. Named after M. Barbacena, a 


Governor of Minas Geraes. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

Very pretty and singular herbaceous 
perennials. B. purpurea, has flowers of 


moderate size, of the richest velvety purple 
imaginable, leaves narrow, long, and droop- 
ing in the way of Pandanus graminifolius. 
“Lindley” says that they are capable of 
existing in a dry, hot air, without contact 
with the earth, on which account they are 
favorites in South American gardens, where, 
with Orehids and Bromeliads, they are sus- 
pended in the dwelling houses, or hung to the 
balustrades of the balconies, in which situa- 
tion, they flower abundantly, filling the air 
with their fragrance. 
Barbadoes Cherry. Malpighia glabra. 
Barbadoes Gooseberry. See Pereskia. 
Barbadoes Lily. Hippeastrum equestris. 
Barbadoes Pride. Adenanthera Pavonina. 


Barbare’a. Winter Cress. So named on ac- 
count of its having been formerly called the 
Herb of St. Barbara. Nat. Ord. Cruciferae. 

B. vulgaris is a hardy herbaceous plant, in 
early days esteemed as a salad. It closely 
resembles the common Water Cress, but 
grows on dry soils. Its use is now discarded. 
It is a native of Europe, and has become 
naturalized in some parts of this country. 


Barbate. Having long, soft hairs in one or 
more tufts. ° 

Barberry. See Berberis. 

Barbs. Hooked hairs. 

Barcla’ya. A singular genus of Hast Indian 
aquatics. belonging to the Nat. Ord. Nymphe- 
acee. 

They bear but little resemblance to the 
ordinary water-lilies, though botanically allied. 
As botanical specimens they are very interest- 
ing; as flowering plants they are not likely to 
occupy a very prominent place in the list of 
ornamental plants. ‘ 

Bark. All the outer integuments of a plant 
beyond, the wood, and formed of tissue 
parallel with it. It is also.the officinal name 
given to the cortical layers of various plants, 
used chiefly for medicinal and tanning pur- 
poses. The name is, par excellence, applied to 
the Peruvian or Cinchona barks, the source 
of Quinine. Of these there are many varie- 
ties, namely: Calisaya Bark, Royal Yellow, 
Cinchona Calisaya; Light Calisaya, C. Bolivi- 
ana, C. scrobiculata; Peruvian Calisaya, C. 
serobiculata (Delondriana); Carabaya Ash, 
Jaen, C. ovata; Dark Jaen, C. wliosa; Hard 
Carthagena, C. cordifolia, Woody Carthagena, 
C. Condaminea ; Spongy Carthagena, Coyuetta, 
Bogota, C. lancifolia, (Condaminea) ; Crown, 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 43 


BAR 


C. Calisaya; Select Crown, C. chahuanguera ; 
Ashy Crown, C. macrocalyz, C. rotundifolia ; 
Fine Crown, C. crispa; Loxa Crown, C. Con- 
daminea; Wiry Crown, C. hirsuta; Cinnamon, 
C. coccinea ; Cusco, Ariza, C. pubescens; Red 
Cusco, St. Ann’s, C. scrobdiculata; Huanuco, 
Gray, C. micrantha, C. glandulifera, C. nitida; 
Original Loja, C. uritusinga; Negrilla, C. 
heterophylla; Red, C. conglomerata; Genuine 
Red, C. succirubra; Spurious Red, C. magni- 
folia. The principal sorts are sometimes 
classed thus: Gray Barks: Crown or Loxa, C. 
condaminea, C. scrobiculata, O. macrocalyz ; 
Lima, Huanuco, Silver, C. micrantha, C. lan- 
ceolata, C. glandulifera, and probably C. pur- 
purea. Red Barks: C. nitida. Yellow Barks: 
C. Calisaya, C. micrantha, CO. Condaminea, 
C. lancifolia. Rusty Barks: C. hirsuta, C. 
micrantha, C. ovilafolia, and probably C. pur- 
purea. White Barks: C. ovata, C. pubescens, 
C. cordifolia. For a complete account of the 
medicinal Cinchona Barks, see Mr. Howard’s 
splendid volume, entitled, ‘The Nueva 
Quinologia of Pavon.” 

The following Barks are also employed offi- 
cinally or economically: Alcornoco or Alcor- 
noque, the astringent bark of several species 
of Byrsonima, or, according to some authori- 
ties, of Bowdichia virgillioides. Angostura 
Bark, the febrifugal bark of Galipea Cusparia 
or G. officinalis. Babul Bark, the astringent 
bark of Acacia Arabica. Bastard Cabbage 
Bark, the bark of Andira inermis; the same 
as Worm Bark. Bastard Jesuit’s Bark, the 
bark of Iva frutescens. Bonace Bark, the bark 
of Daphne tinifolia. Canella Bark, the stimu- 
lant aromatic bark of Canellaalba. Caribean 
Bark, the astringent bark of Hxostemma. cari- 
beum. Cascarilla or Sweet Wood Bark, the 
aromatic bark of Croton Cascarilla and C. 
pseudo-China. China Bark, the febrifugal 
bark of Buena hexandra. Conessi Bark, the 
astringent bark of Wrightia antidysenterica. 
Culilawan Bark, the aromatic stimulant bark 
of Cinnamomum Culilawan. Eleuthera Bark, 
the aromatic bark of Croton Cascarilla. False 
Angostura Bark, the bark of Strychnos nuz- 
vomica. French Guiana Bark, the febrifugal 
park of Portlandia hexandra. Hemlock Bark, 
the astringent bark of Tsuga Canadensis, used 
for tanning leather. Jesuit’s Bark, the same 
as Peruvian Bark. Juribali Bark, an astrin- 
gent bark of Demerara, supposed to be the 
produce of some Cedrelaceous plant. Me- 
lambo Bark, the aromatic febrifugal bark of 
some species of Galipea, or one of its allies. 
Mesereum Bark, the acrid, irritant bark of 
Daphne Mezereum. Monesia Bark, the bark of 
some South American Sapotacee. Muruxi 
Bark, the astringent bark of Byrsonima spicata, 
used by the Brazilian tanners. Niepa Bark,the 
febrifugal bark of Samadera Indica. Ordeal, 
Sassy, or Saucy Bark, is the poisonous bark 
of Erythrophleum guineense, of Sierra Leone. 
Panococco Bark, the sudorific bark of Swartzia 
tomentosa. Quercitron Bark, the yellow dye 
bark of Quercus tinctoria. Quillai Bark, the 
bark of Quillaia saponaria, used as a substi- 
tute for soap. Sassafras Bark, is the aromatic 
bark of Atherosperma moschata. Stringy Bark 
of Tasmania, Hucalyptus gigantea. Sweet Wood 
Bark, the same as Cascarilla Bark. Nine 
Bark, an American name for Spirewa opulsfolia. 
White Wood Bark, the same as Canella Bark. 
Winter’s Bark, the tonic aromatic bark of 


Barke’ria. 


BAR 


Drymis Winieri. Worm Bark, the bark of 
Andira inermis, formerly used as an anthel- 
mintic. There are other barks, but these are 
the principal ones having a commercial or 
medicinal value. 


After the late Mr. Barker, of Bir- 
mingham, Eng., an ardent cultivator of 
Orchids. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of very beautiful epiphytal 
Orchids, natives of Mexico and Central 
America. They closely resemble the well- 
known genus LEpiden B. spectabilis, 
called in Guatemala, Flor de Isabel, is the 
finest species. It is one of the votive offer- 
ings of the Catholics in that country. The 
plants should be grown in baskets of moss 
in a warm house. They are increased by 
division. Introduced in 1843. 


Barle’ria. After the Rev. J. Barrelier, of Paris. 
Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

A large genus of herbs and shrubs, natives 
of the tropical regions of both the Old and 
the New Worlds. The flowers are purple, 
yellow, orange, or white, produced in axillary 
or terminal spikes or heads. But few of the 
species have been introduced into the garden 
or green-house. 8B. cristata, a native of the 
East Indies, is a pretty little hot-house ever- 
green plant, bearing its purplish-lilac flowers 
in great profusion in summer, making it a 
desirable border plant. It is propagated by 
cuttings. Introduced in 1796. 


Barley. The common name for Hordeum vul- 
gare, which see. 


Barna'rdia. Name in honor of E. Barnard, 
FLL. 8. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small genus of half-hardy bulbs from 
China and Japan. The flowers are pale blue, 
similar to the Scilla, and from the resemblance 
the finest species has been called B. scillioides. 
They require to be grown in a frame. Pro- 
pagated'by offsets. Introduced in 1819. 

Barnyard Grass. The common name for Pani- 
cum Crus-galii. : 

Baro’/sma, From barys, heavy, and osme, odor; 
referring to the powerful scent of the leaves. 
Nat. Ord. Rutavee. 

A genus of evergreen, green-house shrubs, 
natives of the Cape of Good Hope, where the 
leaves are used by the Hottentots to perfume 
themselves with. The Bucku leaves of com- 
merce, which are much used in medicine as a 
stimulant and tonic, are produced from sev- 
eral of the species. 


Barren Flowers. The ‘staminate, or male 
flowers of many plants, are popularly known 
as Barren flowers, and are generally produced, 
as in the case of cucumbers, melons, etc., by 
monecious plants, that is, those having male 
and female organs in different flowers, but on 
the same plant. A good example of Barren 
flowers is seen inthe ray-florets of many com- 
posite plants, such as the Thistle or Aster, 
which are frequently really neuter, having 
neither male nor female organs. 

Barringto/nia. Named after the Hon. Daines 
Barrington. Nat. Ord. Myrtacee. 

This genus consists of tropical evergreen 
trees, some of which are of large dimensions. 
They are found in many parts of India, butin 
the greatest numbers in the Malayan penin- 
sula and the islands of the India Ocean; two 
species are foundin N. Australia, and one on 


44 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BAR 


the banks of the Zambesi River, in East 
Africa. Without exception they are beautiful 
objects when in flower. 

B. speciosa, a native of the Moluccas, and 
one of the handsomest of the genus, attains a 
height of fifty feet, with a circumference of 
from ten to fifteen feet; it is generally found 
near the sea. From its seeds a lamp-oil is 
expressed; mixed with bait they are used to 
inebriate fish in order to facilitate their cap- 
ture. The roots, bark, and seeds of the sev- 
eral species are much used in medicine by the 
native practitioners. Syn. Stravadium. 


Barringto’nia’ceze. A small order, now placed 
as a tribe of Myrtacee. 
Barto’nia. Named after Dr. Barton, one of our 
distinguished botanists. Nat. Ord. Loasacea. 
B. aurea, a native of California, is a splendid 
annual, with golden yellow flowers, which 
have quite a metallic luster when the sun 
shines upon them. Theseed-podis curiously 
twisted. Like all the California annuals, it 
is very apt to die off if the roots become at all 
withered by drought, or if the collar of the 
plant be exposed to the full heat of the sun; 
and thus it does best when grown in masses, 
so that the ground may be quite covered 
with its leaves. It succeeds best in a moist 
situation. Introduced in 1834. 


Barwood. Baphia nitida. 


Basal. Situated at the base of anything, or at- 
tached to the base of any organ or part. 


Base’lla. Malabar Nightshade. Its Malabar 
name. Nat. Ord. Chenopodiacee. 

A genus of climbing plants, mostly biennial. 
B albaand B. cordifolia are grown in the East 
Indies as pot-herbs, and are used as a sub- 
stitute for Spinach. Some of them are also 
grown in France, to furnish the Paris market 
with summer Spinach, and they are grown for 
the same purpose in China. JB. rubra, a va- 
riety of B. cordifolia, yields a rich purple dye. 
Some of the species have tuberous roots. 
B. alba is suitable for a suspended pot or 
basket, being quite pretty when in bloom. B. 
lucida, when in fruit, is a very interesting 
plant. Propagated by division and by seed. 


Basella’cez. A series of usually herbaceous 
climbers, and considered a tribe of Chenopo- 
diacee. 

Basil, Sweet. Ocimum Basilicum. Which see. 

Basil, Wild. The genus Pycnanthemum. 

Basil Thyme. Common name for Calamintha 
Acinos. 

Ba’ssia. Butter Tree. Named after M. Bassi, 
Curator of the Botanic Garden at Boulogne. 
Nat. Ord. Sapotacee. 

Tall trees, natives of the hottest parts of 
the East Indies and Africa; the leaves are al- 
ternate, produced in terminal tufts. The 
trees are of considerable importance in their 
native countries. B. butryacea yields a thick, 
oil-like butter from its fruit. It makes good 
soap, and is adapted for burning. From the 
juice of the flowers a kind of sugar is pre- 
pared. The flowers of B. latifolia, the Mah- 
wah Tree, are used as an article of food in 
India, and when dried keep good a long time. 
A good sized tree will continue to shed its 
blossoms for fifteen days, at the rate of one 
hundred pounds per day, which weight is 
reduced one-half in the process of drying. 


BAU 


A maund (eighty pounds) of dried Mahwah 
will furnish a fortnight’s food to a family of 
two parents and three children. It is gener- 
ally eaten with the seeds of the Sal Tree 
(Shorea robusta); a small quantity of rice 
being sometimes added. The fruit of the 
Illupie Tree, B. longifolia, yields oil for lamps 
and various other purposes; it is also used 
for food. -B. Parkit is the Shea Tree, or But- 
ter Tree, mentioned by Mungo Park in his 
travels. Some of the species furnish a very 
‘valuable timber for the mechanic arts. 


Basswood or Whitewood. Tilia Americana. 


Bast. A strong woody fibre, much used in 
some places for making brooms, brushes, etc., 
obtained from the leaf stalks of Attalea 
funifera and of Leopoldinia Pi ba. Also 
the inner bark of the Lime Tree, of which the 
Russian mats used in gardens are made. 
Cuba Bastis the fibrousinner bark of Paritium 
elatum, much used for tying up cigars, and by 
gardeners for tying up plants, etc., as is also 
the bast of the Lime Tree. Raphia, however, 
is now fast superseding these materials 
among gardeners for tying purposes. See 
Raphia. 

Bastard, or False Acacia. Robinia Pseudo- 
acacia 


Bastard Pennyroyal. See Trichostema dichoto- 
mum. 


Bata’tas. Its Indian name. 
vulacee. 

A somewhat extensive genus of tuberous- 
rooted climbing plants, tender or half-hardy. 
Some of the species are handsome green- 
house climbers, with large, purple, showy 
flowers. As the flowers fade quickly and 
have no commercial value, the species are 
rarely cultivated. The most interesting 
species is B. edulis, the well-known Sweet 
Potato, for description of which see Potato. 
The several species are natives of Mexico, 
South America and the East Indies. 


Batema’nnia. In compliment to James Bate- 
man, a celebrated English collector and culti- 
vator of Orchids, and author of the ‘‘ Orchid- 
acess of Mexico and Guatemala.” Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, most 
of which have small, inconspicuous flowers. 
Batemannia Burtii is a very rare and showy 
plant, from Costa Rica, with flowers three 
inches in diameter, of a reddish brown, with 
yellow spots, lip white and dark purple. 
They require to be grown in a house with 
moderate heat, and to be watered with great 
caution. Introduced in 1872. * 


Baue’ra. Named after two brothers, German 
botanical draughtsmen. Nat. Ord. Sazifra- 
gace. 

A genus of small green-house shrubs, 
natives of New Zealand and Australia. 
Their pale red or pink flowers are produced 
in the axils of the leaves in great profusion., 
They form very neat, pretty green-house ever- 
green plants, flowering nearly the whole year 
through. Easily increased by cuttings. 


Nat. Ord. Convol-- 


Bauhi’nia. Named after the brothers John and 


Casper Bauhin, botanists in the sixteenth cen- 
tury. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

The numerous species that compose this 
genus are extensively diffused throughout the 


BESSERA ELEGANS, 


BEGONIA CORALLINA. 


, = —=— 
BEGONIA (SINGLE TUBEROUS). 


BEGONIA ARGYROSTYGMA, 


BEGONIA METALLICA, BEGONIA REX VAR. 


45 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 45 


BAY 


tropics, particularly in Brazil and India. 
They are generally climbers, frequently at- 
taining a gigantic size; some few, however, 
form trees, or large shrubs. B. tomentosa is a 
native of Ceylon, where it forms a small tree, 
growing about fifteen feet high, and having 
pale, yellow flowers, spotted with crimson, 
which has given rise to the superstitious idea 
that they were sprinkled with the blood of St. 
Thomas, hence the tree is called St. Thomas’ 
Tree. B. Vahlii isthe Malooclimber of India, 
a plant whose gigantic shrubby stems often 
attain a length of 300 feet, and climb over the 
tops of the highest trees in the forest, twist- 
ing so tightly round their stems that they 
not unfrequently strangle and cause death, 
the stems ultimately decaying and leaving a 
sheath of climbers standing in their place. 
The young shoots and leaves are covered with 
a rust-colored scurf, and are furnished with 
tendrils. The leaves are very large, often 
more than a foot in diameter, composed of 
two oval-shaped lobes joined together for 
about half their length, and heart-shaped at 
the base. The flowers are snowy-white, and 
arranged in racemes. The exceeding tough 
fibrous bark of this species is employed in 
India for making ropes, which, from their 
great strength, are used in the construction of 
the suspension bridges across the River 
Jumna. The bark of another Indian species 
is used for making the slow-matches used 
with native guns. 

Bay-berry. See Myrica cerifera. 

Bay Oak. Quercus sessiliflora. 

Bay Rose. LEpilobiwm angustifolium. 

Bay Tree. Magnolia glauca. 

Bay Tree. Poison. Illicum Floridanum. 

Bay Tree. Rose. Neriwm Oleander. 

Bay Tree. Sweet. Laurus nobilis. 

Beach Grass. See Ammophila. 

Beach Pea. The common name of Lathyrus 
maritimus, a species growing plentifully in 
New Jersey and northward. 

Bead Tree. See Ormosia. 

Bean. Phaseolus. The varieties of our com- 
mon Garden or Bush Bean have their origin 
in P. vulgaris, which is supposed to be a native 
of the East Indies, though there are none of 
the species found wild that in any way resem- 
bles the varieties under cultivation. The 
earliest notice that we have of the Kidney 
Bean is that given by Pliny, who calls them 
Phaseoli, and says the pod is to be eaten with 
the seed. ‘‘ According to Diodorus Siculus, 
the Egyptians were the first to cultivate it, 
and to make it an article of common diet, yet 
they conceived religious notions concerning 
it which made them at length refrain from 
eating it. Their priests dared not either 
touch it or look at it. Pythagoras, who was 
educated among the Egyptians, derived from 
them their veneration for the bean, and forbade 
his disciples to eat it. He taught that it was 

: created at the same time and of the same 
elements as man; that it was animated and 
had a soul, which, like a human soul, suffered 
the vicissitudes of transmigration. Aristotle 
explains the prohibition of Pythagoras sym- 
bolically. He says, that beans being the 
ordinary means of voting on public matters, 
the white bean meaning an affirmative, and 


BEA 


the black a negative, therefore Pythagoras 
meant to forbid his disciples to meddle with 
political government. The Roman priests 
affirmed that the bean blossom contained in- 
fernal letters, referring to the dark stains on 
the wings, and it is probable that all the 
superstitions on the subject sprang from the 
fruit."-Am. Ency. This species was first 
cultivated in England in 1509, having been in- 
troduced from the Netherlands. Many varie- 
ties were known to Gerarde in 1590. The 
running or Pole Beans are of the species P. 
multiflorus, introduced from South America in 
1663. (See Phaseolus.) The English Bean, 
so called by our seedsmen, and commonly 
known as Broad Windsor, is Faba vulgaris var. 
macrosperma, a genus that has been under 
cultivation as long as we have any records of 
gardening. It is supposed to have originated 
in Egypt, from the fact that the early Greek 
writers mention receiving it thence. Of this 
class there are many varieties, none of which 
succeed well with us. 


Bean. The common name for Faba. Bog 


Bean, the Buckbean, Menyanthes trifoliata. 
Cujumary Bean, the tonic seed of Aydendron 
Cujumary. Egyptian or Pythagorean Bean, 
the fruit of Nelumbium speciosum. French or 
Bush Bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. Haricot Bean, 
the seed of Phaseolus vulgaris. Honey Bean, 
the seed-pods of Gleditschia triacanthos. In- 
dian Bean, an American name for Catalpa. 
Kidney Bean, the common name for Phaseolus, 
especially for those kinds cultivated as escu- 
lents. Lima Bean, the popular name for 
Phaseolus lunatus, of which the Sieva or 
Southern Lima and its dwarf variety Hender- 
son’s Bush Lima Bean are evidently varieties. 
Locust Bean, the pod of Ceratonia siliqua. 
Molucca Bean, the seed of Guilandina Bondu- 
cella. Ordeal Bean of Old Calabar, the seeds 
of Physostigma venenutum. Ox-eye Bean, the 
seed of Mucuna urens. Pichurim Bean, a com- 
mercial name for the cotyledons of Nectandra 
Puchury. Sacred Bean, the common name for 
Nelumbium. Sahuca Bean, the seeds of Soja 
hispida. St. Ignatius’s Bean, the seed of 
Strychnos multiflora; also a Brazilian name for 
the seeds of Fevillea cordifolia. Scarlet Run- 
ner Bean, the seed of Phaseolus multifiorus. 
Smoking Bean, the seed-pods of Catalpa big- 
nonioides. Tongaor Tonquin Bean, the seed of 
Dipterix odorata. Underground Bean, Arachis 
hypogea, commonly called Pea-nuts. Water 
Bean, an English name for the family of 
Nelumbiacew. Wild Bean, a common name 
for Apios. Algaroba Bean is Ceratonia sili- 
qua. Asparagus Bean, or Yard Long, Dolichos 
sesquipedalis. Hibbert Bean, Phaseolus lunatus 
(same as Lima Bean). Horse or Field Bean, 
faba vulgaris var. equina. Horse-eye Bean, 
Mucuna urens. Inga Bean, the pod of the 
Bastard Cassia. Malacca Bean is the seed 
of Semecarpus anacardium. Mesquit Bean, 
the seed of Prosopis glandulosa. Pigeon 
Bean is the small-seeded field Bean. -Ram’s 
Horn Bean is Dolichos bicontortis. Red 
Bean is Vigna unguiculata. Sea Bean, Florida 
Bean, a common name for the seed of Entada 
scandens and of Ormosia dasycarpa. Seaside 
Bean is Canavalia obtusifolia and Vigna 
luteola. Sugar Bean, Phaseolus saccharatus 
and P. lunatus. Sword Bean is Entada scan- 
dens and Canavalia gladiata. Tick Bean is the 


46 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BEA 


common field Bean, Fabavulgaris. Tree Bean 
of Australia is Bauhinia Hookerii. Yam Bean 
is Dolichos tuberosus. Year Bean is Phaseolus 
vulgaris. VanillaBean is Vanilla planifolia, etc. 


Bearberry. See Arctostaphylos. : 
Californian. Rhamnus Purshianus. 

Beard Grass. See Andropogon and Polypogon. 

Beard-tongue. A popular name of the genus 
Pentstemon. 

Bear Grass. See Yucca. 


Bear’s Foot. Helleborus fetidus, H. viridis, H. 
niger, Aconitum napellus and Alchemilla vul- 
garis. 

Beato’nia. Named in honor of Donald Beaton, a 
celebrated Scotch gardener and writer. Nat. 
Ord. Iridacee. 

Asmall genus of Mexican bulbs, allied to 
the Tigridia, and requiring the same treat- 
ment. Flowers purple, growing in pairs or 
singly on a stem about a foot high. Intro- 
duced in 1841. Propagated by offsets. 


Beauca’rnea. A commemorative name. Nat. 
Ord. Liliacee. 

A name given to a genus of Agave-like lili- 
aceous plants, formerly described under the 
name Pincenectitia. The few known species 
are Mexican plants, with arborescent stems, 
remarkable for the large bulbiform swelling 
which, from the earliest stages of its growth, 
forms at its base; these support a spreading 
terniinal crown of long narrow leaves. B. re- 
curvata, is a noble conservatory plant when it 
has formed alarge stem and full head of leaves; 
its flowers from 4,000 to 5,000 in number, are 
white, small, and fragrant, borne in a large 
terminal panicle, three or more feet in height. 
Beaucarneas are grown principally for the 
beauty of their foliage and are grotesque, 
graceful, and extremely curious in habit and 
form. They are also excellent subjects for 
sub-tropical or lawn decoration in summer. 
Propagated chiefly by imported seeds. 

Beaufo'rtia. Named after Mary, Duchess of 
Beaufort. Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 

A small genus of very desirable green-house 
plants from New Holland. They should be 
grown in loam and sand in about equal 
quantities, and in a cool part of the green- 
house will flower splendidly. The flowers are 
scarlet, pink, orred. Propagated by cuttings 
of the half-ripened wood. 

Beaumo/ntia. Named after Mrs. Beaumont, of 
Bretton Hall, Eng. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

This genus of green-house twiners has but 
few species, all natives of the East Indies. B. 
grandifiora is remarkable for its handsome 
flowers which are pure white, borne in ter- 
minal or axillary corymbs. The plant is diffi- 
cult of propagation, which is effected by 
cuttings. Great age is required to bring it 
into flower. When a large plant 1s obtained 
and grown under favorable circumstances, it 
has but few rivals. Introduced in 1820. 

Beaver Poison. A common name applied to 
Cicuta maculata. 

Beaver Tree or Beaver Wood. Magnolia 
glauca. / 

Bedding. This term is used by florists, mostly 
when plants are set out in what is known as 
the ‘‘Carpet,” “Ribbon Line,” or ‘Massing 

_in Color” style of decorative planting. The 


BEG 


“Carpet Style” is that produced by planting 
low-growing plants of different colors and 
forms of leaves, to form carpet-like pat- 
terns. They must be such plants as present 
a smooth, well defined color, and not exceed- 
ing three or four inches in height. To pro- 
duce the proper effect by this style of planting 
the plants must be set close enough to form a 
mass, covering the soil completely up, or the 
effect willnot besogood. Bedding in ‘ribbon 
lines” is usually done along margins of drives 
or walks, in widths from one to ten feet, as 
desired, the plants used being such as to give 
the most pleasing contrast in color. The 
plants usually selected are such as will either 
form a slope to the walk by planting the 
highest at the back with the lowest growing 
in front, or else, if the line is a wide one, such 
as, by placing the highest plants in the center 
and the others on each side, will slope to each 
side of the line. Butto keep the lines of color 
well defined and smooth, the plants must be 
carefully pinched back, so as to keep each line 
to its proper height. Bedding by ‘‘massing 
in color” is on the same principle, only that, 
instead of the plants being planted in lines, 
they are set in contrasting masses of different 
colors, in any number of shades desired, 
though the eftect is most marked when but 
few colors are used in one bed. Large beds 
are often formed of one color, such as scarlet, 
maroon, blue, pink, or yellow, which, seen at 
a distance, in contrast with the green of the 
lawn, is by many more admired than when the 
colors are placed together. 


Bed Straw. One of the common names of the 
genus Galium. 

Bee Balm. Mellissa officinalis. 

Bee Flower, or Bee Orchis. Ophrys Apifera. 

Bee Larkspur. Delphinium grandiflorum. 

Beech. American. See Fagus ferruginea. 

Blue. Carpinus Americana. 
Common. See Fagus sylvatica. 

Beech-drops or Cancer Root. A common name 
of Epiphegus Virginica, a parasite that grows 
on the roots of Beech trees. 

Beech Fern. Polypodiwm Phegopteris. 

Beech Horn, or Horst. Carpinus Betulus. 


Beef Steak Plant. Sasxifraga Sarmentosa, and 
Begonia Evansiana. 


Beef Wood. The genus Casuarina. 


Beet, Chard, Sea-Kale, or Spinach. Beta 
Braziliense, and B. Cicla. 


Beet. Red. Beta vulgaris, which see. 


Befa'ria. In memory of M. Bejar, a Spanish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Hricacew. 

A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
found in the Alpine districts of Peru and 
Mexico. They are mostly, extremely beauti- 
ful plants, and grow at a great height in the 
mountainous districts, often at the very 
extreme of vegetation. The genus is nearly 
related to Rhododendron; it is rarely culti- 
vated. Syn. Bejaria. 

Beggar’s Lice. Acommon name of Cynoglossum 
Morisoni. 

Beggar’s Ticks. The common name of a very 
disagreeable weed, Bidens chrysanthemoides. 
It has received this distinctive name because 
the fruit adheres to anything with which it 
comes in contact. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 47 


BEG . 


Bego'nia. Named in honor of M. Begon, a 
French patron of botany. Nat. Ord. Bego- 
niacee. 

All the species of Begonia are interesting 
and beautiful winter ornaments of the hot- 
house or green-house, of the simplest culture 
in any rich soil if allowed an abundant supply 
of water. Cuttings may be struck without 
trouble: B. Rex, the type of the large-leaved 
sorts, and the most ornamental of the species, 
is best propagated by cutting the leaves in 
sections, each being so cut as to form a junc- 
tion of the ribs at the lower end of the cutting. 
These should be laid in a damp, warm place, 
or on the propagating bench with good bottom 
heat; or a leaf, or a portion of one, may be 
laid flat in any shady place in the house. 
Within the last twenty-five years a new race 
of tuberous-rooted sorts has been introduced 
from the South American Andes, of which 
B. roseflora, B. Veiichii, B. octopetala and B. 
Boliviensis are typical species, from which, by 
eross-fertilization and selection a large num- 
ber of beautiful and almost hardy kinds have 
been raised.’ This is shown in the size, sub- 
stance, and rich colors of the flowers of the 
majority of the plants of this race. They are 
equally valuable for the green-house or for 
out-door decoration in summer. The tubers 
should be kept warm and dry during the 
winter, from November to April, when they 
may be started into growth. 

Bego'nia'ceze. A natural order, comprising a 
large number of useful and ornamental garden 
plants. The only genera are’ Begonia and 
Begoniella. The species are common in the 
‘Hast and West Indies, and South America, 
and a few are found in Madagascar, and South 
Africa. They are said to possess bitter and 
astringent qualities. 

Bellado/nna. See Airopa Belladonna. 


Bellado’nna Lily. A common name for Ama- 
ryllis Belladonna. 


Belleva/lia. In memory of P. R. Belleval, a 
French botanist. Nat. Ord. Liliaceew. 

Asmall genus of bulbous plants found in 
the Mediterranean region and in temperate 
Asia. They are perfectly hardy, growing 
freely under the same conditions in which the 
Grape Hyacinth, Muscari, is grown, and the 
finer species of which they closely resemble. 
Introduced in 1844. 


Bell-flower. See Campanula. 


Be’llis. The Daisy. From bellus, pretty; re- 
ferring to the flowers. Nat. Ord. Composite. 
Well-known perennials, of which B. perennis, 
the common Daisy, has been in cultivation in 
the British and Continental gardens from time 
immemorial. The most beautiful varieties 
are the large double, the large quilled, and 
the Hen-and-Chickens; but there are many 
others. In Germany numerous curious varie- 
ties have been raised by saving the seed of 
the handsomest kinds. Each sort is much 
improved by being taken up, divided, and re- 
planted every autumn. They are all admira- 
ble plants for making edgings to borders, and 
they are well suited for growing in pots, 
though at present they are almost neglected. 
They thrive best in a loamy soil, richly man- 
ured, which should be dug over and well 
broken before planting, and they will bear 
transplanting even when in flower, provided 


BER 


they are taken up with a portion of soil at- 
tached. These pretty plants are seldom seen 
in our gardens in as great abundance as they 
deserve to be, which is owing, no doubt, to 
their being very impatient of our hot sum- 
mers. They should therefore be grown in a 
shady and rather cool border. 


Be’llium. A genus of pretty dwarf free-flower- 
ing plants, nearly related to the common 
Daisy, Bellis perennis, and requiring similar 
treatment. Excellent plants for rockwork or 
a similar situation. 


Bell Pepper. See Capsicum. 
Bellwort. See Utricularia grandifiora. 


Bellworts. The English popular name for the 
Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. 


Belope’rone. A considerable genus of Acan- 
thaceew, from Tropical America, containing 
many species of beautiful shrubs with large 
purple or blue flowers borne on terminal 
spikes; nearly allied to Justicia, and requiring 
the same treatment. 


Bene. See Sesamum. 
Bengal Quince. See gle. 


Benjamin Bush. A popular namo of Lindera 
Benzoin, which is also called Spice Bush. 


Bent Grass. See Agrostis. 


Bentha’mia. Named after Mr. Bentham, a dis- 
tinguished English botanist. Nat. Ord. Cor- 
nace. GC 

A small genus of half-hardy evergreen 
shrubs, natives of northern India. The fruit 
makes it a conspicuous plant forthe lawn. It 
is of a yellowish white color, about the size of a 
Raspberry, but not edible. 3B. Japonica, very 
much resembles the flowering Dogwood, 
blooming two months later in the season. 
Propagated from seeds or by cuttings. 


Benzoin. A genus of native shrubs now known 
as Lindera, which see. 


Berberida’cez. A natural order of shrubs or 
hardy perennials, with terminal or axillary 
flowers, usually racemose, with alternate, 
compound Jeaves. These plants are found in 
South America as far as the Straits of Magel- 
lan, and in the mountainous parts of the 
northern hemisphere. They are common in 
the northern provinces of India, but none are 
found in Africa, Australia, or the South Sea 
Islands. The fruit of some of the species is 
used as a preserve, and is sometimes eaten in 
a fresh or dried state. They possess acid, 
bitter, and astringent qualities, and oxalic 
acid occurs in some. The stem and bark of 
several species are used in dyeing yellow. 
The astringent substance called Lycium by 
Dioscorides is supposed to be furnished by 
the root of various species of Berberry, and a 
similar preparation is much used in India as 
a febrifuge. The pinnate-leaved Berberries 
form the sub-genus Mahonia. The order con- 
tains twelve genera and a hundred and ten 
species, among which are Berberis, Leontice, 
Epimedium, Nandina, Jeffersonia, etc. 


Berberido’psis. From Berberis, and opis, like; 
resembling the Barberry. Nat. Ord. Berberi- 
dacee. 

A small genus of half-hardy evergreen 
shrubs, natives of Chili. B. corallina is a 
handsome shrub of sub-scandent habit, thick, 


48 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BER 


leathery leaves, and drooping, many-flowered 
racemes of long-stalked, crimson-scarlet 
flowers. This species is perfectly hardy- 
south of Washington, and is a shrub of re- 
markable beauty. Propagated by cuttings 
or from seed. Introduced in 1862. 


Be'rberis. The Barberry. From berberys, its 
Arabian name. Nat. Ord. Berberidacee. 
There are several varieties of the common 
Barberry, all of which are ornamental shrubs, 
easily propagated by cuttings or layers, and 
well adapted for a large lawn, especially the 
purple-leaved variety. They thrive best in 
rather a light, sandy soil. The fruit is acid 
and highly esteemed for preserving, and for 
this purpose the seedless variety, B. vulgaris 
asperina, is mostly preferred. This variety is 
a native of Europe. B. Darwinii, introduced 
from Chili in 1849, is one of the most beautiful 
of the genus. It forms a densely spreading 
bush with very numerous racemes of bright 
orange colored flowers. 


Berche’/mia. Named after M. Berchem, a French 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Rhamnacew. 

B. volubilis is a common climbing shrub in 
the swamps of Virginia and the Carolinas, 
where it is popularly known as Supple-Jack, 
because of its lithe, tough stems. In foreign 
countries it is cultivated as an ornamental 
climber, but in dry soils it rarely grows more 
than eight or ten feet in height. 

Berkhey’a. See Stobaa. 


Bergamot A common name for,Mentha citrata. 
American Wild. Monarda fistulosa. 
Medicinal. Citrus Bergamia var. vulgaris. 


Bermuda Grass. See Cynodon Dactylon. 
Bermuda Lily. See Lilium Harrisii. 


Bertholle'tia. Brazil Nut. Named after L. C. 
Berthollet, a distinguished chemist. Nat. Ord. 
Myriacee. 

B. excelsa, the tree that bears the Brazil Nuts 
of commerce, is the only species of this genus, 
and is one of the most majestic trees in 
the Brazilian forests. It often attains a height 
of 150 feet, and has a diameter of from three 
to four feet at the base. It is found in the 
greatest abundance in the forests on the 
banks of the Amazon, and itis also common in 
Central America, and in several of the States 
of South America. The nuts are incased ina 
shell from four to six inches in diameter, which 
is extremely hard. Each shell contains about 
twenty nuts. So enormous is the weight of 
this fruit, that at the period when it falls the 
natives dare not enter the forests without 
covering ‘their heads and shoulders with a 
strong buckler of wood. The time for collect- 
ing these nuts is in winter, when the Indians, 
in great numbers, ascend the rivers to obtain 
their harvest of nuts, upon which they depend 
for the year’s subsistence. When the nuts are 
spread on the ground all the animals of the 
forest surround them and dispute their pos- 
session. The Indians say itis the feast of the 
animals as well as themselves, but they are 
angry with their rivalry. The gathering of 
the nuts is celebrated with rejoicings, like the 
‘Harvest Home” of Old England. About 
once in tive years another species or variety 
is seen in small quantities in a few of the fruit 
stores of New York. It is of a lighter color, 
much less angular, less oily, and very much 
finer in quality than the common Brazil Nut. 


- BET 


It is called the Paradise Nut, and is quite dis- 
tinct. It is said to grow in the interior of the 
country, and is gathered by the Indians, and 
brought to the coast, which they visit at long 
intervals for the purpose of trade. 


Bertolo‘nia. In honor of A. Bertoloni, an 
Italian botanist. Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. 

A genus of very pretty trailing or creeping 
plants, natives of the dense forests of Brazil. 
B. maculata, typical of the genus, is an exceed- 
ingly beautiful hot-house creeper. The leaves 
are spotted on the surface,-and purple under- 
neath. Itrequires a warm, moist atmosphere, 
and is readily increased by cuttings. Intro- 
duced in 1848. 


Beschorme'ria. A genus of Agave-like Amaryl- 
lidaceous plants, allied to Littwa, and Four- 
croya. B. tubifiora, and B. yuccoides, are 
highly ornamental species, very useful for 
lawn decoration in summer. 


Besle'ria. Erect, dwarf, branching plants, bear- 
ing yellow, white, or purple flowers and scar- 
let or purple berries, introduced from tropical 
America and belonging to the Nat. Ord. Ges- 
neracee. : 

They are very pretty stove shrubs, requir- 
ing a moist, warm atmosphere, and are 
readily increased by cuttings. 

Besse'ra. Named after Dr. Besser, professor of 
botany at Brody. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small genus of very beautiful Mexican 
bulbs, allied to the Squills. The flowers are 
scarlet, purple, or white, produced on slender 
scapes about a foot high. They may be 
grown in a frame, like half-hardy bulbs, but it 
is less trouble to treat them the same as the 
Tigridia. The bulbs must be kept warm and 
dry during the winter, if taken up Propa- 
gated by offsets. Introduced in 1846. 


Be'ta. Beet. From bett, the Celtic word for 
red; in reference to the red color of the Beet. 
Nat. Ord. Chenopodiaceae. 

The several species included in this genus 
are natives of Europe, Northern Africa, and 
Western Asia. Four of the species are culti- 
vated as esculents; the others are of no par- 
ticular interest. B. vulgaris, the parent of 
our garden varieties, is a native of Egypt and 
along the whole sea-coast of the Mediterranean, 
and is now found growing wild in those locali- 
ties. The Beet has been highly esteemed as 
a garden vegetable for more than 2,000 years, 
and is specially noticed by all the early writers 
on plants. The roots of the Beet have been 
much improved by cultivation, both as regards 
size and quality, and long ago they arrived at 
that state of perfection beyond which pro- 
gress in the line of improvement must, of 
necessity, be slow. The several varieties of 
Mangel-wurzel and Sugar Beet, now grown so 
extensively in Europe, belong to the species 
B. vulgaris var. macrorhiza. The Chard Beet, 
or Swiss Chard, is B. cycla, a native of 
Portugal, first introduced into English gar- 
dens in 1670. It is extensively cultivated 
in the gardens of Europe, and forms one 
of the principal vegetables of the laboring 
class, the leaves only being used. They are 
stripped off and boiled as a substitute for 
Spinach. The rib of the leaf, which is strong 
and fleshy, is sometimes dressed as Aspar- 
agus. Sea Beet is B. maritima, a species:of 
easy culture, used for greens only, and one of 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 49 


BET 


the best plants under cultivation for that 
use. It is a nativeof the British. coasts. 
The Chilian Beet, B. Chiliensis, a species of 
recent introduction, a native of Chili, as its 
name implies, is becoming popular for orna- 
mental gardening, particularly for large rib- 
bon borders, the two varieties, one with 
bright yellow, the other with crimson foliage, 
contrasting finely with other-plants. 


Betony. The common name of: Stachys Be- 
~ tonica. 


Be'tula. Birch. ~ From its Celtic name, betu. 
Nat. Ord. Betulacee. 

An extensive genus of deciduous trees, com- 
mon in all the cold and inhospitable climates. 
Some of the species are the last trees found 
aS we approach the snow in the most elevated 
districts. Thi: genus is largely represented 
in our Northern States by B. alba, the com- 
mon White Birch. which, from the tremulous 
habit of the foliage, is in some localities called 
Poplar Birch. This species is remarkable for 
its elegance. It seldom divides the main 
stem, which extends to the summit of the tree, 
giving out from all parts numerous slender 
branches, forming a very neat and beautiful 
spray of a dark chocolate color, contrasting 
finely with the whiteness of the trunk. When 
grown as a single specimen, this tree assumes 
a beautiful pyramidal form, making a moder- 
ate-sized tree of great beauty. B. lenta is the 
Black or Cherry Birch, so named from its 
resemblance to the American Black Cherries. 
The bark of the young twigs of this species 
has a sweet, aromatic taste. The wood is 
dark rose color, fine-grained, and much used 
in fine cabinet work. There are several other 
native species common in our Northern States, 
all interesting, mostly low-growing trees or 
large shrubs. 

Beurre’. A general name applied to a class of 
dessert Pears, which have.their flesh of what 
is called a buttery texture, as the name itself 
indicates. 

Bi. In compounds signifies twice; as Bicolor, 
two-colored ; Bidentate, with two teeth. 

Bidens. The botanical name of the well-known 
Beggar’s Ticks. 

Bidwi'llia. Named after Mr. Bidwill, of Sydney, 
an ardent cultivator of bulbs. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 

A small genus of Australian and Peruvian 
bulbs, allied to Anthericum. The flowers 
are white, borne in racemes, and differing but 
little from the Asphodelus. Propagated by 
offsets. 

Biennial. . Lasting two years. A biennial plant 
requires two years to form its flowers and 
fruit; growing one year, and flowering, fruit- 
ing and dying the next. This, however, is 
not true of all climates. Many plants that are 
classed as biennials in England, when sown 
in the southern parts of the United States, or 
in a hot-bed in March, at the North, and 
planted out in summer, will flower, seed, and 
die just as many annuals do. 

Bifrena'ria. From bis, twice, and frenum, a 
strap; in reference to the double strap, or 
band, by means of which the pollen masses 
are connected with their gland. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

‘A genus of pretty orchids, closely allied to 
Mazillaria, differing very slightly from that 


et 


BIL 


genus, and succeeding well under the same 
treatment. B. Harrisoniw, a very beautiful 
white species, with a purple lip, is known in 
cultivation under the following synonyms: 
Colax, Dendrobium, Lycaste, and Mazillaria 
Harrisonie. 


Bigno/nia. Trumpet Creeper. Named after 
Abbé Bignon, librarian to Louis XIV. Nat. 
Ord. Bignoniacee. 

An extensive genus of highly ornamental 
plants, and the type of an order equally beauti- 
ful. Most of the species are hot-house 
climbers, though a few assume a more arbo- 
rescent character. B. capreolata, a native of 
Florida, is sufficiently hardy to withstand our 
severest weather when trained against a wall. 
The flowers of all are large and showy, pro- 
duced in panicles, and are of* various colors, 
red, blue, white, or yellow. They should be 
grown in rich loam, in a sunny position, or 
they will not flower well. Introduced in 1820. 
B. radicans, is a synonym of Tecoma radicans, 
which see. 

B. Venusta, one of the most beautiful of the 
genus, is particularly suited for large green- 
houses, for training on rafters, or festooning 
between pillars, etc. Producing its rich, 
orange-red flowers in clusters, in great pro- 
fusion, during the winter months, makes it 
still more desirable. B. magnifica, with flow- 
ers varying from delicate mauve to rich pur- 
plish crimson, introduced from Columbia in 
1879, is another very handsome and showy 
species, flowering in summer. 


Bignonia’cez. A large order of trees, or twin- 
ing shrubby plants, with usually opposite 
compound leaves, and showy, often trumpet- 
shaped flowers. The plants are found in the 
tropical regions of both hemispheres, but most 
largely in the eastern. In America they 
extend from Pennsylvania in the North to 
Chili in the South. Some yield dyes, and 
others supply timber. There are forty-six 
genera, and over 450 known species. Bignonia, 
Catalpa, Tecoma and Eccromocarpus are rep- 
resentative genera. 


Big-Root. See Megarrhiza. 


Billardie’ra. Apple Berry. Named after Labil- 
lardiére, a French botanist. Nat. Ord. Pittos- 
poracee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
climbers, natives of Australia and Tasmania. 
The species are not remarkable for beauty of 
plant or flower, but are highly esteemed for 
their sub-acid fruit, which is pleasant and 
wholesome. The fruit is a small berry, either 
blue or amber-colored. Propagated by cut- 
tings. 


Billbe’rgia. Named after Billberg, a Swedish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacee. 
_ These are handsome plants when well grown. 
The colors of the flowers are at once rich, 
vivid, and delicate, and are usually contrasted 
in the highest manner by the equally bright. 
tints of the colored bracts. They should be 
grown in pots of rich loam, in a warm green- 
house, or plunged into an active hot-bed until 
the growth is completed, when a cooler and 
drier place, as on a shelf of the hot-house, 
will induce them to flower freely. Propagated 
by suckers. Introduced from Brazil in 1825. 


Billberry. See Vaccinium. 
Bilstead. A common nameof the Liquidambar. 


50 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BIN 


Binding Plants. A name that may be given 40 
such plants, the roots of which are useful for 
binding the soil on the banks of reservoirs, 
aqueducts, etc., as well as the loose send- 
banks on exposed shores or wastes. Various 
species of Willows, Raspberries, Blackberries, 
Vacciniums, and with strong spreading roots, 
are useful for the former. Alsike Clover is 
also well suited for this purpose, its long, 
fibrous roots holding the soil well together. 
The Bermuda Grass, Cynodon Dactylon, is 
also exceedingly valuable anywhere south of 
Virginia, and with Ammophila or Calamagrostis 
arenaria, is invaluable for binding loose sand 
on exposed sea-shores and water-courses. (See 
Ammophila). Ampelopsis Veitchii, the Japan 
or Boston Ivy, has also been found useful for 
planting on railroad cuttings and embank- 
ments to prevent loose rocks from falling on 
the tracks. : 


Bindweed. A popular name for Convolvulus 
arvensis. 


Birch. See Betula. 

Bird Cherry. See Cerasus Padus. 

Bird of Paradise. A name applied to the flowers 
of the Strelitzia Regine, from their supposed 
resemblance. 

Bird Pepper. Capsicum baccatum. 

Bird’s Bill. Trigonella ornithorrhynchus. 

Bird’s Foot, or Bird’s Foot Trefoil. Lotus corn- 
iculatus. : 

Bird’s-nest. Daucus Carota, or Wild Carrot. 

Bird’s-nest Fem. Asplenium Nidus. 

Birth-root. Trillium erectum. 

Birth-wort. The genus Aristolochia. 

Bishop’s Cap, or Mitre-wort. The genus 
Mitella. 

Bishop’s-wort. Stachys Betonica. 

Bishop-weed. See Agopodium podograria. 

Bismarkia. In honor of the German statesman. 
An imperfectly-known genus of Palmacea, of 
which B. nobilis is the only species. It isa 
very ornamental plant, with the appearance 
and habit of a Pritchardia. Introduced from 
Madagascar in 1886. 

Bitter Almond. Amygdalus communis. 

Bitter Apple. Cucumis Colocynthis. 

Bitter Cress. The genus Cardamine. 

Bitter Nut, or Swamp Hickory. Carya amara. 

Bitter Root. Lewisia rediviva. 

Bitter Sweet. A popular name for Celastrus 
scandens; also applied to Solanum Dulcamara. 

Bitter Vetch. The genus Orobus. 

Bitter Weed. Ambrosia artemisiafolia. 

Bi/xa. Arnatto. Its native South American 
name. Nat. Ord. Flacourtiacee. 

South American trees, or shrubs, B. Orel- 
lana, commonly known as the Arnatto tree, 
is a native of tropical America, the West 
Indies, Sumatra, and Java, and is much valued 
because of the coloring matter which is pro- 
cured from the pulp that surrounds the seeds, 
and which is an important article of com- 
merce. It seldom attains to more than twelve 
feet in height. The leaves are of a deeper 
green on one side than on the other, and are 
divided by fibres of a reddish-brown color; 
they are four inches long, broad at the base, 


BLA 
and tend to a sharp point. The stem has 
likewise fibres, which, in Jamacia, are con- 
verted into serviceable ropes. The tree pro- 
duces oblong, bristled pods, somewhat re- 
sembling those of achestnut. These, at first, 
are of a beautiful rose-color; but, as they 
ripen, change to a dark-brown, and bursting 
open, display a splendid crimson farina, or 
pulp, in which are contained thirty or forty 
seeds, in shape similar to raisin stones. This 
pulp is separated by throwing the freshly- 
gathered seeds into a tub of water, and stir- 
ring them until the red matter is detached. 
when it is strained off and evaporated to the 
consistency of putty. In this state it is made 
up into rolls, and is ready for market. This 
drug is usedin coloring cheese, butter, and for 
inferior chocolates. It is also used by silk- 
dyers; and by varnish-makers, for imparting 
a rich orange tint to some kinds of varnish. 
Bixi’nez, or Bixa’cee. A name sometimes 
given to the order Flacourtiacew, which see. 
Black Alder, or Winter-berry. Prinos Verti- 
cillata. 
Black-berry. See Rubus. 
Black-berry Lily. See Pardanthus. 
Black Bind-weed. Polygonum Convolvulus. 
Black Bryony. See Tamus. 
Black Gum, or Sour Gum. Nyssa multiflora. 
Black Haw. Viburnum prunifolium. 
Black Horehound. Balotia nigra. 
Black Jack, or Barren Oak. Quercus nigra. 
Black Moss, or Fiorida Moss. Tillandsia 
usneoides. 
Black Mustard. See Sinapis nigra. 
Black Oat Grass. Stipa avenacea. 
Black Oyster Plant. See Scorzonera His- 
- panica. 
Black Pepper. See Piper nigrum. 
Black Snake Root. Sanicula Marilandica. 
Black Thorn. Prunus spinosa, also Crategus 
tomentosa. 
Black Varnish Tree. Melanorrhea usitatissima. 
Bladder-wort. The genus Utricularia. 
Bladder Catch-fly. Silene inflata. 
Bladder Nut. Staphylea trifoliata, and S. pin- 
nata. 

Bladder Senna. 
borescens. 
Blanching. This process is effected for the 
purpose of obtaining crispness, and for con- 
verting what would, under ordinary circum- 
stances, be a dangerous plant—in the case of 
Celery especially so—into ahighly popular deli- 
eacy. Blanching can only be accomplished by 
entirely excluding the light from the plants, 
thus depriving the coloring matters of their 
power to decompose water and carbonic acid 

gas. 


Blandfo'rdia. Named in honor of George, Mar- 
quis of Blandford. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 
Beautiful green-house bulbs from New South 

Wales. They should be grown in large pots 

filled with leaf mould, loam and sand, placed 

in the green-house, and, if properly attended 
to with water, will flower freely. The flowers 

are crimson or orange. Introduced in 1812. 

Propagated by seeds and offsets. 


Colutea herbacea, and C. ar- 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 51 


BLA 
Blazing Star. Acommon name of Listris squar- 
rosa, and also given to Chameliriwm luteum. 


Ble’chnum. From blechnon, a Greek name for 
aFern. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A considerable genus of Ferns of the same 
group as Lomaria, the distinction between the 
two consisting in the fructification of Lom- 
aria being marginal, ‘and that of Blechnum 
being within the margin. The genus contains 
a considerable number of species, which are 
abundant in tropical countries ; South America 
and the West Indian Islands having contrib- 
uted the greatest number. 


Bleeding Heart. The popular name of Dielytra 
(Diclytra, Dicentra) spectabilis. 

Blephi'lia. A genus of uninteresting herbs, 
nearly aliied to Monarda, Horse-mint, common 
in the southern and western States. 


Blessed Thistle. Cnicus benedictus. A genus 
of Thistles, natives of the Levant and Persia. 
Naturalized and common on ths roadsides in 
the southern States; now called by some 
authors, Carbenia benedicta. 


Ble’tia. Named after a Spanish botanist of the 
name of Blet. Nat. Ord. Orchidacev. 

Pretty, tuberous-rooted, terrestrial Orchids, 
which produce large spikes of shaded purple 
flowers and require to be grown in pots of :i- 
pbrous loam and ieaf mould. A somewhat high 
temperature, say 70° or 75°, with plenty of 
moisture while they are growing, and a consid- 
erable reduction of both as soon as it is com- 
pleted, is necessary to cultivate them in per- 
fection. They are increased by means. of 
offsets. Introduced from Mexico in 1822. B. 
Tankervillie, is now included under Phaius, 
which see. 

Bli/ghia. Named in honor of Capt. Bligh, who 
first carried the bread-fruit to the West 
Indies. Nat. Ord. Sapindacee. 

This is called the Akee Tree, and is a plant 
much esteemed in Africa and the West Indies 
on account ofits fruit, which is as large as a 
goose’s egg, and of a reddish or yellow color. 
This fruit contains several large seeds, the 
coating of which is eaten; itis said to possess 
an agreeable sub-acid taste, very grateful to 
the palate. Syn. Cupania. 

Blight. As used by cultivators this term is of 
vague significance. It is applied to those 
diseases of grain, etc., which usually depend 
upon the presence of parasitic Fungi. The 

-Pear Blight so destructive to pear trees for 
many years past, is now generally believed to 
be owing to the presence of a Fungus, 
though not a few still believe that it is to be 
attributed to a diseased condition of the sap. 
There have been several theories put forth to 
account for this destructive disease, and the 
subject still remains more or less a mystery. 
Insects have also been charged with producing 
the disease; but whatever the cause, all know 
the results to be only too fatal, and, thus far, 
withoutremedy. Blight is not confined to the 
field and the orchard, but also finds its way to 
plants in the garden. If Fungi are not the 
cause of the disease, they may be said to be 
always present as a result. 

Blind Shoots. A term given to such shoots as 
do not show flower buds. 

Blood Flower. The common name for Ha- 

manthus. ; 
West Indian. Asclepias curassavica. 


Ba 


Blood Root. See Sanguinaria Canadense. 


Blood Weod. Australian. Hucalyptus corym- 
bosa. 


E. Indian. Lagerstremia Regine. 


Blue Bells. Campanula rotundifolia, and Scilla 
nutans. 


Blue-berry. Vaccinium Pennsylvanicum, etc. 
Blue-bottle. Centaurea cyanus. 


Blue Cohosh. A popular name of Caulophyllum 
thalictroides, also called the Pappoose root. 


Blue Curis. A popular name for the genus 
Trichostema. 


Biue Daisy. Agathea calestis and Aster Tripo- 
lium. 


Blue-eyed Grass. Sisyrinchium Bermudianum. 
Blue Flag. Iris versicolor. 

Blue Grass. Kentucky. See Poa pratensis. 
Blue Gum. See ELucalyptus globulus. 

Blue Palmetto. See Rhapidophyllum. 

Blue Pea. See Clitoria ternatea. 


Blue Tangle. Dangleberry, Huckleberry. Gay- 
lussacia frondosa. 


Bluets. Common name for Houstonia c@rulea; 
also the French name for Centaurea Cyanus. 


Blue Weed, or Viper’s Bugioss. Hchiwm vul- 
gure, 


Blumenba’chia. In honor of Dr. Blumenbach, 
of Géttingen, a distinguished comparative 
anatomist. Nat. Ord. Loasacew. 

Elegant branched climbing or trailing, an- 
nual, biennial, or perennial herbs, with large 
white or yellow flowers, and generally covered 
wu stinging hairs, which are very objection- 
able. ‘ 

Bocco’nia. Named after P. Bocconi, M.D., a 
Sicilian. Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. 

B. cordata, the only species adapted for the 
bordez, is a handsome, hardy herbaceous 
plant, a small clump or single specimen of 
which would take high rank among ornamen- 
tal-leaved plants, but unfortunately, it refuses 
to be kept within bounds, and will, when once 
established, not only take possession of the 
border, but the lawn as well; and for this 
reason, notwithstanding its great beauty, it 
should not be planted on the lawn. Syns. 
B. japonica and Macleaya yedoénsis. 

Boehme’ria. Ramee or Ramie. In memory of 
George Rudolph Behmer, a German botanist. 
Nat. Ord. Urticacee. 

A genus of herbaceous plants or shrubs, 
allied to the true Nettles, but differing from 
them in not having stinging hairs. The most 
interesting species is B. nivea, the Chinese 
Grass-cloth Plant. It is a small, shrubby 
plant, about three or four feet high, throwing 
up numerous straight shoots, which are 
about as thick as the little finger, and covered 
with soft short hairs. Its leaves grow on 
long hairy footstalks, and are broadly heart- 
shaped, about six inches long and four broad. 
They are of a deep green color on the upper 
side, but covered on the under side witha 
dense coating of white down, which gives 
them an appearance like that of frosted silver. 
The beautiful fabric known as Grass-cloth, 
which rivals the finest cambric in softness of 
texture, is manufactured from the fiber ob- 
tained from the inner bark of this plant. The 
Chinese bestow an immense amount of care 


52 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BOG 


and labor upon its cultivation and the prep- 
aration of its fiber. They obtain three crops 
of its stems annually, the second being con- 
sidered the best. To obtain the fiber, the 
bark is stripped off in two long pieces and 
carefully scraped with a knife, so as to get rid 
of all useless matter, after whichit is softened 
and separated into fine filaments either by 
steeping it in hot water or holding it over 
steam. This plant has been introduced into 
the Southern States, where it grows freely; 
but the difficulty in separating the fiber so as 
to make its production profitable, has yet to 
be overcome. 

Bog Asphodel. See Narthecium. 

Bog Moss. See Sphagnum. 

Bog Myrtle. Myrica Gale. 

Bog Rusk. Juncus. Common in all marshy 
grounds or swamps. 

Boilera, Greenhouse. See Heating. 

Bokhara Ciover. One of the popular names of 
Melilotus Alba; an excellent Bee-food plant all 
season. 


Bolbophy’llum. From bolbos, a bulb, and phyl- 


lon, a leaf; referring to the leaves issuing 
from the apex of the pseudo-bulbs. Nat. Ord. 


Orchidacew. 

A genus of dwarf epiphytal Orchids from 
Africa and the East Indies, more curious 
than beautiful. Flowers large, single or in 
pairs; color, yellow or white, with purple 
spots or stripes. Not often seen in collections. 
Syn. Bulbophyllum. 


Bo'llea. Derivation of name not given. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidacew. 

Asmall genus of epiphytal Orchids, consist- 
ing of only two species, natives of New Gren- 
ada. ° They are showy plants, with radical 
foliage, from the base of which the flowers are 
“produced on single scapes. The flowers are 
shaded pink, with a bright yellow lip. They 
require to be grown in pots of Moss, in rather 
a warm house, and are increased by division. 
Placed by some authors under Zygepetalum. 


Bolto’nia. A genus of threes species belonging 

’ tothe Composite family, and peculiar to North 
America, where they extend from Canada to 
the Southern States. They produce an abun- 
dance of flower heads with whitish or purplish 
rays, very much like the Asters to which 
genus they might at first glance be referred. 
They are well worth a place in the mixed 
border. i 


Boma’rea. Derivation of name not given. Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A somewhat extensive genus of tuberous- 
rooted plants, formerly included in the genus 
Alstremeria, and differing only in the fruit. 
The species abound inthe Peruvian Andes, 
and are common in other high elevations in 
South America. B. edulis is a West Indian 
species, the roots of which are eaten like those 
of the Jerusalem Artichoke. For culture 
and propagation see Alstrameria. 


Bo'’mbax. Silk Cotton Tree. From bombac, 
cotton ; in reference tothe woolly hairs which 
envelop the seed, like those of the Cotton- 
plant. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacea. 

A genus of tall growing trees, that abound 
in South America and the East and West 
Indies. B. Ceiba, a typical species, has a 
spiny trunk, and is one of the tallest trees of 


BOR 


both Indies, but the wood is very lightand not 
much valued exceptfor canoes. Their trunks 
are so large, that when hollowed out they make 
very large ones, so that in the West Indies 
they frequently carry from fifteen to twenty 
hogsheads of sugar, of from six to twelve 
hundred pounds each. The cotton which is 
enclosed in the seed-vesselsy is seldom used, 
except by the poorer inhabitant, to stuff pil- 
lows or chairs; and it is generally thought 
unwholesome to lie upon. 


Bonapa’rtea. Named in honor of Napoleon 
Bonaparte. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacee. 

A genus remarkable for the gracefulness of 
their long, rush-like leaves. They are well 
adapted for growing in vases out of doors in 
summer. They require a warm house in 
winter. Propagated by seeds. Introduced 
from Mexico in 1828. 

B. juncea has been placed under the genus 
Agave, as A. geminiflora, by. some hotanists. 


Bone Dust. One of the safest and best of con- 
centrated fertilizers. When used broadcast, it 
should be sown on the soil after digging or 
plowing, just thick enough to cover it with a 
thin layer, about as thickly as sawdust or 
sand is used on a floor. If used on dug 
ground, it should be well chopped and mixed 
through the soil, so as to mix it to a depth of 
five or six inches. If on ground that has been 
plowed, a thorough harrowing will mix it to 
the required depth. This thickness will re- 
quire at the rate of from ‘fifteen hundred to 
twenty-five hundred pounds per acre. If to 
be used in drills or ‘‘hills,” or only where 
seed are to be sown or plants planted, and 
not over the whole ground, it will take only 
about from one hundred and fifty to three 
hundred pounds per acre, which should be 
mixed in the soil in the same manner. 


Boneset. See Hupatorium. 


Bonne'tia. Named after C. Bonnet, a disting- 
uished naturalist. Nat. Ord. Ternstromiacea. 
A small genus of Brazilian and Peruvian 
shrubs or low growing trees, the flowers of 
which are mostly white, nearly as large as 
those of a Camellia and are produced singly 
and in panicles. The leaves of B. paniculata, 
have an agreeable aromatic smell when 
bruised. 


Bonus Henricus, Good King Henry. Cheno- 
podium Bonus Henricus. 


Boraginaceae. A large order of herbs or 
shrubs, having spirally coiled inflorescence, 
round stems and alternate rough leaves. 
The fruit consists of distinct seeds without 
albumen. The plants are principally natives 
of northern temperate regions. They are 
found in southern Europe, the Levant, and 
Central Asia. In high northern latitudes 
they are less frequent, and nearly dis- 
appear within the tropics. The plants 
abound in mucilaginous and demulcent quali- 
ties. Some yield dyes, as Alkanet (Anchusa 
tinctoria). The common Borage (Borago 
officinalis), when steeped in water, imparts 
coolness to it, and is used in the beverage 
called cold tankard. The leaves of Mertensia 
maritima have the taste of Oysters, whence the 
common name of Oyster Plant. The species 
of Myosotis are universally prized under the 
name of Forget-me-not. There are fifty- 
eight known genera of this order, and over 


52 


BOUVARDIAS, 


BIGNONIA. 


BORASSUS (PALMYRA PALM.) 


BORAGO OFFICINALIS. 


BORECOLE (DWARF GREEN CURLED SCOTCH, KALE). 


BRUGMANSIA SUAVEOLENS. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 53 


BOR 


six hundred species. Myosotis, Borago, 
Cynoglossum, Lithospermum, Cerinthe, Symphy- 
see and Anchusa, are examples of this 
order. 


Bora’go. Borage. Altered from cor, heart, and 
ago, to affect; referring to the cordial quali- 
ities of the herbs. Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. 

Hardy annual and perennial herbs, common 
throughout Europe. The leaves of B. officinalis 
are sometimes used in salads or boiled as 
spinach. The spikes of flowers are aromatic, 
and sometimes used in cooling drinks. All 
the species are easily cultivated and are admir- 
ably adapted for naturalizing in dry, stony 
places. They also afford excellent food for 
bees during the whole season. 


Bora’ssus. Palmyra Palm. Linneus applied 
this name to the spathe of the date-palm. Nat. 
Ord. Palmace. _ 

A genus of magnificent Palms, consisting of 
two species only, which have a wide geo- 
graphical distribution, ranging from the 
north-eastern parts of Arabia, through the 
Indian Ocean, and the southern parts of 
Hindostan, to the Bay of Bengal. The 
number of Palmyras in the Jaffua peninsula 
and adjacent islands alone has been estimated 
at nearly six million and a half, being at the 
rate of thirty-two trees for each of the popu- 
lation. The utility of the plant is commensu- 
rate with its extended dispersion, a providen- 
tial arrangement in the economy of nature, of 
which the food-plants afford many instructive 

‘examples. This plant is believed to yield one- 
fourth part of the food of about 250,000 in- 
habitants of the northern provinces of Ceylon, 
while it forms the chief support of six or 
seven millions of the people of India and other 
parts of Asia; thus, remarks Seeman in his 
History of Palms, “proving itself one of 
the most important plants on earth, rival- 
ing the date-tree, and ranking only below 
the cocoa-nut palm in usefulness.” The 
fronds give shelter to scores of animals by 
night and day, besides affording a refreshing 
supply of moisture, the grooves of the petioles 
and the construction of the leaves being 
peculiarly suitable for conveying and retain- 
ing rain. The same causes attract orchids 
and other epiphytes, and ferns, which find 
their conditions of growth on the stem; and 
various species of the fig, including the true 
banyan-tree, are found in living embrace with 
the Palmyra. In the Botanic Garden -at 
Calcutta a banyan sprang from the crown of a 
palm where the seed had been deposited by a 
bird, and, sending its roots down to the earth 
through the palm-stem, destroyed and replaced 
it. But in the region of the Palmyra, the 
banyan often becomes the foster-mother of 
that beautiful and serviceable plant. One of 
the largest banyans of Ceylon, the resort of 
pleasure parties from Jaffua, has two or three 
Palmyras growing in it, the united trees cover- 
ing one and one-twelfth acres of ground. The 
cocoa palm is celebrated for its 365 uses; a 
poem in the Tamil language extols the Palmyra 
for 800 purposes to which it can be applied, 
without exhausting the catalogue. The roots 
yield a medicine; the young plants are used 
for food, prepared in various ways; the wood 

' gerves innumerable purposes, in building and 

furnishing houses, and for the manufacture of 

umbrella handles, walking-canes, fancy boxes, 


BOR 


and for hundreds “of other small articles; 
fields are fenced with the mid-rib of its leaves, 
the decayed leaves furnish good manure for 
the soil; mats are made of the leaves, and are 
used instead of carpets on the floors, for 
ceilings, for drying coffee upon ; baskets, bags, 
hats, caps, fans, in short, everything manu- 
factured of wood or straw, is also produced 
from some part or parts of this palm. 
The plants reach maturity about the tweltth 
or fifteenth year. Then they yield a toddy, 
‘‘a beverage almost as famous for its use 
as for its abuse.” The fruit of this palm 
is sometimes eaten raw, but more generally 
roasted, and is in great repute by the natives, 
who assemble together under the shade of 
a tree, light a fire, squat around it, sucking 
the pulp out of the fibres of the roasted 
fruits, tearing them asunder with nails 
and teeth in the most approved style, 
and presenting a truly oriental spectacle 
of gustative enjoyment. A full grown Palmyra 
is from sixty to seventy feet high: the trunk 
at the bottom is about five and a half feet, and 
at the top, two and a half feet in circumference. 


Borders. Flower. A flower-border is generally 


a continuous bed of greater length than width, 
skirting a shrubbery or fence, and containing 
plants of a mixed character. It should be 
thoroughly drained, well manured, and raised 
slightly above the surrounding level. No 
rules can be laid down as to the arrangement 
of the plants, which of course depends on indi- 
vidual taste ; all formal lines, however, should 
be avoided, the taller plants either singly or 
in groups forming the back-ground, with the 
dwarfer subjects in front. As the object 
should be to obtain a continuous succession of 
bloom, the best results will be obtained when 
the border is made up mainly, of herbaceous 
perennials as permanent occupants, with a 
liberal admixture of hardy spring-blooming 
bulbs, such as Narcissus, Snow-drops, Tulips, 
Scillas, etc., assisted by quantities of summer 
blooming plants, Lantanas, Geraniums, 
Dahlias, Heliotrope, etc. Many sorts of hardy 
annuals are useful to fill up vacant places, and 
assist largely to keep up a succession of bloom 
till frost comes. See Herbaceous Plants. 


Borbo’nia. A genus of ornamental green- 
house evergreen shrubs belonging to the pea- 
flowered section of Leguminose, and num- 
bering some thirteen species, all natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope. The flowers are gener- 
ally yellow, borne in terminal heads. They 
require cool green-house treatment and are 
propagated by cuttings. 

Borecole. Kale. Brassica oleracea fimbriuta. 
The chief characteristic of the Borecoles or 
Kales consists in their not producing heads 
like the Cabbage, or eatable flowers like the 
Cauliflower or Broccoli, and by their beauti- 
fully cut and curled leaves, which are of a 
green or purple color, or variegated with 
red, green, or yellow. Several of the sub- 
varieties are known in our markets, and ex- 
tensively grown by market gardeners, the 
most popular being the dwarf green curled 
Scotch, the brown or purple German curled; 
and for early spring use, the Siberian Kale or 
‘*Sprouts.” The Borecole is a native of the 
British coasts and the north of Europe. The 
garden varieties are not many removes from 
the species. 


54 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BOR 


Boro/nia. Named after Boroni, an Italian 
attendant of Dr. Sibthorp. Nat. Ord. Rutacea. 
- A genus of elegant green-house shrubs 
from New Holland. The flowers are pink or 
whitish. They are very elegant and useful 
shrubs, requiring the same treatment as 
ordinary hard-wooded green-house plants, 
being much aided by a little extra heat in 
spring when starting into growth. Propa- 
gated by cuttings. 


Bossize’a. Named after M. Bossier Lamartiniére, 
a French botanist, who accompanied the 
unfortunate La Peyrouse round the world. 
Elegant Australian green-house shrubs of the 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

Flowers yellow or yellow and purple, B. 
linophylla, B. rotundifolia, B. cinerea (Syn. B. 
tenuicaulis), and others of the genus are highly 
ornamental, and no green-house collection of 
any pretensions is to be found without some 
ofthem. Propagation by cuttings or seeds. 


Boswe'llia. Olibanum Tree. Ornamental and 
economic evergreen trees of the Nat. Ord. 
Burseracee. 

These trees are remarkable as furnishing a 
gum-resin. B. glabra is used in India in 
place of pitch; B. thurifera, known also as B. 
serrata, a very common tree in Coromandel, 
furnishes the resin known as Indian Olibanum, 
which is supposed to have been the Frankin- 
cense of the Ancients, and is still employed 
for its grateful perfumes as incense in the 
Roman Catholic churches. 


Botry’chium. Moonwort. From _ botrys, a 
bunch; in reference to the bunch-like form of 
the fructification forming a separate branch 
on frond. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea. 

A genus of hardy ferns, composed of about a 
dozen species, found in nearly all countries 
except Africa. B. lunaria, Moonwort, is 
found rarely in the North and West. B. Vir- 
ginica is a very beautiful and ornamental 
native species, easily transplanted to the 
hardy fernery. Many of the other species are 
common in rich woods. 

Bottle-brusk. Hqwisetum sylvaticum, E. arvense, 
and Hippuris vulgaris. 

Bottle-brush Flowers. The flowers of Beau- 
fortia splendens, Melaleuca hypericifolia, Metro- 
sideros floribunda, and some species of Callis- 
temon. : 

Bottle-gourd. Lagonaria vulgaris. 

Bottle-grass. One of the common names of 
Setariu. 

Bottle-tree, Australian. Brachychiton (Dela- 
bechea) rupestris. 

Bougainvi'llea. Named after the French navi- 
gator De Bougainville. Nat. Ord. Nyctagi- 
NACee. 

Gorgeous warm green-house or conserva- 
tory plants, comprising some of the most 
showy climbers in cultivation. Their beauty 
lies in the showy rose-colored bracts which 
envelop the small greenish flowers. Those 
of B. spectabilis, are singularly handsome. 
B. glabra may be grown in pots but the other 
species require more room and are best 
planted out in the green-house border. Na- 
tives of South America; easily increased by 
cuttings. 

Bouncing Bet. 


A popular name of Saponaria 
officinalis. : 


BOU 


Bouquets, Baskets of Flowers, etc. Bouquet 
making is (or at least ought to be) the art of 
arranging cut flowers. 

Many people decry the artificial arrangement 
of flowers, but how shall we otherwise use 
them to advantage? The moment we begin 
to tie them together we leave nature, and 
ought to du so only to study art. In their 
simplest arrangement, form and color must 
be studied to produce the best effect, and 
whoever best accomplishes this, will surely 
succeed in displaying his flowers to the best 
advantage. 

Probably the simplest, easiest, and com- 
monly the most desirable, method of using 
cut flowers is arranging them in vases. The 
more loosely and unconfused, the better. 
Crowding is particularly to be avoided, and to 
accomplish this readily a good base of greens. 
is required, to keep the flowers apart. This 
filling up is a very important part in all 
bouquet making, and the neglect of it is the 
greatest stumbling-block of the uninitiated. 
Spiked and drooping flowers, with branches. 
and sprays of delicate green, are indispensable 
to the grace and beauty of a vase bouquet. 
To preserve the individuality of flowers, which 
is of the greatest importance, the placing of 
those of similar size and form together ought. 
tobe avoided. Thus Heliotrope, Stevia, Eupa- 
torium, or Alyssum, when combined, lose 
their distinctive beauty ; but, if placed in juxta- 
position to larger flowers, and those of other 
forms, their beauty is heightened by contrast. 
It may be stated as a rule, that small flowers 
should never be massed together. Large 
flowers with green leaves or branches may be 
used to advantage alone, but a judicious con- 
trast of forms is most effective. 

Some years ago, Bouquets were invariably 
arranged in the formal style, the colors being 
used in consecutive rings, or alternating with 
each other in geometrical forms. Taste, or 
fashion, if you will, has changed for the 
better, and closely-made, mushroom-like 
bouquets, are now the exception rather than 
the rule. The flowers are now arranged quite 
loosely, plenty of Maiden-hair Fern and 
Smilax being used so as to show off each 
flower distinctly. Indeed the modern Bouquet, 
especially if composed of roses, looks as if the 
flowers had been picked up and tied together 
without any thought of, or attempt at ar- 
rangement. In these bunches, one color is 
usually chosen, with a bunch of Violets, Heli- 
otrope, Mignonette or other sweet smelling 
flowers, tied on one side as a contrast, and to 
add fragrance tothe arrangement. For extra. 
occasions, Bouquets are made of Orchid blos- 
soms, generally two or more sorts that har- 
monize in color, being used, aided by a liberal 
admixture of Fern fronds or sprays of the 
beautiful filmy South African Asparagus. 
Bouquets of Lily of the Valley, forced White 
Lilacs, Violets, etc., are often used, either 
alone or in combination with one or two other 

‘flowers, the colors generally massed, however, 
rather than mixed, fashion now leaning to- 
wards simplicity and naturalness of arrange- 
ment. Baskets and Plateaus of flowers are 
also arranged on the same principles, groups 
of different flowers or of the same flower in 
different shades being used in preference to 
an admixture of color. 


Bourbon Palm. See Livistona. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 55 


BOoU 


Boussinga’ultia. Madeira Vine. Named in 
honor of J. B. Boussingault, a celebrated nat- 
uralist and traveler. Nat. Ord. Chenopodiaceae. 

The only species, B. baselloides, is an ele- 
gant climbing tuberous-rooted plant from 
the Andes, a rapid grower and profuse 
bloomer. The flowers are nearly white and 
deliciously fragrant. It grows readily in any 
garden soil, and is readily increased by divi- 
sion or by seed. Intrcduced in 1836. 


Bouva'rdia. Named after Dr. Bouvard, curator 
of the Botanic Garden, Paris. Nat. Ord. 
Cinchonacee. 

Green-house evergreen shrubs, introduced 
from Mexico. They are amongst the most im- 
portant plants cultivated for winter flowers, 
owing to the yearly increasing variety of color, 
and their excellent adaptation forthat purpose. 
They are also effective as bedding plants for 
the flower garden, beginning to bloom in 
August and continuing until frost. Many 
very superior varieties have originated in this 
country, notably the pure white free-growing 
and free-flowering B. Davisoni, and the rich 
erimson B. elegans, both sports from B. 
Hogarth, a brilliant scarlet variety; the 
double white B. Alfred Neuner, and double red 
B. Pres. Garfield, with many other excellent 
free-flowering sorts. Propagated by root cut- 
tings, or by cuttings of young wood in sand. 

Bowe’nia. In honor of W. G. Bowen, a gover- 
nor of Queensland. 

A remarkable genus of Cycadacee, consist- 
ing of but one Bpeaion: which was discovered 
in Australia in 1819. The species is described 
in the Botanical Magazine as follows: ‘‘The 
most prominent character of Bowenia is the 
compound leaf, its general characters (all but 
shape), texture and venation; the leaflets do 
not differ from those of Macrozamia, and are 
so very similar to those of the West Indian 
Zamia that it is difficult to distinguish them 
generically, except that in Bowenia the leaflet 
is decurrent by the petiole, and not articulated 
with rachis.” The fern-like aspect presented 
by this plant is very remarkable and interest- 
ing, giving it a prominent position among 
green-house plants. Propagated by seeds or 
from suckers. 


Box. The common name of Buxus sempervirens, 
a plant at one time much used for edgings in 
ornamental gardening. It is a native of 
Europe and Asia, and is readily increased by 
cuttings. 


Boxberry. A name sometimes applied to the 
Wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens. f 


Box Elder. See Negundo. 


Boxes for Seeds. Seeds, particularly. flower 
seeds, when sown under glass, do much 
better when sown in shallow boxes than 
in flower-pots. A convenient size is the 
ordinary soap box, cut into four, making a 
depth of from one anda half'to two inches. 
Or, what is even more convenient, the shallow 
boxes in which tin is imported. These are 
filled nearly full with finely-sifted soil, which 
is made as level and smooth as possible. On 
this smooth surface the seeds are sown, and 
then pressed down level into the soil, and 
over the seeds is sifted dry moss, leaf mould, 
or cocoanut fiber (which has been run through 
a sieve as fine as mosquito wire), in quantity 
enough to fairly cover the seeds. This, from 


BRA 


its spongy nature, rétains moisture, while its 
lightness offers but -little resistance to the 
tender seed germ. The same style of box is 
used for “‘ pricking off.” See ‘‘propagation.” 
Box Thorn. See Lycium barbarum. 
Box-wooid. West Indian. Vitec umbrosa. 


Brabei’um. African Almond. From brabeion, 
a sceptre, in reference to the racemosed 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Proteacee. 

An ornamental green-house evergreen, with 
white, sweet-scented flowers, disposed in 
elegant, axillary, spiked racemes. Its seeds 
are called Wild Chestnuts and Wild Almonds, 
and are both roasted and eaten, and used as 
a substitute for coffee. Introduced from the 
Cape of Good Hope in 1751. 


Brachychi’ton. From brachys,short, and chiton, 
atunic; plant covered with imbricated hairs 
and scales. Nat. Ord. Sterculiucew. 

A genus of tropical anc sub-tropical trees 
from Australia. B. accrifolium is called the 
Flame Tree about Illawarra, on account of its 
bright scarlet flowers, which make the tree a 
conspicuous object at a distance. B. Bidwilli, 
a native of the Wide Bay district, has bright 
crimson flowers, produced in _ axillary 
bunches. 8B. Delabechia, Syn. Delabechia 
rupestris, is a very interesting species, popu- 
larly known as the Bottle Tree of Australia. 

Brachyco’me. From brachys, short, and kome, 
hair. Nat. Ord. Composite. : 

This beautiful annual is found on the banks 
ot the Swan River, in Australia, and has there 

- the very appropriate name of Swan River 

' Daisy, as the flower closely resembles the 
Daisy. The plant grows from six to ten 
inches high, and has a closely compact 
branching habit, producing an abundance of 
flowers. It is well adapted for small beds 
orrockeries. Propagated by seeds. Intro- 
duced in 1840. 


Brachyse’ma. From brachys, short, and sema, 
Standard; the flowers having the standard 
petal short. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus.of handsome green-house shrubs, 
mostly climbing, from Australia. B. aphyllum 
is, as its name would imply, a leafless plant, 
the -branches being singularly compressed 
and winged, so as to perform the functions of 
leaves. Small brown scales are found scat- 
tered over these branches, and from these the 
flowers grow. They are single, large, and of 
a bright blood-red color. B. lunceolatum is a 
‘very handsome species, and well adapted for 
the green-house, flowering, as it does, in 
winter or the early spring months. Its leaves 
are ovate or lanceolate in form, with a glossy 
upper surface, and covered with a silvery 
pubesence. underneath... The flowers are in 
axillary clusters, large and rich scarlet. 


Bracteze or Bracts. The leaves placed imme- 
diately below a calyx, if they are af all altered 
from their usual form: . 


Bracted Bindweed. See Calystegia. 


Bra/hea. Named after Tycho Brache, the cele- 
brated astronomer. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of medium-sized Palms, with fan- 
like leaves and spiny leaf-stalks. B. fillamen- 
tosa, a native of Lower California, is largely 
cultivated in our green-houses for decorative 
purposes. It is of graceful ‘habit and rapid 
growth, succeeding well with but little care‘in 


56 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BRA 


the green-house. This species is also known 
as Pritchardia filifera. It ig now said that B. 
Jilamentosa is neither a Brahea nor a Pritch- 
ardia, and itis therefore proposed to call it 
Washingtonia, which see. Young plants are 
obtained from seed. B. edulis is now placed 
under Hrythea, which see. 


Brahmin’s Beads. An Indian name for the 
corrugated seeds of Hlwocarpus, which are 
used by the Brahmins, for necklaces, etc. 


Brai‘nea. After J. C. Braine, of Hong Kong. 
Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

B. insignis, the only known species, is a very 
handsome dwarf Tree Fern, a native of Hong 
Kong. The stem is from three to four feet 
high; the fronds about three feet long, finely 
pinnate, giving the plant an elegant outline. 
Sir W. J. Hooker says: ‘‘ We have here:a very 
remarkable, and, if I may say so, a new form 
among the Ferns.” 


Brake or Bracken. The popular name of 
Preris aquilina, one of our common strong- 
growing Ferns. 


Bramble. See Rubus. 


Brassavo'la, Named after A. M. Brassavola, a 
Venetian botanist. Nat. Ord. Orchidacca. 

A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, belong- 
ing exclusively to tropical America. But few 
of the species have merits that entitle them 
to a place in general collections. The few are 
of easy culture, and produce flowers nearly 
six inches across, white, or creamy white, 
spotted with chocolate. The plants are all 
dwarf, with very short flower stems. They 
are usually grown on a block, in a rather high 
temperature, and are increased by division. 
Introduced in 1840. 


Bra'ssia. Named after Mr. Brass, a traveler 
and botanical collector. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 
This genus of Orchids is nearly allied to 
Oncidium, but not so popular because of their 
dull-colored flowers. Some of the species are 
highly valued by growers, as they pro- 
duce, with but little care and trouble, an 
abundance of flowers from June to August. 
Flowers mostly yellow, or greenish white 
spotted with brown. Introduced in 1844. 


Bra’ssica. Cabbage. From bresic, the Celtic 
name for Cabbage. Nat. Ord. Cruciferae. 
From this genus which is found throughout 
Europe, more particularly in Great Britain, 
there has been produced a greater variety of 
culinary vegetables than from any other. It 
comprehends Cabbage, Cauliflower, Turnip, 
Borecole, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and Kohl 
Rabi, each of which will be noticed under its 
popular name. 


Brassica’ceze. A sub-order or tribe of Cruci- 
Sere. 


Bravo'a, Named after Bravo, a Mexican 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

This genus consists of but a single species, 
B. geminiflora, a graceful little tuberous-rooted 
plant, native of Mexico. It has a small 
tuft of narrow leaves, from which arises 
a flower spike about a foot high, with a ter- 
minal cluster of small, crimson, Amaryllis-like 
flowers, in July. It will flower in the open 
border, but requires the protection of tbe 
green-house during winter. Propagated by 
division. 


BRO 


Brazilian Tea. Jlex Poraguariensis and Sta- 
chytarpheta Jamuicensis. 


Brazil Nut. See Bertholletia. 
Brazil Wood. See Cwsalpinia. 
Bread Fruit. See Artocarpus. 
Bread Nut. See Brosimum. 


Bre’dia. A genus of Melastomacee, consisting 
of two species of shrubby plants from Japan 
and China, with unequal foliage, and terminal 
eymes of rose-colored flowers. B. hirsutais a 
very showy plant with rosy-pink flowers, one- 
half inch across, and is increased readily by 
cuttings or from seeds. It is a native of 
Japan and was introduced in 1870. 


Bre'xia. From brezis, rain; in reference to the 
protection from rain given by the large leaves 
of some of the species. Nat. Ord. Sazi- 
fragacee. 

A small genus of very handsome evergreen 
trees, natives of Madagascar. The flowers 
are of a leathery texture, greenish color, and 
produced in axillary umbels. They have 
alternate leathery leaves, furnished with spiny 
teeth. The plants are readily increased by 
cuttings, but are too large for ordinary cultiva- 
tion in the green-house. 


Briar-root. A corruption of the French 
“‘Bruyére” of which pipes are made, Erica 
arborea. 

Bridal-Wreath. 
prunifolia fl. pl. 

Brimstone (Vegetable). The inflammable spores 
of Lycopodium clavatwm and L. Selago, some- 
times employed in the manufacture of fire- 
works. 


Bristle Fern. Trichomanes radicans. 
Bristly. Covered with stiff hairs. 
Bristly Foxtail Grass. See Seiaria. 


Bri/za. Quaking Grass. From brizo, to nod; on 
account of the quaking character of the spike. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A handsome genus of grasses, some of 
which are cultivated in the garden as orna- 
mental plants. When dried they are highly 
esteemed for bouquets of dried flowers and 
grasses. The kinds usually grown are B 
media, a perennial, and B. maxima, a larger 
species, an annual from the south of Europe. 
It is of easy culture, requiring only to be 
sown where it is wanted to be grown, in the 
open border, as early in spring as the ground 
can be prepared. 


Brizopy’rum. Spike Grass. Name compound- 
ed of briza, the quaking grass, and pyros, 
wheat. Nat. Ord. Graminaceae. 

B. Spicatum, the best known species, is a 
salt marsh grass, with creeping rootstocks, 
stems from ten to eighteen inches high, in 
tufts. It has no agricultural value. 


Broccoli. Brassica oleracea botrytis. This vege- 
table somewhat resembles the Cauliflower, 
from which it is supposed to have originated, 
although there is nothing definitely known as 
to its origin. It is, however, more recent 
than most others of the genus. Miller says it 
was introduced into England from Italy in 
1724, two varieties, white and purple, from 
which all the present garden varieties have 
been produced. 


A popular name for Spir@a 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 57 


BRO 


Brodiz’a. Named after J. J. Brodie, a Scotch 
eryptogamist. Nat. Crd. Liliacea. 
ery curious little bulbous-rooted plants, 
B. Californica, with blue and white flowers, is 
easily cultivated in sandy loam with the con- 
venience of a green-house or cold frame. 
Increase is sparingly effected by offsets. Intro- 
duced in 1848. 


Brome Grass. See Bromus. 


Bromelia’ceze. The Pine-apple family. A 
natural order, consisting of short-stemmed 
plants, with rigid, channeled, and often scurfy 
and spiny leaves and showy flowers. They 
are natives of the American continent and 
islands, whence they have been distributed to 
Africa and the East Indies. <Ananassa sativa, 
the Pine-apple or Ananas, is one of the best 
known and most delicious of this or any other 
order. The fruit is composed of the pistils 
and bracts of several flowers united into a 
succulent mass, and crowned by a series of 
green leaves. The fibers of the plant are 
used in manufactures. The Pine-apple is 
grown under glass very successfully in Europe, 
but the fine condition in which they are 
received here from Jamaica and other places, 
makes their culture under glass here unneces- 
sary. Some of the Bromeliads grow attached 
to the branches of trees, and are ealled Air 
Plants, the best known here being Tillandsia 
usneoides, the Trec Beard of South America. 
Under the name of Florida Moss it is very 
largely used for decorative purposes. It is 
also used for stuffing cushions, etc., under 
the name of Spanish Moss, Black Moss, or 
Long Moss. There are twenty-eight known 
genera, and 176 species of this order. Brom- 
elia, Ananassa, Bilbergia, Aichmea, and Til- 
-landsia, are examples of the order. The 
bracts of some of the species are exceedingly 
beautiful. i 


Bro’mus. Brome Grass. So called from bro- 
mos, the Greek name for a wild oat. Nat. Ord. 
Graminacee. 

A genus of poor, coarse-growing grasses, of 
little use in agriculture, and of little beauty. 
This is the pest of the farmer, to which he 
applies a significant and a justly proper 
name, Cheat or Chess. However much it may 
cheat the farmer by crowding out Wheat and 
Rye, we cannot excuse him for cheating him- 
self with the absurd delusion, so widely preva- 
lent, that his Wheat has turned into Chess, 
from some cause which cannot be explained. 
The species are annuals, and the seed will 
remain along time in the ground, and germi- 
nate only when the conditions of growth are 
favorable. It is a native of Europe, though 
naturalized in many places in this country. 
B. Schroederi, Rescue Grass, or Australian 
Prairie Grass, is a valuable forage grass, 
remarkable for the rapidity of its growth and 
its productiveness. As soon as the first cut- 
ting is made a new growth shoots up, and this 
can be repeated sometimes four or five times 
during the season, providing it is cut before 
the seed matures. It thrives in almost any 
soil, but is better adapted to that which is wet 


or moist. 


Brongnia’rtia. Named in honor of Brongniart, 
a French botanist. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 
A valuable and rather scarce plant, having 


flesh-colored flowers. It should be treated as 


BRO 


a green-house shrub, potting it in loam and 
pout A native of New Spain, introduced in 
827. 


BrookLime. Veronica Becabunga. 
American. Veronica Americana. 


Brook Mint. Mentha hirsuta. 


Brook Weed or Water Pimpernel. The popu- 
lar name of Samolus, a common plant in wet 
or marshy places. 


Broom. A name applied to Cytisus or Saroth- 
amnus scoparius, and also to Lygeum Spartum, 
African Broom is acommon name for Aspa- 
lathus. Butcher’s Broom is Ruscus aculeatus, 
and is alsoacommon name for Ruscuvs. Dyer’s 
Broom is Genista tinctoria. New Zealand 
Broom is Carmichaelia australis. Rush Broom 
is acommon name for Viminaria; it is also 
applied to Spartiumjunceum. Spanish Broom 
is Spartiumjunceum. Broom Corn is Sorghum 
vulgare, the branched panicles of which are 
made into carpet brooms and clothes brushes. 


Broom Grass. Andropogon scopartus. 


Broom Rape. A popular name of the genus 
Orobanche. 


Broom Weed. Corchorus siliquosus. 


Bro/simum, Bread Nut. From brosimos, good 
to eat; the fruit being edible. Nat. Ord. 
Artocarpacee. 

A small genus of tall-growing trees, natives 
of the West Indies and South America, where 
they are highly esteemed for the food obtained 
from them, and for the valuable timber they 
furnish. B. Alicastrum is the Bread-nut Tree 
of Jamaica, the fruit of which is aboutan inch 
in diameter, and contains a single seed or nut, 
which is said to form an agreeable and nour- 
ishing article of food. When boiled or roasted 
the nuts have the taste of hazel-nuts. Snake- 
wood or Leopard-wood is the heart-wood of 
one of the species, B. Aubletti, a native of 
Trinidad and British Guiana. £B. galactoden- 
dron, which is the celebrated Cow Tree of 
South America, yields a milk of as good qual- 
ity as that from the cow. It forms large for- 
ests on the seacoast of Venezuela, growing 100 
or more feet high, with a smooth trunk six to 
eight feet in diameter. Its milk, which is 
obtained by making incisions in the trunk, so 
closely resembles the milk of the cow, both in 
appearance and quality, that it is commonly 
used as an article of food by the inhabitants 
of the localities where the tree abounds. 
Unlike most other vegetable milks, it is per- 
fectly wholesome, and very nourishing, pos- 
sessing an agreeable taste, like that of sweet 
cream, and a balsamic odor; its only unpleas- 
ant quality being aslight amount of stickiness. 
Like ‘animal milk, it quickly forms a yellow, 
cheesy scum on the surface, and after a fow 
days turns sour and putrefies. 


Broughto’/nia. Named after Mr. Broughton, an 
English botanist. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of very handsome West 
Indian Orchids, somewhat resembling the 
Lelia and Catileya. They commonly grow on 
bushes in Cuba and Jamaica. ‘The flowers are 
crimson and produced from the top of the 
pseudo-bulb during the summer, and are of 
long duration. They are of easy culture, 
growing best on blocks of wood, and should 
have plenty of light and sun. Propagated by 
division. Introduced in 1824. 


58 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BRO 


Broussone’tia. Named after Proussonet,a French 
naturalist. Nat. Ord. Urticaceew. 

A small genus of trees closely allied to the 
Mulberry. B. papyrifera, is the well-known 
Paper Mulberry, which is so called on account 
of its fibrous innerbark being used by the 
Chinese and Japanese for making paper. It 
grows wild in China and Japan, and also in 
many of the islands of the Pacific Ocean, 
where the natives manufacture a large part 
of their clothing from its bark. Itforms a 
small tree, attaining about twenty or thirty 
feet in height, withatrunk seldom more thana 
foot in diameter, and generally branching at 
ashort distance from the ground. The young 
branches are covered with short, soft hairs. 
The bark from the young shoots only, is used 
for making paper. In the South Sea Islands, 
a strong cloth is made from this bark, which 
is commonly used for clothing, either plain or 
printed, and dyed of various colors. 


Browa'llia. Named after J. Browallius, Bishop 
of Abo. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

The Browallias are handsome, free-flower- 
ing, half hardy annuals. They succeed best 
started in the green-house and repotted before 
being planted out; they can, however, be 
successfully grown by being started in the 
hot-bed ; and often grow well when sown in the 
open border. The plants will be completely 
studded over with their beautiful blue or 
white flowers the whole summer. They are 
also excellent winter-flowering plants. B. 
Jamesoni, known also as Streptosolon, is a 
beautiful autumn flowering species, with large 
panicles of bright orange-colored, tubular 
flowers, with a lighter-colored throat. Re-in- 
troduced recently from New Grenada, after 
being lost to cultivation for over thirty years. 


Brown Bugle. Ajuga reptans. 


Bro’wnea. Named in honor of Dr. Patrick 
Browne, who wrote a history of Jamaica. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of low evergreen trees chiefly 
confined to Venezuela and New Grenada. The 
leaves are alternate, and from one to one and 
a half feet long, with from four to twelve 
pairs of entire leaflets. The flowers are rose- 
colored or crimson, and disposed in terminal 
or axillary heads. B. grandiceps has large and 
beautiful heads of flowers, of a pink color, ar- 
ranged in tiers, the outer ones expanding first, 
followed by the others until all are open, when 
the flower-head somewhat resembles that of 
a Rhododendron. A singular fact in connec- 
tion with this plant is, that the leaves droop 
during the day so as to almost hide the 
flowers from view, and protect them from the 
heat of the sun. At evening they rise up 
again, and remain erect during the night, and 
the flowers are thus exposed to the falling 
dew. The species are rarely seen under cul- 
tivation. 


Brugma’nsia. Named in honor of Prof. S. J. 
Brugmans, a botanical author. Nat. Ord. 
Solanacee. 

Peruvian shrubs, or low, succulent-stemmed 
trees, of which B. suaveolens (better known by 
the name of Datura arborea), B. Knightii, and B. 
sanguineaare magnificentspecies. Being large 
plants, growing to the height of ten or twelve 

feet, they look best when planted in the ground 
in a conservatory; but they will grow well in 


BRY 


large pots, or they maybe planted in the open 
garden in the summer season, and taken up 
and preserved in a cellar, from which the frost 
is excluded, during winter, to be replaced in 
the open border the following spring. The 
flowers, popularly called Angels’ Trumpets, 
are trumpet-shaped, a foot or more in length, 
and very fragrant. The plants grow freely in 
light, rich soil; and they are readily propa- 
gated by cuttings either of the shoots or 
roots. 


Brune’lla. 
which see. 


Brunfe’lsia, A name given to a genus of 
Scrophulariacee, in honor of Otto Brunfels, of 
Metz, who published the first good figures of 
plants in 1530. 

Elegant free-flowering evergreen plants, 
natives of South America and the West 
Indies. B. calycina has large purple flowers 
disposed in large trusses, which are produced 
in suceession throughout the whole year. 
B. confertifiora, has light blue flowers, borne 
on terminal heads or cymes. All the species 
are fragrant, and may be propagated by 
cuttings. 


Brunsvi'gia. Named after the house of Bruns- 
wick. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. ; 

Of this splendid genus of Cape bulbs, Sweet 
observes: ‘‘Some of the bulbs grow to a 
great size, and require large pots to have them 
flower in perfection; or, if planted out in the 
open borders in spring, there will be a better 
chance of their flowering, taking the bulbs up 
again in autumn; or the best way to succeed 
well with them isto have a pit built on purpose 
for them, so as to occasionally be covered 
with the lights to keep off too much wet, and 
to be covered close in severe weather, as they 
cannot bear the frost. The mould must be 
made for them of full one-third sand, more 
than one-third of turfy loam, and the rest of 
leaf mould, all well mixed together, but not 
chopped too small, as the roots run_ better 
through it for being rough and _ hollow. 
When in full growth and flower they require 
a frequent supply of water, but none while dor- 
mant.” B. Josephine is very seldom induced 
to flower in this country, though it is no un- 
common occurrence in its native country, 
where it is said to produce very large heads 
of flowers. Several species flower more 
freely, though none so grand. Propagated by 
offsets. 


Brussels Sprouts. Brassica oleracea bullata 
- geminifera, a variety of the Cabbage, which 
see. 

Bryo’nia. From bryo, to sprout; in allusion 
to the quick growth of the stems. Nat. Ord. 
Cucurbitacee. 

A genus of climbing, hardy herbaceous per- 
ennials, natives of Europe, the East Indies, 
and the Cape of Good Hope. B. alba and B. 
dioica are generally considered by botanists to 
be one species, the only difference being in 
the color of the berries. The species is what 
is generally known as the Common Bry- 
ony, and is found in the hedgerows of Great 
Britain. It has a very large tuberous root, 
from which twining stems spring, which are 
annual and rough. The plants climb by 
tendrils, and, what is very unusual, the direc- 
tion of the spiral is now and then changed, so 


Name changed from Prunella, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE, 59 


BRY 


that, after proceeding in one course for some 
distance, the tendril suddenly changes to an 
opposite direction. The male and female 
flowers are in separate clusters; sometimes, 
though not always, they are on different 
plants. The plant has a fetid odor, and pos- 
sesses acrid, emetic and purgative properties, 
and from its elegant appearance in autumn, 
with its brilliant colored fruit, accidents not 
unfrequently occur to children and others, 
incautiously tasting the fruit, which is an 
active poison. Singularly enough, the young 
shoots may be cooked and eaten with impu- 
nity. When served up in the same manner as 
Asparagus, they are said to equal it in flavor. 
Many of the species are not poisonous, and 
are much valued for their medicinal prop- 
erties. 


Bryono’psis laciniosa, is a beautiful cucurbi- 
taceous annual climber with palmately, five- 
cleft leaves, yellow flowers and very pretty 
fruit about the size of a cherry, green marbled 
with white. It was introduced from Ceylon 
in 1710. Itis now placed under Bryonia, by 
some authors. 

Bry'ony. See Bryonia. 

‘Bryophy’llum. So named from bryo, to grow, 
and phylion, a leaf; in reference to the circum- 
stances of the leaf, when laid upon damp earth, 
emitting roots, whence arise young plants. 
Nat. Ord. Crassulacee. 

B. calycinum, a species common in the 
green-house, is a native of India. When in 
flower it is quite handsome, producing loose 
panicles of drooping, greenish-purple flowers. 
It is very easily grown. 

Buchu, Bucha or Buka. A name applied in 
South Africa to the leaves of several species 
of Barosma. 


Buchne'ra. A syn. for Stephandra. 


Buckbean. The common name of a plant 
belonging to the Gentian family, Menyanthes 
trifoliata, common in wet places and of little 
interest. 


Buckeye. See Zsculus. 


Bucklandia. Named after Dr. Buckland, a pro- 
fessor of geology at Oxford. Nat. Ord. Ham- 
amelidacee. 

’B. Populnea, the only species in cul- 
tivation, is one of the most beautiful trees 
of the forests of the Sikkim Himalayas at an 
elevation of 4,000 to 6,000 feet. It attains a 
height of one hundred feet, with a cylindrical 
trunk, and oblong crown of evergreen foliage. 
The leaves are orbicular-cordate and may be 
likened to those of a Dioscorea, being when 
young of arosy purple color with golden-green 
veins. Introduced in 1875. 


Buckthorn. See Rhamnus. 


Buckwheat. Fagopyrum esculentum. The com- 
mon Buckwheat is a native of Central Asia, 
and has long been under cultivation. It is 
more extensively grown as an article of food 
in this country than in any other, Buckwheat 
cakes being purely an American institution. 
It thrives on a poor soil that would not sustain 
many other plants, and give a fair yield. Of 
the improvement in the quality of this grain 
from its native wild state we have no record. 
There are several varieties grown, but the 
quality depends largely upon soil and climate. 
The Japanese Buckwheat lately introduced has 


BUG 


proved to be a great improvement on the 
ordinary sorts, the kernels being at least 
twice the size of any other variety, peculiar in 
shape, and of a rich dark shade of brown in 
color. Flour made from it is equal in quality, 
if not superior to any other sort. It is 

enormously productive, yielding two or three 
times as much as any other sort, both in grain 
and straw. 


Buckwheat Tree. Cliftonia (Mylocaryum) ligus- 
trina. 


Budding. This is the practice in use of placing 
a bud of one variety of plant on aticther. The 
shoot or stock to be budded upon must always 
be in a thrifty, growing state, so that the bark 
can be raised freely from the wood, and the 
bud to be inserted must be in such a state 
that it shows prominently at the axil of the 
leaf. Select a smooth portion of the stem of 
the shoot to be budded upon, strip it of leaves 
(or thorns, if any) sufficient to allow room for 
the operation; then make a cut through the 
park to the wood in length sufficient to admit 
the bud, with a cross cut at the top. Above 
this cross cut make a slight sloping cut in the 
bark, about a quarter of an inch in length, 
so as to admit the easy insertion of the bud. 
This custom is not general, but it will be 
found to be easier, and, we think, safer. Next 
take the shoot from which the bud to be 
inserted is to be cut, and selecting such as 
have the properly developed condition of bud, 
cut it from the shoot about half an inch on 
each side of the bud, Just deep enough to get 
about as much thickness of the wood as the 
park. If the portion of the shoot from which 
the bud is taken is well ripened, it is best to 
separate the wood from the bark; but if not, 
it will do quite as well not to remove it, but 
insert the bud in the stock just as it is cut. 
The edges of the cut in the stock are lifted 
and slightly pressed outward by the point of 
the budding-knife, the bud inserted, and 
pushed down by the ivory handle. To keep 
the bud in place it is wrapped neatly round 
with any soft tying material, the fiber known 
as Raphia being the best. In two or three 
weeks after the bud has been put in it will be 
safe to remove the tying. All shoots starting 
below the bud must be rubbed off as soon as 
they start, and when the bud begins to grow, 
the portion of the stock above the graft must 
be cut off, so that the inserted bud may get 
the full benefit of growth. 


Buddle’ia. Named after A. Buddle, an English 
~ potanist. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceaw. 

An extensive genus of herbaceous plants, 
shrubs, and low-growing trees. Leaves oppo- 
site and thickly covered with hairs. The 
flowers of some of the species are very beauti- 
ful and fragrant; they are mostly small, bright 
orange, purplish or lilac, and arranged in 
small globular heads, on long peduncles. 
They are natives of South America, Mexico, 
Africa, and tropical Asia. Some of the species 
are half-hardy, and would be likely to succeed 
well, south of Washington. 


Buffalo Berry. Missouri. Shepherdia argentea. 


Buffalo Grass, or Buffalo Clover. See Tri- 
folium. 
Buffalo Nut. Pyrularia oleifera. 


Bugle. See Ajuga reptans. 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


BUG 


Bugle Weed. The popular name of Lycopus 
Virginicus. 

Bugloss. Lycopsis arvensis. 

Bugloss. Cowslip. Pulmonaria officinalis. 

Bugloss. Viper’s. Hchium vulgare. 


Bulb. An underground bud, consisting of 
numerous fleshy scales placed one over the 
other, a modified form of the leaf bud. A 
bulb is usually placed partly or entirely under- 
ground. There are several kinds of bulbs, 
the following being the most common: A 
Naked Bulb is a bulb whose scales are loose 
and aimost separate, as in the Crown Im- 
perial. A Tunicated Bulb is one whose fleshy 
scales overlap each other, forming concentric 
layers, the outer ones being thin or mem- 
braneous, such as Hyacinths, Onions, Tulips, 
etc. A Solid Bulb is properly a Corm, which 
see. 


Bulbiferous. Bearing or producing bulbs. 


Bulbil. An axillary bulb with fleshy scales, 
falling off its parent spontaneously, and prop- 
agating it. Applied more especially to those 
buds on the stein, which occasionally assume 
the character of bulbs, as in Lilium tigrinum. 


Bulbi’‘ne. From bolbos, a bulb. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacer. . 

Half-hardy plants, available for flower- 
gardening purposes. They are showy, frag- 
rant, do not require any particular care in 
their management, and are propagated rapidly 
by cuttings. Natives of the Cape of Good 
Hope; introduced in i820. 

Bulboco’dium. From bolbos, a bulb, and kodion, 
wool; referring to the woolly covering of the 
bulbs. Nat. Ord. Melanthacee. 

Very handsome hardy bulbs, bearing purple 
flowers, and well deserving of attention. They 
should be carefully watered in dry weather. 
B. vernum, one of our earliest spring flowers, 
was introduced from Spain in 1629. ‘The other 
species, B. versicolor, flowering towards the 
en, was introduced from the Crimea in 

820. 


Bulbophy’llum. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea. 

A genus of Orchids containing a number of 
species, few of which are worth cultivating 
except as curiosities. 

Bullace. Prunus insititia. 
Bullace. Jamaica. Melicocca bijuga. 
Bullate. Blistered, or puckered. 


Bull-rush, or Club-rush. The popular name of 
the genus Scirpus; also Typha latifolia. 


Bume'lia. The Greeks gave this name to-the 
common Ash. Nat. Ord. Sapotacee. 

A genus of spiny shrubs, with hard wood, 
remarkable for the beauty of their foliage. 
Natives of the West Indies and the Southern 
United States. Our native species are locally 
known as Gum Elastic, Shittim-wood, Iron- 
wood, Saffron Plum, etc. . 


Bunch-berry. A common name of Cornus Cana- 
densis, Dwarf Cornel or Dog-wood. 


Bu/nium. A genus of tuberous-rooted umbel- 
liferous plants, chiefly inhabitants of southern 
Europe and western Asia; interesting on‘ac- 
count of their producing edible tubers. Those 
of B. flexuosum, a native of Britain, are called 
Ar-nuts, Pig-nuts, Kipper-nuts, etc. B. ferule- 
folium, produces tubers as large as hazel nuts, 


BUR 
which are eaten by the Greeks under the 
name Topana. 


Bu’phane. A misprint (subsequently corrected 
by Herbert), for Buphone, from bous, an ox, 
and phone, destruction, in allusion to the 
poisonous properties of the plant, but Buphane 
is the name adopted by the authors of the 
“‘Genera Plantarum,” and by Baker in his 
“ Amaryllidee.” Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A’ small genus of South Africa bulbs, for- 
merly included in the genus Brunsvigia. They 
are remarkable in having precocious flower- 
scapes, with from 100 to 200 flowers in a single 
head. B. toxicaria is called the Poison Bulb, 
and is said to be fatal to cattle. B. disticha 
has immense bulbs, the flowers of the former 
are flesh-colored, and quite small; those of 
the latter orange-red. All this class are quite 
difficult to manage. They succeed best grown 
in a pit, and protected against cold and wet. 


Buphtha’lmum. Ox-eye.. From bous, an ox, 
and ophthalmos, an eye; in allusion to the re- 
semblance the disk of the flowers bears to an 
ox'seye. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus including many hardy annuals, 
perennials, and green-house evergreen shrubs. 
Two of the more conspicuous species are 
hardy perennials, natives of Central Europe. 
They grow from a foot to a foot and a half 
high; leaves narrow, flowers large, bright 
yellow. They have too weedy an appearance 
for a collection of choice plants. 


Burbi/dgea. Named after F. W. Burbidge, the 
discoverer of the genus in Borneo. Nat. Ord. 
Scitaminee. 

B. nitida, the only described species, is 
a very large, brilliant-flowered, stove-house 
herbaceous perennial, allied to Hedychium. 
Its flowers are bright orange scarlet, borne in 
many-flowered terminal panicles four to six 
inches long. It was introduced from N. W. 
Borneo in 1879, and is increased by division. 


Burdock. The well-known popular name for 
Lappa officinalis, of which: there are two 
varieties, minor and major; the common Bur. 
dock being the latter. 


Bur Grass. Cenchrus echinatus. 


Burlingto/nia. Named after the Countess of 
Burlington. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A genus of very handsome epiphytal Orchids, 
inhabiting Brazil. They are remarkable for 
their long, pendulous racemes of snow-white 
flowers, with the lip touched or lined with 
yellow. A few of the species have flowers in 
which yellow or lilac colors predominate. 
The plants of this genus are all of dwarf habit, 
with beautiful evergreen foliage. They will 
grow either on cork or in baskets, and are 
propagated by division. Introduced in 1824. 


Burma/nnia’ceze. A natural order differing 
principally from Orchidacew in their having 
perfectly regular flowers. They are all her- 
baceous plants bearing blue or white flowers, 
and inhabit marshy or shady places. With 
the exception of Burmannia biflora, which is 
found in Virginia, they are all tropical 
species. 


Bur Marigold. One of the common names of 
the genus Bidens. 

Burnet. See Poteriwm Sanguisorba. 
Saxifrage. Pinpinella Saxifraga. 


BRYONOPSIS, 


if if 


uf 


GS 


GRASE), 


60 BUCKWHEAT (JAPANESE). 


CALENDULA. 


oe 


A 


a Ry p AN 


OACTI (@RouP -OF). OCALOCHORTUS. 


61 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. *- 6k 


BUR 


Burning Bush. Dict Frazinella 
American. Huonymus atropurpureus. 


Burtonia. Named after D. Burton, a col- 
lector for the Kew Gardens. Nat. Ord. Legu- 
minose. 

A small genus of dwarf, heath-like shrubs, 
natives of Australia. The flowers are pea- 
shaped, axillary, and often thickly gathered 
on the ends of the branches; the corolla rich 
purple, the keel of a deeper color, and the 
standard generally having a yellow blotch 
at its base. There are only a few species 
under cultivation, but they are all conspic- 
uous objects in the green-house. They 
come into flower in April, and are propagated 
from cuttings of the half-ripened wood. Intro- 
duced in 1803. 


Bur Reed. See Sparganium. 

Burweed. The common name for Xanthium. 

Bush Clover. The popular name of the genus 
Lespedeza. 

Bush Honeysuckle. A popular name for the 
genus Diervilla. 

Butcher’s Broom. See Ruscus. 


Butoma’ceze. An order of aquatic plants now 
generally included under Alismacec. 


Bu’tomus. Flowering Rush. From bous, an ox, 
and temno, to cut; in reference to its acrid 
juice causing the mouth to bleed. Nat. Ord. 
Alismacea. 

B. umbellatus is a beautiful aquatic plant, 
common in the marshes of Great Britain. 
Gerarde (1629), in speaking of this plant says: 
“ The Water Gladiole, or Grassie Rush, is of 
all others the fairest and most pleasant to be- 
hold, and serveth very well for the decking 
and trimming up of houses, because of the 
beautie and braverie thereof.” A _ variety 
with striped leaves, lately introduced, is now 
highly recommended for collections of aquatic 
plants. ‘ 


Butter-and-Eggs, 
vulgaris. 


A local name for Linaria 


CAB 


Butter-Bur. Petasites vulgaris. 
Buttercup. See Ranunculus. 
Butterfly Flower. The genus Schizanthus. , 
Butterfly Orchid. Oncidium Papilio. 
E, Indian. Phalenopsis amabilis, and others. 
Butterfly Orchis. Habernaria chlorantha, and 
H. bifolia. 


Butterfly Pea. 
Clitoria. 

Butterfly Weed. A popular name for Asclepias 
tuberosa. 


Butternut See Juglans. 

Butter Tree. See Bassia. 

Butterwort. See Pinguicula. 

Button Bush. Cephalanthus occidentalis. 
Button Flower. The genus Gomphia. 
Button Snake-root. Liatris pycnostachya. 
Button Weed. Centaurea nigra. 

Button Wood. See Platanus. 


Bu’xus. Asmall butimportant genus of Spurge- 
worts (Huphorbiacew), one species of which is 
the well known common evergreen Box of 
our gardens, employed both asan ornamental 
shrub and as an edging plant for walks, etc. 
It is a native of both Lurope and Asia, but 
found principally in Spain, Italy, the coasts of 
the Black Sea, Persia, Northern India and 
Japan. It varies considerably in height, 
some varieties growing twenty-five to thirty 
feet, with a trunk of eight to ten inches in 
diameter, while others never exceed three to 
four feet, and have very small stems. It is 
most valued for its wood, the chief character- 
istics of which are, excessive hardness, great 
weight, evenness and closeness of grain, light 
color, and being susceptible of a fine polish. 
These are the qualities that render it so 
valuable to the wood engraver, the turner, 
mathematical and musical instrument makers, 
and others. 


A name sometimes given te 


C. 


aapeba, Pareira Brava Root, or Velvet- 

Leaf. See Cissampelos. 

Cabbage. Brassica oleracea. For the following 
history of the Cabbage we are indebted to the 
Treasury of Botany: 

“The Cabbage, in its wild state, is a native 
of various parts of Europe, as well as of several 
places near the sea in England. Itis a bien- 
nial, with fleshy-lobed leaves, undulated at 
the margin, and covered with bloom; al- 
together, so different in form and appearance 
from the Cabbage of our garden that few 
would believe it could possibly have been the 
parent of so varied a progeny as are com- 
prised in the Savoy, Brussels Sprouts, Cauli- 
flower, Broccoli, and their varieties. A more 
wonderful instance of a species producing so 
many distinct forms of vegetation for the use 
of man is scarcely to be met with throughout 


the range of the vegetable kingdom. The 
common, or cultivated Cabbage, B. oleracea 
capitata, is well known, and from a very early 
period has been a favorite culinary vegetable,’ 
in almost daily use throughout the civilized 
world. The ancients considered it light of 
digestion when properly dressed, and -very 
wholesome if moderately eaten. For the in- 
troduction of our garden variety of Cabbage 
we are indebted to the Romans, who are also 
believed to have disseminated it in other 
countries. It is said to have been scarcely 
known in Scotland until the time of the Com- 
monwealth, when it was carried there from 
England by some of Cromwell's soldiers; but 
it now holds a prominent place in every gar- 
den throughout the United Kingdom.” From 
its wild state the Cabbage has been brought to 
its present state of perfection very gradually, 


62 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CAB 


by careful selection under cultivation. The 
various stages of these improvements have 
not been sufficiently noted to enable us to 
award the credit where it properly belongs. 
All the Cabbage tribe requires the soil to be 
rich, deep and well drained—naturally or arti- 
ficially—and abundantly manured. For the 
early kinds plant thirty inches between rows 
and sixteen inches between the plants, and 
for late kinds plant three feet by two feet. In 
the improvements made within the last fifty 
years the market gardeners around New 
York have taken a conspicuous part, and to 
them we are indebted for our best market 
varieties. The three most popular kinds for 
market purposes are ‘Early Wakefield,” 
“Early Summer” and ‘‘Succession.” The 
Red Cabbage, B. oleracea rubra, is an entirely 
distinct variety, but its origin and early 
development are unknown. It has been knuwn 
in Holland for several hundred years, und the 
Dutch have made the growing of the seed an 
extensive business. The Savoy Cabbage, B. 
oleracea bullata, differs but little from the 
other kinds of Cabbage. Itis distinguished 
by its leaves being wrinkled in such a manner 
as to have a netted appearance. The Savoys 
are remarkable for their tender, crisp leaves 
and excellent flavor. It would seem not to 
be generally known that the Savoys are the 
most delicious of all the Cabbages. The 
Brussels Sprouts, or Bud-bearing Cabbage, B. 
oleracea bullata geminifera, originated in Bel- 
gium, and has from a very early date been ex- 
tensively grown around Brussels, where it 
seems to thrive better than in most other 
countries. It forms a head somewhat like 
the Savoy, of which it is considered a sub- 
variety, differing in the remarkable manner 
in which it produces at the axils of the leaves, 
along the whole length of the stem, a num- 
per of small sprouts resembling miniature 
Cabbages of one or two inches in diameter, of 
an excellent flavor. 


Cabbage. Arkansas. Streptanthus obtusifolius. 
Skunk, or Meadow. Symplocarpus fatidus. 

Cabbage Maggot. See Insects. 

Cabbage Palm. See Areca and Oreodoza olera- 
cea. 

Caca’lia. Tassel Flower. From kakos, perni- 
cious, and lian, exceedingly; supposed to be 
hurtful to the soil. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

C. coccinea, the only species worthy of cul- 
tivation in the flower garden, is a half-hardy 
annual, that can be grown readily from seed 
sown where wanted to grow. Its bright scar- 
let blossoms are borne in profusion from July 

. to October. Introduced from New Holland in 
1792. 

Caca’o or Coco’a. The seeds of Theobroma 
Cacao, which form the chief ingredient in pure 
chocolate. 

Caccinia. Named tm honor of G. Caccini, an 
Italian Savant. Nat. Ord. Boraginacea. 

A small genus of hardy perennial herbs, 
natives of the Orient. C. glauca, the only 
species yet in cultivation, has racemose cymes 
of violet-blue flowers changing to red. It 
grows from one to three feet high, and may 
be increased by seeds or division. Intro- 
duced from Afghanistan in 1880. 


Cacta’ceze. Anatural order consisting of suc- 
culent shrubs, with remarkable spines clus- 


CAC 


tered on the stems, which are angular, round, 
two-edged, or leafy, and have their woody 
matter often arranged in a wedge-like 
manner. The calyx consists of numerous 
sepals, the petals are numerous; the stamens 
are numerous, with long filaments. The 
fruit is succulent, and the seeds without 
albumen. They are natives of various parts 
of America, but have been introduced- into 
many parts of the world. The fruits of the 
Opuntias are called Indian Figs, and are 
edible, having a sub-acid and refreshing 
juice. The stems of some of the species 
areeaten by cattle. These stems vary greatly 
in form, some being spherical, others jointed, 
while still others are triangular, and some 
send polygonal shafts sixty feet or more into 
the air. These stems are very succulent or 
fleshy, and the plants are thus adapted to dry 
climates, or, rather, such as have a ‘‘ dry sea- 
son.” Among the tall-growing kinds may be 
mentioned Cereus giganteus growing sixty or 
more feet high, and from one to two feet in 
diameter; C. Peruvianus, with stems thirty to 
forty feet high; C. Thurberi, with stems ten 
to fifteen feet high, and C. Schottii, with stems 
eight to ten feet high. The spines on some 
Cacti are very formidable, and on others very 
numerous. The spines and bristles on a 
specimen ot Echinocactus platyceras were reck- 
oned at 51,000, and those of a Pilocereus senilis 
at 72,000. Opuntia vulgaris, our common 
Prickly Pear, bears an edible fruit. O. cochi- 
nillifera (Nopalea), the Nopal plant, is very 
largely grown for rearing the Cochineal 
insect (Coccus Cacti). The number of known 
genera is eighteen, and there are over eight 
hundred species. Cereus, Hpiphyllum, Phyllo- 
cactus, Mammillaria, Melocactus, Pereskia, etc., 
are examples of this order. 


Ca’ctus. A name applied by Theophrastus to 
semi-spiny plants. Nat. Ord. Cactaceew. 

The very remarkable succulent plants, 
arranged by Linneeus under the name of Cac- 
tus, have been distributed by modern bot- 
anists over numerous genera, which they are 
still continually changing and re-arranging. 
At first a few plants were left in the genus Cac- 
tus, but now that genus is annihilated, and 
seven or eight new genera substituted for it; 
still, as all the plants that once composed it, 
and the new ones of the same nature that col- 
lectors are continually sending home, are 
known by the general name of Cacti, it has 
been thought advisable to give here a slight 
sketch of the whole family. In the time of 
Linneeus very few Cacti were known, and 
even in the year 1807, Persoon enumerated 
only thirty-two; but now about 500 living 
species are to be found ina single collection, 
and numbers of new species are being sent 
home by collectors every year. These new 
species are chiefly found in the tropical 
regions of America, but they extend over 75° 
of latitude, some being found within the 
boundary of the United States and some near 
the town of Conception, in Chili. By far the 
greater number, however, grow in the dry, 
burning plains of Mexico and Brazil, where 
they are subjected to the alternate seasons of 
extreme moisture and extreme drought. In 
these arid plains, where all nature seems 
parched up for six months in the year, the 
Cacti have been mercifully provided to serve as 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 63 


CAC 


reservoirs of moisture, and not only the na- 
tives, by wounding the fleshy stems with 
their long forest knives, supply themselves 
with a cool and refreshing juice, but even the 
cattle contrive to break through the skin with 
their hoofs, and then to suck the liquid they 
eontain, instinct teaching them to avoid 
wounding themselves with the spines. Some 
of the species serve the Indians with food. 
The Cacti are arranged by nature into several 
distinct groups, the first of which consists of 
the tree Cacti, or those kinds of Cereus which 
have long, slender stems, and which usually 
grow on the summits of the mountains of 
Mexico and Brazil, forming a singular kind of 
crest. These are generally thirty or forty 
, feet high, and sometimes are branched like 
candelabra, and sometimes consists of only 
one naked stem, not thicker than a man’s arm, 
though of such enormous height. Others, 
again, not only grow to a height of fifty or 
sixty feet, but have a diameter of two or three 
feet. The Mammillarias and Echinocacti, 
which form another group, grow in the val- 
leys of the temperate regions, generally in 
Joamy soils and low grass; and the Opuntias 
and Pereskias, which form two others, are also 
ee, found in the temperate latitudes. 
he Melocacti, or Melon Cacti, and the Rhip- 
salis, which has narrow-jointed stems, and 
two other groups, are found in the hottest 
parts of the tropics. With regard to the cul- 
ture of Cacti, itis found that, generally speak- 
ing, they ought to have a season of complete 
rest, followed by one of excitement. They 
ought to be watered sparingly while dormant, 
and freely when in bloom, and grown in a 
light, sandy soil. Several of the best known 
genera of Cactus, such as Epiphyllum, Cereus 
and Phyllocactus, will be found under their 
respective heads. 


Cactus. Cochineal. 
O. Tuna. 
Old Man. Pilocereus senilis. 
Rat’s Tail. Cereus flagelliformis. 
Turk’s Cap. The genus Melocactus. 


Cactus Dahlia. Dahlia Juarezit. 
Caducous. Falling off soon; deciduous. 


Cesalpi/nia. In memory of Andreas Cesalpinus, 
chief physician to Pope Clement VIII. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of tropical trees of considerable 
importance in an economic point of view, but 
without special beauty. C. coriaria, a West 
Indian and South American species, yields 
large quantities of tannin, which is extracted 
from its seed pods. C. Braziliensis, furnishes 
the Brazil-wood, exceedingly valuable for 
dyeing purposes, and an important article of 
commerce, 

Cesius. A pale blue; a blue metallic luster 
seen on some leaves, as those of Selagineila 
cesia. 

Caffre Bread. A South African name applied 
to various species of Encephalartos, and Zamia. 

Czruleus. Blue; the clear blue of the sky. 

Cespitose. Growing in little tufts or patches. 

Caja’nus. Pigeon Pea. From catjang, its Mala- 
bar name. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of valuable perennial shrubs, culti- 
vated in the tropics for their seeds, which 
constitute an important article of food. C. 


Opuntia cochinillifera and 


CAL 


indicus, is a native of the East Indies, but is 
now naturalized and cultivated in the West 
Indies, and most other tropical countries. Of 
this species there are two varieties, one is 
called the Congo Pea, in Jamaica, and fur- 
nishes the negroes with their principal food. 
The variety flavus is called in the West Indies 
No-eye Pea, and is considered in its green 
state but little inferior to our garden Peas, 
and, when dried and split, quite as good. Pea- 
meal of very good quality is prepared from 
both varieties. Horses and cattle are very 
fond of the young branches and leaves, either 
in a fresh or dried state. Although perennial 
shrubs, they are usually treated as annuals; 
after the seeds are gathered the plants are 
used for fuel. ; 


Cajeput-tree. See Oreodaphne. 


Calabar Bean, or Chopnut. Physostigma ven- 
enosum. 


Calabash. Sweet. The fruit of Passifiora mali- 
formis. 

Calabash-Tree. Various species of Crescentia. 

Cala/dium. A word of uncertain derivation, 
probably from kaladion, a cup. Nat. Ord. 
Aroidea. 

Of this genus of tuberous-rooted plants 
there are many rare and beautiful species and 
varieties that rank high as ornamental foliage 
plants, useful only as green-house or rather hot- 
house plants, as they will not succeed well 
with a temperature below 60°. They must be 
kept dormant from October to April,and should 
never be chilled when started to grow. Those 
found in the swamps of the River Amazon, in 
the province of Para, are pre-eminent for 
graceful growth, and for elegant and 
brilliant markings. All the species are easily 
propagated by division of the tuber, just as 
the growth begins. Introduced in 1828. The 
plant commonly known as Caladium esculen- 
tum does not belong to this genus, and will be 
described under Colocasia. 


Calamagro’stis. A genus of coarse-growing 
grasses, a description of which will be found 
under Ammophila, a division of the genus. 


Calamint. Sce Calamintha. 


Calami/ntba. Calamint. From kalos, beautiful, 
and mintha, mint. Nat. Ord. Labiatw. 

A genus of coarse-growing, hardy herba- 
ceous perennials, with purplish or whitish 
flowers. They are indigenous or extensively 
naturalized in many parts of this country. 
They are mostly aromatic herbs, and former- 
ly had important medicinal properties attrib- 
uted tothem. C. nepeta, Basil 'Thyme, is one of 
the hest known species. None of them has 
sufficient merit to warrant its introduction 
into the garden, either for ornament or 


use. 

Cala’mpelis. (Eccremocarpus.) From kalos, 
beautiful, and ampelis, a vine. Nat. Ord. 
Bignoniacee. 


The only species, C. scabra, is a well-known, 
beautiful, half-hardy climbiug plant. Trained 
to a trellis or to a south wall in the open air, 
it forms a very ornamental object through the 
summer months, its bright orange-colored 
flowers being conspicuous among the pleasing 
delicate green of the foliage. It grows best 
in rich loam, and should be protected in a 
cold pit through the winter. Cuttings root 


64 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CAL 


readily in a gentle heat. 
Chili in 1824. 

Ca/lamus (a Reed). This word has been 
restricted to hollow, inarticulate stems, like 
those of Rushes. 


Ca’lamus. From kalamos, areed, an old Greek 
name. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

An elegant genus of Palms very useful in 
their young state for house decoration. C. 
Rotang, C.rudentum, C. viminalis, and probably 
several other species furnish the canes or 
rattans so commonly employed for the bottoms 
of chairs, couches and similar purposes. In 
the countries where these palms abound, the 
inhabitants make use of them for a great 
variety of purposes, baskets of all kinds, mats, 
hats and other useful articles being commonly 
made of them. Their most important use how- 
ever, is for the manufacture of the ropes and 
cables usually employed by junks and other 
coasting vessels. C. Scipionum, the stems of 
which are much thicker than the preceeding, 
furnishes the weil known Malacca canes so 
much prized for walking-sticks. There are 
over two hundred species in this genus, all 
natives of tropical and sub-tropical regions, 
more especially Eastern Asia. 


Calamus .aromaticus. An old name for the 
Sweet Flag, Acorus calamus. % 


Calandri'/nia. Named after Calandrini, a Ger- 
man botanist. Nat. Ord. Portulacacee. 

Very beautiful dwarf-growing plants, usu- 
ally treated as tender annuals, though of per- 
ennial duration if protected in winter. The 
seeds may be sown in gentle heat about the 
middle of March, and when planted in the 
open air in May, become a blaze of beauty 
whenever the sun shines upon them. The 
soil should be light and rather dry. The best 
of the species are C. speciosa, grandiflori, dis- 
color, and umbellata. Introduced from South 
America. 


Cala/nthe. From kalos, beautiful, and smmthos, 
a flower; literally, a pretty blossom. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidacee. 

A large genus of stemless_ terrestrial 
Orchids, having broad, many-ribbed leaves, 
and long spikes of flowers, which are of 
various colors, white, lilac, purple, and cop- 
per-colored. They require a very light house 
for the perfect development of flowers and to 
give them goodcolor. The same general treat- 
mentas given the Bletia, with the exception of 
more careful watering, is all they require. 
Most species are natives of tropical Asia, and 
are propagated by division of the roots. In- 
troduced about 1820. 

Cala’thea. ZebraPlant. From kalathus,a basket ; 
in reference to the leaves being worked into 
baskets in South America. Nat. Ord. Scita- 
minew. 

A genus of interesting plants, with beauti- 
fully marked foliage, distinguished from 
Maranta by mere botanical characters. 
Many of the most beautiful species of the 
latter have been transferred to this genus. C. 
Veitchii, zebrina, Vanden Heckii, regalis, Makoy- 
ana, Massingeana, and many others are among 
the most beautiful and showy of warm 
green-house or stove plants. They are mostly 
patives of Brazil, and require a high tempera- 
ture and humid atmosphere for perfect devel- 
opment. They are increased by root division. 


Introduced from 


CAL 


Caleariform. Shaped like a spear. 


Calcecla’ria. Slipperwort. From calceolus, a 
slipper, in reference to the shape of the flower. 
Nat. Ord. Scrophuariacee. — ; 

The numerous species of this well-known 
genus, found abundantly in the regions of 
Chili and Peru, are divided into two classes, 
herbaceous and shrubby. The former are 
found near the line of the sea, the latter are 
inhabitants of the higher parts of the Cor- 
dilleras; hence it is, that among the many in- 
troduced species, some are more or less 
hardy, growing freely in a shady border, and 
others require the humid atmosphere of a 
green-house. Many of the original ‘species 
have been modified by hybridizing, and are 
rarely found in collections. The hybrids 
are very numerous, and many are highly 
prized. The European flotists, having made 
a specialty of this genus, have brought out 
varieties remarkable for size, color and mark- 
ings. Propagation of the herbaceous varieties 
is readily effected by seeds, and the shrubby 
varieties by cuttings or from seeds. 


Calceolate. Having the form of a slipper, or 
round-toed shoe. 
Cale/ndula. Pot Marigold. From _ calenda, 


the first days of the months; in reference to 
its flowers being produced almost every 
month. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

There are several handsome species, some 
of which are shrubby and some annuals. The 
common Marigold, C. officinalis and its double 
varieties, and C. stellata, are the handsomest 
of the annual species. The Cape Marigolds, 
C. pluvialis and C. hybrida, have been removed 
to a new genus, which is called Dimorphotheca. 
Both these species are hardy annual plants, 
with very elegant flowers, which close at the 
withdrawal of the sun; and as they do not 
open at all when it is dark, or heavy clouds 
foretell the approach of rain, Linneus called 
the commonest species C. pluvialis, or the 
Rainy Marigold. The florets of the ray of the 
flowers of this plant are of a pure white inside, 
and of a dark purple on the outside; while 
those of C. hybrida are of a dingy orange out- 
side. A tincture is made from the flowers of 
the several varieties, that is considered highly 
efficacious for bruises or sprains, affording 
relief more quickly than arnica. 


Calico Bush. See KXalmia latifolia. 
California Fuschia. See Zauschneria. 
California Laure]. See Orcodaphne. 
California Nutmeg. See Torreya Californica. 
California Poppy. See Eschscholizia. 


Calisa'ya Bark, or Yellow Cinchona Bark Tree. 
See Cinchona Calisaya. 


Calla. Water Arum. From kallos, beauty. Nat. 
Ord. Aroidew. 

C. palustris, the only species, is an herba- 
ceous marsh plant, cf but little interest, com- 
mon in swamps throughout the Northern 
States. The roots yield an edible starch, and 
were formerly procured for that article; but 
they are no longer used for that purpose, and 
the plant is without special merit. Richardia 
Aithopica, so well known as the ‘Calla Lily,” 
is frequently erroneously called Calla 4£tho- 
pica. 


Calla. Black. See Arum sancta. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 65. 


CAL 


Callica/rpa. From kalos, beautiful, and carpos, 
fruit; referring to the beautiful berries. Nat. 
Ord. Verbenacee.. 

A considerable genus of low-growing shrubs, 
mostly tender evergreens. C. Americana, a 
species common from Virginia southward, is 
a hardy deciduous shrub, of great beauty, and 
one of the most desirable for the lawn or 
shrubbery border. In a good soil it grows 
about four feet high, very branching from 
near the root, giving the plant a most grace- 
ful outline. The flowers are small, incon- 
spicuous, in numerous axillary cymes or 
clusters. The beauty of the plant consists in 
its clusters of violet-colored berries, which 
are exceedingly showy from September until 
December. It is freely propagated by seed or 
from cuttings. C. Japonica is also hardy, 
with a little protection. 


Calli/chroa. This genus of Californian Compo- 
site is now usually included under Layia, 
which see. 


Callio’psis. Derived from kallistos, beautiful, 
and opsis, the eye; in allusion to the beauti- 
ful bright eye of the flower. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. : 

This is a genus of showy annuals, separated 
from Coreopsis. They are of a hardy char- 
acter, requiring only to be sown in rich earth 
about the end of March, and afterward thinned 

out. Those taken up for the purpose may be 
transplanted, and will afford a later bloom. 
They usually attain a height of about three 
feet, and, consequently, should be sown some 
distance from the margin of the bed. Ifa 
very early bloom be desired, a few plants may 
be raised on heat and transplanted in May. 
All are American plants, found from Arkansas 
to Texas. 


Callipro’ra. Pretty Face. From kallos, beauty, 
and prora, afront; referring to the front view 
of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

C. lutea, the only species, is a beautiful little 
yellow-flowering California bulb, the flowers 
of which aré produced in August, in umbels, 
drooping, on short scapes. Not hardy in this 
climate. Propagated by offsets. Syns. Bro- 
diwa ixioides, and Milla ixioides. 

Callirho’e. Named for Callirhée, a daughter of 
the river-god Archelous. Nat. Ord. Malwacee. 

This genus of American plants comprises 
both annuals and perennials. The former are 
a showy, free-blooming class, somewhat re- 
sembling the Scarlet Linum; the latter pro- 
duce flowers much larger and very beautiful, 
but are rarely met. The annual varieties grow 
readily from seed; the perennials from seed 
or by division of the rvot. Syn. Nuttallia. 


Callista/chys. From kalos, beautiful, and 
stachys, a flower-spike. Nat. Ord. Legumin- 
ose. 


Green-house plants from New Holland, pro- 
ducing beautiful yellow flowers. They grow 
readily and without trouble under ordinary 
treatment. Cuttings strike freely in sand, 
covered with a glass. Introduced in 1815. 
Syn. Oxylobium. 

Calliste’mon. A name indicative of the beauty 
of the stamens, which are ofa beautiful scarlet 
color. Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 

All the species of this genus are very orna- 
mental, and neat in habit. Natives of Aus- 
tralia, and well adapted for acool green-house 


CAL 


or conservatory. Metrosideros speciosa is a 
synonym for C. speciosus. 


Calliste’phus. China Aster. From kallistos, 
most beautiful, and stephos, a crown. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

C. Chinensis is the well-known China Aster, 
the varieties of which are so universally 
grown. The seed should be sown in March 
on a gentle heat for the earliest bloom, and 
others may be sown in the open ground as 
soon as itis fit to work, to afford a succession 
of flowers. The first, after being gradually 
inured to the open air, may be removed 
to their destined places as soon as danger 
from frost is past. The soil for them cannot 
be too rich; on this, and selecting an open 
situation, rests all the art of obtaining fine 
flowers. There are so many varieties now in 
cultivation that it is impracticable.to particu- 
larize them in a work like this, suffice it to 
say, they are all beautiful, and deserving of 
cultivation. The original species was intro- 
duced from China in 1731. Syn. Callis- 
temma. 


Callitha‘uma. Derivation not explained. Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidacee. ‘ 

A small genus of Peruvian bulbs, with 
yellow flowers, produced on a slender scape 
before the leaves start, like the Guernsey 
Lity. They may be grown successfully, with 
the protection of a frame during winter. Pro- 
pagated by offsets. Introduced in 1843. 


Calli’tris. From kalos, beautiful; referring to 
the appearance of the whole plant. Nat. Ord. 
Conifere. 


A small genus of evergreen, cypress-like 
trees, allied to Thwa. They are natives of 
New Holland, Barbary, and the Cape of Good 
Hope.. C. quadrivalvis is a large tree with 
straggling branches. It is a native of Bar- 
bary, but can be successfully grown from the 
Carolinas southward. The resin of this tree 
is used in varnish-making under the name of 
Gum Sandarach. It yields a hard, durable, 
and fragrant timber, of a mahogany color; 
for which reason it is largely used in the con- 
struction of mosques and similar buildings in 
the north of Africa. Syn. Frenela. 


Calli/xine. A genusof Liliacew. Now included 
with Luzuriaga, which see. 


Callu’na. Heather. From kalluno, to adorn; 
in reference both to the beauty of the Heather, 
and to its use as a scrubbing-brush or broom. 
Nat Ord. Ericacew. 

C. vulgaris, the only species, is the well- 
known “Heather” of Scotland, popularly 
known as Ling or Common Heath; a low- 
growing, much-branched little shrub, with 
very pretty rose-colored, purple, or white, 
fragrant flowers, produced in crowded axillary 
clusters, forming one-sided (mostly) spikes or 
racemes. This beautiful little plant has be- 
come naturalized in afew localities in this 
country. Itis reported at Tewksbury, Mass., 
and at Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It is also 
found sparingly in Nova Scotia and New- 
foundland. 


Ca‘llus. A hardened part. This term is best 
known as used to denote the cambium that 
forms at the cut end of aslip or cutting before 
the roots appear, and heals the wound over. 
It has a granular or warty appearance, and 
hence the name. : : 


66 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CAL 


Calocephalus. From kalos, beautiful, and cep- 
hale, a head; alluding to the inflorescence. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of cottony or woolly annual or per- 
ennial herbs or shrubs, natives of Australia. 
C. Brownii, is the only cultivated species and 
is much used in carpet bedding and ribbon 
bordering. Itis best known in cultivation as 
Leucophyta Brownii. 

Calocho’rtus. Mariposa Lily. From kalos, 
beautiful, and chortus, grass; referring to 
the leaves. Nat Ord. Liliaceae. 

This genus contains some of our gayest 
and most beautiful half-hardy bulbs. They 
were found in Columbia and California by the 
intrepid and unfortunate collector, Douglas. 
The flowers somewhat resemble the Tulip in 
shape. Colors are white, purple, and yellow, 
most of them richly spotted. They grow freely 
in light, sandy loam, should have slight pro- 
tection in winter, and succeed well grown in 
pots. They flower from July until September. 
Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1826. 


Calode/ndron. Derived from kalos, beautiful 
and dendron, a tree; in reference to the beauty 
of the plant. Nat. Ord. Rutaree. 

C. Capense, the only described species, is 
a tall growing, green-house evergreen tree of 
an ornamentalcharacter. Its stems are pubes- 
cent, leaves in opposite pairs, and pubescent 
on both surfaces. The creamy white flowers, 
composed of linear oblong petals, are borne 
in immense terminal panicles. Native of the 
Cape of Good Hope, first introduced 1789. 


Calony’ction. The circumstance of the flowers 
opening at night has suggested the derivation 
of the generic name, from kalos, beautiful, 
and nyx, night. The plants comprising this 
genus are again relegated to Ipomea and 
Convolvulus. 


Calo’phaca. From kalos, beautiful, and phake, 
alentil; in reference to the lentil-like flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

C. Wolgarica, the only described species is 
a hardy deciduous shrub from Siberia. Its 
flowers are yellow, produced in axillary 
clusters, and somewhat resembles the Cytisus, 
an allied plant. Loudon says of it: ‘* Grafted 
standard high on the common Laburnun, it 
forms an object at once singular, picturesque 
and beautiful.” Itis difficult of propagation 
except by grafting or from seed. 


Calo’phanes. From kalos, beautiful, and phaino, 
to appear. Nat. Ord. Acanthacea. 

C. oblongifolia, is a fine hardy herbaceous 
plant from Florida, bearing lively blue flowers, 
of little merit as a border plant, as the flowers 
are too small to be effective. Introduced in 
1832. 


Calophy’llum. This genus of Guttifere con- 
tains about twenty species mainly natives of. 
the East, only four or five being found in 
America. Tuey are large trees with shining 
green leaves, elegantly marked by numerous 
transverse veins. Some species yield valuable 
oils, and resins, and the timber of some of the 
larger sorts ismuch used for building, masts, 
ete. Several species are in cultivation for 
their ornamental foliage. 


Calopo’gon. From kalos, beautiful, and pogon, 
a beard; the lip being beautifully fringed. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 


CAL 


A small genus of tuberous Orchids, found 
in swampy situations on the south side of 
Long Island and many other parts of the 
United States. The flowers are borne on a 
scape growing about one foot high; color 
bright purple, quite conspicuous. Like most 
of our native Orchids, it improves by cultiva- 
tion. Shady situations and a light, fibrous 
soil will suit it. 


Calotha’mnus. One of the beautiful genera of 
Myrtacee, in which Australia abounds. Shrubby 
green-house plants, with needle-like leaves 
and scarlet flowers. The name indicates that 
the branches become covered with the beauti- 
ful flowers. Propagated by cuttings of the 
firm young wood. 


Ca‘Itha. Marsh Marigold. Butter Cup. Acon- 
trac.iion of kalathos, a goblet; referring to the 
shape of the flower. Nat. Ord. Ranunculacee. 

C. palustris is an indigenous hardy herba- 
ceous perennial, common in swamps and 
marshy places throughout the Northern 
States. The flowers are bright yellow, borne 
in large clustgrs, in April or May. The leaves 
are highly esteemed as a pot herb. The plant 
is frequently called_Cowslip, a name that 
properly belongs to Primula veris. ° 


Caltrops Water. The fruit of Trapa mutans, 
which see. 


Calycantha’cez. A natural order of shrubs 
with square stems and opposite, entire leaves 
without stipules, and solitary lurid flowers, 
which have an aromatic fragrance; natives of 
North America and Japan. ‘The bark of Caly- 
canthus floridus, the Carolina Allspice, is used 
as a substitute for, and to adulterate cin- 
namon. There are two known genera, 
Calycanthus, of this country, and Chimonanthus, 
of Japan, comprising six species. . 

Calyca’nthus. Sweet-scented Shrub, Straw- 
berry Shrub, Carolina Alispice. From kalyz, 
acup or calyx, and anthos, a flower; from the 
closed cup which contains the pistils. Nat. 
Ord. Calycanthacee. 

C. floridus is a native deciduous shrub, re- 
markable for the scent of the flowers (which 
is commonly thought to resemble that of ripe 
fruit), as well as for their peculiar color. It 
isa native of the Southern States, perfectly 
hardy, and will grow in almost any soil or 
situation. Propagated by seeds or offsets. 
The bark of this species is used in the adul- 
teration of cinnamon. There are other species 
and varieties, but this is the most conspicuous 
and desirable. 


Calyciform. Formed like a calyx. 


Caly’pso. Name from kalypto, to conceal, not 
merely to the covering of the stigma, but pre- 
serving an analogy between this botanical 
beauty, so difficult of access, and the secluded 
goddess, whose isle was fabled Lo be protected 
miraculously from the observation of navi- 
gators. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

C. boreatis, the only species. is one of the 
most beautiful of our native Orchids. Itisa 
tuberous plant with one leaf and one flower 
only. The flower is rose-colored and has 
something of the appearance of a Cypripedium, 
owing to its forming a large pouch, which is 
woolly-hairy inside. It is found in cold bogs 
and wet woods in northern New England, 
west and northwards, its bulbs resting in 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 67 


CAL 
moss; the flowers appear as soon as the snow 
melts in spring. 

Calyste’gia. Bracted Bindweed. From kalyx, a 
calyx, and stega, a covering; in reference to 
the calyx being hid by two bracts, as is the 
case with asection of Bindweeds. Nat. Ord. 
Convolvulacew. 

This somewhat extensive genus includes 
our common hedge Convolvulus, but only a 
few species are considered interesting. C. 
“pubescens, from China, a hardy double-flowered 
variety, is useful as a screen, or for covering 
unsightly places, the chief objection to it 
being its tendency to get beyond control. 
Propagated by division of root in spring. 

Calyx. The most external of the floral en- 
velopes; it is called adherent or superior 
when it is not separate from the ovary; free 
or inferior when it is separate from that part ; 
and calyculate when it is surrounded at the 
base by bracts in a ring. 


Camaro’tis. From camara, an arched roof; in 
reference to the form of the lip or labellum. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidaceaw. 

A small genus of East Indian and Brazilian 
Orchids, bearing pale rose flowers, with yellow 
lip, produced on pendulous racemes in March 
and April. They require a warm, moist house, 
and need but little rest. They are increased 
by division. Introducedin 1818. Syn. Sarco- 
chilus. 


Cama’ssia. Wild Hyacinth. From quamash, so 
called by Indians, who eat the bulbs. Nat. 
Ord. Liliaceae. - 

Allied to the Scilla or Squill. C. esculenta re- 
sembles the common blue Hyacinth, but is 
larger, its leaves being abouta foot long, very 
narrow, and grooved down the inside. Its 
flower stalks grow from one to two feet high, 
and bear large, showy purple flowers. This 
plant grows in moist grounds from the Mis- 
sissippi River to the Pacific Ocean, and its 
bulbs form a staple food of the Indians, the 
different tribes visiting the plains for the pur- 
pose of collecting them, immediately after the 
plant has flowered. The occasion is one of 
their feasts, in which the women take an im- 
portant part, as the labor of digging devolves 
entirely upon them. The unmarried females 
endeavor to excel each other in the quantity 
they collect, their fame as future good wives 
depending upon their activity upon the Qua- 
mash plains. The roots are cooked by digging 
ahole in the ground and paving it with large 
stones, upon which a fire is lighted and kept 
up until they are red hot, when they are 
covered with alternate layers of branches and 
roots till the hole is full. It is then covered 
with earth, and a fire kept burning upon it for 
twenty-four hours, when the roots are taken 
out, dried, or pounded into cakes for future 
use. 

Cambium. The viscid fluid which appears 
between the bark and wood of Exogens, when 
the new wood is forming. 


Came'llia. Named in honor of George Joseph 


Kamel, or Camellus, a Moravian Jesuit and 
Eastern traveler. Nat. Ord. Ternstremiacee. 
This well-known genus is so closely allied 
to the tea family as to be distinguished from 
it with great difficulty, the great difference 
being in the number of parts and position 
of the flower. The number of true species 


CAM 


of this splendid genus is very limited, not 
exceeding six or seven, and only one or two 
of them are thought worth cultivation, except 
for botanical purposes. The hundreds of 
beautiful varieties which grace our collections, 
possessing at once the most rich and vivid 
colors in their flowers, and the noblest gran- 
deur in the whole aspect of the plants, fully 
compensate for this scarcity of species, and 
leave us little to desire that may not reason- 
ably be expected from the same skill and per- 
severance which have already produced such 


_ Splendid results. C. Japonica may be regarded 


as the parent of the whole race of cultivated 
Camellias. It is a native of China and Japan, 
where it attains the altitude of a tree, and is 
much employed by the natives of those 
countries in decorating their gardens. Camel- 
lias delight in an even temperature, rapid 
fluctuation being injurious at any season, and 
the same regular and equable amount of both 
light and moisture should prevail for the 
whole year, that in effect the difference 
between the summer and winter seasons may 
be lessened as far as practicable. For this 
purpose the plant should be kept in summer 
in a cool green-house, moderately shaded 
from the sun. When the plants are in a grow- 
ing state they require abundance of water, 
both at the roots and over the leaves. After 
making their growth, and setting their flower- 
buds, they require less attention than at any 
other period. Moderate supplies of water and 
a situation as cool as can be afforded without 
danger of frost or nipping currents of air are 
best. About the middle of March is the com- 
mencement of the ordinary growing season, 
when a higher temperature and plenty of water 
to the roots should be given them. Potting 
should be done when the greatest benefit will 
be conferred on the prospective shoots, which 
will be before the roots have made much pro- 
gress, or as soon after blooming as may be. A 
distinction in the quality of soil to be used 
should be made in accordance with the state 
of each plant, bearing in mind that they grow 
much stronger in loam, but do not usually 
produce flowers so freely, and vice versa for 
healthy specimens; and under ordinary cir- 
cumstances an addition of leaf mould seems 
most advisable, introducing a small propor- 
tion of sand, and using the soil quite rough. 
At this time it should be determined at what 
period the plants will be required to bloom in 
the ensuing season, whether early or late, to 
accord with which the plants may be either 
forced or retarded. They will bear almost 
any amount of heat while growing, but after 
the formation of the flower-buds it must be 
withheld, as the slightest application then, 
instead of hastening their development, will 
infallibly cause them to fall off. Hence, the 
only way to “force” Camellias into early 
flowering in fall and winter is to keep them at 
a high temperature while growing in spring. 
A temperature of about 65° is the most proper 
for such as are desired to flower in the follow- 
ing winter; 45° or 50° will be sufficient for the 
next, or those which may be said to bloom 
naturally, while the portion required to fur- 
nish flowers for the late spring monthsshould 
be placed out of doors. This treatment must 
be continued until the new growths are com- 
pleted, and the incipient flower-buds can be 
discovered, when a cool, shaded situation 


68 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CAM 


should be provided for each section as they 
require it; observing to supply them bounti- 
fully with water during the whole period of 
growth, with an occasional sprinkling over 
the foliage, and moderate shade. Any situa- 
tion secure from frost will preserve them 
through the winter, and as the flowers expand, 
the plants may be removed wherever their 
presence may be deemed most ornamental. 
Many of the best Camellias in cultivation 
have been raised from seed in this country; 
several of the finest of which have originated 
in Boston, with Messrs. M. P. Wilder and C. H. 
Hovey, and have been awarded the highest 
honors. The usual mode of propagation is by 
cuttings, or by grafting or inarching, either of 
which should be done as soon as the new 
wood is firm enough to handle. The sub- 
jects operated on should be placed in a close, 
humid atmosphere, such as is afforded by a 
common hand-glass placed over a tan-bark 
bed. The union takes place in a few weeks, 
and with encouragement, the scions will form 
fine plants in one season. The Tea Plant, known 
generally as Thea Bohea or Thea viridis, is now 
returned by many botanists to this genus 
under the name of C. theifera. 


Camoe’nsia. Named in honor of Louis Cam- 
oens, a celebrated Portuguese poet. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. : 

C. maxima, the only species yet in cultiva- 
tion, was introduced from Angola in 1878, and 
is the largest-flowered leguminous plant 
known. It is one of the most beautiful of 
tropical climbers. The splendid bunches of 
pendulous milk-white flowers, tinged with 
gold on the edges of the petals, grow in droop- 
ing racemes from the axils of the leaves; the 
petals are white, venose, frilled at the margin, 
where they are tinted with golden-yellow. 
Propagated by cuttings. 


Campa/nula. Bell Flower. 
campana, a bell; literally, a little bell. 
Ord. Campanulacee. 

This extensive and well-known genus con- 
sists of more than two hundred species, 
including annuals, biennials, and perennials. 
Some of the hardy perennials are dwarf plants, 
producing a profusion of flowers, which ren- 
der them particularly adapted for rock-work 
or for growing in pots. C. pyramidalis is a 
tall-growing variety, at one time a very popu- 
lar plant, and some of the old gardeners still 
cling to it with a peculiar fondness. When 
grown in pots it requires frequent repot- 
ting, which will bring it to an enormous size. 
When well grown it is a splendid plant. C. 
medium (Canterbury Bell) is a very ornamental 
garden flower of the easiest culture, with 
double and single varieties, bearing blue, red, 
purple, and white flowers. Like other bien- 
nials, it may either be sown where it is to 
remain, any time after midsummer, or may be 
sown in beds in spring for transplanting. C. 
rotundifolia (Hairbell) is the most beautiful of 
our native species. Some of the species are 
grown in France and Italy as esculent roots. 
All succeed well in any good soil, and are pro- 
pagated freely by seeds or division. 


Campa’nula'cez. A natural order of milky 
herbs or undershrvbs, with alternate leaves, 
having no stipules, and usually bearing showy 
blue or white flowers. The plants are chiefly 
natives of the north of Asia, Europe, and 


The diminutive of 
Nat. 


CAM 


North America, and are scarcely known in hot 
regions. The chains of the Alps, Italy, Greece, 
the Caucasus, and the Altai, are their true 
homes. Several are found at the Cape of Good 
Hope. The plants have a milky, acrid juice, 
but the roots and young shoots are often culti- 
vated as articles of food, as, for example, the 
Rampion (Campanula Rapunculus). There are 
twenty-nine known genera, and 540 species. 
Some of them furnish handsome flowers for 
the border. Jasione, Phytewma, Campanula, 
Adonophora, and Platycodon are examples of 
the order. 


Campa’nulate. 
Campanula. 
Campeachy Wood. The red dye-wood, better 

known as Logwood, obtained from Hema- 

toxylon Campechianum. 
Camphire, or Samphire. 
Camphor. See Camphora. 


Ca’mphora. Camphor-tree. From Camphor, 
the commercial name of its chief product. 
Nat. Ord. Lauracee. 

C. officinalis, the only species constituting 
this genus, is an evergreen tree that grows to 
a considerable height, dividing into many 
branches covered with smooth, greenish bark. 
Its flowers are small, white, destitute of calyx, 
with a six-petalled corolla. The fruit re- 
sembles that of the cinnamon. 

This tree is a native of China and Japan, 
growing abundantly in the woods of the 
western part of the island. The roots, 
wood and leaves have a strong odor of 
camphor. This substance is found to 
lodge everywhere in the interstices of 
the fibres of the wood, also in the pith, but 
most abundantly in the crevices and knots. 
The camphor of commerce, or Chinese cam- 
phor, is obtained from the wood, branches 
and leaves, by dry distillation. It is chiefly 
produced in the island of Formosa, and is 
brought in great quantities to Canton, whence 
foreign countries are supplied. 

Campion, Moss. Silene acaulis. 

Rose. Lychnis coronaria, and L. Flos Jovis. 


Campsi’dium. From Kampsis, a curving. Nat. 
Ord. Bignoniacee. 

C. filicifolium is a beautiful climber from 
Chili. . The foliage is of a dark shining green 
color, and resembles the fronds of some 
Ferns. The flowers are small, of a rich 
orange color. It is a rapid grower, well 
adapted for covering rafters or back walls in 
the green-house. In the woods, in its wild 
state, it grows forty to fifty feet high, cover- 
ing the tops of the trees in a most graceful 
manner. 


Camptoso’/rus. Walking Fern. The rather 
rare or local C. rhizophyllus, is the only native 
representative of the genus, and is remark- 
able for its fronds, tapering above into a 
slender prolongation like a runner, which 
often roots at the apex, and gives rise to new 
fronds, and these in turn to others; hence 
the popular name. Syn. Aspleniwm. 


Campylobo’trys. From kampylos, a curve, and 
botrys, a bunch; alluding to the form of the 
inflorescence. Nat. Ord. Cinchonaceew. 

A genus of very beautiful green-house 
shrubs, natives of Brazil. They are more 
remarkable for their glossy foliage than for 


Bell-shaped, as the corolla of 


Crithmum maritimum. 


68 


CAMPANULA PUNCTATA. 


CAMPANULA CARPATICA, 


CAMASSIA ESCULENTA. 


CAMPANULA SPECULUM. 


CAMPANULA (TALL), 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 69 


CAM 


the beauty of the flowers. C. regalis has ellip- 
tic leaves, with a satiny luster and a rich 
bronzy-green color. This, with one or two 
other species, has been introduced into the 
green-house for the rare beauty of the foliage. 
They were introduced in 1859, and are propa- 
gated by cuttings. By some authors this 
genus is placed under Hoffmannia. 


Camwood. See Baphia. 

Canada Balsam. Abies Balsamea. 

CanadaRice. Zizania aquatica. 

Canada Tea. Gaultheria procumbens. 

Canada Thistle, See Cirsium. 

Canary Bird Flower. See Tropeolum. 

Canary Grass. See Phalaris. 

Canava'lia. A genus of elegant twining plants 
of the Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

The purple or white and red flowers are 
produced in racemes from the axils of the tri- 
foliate leaves. Well adapted for training up 
the rafters of a stove or warm green-house. 


Cancer Root. A common name applied to the 
genus Epiphegus, and also to Conopholis, 
on acconnt of their supposed medicinal vir- 
tues. 


Cancer Root. One-Flowered. Aphyllon uni- 


Cancer-wort. Linaria spuria, and L. Elatine. 


Candidus. A pure white; but not so clear as 
snow-white. 

Candle-berry Myrtle. Myrica cerifera,; and M. 
Gale. 


Candle-berry Tree. Alewritesiriloba. 
Candle Tree. Panama. See Parmentiera:cerifera. 


Candle Wood. Californian. Fouguiera splen- 
dens. 


Cando'llea. Named for A. De Candolle, of 
Geneva, author of many botanical works. 
Nat. Ord. Dilleniacee. 

A genus of. very ornamental evergreen 
shrubs, natives of Australia. C. tetrandra isa 
very compact-growing and free-flowering plant 
with yellow flowers, borne at the ends of the 
branches. Introduced in 1842. Itis a valu- 
able addition to our fall and winter blooming 
plants. Propagated by cuttings, or by seeds 
when obtainable. 


Candy-tuft. See Iberis. 


Cane-brake. A common name for different 
species of Arundinaria. 


Cane. Dumb. Dieffenbachia seguine, which see. 
Chair-bottom. Various species of Calamus, 
which see. 
Malacca. Calamus scipionum. 
Rattan. Calamus draco (C. Rotang). 
Sugar. Saccharum offcinarum. 
Sugar, Chinese. Sorghum Saccharatum. 


Cane Stakes. The tree-like culms or stems of 
two species of Arundinavia, found in swamps 
and by the margins of rivers from Florida to 
Indiana. They are much used, especially by 
florists, for plant stakes, as they can be cut to 
any desired length, and are ready for use at 
once. Those from Indiana are considered the 
best, as they are tougher and more durable. 

Canescens. More or less gray, verging on 
white; grayish-white; hoary; a term ap- 
plied to hairy surfaces. 


CAN 


Canker. A ratherindefinite term, used to denote 
a disease resulting in the slow decay of trees 
or other plants attacked by it. See 
Carcinodes. 


Ca’nna. Indian Shot. The Celtic name for a 
cane or reed. Nat. Ord. Scitaminee. 

This is an extensive and very interesting 
genus of tender herbaceous perennials. Most 
of the species have showy crimson, orange 
and yellow flowers. They are usually grown 
for the remarkable beauty of their foliage, 
which is highly ornamental; hence they are 
favorite plants in cultivation, and produce a 
striking effect either singly, or grouped in beds 
upon the lawn in the summer months. If 
planted ina rich, deep soil, and freely watered, 
some of them will grow ten feet during the 
season, and from a single tuber make a clump 
three or four feet in diameter. A new section, 
introduced in 1884 by a Mr. Crozet of France, 
has a dwarf bushy habit. The flowers are 
produced in abundance from June to October 
when they can be lifted and flowered during 
winter in green-houses. This section comprises 
many grand varieties, the flowers of many of 
which are marked like orchids. Beauty is not 
their only claim to consideration, some of the 
species, as C. edulis, being grown extensively 
in Peru and the Sandwich Islands as a vege- 
table. Arrow-root is also made from this 
species. Propagated by seeds or more com- 
monly by division of tubers, which should be 
kept during the winter like Dahlias. 


Ca’nnabis. Hemp. So called from ganeh, its 
Arabic name, andfrom the Celtic appellation 
can, reed, and ab, small. Nat. Ord. Urticacew. 

Of the two species that compose this genus, 
the truly important one is C. sativa, a native 
of India, which furnishes the Hemp of com- 
merce. The Hemp plantis an annual, growing 
from four to eight feet high; in very hot 
climates it frequently grows twenty feet high. 
The flowers are of separate sexes on differ- 
ent plants, the males being produced in 
racemes, and generally crowded together 
towards the top of the plant or end of the 
branches; the females are in short spikes, 
their calyx consisting merely of a 
single sepal, rolled around the ovary, but 
open on one side, and they have two hairy 
stigmas. The fruit (commonly known as 
‘‘Hemp-seed”) is a small, grayish-colored 
smooth, shining nut, containing a single oily 
seed. For the production of good fiber the 
seed is sown close, so as to produce 
straight stems without branches. The har- 
vesting takes place at two periods; the male 
being pulled as soon as it has done flowering, 
and the female not until the seeds are ripe. 
After gathering it undergoes treatment sim- 
ilar to that given flax to separate the fiber. In 
Persia and other very hot countries the plant 
furnishes a soft resin, which is collected by 
the coolies, and is smoked like tobacco, or 
pounded into pulp, so as to make a drink, 
khoth being stimulant and intoxicating. The 
Asiatics are passionately addicted to the use 
of this means of intoxication, as the names 
given to the Hemp show : ‘‘leafof delusion,” 
‘increaser of pleasure,” etc. 


Canoe-Wood. The Tulip tree. Liriodendron 
tulipifera. 


Canterbury Bells. See Campanula medium. 


70 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CAN 


Ca’ntua. From Cantu, the name of one of the 
species in Peru. Nat. Ord. Polemoniacew. 

A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs 
from Peru. The foliage is fleshy, the flowers 
large and showy, produced in terminal 
corymbs, the colors being white, scarlet, 
yellow and blue. They require the same 
treatment as the Fuchsia. C. buwifolia is the 
Magic Tree of the Peruvian Indians, and was 
formerly used to decorate their houses on 
feast days. All the species are readily 
increased by: cuttings, C. coronopifolia, anative 
of South Carolina, is Gilia coronopifolia of 
Ruiz and Pavon. 


Caoutchouc. The elastic, gummy substance 
known as Indian Rubber, which is the juice 
of various plants growing in tropical climates 
in different parts of the world. It is chiefly 
obtained from the Ficus elastica, Castilloa 
elastica, Urceola elastica, ete. The milky juice 
of Siphocampylos caoutchouc is quite different 
from the Caoutchouc of commerce. 


Cape Bulbs. A term employed to designate a 
Jarge number of bulbs from the Cape of Good 
Hope, that require the protection of a frame 
to be grown in this latitude. They are not 
sufficiently hardy to endure our winters with- 
out protection. Among the class may be 
found JIzias, Babianas, Sparaxis, Tritonias, 
Geissorhiza, etc. ; 

Cape Figwort. See Phygelius. 

Cape Gooseberry. Physalis Peruviana. 

Cape Jessamine. See Gardenia florida. 

Cape Poison Bulb. Buphane disticha 
Brunsvigia toxicaria). 

Cape Pond Weed. Aponogeton distachyon. 

Cape Treasure Flower. Gazania pavonia. 

Caper tree. See Capparis. 


Capitate. Having ahead; pin-headed, as the 
stigma of the Primrose. Also, growing in a 
head, or close terminal clusters, as the 
flowers of Composite, etc. 


Capparida’cez. A natural order composed of 
herbs, shrubs, or trees with alternate leaves 
and solitary or clustered flowers. The order 
igs divided into two sub-orders: Cleomea, 
with dry, dehiscent (splitting) fruit, and Cap- 
poree, with a berry fruit. The plants are 
chiefly tropical, and abound in Africa and 
India. Some are found in Europe and in 
North America. They have pungent and 
stimulant qualities, and have been used for 
scurvy. The flower buds of Capparis spinosa 
furnish the well-known Capers. C. Agyptiaca 
is thought by some to be the Hyssop of Scrip- 
ture. There are thirty-three known genera 
and 355 species. Capparis, Cleome, Polanisia, 
and Crateva, are examples of the genera. 


Ca’pparis. Caper-tree. From kabar, the Arabic 
name for Capers. Nat. Ord. Capparidaceaw. 
An extensive genus of tender or half-hardy 
climbing or trailing plants. The best known 
of the species is C. spinosa, a native of the 
-gouth of Europe. In habit it resembles the 
common bramble. The Capers are the buds, 
which are gathered just before expanding, and 
pickled. In Italy the unripe fruit is some- 
times pickled in vinegar in the same manner 
ag the buds. Capers are chiefly imported from 
Sicily, though they are extensively grown in 
the south of France. ‘ 


(Syn. 


CAR 


Caprifolia’/ceze. A natural order of shrubs or 
herbs, often twining, natives of the northern 
parts of Europe, Asia and America, found 
sparingly in northern Africa, and unknownin 
the southern hemisphere. Some are astrin- 
gent, and others have emetic and purgative 
qualities. Many have showy and fragrant 
fiowers. The common Honeysuckle (Lonicera) 
is one of the most esteemed of our climbing 
or twining plants. Among other plants of the 
order may be mentioned the Snowball or 
Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), the Snow- 
berry (Symphoricarpus racemosus), the Elder 
(Sambucus nigra), and the Laurustinus (Vi- 
burnum Tinus), as well as Linnea borealis. 
The black berries of the species of Viburnum 
found on the Himalaya Mountains are eatable 
and agreeable. 


Capse’lla. A common weed belonging to Nat. 
Ord. Cruciferae. 

C. Bursa-pastoris, Shepherd’s Purse, a native 
of Europe, is so called from the resemblance 
of its pods to some ancient form of purse. 
It has accompanied Europeans in all their 
migrations, and established itself wherever 
they have settled. Itis atroublesome weed, 
hence its utilitarian popular name, “ Pick- 
pocket,” is more appropriate perhaps, than 
the sentimental one ‘‘Shepherd’s Purse.” 


Ca’psicum. Chili Pepper. From kapto, to 
bite; referring to its pungency. Nat. Ord. 
Solanaceew. 

An extensive genus of tender annual and 
biennial plants, natives of the East and West 
Indies, China, Brazil and Egypt. C. annwum 
is the common garden pepper, a native of 
India, from which many varieties have origi- 
nated. C. frutescens, a native of Chili, is the 
species that furnishes the Cayenne Pepper of 
commerce, and is also used in the preparation 
known as Pepper Sauce. C. grossum, a native 
of India, is the Bell Pepper of our gardens. 


Capsule. A dry dehiscent seed vessel or fruit. 


Caraga’na. Siberian Pea-tree. So called from 
Carachana, its name in Tartary. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. ; 

An Asiatic genus of shrubs or low growing 
trees. One of the best known of the species 
is, C.. Arborescens, the Siberian Pea-tree, a low 
sized shrubby tree, with numerous yellow, 
tapering twigs, and very small, pinnate leaves 
of the same character as those of the Acacias, 
put much smaller and of a rare golden-green 
color; the flowers are small, yellow, and pro- 
duced singly or in clusters, at the axils of the 
leaves. It is-a tree of marked beauty in early 
summer, by the contrast it presents with 
shrubs of dark and less delicate foliage. C. 
Chamiagu, a Chinese species, is a low spread- 
ing shrub, two to four feet high, with branches 
at first upright and then decumbent. Loudon 
says: “When grafted on C. arborescens, it 
forms a singularly picturesque pendulous 
tree; beautiful not only when it is in leaf 
or in flower, but from the graceful lines 
formed by its branches, even in- the midst of 
winter, when they are completely stripped of 
their leaves.” The flowers are produced 
freely in large clusters, yellow or reddish, ‘in 
May or June. 


Carageen or Carrageen. Irish Moss. A namé 
given in Ireland to Chondrus crispus and some 
other allied Algw. Vast quantities are col- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 71 


CAR 


lected for sale, and supply a useful article for 
feeding cattle, and making jelly for invalids. 


Its decided sea taste and odor are against its - 


being a perfect substitute for isinglass. 
There is no doubt, however, that in the sick 
chamber it is a far better substitute than 
gelatine, as that has very small, if any nutri- 
tive qualities, a fact not perhaps sufficiently 
known. 


‘Caragua’ta. A genus of Bromeliacee, closely 
allied to Tillandsia; stove-house epiphytes. 
Their bright scarlet bracts are very showy 
when in bloom. 


Caraway. See Carum. 


Carcinodes. A term applie1 to what is com- 
monly called Canker in trees, which may be 
characterized as a slow decay, and in regard 
to which the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, an excellent 
authority, says: ‘‘The appearances are very 
different in different plants, and the causes 
different. The samo plant, ag the Apple, may 
even exhibit three or four different kinds of 
Canker. One form arises from the attack of 
the Woolly Aphis; a second from the devel- 
opment of bundles of adventitious roots, 
whose tips decay and harbor moisture, and 
contaminate the subjacent tissues; a third 
exhibits itseli withoutan) apparent cuuse, in 
the form of broad, dark, or even black patches, 
spreading in every direction; while a fourth 
shows pale, depressed streaks, which soon 
become confluent, and eventually kill, first 
the bark, and then, as a necessary conse- 
quence, the underlying wood. The only 
remedy is to cut out completely the affected 
parts, and that is not always efficacious. The 
Canker of the Plum and Apricot is brought on 
by gumming. In many cases Canker arises 
doubtless from the roots penetrating into 
some ungenial soil, which vitiates the Juices 
and induces death to the weaker cells, from 
which it spreads to surrounding tissue. The 
rugged appearance is generally due to a 
struggle between the vital powers of the plant 
and the diseased action.” i 


Cardami’ne. Ladies’ Smock. Cuckoo Flower. 
From kardamine, a diminutive of kardamon, 
cress ; referring to the acrid flavor. Nat. Ord. 
Crucifere. . 

An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
perennials, common in many parts of -the 
United States, Europe, and northern Asia. C. 
pratensis, popularly known as Ladies’ Smock 
or Cuckoo Flower, is a very pretty meadow 
plant, with large lilac flowers, common in 
Europe, but a rather rare plant in this coun- 
try. A double variety of this species, some- 
times found growing wild, is remarkably 
proliferous, the leaflets producing new plants 
where they come in contact with the ground, 
and the flowers, when they wither sending 
up a stalked flower-bud from .their centers. 
The leaves of some of the species are used 
in salads. 


Ca/rdamon. See Amomum. 
Cardinal Flower. See Lobelia cardinalis. 
Cardiospe‘rmum, Balloon Vine. From kar- 


dia, a heart, and sperma, seed; in allusion to | 
the shape of the seeds. Nat. Ord. Sapin- 


Of this small genus only one species is 
grown as an ornamental plant, viz., C. Hali- 
cacabum, which is a rapid-growing, handsome 


CAR 


climber, remarkable for an inflated mem- 
branous capsule, from which it receives its 
common name, Balloon Vine. It grows readily 
from seed. Introduced from India in 1504. 


Cardoon. See Cynara. 


Ca’rduus. Thistle. From ard, the Celtic word 
for a prickle or sharp point; referring to the 
spines of the Thistle. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Some of the species are very ornamental, 
though many of them are tall, robust-growing 
plants, which require a great deal of room 
and are too large for a small garden. C. 
Marianus (Syn. Silybum Marianum) the Holy 
Thistle, is well marked by the white veins on 
its large, shining leaves, fabled to have been 
produced by a portion of the milk of the Vir- 
gin Mary having fallen on them. They are 
annuals, growing freely from seed. 


Ca’rex. From careo, to want; the upper spikes 

being without seeds. _ Nat. Ord. Cyperacea. 
This genus includes more than 1,000 species, 

widely distributed over the temperate and 
Arctic regions. They areall perennial grasses ; 
a few species are handsome plants for the 
green-house, and useful for basket work and 
aquariums. They are usually found growing 
in bogs, marshes, or moist woods, where they 
yield a very inferior quality of grass. C. 
Fraseri is the handsomest species of the 
genus, resembling at a short distance, when 
in flower, one of the Liliacew. The leaves of 
several of the species are used for seating 
chairs, and various other purposes for which 
we use the common Flag. There are more 
than 300 species in this country, all of which 
are without interest except to the botanist. 

Caricature Plant. See Graptophyllum. 

Carinate. Keel-shaped. 


Carludo’vica. Named after Charles IV. of 
Spain, and Louisa, his queen. Nat. Ord. 
Cyclanthacee. 

A genus of low-growing, palm-like, stove- 
house plants. Some of them have long, 
climbing stems, sending out aérial roots, 
which fasten upon the trunks of trees or hang 
down like ropes, while others are stemless 
and form dense thickets. C. palmata is one 
of the more interesting species. Its leaves 
are shaped and plaited like a fan, and are 
borne on long, slender stocks. They are of- 
tolerably large size, and deeply cut into four 
or five divisions, each of which is again cut. 
It is from the leaves of this species that the 
well-known Panama hats are made. The 
leaves are cut when young, and the stiff par- 
allel veins removed, after which they are slit 
into shreds, but not separated at the stalk 
end, and immersed in boiling water for ashort 
time, and then bleached in the sun. This 
species is also exceedingly useful for any orna- 
mental or decorative purpose. C. plicata is 
a very interesting climbing species, with foli- 
age similar to that of C. palmata, but with 
much shorter leaf-stalks. ‘There are several 
other species useful for decorative purposes, 
and valuable from the fact that they will suc- 
ceed in any out-of-the-way corner, where most 
other plants would perish. This genus is 
common throughout the shady thickets of 
Panama, and along the coast of New Grenada 
and Ecuador. They are increased from 
suckers or from seed. 


Carnation. See Dianthus caryophyllus. 


72 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CAR 


Carneus. Pale red, or flesh-color. 


Carnivorous Plants. _A term applied to Dionea 
muscipula, Darlingtonia Californica, the Dro- 
seras, and other insect-catching plants, on the 
supposition that they feed on the insects 
which they entrap. 

Carob Tree. See Ceratonia. 


Carolina Allspice. A popular name of the 
Calycanthus, or Sweet-scented Shrub. 


Carolina Jasmine. See Gelsemium. 


Carpel. A division of the ovary; one of the 
rolled-up leaves of which the pistil is com- 
posed, whether they are combined or distinct; 
the eae parts of which compound fruits are 
formed. 


Carpente’ria. Named after the late Professor 
Carpenter of Louisiana. Nat. Ord. Sazifrag- 
acee. 

An ornamental, hardy, tall-growing shrub 
with pure white flowers, and broadly-lanceolate 
pinnately-veined leaves, whitened beneath, 
with a minute and close pubescence. Intro- 
duced to cultivation from the Sierra Nevadas, 
California, in 1880. 


Carpi’nus. Hornbeam, Iron Wood. From the 
Celtic car, wood, and pinda, head; the wood 
being used for the yokes of cattle. Nat. Ord. 

lace. 


GC. Americana, the only representative of this 
genus in our woods, is a low-growing tree of 
compact form, and a very rigid trunk. It is 
particularly handsome in autumn, because of 
its richly-colored foliage. It is found in 
nearly all parts of the country, but is not 
plentiful in any section. The wood of this 
tree is exceedingly hard and close-grained, 
and is well suited for any work requiring great 
hardness and strength. 


Carpoly'za. From karpos, fruit, and lyssa, 
rage; in reference to the three-celled fruit, or 
seed-pod, opening like the mouth of an 
enraged animal. Nat. Ord. Amaryjllidacee. 

A genus of South African bulbs, the only 
species being C. spiralis, which is a very pretty 
little plant. The leaves and flower scape are 
twisted, from which fact it derives its specific 
name. The flowers are white, sepals pink, 
tipped with green. It requires protection in 
winter, or may be kept dry and grown in pots, 
starting them about the first of February. 
They are propagated by offsets. Introduced 
in 1791. : 


Carrion Flower. Coprosmanthus herbaceus, 


Smilax herbacea, and the genus Stapelia. 


Carrot. Daucus carota. Thewild Carrot, indig- 
enous to Great Britain and many other parts 
of Europe, and so extensively naturalized in 
this country as to become one of the most 
troublesome pests of thefarmer, has generally 
been supposed to be the parent of the many 
varieties of the common garden Carrot, which 
has been under cultivation from time im- 
memorial. Dioscorides describes accurately 
the Carrot, both as a wild plant and as culti- 
vated as an esculent root. The parentage was 
not questioned until Miller, the celebrated 
English gardener and botanist, undertook to 
improve the wild Carrot by cultivation, and 
signally failed in his many and varied 
attempts. Others have experimented at dif- 
ferent times, with no better success. The 
prevailing opinion now is that the garden 


CAR 


Carrot is a distinct species, or was obtained 
under circumstances entirely different or 
unknown at the present day. The carrot was 
introduced into England, in about its present 
form, by the Dutch, during the reign of Queen 
Elizabeth, and soon thereafter became a favor- 
ite vegetable, and a useful as well as a profit- 
able field crop. Careful selection has gradually 
improved the quality in certain respects, of 
the Carrot, during the past hundred years, 
and good cultivation is now required to keep 
the varieties up to their proper standard. 


Cartha’mus. Safflower. From quartom, to 
paint, in Arabic; the flowers yield a fine 
color. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

This genus consists of two species only, 
annual plants, found in Caucasus and Egypt. C. 
tinctorius, the Saffron Thistle, is extensively 
cultivated in India, China,:and other parts of 
Asia, for the coloring matter which its 
flowers yield. These flowers contain two 
kinds of coloring matter—the one yellow, 
which is soluble in water, the other red, 
which being of a resinous nature, is insolu- 
able in water, butis soluble in alkaline carbon- 
ates. The fruit is never converted to any use, 
as it dyes only dull shades of color; the other 
is a beautiful rose-red, capable of dyeing every 
shade, from the palest rose to a cherry-red. 
It is chiefly used for dyeing silk, affording 
various shades of pink, rose crimson and 
scarlet. Mixed with finely-powdered tale it 
forms the well-known substance called rouge. 
In France this species is grown for the beauty 
of its flowers, and in Spain it is grown in 
gardens to color soups, olives and other 
dishes. It is readily grown from seed, which 
should be started in the hot-bed or green- 
house. 


Ca/rum. Caraway. From Caria, in Asia Minor, 
where it was first discovered. Nat. Ord. 
Umbellifere. 

A small genus of hardy bienniais, but one 
species of which, C. Carui, is of any special 
interest. Thisisa native of Europe, and pro- 
duces the Caraway seeds which contain an 
aromatic volatile oil, and are usedin flavoring. 
The plants are of the simplest culture, requir- 
ing only to sow the seeds where the plants are 
wanted to grow. 


Ca'rya. Hickory. The Greek name for the 
Walnut. Nat. Ord. Jug ; 

A well-known genus of hardy deciduous 
trees, confined wholly to North America. C. 
alba is the common Shell-bark or Shag-bark 
Hickory, so called on account of the rough, 
shaggy bark of the trees, peeling off in long, 
narrow strips from large trees. This species 
furnishes the best Hickory nuts. C. olivefor- 
mis is the Pecan-nut tree, common from Ilii- 
nois southward. It is a large and beautiful 
tree. Its delicious nuts are well-known. C. 
porcina, is the Pig-nut, one of the most valu- 
able as a timber tree, but the fruit is worth- 
less. C. amara is the Bitter-nut or Swamp 
Hickory-nut. C. sulcata is the Western Shell- 
bark Hickory, remarkable for the size of the nut 
which has a very thick shell, but is of excel- 
lent quality. C. tomentosa, common in the 
West and South, bears the largest nuts of any 
of the species, the size, however, being at tho 
expense of the quality. The timber of all the 
species is valuable for any purpose where 
strength and elasticity are required. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 13 


CAR 


Caryoph’yllaceze. An extensive order of herbs, 
with stems swollen at the joints, the flowers 
terminal, solitary, or disposed in racemes, 
panicles or corymbs; the leaves entire and 
opposite. The plants of this order are natives 
principally of temperate and cold regions. 
They inhabit mountains, rocks, hedges and 
waste places. Humboldt says that Clove- 
worts constitute a twenty-secondth part of 
the flowering plants of France, one twenty- 
seventh of those of Germany, one seventeenth 
of Lapland, and one seventy-secondth of 
North America. There are some very showy 
flowers in the order, such as the well-known 
and popular Pinks and Carnations; but the 
greater number are mere weeds. The Clove 
Pink (Dianthus Caryophyllus) is the origin of 
all the cultivated varieties of Carnations, as 
Picotees, Bizarres and Flakes. The common 
Chickweed (Stellaria media) and Spurry (Sper- 
gula arvensis), the latter used as fodder for 
sheep, are other examples. There are about 
sixty genera and 1,100 species. Dianthus, 
Silene, Lychnis, Cerastiwm, Arenaria, Alsine, 
Saponaria, are examples of this order. 
Caryophy'’llus. Clove-tree. From karuon, a 
nut, and phyllon, a leaf; referring to the 
appearance of the flower-buds. ' Nat. Ord. 
Myrtaceew. 

C. aromaticus, the tree producing the well- 
known spice called Cloves, is a handsome 
evergreen, rising from fifteen to thirty feet, 
with large elliptic leaves and purplish flowers, 
arranged in terminal heads on short-joiuted 
stalks. It is a native of the Molucca Islands, 
where it is not only cultivated for its great 
commercial value, but also as an ornamental 
tree. The whole tree is highly aromatic, and 
the foot-stalks of the leaves have nearly the 
same pungency as the calyxes of the flowers. 
A celebrated writer who had visited the 
islands, says: ‘‘ Clove-trees as an avenue to a 
residence are perhaps unrivalled—their noble 
height, the beauty of their form, the luxuri- 
ance of their foliage, and, above all, the spicy 
fragrance with which they perfume the air, 
produce, on-driving through a long line of 
them, a degree of exquisite pleasure only to 
be enjoyed in the clear, light atmosphere of 
those latitudes.” 


Caryo’pteris. From karuon, a nut, and pteron, a 


wing; the fruit is winged. Nat. Ord. Ver-, 


benacece. 

C. Mastacanthus, the best known species, is 
a hardy herbaceous plant, of easy culture, 
blooming in autumn. The flowers are light 
azure-blue in color, and are borne in axillary 
globose heads. It growsabout two feet high, 
and was introduced from China in 1844. 


Caryo’ta. Toddy Palm. The old Greek name 
used by Dioscorides; the Greeks first applied 
this name to their cultivated Date. Nat. Ord. 
Palmacee. 

C. urens, commonly called Fish-tail Palm, is 
the most prominent species of this genus. It 
is a beautiful tree, growing from sixty to 
eighty feet high, with a trunk a foot in. diam- 
eter, producing many pendulous spikes of 
flowers, which are succeeded by strings of suc- 
culent globular berries, dark red when ripe, 
and are very sharp and acrid in taste. In 
Ceylon it yields a sort of liquor, sweet, whole- 
some, and no stronger than water. It is taken 
from the tree two or three times a day, each 


CAS 


yield from a large tree being from three to 
four gallons. When boiled down it makes a 
coarse brown sugar called jaggory. When the 
tree has come to maturity there comes out a 
bud from the top; that bud the natives cut 
and prepare by putting salt, pepper, lemons, 
garlic, leaves, etc., over it, which keeps it 
from ripening. They daily cut off a thin slice 
from the end, and the liquor drops into a ves- 
sel, which they set to catch it. The buds are 
most delicious to the taste, resembling wal- 
nuts or almonds. The species are natives of 
the Indies, and are grown in the green-house, 
where they succeed well with the same treat- 
ment which other tropical Palms require. 


Cascari/lla Bark. See Croton. 


Cashew-Nut. See Anacardium. 


Cassa/ndra.- Leather-leaf. C. Calyculata, the 
only known species, sometimes included under 
Andromeda, is generally distributed through- 
out the northern hemisphere. It is a low, 
much-branched shrub belonging to the Nat. 
Ord. Fricacee, and produces its pretty 
white flowers on one-sided racemes, early in 
spring. 


Cassava Bread, or Cassava Meal. See Mani- 
hot utilissima. 


Ca’ssia. Senna. From the Greek name of a 
plant, Kassian, of the Bible. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. : 

An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous and 
green-house perennials, found scattered over 
nearly all parts of the globe. Many of the 
species are well known, and considered of 
great importance for their medicinal proper- 
ties. The leaflets of several of the species 
constitute what is known in medicine as 

’ Senna leaves. Those from C. acutifolia and 
C. obovata, African and East Indian species, 
are the most highly esteemed. The leaves of 
C. Marilandica, wild Senna, a native of the 
Middle and Southern States, have, to some 
extent, the same properties, and are some- 
times used as a substitute for the officinal 
Senna. Thisspecies may be justly regarded as 
one of our most valued plants for the border. 
It grows from three to four feet high; foliage 
a beautiful deep green, not unlike the finer 
Acacias; flowers bright yellow, produced in 
short axillary racemes, continuing along time 
in succession. Some of the roadsides of Long 
Island are bordered with this plant, and no 
public park, with all that art can bestow upon 
its drives in the way of ornamentation, can 
compare in simplicity and beauty with 
these roadsides. C. nictitans, Wild Sensitive 
Plant, another native species, is a very beau- 
tiful hardy annual, common on our roadsides, 
growing about six inches high, and in appear- 
ance almost identical with the Sensitive Plant, 
Mimosa pudica, and well worth cultivating for 
its beautiful foliage. C. chamecrista, com- 
monly known as Partridge Pea, is a very 
pretty species, common in the Southern 
States. 


Cassi/nia. Named after M. Henri Cassini, an 
eminent French botanist. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A very handsome genus of shrubby plants 
or herbaceous perennials, natives of Australia 
and New Zealand. C. Vawviliersii produces 
numerous small white flowers in compact 


74 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CAS 


clusters, which though pretty, are not enough 
to recommend the plant for general culture ; 
but its golden coat which suffuses the back 
of the leaves, and still more densely the entire 
young stems, will always make it an object of 
interest. It is perfectly hardy, and is readily 
increased by cuttings. 


Casta’nea. Chestnut. From a town of that 
name in Thessaly. Nat. Ord. Corylacee. 

The Chestnut Tree is well known 
because of the nuts, which are universally 
esteemed. There are two species indigenous 
to this country, the common Chestnut, C. ves- 
ca, found throughout the States, and C. pumila, 
a low-growing tree or shrub, common south- 
ward, which produces a smaller nut, known 
as the Chinquapin. The Spanish Chestnut, a 
variety of C. vesca, differing from our native 
Chestnut mainly in the size of the fruit, isa 
native of Asia Minor, introduced at a very 
early date. This tree grows to an immense 
size. A tree near Queens, L. I., planted 
nearly one hundred years ago, has a trunk 
almost twelve feet in circumference, and is 
about fifty feet high, with immense spreading 
branches. Itis one of the noblest shade trees 
to be found in this country. A species of 
late introduction from Japan promises to 
become one of our most useful as well as 
most ornamental trees, or, more properly, tall 
shrubs. The fruit of this species was 
received in New York a few years since in a 
consignment of goods from Japan. The 
merchant receiving the same, seeing the nuts 
were of such excellent quality, fully equal to 
those of our native species, and as large as the 
Spanish Chestnut, attempted the growing of 
them, and with remarkable success. In five 
years they commenced to fruit, and are now 
bearing profusely. The shrub is of an orna- 
mental character, suitable for the lawn. The 
fruit or nuts are borne within two feet of the 
ground. Those who have had a favorable 
opportunity to judge of its character, predict 
its early adoption as a hedge plant, for which 
purpose it seems well adapted. In addition 
to its value as an ornamental hedge, it would 
undoubtedly prove valuable for its yield of 
nuts. 

Castille’ja. Painted-Cup. Named in honor of 
Don Castilleja, a Spanish botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Scrophulariacee. | 

This genus consists of about forty species, 
nearly all of which are American, afew being 
found in northern Asia. They are remarkable 
for their brightly colored floral leaves or 
bracts, the mostof which are more showy than 
the flowers, which are commonly yellowish or 
greenish. C. indivisa, a beautiful perennial 
species, has recently been introduced into 
our gardens from Europe, although it is a 
native of Colorado. It is one of our most 
desirable hardy plants, producing its brilliant 
scarlet bracts in great profusion. This 
species is so entirely distinct from most other 
plants, and at the same time so showy, and 
can be grown with as little difficulty as most 
other herbaceous plants, that we cannot but 
consider it a great acquisition. 

Castillo‘a. A Mexican tree belonging to the 
Nat. Ord. Urticacee, and having male and 
female flowers alternating one with the other, 
on the same branch. C. elastica, contains a 
milky juice yielding Caoutchouc. 


CAT 


Castor Oil Bean. See Ricinus. 

Casuari’na. Beef-wood. Supposed to be named 
from the resemblance the leaves bear to the 
feathers of the Cassowary. Nat. Ord. Casuri- 
nace. 

A genus of very curious trees, constituting 
of themselves a distinct family. They have 
very much the appearance of gigantic Horse- 
tails (Equisetacee), being trees with thread- 
like, jointed, furrowed branches, without 
leaves. The flowers are not of a showy char- 
acter. These plants are met mostabundantly 
in tropical Australia, and occasionally in the 
Indian Islands, New Caledonia, ete. In Aus- 
tralia, from their somber appearance, they 
are planted in cemeteries. The timber fur- 
nished by these trees is valuable for its ex- 
treme hardness and its red color, it is called 
in the islands Beef-wood. The several species 
are highly esteemed for their uses in the me- 
chanie and useful arts. A few of them have 
been introduced into green-houses for their 
singular appearance. 

Cata'lpa, Indian Bean. Cigar Tree. The 
Indian name of the first discovered species. 
Nat. Ord. Bignoniacee. : 

A small genus of ornamental trees, natives 
of North America, the West Indies, Japan 
andChina. C. bignonioides (syn. Syringefolia), 
a native of the Southern States, and one of the 
most beautiful shade trees, has bright, yellow- 
ish-green, heart-shaped leaves, and is remark- 
able for its numerous loose panicles of white 
flowers, spotted with orange and purple. C. 
b. aurea, a golden-leaved variety, is slower 
growing than the parent and is golden over the 
entire leaf on the young growths in June, and 
the second growth in August and September. 
C. speciosa, the Western Catalpa, cultivated 
and now widely naturalized in southern 
Arkansas, western Louisiana, and eastern 
Texas, has white flowers, in rather large pan- 
icles and in general appearance is similar to 
C. bignonioides, but may be easily distin- 
guished from that species by its much larger 
flower, fruit, and seed. C. Bungeii, generally 
known as C. Kempferi, is probably a small 
form of C. bignonioides, and is a remarkable 
shrub, growing from six to eight feet high, 
with a diameter fiom eight to ten feet. The 
trees when young make arapid growth, and 
are particularly valuable for lawn or street 
decoration, being, so far, entirely exempt 
from the ravages of insects and caterpillars. 

Catana’nche. From katanangke, a strong in- 
centive; in reference to an ancient custom 
among the Greek women of using it in love 
potions. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A small genus of annuals and hardy her- 
baceous perennials. C. cerulea, « perennial 
species, with slender stalks, long, narrow 
leaves, and large heads of sky-blue flowers, 
is a native of the south of Europe. From 
this species several varieties have been pro- 
duced with white and double flowers, all very 
desirable for the open border and for cuttings. 
They are increased by division or from seeds. 
C. lutea, an annual species with yellow flowers, 
is a native of Candia. 

Catase’tum. From kata, downward, and seta, a 
bristle; referring to the position of the two 
horns of the column. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

An extensive genus of strong and rapid 
growing, terrestrial orchids, common in the 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 75 


CAT 


tropical portions of South America. The 
flowers of this genus are remarkable for sin- 
gularity of form, and some are very beautiful, 
and have a delicious fragrance. The same 
plant not unfrequently produces what would 
seemingly appear to be totally different 
flowers, it has a decided propensity to 
“‘sport.”” The singular shape of their flowers, 
and other marked characteristics, entitle 
them a place in every collection. When at 
rest they should be kept cool and dry;.in a 
growing state, they require strong heat and 
copious waterings. Increased by division. 


Cat-brier. See Smilax. 


Catchfly. See Silene. 
Lobels’. See Silene armeria. 


Ca’techu Tree. Acacia (Mimosa) Catechu. 
Caterpillars. Scorpiurus vermiculatus. 


Catkin. A deciduous spike, consisting of uni- 
sexual apetalous flowers. The flowers of the 
Willow, Hazel, etc., are Catkins. 


Cat-Mint and Catnip. See Nepeta. 

Cat.Tail. One of the popular names of Pearl 
Millet; also applied to Hquisetum, Hippuris, 
and a few other plants. 

Cat-Tail Flag. See Typha. 


Cat’s Tail Grass. One of the common names 
e the genus Phieum, Timothy or Herd’s 
Tass. 


Cattle-poison Plant. W. Australia. 
species of Gastrolobiums. 


Cattle’ya. Named after Mr. Cattley, a dis- 
tinguished patron of botany. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacew. 

What the Rose and Carnation are among 
garden plants, the Cattleya is among Orchids, 
pre-eminently beautiful. Not a species but 
possesses claims of the strongest nature on 
the culturist’s attention, either for its delicate 
loveliness or the rich and vivid coloring of its 
large and handsome flowers. They are na- 
tives of the temperate parts of South America, 
and in cultivation are found to succeed in a 
lower temperature than is necessary for the 
majority of plants of the same order. They 
will grow either on cork, blocks of wood, or 
in pots of sphagnum, carefully drained and 
moderately watered at all times; indeed, the 

-damp atmosphere of the house is nearly suffi- 

cient for them through the winter; and if 
about fifty degrees of heat is steadily main- 
tained through this period, with an increase 
of about ten degrees in summer, the plants 
will be found to grow vigorously, and conse- 
quently flower in perfection. The colors of 
the flowers run through all the shades of 
white, rose, rosy-lilac, crimson and carmine, 
nor is even yellow absent. Where all are 
beautiful it is scarcely necessary to select. The 
following, however, should be in every col- 
lection. €. citrina, crispa, Harrisonie, inter- 
media, labiata, Loddigesit. Percivilleana, Skin- 
neri, Mossie and Trianew, with their numerous 
varieties, and many others. All the Cattleyas 
are increased by division. See Orchids. 


Caudate. Tailed; having a process like a tail. 


Caudex. The axis of a plant, consisting of the 
stem and root. Applied also to the trunk of 
Palms and Tree Ferns. Caudex repens is a 
creeping stem, or what is now called a 
rhizome. Caudex descendens is the root. 


Several 


CED 


Caulescent. Acquiring astem. 


Cauliflower. Brassica oleracea cauliflora. The 
Cauliflower is the most delicate and delicious 
of the genus Brassica. Its early history is 
entirely unknown, but it is supposed to have 
originated in Italy. It is mentioned by 
Gerarde in 1597, as then very rare in England, 
and it was not brought to any degree of per- 
fection, or grown for the market, until about 
1700. From that period until the present, 
there has been a slow, but marked and steady 
improvement in the size and quality of this 
vegetable. To the English and Dutch gar- 
deners we are chiefly indebted for the per- 
fection the Cauliflower has attained. Heads 
of immense size are now grown for the market ; 
it being by no means uncommon to see ahead 
perfectly sound and smooth, fully ten inches 
in diameter, and, contrary to the usual rule, 
size is not obtained at the expense of quality, 
the larger, if differing at all, being more 
tender and delicious. The varieties of the 
Cauliflower are numerous. In this work we 
cannot point out the best, as locality and se- 
lection cause variations more marked than 
even the varieties. The most popular in the 
United States at this time are Snowball and 
Erfurt for early, and Algiers for late. For 
the perfection of the Cauliflower a deep, rich, 
loamy soil is required, a low, moist situation 
being preferable; it will not succeed in dry 
ground. Where irrigation can be employed, 

. the greatest benefits will be derived; in fact, 
‘a large crop will be secured with irrigation, 
when without it the result would be total fail- 
ure. Culture nearly the same as for cabbage, 
which see. : 


Caulophy’llum. The generic name of the plant 
commonly known as Blue Cohosh, sometimes 
ealled Pappoose-root. : 


Cayenne Pepper. See Capsicum. 


Ceano’thus. Red Root, New Jersey Tea. An 
obscure name in Theophrastus, probably. mis- 
spelled. Nat. Ord. Rhamnacee. 

A genus of low-growing shrubs, one of the 
most conspicuous and best known being C. 
Americanus, a species common in dry wood- 
lands. This shrub attained considerable 
notoriety during the American Revolution, on 
account of its leaves being dried and used as 
a substitute for tea, a practice not yet wholly 
discontinued. The roots are used in dyeing 
wool of a Nankeen or cinnamon color. There 
are species from Mexico and South America, 
that have lately been introduced into the 
green-house, and regarded with favor. Their 
season of flowering is too short to warrant 
very general cultivation. 


Cecro’pia. Snake wood. A genus of orna- 
mental, evergreen, soft-wooded, milky trees, 
natives of South America, and belonging to 
the Nat. Ord. Urticacee. 

'C. peltata, the Trumpet Tree of the West 
Indies and South America, so called be- 
cause its hollow branches are used for musi- 


cal instruments, is the only species of 
interest. 
Cedar. See Juniperus. 


Barbadoes and Bermuda. 
diana. 

Red Californian. Libocedrus decurreus. 

Red Virginian. See Juniperus. 


Juniperus Bermu 


76 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CED 


Cedar-Apples. The Pennsyivanian name for 
the curious excrescences on Juniperus Virgini- 
anus, caused by a fungus. 


Cedar of Lebanon. See Cedrus. 


Cedre'leze. Formerly regarded as a distinct 
order, now included as a tribe of the Nat. 
Ord. Meliacee. 


Cedrone’lla. Supposed to be derived from 
kedron, the cedar, because of its fragrant 
resinous scent. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A small genus of sweet-scented perennial 
herbs, rarely shrubs, with pale, purplish 
flowers in spikes or terminal racemes; 
natives of North America and the Canary 
Isles. . C. cordata, a neat little alpine plant 
with a leaf somewhat like the Ground Ivy, 
and a lilac, slightly dotted, flower somewhat 
like that of the Salvia, is very dwarf and 
pretty, and will probably prove a desirable 
plant for rockwork. 


Cedron Tree. See Simaba. 


Ce’drus. The Cedar. From Latin Cedrus, 
Greek Kedros; a name for a coniferous tree 
in the time of Homer. Nat. Ord. Conifere. 

This genus consists of a few species that 
have been separated from Abies and Juniper- 
us, their characteristics being their evergreen 
leaves, disposed in bundles, or fasicles, and 
their upright cones. The Cedar of Lebanon 
is one of the most prominent species, so often 
mentioned in Sacred History. It is one of the 
most beautiful evergreen trees for lawn 
decoration, though rarely met with. There 
is anoble specimen on the grounds of W. F. D. 
Manice, at Queens, L. I. Itis upwards of thirty 
feet high, with a trunk four and a half feet in 
circumference. There was a still larger speci- 
men a few years since on the grounds of the 
late Geo. C. Thorburn, at Astoria, L. I. 
C. Deodara, the Deodar or Indian Cedar, is 
of vigorous pyramidal form with light silvery 
glaucous-green foliage, very graceful and 
drooping. It is a most charming evergreen, 
not entirely hardy, north of Philadelphia, but 
one of the most beautiful ornamental trees in 
the Southern States. 


Ce/landine. The popular name of the genus 
Chelidonium, which see. 


Celastra’/cez. This natural order consists of 
shrubs, or small trees, natives of the warmer 
parts of Europe, Asia, and North America, 
and far more abundant beyond the tropics 
than within them. There are thirty-five 
known genera, and over two hundred and 
fifty species.  Celastrus, Huonymus, and 
Elewodendron, are examples of this order. 


Cela’strus. Staff Tree, Bitter Sweet. From 
kelas, the latter season; referring to the fruit 
hanging on the trees all winter. Nat. Ord. 
Celastracee. 

This genus, consists of trees, shrubs, and 
climbers. One native species, C. scandens, 
ig a handsome twining shrub, remarkable for 
its orange-colored capsules, and the scarlet 
coating of the fruit. It is planted as an 
ornamental climber, and is known by its pop- 
ular name of Bitter Sweet. Propagated by 
seeds and suckers. 


Celeriac or Turnip-Rooted Celery. Apium 
graveolens var. rapaceum. A very distinct 
variety of Celery, the peculiarity of which 
consists in the root, which closely resembles 


CEL 


that of a tumip, and isthe parteaten. Itis 
more hardy than the common Celery, and 
can be preserved for use much later in the 
spring. It is but little grown except in 
France and Germany, where it is employed 
as a vegetable and as a salad. It is usually 
boiled until tender, and then slightly pickled 
in vinegar. 


Ce'lery. Apiwm graveolens. Celery is a native 
of England, and is found in its wild state in 
marshy places and ditches near the coast. It 
is a biennial. There are in its wild state two 
kinds, the red and the white-stalked, of both 
of which there are numerous garden varieties, 
the cultivation of which is carried on to a very 
great extent, both here and in Europe. As it 1s 
a crop of vast importance we give in acon- 
densed form such information regarding its 
cultivation, as will enable anyone to succeed 
in its cultivation. 

The seeds are sown on a well-pulverized, 
rich border, in the open ground, as early in 
the season as the ground can be worked. (For 
instructions in sowing, see article headed 
‘‘Sowing and Planting, Use of the Feet in.”) 
The bed is kept clear of weeds until July, 
when the plants are set out for the crop. 
But as the seedling plants are rather trouble- 
some to raise, when for private use only, and 
as they can usually be purchased cheaper 
than they can be raised on a small scale, it is 
scarcely worth while to sow the seed. But 
when wanted in quantity, the plants should al- 
ways be raised by the grower, as Celery plants 
are not only difficult to transplant, but are 
usually too expensive to buy when thecrop is 
grown to sell. The European plan is, to make 
a trench six or eight inches deep in which to 
plant Celery; but our violent rain storms 
in summer soon showed us that this plan was 
not a good one here, so we set about 
planting on the level surface of the ground, 
just as we do with all vegetables. Celery re- 
quires an abundance of manure, which, as 
usual with all other crops, must be well 
mixed and incorporated with the soil before 
the Celery is set out. When the ground is 
well prepared, we stretch a line to the dis- 
tance required, and beat it slightly with a 
spade, so that it leaves a mark to show where 
to place the plants. These are set out at 
distances of six inches between the plants, and 
usually four feet between the rows, when the 
Celery is to be “banked” up for early or fall 
use; but when grown for winter use, from 
two to three feet between the rows is suffi- 
cient. Great care must be taken, in putting 
out the Celery to see thatthe plant is set just 
to the depth of the roots; if much deeper, the 
“heart” might be too much covered up which 
would impedethe growth. Itis alsoimportant 
that the soil be well packed to the roots in 
planting, and this we do by returning on each 
row, after planting, and pressing the soil 
against each plant firmly with the feet; and if 
the operation can be done in the evening, and 
the plants copiously. watered, no further at- 
tention will be required. 

Planting may be done any time from the 
15th of June to the first week in August. 
After planting, nothing is to be done but keep 
the crop clear of weeds until September; by 
that time the handling process is to be begun, 
which consists in drawing the earth to.each 


Wifi) 
YI 


CELERIAC 


CELERY (WHITE PLUME). 


CELERY (HANDLING). 


CELERY “‘ BANKED UP.” 


OELERY (STORING IN TRENCHES FOR WINTER). 


CELERY (HALF DWARR), 


CELOSIA CRISTATA. 


Eisele = NP OEPHALOTUS FOLLICULABIS, 
OELOSIA PLUMOBA. OENTAUREA CYANUS. 7 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 7 


CEL 


~ gide of the Celery, and pressing it tightly to 
it, so as to give the leaves an upward growth 
preparatory to blanching for use. Supposing 
this handling process is done by the middle 
of September, by the first week in October it 
is ready for ‘banking up,” which is done by 
digging the soil from between the rows, and 
laying or banking it up with the spade on 
each side of the row of Celery. After being 
60 banked up in October, it will be ready for 
use in three or four weeks, if wanted at that 
time. But if, as in most cases, it is needed 
for winter use only, and is to be put away in 
trenches, or in the cellar, as will hereafter be 
described, all that it requires is the operation 
of “handling.” If the Celery is to be left in 
the open ground where it was grown, then a 
heavy bank must be made on each side of the 
rows, and as cold weather approaches—say in 
this latitude by the middle of November—an 
additional covering of at least a foot of leaves 
or litter must be closely packed against the 
bank, to protect it from frost; but it is not 
safe to leave it in the banks where it grows, 
in any section of the country where the tem- 
perature gets lower than 10 degrees above 
zero. 

Perhaps the best way to keep Celery for 
family use is in acoolcellar. This can be 
done by storing itin narrow boxes, of a depth 
a little less than the height of the Celery. A 
few inches of sand or soil are placed in the 
bottom of the box, and the Celery is packed 
upright, the roots being placed on the sand at 
the bottom; but no sand or anything else 
must be put between the stalks of the Celery, 
all that is needed being the damp sand on the 
bottom of the box, the meaning of which is, 
that before Celery will blanch or whiten, it 
must first start at the root; hence the neces- 

-sity of placing the roots on an inch or so of 
damp sand. Boxesthus packed and placed in 
a cool cellar in. November, will be blanched fit 
for use during January, February, and March, 
though for succession it will be better to put 
it in the boxes, from the open ground, at three 
different times, say October 25th, November 

10th, and November 20th. Or if the boxes are 
not at hand, the Celery may be put away on 
the floor of the cellar, in strips of eight or 
nine inches wide, divided by boards of a 
width equal to the height of the Celery. That 
is, if the Celery is two feet high, the boards 
separating it must be about the same height. 
The reason for dividing the Celery in these 
narrow strips by boards is to prevent heating, 
which would take place if placed together in 
too thick masses. The dates above given 
apply, of course, to the latitude of New York; 
if further south, do the work later; if further 
north, earlier. If one has no suitable cellar, 
the Celery can be very readily preserved in 
the manner followed by market gardeners. 

Thus, afterithas been ‘‘ handled” orstraight- 
ened up, as before described, what is intended 
for use by Christmas should be dug up about 
October 25th ; that to be used in January and 
February, by November 10tn; and that for 
March use, by November 20th, which latter 
date is as late as it can be risked here. Al- 
though it will stand quite a sharp frost, the 
weather by the ehd of November is often 
severe enough to kill it, or so freeze it in the 
ground that it cannot bedugup. The ground 
in which it is to be preserved for. winter use 


CEL 


must be as dry as possible, and so arranged 
that no water can remain in the trench. Dig 
a trench as narrow as possible (if it should 
not be wider than ten age and of a depth 
equal to the height of the Celery; that is, if 
the plant of Celery be eighteen inches high, 
the trench should be dug eighteen inches 
deep. The Celery is then packed exactly in 
the. manner described for storing in boxes 
to be placed in the cellar; that is, stand 
it as near upright as possible, and pack as 
closely together as can be done without bruis- 
ing it; no soil orsand must be put between 
the stalks. As the weather becomes cold, the 
trenches should be gradually covered with 
leaves or litter to the thickness of six or eight 
inches, which will be enough to prevent severe 
freezing, and enable the roots to be taken out 
easily when wanted. Another method now 
practised by the market gardeners of New 
Jersey is as follows: before the approach of 
very cold weather—say the middle of Decem- 
ber—the Celery in the trenches is pressed 
somewhat closely together by passing a spade 
down deeply alongside of the trench on each 
side, but about three or four inches from the 
Celery. It is bestdone by two men, so that 
they press against each other, thus firming 
the top of the Celery in the trench until it is 
compact enough to sustain a weight of three 
or four inches of soil, which is taken from the 
sides of the trench and spread over the Celery. 
This earth covering keeps it rather fresher 
than the covering of litter, though on the ap- 
proach of cold weather the earth covering is 
not sufficient, and a covering of six or seven 
inches of leaves must yet be placed over the 
earth covering. 

From 200 to 500 roots are usually required 
for the use of an ordinary family. The vari- 
eties we’ recommend are the Golden Dwarf, 
Sandringham, Golden Self-blanching, White 
Walnut, White Plume, and London Red. 

The peculiarity of the variety known as 
‘White Plume” is that naturally its stalks 
and portions of its inner leaves are white, so 
that by closing the stalks, either by tying 
them up with matting, or by simply drawing 
the soil up against the plants and pressing it 
together with the hands, and again drawing 
up the soil with the hoe or plough, so as to 
keep the soil that has been squeezed against 
the Celery in its place, completes the work of 
blanching; while it is well-known that in all 
other kinds of Celery, in addition to this, the 
slow and troublesome process of “ banking” 
with the spade is a necessity. Another great 
merit of the ‘‘ White Plume” Celery is that. 
it far exceeds any known vegetable as an 
ornament for the table, the inner leaves being 
disposed somewhat like an ostrich feather, as 
to suggest the name we have given it of 
‘< White Plume.” It is well known that one- 
half the value of a Celery, particularly in our 
best hotels and restaurants, is held to be its 
value as a table ornament, and for this purpose 
this new variety is admirably fitted. In 
addition to this, its eating qualities are equal 
to the very best of the older sorts, being crisp, 
solid and having a peculiar nutty flavor, 
peculiar to the “Walnut” and some of the 
red sorts; altogether we cannot find words 
sufficient to describe its many merits as it 
deserves. The great bugbear in the cultiva- 
tion of Celery, by those engaged in growing it 


78 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CEL 


for market, has been the labor entailed in the 
“banking” to whiten or blanch it; and with 
the unskilled amateur growing a few hundred 
for private use, the troublesome process of 
“‘banking ” has usually been detriment suffi- 
cient to prevent him from trying. In the first 
week of October, of 1882, the Celery banks in 
Hudson Co., N. J., must have cost at least 
$10,000 in labor to erect; but a rain storm of 
twenty-four hour’s duration washed the banks 
down and destroyed the work of weeks. Had 
this new Celery been under process of blanch- 
ing, no high banks would have been needed 
and the storm would have been nearly harm- 
less, as the ‘‘wash” would have done but a 
trifling injury. But absolute perfection is 
hardly to be expected in anything, and the 
“White Plume” Celery has one drawback; 
the very qualities that make its culture so 
simple in the fall and early winter months, 
unfits it for a late Celery that will keep until 
spring, as its tenderness of structure causes 
it to rot quicker than the old green kinds; 
but, to be used during the months of 
October, November, December and the early 
part of January, we advise it to be -grown, if 
quality and the saving of labor is a consider- 
ation. It is equally as hardy against frost as 
the other kinds; in size and weight it is 
very similar to those popular kinds: the 
“Golden Dwarf” and ‘‘Half Dwarf”—in fact 
it originated in what is known as a ‘‘sport”’ 
from the ‘ Half Dwarf ;” thatis, asingle plant 
showed the whiteness of stem and peculiar 
feathery leaves, which fortunately, permanent- 
ly reproduced itself from seed and gave us 
this entirely new type of Celery. Its culture 
is in all respects the same as that directed for 
the other sorts, with the exception that we are 
saved the trouble of high “banking.” Itis 
also we think, the earliest Celery in cultivation, 
and though fit to use long before other sorts, 
is found to keep nearly as well as the best of 
the older kinds, except perhaps the red which 
though comparatively new in cultivation in 
this country is fully equal if not superior in 
flavor and crispness to the white, and is de- 
eidedly more hardy and a much better keeper. 

A new variety known as the ‘ Bouquet” 
Celery, with beautiful feathery foliage, intro- 
duced in 1888, is very useful for table 
decoration, as well as for all purposes for 
which Celery is used, as it is equally as good 
as any of the others. 

We are often asked for the cause of and 
remedy for Celery rusting or burning. The 
cause, we think, is the condition of the 
weather, which destroys the tender fibers, or 
what are called the working roots of the plant, 
for we find it is usually worse in seasons of 
extreme drought or moisture, particularly in 
warm weather. 

We know of no remedy. nor do we believe 
there is any. We may say, however that it is 
less liable to appear on new, fresh soils, that 
are free from acids or sourness, than on old 
soils that have been surfeited with manure, 
and have had no rest. 

Although, under ordinary conditions, if 
proper varieties of Celery are used, the crop 
should never be pithy or hollow, yet we have 
found that now and then even the most solid 
kinds of Celery have become more or less 
hollow when planted in soft, loose soils, such as 
reclaimed peat bogs, where the soil is mostly 


CEN 


composed of leaf mould. In fact, on heavy or 
clayey soils the Celery will be specifically 
heavier than on lighter soils. 


Cells. Cavities in the interior of a plant. 
The cells of tissue are those which form the 
interior of the elementary vesicles. Cells of 
the stem, air-cells, etc., are spaces organically 
formed by a peculiar building up of tissue for 
various vital purposes. - 


Cellular System. That part of the plant which 
consists of cells or elementary vesicles. 


Celo’sia. From kelos, burnt; in reference to the 
burnt-like appearance of the flowers of some 
of the species. Nat. Ord. Amaranthacew. 

These are ornamental or curious plants. 
Only one or two species, however, are 
regarded as sufficiently ornamental to be 
included in ordinary collections. One of these, 
C. cristata, the common Cockscomb, is almost 
universally grown. To be grown well, the 
seed should be sown in March, in the green- 
house or hot-bed. As soon as the young 
plants can be handled safely, they should be 
placed singly in small pots, filled with the 
same kind of soil in which they are started. 
In these they should remain until symptoms 
of flowering appear, when they may be 
changed into larger pots or turned out into 
the border, where they should have a rich 
soil, such as loam and rotten manure, in 
equal parts; then, with a liberal supply of 
liquid manure, flower-heads of enormous size 
will be obtained. It ison this account that 
small pots are recommended for the young 
plants up till the appearance of the flowers; 
for if the roots be allowed much space at this 
period, the stem naturally increases in height 
without a compensating increase in the size 
of the ‘‘comb.” This species was introduced 
from Asia in 1570, and from it florists have 
produced a great number of varieties. The 
other species differ from C. cristata in having 
large plumes of inflorescence, which form 
pyramidal masses of color. Many sorts have 
a graceful pendant habit, which renders them 
objects of great beauty. When well grown 
they are excellent subjects for table decora- 
tion, and also for the green-house, or for cut- 
ting during the autumn and early winter 
months. 


Ce'lsia. A small genus of Scrophulariads, con- 
sisting of hardy or half-hardy annuals or 
biennials. C. cretica, a hardy biennial, is the 
best known and by far the showiest of the 
species. As cultivated, it grows three to 
four feet in height, with a long terminal spike 
of large yellow blossoms, each of which arises 
from the axil of a small leaf or bract. A 
native of Crete. Introduced in 1752. 


Celtis. Nettle Tree, Hack-berry, Sugar-berry. 
An ancient name for the Lotus. The fruit of 
the European Nettle Tree is supposed to have 
been the food of the Lotophagi. Nat. Ord. 
Orticacee. 

A genus of hardy deciduous, low, or medi- 
um-sized trees, of an ornamental character. 
Several of the species and their varieties are 
common in the Southern and Western States, 
where they have received the various popular 
names above given. . 

Ce’nchrus. Bur Grass, Hedge-hog Grass. From 
-Kegchros, the Oriental name of the Millet. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 79 


CEN 


C. tribuloides, the only species, is common 
on the sandy hills on the coast, or near salt 
water; also near the great northern lakes. It 
is regarded as a troublesome weed, on account 
of its prickly burrs. 


Centa’urea. The classical name of a plant 
fabled by Ovid to have cured a wound in the 
foot of Chiron made by the arrow of Hercules. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
perennial and annual plants, varying in height 
from one to five feet, and of nearly every 
shade of color from yellow to red, blue, or 
deep purple. As they continue to bloom for a 
long time, they are well suited for the margin 
of borders in the flower garden, and some of 
the dwarf species may be even admitted into 
beds. The perennial kinds growin almost any 
description of soil, nor are the annuals more 
particular; they merely require to be sown 
where they are to remain, being afterward 
thinned to the proper distances from each 
other. Centaurea cyanus, a native of Britain, 
is the Blue Bottle or Ragged Sailor of our gar- 
dens. C. candidissima and C. gymnocarpa are 
natives of the Levant, and are most valuable 
border plants, their leaves being heavily 
clothéd on both sides with a white, downy 
covering, which gives them a striking aspect. 
Propagated by seed sown in January or Feb- 
ruary in a hot-bed. 


Centauri’dium. Origin of name unknown. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

The only species of this is C. Drummondi, a 
Texas plant, free-flowering, and succeeding 
well in a light soil. Color bright orange. -A 
hardy annual, growing freely from seed. Syn. 
Xanthisma Texana. 


Ce'ntaury. Erythrea centaurium. 


Centaury. American. A common name for the — 


genus Sabattia. 


Centrade’/nia. From kentron, a spur, and aden, 
a gland; having spur-like glandular append- 
ages to its anthers. Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. 

Tropical undershrubs and herbaceous per- 
ennials, C. rosea and grandifolia, natives of 
Mexico, are moderate-sized, dwarf, spreading 
plants of easy growth, producing freely in 
spring close heads of pinkish-white flowers. 
They require the same treatment as the 
Fuchsia, and are increased from cuttings. 


Centra/nthus, Red Valerian. From kentron, a 
spur, and anthos, a flower; referring to the 
spur-like process at the base of the flower. 
Nat. Ord. Valerianacea, 

A small genus of hardy annuals from Gre- 
nada, and herbaceous perennials from the 
south of Europe. They are mostly of com- 
pact habit, free-flowering, and very pretty. 
The annuals are well adapted for rock-work 
or ribbon borders, and grow freely in common 
garden soil. Introduced in 1849. 


Centroclinium. Asynonym for Onoseris, which 
see. 


Centropo’gon. From kentron, a spur, and pogon, 
a beard; in reference to the fringe which 
envelops the stigma. Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae. 

A small genus of very handsome herbaceous 
perennials from Surinam and Guatemala. One 
of the species bears edible fruit. C. tovariensis 
is a very beautiful plant for the green-house, 
having rosy-crimson flowers, similar in form 


CEP 


to the Lobelias, but of larger size, produced 
singly on short axillary peduncles. ‘The most 
popular member of this genus is a hybrid 
between C. fastuosus and Syphocampylos betu- 
lefolius, and known as C. Lucyanus. It has 
pretty rosy-carmine, tubular flowers, and 
from its flowering naturally during the dead 
of winter it is a most desirable plant. Raised 
by M. Desponds, of Marseilles, in 1856. They 
are increased by division or from seed. 


Centrose’/ma. Spurred Butterfly Pea. A genus 
of Leguminose, consisting of hardy and green- 
house twining perennial plants, with one 
exception confined almost exclusively to South 
America, and mostly to Brazil. The leaves 
are made up of three leaflets, rarely five or 
seven, the leaflets opposite and the terminal 
one rather distant. Some of the species pro- 
duce large and elegant pea-like flowers, singly 
or in axillary racemes; colors, white, violet, 
rose or blue. C. Virginianum is widely distrib- 
uted, the species being common in dry, 
sandy woods from Maryland southward, also 
in Brazil and West Africa. All the species are 
increased readily from seed. Included by 
many botanists with Kennedya. 

Centroste’/mma. A genus of tropical climbing 
shrubs, closely allied to Hoya. 


Century-plant. See Agave Americana. 


Cephze'lis. From kephale, a head; in reference 
to the arrangement of the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Rubiacee. 

Shrubs, rarely perennial herbs, mostly na- 
tives of Tropical America. C. Ipecacuanha pro- 
ducing the true Ipecacuanha belongs to this 
genus, and is a native of Brazil. It is a most 
ornamental and deciduous shrub, the root 
of which has been long used in medicine. It 
is in cultivation, and was introduced in 1839. 


Cephala/nthus. Button Bush. From kephale, 
a head, and anthos, a flower; The jiowers are 
disposed in globular heads. Nat. Ord. Rubi- 
acee. 


A small genus of hardy deciduous shrubs 
confined to North America, and common in 
marshy places from the Atlantic to the 
Pacific coasts, and from Maine to Florida. 
C. occidentalis, is a handsome bushy shrub, 
bearing numerous creamy white flowers, in 
round heads. 


Cephalota‘xus. A small genus of Japanese 
Conifers, resembling the Yew in general ap- 
pearance. C. Fortunei, the best known 
species, is a tree of medium size, rounded 
form, dark green foliage, and long, slender, 
drooping branches. Propagated by seeds or 
cuttings. 


Cephalo'tus. New Holland Titcher Plant. 
From kephalotes, headed; the filaments of its 
stamens are capitate. Nat. Ord. Sazifraga- 
cee. 

C. follicularis, the only species, is a native 
of swampy places in King George’s Sound. It 
has a very short or contracted stem, with 
spoon-shaped stalked leaves, among which 
are mingled small pitcher-like bodies, placed 
on short, stout stalks, and closed at the top 
with lid; like the true Pitcher Plants (Nepen- 
thes). These pitchers are of a green color, 
spotted with yellow or brown, and provided 
with hairs. The flowers are white, small, and 
produced on a long spike. Propagated by 
offsets. Introduced in 1822. 


80 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CER 
Ceraceous. Wax-like. 
Cera’stium. Mouse-ear Chickweed. From 


keras, a horn; because many of the species 
have capsules like an ox’s horn. Nat. Ord. 
Caryophyllacee. 

Of this somewhat extensive genus only a 
few of the species are worthy of cultivation, 
but none of the annuals. Some of the hardy 
trailing species are quite ornamental when 
used for edgings or rock-work. C. tomentosum 
has greyish-white foliage, and is largely em- 
ployed as an edging to summer flower beds, 
and as a ground-work in carpet bedding. Pro- 
pagated by division of the roots or by seeds. 


Cera’sus. Cherry. From Cerasus, a town of 
Pontus, in Asia, whence the Cherry was 
brought to Rome by Lucullus. Nat. Ord. 
Rosacee. 

A genus of hardy deciduous trees and 
shrubs, the species and varieties including 
some of our most ornamental trees for the 
lawn, as well as highly prized fruit trees for 
the orchard. The numerous varieties of cul- 
tivated Cherries are supposed to have origin- 
ated from C. avium and C. vulgaris. Those 
belonging to C. avium are best represented by 
the Bigarreau and Black Heart varieties; 
those of C. vulgaris by the May Duke and 
Morello. Both of these species appear to be 
natives of Europe, although Pliny states that 
there were no Cherries in Italy before the 
victory obtained over Mithridates by Lucul- 
lus, who was, according to the above author, 
the first who brought them to Rome from 
Cerosante about sixty-eight years before the 
Christian era. It is also stated by the same 
authority, that ‘‘in less than 120 years after, 
other lands had Cherries, even as far as 
Britain beyond the ocean.” Theophrastus, 
300 years B. C., mentions the Cherry as being 
common in Greece, from which some writers 
contend that the name of the city was de- 
rived from the tree, instead of the tree from 
the town or city. The Cherry-tree begins to 
bear usually in two or three years after plant- 
ing trees of the size sold at the nurseries, 
and continues to enlarge in growth and pro- 
ductiveness annually, until it often attains a 
larger size than most of our fruit-trees. It 
grows freely in almost any soil that is free 
from moisture, preferring, however, like most 
other fruits, a deep loamy soil. The tree may 
be trained as desired, either in pyramidal 
form or with a round top, by pruning and 
directing the shoots. They are now worked 
extensively on the Mahaleb stock. Many 
varieties being found to be more hardy on it, 
and it is adapted to a greater variety of soil. 
The following are good varieties (for descrip- 
tion see nursery catalogues): Black Tartarian, 
Coe’s Transparent, Downer’s Late, May Duke, 
Kirtland’s Mary, Rockport, Yellow Spanish, 
Late Duke, and Morello. The well-known Wild 
Cherry of our woods is C. serotina. The 
common double Cherry and the French 
double Cherry deserve a place in every 
garden; and equally so do the Chinese Cherry, 
C. pseudo-cerasus; the All-Saints’ Cherry, C. 
semperflorens; the Bird Cherry, C. padus; 
and the Virginian Bird or Choke Cherry, C. 
Virginiana. 

Cerato’nia. Carob Tree. From keras, a horn; 
in reference to the shape of the seed-pod. 

. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 


CER 


C. siliqua, the only species, is a tree of 
medium size, growing extensively in the south 
of Europe, particularly insome of the Spanish - 
provinces, and produces a fruit known as the 
Algoroba or Carob Bean, which is an import- 
ant article of commerce.. It is chiefly used 
for the feeding of cattle, but is largely used 
by the poor for food when there is a scarcity 
of grain. This is generally considered the 
Locust Tree of Scripture ; and in Spain, where 
the seeds are eaten, it is called St. John’s 
Bread. Under this name the pods are often 
sold on the streets in New York. Itis now 
generally supposed that the shells of the 
Carob pod were the husks that the prodigal 
son desired to partake of with the swine. 


Cerato’'pteris. A peculiar genus of tropical 
aquatic Ferns, found growing in quiet waters. 
The fronds are much divided, membranaceous, 
and succulent, the sterile ones being more 
foliaceous and less divided, with evident 
reticulated veins. C. thalictroides is the only 
species, and when well grown in water, forms 
a handsome plant and is not inaptly called the 
Floating Stag’s-horn Fern. 

Ceratoste/ma. From keras, a horn, and stema, 
a stamen; the anthers are spurred. Nat. Ord. 
Vacciniacee. 

A small genus of very pretty green-house 
evergreen shrubs, natives of Peru. The 
flowers are tubular, of orange, crimson, or 
scarlet color, produced in terminal clusters 
in May. Propagated by cuttings. Introduced 
in 1846. 

Ceratosti/gma plumbaginoides. This is now 
given as the correct name of Valoradia plum- 
baginoides, better known in cultivation as 
Plumbago Larpente. 

Ceratoza'mia. A genus of Cycadacea, deriving 
its name from the presence of two horns on 
the scales of its Zamia-like fruit. C. fusco- 
viridis is a magnificent plant of recent intro- 
duction from Mexico. Itisatree of moderate 
size, with leaves from three to four feet long, 
broadly pinnate, and of a fine arching habit. 
The young leaves are of a rich, bronzy, choco- 
late color, gradually changing to olive green, 
and ultimately developing into deep green. 
Young plants are obtained by suckers or 
from seed. | 

Cercidiphy'llum Japonicum. A late and valu- 
able introduction from Japan. The leaves 
are medium sized, heart-shaped and purple 
when young, like those of the Judas Tree. 
The flowers are inconspicuous. The shape of 
the tree is pyramidal, bark smooth and as a 
whole, is a stately and beautiful object. 


Ce'rcis. Judas Tree. From kerkis, a shuttle- 
cock; the name given by Theophrastus. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of handsome, low-growing trees, 
with singular leaves and very showy flowers. 
The flowers have an agreeable acid taste, and 
are frequently used by the French in salads, or 
made into fritters with batter, and the flower 
buds are pickled in vinegar. It is an orna- 
mental tree inspring as the flowers completely 
clothe the branches and even the upper part 
of the trunk with purple before the leaves 
appear. C. siliquastrum is a native of the 
south of Europe, and of which Gerarde, in com- 
pliance with the popular notions of his time, 
says: “This is the tree whereon Judas did 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 81: 


CER 


hang himself; and not upon the Elder Tree, 
as it is said.” (Herbal, 1596.) C. Canadensis, 
a native species, is common on the banks of 
streams from Canadato Louisiana. C. Japon- 
ica, from Japan, is a very dwarf tree or shrub, 
with bright rosy-pink flowers, much larger 
than C. Canadensis, and exceedingly beautiful 
in early spring. 


Ce’reus. Torch Thistle. From cereus, waxy; 
referring to the shoots of some of the species 
being easily bent. Nat. Ord. Cactacew. 

An extensive genus, the species of which 
are remarkable for their singularity of form, 
and for the beauty of their flowers. Few 
classes present greater contrasts. Some are 
round, some angular, some smooth, and 
others fluted. Some are climbers or creepers, 
while others grow like huge trees, attaining a 
height of sixty feet, with a diameter of two or 
three feet. The night-blooming section is 
very interesting and beautiful, C. grandifiorus, 
the type, usually requires age to flower well. 
A strong plant will frequently have six to ten 
exceedingly large and beautiful sweet-scented 
flowers open in an evening. They are very 
transient, lasting only a few hours, neither do 
they open again when once closed. They 
begin to open between six and eight o’clock in 
the evening, are fully expanded by eleven, 
and by three or four in the morning they are 
closed; but during their short continu- 
ance there is scarcely any flower of greater 
beauty, or that makes a more magnificent 
appearance. The flowers of the night-bloom- 
ing section vary in size from six to fourteen 
inches in diameter, according to the species, 
C. MacDonaldi, being the largest, and some- 
times measuring fourteen to sixteen inches. 
The sepals in some are brown, in others 
brownish-yellow, and in others again pinkish- 
brown. The petals in some are pale, yellow- 
ish-white, and in others pure white. The 
stamen are usually a bright yellow. Some 
are sweet-scented, others the reverse, while 
some are odorless, but all are beautiful. The 
flowers of the day-blooming section are 
usually small, but very bright and pretty. 
For other night-blooming kinds, see Phyllo- 
cactus. 


Ceriferous. Bearing, or producing wax. 


Ceri/nthe. Honeywort. From keros, wax, and 
anthos, a flower; referring to its being a 
favorite flower with bees. Nat. Ord. Boragin- 
acew. 

A small genius of hardy annuals, common in 
Central Europe. One species, a native of the 
south of France, is a hardy perennial. The 
annuals have long been cultivated in gardens, 
under the name of Honeywort. They have 
tubular, yellow flowers, in one-sided droop- 
ing racemes. They sow themselves when 
once planted, and require but little care. 


Cernuous. Inclining a little from the per- 
pendicular; generally applied to drooping 
flowers. — 


Cerope’gia. A genus of Asclepediacew, contain- 
ing over fifty speci2s, usually twining, some- 
times erect perennial plants, often with 
tuberous roots; remarkable for the peculiar 
shape and marking of the flowers. C. elegans, 
has been long in cultivation, but is surpassed 
by C. Gardnerii, with creamy white and purple 
flowers, and C. Thwaitesii, with yellow flowers 


CHA 


beautifully sprinkled with dark blood-red 
spots. The two latter are comparatively late 
introductions from Ceylon, and are elegant 
green-house twiners. 


Cero’xylon. Wax Palm. From keros, wax, and 
azylon, wood ; the trunk being coated with wax. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A small genus of Palms, consisting of three 
species, two of which are handsome trees of 
great size. C. andicola, the Wax Palm of 
New Grenada, was discovered by the cele- 
brated traveler, Humboldt, who describes the 
tree as attaining the prodigious height of 
160 feet, while it differs from other species of 
Palms in flourishing under a much colder 
temperature, it being found on elevated moun- 
tains, extending as high as the lower limit of 
perpetual snow. Its tall trunk is covered 
with a thin coating of a whitish waxy sub- 
stance, giving ita marbled appearance. This 
substance, which forms an article of com- 
merce, consists of two parts resin and one of 
wax and is obtained by scraping the trunk. It 
is mixed with tallow and made into candles, 
which are of superior quality. The trunk 
yields a valuable timber, used for building 
purposes, and the leaves are used for thatch- 
ing roofs. Propagated from seed. 


Ce'strum. From Kestron, an ancient Greek 
name. Nat. Ord. Solanaceew. 

Green-house shrubs, natives of the East 
Indies and South America. C. Parqui, syn. 
C. nocturnum, frequently called the Night- 
Blooming Jasmine, is a much esteemed 
species, which flowers abundantly all sum- 
mer, if planted in the open air in May, and 
fills the whole garden with its fragrance at 
night, though perfectly inodorous during the 
day. It should be taken up in autumn, and if 
kept in a box or pot, rather dry, may be easily 
preserved in a warm cellar until spring. C. 
aurantiacum, with large panicles of orange- 
colored flowers, is an excellent plant for early 
winter green-house decoration. Some au- 
thors include Habrothamnus under this genus. 


Ce'terach. From Chetherak, the Arabic name. 
Nat. Ord. Polypodiacew. 

A small genus of Ferns, somewhat resem- 
bling: the Aspleniums. C. officinarum, the 
Scale Fern, is an interesting species, suitable 
for rock-work, but impatient of much water, 
as are all of the species. Both the hardy and 
green-house species are valuable in collec- 
tions. They are natives of Great Britain and 
the Canary Islands. 

Chzeno’stoma. A considerable genus of herbs 
and under-shrubs, belonging to Scrophula- 
riacee, and natives of South Africa. C. hispida 
is a dwarf shrubby species with white axillary 
flowers produced in great abundance all the 
season. Propagated by seeds or cuttings. ' 

Cherophy'llum Bulbosum. Bulbous rooted 
Chervil. See Anthriscus. 

Chzrophy’llum Sativum. A synonym of An- 
thriscus cerefolium (Chervil). 

Chain Fern. See Woodwardia. 


Chameeba'tia. From chamai, on the ground, 
dwarf, and batos, a bramble; referring to its 
low growth and bramble-like flowers. Nat. 
Ord. Rosacew. 

C. foliosa, the only representative of this 
genus, is a beautiful Californian shrub, about 
three feet high. The leaves are very finely 


82 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CHA 


divided, resembling those of the Millfoil 
(Achillea), but of a much harsher texture, 
and having a pleasant balsamic odor. The 
flowers are white, in terminal cymes, very 
much like those of the Hawthorn. 


Chameecla’don. From chamai, dwarf, and kladon, 
a branch ; in allusion to the habit of the species. 
Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A genus of stove-house plants, natives of 
tropical Asia, and the Malayan Archipelago. 
C. metallicum, the only species yet in cultiva- 
tion is a grand arad, of close tufted growth, 
with ovate leaves of a rich, deep bronzy-green 
color. Introduced from Borneo in 1884. 

Chamecy’paris. From chamai, dwarf, and 
kuparissos, Cypress; The Bastard, or Dwarf 
Cypress. White Cedars. Nat. Ord. Conifer. 

. A genus ranking extremely close to Cu- 
pressus, the principal distinction between the 
two, being the more numerous ovules beneath 
the fertile scales of the latter. Like most of 
the other genera belonging to this order this 
one is overloaded with synonyms, scarcely 
any two authorities agreeing as to the correct 
generic name. Many species of Cupressus, 
and Retinospora, are placed under this genus 
by some botanists. 


Chameedo’rea. From chamai, dwarf, and dorea, 
a gift; referring to the nuts of this Palm being 
easily reached. Nat. Ord. Palmacew. 

A genus of Palms containing about forty 
species, common in Mexico and South 
America. C. Ernesti-Augusti is a small species, 
a native of New Grenada. It grows from 
four to five feet high, with wedge-shaped 
leaves about two feet long. The female 
flower spikes of this species, which are very 
beautiful, are about a foot long, cylindrical, 
and undivided. At first they are of a dark 
green color, studded with red, bead-like 
flowers. After these fall away, the spike be- 
comes a bright coral-red color. Several of the 
species are interesting green-house plants, 
and are readily grown from seed. 


Chameli'rium. Devils-bit. C. luteum, the only 


species, is a Liliaceous plant, nearly allied to. 


Helonias, and is not uncommon in low grounds 
from western New York to Illinois. It is a 
smooth herb with a bitter, thick, and ab- 
ruptly-tuberous root-stock, and a tall, erect 
stem. terminated by along spiked raceme of 
small white bractless flowers. Known popu- 
larly as Blazing Star. 


Chamezpe'uce. From chamai, dwarf, and peuke, 
apine; resemblance. Nat. Ord. Composite. 
A genus of uninteresting plants, annuals, 
perennials, and biennials, common through- 
out Europe. Of the entire genus, the only 
two deserving attention are C. Casabone, and 
C. diacantha. Both of these are effective for 
sub-tropical gardening, growing in compact 
rosette-like patches and not producing flower 
stems until the second year. 


Chamez’rops. From chamai, dwarf, and rhops, 
atwig; most of the species being dwarf. Nat. 
Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of low-growing Palms, including 
several species, some growing as far north as 
the Carolinas. The Palmetto State furnishes 
C. Palmetto, hence the name. Many of the 
species are half-hardy, and all make beautiful 
plants for lawn decoration. They make a 
rapid growth in summer if given a rich loam, 


CHE 


and liberal applications of liquid manure. 
They are increased by seed. 


Chamisso/a. A genus of Amaranthacee, now 
included in Achyranthes, which see. 

Chamomile. The popular name of Anthemis 
nobilis. 

Chara’cez. A small natural order of Acrogens, 
consisting of two, or at most three, genera. 
The species are all aquatic, and are found in 
almost all parts of the world, but they are 
most common in temperate countries. The 
species are either monecious or diwcious, the 
two kinds of fruit being often seated close to 
each other. 


Cha’ries Heterophylla. Given by some authors 
as the correct name of Kaulfussia amelloides. 


Charlock. The common name of Sinapis arven- 
sis, a well-known weed. 


Cheat, or Chess. See Bromus. 
Checkerberry. See Gaultheria. 


Cheila/nthes. Lip Fern. From cheilos, a lip, 
and anthos, a flower; in reference to the form 
of theindusium. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

An extensive genus of Ferns, found scat- 
tered over nearly all parts of the world. There 
are several species found in most parts of the 
United States. Some of the tropical species 
are exceedingly pretty, among which C. fari- 

.. nosa, a native of the Island of Luzon, has 

: ivory-black stems, the fronds being dark green 
above, and of a pure white beneath, caused by 
a@ powdery substance, which has given this 
species the popular name of Silver Fern. 
Many other species are in cultivation ; C. hirta, 
lanuginosa, viscosa, Ellisii, and many others 
being particularly desirable. They are prop- 
agated from spores, or by division of the 
roots when just commencing to grow. 

Cheira’nthus. Wallflower. From cheir, the 
hand, and anthos, a flower; in reference to the 
custom of carrying the Wallflower in the hand 
for anosegay. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

Well-known herbaceous plants, much prized 
for the delightful odor of their flowers, which 
are produced from April to July. C. Cheirt, 
the common Wallflower, is generally grown, 
and is a great favorite in English gardens, 
where it flowers freely. Our climate does not 
suit it so well as that of England, as itdelights 
in a moist atmosphere. The fine double 
varieties are increased by cuttings, and should 
be grown in a cool house, in a strong, rich 
loam. Most of the species are from southern 
Europe, and have been grown for centuries. 

Chelido’nium. Celandine, Swallow-wort. From 
Chelidon, a swallow; it is said that the plant 
flowers at the time of the arrival of the swal- 
lows, and dries up.at their departure. Nat. 
Ord. Papaveracee. 

C. majus, the only species, is a perennial 
herb, abounding in an acrid, saffron-colored 
juice. It is a common plant in waste places. 


Chelo’ne. Shell-flower. From chelone, a tor- 
toise; the back of the helmet of the flower 
being fancifully compared to a tortoise. Nat. 
Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

Most of the genus are hardy herbaceous 
perennial plants, common in moist places 
westward. The flowers are white, rose-color, 
or purple, their singular beauty entitling 
them to a place in every collection. They 
succeed well in ordinary garden soil, and are 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 83 


CHE 


propagated by division of the roots and by 
seed. 


Chenopodia’cez. A natural orderof herbs or 
under-shrubs, generally inconspicuous plants, 
but including some valuable species used as 
pot-herbs. Spinach, Spinacia oleracea, and 
Beet, Beta vulgaris, are examples. There are 
seventy-four known genera, and over 500 
species in this order. 


Chenopodium. From chen, a goose, and pous, 
afoot; in allusion to the shape of the leaves. 
Nat. Ord. Chenopodiacew. An extensive genus, 
many of the species being troublesome weeds, 
the more common being C. album, the Pig- 
weed; C. glaucum, Goose-foot; and C. Ambro- 
soides, Mexican Tea. The stems of the Mercury 
Goose-foot or Good King Henry, are still used 
in some parts of England as a substitute for 
Asparagus, while the leaves are. used while 
young instead of Spinach. 

Cherimoyer. See Anona Cherimolia. 

Cherokee Rose. See Rosa laevigata. 

Cherry. See Cerasus. 

Barbadoes. Malphigia glabra. 

Bird. Cerasus padus. 

Choke. Cerasus Virginiana. 

Cornelian. Cornus mas. 

Laurel. Prunus Lauro-cerasus. 

Plum. Prunus cerasifera. 

Winter. 


Cherry-Pepper. Capsicum cerasiforme. 
Chervil. See Anthriscus. 


Chervil. Tuberous rooted, or Turnip. Chero- 
phyllum bulbosum. 


Chess. See Bromus. 


Chestnut. The common name for Castanea 
vesca. 
Earth. Bunium flecuosum and Conopodium 
denudatum. 
Horse. Hsculus Hippocastanum. 
Spanish or Sweet. Castanea vesca. 
Water. Trapa natans. 


Chestnut-oak. Quercus Prinus, and Q. Castanea. 
Chick Pea. See Cicer. 


Chick Weed. Stellaria media. 
Mouse-ear. Cerastium vulgatum. 
Water. Montia fontana. 


Chicory. See Cichorium Intybus. 


Chili Pepper. A common name for Capsicum 
baccatum. 


Chilo’psis. From cheilos, a lip, and opsis, like ; 
referring to the irregular lobes of the corolla. 
Nat. Ord. Bignoniaceew. 

C. linearis, the only species, is a native of 
Mexico; it is an erect branching shrub, with 
long alternate leaves, producing beautiful 
rose-colored flowers in terminal dense spicate 
racemes. It is but rarely met in green-house 
collections. It was introduced in 1825, and is 
propagated by cuttings. 

Chima’phila. From cheima, winter, and phileo, 
to love; these little plants remaining green 
all winter. Nat. Ord. Hricacee. 

A small genus of pretty little native, hardy, 
trailing, evergreen plants, commonly known 
as Pipsissewa and Spotted Wintergreen, the 
latter name being applied to C. maculata, one 
of our most beantiful native plants with varie- 
gated foliage. /It is*common in dry woods 


Physalis Alkekengi. = 


CHI 


throughout the Middle States, but is very diffi- 
cult of cultivation in the garden. 


Chimona/nthus, Japan Allspice. From cheimon, 
winter, and anthos, a flower; referring to the 
time of flowering. Nat. Ord. Calycanthaceew. 

C. fragrans, the only species is a native of 
Japan, and is remarkable for the fragrance of 
its flowers, which appear in early spring, be- 
fore the leaves begin to unfold. It is a slen- 
der, much branched shrub, with flowers 
about an inch in diameter, made up of a large 
number of pale yellow waxy petals, arranged 
in several rows, either yellowish-red or choco- 
late-colored, and which last for a long time. 
In this latitude it requires a sheltered position. 


China Aster. See Callistephus. 

Chinese Bell-flower. See Abutilon. 
Chinese Grass-cloth Plant. See Bahmeria. 
Chinese Hawthorn. See Photina. : 
Chinese Primrose. See Primula. 

Chinese Rose. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. 
Chinese Sugar-cane. See Sorghum. 


Chi/nquapin. Castanea pumila, the most palat- 
able of all the Chestnut family; indigenous 
to the Middle Atlantic States. 

Water. See Nelumbium luteum. 


Chiona’nthus. Fringe Tree. From chion, snow, 
and anthos, a flower; in reference to its long 
racemes of pure white flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Oleacee. 

A genus of hardy deciduous shrubs. C. 
Virginica, one of the best known, and com- 
monly grown under the popular name of 
Fringe Tree, is a very ornamental shrub of 
easy cultivation, particularly adapted for the 
lawn, not only for its showy flowers in spring, 
but for its deep green glossy foliage, which, 
under favorable circumstances, will equal in 
size that of the Magnolia grandiflora, retain- 
ing its freshness until late in the autumn. 
This species is a native of Pennsylvania and 
southward, and is readily propagated from 
seeds or cuttings. It succeeds best when 
grafted on the common ash, being much more 
vigorous, and will attain a height of twenty- 
five feet. 


Chio’nodo’xa. Glory of theSnow. From chion, 
snow, and doxa, glory; in reference to the 
plants flowering among the melting snows of 
their native habitats. A small genusof hardy 
Liliaceew. C. Lucille, which has lately been 
reintroduced, is praised by all as one of the 
most exquisite of spring flowering plants. It 
is also valuable for winter blooming in the 
house and for cut flowers. Native of Asia 
Minor and Crete. 


Chionogra’phis. From chion, snow, and graphis, 
a pencil; the flower spike being like a brush 
ofsnow. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A very ornamental herbaceous perennial, 
with pure white flowers. Introduced from 
Japan, in 1880. It requires a slight protec- 
tion outside in winter, and is propagated by 
seeds or divisions of the roots. 


Chiri’ta. A small genus of Gesneracee, natives 
of tropical Asia. The flowers of C. lilacina 
are very beautiful and are produced in great 
abundance; color pale blue with a white 
throat, ornamented with a large yellow blotch 
at the base. C. sinensis is also a very fine 
species. Culture similar to Gloxinia. 


84 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CHI 


Chiro'nia. A classical name, after Chiron, one 
of the Centaurs, fabled to be the father of 
medicine. Nat. Ord. Gentianacee. 

Green-house plants of short duration, and, 
consequently, requiring to be frequently 
raised from cuttings, which strike freely in 
sand. C. floribunda, with rose-colored flowers, 
and its variety, with white flowers, are the 
most desirable, and, with other species, 
are frequently raised from Cape seeds, the 
plants being all indigenous to the Cape of 
Good Hope. Introduced in 1756. 


Chives. The popular name of Allium Scheno- 
prasum, the smallest of the Onion family, 
though one of the finest flavored. It is a 
-hardy herhaceous perennial, native of Siberia, 
and of the easiest culture, growing freely in 
almost any soil or situation. Propagated by 
division, either in spring or autumn. 

Chlida’nthus. From chlideios, delicate, and 
anthos, a flower; alluding to the delicate tex- 
ture of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

C. fragrans, the only species, a pretty, 
bulbous-rooted plant, which may be grown in 
the flower garden during the summer, when 
its bright yellow flowers are highly interest- 
ing. In winter itrequires the same treatment 
as the Gladiolus. It is propagated freely by 
offsets, which should all be removed before 
planting, to enable the bulb to flower weil. 
Introduced from Buenos Ayres in 1820. 


Chloris. From chloros, green; alluding to the 
color of the herbage. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 
Avery extensive genus of grasses, including 
afew desirable species for the green-house. 
Among them is C. radiata, a pretty little 
annual species, with beautiful one-sided spikes 
of silky flowers, which give it a very curious 
appearance. There are several other species 
under cultivation, all useful for basket and 
similar work. 


Chloro’/galum. Soap-plant. From_ chloros, 
green, and gala, milk; referring to their green 
juice. Nat. Ord. Liliacea. , 

A genus of distinct, hardy bulbs, containing 
three species, all natives of California. C. 
pomeridianum has branched, panicled stems, 
with white, purplish-veined flowers, opening 
only after mid-day, whence its specific name, 
meaning ‘‘afternoon.” The bulbs are some- 
times used in California as a substitute for 
soap. Syns. Phalangium pomeridianum, and 
Ornithogalum divaricatum. 


Chloro’phora. From chloros, greenish, and 
phoreo. to bear; alluding to the economic 
properties of C. tinctoria. Nat. Ord. Urti- 
cacee. 

A small genus of milky trees, consisting of 
two species, one native of tropical Asia, and 
the other of tropical Africa. C. tinctoria, the 
Fustic Tree, yields yellow, brown, olive, and 
green dyes. Syn. Maclura tinctoria. 


Chlo’rosis. A disease to which plants are sub- 
ject, and often admitting nocure. Itconsists 
in a pallid condition of the plant, in which the 
tissues are weak and unable to contend against 
severe changes, and the cells are more or less 
destitute of chlorophyl. It is distinct from 
blanching, as it is also from the white color 
in ornamental-leaved plants, of which, how- 
ever, it may bea modification. Plants may 
be affected by chlorosis as soon as the cotyl- 
edons make their appearance. The best cul- 


CHO 


ture will not always restore such plants to 
health. The most promising remedy is to 
water them with a very weak solution of sul- 
phate ofiron. An example of this condition 
is to be found in cases where the variegated 
leaves of Pelargoniums, ete., run to pure 
white without any green. In all such cases 
death is certain to ensue, unless the leaves 
again become more or less green. 


Chloro’xylon. Satin-wood. From _ chloros, 
greenish-yellow, and zylon, wood. Nat. Ord. 
Meliacee. 

C. Swietenia, the Satin-wood tree of the East 
Indies, attains a large size, and is a valuable 
timber tree. The wood is very handsome, 
light-colored, with a satin-like lustre, and 
sometimes beautifully mottled or curled in 
the grain, bearing some resemblance to box- 
wood, but rather deeper in color. The best 
kind of satin-wood, however, comes from the 
West Indies, and is the produce of a different 
tree, of which we have no description. 


Chocolate. See Theobroma. 


Choi/sya. Named after M. Choisy, a botanist 
of Geneva. Nat. Ord. Rutacew. 

C. ternata, the only species, is a handsome 
white-flowered, sweet-scented shrub, growing 
about six feet high, quite hardy in the Southern 
States. It is anative of Mexico, an evergreen, 
and will succeed well with ordinary green- 
house treatment. Itis increased by cuttings. 
Introduced in 1825. 


Choke-Berry. The popular name of the fruit 
of the Pyrus arbutifolia, a common shrub from 
two to ten feet high, found in damp thickets. 


Choke Cherry. See Cerasus Virginiana. 
Choko. See Sechium. 


Chondri’'lla. From chondros, a lump; the plants 
bear lumps of gummy matter on the stems. 
‘Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of mostly uninteresting plants al- 
lied to Lactuca (Lettuce). C. juncea, a native 
of southern Europe, has escaped from the 
garden and become naturalized in some of the 
Southern States. It is a straggling, many- 
branched plant, and almost destitute of leaves 
when in flower. There are more than twenty 
species included in this genus, mostly weedy 
plants. 


Chore’tis. From choros, to unite in chorus; 
this genus being an intermediate link between 
Hymenocallis and Ismene. Nat. Ord. Amarylli- 
dacee. 

An interesting genus of half-hardy bulbs 
from Texas and Mexico, requiring a rest from 
November until May. They grow freely in a 
light, sandy soil in the open border, or they 
may be grown in pots in the green-house, and 
for this purpose they should be started in 
March in a cool house, heat and water to be 
increased with their growth. The flowers are 
very beautiful, pure white, with a green eye 
and a greenish stripe. Propagated by division 
of the bulbs. 


Chori’/zema. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

This interesting green-house plant was first 
discovered in Western Australia by Labillar- 
diere. This botanist was attached to the ex- 
pedition sent by the French Government in 
search of the lost La Perouse, and on one of 
his excursions suffered much, with his party, 
for the want of water. At last they met with 


CHELONE BARBATA. 


CHIONODOXA LUCILLE. 


OLERODENDRON THOMPSON, 


CHAMHPEUCE CASABONE. 


CHAMMPEUCE DIACANTHA, 


as 


OHEYSANTHEMUMS (CHINESE). CHRYSANTHEMUMS (JAPANESE), 


CHEYSANTHE! ANNUAL). 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 85 


CHR 


springs that furnished an ample supply, near 
which he found this plant, which he named 
Chorizema, from choros, a dance, and zema, a 
drink ; in allusion to the joyful feelings of the 
party on meeting with a supply of water. Of 
this really beautiful genus there are many 
species; the one most commonly met is C. 
varium, a rapid-growing and free-flowering 
kind. The flowers are of a bright orange red 
color, in long terminal racemes, flowering 
through the winter months. It is readily 
propagated by cuttings, which should be 
taken in February, and grown in small pots 
until the weather is suitable for planting out, 
as they should be grown in the border during 
summer. Before there is danger from frost, 
take up and pot in five-inch pots, in good rich 
loam and sand. Cut well back, and give it a 
warm, sunny situation, with liberal watering 
as soon as the new growth commences. It 
will begin to bloom in eight to ten weeks. 


Christmas Rose. Helleborus niger. 

Christopher Herb. Actea spicata and Osmunda 
regalis. 

Christ’s Thorn. 
Paliurus aculeatus. 


Chrysa/nthemum. From chrysos, gold, and 
anthos, a flower; alluding to the color of some 
of the flowers being yellow. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

A large and important genus of herbaceous 
or slightly shrubby plants, of which the Ox- 
eye Daisy of our fields is a well known repre- 
sentative. Many species have been introduced 
from various countries of which C. grandi- 
jflorum from the Canary Islands, and C. pin- 
natifidum from Madiera, are of a shrubby 
habit, and flower during alarge portion of the 
year. C. frutescens is ‘the Marguerite” or 
Paris Daisy of the florists, the flowers of 
which and others of a similar description are 
largely used in floral decorations. The variety 
‘* Etoile d’ Or,” and the double yellow sort 
called the ‘-Golden Marguerite,” are also 
very popular and are good subjects for the 
flower border in summer. C. coronarium from 
the Levant and C. carinatum called also C. 
tricolor, from Barbary, and their many va- 
rieties, are very ornamental border annuals. 
The species, however, which holds so high a 
rank, and with reason, among florists’ flowers 
is C. sinense the Chinese Chrysanthemum, the 
value of which as an ornament of the flower- 
garden, the green-house or conservatory in 
the autumnal months, is well known and duly 
appreciated. Their cultivation is exceedingly 
simple. 

If wanted to flower only in the open ground, 
all that is necessary is to plant them in the 
open border in any good ground, well enriched 
with manure. If possible, plant them in a warm 
sheltered spot, particularly in any section 
north of Baltimore, as, being the latest of all 
flowers of autumn, a better development will 
pe had if planted in a place sheltered by a 
fence, hill or shrubbery. As they are usually 
grown in pots, they can be planted outany time 
from April to July, though preference may be 
givento May. They form an average width 
by October of two feet in diameter, if the tops 
are pinched off so as to make them bushy; 


Crategus Pyracantha and 


they should be set out at about two feet apart 


each way. The “topping” or ‘:pinching” 
back, as it is called, should not be done 


CHR 


later than 1st of August, if much later it 
might destroy the flowering to some extent. 

When wanted to be grown for green-house 
or house culture, the best plan for amateurs is 
to put each plant when received in a flower 
pot six, seven or eight inches wide and deep; 
plunge these pots to the rims in the open 
ground, level with the soil, treating exactly 
the same as recommended for planting in the 
open border, by pinching, ete. Care should, 
however, be taken to turn the flower pots 
round every eight or ten days, so as to prevent 
the roots getting through the bottom of the 
pot, the object being to confine the whole roots 
within the pot. This same plan is the best 
for amateurs who cultivate any kind of plant 
to grow in the house or green-house in winter. 

The large flowers which are seen at the 
exhibitions are obtained by pinching off all 
the buds but one on each shoot, just as 
soon as the buds can be seen; ‘disbudded,” 


as it is called, in this way, many kinds of _ 


Chrysanthemum flowers can be obtained six 
to nine inches in diameter. This is the 
method used to obtain all the fine flowers 
seen at the Exhibitions. Itis deceiving, how- 
ever, to those unacquainted with the plan, 
because a flower so obtained showing six or 
seven inches in diameter, if grown with half 
a dozen flowers on the same spray, would not 
be half the size. Hence amateurs who have 
selected special kinds from the cut flower 
tables at Exhibitions, must not be disappoint- 
ed at finding them half the size when they 
flower, unless they use the same process of 
disbudding to obtain large flowers. 

The Chrysanthemum is classed by growers 
into the following sections: Incurved, Ra- 
nunculus flowered or Exhibition, Recurved or 
Reflex-flowered, Anemone or Quilled-Aster 
flowered, Pompone, Small Reflexed or Chusan, 
Daisy-flowered, Quilled or Pin-feathered Jap- 
anese, and Large-flowered Japanese, in all of 
which there are many beautiful varieties. 


Chrysanthus. Yellow flowered. 

Chryse'is. A name sometimes given to Hsch- 
scholizia. 

Chrysoba’ctron. From chrysos, gold, and bac- 
tron, a wand; alluding to the magnificent 
racemes of C. Rossii. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

This is a small genus from the Auckland 
and Campbell Islands, New Zealand, closely 
allied to Anthericum. They are found growing 
in marshy places, and will only succeed well 
with pot culture. The soil should be a fibrous 
loam, and the pots in which they are grown 
should be partly immersed in water. The 
flowers are bright yellow, produced in 
racemes, andvare very beautiful. Propagated 
by division of the roots. Introduced in 1848. 

Chrysoba'lanus. From chrysos, gold, and 
balanos, an acorn; in reference to the yellow 
fruit of some of the species. Nat. Ord. Rosa- 
cee. 

A genus of stove or green-house shrubs, 
with simple leaves and white flowers borne in 
panicles; fruit edible. Natives of Florida. 


Chryso’gonum. From chrysos, gold, and gonu, 


a knee, or joint; the flowers are generally 
produced at the joints of the stem. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

C. Virginianum, the typical species and 
probably the only one in cultivation, is found 
in the Western States from Illinois south- 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CHR 


ward. It is a very pretty, hardy perennial, 
with yellow flowers, well worth a place in 
every herbaceous border. 


Chrysophy’llum. Star Apple. From chrysos, 
gold, and phyllon, a leaf; referring to the color 
of the underside of the leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Sapotacee. 

A genus of ornamental leaved evergreen 
trees. C. imperiale, a very showy and desira- 
ble species, is best known in cultivation as 
Theophrasta imperialis. 

Chryso’psis. From chrysos, gold, and opsis, 
aspect; in allusion to the golden blossoms. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of hardy annual or perennial North 
American plants, a greater portion of the 
species having all their parts covered with 
villous or silky hairs. C. Mariana grows 
about two feet high, and is quite ornamental 
when in flower. C. villosa, with numerous 
yellow flower heads half an inch in diameter, 
is said to be one of the commonest plants on 
the prairies of the Saskatchawan. 


Chrysu’rus. From chrysos, gold, and oura, a 
tail; alluding to the compact heads of flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A small genus of annual grasses, natives of 
the south of Europe and north of Africa. C. 
aurea, the only species of interest, is a very 
ornamental border plant of free growth, and 
is very useful for cutting. Native of the south 
of Europe and north of Africa. Syn. Lamarkia. 


Chufa, or Barth Almond. Cyperus esculentus. 
A species of earth-nut used to fatten hogs, 
not to be confounded with Cocoa or Nut-grass, 
for though it belongs to the same class, Chufa 
is eradicated with great ease, and is never a 
pest. The nuts or tubers are larger and more 
elongated, and are very sweet and nutritious. 


Chy’sis. From chysis, melting; in reference to 
the fused appearance of the pollen masses. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 2 

A genus of very handsome Orchids, natives 
of Central America. The flowers are mostly 
white, or ereamy white, heavily tipped with 
pink, the lip being beautifully marked with 
carmine and yellow. C. aurea maculata, has 
golden yellow flowers, with a large orange 
spot; lip white, with violet rays. When in a 
growing state they require liberal heat and 
moisture, and a cool, dry house when at rest. 
They are increased by division just as they 
commence a new growth. Introduced in 
1830. 

Cibo’tium. From kibotion, a small box; refer- 
ring to the form of the spore vessels. Nat. 
Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A small genus of very interesting Ferns re- 
lated to Dicksonia. They are large and very 
handsome, and in some cases arborescent. 
The fronds are bi-pinnate, and often glaucous 
beneath. C. Barometz is believed to be the 
Tartarian Lamb, about which travelers have 
told so wonderful a tale. This ‘‘ Lamb” con- 
sists merely of the decumbent, shaggy caudex 
of a kind of Fern, which is unquestionably this 
species. The ‘‘traveler’s tale” is. that on an 
uncultivated salt plain of vast extent, west of 
the Volga, grows a wonderful plant, with the 
appearance of a lamb, having feet, head, and 
tail distinctly formed, and its skin covered 
with softdown. The lamb grows upon astalk 
about three feet high, the part by which it is 


CIC 


sustained being a kind of navel. It turns 
about and bends to the herbage, which serves 
for its food, and pines away when the grass 
dries up and fails. The fact on which this 
tale is based appears to be, that the caudex of 
this plant may be made to present a rude ap- 
pearance of an animal covered with silky, 
hair-like scales, and if cut into is found to 
have a soft inside of a reddish, flesh-colored 
appearance. When the herbage of its native 
haunts fails through drought, its leaves no 
doubt die, and both perish from the same 
cause, and independently of each other. 

From these appearances, the common people 

believe that in the deserts of Scythia there 

exist creatures half animal and half plant. 

The species are very interesting plants 

for the green-house, the fructification on 

the large bi-pinnate fronds being remarkably 
pretty. They are propagated by division, 

and by spores. Introduced in 1824. 

Ci'cer. Chick-pea. EgyptianPea. From kykis, 
force or strength ; in reference to.its qualities. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of leguminous plants, consisting of 
annuals, perennials and undershrubs, form- 
ing one portion of the Vetch tribe. Someofthe 
species are included in the genus Astragalus, 
by some botanists. 

C. arietinum, commonly known as Chick, 
pea or Egyptian pea, is an annual plant- 
growing about a foot or more in height, 
a native of the south of Europe and India, 
where it is extensively cultivated for its seeds 
which form one of the pulses known under 
the name of ‘‘Gram,” and which are greatly 
used by the natives as an article of food, 
being ground into meal, and either eaten in 
puddings or made into cakes. The leaves of 
this species consist of from three to seven 
pairs of leaflets with an odd one at the end, 
the leaflets being egg-shaped, and having 
their edges cut into very sharp teeth. Both 
leaves and stems are covered with glandular 
hairs containing oxalic acid, which exudes 
from them in hot weather and hangs in drops, 
ultimately forming crystals. 

In Mysore the natives collect the dew from 
the ‘“‘ Gram ” plants by means of muslin cloths, 
which become saturated with it. The liquid 
thus obtained, which is very acid, is preserved 
in bottles for use, and is regarded as a sure 
medicine in cases of indigestion, being admin- 
istered in water. Itis stated that the boots 
of a person walking through a dewy Gram 
field will be entirely destroyed by the pun- 
gency of this acid given out by the leaves. 


Cicho’rium. Chicory or Succory. An ancient 
Egyptian name. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

C. Intybus, the plant so extensively cultivated 
in Europe as a substitute for coffee, or for its 
adulteration, is commonly known as Wild 
Endive, and is found growing wild in most 
parts of Europe, being by far the most com- 
mon in England. It is.also naturalized in 
this country, and is common inneglected fields 

‘and along roadsides in neighborhoods long 
settled. Its flowers are bright blue, produced 
in great profusion in August and September. 
The plant grows in its wild state from one to 
three feet high, but under cultivation it often 
reaches six feet. The roots are fleshy, not 
unlike the Dandelion, to which family it 
belongs. For the adulteration of coffee, the 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 87 


Cinchona’cee. 


CIC 


root is dried and ground, in which state it 
closely resembles ground coffee. The use of 
Chicory is common and undisguised, and 
many consider a mixture preferable to pure 
coffee, and buy the two, and mix to suit their 
own tastes. So great is the demand for it for 
this purpose, that, notwithstanding its cheap- 
ness and ease of culture, itis often adulterated 
by roasted wheat, rye, acorns, carrots, and 
other articles of a similarnature. The plants 
are largely cultivated in France for their 
leaves, which are blanched and used as asalad. 
A large-leaved variety, called the ‘* Witloof,” 
is much cultivated in Belgium, the plants 
being taken up in autumn, forced and blanched 
in a warm, dark place, and used either cooked 
or as a salad, forming what is called by the 
French ‘‘ Barbe de Capucin.” (C. Hdivia isthe 
Endive, which see. 


Cicu’/ta. Cowbane, Water Hemlock. The 
ancient Latin name of the Hemlock. Nat. 
Ord. Umbellifera. 

A small genus of biennial plants, very com- 
mon in moist waste places. C. maculata, com- 
monly known as Spotted Cowbane, somewhat 
resembles Sweet Cicely, and is often mistaken 
for it. The root is an active poison in its 
green state, but loses its virulent qualities 
when dried. It is a dangerous pest to the 
farmer, the herbage often proving destructive 
to cattle, when eaten by them, and many 
children have lost their lives by eating the 
roots, which they have mistaken for Cicely. 
C. virosa, a species common throughout 
-Europe, furnished the poison given to Phocion 
and Socrates. 


Cienko’'wskia. Named in honor of Professor L. 
Cienkowsky, a Russian botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Scitaminee. 

C. Kirkii, the only described species, is a 
handsome and interesting plant, a native of 
eastern tropical Africa. Its blossoms, which 
are exceedingly attractive, are produced ona 
many-flowered scape, and are of a purplish- 
rose color, with a bifid golden spot in the 
center. It was introduced from Zanzibar in 
1872. Syn. Kempferia. 

Ciliz. Somewhat stiffish hairs, which form a 
fringe on the margin of an organ, as those on 
the leaf of Sempervivum tectorum. 


Ciliate. Fringed with hairs. 


Cimici'fuga. Bug-bane. A genus of Ranun- 
culacee, allied to Actwa. C. racemosa, Black 
Snake-root. The most showy and best known 
species is common in rich woods, from 
Maine to Wisconsin. It has tri-ternate 
leaves, and a stem three to eight feet high, 
bearing white flowers in elongated wand-like 
racemes. Several of the species, also, are 
natives of eastern Europe and Siberia. 
Cincho’na. Named after the Countess of Cin- 
chon, Vice-Queen of Peru, who was cured of a 
fever in 1638 by this remedy. Nat. Ord. Cin- 
chonacee. 

This genus yields the well-known Peruvian 

park of commerce. It requires the protection 
of a warm green-house to preserve it in even 
moderate vigor. It is the type of an extensive 
and highly interesting order. 
A large and important order of 
trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, now re- 
garded as a division or sub-order of Rubiaceae, 
which see. 


CIN 


Cinera’ria. From cineres, ashes; in reference to 
the gray duwn covering the surface of the 
leaves. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

There are upward of fifty species of this 
genus enumerated, varying in habit from the 
dwarf herbaceous plant, not rising more than 
half a foot, to the tall, soft-wooded, suffruti- 
cose species with a stature of five or six feet. 
The flowers of most of them are of a pale 
greenish yellow, though some have white, red, 
or purple flowers. C. cruenta, introduced 
from the Canary Islands in 1777, is the species 
from which all the florist’s varieties have 
orizinated and which are among the most 
ornamental and useful plants that can be 
grown for green-house or conservatory deco- 
ration. A packet of seeds of a good strain 
will produce a great variety of colors, and as 
the plants are of easy culture, and do not re- 
quire much heat, they should be grown by 
every one possessing a green-house where 
frost is excluded during winter; the plants 
flourishing bestin a cool, rather moist atmos- 
phere. The seeds may be sown from July 
till September, and potted off separately in a 
light rich soil, and are best grown in an ordi- 
nary garden frame or cold pit, facing north, 
till the advent of frost, when they should be 
brought into the green-house and repotted at 
different times, according to their size and 
forwardness, thus insuring a succession of 
bloom during the late winter and spring 
months. As the old plants are very difficult 
to keep over summer, and seedlings make 
much more vigorous plants than those sum- 
mered over, it is better to sow a succession 
annually of a good strain, and when the plants 
have flowered throw them away. Through- 
out the entire existence of the plants they 
should be guarded from drought, and the at- 
tacks of green fly, to which they are very sub- 
ject. Tobacco stems, cut up fine, and placed 
among the pots on the bench, form an excel- 
lent preventive for the latter. They should 
also be fumigated frequently, but notstrongly, 
as although the fly may not be detected at 
first the plants may be infested beneath the 
young leaves. All Cinerarias are benefitted by 
applications of manure water, from the time 
the flower-heads are formed until they open. 
C. Maritima, a native of the south of Europe, 
has silvery gray foliage, downy beneath; it 
is much used for vases and hanging-baskets, 
as well as in ribbon gardening, ete. 


Cinnabar. Scarlet touched with orange. 


Cinnamo’mum. Cinnamon. Derived from the 
Arabic kinamon, cinnamon. Nat. Ord. Laura- 
cew. ‘ 

A genus of evergreen trees, well known as 
furnishing the Cinnamon of commerce. 
Zeylanicum is largely cultivated in Ceylon for 
its bark, which furnishes the best Cinnamon. 
The bark is stripped off the branches, when it 
rolls up into quills, the smaller of which are 
introduced within the larger, and then dried 
inthesun. The thinner the bark is, asarule, 
the finer the quality. C. Cassia furnishes 
the Cassia bark, which is much like Cinnamon, 
but thicker, coarser, stronger, less delicate in 
flavor, and cheaper. Itis commonly used in 
the adulteration of Cinnamon. Both species 
furnish what are known as Cassia buds, which 
are something like cloves, and, like them, 
consist of the unexpanded flower buds, 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CIN 


They possess properties similar to those of 
the bark. There are several other species of 
this genus that furnish aromatic barks, which 
are used in flavoring and in medicine. 


Cinnamon Fern. The popular name of one of 
our native Ferns, Osmunda Cinnamomea. 


Cinnamon Root. A common name for Inula 
Conyza. 


Cinnamon Tree. See Cinnamomum. 


Cinnamon Vine. A name given to Dioscorea 
batatas. ra 

Cinque-foil, or Five-Finger. One of the popu- 
lar names of Potentilla, which see. 

Circz’a. Enchanter’s Nightshade. A classical 
name, after Circe, a celebrated enchantress, 
skilled in poisonous herbs. Nat. Ord. Ona- 
gracee. 

Asmall genus of hardy herbaceous peren- 
nials, of but little interest; natives of Europe, 
and naturalized in many parts of this country. 


Circinal. Resembling a circle. 


Circinate. Bentlike the head of acrosier, as in 
the young leaf of a Fern when it begins to 
grow. 

Cirrhope’talum. From cirrhus, a tendril, and 
petalon, a flower leaf; in reference to the 
strap-shaped petals. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

An extensive genus of small, very curious 
epiphytal Orchids, natives of tropical Asia 
and the South Sea Islands. Their flowers are 
remarkable for having the lateral sepals pro- 
longed into narrow streamers. From this 
peculiar feature, and the fact that they occupy 
but little room, a few of the species have been 
introduced into the more general collection 
of Orchids. Propagated by division. 


Cirrhose. Hither furnished witha tendril, as the 
Grape-vine or the leaves of Gloriosa superba; 
or assuming the form and functions of a ten- 
dril, as the peduncles of Clematis cirrhosa; or 
where the tendrils are in some way remark- 
able, as the Nepenthes. 


Ci'rsium. Common or Plumed Thistle. From 
kirsos, a swollen vein; in reference to being 
pricked by the spines. Nat Ord. Composite. 

The Thistle family is too well known to 
need special mention. Two of the more 
troublesome species, C. lanceolatum, the com- 
mon Thistle, and C. arvense,the Canada Thistle, 
are both natives of Europe, though perfectly 
naturalized in this country. There are many 
native species, the most conspicuous being C. 
muticum, Swamp Thistle, a perennial, common 
in moist woods and swamps, often growing as 
high as eight feet. This genus is now placed 
under Cnicus by some botanists. 


Cissa/mpelos. A genus of Menispermacee, with 
the climbing character of the Ivy, kissos of 
the Greeks, and the clustered fruit of the vine 
Ampelos. The most important plant of the 
genus is the Velvet-leaf, or Caapeba, C. 
Pareira, a native of the West Indies, Central 
America, and India. The root of this plant 
furnishes the ‘Pareira brava” of the drug- 
gists, much used in medicine. 


Ci’ssus. From kissos, ivy; in reference to their 
scrambling habit. Nat. Ord. Vitacea. 

A genus of climbing plants, allied to Vitis. 
With a few exceptions, they are plants of but 
little interest to the florist. One of the species, 
however, C. discolor, is a plant remarkable for 

¢ = 


CIS 


the beauty of its foliage, and its adaptation to - 
the hot-house. This species is a native of 
Java, and was introduced into England in 1854 
by Messrs Rollison and Sons, of Tooting, and 
is described by Mr. Lowe asfollows: ‘The 
leaves, which are six inches long and two 
and a half broad, arecolored on the upper 
surface in the richest manner conceivable, the 
plant rivaling, in its beautiful foliage, the 
finest of the Anectochilus family; the color 
being a rich green, clouded with white, peach, 
and dark purplish crimson, and covered with 
a metallic luster. The under side of the leaf 
is a rich brownish crimson. No description 
or painting can do justice to the beauty of 
these superb leaves when in perfection.” This 
plant is arapid grower, requiring a very rich 
soil and humid atmosphere, together with a 
high temperature, to bring it to perfection. It 
should be grown in ashaded house, and care 
should be taken not to syringe the plant, as 
water on the leaves destroys the metallic 
luster. It is readily increased by cuttings. 
The leaves are much valued by florists for 
their various work in baskets, designs, etc. 


Cista’cez. A natural order of shrubs or herbs, 
often viscid, with simple entire leaves and 
showy flowers, found chiefly in the south of 
Europe and the north of Africa, and rarely in 
North or South America. They are usually 
resinous, and have a balsamic fragrance. 
Helianthemum vulgare, the common Rock Rose 
of England, has remarkably irritable stamens, 
which in sunny weather move on_ being 
touched. There are eight genera and about 
190 species in this order; the best known of 
which are Cistus, Helianthemum and Hudsonia. 


Cisterns. The superior value of rain-water for 
plant cultivation and general garden purposes 
is often overlooked when building green- 
houses, as it is frequently conducted to drains 
when accommodation for its reception should 
be provided in the shape of cisterns. These 
are generally constructed with stones or brick, 
and coated inside with cement. Where the 
ground will admit of it, an excellent and 
cheap method is to have the sides of the cis- 
tern sloped as much as the soil will allow, and 
coat it one inch thick with a mixture of one 
part cement to three of gravel, finishing with 
a thin coating of purecement. This forms a 
wall which when dry becomes as hard as iron, 
and will last for years. The size of cisterns 
should vary according to their intended use. 
If they are to furnish a daily supply of water, 
they need not be so large as for keeping asup- 
ply for summer only. The average depth of 
rain which falls in this latitude rarely exceeds 
six to seven inches for two months. Thesize. 
of the cistern therefore need not exceed that 
of a body of water on the whole roof of the 
building seven inches deep. To ascertain this 
amount multiply the length by the breadth of 
the building, reduce this to inches, and divide 
the product by 231, and the quotient will be 
gallons for each inch of depth. Multiplying 
by seven will give the full amount’ for two 
months’ rain falling upon the roof; divide by 
3144, the quotient will be barrels. Cisterns 
intended only for drawing from in times of 
drought, to hold all the water that may fall, . 
should be about three times the preceding 
capacity. 


Ci/stus. Rock Rose. From kiste, a box; in ref- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 89 


cIT 


erence to the form of the seed vessel. Nat. 
Ord. Cistacee. 

A genus of handsome shrubs, few of which 
are in cultivation. They are natives of south- 
ern and western Europe, north Africa, and 
the Canary Islands. Some of the species are 
elegant shrubs, having terminal flower stalks 
bearing one or more flowers, resembling in 
appearance those of the Dog Rose. They sel- 


dom last more than a few hours after expand-. 


ing, and do not openexcept in sunny weather. 
The flowers are either white or rose-colored, 
with yellow or purplish marks at their base. 
Some of thespecies furnish a gum that is used 
in Turkey as a perfume and for fumigation; 
also supposed to be a specific for the plague. 
Propagated by seeds, !ayers, or cuttings. 


Cithare’xylum. Fiddle-wood. From kithara, 
a lyre, and xylon, wood; in reference to the 
supposed fitness of the wood for musical 
instruments. Nat. Ord. Verbenacee. 

A genus of tall-growing trees, common from 
Florida to Brazil. It furnishes a hard, dur- 
able wood, suited for various purposes in the 
mechanic arts. Its supposed use in the man- 
ufacture of musical instruments is a mistake. 
One of the species is called by the French 
Fidéle, for its durability in building. The 
English have corrupted the name to Fiddle- 
wood, by which name it is popularly known. 


Citrinous. Lemon-colored. 


Citron. (Citrus medica.) This is by some sup- 
posed to be the same species as the Lemon; 
itis a native of the forests of the north of 
India, but is extensively cultivated in south- 
ern Europe. Inits wild state the tree grows 
to the height of about eight feet, erect and 
prickly, with long reclining branches, in gen- 
eral appearance resembling the Lemon. The 
fruit is from six to nine inches in length, 
ovate, with a protuberance at the top. There 
are two rinds, the outer thin, with innumera- 
ble glands, full of a most fragrant oil; the 
inner thick, white and fungous; itis thisinner 
rind which is preserved and much used in 
confections, cake, etc. 


Citronella. Oil Plant. Andropogon citratum. 


Citru'llus. From Citrus, in allusion to the 
Orange-like fruits. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacea. 

A small genus of trailing annual or peren- 
nial herbs. C. colocynthis furnishes the cathar- 
tic drug Colocynth, or. Bitter Apple. C. vul- 
garis is the well-known Water Melon, which 
see. 


Ci/trus. Orange Tree. Derivation of name 
unknown. Supposed to refer to Citron, atown 
in Judea. Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

The genus Citrus includes the Orange, 
Lemon, Lime, Citron, Shaddock, etc., all well 
deserving cultivation, both for their flowers 
and their fruit, but of which only a few kinds 
of Oranges and Lemons are generally grown. 
When grown for ornamental purposes in 
green-house or rooms, they all thrive well in 
a mixture of rich loam with a little rotted 
dung; but great care is necessary not to over- 
pot them, or give them too much water when 
not in a growing state. The different species 
and varieties are generally propagated by bud- 
ding, grafting and inarching on the common 
Lemon, which grows readily from seed. 
Oranges are also frequently raised from seed ; 
but unless they are budded or grafted when 


CLA 


about two years old, it will be many years 
before they flower. Orange Trees may also 
be propagated by cuttings, which are best 
from the old wood, struck in sand in a gentle 
bottom heat, and shaded. Plants raised in 
this manner flower and fruit much sooner than 
any others, but they scarcely ever attain a 
large size. Both the Orange and Lemon are 
such favorites in this country that scarcely a 
cottage, where a flower-pot or tub can be put 
into requisition, is without one or the other 
of these plants. When placed in unsuitable 
soil and carelessly watered, they seldom 
remain long in a good state of health. When 
they become sickly and yellow they should be 
turned out of the pots, a large portion of the 
old soil should be shaken from the roots, and 
they should be repotted in a mixture of fine 
loamy soil and rotted manure, with about one- 
fourth of charcoal dust, or powdered charcoal. 
‘There are numerous varieties of Oranges and 
Lemons grown for the fruit. Our markets 
were formerly supplied from the south of 

“Europe, the Azores and the West Indies. 
Until within a few years the ‘“‘Havana” was 
the most highly esteemed, but the Florida 
Orange is now the leading variety in the mar- 
kets. The cultivation of the Orange in Flor- 
ida commenced previous to 1820, but was 
carried on only to a limited extent for 
some years thereafter. From 1830 to 1835 
many large groves were planted, nearly all of 
which were destroyed by the extraordinary 
frost of the latter year. The previous year 
there were trees at St. Augustine that pro- 
duced each 14,000 oranges—a handsome rev- 
enue from a single tree. The dreaded effects 
of a frost almost entirely discouraged further 
plantings fora number of years. The culti- 
vation of the Orange is now attracting greater 
attention in Florida than ever before. The 
Indian River country abounds in plantations 
that are yielding large and profitable crops. 
Some of the more scientific growers, from 
careful experiments and close observation, 
hold the opinion that frosts as severe as those 
of 1835 will not injure the trees if the precau- 
tion be taken to shade the trunks from the 
sun a short time, until the circulation of the 
sap is fully restored. Lemons, Limes and 
Shaddocks are also largely grown in Florida. 
In some parts of Texas and in California the 
cultivation of these fruits is being rapidly 
extended. 


Cladra’stis Yellow Wood. Name of obscure 
derivation. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

This genus includes several species, none of 
which are of special interest, excepting C. 
tinctoria better known, perhaps, as Virgilia 
lutea, a native species indigenous in eastern 
Kentucky and southward. It is a small and 
handsome tree, with a compact, broadly 
rounded head, leaves compound like those of 
the Locust, of a light, pleasing green color, 
changing in autumn to a warm yellow. The 
flowers appear in June in pendulous racemes of 
great beauty, pea-shaped, white and fragrant, 
and are produced in such profusion as almost 
to clothe the tree, making it a beautiful object 
for the lawn. It is perfectly hardy, though of 
slow growth, and commences to flower when 
only asmall shrub. Propagated by cuttings 
of the roots or by seeds. C. amurensis, the 
East Indian representative of the foregoing, 
is a tree reaching the height of forty feet, 


90 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CLA 


bearing pinnate leaves and long, dense 
racemes of whitish flowers. Itis a very orna- 
mental tree, flowering freely in August, and 
being quite hardy, is a decidedly useful addi- 
tion to the shrubbery or lawn. It was intro- 
duced from the Amoor Valley in 1880. 


Clammy. Viscid, sticky. 


Cla’rkia. In honor of Captain Clarke, who 
accompanied Captain Lewis in his journey to 
the Rocky Mountains. Nat. Ord. Onagracee. 

A genus of hardy annuals, mostly from Cal- 
ifornia. The whole of the species are indis- 
pensable to every flower garden where annuals 
are grown. The first sowing should take place 
in September; a few will survive the winter, 
and afford an early bloom in the following 
season. The next and principal sowing should 
be done in March, and afew more put in about 
the end of April, together with those trans- 
planted, will continue a fine display through 
the whole summer. They grow in any soil, 
so that the situation is open or free from the 
drip of trees, and merely require to be thinned 
to about a foot from each other. This rule 
will apply to nearly all those that are known 
as ‘‘tender annuals.” 


Clary. Salvia Sclarea. A biennial plant of 
the order Labiate, a native of the south of 
France, Switzerland and of Italy. It has been 
under cultivation as a pot-herb, for seasoning 
soups, since early in the sixteenth century. 
It is grown inthe same manner as the common 
sage, Salvia officinalis. 

Clavate. Club-shaped, as where any organ, 
slender at the base, gradually enlarges to- 
wards the apex, as the filaments of Thalictrum 
clavatum. 

Claw. The long, narrow base of some petals, 
analogous to the footstalk of leaves, as in 
Dianthus. 

Clayto’nia. Spring Beauty. Named after Dr. 
John Clayton, an early American botanist. 
Nat. Ord. Portulacacee. 

A genus of very pretty, hardy plants, of 
either annual or perennial duration. The for- 
mer only require to be sown where they are to 
remain, and the latter succeed when planted 
in loam without further trouble. Their 
flowers are either white or pink of various 
shades. Several tuberous-rooted perennial 
species are found in moist woods in this 
country from Virginia westward to California. 
They do not differ materially from the annual 
species in flowering, and are worthy of 
cultivation. 


Cleavers or Clivers. See Galium. 


Cleiso’stoma. From kleio, to close, and stoma, 
a mouth; in allusion to the mouth of the spur 
being closed. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A genus of East Indian epiphytal orchids, 
the several species of which, are beautiful 
‘plants, although most of them have small 


flowers, a fact that renders them unpopular. 


with orchid growers. They require the same 
treatment as the Aerides. 


Cle’matis. Virgin's Bower. From klema, a 
yine-branch; in reference to their climbing 
like avine. Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. 

An extensive genus of handsome twining 
shrubs, natives of North America, Europe, 
Japan, and occasionally met with in Australia, 
Asia, and Africa. C. Virginiana is the well- 


CLE 


known Virgin’s Bower, a species common in 
the woods and roadsides of New York south- 
ward. ‘There are several other species com- 
mon inthis country. C. flammula, the sweet- 
scented Virgin’s Bower, is much admired for 
its gracefulness, delicious fragrance, and poeti- 
calassociations. For the many large-flowering 
varieties we are indebted to Sieboldt and For- 
tune, wno discovered them in Japan. From 
the several species introduced by them very 
many varieties have been produced, among 
whichis C. Jackmanii,a variety with large pur- 
ple flowers, very showy, and deservedly popu- 
lar. Some of the varieties are pure white, with 
both double and single flowers. The whole 
of them are quite hardy, though the young 
growth should be protected the first winter. 
They delight in a strong, rich soil, and for 
climbing up stumps of old trees, training to 
trellises, covering arbors or verandas, or 
planting to droop over amongst rock-work, no 
plants are more suitable or will make a more 
gorgeous display, Not only are they well 
adapted for running up all kinds of supports, 
festooning, etc., but many of the grand hy- 
brid varieties, are equally suitable for 
trailing over the surface of the ground, and 
covering beds, either alone or associated with 
a few distinct foliaged plants. They are pro- 
pagated by layering the young shoots in sum- 
mer or by root grafting on some of our stronger 
growing native varieties. The shoots of the 
half-ripened young wood can also be freely 
rooted by cuttings during the summer 
months. C. crispa, a native species, is very 
popular, and deservedly so. The flowers, of 
medium size, are of beautiful purple, and 
deliciously fragrant; a characteristic absent 
from most of the class. C. coccinea, a recent 
introduction from Texas, presents us with a 
new and desirable color. 


Cleo/me. From kleio, to shut; in reference to 
the parts of the flower. Nat. Ord. Cappari- 
dacee. 

An extensive genus, consisting of tropical 
shrubs, annuals and biennials, which are not 
suitable for general cultivation. This genus, 
however, contains several very curious and 
pretty indigenous annuals, with white, rose, 
and purple flowers, natives of the Southern 
and Western States. They are all easy of 
cultivation. They should be started in a hot- 
bed, and the plants put out in the open border 
at the proper season for tender annuals. 


Clerode’ndron. From kleros, a chance, and 
dendron, a tree; said to be owing to the 
uncertainty of the medicinal qualities. Nat. 
Ord. Verbenacee. 

It is difficult to conceive more beautiful 
objects than several members of this genus. 
when well cultivated. Cuttings taken off any 
time during summer root readily, or in winter 
in gentle heat, and should be kept in small 
pots through the succeeding winter, on a* 
shelf or underneath a bench in the green- 
house.. About the first of February repot 
them, giving them a liberal shift. The soil 
should be light and very rich. To flower 
freely, they require frequent shiftings from 
smaller into larger pots. With this treatment 
they can be made to bloom continually during. 
the entire season. Wld plants can be grown 
on with occasional shiftings, and make splen- 
did plants for garden decoration during sum- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 91 


Cle’thra. 


CLE 


mer. They must, however, be grown in the 
shade. After flowering, water freely, in order 
that they may make a good growth; after 
which they should have partial sun to ripen 
the wood. If not wanted for winter flowering, 
remove the plants in the fall to a light cellar, 
free from frost, giving them through the 
winter just enough water to sustain life. In 
the spring, when all danger from frost is over, 
remove the plants to any desired position in 
the garden or on the veranda for another sea- 
son of bloom. C. Thompsone, known also as 
C. Balfourii, introduced from Old Calabar in 
1861, has bright crimson flowers disposed in 
large panicles, with pure white calyxes, is the 
best and most showy variety, and one we 
have seen in full bloom a number of years 
in succession, with the above treatment. It 
makes a valuable climbing plant for the green- 
house when so desired. 


White Alder, Sweet Pepperbush. 
From klethra, the Greek name of the Alder, 
which this genus somewhat resembles in foli- 
age. Nat. Ord. Hricacee. 

A genus of deciduous shrubs, several species 
of which are common in swamps and low 
places along our southern coast. C. alnifolia 
is common in the Middle States, and is 
remarkable for its sweet-scented flowers, 
which are borne in terminal racemes in July 
and August. Like many other of our native 


CLI 


these enemies be kept away, and the plant be 
grown in rich soil, composed of equal parts of 
loam and thoroughly rotted manure, and well 
supplied with air, light, and water, with 
abundance of room for its roots, the rapidity 
of its growth and the splendor of its flowers 
will almost surpass belief; but unless these 
points are attended to, the plant is scarcely 
worth growing. C. Dampieri, Glory Pea, a 
species from the desert regions of Australia, 
is by far the most beautiful of the genus, 
either for the green-house or the border. Its 
cultivation is rather difficult. It does not 
grow to such dimensions as the former, but is 
of the same habit, and succeeds best when 
treatedasanannuwal. The flowers are brilliant 
scarlet, and marked with a black blotch in the 
center. If the seeds are planted in May in 
the open border where they are to grow, in a 
rich, sandy loam, they will make magnificent 
plants, and flower freely from August until 
killed by frost. Five degrees of frost will not 
injure either the plants or the flowers. They 
will not at any time bear transplanting. Intro- 
duced in 1852. 


Climber. A plant that grows upright upon 


trees, walls, etc., and supports itself by ten- 
drils or by air-roots; an example of the for- 
mer being the Grape Vine (Vitis), and of the 
latter the Virginia Creeper (Ampelopsis). 


Climbing Fern. See Lygodium scandens. 
Climbing Fumatory. See Adlumia cirrhosa. 
Climbing Gentian. The genus Crawfurdia. 
Climbing Hempweed. See Mikania scandens. 
Climbing Hydrangea. See Hydrangea scandens. 


plants, it improves by cultivation, and will 
succeed well in a shrubbery border, however 
dry. It should be transplanted in early 
spring. A 

Cleye'ra. Named after Andrew Cleyer, M.D., a 


Duteh botanist of Batavia. Nat. Ord. Tern- 
stremiacee. 

A genus comprising a few Indian and Jap- 
anese evergreen shrubs with Camellia-like 
leaves, and small axillary white or yellowish 
flowers, sometimes sweet-scented. C. Jap- 
onica tricolor is a very handsome variegated 
plant, with leathery, obovate, dark-green 
leaves, obliquely marked with bands of 
greyish-green, the broad, creamy-white mar- 
gin, tinged of a vright rose-color, being very 
conspicuous in the younger foliage. Propa- 
gated by cuttings of the half-ripened shoots. 


Clia/‘nthus. Glory Pea. From kleios, glory, and 
anthos, a flower. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of magnificent, half-hardy shrubs 
from Australia, remarkable for their showy 
flowers, which are borne in terminal or axil- 
lary racemes. C. puniceus, the Parrot’s Bill, 
is a magnificent, half-hardy, shrubby climber, 
with bright crimson flowers, a native of New 
Zealand. It grows very freely in rich loam if 
its roots are allowed sufficient room; and it 
generally thrives best when planted against 
the back wall of a conservatory. Cuttings 
planted in pots in the autumn, and kept in the 
shady part of the green-house, will be rooted 
by spring, when they may be planted in the 
open border. It is a plant that rarely flowers 
well in a pot, as it requires abundance of room 
for its roots, and grows rapidly, with rather 
succulent shoots, requiring abundance of 
water during the growing season, and very 
little at any other time. When grown in the 
open ground the juicy nature of its roots ren- 
ders it a favorite food for snails, and when 
kept in the conservatory or green-house it is 
very apt to be attacked by the red spider. If 


The name is also applied to Schizophragma 
Hydrangeoides. 


Clinto/nia. Named in honor of De Witt Clin- 


ton, at one time governor of the State of 
New York. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

Very beautiful and interesting stemless 
perennials, with creeping root-stocks, admir- 
ably adapted for the herbaceous border. 
They are found in rich woods from New York, 
southward, along the Alleghanies; one 
species, with deep rose-colored flowers is 
found in California. The genus very com- 
monly known as Clintonia (Douglas), belonging 
to Lobeliacew, is more properly called Dow- 
ningia, as the Clintonia of Rafinesque has 
priority over that of Douglas. See Downingia. 


Clito’ria. Blue Pea, Butterfly Pea. From kleio, 


to shut up; in reference to its seeding within 
the flower long before the flower drops off. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

Very handsome hot-house climbers, of 
graceful habit, the majority producing large, 
highly-colored flowers. C. ternatea, Syn. 
Ternatea vulgaris, introduced from India in 
1739, is perhaps the finest, its lovely blue 
flowers receiving universal admiration. The 
whole of the perennial species succeed in 
rich loam, the annual kinds require the ordi- 
nary treatment of tender annuals. C. Mariana 
has a curious distribution, being found in the 
Southern States and Mexico, and appearing 
again in the Khasia Mountains in India, 
without being foundin any intervening place. 
Propagated by cuttings or seeds. 


Cli’'via. Named after a Duchess of Northumber- 


land, a member of the Clive family. Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidacee. 


92 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CLO 


Clivia nobilis, the only species, is a robust 
growing plant, which, once established, is 
very prolific of flowers. 
sandy loam, if allowed the warmest part of 
the green-house, or a cool shelf in the hot- 
house. Its flowers, which are produced ina 
pendulous umbel, are of a delicate flesh color 
throughout the greater part of the tube, 
heightening to a deep red over the limb, the 
segments of which are bright green. It is 
increased by division of the roots. Native 
of the Cape of Good Hope. 
1823. Syn. Imantophyllum Aitoni. 


Cloud-Berry. See Rubus Chamemorus. 
Cloud Grass. A common name for Agrostis 
nebulosa. 


Clover. The common name for Trifolium, 
especially applied to the kinds cultivated for 
hay and pasture. 


Cloves. The small bulbs formed within the 
mother-bulb of certain plants; such as 
garlic. 


Clove Tree. Garyophyllus aromaticus. The 
Cloves of commerce are the dried unexpanded 
flower buds. 


Club-moss. The common name of Lycopodium 
clavatum. 
Club Root. A disease of the most destructive 


character, which frequently attacks Cabbage, 
Cauliflower, and other plants of the Brassica 
tribe. There is a great deal of misconception 
as to what is the cause of Club Root, it being 
attributed variously to wet land, dry land, hog 
manure, and several other causes that have 
got nothing to do with it whatever. All observ- 
ing horticulturists who have had experience 
in the cultivation of Cabbage or Cauliflower, 
in any vicinity where there is an oyster shell 
deposit, know that the Club Root is never 
seen in any soil wherein there is an admixture 
of oyster sheils. Thousands of acres on the 
shores of the Atlantic coast, on Long Island 
and in New Jersey, have just such soils, and 
there Cabbage crops have been grown for 
upward of fifty years successively without a 
sign of this disease; while in other soils only 
a few hundred yards distant, but having no 
mixture of oyster shell in the soil, it is found 
that Cabbages cannot be grown successively on 
the same soil without being attacked by Club 
Root. The inference is, therefore, plain, that 
the insect causing the disease called Club 
Root cannot exist in contact with the lime of 
the oyster shell; for that the disease is caused 
by an insect is well proven, as it is found that 
the excrescence known as Club Root, when 
examined, is found to contain a small, whitish, 
grub-like larva. Itis evident that the grow- 
ing crop of Cabbage invites in some way the 
perfect insect; for itis found, that if Cabbage 
is planted for the first time on new soil, it is 
rarely attacked by Club Root, while if planted 
the next year on the same soil, if lime is not 
present, it is almost certain to be attacked; 
and for this reason itis fair to presume that 
the perfect insect, allured by the Cabbage 
crop, deposits its eggs in the soil, which re- 
main undeveloped until the next season, 
when they are hatched and attack the roots of 
the Cabbage plants, and thus bring on the 
disease. Asan evidence of the correctness of 
this belief, we never fail to find, for example, 
if we plant alongside of each other, a crop of 


It grows well in | 


Introduced in, 


COB 


Cabbage and a crop of Potatoes or Beets, 
that if the succeeding year we plant the 
whole with Cabbage, the part only that was 
planted with Cabbage the year before will be af- 
fected by Club Root, and the parts planted with 
Potatoes or Beets will escape. From our ex- 
perience that Cabbage planted in soils mixed 
with oyster shells is exempt from Club Root, 
it is evident that the lime in the oyster shells 
is the agent destructive to the insect; there- 
fore, in soils having no oyster shells, we have 
found if air-slacked lime is put on at the rate 
of 150 bushels to the acre after plowing, and 
well harrowed in, so as to mix it with the soil, 
that it in most cases will destroy the larve 
which causesClub Root. We have also found, 
from its containing large quantities of lime, 
that Bone Dust, used as a fertilizer at the rate 
of one to two tons per acre, is another almost 
certain antidote against Club Koot. We 
would advise the use of lime after all plowing, 
but the Bone Dust should only be put on be- 
fore the crop is planted in spring. 


Club-rush or Bulrush. The common name of 
the genus Scirpus, a common marsh plant; 
also applied to Typha latifolia. 


Clu’sia. Balsam Tree. Named in honor of 
Clusius of Atrois, author of Historia Plan- 
tarium, and many other works, 1526-1609. 
Nat. Ord. Guttifere. 

A genus of evergreen trees or shrubs, often 
epiphytal, peculiar to tropical America, and 
growing in very humid hot places. Nearly 
sixty species are enumerated, many of which 
yield resin from the flowers, as well as from 
the trunks and branches. 


Clustered, Where numerous similar parts are 
collected in a close, compact manner, as in 
the flowers of Cuscuta. 


Cni’/cus Benedictus. Blessed Thistle. An 


annual herb, with smoothish, clasping, 
scarcely pinnatifid cut leaves, and large 
bracted heads of yellow flowers. Native of 


Europe, scarcely naturalized southwards. 
The genus Cirsium, is included in the genus 
by some botanists. 


Cobe’a. Named in honor of B. Cobo, a Spanish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Polemoniacea. 

The two known species of these plants 
are elegant, fast-growing climbers, which 
may be grown in the green-house, the 
conservatory, or the garden in summer, 
where, from their rapid development, they 
are particularly desirable for covering walls, 
arbors, or other objects of a similar nature. 
It is preferable to treat them as annuals. The 
seed should be sown in March, in light, rich 
soil, on a gentle heat. The young plants 
should be potted separately into small pots, 
as soon as they can be handled with safety, 
using the same kind of soil, and, after being 
gradually inured to the temperature they are 
likely to be subject to in their after growth, 
may finally, when about a foot in height, be 
placed where.they are to remain. _ It is sel- 
dom that seed is matured in the open air, but 
in a green-house or conservatory it is pro- 
duced abundantly. C. scandens, the species 
in general cultivation, is a native of Mexico, 
and was introduced in 1792. A white flowered 
variety of CO. scandens originated here in 1872, 
and one with variegated leaves in 1874. 


CLEMATIS COCCINEA. 


CLEMATIS JACKMANIL. 


PEE Whey, 
wy SAS Nie! 
oy BX vi RE 
pee rs ide 


CLEMATIS CRISPA, 


g2 


COIx LACHRYMZ, 


COFFEA (COFFEE PLANT), 


COLEUS (VARIETIES OF). 


COCOS NUCIFERA (COCOA-NUT PALM). 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 93 


COB 


Cobu'rgia. Named after Prince Leopold of Saxe- 
Coburg, now King of Belgium. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

An interesting genus of half-hardy bulbs 
from South America, (mostly from Peru), 
requiring the same treament as Sprekelia 
formosissima. The flowers are mostly scarlet 
and very showy. They require a strong, rich 
soil. Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 
1826, but rarely seen except in botanical col- 
lections. 


Coca. See Hrythrozylon. 


Cocci’neus. A pure carmine color, slightly 
tinged with yellow. 


Cocci’/nia. Derivation of name not given. Nat. 
Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

C. Indica, the only species and formerly called 
Momordica monudelphia, is a climbing shrub, 
common in the hedges of India. It has large 
white flowers. The fruit is oblong, marked 
with ten white lines. When ripe it is of a red 
color, and is used by the natives in their 
sauces. The leaves and other parts of the 
plants are used in medicine. 


Coccocy’pselum. From kokkos, fruit, and 
kypsele, a vase; referring to the form of the 
berries. Nat. Ord. Rubiacea. 

Asmall genus of soft-wooded trailing plants 
from the West Indies and Central America. 
C. repens is interesting from its bluish-purple 
berries. As a genus, they do not occupy a 
prominent place either as ornamental or use- 
ful plants. 


Coccolo'ba. Sea-side Grape. From kokkos, a 
berry, and lobos, a lobe; in reference to the 
fruit. Nat.Ord. Polygonacea. 

Most of this genus are tropical evergreen 
trees, interesting and beautiful, but too large 
for ordinary green-house culture. C. platy- 
clada is a dwarf species, with curious flat 
stems, growing from five to ten feet high. 
“It succeeds well planted in an ordinary flower 
border, and is useful in filling large vases and 
rustic tubs, or for planting in rock-work. It 
is propagated freely by cuttings. The flowers 
are small and white, produced at the axils of 
the leaves. The correct name of this plant is 
now given as Muehlenbeckia platyclada, which 
see. 


Co/cculus. Derived from kokkos, the systematic 
name of the Cochineal; given to this genus 
because most of the species bear scarlet 
berries. Nat, Ord. Menispermacee. 

An extensive genus of climbing shrubs, re- 
markable for their medicinal properties. 
‘With one exception the species are all natives 
of the East Indies. C. Carolinus, common in 
woods and thickets from North Carolina to 
Florida, isa very handsome climber, remarka- 
ble for its racemes of white flowers, which are 
succeeded by clusters of bright scarlet ber- 
ries, that remain on the vine all winter. This 
is one of the most beautiful climbers under 
cultivation, and will succeed well where there 
is not more than ten or twelve degrees of 
frost. It is increased by cuttings or from 
seeds. Syn. Wendlandia. 

Co’cculus Indicus, Plant. See Anamirta (Me- 
nispermum) cocculus. 


Co’chlearia. From cochlear, a spoon; the 
leaves of most species are hollowed, like the 
bowl of aspoon. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 


coc 


A genus of annual or perennial herbs, usu- 
ally smooth and fleshy. There are about 
twenty-five species widely distributed over 
the temperate and cold regions of the northern 
hemisphere. C. officinalis is the Scurvy Grass, 
valuable as an anti-scorbutic. C. Armoracea 
is the Horse Radish, which see. 


Cochleate. Twisted in a short spire, resem- 
bling the convolutions of a snail-shell, as 
the pod of Medicago cochleata, or the seed of 
Salicornia. 


Cochlioste’ma. From cochlios, spiral, and 
stema, astamen. Nat. Ord. Commelynacee. 

A genus of green-house perennials allied to 
Tradescantia, natives of Brazil. They are 
rather curious in form, having contracted 
stems and tufted leaves, like those of a 
Bromelia. The flowers are blue, and borne 
on branched clusters. Of the two species in 
cultivation, one is small and the other, @. 
Jacobianum, is very large and showy, equally 
valuable from a horticultural point of view, 
as it is interesting from its peculiar structure. 
They are increased by division. Introduced 
in 1866. 


Cockle. The commonname of Lychnis Githago, 
a troublesome weed in grain fields. Intro- 
duced from Europe. 


Cocklebur or Clotbur. The popular name of 
Xanthium, a coarse annual weed, common on 
the sea-coast, especially southward. 


Cockscomb. See Celosia. 
Cock’s-Foot Grass. Dactylis glomeraia. 
Cock’s-Spur Thorn. Crategus Crus-galli. 


Cocoanut. The nut of Cocos nucifera, which 
see. : 


Cocos. Cocoanut Tree. From the Portuguese 
word, coco, a monkey; in reference to the end 
of the nut resembling the head of the monkey. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

C. nucifera, the well-known Cocoanut Tree, 
is the type of this genus of Palms, to which, 
in addition, about a dozen other species be- 
long. They mostly form tall, graceful trees, 
and the majority of them are natives of the 
tropical regions of America, one only, the 
common Cocoanut, being found in Asia or 
Africa. The trees grow to a great height, 
with a straight trunk, and, like almost every 
species of the Palm tribe, without branches. 
The leaves are from twelve to fifteen feet 
long. The flowers come out round the top of 
the trunk in large clusters, inclosed in a 
sheath, and the nuts succeed them, commonly 
ten or twelve together. There are few trees 
more extensively or variously useful. The 
leaves are employed as thatch to cover houses, 
and to make mats either for sitting or lying 
upon. The leaf, when reduced to fine fibers, 
is the material of which beautiful and costly 
carpets are made for those in the higher 
ranks; the coarse fibers are made into brooms. 
After these useful materials are taken from 
this leaf, the stem still remains, which is 
about three inches thick, and furnishes fire- 
wood. The wood of this Palm, when fresh 
cut, is spongy, but becomes hard after being 
seasoned, and assumes a dark brown color. 
On the top of the tree a large shoot is pro- 
duced, which, when boiled, resembles Broc- 
coli, but is said to be of a more delicate taste ; 
and though much liked, is seldom used by 


94 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CcoD 


the natives, because, on cutting it off, the pith 
is exposed, and the tree dies. Between this 
cabbage-like shoot and the leaves there spring 
several buds, from which, on making an in- 
cision, there distills a juice differing but little 
from water, either in color or consistence. It 
is the employment of a certain class of men 
to climb to the top of the trees in the evening, 
with earthen pots tied to their waists, which 
they fix there to receive the juice, which is 
regularly carried away before the sun has had 
any influence upon it. This liquid is sold at 
the bazaars by the natives under the name of 
toddy. After being kept a few hours it begins 
to ferment, acquires a sharp taste, and a 
slightly intoxicating quality, in which state it 
is drank by the natives and poorer classes 
with avidity. It is also used as yeast, for 
which it forms an excellent substitute. By 
boiling it a coarse kind of sugar is obtained ; 
and by distillation it yields a strong, ardent 
spirit, which is sold at a low price, constitut- 
ing it a most pernicious beverage. The outside 
rind or husk of the fruit yields the fiber from 
which the well-known Cocoanut matting is 
manufactured. In order to obtain it the 
husks are soaked in salt water for six or 
twelve months, when the fibre is easily sepa- 
rated by beating, and is made up into a coarse 
kind of a yarn called coir. Besides its use for 
matting, it is extensively used in the manu- 
facture of heavy cordage for ship’s cables. It 
is also used for various kinds of brushes, and 
for stuffing mattresses, cushions, etc. The 
next important product of the fruit is the oil, 
which is procured by boiling and pressing the 
white kernel or albumen of the nut. It is 
liquid at the ordinary temperature in tropical 
countries, and while fresh is used in cooking. 
By the time the nuts reach this country the 
albumen is solid, and has frequently a rancid 
smell or taste. When green, orfirst gathered, 
this substance is easily separated by pressure 
into what is termed stearine, which is made 
into candles, and a very good oil, used for 
burning in lamps. Asan article of food the 
kernel is of the greatest importance to the in- 
habitants of the tropics. In the Laccadives it 
forms the chief food, each person consuming 
four nuts per day, and the fluid, commonly 
ealled milk, affords them an agreeable be- 
verage. While young they yield a delicious 
substance resembling blanc-mange. As the 
nut ripens, the milk is gradually absorbed, or 
hardens into the white, fleshy substance that 
we find when we receive them. The Cocoa- 
nuts brought to this market are chiefly from 
Central America, where they are gathered 
from the interior by the natives, brought to 
the coast, and sold to dealers who make that 
trade a specialty. Cocos Weddelliana, intro- 
duced from South America, is the most orna- 
mental of this group, and one of the most 
graceful Palms in cultivation. For dinner- 
table decoration there is no Palm to compare 
with it. It is very dwarf, with finely-divided 
foliage, which is recurved with exquisite 
grace. It deserves a place in the smallest 
collection of plants. The Cocos are all pro- 
pagated from seed, and require a temperature 
of about 70° for the germination of the seed 
and the growth of the plants. 


Codiz’'um., From Codebo, the Malayan name 
for one of the species. Nat. Ord. Euphorbi- 
acee. 


COF 


By a number of authorities, the greater part 
of the plants known and described as Crotons, 
are placed under this genus. They have 
doubtless all originated from two or three 
species, and though popularly known as Cro- 
tons, belonging, as they do, to a different sec- 
tion of Huphorbiacee, they should come under 
this genus. 


Codlins and Cream, A popular name of the 
flowers of the Narcissus Incomparabilis ; also 
for Epilobium hirsutum. 


Ceélia. From koilos, hollow; in allusion to the 
pollen masses. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. S 
A genus of very curious and pretty stove- 
house orchids, natives of the West Indies and 
Guatemala. C. Baueriana has pretty, sweet- 
scented white flowers, and has been in culti- 
vation since 1790. 


Ceelo/gyne. From koilos, hollow, and gyne, a 
female; in reference to the female organ or 
pistil. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

Anextensive genus of very beautiful Orchids, 
natives of sub-tropical Asia. Most of the 
species are great favorites with Orchid grow- 
ers, on account of their remarkable flowers, 
which are produced in great numbers with but 
very little care or trouble. C. cristata, one 
of the finest of the genus, has beautiful ivory- 
white flowers with a blotch of yellow on the lip. 
“This is a magnificent species, which any one 
having a green-house cangrow. Of late years 
it has been grown in great perfection, and it 
is as easy to have plants a foot or more in 
diameter, producing hundreds of flowers, as 
it isto grow Verbenas. Give plenty of water 
when growing, free circulation of warm air, . 
and not too much heat.”— Rand. It may be 
grown in moss in pots, and is propagated by 
division. Introduced in 1837. 


Coffe’a. Coffee Tree. From Coffee, the name. 
of a province in Narea, in Africa, where it 
grows in abundance. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

The coffee of commerce is the fruit of an 
evergreen shrub, or low-growing tree, rarely 
attaining a height of twenty feet, which it will 
only acquire under the most favorable con- 
ditions of soil and climate, the usual height 
being from ten to twelve feet. All of our 
coffee is the fruit of one species. Some 
botanists, however, claim there. are two; but 
the opinion that the different sorts are merely 
varieties, resulting from coil, climate, and 
mode of culture, is the one generally enter- 
tained. C. Arabica, the parent#of the numer- 


ous varieties in cultivation, is a native of - 


Arabia Felix and Ethiopia, and was first intro- 
duced to the notice of Europeans by Ran- 
wolfius in 1573; but Alpinus, in 1591, was the 
first one who scientifically described it. The 
Dutch were the first to introduce the plant 
into Europe.. Having procured some berries 
at Mocha, which were carried to Batavia, and 
there planted, a specimen was sent to Amster- 
dam, in the year 1690, by Governor Wilson, 
where it bore fruit, and produced many young 
plants. From these the East Indies, and most 
of the gardens of Europe, were furnished. In 
1714 a plant was presented by the magistrates 
of Amsterdam to the French King, Louis XTV. 
This plant was placed at Marley, under the 
care of the celebrated Jussieu, who afterward 
gave a plant to Desclieux, a young officer in 
the French navy, who took it to Martinique, 
from which the extensive plantations of the 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 95 


COF 


French West Indies were established, and 
whence were also derived all the coffee plants 
in Mexico and South America. The use of 
coffee was known in Arabia, where the plant 


is supposed to have been indigenous, long, 


before the periods mentioned. All authorities 
agree in ascribing its introduction to Megal- 
leddin, a Turkish doctor of divinity, of Aden, in 
Arabia Felix, who had become acquainted 
with it in Persia, and had recourse to it 
medicinally when he returned to his own 
country. The progress which it made was by 
no means rapid at first, and it was not until 
the year 1554 that coffee was publicly sold in 
Constantinople. Its use had, in the mean- 
while, been much checked by authority of the 
Syrian government, on the ground of its 
alleged intoxicating qualities; but more prob- 
ably because of its leading to social and fes- 
tive meetings incompatible with the strictness 
of the Mahommedan discipline. A similar 
persecution attended the use of coffee soon 
after its introduction into the capital of Tur- 
key, where the ministers of religion, having 


made it the subject of solemn complaint that _ 


the mosques were deserted while the coffee- 
houses were crowded, these latter were shut 
up by order of the mufti, who employed the 
police of the city to prevent any one from 
drinking coffee. This provision it was found 
impossible to establish, so that the govern- 
ment, with a strict eye to business, laid a tax 
upon the sale of the beverage, which produced 
a large revenue. The Turks are most invet- 
erate coffee-drinkers, a fact that may in a 
great measure be accounted for by the strict 
prohibition which the Moslem religion lays 
against the use of wine and spirituous liquors. 
So necessary was coffee at one time considered 
among the Turks, that the refusal to supply it 
in moderate quantities to a wife was reckoned 
among the legal causes for divorce. Coffee 
cannot be cultivated to advantage in a cli- 
mate where the temperature at any time 
descends below fifty-five degrees of Fahren- 
heit. The trees thrive best in new soils on a 
gentle slope, where water will not lodge 
about the roots. In exposed situations it is 
necessary to plant rows of tall trees, at proper 
intervals, to moderate the scorching heat of 
the sun. From Ellis’ History of Coffee we 
learn the following facts: ‘‘It is well known 
that coffee raised in the West Indies does not 
equal in flavor that produced in Arabia and 
other parts of the East; and it is commonly 
imagined that this inferiority is principally 
owing to local causes, and is, therefore, inca- 
pable of beingremedied. The seed of the West 
Indian coffee, from growing in a richer soil 
and more humid atmosphere, is larger than 
that of Arabia; though there is reason for 
believing that the superior quality of Turkey 
and East Indian coffee is not altogether to be 
referred to the influences of soil and climate, 
but depends, in part at least, upon the age 
to which the seeds are kept before they are 
brought into consumption. Trees planted in 
a light soil, and in a dry situation, produce 
smaller berries, which have a better flavor 
than those grown in rich, flat, and moist soils. 
The weight of produce yielded by the latter is, 
however, double that obtained from the for- 
mer. The drier the soil and the warmer the 
situation, the better will be the coffee pro- 
duced, and the sooner it will acquire a flavor.” 


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He says further: ‘“‘The more common or 
poorest quality of South American coffee will, 
in the course of ten or fifteen years, be as 
good, and have as high a flavor, as the best 
we now have from Turkey; but due care 
should be taken to keep it in a dry place, and 
to preserve it properly. Small-grained coffee, 
produced in a dry soil and warm situation, 
will be matured in three years. The trees 
begin bearing when they are two years old; 
in their third-year they are in their full bear- 
ing. The produce of a good tree is from one 
and a half to two pounds. The aspect of a 
coffee plantation during the period of flower- 
ing is very interesting. In one night the 
blossoms expand so profusely as to give the 
trees the appearance of being covered: with - 
snow. This period lasts but one or two days.” 
The amount of labor required to secure acrop 
of coffee is very great, and is chiefly performed 
by negroes. When the trees are in full bear- 
ing, an industrious man will pick three bushels 
of berries ina day, and each bushel of ripe 
berries will yield ten pounds of merchantable 
coffee. Two systems are employed in curing 
coffee: A common plan is to expose the ber- 
ries to the sun in layers of from five to six 
inches deep, which will cause the pulp to fer- 
ment in a few days, after which it takes about 
three weeks to dry sufficiently for the husks 
to be separated from the seeds by a mill. 
Other planters remove the pulp as soon as 
gathered, by a mill constructed for the pur- 
pose, which bruises the berries and separates 
the pulp by washing, after which it is dried in 
the sun, and the husks removed, as in the for- 
mer process. 


Cohering. Connected. 
Cohosh. A popular name for Actwa spicata. 


Cohosh. Blue. Aname applied to Caulophyllum 
thalictroides. 


Coix. Job’s Tears. A name applied by Theo- 
phrastus to a reed-leaved plant. Nat. Ord. 
Graminacee. : 

A genus of perennial grasses that succeed 
well under ordinary cultivation in the garden. * 
C. lachryma, a native of the East Indies, from 
whence introduced in 1596, will do well treated 
as an annual. Itis considerably grown for its 
seeds, which are popularly known as Job’s 
Tears. Mothers, in the last century, thought 
their children could not be safely carried 
through teething without a string of Job’s 
Tears around their necks. 


Cola. Thenative name. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacee. 
C. acuminata, the only cultivated species, 
was introduced from tropical Africa in 1868, 
under the name of Cola, Kola or Goora nuts. 
The seeds of this tree are universally used as 
acondiment by the natives of western and cen- 
tral tropical Africa,and likewise by the negroes 
in the West Indies and Brazil; by whom the tree 
has been introduced into those countries. . 
They are also used in medicine, and to render 
putrid water wholesome. At the present writ- 
ing (1889) much interest is exhibited in this nut 
as an ingredient in a new condensed form of 
rations for military purposes, combining, it 
is claimed, two special advantages of great 
importance. First, its bulk and weight being 
very much less than those of ordinary rations, 
it is much more easy to carry on a forced 
march, thus relieving the marching force of 


96 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


coL 


the impediment of a food-supply train, and 
secondly, that it greatly increased both the 
muscular strength and wind of the soldier so 
that he could march more rapidly and steadily 
and not become so easily tired out or dis- 
couraged. It has also been ascertained that 
horses like it, which is a very important 
point, and that its alimentary power is equal 
to that oftwice its weight in oats, and that it 
plainly exerts an exciting action on the nerves 
and muscles of the horses. 

M. Elisée Reclus, in several parts of his 
“Nouvelle Géographie Universelle,” mentions 
the Kola nut. Hestates that the tree is held 
sacred by the natives, who, by using it, are 
enabled ‘‘to stand hunger and thirst for a 
long while, and be shielded against fevers.” 
There are two kinds of the tree. One bears 
white and the other red nuts. Ifthe former 
are sent by a chief they mean peace, if the 
latter, war and the shedding of blood. When 
in 1879, two French explorers, Moustier and 
Zerafel, who were trying to find the head- 
waters of the Niger, arrived in sight of the 
hills from which this great Soudanese river 
emerges, and were within four miles of the 
main source, they had to come to a balt. The 
negro sovereign of that region forbade them 
to advance any nearer and sent them a red 
Kola nut, as a token that if they disregarded 
his notification to stop, blood would flow. 

The French Alpine Club uses the Kola nut, 
and recommends it to mountain climbers. 
No doubt it might often be made to serve a 
good purpose in our country. 


Colax. From Colax, a parasite. 
Orchidacee. 

Asmall genus of very beautiful Orchids, 
taken from Mazillaria. They are natives of 
Brazil and may be grown in moss and in mod- 
erate heat. Lycaste was formerly included in 
this genus. 

Co'lchicum. Meadow Saffron. Named after 
Colchis, its native country, in Asia Minor. 
Nat. Ord. Melanthacee. 

A hardy bulbous-rooted plant, which will 
grow, wellin the border. The flowers come 
up through the ground without the leaves in 
autumn, and closely resemble those of the 
Crocus. The leaves do not appear till the 
following spring, and great care should be 
taken of them, as, if they should be injured 

.s0 as to prevent them from exercising their 
proper functions in maturing the sap, the bulb 
will not flower the next autumn. The genus 
is universally poisonous and is valued for its 
medicinal properties. 


Cold Frame. This is the term used for the 
low glass structure in use for protecting such 
plants as are not sufficiently hardy to with- 
stand the winter in the Northern States. They 
are used to protect Cabbage, Cauliflower, Let- 
tuce, Parsley, etc., among vegetables, and 
Violets, Pansies, Daisies, Primroses, Carna- 
tions, Auriculas, etc., among flowers. The 
boxes or frames used are simply two boards, 
running parallel with each other, and nailed 
to posts to secure them in line, the one at the 
back or north side being ten to twelve inches 
in height, and that for the front, or south side, 
being seven or eight inches, which gives pitch 
enough to carry off the rain and to catch the 
sun’s rays. The width between these lines of 
boards should be enough to take the length of 


Nat. Ord. 


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a six-foot sash, which is the most convenient 
size. All the plants of the character above- 
named can be protected in the district of New 
York, where the thermometer rarely falls 
lower than 8° below zero, with the glass alone; 
but in colder sections the protection of light 
shutters in-addition, over the glass, will be 
necessary. In the Southern States, in dis- 
tricts where the thermometer never falls 
lower than 15° above zero, many of the har- 
dier green-house plants, such as Fuchsias, 
Geraniums, Azaleas, Camellias, Verbenas, 
Abutilons, etc., may be kept equally well in 
cold frames, as our so-called hardy plants are 
kept at the north. 


Cold Grapery. See Vitis. 


Cold Pits. Are identical with cold frames, 
except than an excavation of from two to four 
feet is made below the general level of the 
ground, so as to admit of larger plants being 
placed inthem. The sunken pit, however, is 
a better protection than the cold frame on the 
surface; for, when sunk to the depth of two 
or three feet, and covered with glass, it will 
resist a much heavier frost than the frames on 
the surface. Care must be taken that both cold 
frames and cold pits are well drained, either 
from the nature of the soil, or otherwise, as 
water standing in them would be destructive 
to the plants, whether planted in the soil or 
growing in pots. 

Co’lea. Named after General Cole, Governor of 
the Mauritius. Nat. Ord. Bignoniacee. 

There is but one species of this genus, 
which is found in Madagascar, Mauritius, and 
the adjacent islands. It is an exceedingly 
ornamental green-house shrub, producing 
large clusters of bright yellow flowers in 


August and September. Propagated by cut- 
tings. Introduced in 1839. 
Coleone’ma. A beautiful genus of Rutacee, 


from the Cape of Good Hope, related to 
Diosma, and consisting of .very ornamental 
heath-like shrubs with sharp linear leaves and 
white flowers. Ofthe four known species C. 
Album is the most showy and best known. 


Coleus. From koleos, a sheath; referring to 
the way the bottom of the stamens or anther 
threads are combined. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

This somewhat extensive genus are natives 
of Asia and Africa. It consists of annuals, 
sometimes perennials, and rarely shrubs, but 
none of value as flowering plants but of gen- 
eral use in ribbon gardening, massing, or any 
situation where striking effect is wanted. 
From the original species many varieties, 
remarkable for their beautiful foliage, have 
been produced by florists. They are readily 
propagated by cuttings. The species were 
introduced about 1825. 


Colewort. A name applied to varieties of the 
Cabbage before the hearts become solid. 


Colic Root. See Aletris. 
Coliseum Ivy. See Linaria. 


Colla'nia. Derivation of name unknown. Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidaceo. 

A beautiful free-flowering green-house per- 
ennial, allied to Alstrameria, which it resem- 
bles. The species are natives of Peru and 
will do well in this climate with the protection 
of a frame. The flower stems are elect, some- 
what rigid, slightly curved at the top, and 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 97: 


Collar, 


Colle’tia. 


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terminated with an umbel of large, pendulous 
flowers, upward of two inches long; sepals 
orange red, tipped with black; petals yellow, 
tipped with green. Propagated by offsets. 


The ring upon the stipe of an Agaric. 
Also applied to the neck or line of junction 
between the root and stem of a tree, etc. 


Collards. (Brassica oleracea.) This is acurled- 
leafed variety of Cabbage grown for ‘“ greens,” 
but mostly in the Southern States. It attains 
a height of from six to eight feet. This stem 
is an inch and a half to two inches in diameter, 
and is used to a considerable extent in 
Europe for making light walking canes. 


Named after M. Collet, a French 
botanical writer. Nat Ord. Rhamnacee. 

A genus of singular shrubs inhabiting Chili, 
Peru and Mexico. They are much branched, 
and scantily furnished with minute leaves, 
having spines which stand at right angles 
with the stem in alternate pairs. The flowers 
are yellow or white, and are produced in axill- 
ary clusters. The species are but half-hardy 
in this latitude. 


Colli‘nsia. In honor of Z. Collins, Vice-Presi- 
dent of the Academy of Natural Sciences, 
Philadelphia. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A genus of free-flowering Californian annu- 

als of great beauty, and deserving of culti- 
vation, being well adapted for massing and 
for mixed borders. For massing, the seed 
should be sown thick, so as to thin out to four 
inches apart, which will give the bed an ap- 
pearance of a solid mass. For this purpose 
the dwarf species are to be preferred, the 
taller ones being more suitable for mixed 
borders. There is a great variety of color, 
white, purple and crimson predominating. 
First introduced in 1826. - 
Collinso’/nia. Horse-Balm. Named in honor 
of Peter Collinson, a well-known patron of 
science and correspondent of Linnseus, who 
introduced it into England. Nat. Ord. Labia- 
te. 


A genus of strong-scented perennial herbs, 
common throughout the United States. 
None of the species has any special merit that 
would warrant its cultivation. 


Collo’mia. From kallo, glue; referring to the | 


glue which surrounds the seeds. Nat. Ord. 
Polemoniacee. 

A genus of hardy annuals from California. 
They are showy plants, but too coarse and 
weedy in appearance to entitle them to a 
place in choice collections. They grow 
readily from seed, and when once planted 
need no care except to exterminate the sur- 
plus quantity. : 

Coloca’sia. Elephant’s Ear. From _ kolokasia, 
the Greek for the root of an Egyptian plant. 
Nat. Ord. Aroideew. 

An interesting genus closely allied to the 
Caladium, most of the species being known 
under that name. C. macrorhiza is a beautiful 
green-house plant, remarkable for the bold 
and distinct markings of the foliage, consist- 
ing of light green and pure white. C. odorata 
has large cordate leaves, with rounded lobes, 
and forms a stem-like root, and a stock often 
two feet or more in height. Itis an excellent 
plant for summer decoration. C. esculenta is a 
favorite plant for single specimens on the 
Jawn, or for borders of a sub-tropical group, in 


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a deep, rich soil. If freely watered, the leaves 
will sometimes grow four feet in length by 
three feet in width. This species and C. an- 
tiquorum are grown extensively in the Sand- 
wich Islands for food, and are called by the 
natives Taro, the root being eaten like Pota- 
toes, and the leaves cooked like Spinach. -The 
roots are also eaten by the negroes in the 
Southern States, and are called by them Tan- 
yah. See Taro. 

Co/locynth. Cucumis (Citrullus) Colocynthus. 
This is one of the gourd family inhabiting 
various parts of Turkey, although it is not 
well ascertained in what country it is indigen- 
ous. It isan annualtrailing and climbing plant, 
like the garden cucumber. The fruit is a 
round gourd, about the size of an orange, 
divided into three cells, abounding with a 
pulpy matter, and containing numerous seeds. 
The pulp is exceedingly bitter; a decoction of 
this pulp in water, and then evaporated, forms 
the well-known extract of Colocynth. 


Cologa’nia. In honor of the family of @. 
Cologan, of Port Oratavo, in Teneriffe, from 
whom the men of science, visiting that island, 
experienced the greatest hospitality. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose, 

small genus of evergreen climbers, allied 
to the Clitoria, and requiring the same treat- 
ment. The flowers are of a lively purple, 
generally in pairs at the axils of the leaves. 
ae are natives of Mexico. Introduced in 


Color, Colored. Botanically, this term is used 
to denote any colorexcept green. In technical 
botany white is regarded as a color, but green 
is not. 

Color in Flowers, The Law of. This matter 
is referred to in the hope that it may be the 
means of saving some readers, not only from 
being duped and swindled by a class of 
itinerant venders who annually reap a rich, 
harvest in disposing of impossibilities in 
flowers, but that they may be assured of the 
utter improbability of their ever seeing such 
wonders as these fellows offer, thereby saving 
them from parting with money for worthless 
objects, and from the ridicule of their friends 
who are already betteradvised. This subject 
cannot _be too often brought before our 
amateur horticulturists. Warnings are given 
year after year in leading agricultural and 
other journals devoted to gardening, yet a 
new crop of dupes is always coming up, who 
readily fall victims to the scoundrels who live 
upon their credulity. Notaseason passes but 
some of these swindling dealers have the 
audacity to plant themselves right in the 
business centres of our large cities, and hun- 
dreds of our sharp business men glide 
smoothly into their nets. The very men who 
will chuckle at the misfortunes of a poor 
rustic when he falls into the hands of a mock 
auctioneer, or pocketbook dropper, will freely 
pay ten dollars for a rose plant of whicha 
picture has been shown them as having.a 
blue flower; the chance of its coming blue 
being about equal to the chance that the 
watch of the mock auctioneer will be gold. 
It has long been known among the best ob- 
servers of such matters, that in certain 
families of plants particular colors prevail, 
and that in no single instance can we ever ex- 
pect to see blue, yellow, and scarlet colors in 


s 


98 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


coL 


varieties of the same species. If any one at all 
conversant with plants will bring any family 
of them to mind, it will at once be seen how 
undeviating is this law. In the Dahlia we 
have scarlet and yellow, but no approach to 
blue, and so in the Rose, Hollyhock, etc. 
Again, in the Verbena, Salvia, etc., we have 
scarlet and blue, but no yellow! In the 
Hyacinth we have blue and a fairly good 
yellow, but no scarlet. Some have contended 
that in this family we have the combination, 
for of course we have crimson; but crimson 
is not scarlet any more than blue is purple. 
If we reflect it will be seen that there is 
nothing out of the order of Nature in this ar- 
rangement. We never expect to see among 
our poultry, with their varied but sombre 
plumage, any assume the azure hues of our 
spring Blue-bird or the dazzling tints of the 
Oriole; why, then, should we expect Nature 
to step out of what seems her fixed laws, and 
give us a blue Rose, a blue Dahlia, or a yellow 
Verbena? 


Colt’s Foot. See Tussilago. 
Columbine. See Aquilegia. 
Columbo. American. See Frasera. 


Column. The combined stamens and styles 
forming a solid central body, as in Orchids, ete. 


Colu/mnea. Named after Fabius Columna, an 
Italian nobleman. Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 
Asmall genus of curious and beautiful green- 
house plants, natives of New Grenada. The 
species are divided between climbers and 
shrubs. The flowers of the climbers are 
mostly yellow and orange ; of the shrubs, rose 
and purple. They are propagated by cuttings, 
and should be carefully watered. They will 
grow on blocks of wood, with moss, sus- 
peaded in the green-house. Introduced in 
850. 


Colu’tea. Bladder-senna. From koloutea, a 
name adopted from Theophrastus. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

C. arborescens, the common bladder-senna, 
is a hardy deciduous shrub, with delicate 
Acacia-like leaves of a warm light-green 
color. Tts flowers are small, butterfly-shaped, 
and yellow, produced in July or August, and 
are followed by large bladder-like pods, of a 
reddish tinge when ripe, which explode with 
aslight pressure. It is a native of the south 
of Europe, and is said to grow on the crater 


of Vesuvius, where there is little other vege- 


tation. It is increased by suckers or from 
seed. 
Combreta’ceze. A natural order of trees or 


shrubs, with alternate or opposite entire 
leaves without stipules. They are natives of 
the tropical parts of Asia, Africa, and America. 
Some of the plants are cultivated for orna- 
ment, and others furnish timber. They have 
astringent qualities, Terminalia Bellerica and 
T. Chebula yielding the astringent fruit called 
Myrobalan. The bark of Bucida Buceras is 
used for tanning. There are twenty-three 
known genera and upward of 200 species. 
Combretum, Terminalia, and Gyrocarpus illus- 
trate the order. ~ 
Combre’tum. An ancient name adopted from 
Pliny. Nat. Ord. Combretacee. 
This genus contains several species, all re- 
markable for the elegance and brilliant colors 


COM 


of the flowers, which are produced in large 
panicles. They are desirable for covering the 
roof or columns of an extensive hot-house, 
and they grow well in a mixture of leaf mould 
and loam, requiring to be pruned back closely 
every winter, as it is on the young wood only 
that flowers are produced. Most of the species 
are from South America and Africa. Propa- 
gated by cuttings of well-ripened wood. The 
plant known as C. purpureum is now placed 
under Poivrea, which see. 


Comespe’rma. From kome, hair, and sperma, a 
seed ; in reference to the seeds being enveloped 
with hairs. Nat. Ord. Polygalacee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
herbs or shrubs, natives of Australia. Their 
handsome flowers of yellow, white, or purple, 
borne on terminal or axillary racemes, make 
them desirable plants. They are easily grown 
in an ordinary green-house. Propagated by 
cuttings. 

Comfrey. See Symphytum. 


Commeli’/na. Day Flower. Named after J. and 
G. Commelin, famous Dutch botanists. Nat. 
Ord. Commelinacee. 

An extensive genus of annuals and peren- 
nials, hardy and green-house trailers, found 
throughout the Southern States and in South 
America. It is only the hardier species that 
can now be considered worth cultivation. C. 
celestis forms an excellent border plant. Its 
flowers are blue, of a brighter shade than 
perhaps is to be found elsewhere in the whole 
range of vegetable forms. The tubers of this 
plant should be taken up in winter, and, in- 
deed, receive the treatment of Dahlias, except 
that they do not require to be placed in any 
elevated temperature to induce them to start 
into growth. The annual species should be 
sown in March where they are to remain. 


Commelina'ceze. An extensive, widely dis- 
persed order of herbaceous plants, with usually 
flat leaves sheathing at the base. Flowers with 
the outer perianth of three segments,, the 
inner also of three and colored. They are 
natives of New Holland, the East and West 
Indies, and a few are found in North America, 
but none in northern Asia or Europe. The 
underground stems of many yield starch and 
are used for food. The filaments of the 
Tradescantias have jointed hairs, in which a 
granular movement is seen under the micro- 
scope. There are sixteen known genera, and 
260 species. Commelina, Tradescantia, and 
Cyanotis are examples of the order. 


Common Petiole. The first and prinetpal leaf- 
stalk in compound leaves ; the secondary pet- 
ioles are called partial. 


Compare'ttia. Named after Compareitti, an Ital- 
ian botanist. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A genus of epiphytal Orchids, with small 
rose, purple, or scarlet flowers, produced in 
small bunches on long stalks. They are 
natives of Mexico and South America, and 
succeed best when grown on cork, with a 
little moss, in a shaded house. The flowers 
retain their beauty a long time. Introduced 
in 1838. 


Compass Plant. See Silphium. 


Compo’sitz, including Astera’cee. This is 
the largest natural order of plants, the species 
occurring in all parts of the world, and in all 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 99 


CoM 


places, and forming a total of about equal toa 
tenth of the whole vegetable kingdom. They 
are recognized by their monopetalous flowers, 
growing in close heads (capitula), and having 
at once an inferior one-celled ovary, and sta- 
mens whose anthers cohere in a tube (that is, 
are syngenesious). De Candolle states, as the 
result of his examination of their natural 
habit, that out of 8,523, 1,229 were annuals, 
243 biennials, 2,491 perennials, 2,264 under- 
shrubs from one to three feet high, 366 shrubs 
from four to fifteen feet high, 72 small trees, 
4 large trees above twenty-five feet high, 81 
woody plants, 126 twiners or climbers, and 
1,201 about which nothing certain could be as- 
certained. According to Mr. Bentham, the spe- 
cies are nearly equally divided between the 
New and the Old World, there being known 
about 430 genera with 4,700 species in the 
former, and 410 genera containing 4,400 spe- 
cies in the latter. There are about 75 genera 
common to the two divisions; but the identi- 
cal species in the two, and those chiefly arc- 
tic or high northern, are not more than 70 out 
of at least 9,100. 

The uses of the order, real or imaginary, 
are very numerous and conflicting. Some are 
tonic and aromatic, like Wormwood (Artemisia 
absinthium), and others, or vermifuges, like 
those other Artemisias, known in foreign 
pharmacy as Semencontra, or Semencine. A 
few are powerful irritants, as the Pellitory of 
Spain (Anacyclus Pyrethrum), and various kinds 
of Spilanthes, which excite salivation. Arnica 
montana is powerfully narcotic and acrid. 
Similar evil qualities belong to Crepis lacera, 
a most venomous species, said to be no infre- 
quent cause of fatal consequences to those 
who, in the south of Europe; incautiously use 
it as a salad; nor are Hieracium virosum and 
H. sabandum altogether free from suspicion. 
Some species of Pyrethrum have the power of 
driving away fleas, and are largely used as 
insecticides, the Dalmatian and Persian In- 
sect Powders being from this genus. Many 
yield in abundance a bland oil when their 
seeds are crushed; such are the Sunflower 
(Helianthus annuus), the Til or Rhamtil ( Verbe- 
sinia sativa), largely cultivated in India, and 
Madia sativa. A purgative resin is obtained 
from some allies of the Thistles; others, as 
Aucklandia Costus, now referred to Aplotaxis 
Lappa, have aromatic roots. Finally, under 
the name of Artichoke, Succory, Scorzonera, 
Endive, Salsify, and Lettuce, we have some 
of our most nutritious and useful esculents. 
Botanists adopt various modes of classifying 
this immense mass of species; but all are 
subordinate to the four following groups, viz. : 
Cichoracee, florets all ligulate (strap shaped) ; 
Corymbifere, florets tubular in the disk; 
Cynaracee, florets all tubular, with an articu- 
lation beneath the stigma; and Labiatifiore, 
florets bilabate (two-lipped). 


Composts. This term is applied to any mix- 
ture of soils and manures, either for potting 
purposes, or for top dressing plants in pots, 
or in the open ground. It may consist of dif- 
ferent ingredients according to the habit, or 
suitable to the requirement of the plants for 
which it is intended. -Manures that by their 
strength would prove destructive, if applied 
directly to any plant, may prove beneficial 
when mixed to form a certain proportion of 
the compost. In all gardens the accumulating 


Compound, Composite. 


Cona/nthera. 


Concave. 
Concentric. Points or lines at equal distances 


Condor-Vine. 
Cone. 


Cone Flower. 
Conferva’ceze. A division of the green-spored 


\ 


CON 


refuse of all kinds may be advantageously 
composted with soil and a liberal admixture 
of lime, which, when turned over several 
times during winter, and thoroughly amalga- 
mated, will prove a valuable top-dressing in 
spring for lawns or other purposes. 


Formed of several 
parts united in one common whole; as pin- 
nated leaves, and all kinds of inflorescence 
beyond that of the solitary flower. A com- 
pound umbel is formed of several simple 
umbels, etc. 


Compto’nia. Sweet Fern. Named after Bishop 


Compton, an ardent cultivator of exotics and a 
great patron of botany. Nat. Ord. Myri- 
cacee. 

C. asplenifolia is a hardy deciduous shrub, 
common throughout the Northern States on 
poor soils. It is popularly known as Sweet 
Fern from its aromatic scent and the resem- 
blance of the leaves to the fronds of the Aspleni- 
ums. A decoction or tea made of the leaves 
is useful, applied externally, in cases of 
poisoning by the Poison Ivy. 


Conandron. From konos, a cone, and aner, 
andron, a male, an anther; the appendages to 
the anthers are united in a cone around the 
style. Nat. Ord. Gesneracec. 

C. ramondioides, the only described species, 
is a very pretty half-hardy herbaceous peren- 
nial, introduced from Japan in 1879. The 
flowers are white or pink, with a purple eye, 
and are borne on leafless scapes in a forked or 
corymbose cyme, which is at first drooping. 
It is closely allied to Ramondia, and may be 
increased by seeds or division. 


From konos, a cone, and anthera, 
an anther, or pollen bag; in reference to the 
six anthers forming a cone in the early stage 
of the flower. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

This is asmall genus of Chilian bulbs, but 
little known because of the difficulty of pre- 
serving them. They produce beautiful blue 
flowers in panicles on a stalk about one foot 
high, and require, like all Chilian bulbs, a 
light, dry soil. They will endure our climate 
with but little protection, if kept nearly dry 
during winter. They are rapidly increased by 
offsets. Introduced in 1823. 


Hollow. 


from acommon center. 


A common name for Gonobolus 
Cundurango. 


A dense aggregation of scale-like car- 
pels, arranged symmetrically round an axis, 
as in the Pine tribe. 


See Rudbeckia. 


Alge. Found in all parts of the world, 
but most numerous in temperate regions. 
They are sometimes so abundant that, after 
floods, they form a thick coat like paper on 
the ground, to which the name meteoric paper 
has been given. 


Confluent. The fastening together of homo- 


geneous parts; gradually uniting organically. 


Congo Pea. See Cajanus. 
Coni’/fere. A large and important natural 


order consisting of trees or shrubs, mostly 
with resinous secretions. The leaves are 


100 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS ’ 


CON 


stiff, sometimes linear or needle-shaped, some- 
times short and scale-like, or more rarely 
broad, lobed, or divided. The flowers are uni- 
sexual, either in cylindrical or short catkins 
with closely packed scales, or the females are 
solitary. There are nearly 200 known species, 
distributed over a great part of the globe, 
several of them forming large forests in tem- 
perate climates, or, more rarely, within the 
tropics; while some of them extend almost to 
the limits of woody vegetation in high lati- 
tudes, or at great elevations. Bentham and 
Hooker, divide this large family into six 
tribes, viz.: Abetinew, containing Abies, 
Cedrus, Larix, Picea, Pinus, Pseudotsuga and 
Tsuga; Araucarie, containing Agathis, Arau- 
caria and Cunninghamia; Cupressinese, con- 
taining Arctinostrobus, Cuallitris, Cupressus, 
Fitzroya, Juniperus, Libocedrus and Thuja; 
Podocarpes, containing Microcachrys, Podo- 
carpus and Saxegothea; Taxce, containing 
Dacrydium, Ginkgo, Pherosphera, Phyllocladus, 
Taxus and Torreya; ‘Taxodier, containing 
Athrotaxus, Cephalotaxus, Cryptomeria, Sequoia 
and Taxodium. 

The Conifere are very useful and important, 
yielding valuable timber and resin, oil, pitch 
and turpentine. Some attain a vast height, 
as Sequoia gigantea in California, specimens 
having been measured more than 450 feet 
high and 116 feet in circumference at the 
base. Taxodium sempervirens also attains a 
very great size. The Pines have their leaves 
in clusters of two, three, four, five or six, 
surrounded by a membraneous sheath at the 
base. Pinus sylvestris, the common Scotch 
Fir, abounds in cold climates, and supplies 
timber, turpentine and pitch, as well as a 
hemp-like fiber from its leaves, which is used 
for stuffing pillows and cushions under the 
name of pine wool. Pinus pinaster, or the 
Bordeaux Pine, thrives well on the seashore. 
Abies includes different species of Fir 
and Spruce, in all of which the leaves come 
off from the stem and branches singly. Abies 
excelsa is the Norway Spruce, and A.balsamea is 
the Balm of Gilead Fir; Picea pectinata the 
Silver Fir; Pseudotsuga Canadensis is the 
Hemlock Spruce; Cedrus comprises those 
Cedars which have clustered persistent leaves. 
Cedrus Libani is the Cedar of Lebanon, the 
Eres of the Bible; Cedrus Deodara is the 
sacred Cedar of India. Larix includes the 
species of Larch, which have clustered de- 
ciduous leaves. Larix Europea is the Euro- 
pean Larch; L. Americana is the American 
Larch, commonly called Hackmatack; L. 
Grifithit is the Himalayan Larch. The 
Araucarias have single-seeded scales, with ad- 
herent seeds and many-celled anthers. Arau- 
caria imbricata is a Chilian species; A. Bid- 
willit is from Moreton Bay; both have edible 
seeds; A. excelsa, which yields valuable wood, 
is the Norfolk Island Pine. Cryptomeria 
Japonica is the Japan Cedar, of which there 
are several beautiful forms. Cupressus semper- 
virens is the common Cypress. The Junipers 
have a peculiar succulent fruit. Juniperus 
Bermudiana and J. Virginiana furnish the 
Cedar for lead pencils. The species of Thuja 
are known by the name of Arbor Vite. 

Co’nium. Poison Hemlock. From konao to 
whirl around; in reference to the giddiness 
caused by eating the leaves. Nat. Ord. Um- 
bellifere. . 


T 


CON 


This genus is almost identical with Cicuta, 
or Water Hemlock. C. maculatum is a strong- 
growing, branching herb, the juices of which 
are very poisonous. Common in marshy 
places. Naturalized from Europe. 


Connate. When the bases of two opposite 
leaves are united together. Also when any 
parts, originally distinct, become united in 
after-growth. 


Connivent. Converging; having a gradually 
inward direction. 


Conocli/nium. Mist-Flower. From konos, a, 
cone, and kline, a bed; from the conical 
receptacle. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

C. celestinum, the only species of much in- 
terest, is a hardy herbaceous perennial, with 
terminal corymbs of violet purple or blue 
flowers, common in the Southern and Western 
States. It is commonly called Hupatorium, 
from which it differs only in the receptacle, 
and. is rapidly increased by division or from 
seed. 


Cono’pholis. Squaw Root, Cancer Root. From 
konos, a cone, and pholis, a scale; resembling 
afircone. Nat. Ord. Orobanchacew. 

C. Americana is a very singular little plant, 
common in oak woods, growing in clusters 
among fallen leaves. The plant is a fleshy 
herb, chestnut-colored or yellowish through- 
qut, and as thick as aman’s thumb. Thestem 
is without leaves, scaly and generally simple. 
The flowers are in terminal spikes, and not 
showy. In this country it is popularly known 
as Cancer Root, from its. supposed: medicinal 
properties. 

Conoste'phium. From konos, a cone, and 
stephanos, a crown; referring to the disposi- 
tion of the flowers. Nat. Or!. Mpacridacee. 

A genus of fruit bearing Hpacridacee. val- 
ued for its beautiful flowers by gardeners who 
delight in growing plants that can only be 
grown with the greatest difficulty; to which 
class this plant belongs. The fruit, though 
wholesome, is not generally liked. The Na- 
tive Currant of New Holland belongs to this 
section. Propagated by cuttings. Introduced 
from Swan River in 1836. . 


Cono’stylis. From konos, a cone, and stylos, a 
style; the style, or female organ. grows in the 
shape of a cone at the bottom. Nat. Ord. 
Hemodoracee. 

A small genus of green-house herbaceous 
perennials from New Holland, rather orna- 
mental, but not of sufficient merit for general 
cultivation. Propagated by division of the 
roots. 

Conservatory. The term usually applied to a 
green-house structure when attached to the 
dwelling-house, or when it is used as a house 
wherein specimen plants are grown or dis- 
played; itis usually of an ornamental char- 
acter and of various sizes. When d:-tached, a 
convenient size is twenty feet wide by fifty 
feet in length, with side snshes and eurvili- 
near roofs sloping equally to east and west at 
an angle of about 35 degrees. The height 
from the floor to the ridge may be from twelve 
to fifteen feet, according to circumstances, 
The height of the front, including three feet 
of glass, from five to six feet. 


Constricted. Lightened, or contracted insome 
particular place. 


CEROPEGIA ELEGANS. 


COLCHICUM PARKINSONI, 


COLOOASIA FRAGRANS. 


CONVALLARIA (LILY OF THE VALLEY), 


IW \ Za 


COLLOMIA COCCINEA, CORYPHA. CONVOLVULUS MAURITANICUS, 


Convalla’ria, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 101 


CON 


Contiguous. Where two neighboring parts 
are in contact through the whole length of 
their edges or surfaces; as the sepals of 
Raphanus and the cotyledons of many species 
of plants. 


Contorted. Twisted back upon itself; arranged 
so as to overlap other parts. 


Lily of the Valley. From the 
Latin convallis, a valley, and rica, a mantle; 
in reference to the dense covering formed by 
the leaves. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

The Lily of the Valley, C. majalis, is a plant 
so well known, and such a universal favorite, 
that little need be said by way of description, 
unless we add that of Gerarde in 1596, which 
is as follows: “The Lilly of the Vally hath 
many leaves like the smallest leaves of Water 
Plantaine, among which riseth vp a naked 
stalke, halfe a foot high, garnished with many 
white floures, like bels, with blunt and turned 
edges, of a strong savour, yet pleasant 
enoughf, which being past, there come small, 
red berries, much like the berries of aspara- 
gus, wherein the seed is contained.” A mod- 
ern writer in the Treasury of Botany says: 
“Without poetical or fanciful conventional- 
ities, the Lily of the Valley is as perfect an 
emblem of purity, modesty and humility as 
the floral world can afford. It may seem idle 
to observe that a flower of this description 
cannot be that referred to in the sermon on 
the mount; but as that opinion is frequently 
broached in popular works, it may simply be 
observed that it never grows in the open field, 
and that.there is nothing in its array to which 
the term ‘glory’ is applicable. Not a little 
unprofitable commentary might have been 
spared if the same general meaning had been 
attached to the term ‘Lilies of the Field,’ 
which has, by common consent, been ascribed 
to the parallel phrase, ‘Fowls of the Air,’ 
while the passage itself would have gained in 
force and dignity by being kept clear from 
botanical disquisitions.” The flowers of the 
Lily of the Valley are used during the winter 
months in immense quantities, New York city 
alone probably using a million, the average 
price of which is about five cents each, so that 
for this flower alone $50,000 is annually paid 
by the bouquet makers to the florist, the con- 
sumer paying, no doubt, one-third more. The 
Lily of the Valley is nearly all imported from 
Germany and France, usually in single crowns 
or “pips.” The method of culture is to place 
these thickly together in shallow boxes as 
soon as received in November, placing them 
in a cold frame or in the open ground, cover- 
ing them up so that they do not get severely 
frozen. They should remain in this condition 
at least four weeks before they are brought fog 
to force, which should be done gradually, 


beginning at 50° and running up to 65° or 70°. 


If taken every few weeks, a succession may 
be kept up from January until May. In fact, 
the flowers are now to be had all the year 
round, as some growers find it sufficiently 
profitable to keep the roots in refrigerators, 
and, thus retarded, they are forced to bloom 
at will at any time during the summer or fall 
months. This same system might be used 
with many other plants, but itis only in very 
valuable flowers such as this that the expense 
would be justified. The plant does well in 
the garden, and may be put under the shade 


CON 


of trees; but wherever placed, the roots 
should not be disturbed for several years, if 
at all, as many clumps will not otherwise 
bloom. Propagated by division. 

Convex. Rising in a circular form. 


Convolute. When one part is wholly rolled up 
in another, as in the petals of the Wallflower, 
or the spathe of an Arum. 


Convolvula’ceze. A natural onder of herbs or 
shrubs, usually twining, and with a milky 
juice, having alternate leaves, without stip- 
ules, and regular flowers, the flower stalks 
(peduncles) bearing one or many flowers. 
They are abundant in tropical countries and 
rare in cold. climates. They twine around other 
plants and creep among weeds, etc., along the 
seashore. The plants are characterized chiefly 
by their purgative qualities, and many of 
them are used medicinally. Jalap is produced 
from the root or underground stem of Exogo-. 
nium (Ipomea) purga, while the gum resin 
called Scammony is produced by Convolvulus 
scammonia. Ipomea Bona-nox, which pro- 
duces its pure white flowers at night, is the 
Moon-creeper of Ceylon and other warm coun- 
tries. Ipomea eee ia grandifiora is the 
plant so widely known and distributed as the 
Moon-flower. Batatas edulis, the Sweet Po- 
tato, or Batatas, is cultivatedin the United 
States, Japan and China, and also in Spain 
and Portugal. In the Philippine Islands the 
Batatas or Camotes are used for making soup, 
as well as roasted. This order comprises 
forty-six known genera and nearly 700 species. 
Convolwulus, Ipomea, Calystegia, Exogonium, 
Batatas and Pharbitis are illustrative genera. 


Convo'lvulus. From convolvere, to entwine ; in 
reference to their twining habit. Nat. Ord. 
Convolvulacee. 

‘Well-known, splendid climbing plants, hardy 
and half-hardy, annual and perennial. They 
should be trained against stakes or trellis- 
work, as their stems are too feeble to support 
themselves. Most of the tender kinds of 
Convolvulus were separated from it by Lin- 
neeus, and formed into the genus Ipome@a. All 
the tender kinds may be made to flower in the 
open air during summer, and the more hardy 
species only require sowing in the open 
ground. C. Mauritanicus is a prostrate, twin- 
ing perennial species having blue flowers, 
with a white throat and yellow anthers. It is 
a most useful plant for hanging-baskets, etc. 
C. minor (tricolor), a dwarf-growing species, 
is a native of Spain and Portugal. The flowers 
are often pure white, but generally variegated 
with blue and yellow, or blue and white; the 
more beautiful kind is a bright blue, gradually 
changing to a pure white in the center. The 
form of this flower is no less beautiful than 
the color. The plant spreads with much reg- 
ularity in every direction from the center, so 
that a bed of them, with the plants two feet 
apart each way, will form a compact mass 
resembling a single plant. It is scarcely 
exceeded in elegance by any plant in the bor- 
der when in full flower. The flowers continue 
open all day if pleasant, but close in case of 
rain. Seed should be sown as soon as the 
ground can be got in order in spring. If 
started in the green-house in pots it makes a 
charming plant for hanging-baskets, rustic 
work, orthe window. This species has been 
noticed for more than 250 years in Herbals. 


102 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 


CON 


Cony’za. A genus of Composite, consisting of 
herbaceous or shrubby plants of little general 
interest. They were formerly supposed to 
have the power, when suspended in a room, 
of driving away fleas, hence the English name 
Flea-bane, a name given also to an allied genus. 


Coope’ria. Named after Mr. Cooper, gardener 
for many years at Wentworth House, in York- 
shire, England. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A small genus of bulbous plants from Texas, 
allied to the Zephyranthes. C. Drummondi, 
typical of the species, has narrow, twisted 
leaves twelve to eighteen inches long, and a 
scape six to twelve inches high, bearing at the 
end a single flower, of which the tube is 
upward of four inches long, of a greenish 
color, and the limb upward of an inch long 
and pure white. The flower always expands 
in the evening, and is not usually perfect after 
the first night. The nocturnal flowering of 
this plant is an anomaly in the order, and the 
more remarkable because its nearest relatives 
require full sunshine to make them expand. 
The flower has the fragrance of the Primrose. 
These bulbs are half-hardy, and will endure 
our winters with a slight protection if grown 
in a light, sandy soil, which is the one best 
suited to them. For effect they should be 
planted in clumps, and quite close together. 
Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1835. 


Cooper's Wood. See Pomaderris. 


Copaiba Balsam. The name of the balsam pro- 
duced by Copaifera officinalis. 
Copa’ifera. From the Brazilian name copaiba, 
and fero, to bear. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 
A tender evergreen tree, native of Brazil, 
valuable only for the medicinal properties of 
the balsam it yields. 


Copro’sma. From copros, dung, and osme, a 
smell. The plants have a fetid smell. Nat. 
Ord. Rubiacee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
shrubs of easy culture, and of little interest 
except in their own country, where the leaves 
are used by the New Zealand priests -to dis- 
cover the will of the gods. The leaves are 
attached with a cord of flax to sticks, which 
are laid on the ground, each stick represent- 
ing a separate party. The priests retire to 
pray, and after a time the chiefs are sum- 
moned to examine the sticks, which are found 
to have been moved, and some have disap- 
peared entirely. This is considered a certain 
sign that one of the party will be destroyed. 
Others are found turned over. If the leaf be 
turned down the omen is bad; but if the 
reverse should occur, it is a sign that the 
party represented‘y the stick will prosper in 
his undertakings. C. Baueriana variegata is a 
strikingly beautiful plant for the green-house 
and conservatory, or for a place on the lawn 
insummer. Propagated by cuttings. 


Co'ptis. Gold-thread. From kopto, to cut; in 
reference to the division of the leaves. Nat. 
Ord. Ranunculgcee. 

C. trifolia, the only species, is a beautiful 
little evergreen herb, with creeping root- 
stocks, common in boggy places from Mary- 
land northward. The long, bright yellow 
fibres of the root have caused it to receive the 
common name of Gold-thread. The roots are 
very bitter, and are used in medicine as a 
tonic. It formerly held a prominent place 


COR 


among domestic remedies, and was considered 
invaluable for sore mouths in children. 


Coral Bead Plant. Abrus precatorius. 
Coral Bush. See Templetonia. 
Coral Cactus. A popular name for Rhipsalis. 


Coral Honeysuckle. A local name of Lonicera 
sempervirens, which is also called Trumpet 
Honeysuckle 


Corallorhi’za. Coral Root. Said to be from 
korallion, a coral, and rhiza, a root. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

A genus of curious little Orchids, common 
in wet or boggy places throughout the United 
States. Their leaves are like small scales, of 
a yellowish color, like their stems; the flow- 
ers are small, in a loose terminal spike. C. 
innata, one of the more common species, is a 
slender plant, from six to nine inches high, of 
a pale color, and remarkable for its root-stalk, 
which is formed of anumber of short, thick, 
whitish fleshy fibres, divided into short, blunt 
branches, and densely interwoven, resembling 
coral; hence the popular name. All the spe- 
cies are incapable of cultivation, or, at least, 
they so rarely live when removed that it is 
considered a useless task to attempt it. 

Coral Root. See Corallorhiza. 

Coral Tree. See Erythrina. 


Corbula’ria. From corbula, a little basket; in 
reference to the shape of the nectary. Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A small genus, commonly called Hoop Petti- 
coats, which has recently been separated from 
Narcissus. The species are quite ornamental 
and perfectly hardy, but, like most of what 
are usually termed ‘‘Dutch Bulbs,” they do 
best with a slight protection of leaves or 
coarse manure. Itis anative of Portugal, and 
is propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1629. 

Co’rchorus. From kore, a pupil, and koreo, to 
purge; in allusion to the laxative qualities of 
some of the species. Nat. Ord. Tiliacee. 

An extensive genus of annuals and herba- 
ceous plants, inhabitants of both hemispheres. 
As ornamental or flowering plants they are of 
little value. C. capsularis is much grown in 
many sections of India for the exceedingly 
valuable fibre it yields, which is known under 
the name of Jute, and which forms an impor- 
tant article of commerce. 


Cordate. Heart-shaped in outline; applied to 
a plane or flat body having two round lobes at 
the base. 


Cord Grass. See Spartina. 


Co’rdia. A genus of Borraginacee, containing 
nearly two hundred species, scattered over 
the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the 
world. They are principally trees or shrubs, 
some of them of considerable beauty. Some 
species supply useful and ornamental timber ; 
the wood of C. Rumphi is brown, beautifully 
veined with black, and smells of musk. The 
wood of C. myzu is soft, and is reckoned one 
of the best kinds for kindling fire by friction, 
and it is said to be the wood which was used 
by the Egyptians in constructing their 
mummy cases. 

Cordyli/ne. Club Palm. From kordyle, a club. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacee. ' 

A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
allied to Dracena. ‘The type, C. indivisa, has 
usually been sold in this country under the 


. AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 103 


COR 


name of Dracena indivisa. It is an exceed- 
ingly useful plant for large specimens upon 
the lawn, or for jardiniéres, baskets, or vases, 
as it will withstand some neglect and thrive 
where many other plants would perish. ‘his 
species was introduced from New Zealand in 
1850, and is propagated from seed, which 
should be sown in boxes on bottom heat, or in 
the green-house. Assoon as the plants are 
three inches high, prick out in small pots. 
The young plants require a high temperature 
and liberal waterings. Seedlings of this 
species vary very much in character, and 
many desirable varieties, such as C. indivisa 
Veitchii, atropurpurea, lineata, etc., are in culti- 
vation. C. Australis is also a most useful 
species, the leaves being broader and more 
drooping and graceful than the foregoing. A 
number of the species and varieties cultivated 
as Dracenas, are placed under this genus by 
many botanists, they being nearly all varieties 
of C. terminalis (Dracena), a species cultivated 
everywhere throughout the tropics, and pro- 
ducing innumerable varieties from seed. 


Coreo’psis. From koris, a bug, and opsis, like ; 
referring to the appearance of the seeds. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. ‘ 

Most of the showy annuals formerly known 

by this name are now called Calliopsis, while 
most of the perennial species are still left in 
this genus. The perennial kinds are quite 
hardy, the taller sorts requiring plenty of 
room, but such free-flowering, showy gems as 
C. auriculata, C. lanceolata, and C. tenuifolia 
should have prominent positions. They are 
valuable also for cutting, as the closer the 
blooms are cut, the more they flower. They 
are propagated by division of the roots, or 
from seed, which, if sown where it is to re- 
main, as soon as ripe, will flower early the fol- 
lowing summer. The many species are 
found from South Carolina southward to 
Mexico. 
Coriaceous. Having the consistence of leather. 
Coria/ndrum. Coriander. From koris, a bug; 
referring to the smell of the leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Umbellifera. 

C. sativum, the only spevies, is a_ hardy 
annual, and a native of the south of Europe. 
It is a plant of little beauty, and of the easiest 
culture. It is grown only for its seeds, which 
are quite aromatic, and much used in flavor- 
ing. The odor and taste depend upon a volatile 
oil. ‘ 

Co’ris Monspeliensis. The only species of the 

genus, a native of the western coasts of the 

Mediterranean is alowly-branching herbaceous 

plant, bearing beautiful bright lilac flowers in 

dense terminal spicate racemes. It belongs 

to the Primrose family, and is an excellent 

plant for the rock-garden. Increased by seed, 

sown as soon as ripe. 

Cork Tree. Common. Quercus suber. 

E. Indian. Adansonia digitata. 

Cork Wood. Hibiscus tiliaceua. 

West Indian. Ochroma Lagopus, and Anona 
palustris, which see. 

Corm. A fleshy, solid underground stem, hav- 

ing the appearance of and often called a bulb, 

and from which it is distinguished by its not 

being scaly. The Gladiolus, Crocus, Babiana, 

Sparaxis, etc., are Corms. 


Corn. See Zea. 


COR 


Corna’cez. A small natural order of trees and 
shrubs, rarely herbs, natives of the temperate 
parts of Europe, Asia, and America. The 
plants are used as tonics and inagues. From 
the wood of C. mascula, the Turks obtain 
the dye for their red fez. Some species are 
grown as ornamental plants, and the common 
Dogwood, which is very heavy and solid, is 
much too commonly used in the United States 
for baling hay, those who buy the hay very 
properly esteeming it a fraudulent practice. 
There are nine known genera and forty spe- 
cies. Cornus, Aucuba, and Benthamia are 
illustrative genera. 


Corn Flag. Gladiolus segetum. 

Corn-flower. Blue. Centaurea Cyanus. 

Corn-Lily. Convoluulus arvensis and C. Se- 
pium. 

Corn-Marigold. Chrysanthemum segetum. 

Corn Pink and Corn Cockle. Lychnis Githago. 

Corn Poppy. Papaver Rheas. 

Corn Salad. See Valerianella, 

Corn Thistle. Carduus arvensis. 


Cornel. Cornus sanguinea. 
Dwarf. Cornus suecica and C. Canadensis. 


Ss 

Corniculate. Terminating in a process resem- 
bling a horn, as the fruit of Trapa bicornis. 
If there are two horns the word bicornis is 
used; if three horns, tricornis, and so on. 


Cornus. Dogwood. From cornu, a horn; in 
reference to the hardness of the wood. Nat. 
Ord. Cornacee. 

A genus consisting principally of trees and 
shrubs. Some of the latter are very orna- 
mental, the bark of the branches being of a 
brilliant, glossy red in winter, and the leaves 
of an intense purplish red in autumn. C. 
florida, or Flowering Dogwood, is a tree grow- 
ing from twelve to thirty feet high, and is 
common in rocky woods from New York south- 
ward. It is an interesting species, not only 
for its symmetrical growth, but for its large 
showy flowers, or rather the involucres which 
surround the flowers (which are pure white 
inside and tinged with violet on the outside), 
and the showy fruit which succeeds them. It 
is an appropriate and popular tree for ceme- 
teries and a fine ornament for the lawn. 0. 
Cunadensis, Bunch Berry, or Dwarf Cornel, is 
a small herbaceous species, growing abous six 
inches high, from a creeping subterranean 
root-stock, the upper leaves crowded into an 
apparent whorl in sixes and fours, surround- 
ing the clear white floral involucres—one of 
the neatest and most interesting plants for 
the rock-garden. It is common in damp, cold 
woods northward. 


Corolla. That part of a flower which intervenes 
between the calyx and the stamens. Its 
parts, which are called. petals, are almost 
always colored. 


Corolliflo'rz. A sub-class of Dicotyledons or 
Exogens, characterized by the petals being 
united, so as to form a monopetalous corolla, 
inserted below the ovary, and by the stamens 
being usually attached to the corolla, but 
sometimes inserted separately below the 
ovary. Such orders as the Heath family, the 
Gentians and the Labiates may serve as illus- 
trations. 


104 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS , 


COR 


Corona. A coronet; literally a crown. Any 
appendage that intervenes between the corolla 
and stamens, as the cup of a Daffodil or the 
rays of a Passion Flower, or the crown-like 
cup which is found at the orifice of the tube 
of the corolla of the Narcissus, ete. Corona 
staminea, is a coronet formed from trans- 
formed stamens. 


Coroni‘lla. From corona, a crown or garland; 
in reference to the arrangement of the flow- 
ers. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of pretty annual and perennial 
plants found in Europe, Asia Minor and north 
Africa, but in the greatest abundance in coun- 
tries bordering on the Mediterranean Sea. 
Several of the green-house species are very 
pretty flowering shrubs of easy culture. C. 
glauca produces its bright yellow, pea-shaped 
flowers in abundance during the winter, and 
with its beautiful variegated variety is invalu- 
able for winter green-house decoration. Prop- 
agated by cuttings or from seeds, which ripen 
freely. 


Corpse Plant. One of the popular names of 
the Monotropa uniflora, a low-growing para- 
site on roots, or growing on decomposing 
vegetable matter, like a fungus. It is also 
called Indian Pipe. 


Co’/rrea. Named after Joseph Correa, a Portu- 
guese botanist. Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
natives of New South Wales, New Holland 
and Australia, where they are sometimes 
called Fuchsias, from the slight resemblance 
the flowers have to the Fuchsia. Several of 
the species have long been grown in green- 
houses for the beauty of their flowers, which 
are white, scarlet or green; produced in June. 
The leaves of C. alba are said to be a very 
good substitute for tea. They are increased 
by cuttings. Introduced in 1793. 


Corrugated. When the parts are crumpled up 
irregularly, as the petals of the Poppy or the 
skin of some seeds. 

Cortex. The bark or cortical layer. 


Corticate. Like bark; harder externally than 
internally; having a rind, as the orange. 

Corya’nthes. Helmet Flower. From korys, a 
helmet, and anthos, a flower; in reference to 
the shape of the lip or labellum. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

A genus of epiphytal Orchids found in Mex- 
ico and South America. Among the many 
curious forms peculiar to this genus, perhaps 
the most singular is that of C. macrantha, 
which is thus described in the Botanical Reg- 
ister: ‘‘ The plant has the habit of a Stanhopea, 

-and pushes forth from the base of its pseudo- 
bulbs a pendulous scape, on which two or 
three flowers are developed. Each flower is 
placed at the end of a long, stiff, cylindrical- 
furrowed ovary, and when expanded measures 
something more than six inches from the tip 
of one sepal to that of the opposite one. The 
sepals and petals are nearly of the same color, 
being of an ochrey yellow, spotted irregularly 
with dull purple. The lip is as fleshy and 
solid in its texture as the sepals and petals are 
delicate. It is seated on a deep purple stalk, 
nearly an inch long; this stalk terminates in a 
hemispherical, greenish-purple cup or cap; 
and the latter, contracting at its front edge, 
extends forward into a sort of second stalk of 


COR 


a very vivid blood-color, the sides of which 
are thinner than the center, turned back, and 
marked with four or five very deep, solid, 
sharp-edged plaits. These edges again expand 
and form a second cup, less lobed than the 
first, thinning away very much to the edges, 
of a broadly conical figure, with a diameter 
of at least two inches at the orifice; this 
second cup is of an ochrey yellow, streaked 
and spotted with pale crimson, and seems 
intended to catch a watery secretion, which 
drips into it from the succulent horns, taking 
their origin in the base of the column, and 
hanging over the center of the cup.” There 
are several species of the genus, all of which 
must be grown in a hot house. Propagated 
by division. They flower in June and July. 


Cory’dalis. From korydalos, a lark; the spur 
of the flower resembling that of the lark. Nat. 
Ord. Fumariacee. 

A handsome genus of hardy tuberous root- 
ed, herbaceous plants. Their flowers are 
showy, and of many shades of color. They 
need an open exposure. The perennial kinds 
may be increased by division of the tubers 
about every three years. C. nobilis, a native 
of Siberia, is one of the most beautiful and 
early flowering of light yellow colored hardy 
border plants. The annual species require to 
be sown in March where they are to remain. 
Several of the species are indigenous, grow- 
ing in rocky places, and grow from one to 
three feet high, bearing flowers of various 
colors. They are easily propagated by seeds, 
and are very pretty plants for rock-work. 


Coryla’cez. This order founded by Lindley, 
of which the principal genera are Carpinus, 
Corylus, Castanea, Fugus, and Quercus, is now 
included under Cupulifere. 


Corylo’psis. From korylos, the Hazel tree, and 
opsis, like; nut-like. Nat. Ord. Hamameli- 
dacee. 


Very ornamental and interesting, hardy 
deciduous shrubs; in habit, leaves and inflor- 
escence resembling Hazels. Flowers appearing 
before the leaves in pendulous racemes, each 
flower nearly sessile with a large sheathing 
yellow bract. Natives of the Himalayus and 
Japan. 

Co’rylus. Hazel-nut, Filbert. From korys, a 
hood or helmet; in reference to the calyx 
covering the nut. Nat. Ord. Corylacee. 

This well-known deciduous shrub, is com- 
mon throughout this ccuntry and Europe. 
The species that yields the Filbert of com- 
merce, C. Avellana, is found growing in great 
abundance near Avellana, a city of Naples, 
whence the specific name. It isa strong grow- 
ing shrub from ten to fifteen feet high. 
The Filbert is moncecious; the male 
catkins make their appearance in Sep- 
tember, on the previous year’s growth, 
but are not fully developed or expanded until 
the succeeding season, when the female 
flowers appear about the first of February, 
and in April they are in full flower. The 
flowers are small and of a beautiful red color. 
The fruit of this species forins an important 
article of export from Naples. C. Colurna, a 
native of Turkey and Asia, is a tall-growing 
tree, often reaching a height of sixty feet. The” 
nuts are larger than those of the preceding 
species, and are of excellent quality. This 
country is represented by two species, C. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


105 


COR 


Americana being our common Hazel-nut. The 
fruit is smaller and thicker-shelled than the 
European species. 


Corymb. A raceme whose pedicels grow grad- 
ually shorter as they approach the summit, so 

* that the result is a flat-headed inflorescence or 
flower head, as in Candytuft, etc. A Com- 
pound corymb is a branched corymb, each of 
whose divisions is corymbose. & 


Corymbi'fere. Corymb-bearing composite 
plants, a sub-order of the natural order Com- 
posite, containing plants with numerous 
flowers on a common receptacle, forming a 
head surrounded by a set of floral leaves or 
bracts called an involucre. Such plants as 
Chamomile, Ox-eye Daisy, Dahlia, Sunflower, 
Cineraria, Ragwort, Groundsel, etc., belong 
to this sub-order. 


Coryno’stylis. From koryne, a club, and stylos, 
acolumn; alluding to the club-shaped style. 
Nat. Ord. Violaceaw. 

A small genus of very handsome climbing 
shrubs, inhabiting tropical America. C. albi- 
fora, is a beautiful green-house plant 
of atrailing or climbing habit, producing 
white, trumpet-shaped flowers, about two 
inches in length, suspended on long thread- 
like peduncles. These interesting flowers, 
taken in profile, present the appearance of 
some long-spurred Tropeolum, while on the 
front view they bear a resemblance to those 
of a gigantic Violet. Increased by cuttings of 
the young wood, or by seeds. Introduced 
from Para, in 1870. 


Co’rypha. Fan Palm. From koryphe, the sum- 
mit; in reference to the leaves growing in 
tufts on the top of this Palm. Nat. Ord. Pal- 
macee. 

A noble genus of Palms, growing from fif- 
teen to one hundred and fifty feet high. They 
are chiefly natives of tropical Asia. The 
Talipot Palm, C. umbraculifera, is a native of 
Ceylon and the Malabar coast, where it 
usually grows sixty to seventy feet high. 
The leaves have prickly stalks six or seven 
feet long, and when fully expanded they form 
a nearly complete circle of thirteen feet in 
diameter. Large fans are made of these 
leaves, which are carried before peopl of 
rank among the Cingalese. They are also 
commonly used as umbrellas, and tents are 
made by neatly joining them together, being 
the only ones in use for the soldiers of that 
country. It bears no fruit until the last year 
of its life, when it throws out great branches 
of beautiful yellow flowers that emit a most 
disagreeable odor. Thefruit is borne in great 
abundance, is very hard and round, and about 
the size of a large cherry. From these the 
plant is propagated, and requires great heat 
and a humid atmosphere to grow it success- 
fully. This species was introduced in 1742. 
C. australis is synonymous with Livistona 
australis. 

Corysa’nthus. From koryos, a helmet, and 
anthos, a flower; flowers helmet-shaped. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidacee. 

A genus of small but pretty terrestrial 
swamp orchids, inhabiting Australia and 
Java, but little seen in cultivation. 


Cosma’nthus. A genus now merged in Phacelia, 
which see. 


CcoT 


Cosme’'lia. From kosmeo, to adorn; in reference 
to the beauty of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Hpacri- 
dacee. 

The only species, C. rubra, is a beautiful 
dwarf green-house plant, with bright red 
flowers resembling those of an Epacris, but 
larger and more swollen in the middle of the 
tube. It requires to have plenty of air, and 
is improved by frequent stopping while young. 
Propagated freely from cuttings. 

Cosmidi/um. A genus of hardy annuals, re- 
cently formed from Calliopsis, having the 
same general character, and under which it 
is usually described. Syn. Thelesperma. 


Co’smos. From kosmos, beautiful; in reference 
to the ornamental flowers. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

Mexican plants, generally grown as annuals, 
but which mostly have tuberous roots like the 
Dahlia, and may be treated like that plant. 
The flowers are very showy, and of a reddish 
purple; the seeds, when the plants are grown 
as annuals, should be sown in March or April, 
in a frame or green-house; or in autumn, if 
the young plants can be protected during 
winter. The plants will grow four or five 
feet high in any garden soil. The beautiful 
annual species C. bipinnatus, has very finely 
cut featherly foliage, and large single Dahlia- 
like flowers, ranging in color from white, to 
deep rose. An excellent autumn blooming 
sort, and valuable for cutting. If grown in 
pots, and housed by the end of September, 
it will give a succession of flowers all winter. 
Introduced in 1799. 


Cossi’gnia. Named after M. Cossigny, a French 
naturalist. Nat. Ord. Sapindacee. 

There are but two known species in this 
genus, both small evergreen trees, with pin- 
nate leaves, with from one to three pairs of 
oblong leaflets and an oddone. The upper 
surface of the leaves is richly veined with 
golden yellow, the under surface covered with 
short white down. The flowers are small, 
white, and are arranged in terminal panicles. 
They were introduced from the Mauritius in 
1824. Propagated by cuttings. 


Costa. The midrib of a leaf; that part which is 
a direct extension of the petiole, and whence 
the veins arise ; a leaf may have several coste. 


Costmary, or Alecost. Tanacetum Balsamita. 


Co’stus. An ancient name adopted from Pliny. 
Nat. Ord. Scitaminacee. 

A genus of tropical herbaceous perennials, 
having tuberous roots, somewhat fleshy 
leaves, and flowers in spikes with over-lapping 
bracts. C. speciosus is a very ornamental 
warm green-house plant, with white flowers, 
and leaves silky beneath. Its roots are used 
by the natives in India to make a kind of 
preserve. They are of easy culture and are 
propagated by division of the roots. 


Cotonea'ster. From Cotonea. Pliny’s name for 
the quince, in reference to the downy leaves 
of this genus being similar to the quince. 
Nat. Ord. Rosacea. 

A genus of half-hardy, deciduous and ever- 
green trees, upright and trailing shrubs, in- 
habiting the northern parts of Europe and the 
mountains of India. The leaves are small 
and entire at the edge, downy beneath; the 
flowers are white or pinkish, and produced in 
lateral clusters, like those of hawthorn, or 


106 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


COT 


singly, and are succeeded by scarlet, and occa- 
sionally black, berry-like fruit. Loudonsays: 
“The species are very desirable from the 
beauty of their foliage, flowers, and fruit. C. 
frigida and C. afinis in particular, producing 
fruit in great abundance, of an intense scarlet 
color, which have a splendid appearance, and 
remain on the trees the greater part of the 
winter.” C. microphylla is a yet more valua- 
ble plant. In this species the branches are 
trailing, the leaves small and evergreen. It 
is perfectly hardy and wherever it grows, 
ornamental; its deep glossy foliage, which 
no cold will impair, is, when the plant is in 
flower, covered with snow-white blossoms, 
rendering it a very desirable plant for rock- 
work, etc. This species is a native of Nepaul, 
and was introduced 1825. 


Cotton. See Gossypium. 


Cotton-Grass. The common name of the genus 
Eriophorum. 


Cotton Rose. Filago Germanica. 
Cotton Thistle. See Onopordon. 
Cotton Tree, Silk. See Bombaz. 
Cotton-Wood. See Populus. 


Cotyle’don. Navelwort. From kotyle, a cav- 
ity; in allusion to the cup-like leaves. Nat. 
Ord. Crassulacee. 

A genus of succulent plants, with fleshy 
leaves, nearly allied to the House-leek, and 
bearing red or yellow flowers. They are 
plants of no great beauty, but like all succu- 
lent plants, are very interesting. The orna- 
mental species are all from the Cape of Good 
Hope, and were first introduced in 1690. 
They are propagated by cuttings and leaves, 
and require an open, sandy soil. Under: this 
one genus several botanists now include 
Echeveria, Pachuphytum, Pistorinia, and Umbil- 
licus. The differences are at the best merely 
botanical; the culture of the groups is iden- 
tical. 


Cotyledons. The seed lobes; the primordial 
leaves in the rudimentary plant or embryo; 
the fleshy leaves that appear above ground 
when a seedling plant begins to grow, com- 
monly called seed leaves. Monocotyledons 
have only one such leaf, as Grasses, Lilies, 
Palms, etc.; Dicotyledons have two, as the 
Maple, Elm, Pea, Bean, etc. 


Couch-Grass. The popular name of Triticum 
repens. . 


Coulte’ria. In honor of Thomas Coulter, M.D., 
abotanical author. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of ornamental hot-house shrubs, 
that grow from twelve to fifteen feet high. and 
produce an abundance of yellow and orange 
flowers. Their size prevents them from be- 
ing grown except in botanical collections. 
The wood of some of the species is used in 
dyeing. 

Couta’rea. From coutari, its name in Guiana. 
Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

This fine evergreen tree is allied to Cinchona. 
It requires the same treatment, and its bark 
has much the same medicinal properties. 


Cowal’nia. In commemoration of the services 
rendered to botany by the late Mr. James 
Cowan, a merchant, who introduced a num- 
ber of plants from Mexico and Peru. Nat. 
Ord. Rosacee. , 


CRA 


C. plicata, the only species, is worth far 
more attention than it has hitherto received. 
Its flowers are large and handsome, resem- 
bling those of a Rose. They are bright red, 
and, in addition, the plant is a shrub of ro- 
bust character, nearly hardy, requiring only 
to be protected from severe frosts. Propa- 
gated by division. It is a native of Mexico. 

Cowbane. The popular name given the genus 
Archemora, reputed to be an active poison, 
particularly to cattle, if eaten by them. It is 
quite common in swampy grounds, from New 
York to Illinois and southward. It is also 
called Wild Parsnip. 

Cowberry. One of the common names of Vac- 
cinium, which see. 

Cow-Herb. See Vaccaria. 

Cow-iItch. See Mucuna. 

Cow-Parsnip. The common name of- Herac- 
leum, a coarse growing, weedy plant, some- 
times used in medicine, but of doubtful repu- 
tation. 

Cowrie Pine, Dammara australis. 

Cowslip. See Primula. 

American. Dodecatheon Meadia. 

Cow-Tree. See Brosimum. 

Cow Vetch. Vicia Cracca. 


Cow Wheat. The genus Melampyrum. 
Crab-Apple. See Pyrus. 
Crab-Grass. Called also Dog’s Tail, or Wire- 


Grass, popular names of the genus Eleusine, a 
native of India, but extensively naturalized 
in this country. 


Crab’s Claw Cactus. See Epiphyllum. 
Crab’s Eyes. The seeds of Abrus precatorius. 


Cra’mbe. Sea-Kale. The name crambe is de- 
rived from the Greek name for Sea-cabbage. 
Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

A genus of hardy perennials. C. maritima, 
the best known species, is a native of the 
west coast of England, where it grows in 
great abundance in the clean sand and gravel. 
The common people have from time imme- 
morial, been in tke practice of watching the 
appearance of the shoots and leaf-stalks 
closely, as they appear ‘in early spring, when 
they cut them off under ground in the same 
manner as we do Asparagus. These young 
shoots, when cooked, are by many con- 
sidered superior to either Asparagus or Cauli- 
flower. Sea-Kale is only fit for use in a 
blanched state, which is easily done. In 
early spring the crowns should be covered 
with sand, or some light mulching that will 
exclude the young shoot from light, the cover- 
ing being from twelve to fifteen inches in 
depth. By the time the young leaves are 
through this mulching they will be perfectly 
blanched and fit for use. It is a common 
practice with gardeners to cover the crowns 
with an inverted flower-pot, and by others 
the whole bed is covered with manure. 
Either plan will prove satisfactory. See 
‘Forcing Vegetables.” Sea-Kale is increased 
by seed or root cuttings, the latter plan being 
preferable. The roots should be taken up 
in the fall, cut in pieces two to three inches 
long, and these placed in boxes of sand in a 
dry cellar until the weather is settled in 
spring, when they may be planted out in 
rows, three feet apart, and about nine inches 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 107 


CRA 


between the plants. With this treatment 

many of the crowns, under favorable circum- 

stances, will be strong enough to yield a crop 
_ the next season. 


Cranberry. See Oxycoccus. ; 
Cranberry-Tree. See Viburnum opulus. 
Crane-fly Orchis. See Tipularia. 
Cranesbill. See Geranium. 

Crape Myrtle. See Lagerstramia. 


Cra/ssula. A diminutive of crassus, thick; in 
reference to the fleshy leaves and stems. Nat. 
Ord. Crassulacee. 

Succulent green-house plants, natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope, with heads of red or 
white flowers. All the Crassulas should have 
alternate seasons of stimulus and repose. 
When they are growing, and about to flower, 
they should be well watered, and when the 
flowers begin to fade, the supply of water 
should be gradually lessened, till at last very 
little is given. The plants are propagated by 
cuttings, which should be laid on a shelf two 
or three days to dry before planting, or they 
may rot. Most of the species are from the 
Cape of Good Hope, and have been in cultiva- 
tion more than a century. 


Crassula’cez. An extensive natural . order 
consisting generally of succulent herbs or 
shrubs. Natives of dry places in all parts of 
the world. They are found on rocks, old 
walls or hot, sandy plains, exposed to the 
heaviest dews at night, and the scorching 
rays of the mid-day sun. Some species are 
astringent. Sedum acre is very acrid, and is 
hence called Wall Pepper. Sempervivum tec- 
torum, the House-leek, is so called from being 
grown in some places on the tops of houses. 
Bryophyllum calycinum possesses the property 
of producing leaf-buds along the margins of its 
leaves. There are over fourteen genera, in- 
eluding Crassula, Sedum, Sempervivum, Pen- 
thorum, etc., and over 400 species. 


Cratz’gus. The Hawthorn. From kratos, 
strength; in reference to the strength and 
hardness of the wood. Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

A well known family of moderate-sized 
trees, commonly called thorns. They are 
found throughout the United States, Europe 

- and the temperate regions of Asia and Africa. 
There is a great resemblance to each other in 
all the species, both as to the shape of the 
leaves and color of the flowers. The English 
Hawthorn, C. oxyacantha, so commonly used 
as a hedge plant, will not stand the severity 
of our winters, at least much north of New 
York, with a certainty that would warrant its 
use here. Single specimens are often met, in 
old gardens, of* great age and size. The 
Hawthorns are remarkable not only for their 
fragrant flowers and ornamental fruit, but for 
the variations common in both. The flowers 
are usually white, but in the cultivated varie- 
ties vary to pink and crimson. The fruit is 
sometimes globular, sometimes oblong, but 
generally smooth and polished, and in some 
quite downy; while the color is from black 
and dark red, to orange-yellow and white. 
The double-flowering varieties are especially 
beautiful. Some of our native species are 
among the most ornamental low trees we 
have in our gardens, being, when in bloom, 
conipletely covered with pure white flowers 
of delicious fragrance. From the time of 


CRE 


their coming into flower they have been 
quite commonly called the May-tree. From 
the perfect hardiness of the species, their 
ornamental appearance both in flower and 
fruit, which never fails, they should be 
cultivated in preference to the foreign 
kinds. Propagated usually by seeds, which 
not unfrequently take two years to germi- 
nate. A double-flowering variety, sent from 
France, is a tree of great beauty, the 
flowers being bright rosy pink, not unlike the 
flowering Almond, but of greater substance. 
This variety is not considered hardy north of 
Philadelphia. The great drawback to its 
culture is its being subject to the attacks of 
the “borer.” Itis propagated by cuttings or 
by budding on the more common vafieties. 
C. Pyracantha, the Evergreen Thorn, has 
fruit of a bright scarlet coior, about the size 
of a pea, remaining on the tree all winter. 
There is another variety with bright yellow 
berries. They are both valuable for lawn 
decoration, and make excellent hedge plants. 
The whole species grow well in a soil that is 
naturally dry; wet or marshy situations are 
wholly unsuited to ther. 


Crazy Weed. See Astragalus. 


Crawfu'rdia. In honor of Sir John Crawfurd, 
governor of Singapore. Nat. Ord. Gentiancee. 
This genus consists of two species, both 
_ herbaceous climbing plants, closely allied to, 
and formerly included in, the genus Gentiana. 
C. Japonica (Climbing Gentian), a native of 
Japan, is an exceedingly beautiful plant, at- 
taining a height of six feet, and producing 
large axillary bell-shaped flowers of a deep 
blue color. C. fasciculata (fascicle flowered), a 
native of the Himalayas, is a s:milar species, 
but not so tall. Propagated by division or 
from seed. Both species are of recent intro- 
duction into the garden. 


Creeper. Properly, a plant that trails on the 
ground. 
Creeping Charlie. A popular name of Lysi- 
machia nummularia. 
Creeping Forget-Me-Not. 
verna. 
Creeping Jack. Sedum acre. 
‘Creeping Jenny. Lysimachia nummularia. 
Creeping Myrtle. See Vinra. 
Creeping Sailor. Sazifraga sarmentosa. 
Creeping Stem, In common usage, applied to 
stems growing horizontally, both above and 
under ground. An underground stem. 


Crenate. Having convex flat teeth, or rounded 
or scolloped notches. ~ 


Crenulate. Having small round notches. 
Creosote Plant. See Larrea. 


Cre’pis. From krepis, aslipper. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of herbaceous plants consisting of 
about one hundred and thirty species, very 
few of which are of much interest. Two of the 
few worth growing are C. aurea and C. rubra. 
The first is a neat border perennial, and the 
latter a very pretty annual. They are both 
of easy cultivation. 


Crescentia. Named after Pietro Crescenzi, an 
Italian writer on agriculture. Nat. Ord. 
Bignoniacee. 


See Omphatodes 


Hawksbeard. 


108 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CRE 


A genus of large evergreen spreading trees, 
with large solitary flowers, rising from the 
trunk or branches. They are all natives of 
tropical America, and are increased by cut- 
tings of the ripened wood. C. Cujete, is the 
Calabash Tree. 

Cress. Garden. See Lepidium. 

American or Land. Barbarea precoz. This 
much resembles Water Cress in flavor; the 
leaves may be used for the same purposes 
as common Cress. 

Indian. Tropewolum majus. 

Water. See Nasturtium officinale. 


Cre’ssa. From cressa, anative of Crete; the plant 
is plentiful there. Nat. Ord. Convolvulacea. 

A curious little annual, rarely seen in our 
collections. The flowers are funnel-shaped, 
of a lively purple, and freely produced. It 
requires but little care or nursing, if planted 
in a light, rich soil. There is but one species, 
C. Cretica, which is a native of the Levant. 
Introduced in 1822. 


Crested. Having an elevated, irregular, or 
notched ridge resembling the crest of a hel- 
met; a stamen is crested when the filament 
projects beyond ‘the anther and becomes 
dilated. This term is chiefly applied to seeds, 
and to the appendages of anthers. It also 
belongs to bracts which form with their edges 
an appearance like that of acrest. The term 
is often applied to the Moss Rose. 


Crested Dog-tail Grass. See Cynosurus. 
Crimson Flag. See Schizostylis. 


Crimson Trefoil. Trifoliwm incarnatum. An 
annual species, used largely in Italy and the 
south of France for feeding green. The yield 
in fodder is immense, as, in warm climates, 
four to five cuttings can be made in a season. 
The blossoms are long, pointed, and of a deep 
red or carmine color. 


Cri/num. From krinon, the Greek name of the 
Lily. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

This is a fine genus of bulbous plants, grow- 
ing from a foot and a half to five feet in height. 
The flowers are large, produced freely in 
umbels, and many of them are richly scented 
and of pleasing colors. To grow them well 
they should be potted in rich loam full of 


fibrous matter, and, in the early part of the, 


growing season, they should have the benefit 
of a moderate bottom heat, with abundance of 
water every day, and an additional soaking of 
liquid manure about once a week. In winter, 
of course, this must be discontinued, and the 
plants placed where they may receive all the 
light ‘possible, in order to mature the new 
growth and induce them to flower freely the 
following season. C. amubile is a noble spe- 
cies, requiring to be grown in a strong heat. 
The bulbs growsix to eight inches in diameter, 
and two feet long, and sometimes produce, 
both spring and fall, immense spikes of dark 
purple flowers, of delicious fragrance. This 
species is a native of the East Indies, and was 
introduced in 1810. The genus is very large, 
and the species are found in nearly all tropical 
and sub-tropical countries. Propagated by 
offsets. 

Crispate, Crispus. When the edge is exces- 
sively and irregularly divided and puckered; 
also when the surface is much puckered and 
crumpled. Well-known examples are afforded 
by Curled Parsley, Curled Endive, Curled 


CRO 


Kale, etc. Crispate is also a diminutive of 
Bullate, which see. 


Crista’ria. From crista, acrest; in reference to . 
the form of the seed vessel. Nat. Ord. Mal- 
vacee. ; 

A pretty hardy herbaceous perennial from 
the Southwestern States, producing quite 
showy scarlet flowers in terminal racemes or 
clusters. Propagated by division of the roots 
or from seeds, which however require some 
time to produce flowering plants. 


Croceus, Crocatus. Saffron-colored. 


Croco/smia. From crocus, saffron, and osme, 
smell; alluding to the odor of saffron exhaled 
by the dried flowers, when immersed in warm 
water. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

C. aurea, the only species, is a beautiful 
Ixia-like plant, with large, deep orange-colored 
flowers, somewhat resembling those of the 
crocus in form. The corms are fleshy, like 
those of the Tritonia, in which genus it was 
formerly included; it can be grown in the 
cold frame, and is increased by offsets. 


Cro’cus. A Chaldean name, applied by Theo- 
phrastus. Nat. Ord. Iridaceaw. : 
Of this well-known genus there are many 
species, mostly found in the southern and 
eastern parts of Europe, and in Asia Minor. 
As a garden flower the species are almost 
entirely lost sight of in the large number of 
varieties that have been produced by hybrid- 
izing. They are divided into two classes: the 
first, those that flower in early spring, too 
well known to need description; the second, 
the autumnal-flowering or naked Crocus, so 
called because the flowers are produced in the 
absence of leaves, which, with the seeds, are 
produced inthespring. The spring-flowering 
Crocus is of the easiest culture, and we need 
only remark that it is a mistake to put them 
into poor ground, since no plants in our gar- 
dens delight more in, or make greater returns 
for, rich soil. They require a dry situation, 
and in such a place and soil they flower pro- 
fusely. The bulbs orcorms should be planted 
at least three inches deep; for, as the new 
corm forms above the old one, they will, in 
three or four years, push themselves out of 
the ground if planted too near the surface. As 
often as once in three years the corms should 
be taken up, separated, and planted out as 
_quickly as possible; the longer they are left 
out of ground the weaker they become, and 
the later they willcomeintobloom. In start- 
ing a new bed the corms should be planted as 
soon as they can be obtained, which is usually 
about the first of September. If left until 
November, as is the too common practice, 
very few will flower strongly the coming sea- 
son, and none satisfactorily. When left in 
the ground, they commence new life about the 
first of September, and before winter they 
have their preparations for spring work com- 
plete; the flower buds will be nearly their 
full length above the bulb, ready for the first 
sunny days in March to break forth into 
bloom. One of the peculiarities of the Crocus 
is, that when they are in flower, the germen, 
or seed vessel, is still under ground, almost 
close to the bulb; and it is not till some weeks 
after the flower has decayed that it emerges 
on a white peduncle, and ripens its seeds 
above the ground. The situation for the Cro- 
cus bed should be a warm one, and before 


108 


CRESS (UPLAND). 


CROTON VAR. CHALLENGER, 


CUCURBIY'A (GOURD), 


ame 


CROTON AUREA MACULATA, 


CROCUS. 


OUCURBITA DEPRESSA. 


CRAMBE MARITIMA (SEA KALE), 


~ te AN) ( 
OUPERA MINIATA, CUCUMBER (EAST INDIA GHEREIN). 


CUCUMBERS (VARIETIES OF). 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 109 


CRO 


hard frosts it may be mulched two or three 
inches with leaves or coarse litter, which is 
to be taken off as soon in spring as the season 
will warrant. The mulching, however, may 
be omitted where it is not convenient to apply 
it. .C. sativus, which is the-type of the 
autumnal-flowering species, should be planted 
in midsummer, and it will come into flower in 
September. All the species and varieties are 
increased by offsets. Their introduction into 
British gardens dates back as far as 1600. 
The named varieties bear very large flowers, 
and are, in all respects, very great improve- 
ments upon the older kinds. 


Crops, Rotation of. See Rotation. 


Crossa’ndra. From krossos, a fringe, and aner, 
andros, ananther; in reference to the anthers 
being fringed. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

Beautiful evergreen free-flowering shrubs, 
ith large flowers in terminal, four-cornered 


spikes. There are five species, one of which |. 


is a native of the East Indies; the others are 
from tropical Africa and Madagascar. Allare 
of easy culture and may be readily increased 
by cuttings. 

Cross-Wort. A common name for the genus 
Crucianella. 


Crotala'ria. From krotalon, a castanet; the 
seeds are inflated pods, and rattle when 
shaken. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

This is an extensive venus, and a few of its 
species are particularly beautiful. The green- 
house kinds are to be preferred. All of them 
grow readily in loamy soil, the chief point in 
their culture being to observe that the young 
shoots are stopped once or twice in the early 
part of their growth, in order to counteract 
their natural tendency to grow upright, and 
become what is technically expressed as “‘long- 
legged.” One of the principal discourage- 
ments in growing these plants is the difficulty 
of preserving them from the attacks of the 
red spider. The annuals are grown from 
seed, and the perennial kinds are increased 
from cuttings. The species are pretty gen- 
erally found from the West to the Kast Indies. 
Some of the annuals are found in the Southern 
States. 


Cro’ton. From kroton, a tick; in reference to 
the resemblance of the seeds. Nat. Ord. 
Euphorbiacew. 

A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs of 
great beauty,grown for their variegated foliage, 
they being among the most strongly marked 
plants in cultivation (yellow and green, some- 
times red with the other colors). They are 
readily propagated by cuttings, with a bottom 
heat of not less than 75°, and require a high 
temperature and full sunlight to develop their 
markings. Leaf mould is an essential ele- 
ment in the compost for potting. Water 
should be sparingly used, particularly in 
winter. They do best in small pots, and as 
ornamental plants for decoration, they have 
no superior. Notwithstanding their great 
beauty, they are also classed with the eco- 
nomic or useful plants. C. Tiglium furnishes 
the Croton oil, a most powerful purgative. C. 
tinctorum is used to dye both silk and wool of 
an elegant blue color. The substance for this 
purpose is called Turnsol, and is made of the 
juice which is lodged between the calyx and 
the seeds. C. Hleuteria furnishes the Casca- 


CRU 


rilla bark, which has a pleasant, spicy odor, 
and a bitter, warm, aromatic taste, and it is 
considered a valuable medicine. The species 
are nearly all natives of the East Indies, and 
were first introduced in 1748. Syn. Codiawm, 
under which genus the large number of culti- 
vated variegated sorts are now placed. See 
Codiwum. 


Crow-berry. Empetrum nigrum. 


Crow’ea. Name.lafter J. Crowe, a British bota- 
nist, Nat. Ord. Rutacew. 

A genus of beautiful green-house shrubs, 
consisting of but two species, C. latifolia and 
C. saligna, both lovely objects when in flower, 
which is nearly two-thirds of the year. They 
are in the greatest perfection during the win- 
ter months. The flowers are lily-shaped, of a 
beautiful purple, and borne at the axil of the 
leaves. They are easily propagated from cut- 
tings, and should be grown in a mixture of 
leaf mould and loam. Water should be spar- 
ingly given, or the plants will have a sickly, 
yellow appearance. Both species are natives 
of New South Wales, and were introduced in 
1790. 


Crowfoot. See Ranunculus. 
Crown Imperial. See Fritillaria. 


Cruciane’lla. Crosswort. A diminutive of 
cruz, &@ cross; alluding to the leaves being 
placed crosswise. Nat. Ord. Rubiacea. : 

A genus of hardy herbaceous and green- 
house plants of but little interest. C. stylosa, 
a native of Persia and the Caucasus, is a low- 
tufted herb with rose-colored flowers, which 
blooms during the greater part of the summer. 
Itis a desirable plant for rockeries. Propa- 
gated by cuttings or from seed. 


Cruciate or Cruciform. Shaped like a cross. 
A flower is said to be cruciate, when four 
petals are placed opposite each other at right 
angles, as in any of the Brassica tribe. 


Cruci’ferze. A large and important order of 
annual, biennial or perennial herbs, rarely 
suffruticose. They are very generally distri- 
buted, but abound most in the cold and tem- 
perate regions, especially in Europe. They 
are all nitrogenous (and contain sulphur), 
pungent, stimulant, anti-scorbutic, often 
acrid. Not one of them is poisonous, but 
many are culinary vegetables. The order 
contains some well-known flowering plants, 
such as the Stock, Wall-flower, Rocket, 
etc. Brassica oleracea is the origin of the 
Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Savoy and 
Curled Kale. Brassica Rapa is the origin of the 
Turnip, but the Swedish Turnip is thought by 
some to be a variety of Brassica campestris, 
while others think itis a hybrid between B. 
Rapa and B. Napus, the wild Navew Rape, or 
Coleseed. Crambe maritima supplies Sea- 
Kale, which is blanched tu fit it for the table. 
Some plants of the order are pungent, as Sin- 
apis nigra, Black Mustard, from the seeds of 
which the best mustard is made; S. alba, 
White Mustard, is less pungent. Other pun- 
gent plants are Lepidium sativum, common 
Cress; Nasturium officinale, Water Cress; 
Cochlearia Armoracia, Horse-Radish ; and 
Raphanus sativus, the Radish. Isatis tinctoria, 
Woad, yields a blue dye; and I. indigotica is 
used as Indigo in China. Cochlearia officinalis 
grows on the sea-shore, and has been used by 
ships’ crews affected with scurvy, and has 


110 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CRY 


hence been called Scurvy Grass. The seeds 
of many species yield an oil, such as oil of 
Mustard, Rape oil, and Camelina oil, and the 
eake left after pressing the oil from Rape 
seed is used as food for cattle. There are 
about 170 known genera, and 1,200 species. 
Brassica, Cheiranthus, Erysimum, Arabis, 
Lnmaria, Draba, Teesdalia, Hesperis, Isatis, 
Capsella, etc., are illustrative genera. 

Crypta‘nthus. A genus of Bromeliads, closely 
allied to Billbergia and Tillandsia, and requir- 
ing the same general treatment. 


Cryptochilus. From kryptos, hidden, and chei- 
los, a lip; the lip or labellum being partly 
hidden by the sepals. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

An interesting genus of terrestrial Orchids 
from the cooler parts of India. There are but 
two species, one producing brilliant scarlet 
flowers on a one-sided spike, while the other 
has smaller yellow flowers produced in the 
same manner. They require the same treat- 
ment as Stanhopea. 


Cryptoco'ryne. From kryptos, hidden, and 

, a club; the club-shaped spadix or 

spike in the center of the flower is hidden by 

the hooded spathe. Nat. Ord. Aroidew. Allied 
to Arum. ' 

Herbaceous perennial marsh plants with 
tuberous creeping roots. They produce the 
same peculiar-looking flowers as the Arums, 
but are sweet-scented, and require the same 
treatment as the tropical species of Arum. 


Propagated by division. Introduced from the 
East Indies in 1824. 
Cryptoga’mia. Cryptogams. Many names 


have been applied to the vast class of plants 
comprehended under this name, such as 
Asexual, or Flowerless Plants, Acrogens, 
Agame, Anandre, Acotyledons, Cryptogams, 
Cryptophyta, Cellulares, Exembryonata, etc. 
Of these the term, Cryptogamia, has been 
adopted by Berkeley and others as being the 
least objectionable in our present state of 
knowledge. Under this name are included all 
those plants called by Linneus Cryptogamia, 
because he was unable to discover their organs 
of fertilization, ifthey had any. They compre- 
hend Sea-weeds, Fungi, Lichens, Mosses, 
Ferns and their allies. It is now known 
that all are multiplied by a sexual apparatus 
in structure wholly different from that of 
Phenogamous plants, but in function the 
same. In the higher orders, that is to say, 
inFerns, Lycopods, and Horsetails, the plant, 
properly so called, does not proceed directly 
from the spore or seed, but from a rudiment- 
ary intermediate organ, called prothallium, on 
which the organs of fertilization are formed, 
these organs not producing a spore or seed, 
but the very plant itself. 


Cryptogra’mme. A genus of hardy ferns 
synonymous with Allosorus, which see. 


Cryptome’ria. Japan Cedar. From kryptos, 
hidden, and meris, a part; the structure of 
all the parts of the flower being hidden, or not 
easily understood. Nat. Ord. Conifere. 

C. Japonica, of which there are many forms, 
igs a splendid evergreen tree, from sixty to 
one hundred feet high, from the north of 
Japan, where it is found in moist situations. 
It is hardy in this country, south of Philadel- 
phia, mf requires a rich deep soil, with 
plenty of moisture and protection from cutting 


cuc 


winds to fully develop its beauty. It was 
introduced in 1846, and is increased by seeds 
or by cuttings. 

Cryptoste’gia. From kryptos, hidden, and 
stego, to cover; alluding to the corona being 
concealed within the tube of the corolla. Nat. 
Ord. Asclepiadacee. 

A small genus of pretty twining green-house 
shrubs, consisting of two species C. grandiflora 
and C. Madagascariensis, the one from India, 
the other from Madagascar. They are interest- 
ing plants, having opposite leaves, and produce 
large, reddish-white flowers in terminal cymes. 
Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1818. 


Cryptoste’mma. From kryptos, hidden, and 
stemma, a crown; the crown of the flower 
being hidden. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A small genus of tender annuals from the 
Cape of Goud Hope. The flowers are bright 
golden yellow, borne on hairy stems, and are 
very showy. They were at one time very 
common, but have now fallen out of cultiva- 
tion. The seed should be started in a hot-bed, 
and the young plants pricked out the latter 
part of May. They require a warm situation, 
and a light and rather sandy soil. C. calendu- 
laceum has fiowers yellow inside and a very 
dark purple outside, which gives it a very 
showy appearance. Introduced in 1731. 


Crypto’stylis. From kryptos, hidden, and stylos, 
astyle.. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A small genus of brown-flowered terrestrial 
Orchids from New Holland, Java, and Ceylon. 
The species are more curious than beautiful. 
They should be grown in turfy loam and sand, 
in equal proportions, in an ordinary green- 
house temperature. Introduced in 1822. 


Cte/nium. Toothache-Grass. From Ctenium, 
asmall comb; from the pectinate appearance 
of the spike. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

C. Americanum, the only species, is a strong- 
growing grass, from three to four feet in 
height with rough narrow flat leaves. The 
root has a very pungent taste, and in domestic 
medicine was used as a remedy for the tooth- 
ache, hence its popular name. It is common 
in wet pine barrens from Virginia, southward, 
and has no agricultural value. 

Cuba Bast. The fibrous inner bark of Paritium 
(Hibiscus) elatum. 

Cube’ba. Uninteresting shrubs, indigenous to 
tropical Asia and Africa. C. officinalis, a 
native of Java, furnishes the cubeb fruits of 
commerce, which are like Black Pepper, but 
stalked. Nat. Ord. Piperacee. 

Cubebs. See Cubeba. 

Cuckoo-Flower. See Cardamine. 

Cuckoo Pint. Arum maculatum. . 

Cucullate. When the apexor sides of anything 
are curved inward, so as to resemble the 
point of a slipper or-a hood, as in the lip of 
Cypripedium, the spathe of an Arum, etc. 

Cucumber. See Cucumis. 


Cucumber Tree. The popular name of the 
Magnolia acuminata, the young fruit of which 
resembles a small cucumber. 


Cu’cumis. Cucumber. From Cucumis, the Latin 
for Cucumber. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

Of the several species included in this gepus, 

C. sativis, the common Cucumber, is the best 

known and of the most importance. It is an 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 111 


Cucurbita. 


Cucurbita’cez. 


cuUCc 


annual plant, a native of the East Indies, and 
was first introduced into England in 1573. In 
the East the Cucumber has been extensively 
cultivated from the earliest periods, as well 
as most of the other species of gourds. When 
the Israelites complained to Moses in the 
wilderness, comparing their old Egyptian 
luxuries with the manna upon which they 
were fed, they exclaimed : ‘‘ We remember the 
fish which we did eat freely, the cucumbers 
and the melons.” Isaiah, in speaking of the 
desolation of Judea, says: ‘‘The daughter 
of Zion is left as a cottage ina vineyard, as a 
lodge in a garden of cucumbers.” In Syria 
and in India immense quantities are eaten by 
the common people. The probabilities are, 
however, that their Cucumbers are Melons, 
though mention is made of the cultivation of 
both, and late travelers mention large planta- 
tions over which constant watvh is kept, and 
fires built at night to keep off the wild dogs 
and wolves. The many varieties under culti- 
vation are great improvements on the origi- 
nal species; but where and when improve- 
ment commenced we have no record; and in 
looking over the field during the last thirty 
years, itis about as difficult to say when it 
will stop. Where Cucumbers are required 
during the winter and spring months they are 
generally grown in span-roofed houses, ample 
provision veing made for both bottom and 
superficial heat. They are generally planted 
in a row on either side of the house, and 
trained up on trellises under the glass. Where 
space is limited they may be grown in large 
pots, and trained up a rafter, top-dressing 
occasionally with rich soil and supplying 
liquid or artificial manure. A temperature of 
about 60° at night is found the most suitable, 
a higher temperature being apt to draw the 
plants and make them long jointed. Red 
Spider, Thrips and Green Fly are their worst 
insect enemies, and must be kept down by 
regular fumigating with tobacco, and careful 
sytinging. The principal sorts grown for 
forcing are the two English varieties, Tele- 
graph and Blue Gown, both long-fruited sorts 
and extremely prolific and long-lived. White 
Spine is also forced to a considerable extent, 
a marked preference being accorded it in the 
New York markets, while the long-fruited 
sorts are the favorites in Boston and Phila- 
delphia. : 


Gourd. From curbita, a gourd. 
Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

This is an extensive genus of trailing 
annuals, producing what is commonly known 
as Ornamental Gourds, some of which are 
exceedingly curious and beautiful. They are 
of easy culture, requiring the same treatment 
as the Cucumber. Natives chiefly of hot 
countries, they abound in India and South 
America, a few are also found in the north 
of Europe, at the Cape of Good Hope and in 
Australia. 


A natural order of succulent, 
climbing plants with tendrils in place of sti- 
pules, alternate palmately-veined, rough 
leaves, and staminate and pistillate flowers. 
They are chiefly natives of hot countries, 
especially of India and South America; afew 
are found in the north of Europe and in North 
America, and some are also met with at the 
Cape of Good Hope and in Australia. The 


Cummin. 


Cundura’ngo. 


CcUN 


plants of this order generally possess a cer- 
tain amount of acridity. The pulp of the fruit 
of Citrullus Colocynthis is the Colocynth of the 
shops; this is supposed to be the wild gourd 
of the Bible. Hcbalium purgans or agreste 
(Momordica elaterium) is called Squirting Cu- 
cumber, on account of the elastic force with 
which its seeds are scattered. Cucumis sativus 
is the common Cucumber, C. melo is the Musk- 
melon, and Citrullus vulgaris is the Water- 
melon. Cucurbita Pepo, the Gourd, is a 
scrambling plant, to which belong the Vege- 
table Marrows, which are edible; the Orange 
Gourds, which are bitter; the Egg Gourds, 
Crooknecks, Turk’s Caps, and Warted Gourds. 
C. maxima is the Pumpkin, and C. Melopepo 
the Bush Squash. The seeds of Hodgsonia 
are eaten in India. Lagenaria vulgaris is the 
Bottle or Dipper Gourd. The fruit of Liufa 
acutangula is cut up when dry and used as a 
flesh brush under the name of Towel Gourd. 
Sechium edule yields an edible fruit called 
Choco or Chaca. The species of Bryonia are 
purgative. There are about seventy known 
genera and over 400 species. Cucurbita, Cu- 
cumis, Citrullus, Momordica, Coccinia, Trico- 
santhes, Luffa, and Bryonia are examples of 
the order. 


Culm. The straw of Wheat, Rye, etc.; a kind 
of hollow stem. 


Cultivator. This is the general name applied 
to implements for stirring the soil, other than 
hoes, whether used by hand or by horse- 
power. There are scores of kinds in use, 
known under different names. The one we 
most prefer for use in garden operations for 
cullivating between rows, is what is known 
as the Planet, Jr. This is acombined drill, 
wheel-hoe, cultivator and plow, and is really 
a most excellent and valuable implement, 
combining in one, three implements, all 
nearly as effective as any of them would be 
separately. It is unquestionably the most 
popular as itis the most perfect machine of 
its kind made, at. present writing. In small 
gardens, where a horse is seldom used, it is 
invaluable for working the coarser crops, 
such as corn, potatoes, cabbage, celery, etc. 


Cultrate, Cultriform. Shaped like a pruning- 
knife, as in Crassula cultrata. 


Culver's-root, or Culver’s Physic. 
name for Veronica Virginica. 


Cumi’num. Altered from quamoun, its Arabic 
name. A genus of Fennel-like Umbellifere, of 
little interest except C. Cyminum, the seeds of 
which, called Cummin, are sometimes used 
as Carraways, but the latter are more agree- 
able and efficacious. 


Cuminum Cyminum. 
Black. The pungent seeds of Nigella sativa. 


Cummi’ngia. Named after Lady Gordon Cum- 
ming, of Altyre, near Forres, Scotland. 
Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A small genus of beautiful little half-hardy 
bulbs from Chili, which succeed in a light 
rich soil, and should have the protection of a 
frame. The flowers are bell-shaped, light 
blue, and borne in panicles on slender scapes. 
Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1823. 


The Condor Vine of New 
Grenada, a species of Gonolobus, named G. 
Cundurango, by M. Friana. When first intro- 


A common 


112 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CUN 


duced this plant became famous, owing to 
the reputed efficacy of the stems in the cure 
of cancer; a reputation its merits would not 
sustain. 


Cuneate. Wedge-shaped; the broadest end 
uppermost, tapering to the base. 

Cuni‘la. Dittany. The derivation of this 
word is doubtful; by some botanists it is sup- 
posed to be from konos, a cone, and by others 
from Cunila, tne name of a town. Nat. Ord. 
Labiate. 

Native hardy herbaceous perennials. com- 
mon on @ry hills from New York to Illinois 
and southward. They produce clusters of 
small white or purplish flowers from July 
to September. Propagated by root division. 


Cunningha'mia. In honor of two brothers, J. 
and A. Cunningham, British botanists in Aus- 
tralia. Nat. Ord. Conifere. 

C. Sinensis, the only known species, is a 
lofty evergreen tree, native of South China. 
It bears aclose resemblance to the Araucarias, 
the foliage, however, being of a brighter 
green and less rigid. It is too tender for our 
climate, but its elegance makes it welcome in 
any conservatory where there is room for its 


development. Propagated from seed. In- 
troduced in 1804. 
Cuno’nia. Named after John C. Cuno, of 


Amsterdam, who described his own garden in 
verse, in 1750. Nat. Ord. Sawxifragacee. 

C. Capensis, the only species, is a small 
tree, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, 
where it is called, ‘‘ Rood Elze,’’ by the set- 
tlers. The dense racemes of small white 
flowers, are axillary and opposite, the leaves 
pinnate with oblong coriaceous serrated leaf- 
lets. It is quite an ornamental green-house 
plant, and is easily increased by cuttings. 
Introduced in 1816. 


Cup Plant. A popular name for Silphium per- 
foliatum. 

Cupa/nia. Named after Francis Cupani, an 
Italian monk, who wrote on botany. Nat. 
Ord. Sapindacee. 

A genus of ornamental green-house ever- 
green trees, chiefly natives of Mexico and 
the West Indies. The species vary in height 
from six to twenty feet, and produce beautiful 
white flowers. One species, C. pendula, a 
native of tropical Australia, is a lofty-growing 
tree, and furnishes the beautiful wood known 
as Tulip Wood, so called from its Tulip-like 
markings. The species are increased by 
cuttings. 


Cu’phea. From kyphos, curved; referring to the 
form of the seed-pods. Nat. Ord. Lythracee. 
An extensive genus of green-house ever- 
greens, and half-hardy annuals. With afew 
exceptions, such as C. platycentra, commonly 
known as ‘‘Segar Plant” and ‘Fire Cracker 
Plant,” they are of but little merit. C. platy- 
centra makes a beautiful border and room 
plant. It is propagated readily by cuttings, 
grows freely, and produces its scarlet and 
purple tubular flowers in great profusion 
nearly the whole year. Introduced from 
Mexico in 1845. 


Cupre’ssus. Cypress. From kuo, to produce 
and parisos, equal; in reference to the sym- 
metrical growth of some of the species. Nat. 
Ord. Conifere. 


CUR 


An extensive genus of hardy evergreen 
trees, widely disseminated. C. sempervirens, 
the common European Cypress, is a native of 
Persia, but has for so long a time been gen- 
erally planted throughout the East, that it is 
impossible to ascertain the section where it 
is indigenous. The timber of this species is 
highly esteemed for its durability, being con- 
sidered superior to cedar. The doors of St. 
Peter’s Church at Rome, which had been 
formed of this wood in the time of Constan- 
tine, showed no signs of decay when, after 
the lapse of a 1100 years, Pope Eugenius 
TY. took them down to replace them by 
gates of brass. In order to preserve the 
remains of their heroes, the Athenians buried 
them in coffins of Cypress; and the chests 
or coffins in which the Egyptian mummies are 
found are usually of the same material. C.. 
thyoides is the White Cedar or Cypress of our 
Southern States, a graceful and beautiful tree 
in its native home, but which only thrives in 
wet places. There are several species found in 
California and Oregon, some of which are 
magnificent trees; others are graceful and 
ornamental shrubs. The beautiful Retinos- 
poras of Japan are nearly related to this 
genus. A number of species, known as Cu- 
pressus, are now placed under Chamecyparis, 
by some authors. 


Cupreus. Of copper color, yellowish-red with 
considerable mixture of gray. 


Curcu'ligo. From curculio, a weevil; the seeds 
having a point resembling the beak of a 
weevil. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A genus of green-house herbaceous plants of 
which the only species worthy of cultivation 
is ©. recurvata, and its variegated forms. 
They have large palm-like ribbed leaves, 
beautifully recurved; most ornamental and 
useful for green-house or conservatory deco- 
ration. They are of easy cultivation growing 
freely in acompost of turfy loam and sand, 
and are readily propagated by suckers which 


form at the base of the stem. Introduced 
from Bengal in 1805. 
Curcu’lio. The Plum Weevil. See Insects. 


Cu’/rcuma. Turmeric. From kurkum, its Arabic 
name. Nat. Ord. Scitaminee. 

An extensive genus of herbaceous peren- 
nials, natives of the East Indies, China and 
Java. Most of the species possess the same 
aromatic stimulating properties in the roots, 
or rhizomes, and seeds, as the common ginger, 
and are plants of considerable beauty from their 
colored bracts. C. longa is one of the best 
known species, the powdered root of which is 
the Turmeric of commerce. This powder is 
used in India as a mild aromatic and for other 
medicinal purposes. It also enters into the 
composition of curry powder, and a sort of 
arrow-root is made from the young tubers. 
Turmeric is a dye of a very rich color, but it 
possesses no durability, nor has there been 
any combination of mordants found that 
would give it this quality in a sufficient 
degree to make it useful. Several of the 
species, with yellow or reddish flowers, are 
cultivated in the green-house. 


Curl. A disease of Potatoes, referable to 
Chlorosis. The tubers produce deformed, 
curled shoots, of a pallid tint, which are 
never perfectly developed, and give rise to 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 113 


Currant. Buffalo or Missouri. 


Cuscu’ta. Dodder. 


CUR 


minute tubers. It is alocal disease, however, 
and its cause is not certainly known. It is 
distinct from the curled foliage produced by 
the presence of Aphides. This term is also 
applied to a serious disease affecting theleav+s 
of the Peach tree, in which they are curled 
and blistered. Some attribute the disease to 
Aphides, and others to Fungi. There is no 
Enown remedy but the destruction of the 
ree, 


Curme’ria. Derivation of name not given. Nat. 
Ord. Aroidee. 

A small genus of green-house herbaceous 
perennials, natives of Colombia. C. Wallisii 
is a dwarf-growing species, and of a very or- 
namental character. The leaves are spread- 
ing, and strongly marked with very irregular 
dark-green spots or blotches, intermixed with 
broad patches of very pale yellowish-green. 
C. picturata has broad green leaves, with a 
broad central band of silvery gray. They 
were introduced to cultivation in 1875, and 
are highly esteemed in a collection of varie- 
gated-leaved plants. Propagated by offsets 
from the roots. 


Ribes aureum. 
Common Red. Ribes rubrum. 

New Zealand. Aristotelia fruticosa. 

Red Flowering. Ribes Sanguineum. 


From kechout, its Arabic 
name. Nat. Ord. Cuscutacea. 

These plants are deserving of attention 
from their parasitical character, as they will 
attach themselves to, and grow on any other 
plant within their reach. Their long twining 
stems emit an abundance of small fragrant 
flowers towards the end of summer. Their 
seeds germinate in the earth, but detach 
themselves as soon as sufficiently grown to 
take hold of a neighboring plant. They are 
natives of South America, New Holland, other 
tropical countries, and the United States. The 
Cuscuta is becoming troublesome in the 
Southern States by overrunning other vege- 
tation. It is particularly so to Oleanders, 
several instances being reported where it has 
completely destroyed these beautiful shrubs. 
In California there has been much trouble in 
fields of Alfalfa from a species of Cuscuta, 
which, it is stated, was introduced with 
Alfalfa seed from Chili. The only cure, when 
it gets into a field, consists in cutting the 
crop before the Dodder matures any seed.and 
repeating the process as long as the Dodder 
makes its appearance. C. Gronovit is very 
common in low damp grounds, especially in 
shady places both east and west, chiefly on 
coarser herbs and low shrubs; its orange- 
colored stems render it very conspicuous. 


Cuscuta’cez. A natural order of plants in- 
cluded-by some as a sub-order of Convolvul- 
acee. They are leafless, parasitic, twining 
herbs, with flowers in dense clusters. The 
seeds germinate in the soil in the usual way, 
and afterward become true parasites by at- 
taching themselves to plants in their vicinity, 
and growing at their expense. They are 
found in the temperate regions of both hemi- 
spheres and are very destructive to some 
kinds of plants. There are four known genera 
and. upward of fifty species. Cuscuta, Lepi- 
danche, and LEpilinella are examples of the 
order. 


CYA 


Cushion Pink, or Ladies’ Cushion. 
maritima. 


Cuspidate. Tapering gradually into a rigid 
point. A leafis cuspidate when it suddenly 
tapers to a point. 


Custard Apple. A popular name of Asimina 
triloba, or American Papaw. 


Cuticle. The external homogeneous skin of a 
plant, consisting of a tough membrane over- 
lying the epidermis. The word is also used 
for the skin of anything, including the epi- 
dermis. 


Cutting. A portion of a young branch which, 
when inserted into the earth under suitable 
conditions, emits roots, and is developed as a 
distinct individual. See Propagation by Cut- 


Armeria 


tings. 
Cyana’nthus. From kyanos, blue, and anthos, a 
flower. Nat. Ord. Campanularea. 


C. lobatus is a delicate little hardy herba- 
ceous plant from the higher ranges of the Him- 
alayas, with a habit similar to some species of 
Campanula. Its requirements are a sandy 
soil, with plenty of moisture during the flow- 
ering season, but afterward it should be kept 
rather dry and allowed to rest. The flowers 
are terminal, and light blue. Propagated by 


cuttings. 
Cyane’lla. A diminutive of kyanos blue. Nat. 
Ord. Liliacee. 


Pretty green-house bulbs, with white, blue, 
or yellow flowers. They grow readily in 
sandy loam, and, like all other plants of the 
same order, require to have a resting season, 
which, for convenience, is generally deferred 
to the winter. The protection of a cold frame 
is all they require to endure our winters. 
They increase freely by offsets. Natives of 
the Cape of Good Hope; introduced in 1768. 

Cyanophy’llum. From kyanos, blue, and phyl- 
lon, a leaf; referring to the color of the under 
surface of the leaves. Nat. Ord. Melastom- 
acew. 

Of this exceedingly interesting plant we 
take the following description from Lowe’s 
“ Beautiful Leaved Plants :” ‘‘ Native country, 
tropical America. Introduced in 1857 by Mr. 
Linden, a Continental nurseryman. A fine 
woody Melastomaceous hot-house shrub, 
which has not yet flowered in this country 
(England). The leaves are truly magnificent, 
growing two feet long and nine inches wide, 
of a long oval shape, tapering to a point. 
Upper surface a distinct ivory-like midrib, 
with a pair of veins of the same color running 
from the base near the margin and meeting 
near the point, joining near the midrib. Mar- 
gin irregularly serrated. Color a deep vel- 
vety green; underneath the veins are visible, 
and the general color is a rich purplish crim- 
son. Habit strong growing. Nothing can 
possibly exceed the beautiful foliage of this 
truly handsome plant.” The above descrip- 
tion of C. magnifiewm will apply equally well 
to the other species. Propagated by cut- 
tings. 

Cyano'tis. From kyanos, blue, and ous, an ear; 
referring to the shape of the petals. Nat. Ord. 
Commelynacee. 

A small genus of evergreen trailing plants, 
allied to Tradescantia, and requiring the same 
general treatment. The species are showy 
plants, natives of tropical Asia. They are 


114 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CYA 


propagated readily by cuttings. Introduced 
in 1770. 


Cya’thea. From kyatheion, a little cup; in ref- 
erence to the appearance of the spore or seed 
cases on the back of the leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Polypodiacea. 

An extensive genus of arborescent Ferns, 
abundant in South America and in the West 
Indies, in India, the Eastern Islands, and in 
the Pacific Islands; afew are also met with 
in New Zealand and South Africa. In some 
the trunk is short, but in others it reaches a 
height of forty to sixty feet, and is 
crowned with a magnificent head of fronds, 
which are in many cases of gigantic size, and 
are always large. C. medullaris, a native 
of New Zealand and the Pacific Isles, and 
known in gardens as a noble Tree Fern of 
comparatively hardy character, forms in its 
native country a common article of food with 
the natives. The part eaten is the soft me- 
dullary substance, which occupies the center of 
the trunk, and which has some resemblance to 
Sago. C. dealbata, another beautiful species 
of New Zealand, is said to be eaten in the 
same way. This has a trunk from ten to fif- 
teen feet high, crowned with a noble tuft of 
fronds, which are white beneath with a silvery 


powder. Propagated by spores. First intro- 
duced in 1793. 
Cvatho'des. From kyathos, a cup, and eidos, 


like ; because the nectary resembles that ves- 
sel. Nat. Ord. Epacridacee. 

An interesting and somewhat extensive 
genus of green-house evergreens, natives of 
Australia, and occasionally met in New Zea- 
land and the Pacific Islands. They produce 
small axillary white or yellow flowers. They 
are propagated by cuttings and require the 
same treatment as recommended for the 
Epacris. 


Cycadacez. A natural order of small, palm- 
like trees or shrubs, with unbranched stems 
and pinnate leaves, usually rolled up like a 
crosier while in bud. They are chiefly natives 
of the tropical and temperate regions of 
America and Asia, but are also found in 
southern Africa and in Australia, The plants 
are mucilaginous and starchy. Cycas revoluta, 
one of the best known, is a native of Japan, 
and supplies a kind of starch which is used as 
f£ago; and a similar kind of false Sago is sup- 
plied by C. circinalis in the Moluccas. Caffre 
bread is made from the starch of a Cape spe- 
cies of Encephalartos. In the West Indies a 
kind of Arrow-root is obtained from some 
species of Zamia. There are seven known 
genera and about fifty species. Cycas, Zamia, 
Encephalartos, and Dion are examples of the 
order. 


Cy'cas. The Greek name of a Palm said to grow 
in Ethiopia. Nat. Ord. Cycadacee. 

A remarkable genus of ornamental plants, 
consisting of low-growing trees, with cylin- 
drical, usually unbranched stems, terminated 
at the top by a crown of handsome, deeply- 
cut, pinnate leaves of thick texture. C. revo- 
luta, the finest of the species, is grown exten- 
sively in China and Japan, its native countries, 
for the pith contained in its trunk, and which 
is prepared by the natives into an article of 
food similar to the Sago, upon which they live 
wholly for several months in the year. They 
are commonly, but erroneously, called Sago 


CYC 


Palms, as they furnish none of the Sago of 
commerce. Their cultivation in our houses is 
thé same as is required for all the Palm tribe; 
plenty of pot room, and a strong, moist heat. 
C. revoluta, however, may be wintered in a low 
temperature, and its new growth retarded for 
the lawn. After the leaves have perfected 
their growth and are thoroughly hardened, 
the plants can be placed upon the lawn during 
summer, where they are most appropriate 
ornaments. Young plants are usually obtained 
from suckers, but as it takes many years to 
grow these to any useful size, large numbers 
of the trunks, minus leaves and roots, vary- 
ing in height from one to seven feet, are 
annually imported from Cuba and the West 
Indian Islands, which being placed in heat, 
soon make good plants. Several large con- 
signments have also been received of late 
years from Japan. This genus was first intro- 
duced into England from China in 1737. 


Cy’clamen. From kyklos, circular; referring to 
the round leaves. Nat. Ord. Primulacee. 
This genus contains some of our most pop- 
ular and desirable plants for fall, winter, and 
early spring flowering. They are all neat and 
dwarf in habit; all have foliage of pretty form 
and beautiful markings, and the flowers, in 
every case, are beautiful, some exquisitely 
so. C. persicum stands at the head of the 
family, and is the one in most general culti- 
vation. The Cyclamen should be grown from 
seed, which should be sown as soon as ripe, 
in gentle heat, in pans filled with a compost of 
well-rotted manure, leaf mould, and coarse 
sand thoroughly incorporated. As soon as 
the plants have made two leaves, prick out 
into thumb-pots filled with the same compost, 
and place upon the shelf in the green-house, 
near the glass, and shade from direct sunlight. 
Carefully water; to dry them or drown them 
is equally fatal. As soon as the potsare filled 
with roots, shift into a three-inch pot, observ- 
ing the same instructions in all respects. By 
the first of September they will require a 
five-inch pot. With proper care and attention, 
they will be in flower in December and Janu- 
ary following planting. They require a more 
even temperature than is usually given to 
green-house plants, not above 60° nor below 
50°; with it bulbs two inches in diameter can 
be grown in one year. After flowering, they 
should be gradually ripened off, but never 
allowed to become thoroughly dry. During 
summer keep them in a frame, shaded, and 
give occasionally a little water. They should 
be repotted again about the first of September, 
reducing the old ball considerably and giving 
them similar treatment to that previously 
advised for young plants, but the flowers are 
generally earlier and smaller a second year. 
Itis not advisable to save plants after this 
age, as seed sown every year will keep up a 
stock, and young plants are much to be pre- 
ferred. This species is a native of Persia. 
All the species are famous for their acridity, 
yet in Sicily the Cyclamen is the principal food 
of the wild boars; hence the common name of 
Sow-bread. 


Cyclantha'ceze. A natural order of perennial 
herbs or shrubs, all natives of tropical 
America. It is very closely allied to Pandan- 
-acee, and embraces four genera and about 
thirty-five species. Carludovica palmata, which 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


115 


CYC 


yields the much-valued straw from which the 
Guyaquil or Panama hats are manufactured, 
is the best known representative of the order. 


Cycla’nthera. A free-growing Mexican climber, 
belonging to the Cucurbitacew. It has hand- 
some foliage, and pretty oval-shaped fruit, ex- 
ploding when ripe. 


Cyclan’thus. From kyklos, acircle, and anthos, 
a flower; in allusion to the spiral arrange- 
ment of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Cyclantha- 


A remarkable genus of tropical American, 
perennial, stemless, milky herbs. C. discolor 
has bifid lanceolate leaves, with a tapering 
point, more or less frilled at the edges. The 
young leaves are streaked, of a tawny orange 
hue, which passes off as they become matured? 
Introduced from Guiana in 1882. Syn. Cyelo- 
santhes. 


Cyclobo'thra. From kyklos, a circle, and 
bothros, a pit; in reference toa cavity at the 
bottom of each sepal. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A genus of very handsome bulbous plants 
from California and Mexico. They are allied 
to the Calochortus, and require the same 
treatment. The flowers are nodding, like 
those of the Fritillarias, and of white, yellow, 
and purplecolors. They are easily propagated 
by the small bulbs that grow on the upper 
part of the stems. 


Cyclo’gyne. From kyklos, a circle, and gyne, a 
stigma, or female organ; in reference to the 
disposition of the pistils. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
Nose. 

A very beautiful green-house evergreen 
shrub from Swan River. It is remarkable 
for the appearance of the pinnate leaflets, 
which are clad underneath with white hairs ; 
and this, with the profusion of purple flowers 
it bears, renders it an attractive object. 
Propagated by seeds or cuttings. 


Cycno’ches. Swan Neck. From kyknos, a 
swan, and auchen, the neck; in reference to 
the long and gracefully curved column. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidaceew. 

Some of the species are considered indis- 
pensable to the Orchid house, for the beauty 
and delightful fragrance of the flowers. They 
require strong heat and moisture. 


Cydo’nia. Quince. The name of Cydonia was 
given to this plant by the ancients, from its 
growing abundantly near Kydon, in the isle 
of Crete, now Candia. Nat. Urd. Rosacew. 

The common Quince, C. vulgaris, has been 
under cultivation from a very early period. 
Pliny says: ‘‘There are many kinds of this 
fruit in Italy; some growing wild in the 
hedgerows, others so large that they weigh 
the boughs down to the ground.” Martial, 
who died at Rome A. D. 104, states that the 
Romans had three sorts of Quinces, one of 
which was called Chrysomela, from its yellow 
color. They boiled them with honey, as the 
Europeans make marmalade. Botanical re- 
searches show that the Quince grows spon- 
taneously on the hills and in the woods of 
Italy, in the south of France, in Spain, Sicily, 
Sardinia, the Crimea, and in the south of the 
Caucasus; it also grows abundantly on the 
banks of the Danube, and in the north of 
Africa. ‘‘The learned Goropius maintains 
that Quinces were the golden apples of Hes- 
perides, and not Oranges, as some commen- 


CYM 


tators pretend. In support of his argument 
he states that it was a fruit much revered by 
the ancients, and he assures us that there 
has been discovered at Rome a statue of 
Hercules that held in its hand three Quinces. 
This, he says, agrees with the fable which 
states that Hercules stole the golden apples 
from the gardens of the Hesperides.” This 
‘species is unquestionably the parent of the 
severa) varieties under cultivation. There 
seems to have been but little improvement 
in this fruit in centuries. The great differ- 
ence in the quality of this fruit, as seen in our 
markets, is largely due to cultivation. The 
common practice of planting the Quince 
in some neglected corner results in getting 
small, knotty fruit, almost if not altogether 
worthless. The Quince should have a deep, 
rich soil, rather heavy, and the ground should 
be kept clean and free from grass. Attention 
should also be paid to pruning, as apreventive 
against slugs and other vermin. The trunks 
and branches should be thoroughly rubbed 
over with strong soft-soap every spring. 
With this simple precaution the failure of a 
crop of large, clean, healthy fruit will be very 
rare. The propagation of the Quince is very 
simple, the more rapid way being to take cut- 
tings from the young wood in autumn, heel 
them in in some protected place during winter, 
and plant out in spring in a shaded situation, 
and they will take root very readily. C. Japon- 
ica, Syn. Pyrus Japonica, is a beautiful dwarf 
species, remarkable for the brilliancy of its 
blossoms, which vary from the richest scarlet 
to the most delicate blush color. It is ana- 
tive of Japan, perfectly hardy, and well 
adapted for single plants on the lawn, or for 
planting ornamental hedges. The fruit has a 
delicious fragrance, but is entirely worthless 
for domestic purposes. This species is best 
propagated by root cuttings. C. Maulei, 
dwarfer and more compact in habit than C. 
Japonica, has bright red flowers and golden 
yellow fruit, produced in great abundance, 
and which makes an excellent conserve. It 
is one of the most beautiful plants of com- 
paratively recent introduction. 


Cylindrical. Cylinder-shaped; approaching 
closely to the form of a cylinder, as the stems 
of grasses, etc. 


Cyli‘sta. From kylitos, twining; referring to 
the habit of the plants. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 
A genus of ornamental climbing plants. C. 
scariosa, found in the Bombay districts of 
India, is a very ornamental climber, requiring 
to be grown in a hot-house, as do most of the 
genus. The flowers are very showy, bright, 
yellow, borne on erect bracted racemes, and 
are remarkable for their large papery calyx, 
which is very conspicuous. Propagated by 
cuttings. Introduced in 1776. 


Cymbi'dium. From kymbos, a hollow recess; 


referring to a hollow recess in the lip or label- 
lum. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A genus containing both terrestrial and 
epiphytal Orchids, many of them of rare 
beauty, and all worthy of cultivation. C. 
Sinense, a native of China, is remarkable for 
its delicious fragrance. The epiphytal spe- 
cies require the treatment of hot-house 
Orchids; the terrestrial ones do well in a 
green-house temperature. 


116 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CYM 


Cy’mbiform. Having the figure of a boat in 
miniature; that is to say, concave, tapering 
to each end, with a keel externally, as the 
glumes of Phalaris Canariensis. 


Cyme. A form of inflorescence, resembling a 
flattened panicle, as in the Laurustinus and the 
Elder (Sambucus). 


Cy’nara. Cardoon. Artichoke. From kyon, a 
dog; in reference to the spines of the involu- 
crum resembling dog's teeth. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

C. cardunculus, the Cardoon of the garden, 
very much resembles the Artichoke; it is a 
hardy perennial, a native of the south of 
Europe and the northern parts of Africa. The 
stalks of the leaves, or ribs, as they are usu- 
ally termed, are blanched, and when properly 
cooked constitute a tender and excellent veg- 
etable, much used in France, but not gener- 
ally cultivated in other countries. The flow- 
ers, like those of the Artichoke, have the 
property of curdling milk. See Artichoke. 


Cyno’don. Bermuda Grass, Scutch Grass. A 
small genus of grasses but little known, except 
C. Dactylon, a native of southern Europe, and 
all tropical countries. It is acommon pasture 
grass in the West Indies, and the Sandwich 
Islands, and has long been known in the 
United States, though it is only of late years 
that its value is becoming appreciated. It is 
admirably adapted for the Southern States, as 
it is fitted by nature to withstand drought 
and the scorching rays of the sun bet- 
ter than any other grass. In the East 
Indies (where it is called, Doub or Doorba, by 
the natives) and in all tropical countries, this 
grass is highly esteemed for its drought- 
resisting qualities, and also for the peculiar 
habit of its growth; the wiry roots of grass in 
running over the surface of the ground form a 
strong fibrous matting. It has numerous 
joints from each of which roots strike down 
and blades shoot up. This has caused it to be 
sown largely for the purpose of binding banks 
of creeks and dams, etc. It makes a perfect 
carpet of roots, enablingit to withstand traffic 
which would completely kill any other grass. 
For lawns it is also highly prized, as while all 
other grasses are burned up during the hot 
season, Bermuda Grass will look compara- 
tively green, and if watered and regularly 
mown, it will make quite a velvety carpet. 
The only drawback is that in winter it looks 
alittle brown. It should be sown in the spring, 
as it will not germinate until warm weather 
comes. As a grassfor hay or pasture, it 
matures and gives its first cutting ordinarily in 
June. Persons having the most experience 
with Bermuda Grass, place the average 
yield of hay for ten years at four tons per acre 
per annum. This is a cautious and safe estim- 
ate of its productiveness. It grows where- 
ever corn and cotton grow. On poor land 
Bermuda Grass is stumpy and coarse; on 
rich land its growth is free, and its blades are 
long, tender and delicate. Properly cultivated 
in southern latitudes, animals prefer this 
grass and the hay made from it over all other 
varieties. Like Japan Clover, it does not 
succeed further north than Virginia. 


Cynoglo’ssum. Hound’s Tongue. From kyon, 
a dog, and glossa, a tongue; referring to the 
shape of the leaves. Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. 


CYP 


Pretty border plants, producing flowers of 
almost all colors. They grow in any soil, and 
are not very particular as to situation, and 
are increased readily by division of the stools 
in the spring. The annuals and biennials are 
grown from seed. 

Cynosu’rus. Dog’s-tail Grass. From kyon, a 
dog, and oura, a tail; from its resemblance to 
a dog’s tail, whence its common name. Nat. 
Ord. Graminacee. 

A small genus of grasses, but one of which, 
C. cristatus, the Crested Dog’s-tail Grass, is of 
value to the agriculturist. This species is 
common in England, in dry pastures, often 
forming a considerable portion of the turf on 
gravelly soils. For such soils it is avalu- . 

. able grass, being greatly relished by sheep, 
but is not much liked by cattle. The slender 
straws of this grass are valuable for making 
hats, being far superior even to the fine wheat 
plant cultivated for the purpose in Italy. 

Cype’lla. From kypellon, a goblet, a cup; re- 
ferring to the form of the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Tridacee. 

A genus of very pretty half-hardy bulbs, 
worthy of a place in the green-house. They 
are multiplied by offsets. Introduced in 1823, 


Cypera’cez. A natural order of grass-like, 
tufted plants, having solid, usually jointed, 
and frequently angular stems; leaves with 
their sheaths entire (not split, as in Grasses) ; 
and very generally distributed all over the 
world, abounding in moist places. Some of 
the Sedges are demulcent, others are bitter 
and astringent. Some, by means of their 
creeping underground stems, bind together 
the loose sands of the sea-shore. Their cell- 
ular tissue is sometimes used for paper, and 
the underground stems of several species of 
Cyperus are used for food. The underground 
stems of Carex arenaria are used for Sarsa- 
parilla. The species of Eriophorum, or Cotton ° 
Grass, have long, white, silky hairs surround- 
ing the fruit. Papyrus antiquorum (also called 
Cyperus) appears to be one of the plants called 
Bulrush inthe Bible. It formerly grew abund- 
antly at the mouth of the Nile, which was 
hence called papyriferous by Ovid, but it is 
now gone. The cellular tissue of its stems was 
used in place of paper. Scirpus lacustis, the 
Bulrush, is used for making mats, baskets, 
and the bottoms of chairs. In South America 
itis used for making balsas or boats, anda 
similar use is referred to in Isaiah, xvii., 1, 2. 
There are 120 known genera and upward of 
2,000 species. Cyperus, Papyrus, Carex, Scir- 
pus, Eriophorum, and Cladiwm are examples of 
the order. 

Cype’rus. Supposed to be derived from Cypris, 

aname of Venus, from their supposed medi- 

cinal qualities. Nat. Ord. Cyperacea. 

A genus of sedge plants, of but little merit 
for the gardenor green-house. C. alternifolius 
is grown as a basket plant; it is of the easiest 
culture, and will thrive in any soil or situation, 
but prefers a moist one. A variegated variety 
of this species is very beautiful, but not con- 
stant. They are natives of Madagascar, first 
introduced in 1781. C. rotundus (Nut pease) is 
a common and troublesome weed in the 
Southern States. ° 
Cy'phia. From kyphos, curved; referring to 

the shape of the style and stigma. Nat. Ord. 

Campanulacee. 


CYCLOBOTHRA FLAVA. 


CYCAS REVOLUTA. 


“nea me ty 


CYNOSURUS (DOG’S-TAIL GRASS). CYNARA (CARDOON), 


Sh ; 
Aa 


DATURA FASTUOGA. 


DAHLIAS (SINGLE). 


DACTYLIS (ORCHARD GRASS). 


OXYPRIPEDIUM SPECTABILE. Im7 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 117 


CYP 


. A small genus of herbaceous twiners from 
South Africa. They produce small blue or red 
bell-shaped flowers, of but little interest. The 
species are rarely met, excepting in botanical 
collections. 

Cyphoma’ndra. From kyphoma, a hump, and 
aner, aman; the anthers formahump. Nat. 
Ord. Solanaceae. 

A genus of shrubby plants with showy 
foliage, natives of South America. C. betacea, 
is the Tree Tomato, a handsome shrub, a 
native of Peru, the small, deep red, egg-like 
fruit of which is used in the same way as 
Tomatoes. Propagated by seeds or cuttings. 
Introduced in 1887. 


Cypress. See Cupressus. 

Black or Deciduous. Tazxodium distachyum. 

Chinese Deciduous. Taxodium sinense. 

Funeral. Cupressus funebris. 

Japan. The genus Retinospora; especially 
&. obtusa. 

Monterey. Cupressus macrocarpa. 

Nootka Sound. Cupressus Nutkensis. 

Oregon. Cupressus Lawsoniana. 

Cypress Vine. Sve Quamoclit. 

Cypripe/dium. Ladies’ Slipper, -or Moccasin 
Flower. From Cypris, one of Venus’s names, 
and podion, aslipper. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceew. 

A somewhat extensive genus of terrestrial 
Orchids, producing flowers of the most sin- 
gular structure, combined with elegance and 
beauty. Itis remarkable that a family with 
such marked and distinctive characteristics 
should find congenial homes in such a 
diversity of soil and climate. The species 
are pretty generally distributed, from our 
most northern States to Mexico, through 
South America, the Pacific Islands, and India. 
The State of New York furnishes six species, 
all beautiful and worthy of cultivation. The 
native species may all be cultivated in the 
garden by placing them in a well drained 
shady border; the soil of which should be 
liberally mixed with leaf mould. Their unique 
blossoms render them highly deserving of any 
eare. The best time for transplanting them 
from their native localities is after they have 
done blooming, and they should be removed 
with a ball of earth attached to the roots. 
Some of the tropical species require the tem- 
perature and humid atmosphere of the hot- 
house, while others do bestin the green-house. 
The most of them however thrive admirably 
amongst ordinary stove-plants, flower very 
freely, and continue in perfection a long time. 
One most important point in their culture is 
drainage. This must be most thorough and 
effective, for as these plants have no pseudo- 
bulbs to sustain them, they must not be dried 
off, as many other orchids are, during winter, 
and if the drainage is defective, the roots are 
sure to decay and the leaves shrivel. The 
foliage of several of the species is beautifully 
spotted and marbled with yellow and white, 
which makes them attractive at all times. 
There are so many species and varieties now 
under cultivation, and they are allso beautiful 
thatit is almost impossible to make a selection 
of only afew kinds. An amateur should there- 
fore begin’ with a few of the common species, 
and add to his collection as his taste or fancy 
dictates. See Orchids. The flowers are 
greatly valued in the winter months for 
florists’ work. Propagated by division of roots, 


CYR 


and by seed, which, with most of the species, 
is a rather delicate undertaking. ; 


Cyri/lla. Named in honor of D. Cyrillo, an Ital- 


ian botanist. Nat. Ord. Cyrillacee. 

A small genus of half-hardy and green- 
house flowering shrubs, with the habit of 
some of the larger Andromedas. C. racemt- 
flora is common in sandy banks of ponds and 
streams from the Carolinas south and west. 
It is a low-growing tree or shrub, with 
racemes of small white flowers. 


Cyrilla'ceze. A small order of evergreen shrubs 


or trees, differing from Ericaceew in their free 
petals and in the anthers opening in slits. 
Flowers usually racemose. The three genera 
are Cliftonia, Costwa and Cyrilia. There are 
about eight species, all confined to the warmer 
parts of America. 


Cyrta/ndra. From kyrtos, curved, and _ aner, 


andros, a male; alluding to the curved fila- 
ments of the perfect stamens. Nat. Ord. 
Gesneracee. 

A genus of trees and shrubs natives of the 
Malayan Archipelago and the Pacific Islands. 
Though embracing about sixty species, only 
two have as yet been introduced to cultiva- 
tion, C. pendula, from Java in 1883, and C. 
Pritchardii, from Fiji, in 1887. They are both 
interesting plants, and are increased by cut- 
tings. 


Cyrtanthe’ra. From kyrtos, curved and anthera, 


ananther. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

A small genus of handsome evergreen plants 
from South America, which do well in the 
green-house. They are nearly related to 
Justicia; their flowers are orange, yellow, 
and rose in color, borne in dense terminal 
panicles, and they are propagated readily 
from cuttings. Introduced in 1827. 


Cyrta’nthus. From kyrios, curved, and anthos, a 


flower; the flowers bend down from the sum- 
mit of the scape or stalk. Nat. Ord. Amaryl- 
lidacee. 

Very handsome green-house bulbs from the 
Cape of Good Hope. The flowers, which are 
borne in umbels on a slender scape, are red, 
crimson and orange, produced in summer, 
when they require very liberal watering; they 
should be grown in pots, and are propagated 
by offsets. Introduced in 1774. 


Cyrto’ceras. From kyrtos, curved, and keros, a 


horn; in allusion to the curved horns of the 
corona segments. Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacea. 

A stove-house evergreen climber with white 
flowers, tipped with buff. This is now gener- 
ally regarded as a section of the genus Hoya. 
C. multiflorus, the only species, bears the fol- 
lowing synonyms: Centrostemma multifiorum, 
Cyrtoceras floribundum, C. Lindleyanum, C. 
reflecum and Hoya coriacea. 


Cyrtochi'lum. From kyrtos, curved, or concave, 


and cheilos, a lip; the form of the labellum or 
lip. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A genus of small flowering Orchids from 
Mexico and Guatemala. The flowers are red, 
yellow, spotted, purple and green. They 
require a high temperature, and are usually 


» grown on blocks of wood or cork. 
Cyrtodei/ra. From kyrtos, curved, and deire, 


neck. Nat. Ord. Gesneracew. 
Green-house herbaceous perennials, with 
beautifully-colored foliage, and solitary flow- 


é 


118 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


CYR 


ers on short axillary stems. They make very 
pretty basket plants for the hot-house, the 
only place in which they thrive well. They 
thrive best in sandy loam and leaf mould, and 
are increased readily from cuttings, and also 
from seed. This genus is included under 
Episcia, by some authors. 


Cyrto’/mium. From kyrtos, curved; the shape 
of. the spore cases or seed vessels. Nat. Ord. 
Polypodiacee. 

A small genus of robust evergreen Ferns of 
very ornamental character. They are natives 
of India, China, and Japan, and require the 
hot-house for perfection of growth. Syn. 
Aspidium. ' 

Cyrtope’ra. From kyrtos, curved, and pera, a 
small sack; alluding to the sack-like append- 
age to the labellum or lip. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 


eee. 

A small genus of very beautiful terrestrial 
Orchids, natives of northern India. In 
appearance they resemble the Bletias, and are 
usually given the same treatment. 


Cyrtopo’dium. From kyrtos, curved, and pous, 
afoot; referring to the form of the labellum 
or lip. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 


DAH 


A genus of beautiful, strong-growing Or- 
chids from Brazil, valued alike for their large 
spikes of flowers, yellow spotted with red, and 
for their beautiful foliage. One species, with 
yellow flowers, has pseudo-bulbs nearly five 
feet high. The room required to grow them 
prevents their general cultivation. 


Cysto’pteris. From kystis, a bladder, and pteron, 
awing. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of beautiful, hardy Ferns, allied to 
Microlepia and Woodsia. They are admirably 
adapted for ferneries and rock work. C. 
bulbifera, a native species, produces large 
fleshy bulblets in the axils of the upper 
pinnew, which fall to the ground and become 
new plants. 

Cy'tisus. From Cythnus, one of the Cyclades, 
where one of the species was first found. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

This is an extensive genus, consisting prin- 
cipally of hardy deciduous trees and shrubs, 
of which C. Laburnum (Syn. Laburnum vulgare) 
is a well-known species. They are all very 
ornamental and free-flowering, and succeed 
well in almost any soil or situation. They 
are readily increased by seeds or from 
cuttings. Introduced in 1596. 


D. 


pes From dakru, a tear; referring 
to the gummy exudation. Nat. Ord. 
Conifere. 

A genus of evergreen trees inhabiting the 
East Indies and New Zealand. The flowers 
are curious, but not showy. The young 
branches afford a beverage of the same quali- 
ties as root beer. D. Franklinii, from Tas- 
mania, furnishes a valuable timber, very dur- 
able, which is used for ship and house-build- 
ing. Some of the wood is beautifully marked, 
and is used for cabinet work. 


Da’ctylis. Orchard Grass. .From dactylos, a 
finger; the head is divided sv as fancifully to 
resemble fingers. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A small genus of grasses, the best-known of 
which is D. glomerata, a native of Europe. It 
is a valuable grass for pastures, as it contains 
much nutriment when young, and the plant 
is not injured by close feeding. It grows well 
under trees, and is, therefore, fitted for 
orchards, and other shaded places. 


Dedalaca’nthus. From dedalos, various colored, 
and Acanthus, to which it is related. Nat. Ord. 
Acanthacee. 

A genus of about fourteen species of shrubs, 
natives of the East Indies and the Malayan 
Archipelago. D. macrophyllus, the best known 
species, is an erect, minutely-pubescent, per- 
ennial herb, with handsome foliage, and pale 
violet-blue flowers. It was introduced from 
Burmah in 1883. 


Dzmo/norops. From dema, a cord, and rhops, 
a twig; alluding to the rope-like, climbing 
stems. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

This genus of Palms, numbering more than 
forty species, is closely allied to Calamus, to 


which most of the species formerly belonged. 
All the species are natives of the eastern 
hemisphere, principally of the Malayan Pen- 
insula and Islands. They have long, thin, 
flexible stems, furnished with pinnate leaves, 
the prickly stalks of which are frequently pro- 
longed into whip-like tails. D. Draco (form- 
erly Calamus Draco) is a native of Sumatra 
and other islands of the Indian Archipelago, 
and is called the Dragon’s Blood Palm, in con- 
sequence of its fruits yielding a portion of the 
substance known in commerce as Dragon’s 
Blood. The fruits are about the size of cher- 
ries, and when ripe are covered with a reddish 
resinous substance, which is separated by 
shaking them in a coarse canvas bag. This 
resin is the best Dragon’s Blood that is 
obtained, although there are several other 
plants that furnish a similar article. D. Palem- 
hanicus and a few other species, natives of 
Java, have lately been introduced into the 
green-house as decorative plants, for which 
purpose they are exceedingly appropriate. 
The young leaves are of a bright cinnamon 
brown, and the contrast between this warm 
color and the deep green of the matured 
leaves renders the plants very beautiful at the 
time they are in course of development. 
Young plants are obtained from seed. Ina 
growing state they require considerable heat. 

Daffodil. The common name of Narcissus 
Pseudo-Narcissus. Seve Narcissus. 

Dagger Plant and Bayonet Plant. 
.names for a species of Yucca. 

Dahlia. In honor of Andrew Dahl, a celebrated 
Swedish botanist and pupil of Linnwus. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 


Local 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 119 


DAH 


This interesting genus, consisting of com- 
paratively few species, shows more plainly 
the skill of the florist than almost any other 
in cultivation. Its history is also somewhat 
curious, as, strange to say, though it has 
become so great a favorite, and is so univers- 
ally cultivated, the history of its introduction 
is very obscure. It is generally said to have 
been introduced into England by Lady Hol- 
land in 1804; but the fact is, it had been 
introduced many years before that period, 
and was only brought from Madrid in 1804 by 
Lady Holland, who apparently did not know 
that it was already in that country. The first 
kind of Dahlia known to Europeans, D. super- 
flua, Cav., (D. variabilis, Dec., Georgina pin- 
nata, W.,) was discovered in Mexico by Baron 
Humboldt in 1789, and sent by him to Pro- 
fessor Cavanilles of the Botanical Garden, 
Madrid, who gave the genus the name of 
Dahlia, in honor of the Swedish professor 
Dahl. Cavanilles sent a plant of it the same 
year to the Marchioness of Bute, who was 
very fond of flowers, and who kept it in the 
green-house. From this species nearly all the 
varieties known in the gardens have been 
raised, as it seeds freely, and varies very 
much when raised from seed. In 1802, D. 
frustranea, Ait., (D. coccinea, Cav.,) was intro- 
duced from France, in which country it had 
been raised from seed. It is rather remark- 
able that the two species did not hybridize 
together, and that D. superflua, or variabilis, 
should produce flowers of colors so different 
as crimson, purple, white, yellow, orange and 
scarlet without hybridization. Among all the 
colors, however, displayed by these varieties, 
no flowers have yet appeared of blue, and are 
not likely ever to be, as we find no family of 
plants in nature in which there are blue, yel- 
low and scarlet in varieties of the same spe- 
cies. These two species and their varieties 
were the only Dahlias known in English gar- 
dens for many years, as, though a few kinds 
were introduced from time to time from 
France and Spain, yet, as they did not hybrid- 
ize with the others, and were rather more 


tender, they were not generally cultivated, © 


and appear to have been soon lost. Most of 
these have, however, been re-introduced from 
Mexico, with several new species, within the 
last few years, and there are now ten or 
twelve distinct species, besides innumerable 
varieties of D. variabilis. The most remarka- 
ble of the new species is the tree Dahlia, D. 
excelsa, which is said to grow in Mexico thirty 
feet high, with a trunk thick in proportion. 
D. imperialis, a distinct species, attains a 
height of ten to fifteen feet, and is of a fine 
branching form, producing, late in the fall, 
pure white, drooping, lily-like flowers, three 
inches in diameter. It flowers rather late to 
be seen in perfection in the Northern States, 
but it is a magnificent plant in any section of 
the country where frost holds off until the 
15th of November. The very showy scarlet 
D. Juarezii, commonly called the ‘Cactus 
Dahlia,” is another distinct species, which, 
with its many varieties of various shades of 
color, is very attractive. The single varieties 
also of D. coccinea, from their grace and 
beauty, are much used for vases or epergnes 
of cut flowers. They also make distinct and 
interesting bedding plants, as they flower in 
great profusion. The colors so far attained 


Dalea. 


DAL 


are scarlet, yellow, rose, crimson, and 
white, with a great variety between these 
colors, as in the other classes, making 
a fine contrast with the yellow disk. The 
propagation of the Dahlia is quite sim- 
ple. For amateurs, division of the root will 
more than supply their needs, as each will 
divide, if started in a hot-bed or any warm 
and moist place, into at least six good plants. 
Young plants of both the single and double 
sorts are propagated by cuttings taken off old 
roots, started in heat in February or March, 
and grown on in pots until time to plant out 
in the border, which should be done as soon 
as danger from frost is over. Seeds of either 
the double or single sorts sown in February, 
grown on, and planted out in June, will make 
strong blooming plants by August. To suc- 
ceed well they should have a strong, deep and 
rich soil; as they are rapid growers, they are 
consequently gross feeders, and are much 
benefited by frequent applications of water 
during the summer, and by liquid manure 
after the buds are formed. For perfection in| 
bloom the shoots and flower-buds must be 
thinned out in the younger stages of growth, 
but otherwise it will be unnecessary to do so. 
Some of the dwarfer Pompon varieties have 
for the last two seasons been flowered in pots, 
for spring sales, with success, both pecu- 
niarily and otherwise, one firm in the neigh- 
borhood of New York having disposed of over 
10,000 plants in flower in one: season. The 
dwarf white variety, named Camelliaftora, is 
the favorite for this purpose. The same firm 
plants two houses of this variety about the 
first of August, for winter blooming, putting 
on the sashes just before the first frost, 
realizing a handsome price for them during 
winter, or until the houses are required for a 
spring crop of Geraniums, Fuchsias, etc. 


Daisy. Blue. See Agathea Celestis: also Aster 


Tripolium. 
Common. Bellis, which see. 
Marsh Ox-eye. Chrysanthemum lacustre. 
Ox-eye, or White. Leucanthemum vulgare. 
Paris. Chrysanthemum frutescens. 
Swan River. Brachycome iberidifolia. 
Western. Bellis integrifolia. 


Dalbe'rgia. Named after Nicholas Dalberg, a 


Swedish botanist. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of lofty-growing, East Indian ever- 
green trees. Most of the spevies are truly 
magnificent, of immense size. .with beautiful 
pinnate foliage, and produce an abundance of 
white flowers in axillary racemes. The trees 
are the most remarkable for the valuable 
timber they furnish. _D. latifolia is the Black- 
wood or East Indian Rosewood tree, common 
on the Malabar and Coromandel coasts, and 
yields one of the most valuable furniture 
woods. The timber is furnished in planks 
four feet wide, and is of a dark purplish color, 
very heavy, close grained, and susceptible ofa 
high polish. It lacks the rich perfume of the 
true Rosewood, and is not so beautifully 
variegated. In Indiaitis used in the manu- 
facture of their richest furniture. The species 
yield some of the most valuable timber used 
in the mechanic arts. 


Named after Dr. Samuel Dale, an 
English botanist of the last century. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 


120 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


DAL 


A genus of shrubby or herbaceous plants 
with purplish, blue, whitish or rarely yellow 
flowers, natives principally of Mexico, a few 
being found in Chili and the southern United 
States. The genus contains more than 100 
species, of which very few are in cultivation. 


D. Mutisii, introduced from South America in: 


1828, the most showy and best known species, 
has beautiful dark-blue flowers, disposed in 
cylindrical heads, flowering in October. Itis 
also known as Psoralea Mutisii. 


Dalecha’mpia. Named after James Dalechamp, a 
celebrated French botanist. Nat. Ord. Huphor- 
biacew. 

Evergreen climbers, producing small yel- 
lowish-green tlowers on axillary peduncles. 
The genus is small, mostly natives of Brazil, 
and do best in the hot-house. Propagated by 
cuttings. 

Daliba'rda. Named after Denis Dalibard, a 
French botanist. Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

D. repens, the only species, is a rather 
pretty trailing plant, quite common in our 
northern woods. The flowers are white, 
and are produced singly or in pairs. Itis not 
cultivated except in botanical collections. 

Dalmatian Powder. A well-known insecticide 
manufactured from the flowers of Pyrethrum 
cinerariefolium. 

Dame's Violet, or Rocket. 
for Hesperis Matronalis. 


Da’mmara. Kauri Pine. The name of the 
species in Amboyna. Nat. Ord. Conifera. 

A genus of evergreen trees, similar to our 
Pines. D. Australis, anative of New Zealand, 
isatree from 150 to 200 feet in height, pro- 
ducing a hard, brittle, resin-like copal, the 
principal ingredient of Dammar or white 
varnish. 

Dampie’ra. Named after the circumnavigator, 
Captain William Dampier. Nat. Ord. Good- 
eniacee. 

Green-house herbaceous perennials from 
New Holland, of easy culture. Flowers blue, 
both axillary and terminal. Propagated by 
cuttings of young shoots or by division. 


Damping off. A term applied tothe premature 
decay of the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants. 
Its effects are most marked on young and 
tender seedlings when crowded together, or 
placed under unsuitable atmospheric con- 
ditions. Damping off amongst cuttings is 
often caused. by allowing them to become too 
dry, and then suddenly applying too much 
water. The water is generally blamed when 
the actual cause is drought and the sudden 
change subsequently caused by the water. 
When damping is detected amongst tender 
seedlings they should be immediately sep- 
arated and transplanted singly in fresh soil. 
This will invariably check it, but the opera- 
tion is best performed before damping 
begins. 

Damson. A group of small fruited varieties of 
the Plum. 


Dancing Girls. Opera Girls. 

Dandelion. See Taraxicum. 

Dane-wort, or Dane’s Blood. Sambucus Hbu- 
lus. 


A common name 


See Mantisia. 


Dangle-Berry. A common name for Gaylussacia 
Srondosa. 


DAS 


Dantho’nia. Wild Oats Grass. Named in honor 
of M. Donthoine, a French botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Graminacee. 

An extensive genus of grasses, having in 
their native habitat the widest geographical 
range. Some of the species are common on 
poor soils in this country. D. spicata, one of 
the. most common species, is popularly known 
as Wild-Oats Grass. 


Da'phne. From daio, to burn, and phone, a 
noise; it crackles when burning. Nat. Ord. 
Thymelacee. 

An extensive genus of small shrubs, mostly 
evergreen, with very beautiful, fragrant flow- 
ers, natives chiefly of Europe, but partly also 
of the cooler parts of Asia, including Japan 
and China. Some of them are hardy shrubs, 
valued fur their early spring flowers. OD. 
Cneorum, the Garland Flower, is a hardy 
spreading evergreen shrub, growing about 
a foot high, and producing its beautiful bright 
pink or crimson, deliciously sweet-scented 
flowers in terminal clusters in April and May, 
and occasionally again in September. On 
account of its dwarf habit it is especially suit- 
able for planting on rock-work, or for edgings 
to beds; it is propagated by layers. D. odora, 
a native of China, is a green-house evergreen, 
succeeding best when planted out in a cool 
house; this species and D. Indica are grown 
extensively for cut flowers, which are highly 
esteemed for their delicious fragrance. They 
grow freely from cuttings. Introduced in 
1771. 


Da'rea. Named after Dar, a botanist. A genus 
of Ferns allied to Asplenium. 


Darlingto’nia. Named in honor of Dr. Darling- 
ton, one of our most distinguished botanists. 
Nat. Ord. Sarraceniacee. 

This remarkable genus consists of but one 
species, C. Californica, which is found in the 
marshy districts of California, and is com- 
monly known as the California Side-Saddle 
Flower, or Pitcher Plant. It is a perennial 
herb, and can be grown in an ordinary cool 
green-house. The plants should be potted in 
sphagnum, leaf-mould and sand. Propagated 
by division and from seed. Dr. Torrey gave 
the first description of this plant in 1853. 


Darnel, A common name for the Loliwm, which 
see. : 


Darwinia. Named after Dr. Darwin, author of 
the “Botanic Garden.” Nat. Ord. Myrtaceew. 
Asmall genus of low-growing, heath-like, 
evergreen shrubs, found in the extra tropical 
regions of Australia. The leaves are marked 
with transparent dots. D. macrostegia, much 
better known as Genetyllis, or Hedaroma tulipi- 
fera, has numerous campanulate, tulip-like 
flowers, nearly one and a half inches long, 
borne in terminal fascicles. The petal-like 
inner bracts are pale yellow, streaked with 
red, the petals white. It isa very showy and 
ornamental plant, and is easily increased by 
aE ae of the half-ripened wood. Introduced 
in 1854. 


Dasyli/rion. From dasys, thick, and leirion, a 
lily; the plants are succulent. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
plants from Mexico. The flowers, like most 
of this order, are quite interesting. They 
require similar treatment to the tender species 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 121 


DAT 


of Yucca, and are increased by suckers. 
Introduced in 1830. 

Date. Chinese. A name given by foreign resi- 
dents in the northern provinces of China to 
the fruit of a Zizyphus, allied to or probably 
an improved variety of Z. Jujuba. 

Date Palm. See Pheniz. 

Date Plum. See Diospyros. 


Dati’/sca. A very graceful herbaceous perennial 
of the Nat. Ord. Datiscacee, closely allied to 
‘the Begonias, well suited for a collection of 
hardy, fine-leaved plants, and also as isolated 


specimens. Flowers yellow, in long, loose 
axillary racemes. Native of Crete and west- 
ern Asia. 


Datisca’cez. A small natural order closely 
allied to the Begonias. The plants consist of 
a few species which are scattered over North 
America, northern India, Siberia, the Indian 
Archipelago and southern Europe. There are 
but three genera, Datisca, Tetrameles and Tri- 
cerastes, and these comprise but four species. 


Datu’ra. Jamestown Weed, Thorn Apple, Dev- 
il’s Trumpet. An alteration of the Arabic 
name tatorah. Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. 

Strong growing ornamental annuals, shrubs, 
or trees. The flowers of some of the annual 
species are large, very showy, and sweet- 
scented, D. ceratocaulon, white, tinged with 
purple, D. Chlorantha fl. pl., double yellow, 
and D. Meteloides (Syn. D. Wrightii), bluish- 
violet or white are the most generally culti- 
vated species, and are very showy border 
annuals. The shrubby species are best 
known as Brugmansias, under which name 
they are here described. D. Stramonium, 
commonly known as Thorn Apple, and in 
some sections as Jimson Weed, is a coarse- 
growing, troublesome weed, that seems to 
delight in filthy door-yards. The seeds and 
_ stems of the Datura are powerful narcotic 

poisons, and many deaths haveresulted from 

eating the seeds. They are sparingly used in 
medicine, and the dried root is sometimes 
smoked as a remedy for asthma. 


Daubento’/nia. Named after M. Daubenton, a 
celebrated naturalist. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 
A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
chiefly remarkable for their curious, quadran- 
gular seed pods, which are three tofour inches 
long, stalked, pointed, and furnished with 
wings along the angles. Their red or yellow, 
flowers, resembling the Laburnum, are borne 
on short axillary racemes. They are natives 
of Texas and Buenos Ayres. Propagated by 
seeds and cuttings of ripened young shoots. 
Introduced in 1820. Syn. Sisbania. : 
Daube/nya. In honor of Dr. Daubeny, Pro- 
fessor of Botany in the University of Oxford. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacew. ; 

A genus consisting of two species of yellow 
flowering bulbs from the Cape of Good Hope. 
They are very dwarf, the flower stalks being 
from three to six inches high, upon which is 
borne an umbel of small showy flowers. They 
are of easy culture, in a dry, warm situation, 
and with slight protection they will endure 
our winters. The safer way is to treat them 
the same as Gladiolus. Propagated by offsets. 

Da/ucus. Carrot. From daio, to make hot; 
in allusion to its supposed effect in medicine. 
Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 

For description of this genus, see Carrot. 


. 


DEC 


Dava'llia. Hare’s-foot Fern. Named after 
Edmund Davwall, a Swiss botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Polypodicee. 

A fine and extensive genus of tropical Ferns. 
They have scaly, creeping rhizomes, which are 
covered with close brown hair, which feature 
has given rise to the name of Hare’s-foot 
Fern. The genus is well marked by natural 
features, and is one of the most elegant to be 
found in our green-houses. Propagated by 
division of roots and by spores. Intro- 
duced in 1699. Acrophorus, Humata, Leucos- 
tegia, Microlepia, Stenoloma, etc., are included 
in this genus by some botanists. 


Davidso/nia. Queensland Plum. Named after 
the discoverer of the plant, who found itina 
sugar plantation. Nat. Ord. Sazifragacee. 

D. pruriens (Syn. pungens), the only introduced 
species, is a noble looking and desirable orna- 
mental plant, with leaves nearly two feet long. 
In the young state the leaves are of a bright 
red color, from which they pass to a deep 
green. It produces a succulent edible fruit 
and is one of the most interesting plants in 
Queensland. It was introduced from Austra- 
lia in 1877. 


Davie’sia. Named after Rev. Hugh Davies, a 
Welsh botanist. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 
Handsome green-house evergreens from 
New Holland. Like all other plants from that 
country, they require abountiful supply of air 
on all favorable occasions through the winter, 
and in summer they are much better placed 
in the open air, so that they are slightly 
shaded from the mid-day sun. Some of the 
species have a sub-scandent habit, which, with 
their densely-filled, drooping spikes of yellow 
and red flowers, gives them a very graceful 
appearance. Propagated by cuttings from 
well-ripened side shoots. Introduced in 1792. 


Dawn Flower. Blue. A popular name for 
Ipomea Learii. 

Day Flower. See Commelyna. 

Day Lily. See Funkia and Hemerocallis. 

Deadly Nightshade. A common name for 
Atropa Belladonna. 


Dead Nettle. A common name for the genus 
Lamium, afew species of which have become 
naturalized in this country to such an extent as 
to be troublesome. Natives of Europe. 


Dead-wort. Sambucus Ebulus. 


Dealbate. Covered with a very opaque white 
powder. 
Decai’snea. Named in honor of Joseph 


Decaisne, a distinguished French botanist, 
1807-1882. Nat. Ord. Berberidacew. 

One of the most remarkable of Indian dis- 
coveries. With the habit of an Araliaceous 
plant it exhibits the characters of the Ber- 
beridacew and Lardizabalaceee. D.insignis, the 
only species, is an elegant tree with greenish 
flowers borne in terminal racemes It is a 
native of the humid forests of Sikkim “and 
Bhotan, whence it was introduced in 1883. 


Deciduous. Falling off. Leaves which are 
shed annually. are said to be deciduous; as 
are also trees that annually lose their leaves. 
So also the calyx and corolla of Cruciferae. 


Taxodium distichum. 
Bent downwards. 


Deciduous Cypress. 
Declinate. 


122 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


DEC 


Decompound,, Decomposite. Having vari- 
ous divisions or ramifications; a leaf is said 
to be decompound when it is twice pinnated ; 
a panicle, when its branches are also panicled. 

Decuma’ria. From decuma, a tent; referring 
to the ten valvate divisions of the calyx, and 
the ten cells of the capsule or seed-pod. Nat. 
Ord. Sazxifragacee. 

A climbing shrub of the Southern States. 
Allied to Philadelphus. The flowers are white, 
sweet-scented, and arranged incorymbs. They 
are well adapted for growing against walls, 
thriving in almost any soil or situation. Prop- 
agated by cuttings or from seed. 


Decumbent. Reclining upon the earth and 
rising again from it; applied to stems when 
they recline upon the surface of the earth, but 
have a tendency to rise again at the extrem- 
ities. 

Decurrent. Where the limb of a leaf is pro- 
longed down the stem on each side, below the 
point of insertion, or where the midrib quits 
it; as though the leaf were partially united to 
the stem by its midrib. Common in the 
Thistles. 


Decussate. Arranged in pairs that alternately 
eross each other; when two right lines cross 
each other at right angles they are said to be 
decussate; leaves are often placed in this 
position, as in Izora parviflora, Phlox decussata, 
ete. 

Deerberry. One of the popular names of Vac- 
cinium stamineum. - 

Deer-Grass. See Rhezia. 


Deflexed, Bending gradually downwards 
through the whole length. 

Deformation. An alteration in the usual form 
of an organ, by accident or otherwise. 


Degeneration. Some peculiarity in the condi- 
tion of an organ, induced by modification of 
the circumstances under which its more usual 
and healthy development is effected. 


Deherai’nia. Named after Pierre-Paul Deherain, 
assistant naturalist of the Museum of the 
Jardin des Plantes, Paris. Nat. Ord. Myrsin- 
acee. 

D. smaragdina, the only species, is an inter- 
esting warm green-house plant, remarkable 
for its large green Primrose-like flowers dis- 
posed in clusters below the leaves. It was 
introduced from Mexico in 1876. Syn. Theo- 
phrasta smaragdina. 

Dehiscent. Opening, gaping; an expression 
applied to the mode in which the anthers or 
the capsule burst open and discharge their 
contents. 


Delphi/nium. Larkspur. From delphin, a dol- 
phin; in reference to the supposed resem- 
blance in the nectary of the plant to the 
imaginary figures of the dolphin. Nat. Ord. 
Ranunculacee. 

Well-known annual, biennial, and perennial 
plants, with curiously-cut leaves and splendid 
flowers, which are either scarlet, purple, pink, 
blue, or white, and never yellow. TheSiberian 
Larkspurs are remarkable for the metallic 
luster of their flowers, the hue of which re- 
sembles that of silver which has been tar- 
nished by fire; and the Bee Larkspurs are 
remarkable and interesting for the curious 
manner in which the petals are folded up in 
the center of the flower, so as to resemble a 


DEN 


bee, ora large blue-bottle fly. The Larkspurs 
will grow in any soil or situation, but one 
open to the sun suits them best. They are 
improved by the addition of a good deal of 
thoroughly-rotted manure to the soil in which 
they grow. The seeds keep good a long time, 
and those of the annual kinds do best sown in 
autumn, as when sown in spring they area 
long time before they flower. The perennials 
are propagated by division of the root, or by 
seed, which issown in March in the green- 
house or hot-bed, and the plants pricked out 
as soon as they show their second pair of 
leaves, are carefully grown on until the first 
of June, and then turned out into the flower- 
garden ;they will flower finely during the au- 
tumn months. See ‘‘ Herbaceous plants.” 


Deltoid. Of a triangular shape, like the Greek 
capital /\. 


Dendro’bium, From dendron, a tree, and bios, 
life; referring to the way these air-plants 
fasten on trees for support. Nat. Ord. Orchi- 
dacew. 

In this extensive genus we are presented 
with some truly magnificent epiphytes, which 
regarded either for their singular manner of 
growing, graceful or grotesque habits, and 
large, handsome, and richly-scented flowers, 
are perhaps unsurpassed in the entire range 
of vegetable forms. Ina cultural sense they 
may be divided into two sections, the pseudo- 
bulbous class, and those with tall bulbous 
stems. Many of the former are extremely 
small compared with the splendid flowers 
they produce, and from this circumstance, 
are usually grown on blocks of wood or cork, 
lest the young shoots should receive injury 
from excessive moisture. Those belonging 
to the other section are again divisible. The 
upright growing species, such as D. nobile, 
made the best appearance when cultivated in 
pots, and trained into suitable forms by the 
aid of stakes ; those of pendent trailing habits 
should be grown in baskets suspended from 
the roof of the house; in either case the soil 
should be composed of about equal parts of 
fibrous peat and sphagnum, with a liberal ad- 
dition of pieces of charcoal. The mixture 
should be thoroughly incorporated without 
breaking it fine, and an efficient drainage 
must be secured, or the plants will not thrive. 
The base of their stems should be elevated 
two, three or four inches, according to the 
size of the plant, above the top of the pot or 
basket, as they are liable to much injury from 
damp when making their new shoots. The 
temperature of the house in which these 
plants are grown is a consideration of the 
first consequence to their successful culture; 
it requires to be assimilated, as nearly as cir- 
cumstances will allow, to that of their native 
positions, and may be describedas of three dis- 
iinet phases, a dry and warm season, in which 
the plants produce their flowers, to be suc- 
ceeded by one still warmer, and in which an 
abundance of moisture must be present, as it 
is at this time that new growths are effected, 
and this active season must be followed by one 
suited to produce a state of repose in the 
plants, by reducing the amount of heat con- 
siderably, and restricting the supply of 
moisture to the least possible quantity. This 
season is that which corresponds with our 
winters, and for convenience should be re- 


. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE, 


123 


' their use as a cut-flower. 
‘in the florists’ winduws is by no means rare, 


DEN 


ferred to that time. Thus, from December 
to about the end of March, or later for some 
species, may be regarded as the period first 
mentioned, the growing season commencing 
with each individual as soon as its flowering 
is over, and continuing until the growth is 
complete, which is usually about the end of 
August or some part of September, when they 
require the perfect rest already spoken of. It 
is in the variation of these seasons, the with- 
holding or appliance of heat, that the whole 
art of the management lies. If it is done 
correctly, and at the proper time, of course 
the plant progresses satisfactorily, but other- 
wise all is confusion; the plant continues 
growing, but does not flower, becoming 
weaker each season. An average of 55°, with 
but slight alteration, should be observed for 
the dormant season; increasing it gradually 
to 65° or 70° for the flowering period, and after 
this is past, the temperature may be allowed 
to run up to 85°, 90°, or even more through 
the summer, keeping a proportionate amount 
of moisture in the atmosphere of the house 
by means of frequent steaming, syringing, 
etc. The genus consists of over 200 species, 
of which upward of eighty have been intro- 
duced into the green-house, and some of the 
species are grown to an extent that warrants 
Their appearance 


the more common being D. nobile, which 
flowers freely inthe green-house during the 
winter, and is one of the very few Orchids 
that will grow and flower very well in the 
ordinary sitting-room. They are natives of 
India, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. See 
Orchids. 


Dendrochi’/lum. From dendron, a tree, and 


cheilos, alip. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A small genus of East Indian Orchids, 
chiefly of little interest. 
species are highly esteemed by those who 
make a specialty of Orchids. D. glumaceum is 
a very handsome species, of neat habit, 
producing graceful drooping spikes of ivory- 
white flowers; the leaves, resembling those of 
the Lily of the Valley, gives the plant an in- 
teresting appearance when out of flower. D. 
JSiliforme is another graceful little plant, with 
yellow flowers. This genus requires to be 
grown in heat, and the plants, when at rest, 
should have an occasional watering, as the 
pseudo-bulbs are quite small, and, if allowed 
to shrivel, the plants would be lost. They 
are increased by division. Introduced in 1836. 


Dendrome’con. Tree Poppy. From dendron, . 


a tree, and mekon, a poppy; resembling that 
flower, with a woody stem. Nat. Ord. Pa- 
paveracee. ; 

D. rigidum, the only species, is a hardy small 
shrubby plant, with yellow flowers, a native 
of California. The common name is very ap- 
propriate, the plant having the appearance 
and character of the Poppy tribe, with a 
woody stem ‘and branches. Increased by 
seeds. 


Dendro’panax. From dendron, a tree, and 


Panax, Tree Panax. Nat. Ord. Araliacee. 
Very handsome and effective warm green- 
house plants. There are about twenty 
species, natives of tropical Asia and America, 
as well as China and Japan. D. argentea, has 
oblong, entire leaves about a foot in length, 


q/: 
One or two of the. Desfontalnea. 


Designs. 


DES 


silvery white on the upper surface—purplish 
beneath. It is the only species in general 
cultivation. 


Dennstz'dia. Derivation of name not given. 
Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea. 
A genus of Ferns, now merged in Dicksonia, 
The name is also a synonym of Sitolobiwm. 


Denta'ria. Toothwort. Pepper-root. From 
dens, a tooth; referring to the fanged roots. 
Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
several of the species being common in most 
of the States. The roots of D. diphylla have 
a pungent, mustard-like taste, and are con- 
siderably used _as a salad, under the name of 
Pepper-root. The -plant is somewhat orna- 
mental, of a dwarf habit, producing short 
racemes of white or purplish flowers. They 
are increased readily by division. 


Dentate. Having sharp teeth with concave 
edges. When these teeth are themselves 
toothed, the part is duplicato-dentate; not 
bidentate, which means two-toothed. 


Depa’ria. From depas, a cup, referring to the 
form of the involucre. A small genus of rare 
stove ferns, with generally bipinnate fronds. 
Some of the species may be propagated from 
the small bulblets they form on their fronds. 


Depauperate. When some part is less per- 
fectly developed than is usual in plants of the 
same family. 


Depressed. Pressed downward; having the 


appearance of being flattened vertically, as 
the tuber of the Turnip. 


Descending. Tending gradually downward, as 
some branches and leaves. Also, penetrating 
more or less vertically into the earth, as with 
the root, the descending axis of vegetation. 


In honor of M. Desfontaines, 
a French botanist. Nat. Ord. Loganiacew. 

The few species that compose this genus are 
very handsome green-house evergreen shrubs, 
found in Peru. They have thick leaves with 
spiny margins, like those of the Holly. This 
is one of the plants that perplexes the bota- 
nist, as there is nothing in its external appear- 
ance that would lead to a knowledge of its 
affinities. It has been placed under three 
different classifications previous to the present 
one. D. spinosa, the only described species, 
has large flowers borne on terminal pedun- 
cles, scarlet, with a yellowlimb. The elegance 
of its foliage and the brilliancy of its flowers 
make it a very desirable green-house plant. It 
requires about the same treatment as the 
Fuchsia. Introduced in 1850. 


According to Loudon, the art of 
taking plans or designs of objects, should be 
considered to be part of a gardener’s general 
education, since none who aspire to any 
degree of eminence in their profession ought 
to be ignorant of the first principles of geome- 
try and drawing. It is just as necessary in 
laying out a flower-garden, or planting an 
intricate carpet-bed, to have the dimensions 
carefully measured and a design drawn to a 
scale, as it is to havea working planin building 
ahouse. This not only enables the operator 
to arrange previously the positions and space 
to be occupied by the various plants, but if 
a colored design is made, enables him also 
to see that the proportions of color are 


124 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


DES 


properly inserted. A glance at the design, 
when planting, will at once indicate the posi- 
tions assigned to all the plants, and also pre- 
vent much confusion and annoyance. Intri- 
cate carpet-bedding designs are often worked 
out by marking the lines with white sand; 
others may be drawn out carefully on the sur- 
face and planted at once. Designs for glass 
structures vary according to their position or 
to the requirements of the plants for which 
they are intended, but each should show in 
the same proportion all the details necessary 
for a good working plan. 


Desma’nthus. From desme, 4 bundle, and an- 
thos, a flower. The flowers are collected into 
bundles or spikes. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of tropical and sub-tropical Indian 
and American herbs, of which there are about 
eight species, some of which have been suc- 
cessfully cultivated. The little brown pol- 
ished seeds of D. Virgatus are in Jamaica 
strung like beads, and used for making brace- 
lets, etc. 


“‘Desmo’dium. Moving Plant, Tick-Trefoil. 
From desmos, a band; alluding to the stamens 
being joined. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
perennials and green-house evergreen shrubs. 
Most of the species are uninteresting plants, 
but afew are very beautiful and remarkably 
interesting. There are numerous species 
throughout the United States, with purple 
flowers produced in slender racemes. Some 
are herbs, others shrubs, but none of the 
native species are worthy of cultivation. The 
most interesting of the species, if not the 


most beautiful, is D. gyrans, the Moving Plant, 


a native of India, but rarely seen under culti- 
vation. The singular, spontaneous rotary 
motion of the leaflets of this plant renders it 
an object of great interest. The leaves are 
composed of three leaflets, the terminal one 
being very large, and the laterals very small, 
but these are almost constantly in motion. 
They execute little jerks somewhat analogous 
to the movements of the seconds of a watch. 
One of the leaflets arises and the other de- 
scends at the same time, and with a corres- 
ponding force. When the first begins to de- 
scend the other begins to rise. The large 
leaflet moves also, inclining itself first to the 
right, then to the left, but by a continuous 
and very slow movement when compared to 
that of the lateral leaflets. This singular 
mechanism endures throughout the life of 
the plant. It exercises itself day and night, 
through drought and humidity. The warmer 
and more humid the day, the more lively are 
its movements. It is not unusual for the 
leaflet to make sixty jerks in the minute; they 
will not do this, however, under artificial cul- 
tivation, except when the plant is subjected 
to great heat. These movements occur spon- 
taneously and without any apparent cause. 
The same external cause that has such a won- 
derful effect on the Catch-fly and the Sensitive 
Plant, does not affect this in the least. None 
of our native species has this strong peculi- 
arity. The plant introduced to the United 
States from Japan as Desmodium pendulifiorum, 
is now placed under the allied genus Lespe- 
deza, as L. bicolor, which see. 


Deu'tzia. Named after J. Deutz, a sheriff of 
Amsterdam. Nat. Ord. Sazxifragacem. 


* 


DIA 


A genus of slender branched, graceful 
shrubs, producing compound panicles of beau- 
tiful white flowers. D. crenata, Syn. D. 
Scabra, one of the more common species, 
takes its specific name from the roughness of 
its leaves, which in its native country, Japan, 
are used by the cabinet makers in polishing 
the finer kinds of wood. This with its double 
variety, are exceedingly showy when in blos- 

.s0m, and are two of the most desirable 
shrubs in cultivation. D. gracilis in. addition 
to its beauty and usefulness as a hardy shrub, 
is one of the most valuable plants for forcing 
in winter and spring, and is very largely used 
for that purpose for the cut flower trade. All 
the species are perfectly hardy, and are read- 
ily propagated by cuttings, divisions, or 
layers. 

Development. That gradual extension of parts 
by which any organ or plant proceeds from its 
nascent state to maturity. 


Devilin a Bush. See Nigella. 
Devil’s Apples. Mandragora officinalis. 


Devil's Bit. A common name for Chamelirium 
luteum, also for Scabiosa succisa. 


Devil's Fig. Argemone Mexicana. 
Devil's Leaf. Urtica urentissima. 


Devil’s Milk. Euphorbia Helioscopia 
other species. : 


Dew-berry. See Rubus. 


Deyeu'xia. Named in honor of Nicholas Dey- 
eux, a French chemist. Nat. Ord. Gramin- 
ace. 

A large genus of grasses widély dispersed . 
over the temperate and mountainous regions 
of the globe. D. elegans variegata introduced 
from New South Wales in 1884, is a very ele- 
gant green-house plant, with a thick root- 
stock from which spring numerous leaves, 
about a quarter of an inch in breadth and a 
foot or more long, of a deep bright green 
color, broadly edged with creamy-yellow. 
Syn. Lachnagrostis. 


and 


Dhoura, Doura, or Durra. Guinea Corn. See 
Sorghum. 
Diane’lla. A diminutive of Diana, the sylvan 


goddess; the first discovered species being 
found ina grove. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

Lovely tuberous-rooted plants, chiefly from 
New Holland. ‘They should be grown in pots 
of loam and peat, and if allowed a good situa- 
tion in the green-house, will produce their 
showy blue flowers in abundance. Propagated 
by division or from seed. 


Dianthe’ra. From dis, two, and anthera, an- 
ther; in reference to the cells being more or 
less separated from one another. Nat. Ord. 
Acanthacee. 

A genus of green-house or hardy, erect, or 
dwarf herbs, with long solitary or fascicled 
bracteate flowers and entire leaves. D. Amer- 
icana, the Water-willow of the United States, 
is a perennial herb growing in the bays and 
slow-flowing waters of the great rivers, as 
wellas in streams and ponds. It has long 
narrow leaves and dense spikes of pale purple 
flowers upon long peduncles. JD. ciliata is 
a pretty violet-colored, warm green-house 
shrub from Venezuela. The genus is closely 
allied to Justicia, 


124 


DENDROBIUM NOBILE. 


DICTAMNUS FRAXINELLA. 


a 


DELPHINIUM (C! 


HINESE), 


DIANTHUS SCOTICUS. 


DIANTHUS GARDNERIANUS. 


DICKSONIA ANTARCTIOA. DIANTHUS (TYPE OF DOUBLE ANNUAL). 125 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 125 


DIA 


Dia’nthus. From dios, divine, and anthos, a 
- flower ; in reference to the fragrance and the 
unrivaled neatness of the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
- Caryophyllacec. 

Most of the species of this genus are highly 
valued for the beauty and fragrance of the 
flowers, which present a richer variety of tints 
of searlet, crimson, rose, orange, etc., than is 
to be found, perhaps, in any other genus. The 

- fragrance of some of them is peculiarly grate- 
ful, and no plant in this respect surpasses the 
Carnation, D. caryophyllus (Clove Pink and 
Carnation). Seedlings stand the winter and 
spring without difficulty with a light covering 
of leaves and evergreen boughs, and flower 
very well. Very many will not be considered 
worth saving by the florist, although they will 
all be interesting as single, semi-double, or 
irregular flowers, and richly repay all the 
labor. Carnations are arranged by florists 
into three classes, viz.: Flakes, Bizarres and 
Picotees. Flakes have two colors only; their 
stripes are large, going quite through the 
petals. Bizarres are variegated in irregular 
spots and stripes, with not less than three 
colors. Picotees have a white ground, spotted 
at the edges with scarlet, red, purple or other 
colors. The Clove Pink is rather more hardy 
than the Carnation, of which it is the parent ; 
the petals are more fringed and the fragrance 
more powerful, resembling that of the clove. 
In France it is called the Clove Gilly-flower. 
Some suppose this latter name to have been 
corrupted from July-flower, July. being its 
flowering time. The great improvement in 
the Perpetual Carnation (Tree or Monthly 
Carnation) has added an invaluable feature 
to this section of winter-blooming plants 
for the sitting-room, conservatory or green- 
house. The delicately rich and grateful odor, 
in connection with the brilliant color and 
good outline of the flowers now cultivated, 
secures for them a prominent place in the 
forcing department for cut flowers. D. plu- 
marius, the Garden Pink, Florist’s Pink, or 
Paisley Pink, is in perfection about the last of 
June. The foliage is more grass-like and the 
plant much hardier than the Carnation. The 
double varieties are very desirable, and all 
have a clove fragrance. D. Chinensis, the 
China Pink, is a biennial of dwarf habit and 
great beauty, but without fragrance. It flow- 
ers from seed the first year, and being per- 
fectly hardy, flowers much stronger the sec- 
ond year. The colors are exceedingly varied 
and rich; crimson, and dark shades of that 
color approaching to black, are often com- 
bined in the same flower, with edgings of 
white, pink or other colors. In beds where 

_there may be a hundred plants, scarcely 
two will be found alike. Seed saved from 
double flowers will produce a great proportion 
of double flowers. D. C. Heddewigtt and D. C. 
laciniatus and their numerous varieties repre- 
sent an exceedingly useful class of plants for 


mixed borders, many of their flowers being’ 


-double and beautifully marked and fringed. 
D. barbatus, the Sweet William, is an old 
inhabitant of the flower-garden, and was much 
esteemed in Gerarde’s time “for its beauty to 
deck up the bosoms of the beautiful, and gar- 
lands, and crowns for pleasure.” It sports 
into endless varieties of color, white, pink, 

‘purple, crimson and scarlet self colors, and 
many sorts variously edged, eyed or spotted. 


Dicho’riza’ndra. 


DIC 


There are also many beautiful double-flowered 
varieties, notably the double dark crimson or 
blood-colored, which, of course, can only be 
perpetuated by division or by cuttings. 


Diape’/nsia. Named by Linneus from diapente, 


composed of tive; alluding to the flowers 
being five-cleft. Nat. Ord. Diapensiacee. 

This genus consists of two beautiful little 
Alpine plants, both evergreen, which grow in 
dense tufts, scarcely rising more than an inch 
above the ground. The flowers are white, . 
bell-shaped, and about half an inch across. It 
was first discovered in Lapland, but has since 
been found in the White Mountains, in New 
Hampshire, and in the Adirondacks, in New 
York. In its native country it is continually 
covered with snow in winter, which is the 
best protection against severe dry frosts. It 
can be grown in small pots, and protected by 
a frame in winter. Propagated by seeds or 
division. 


Diapensia’ceze. A small order of perennial, 


prostrate, sometimes suffruticose, shrubs, 
inhabiting the northern parts of Europe and 
North America. The order includes the genera 
Diapensia, Pyxidanthera, Galax, Shortia, as 
well as some vthers not yet in cultivation. 


Dibber. This is the pointed implement used 


for setting out vegetable plants that have 
long roots, such as Cabbage, Celery, etc., and 
also seedling trees and flowering plants. It 
is best made in the form of a pistol handle, 
about ten inches long, one and a half inches 
in diameter, and shod with three or four 
inches of iron tapering to a sharp point. 


Dice’/ntra. From dis, twice, and kentron, a spur; 


in allusion to the double-spurred flowers. Nat. 
Ord. Fumariacee. : 

Very ornamental, hardy herbaceous peren- 
nials, with generally tuberous roots. They 
are natives of the northern hemisphere, and 
have mostly pink or yellow flowers, in ter- 
minal racemes. They form excellent subjects 
for the herbaceous- border or rock-garden. 
Diclytra or Dielytra spectabilis is placed by 
many under this genus. See Dielytra. 


Dichlamy’deous. Having both calyx and cor- 


olla. 


Dichopo’gon. From dicha, double, and pogon, 


a beard; in allusion to the two appendagés of 
the anthers. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. : 
A small genus of green-house perennial 
herbs, natives of Australia and Tasmania. D. 
strictus, the only species yet in cultivation, is 
a very interesting plant, with pale, sometimes 
dark-blue flowers, blooming in November. It 
was introduced in 1883, and may be increased 


“by division of the rhizome, or by the tubers 


on the root-fibres. 


From dis, twice, chorizo, to 
part, and amer, an anther; referring to the 
anthers being two-cleft. Nat. Ord. Commeli- 
nace. 

A genus of hot-house, herbaceous peren- 
nials from Brazil, some of the species being 
exceedingly ornamental and invaluable for 
late autumn or winter flowering. D. thyrsi- 
flora ranks highest, and when well geown will 
reach ten feet in height, branched ail round, 
each branch terminating with a long spike of 
sky-blue flowers. When the flowers begin to 
expand it may be removed to a warm con- 
servatory, where it will last in bloom for 


126 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


DIC 


several weeks. D. musaica is a_ beautiful 
ornamental-foliaged species, with dark-green 
leaves, profusely penciled and veined, with 
zig-zag lines of pure white; under side red- 
dish-purple. Propagated by division in spring, 
eon the new growth commences, and by 
seeds. 


Dicho’tomous. Having the divisions always in 
pairs; a term equally applied to branches, 
veins, or forks. 


Dickso'nia. Named after James Dickson, a 
famous British cryptogamic botanist. Nat. 
Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of very ornamental Ferns, mostly 
arborescent, and including some of the most 
valued Tree Ferns to be found in our green- 
houses. JD. antartica, a native of Australia, 
introduced in 1824, is the one most commonly 
grown, and is the most ornamental of the 
genus. JD. arborescens, a native of St. Helena, 
grows about twelve feet high, bearing at its 
summit a number of pinnated fronds, from ten 
to twelve feet in length. This species grows in 
great abundance in St. Helena, and next to 
the tomb of Napoleon, is the great attraction 
of the island. It is remarkable that this 
species has not been found in any other part 
of the world. Allthe Tree Ferns should be 
grown ina mixture of loam and leaf mould, 
and require a humid atmosphere. Young 
plants may be raised from spores, butit takes 
many years for them to grow to the size of 
imported stems, to which method we are 
indebted for all our large plants. One species, 
D. punctilobula, a hardy herbaceous plant, is a 
native of this country, very common in moist, 
rather shady places. It is one of our hand- 
somest Ferns, and has an agreeable odor. 


Dicli’ptera. From diklos, double-doored, and 
pteron, a wing; referring to the two-winged 
capsule or seed vessel. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

An extensive genus of annuals and peren- 
nials, allied to Justicia. The species are dis- 
persed over the tropical and sub-tropical 
regions of the New and Old World. The 
annuals grow readily from seed, which should 
be started in a hot-bed, or the green-house, in 
March, grown on until all danger from frost 
is past, and then transplanted in the open 
border. The perennials are increased by cut- 
tings. They all require a very light, rich 
fibrous soil. 

Dicotyle’dons. Plants having two seed leaves, 
which are called cotyledons. This is one of 
the primary divisions or classes of the vege- 
table kingdom, including about 7,000 known 
genera, and about 70,000 known species of 
flowering plants. The class also receives the 
name of Exogens, from the structure of the 
stems. The plants of this great class have 
spiral vessels; their stems are formed by 
additions externally in the form of zones or 
rings; stomata or pores exist in the leaves, 
which have a reticulated or netted venation. 
The plants have stamens and pistils, either in 
the same or in different flowers. The sym- 
metry of the flowers is represented by five or 
two, or multiples of these numbers. The 
ovules are contained in an ovary, or more 
rarely are naked; and the embryo has two, 
sometimes more, cotyledons. 


Dicta’mnus, Fraxinella, Gas Plant. An ancient 
name, supposed to have been given because 


DID 


the leaves resemble those of the ash; hence 
the English name, Fraxinella. Nat. Ord. 
Rutacee. 

Asmall genus of hardy herbaceous peren- 
nials, and among the oldest inhabitants of the 
cottage garden. Johnson says: ‘Instances 
are known where D. Frazinellw has outlived 
father, son, and grandson in the same spot 
without increase, all attempts at multiply- 
ing it, to give away a rooted slip to a newly- 
married member of the family, having failed ; 
yet the Fraxinella is easily increased from 
seeds, which should be sown soon as ripe in 
any common garden soil. They will come up 
the following spring.” The plant has to be 
three years old before it will flower. It is a 
native of Germany. When rubbed the leaves 
emit a fine odor, like that of lemon peel; it is 
strongest in the pedicels of the flowers. The 
whole plant emits a resinous or oily matter, 
which may be readily ignited, especially in 
warm weather. ‘ 


Dictya/nthus. From diktyon, net work, and 
anthos, a flower; the flowers are netted with 
veins. Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacee. 

Green-house climbers of considerable 
beauty, from Central America and Brazil. 
They will do well, planted out in summer, but 
require green-house culture during winter. 
The same treatment that is given the Passi- 
flora will suit them. The flowers are whitish- 
purple and greenish-brown, borne on axillary 
peduncles. D. campanulatus somewhat re- 
sembles the Stapelia. Propagated by cuttings. 
Introduced in 1851. 


Dictyogra’mma. A genus of Ferns 
placed under Gymnogramma. 


now 


Dietyo’pteris. From diktyon, a net, and pteris, 
a Fern; referring to the fronds. Nat. Ord. 
Polypodiacee. 

A genus of Ferns from Australia, without 
special merit, and rarely met in collections: 
now placed under Polypodium. 


Dictyospe’rma. From diktyon, a net, and 
sperma, a seed; in allusion tothe raphe of 
the seed forming a loose net-work. Nat. Ord. 
Palmacee. 

A genus of warm-house Palms, closely al- 
lied to Areca, from which genus it is botanically 
distinct. 


Didi’/scus. Derivation of name not given. Nat. 
Ord. Umbellifere. 

The two species that compose this genus 
were formerly included in Trachymene. js 
coeruleus is a showy plant, a native of Austra- 
lia. It is covered with hairs; its leaves are 
three-parted, each division again sub- 
divided; its flowers are blue. The fruit, 
when mature, is covered with small tubercles. 
D. albiflorus has no hairs, and its flowers are 
white. 


Didymoca’rpus. From didymos, twin, and 
karpos, a fruit; in reference to the twin cap- 
sules. Nat. Ord. Gesneracew. 

A genus of upwards of thirty species of 
caulescent or stemless herbs, or under- 
shrubs, natives of tropical Asia. The 
flowers are violet-blue, rarely yellow, leaves 
usually cordate, wrinkled, and hairy. Those 
in cultivation are neat, pretty plants; propa- 
gated by cuttings of the young wood. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 127 


DID 


Didymochle’na. From didymos, twin, and 
chlaina, a cloak; referring to the covering of 
‘the spore cases. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

Asmall genus of very handsome green=house 
Ferns, natives of Africa and South America. 
They are allied to Aspidiwm, and are not often 
met with, except in choice collections. 


Dieffenba'chia. Named after Dr. Dieffenbach, 
a German botanist. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A genus of showy plants, all inhabitants of 
tropical America and the West Indies. They 
are grown for the beauty of their foliage, 
which is a very light green, thickly dotted 
with irregularly-shaped, pure white blotches, 
which give the plant a decidedly variegated 
appearance. A number of very choice and 
beautiful species have been introduced of 
late years from the United States of Colombia. 
They require a warm house, and should be 
kept near the glass to bring out their full 
colors. When atrest, if wateris thrown over 
them, they are liable to damp off. The juice 
of these plants is decidedly poisonous; for 
this reason, and their awkward appearance 
when at rest, they have lost much of the 
favor that was bestowed upon them at their 
early introduction. D. Seguine picta (Syn. 
Caladium seguinum), is called the ‘*dumb 
eane” by the natives, because it has the 
power, when chewed, of swelling the tongue 
and paralyzing the speech. It is said that 
Humboldt, when gathering the ‘plant, un- 
fortunately tasted it, and, in consequence, 
lost his speech for several days. They are 
propagated by division and by cuttings, 
and should be grown in a light, rich loam, 
freely mixed with sand and leaf mould. 


Diely'tra. After years of learned discussion 
among botanists as to the derivation of this 
word, it is now accepted that it was errone- 
ously changed from Diclytra, which, in the 
first instance, was accidentally printed for 
Dicentra. As, however, D. spectabilis is so 
well know as Dielytra, we describe it under 
that name. Nat. Ord. Fumariacew. 

D. spectabilis, the ‘‘ Bleeding Heart,” a na- 
tive of Siberia, was found by Mr. Fortune in 
the gardens in the north of China, and sent 
it, in 1846, to the London Horticultural 
Society. This species is too well known to 
need description. It is only proper, how- 
ever, to say it is by far the handsomest of its 
tribe, and will grow in thick groves or in the 
most sunny situations. In the shade they do 
not flower so freely as in sunny places, but 
last longer, and more than compensate the 
loss of flowers by their luxuriant, graceful 
foliage. This species is well adapted for pot 
culture. It should be potted in November, 
left outside until it has formed ~new roots, 
and then brought into a gentle heat, and it 
will come into flower early in March. Taking 
it all in all, it is probably the finest hardy 
plant in cultivation. The plants are increased 
by division of roots, which should be done as 
soon as they start in spring. 

Diervi/lla. Named after M. Dierville, a French 
surgeon. Nat. Ord. Caprifoliacee. ; 

A small genus of low-growing shrubs, with 
yellow flowers, appearing in_spring, by no 
means so showy as the allied Japanese genus 
Weigelia, which by some authors is placed 
under this genus. They are common from 
Canada southward. 


DIL 


Diffuse. Scattered, widely spread, asin Veronica 


saxatilis. : 


Digging. This is now nearly all done by the 


digging fork in place of the spade, unless in 
soils that are being broken up from sod, The 
fork pulverizes the soil much better (the only 
object to be attained by digging), is much 
lighter to handle, and the wonder is why, for 
generations the spade was used, when the 
manure fork, at the same time in use, had 
not suggested its value for digging purposes. 


Digita'lis. Fox-glove. From the Latin digitale, 


the finger of a glove; referring to the shape 
of the flower. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacea. 
This genus consists of several species, bi- 
ennials and perennials, all perfectly hardy 
and of the easiest culture. D. purpurea, the 
common Fox-glove, has long been cultivated 
as an ornamental border plant, and is the 
most useful of the class. There are some 
with white, rose and yellow flowers that are 
very beautiful, but not so free flowering. 
They prefer a rich, loamy soil, and partial 
shade, and are propagated by seeds or root 
division. Natives of central Europe, northern 
Africa and western Asia. A popular English 
name of the Digitalis purpurea is Witches’ 
Fingers. The plant is used in medicine. 


Digitate. Where several distinct leaflets radiate 


from the point of a leaf-stalk; applied to a 
simple leaf, where the lobes are very narrow. 
deeply cut, and all extending nearly to the 
base of the limb, like the extended fingers of 
the human hand, as in the Horse-Chestnut, 
Lupins, Spirea palmata, etc. 


Dill. Anethum graveolens. Dill is a hardy bi- 


ennial plant, a native of Spain, and-has been 
under cultivation in English gardens for 
nearly three hundred years. The plant grows 
upright, and resembles Fennel, only it is 
smaller. The flowers are borne in an umbel, 
and appear in July. The whole plant is 
strongly aromatic. The leaves are used in 
pickles, and to give flavor to soups and 
sauces. It wasformerly included in domestic 
medicines. Itis readily grown from seed in 
any good garden soil. 


Dille/nia. A genus of very beautiful lofty ever- 


green trees, inhabiting dense forests in India, 
and the Malayan Peninsula and Islands, with 
very large and showy flowers, something like 
the Magnolia. D. Speciosais one of the hand- 
somest of Indian trees, whether the beautiful 
foliage is considered or the size and structure 
of the flowers. Unfortunately it is only suited 
to places where plenty of room can be af- 
forded. 


Dillenia’ceze. This order consists of trees, 


shrubs, or under-shrubs, found chiefly in 
India, Australia, and America. There are 
about thirty known genera and over 200 
species. Some are large timber trees 
while others are valued for their flowers and 
fruits. Illustrative genera are Dillenia, Can- 
dollea, Detima, etc. 


Dillwy'nia. In honor of L. W. Dillwyn, a 


British patron of botany. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

Handsome green-house plants, of neat habit 
of growth, free to flower, and of easy cultiva- 
tion. An airy part of the green-house should 
be allotted to them in winter, and through 
the summer they will be benefited by being 


128 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


DIM 


placed out of doors. It is essential, in order 
to produce handsome plants, that the young 
shoots be frequently stopped while the plants 
are young, or they are liable to overgrow 
themselves. Propagated by cuttings of the 
firm side shoots in March or April. They are 
natives of New Holland, and were first intro- 
duced in 1794. 

Dimidiate. Divided into two unequal parts. 

Dimorpha'nthus. From dimorphus, two formed. 
Nat. Ord. Araliacew. 

This genus is composed of herbs and shrubs, 
natives of China and Japan. Some of the 
species are very ornamental plants for the 

‘ green-house or garden. D. Mandschuricus is a 
deciduous shrub, said to be perfectly hardy. 
Its handsome multifid leaves are nearly three 
feet long, and of the same width, which gives 
the plant a magnificent outline. The young 
shoots of D. edulis are a delicate article of 
food, much prized by the Chinese. They are 
increased by seeds and from cuttings. 


Dimorphism. A state in which two forms of 
flower or leaf are produced by the same spe- 
cies. 


Dimorphothe’ca. From dimorphus, two formed, 
and theca, a receptacle; disk florets of two 
forms. A genus of half-shrubby or herbaceous 
plants, principally natives of South Africa. 
They are all half-hardy plants, closely allied 
to Calendula. Suitable for border culture in 
summer, and for the cool green-house in 
winter. The perennial species are readily 
grown from cuttings. 

Dicecious. When a plant bears female flowers 
on one individual, and male on another. 


Dio’n. (Sometimes spelled Dioon.) From dis, 
two, and oon, an egg; referring to the two- 
lobed scales which compose the large cones 
of the cycad, bearing a large nut-like seed at 
the bottom of each scale; otherwise from 
seeds being borneintwos. Nat. Ord. Cycadu- 


cea. 

D. edule, the only species, is a beautiful 
Palm-like plant. Its simple Zamia-like stem 
bears deep green pinnate leaves, whose leaflets 
are sword-shaped and sharp pointed. The cone 
consists of flat scales covered with wool, each 
scale bearing two large seeds of the size of 
Chestnuts, that yield a large quantity of 
starch, which is used as arruw-root. D. edule 
is extensively cultivated as an ornamental 
green-house plant, and is propagated by 
suckers and seeds, and more commonly from 
imported stems or trunks. It is a native of 
Mexico, and was introduced in 1844. Syn. 
Platyzamia. Miquel observes that this genus 
is more closely allied to certain fossil Cycada- 
cee, than any other living representative of 
the order. 

Dio/’nza. Venus’s Fly-trap. Dione, one of the 
names of Venus. Nat. Ord. Droseracee. : 

D. muscipula, the only species, is indigenous 
to the swamps of North Carolina and other 
Southern States. Aside from all the fables 
about this. plant, it is one of extreme interest 
to cultivators, owing to the irritability dis- 
played by the stipulary fringes on the winged 

< leaves. The lamina of the leaf itself is divided 
by the midrib into two nearly semicircular 
halves, each of which is fringed with stiff 
hairs. This leaf exactly resembles a minature 
rat-trap. When the hairs are touched by a fly 


“DIO 


or other insect, the: sides of the leaf are 


+ brought together with a sudden spring, im- 


prisoning the intruder. Mr. Charles Darwin 
and other writers claim that the Dionwa 
not only catches and kills the insect, but 
that its tissues absorb or feed upon them. 
Our experiments, carefully and extensively 
made during the summer of 1878, were such as 
to cause strong doubts of the correctness of 
this theory. The Dionea is easily grown 
in sphagnum moss, kept very moist when the 
plants are ina growing state. They do rather 
best when grown in a Wardian case or 
under a bell glass and are always interesting 
from their singular insect catching peculiarity. 


Dioon. See Dion. 


Diosco’rea, Chinese Yam. After Pedacius 
Dioscorides, a Greek physician. Nat. Ord. 
Dioscoreacee. 

A genus of tuberous-rooted plants that are 
extensively grown in Africa and the East and 
West Indies forfood. The roots grow toagreat 
size, are mealy, and considered to be easy of 
digestion. They are roasted and eaten instead 
of bread. The introduction of the Dioscorea 
batatas into this country as an article of food 
some years ago created quite a sensation; 
although we did not get a very valuable escu- 
lent, we got a beautiful hardy climber, with. 
clean, glossy foliage and sweet-scented flowers, 
that are produced in spikes at the base of the 
leaves. This species was introduced from the 
West Indies in 1733 and has been of late years 
advertised and distributed under the name of 
“Cinnamon Vine.” D. villosa, Wild Yam, is 
quite common in the thickets of New England 
and to the south and west. 


Dioscorea’ceze. A natural order of twining 
shrubs or herbs with tubers either above or 
below ground, usually alternate leaves with 
reticulated venation and small staminate and 
pistillate flowers growing in spikes. They 
are chiefly natives of tropical countries. Tamus, 
however, is a native of Europe and of the 
temperate parts of Asia. The plants are 
mostly acrid, but contain also a large amount 
of starch. Several species of Dioscorea pro- 
duce edible tubers, which are known as Yams, 
and are eaten like Potatoes. Tamus Com- 
munis, black Bryony, has an acrid, purgative, 
and emetic tuber, and a berried fruit of a red 
color. Testudinaria elephantipes has a remark- 
able tuberculated stem, and is called Ele- 
phant’s Foot or the Tortoise Plant of the Cape. 
The central part of it is eaten by the Hot- 
tentots. Thereareseven known genera and 
160 species. Dioscorea, Tamus, and Testudinaria 
are examples of the order. 


Dio/’sma. From dios, divine, and osme, odor; 
referring to the powerful perfume which 
characterizes the species. Nat. Ord. Rutacew. 

There is quite a large number of species, 
all from the Cape of Good Hope. _D. ericoides, 
the species most generally cultivated, has 
small white flowers, borne on slender heath- 
like branches, with deep green leaves which 
emit a strong penetrating smell when bruised. 
It was introduced to cultivation in 1756, and 
is valued for its bright glossy color, and neat 
shrubby habit. ; 

Diospy’ros. Date Plum, Persimmon. From 
dios, divine, and pyros, pear; literally ce- 
lestial food. Nat. Ord. Hbenacew. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 129 


DIO 


D. Virginiana is the Persimmon of our 
woods, common from New York southward. 
Ebony wood is obtained from several species 
of this genus. The best and most costly kind 
with the blackest and finest grain, is that 
imported from the Mauritius, which is yielded 
by D. reticulata. It is only the heart of the 
tree that yields the black ebony; the outer 
portion, or sapwood, being white and soft. 
The Japanese’ Persimmon is the best fruit in 
Japan. Their horticulturists have, by selec- 
tion and cross-fertilization, developed this 
fruit until it occupies the same position with 
them that the Appledoes with us. _ It is de- 
scribed as one of the finest fruits in the world, 
and ranges in weight from eight to twenty 
ounces. Prof. Asa Gray says: ‘‘He who has 
not tasted Kaki (the Japanese Persimmon) 
has no conception of the capabilities of the 
Diospyros genus.” The trees are ornamen- 
tal, especially when in fruit, prolific bearers, 
and free from worms and insects. It has 
proved about as hardy as our native species. 


Dio’tis. Cotton-weed. From dis, two, and ous, 
an ear, alluding to the ear-like lobes of the 
corolla. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

D. maritima (Syn. D candidissima), a native 
of the shores of the Mediterranean and the 
Canary Islands, is an erect, branching, hardy 
perennial, clothed everywhere with dense 
white or grayish cottony-wool. It forms an 
excellent edging or rock-garden plant, and is 
readily increased by cuttings or seeds. This 
name has also been given to a Siberian cheno- 
podiaceous shrub, which, however,. is more 
properly united with Hurotia. 


Diplopa’ppus. 


DIP 


of late years, which are very desirable for the 
warm green-house or plant-stove. 


Dipla'zium. From diplazo, to double; refer- 


ring to the double covering of the spore cases 
or seed vessels. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea. 

An extensive genus of handsome evergreen 
Ferns, closely allied to Asplenium, and requir- 
ing the same general treatment. The species 
are pretty generally distributed from North 
America to Brazil. 


A genus of Composite of but 
little beauty or interest. 


Diplothe’mium. From diploos, double, and 


thema, asheath. Nat. Ord. Palmacew. 

A genus of very noble Palms, almost stem- 
less, or developing a short ringed trunk. D. 
caudescens, a native of Brazil, has pinnate 
leaves four to eight feet in length, the closely 
set narrow pinn® being from eighteen to 
twenty-four inches long, and about an inch 
broad. The upper surface is of a glossy 
green color, and beautiful silvery-white 
beneath. It is very graceful in habit, and is 
an excellent plant for lawn or sub-tropical 
decoration. 


Dipsaca’cez. A natural order of herbs or 


undershrubs, mostly natives of the south of 
Europe, Barbary, the Levant, and the Cape 
of Good Hope. Some of the species are as- 
tringent. Dipsacus Fullonum is the Fuller's 
Teazel, the dried heads of which, with their 
hooked, spiny bracts, are used in fulling 
cloth. The opposite leaves of the wild 
Teazel, D. sylvestris, unite at their bases so 
as to form a basin, in which water collects ; 


hence the plant was called Dipsacus, or 


Dipetalous. Consisting of two petals. thirsty. There are six known genera and 
Diphyllous. Two-leaved. about 170 species. Dipsacus, Scabiosa, Morina, 
Dipla’cus. From dis, two, and plakos, a pla- and Cephalaria are examples of the order. 


centa; alluding to the splitting of the capsule, 
to éach valve of which is attached a large pla- 
centa, and under its edges are found the slen- 
der subulate seeds. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

This genus, consisting of three or four spe- 
cies, is closely allied to Mimulus, the princi- 
pal difference being in its shrubby habit and 
tthe seed capsule. D. glutinosus, a native of 
California, was long cultivated under the 
name of Mimulus glutinosus. It is an erect, 
branching plant, becoming more or less 
branching at the base. The flowers are rather 
large, solitary in the upper axils, and_vary 
from a pale yellow to a rich orange or scarlet. 
All the varieties are desirable plants for the 
green-house or shady border. Propagated by 
cuttings. 


Diplade’nia. From diploos, double, and aden, a 
gland; referring to the presence of two gland- 
like processes on the ovary. Nat. Ord. Apo- 
cynacee. 

‘A genus of beautiful climbing green-house 
and hot-house shrubs from Central America 
and Brazil. The flowers are red, purple, rose, 
yellow, etc., and are produced in terminal 
clusters in great abundance, and some few 
kinds flower when quite small. They delight 
in a warm, moist atmosphere during their 
growing season, and require to have their 
main growths well ripened for the ensuing 
year. Propagation is effected by cuttings of 
the young shoots that are produced when the 
plants commence new growth in spring. 
Many beautiful hybrids have been produced 


Dipsa’cus. Teazel. From dipsao, to chirst; 
referring to the cavity formed by the leaves 
clasping the stem holding water. Nat. Ord. 
Dipsacacee. 

Hardy biennials, of but little beauty or use, 
except D. -Fullonum, the Fuller’s Teazel, which 
is a leading farm crop in the town of Skane- 
ateles, N. Y., the conditions there being so 
favorable for its growth that it produces 
nearly all that is used in the United States. 
It is naturalized in some locations, having 
escaped from cultivation, and is quite com- 
mon on the roadsides near Clifton, Staten 
Island. D. sylvestris, arather scarce species 
is suspected to be the origin of the D. Fullo- 
num, the principal difference being that the 
long flexible awns of the latter are hooked 
while those of D. sylvestris are straight. The 
flower heads, when dried, are used in the 
manufacture of woolen cloths, and are an 
article of considerable importance. Natives 
of Great Britain. 


Dipteraca/nthus. This genus is now referred 


to Ruellia, which see. 


Dipteroca'rpeze. An order of resin-bearing 


trees, all the species of which are found in 
the tropics of the Old World. Flowers often 
sweet scented, disposed in axillary panicles. 
Dryabalanops Camphora or aromatica,:a tree 
from 100 to 130 feet high, supplies the hard 
Camphor of Sumatra, which exists ina solid 
state in the interior of the stem, some- 
times in pieces weighing from ten to twelve 
pounds. It also yields by incision ‘a resinous, 


130 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


DIP 


oily fluid called the Liquid Camphor or Cam- 
phor Oil of Borneo. Sometimes five gallons 
of the fluid are found in a cavity in the trunk. 
Several others yield valuable resins. There 
are seven known genera and forty-seven 
species. Dipterocarpus, Valeria, Dryobalanops, 
and Shorea are examples of the order. 


Dipterous. Having two wing-like processes, 
as the seeds of Halesia diptera. 


Di'pterix. Tonquin Bean. From dis, double, 
and pteriz, a wing; referring to the two upper 
segments of the calyx. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

D. odorata, the only species, is an orna- 
mental evergreen tree, a native of Cayenne. 
It produces the Tonquin or Tonga Bean of 
commerce, so much used by perfumers, and 
in the adulteration of the extract of Vanilla. 


Di'rca. Leather-wood, Moose-wood. From 
dirke, a fountain; the plant growing in moist 
places. Nat. Ord. Thymelacee. 

D. palustris, the only species, is a much- 
branched shrub growing about six feet high. 
The flowers are small and yellow, and pro- 
duced in elusters. They are followed by 
small reddish, poisonous fruit. The fibrous 
bark of this shrub is remarkably tough, and 
was used by the Indians for thongs, whence 
the popular names. It is common in moist 
ground from Pennsylvania and Kentucky 
northward. In some of the New England 
States it is called Wicopy. 


Di’sa. Meaning unknown, but supposed to be 
its native name. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

An extensive genus of terrestrial Orchids 
confined to South Africa and Abyssinia. 
There is a wide variation in the habit of the 
various species. D. grandiflora is perhaps 
the most beautiful of all terrestrial Orchids. 
It is spoken of asthe pride of Table Mountain, 
where it grows in great profusion on the 
borders of streams and water pools, which are 
dry in summer, producing its gorgeous 
flowers in February and March. The flowers 
are large, the sepals of a deep scarlet crim- 
son; petals tipped with white and green, 
pale yellow inside. The species have been 
considered thé most difficult to manage of 
any in cultivation. Mr. Rand differs with 
most growers upon this point, having been 
quite successful in flowering them, with the 
following treatment: “The soil for this 
plant should be rich, fibrous peat and loam. 
It should have but little heat, and never be 
allowed to dry off. The great trouble in its 
culture appears to be want of water. If there 
is good drainage it can scarcely have too 
much. It does not need much heat, and 
should be grown with a good circulation of 
air, and not full sun.” Propagated by division. 
Introduced in 1825. 

Disca'ria. A genus of Rhamnacee, nearly allied 
to Colletia, but differing in having no petals. 
Natives of Australia and South America. D. 
serratifolia, with its bright green spiny 
branches and foliage, makes an excellent 
plant for pot culture. . 

Dischi'dia. From dis, twice, and schizo, to split ; 
referring to an obscure process in the con- 
struction of the flower. Nat. Ord. Asclepia- 


dacew. - 
Nearly related to Stephanotis and Hoya. A 

small genus of ornamental green-house ever- 

green trailers. The flowers are white, and 


DIS 


are borne in the axils of the leaves. 
of but little merit. 


Discoid. When, in Composite, the ray florets 
are suppressed, the head of the flowers is said 
to be discoid. 


Discolor. Parts having one surface of one 
color, and the other surface of another color. 
Also, any green color altered by a mixture of 
purple, as in Cissus discolor. 


Dise/mma. From dis, double, and stemma, a 
crown; referring to the double coronet or 
rays. Nat. Ord. Passifloracee. ‘ 

This genus is closely allied to Passiflora, 
requires the same general treatment, and is 
propagated in the same manner. Someof the 
species are very beautiful, and worthy of cul- 
tivation. They are natives of New Holland; 
first introduced in 1792. 


Dish-rag Plant. See Luffa. 


Disk. An organ intervening between the 
stamens and ovary. The central tubular 
flowers of Composite are also called the Disk. 


Disoca’ctus. From dis, twice, isos, equal, and 
cactos; the divisions of the petals and sepals 
equal and twice two, and the habit of a Cac- 
tus. Nat. Ord. Cactacee. 

There is but one known species of this 
genus, which is a weak trailing shrub or bush, 
a connecting link between two sections of the 
order ‘the Epiphyllum: and Rhipsalis. The 
flowers are produced singly from one of the 
notches at the upper end of the young 
branches, and are characterized by having 
only four sepals and four-petals. They are of 
a deep pink color, about two inches long, pro- 
duced in succession, last a long time, and are 
succeeded by beautiful little shiny, deep 
crimson berries. The plant should be grown 
in soil composed of equal parts of sharp sand, 
leaf mould, and turfy loam. In a growing 
state it should have a moist atmosphere, but 
in winter it should be kept dry, with plenty of 
light; it may be increased by cuttings or 
seeds. Itis a native of Honduras, and was 
introduced in 1839. By many botanists this 
genus is united with Phillocactus, from which 
it only differs in its fewer sepals and petals. 


Dispe’ris. From dis, double, and pera, a pouch ; 
in allusion to the form of the outer segments 
of the perianth. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of terrestrial Orchids from 
the Cape of Good Hope, bearing scarlet or 
purple flowers. It requires the same treat- 
ment in propagation and culture as Disa. 


Dispermus. Two-seeded. 


Dispo/rum. From dis, double, and poros, a pore ; 
application not stated. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A genus of half-hardy herbaceous plants, 
allied to Uvularia. The flowers are small, but 
rather pretty, of brown or yellow colors. They 
succeed well in a warm border, if slightly pro- 
tected in winter, and are propagated by 
division of the roots. Natives of China and 
Nepal; introduced in 1801. 


Dissected. Cut into many deep lobes. 


A plant 


Dissemination. The manner in which ripe seeds 
of plants are naturally dispersed. 


Distichous. When parts are arranged in two 
rows, the one opposite the other, as the florets 
of many grasses. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 131 


DIS 


Distinct. When any part or organ is wholly 
unconnected with those near it. 


Ditch Stone-Crop. The common name of Pen- 
thorum sedoides. 


Dittany. See Cunila. 


Diurnal. Enduring only a day, as the flowers 
of Tigridia and Hemerocallis (Day Lily). 

Divaricate. Straggling; spreading abruptly; 
branching off at an acute angle, and spread- 
ing irregulariy in various directions, as in 
Veronica pinnata. 

Diversiflorus. When a plant or inflorescence 
bears flowers of two or more sorts. 


Divided. Whereincisions orindentations extend 
nearly to the base, 


Dock. See Rumez. 
Dodder. See Cuscuta. 


Dodeca’theon. American Cowslip. From dodeka, 
twelve, and theos, a divinity; twelve gods or 
divinities of the Romans; a name absurdly 
applied to a plant, native of a world the 
Romans did not know, and resembling in no 
particular any plant of their writers. Nat. 
Ord. Primulaceaw. 

This is a genus of native herbaceous peren- 
nials that deserve extensive cultivation. They 
are common in rich woods in Pennsylvania 
and westward to Wisconsin. In the west 
the common name is Shooting Star. They are 
exceedingly handsome in cultivation, thriving 
wellin ashady border. The flower-stems are 
one foot or more high, bearing a considerable 
number of elegant drooping flowers of rosy 
purple, light purple, or white colors, and of an 
interesting shape, somewhat resembling the 
Cyclamen, to which plant it is allied. A very 
large and showy species, with deep purple and 
yellow flowers, has been introduced from Cali- 
fornia, named by Prof. E. L. Greene, of the 
State University, D. Clevelandi. They are 
propagated by seeds, or division of the roots. 


Dog-Grass. Triticum repens. 

Dog-Rose. Rosa canina. 

Dog-Thistle. Carduwus arvensis. 

Dog-Violet. Viola canina, and V. sylvatica. 

-Dog-Wood. Cornus sanguinea; also applied to 
Euonymus Europeus, Rhamnus frongula, and 
Viburnum Opulus. 

Dog’s Bane. The genus Apocynum. 
Climbing. Periploca greca. 

Dog’s Parsley. thusa Cynapium. 

Dog’s-tail Grass. Cynosurus cristatus. 


Dog’s-tooth Violet. Erythronium dens-canis, 
which see. 


Dolabriform. Ax-shaped. 


Do'lichos. From dolichos, long; referring to 
the long, twining shoots. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

Climbing annual and perennial plants from 
the East and West Indies, generally with 
purple or white flowers. The pods and seeds 
are eatable, and, in some cases, also the roots. 
D. Lablab, the Egyptian Bean, is a beautiful 
species with two varieties, one with dark 
purple flowers, the other white. They grow 
in any situation, where an ornamental climber 
is required, and may be treated as_ hardy 
annuals. This species was introduced from 
Egypt in 1818. 


DOR 


Dondia. A synonym of Hacquetia, which see. 


Doob, or Doorba. Indian names for Cynodon 
Dactylon, which see. 


Doo’dia. Named after Samuel Doody, a London 
apothecary and cryptogamic botanist. Nat. 
Ord. Polypodiacee. : 

A genus of green-house evergreen Ferns, 
mostly natives of Australia and the Sandwich 
Islands. The species are small, stiff, and 
rough-leaved, of no great beauty, and are 
propagated by division when at rest. 

ee Palm. A name given to Hyphene the- 

aica. 


Doora, or Doura. See Sorghum vulgare. 


Dore’ma. From dorema, a gift or benefit. Nat. 
Ord. Umbelltfere. 

A hardy herbaceous plant, growing on the 
plains in the province of Irak, Persia, which 
furnishes the drug known as Ammoniacum. 
The plant abounds in a milky juice, which 
exudes upon the slightest puncture being made, 
and dries upon the stem in little rounded 
lumps, or tears, as they are called. Propa- 
gated by seeds. 

Doro/nicum. Leopard’s Bane. Altered from 
Doronogi, its Arabic name. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of showy herbaceous perennials, 
natives of Europe and temperate Asia, with 
large, bright yellow flowers, which are pro- 
duced early in spring. ‘They are of very easy 
eulture being increased by division of the 
roots, and are showy plants for the herbaceous 
border. There are several species in cultiv- 
ation of which D. Altaicwm, D. Pardalianches, 
D. Austriacum and D. Caucasicum are the best 
known. Several seedling varietiés have been 
lately introduced in England and are much 
admired. They are often forced for con- 
servatory decoration or for cutting. 


Dorsal. Attached to, or growing on the back 
of any organ. 


Dorste’nia. Named for Theodore Dorsten, a 
German botanist. Nat. Ord. Urticacee. 
Herbaceous plants of neat compact habit, 
natives of tropical America. Some of the 
species have elegantly cut leaves; while 
many of the others are decorated with silver 
markings. They are very curious plants, and 
are increased by division or by seeds. 


Dorya’nthes. From dory, a spear, and anthos, a 
flower; the flower-stem shoots up from 
twelve to twenty feet high, like the handle of 
aspear, bearing flowers on the top. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

D. excelsa, introduced in 1800, is a magnifi- 
cent Australian plant, and is what is termed 
an imperfect bulb. The flower stalk has 
been known to grow as high as thirty feet, 
crowned with a head of bright scarlet flowers, 
that emerge from crimson bracts. It does 
wellinagreen-house temperature. D. Palmeri, 
recently introduced from Queensland, is de- 
scribed as being a more beautiful plant than 
the preceding. The flowers form a pyramidal 
spike twelve to eighteen inches high, and ten 
to twelve inches broad, the flowers being red, 
with a center almost white. Propagated by 
suckers. 


Doryo’pteris. From dory, a spear, and pteris, 
a fern; spear-leaved Fern. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
podiacee. ; ; 


132 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


DOT 


A genus of tropical herbaceous Ferns, allied 
to Pteris. Some of the species are now includ- 
ed under the latter genus. They are common 
in South America and the East and West 
Indies. Propagated by spores. 


Dotted. Furnished with transparent recep- 
tacles of oil, looking like dots; marked with 
punctures. 


Double. When applied to the entire flower, it 
signifies that monstrous condition in which 
the parts of the inner floral whorls, the sta- 
mens or carpels, become converted into petals. 
Applied to the calyx or corolla separately, it 
refers to certain examples in which these 
organs appear to consist of more than the 
usual normal number of subordinate parts, 
and thus seem as if they were double. Double 
flowers are most common in the natural order 
Composite. 


Dougla’sia. A very pretty genus of herba- 
ceous plants from the Rocky Mountains, 
and Artic North America, of the Nat. Ord. 
Primulacee. 

The plants are evergreen, and like many 
others from high latitudes, will not bear sud- 
den changes; consequently they need protec- 
tion in winter. The flowers are small, of a 
beautiful purple, borne in small tufts. This 
genus was named by Dr. Lindley in compli- 
ment to David Douglas, whose zeal in collect- 
ing seeds and plants, and whose untimely end 
have richly earned for him a niche in the long 
gallery of departed martyrs to science. Mr. 
“Douglas was borne in Scone, Scotland, in 1798, 
and killed in the Sandwich Islands, July 12th, 
1834. Having been employed in the Glasgow 
Botanic Garden, his intelligence attracted the 
notice of Sir William Hovker, who procured 
for him an appointment as botanical collector 
to the Horticultural Society of London. In 
this capacity he traveled extensively in 

‘ America. In 1824 he explored the Columbia 
River and California, and in 1827 traversed 
the continent from Fort Vancouver to Hud- 
son’s Bay, where he met Sir John Franklin, 
and returned with him to England. He made 
asecond visit to the Columbia in 1829, and after- 
wards went to the Sandwich Islands. His 
death was caused by falling into a pit made to 
entrap wild cattle, where he was killed and 
mutilated by an animal previously entrapped. 
Through his agency 217 new species of plants 
were introduced into England. He collected 
800 specimens of the California Flora. A gigan- 
tic species of Pine which he discovered in Cal- 
ifornia is named after him, Abies or Pseudo- 
tsuga Douglasit. 

Doum Palm. See Hyphane. 


Dove Flower. See Peristeria elata. 
Waxen. Peristeria cerina. 


Down Thistle. Ornopordon Acanthium. 
Down Tree. Ochroma Lagopus. 


Downi’ngia. Named in honor of A. J. Downing, 
the father of horticulture in the United States. 
Nat. Ord. Lobeliacew. 

A genus of hardy annuals from California 
and British Columbia, free flowering, and very 
pretty for the border. If the seeds be sownin 
February, and the plants treated the same as 
Verbenas, they will flower by the first of 
June and continue until killed by frost. The 

owers are of lovely blue, not unlike the 


DRA 


Lobelias. Introduced by Mr. Douglas in 1827. 
These plants have erroneously been called 
Clintonia, which name properly belongs to a 
genus of Liliaceae. 


Dra’ba. Whitlow-Grass. From drabe, acrid; 
referring to one of the universal characters of 
its natural order. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

A genus of hardy rock or alpine plants, con- 
sisting of annuals, biennials and herbaceous 
perennials. They are very low plants, admira- 
bly adapted for rock-work, as they are gen- 
erally found in a wild state in the fissures 
and crevices of rocks and mountains. They 
have white or yellow flowers, and should be 
grown with good drainage and a sunny 
exposure. Propagated by root division, or 
by seeds. First introduced in 1731. 


Drace’na. From drakaina, a female dragon; 
the thickened juice becomes a powder, like 
the dragon’s-blood. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

Draceenas rank among the most beautiful 
and useful of the ornamental-foliaged and 
fine-leaved plants. In a large or small state 
they are alike elegant and attractive. They 
are deservedly popular for the green-house or 
the sub-tropical garden, and for lawn decora- 
tion, large plants of many of the species have 
no equal. The species include the celebrated 
Dragon-tree (D. Draco) at Orotavia, in the 
island of Teneriffe, that was first noticed by 
Humboldt, who estimated its age at 6,000 
years. This tree was seventy feet in height 
and seventy-nine feet in circumference at the 
base. The interior of the trunk, which had 
been hollow for centuries, was used as a 
Roman Catholic chapel after the conquest of 
the island by the Spaniards. Unfortunately 
it was totally destroyed by a hurricane which 
occurred in 1867. D. terminalis (or more cor-~ 
rectly Cordyline), a native of both the East and 
West Indies, is the best known of the species, 
and is extensively grown for baskets, window 
gardens, or the conservatory, the vivid coloring 
of its leaves rendering it at all times attract- 
ive. From this species has originated the 
host of popular hot-house varieties, many of 
which are most desirable and interesting 
because of their varied and rich tints of color, 
and their gracefully recurved foliage. Nearly 
all the species are admirably adapted for 
decorative purposes. D. Goldieana is a mag- 
nificent stove-house species, introduced from 
tropical Africa in 1872. Its broad, deep green, 
spreading leaves are marbled and irregularly 
banded with silvery-gray in alternate straight 
or furcate bands, rendering it one of the most 
striking and ornamental of the genus. D. 
umbraculifera, introduced from the Mauritius 
in 1778, is a very peculiar and distinct species, 
with long, narrow, dark green leaves, very 
closely set, and horizontal, with the ends 
slightly recurved, giving it the appearance of 
a table top or umbrella. For the sub-tropical 
garden or for the lawn, D. indivisa and D. 
Australis, Syn. Cordyline, are the best, being of 
graceful habit, rapid growth, and not affected 
by sunshine, storm or drought. They are 
natives of New Zealand, and are readily 
increased from seed. The other species are 
propagated by placing the stems on the prop- 
agating bench in sand, with a bottom heat of 
75°, and slightly covering them with sphag- 
num, which should be kept at all times moist; 
in a short time an eye will break forth from 


DOLICHOS. 


DIGITALIS. DIOSCOREA (CHINESE YAM). 


DIELYTRA SPECTABILIS, 


DODECATHEON CLEVELANDI (GIANT AMERICAN COWSLIP), 


4 


132 


SWE 


CLL IT ITT 


Ese 


DEOSERA DICHOTOMA. 


DIEFFENBACHIA, 


133 


ERSIMMON), 


DIOSPYRUS (JAPANESE P: 


DEACZENA GOLDEANA. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 133 


DRA 


nearly every joint. The most forward of these 
may be removed from the stem from time to 
time, which will soon strike root in sand with 
bottom heat. The old stem should not be 
removed until its reproductive powers are 
exhausted. The species are pretty generally 
distributed throughout all tropical and sub- 
tropical countries, and were first brought to 
notice about 1820. See Cordyline. 


Dracoce’phalum. Dragon’s Head. From dra- 
kon, a dragon, and kephale, a head; referring 
to the gaping flower. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

This genus consists of hardy annuals 
and perennials, several of which are well 
known as garden flowers, among which may 
be found D. Moldavicum, the Moldavian Balm, 
a hardy annual with blue flowers. Several 


hardy species, perennials, natives of Siberia, . 


have beautiful large blue flowers. One very 
pretty species, D. parviflorum, is sparingly 
met in the Northern and Western States. All 
are propagated by seed or by root division. 
Introduced in 1731. 


Draco/ntium. A genus of Aroidew, natives of 
tropical America, comprising certain species 
more remarkable than beautiful or orna- 
mental; useful only in large collections. 


Dracophy’llum. A genus of Epacridacew, con- 
sisting of about twenty-five species, natives of 
New Zealand and Australia. D. capitatum, 
with pure white flowers in terminal heads, 
and D. gracile, also white, but more slender in 
growth, are both very pretty plants when well 
grown. 


Dragon-Arum, Arum Dracunculus. 
Green. <Arisema Dracontium. 


Dragon’s Blood. This resin, used in medicine, 
etc., is furnished by Calamus Draco, and is 
imported from Sumatra, southern Borneo, 
etc. The name Dragon’s Blood is also given 
to resins yielded by Dracena Draco in the 
Canary Islands, and by Dracena cinnabarina 
in Socotra, and also by Plerocarpus Draco. 


Dragon’s-Blood-Tree. Dracena Draco. 
Dragon’s-head. The genus Dracocephalum. 
Dragon's-mouth. Antirrhinum majus. 
Dragon-tree. Canary Islands. Dracena Draco. 


Draining. This is one of the most important 
operations in horticulture. No matter how 
fertile the normal condition of the soil; no 
matter how abundantly it is fertilized; no 
matter how carefully and thoroughly it is 
tilled, if water remains in it at the depth to 
which roots penetrate, all labor will be in vain ; 
for no satisfactory result can ever be attained 
until the water is drained off. The subject is 
one of such importance that we cannot give it 
full attention here, and to such as require to 
operate on a large scale, works specially 
devoted to the subject should be consulted, or 
a draining engineer employed. Soils having a 
gravelly or sandy sub-soil ten or twenty 
inches below the top soil do not usually need 
draining; but in all soils underlaid by clay. or 
hard pan, draining is indispensable, unless in 
cases where there is a slope of two to three 
feet in a hundred; and even in such cases 
draining is beneficial if the sub-soil is clay. 

In soils having a clay or hard-pan sub-soil, 
drains should be made three feet deep and 
not more than twenty feet apart. If stones 
are plenty, they may be profitably used to fill 


DRI 


up the drains, say to a depth of twelve or fif- 
teen inches, either placed so as to form a 
“rubble” drain, if the stones are round, or 
built with an orifice at the bottom, if the 
stones are flat. In either case, care must be 
used to cover the stones carefully up with 
inverted sods, or some material that will pre- 
vent the soil being washed through the stones 
and choking up the drain. 

Drain tiles, when they can be obtained at a 
reasonable price, are the best material for 
draining. The horseshoe pattern is generally 
used. If the drain has a hard bottom they 
can be placed directly on it when leveled to 
the proper grade; but if the ground is soft 
and spongy, a board must be laid in the bot- 
tom, on which to place the tiles. It is often a 
very troublesome matter to get the few drain 
tiles necessary to drain a small garden, and in 
such cases an excellent and cheap substitute 
can be had by using one of boards. Take 
ordinary rough boards—Pine, Hemlock or 
Spruce—and cut them into widths of three or 
four inches, and nail them together so as to 
form a triangular pipe, taking care to ‘‘ break 
the joints” in putting the lengths together. 
Care must be taken that the boards are not 
nailed together too closely, else they might 
swell so as to prevent the water passing into 
the drain to be carried off. These drains are 
usually set with a flat side down, but they will 
keep clear better if put with a point down, 
though it is more trouble to lay them. Drains 
made in this way will last twenty years or 
more. 

Of course, in draining, the greater the fall 
that can be got the better, though, if the 
grading is carefully done by a competent 
engineer, a very slight fall will suffice. Some 
of the trunk or main sewers in our cities have 
only a grade of one foot in a thousand. 

Drainage in flower pots is essent.al for most 
plants whenever the pot is over five inches in 
diameter. Charcoal broken into pieces from 
one-half to one inch in diameter we prefer to 
every other kind of drainage, which should 
be in depth from one inch to three inches, ac- 
cording to the size of the pot to be drained, 
an extra quantity being necessary if the plant 
is being shifted into a pot too, large; then 
ample drainage ‘is indispensable to admit of 
the quick escape of water. This drainage, so 
called, is not alone of use as a means for the 
rapid escape of water, but algo for the admis- 
sion of air to the roots, which brings in 
another important matter in connectiun with 
the drainage in pots, the necessity to stand 
the pots on some rough material, such as 
gravel or cinders; for if placed on sand, soil, 
or anything that will close up the orifice in 
the bottom of the pot, all the drainage placed 
in it will avail nothing. Itis far better to use 
no drainage at all, and stand the pots ona 
rough surface, than to use the drainage and 
place the plants on some material that will 
close the outlet. 

Dri‘mia. From drimys, acrid; referring to the 
juice of the bulbs. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small genus of green-house bulbs from 
the Cape of Good Hope. The flowers are 
white, purple, red, green, and variegated, and 
resemble the Ixias, though not as showy. 
The juice of the bulb is very acrid, causing 
blisters when applied to the skin. Propa- 
gated by offsets. Introduced in 1800. 


134 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


DRI 


Dri’mys. Fine half hardy evergreen trees with 
aromatic bark and showy flowers, belonging 
to the Nat. Ord. Magnoliacee. if 

D. Winteri, the species nost generally culti- 
vated, has milk-white flowers one inch or 
more across, with a Jasmine-like perfume. 
Leaves oblong, obtuse and glaucous beneath. 
-Propagated by cuttings. The fruit of D. 
Aromatica is sometimes used as pepper. Syns. 
Winterra and Tasmannia. 

Drooping Sorghum. Sorghum cernuum. 

Drop-seed Grass. The common name of the 
genus Sporobolus, applied because the seeds 
are loose, and easily scattered. The several 
species are common in dry barrens. 


Dropwort. See Spirea filipendula. 


Dro/sera. Sun-dew. From droseros, dewy. Nat. 
Ord. Droseracve. 

American, British, and Australian plants of 
insectivorous notoriety, with hairy leaves 
and curious flowers, which require to be 

' grown in moss, mixed with leaf ‘mould, kept 

- moist, and during the heat of the day covered 
with a bell glass. The leaves are studded 
with reddish glandular inflexed hairs, dis- 
charging from their apices a drop of viscid, 
acrid fluid. The Italian liqueur called Ros- 
soglia is said to take its name from one of the 
species being used in its composition. This 
is one of the plants experimented with by Mr. 
Darwin, from which he was led to believe that 
some plants feed on insects. 


Drosera’cez. A natural order of perennial and 
annual herbs, which are otten covered with 
glandular hairs. They have alternate leaves 
with fringes at their base, and a fern-like 
growth. The plants inhabit marshes in 
Europe, India, China, the Cape of Good Hope, 
“Madagascar, North and South America, and 
New Holland. They have acid and slightly 
acrid properties. The species of Drosera are 
remarkable for their glandular hairs, which 
are covered with drops of fluid in sunshine. 
Dionea muscipula is a still more remarkable 
plant, commonly called Venus’s Fly-trap. 
Some include Parnassia in this order. There 
are seven known genera and about 100 
species. Drosera, Dionea, and Drosophyllum, 
are examples of the order. ; 


Drosophy’llum. From drosos, dew, and phylion, 
a leaf; in allusion to the leaves being beset 
with stipulary glands, appearing like dew. 
Nat. Ord. Droseracee. s 

D. Lusitanicum (the only species), forming a 
dwarf, shrubby plant three to five inches in 
height, is one of the most singular plants of 
European flora. The nature of the glandular 
hairs is different from that of the Droseras, 
their rigid pedicels not being endowed with 
the motive power of the British and other 
species of the genus just mentioned. ‘A still 
more anomalous character is to be found in 

', the way the leaves are developed in the bud, 
being circinate and revolute, not involute, as 
in our Droseras, in Ferns, Cycads and other 

” plants, and of this mode of development Dro- 
sophyllum is, 80 far as I know, the only exam- 
ple in the Vegetable Kingdom.” (J. D. Hooker 

. in Botanical Magazine.) It is a native of Spain, 

'’ Portugal and Africa, introduced in 1869, and 
is propagated by seeds. 


Drupa’ceze. Formerly regarded as a distinct 


natural order, but now as a section of Rosacee. ' 


Dryoba’lanops. 


DUP 


’ 
Drupe. A kind of fruit consisting of a fleshy, suc- 
culent rind, and containing a hard stone in the 
center, like the Olives, Plums, Apricots, ete. 


Drya/ndra. Named after Jonas Dryander, a dis- 
tinguished Swedish botanist. : 

A genus of Proteaceew, allied to Banksia, 
containing in all about fifty species. Hand- 
some green-house plants, rarely seen in culti- 
vation, notwithstanding their great beauty. 


Dry’as. From Dryades, the goddesses of the 

’ woods, to whom the oak was sacred. The 
leaves of D. octopetala, a Scotch plant, on 
which the genus was founded by Linneeus, 
resembles small oak leaves; and he, in play- 
ful mood, made Dryas the badge of Virgil’s 

’ Dryades, after the manner of the Scottish 
clans. Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

A delicate genus of dwarf, moderately- 
spreading plants, with neat evergreen leaves 
and strawberry-like flowers. All have white 
flowers except D. Drummondii, which are of a 
sulphur yellow. They are all of easy culture, 
but require a moist, shaded situation. They. 
are natives of Great Britain and the United 
States, and are propagated by division and by 
seeds. 


Drymo’nia. From drymos, an oak wood; their 
habitation. Nat. Ord. Gesneracew. ~ 
A small genus of South American shrubs of 
climbing habit, found in moist or marshy sit- 
uations. Flowers large, not unlike the Ges- 
nera. A few species have been introduced 
into the green-house, and are quite orna- 
mental. They should be grown in baskets 
filled with turf and pieces of wood, in a 
moist, warm house, and are propagated by 


cuttings. Introduced in 1806. 
Dryna'ria. From drys, a tree; dwelling among 
trees. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 


An extensive genus of green-house Ferns 
from India and the Pacific Islands, now 
included under Polypodium by some authors. 


Camphor Tree. From drys, 
a tree, balanos, an acorn, and ops, appearance ; 
in allusion to the species being a tree, bearing 
acorn-like fruits. Nat. Ord. Dipterocarpee. 

A large, resinous, camphor-bearing ever- 
green tree, native of Sumatra. D. aromatica 
furnishes a liquid called Camphor-oil and a 
crystalline solid known as Sumatra camphor. 
It is highly prized by the Chinese. 


Dry’pis. From drypto, to lacerate; leaves 
‘armed with spines. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. 
D. spinosa is a beautiful little trailing plant 
well adapted for growing upon rock-work; its 
pretty pale pink or white flowers being pro- 
duced so as to completely cover the ground. 
It is increased by cuttings. This plant is a 
native of Italy, and was introduced in 1795. 


Duck’s-foot. See Podophyllum. 


Duck-weed. The genus Lemna. 
Tropical. Pistia Stratioides. 

Ducts. Tubular vessels marked by transverse 
lines or dots; apparently, in some cases, 
modifications of spiral vessels. 

Dumb Cane. Dieffenbachia Seguine. © 

Duplicate. Growing in pairs. When! com- 
pounded with the words crenate, dentate, 
serrate, it implies that the incisions on the 
margins of leaves bearing these names are 
themselves crenated, dentated, and serrated. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 135 


DUR 


Duramen. The heart-wood, or that part of the 
timber of a tree which becomes hardened by 
the matter deposited in it. It is next the 
center in Exogens and next the circumference 
in Endogens. 


Dura/nta. Namedin honor of Castor Durantes, a 
». physician and botanist. Nat. Ord. Verbenacee. 
. A genus of free flowering evergreen shrubs, 
natives ot South America and the West Indies. 
D. Plumieri, the best known species, has 


pretty blue flowers borne in racemes in great - 


profusion. It was introduced in 1739, and is 
increased readily by cuttings. 


Durio. From Duryon, the Malay name of the 
fruit, and comes from dury, a thorn; alluding 
to the prickly fruit. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacee. 

D. zibethinus, the only species, a noble tree 
attaining the height of from sixty to eighty 
feet, with somewhat the general appearance 
of an elm, -produces the celebrated Durian 


fruit of the Indian Archipelago. This fruit | 


varies in shape, being either globular or oval, 
and measures aS much as ten inches in 
length; it has a thick, hard rind entirely cov- 
ered with very strong sharp prickles, and is 
divided into five cells, each of which contains 
from one to four seeds rather larger than 
pigeons’ eggs, and completely enveloped in a 

' firm luscious-looking cream-colored pulp, 
which is the eatable part of the fruit. 

This tree is commonly cultivated through- 
out the Malayan Peninsula and_ Islands, 
where its fruit, during the period it is in 
season, forms the greatest part of the food of 

’ the natives. Considerable difference of opin- 
ion exists among epicures as to the relative 
merits of several well-known tropical fruits, 
including the Durian, the Mangosteen, the 
Cherimoyer, and the Pine-apple, any of which 
is made to occupy the foremost place, accord- 
ing to individual taste. The flavor of Durian, 
however, is said to be perfectly unique; and 
_ it is also quite certain that no other fruit, 
either of tropical or temperate climes, com- 

. bines in itself such a delicious flavor with 
~. such an abominably offensive odor—an odor 
commonly compared either with putrid 
animal matter, or with rotten onions. It 
might be supposed that a fruit, possessing 
‘such an odor could never become a favorite ; 
put it is said that when once the repugnance 
has been overcome, the Durian is sure to find 

. favor, and that foreigners invariably become 
extremely fond of it. One traveler observes 
that ‘‘a rich custard, highly flavored with 


‘ 


there are occasional wafts of flavor that call 
to mind cream-cheese, onion sauce, sherry 
wine, and other incongruous dishes. Then 
there is a rich glutinous smoothness in the 
pulp which nothing else possesses, but which 
adds to its delicacy. It is neither acid, nor 
sweet, nor juicy; yet it wants none of these 
qualities, for it is in itself perfect. It pro- 
duces no nausea or other bad effect, and the 
more you eat of it the less _you feel inclined 
to stop. In fact, to eat Durians is a new 
sensation, worth a voyage to the East to ex- 
perience.” 


Durra. See Sorghum vulgare. 

Dusty Miller. Cineraria maritima. 
Dutch-Clover Trifolium repens. 
Dutchman's Breeches. Dicentra cucullaria. 


DYS 


Dutchman’s Pipe. See Aristolochia stpho. 
Duva’lia. Named after H. A. Duval, of Paris, 


a botanical author. Nat. Ord. Asclepediacee. 

A genus of succulent Stapelia-like plants, 
all natives of South Africa. D. polita has 
purplish red flowers with a dull orange center, 
somewhat resembling a bird’s head, when 
viewed sideways. They. are produced: in 
threes or fours and open successively. . The 
stems and branches are two to three inches 
long, and about half an inch thick, somewhat 
clavate, and more or less decumbent and 
rooting. It is one of the finest plants of the 
genus, and was introduced in 1874. 


Duva’ua. In honor of M. Duvau, a French bot- 


anist. Nat. Ord. Anacardiacee. 

Singular half-hardy shrubs from Chili. The . 
leaves of the plants of this genus, if thrown 
upon water, will start and jump about ina 
very extraordinary manner. They have a 
strong smell of turpentine. The flowers are 
white, produced in small spikes, and are suc- 
ceeded by dark purple berries. They require 
green-house treatment. Propagated by cut- 
tings. Introduced in 1830. ; 


Dwarf. Of small size compared with other 


species of the same genus, or with other 
varieties of the same species. 


Dwarf Dandelion. Krigia Virginica,.a small 


hardy annual, with yellow flowers resembling 
asmall Dandelion, common in New England 
and southward. : 


Dwarf Fan Palm. Acommon name for Cha- 


merops humilis. 


Dy’ckia. Named in honor of Prince Salm-Dyck, 


a German, author of a splendid work on suc- 
culents. Nat. Ord. Bromeliecee. 

A small genus of green-house plants, resem- 
hling the Pine-apple in miniature, or a small 
Piteairnia. D. rariflora is a very showy plant 
with orange-colored fiowers. One or two 
other species of the same general character 
have been introduced into the green-house. 
Propagated by division or from seeds, 


Dyer’s Green-Weed. See Genisia tinctoria. 
Dyer’s Rocket, or Dyer’s Weed. A popular 


name of Reseda luteola, allied to Mignonette. 


Dynamis, A power. A figurative term em- 


- ployed by Linneus to express the degrees -of 

*. development of stamens. Thus his Didynamia 
signified stamens of two different lengths, or 
of two different degrees of development. 


| Dypsis. From dupto, to dip; application not 
almonds, gives the best general idea of it, but |. 


given. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of five or six species of dwarf stove- 
house palms, all natives of Madagascar. D. 
Madagascariensis, D. Hildebrandtii, and D. 
pinnatifrons, the only species yet introduced, 
are choice sorts, and well worthy of a place in 
any collection. 


Dysodia. From dusodes, ill-smelling; in allu- 


sion to the unpleasant odor of some of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Composite. 
A genus of about ten species of erect or dif- 
fuse pubescent plants, closely allied to Ta- 
getes, and natives of Mexico, Central America, 
and the South-western States. D. chrysan- 
themoides, a dwarf annual with pinnatisect 
cleaves, grows in great profusion over the 
western prairies of Illinois, and in autumn 
exhales so unpleasant an odor as to sicken 
travelers. aes 4 


136 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


H. 


EAG 


Hee Wood. An odoriferous wood containing 

| an abundance of resin and a fragrant essen- 
tial oil. This is supposed to be the Aloes 
wood of Scripture. See Aquilaria agallocha. 


Ha’rina. From earinos, the spring; the time 
of their flowering. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A genus of very rare Orchids. The stems 
are terminated by dense oblong spikes of 
white flowers, which are delightfully fragrant. 
rd were introduced from New Zealand in 
1843. 


Hast Indian Rose Bay. See Tabernemontana. 


EHarth-nut, or Earth Chestnut. Bunium flex- 
uosum. 
Easter Flower. Mexican. Poinsettia pulcher- 


Easter Giant. Polygonum bistortum. 

Easter Lily. Lilium Harrisii and L. longiflorum. 

Ebena'cez. A natural order of trees or shrubs, 
not milky, with alternate leathery and entire 
leaves. The flowers are hermaphrodite (per- 
fect), or pistillate and staminate. The fruit 
is a round or oval berry with albuminous 
seeds. They are chiefly natives of the East 
Indies, but are also found in tropical Africa, 
at the Cape of Good Hope, in South America, 
Brazil, Australia, northern Asia, and China. 
The trees yield a hard and durable timber. 
The heart-wood of different species of Diospy- 
ros is the Ebony of commerce, of which there 
are many varieties. The Keg-fig of Japan is 
edible fruit of Diospyros Kaki, and our com- 
mon Persimmon is the fruit of Diospyros Vir- 
giniana. There are five recognized genera 
and about 250 species; Diospyros, Royena, 
Euclea, and Maba are examples. 


E’benus. A genus of Leguminose, numbering 
about eight species, natives of the high moun- 
tainous regions of eastern Europe and Asia 
Minor. They are elegant little shrubs, or 
biennial plants, bearing their bright pink or 
violet blossoms on dense spikes or round 
heads in great profusion. They are easily 
increased by seeds or division. 


Hbony-tree. See Diospyros. 


Jamaica. Brya Ebenus. 
Mountain. Bauhinia variegata. 
Senegal. Dalbergia Melanoxylon. 


Eburneus. Of the color of ivory. 


Ecba'llium. Squirting Cucumber. From ekbalo, 
to cast out; because the seeds are violently 
expelled from the ripe fruit. Nat. Ord. Cucur- 
bitacee. 

TheSquirting Cucumber is socalled from the 
remarkable way in which it squirts outits seeds 
along with the semi-fluid contents of the fruit. 
When the fruitis quite ripe a very slight touch 
causes it to separate from its stem, and by 
the violent elastic contraction of the pericarp, 
or rind of the fruit, the whole of the contents 
are ejected from the opening made by its 
separation from thestem. Itis a native of 
the south of Europe, where the drug known 
as Elaterium (a powerful cathartic) is procured 
fromit. Syn. Momordica Elaterium. 


ECH 


Eccremoca’rpus. From ekkremes, pendant, and 
karpos, fruit; position of seed-pods. Nat. Ord. 
Bignoniacee. 

The best known species, E. scaber, is a half- 
hardy climber, of exceedingly vigorous 
growth, producing a great profusion of 
orange-scarlet flowers, and ripening an 
abundance of seed. If cut down to the root 
in autumn, and covered with dead leaves, 
straw, or anything to preserve it from the 
frost during winter,.it will shoot up again the. 
following spring. It may be propagated by 
cuttings, but it ripens seed so freely that it is 
most easily raised from them. They should 
be sown in autumn, as soon as they are ripe, 
on a slight hot-bed; and the plants, which 
should be kept in a frame or green-house, 
should be shifted two or three times till they 
are ready for planting out in April or May. 
The species are natives of Peru. Introduced 
in 1824. Syn. Calampelis. 


Echea’/ndia. Named after Greg. Echeandia, 
botanical professor at Saragossa. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 

Asmall genus of exceedingly rare, tender 
herbaceous perennials, discovered near the 
Real del Monte Mines, Mexico, by Mr. John 
Rule, and sent by him to England in 1837. It 
is allied to the Anthericum, which in habit of 
growth itresembles. The flower spike grows 
nearly three feet high, branching, and during 
July and August it produces daily several 
Asphodel-shaped flowers, of a bright orange- 
yellow color. It is increased from seeds. 


Echeve’ria. In honorof M. Echeveri, author of 
the splendid drawings of the Flora Mexicani. 
Nat. Ord. Crassulacee. 

The Echeverias are succulent plants, all 
more or less ornamental, particularly so when 
in flower. Some are dwarf and herb-like in 
their manner of growth, and others more or 
less shrubby in their habit. They are all 
free-growing plants, suitable for rockeries, 
edgings, or massing ; where ‘“ carpet bedding” 
is done the Echeverias are indispensable. 
They require the protection of the green- 
house during winter, and, like most other 
succulents, to be carefully watered; in fact, 
the soil must never approach a soddened con- 
dition. They must,-however, be freely sup- 
plied with water while in a growing condition. 
The Echeverias are readily propagated by the 
leaves, especially those produced along the 
flower-stem, and by seeds. They are chiefly 
natives of Mexico, and require a very open or 
porous soil, consisting of loam and coarse 
sand. Some of the more popular kinds are.of 
recent introduction. A number of the species 
are now classed with Cotyledon. 


Echina’cea. Purple Cone-Flower. From echinos, 
a hedge-hog; referring to the involucre, or 
scaly covering of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A small genus of coarse-growing, hardy her- 
baceous perennials, bearing large purple or 
reddish flowers, with a dark centre. They are 
common south and west. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 137 


ECH 


Echinate. Furnished with numerous rigid hairs 
or straight prickles; as the fruit of Custanea 
vesca, Amomum subulatum, ete. 


Bchi’noca’ctus. From echinos, hedge-hog, and 
cactus; a naine given by Theophrastus to a 
spiny plant. Nat. Ord. Cactacee. 

This genus is one of the most beautiful of 
the order; the grotesque appearance of the 
plants, crowned as they are at times with 
their large flowers, renders them objects of 
much attention among the admirers of this 
class of vegetable forms. The soil we prefer 
for their culture is a mixture of rich loam, 
thoroughly decomposed manure, and sand, in 
equal quantities. This must be well drained 
by mixing small lumps of charcoal and pots- 
herds with the earth, and by placing a layer 
of the same material at the bottom of the 
pots. Through the winter the plants shoula 
be kept in a reduced temperature, such as 
that of a green-house, and have little or no 
-water, but in summer they grow and flower 
more freely if allowed a stove temperature 
and a liberal supply of moisture. Bright sun- 
light is essential to their vigor at all seasons, 
but most particularly so in autumn and winter. 
The genus comprises many species; more 
than half of them natives of Mexico, the rest 
being distributed throughout South America. 
They are propagated by offsets, which should 
be dried a few days after being taken off the 
plant. First introduced in 1796. 


B’chinops. Globe Thistle. From echinos, a 
hedge-hog, and opis, like; referring to the 
spiny scales of the involucre, or covering of 
composite flowers. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of hardy annual, biennial, and per- 
ennial plants, generally with blue flowers, ar- 
ranged in dense round clusters at the ends of 
the branches, so that each cluster of flower- 
heads has the appearance of a single head, 
containing many florets. They are all of 
easy culture, and will grow in almost any 
situation. For moderate-sized gardens, they 
are too rank growing and coarse to be useful. 
They are natives of southern Europe, and 
are propagated by seeds or division. 


Hehino’psis. A small genus of Cactacew, now 
generally placed as a section of Cereus. 


Echi'tes. From echis, a viper; referring to the 
snake-like coils of the twining shoots. Nat. 
Ord. Apocynacee. 

A genus of magnificent green-house climb- 
ing plants, with yellow, white, red, and crim- 
son flowers, and richly-veined leaves. They 
closely resemble Dipladenia, which may be re- 
ferred to for culture. It is an extensive 
genus, pretty generally distributed throughout 
South America and the East Indies. 


E’chium. Viper’s Bugloss. From echis, a viper ; 
seeds like the viper’s head. Nat. Ord. Bora- 
ginacee. 

Perennial, biennial, and annual plants gener- 
ally with rich dark-blue flowers; though 
some of the kinds that are natives of the Cape 
of Good Hope and the Canaries have red, 
white, or violet flowers. They are easily prop- 
agated by seeds or division of the root. 
First introduced in 1683. 


Edelweiss. See Leontopodium. 


Edged. When one color is surrounded by a 
very narrow rim of another color. 


EGY 


Edgeworthia. Named for M. P. Edgeworth, 
an East Indian botanist. Nat. Ord. Thyme- 
lacee. 

Ornamental evergreen green-house shrubs 
with yellow flowers, closely allied to Daphne. 
Natives of China and Japan. 


Edwa’'rdsia. In honor of Sydenham Edwards, 
acelebrated English botanical draughtsman. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

Half-hardy low trees and shrubs, with pin- 
nate leaves and very curiously-shaped seed 
pods and flowers, which are of a dark golden 
yellow. They are beautiful plants for lawn 
decoration, but must be protected in winter. 
The species are all natives of New Zealand, 
and are propagated by cuttings. Introduced 
in 1772. Syn. Sophora. 

Bel-Grass. See Vallisneria. 


Effuse. Applied to inflorescence, and means 
a kind of panicle with a very loose arrange- 
ment. 


Egg-Plant. The Egg-Plant of our gardens is 
Solanum melongena, var. ovigerum, a native of 
North Africa. It was first introduced into 
England in 1596, but for a long time was little 
known or used, owing much to the climate 
being unsuited to the perfect development of 
the fruit. In India and other hot countries 
it is a favorite article of food, andfor many 
years it has steadily grown in favor in this 
country. In India itis served up with sugar 
and wine, and in Italy and France it is used in 
stews and soups. Of this species there are 
several varieties, the favorite being the ‘‘Im- 
proved New York Purple,” which is a strong 
grower, the plants yielding from five to eight 
fruits, some of which are of enormous size; 
the size, however, depends much on the soil 
and method of culture. For perfection of 
growth, a very rich soil, plenty of moisture, 
and warm weather are required, with the ad- 
dition of frequent hoeings. Under such cir- 
cumstances, fruit seven inches in diameter 
and eight to nine inches long, and weighing 
five to six pounds, is easily obtained. . There 
are several other species occasionally grown in 
our gardens, one having bright scarlet, another 
white fruit, each about the size of a hen’s egg, 
which are chiefly grown as curiosities. The 
white variety is edible, however, and is per- 
haps the most delicately flavored. Seeds 
should be sown about March Ist, in a tem- 
perature at no time lower than 70° Fahr., 
and from the seed bed pricked out in shallow 
boxes, and from these, again, into small flower 
pots, to be planted out in the open ground 
when all danger from frost is past, as the 
plant, being tropical, is at all times sensitive 
to cold. 


Eggs and Bacon. Linaria vulgaris, and Lotus 


corniculatus. 
Eggs and Butter. Linaria vulgaris. 
Eglantine. Sweet Briar. Rosa rubiginosa. 


Egyptian Bean. See Dolichos Lablab. 
Of Pythagoras. Nelumbium speciosum. 


Egyptian Lily. See Richardia. 
Egyptian Lotus. Nymphea Lotus. 


Egyptian Pea. See Cicer.. 
Egyptian Rose. Scabiosa arvensis, and S. 
atropurpurea. 


Egyptian Thorn. Crategus Pyracantha. 


138 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


EHR 


Bhre’tia. In honor of D. G. Ehret, a celebrated 
German botanical draughtsman. Nat. Ord. 
Boraginacee. 

A small genus of very beautiful tropical 
trees and shrubs, producing large corymbs of 
fragrant, mostly white flowers. Introduced 
in 1823; propagated by cuttings. 

Bhre’tia’/ceze. A natural order, now placed as a 
tribe of Boraginacee. 


Hichho’rnia. Named in honor of J. A. F. Hich- 
horn, an eminent Prussian. Nat. Ord. Ponte- 
deriacew. 

Very interesting stove aquatics, natives of 
South America and tropical Africa. E. cras- 
sipes, Syn. Pondeteria azurea, or P. crassipes, 
grows freely, floating on the surface of the 
water, without the roots being in the soil; the 
other species are easily grown in pots filled 
with coarse, rather rich soil, immersed and 
kept in water. 


Bleagna'cez. A natural order of trees or 
shrubs, more or less covered with minute 
silvery or brown scurfy scales, and natives 
chiefly of. the northern hemisphere. There 
are four known genera and about thirty spe- 
cies. Shepherdia, Eleagnus, and Hippophaé 
are examples of the order. 


Elza’gnus. Oleaster, or Wild Olive. From 
Elaia, an olive, and agnos, a_ chaste tree; 


resemblance the tree bears. Nat. Ord. Hle- 


agnacee. 

A genus of hardy and half-hardy ornamental 
low-growing trees or shrubs, natives of 
southern Europe and Asia. HH. hortensis, is an 
old garden shrub, noted for the silvery white- 
ness of its foliage, and, on this account, is 
often selected to plant in a conspicuous situa- 
tion, or to contrast with shrubs of darker 
foliage. Its flowers are produced in May, are 
quite small, pale yellow, and fragrant. £. 
argentea is described by Gray, under the name 
of Shepherdia argentea, which see. 


Hle/is. The Oil Palm. From Elaia, the 
olive; similarity of expressing oil from the 
‘fruit. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

This interesting genus of Palms consists of 
but few species, the minor ones being na- 
tives of South America. H. Guineensis, the 
most important species, abounds on the west 
coast of Africa. It grows to the greatest 
perfection in shady places, where the trees 
attain a height of twenty feet. The immense 
groves interspersed with the larger vegeta- 
tion of that country, gives the landscape an 
indescribable beauty. The fruits in this 
species are borne in immense dense heads, 
measuring from one to two feet long, and 
from two to three feet in circumference, the 
individual fruit, or nut, being about an inch 
and a half long by an inch in diameter. These 
fruits yield the Palm Oil of commerce, the 
collecting of which is the principal industry 
of-the negroes in many parts of Africa, but 
more particularly on the west coast. The 
oil is. obtained by bruising the fruit, boiling 
in water, and skimming it off as it rises to 
the surface. The Palm Oil of commerce is 
about the consistence of butter, of a deep 
orange yellow, becoming lighter upon being 

exposed to the air, and when fresh it emits a 
sweet violet odor: In Africa this oil is used 
as butter under the name of ghea. A soup is 
also made of it, that forms an important 


ELI 


article of food. The vast productiveness of 
the plant is evident from the fact, that the 
importations into Great Britain alune, in 1860, 
amounted to more than eight millions of dol- 
lars. The chief uses to which this oil is ap- 
plied is in the manufacture of candles, Palm 
Oil soap, and for lubricating oil for machin- 
ery. . 

Bleoca’rpus. From Elaia, the olive, and kar- 
pus, fruit; resemblance of the fruits. Nat. 
Ord. Tiliaceaw. 

A genus of handsome trees belonging to the 
Linden family. They are natives of South 
America, Australia, and the East Indies. 
The flowers are white or green, quite showy. 
The rough bony fruit, or stone, has a sculp- 
tured appearance, and is used for necklaces 
and other articles of ornament. The fruit is 
surrounded by an edible pulp, and is pickled 
like olives. The bark of some of the species 
affords an excellent dye, varying from light 
brown to deep black; itis highly valued for 
its permanency. 


Blezode’ndron. Olive Wood. From Eiaia, an 
olive, and dendron, a tree; alluding to the re- 
semblance. Nat. Ord. Celastracew. — 

A genus of medium-sized evergreen trees, 
common in Africa, India, the south of Europe, 
and is alsoabundant in the Holy Land. The 
trees grow from thirty to forty feet high, 
much branched, with rough, scraggy trunks, 
and furnish the Olive Wood, used so: much 
in turning and various small works, such 
as boxes, charms, trinkets, and small cabi- 
net work. The fruit is much esteemed and 
yields an oil something like that of the true 
Olive, Olea Europea, though of an inferior 
quality. 

Elder. American. 

‘the genus Iva. 
British. Sambucus nigra. : 
Marsh, or Water. Viburnum Opulus. 
Poison. Rhus venenatum. 

Wild, of North America. Aralia hispida. 


Elecampane. See Inula Helenium. 

Hlephant’s Apple. Feroniu Elephantum. 
Blephant’s Ear. The genus Begonia, and Colo- 
casia esculenta. 
Hlephant’s Foot. 

tipes. . 
Blephant’s-trunk Plant. Martynia proboscidea, 
and Adenium namaquanum. 


Sambucus Canadensis, and 


See Testudinaria Hlephan- 


Bletta/ria. A synonym of Amomum, which 
see. 
Hleusi/ne. Derived from Eleusis, where was a 


celebrated temple of Ceres. Nat. Ord. 
Graminacee. 

A family of curious grasses, mostly inhabi- 
tants of the East Indies. L. oligostachya, one 
of the most ornamental species, is a dwarf 
grass, well adapted for the flower border, or 
to be used as a ‘dried grass” for winter- 
bouquets; it is native of China, perfectly 
hardy, and of perennial duration. E. coracana. 
is grown in Japan as a grain crop for its large 


farinaceous seeds. 

Blichry’sum. See Helichrysum. 

Blise’na. Named in honor of Princess Elise, 
sister of Napoleon. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 
’ A small genus of strong-growing bulbs from 
Peru. The flowers are borne in a cluster on a 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE, 139 


ELK 


scape nearly three feet high, pure white and 
fragrant, closely resembling Ismene. They 
require green house treatment. To bring 
them into flower, water should be withheld 
after their season’s growth, until the flower 
spike appears, when they should have the 
warmest position in the green-house, with 
plenty of air and water. Propagated by off- 
sets. Introduced in 1837, 


Elk-Bark. Magnolia glauca. 
Elk’s-horn Fern. Platycerium alcicorne. 


HBlloboca’rpus oleraceus, Pod Fern. A syn- 
onym of Ceratopteris thalictroides, which see. 


Elm. American, or White. Ulmus Americana. 
American Cork, or Rock. Ulmus racemosa. 
Moose, Red, or Slippery. Ulmus fulva. 
Witch, or Wych. Ulmus Montana. 


Hlo’dea. Water Thyme. From elodes, a marsh; 
the habitation of the plants. Nat. Ord. 
Hydrocharidaceew. 

A small genus of aquatic or marshy plants, 
natives of this country and western Asia. LE. 
Virginica is rather a handsome plant, with 
flesh or pink-colored flowers, disposed in axil- 
lary or terminal clusters. 


Hlongated. Lengthened or stretched out; when 
any part of an organ is in any way remarkable 
for its length in comparison with its breadth. 


B/lymus. Lyme-Grass. Wild Rye. According 
to Linneus it is named from elyo, to cover. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of strong-growing grasses, inhabi- 
tants of both the new and the old worlds. 
Some of the species are grown for economic 
purposes, others for their ornamental charac- 
ter. H. arenarius affords the nearest approach 
to a grain crop attainable by the Icelanders, 
and this only can be cultivated in very favor- 
able localities. They highly appreciate the 
seeds, call them Melur, and eat them raw or 
made into cakes. It is also useful for binding 
moveable sand hills, etc., by means of its long 
creeping rhizomes. HH. histriz, is a native 
species, and is grown for ornamental pur- 
poses. It is popularly known as Bottle-brush 
Grass, and is referred by Gray to the genus 
Gymnostichum. 


Emarginate. Having a small notch in the end, 
as if a piece had been taken out. 


Embossed Cypress. See Glyptostrobus. 


Embryo. The rudiment of a plant contained in 
the seed. It makes its first appearance soon 
after the pollen has fertilized the ovule. 
Fixed embryo, a leaf bud. 


Empetra’cez. A natural order of shrubs with 
heath-like, evergreen leaves, without stipules, 
and small axillary flowers, which are usually 
imperfect. They are natives chiefly of the 
northern parts of Europe and America. There 
are four known genera and five species. 
Empetrum, Ceratiola and Corema are examples 
of the order. 


Empe'’trum. Crake-berry, or Crow-berry. From 
en, upon, and petros, a rock ; in allusion to the 
place of growth. Nat. Ord. Hmpetracee. 

E. nigrum, a native hardy species, is an 
ornamental evergreen, low-spreading, heath- 
like shrub, bearing edible brownish-black ber- 
ries; well adapted for a damp situation on a 
rockery. 


ENG 


Encephala’rtos. From en, within, kephale, the 
head, and artos, bread; the inner part of the 
top of the trunk being farinaceous. Nat. Ord. 
Cycadacee. 

This is asmall genus separated from Zamia. 
They are in all respects very similar plants, 
require the same treatment, and are natives 
‘principally of the Cape of Good Hope. 
Several of the species are valuable decorative 
plants. 

Enchanter’s Nightshade. See Circea. 


Encholi’rion. A genus of Bromeliacee, consist- 
ing of a few Brazilian herbaceous plants, 
usually referred to Vriesia, which see. 


Endive. Cichorium Endivia. This hardy annual 
is a native of the East Indies, and is consid-. 
ered a valuable salad at atime when few other 
vegetables are furnished for the table. Like 
the lettuce, its leaves are used before its flow- 
ering stem begins to appear. These leaves 
are very hard and bitter when exposed to the 
air; they are therefore blanched, and if this 
be properly performed they become crisp and 
tender, and retain only an agreeable bitter- 
ness. Many varieties of the Endive are 
included in seedsmen’s lists, all of which are 
the results of selection and cultivation. 


Endive. Wild. See Cichoriwm. 


Endocarp. The lining of a carpel; the inner 
surface or lining of a fruit, representing at 
that time the upper surface of a carpellary 
leaf. The stone of a Cherry is its endocarp. 


Endogens. A large class of plants to which the 
name of Monocotyledons is also given. ‘‘ They 
have a cellular and vascular system, the latter 
exhibiting spiral vessels. Their stem is endo- 
genous, that is to say, increases in diameter 
by the addition of woody vessels towards its 
interior, the outer part being the oldest and 
densest, and hence the name Endogens, 
inward-growers; bundles of woody, spiral, 
and pitted vessels are scattered throughout 
the cellular tissue; there is no pith, no separ- 
able bark, no woody rings or zones, and no 
true medullary rays. The age of woody Endo- 
gens cannot be determined by counting con- 
centric rings, as in Exogens. The leaves are 
usually continuous with the stem, and do not 
fall off by articulations; and when at length 
they separate, their bases leave marks or~ 
sears at definite intervals on the stem, as may 
be seen in Palms. The stems of Endogens 
are often subterranean, in the form of corms, 
rhizomes, or bulbs. The leaves have stom- 
ates, and their venation is usually parallel, 
though in a few cases it is slightly reticulated. 
The flowers have stamens and pistils, and 
three-membered symmetry. The ovules are 
contained in an alee and the embryo has 
one cotyledon, or seed lobe, whence they are 
called monocotyledonous. 


Endosmose. That force which causes a viscid 


fluid lying within a cavity to attract to itself 
a watery fluid through an organic membrane. 


Engelma’nnia. Named in honor of George Engel- 


mann, of St. Louis, a celebrated botanist. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

E. pinnatifida, the only species, is an erect, 
hardy perennial herb, with golden-yellow 
flowers one to two inches in diameter. It 
grows one to two feet in height, and thrives 
in ordinary garden soil. It was introduced to 
cultivation from the western prairies in 1881. 


140 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ENG 


English Mercury. Chenepodium Bonus Hen- 
ricus. * 

Enkia’nthus. From enkous, enlarged, and 
anthos, a flower; the flowers are swollen in the 
middle. Nat. Ord. Ericacee. 

Highly beautiful objects, which, from their 
habit of blooming in the winter and early 
spring, are much esteemed for ornamenting 
the green-house and conservatory. They 
should have a shaded situation out of doors 
through the summer. Propagated by cut- 
tings, which require to be of firm, young 
wood. There are five species, natives princi- 
pally of Japan, China, and the East. First 
introduced from China in 1812. 


Ensiform. Quite straight, with the point acute, 
oy the blade of a broadsword or the leaf of 
an Iris. 


Enta’da. The Malabar name. Nat. Ord. Legu- 
minose@. 

A genus of ornamental hot-house climbers, 
consisting of five species, with white or yel- 
low flowers, produced either in spikes at the 
bases of the leaves, or in bunches at the ends 
of the branches. The most remarkable feature 
of the genus is the extraordinary length of its 
pods, which are flat and woody, divided into 
numerous joints, each containing one large, 
flat, polishedseed. In EH. scandens, anative of 
the tropics of both hemispheres, the pods 
often measure six or eight feet in length. The 
seeds are nearly two inches across by half an 
inch thick, and have a hard, woody, and 
beautifully-polished shell, of a dark-brown or 
purplish color. In the tropics the natives 
convert these seeds into snuff-boxes, scent- 
bottles, and various other trinkets. In this 
country they are much worn as charms on 
watch-guards, and are very common in their 
natural state on the side-walk stands in 
Broadway, New York. They are natives of 
the West and East Indies and the South Sea 
Islands. The seeds are often picked up on 
the coast of Florida, and even as far as the 
coast of Finland, having been conveyed there 
by the great oceanic currents. They are sold 
under the name of Sea Beans and Florida 
Beans. : 


Home’con. A genus of Papaveracee, containing 
only one species, described as intermediate 
between Stylophorum and Sanguinaria, from 
both of which, however, it differs widely in its 
scapose habit and racemose flowers. Unlike 
the Poppies, also, the Homecon holds its indi- 
vidual flowers for many days together, and 
produces them in such abundance from May 
to September as to merit a first place in all 
good collections. It is quite a novelty, and 
with its yellow-green cyclamen-like leaves 
and showy flowers forms quite a picturesque 
group in the herbaceous border. It was dis- 
covered at Kwangsi, China, in 1884, by Dr. 
Henry, and is readily increased by means of 
its numerous runners. 


Eope’pon. A genusof ornamental gourds, con- 
sisting of two species, formerly, and still, 
generally included in the genus Trichosanthes, 

. which see. 


Epacrida’cee. 
plants, with usually simple alternate leaves, 
and regula: and perfect flowers in spikes or 
racemes. Natives of the Indian Archipelago 
and Australia. There are thirty-two known 


- 


A natural order of shrubby 


EPH 


‘genera and over 300 species. Epacris, Sty- 
hea and Dracophyllum are examples of the 
order. 


Epa'cris. From epi, upon, and akros, the top; 
The Epacris grows upon the tops of hills and 
on rising grounds. Nat. Ord. Epacridacea. 

An extensive genus of ornamental shrubs 
from Australia, the species of which are highly 
valued, both for their graceful beauty and the 
early period at which they produce their 
abundant flowers. For a proper method of 
treatment, we quote from the Florist’s Jour- 
nal: ‘The method we are about to recom- 
mend for the management of these lovely 
plants will be found to differ considerably 
from the ordinary course of treatment, but as 
we have found it so decidedly preferable, there 
can be no hesitation in advising its adoption. 
To begin, we select young, healthy plants, and 
in February remove them from the small pots 
in which they have been grown into others 
three or four sizes larger, according to the 
apparent strength of the individual, using a 
very sandy soil; the rougher and more turfy 
the soil is the better the plants will thrive. 
Particular attention should be paid to drain-~ 
age. The plants are then cut back to within 
four or five joints of their last growth and are 
placed in a gentle heat, where they soon 
‘break’ vigorously. These new growths are 
stopped by pinching off their tops two or three 
times in the course of the summer, taking 
care, however, to discontinue it after July, so 
that the last shoots may have time to ripen 
before the winter, and, by giving proper atten- 
tion to watering, they will attain a length ofa 
foot or more, and make nice little specimens 
to bloom in the following spring. After they 
have then done flowering, they are again 
repotted, and, instead of being stopped in 
their after-growth, are at once cut back to 
very near the base of the preceding year’s 
shoots, and are then allowed to grow as far 
as they please, training them into any desir- 
ableform. Thus, instead of a few flowers on 
several small stems, we have long spikes full 
of flowers, increasing the general beauty of 
the plants to an amazing extent. Every year 
they are cut down in the same manner, and 
each season more numerous spikes are pro- 
duced. We must observe, however, that after 
the first season the plants are not subjected to 
ahigh temperature, choosing in preference a 
shaded, airy place for them tomake their new 
wood through the summer, removing them 
about August to asunny position, in order to 
ripen the recent shoots; in other respects 
ordinary attention is all that is required.” 
Hardly as good results can be obtained in this 
country, as they suffer, like the Heath, from our 
long, dry, hot summers. Propagated by cut- 
tings of the tips of the shoots when from one 
to two inches in length, in spring or early 
summer. E. grandiflora, one of the finest 
species, was introduced in 1803. 


Ephe'dra. The Greek fur the Hippuris, or 
Horse-tail, which. it resembles. Nat. Ord. 
Gnetacew. 

This genus consists of evergreen trailing 
shrubs with numerous slender-jointed, green 
branches, and small, scale-like leaves. These 
shrubs inhabit the rocky shores of the Medi- 
terranean and salt plains of Asia. Some of the 
species are very ornamental, but are not suf- 


140 EGG PLANT (N. Y. IMPROVED). 


EPIPHYLLUM TRUNCATUM. 


ERYSIMUM 


OO is 


ERANTHIS (WINTER ACONITE.) 


ERYTHRINA (CORAL PLANT.) 


14 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. | 


141 


EPH 


ficiently hardy to stand the winters, unpro- 
tected, north of the Carolinas. One of the 
species, HE. antisyphilitica, is said to contain 
large quantities of tannin. 

Ephemeral. Existing for, or less than, one 
day; as where a corolla expands for a few 
hours at most, and then fades. ° 


‘Epide’ndrum. From epi, upon, and dendron, a 

' tree; the plants are usually found growing on 
the branches of trees. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

This is an extensive and, for the most part, 
beautiful genus of epiphytal Orchids. All of 
them may be grown on billets of wood or on 
cork, or, where it is preferred, for the stronger 
growing species, pots may be used, and in 
the latter case it is indispensable that the 
soil be porous and well drained. It should 
consist of equal parts of sphagnum moss 


and fibrous peat, filling the pots for two- 


thirds their depths with broken potsherds, 


and when the plants are placed in them, the. 


base of their pseudo-bulbs must be kept con- 
siderably above the rim, so that water 
may not lodge between them. The same rela- 
tive variations of temperature should be 
observed for these as mentioned for Dendro- 
bium, keeping it at an average of ten degrees 
lower than recommended for that genus; and 
as the same principles govern the growth of 
each, the like changes of atmospheric influence 
are necessary in either case. The genus con- 
sists of over 300 species, distributed through- 
out the West Indies, Mexico, and South 
America. Propagated by division. The first 
species was introduced in 1738. 


Epidermis. The true skin ofa plant, immediate- 
ly underlying the cuticle. 


Epige’a. Trailing Arbutus. From epi, upon, 
and gaia, the earth; referring to its trailing 
habit. Nat. Ord. Hricacee. 

E. repens, the only species, is one of our 
most beautiful native early spring-flowering 
plants. It is a low-growing, evergreen shrub, 
producing axillary clusters of small rose- 
colored flowers, remarkable for their rich, 
spicy tragrance. They are usually found in 
the shade of Pines or Scrub Oaks. In warm, 
sheltered situations they show their flowers 
early in April. It is commonly known on 
Long Island, where it grows in great abun- 
ance, as Trailing Arbutus, in New England as 
May Flower, and in many localities as Ground 
Laurel. It can be easily grown in the shaded 
border by removing the plant from the woods 
in autumn, being careful not to disturb the 
roots. After planting in a sandy soil, protect 
from sun and winds by a slight covering of 
dry leaves. Clumps carefully taken up in 
autumn, and put in a cool green-house in 
February, will come into flower in March. 


Hpigz'us. Growing on land, in contradistinc- 
tion to growing inthe water. Also when any 
part of a terrestrial plant grows close to the 
earth. 


Epigynous. Upon the ovary; a term applied 


when the outer whorls of the flower adhere to — 


the ovary, so that their upper portions alone 
are free, and appear to be seated on it, as in 
Umbellifere, etc. 


Epilo/bium. Willow Herb. From epi, upon, 
and lobos, a pod; flowers ‘superior or seated 
on aseed-pod. Nat. Ord. Onagracee. 


t 


Epime’dium. Barrenwort. 


Epiphytes. 


Epigy’nium leucobotrys. 


EPI 


A genus of tall-growing, hardy herbaceous 
plants, chiefly natives of Europe, some of 
which have become naturalized in this coun- 
try. Several of our native spevies are showy 
plants, with large spikes of pink flowers, that 
make them conspicuous border plants. They 
are all of easy culture, taking care of them- 
selves when once planted, and are increased 
by division in spring, or from seeds. 

From epi, upon, 
akin to, and Medion, a plant, said to be grown 
in Media; a name from Dioscorides. Nat. Ord. 
Berberidacee. 

Ornamental hardy herbaceous perennials, 
with stalked compound leaves, and flowers of 
various colors. They form admirable, plants 
for rockwork and grow best in a compost of 
loam, and leaf mould. Propagated by division. 
Natives of Japan, Persia, Algeria, etc. 

Epipa’ctis. Very pretty hardy orchids, natives 
of Europe, and Russian Asia. Stem one to 
two feet high, leafy, bearing a loose raceme 
of purple, brown, or white flowers. They are 
of easy culture in shady borders, and form 
excellent subjects for naturalizing in artificial 
bogs, or in moist, peaty spots. 


. Epi’phora. A pretty little terrestrial Orchid, 


from South Africa, with yellow flowers streak- 
ed with red. E. pubescens, the only species, 
was taken from Polystachya. 


Bpiphyllous. Either growing upon or inserted 


on a leaf. 


Epiphy'llum. Crab’s Claw Cactus, Lobster- 
leaved Cactus. From epi, upon, and phyllon, 
a leaf; flowers borne on the ends of the leaf- 
like branches. Nat. Ord. Cactacee. 

A genus of very beautiful Cactaceous plants, 
natives of Brazil, where they are generally 
found upon the trunks of trees. The varieties 
are numerous and are largely cultivated for 
their showy flowers. E. truncatum and its var- 
ieties are the kinds usually cultivated in 
our green-houses, and aré among the most 
highly colored and beautiful of our winter- 
flowering plants. They are often grafted on 
Cereus triangularis, C. grandiflorus. C. serpenti- 
nus, and others, but do best, perhaps, on the 
Pereskia. A large symmetrical nead is easily 
formed, and with proper attention will make 
a plant worthy of a situation in any green- 
house. Theirculture is of the easiest descrip- 
tion; delighting in a rich, well-drained, sandy 
soil, they should have plenty of air, water and 
sunlight while they are growing and watered 
sparingly during the winter months until re- 
quired tobe brought into bloom. The Epiphyl- 
lum is one of the best of sitting-room plants, 
and may be had in bloom from November to 
March with good management. There were 
formerly many species included in this genus, 
most of which are now found in Cactus, Cereus, 
and Phyllocactus. 


Plants which grow upon the 

surface of others, without deriving any nutri- 

ment from them, as many Mosses and Orchids. 

A synonym of Vac- 
cinium leucobotrys. 

Epipre/mnum. From epi, upon, and premnon, 
a trunk; in allusion to the species rooting 
upon the trunks of trees. Nat. Ord. Aroidew. 

A genus of about eight species of climb- 
ing evergreen plants from the Malayan 


. 


142 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


EPI 

Archipelago and the islands of the Pacific. E. 
Mirabile, the Tonga Plant, a native of Fiji, is 
thus described by N. E. Brown: ‘This is an 
ornamental climber, of rapid growth, with 
bold, dark green, pinnatisect leaves in the 
adult stage, and large inflorescences, resem- 
bling those of a Monstera. It isa very suitable 
plant for training up pillars, trunks of palms, 
tree ferns, ete., or the back wall of a stove; 
and besides its ornamental character, it is 
specially interesting for the manner in which 
the plant changes its appearance as it develops 
from its juvenile stage with small entire 
leaves, to its adult flowering stage with large 
pinnatisect leaves; as well as for its medi- 
cinal qualities, which appear to have been long 
known to the natives of the countries the 
plant inhabits.” 


Epi’scia. From episcios, shaded; occurring in 
their native habitats in shady places. Nat. 
Ord. Gesneracee. 

Green-house herbaceous perennials, with 
beautifully colored foliage, and_ solitary 
flowers on short axillary stems. They make 
very pretty basket plants for the hot-house, 
the only. place in which they thrive well. 
They grow best in sandy loam, and leaf 
mould, and are readily increased by cuttings 
About thirty species have been described, all 
natives of Nicaragua, New Grenada, and the 
West Indies. Alsobia, Centroselenia, Cyrto- 
deira, Physodiera and Skiophila are aow all 
referred to this genus. 


Equal. Where one part is of the same general 
form, disposition and size, as some other 
part with which it is compared; applied to 
petals and sepals when they are equal in size 
and shape with each other. 


Equestrian Star. One of the popular names of 
Hippeastrum. 


Equinoctial. Plants whose flowers expand 
and close at particular hours of the day. 


Equiseta’ceze. A.natural order of the higher 
Cryptogams which takes its name from the 
genus Equisetum, the only one the order con- 
tains. They are remarkable for the external 
resemblance which they bear in habit to 
Casuarina or Ephedra, and as regards the 
heads of fructification to Zamia. All re- 
semblance, however, ceases there, and the nat- 
ural affinities of the plants are with Ferns. 
There are about twenty-five species chiefly 
found in temperate northern regions; afew 
are sub-tropical. One of the latter group, £. 
Marti, attains in its native habitat (Brazil) 
the enormous height of thirty feet. ‘* Dutch 
Rushes,” used for scouring and polishing, are 
the stems of 7. hyemale. 


Equitant. A mode of vernation, or of arrange- 
ment of leaves with respect to each other, in 
which the sides or edges alternately overlap 
each other, as in Morea iridioides. 


Eragro’stis. Love-Grass. From eros, love, and 
agrostis, grass; in allusion to the beautiful 
dancing spikelets, whence the popular name. 
Nat Ord. Graminacee. 

A very extensive genus of grasses, found in 
nearly every part of the habitable globe. Most 
of the species are very handsome; but none 
of them are of any value for agricultural pur- 
poses. J. elegans is a very ornamental spe- 
cies, somewhat resembling the Brizas in 
habitand gracefulness. Itis especially adaptcd 


ERI 


for border culture, and is one of the most 
beautiful for winter or dried bouquets. 


Era/nthemum. From eran, to love, and anthe- 
mon, a flower; referring to the beauty of the 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

A somewhat extensive genus of winter- 
flowering green-house plants, found pretty 
generally distributed throughout tropical and 
sub-tropical countries. The flowers aresmall, 
purple, white, blue, or rose-colored. They 
require the treatment of soft-wooded plants 
of the same class. The two species LE. tricolor 
and EF. air rea, are equal to Draceenas 
in their beautiful crimson and carmine- 
colored foliage, which fits them either for 
massing outside or as specimens in the green- 
house. They are propagated by cuttings, 
and were first introduced in 1796. 

Era/uthis. Winter Aconite. From er, spring, 
and anthos, a flower; referring to its early 
flowering. Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. 

A small genus of hardy tuberous-rooted 
plants, natives of Italy and Siberia. EH. hye- 
malis is the well-known Winter Aconite. It is 
one of the earliest and most hardy of spring 
flowers, throwing up its pretty yellow blos- 
soms long before the snow disappears, and 
continuing in flower for several weeks. This 
is the only species under cultivation, and is 
freely propagated by division of the tubers. 
It has been under cultivation since 1596. 

Eremostachys. From erymos, deserted, and 
stachys, a spike; alluding to the flowers grow- 
ing in sparse verticillate spikes. Nat. Ord. 
Labiate. 

Very pretty hardy perennials, natives of 
western and central Asia. EE. laciniata, the 
only species in cultivation, bears yellow flow- 
ers in ten to twenty-flowered whorls, the 
upper ones approximate. Increased by divi- 
sion or seeds. 

Eremw’rus. From eremos, solitary, and oura, a 
tail; referring to the flower spike. Nat. Ord. 
Liliaceae. 

A genus of very pretty, hardy, herbaceous. 
large, Hyacinth-like plants, consisting of 
about eighteen species, natives principally of 
Asiatic Russia. The yellow, white, or rose- 
colored flowers are borne on elongated ra- 
cemes; the leaves are radical and linear. 
They are of easy culture, and are increased by 
division. 

Ergot. A disease of Corn, Rye, etc., produced 
by Fungi. 

Hria. From erion, wool; referring to the down 
on the leaves of some of the species. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidacew. 

A small genus of pretty flowering hot-house 
Orchids, allied to Dendrobium, mostly from 
the East Indies. They require the same treat- 
ment as Stanhopea, and are propagated by 
division; introduced in 1837. 


Eria’nthus. Woolly Beard-Grass. From erion, 
wool, and anthos, a flower. Nat. Ord. Grami- 
nacec. 


A small genus of tall-growing, recd-like 
grasses. HE. Ravenne, a rival to the Pampas 
Grass, though not so beautiful, is more valua- 
ble in this latitude, being perfectly hardy, and 
producing its graceful plumes in autumn in 
great abundance. It makes a magnificent 
lawn plant, and is propagated by root division 
and from seed. Introduced in 1824. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 143 


ERI 


Erica. Heath. Fromerico, to break; referring 
to the brittle nature of the wood. Nat. Ord. 
Ericacee. 

This genus comprehends a great number of 
species, the most of which are very beautiful 
and interesting plants. Several hundred of 
the species, including all that are desirable 
for indoor culture, are natives of Table 
Mountain at the Cape of Good Hope. They 
all occupy elevated ranges, enjoying a pure 
air, refreshed by copious dews, and exposed 
for a long period to a dry, arid atmosphere. 
The Heath, however, can never be cultivated 
so successfully here as in England, as our cli- 
mate is too dry and hot in summer. What is 
called the soft-wooded section, suchas LZ. per- 
soluta and its white variety, EH. hyemalis, E. 
Wilmoreana, etc., can be grown here with 

«success, and are exceedingly valuable, not 
only for winter green-house decoration, but 
for cut flowers. They are readily propagated 
by cuttings of half-ripened wood, which is in 
proper condition when it begins toturn brown. 
They are easily grown from seed, an interest- 
ing way, on account of the varieties produced 
when a little care has been given in cross-fer- 
tilization. The seeds should be sown in pots 
of finely-sifted peat and sand pressed tightly 
into the pot, well watered before sowing, and 
afterward covered with a bell glass. They 
should then be kept in a cool house or pit, 
where they can have an even temperature and 
moisture. The Cape species were first intro- 
duced into England in 1774. 


Erica’/ceze. A natural order of shrubs or under- 
shrubs, with evergreen, rigid, entire, whorled 
or opposite leaves without stipules. Arbutus 
Unedo is the Strawberry Tree. Rhododendron 
arboreum sometimes reaches in India a height 
of forty feet, and some species grow at an 
elevation of 16,000 to 18,000 feet in the Hima- 
layas. Several species of Azalea, Rhododen- 
dron and Kalmia are natives of the United 
States. The plants of this order are highly 
prized for the beauty of their flowers. There 
are about fifty known genera and 900 species. 
Erica, Rhododendron, Kalmia, Clethra, Arbutus, 
and Ledum are examples of this order. 


Eri'geron. From er, the spring, and geron, an 
old man; some being hoary with a downy 
covering early in the season. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. / 

A genus of coarse-growing, unpretending, 
herbaceous plants, found common in waste 
places throughout the United States ; in some 
localities known as Fleabane. The plants are 
of no economic value. 


Erino’/sma. A synonym of Leucojum, which see. 


Eri/nus. Meaning unknown. (The wild Fig- 
tree is the Erinos described by Dioscorides. 
It has, however, no resemblance to the Erinos 
of the moderns.) Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

This is asmall genus of hardy herbaceous 
Alpine plants, suitable for rock-work or other 
rough, uneven situations. They are low- 
growing plants, generally forming close tufts, 
producing lively purple and white flowers in 
early spring. Though perfectly hardy, they 
are impatient of water, and, consequently, 
should have the protection of a frame in win- 
ter, unless planted in a very dry situation. 
There are one or two evergreen species from 
the Cape of Good Hope, but they are little 


ERI 


known. The hardy species are propagated by 
root division or from seed. First introduced 
into the garden in 1739. 


Erinus. Prickly, rough. 


Eriobo’trya. The Loquat, or Japanese Medlar, 
E. (Mespilus) Japonica, one of the Pomacee, 
is a native of Japan and the southern part of 
China, and is cultivated as an edible fruit in 
many parts of India. Itis now placed under 
the genus Photinia, which see. 


Eriocaula’cez. A natural order of marsh 
plants with narrow, spongy leaves. There 
are ten known genera and 220 species. None 
are cultivated except in botanic gardens. 
Eriocaulon is the typical example of the order. 


Eriocne/ma. From erion, wool, and kneme, a 
knee; the joints are woolly. Nat. Ord. Melas- 
tomacee. ; 

Asmall genus of green-house herbaceous 
plants, allied to the Sonerila, and natives of 
Brazil. The flowers are white, produced spar- 
ingly in little umbels on the end of a naked 
stalk. EH. marmoratum has beautifully varie- 
gated leaves, green striped with broad bands 


of white. Its habit is not unlike some of the 
Begonias. Propagated by cuttings. Intro- 
duced in 1850. 


Eriogo/‘num. From erion, wool, and genu, a 
joint; joints of the stems downy. Nat. Ord. 
Polygonacee. 

A genus of pretty, summer-flowering hardy 
annuals and herbaceous or somewhat woody 
perennials. They are easily cultivated, and 
young plants may be obtained by division or 
from seed. The genus contains about one hun- 
dred species, natives of north-west America. 


Erio’phorum. Cotton Grass. From erion, wool, 
and phoreo, to bear; in reference to the silky 
tails or coverings of the seeds. Nat. Ord. 
Cyperacee. 

A very interesting genus of marsh or bog 
plants, commonly, but incorrectly, termed 
grasses. They are hardy herbaceous plants, 
growing in dense clumps or masses, very con- 
spicuous and interesting, on account of the 
flowers of some of the species, the heads of 
which appear like tufts of cotton. One of the 
species is indigenous in this country, and 
several of them have been natuzalized from 
Europe. 

Erio’psis. From eria, a well-known genus of 
Orchids, and opsis, resemblance; woolliness 
of flowers. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

Asmall genus of Orchids, having the gen- 
eral appearance, while growing, of the genus 
Eria, but with gay, orange-colored flowers, 
resembling the Vandas. They are natives of 
Mexico and New Grenada, and are but lit- 
tle cultivated. 

Eriospe’rmum. From erion, wool, and spermos, 
aseed; woolly-seeded. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A considerable genus of bulbs from the 
Cape of Good Hope, the flowers of which pre- 
cede the leaves. The flowers have no special 
beauty, and the leaves always have a deformed 
appearance. 

Erioste’mon. From erion, wool, and stemon, a 
stamen; referring to the woolly stamens. 
Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

A genus of handsome green-house plants 
from New Holland, of neat, compact habit 
of growth, and free-flowering. The flowers are 


144 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


-ERI 


white or pinkish, produced singly at the axils 
of the leaves. They require plenty of air and 
light, and are propagated by cuttings of the 
young shoots in April. Introduced in 1824. 


Eritri/chium. From erion, wool, and thria, 
trichos, hair; plants woolly. Nat. Ord. Bora- 
ginacee. 

A genus of handsome dwarf annual or per- 
ennial herbaceous plants, found throughout 
the temperate. regions of the northern hem- 
isphere, South Africa and Australia. EZ. nanum, 
the one most generally cultivated, has flowers 
of a brilliant sky-blue color, with a yellowish 
eye, not unlike those of Myosotis alpestris, 
but larger. It has been enthusiastically 

‘ termed “The Glory of the Alpine Flora.” 
E. barbigerum, introduced to cultivation from 
California in 1886, is a very pretty white-flow- 
ered annual species, the whole plant covered 
with long; spreading hairs. Increased by 
seeds or division. 


Ero/dium. Heron’s-bill. From erodios, a heron; 
referring to the resemblance of the style and 
ovaries to the beak and head of the heron. 
Nat. Ord, Geraniacee. 

The genus Erodium differs from the Gerani- 
um and Pelargonium in the shape of its seed 
vessel. In all the three the seed-pod resem- 
bles the head and beak of a bird ; in Geranium 
it resembles a crane’s bill, in Pelargonium it 
is a stork’s bill, and in Erodium a heron’s bill. 
The species are dwarf annuals and perennials 
producing mostly lilac and purple flowers. 
Every part of the plant, when bruised, emits 
a strong peculiar odor. They form admirable 

- plants for the rock-garden, particularly in dry, 
sunny situations and in sandy soil. Increased 
by division, or by seeds. ’ 

Erose, Eroded. Having the margin irregularly 

’ toothed, as if bitten by an animal; a term 
used to express a particular kind of denticu- 
lation, as in Salvia pinnata. 


Erubescent. Reddish, blush-colored. 


E’rvum. Lentil. From erw, tilled land, in 
' Celtic; some of the species are pests in culti- 
vated ground. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus justly classed as weeds, the only 
species of interest being E. Lens, the common 
Lentil, a plant. of the greatest antiquity. It 
was from the seed of this that the pottage 
is supposed to have been made, for which 
Esau sold his birthright. It is held in high 
esteem in Egypt and Syria, and is considered 
an indispensable diet by the natives, who 
undertake long journeys. It is largely sold 
by druggists under the name of Ervalenta. 
This genus is now merged by ‘“ Hooker and 
Bentham” into Vicia. 

Ery’ngium. Eryngo. 
adopted by Pliny from Dioscorides. 
Ord. Umbellifere. 

A very extensive genus of hardy annuals 
and herbaceous perennials, the latter being 
common throughout Europe. E. maritimum, 
Sea Eryngo, or Sea Holly, is a conspicuous 
plant along the English coast; the flowers are 
thistle-like, of a bright blue color. EH. ame- 
thystinum, a native of Dalmatia, is one of the 
best of the perennial species; the flowers, as 
well as the bracts and upper part of the stems, 
have a beautiful blue tint. Some of the an- 

. nual species are very beautiful border plants, 


From EHryngion, a name 
Nat. 


ERY 


and if cut early, are useful as dried flowers in 
winter bouquets. 


Eryobo’trya, Japan Evergreen Plum. From 
erion, wool, and botrys, a bunch of grapes; 
referring to the downy flower-racemes. Nat. 
Ord. Pomacee. : 

E. Japonica, the only species, is a half-hardy 
evergreen shrub closely allied to Photinia, 
having large wrinkled leaves, downy beneath. 
The whitish flowers are borne in October and 
November, consequently it will not ripen its 
excellent, pale orange-red fruit in our north- 
ern States, neither will it endure the rigors of 
our northern winters. There is a variegated 
leaved variety, which is exceedingly orna- 
mental. 


Ery’simum. Hedge Mustard. From eryo, to 
draw; it is considered a powerful cure for 
sore throat; it is also said to draw and pro- 
duce blisters. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

An extensive genus, mostly biennials. All 
of but little merit. One or two cultivated 
species of hardy annuals make rather effective 
clumps in the border. E. Arkansanum, the 
western Wall-flower, grows about two feet 
high, the stem being crowded with bright 
orange yellow flowers as large as those of the 
Wall-flower. Propagated by seed. 

Erythe’a. A small genus of green-house palms 
from southern California, with fan-shaped, 
plicate, filiferous leaves much resembling 
the Latania; excellent for lawn decoration 
or for cool-house culture. LE. edulis, forms a 
handsome tree with a slender trunk thirty or 
more feet high. Each tree bears one to four 
panicles, blossoming late in March; the fruit 
clusters are said to weigh forty to fifty 
pounds. Syn. Brahea edulis. ; 

Erythrez’a. Centaury. From erythros, red; the 
color of the flowers of some of the species. 
Nat. Ord. Gentianacee. 

A somewhat extensive genus of biennials 
and annuals. The latter are of easy culture, 
and produce freely small pink flowers. Seed 
should be sown in autumn in the open border. 
The biennials require the protection of the 
frame, which their merits do not deserve. 
The annuals are natives of Europe, and have 
peen long known in the garden. 


Erythri‘na. Coral-tree. From erythros, red; 
the color of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nos@. 


A genus of ornamental flowering green- 
house shrubs, commonly known as Coral- 
trees, found pretty generally distributed 
throughout the tropics of both hemispheres. 
They all produce scarlet or crimson pea- 
shaped flowers in pairs at the axils of the 
leaves. E.Crista-galli and laurifolia, natives of 
Brazil, succeed well planted out in a warm sit- 
uation in the open border, producing flowers 
in the greatest abundance; being rank grow- 
ers, they require considerable room. As a 
shrub for the lawn they have few, if any, 
superiors, their showy flowers contrasting 
finely with their bright glossy foliage. H. 
Hendersonii, a variety of recent introduction, 
is one of the very finest flowers, a bright 
scarlet, smaller than the other species, but 
produced in greater abundance. As it flowers 
earlier it seeds freely, so that it can be grown 
as an annual plant. The only care required 
ig to take the plants up, after the tops are 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 145 


ERY 
killed by frost, and keep them through the 


winter in a warm dry room, or in the cellar, - 


covering the roots-well with dry sand. In 


Spring cut well back before planting out. They | 


are readily propagated by cuttings of the 
young shoots, or from seed which, sown in 
‘boxes about the first of January, will make 
flowering plants the coming summer. 


Erythrole’na. Mexican Thistle. From ery- 
thros, red, and lena, a cloak; referring to the 
scarlet flowers. Nat. Ord. Composite. : 
E. conspicua, the only species, is the pretti- 
est of all the Thistles. It is a tall plant, 
growing from eight to ten feet high; the 
leaves, not unlike the common Thistle, are at 
the base of the plant, two feet long. The 
flower-heads, clustered at the ends of the 
branches, are about three inches long, and 


very handsome, scarlet and orange. Young 

2 Lene are readily obtained from seed. Intro- 
uced in 1825. 

Erythro/‘nium. Dog’s-Tooth Violet. From 


erythros, red; referring to the ‘color of the 
leaves and flowers of the species first dis- 
covered. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A genus of small growing bulbous-rooted 
plants. Most of the species are American, 
and are common in moist woods in most of 
the States. With but one exception the na- 
tive varieties have large yellow flowers, borne 
singly on aslender scape six to nine inches 
high. E. albidum, a rare species found in 
Iowa and southward, has nearly white flow- 
ers, without the spots on the leaves common 
to the species. . dens-canis, common in 
Europe, has purplish rose-colored flowers, 
with light rose-color within. Propagated by 
offsets. 


Erythro’xylon. From erythros, red, and xylon, 
wood; the wood of the trees is red. Nat. 
Ord. Erythrozylacee. 

Bushy shrubs, or low-growing trees, chiefly 
natives of tropical South America, and the 
West Indies. One of the species has a world- 
wide reputation. For the following account 
and description of it we are indebted to The 
Treasury of Botany: ‘' #. Coca is the most 
interesting of the species, on account of its 
being extensively cultivated, and its leaves 
largely employed as a masticatory, under the 
name of Coca, by the inhabitants of countries 
on the Pacific side of South America. Itisa 
shrub of six or eight feet high, somewhat re- 
sembling a Blackthorn bush. The Coca leaves 
are of athin ‘texture, but opaque, oval, taper- 
ing toward both extremities, their upper sur- 
face dark green, the lower paler and strongly 
marked with veins, of which two, in addition 
to the midrib, run parallel with the margin. 
Small white flowers are produced in little 
clusters upon the branches, in places where 
the leaves have fallen away, and stand upon 
little stalks about as long as themselves. 
The use of Coca in Peru is a custom of very 
great antiquity, and issaid to have originated 
with the Incas. At the present day it is 
common throughout the greater part of Peru, 
Quito and New Grenada; and also on the 
banks of the Rio Negro, where it is known as 
Spadic. Coca forms an article of commerce 
among the Indians, and wherever they go they 
carry with them a bag of the carefully dried 
leaves, and also a little bottle-gourd filled 
with finely powdered lime, and- having a 


Eschscho'ltzia. 


Espa'rto. 


E’stragon. 


EUC 


. wooden or metal needle attached to its stop- 
per. Four times a day, whatever the nature 
of his occupation, whether employed in the 
mines, the fields, as a muleteer or domestic 
servant, the Indian resigns himself to the 
pleasures of Coca chewing, mixing the leaves 
with lime, or the ashes of Cecropia. When 
used in moderation Coca exerts a pleasurable 
influence upon the imagination, and induces 
a forgetfulness of all care. Itis also a pow- 
erful stimulant of the nervous system, and, 
when under its influence, Indians are able to 
perform long and rapid journeys, and carry 
heavy loads, without requiring any other sus- 
tenance. But when taken in excess it pro- 
duces intoxication, of a character resembling 
that of opium rather than alcohol, but not so 
violent, although the consequence of its pro- 
longed use are quite as injurious, and very 
few of those who become slaves to the habit 
attain an old age. Spruce says that an In- 
dian with a. chew of Spadicin his cheek will 
go two or three days without food, and with- 
out feeling any desire to sleep.” A prepara- 
tion of Coca, under the name of ‘‘ Coca Beef 
Tonic,” is now being sold; but those who use 
it will do well to remember that it does not 
*«make old bones.” 


Escallo/nia. Named after Escallon, a Spanish 
traveler. Nat. Ord. Sazifragacee. 

. Ornamental summer flowering shrubs from 

South America, suitable for shrubbery borders 

in our Southern States. They flourish vigor- 


' - ously near the sea, and can be used as hedge 


or shelter plants. “The flowers vary from 
white to pink and deep red, and the undivided, 
usually serrated leaves are often glandular. 


Escallonia’ceze. This natural order is now 
placed by Bentham and Hooker, as a tribe of 
Samifragacee. 

Eschalot. ' See Shallot. 


Named after Dr. Eschscholiz, a 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. 

Annual plants, with showy flowers, natives 
of. California, on which account the first 
species introduced was called the California 
Poppy. The seeds should be sown in the 
open border as soon as they are ripe, as, if 
the sowing be delayed till spring, the plants 
frequently do not flower till the second year. 
Many showy garden varieties are now in cul- 
tivation, including double white, double yel- 
low, and several others. 

The Spanish name of Macrochloa 
tenacissima, used for paper making, cordage, 
ete. 


Tarragon. See Artemisia Dracun- 


culus. 


Etiolated. Deprived of color by being kept in 


the dark; blanched. 


Buade’nia. From eu, well, and aden, a gland;-in 


allusion to the appendix at the base of the 
stamens. Nat. Ord: Capparidacee. ; 
E. eminens, the only species yet in cultiva- 
tion, is a striking plant with ‘singularly 
handsome inflorescence, which resembles a 
eandelabrum in its ramification, the yellow 
petals looking like pairs of gas jets on each 
“branch.” Introduced from west tropical 
Africa in 1880. ; 


Bucaly’ptus. Gum Tree. From ew, well, and ka- 


lypto, to cover ; the limb of the calyx covers the 


146 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


EUC 


flower before expansion, and afterward falls ” 


off in the shape of a lid or cover. Nat. Ord. 
Myrtacee. 

An extensive genus of immense evergreen 
trees, of the Australian and Tasmanian for- 
ests. EH. globulus, the Blue Gum Tree, has 
been extensively planted within the past few 
years in the Southern States and California, 
for the reputation it has of absorbing malaria. 
The tree is very ornamental, and furnishes 
timber of a superior quality. Its rapid growth 
excites the wonder and admiration of those 
already accustomed to the extraordinary de- 
velopment of the vegetable kingdom on the 
Pacific coast. It will be remembered that 
Australia sent to the World’s Fair at London, 
in 1863, a plank from this tree 250 feet long. 
Young plants are readily obtained from seed 
or from cuttings. The species are not hardy 
in the United States north of the Carolinas. 


Euchari/dium. From eucharis, agreeable; in 
allusion to the appearance of the plant. Nat. 
Ord. Onagracee. 

A genus of pretty little annuals from Cali- 
fornia, allied to the Clarkias. They come into 
flower in six weeks after germination; are 
perfectly hardy, and are extremely showy 
when grown in masses. They succeed best in 
arich, loamy soil; introduced in 1836. 


Eu’charis. Lily of the Amazon. From eucharis, 
agreeable; alluding to the fragrant flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

Of this genus there are five species in culti- 
vation, all free-growing bulbous plants of rare 
beauty and delicious fragrance. They should 
be grown in the hot-house or a warm green- 
house. The flowers are produced ina truss 
of from four to eight, according to the 
strength of the bulband manner of treatment, 
and are borne on a stem that lifts them well 
above the leaves. They are pure waxy white 
and of great substance. If asked forthe plant 
producing the best white flowers for the hot- 
house, for the decoration of vases, or for any 
other purpose where white flowers are wanted, 
we should unhesitatingly recommend the Eu- 
charis, as combining all the essentials of the 
perfect flower. From a general impression 
that they are difficult to manage, they are 
but little grown. As the plants are found 
growing by the sides of rivers, moisture 
and heat are of course essential to the 
development of their flowers. The ease 
with which they are now cultivated and 
the fact that a dozen or more large pots of it 
will furnish flowers nearly the whole year, 
make it invaluable in all collections of choice 
plants. The plants may be repotted at any 
time of the year, taking care not to damage 
the bulbs or roots, and removing as much of 
the old soil as possible. The soil should be 
composed of loam, leaf mould, sand, and well- 
rotted manure in equal proportions; and the 
pots liberally drained. While they are grow- 
ing freely they should have plenty of water, 
and liquid manure twice a week. They 
should be syringed twice aday. The tem- 
perature of the house during winter should 
not fall below 70°, and they should have a 
good share of sunshine. If wanted to flower 
during the winter months, water should be 
used sparingly from August to October. The 
bulbs should be disturbed as little as possible, 
repotting when necessary, without division. 


Eu’comis. 


EUG 


Side shoots may be taken off at any time and 
potted in small pots, and, if well managed, 
they will flower in a year. Green fly and 
thrips which are apt to trouble them, should 
then be sponged off or got rid of by smoking 
every alternate day for a week. The three 
species H. grandiflora, the largest and best, 
EH. Amazonica, and E. candida, a small flower- 
ing species, are very beautiful, and_ all 
require the same general treatment. This 
plant was first introduced in 1864. 


Buchla/ena Luxurians. (Syn. Reeana.) See 
Teosinté. 


Eueni’de. Derivation of name not given. 
Nat. Ord. Loasacee. 

E. bartonioides, the only species, is a native 
of Mexico, a tender annual, growing about 
one foot high, with bristly stems, and lobes, 
and denticulated leaves, and axillary, very 
large yellow flowers. It will thrive under the 
same treatment given tender annuals. Intro- 
duced 1849. Syn. Menizelia. 


Hucodo’nia. A genus of Mexican plants, now 
included under Achimenes. E. grandiflora, the 
species grown for its flowers, was also called 
Mandirola lanata. 


From eukomes, beautiful-haired ; re- 
ferring to the tufted crown of the flower-spike. 
Nat. Ord. Liliaceew. 

A genus of coarse-growing bulbs from the 
Cape of Good Hope, requiring green-house 
treatment, as they rest in summer. FE. bifolia, 
one of the species, has only two leaves, lying 
fiat on the ground, and a short raceme of pale 
green flowers. The only merit of the species 
is in the fragrance of the flowers. They 
‘grow with the most ordinary treatment, and 
are propagated by offsets ; introduced in 1774. 


Eucro'ma. A synonym for Castilleja. 


Bucro’sia. From eu, beautiful, and krossos, a 
fringe; referring to the cup above the inser- 
tion of the stamens. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A genus of green-house bulbs from Sonth 
America, mostly from the western declivity 
of the Peruvian Andes. Z£. bicolor, the only 
species, has bright vermilion flowers, with a 
purple stripe on the outside of the petals. 
They are borne in a terminal cluster on a 
scape about one foot high. ‘They should be 
grown‘in a warm green-house; in winter they 
require perfect rest. Propagated by offsets. 
Introduced in 1816. 


Bucry’phia. From eu, well, and kryphios, cov- 
ered; referring to the calyptra of the flower. 
Nat. Ord. Hypericacee. 

A genus of three or four species of very 
handsome hardy or green-house evergreen 
shrubs of easy culture. EH. pinnatifida has 
large white flowers, usually borne in pairs 
near the upper portion of the branches, and 
rich deep-green pinnate leaves. Introduced 
from Chili in 1880. 


Buge’nia. Rose Apple. Named after Prince 
Eugene of Saxony. Nat. Ord. Myrtacee. 

A genus of handsome shrubs, grown as fruit 
trees in the East Indies, but grown in English 
hot-houses for their splendid white flowers, 
which are produced freely; they are propa- 
gated by cuttings of the ripe wood. Recent 
botanists place here E. Pimenta, which pro- 
duces the allspice of commerce. See Pimenta. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


147 


EUL 


Bula’lia. From eu, well, and lalia, speech; in 
reference to the high reputation of the plants. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

We are indebted to the American Agricul- 
turist for the following history and description 
of this genus: ‘One of the most beautiful of 
ornamental grasses is the variegated Eulalia 
Japonica, which was sent from Japan several 
years ago by Mr. Thomas Hogg. It was illus- 
trated in ‘Hearth and Home’ in 1871, and a 
year or two later was placed in the trade. It 
is a robust perennial grass, forming, when 
well established, large clumps, with firm, but 
graceful, leaves, which are marked with alter- 
nate stripes of creamy-white and green, much 
after the manner of the old ‘ Ribbonor Striped 
Grass’ of the gardens, and presenting quite 
as niuch variety in the striping. This is taller 
and more erect than that, and the leaves are 
longer and more robust. The flower stalks 
appear in September, and the plant at this 
time is from four to six feet high. The flower 
panicles are at first brownish, with erect 
branches, and not at all showy, but as the 
flowers open, the branches of the panicle 
curve over gracefully in a one-sided manner, 
and bear a strong resemblance in form to what 
is known as a ‘Prince of Wales’ feather ;’ each 
of the individual flowers, which are very 
numerous upon each branch of the cluster, 
has at its base a tuft of lony, silky hairs, and 
these contribute greatly to the feathery light- 
ness of the whole. When Mr. Hogg sent this, 
it was accompanied by another variety of the 
same grass, which did not survive the effects 
of the journey. Upon asecond visit to Japan, 
he procured other plants of this last variety, 
which reached this country in good condition. 
This variety, whish it 18 proposed to call 
Eulalia Japonica, var. Zebrina, the ‘ Zebra- 
striped Eulalia,’ or Zebra Grass, in all that 
relates to forin, habit, and its flowers, is quite 
like the other, but differs most essentially in 
the manner of its variegation. In the older 
variety the leaves, according to the usual 
manner of variegation in grasses, have the 
markings run lengthwise of the leaf, while in 
this Zebrina variety they run crosswise. The 
leaves present alternate bands of green and 
creamy white of varying width, but with the 
colors quite well defined, and producing a 
most singular effect. Japan 1s remarkable for 
the great number of plants with variegated 
foliage that 1t has contributed to our collec- 
tions, but we have not seen any variegation 
that interested us so much as this peculiar 
grass. We have seen but one other plant 
with its variegation so singularly disposed, 
and that was also from the same country. In 
the quaint little garden attached to the Jap- 
anese Bazar at the Centennial Exhibition was 
a Bulrush (Scirpus), the cylindrical stems of 
which were marked transversely, though the 
markings were much less positive than in the 
grass in question. Aside from the ornamental 
effect of its peculiar transverse markings, this 
variety has great interest for us ina physio- 
logical or pathological point. of view. It is 
claimed by some that all variegation of foli- 
age, or at least that in which the green of the 
leaf is changed to white or yellow, is an indi- 
‘cation of disease, and this view is strongly 
maintained in spite of the numerous instances 
in which the variegated plants are more 
vigorous and hardy than typical plain green 


EUP 


ones of the same species. To those who hold 
this view—that variegation is due to disease— 
this Zebrina variety of Eulalia presents a dif- 
ficult problem. As the circulation of the juices 
of the leaf must take place in a lengthwise 
direction, the nutriment for each green por- 
tion of the leaf must pass through one of the 
colored sections, and those who regard these 
white, or whitish, bands as marks of disease, 
will be puzzled to account for the occurrence 
of green sections of the leaf which, though 
placed directly between two ‘diseased’ por- 
tions, remain in perfect health throughout the 
whole season of growth.” The Eulalias are 
perfectly hardy in this latitude, and are valu- 
able acquisitions to the garden, not only for 
the grace and elegance of the foliage, but for 
the flowers as ‘dried grasses.” They keep 
for years, presenting somewhat the appear- 
ance of an ostrich feather. Propagated by 
division or by seeds, which, however, do not 
produce variegated leaves. 


Bulo'phia. From eulophos, handsome-crested ; 
referring to the handsome lip, which is fur- 
rowed into elevated ridges. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
acew. 

An extensive genus, consisting of both ter- 
restrial and epiphytal orchids, natives of 
tropical Asia, Africa, and America, but occur- 
ring in the greatest numbers at the Cape of 
Good Hope. E. Dregiana, a native of the 
Cape, is of free habit, producing spikes. of 
flowers which resemble little doves hanging 
by their beaks; the sepals and petals are 
chocolate color, and the lip white. They 
require the same treatment as the Cypri- 
pedium. : 

Euo/nymus. Burning Bush. Spindle-tree. 
From eu, well, and onoma, a name; literally, 
of good repute. Nat. Ord. Celastracea. 

An extensive genus of low-growing trees 
and shrubs, mostly of an ornamental char- 
acter. E. atropurpureus, a native species, is a 
valuable shrub for the border, on account of 
its handsome foliage, its abundance of purple 
flowers, and its copious crimson fruit in 
autumn. This species is what is commonly 
ealled Burning Bush, or Waahoo. It grows 
freely inalmost any soil or situation, preferring 
a moist one. Japan has furnished several spe- 
cies with ornamental foliage, that are among 
our most useful plants for single specimens, 
for baskets, or window gardens. LE. radicans 
variegata has leaves of green and white, is a 
rapid grower, and hardy south of New York. 
It is readily increased by cuttings. The Japan 
species are evergreen, and were first intro- 
duced in 1804. 


Bupato’rium, Named after Mithridates Eupator, 
King of Pontus, who discovered one of the 
species to be an antidote against poison. Nat. 
Ord. Composie. 

An extensive genus, consisting for the most 
part of native hardy herbaceous plants. A 
number of species are grown in the green- 
house for their flowers and are produced 
freely in winter; of these the species known 
in cultivation as FH. elegans, E. riparium, 
and E. Weinmannianum, all very graceful 
plants with white flowers, are the most use- 
ful, and are grown in large quantities for early 
winter use. They are natives of South Amer- 
ica, and are increased by cuttings. Of our 
native kinds, H. ageratoides, White Snake- 


148 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


EUP 


root, is the most valuable as a flowering plant. 
The flowers are pure white, borne in terminal 
clusters or heads. The plant grows about 
four feet high, is very branching, and prefers 
a thick shade. It flowers late in August, and 
is very showy for nearly a month. . perfo- 
liatum, Bone-set, has, outside of the ‘ regular 
practice,” considerable reputation as a tonic 
stimulant, and is often administered in the 
form of a tea, made from the leaves, in cases 
of intermittent fevers. They are readily 
increased by root division or from seeds. 


Bupho'rbia. Milk-wort or Spurge. Named 
after Euphorbus, physician to the King of 
Mauritania. Nat. Ord Huphorbiacee. 

This is an extensive and variable genus. 
including species with the aspect of trees or 
large shrubs, and through every gradation, 
downward to the humblest annual weeds, all 
of them remarkable for an acrid milky juice. 
Notwithstanding the extent and variety of 
the genus, there are comparatively few of its 
members in cultivation ; the principal of them 
being E. splendens, E. jacquiniflora (fulgens or 
prunifolia) and E. Bojeri. These do best in 
the hot-house, and are well deserving atten- 
tion for their rich red or crimson.flowers, and 
amply repay the little trouble occasioned. 
These species are all much improved by 
frequent stopping, as it induces a more dense 
habit, and consequently a greater display 
of flowers. It is worthy of remark that 
the first flowers that expand in each 
season on EF, splendens are in pairs, but those 
which follow are each time increased in 
duplicate ratio, so that those which open last 


are commonly as many as eight together. | 


The other perennial species require to be 
treated in the manner of Cacti, and the 
remainder respectively as they belong to the 
hardy or tender classes of the annual, biennial, 
or perennial plants. . corollata, a native 
species, is a free-flowering plant, and valuable 
for florist’s use, or for cut-flowers. They are 
small, greenish white, in general appearance 
like the Forget-me-not. This species is readily 
propagated by root division. The French sub- 
stitute the seeds of EF. lathyrus for the English 
capers, which, if taken in quantity, prove 
highly deleterious. For E. Poinsettei, see 
Poinsettia pulcherrima. 


Euphorbia’ceze. A very large order of trees, | 


shrubs, or herbs, usually abounding in milky 
juice. The species are found in all, except 
Arctic climates. They are generally acrid and 
poisonous. Some yield starch, and others oils 
and Caoutchouc. Castor Oil is obtained from 
the seeds of Ricinus communis and Croton Oil 
from Croton Tiglium. The seeds of Jutropha 
Curcas, the Physic Nut, are purgative. _Stil- 
lingia Sebifera, is the Tallow Tree of China, 
the fatty matter being procured from the 
fruit. Dyes are supplied by Crozophora tinc- 
toria and Rottlera tinctoria. African Oak or 
Teak is yielded by Oldfieldia Africana. Caout- 
choue by Siphonia elastica, S. lutea, S. brevi- 
folia, S. Braziliensis, and S. Spruceana; and 
the poisonous Manchineel by Hippomane Man- 
cinella. Jonipha Manihot or Manihot utilissima 
furnishes Cassava and Tapioca, which consist 
of starchy matter from its root. Colliguaja 
odorifera has peculiar jumping seeds, owing to 
their becoming the habitation of the larva of 
an insect. Box-wood is the product of Buus 


EUR 


sempervirens. There are other useful and 
curious species, some of which are cultivated 
for their beautiful flowers. There are 230 
known genera and about 2,600 species. Huphor- 
bia, Phyllanthus, Croton, Jatropha, Siphonia 
pl gs and Poinsettia are examples of the 
order. 


Buphra’sia. Eyebright. From euphraino, to de- 
_ light; fabled to cure blindness. Nat Ord. 
’ Scrophulariacee. 

E. officinalis, Eyebright, is a little annual 
common in dry pastures and roadsides in this 
country and Europe. It seldom grows more 
than three or four inches in height, and often 
not more than one or two. From the frequent 
mention of the Euphrasia by the poets, it 
would appear to have been formerly held in 
high repute for its medical virtues, a view 
which is confirmed by all the old herbalists, 
who recommend its use both outwardly and 
inwardly for complaints of the eyes. It has 
no value as a flowering plant. 


Eu'rya. From eurys, large; erroneously applied 
to the flowers, which are comparatively small. 
Nat. Ord. Ternstromiacee. ; 

A genus of very ornamental half-hardy ever- 
green shrubs or low-growing trees, with white 
flowers borne in axillary clusters. They are 
natives of Japan, India, China and the Indian 
Archipelago. The variegated variety of E. 
Japonica latifolia is a most useful plant for 
decorative purposes, as it stands the dry heat 
of rooms or halls well, and its glossy varie- 
gated leaves contrast well with Palms or other 
fine-foliage plants. 


Eu'ryale. LEuryale, one of the Gorgans, repre- 
sented with fierce, thorny locks; in allusion 
to the thorny nature of the plant. Nat. Ord. 
Nymphacee. 

An annual stove aquatic. Before the intro- 
duction of the Victoria regia this was the 
noblest aquatic plant in cultivation. Its leaves 
are circular, about two feet in diameter, with 
prominent spiny veins. Flowers deep violet, 
opening in September. Introduced from the 
East Indies in 1809. 

Bury'bia. From euribies, wide-spreading; re- 
ferring to the roots. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of evergreen trees and shrubs and 
afew herbaceous perennials. They are mostly 
tropical, natives of Tasmania, and New Zea- 
land. H. argophylla, syn. Aster argophyllus, a 
Tasmanian species, is called by the natives 
the silver-leaved Musk tree. It is occasion- 
ally seen in green-houses, where it is culti- 
vated for the musky odor of its leaves. Most 
of the species are noted for their ornamental 
foliage; they would be valuable for lawu 
planting in the Southern States. 


EBury’cles. From eurys, broad, and klas, a 
branch; referring to the broad leaves or 
branch-like foot-stalks. Nat. Ord. Amaryl- 
lidacee. 

A genus of strong-growing bulbs, found in 
the Eastern Archipelago and in New Holland. 
This genus was formerly included in Pancra- 
tium, from which it is distinguished by its 
broad, nearly heart-shaped leaves, and its 
flowers with a long cylindrical tube, with 
equal and regular petals. The flowers are 
borne in umbels, and are pure white. They 
are generally grown in the green-house, and 
must have complete rest during winter, 


ERYTHRONIUM DENS-CANIS (DOG’S-TOOTH VIOLET.) 


EULALIA ZEBRINA (ZEBRA GRASS). 


EUOHARI§ AMAZONICA, 


EULALIA GRACILLIMA, 


EUCHARIDIUM. 


148 


EXACUM AFFINE. EUCALYPTUS, 


FENZLIA DIANTHIFLORA. 


EUPHORBIA VARIEGATA, ERYNGIUM GIGANTEUM. 149 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 149 


EUR 


but if planted out in May they will flower 
finely. Propagated by suckers, which should 
be taken off when a new growth commences 
in spring. First introduced in 1821. 


Buryga’/nia. Named after Eurygania, the wife 
of Adipus. Nat. Ord. Vaccinacee. 

A genus of about a dozen species of orna- 
mental evergreen shrubs with pendant 
branches and bright-colored, generally red, 
flowers, allied to Thibaudia. All are natives 
of the Andes of South America. 


Eusea’phis. From eu, well, and skaphis, a bowl: 
in allusion to the persistent, bowl-like calyx. 
Nat. Ord. Sapindacee. 

A genus of two species of hardy glabrous 
shrubs, natives of Japan. E. staphyleoides has 
white or yellowish flowers, borne in terminal 
panicles, succeeded by red, bladdery fruit, 
remaining on the bush until winter. This 
plant is highly prized in its native country for 
its medicinal properties. 

Eu’stoma. From eustomos, of beautiful counte- 
nance; referring to the corolla. Nat. Ord. 
Gentianacee. : 

A genus containing only two species, with 
bright purple or purplish-blue flowers, closely 
allied to Lisianthus. They are elegant little 
plants, found from Florida and Texas to Ne- 
braska, and are readily increased by seeds. 


Euta’xia. From eutaria, modesty; referring to 
the delicate aspect of the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

A genus of very pretty green-house shrubs, 
natives of Western Australia. They are 
chiefly low growing and bushy, with small 
heath-like leaves, and pure yellow pea-shaped 
flowers, produced in small axillary clusters. 
E. myrtifoha is a popular green-house plant, 
whose slender stems are often seen thickly 
covered in the spring and summer months 
with its bright yellow flowers. The species 
are increased by cuttings. Introduced in 1803. 


Bute’rpe. After Euterpe, one of the nine Muses. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacew. 

A genus of Palms of extremely graceful 
habit, natives of South America and the West 
Indies. With the exception of H. montana, 
from the latter country, all are too tall grow- 
ing for the green-house. This species attains 
a height of about twenty feet, and has the 
base of the stem much swollen or bulged out. 
The leaf bud and the central portion of the 
upper stem are cooked as a vegetable or 
pickled by the natives, and is highly esteemed. 
Propagated by seed. 

Euto’ca. From eutokos, fruitful; referring to 
the abundance of seeds. Nat. Ord. Hydro- 
phyllacee. 

A genus of hardy annuals, with blue, pink, 
or lilac flowers, mostly from California. A 
few species are found in Virginia, and south 
and west, but are not of sufficient merit to 
warrant their introduction into the garden. 


Those from California are free-flowering, and - 


of the easiest culture. The seed should be 
sown as early in spring as possible. 

Evening Flower. See Hesperantha. 

Evening Glory. See Jpomaa. 

Evening Primrose. See @nothera. 

Evergreens. A term applied to trees, shrubs, 
or other plants, that retain their foliage 
during winter. 


EXO 


Everlasting Flower. See Helichrysum. _ 
Common American. Gnaphalium polycephalum, 
and G. decurrens. 
Swan River. Rhodanthe Manglesit. 
Yellow. Helichrysum orientale and H. arena- 
rium. 


Everlasting Pea. See Lathyrus latifolius. 
Evolved. Unfolded. 


Evo'lvulus. From evolvo, to roll out, the op- 
posite to Convolvulus; referring to the plant 
not twining. Nat. Ord. Convolvulacee. 

An extensive genus of annuals and peren- 
nials, mostly from the East Indies and South 
America, a few species being found in Florida, 
The flowers of these plants are extremely 
beautiful, mostly of alarge size, and of various 
shades of blue and white. The annuals should 
be started in a hot-bed or green-house, and 
planted out as soon as the weather will per- 
mit, or they may be grown in pots and trained 
on a balloon frame. The perennials should 
be kept dry and dormant through the winter, 
and started in a brisk heat in spring. During 
summer they may be grown in the green- 
house, or in pots, and trained on a trellis, or 
other suitable place for aclimbing plant. The 
perennials may be increased by cuttings of 
young shoots. First introduced in 1817. 


E’xacum. This name was used by Pliny, and 
by him derived from ex, out, and ago, to 
drive; in allusion to its supposed expelling 
powers. Nat. Ord. Gentianacew. 

Annual, or perennial herbs, with opposite 
sessile leaves, and showy blue, yellow or 
white flowers. This genus contains nearly 
twenty species, though they are not yet all in 
cultivation. E. macranthum from Ceylon, has 
rich blue-purple colored flowers, about two 
inches in diameter, with large bright yellow 
stamens. All the species are showy and de- 
serving of cultivation. Propagated by seeds 
or cuttings. 


Excoriate. Stripped of the bark or skin. 


Excretion. Any superfluous matter thrown 
off by the living plant externally; the action 
by which a superabundance of secreted mat- 
ter is rejected froma secreting vessel. Also 
the matter itself thus excreted; gum, resin, 
etc., are examples. 


Excurrent. Projecting or running beyond the 
edge of anything; running out. When a 
stem remains always central, all the other 
parts being regularly disposed round it, as in 
the stem of a Fir Tree. 


Bxocho'rda. Pearl Bush. From ezo, out of, 
and chorde, a cord; referring to the cords by 
which the seeds are suspended. Nat. Ord. 
Rosacee. 

E. grandiflora, the only species yet in culti- 
vation, is a beautiful hardy shrub from China, 
introduced a few years since, and as yet com- 
paratively little known. It is in substance 
described in the late edition of the Treasury 
of Botany as being remarkable for the struc- 
ture of its fruits, which consist of five small 
compressed bony carpels adhering round a 
central axis in a star-like manner. From the 
axis or growing point stand five erect placen- 
tary cords, which enter the-carpels on their 
inner face near the top, suspending from the 
apex two thin seeds. These cords remain after 
the carpels have fallen, and have suggested 


150 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


EXO 


the name of the genus. It is a smooth shrub 
or dwarf tree, with alternate nearly lance- 
shaped entire leaves, the stems terminated 
by racemes of handsome white flowers, which 
appear in May and June, and are about an 
inch in diameter. They have a bell-shaped 
calyx with a five-parted border, five rounded 
petals, and fifteen to twenty stamens. The 
plant is also known as Spirea grandiflora. It 
is a beautiful tall-growing shrub, worthy of a 
place on the lawn andin theshrubbery. It is 
still a rare plant in the United States, chiefly 
because it is difficult to propagate, and in 
consequence is not easy to get. Itis propa- 
gated by seeds, layers, or suckers. 


Exogens. A name given to one of the great 
classes of the vegetable kingdom, correspond- 
ing with the Dicotyledons. The name Exogen 
is from the Greek, and signifies outward and 
to grow, meaning growing outwardly, and has 
reference to the manner in which the woody 
circles are produced, viz., from the center 
outwardly toward the circumference. The 
age of an exogenous tree, especially in tem- 
perate climates, may be determined by count- 
ing the number of zones or circles in the 
woody stem, each circle marking one year’s 
growth, and the last formed circle being ex- 
ternal. The characters of the class are given 
under Dicotyledons, which see. 


Exogo’/nium. From ezo, external; referring to 
the exserted stamens. Nat. Ord. Convolvula- 
cee. 

The few species that are included in this 
genus are closely allied to, and very nearly 
resemble the tuberous-rooted Ipom@as. They 
are desirable climbers, flowering freely nearly 


FAG 


the wholesummer. During winter the tubers 
should be kept dry and free from frost. H. 
purga, a Mexican species, has beautiful sal- 
ver-shaped, purplish flowers, and furnishes 
the true Jalap tubers of commerce. These 
are roundish, of variable size, the largest being 
about as large as an orange, and of a dark 
color. They owe their well-known purgative 
properties to their resinous ingredients. They 
can be rapidly increased by cuttings, or by 
division of tubers in spring, like the Dahlia. 


Exosmose. That force which causes a viscid 
fluid lying on the outside of an organic mem- 
brane to attract watery fluid through it. 


Exoste/mma. From ezo, external, and stemma, 
a crown; referring to the exserted stamens. 
Nat. Ord. Rubiaceaw. 

A genus of tropical trees or shrubs, valued 
more. for the medicinal properties they pos- 
sess, than for the beauty of their foliage or 
flowers. They are natives of the West Indies. 
One of the species, H. Caribeum, has become 
naturalized in southern Florida. The bark 
possesses the same active principle as that of 
the Cinchona. 


Exotic. Plants that are brought from foreign 
countries. Not native. 


Bxserted. Where one part protrudes beyond 
another by which it is surrounded; as the 
stamens or styles beyond the mouth of some 
tubular corollas. 


Bye. A term in gardening fora leaf-bud ; also 
for the center or the central markings of a 
flower. 


Bye-bright. See Huphrasia. 


FE. 


Ree The old Latin name for the Bean, 
now included under Vicia, which see. 


Fabacez. A sub-order of Leguminosae. 


Fabia’na. Named after F'. Fabiano, a Spaniard. 
Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. 

A small genus of half-hardy evergreen, 
heath-like shrubs. F. imbricata, the best 
known species, is a neat evergreen shrub of 
compact habit, densely covered, during the 
spring months, with pure white tubular 
flowers. Propagated by seeds or froni cuttings. 


Fadye’nia. Named after Dr. Fadyen, author of 
a Flora of Jamaica. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 
F. prolifera, the only species, is a curious 
_Fern, a native of the West Indies. It grows 
but afewinches in height; the fronds have 
netted veins, and are remarbable for the large 
size of the sori. It was introduced from 
Jamaica in 1843, and is occasionally found in 
choice collections. Propagated by spores. 
Fecula. The farinaceous matter which forms 
starch, etc. 
Fage'lia. Named after Fagel, a botanist. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 
A genus of green-house evergreen, twining, 
herbaceous plants, found in South Africa and 
Abyssinia. The leaves somewhat resemble 


+ 


those of Phaseolus, but are smaller. Their 
flowers are pea-shaped, yellow, and borne on 
long axillary racemes. Young plants are ob- 
tained from seeds. 

Fagopy'rum. Buckwheat. From phago, to 
eat, and pyros, wheat; seeds edible. Nat. Ord. 
Polygonacee. 

F. esculentum, the only species worthy of 
notice, is our common buckwheat, which see. 


Fa/gus. The Beech. From phago, to eat; in 
early ages the nuts of the Beech-tree were 
used as food. Nat. Ord. Cupulifere. 

A small genus of hardy deciduous trees, re- 
markable for their graceful and symmetrical 
habit of growth, and their great size and 
beauty, which render them objects of admira- 
tion, whether in their native woods, or when 
planted on the lawn for shade. F. ferruginea, 
the American Beech, is one of the tallest and 
most majestic of our forest trees. It grows 
most abundantly in the Middle and Western 
States, though common east of the Alleghanies, 
attaining its greatest size on the banks of the 
Ohio, where the trees are frequently found 
100 feet high, with a diameter from three to... 
four feet; its foliage is superb, and its general ~ 
appearance magnificent. The sexes are borne 
on different branches of the same tree. The 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


151 


FAI 


male flowers are borne in pendulous, globular 
heads, the female flowers are small, and of a 
greenish color. It is so abundant as often to 
constitute extensive forests, the finest of 
which grow on fertile, level, or gently sloping 
lands, with a humid surface. The European 
Beech, F. sylvatica, is almost identical with 
our native species. The Weeping Beech, F. 
sylvatica pendula, is one of the most curious 
and beautiful of lawn trees. The original 
tree stands in the park of Baron de Mau, at 
Beersel, Belgium. ‘The trunk is three and 
half to four feet in diameter, and grows ina 
twisted form to a height of twelve feet to 
fifteen feet, with an appearance of being 
pressed down by an immense weight. The 
branches cover an area nearly a 100 feet in 
diameter. Its history is curious. Some sixty 
years ago the baron’s gardener was planting 
an avenue of Beech trees, and the baron, ob- 


serving avery crooked specimen, directed to | 


have it thrown out, but the gardener planted 
it in a corner of the grounds little visited, 
where it grew to be one of the most beautiful 
and singular freaks of sylvan nature.”—Scott. 
The Purple-Leaved Beech, F. purpurea, now 
so popular for lawn decoration, is a sport from 
the common Beech, found in a German forest. 
Tho Copper-colored Beech, F’. cuprea, is a sub- 
variety of the Purple Beech. The Fern and 
Cut-leaved Beeches are very ornamental 
varieties, the leaves resembling the fronds of 
aFern. There are varieties with variegated 
foliage. They are all varieties of F. sylvatica. 


Fair Maidsof France. Ranunculus aconitifolius. 
flore-pleno, Saxifraga granulata, and Achillea 
Plarmica. 

Fairy Fingers. Digitalis purpurea. 

Fairy Flax. Linum catharticum. 

Fairy Lily. See Zephyranthes. 

'Pairy Rings. Green circles or parts of circles 

seen in pastures, and produced by the peculiar 


mode of growth of several species of Agarics 
and other Fungi. 


Falcate, Falciform. Plane and curved in any 
degree, with parallel edges, like the blade of 
a sickle; as the pod of Medicago falcata. 


False Acacia. The common Yellow Locust, 
Robinia Pseudacacia. 

False Asphodel. A popular name of the genus 
Tofieldia, small flowering Liliaceous plants. 

False Dragon-head. Physostegia virginica. 

False Fox-Glove. Gerardia flava. 

False Hellebore. See Veratrum. 


False Honeysuckle. A popular name of our 
native Azaleas. 


False Indigo. See Amorpha. 


False Mistletoe. American Mistletoe. 
radendron flavescens. 


False Red Top. A popularname of Poa serotina, 
because of its resemblance to Agrostis vulgaris, 
the true Red Top Grass. 


False Solomon's Seal. See Smilacina. 
False Spikenard. See Smilacina racemosa. 
Pamily. A synonym for ‘“ Order.” 

Fan Palm. See Corypha. 


Parada'ya. Namedin honor of Michael Faraday, 
“the ¢élebrated chemist. Nat. Ord. Verbenacea. 


Pho- 


FEN 


A smallgenus of tall climbing glabrous 
plants, with showy white flowers, borne in 
corymbose panicles, natives of Australia, 
Java, and the Pacific Islands. Several species 
have been introduced, but have not yet 
flowered in cultivation. 

Farfu’gium grande. See Ligularia. 


Farinaceous. Having the texture of flour, as 
the albumen of Wheat. 


Farinose. Covered with a white, mealy sub- 
stance, as the leaves of the Auricula, Primula 
farinosa. 

Farkle-berry. A local name for one of the 
Cranberries, Vaccinium arboreum. 


Fasciated. When a stem becomes much flat- 
tened, instead of retaining its usual cylin- 
drical figure, as in the Cockscomb, the Latium 
monstrosum, etc. . 

Fastigiate. Tapering to a narrow point, pyr 
midal; as where many like parts are parallel, 

_and point upwards, as the branches of Populus 
Sastigiata. 
Fat Hen. A popular name forChenopodium album, 


Fa'tsia. Derived from the Japanese name of 
one of the species. Nat. Ord. Araliacee. 

A genus consisting of a few evergreen 
shrubs, natives of Japan, China, and north- 
west America. Itis well represented by the 
Aralia Japonica or A. Sieboldii of gardens, 
which is now Fatsic Japonica, and Aralia papy- 
rifera, the Chinese Rice-paper plant, now F. 
papyrifera, both of which are very ornamental 
and useful decorative plants. Two variegated 
varieties of F. Japonica, one with white and 
the other with rich yellow markings, are 
highly prized for green-house and house deco- 
ration. ; 

Feathered Columbine. 
lium. 

Feather Foil, or Water Violet. 
jlata. 

Feather Geranium. Jerusalem Oak. Popular 
names for Chenopodium Botrys. 

Feather Grass. See Stipa pennata. 


Feather-veined. Where the veins of a leaf 
spring from the mid-rib at an acute angle. ~ 


Fedia olitoria. A synonym for Valerianella 
olitoria (Corn Salad). 


Fe’ea. In honorof M. Fee, Professor of Botany 
at Strasburg. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A small genus of interesting little Ferns 
found in Guiana and the West Indies. They 
require to be grown in a very warm, moist 
atmosphere. 

Fennel. See Faniculum. 
Giant. See Ferula. 


Fenugreek. See Trigonella. 


Fe/nzlia. Named in honor of Dr. Fenzl, author 
of a monograph on Alsinacew. Nat. Ord. 
Polemoniacee. ; 

A genus of beautiful dwarf California hardy 
annuals. They bear a profusion of delicate, 
rosy-tinted flowers, with yellow throat, sur- 
rounded with dark-colored dots. F. dianthi- 
jlora is a very dwarf and closely tufted species, 
keeping in flower the whole summer, making 
it desirable for small beds or edgings. It is 
also very pretty for window gardens. This 
genus is now by many botanists included 
under Gilia. m9 


Thalictrum aquilegifo- 


Hottonia in- 


152 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


FER 
Fern. Adder’s. Polypodium vulgare. 
Adder’s Tongue. Ophioglossum vulgatum. 


American Grape. Botrichium lunarioides. 

Australian Tree. Dicksonia antartica. 

Beech. Polypodiuwm Phegopteris. 

Bird’s-nest. Thamnopteris nidus (Asplenium). 

Brake, or Bracken. Pteris aquilina. 

Bristle. The genus Trichomanes. 

Buckler. The genus Lastrea. 

Chain. The genus Woodwardia. 

Chignon. Cibotium regale. 

Christmas Shield. Aspidium acrostichoides. 

Cinnamon. Osmunda cinnamomea. 

Climbing Snake’s-tongue. Lygodiwm scandens. 

Deer. Lomaria spicant (Blechnum). 

Elk’s Horn. Platycerium alcicorne. 

Filmy. A name applied to those kinds which 
have pellucid or transparent fronds, as Hy- 

hyllum, Todea and Trichomanes. 

Haresfoot. The genus Davallia. 

Hartford. Lygodium palmatum. 

Hart’s-tongue. The genus Scolopendrium. 

Japan Climbing. Lygodium scandens. 

Japan Haresfoot. Davallia Mariesii. 

Killarney. Trichomanes radicans. 

Lady. Athyrium Filix-femina. 

Maiden Hair. Many of the genus Adiantum. 

Maiden Hair. American. Adiantum pedatum. 

Moon. Botrychiwm Lunaria. 

Oak. Polypodiwm Dryopieris. 

Oregon Cliff-Brake. Pellwa densa. 

Oregon Rock-Brake. Allosorus achrostichoides. 

Parsley. Allosorus or Cryptogramma crispus. 

Pod. Ceratopteris thalictroides. 

Sensitive. Onoclea sensibilis. 

Shield. The genus Aspidium. 

Stag’s Horn. . Platycerium grande and other 
species. 

Sweet. Myrrhis odorata and Comptonia asplen- 
tfolia. ‘ 

Tree. Various species of Dicksonia, Alsophila, 
Cyathea, ete. 

Virginian Rattlesnake. Botrychium Virginicum. 

Walking-leaf. Camptosorus rhizophyllus. 

Water. Osmunda, regalis. 

Fernery. See Wardian Case. 

Ferns. From their extreme beauty and diver- 
sity as well as from their general adaptability 
in arrangements with flowering and orna- 
mental-foliaged plants, Ferns, when well- 
grown are indispensable and possess peculiar 
attractions. Astheirmanagement gets better 
understood, their popularity increases, and 
the now almost universal use of plants, and 
especially of cut fronds, intermixed in floral 
decorations, has led to the production of a 
few of the most suitable species in immense 
quantities. The earlier modern botanists 
kuew little about ferns, and Linnsus, who is 
regarded as the father of modern botany, 
seems to have supposed that in one sense 
they had flowers as other plants had, the 
little brown dots on the back of the fronds 
being supposed to be seeds of the same char- 
acter as ordinary flowering plants. During 
the last fifty or more years, many discoveries 
have been made about Ferns, most notably 
that these little dusty brown dots are not 
really seeds but little bud ferns. When they 
fall or are sown in damp places they open and 
form little flat green membranes, and in this 
membrane the real flowers appear, and all the 
processes common to flowering plants are car- 
ried out. 


FER 


In scientific treatises on ferns, all these pro- 
cesses of fern-growth and their functions, are 
given different names from what they would 
have in other plants; thus the germinating 
green blade is called a prothallium, and the 
mass that would be the stamens in a flowering 
plant is the anthevidia, while the pistil is the 
archegonium. There is this difference, how- 
ever, that while flowering plants after fertili- 
zation retain the germ, in what we call a seed, 
for some time before it grows, in the fern the 
germ commences at once to grow and make 
alittle plant. This has some bearing on the 
raising of hybrid ferns. New varieties are 
obtained by sowing the spores of different 
forms of the same species together, for as in 
flowering plants it is only in case of very 
close relationship that intermixture is possi- 
ble. Those who have experimented and ob- 
served closely, tell us that the chances of in- 
termixture is not great, still this is the only 
way to get new varieties. By taking the 
spores from the crested portion of ‘‘Crested 
Ferns” the certainty of getting crested 
seedlings is much increased. 

Raising Ferns from spores is a very inter- 
esting operation requiring considerable care 
and attention to accomplish successfully. 
They are best sown in pots or shallow pans 
that have been half filled with broken rubble, 
the remainder being filled to within half an inch 
of the top with a finely sifted compost of 
loam, peat and sand. As the fern spores are 
extremely minute the soil should be watered 
and allowed to drain before sowing as by 
watering afterwards the spores might be 
washed away. Scatter thinly over the sur- 
face, pieces of glass being placed over the 
tops of the pots which should then be stood 
in saucers of water thus obviating the 
necessity of watering overhead. They should 
be kept well shaded at all times, and when 
the spores are sufficiently grown to be visible 

. as very minute plants, they should be taken 
up in small patches, and pricked off carefully, 
these in turn when they get established and 
fit to handle should be divided and potted off 
singly. The most popular species Adiantums, 
Pieris, etc., are raised from spores in immense 
quantities. Many others as Nephrolepis, 
Davallia, etc., that form several crowns or 
have creeping rhizomes are easily increased 
by. division. A few species produce small 
bulbils along, or at the end of the frond, and 
these, if removed and placed on the soil 
eventually form plants. 

Trunks of Tree Ferns are imported in large 
numbers, both from the West Indies and 
Australia, and a large proportion generally 
succeed. Young plants may be raised from 
spores, and such quick-growing species as 
Dicksonia, Alsophila, etc., soon make elegant 
plants for decorative purposes. Hardy Ferns 
succeed best when planted on rock-work or in 
a shady situation sheltered from high winds; 
as there is so much diversity both in their 
size and habit, particular attention should be 
directed to their arrangement, placing the 
evergreen and deciduous species at irregular 
intervals, so that the whole may be more or 
less furnished at all seasons. 

Fero’nia. The Wood-apple or Elephant-apple 
of India, closely allied to the Orange. F. ele- 
phantum, the only species of this genus of 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 153 


FER 


Rutacee, is common throughout India, Bur- 
mah, Ceylon and Java, and forms a large tree, 
yielding a hard heavy wood, of great strength, 
but not durable. The leaves have the odor of 
Anise, and the fruit is edible. Increased by 
cuttings of the ripe young wood. Introduced 
from Coromandel, in 1804. : 


Ferra'ria. Named after Ferrari, an Italian bot- 
anist. Nat. Ord. Iridaceaw. 

A genus of dwarf bulbs from the Cape of 
Good Hope, producing very curious, oddly- 
colored flowers, perhaps more singular than 
beautiful. They are of easy culture, requir- 
ing to be kept dry during winter. They 
should be started in the green-house in Feb- 
ruary, in small pots and as soon as they com- 
mence growth, given plenty of air, sunlight, 
and water, and they will come into flower in 
April. They will grow finely in a cold frame 
if carefully protected from frost during win- 
ter, and are increased freely by offsets. In- 
troduced in 1800. 


FPerruginous. Iron-colored; rusty light brown, 
with a little mixture of red. 


Fertile. Producing fruit. Also, capable of ef- 
fecting the process of fertilization; or of pro- 
ducing perfect seeds, as the anthers when 
filled with pollen; fertilized. 


Fertilization. The reproductive function by 
which the action of the pollen renders the 
ovule fertile. 


Fertilizers. This word is generally used only 
in connection with commercial fertilizers, 
or concentrated fertilizers, though, of course, 
in its full significance it refers to any sub- 
stance suitable for the food of plants. The 
best known fertilizers of commerce are Pe- 
ruvian Guano and Bone Dust, though there 
are numbers of others, such as Fish Guano, 
Dry Blood Fertilizer, Blood and Bone Fertil- 
izer, with the various brands of Superphos- 
phates, all of more or less value for fertilizing 
purposes. Itis useless to go over the list, 
and we will confine ourselves to the relative 
merits of pure Peruvian Guano and pure 
Bone Dust. Guano at $65 per ton we consider 
relatively equal in value.to Bone Dust at $40 
per ton, for in the lower priced article we find 
we have to increase the quantity to produce 
the same result. Whatever kind of concen- 
trated fertilizer is used, we find it well repays 
the labor to prepare it in the following man- 
ner before itis used on the land: to every 
bushel of Guano or Bone Dust add three 
bushels of either leaf mould (from the woods), 
well pulverized dry muck, sweepings from a 
paved street, stable manure so rotted as to be 
like pulverized muck, or, if neither of these 
can be obtained, any loamy soil will do; but 
in every case the material to mix the fertili- 
zers with must be fairly dry and never ina 
condition of mud; the meaning of the opera- 
tion being, that the material used is to act as 
a temporary absorbent for the fertilizer. The 
compost must be thoroughly mixed, and if 
Guano is used, it being sometimes lumpy, it 
must be broken up to dust before being mixed 
with the absorbent. The main object of this 
operation is for the better separation and di- 
vision of the fertilizer, so that, when applied 
to the soil, it can be more readily distributed. 

’ Our experiments have repeatedly shown that 


FER 


this method of using concentrated fertilizers 
materially increases their value probably 
twenty percent. The mixing should be done 
a few months previous to spring, and it 
should, after being mixed, be packed away in 
barrels, and kept in some dry shed or cellar 
until wanted for use. Thus mixed, it is par- 
ticularly beneficial on lawns or other grass 
lands. The quantity of concentrated fertil- 
izer to be used is often perplexing to begin- 
ners. We give the following as the best rules 
we know, all derived from our own practice in 
growing fruits, flowers, and vegetables: Tak- 
ing Guano as a basis, we would recommend 
for all vegetables or fruit crops, if earliness 
and good quality are desired, the use of not 
less than 1,200 pounds per acre (an acre con- 
tains 4,840 square yards, and cultivators for 
private use can easily estimate from this the 
quantity they require for any area), mixed with 
two tons of either of the materials recom- 
mended. If Bone Dust is used, about one 
ton per acre should be used, mixed with three 
tons of soil or the other materials named. 
When used alone without being mixed with 
the absorbent, it should be sown on the soil 
after plowing or digging, about thick enough 
to just color the surface, or about as thick as 
sand or sawdust is sown on a floor, and then 
thoroughly harrowed in if plowed, or, if dug, 
chopped in with arake. This quantity is used 
broadcast by sowing on the ground after 
plowing and deeply and thoroughly harrowing 
in, or, ifin small gardens, forked in lightly 
with the prongs of a garden fork or long- 
toothed steel rake. When applied in hills or 
drills, from 100 to 300 pounds should be used 
to the acre, according to the distance of these 
apart, mixing with soil, etc., as already di- 
rected. 

When well-rotted stable manure is procur- 
able at a cost not to exceed $2 or $3 per ton, 
whether from horses or cows, it is preferable 
to any concentrated fertilizer. Rotted stable 
manure, to produce full crops, should be 
spread on the ground not less than three 
inches thick, and should be thoroughly 
mixed with the soil by plowing or spading. 
The refuse hops from breweries form an ex- 
cellent fertilizer, at least one-half more valu- 
able, bulk for bulk, than stable manure. 
Other excellent fertilizers are obtained from 
the scrapings or shavings from horn or whale- 
bone manufactories. The best way to make 
these quickly available is to compost them 
with hot manure in the proportion of one ton. 
of refuse horn or whalebone with fifteen tons 
of manure. The heated manure extracts the 
oil, which is intermingled with the whole. 

The manure from the chicken or pigeon 
house is very valuable, and when composted 
as directed for Bone Dust and Guano, has at 
least one-third their value. Castor oil pom- 
ace is also valuable. 

AsHxES. The ashes of vegetable matter con- 
sist of such elements as are always required 
for their perfect maturity, and it is evident 
they must furnish one of the best saline 
manures which can be supplied for their 
growth; they contain in fact every element, 
and generally in the right proportions, for 
insuring a fulland rapid growth. The annual 
exhaustion of salts from a large crop of grain, 
roots, or grass, is from 180 to 250 pounds per 
aere, and the aggregate of a few years will so 


154 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


FER 


far impoverish the soil in one or more of the 
principles necessary to sustain a luxuriant 
vegetation that it will cease to yield remuner- 
ating returns. Ashes are gmong the best of 
fertilizers for Onions; a handful to the hill 
before corn is hoed will give good returns. 
They are also excellent for top dressing grass- 
land, and as there is no danger of their con- 
taining weed-seeds they are valuable for top 
dressing lawns. The quantity used should 
be about the same as bone dust, which see. 

NITRATE OF SoDA, and SULPHATE OF AM- 
MONIA, are both powerful fertilizers, are used 
to aconsiderable extent, and are deemed es- 
pecially valuable to grain crops. Nitrate of 
Soda cannot be kept too dry as it attracts mois- 
ture the same as common Salt does and may be 
applied at the rate of about two and one-half 
hundred weight to the acre as a top dressing 
in moist weather or just before rain. Owing 
to its nature it is more suited to hot dry soils 
than Sulphate of Ammonia, which, though 
not so quick in its action, is more lasting in 
its effects, and is often used as a supplement- 
ary top dressing to the former. 

POUDRETTE is the name given to a commer- 
cial fertilizer,the composition of which is night 
soil and dried swamp muck or charcoal dust 
ag anabsorbent. Itis sold at about $12 to 
$15 per ton, and at that price may be equal in 
value, if too much of the absorbing material 
is not used, to Bone Dust at $40 per ton. 

SauT has little or no value as a fertilizer, ex- 
cept as a medium of absorbing moisture. For 
experience shows that soils impregnated by a 
saline are no more fertile than those inland 
out of the reach of such an atmosphere. See 
Manures. 


Fe’rula. Giant Fennel. From ferio, to strike, 
the stems are used as rods. Nat. Ord. Um- 
bellifera. 

A genus of very showy, hardy herbaceous 
plants, relatives of southern Europe, north- 
ern Africa, and central and western Asia. 
They are admirable plants for growing near 
water, or on banks, or margins of lawns, 
where their deep green elegant foliage is 
shown to the best advantage. The two most 
showy species are F’. communis, and F. Tingi- 
tana. They are propagated by seeds, or by 
divisions of the root. 


Fescue Grass. See Festuca. 


Festu’ca. A genus containing some of the best 
pasture grasses. F. glauca is a very hand- 
some ornamental grass, which, though hardy, 
is very suitable for the green-house and the 
sitting-room. 

Fetid Horehound. See Ballota. 

Fetticus. See Valerianella. 


Fever Bush. A local name of the Lindera; 
given for the supposed medicinal properties 
of the shrub. 

Feverfew. See Pyrethrum Parthenium. 


Fever Tree, or Fever Gum-Tree. Hucalyptus 
globulus. 

Fever Weed. Gerardia pedicularia. 

Fibre, Elementary. That thread which is 
turned round the interior of the tubes that 
are called spiral vessels, or of any similar 
kind of tissue. 


FIL 


Fibrous. Containing a great proportion of 
woody fibre, as the rind of a Cocoanut; com- 
posed of fibres. 


Fica’ria. Fig-wort. From jficus, a fig; in refer- 
ence to the fig-shaped little tubers of the root. 
Nat. Ord. Ranunculacew. 

A hardy herbaceous perennial with bright 
yellow flowers, closely resembling the Ranun- 
culus, to which it is allied, the only difference 
being in the'shape of the petals. It is one of 
the earliest spring flowers in the English” 
woods or waste places. 


Ficoi/deaz. A large natural order of small 
shrubs, under-shrubs, or herbs, containing 
over 400 species, natives chiefly of tropical 
and sub-tropical regions. Tetragonia (the New 
Zealand Spinach) and Mesembryanthemum are 
the best known genera; indeed, the order is 
called M bryanth eee by some botanists. 


Fi’cus. Fig-tree. The Fig-tree has nearly the 
same name in all the European languages, and 
is supposed to be derived from the Hebrew 
name feg. Nat. Ord. Urticacee. 

A genus of trees, some of which require to 
be grown in the hot-house. It contains sev- 
eral- valuable species, especially the India 
Rubber tree (F. elastica), and the Banyan tree 
(F. Indica) ; the foliage of all of them is very 
imposing, and their culture is of the easiest 
description, requiring heat and plenty of water 
in their growing season. JF. elastica, if culti- 
vated in a humid atmosphere, such as that of 
an Orchid-house, will emitroots from its stem 
and branches, and attach itself to any contig- 
uous object, such as a wall, in the manner of 
anepiphyte. Thisis the India Rubber tree 
of commerce. It is much valued as a decora- 
tive plant forrooms. A very effective variety 
with golden-edged leaves has been lately 
introduced, the golden band about an inch 
wide, contrasting beautifully with the glossy 
green of the center of the leaf. F. Parceili 
has bright-green serrated leaves, irregularly 
blotched with dark green and ivory white. It 
forms a very neat and ornamental decorative 
plant. F. Carica, the cultivated Fig, is sup- 
posed to be a native of Caria, in Asia. It has, 
however, been so long under cultivation 
throughout southern Europe that its nativity 
is lost sight of. The fruit can be grown here 
without artificial heat, an ordinary pit alone 
being sufficient protection in winter; or the 
plants can be laid down and covered up with 
six inches of soil in November and uncovered 
in April, and will thus withstand our severest 
northern winters. The Fig is generally hardy 
south of Washington. Propagated by cuttings 
or layers. 


Fiddle-Wood. See Citharexylum. 
Fig Marigold. See Mesembryanthemum. 


Fig-Tree. The genus Ficus, which see. 
Adam’s. Musa puradisiaca. 
Balsam, of the West Indies. Several species 
of Clusia. 
Creeping. Ficus stipulata. 
Devil’s, or Infernal. Argemone Mexicana. 
Mangrove. Rhizophora Mangle. 
Sacred. Ficus religiosa. 
Fig-wort. The genus Scrophularia ; also Ficaria, 
which see. 
Cape. Phygelius capensis. 
Filamentose. Thready. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 155 


FIL ° 


Filices. One of the principal groups of Crypto- 
gams, commonly called Ferns, consisting of 
herbaceous or arborescent perennial, very 
rarely annual, plants, with fibrous roots, or 
creeping root-stalks. Those of an arborescent 
or tree habit have trunks varying from two or 
three to sixty or eighty feet in height, 
and formed of the consolidated bases of 
the fronds, surrounding a soft central mass 
of tissue. Many schemes have been proposed 
for the classification of Ferns, but that seems 
to be preferable which is based on the modi- 
fications of the vascular system in conjunc- 
tion with the fructification. All Ferns may be 
referred to one of the groups Ophioglossacee, 
Marattiacee, or Polypodiacew, of which the first 
two, sometimes called pseudo-Ferns, are very 
limited, while the latter, containing the true 
Ferns, includes the greater portion of all the 
known species. There are about seventy-five 
genera, and about 2,500 species. The follow- 
ing are some of the principal and most exten- 
sive genera: Adiantum, Asplenium, Aspi- 
dium, Polypodium, and Pteris. 

Piliform. Cylindrical and slender, 
thread. 

Filipendulous. Where tuberous swellings are 
developed in the middle or at the extremities 
of filiform rootlets as in Spirea filipendula. 

Fimbriate. Fringed. 

Fiorin or Fiorin-Grass. (Butter Grass.) Agrostis 
stolonifera. 

Fir. A general name for various species of 

Abies, Picea, and Pinus. 
Balm of Gilead, or Balsam. 
Black Spruce. Abies nigra. 
Douglas Spruce. Abies (Pseudo-tsuga) Douglasii. 
Hemlock Spruce. Tsuga Canadensis. 

Japan Silver. Picea firma. 
Norway Spruce. Abies excelsa. 
Parasol, or Umbrella. The genus Sciadopitys. 
Pitch, or Siberian Silver. Picea Pichta. 
Sacred Silver. Pinus religiosa. 
Scotch. Pinus sylvestris. 
Silver. Picea pectinata. 
Fire Cracker Plant. See Cuphea. 
Fire Pink. A local name of Silene Virginica. 


Fire Tree. See Nuytsia. 
Of Queensland. See Stenocarpus. 


Fire-Weed. A name given to Hrechites hieraci- 
folia, because of its appearance on new 
grounds, when brush has been burned. It is 
a coarse worthless weed, though not apt to 
be troublesome.. 

Firming the Soil. 
Use of the Feet in. 

Fish Bone Thistle. Chamapeuce Casabone. 

Fish Guano. See Fertilizer. 

Fish-Tail Palm. See Caryota. 


Fissus. Divided half way usually into a deter- 
minate number of segments. We say, bifidus, 
split in two, trifidus, in three, and so on; or 
multifidus, when the segments are very 
numerous. 

Fistular, Fistulous. This is said of a cylin- 
drical or terete body which is hollow, but 
closed at each end, as the leaves and stem of 
the Onion. 

Fitto/nia. Named in honor of E. and 8. M. Fit- 
ton, authors of ‘Conversations on Botany,” 
Nat. Ord. Acanthaceew. 


like a 


Abies balsamea. 


See Sowing and Planting, 


FLO 


A genus of trailing perennials with bril- 
liantly marked leaves, natives of Peru and 
requiring Stove-house treatment. They are 
excellent plants for the Wardian case and use- 
ful also for planting on the surface of pots or 
tubs in which large plants or other decorative 
plants are grown, and also for forming narrow 
borders to the walks in heated structures. F. 
argyroneura, has oval leaves of a vivid green, 
traversed by a net-work of pure white veins; 
other species have the midrib and veins deep 
red or carmine. They are easily increased 
by cuttings. Syn. Gymnostachyum. 


Five Fingers. See Potentilla. 
Flabelliform. Fan-shaped. 


Flacourtia. Named after Htienne de F'lacourt, 
a botanist and director of the French East 
India Company in 1648. The typical genus of 
Flacourtiacee, comprising a few species of 
fruit-bearing, thorny trees or shrubs, natives 
of tropical Asia, Africa, and America. The 
truits of several of the species are used in 
India, and have a pleasant sub-acid flavor, 
when perfectly ripe, but the unripe fruit is 
exceedingly astringent. The young shoots 
and leaves of F. cataphracta are used medici- 
nally by the native Indian doctors as a cure 
for diarrhoea. The species are rarely seen 
in cultivation. 

FPlacourtiacez. (Bixaces.) A natural order 
of shrubs or small trees, with alternate leaves, 
often marked with transparent dots. They are 
natives, principally, of the East and West 
Indies ; a few species are found at the Cape of 
Good Hope, and one or two in New Zealand. 
Some of the plants yield edible fruits, others 
are bitter and astringent. Theorder includes 
about twenty-five genera and 150 species. 

Flag. A general name for the genus Iris. 
Yellow, or Water. Jris Pseudo-acorus. 

Plagelliform. Flexible, narrow, and tapering, 
like the thong of a whip, as the runners of 
many plants. 

Flame Flower. 
Tritoma. 


Flame Lily. See Pyrolirion. 
Flame Tree, or Tree of Fire. See Nuytsia. 


Flamingo Plant. Popular name of Anthuriwm 
Scherzerianum. : 


FPlavescent. A pure pale yellow. 

Flax. See Linum. 

New Zealand, or Flax Lily. Phormium tenazx. 

Fleabane. See Hrigeron. 

Fleur-de-Luce. See Iris. 

Plexuose. Zig-zag; having a wavy direction, 
gently bending alternately inward and out- 
ward. 

Floating Heart. See Limnanthemum. 

ee Covered with little tufts of hair, like 
wool. 


Flora. (The goddess of flowers.) ~The aggre- 
gate of all the species of plants inhabiting a 
particular country. 


One of the popular names of 


. 


Floral. Of or belonging to the flower. 
Floral Envelopes. The calyx and corolla, one 
or both. : 


Plorets. When many small flowers are collected 
in clusters or heads, each flower is called a 
floret. The florets of the disk are those which 


156 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


FLO 


occupy the center of the head of a Composite ; 
while florets of the ray occupy the circumfer- 
ence. 


Florida Bean. See Entada. 
Florida Moss. See Tillandsia. 
Plorists’ Flowers. These are defined as, 


‘“‘Flowers which, by their beauty, or fra- | 


grance, power to produce permanent varieties, 
and facility of cultivation, are so largely in de- 
mand as to render them especially worthy of 
cultivation as an article of commerce.” The 
term is most generally applied to that large 
section of green-house and hardy plants, 
which have originally descended from a 
limited number of species, but which, either 
by cultivation, careful selection, or systematic 
hybridization the ‘Florist,” has caused to 
“break” from the original species into 
varieties much superior to the original, it 
may be in the habit of the plant or variety of 
color and form of the flower. 
plants included among Florists’ flowers, is 
annually extending, as genera that have 
hitherto been neglected are being brought 
under the same influences with a view of ob- 
taining similar results. Perfection in habit 
of plant, and in form of flower, with distinct 
coloring, are points always aimed at and only 
those flowers which are most desirable in 
these respects, should be used for hybridizing 
or seeding purposes. Seeds having a ten- 
dency to produce varieties of an inferior 
quality, it is necessary to perpetuate those 
good sorts already secured, by cuttings or 
offsets, as the case may be; the advantages of 
the improvements effected are thus available 
for all, in the select varieties now in general 
cultivation, as well as those now annually 
distributed. Among the best known examples 
of the Florist’s success are the Auricula, 
Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Dahlia, Fuchsia, 
Gladiolus, Pelargonium, both show and Zonal, 
Tulip, Hyacinth, Verbena, Rose, etc. 

Flower. That assemblage of organs in a plant, 
of which the stamens or pistils, or both, form 
part. 

Flower Border. See Border. 

Plower-de-Luce. See Iris. 

Flower Fence. See Poinciana. 

Flower of the Holy Spirit. See Peristeria. 

Flowering Ash. See Ornus. 

Flowering Fern. See Osmunda. 

Flowering Grass. Anomatheca cruenta. 

Plowering Rush. See Butomus. 

Flues. Single and double. See Heating. 

Fluitans. Floating on the surface of water. 


Fluvial, Fluviatile. Of or belonging to the 
water. 


Fly Honeysuckle, Lonicera Xylosteum. 

Ply Orchis. Ophrys muscifera. 

Fly Poison. <Amianthium muscetoxicum. 

Fly-Trap. American. Apocynum androsemi- 
‘olium 


eth Dionea muscipula. 
Foeni/culum. Fennel. The old Latin name. 
Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 
F. vulgare. the common Fennel, is a native 
of southern Europe and western Asia, and is 
usually found on dry soils near the sea. 


The variety of | 


© FOR 


It is an aromatic plant of perennial duration, 
and is propagated both by offsets, division 
of the root, and by seed. Ff. dulce, the Sweet 
Fennel, is generally considered a variety of the 
preceding; but it differs in being a smaller 
plant, producing larger seeds, and in its flow- 
ering earlier, The leaves are used in sauces 
and for garnishing, and the seeds are em- 
ployed in confectionary and for flavoring 
liquors. 
Foliaceous. Having the form of leaves, 


Foliage Plants. A popular term, though an 
incorrect One, given to distinguish such plants 
as are used for decorative purposes for the 
beauty of their foliage rather than for the 
beauty of their flowers. It is more particu- 
larly used for such plants as are used for 
massing in color; for example, the Achyran- 
thes, Centaureas os Millers), Pyrethrum 
aureum pec eather}, Coleus, and plants 
of that class used in ‘‘ribbon line” bedding, 
are called ‘‘foliage” plants; though, among 
plants for inside decoration, the Crotons, 
Dracenas, Pandanads, Fancy Caladiums, etc., 
are sometimes so named; but the proper 
designation for all such plants, whether used 
for outside or inside decoration, is ‘‘Orna- 
mental-leaved Plants,” or ‘‘Ornamental-foli- 
aged Plants.” ; 

Poliate. Clothed with leaves. 


Poliole. A leaflet; the secondary divisions of 
a compound leaf. 


Foliose. Covered closely with leaves. 


Follicle. An inflated seed-vessel; as that of 
the Colutea. 


Fool’s Parsley. See Atthusa. 


Fontane’sia. A Syrian shrub of the Olive fam- 
ily, named in honor of M. Desfontaines, an 
eminent French botanist. It is an orna- 
mental, hardy sub-evergreen shrub, resem- 
bling the common Privet, but with rough 
bark and. graceful, slender drooping branches. 
Flowers creamy-yellow in axillary racemes. 
Introduced in 1787. 

Forbidden Fruit. Citrus Paradisi. 

Of London. A variety of the Shaddock. 
Citrus decumana. 

Of Paris. The sweet skinned Orange; a 
variety of Citrus Aurantium. 


Forcing Fruits, Flowers and Vegetables. As 
this operation has to be conducted through- 
out the winter and early spring months the 
greatest care is necessary in practice to ob- 
tain satisfactory results, more especially as 
they have to be procured under conditions 
that are unnatural to the plants at the time, 
in consequence of their having had an insuffi- 
cient season of rest. The preparation of 
plants for forcing is one of the most important 
points, and only those that have the wood 
thoroughly ripened, should be chosen. In the 
early stages of the operation, heat should be 
applied very gradually, beginning with a little 
closer, warmer atmosphere than that allowed 
during the resting period. A temperature 
not exceeding 50° to 55° will suit a large num- 
ber of plants to start with, but even this is 
too high for some subjects. Most plants will 
bear more heat after the buds swell and have 
commenced growing, than they will pre- 
viously. In very early forcing all the sun- 
shine and light possible should be admitted, 


FESTUCA DURIUSCULA (HARD FESOUE). 


FESTUCA RUBRA (RED FESCUE), 


FESTUCA HETEROPHYLLA (VARIOUS LEAVED FESCUE), FESTUCA PRATENSIS (MEADOW FESCUE) 


556 


RIA MELEAGRIS, 


SS 
FICUS CARICA (FIG). 


ki 


i | 


4 S 
A oS N \ 


FREESIA REFRACTA ALBA, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


157 


FOR 


as during the winter months the sun will sel- 
dom be strong enough to injure the tenderest 
foliage. As many flowers and vegetables are 
of no further use after having been forced, it 
is necessary to raise an annual supply of 
strong healthy roots for this purpose. Al- 
most any position in a heated structure may 
be utilized for such, a succession crop being 
planted every two or three weeks as necessity 
may require, the old roots being destroyed as 
soon as the ¢rop is over, and replaced by anew 
batch. In many establishments, small span 
roofed houses are used for forcing Cucumbers, 
Tomatoes, etc., a row of plants being planted 
on either side and trained upon trellises under 
the glass. Similar structures are also used 
for forwarding Cauliflower, Beets, Bush Beans, 
Dwarf Peas, Radishes, and other salading. 
The new Bush Lima Bean can also be suc- 
cessfully forced in this manner. The method 
of forcing the principal Fruits, Vegetables, 
etc., is described under their respective 
names. If raised benches are used, a succes- 
sion of Asparagus, Sea-Kale, Rhubarb,Chicory, 
etc., may be profitably grown underneath 
them; the stems of those vegetables being 
much more tender and succulent when 
blanched, than when exposed to the light. 
Forget-Me-Not. See Myosotis. 


Forked. Separating into distinct branches 
more or less apart. 


Forsy'thia. In honor of William Forsyth, royal 
gardener at Kensington, Eng. Author of 
“Observations on the Diseases of Trees.” 
London, 1791. Nat. Ord. Oleaceew. 

A small genus of ornamental deciduous, 
hardy shrubs, introduced from the north of 
China in 1845. I. viridissima is one of the 
earliest of spring flowering shrubs, being 
completely covered in early spring with tufts 
of rather large, pendulous, bright yellow 
flowers, which grow two or three together 
from all parts of the rod-like branches. It is 
easily increased by cuttings or layers. F. 
suspensa is also a very graceful and free- 
flowering shrub with deep green foliage and 
bright yellow flowers, somewhat more droop- 
ing in its growth than the foregoing. It is 
frequently cultivated under the names of F. 
Fortunei, and F. Sieboldi. 


Fothergi’lla. 
Homamelidacee, named in honor of Dr. John 
Fothergill, of London, an eminent physician 
and botanist, 1712-1780. F. alnifolia, the 
only species, is a low shrub with oval or obo- 
vate leaves toothed at the summit. The 
flowers are white and sweet scented, borne in 
spicate terminal racemes, and appearing in 
April and May, rather before the leaves. It 
is found in low grounds from Virginia south- 
ward, and is increased by seeds or layers. 


Fountain Plant. <A popular name for Amaran- 
thus salicifolius. 


Fountains. These are often introduced in 
garden or conservatory decoration, and are 
represented in various forms and sizes, vary- 
ing from specimens of the smallest descrip- 
tion to an enormous display of water works, 
as shown in extensive public gardens and 
parks. The selection of an appropriate site 
for the Fountain, and one that is in keeping 
with surrounding objects, is one of the most 
important points in its introduction. The 


A genus of the Witch-hazels- 


FRA 


center of an inclosed formal or geometrically 
arranged flower garden could not be better 
occupied than with a fountain and circular 
basin, having a walk round it in connection 
with the other cross-walks. Intersecting 
points are the best in any case, on account of 
the means thereby supplied of utilizing the 
water from the basin. Hither asingle jet or 
an indefinite number, if desired, must be in 
connection with an elevated reservoir, or 
other source of supply, from which a force can 
be obtained, and they may be fixed so as to 
conduct the water in various directions, and 
cause it to disperse and descend in minute 
particles. The jets are best arranged amongst 
a pile of rockwork or large stones, that help 
to conceal them from view when the water is 
stopped. A Fountain has a cooling effect in 
a conservatory in summer; and when con- 
structed in a prominent position, as in the 
center, it is invariably a source of attraction. 
In some of the most extensive and beautiful 
floral decorations, a small Fountain, with the 
flowers and leaves of various Nympheas, etc., 
dropped in the basin underneath, forms an 
interesting and novel feature, and one that is 
generally admired. 


Fountain Tree. A popular name for Cedrus 
Deodara. 


Fourcro/ya. Named after M. Fourcroy, a cele- 


brated chemist. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A genus closely allied to Agave. Fifteen 
species are described, all natives of Mexico. 
F. longeva (long lived) throws up a magnificent 
flower stem forty feet high. Itis branching 
and pyramidal, like the Yucca, though more 
graceful. The lower branches of the terminal 
pyramid are from ten to twelve feet long, and 
are covered with innumerable white flowers. 
From their great size they are rarely met in 
collections. Syn. Furcrea. 


Four o’Clocks. A popular name for Marvel of 
Peru. See Mirabilis. 


Fowl Meadow Grass. See Poa serotina. 
Fox-Glove. See Digitalis. 
Fox's Brush. Centranthus ruber. 


Fox-Tail. Lycopodium clavatum. . 
Fox-Tail Grass. Alopecurus pratensis. 
Fraga'ria. The Strawberry. From frugrans, 


fragrant; in reference to the perfumed fruit. 
Nat. Ord. Rosacea. 

According to Sir Joseph Banks and others, 
the common name of Strawberry was given 
on account of straw having been laid between 
the plants to prevent the fruit from getting 
soiled in wet weather. There are several 
species of Strawberries, the principal of which 
are, F. Virginiana, the Virginian or Scarlet, 
the well-known native species; F’. grandiflora, 
the Pine; F. Chiliensis, the Chilian; F. vesca, 
the Woodand Alpine; F’. elatior, the Hautbois ; 
F. viridis, the green; F. Indica, the Indian, 
not edible, but a pretty plant for hanging pots 
and baskets, its berries being very attractive. 
Like all the others, it is propagated by run- 
ners as well as seed. Previous to 1629, the 
date assigned to the introduction of the 
Scarlet Strawberry from Virginia, the Wood 
Strawberry is supposed to have been the kind 
generally gathered for sale in England. The 
varieties now grown are almost innumerable, 
especially in the United States, and they are 


158 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


FRA 


increasing every year. The improvements 
effected among them, in quality, size, and pro- 
ductiveness, are very remarkable indeed. 
Berries have been exhibited in New York that 
measured fully twelve inches in circumfer- 


ence. For cultivation, forcing, etc., see 
Strawberry. 
Frames, Garden. See Cold Frames. 
Franci’scea. Named in honor of Francis, 


Emperor of Austria. Nat. Ord. Scrophularia- 
cee. : 

A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
natives of Brazil. There are several in culti- 
vation, most of them having very showy, 
salver-shaped, purple flowers. The roots, 
and, to some extent, the leaves, are employed 
in medicine. The tincture is bitter, purgative, 
and emetic, and is poisonous in large doses. 
From its peculiar properties it is called by the 
Portuguese, ‘‘ Vegetable Mercury.” 


Franco’a. Named after F. Franco, a Spanish 
physician and botanist of the sixteenth cen- 
tury. Nat. Ord. Saxifragacee. 

A small genus of tender herbaceous peren- 
nials, natives of Chili. They are found to 
succeed best when treated as tender annuals, 
as they can only be increased by seeds, which, 
if sown early in a hot-bed, make good flower- 
ing plants for autumn. The white or purple 
flowers are produced on long spikes, and are 
quite showy. 


Prancoa'cez. A natural order now placed as a 
tribe of Saxifragacee. 


Frangipani-Shrub. Plumieria alba, 
rubra. 


Pra/ngula. A synonym of Rhamnus. 


Franke’nia. See Heath. Named after John 
Frankenius, Professor of Botany at Upsal, who 
first enumerated the plants of Sweden, 1638. 
Nat. Ord. Frankeniacee. 

A small genus of hardy and half-hardy ever- 
green trailers, growing in marshy places 
throughout Europe and the Canary Islands. 
Though very pretty, they have received but 
little attention from florists. The very 
small pink flowers are produced in axillary 
clusters. Propagated by division. 

Frankenia’cez. A small order of herbs or sub- 
shrubs, chiefly natives of north Africa and 
the south of Europe. They possess no prop- 
erties of importance. 


Frankincense, or Olibanum Tree. 
Carteri, and other species. 


Fra/sera. Named after John Fraser, an inde- 
fatigable collector in this country toward the 
close of the last century. Nat. Ord. Gentian- 
acew. 

F. Carolinensis, the best known species, is a 
tall-growing, showy herbaceous plant. The 
flowers are about one inch in diameter, of 
light greenish-yellow color, marked with small 
brown-purple dots. It is commonly known 
as American Columbo, and is common from 
southwest New York to Wisconsin and south- 
ward. Syn. F. Walteri. 


Fraxine’lla. See Dictamnus. 


Fra xinus. The Ash. From phrazis, a separa- 
tion; in reference to the facility with which 
the wood splits. Nat. Ord. Oleacee. 

This genus includes some of the most com- 
mon forest trees throughout the United States. 


and P. 


Boswellia 


FRE 


They are also common in Europe, Asia, and in 
the north of Africa. The more common and 
important of the native species are the follow- 
ing: The White Ash, Ff. Americana, is a 
beautiful tree, with trunk perfectly straight, 
and usually undivided to the height of thirty 
to forty feet. Solitary trees are often very 
beautiful, being symmetrical and globular, 
with dense foliage of a dull bluish-green color. 
This species delights in a warm, rich soil, and 
is rarely found in its natural state in any 
other. The timber of this species is valuable 
in the mechanic arts, where strength and 
durability are required. The Black Ash, F. 
sambucifolia, is a tree of medium size, usually 
found in wet or swampy situations. It is of 
but little value as an ornamental tree, and the 
timber has little value except to split into 
rails for fencing. The other native species 
are of no special interest. The English Ash, 
F. excelsior, is almost identical with our White 
Ash. From it several varieties have origin- 
ated; one of weeping habit, F’. excelsior pen- 
dula, a very beautiful and desirable tree for 
the lawn. Some of the varieties with go-den, 
and some with variegated foliage, are being 
extensively planted, and are strongly recom- 
mended for suburban grounds. 


Free. Not adhering to anything else; not 
adnace to any other body. 


Free’sia. Derivation of name not given. Nat. 
Ord. Iridacee. 

A small genus of handsome bulbous plants 
from the Cape of Good Hope, introduced 
previously to 1815, at which time they were 
grown in English gardens, and included 
in the genus Gladiolus. The Garden says: 
“According to Mr. Baker, whose labors on 
the Iris have rendered their study compar- 
atively easy, the genus Freesia has been 
included in Gladiolus and Tritonia, as well as 
having a goodly number of specific names. 
These are all now reduced to two species, viz., 
Freesia refracta and F. Leichtlinii. The for- 
mer varies considerably, judging from the 
earlier illustrations of it, which, if correct, 
would seem to include F. Leitchtlinii. F. 
refracta has pale yellow flowers, sometimes 
with a greenish, sometimes a purplish 
tint, while its variety, F. r. alba, has flowers 
of the purest white, with two orange-yel- 
low flowers on the lower segments. Some- 
times these blotches are absent.” F. refracta 
alba is the only species much cultivated ; this, 
from its pure white flowers, that are produced 
in the greatest abundance during the winter 
season, is a valuable plant to grow for cut 
flowers. The flowersare produced on slender 
stalks, just overtopping the foliage, and num- 
ber from three to six in a loose cluster. They 
are tubular, thimble-shaped, about one and a 
half inches in length; their perfume is deli- 
cious, sufficiently powerful to be perceptible at 
a distance from the plant. They are extremely 
useful as cut flowers, for which the elegant 
manner in which they are borne on the stalks 
admirably adapts them. They can be easily 
grown in the ordinary green-house, the only 
care required being to have the bulbs well 
ripened before drying off, after flowering. It 
is best to put several bulbs in a pot or pan. 
If the latter is used, put eight or ten in an 
eight-inch pan. They like a fibrous soil, 
moderately rich, and need considerable rest. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 159 


FRE 


Bulbs that have flowered in January should 
go to rest in April, and remain dry until 
November. They increase rapidly by offsets, 
and can be grown freely from seed, which 
should be sown soon as ripe; bulbs from seed 
will flower the second year. 


Fremo’ntia. Named in honor of Major-General 
John C. Fremont, who discovered it in the 
northern part of the Sierra Nevada. Nat. Ord. 
Sterculiacee. 

F Catifornica, the only species, is a decidu- 
ous shrub from four to ten feet high, some- 
what resembling the ordinary Fig-tree. Tho 
flowers are very handsome, bright yellow, 
bell-shaped, and are produced on short, spur- 
like branches. Propagated by cuttings or 
from seed. Introduced in 1851. 


French Bean. See Bean. 

French Honeysuckle. See Hedysarum. 
French Marigold. See Tagetes. 

French Mulberry. Callicarpa Americana. 
French Willow. LEpilobiwm angustifolium. 
Fresh-water Soldier. Stratioides aloides. 


Freycine'tia. Named after Admiral Freycinet, 
a French circumnavigator. A genus of Pan- 
danacee, consisting of climbing trees, natives 
of the Indian Archipelago, Norfolk Island, 
New Zealand, etc. The species have the habit 
of Pandanus, and require the same general 
treatment. Increased by offsets. 


Pringed. The same as fimbriate. 
.Pringe-Flower. Schizanthus retusus. 
FPringe-Tree. See Chionanthus. 


Fritilla’ria. Fritillary, Guinea-hen Flower. 
From fritillus, a chess-board ; referring to the 
checkered flowers of some species. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 

Showy bulbs for the border, mostly attain- 
ing a height of from two to three feet, though 
F. meleagris and its variations are dwarf. 
This species, and one or two others like it, 
have had much attention paid them by the 
continental florists, who have succeeded in 
obtaining many beautiful varieties by seed, 
and now these flowers occupy a prominent 
place in their catalogues. They delight in 
very rich soil, frequently dug and well pul- 
verized previous to planting. The bulbs 
should be planted early in the autumn, cover- 
ing them with about three inches of earth. In 
the blooming season, should the weather 
prove dry, the ground must be frequently 
well soaked with water, that the growth may 
be sufficiently vigorous, or the flowers of the 
following season will be deficient. When the 
stems begin to decay the bulbs should be 
taken up, but not dried to any extent, it being 
far preferable to preserve them till the follow- 
ing planting season in sand or light and par- 
tially dried earth. F. imperialis is the well- 
known Crown Imperial, a native of Persia, of 
which there are several varieties. They will 
be greatly benefitted by mulching with leaves 
to the depth of six inches, just before the 
ground freezes up. They can remain a num- 
ber of years without taking up, and are prop- 
agated by division of the bulbs or by seeds, 
which, however, require from four to six 
years to become fiowering bulbs. 


Prog-bit. Hydrocharis morsus-rane and Limno- 
bium Spongia. 


FUC 


Prondose. Covered with leaves; bearing a 
great number of leaves. 


Fronds, The leaves of Palms and Ferns are 
improperly called fronds. A true frond is a 
combination of leaf and stem, as in many sea- 
weeds and liverworts. 


Frosted. Covered with glittering particles, as 
if fine dew had been congealed upon it. 


Frost-Weed. LErigeron Philadelphicus and Heli- 
anthemum Canadense. 


Frozen Plants, Treatment of. When by any 
mishap the plants, whether in parlor or green- 
house, become frozen, either at once remove 
them (taking care not to touch the leaves) to 
some place warm enough to be just above the 
point of freezing; or, if there are too many to 
do that, get up the fire as rapidly as possible, 
and raise the temperature. The usual advice 
is to sprinkle the leaves and shade the plants 
from the sun. We have never found either 
remedy of any avail with frozen plants, and 
the sprinkling is often a serious injury if done 
before the temperature is above the freezing 
point. In our experience with thousands of 
frozen plants, we have tried all manner of 
expedients, and found no better method than 
to get them out of the freezing atmosphere as 
quickly as possible; and we have also found 
that the damage is in proportion to the suc- 
culent condition of the plant and the intensity 
of the freezing. Just what degree of cold 
plants in any given condition can endure 
without injury, we are, unable to state. 
Plants are often frozen so that the leaves 
hang down, but when thawed out are found 
to be not at all injured. At another time the 
same low temperature acting on the same 
kind of plants may kill them outright if they 
happen to be growing more thriftily and are 
full of sap. Much depends upon the temper- 
ature at which plants have been growing; for 
example, we find, if we have had a warm spell 
in fall when, fora week or so, the tempera- 
ture has been at sixty-five or seventy degrees 
at night, with ten or fifteen degrees more in 
the open air, that a slight frost will kill or 
greatly injure such half-hardy plants as Car- 
nations, Geraniums or monthly Roses; but 
should the weather be such as to gradually 
get colder, so that the temperature has been 
lowered twenty to twenty-five degrees, a 
slight frost then coming will do little or no 
injury to such plants. When the frost is pen- 
etrating into a green-house or room in which 
plants are kept, and the heating arrangements 
are inadequate to keep it out, the best thing 
to do is to cover the plants with paper (news- 
papers) or sheeting. Thus protected, most 
plants will be enabled to resist four or five 
degrees of frost. Paper is rather better than 
sheeting for this purpose. 

Fructification. The parts of the flower, or, 
more properly, the fruit and its parts; the 
phenomena which attend the development of 
the fruit from its first appearance to maturity. 
The distribution or arrangement of the fruit 
itself on any plant. 

Fruit. That part of a plant which consists of 
the ripened carpels and the parts adhering to 
them ; the seed vessel with its ripe contents. 

Fruticose, Prutescent. Shrubby. 

Fuchsia. Named after Leonard Fuchs, a cele- 
brated German botanist. Nat. Ord. Onagracee. 


160 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


FUG 


The best history we have of this interesting 
genus is from the pen of the Rev. C. A. Johns, 
in the ‘Treasury of Botany.” He says: ‘A 


plausible story has often been printed, which. 


attributes the introduction of the Fuchsia into 
England to a sailor, whose wife or mother was 
induced to sell it to Mr. Lee, a nurseryman, 
who, in the course of the following summer, 
made a profit of 300 guineas by the transac- 
tion. Thisis said to have happened about the 
close of the last century. It was, however, a 
hundred years before this time that a monk 
named Father Plumier discovered the first 
specimen of the family, which he afterward 
dedicated to the memory of Leonard Fuchs. 
This first species was named Fuchsia triphylla 
flore coccinea, and a description of it is to be 
found in the works of Plumier, published in 
1703. With the exception of F. excorticata and 
F’. procumbens, which are natives of New Zea- 
land, all the species belong to the central and 


southern regions of America, in shady, moist - 


places, in forests, or on lofty mountains of 
Mexico, Peru and Chili. The number of dis- 
tinct species at present known is more than 
fifty, which have been introduced from time 
to time since the beginning of the present 
century; but the varieties most prized by flor- 
ists date only from the year 1837, when F. 
fulgens was introduced. The introduction of 
this species, and soon afterward of F. corymbi- 

a, F. cordifolia and F. serratifolia, gave to 
horticulturists the opportunity of hybridizing 
these long-flowered species with the globose 
kinds, and the result has been the annual 
appearance of varieties which, from a garden 
point of view have surpassed their predeces- 
sors, to be themselves eclipsed in their turn.” 
The cultivation of the Fuchsia is quite simple. 
Stock plants should be started in the green- 
house in November or December, and cuttings 
taken off as soon as large enough, which will 
be in ten days or two weeks. In an ordinary 
propagating house they will be sufficiently 
rooted in two weeks to pot off; after which 
the growth is rapid, if given the four essential 
elements, viz., light, air, heat and water. 
They require to be re-potted often, never 
allowing them to get pot-bound if large showy 
plants are desired. By training up the lead- 
ing shoot, and keeping it tied to a straight 
stick, the plant will throw out side shoots in 
the perfect order required for a graceful, sym- 
metrical outline. Plants carefully grown in 
this manner will, by the first of July, fill a 
twelve-inch pot, which, if placed in a shady 
situation and liberally watered with liquid 
manure, will make a plant fully six feet high 
by autumn, and all the summer be completely 
covered with flowers. 


Fugacious. Soon falling off, or perishing very 
rapidly. 

Fuliginous. Dirty brown, verging upon black. 

Fuller's Teazel. See Dipsacus Fullonum. 

Fulvous. Tawny yellow or fox-colored. 


Fuma'ria. Fumitory. From fumos, smoke; 
referring to the disagreeable smell of the 
plant. Nat. Ord. Fumariacee. 

A genus of hardy annuals, mostly mere 
weeds. One or two, however, are very pretty 
climbers, ornamental when grown along 
hedge-rows, for their delicate foliage, and 
small, pinkish white flowers. ° 


FUS 


Fumaria’cez. A natural order of herbs with 
brittle stems, watery juice, alternate, cut, 
exstipulate leaves, and irregular, unsymme- 
trical flowers. They are chiefly natives of the 
temperate regions of the northern hemi- 
sphere, a few occur at the Cape of Good 
Hope. They possess a slight bitterness and 
acridity. There are eighteen known genera 
and about 160 species; Fumaria, Dicentra and 
Corydalis are examples of the order, which is 
now included by Bentham and Hooker, as a 
tribe of Papaveracee. 


Fumigating. See Insects. 


Fumitory. See Fumaria. 
Climbing. Adlumia cirrhosa. 


Function. The peculiar action induced by the 
agency of vitality upon any part of a living 
plant, when placed under certain influences. 

Fundamental. Constituting the essential part 
of anything; in a plant, the axis and its ap- 
pendages. Fundamental organs, the nutri- 
tive organs essential to the existence of the 
individual. 


Funeral Cypress. A common name of Cupres- 
sus funebris. 

Fungi. Extensive groups of singular plants, 
known as blights, blasts, mildews and mush- 
rooms. 


Funnel-shaped. A calyx or corolla, or other 
organ, in which the tube is obconical, gradu- 
ally enlarging upward into the limb, so that 
the whole resembles a funnel, as in the Con- 
volvulus or Morning Glory. 

Fu'nkia. Day Lily. Plantain Lily. Named in 
honor of Henry Funk, a German cryptogamist. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A handsome genus of hardy herbaceous 
plants, with bundled fibrous roots, from 
Japan. It is nearly allied to Hemerocallis, 
and some of the species first introduced were 
included in that genus, which has caused 
considerable confusion in names. They are 
remarkable for their neat habit, the fine 
character of their foliage, and the delicious 
fragrance of the flowers of some of the species. 
F. albo-marginaia and F’. Sieboldiana have 
beautifully variegated foliage, green and 
white. As border plants they are very showy 
and attractive, and to mix with cut flowers 
for vases the foliage is invaluable. F. sub- 
cordata, or Japonica, the well-known white 
Day Lily, is the largest growing of the species. 
In rich soils they will, in a short time, make 
immense clumps, that flower freely in August. 
This species does best in partial shade. They 
are readily increased by division of the roots, 
which should be done in early spring. First 
introduced in 1790. 


Furcate. Having long terminal lobes, like the 
prongs of a fork. 


Furcre’a. See Fourcroya. 

Furfuraceous. Scurfy; covered with soft 
scales, which are easily displaced. 

Furrowed. Marked by longitudinal channels, 
as the stem of the Parsnip. 


Fuscous. Brown, with a grayish or blackish 
tinge. 
Furze. See Ulex. 


Fusiform. Spindle-shaped; thick, tapering to 
each end, like the root of a long Radish. 
Sometimes conical roots are called fusiform. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 161 


G. 


GAG 


Gee. Named after Sir Thomas Gage, a 
botanical amateur. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

A genus of hardy little yellow-flowering 
bulbs, allied to the Tulip. The species are 
natives of Europe, temperate Asia and 
northern Africa. The flowers, which are 
large for the size of the plant, are produced 
in umbels on stems not more than four inches 
high. They flower about the same time as 
the Crocus, should occupy similar places in 
the garden, and are propagated by offsets. 
Introduced in 1759. 


Ga’/hnia. Named after H. Gahn, a Swedish bot- 
anist. Nat. Ord. Cyperacee. 

A genus of about twenty species of green- 
house perennial herbs, natives of Australia, 
New Zealand, China, and the South Pacific 
Islands. G. aspera, is a very ornamental plant 
of Arundo-like habit, with bright green, 
channelled, wavy, lanceolate leaves. Intro- 
duced from Fiji in 1887. 


Guailla/rdia. Named after M. Gaillard de Maren- 
tonneau, a French patron of botany. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

A genus of beautiful half-hardy annuals, 
natives of South Carolina and southward. 
They are exceedingly showy, and well 
adapted for garden decoration. The seed 
germinates slowly, and in order to get plants 
to flower the whole summer it should be 
sown in the green-house in February. The 
plants may be put out in the open border 
when all danger from frost is over. Cuttings 
may be made in the fall and grown on in the 
green-house during the winter. G. Richard- 
soni, a species of late introduction, is a hardy 
perennial, propagated by root division. 


Galactode’ndron. Cow-tree. A synonym for 
Brosimum Galactodendron, which see. 


Gala’nthus. Snow-drop. From gala, milk, and 
anthos, flower; referring to the color of the 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

C. nivalis, the common Snow-drop, for its 
poetical associations as the ever-welcome 
harbinger of spring, is universally cultivated, 
and by potting and very gentle forcing may be 
made an interesting ornament to the green- 
house in mid-winter. Snow-drops are well 
known and general favorites on account of the 
modest beauty displayed by their. flowers at 
the early season in which they appear. G. 
Elwesii from Asia Minor, and G. plicatus from 
the Crimea are larger flowered species though 
still rare in gardens. A very distinct and 
much admired double form of G. nivalis, is 
also largely cultivated. When once planted it 
is best to let them take care of themselves, 
as if planted where the soil is suitable and 
left alone, they increase rapidly and annually 
appear in flower suddenly with the earliest 
approach of spring. 2 


Galax. From gala, milk; referring to the milk- 
white flowers. Nat. Ord. Diapensiacee. 

G. aphylla, is a beautiful little native plant, 

. with pure white flowers, particularly suitable 


GAL 


for growing on a rockwork. 
best in a cool damp place. 


It will succeed 


Gala'xia. From galaktos, milk; referring to 
the juice. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A genus of dwarf, tender bulbs from the 
Cape of Good Hope. The flower stems are 
short, with a terminal cluster of narrow leaves 
and handsome funnel-shaped yellow or purple 
flowers. The bulbs may be planted out in 
early spring, like the Gladiolus, and given the 
same treatment during summer. They 
are increased by offsets and may be left in 
the ground during winter, if protected from 
frost. Introduced in 1799. 


Galba‘num, The name of an aromatic gum- 
resin issuing from the stems of Ferula gal- 
baniflua, F. rubricaulis, etc. 


Galea’ndra. From galea, a helmet, and aner, 
a stamen; referring to the crested male organ 
on the top of the column. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
ace. 

A small genus of terrestrial Orchids, with 
pink, purple, or yellow flowers. They are 
from Central and South America, and require 
the same treatment as is recommended for 
the Bletia. Introduced in 1840. 


Gale’ga. Goat's Rue. From gala, milk; refer- 
ring to an old idea that the herbage was said 
to increase the milk of such animals as eat it. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A small genus of strong, robust, erect 
growing herbaceous perennials, with small 
pea-like flowers, mostly natives of the Med- 
iterranean region, extending eastward into 
Persia. G. orientalis, one of the most showy 
species, has handsome light green leaves, and 
blue flowers, which are produced in June. It 
grows from three to four feet high; and is 
increased by seeds sown in spring. Introduced 
from the Levant in 1801. 


Galeo’psis. Hemp-nettle. From gale, a weasel, 
and opsis, like; in allusion to the likeness 
of the flower to a weasel’s snout. Nat. Ord. 
Labiate. 

A genus of weedy plants, whose flowers are 
supposed to resemble the head of a weasel, 
and could with the same propriety be sup- 
posed to resemble that of most any other 
animal. They are common in most parts of 
this country ; naturalized from Europe. 


Gale Sweet. See Myrica Gale. 


Ga’lium. Bedstraw, Cleavers. From gala, milk; 
referring to the flowers of G. verum having 
been used tocurdle milk. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceaw. 

A genus of interesting herbs, natives of 
Europe, but extensively naturalized in the 
United States. G. aparine, vulgarly known 
as Goose Grass, has a great reputation in 
the eclectic practice of medicine as a cure for 
gravel in the bladder, and is considered by 
them invaluable as a diuretic. 


Galls. Excrescences of various kinds and 
forms produced in plants by the presence of 
the larvee of different insects. 


162 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GAL 


Galto’/nia. Named in memory of.Francis Galton, 
author of ‘‘A Narrative of an Explorer in 
South Africa.” Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A genus of hardy bulbs, natives of south 
Africa. They are well adapted for growing in 
clumps for lawn decoration. G. candicans, is 
best known in cultivation as Hyacinthus can- 
dicans, which see. 


Gama Grass. See Tripsacum. 
Gambier. See Uncaria Gambier. 


Gamboge. A gum resin that is furnished by a 
number of trees in the East Indies. It was at 
one time chiefly obtained from Xanthochymus, 
a native of Ceylon. 


Gamboge-tree. Garcinia Morella, var. pedi- 
cillata. 

Gamole'pis. From gamos, joined, and lepis, a 
scale. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

G. tagetes, the only described species, is a 
tender annual, with small yellow flowers, a 
native of the Cape of Good Hope. The 
flowers somewhat resemble those of the 
Othonna, to which it is allied. 


Garci/nia. Mangosteen. Named after Dr. L. 
Garcin, a French botanist and traveler in the 
East. Nat. Ord. Guttifere. 

A genus of tropical trees of medium size, 
highly esteemed for their delicious fruit, and 
for the valuable gums they furnish. The fruit 
of G. Mangostana is one of the most delicious 
that grows, and the tree upon which it is pro- 
duced is one of the most graceful and beauti- 
ful anywhere to be met with. Itisa native 
of Sumatra and the islands of the Eastern 
Archipelago. The stem rises to the height of 
about twenty feet; the branches come out in 
regular order, and give the head of the tree 
the form of a parabola; the leaves are about 
eight inches long, and four broad at the 
middle, of a beautiful green on the upper side, 
and a fine olive on the under. The flowers 
resemble that of a single rose, with some 
dark red petals. The fruit is round, about 
the size of an ordinary orange. The shell of 
the fruit, which is at first green, but changes 
to brown, marked with yellow spots, has some 
resemblance to that of the Pomegranate, 
put is thicker and softer, and the contents are 
more juicy. The flavor of the pulp is said to 
be that of the finest Grape and Strawberry 
united; but those who have tasted the fruit in 
perfection, and attempted to convey to others 
some idea of the impression that it had made 
on them, are not agreed as to what itresembles. 
Abel says that ‘‘he and his companions were 
anxious to carry with them some precise 
expression of its flavor; but after satisfying 
themselves that it partook of the Pine-apple 
and the Peach, they were obliged to confess 
that it had many other equaily good, but 
utterly inexpressible flavors.” The species may 
be grown and ripen fruit in the hot-house. 
They will bear fruit in two years from seed. 
Some of the species yield a gum resin, known 
as Gamboge, though not the true sort, but it 
is said to be nearly as good. 


Garden Cress. See Lepidium sativum. 

Gardener’s Garters. A common name for 
Phalaris arundinacea variegata; applied also 
to Arundo Donaz variegata. 

Garde’nia. Named in compliment of Alexander 
Garden, M. D., of Charleston, South Carolina, 


GAR 


a correspondent of Ellis and Linneus. Nat. 
Ord. Cinchonacew. 

A genus of splendid green-house shrubs, 
remarkable for the size, number and fragrance 
of their flowers, and the noble character of 
the plant. G. florida and G. Fortunet are 
natives of China. The former was introduced 
into the Cape of Good Hope, in 1754, whence it 
received its common name, Cape Jessamine. 
They are usually treated as green-house 
plants, but if kept moderately cool during 
winter, theirseason of rest, and planted outin 
spring they will flower freely during the early 
part of thesummer. They may betaken upin 
autumn, potted, and kept under the table in the 
green-house during winter. They are readily 
increased by cuttings made from half ripened 
wood. The species, often cultivated under 
the name of G. citriodora, is now named 
Mitriostigma acillare, which see. 

Garden Pink. The common name for Dianthus 
plumarius. 


Garden Walks. See Asphalt and Gas Lime. 


Gardo’quia. Named after Gardoqui a Spaniard, 
who greatly promoted the publication of 
the ‘‘ Flora Peruviana.” Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of green-house, low growing shrubs, 
producing from the axils of the leaves bright 
searlet or pink flowers. They thrive well 
with ordinary green-house culture. In order 
to make neat and compact plants they should 
be kept cut well back, or the plants will become 
straggling; they are readily increased by 
cuttings. Introduced in 1812 from Peru. 


Garland Flower. A common name for Hedy- 
chium, the name is also applied to Daphne 
cneorum. 


Garlic. Allium sativum. This plant belongs to 
the same genus as the Onion and the Leek. 
It is a perennial, found growing wild in the 
southern parts of Europe. It is commonly 
cultivated in almost every country, and has 
been highly esteemed from a very early period, 
not as an article of food, but as a medi- 
cine. It was introduced into_the English 
gardens in 1548. Every part of the plant, but 
especially the root has a pungent, acrimonious 
taste, and a peculiar offensive odor, that is 
far more penetrating and diffusive than that 
of the Onion. So powerful is this principle, 
that when Garlic is applied externally, as to 
the feet, the smell is said to be observed in 
the breath and perspiration. The common 
field Garlic, Allium vineale, was supposed to 
have been brought into this country by the 
Welsh, itis now completely naturalized, and 
in many parts of the country is quite a nuis- 
ance. A. Canadense, or Wild Garlic, is indi- 
genous, and common in moist meadows. This 
differs from the field Garlic in having flat 
leaves, but is equally to be dreaded. 


Ga’rrya. Named after Mr. Garry, ot the Hud- 
son’s Bay Company, who facilitated Mr. 
Douglass, its discoverer, in his botanical re- 
searches. Nat. Ord. Cornacew." 

A genus of handsome evergreen shrubs, 
very similar in appearance to the Viburnum. 
They were discovered by Mr. Douglass in 
north-western California, in 1828, and were 
considered by him as among his most valuable 
discoveries. The species are common from 
California to Texas and southward, with a 
single one in the West Indies. G. elliptica is 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 163 


Gas Lime. 


Gas Plant. 
Gas Tar or Coal Tar. 


Gaste’ria. 


GAR 


a handsome shrub, with dark green leathery 
leaves, and catkins of yellowish green flow- 
ers in clusters near the tips of the branches, 
produced from November till February. It 
grows from five to ten feet high, and is very 
ornamental in winter. 


Garrya’cez,. A tribe of Cornacea. 


This is the refuse lime thrown out 
from the gas houses, to which has been as- 
cribed great qualities, not only as a fertilizer 
but, at the same time, as an insect destroyer. 
We much doubt the last quality ascribed to 
it, and know that it is not only worthless as a 
fertilizer, but that its use, particularly when 
it has been used fresh, is most injurious to 
vegetation, and would therefore advise 
strongly against its use on land for any pur- 
pose. It is, however, an excellent material 
for garden walks. Mixed with.its own: bulk 
or even double its bulk of sifted ashes, cov- 
ered with a slight sprinkling of brown sand or 
gravel, to deaden the color, well watered, and 
heavily rolled until it is quite solid, it makes 
a walk that if properly drained, will not be 
injured by frost, will last for years, and is 
doubly valuable, inasmuch that no weeds will 
grow on it. 


Dictamnus Frazinella. 


This has been used to a 
considerable extent as a preservative, on 
wood-work such as benches, gutters, posts, 
and other parts of green-house structures. 
We are inclined to believe it is of very little 
value for that purpose, unless for gutters or 
other outside wood-work, and then only if it 
is put on annually, so as to form a skin or 
coating to prevent the penetration of moist- 
ure. Its use inside is often fraught with dan- 
ger, particularly whenever exposed to a high 
temperature, say 100 degrees, as a gas is 
evolved that is quickly destructive to plants. 
A not unusual blunder in putting hot-water 
pipes in the green-house or grapery is to paint 
them with coal tar; and many fall into this 
error every season, in spite of all the warn- 
ings given. When the hot-water pipes have 
been painted with coal tar, just as soon as the 
pipes are heated up by firing, gas is emitted 
most destructive to plants, which is seen in 
the showers of falling leaves and flowers, 
after a few hours of firing. When anyone 
has been unfortunate enough to fall into this 
plunder, there is no remedy but to take down 
the pipes and build strong fires under them 
sufficient to drive out every particle of the 
gas tar. We have seen every imaginable 
remedy tried, but all was of no avail; for the 
tar penetrates through the pores of the metal, 
and though the surface is scraped entirely 
clean, the gas is given out on the application 
of heat just as bad as if the surface had not 
been scraped. So that, as we have before 
said, there is no known remedy except the 
troublesome and expensive one of taking the 
pipes down, and burning the tar out of them, 
which is always effectual if properly done. 


From gaster, a belly; alluding to 
the swollen base of the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
LDiliacea. 

A somewhat extensive genus of succulent 
green-house plants, from the Cape of Good 
Hope, allied to the Aloe, which they closely 


resemble, and requiring the same treatment. 


GAZ 


The flowers of most of the species are bright 
scarlet or red, and very showy. 


Gastrolo’/bium. From gaster, belly, and lobos, 


a pod; inflated seed-pod. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

Handsome New Holland shrubs with bright 
yellow and orange-colored blossoms, requir- 
ing to have an airy situation in the green- 
house through the winter, and a shaded one 
out of doors in summer. Propagated by 
seeds or from cuttings. Introduced in 1840. 


Gastrone’ma. From gasier, belly, and nema, a 
filament; in reference to the filaments seen 
below the points of insertion. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

Asmall genus of very pretty, but exceed- 
ingly rare bulbs, from south Africa, closely 
allied to Cyrtanthus. There are but two spe- 
cies, one with white and the other with rose- 
colored flowers. They are increased by off- 
sets and will flower freely in the open ground 
in summer, if planted in early spring. When 
the foliage shows signs of ripening, take up 
the bulbs, and keep in a dry place, free from 
frost, during winter. Introduced in 1816. 


Gaulthe’ria. Named after Dr. Gaulthier, of 
Quebec, Canada. Nat. Ord. Hricacee. 

Of the several species of this genus of low 
evergreens, two are natives of this country, 
and perfectly hardy. G. procumbens is found 
throughout the Northern States, and univers- 
ally known as Wintergreen. In some sec- 
tions the berries are called Partridge Ber- 
ries, in others Checker-berry, Deer-berry, 
Tea-berry, etc. Wintergreen oil is distilled 
from this plant. G. nummularioides, is an or- 
namental hardy evergreen, with flowers re- 
sembling those of Lily of the Valley, but fre- 
quently tinged with rosy pink, succeeded by 
bright scarlet fruit. Itis an excellent basket 
plant, and was introduced from the Himalayas 
in 1884. 


Gau’ra. From gauros, superb; in reference to 
the beautiful flowers of some of the species. 
Nat. Ord. Onagracea. 

A genus of tender and half-hardy annuals, 
biennials and perennials, common in the 
Southern States, Mexico and South America. 
G. Lindheimeri, the only species in general 
cultivation, is a slender, branching, herba- 
ceous plant, bearingits long spikes of white or 
pink flowersin great abundance throughout the 
summer. The profusion of its spikes of 
graceful flowers, makes it a valuable plant for 
garden decoration; and the flowers are very 
useful for bouquets or vases. ltis a native 
of Texas, is propagated by cuttings or from 
seeds. 


Gaza’'nia. Fromgaza, richness; in reference to 
the large, gaudy flowers. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of very showy,. low-growing, 
tender herbaceous plants, from the Cape of 
Good Hope. The flowers are large, yellow, 
or deep orange color, with almost black 
centers, and open only in clear sunshiny 
weather. They are very ornamental for the 
green-house, are well adapted for out-of- 
door culture, and are propagated readily from 
cuttings. Introduced in 1812. 


Gazanio’psis. From Gazania, and opsis, like; 
in allusion to the resemblances to Gazania. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 


164 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GAY 


G. stenophylla, the only species, a native of 
south Africa, has large flower-heads three 
inches across, bronzy-green outside, and the 
richest golden yellow inside. The leaves are 
deep green above and snowy-white underneath. 
The flowers have the same habit of closing in 
the after part of the day, as those of the 
Gazania. 

Gaylussa’cia. Named in honor of N. F. Gay- 
lussac, a celebrated French chemist. Nat. 
Ord. Hricaceew. 

Branching shrubs two to five feet high, 
common on woodlands and swamps. The 
Huckleberry is the fruit of several of the 
species; see Huckleberry. 

Geisso’is. From geisson, house-tiling ; the seeds 
are imbricated like the tiles of a house. Nat. 
Ord. Sazifragacee. 

Asmall genus of evergreen trees, natives 
of New Caledonia, the Fiji Islands and Aus- 
tralia. G. racemosa is an interesting plant of 
moderate growth, with very distinct leafage 
that may be likened to that of a Pavia. The 
midribs and leaf-stalks are of a fine red 
color, and the blade of the leaves full deep 
green. Introduced from New Caledonia in 1851. 


Geissome’ria. From geisson, a tile, aud meris, 
apart; the imbricated bracts fall over each 
other, like tiles on aroof. Nat. Ord. Acantha- 
cee. 

Evergreen pubescent or glabrous shrubs, 
mostly natives of Brazil. G. longiflora the 
the best known species, has oval or oblong 
entire leaves, and terminal spikes of long, 
searlet, tubular, velvety flowers. It is a 
splendid free-flowering plant, growing in any 
good compost, and is propagated by cuttings. 

Geissorhi/za. Tile Root. From geisson, a tile, 
and rhiza, a root; referring to the dry coats 
which cover the fleshy roots, like tiles on a 
roof. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

Asmall genus of south African bulbs, one 
species of which has been found in Abyssinia. 
They are all remarkable for having bulbs, or, 
more correctly, bulbo-tubers, covered with 
several crustaceous or scarious skins or 
tunics, which lie over each other like 
scales, or the tiles of a house, beginning 
from below. Itis from this peculiarity that 
the plants take their English name of Tile 
Root. They have but four leaves, all of 
which spring from the root, and are narrow 
and bristly. The stems are simple or 
branched, producing one or two flowers each, 
resembling the Ixia, very showy, of various 
colors, white, yellow and blue predominating. 
They are properly green-house bulbs, but will 
succeed finely in a cold frame, and are in- 
creased by offsets. Introduced in 1795. 


Gelasi‘ne. From gelasinos, a smiling dimple; 
referring to the flowers of these pretty bulbs. 
Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

G. azurea, the only species, is a small bulb 
from the Rio Grande, producing two to four 
beautiful blue tulip-shaped flowers on a 
slender stalk, about one and a half feet high. 
Propagated by offsets, or from seed. Seedlings 
flower the second year. Introduced in 1838. 


Gelse/mium. From gelsemius, an Italian name 
of the Jasmine; alluding to the simplicity of 
the flowers. Nat. Ord. Loganiacew. 

A small genus of climbing shrubs, with op- 
posite lance-shaped, shining leaves, and 


GEN 


producing axillary clusters of showy yellow 
flowers, very fragrant. It is indigenous to 
North Carolina and southward, and is popu- 
larly known as Carolina Jessamine. It is in- 
creased by cuttings. 


Geminate. Growing in pairs. 


Genety'llis. A small genus of Myrtacerw; now 
united with Darwinia, which see. 


Geniculate. Where any partis bent abruptly, 
so as to form a decided angle, as the stems of 
many grasses. 


Geni’pa. Genip-tree. A genus of tropical 
American trees of the Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 
Nearly allied to the Gardenia. The flowers 
are small, and produce a fruit about the size 
of an orange, greenish-white in color, and 
full of dark purple rather acrid juice. Itir 
edible, and is called in the West India Islands 
“‘Genipap Fruit.” 


Geni/sta. From the Celtic gen, a small bush. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. : 
This genus consists of upward of seventy 
species, inhabiting Europe, north Africa, and 
western Asia. Many of the species are per- 
fectly hardy. G. tinctoria, or Dyer’s Green- 
weed, an escape from Europe, has taken pos- 
session of the dry waste places of southern 
New York and New England, with the per- 
sistency of a native. This species, of which 
there is a very pretty double-flowered form, 
yields a yellow dye. They are all very hand- 
some, from the profusion of their bright yel- 
low pea-flowers, and are of the easiest culture, 
The green-house kinds are propagated by 
cuttings or seeds. 


Gentian. The genus Gentiana. 

Closed Flowered. Gentiana Andrewsii. 
Fringed. Gentiana crinita. 
Soap-wort. Gentiana Saponaria. 

Gentia’na. Gentian. Named after Gentius, 
King of Illyria, who first experienced the 
virtues of the plant. Nat. Ord. Gentianacea. 

A large genus of herbaceous perennials, in- 
habiting all parts of the world, from the 
regions of perpetual snow upon the summits 
of the mountains of Europe, to the hottest 
sands of South America. They are very com- 
mon in many parts of this country, some 
growing on dry hill-sides, others in moist and 
swampy grounds. All the plants of this 
genus are pretty, and many are extremely 
beautiful; the flowers take in the extremes 
of color: pink, blue, yellow and white, are all 
exhibited, the predominating color, however, 
being a beautiful blue. G. Andrewsti is com- 
mon in moist, rich places in the Northern 
States, and is a very beautiful species; the 
flowers are of a deep, purplish blue, striped 
inside, the folds whitish. G. crinita, Fringed 
Gentian, is another quite common species in 
New England and westward. The four lobes 
of the corolla are fringed at the margin, an ex- 
ceptional point of beauty of this species. 
The Alpine species are mostly low-growing, 
well adapted for rock-work or pot culture. 
The species are increased by seed, which 
should be sown as soon as ripe. The Fringed 
Gentian is partial to its native home. It 
rarely lives if transplanted, and coming into 
flower so late in the season, it is very seldom 
that it ripensseed. Were it readily increased 
it would be a very popular plant. 


164 GALANTHUS NIVALIS (SNOWDROP), GaILLARDIA LORENZIANA (DOUBLE FL'G), 


GLECHOMA HEDERACEA VARIEGATA. 


GEONOMA GRACILIS. GILIA CAPITATA MAJOR, 165 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 165 


GEN 


Gentiana'cez. A natural order of herbs, rarely 
shrubs, with opposite, entire, exstipulate, 
usually ribbed leaves, and showy flowers. 
They are found in almost all parts of the 
world, some at high elevations, and others in 
hot tropical plains. They are generally bitter ; 
some are narcotic. There are about seventy 
known genera and upward of 500 species. 
Gentiana, Lisianthus, Menyanthes, Villarsia, 
mr dag and Chlora are examples of the 
order. 


Gentianella. Gentiana acaulis. 


Genus. A family of plants agreeing in their 
flower and fruit; an assemblage of species 
possessing certain characters in common, by 
which they are distinguished from all others. 


Geo/noma. From geonomos, skilled in agricul- 
ture; it was supposed that only a skillful 
gardener could increase these palms. Nat. 
Ord. Palmacee. 7 

This genus includes something about forty 
species of Palms, the most of them without 
special interest. G. gracilis is a dwarf species 
of pendant habit, resembling somewhat some 
of the Cocos, and is very popular for decorative 
purposes. The species are of but little value 
in the useful arts, and are increased from 
seeds. 

Gerania’ceze. A natural order of herbs or 
shrubs with swollen joints, and opposite or 
alternate leaves, which are usually palmately 
veined and lobed, often stipulate. The plants 
are distributed over various parts of the 
world. The species of Pelargonium are 
abundant at the Cape of Good Hope. It is 
this genus that has furnished the beautiful 
varieties that ornament the green-house in 
winter and the garden in summer, one class 
of which is commonly known as Scarlet 
Geraniums. The species of Geranium and 
Erodium are mostly natives of Europe, North 
America, and northern Asia. There are 
about twenty genera and seven hundred and 
fifty species in the order, the principal part of 
which are natives of south Africa. Geranium, 
Pelargonium, Erodium, and Tropwolum, are 
examples of the order. 


Gera’nium. Crane’s bill. From geranos, a 
erane; referring to the beak-like torus, or 
projection beyond the seeds. Nat. Ord. 
Geraniacee. . 

A somewhat extensive genus of herbaceous 
plants, most of which are hardy. Two species 
are common to this country, and several of 
the species are classed with our native plants, 
having been naturalized from Europe. A few 
of the species produce handsome flowers, 
while most of them are mere weeds. Tho 
well-known Scarlet or Fish Geraniums of our 
gardens are properly Pelargoniums, and will 
be found under that head. 


Gera'rdia. False Fox Glove. Named in honor 
of John Gerard, author of the famous 
* Herbal,” 1597. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacea. 

A genus of hardy annuals and perennials, 
common in many of the States, particularly 
along the seacoast. The flowers are yellow 
and purple, and are produced in great abund- 
ance. The species being more or less root 
parasitic, are extremely difficult of cultivation, 
but spread rapidly where once introduced. 


Germander. See Teucrium. 
German Greens. See Borecole. 


GES 


German Ivy. A popular name of Senecio 


Scandens. 


Germination. The first act of vegetation ina 


seed, commonly called “sprouting.” 


Geropo’gon. Old Man’s Beard. From geron, 


old man, and pogon, a beard; referring to the 
hair-like pappus which crowns the calyx in 
this order. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

The only species of this genus is a very 
curious annual plant. G. glaber, a native of 
Italy, having asmooth stem and leaves, and 
growing about afoot high. The flowers are 
flesh-colored, and expand inthe form of a star 
only when the sun shines upon them. The 
seeds are very curious, and it is from them 
that the plant takes its English name. They 
should be sown in the open border in March 
or April, and the plants will flower in July 
and August. This genus is now included by 
some botanists with Tragopogon. 


Gerrada’nthus. Named after W. 7. Gerrard, a 
collector at Natal. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacew. 

A genus of tall glabrous climbers, natives 
of western and eastern tropical Africa. G.. 
tomentosus, the only species known to cultiva- 
tion is a stove perennial of great botanical 
interest. Mr. Wood, superintendent of the 
Natal Botanic Gardens, is recorded to have 
found on the top of and between large stones, 
tubers, one of which ‘‘measured six feet in 
‘circumference, and was nearly two feet thick, 
its surface was scarred, and from the centre 
arose a stem not more than three quarters of 
an inch in diameter, thickly covered with 
small, round tubercles, which ascended with- 
out a leaf to the top of trees fifty feet high. 
On turning over one of the tubers, it was 
found to have but one fibrous root about half 
an inch thick. * * * The natives do not 
appear to put the plant to any use.”— 
‘* Botanical Magazine.” It may be increased 
by seeds. 


Gesne’ra. Named after Conrad Gesner, a cele- 
brated botanist in Zurich. Nat. Ord. Gesner- 


e. 

A beautiful and extensive genus of tuber- 
ous-rooted green-house plants from Mexico 
and South America. They are remarkable 
for the beauty of their foliage, which is sin- 
gularly marked, and soft as velvet, and for 
their long spikes of brilliant-colored flowers, 
mostly scarlet and yellow. Some of them are 
singularly marked or spotted. One species, 
G. Suttonit alba, from Brazil, has pure white 
flowers. With a little care in regulating their 
season of rest, they can be brought into flower 
at any desired time. They require a light 
rich soil, a warm situation, but little sun, and 
plenty of water, which should not touch the 
foliage. They are easily propagated by cut- 
tings of young shoots, or by cuttings of 
leaves with a bud at the base, division of the 
tubers, or from seeds. The latter is a very 
interesting and simple plan. The certainty 
that all your plants will be as good as the 
parents, and the uncertainty as to how good, 
or how strange they may be, furnish an addi- 
tional stimulant to grow them in this way. 
The seed should be sown in March, in pans or 
boxes, in fine light compost, largely composed 
of sand, and placed in a warm, moist at- 
mosphere. As soon as the seedlings are up, 
and show the second leaf, plant separ- 
ately, an inch or so apart, in shallow boxes, 


166 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GES 


and from these put in small pots as they 
grow, and let them grow there for the sum- 
mer. Allow them to go to rest in the autumn, 
and let them remain in the same pots during 
winter. As soon as they show signs of life in 
spring, repot in fresh soil, and many of them 
will come into flower during the summer. 
The first species were introduced in 1814. 


Gesnera’/ceze. A natural order of herbs or 
shrubs, often growing from scaly tubers, with 
wrinkled, usually opposite leaves and showy 
flowers. They are natives of various parts 
of the world, but chiefly the warmer regions 
of America. The succulent roots are occa- 
sionally edible, and some of the species yield 
adye. The leaves of some of them produce 
buds when laid on the soil, similar to Begonias 
of the Rex type. There are upward of eighty 
genera and nearly 300 species. Gesnera, 
Gloxinia, Achimenes, Streptocarpus, and Cyr- 
tandra are examples. 


Gethy'llis. From getheo, to rejoice; referring 
to the sweetness of the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

Asmall genus of the most diminutive of 
this noble family of plants. They are green- 
house bulbs from the Cape of Good Hope, 
producing small white, fragrant flowers in 
July, singly on a scape not more than six 
inches high, and are propagated by offsets. 
Introduced in 1780. 


Ge’um. Avens. From geyo, to stimulate; the 
roots of some of them, and of allied species, 
have the same properties as Peruvian Bark. 
Nat. Ord. Rosacee. ; 

A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
containing some species of an ornamental 
character, well adapted for the shrubbery 
border. 
and G. coccineum, scarlet, are very showy. 
Propagated by seeds or by root division. 


Gherkin. A small fruited variety of Cucumis 
sativa. 
West Indian. 
Anguria. 
Giant Fennel. See Ferula. 


Gibbous, Gibbose. More convex or swollen in 
one place than another. 


Gilia. Named in honor of P. S. Gil, a Spanish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Polemoniacee. 

Handsome hardy annuals from California, 
with white, lilac, and rose-colored flowers. 
They are low-growing, and profuse bloomers, 
suitable for borders or rock-work. Seed 
should be sown in the fall, and the beds 
lightly covered with leaves. Fenzlia, Ipo- 
mopsis, and Leptosiphon are by some botanists 
included in this genus. 

Gille/nia. Namedafter A. Gillenius, a German 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

A genus of two species, natives of the United 
States. G. trifoliata or Bowman’s Root, is a 
hardy perennial with white or rose-colored 
flowers; itis often cultivated under the name 
of Spirea trifoliata. 

Gilliflower or Gillyflower. Dianthus Caryo- 
phyllus, also the genus Matthiola. 
Gilliflower-Stock. See Matthiola. 


Gills. The lamelle or plates growing perpen- 
dicularly from the cap or pileus of an Agaric 
or Mushroom. 


The unripe fruits of Cucumis 


G. montanum, bright golden yellow, | 


GLA 


Ginger. See Zingiber. 
Wild. See Asarum Canadense. 


Gingerbread Tree. See Hyphene. 


Gi'’nkgo. Maiden-hair Tree. 
name. Nat. Ord. Conifere. 
This singular tree is better known in culti- 
vation under the name of Salisburia, which 
see. 
Ginseng. See Panaz. 


Gipsies’ Rose. Scabiosa arvensis. 
Gipsy-Flower. Cynoglossum officinale. 
Githa’go. A genus now included under Lychnis. 


Glabrous. Smooth; without hair or other 
covering, as the Camellia leaf. 


Gla’diolus. Sword Lily. The diminutive of 
gladius, a sword; referring to the sword- 
shaped leaves. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

This extensive and well-known genus con- 
tains about ninety species, many of which are 
amongst the most popular of out-door sum- 
mer and autumn-flowering so-called ‘ bulb- 
ous” plants. They are found in central 
Europe, the Mediterranean region, western 
Asia, and Africa, but the most of the species 
are natives of southern Africa. They are 
remarkable for their ease of culture, grace of 
habit, and for the beauty and intense coloring 
of the flowers, varying from the most bril- 
liant scarlet to pure white, from clear rose to 
pure yellow and bright purple. The habits of 
the species are as varied as their colors; 
some delicate and light, others strong and 
robust, with constitutions adapted to any 
climate excepting the most frigid. From 
these species some of the most remarkable 
hybrids have been produced. In no branch ° 
of floriculture has the skill, the zeal, and the 
perseverance of the hybridizer been so liber- 
ally rewarded. A class with almost unlimited 
numbers of varieties has been produced, that, 
for the size of flower, beauty in form, size and 
strength of plant, together with the enormous 
length of flower spike, are entirely unknown 
to the species. So popular have these hybrids 
become that the species are only to be found 
in botanical collections. It is a common 
mistake to call our many varieties hybrids, 
when in reality they are all, or nearly all, 
eross-breeds; and this is one of the most 
interesting features in Gladioli culture, that 
every cross between well-known varieties 
tends, in almost every case, to improve, not 
only the beauty of the flower, but the vigor of 
the plant. We wish now to remove, as far as 
possible, the prevalent erroneous idea, that it 
is a difficult task to raise new and choice 
varieties from seed. The only secret, the only 
mystery is, that one can, with so little trouble 
and expense, produce flowers that will give 
such i:itense satisfaction and pleasure. Itis 
no more trouble to raise Gladioli from seed 
than it is to raise the mostcommon vegetable. 
With the simplest garden culture, there is an 
almost absolute certainty of success. Prepare 
your bed in spring as for any hardy annual, 
sow your seed, and cover to the depth of one 
inch. Hoe as often as needed for other crops; 
keep them well weeded; take up the bulbs 
after a frost, or before, if they show signs of 
ripening; store them in a dry cellar, free 
from frost; plant them out again the next 
spring, and the ensuing summer very many of 


The Japanese 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 167 


GLA 


them will flower. If the precaution is taken 
_ to sow the seed in a hot-bed, close the same 
upon the approach of a heavy rain, which they 
dislike exceedingly. Very nearly all the bulbs 
will be large enough to give their most perfect 
flowers the second year. The fact that the 
best rarely flower first, will tend to create in 
the amateur a warm and lively interest. A perti- 
nent question is, how to obtain the best seed. 
Commence by making a careful selection of 
the best varieties in cultivation, keeping in 
view those of the best form, largest size, and 
of the most intense and positive colors; 
wherever they are marked or variegated, have 
the markings bold and distinct. Plant all in 
a bed so that they will not be more than one 
foot apart each way. Without further care 
you will get some good seed; but a better 
quality and much larger quantity will be 
obtained by crossing them in all sorts of 
ways, which is the most effectually done on 
a dry day, when there is but little air stirring. 
It is not necessary to cross-fertilize for good 
varieties, though it is a more certain way; yet 
very many of our best seedlings were acci- 
dentals. The Gladioli dislikes a stiff, clayey 
soil, but will thrive wellin almost any other, 
its preference being for one of a moist, sandy 
nature, or light loam. They do best on what 
is termed sod-ground, with but little manure, 
and that well rotted. Successive plantings in 
the same ground should be avoided. Change 
the locality of the bed every year, so as not 
to return to the same spot for at least three 
years. Itis much the best plan to make the 
ground very rich this year, and put on some 
light crop; then it will be in perfect order for 
the Gladioli next. Increase of desirable sorts 
is effected by the small bulbs or bulblets that 
form at the base of the new bulb, which are 
produced in greater or less quantities. Some 
varieties will have on an average a hundred 
ina year; others will produce scarcely any. 
This will, in a great measure, account for the 
marked difference in prices of. the named 
sorts; it will also account for the rapid in- 
crease in the more common sorts, and the 
sudden disappearance of those greatly prized. 
Choice sorts are but short-lived, unless they 
are increased by bulblets. In many of our 
namei sorts, old bulbs will not produce good 
flowers, if, indevd, they produce any; conse- 
quently the bulblets from all favorite sorts 
should be planted every spring, or at least a 
sufficient number of them for a required stock. 
The bulblets should be planted in spring in 
any convenient out-of-the-way place in the 
garden, and given the same treatment as is 
recommended for the seed. If in rich, light 
soil, very nearly all will flower the second 
year. They require but little room the first 
year. Prepare the rows about the width of 
the common garden hoe, and sow the bulblets 
(or seeds) so cloxe that they will nearly touch 
each other, and they will do much better than 
if more scattered. During winter the bulbs, 
without regard to size or age, are best kept 
in a dry, cool cellar. Plantings should be 
made as early in spring as the ground can be 
got in order, no matter if there should be hard 
frosts after; it will not penetrate the ground 
sufficiently to injure them. For late flowering 
some of the stronger bulbs may be kept until 
the first of July, which will keep them back 
until about the first of October. It is now 


GLA 


also a common practice with florists to reserve 
Gladiolus bulbs until August, which are then 
planted in boxes, four or five inches deep, in 
rich soil. The boxes are kept out of doors 
until frost, when they are placed in a cool 
green-house, where they flower from Novem- 
ber to December, at atime when they com- 
mand good prices. A number of the early 
flowering sorts, such as John Bull, white; 
La Candeur, white, striped with violet ; Shakes- 
peare, white, suffused with carmine; Isaac 
Buchanan, yellow; Martha Washington, light 
yellow; Eugene Scribe, rose, marked with 
red, Brenchleyensis, scarlet, etc., are also 
forced, during the spring months, for their 
flowers, many florists finding them a paying 
crop between the rows of young roses, etc., as 
they take up but little room, and are removed 
before the roses require the space. Notwith- 
standing that most of the original species have 
long since been superseded by the numerous 
and beautiful hybrids now in cultivation, 
many of them are worthy of being retained 
for the mixed flower border. G. natalensis, 
G. cardinalis, G. floribundus, G. tristis, etc., 
the parents of the early hybrids G. Ganda- 
vensis, G. Colvillei, etc., are still largely culti- 
vated. The latter species, with its beautiful 
pure white variety, G. C. Alba, better known 
in cultivation as ‘‘The Bride,” are amongst 
the most beautiful for pot culture. They suc- 
ceed admirably, and may be had in full beauty 
by January, if gently forced. The two latter 
are, moreover, perfectly hardy, and, blooming 
naturally about the first of June, are welcome 
additions to our hardy border plants. It 
is advisable, however, to protect them during 
winter with a mulching of leaves or some 
such material, all bulbs succeeding better 
when not exposed to too much frost. G. 
purpureo-auratus, another hardy species, the 
perianth limb of which is golden-yellow, with 
a large purple blotch on the two lower seg- 
ments, is the parent of an entirely new section, 
happily called the ‘‘ Butterfly Gladioli.” They 
are of all shades of color, beautifully marked 
and shaded with large, distinct blotches of 
purple, maroon, or rosy-purple, on the lower 
petals, similar to the markings on the Fancy 
Pelargoniums. G. Saundersoni, introduced 
about the same time as the foregoing (1872), 
has very showy crimson flowers, spotted with 
white, and is likely to prove valuable for 
hybridizing purposes. 

Gladwyn, or Gladden. The common name for 
Iris feetidissima. 

Glands. Wart-like swellings found on the sur- 
face of plants, or at one end of their hairs, 
serving the purpose of secreting organs. They 
are extremely various in form. 

Glandular. Covered with hairs, bearing glands 
upon their tips. : 

Glass and Glazing. If for winter forcing of 
either fruit or flowers, the glass should be not 
less than ten by twelve inches in size, laid in 
the twelve way, and if twelve by twenty all the 
better. Even with the greatest care, some 
flaws in the glass will escape detection, and 
more or less burn the leaves after the sun 
becomes strong, to counteract which a slight 
shading had better be used on the glass from 
April to September. We use naphtha, with 
just enough white lead mixed in it to give it 
the appearance of thin milk. This we put on 


168 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GLA 


with a syringe, which sufficiently covers up 
all flaws in the glass to prevent burning, and 
at the same time tends to cool the house from 
the violence of the sun’s rays. This is by far 
the cheapest and best shading we have ever 
used. It can be graded to any degree of 
thickness, and costs only about twenty-five 
cents per thousand square feet of glass, for 
material and labor. 

In glazing, the method now almost univer- 
sally adopted is to bed the glass in putty, and 
tack it on top with glazier’s points, using no 
putty on the top. The glazier’s points are 
triangular, one corner of which is turned 
down, so that, when it is driven in, it fits the 
lower edge of each pane and prevents it from 
slipping down. A great mistake is often made 
in giving the glass too much lap. It should 
only be given just enough to cover the edge 
of the pane (from one-eighth to one-fourth of 
aninch). If given too much, the water gets 
in, and when it freezes it cracks the glass. 

All who have had experience with green- 
houses. know that, no matter how well the 
glazing has been done by bedding the glassin 
putty, the water gets in at the crevices sooner 
or later, rotting the putty, and, conse- 
quently, loosening the glass. A simple plan to 
obviate this (which has recently been intro- 
duced) is to pour along the junction of the 
bar with the glass a thin line. of white lead in 
oil from the slender spout of a machine oil 
can, over which is shaken dry sand. This at 
once hardens, and makes a cement which 
effectually checks all leakage. This, carefully 
done, will make such a tight job that no 
repairs will be necessary for many years. 

Glasswort. See Salicornia. 


Glastonbury Thorn. Crategus oxyacantha pre- 
coz. A very early flowering variety of the 
Hawthorn. 

Glaucescent. Having a bluish-green or sea- 
green appearance. 


Gla’ucium. Horned Poppy. From glaukos, 
grayish green; referring to the color of the 
leaves. Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. - 

A genus of hardy annuals and perennials, 
natives of Europe. They are remarkable for 
their bright yellow flowers, that are produced 
in great abundance all the summer, and for 
their deeply cut leaves, that have a decided 
glaucous hue. G. luteum, one of the most 
showy and desirable species, is very common 
at Montauk Point, Long Island, and on the 
islands along the coast, having become natu- 
ralized from Europe. This species grows 
readily from seed, and makes a valuable plant 
for the ribbon border. 

Glaucous. Covered with a fine bloom, like that 
of the Plum or Echeveria secunda glauca. 

Gla’ux. Sea Milkwort. A pretty little native 
herbaceous perennial belonging to Primulacea. 
G. Maritima, the only species, grows abun- 
dantly on most parts of the sea-coast, just 
above high-water mark, and in salt marshes. 
The stems are clothed with oblong, fleshy, 
smooth, entire leaves, which are pale under- 
neath, and salt to the taste. The flesh-colored 
flowers are solitary, nearly sessile, and axil- 
lary. 

Glazing. See Glass. 

Glecho’ma. Now included under Nepeta, which 
see. 


_Gledi'tschia. Honey Locust. 


GLO 


In honor of 
Gottlieb Gleditsch, once a professor at Berlin; 
a defender of Linnewus against Siegesbeck, 
and author of many botanical works. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of handsome hardy deciduous 
trees, several of the species being common in 
the Middle, Southern and Western States. G. 
triacanthos, the Three-thorned Acacia or com- 
mon Honey Locust, is a common and very 
ornamental shade tree with elegant foliage. 
Its wood is heavy, hard, strong and compact, 
capable of a high polish, and very durable in 
contact with the soil. From its strong and 
abundant thorns it is very valuable, and is 
much cultivated as a hedge plant. 


Gleiche’nia. Named after Gleichen, a German 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

An extensive genus of Ferns found widely 
scattered in the tropics, both of the Old and 
New World, and extending to Chili and the 
Australasian regions. A few only have found 
their way into the hot-house, some of which 
are among the most elegant and graceful of 
the cultivated Ferns. They are propagated 
by division or from spores. Introduced in 

823. 


Gleichenia’cez. A group or sub-order of Filices. 


Glo’bba. Native Molucca name. Nat. Ord. 
Zingiberacew. 

A genus of about twenty-four species of 
pretty plant-stove, herbaceous perennials, 
natives of India and the Malayan Archipelago. 
Flowers yellow or pinkish, very curious look- 
ing. Of easy culture in a warm green-house ; 
increased by division. 

Globe Amaranth. See Gomphrena globosa. 
Globe-Daisy. Globularia vulgaris. 


Globe-Flower. The genus Trollius, which see. 
Swamp. Cephalanthus occiaentalis. 


Globe-Thistle. The genus Echinops, which see. 
Globose, Globular. Round or spherical. 


Globula‘ria. From globulos, a small round 
head; in allusion to the form of the capitate 
flower. Nat. Ord. Selaginacew. 

A genus of hardy or green-house perennial 
herbs or shrubs inhabiting the Mediterranean 
region, etc. Flowers collected upon a com- 
mon receptacle surrounded by a many-leaved 
involucre. Pretty plants for the rock garden 
or herbaceous border; propagated by seeds 
or by division. 

Globule/a. From globulos, a small globe; re- 
ferring to the glands on the petals. Nat. 
Ord. Crassulacee. 

A genus of succulent plants, natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope, with flat, sickle-shaped 
leaves, arranged in a rosette. The flowers 
are small, arranged in dense clusters, and 
have five petals bent inward, each of them 
tipped with a little globule of waxy matter, 
whence the name of the genus, which is 
closely allied to Crassula. The several species 
are propagated by cuttings of firmish young 
shoots, that should be dried a day or two be- 
fore being put into the propagating bed. In- 
troduced in 1732. 

Glomerate. Collected into close heads or 
parcels. 

Glone'ria Jasminiflora. 


See Psychotria jas- 
minifiora. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


169 


GLO 


Glorio’sa. From gloriosus, glorious; because 
of the magnificent flowers. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 
A very handsome genus of green-house 
bulbs, of limited climbing habit, the flowers 
curiously shaped, bright yellow or orange in 
color. They should be grown in pots of very 
sandy loam, and treated in the manner recom- 
mended for Gesnera, except that, being climb- 
ing plants; they will require to be supported 
with sticks or atrellis. Natives of south Africa, 
introduced in 1825. Syn. Methonica. 


Glory-Flower. Chilian. Eccremocarpus scaber. 
Glory of the Snow. See Chionodoxa. 


Glory-Pea. Dampier’s. Clianthus Dampieri. 
New Zealand. Clianthus puniceus. 


Glory-Tree. Clerodendron fragrans, and other 
species. 


Glossoco'mia. From glossocomos, a money-bag ; 
referring to the shape of the flower. Nat. 
Ord. Campanulacee. 

A small genus of hardy herbaceous plants, 
with white or purple bell-shaped flowers, from 
northern India. They are increased by seeds 
or division. Introduced in 1839. Syn. Codon- 


opsis. 
Gloxi'nia. Named after P. B. Glozin, a botanist 
of Colmar. Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 


The species that compose this splendid 
genus are, with one or two exceptions, natives 
of South America, and are usually found in 
deep ravines, on rather high mountain eleva- 
tions, and in damp, much-shaded situations. 
The species are among the greatest ornaments 
of our green-houses, and the richness of their 
foliage, and their ample, graceful, and deli- 
cately-tinted flowers, have gained for them a 
prominent place among the more choice 
flowering plants. Heére, as in many other 
instances, the process of hybridizing has been 
largely resorted to, and the results are most 
satisfactory. The older kinds, with drooping 
flowers, have mostly given place to forms 
with the corolla almost regular and nearly 
erect, the latter peculiarity having this 
recommendation, that the border and throat 
of the corolla, to which parts much of the 
beauty of the flower is owing, are presented 
totheeye. The hybrids are greatly improved 
in color as well as form, and the flowers are 
produced inegreater abundance than with the 
species. The main art in growing Glozinias 
well, is togive them a porous and well-enriched 
soil, to grow them in a warm, moist atmos- 
phere, and as soon as they begin to flower to 
remove them to a cooler house, and afterward 
dry them off gradually, and keep them free 
from moisture till they again begin to grow. 
To produce the richest colors the glass should 
be shaded, or they should be grown where 
there is only a northern exposure. Gloxinias 
are readily propagated by their leaves; all 
that is required is to insert the leaf, about 
one-half its length, in an ordinary propagating 
bed, keep the sand moderately wet until the 
leaf is completely dried up, then withhold 
water entirely, and leave the newly-formed 
tubers until the following February, at which 
time they will commence to grow, when they 
should be taken out and potted. They will 
flower in one year after the cuttings are put 
in. They are also produced easily from seed, 
which they ripen abundantly, On account of 
its very small size it should be sown ona 


GLY 


smooth surface of soil, and merely covered 
with a slight covering of moss laid lightly 
over, and kept on until germination has taken 
place. As soon as they are fit to handle the 
plants are pricked out into small pots or 
shallow boxes, and with careful attention 
they will make flowering plants the first 
season. In all the stages of growth, whether 
the plants are large or small, care should be 
taken, in watering, to avoid wetting the 
leaves, or to have the earth sodden around 
them; either will cause them to damp off and 
rot. . They require a warm temperature when 
growing, and are exceedingly useful if planted 
in a warm frame and shaded from bright sun, 
for growing for cut flowers during the sum- 
mer months. This plant was first introduced 
in 1739. 


Glumaceous. Plants are said to be glumaceous 
when their flowers are like those of grasses. 


Glume. The exterior series of the scales which 
constitute the flower of a grass. 

Glutinose. Covered with a sticky exudation. 

Glyce'ria. From glykeros, sweet; alluding to 
the herbage. Nat. Ord. Graminacea. 

An extensive genus of grasses, mostly 
aquatic. They are of but very little beauty 
or interest. A few of the species that grow 
in moist meadows, near the sea-coast, furnish 
a pasture that is relished by stock of all 
kinds. The species are common throughout 
the Northern, Eastern, and Western States. 


Gly’cine. From glykys, sweet; referring to the 
taste of the roots of some of the species. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus, nearly all of which are 
tender climbing plants, producing axillary 
flowers, singly or in racemes, white, yellow, 
or rose; they are only adapted for green- 
house culture. There is one species, G. soga, 
that is a hardy annual, a native of Japan, that 
produces seeds like small kidney beans, which 
the Japanese use in large quantities, either in 
soup, or in making a sauce called sooja or soy, 
this sauce being used in many of their dishes. 
The Wistaria was formerly incorrectly called 
Glycine. 


Glycyrrhi'za. Liquorice. From glykys, sweet, 
and rhiza, a root; referring to the sweet juice 
of the roots of the liquorice. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

A genus: of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
the one of principal interest being G. glabra, a 
native of Italy, the roots of which produce the 
Liquorice of commerce. None of the species 
are cultivated as ornamental plants. 


Glypto’strobus. Embossed Cypress. From 
the Greek words glyptos, carved or engraved, 
and strobos, a cone; from the embossing on 
the scales. Nat. Ord. Conifer. 

G. sinensis pendula, the best known species, 
popularly known as the Chinese Weeping 
Deciduous Cypress, was formerly included in 
the genus Taxodium. Mr. Scott says of this 
tree: ‘‘Though this belongs to a section of 
the Conifers, which are deciduous, they arein 
all other respects so allied in appearance 
with the evergreens as usually to be classed 
with them. This variety in the neighborhood 
of New York is certainly the most beautiful 
and hardy of all the deciduous Cypresses. 
The tree in its whole appearance is so dis- 
tinct from all other trees generally cultivated 


170 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GNA 


in this country that it is certainly one of the 
most desirable novelties among trees. We 
have seen it only in autumn, at which time 
the weeping character of the foliage is not 
marked, and the outline is distinctly formal. 
The pendulousness is only in the curl and 
droop of the young foliage, the branches radi- 
ating quite rigidly. It is known in China as 
the water pine, and found principally in the 
maritime districts. ‘The tree grows from 
twenty to thirty feet high, and casts its lower 
limbs as it rises; so that at maturity its form 
is like that of the common pear tree, or some- 
what more slender.” Like all others of the 
tribe, this will thrive in almost any soil, pre- 
ferring a moist situation. Syn. Tazodiwm. 


Gnapha'lium. Cudweed. From gnaphalon, soft 
down; in reference to the woolly covering of 
the leaves. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus known as Everlastings. Many of 
the species formerly included in it are now 
classed with Helichrysum. There are sev- 
eral species, hardy perennials, very com- 
mon in the Middle and Southern States, which 
are the only ones worth cultivating. 


Gneta’cez. A small order of shrubs, natives 
principally of the tropics. The seeds of soine 
of the species are edible. Welwitschia and 
Ephedra are the best known genera. 


Gnidia. The ancient name of the Laurel. Nat. 
Ord. Thymelacee. 
_ A genus of green-house evergreens, pro- 
ducing pale yellow flowers. In habit they 
resemble the Heath. They are quite pretty, 
but difficult of cultivation, and are propagated 
by cuttings. They are natives of the Cape of 
Good Hope; introduced in 1768. 


Goat’s Beard. A popular name of Spirea arun- 
cus and Tragopogon pratensis. 


Goat’s-eye. See gilops. 
Goat’s Rue. See Galega. 
Goat’s Wheat. The genus Tragopyrum. 


Gode’tia. Named by Spach, a German botanist, 
resident of Paris; it is probably a Latinized 
proper name. Nat. Ord. Onagracee. 

A genus of exceedingly handsome and showy 
hardy annuals from California, growing about 
a foot and a half high, and producing number- 
less rosy-lilac flowers. The seeds should be 
started in the hot-bed in March, and trans- 
planted into poor soil when danger from frost 
is over. They require plenty of room; close 
planting will draw them up, and weaken them, 
and rich soil will-produce more leaves than 


flowers. Included by some authors under 
Ginothera. 
Godwi'nia. Derivation of name not given. 


G. gigas, the only species under cultivation, 
isa native of Nicaragua, and belongs to the 
Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 
~ From a large tuberous root-stock it throws 
up a single leaf, with a mottled stalk ten feet 
high, the blade being very largely and deeply 
pedately cut. The inflorescence appears at a 
different time from the leaf, and consists of a 
stalk about ten inches high, supporting an 
oblong purple hood-like spathe sometimes two 
feet in length, which spreads open a little at 
the top, but elsewhere closely envelops the 
short spadix, which latter is completely cover- 
ed with hermaphrodite flowers. The stamens 
are twelve in number in two rows, and by this 


GOM 


circumstance Godwinia may be distinguished 
from the nearly allied genus Dracontium. It 
‘was supposed to be the largest Arad, both as 
to leaf and flower known, until the discovery of 
Amorphallus titanum by Dr. Beccari in western 
Sumatra. <The tuber dug up by the doctor 
measured five feet in circumference and was 
so heavy that ten men could scarcely carry it. 
From this tuber only one leaf is produced, but 
what a leaf, to cover an area of forty-five feet 
in circumference.” The leaf-stalk is ten feet 
high, divided at the top into three branches, 
each as large as aman’s thigh. It flowered 
for the first time under cultivation at Kew, in 
June of this year (1889), the spadix and flower 
stem together reaching to the height of seven 
feet. 


Goe’thea. Named in honor of Goethe, the cele- 
brated German poet. Nat. Ord. Malvacea. 

A genus comprising four species of ever- 
green shrubs, natives of Brazil. The well 
known Pavonia Makoyana and P. Wyoti, are 
now included in this genus, the latter as G. 


multiflora. 


Gold-Cups. Ranunculus bulbosus. 
Gold-Dust. A popular name for Alyssum saxa- 
tile. 


Golden Chain. Cytisus Laburnum. 

Golden Club. See Orontium. 

Golden Crown, The genus Chrysostemma, 

Golden Feather. See Pyrethrum. 

Golden Rod. See Solidago. 

Golden Thistle. See Scolymus. 

Golden Vine. See Stigmaphyllum ciliatum. 

Gold Fern. Various Gymnogrammas. 

Gold Leaf Plant. Aucuba Japonica. 

Goldfu’ssia. Named after Dr. Goldfuss, Pro- 
fessor of Natural History in the University of 
Born. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
from Silhet. The flowers have two deciduous 
bracts, and are arranged in a head or spike. 
which, after the fall of the bracts, becomes 
very loose and straggling. The flowers are 
funnel-shaped, blue or purple. The plants 
require to be cut well back after flowering, 
and are propagated by cuttings. G. ani- 
sophylla, is well known in cultivation under 
the name of Ruellia. Introduced in 1838. Syn. 
Strobilanthus. 

Gold Thread. See Coptis. 


Goldylocks or Goldilocks, a common name for 
Chrysocoma Linosyris. 


Gombo or Okra. See Hibiscus. 


Go’mphia. Button Flower. From gomphos, a 
club; alluding to the shape of the fruit. Nat. 
Ord. Ochnacee. 

A genus of very beautiful tender shrubs 
from the West Indies and South America The 
flowers are pure bright yellow, borne in dense 
panicles. They require the warmest place in 
the green-house; propagated by cuttings. 

Gompholo’bium. From gomphos, a club, and 
lobos, a pod; shape of seed vessel. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. . 

A small genus of elegant green-house twin- 
ing shrubs, found in south and west Australia. 
Several of the species have been introduced 
into the green-house, where they produce 
their blossoms in the spring and summer 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 171 


GOM 


months. The flowers are large, pea-shaped, 
yellow and crimson, and rose-purple.  @. 
polymorphum splendens is a profuse bloomer, 
opening in succession its intense crimson and 
yellow flowers in May. The largest flowered 
species is G. barbigerum, so named because of 
the keel petal being fringed, its pale yellow 
flowers are axillary, and are produced singly. 


Gomphre’na. Globe Amaranth. From gom- 
phos, a club; alluding to the shape of the 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Amaranthacee. 

This is supposed to be the Amaranth of the 
poets, which, from the durability of its flow- 
ers, was considered to be the emblem of im- 
mortality. It seems to have been used at 
funerals in the time of Homer, as he describes 
it as worn by the Thessalians at the funeral 
of Achilles. The Gomphrenas are tender an- 
nuals. The seeds are slow to_germinate, and 
should be sown in March in a hot-bed or in 
seed pans in the green-house. The plants 
will be greatly benefitted by pricking out, or 
re-potting before planting in the open border. 
With this treatment single plants can be 
made to produce several hundred flowers. 
The flowers of the garden varieties are white, 
purple, and striped. Ifcut before fully ripe 
and tied in bunches, and allowed to dry in a 
rather dark and airy room, they will retain 
their colors the whole season, making them 
desirable for bouquets of dried flowers. G. 
globosa, the best known species, is a native of 
India; introduced in 1714. 


Gomuti or Gomuto. See Saguerus. 


Gongo'ra. Named after a Spanish viceroy of 
New Grenada. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A singular genus of Orchids from tropical 
America. They are compact growing and 
evergreen, producing long pendulous racemes 
of flowers rich in color and often grotesque in 
appearance. They can be successfully grown 
in what is termed a ‘‘ cool Orchid house,” or 
a@ green-house. 


Goniophle’bium. From gonia, an angle, and 
phlebia, a vein; alluding to the veins of the 
fronds. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

Hot-house Ferns, found in nearly all tropi- 
cal countries. A few are simple-fronded spec- 
ies, with a creeping, ivy-like habit, and con- 
tracted fertile fronds; but they have mostly 
stoutish, slow-creeping rhizomes, and large 
fronds, often of a pendulous habit, and some- 
times several feet in length. Some of the 
species are exceedingly handsome, and valued 
in collections, G. subauriculatum with long 
drooping pinnate fronds often four feet in 
length, being one of the most beautiful ferns 
for large hanging baskets in the warm green- 
house or plant stove. They are all propa- 
gated by spores or by division in spring. 
This genus is now placed by some botanists 
under Polypodium. 


Gonio’pteris. From gonia, an angle, and pieris, 
a fern; referring to the leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Polypodiacee. 

A genus of tropical ferns abounding in the 
West Indies, South America, tropical Africa 
and Madagascar, in India, the Pacific islands, 
Australia and New Zealand. In most respects 
this genus is similar to Polypodium, and is 
now placed under that genus by many botan- 
ists. 


GOR 


Gono’calyx. A very beautiful plant of the 
Nat. Ord. Ericacew, discovered by Schlim in 
New Grenada, at an elevation of 7,000 feet. 
It forms a shrub of an erect, bushy habit, 
thickly clothed with small, nearly orbicular 
leaves, and bearing fine bright red tubular 
flowers. The young leaves and shoots are of 
a purplish-rose color. G. pulcher, the only 
species, is easily increased by cuttings. 

Gonolobus. A large genus of Asclepiadacea, 
natives of tropical and North America, con- 
sisting of twining, herbaceous or shrubby 
plants, with greenish or dingy purple flowers, 
borne in racemes or corymbs. Upwards of 
sixty species have been described. 

Goode’nia. Named in honor of Dr. Samuel 
Goodenough, author of a monograph of the 
genus Carex. Nat. Ord. Goodenoview. 

A genus of herbaceous plants and a few 
shrubs, with usually yellow, rarely blue, flow- 
ers. They are natives of Australia, Tasmania 
and New Zealand. Propagated by cuttingsin 
spring. 

Goodeno’viez. A natural order of herbs, or 
sub-shrubs; the juice not milky, with scat- 
tered exstipulate leaves and distinct flowers. 
Natives chiefly of Australia and the islands of 
the Southern Ocean. There are about twelve 
genera and nearly two hundred species. 
Dampiera, Goodenia and Leschenaultia are 
good examples. 


Go’odia. Named after P. Good, a collector of 
plants in Australia for the Kew Gardens. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

Handsome evergreen shrubs from New Hol- 
land. They are all erect, symmetrical plants, 
with beautiful foliage. The flowers are pure 
yellow, produced in racemes like those of the 
Laburnum, but smaller. They require green- 
house treatment, and are propagated by seeds 
or cuttings. : 

Good King Henry. Common name for Cheno- 
podium Bonus Henricus. 

Goo/dyera. Named after J. Goodyer, an early 
British botanist. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceew. 

A genus of terrestrial Orchids, with small 
white flowers like those of Spiranthes, but the 
spike is not spiral. It consists of very few 
species, all from the northern hemisphere, 
and mostly from high latitudes or mountain 
ranges. G. discolor has dark green velvety 
leaves with a silver stripe down the middle, 
and is avery handsome plant; it requires a 
warm green-house. G. pubescens and G. repens, 
with green leaves, beautifully veined with sil- 
ver, and pure white and greenish-white flow- 
ers, are common to our woods from New 
York to Wisconsin, and are choice and beau- 
tiful plants for the rock-work or rock-garden. 

Gooseberry. See Ribes. 

Cape. Physalis Peruviana and P. pubescens. 

Gooseberry Shrub. See Pereskia. 

Goose-foot. See Chenopodium. 

Goose-grass. See Galium. 

Gordo/nia. Named by Dr. Garden in honor of 
his old master, Dr. James Gordon, of Aber- 
deen. Nat. Ord. Ternstromiacea. 

A genus of half-hardy deciduous shrubs or 
low trees, common in the Southern States. 
G. lasianthus, popularly known as Loblolly 
Bay, has large white, showy flowers, and is 
common in swamps near the coast from Vir- 
ginia southward. 


172 HENDERSON’S ITANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GOR 


Gorse or Goss. Names given to the Whin, Ulex 
Europeus. 


Gossy’pium. Cotton Plant. From goz, or 
gothro, an Arabic word signifying a soft sub- 
stance. Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 

There are several distinct species of cotton 
plants, and a great many varieties. Some are 
herbaceous annuals, others shrubs three or 
four feet in height, and others attain a height 
of from fifteen to twenty feet. The stems are 
smooth or hairy, leaves either three or five 
lobed, fine shaped, cordate, blunt, or lanceo- 
late. The flowers are large, with yellow or 
white petals, and a purplish center, and are 
succeeded by pointed pods, which, on coming 
to maturity, burst, and display a profusion of 
white or yellowish down that forms the cot- 
ton of commerce. In the center of this down 
are contained the seeds, varying in number 
from ten to thirty, according to the species, 
of a dark brown color, and of a very oily 
nature. The early history of the Cotton plant 
is involved in obscurity, nor can it be ascer- 
tained in what region of the globe it was first 
cultivated and applied to purposes of domes- 
tic use. Herodotus, who wrote about 450 
B. C., and who had traveled into Egypt, and 
was familiar with its productions, does not 
-describe the Cotton plant as existing there, 
but gives some obscure hints of such a plant 
being in use in India. The inhabitants of 
India, he says, possess a kind of plant which, 
instead of fruit, produces wool of a finer and 
better quality than that of sheep; of this the 
natives make their clothes. When describing 
the corselet of Amasis, he accordingly desig- 
nated Cotton under the name of tree-wool, a 
combination of terms which the Germans use 
for the same substance at the present day. 
His particularly detailing the linen garments 
of the Egyptians, and their mode of weaving 
linen cloth, as differing from that of the 
Greeks, while he omits all mention of the 
manufacture of cotton garments, would lead 
us to suppose that the Cotton plant was 
unknown to the Egyptians; -and that, if they 
possessed Cotton cloth at all, it was imported 
from India. Pliny, however, in his work on 
Natural History, describes the Cotton plant as 
asmall shrub growing in Upper Egypt, called 
by some Xylon, and by others Gossypium, the 
seeds of which are surrounded by a soft 
downy substance of a dazzling whiteness, and 
which is manufactured into cloth much 
esteemed by the Egyptian priests. This was 
five centuries after the time in which Herodo- 
tus wrote, and during this period the plant 
may have become more common. From Pli- 
ny’s account, it would not appear that Cotton 
was much used at Rome, even in the first cen- 
tury of the Christian era, nor for many centu- 
ries afterward was its use introduced into 
Europe. But in the ninth century the Ara- 
bians, who were then in possession of Egypt, 
appear to have used Cotton cloth for their 
ordinary garments; for one of the first 
remarks of two Arabian travelers, who went 
to China at that period, was, that the Chinese, 
instead of weaving Cotton, as they and their 
countrymen did, chiefly used silk stuffs. It is 
probable, then, that the Cotton-plaint first 
came from Persia to Egypt, whence it spread 
into Asia Minor, and latterly to the islands of 
the Archipelago. In the time of Tournefort, 
who visited these islands, Milo was celebrated 


GOU 


for its Cotton. The Cotton now raised in 
small quantities in the Cyclades possesses 
that dazzling whiteness which Pliny describes 
as the property of the Egyptian Cotton. The 
Cotton plant has been grown from an early 
period, in the West Indies, in the Southern 
States, and in South America. Whether any 
of the species are natives of this Continent, it 
is difficult to say ; the probability is, however, 
that it was introduced, soon after the dis- 
covery of the West Indies, into these settle- 
ments, from Smyrna. It should be stated, 
however, that Cotton cloth has been found in 
the tombs of the Incas of Peru. The exten- 
sive cultivation of Cotton in this country is of 
arecent date. In 1784, eight bags were sent 
from this country to England, which were 
seized, on the ground that so much Cotton 
could not be produced in the United States. 
Since the Revolution, the increase of produc- 
tion has been steady and rapid. Of the spe- 
cies under cultivation, G. Barbadense is the 
one grown in the United States, and of this 
there are two varieties, the Upland Cotton, or 
short staple, and the Sea Island Cotton, or 
long staple. This species is a native of India, 
whence it was transplanted into the West 
Indies, and from there into the United States. 
G. herbaceum, the herbaceous Cotton plant, is 
the species cultivated throughout Europe and 
Asia. It is an annual plant, growing to the 
height of about twenty inches. The Tree 
Cotton, G. arboreum, is a perennial species, 
growing from fifteen to twenty feet high, and 
is considerably grown in the African Colonies, 
but does not yield a very fine staple. A great 
impetus has been given of laté years to the 
cultivation of Cotton in India, and its devel- 
opment has been largely increased by the 
opening up of railroads, etc., and by the intro- 
duction of American varieties, and of new 
forms adapted for special purposes. Among 
these latter may be mentioned the crossed 
seedlings produced by Major Trevor Clarke, a 
collection of which exhibited in the London 
International Exhibition in 1872 caused con- 
siderable excitement at the time. G. Bahma, 
Bahma, is a variety that originated in Egypt 
several years ago, and is said to be a hybrid 
between the Egyptian Cotton and Hibiscus 
esculentus. It differs from other Cottons in its 
larger size and its erect, almost unbranched 
habit. It also produces more Cotton. Avery 
coarse growing species, G. bombyz-ceita, is 
common in the West Indies, said to be indig- 
enous there. The trunk of this species is 
sufficiently large to hollow out for canoes, 
and yields a valuable lumber; the Cotton is of 
a coarse, inferior quality. The general uses 
of this staple are too important and well 
known to require comment. The seed has, 
however, a value but little known. Near the 
City of New York there is an oil mill that 
makes daily several thousand gallons of oil 
from Cotton seed, which is sent to Italy, there 
bottled, and sent all over the world, and sold 
as a very superior quality of Olive Oil, for table 
use. The seed is also valuable as a manure. 


Go-to-bed-at-noon. See Tragopogon. 


Goua’nia. Chaw Stick. Named after A. Gouan, 
once Professor of Botany at Montpelier. Nat. 
Ord. Rhamnacee. 

A genus of climbing tropical shrubs, con- 
taining upward of twenty species. The most 


GODETIA (TALL). 


Lh 


GLADIOLUS (HYBRID). 


GLADIOLUS SAUNDERSONI, 


GODETIA (DWARF). 


GYPSOPHILA PANICULATA, 


GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM (PAMPAS GRASS), 


GLADIOLUS COLVILLI ALBA, 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 173 


GOU 


interesting, G. Domingensis, is a common 
creeper in the West Indies and Brazil. In 
J amaica it is called Chaw Stick, on account of 
its thin, flexible stems being chewed as an 
agreeable stomachic, and tooth brushes are 
also made by cutting pieces of Chaw Stick to 


a convenient length and fraying out the ends; ' 


and a tooth powder is prepared by pulveriz- 
ing the dried stems. It is said to possess 
febrifugal properties; and on account of its 
pleasant bitter taste is commonly used for 
flavoring different cooling beverages. 


Gout-weed. Common name for gopodium 
podograria. 


Gourd. The genus of Cucurbita. 

Bitter. Ciétrullus Colocynthis. 

Bottle. Lagenaria vulgaris. 

Dish-Rag, or Washing. Luffa cylindrica, and 
L. acutangula. 

Orange. Cucurbita aurantia. 

Scarlet-fruited. Coccinea indica. 


Snake. Trichosanthes anguina. 
or White.  Benincasa (Cucurbita) ceri- 
era. 
Gove/nia. Named after J. R. Gowen, a distin- 
guished _horticulturist and hybridizer of 
plants. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 


A small genus of interesting terrestrial 
Orchids trom Mexico. The flowers are borne 
on spikes from one and a half to two feet 
high, in the same manner as the Bletia. The 
colors are mostly shades of yellow, beautifully 
marked with crimson. Propagation and cul- 
ture the same as for Bletia. 


Gowan. Bellis perennis or Daisy. 


Gracilis. Slender, applied to the parts which 
are long and narrow. 


Graft Hybrids. This is the term used by 
Mr. Chas. Darwin. in his work, ‘Plants and 
Animals under Domestication,” to describe 
what he believes to be an amalgamation of 
the stock and the graft, so that there is a 
seeming blending; of the individualities in 
some few cases which he cites. This theory 
of Mr. Darwin’s is by no means universally 
accepted, and it is to be regretted that it 
should have been propounded with such a 
sparse array of examples in illustrating such 
a novel theory. 


Grafting. This differs only from budding 
(which see), inasmuch as the operation is 
usually performed on deciduous plants when 
in a partially dormant condition, and that 
larger portions of the shoots are taken. ‘The 
different forms of grafting are known as 
“wedge,” “whip,” ‘ side” grafting, etc. 
Wedge grafting consists in sawing off the 
stock to be grafted, and shaping the ‘‘cion” 
or ‘‘ graft” like a wedge, splitting the sawed 
off stock an inch or two, and inserting the 
wedge-shaped graft, being careful to let the 
bark of the graft join the bark of the stock. 
If the stock is more than an inch in diameter 
a graft should be placed on each side. The 
whip graft is used for small stocks, which are 
of the thickness of the cions to be grafted. 
The stock and cion are cut with a similar 
slope, an inch or more in length; to best keep 
them in place before being covered with wax 
or wax cloth, it is well to cut what is called a 
“‘tongue” in the center of each, so that, 
when placed together, the cion will keep in 
place, the tongues being interlocked. The 


Gramma/nthes. 


GRA 


whip system is that mostly used in root graft- 
ing Roses, Apples, Clematis, etc. After tho 
cion has been attached to the stock by any of 
the methods of grafting, it is covered over 
either with a mixture of adhesive clay and 
cow dung or gratting wax, so as to keep it in 
position until it starts to grow. 

Grafting wax can be purchased in most 
seed stores, but when wanted in quantity it is 
made according to the following formula: 
four pounds resin, three pounds bees-wax, 
and two pounds of tallow. This, heated and 
mixed, will give the grafting wax of the shops. 
A convenient way to use the grafting wax is 
to dip in it thin calico or muslin cloth, which 
can be torn into strips readily, and wrapped 
around the graft so as to exclude the air. 


Grains of Paradise. See Amomum. 
Gram or Chick Pea. 
Gramina’ceze. A natural order of annual or 


See Cicer. 


perennial herbaceous plants, with round, 
usually hollow-jointed stems; narrow alter- 
nate leaves, having a split sheath, and often 
a ligule at the summit, and flowers arranged 
in spikes or panicles, perfect or imperfect. 
The flowers are composed of a series of leaves 
or bracts, the outer called glumes, enclosing 
one or more flowers. Grasses are widely dis- 
tributed over the world, forming about one- 
twenty-second of all known plants. ‘They 
contain in their herbage, and especially in 
their seeds, nutritious principles, which 
entitle them to the first rank among plants 
useful to man, and whith are of the greatest 
importance in an economic and political point 
of view. The Cerealia are: Wheat, Triticum 
sativum ; Rye, Secale cereale; Barley, Hordeum 
vulgare, H. distichum, etc. ; Oats, Avena sativa, 
all cultivated by the Caucasian race in the 
northern and temperate regions. Rice, Oryza 
sativa, and Millet, Panicum miliaceum, origin- 
ated among the Asiatic races. The Sugar- 
cane, Saccharum officinarum is in all probability 
a native of tropical Asia; it has been culti- 
vated from very ancient times in the East 
Indies. A considerable number of Graminacew 
are medicinal, viz., Triticum repens, T. glau- 
cum, T. junceum, Cynodon Dactylon, Andro- 
pogon bicornis, Arundo Donax, Calamagrostis,” 
etc. (Decaisne and Le Maout). 

The grains of Coix Lachryme are used as 
beads under the namo of Job’s Tears. The 
Tussack grass of the Falkland Islands, is 
Dactylis cespitosa. Some grasses, as Calama- 
grostis (Ammophila) arenaria, and others, are 
useful in binding the loose sand on the sea- 
shore. Darnel grass, Lolium temulentum, has 
reputed poisonous qualities, and some think 
that it is the Tares of Scripture. This order 
also furnishes numerous ornamental garden 
plants, some of the most striking of which 
are Arundinaria falcata, and A. metahe, Arundo 
Donaz (the Provence Cane), Bambusa Arundi- 
nacee, Panicum plicatum variegatum, Zea 
Japonica variegata, etc. There are about 300 
genera of grasses, and 4,000 species. 

From gramma, writing, and 
anthos, a flower; marks like V being on the 
corolla. Nat. Ord. Crassulacee. 

Succulent herbaceous plants, natives of the 
Cape of Geod Hope. Seeds sown in the 
green-house in January will make very showy 
and interesting plants for rock-work during 
summer. The flowers closely resemble those 


174 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GRA 


of Crassula, to which it is allied. 
in 1774. 


Grammatoca’rpus. A synonym of Scyphanthus, 
which see. 

Grammatophy'llum, From grammata, letters, 
and phyllon, a leaf; referring to the markings 
on the leaves. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

The species of this genus are but few in 
number, and are rarely seen in collections of 
Orchids, because of the difficulty in manage- 
ment. Those who have had the good fortune 
to flower them say that it is at the expense of 
years of patience and labor that their rare and 
curious flowers are produced. They are 
natives of Manilla; introduced in 1837. 


Granadi/lla. A name given in the West Indies 
to the fruits of different species of the genus 
Passiflora. 

Granular. Divided into little knobs and knots, 


Introduced 


as the roots of Sazifraga granulata; covered: 


as if with small grains. 


Grape. Vitis vinifera. Like many extensively 
cultivated plants, the native country of the 
Grape is unknown, or at least doubtful. Itis 
among the plants spoken of in the Books of 
Moses, and it appears to have been cultivated 
and the fruit used then as at the present day. 
Noah planted a vineyard, and wine is men- 
tioned as a beverage among the earliest 
nations of the world. The oldest profane 
writers ascribe its introduction to their gods. 
According to the tradition of the Egyptians, 
Osiris first paid attention to the Vine, and 
instructed other men in the manner of plant- 
ing and using it. The inhabitants of Africa 
ascribe the same gift to the ancient Bacchus. 
Wine was among the first oblations to the 
Divinity. ‘‘Melchisedek, King of Salem, 
brought forth bread and wine, and he was the 
priest of the Most High God.” Humboldt 
says the Vine does not belong to Europe, but 
is indigenous in Asia between the Black Sea 
and the Caspian, on Mount Ararat and on the 
Taurus. In the forests on Mongrelia it flour- 
ishes in great magnificence, climbing to the 
tops of the highest trees, bearing bunches of 
fruit of delicious flavor. We have no authentic 
account of the introduction of the Vine into 
the present grape-growing countries, or of 
the origin of the many varieties now under 
cultivation. More than one hundred varieties 
have been introduced into our graperies, and 
into the Southern States and California, where 
the climate will permit of their being grown 
in the open air. The Grapes grown through- 
out the United States have their origin in the 
species indigenous to North America. V. lab- 


rusca, the Fox Grape, common in swampy: 


grounds from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, is 
the parent of our best garden varieties, 
among others the Isabella, which originated 
in South Carolina, and the Concord, which 
originated in Massachusetts. The Catawba 
had its parentage in V. riparia, the common 
Frost Grape, or at least itis so accredited. 
The Diana, a seedling of the Catawba, was 
raised by Mrs. Diana Crehore of Boston. The 
introduction of new varieties, from seed, of 
various crossings, is being rapidly carried on 
by our enterprising horticulturists. See Vitis. 


Grape Hyacinth. See Muscari. 


Graptophy’llum. Caricature Plant. From 
grapho, to write, and phyllon, a leaf; refer- 


GRA 


ring to the markings on the leaves. 
Acanthacew. 

A genus of tropical shrubs, inhabiting both 
hemispheres. A few of the species have been 
introduced into the hot-house for the beauty 
of their variegated foliage and their racemes 
of white flowers. G. hortense, syn. G. pictum, 
is properly called the Caricature Plant, from 
the fact that, when its leaf is held up to the 
light, it often presents nearly an exact profile 
of the human face. G. h. lurido-sanguinea, a 
more recent introduction, is a very distinct 
and beautiful species, with rich rose-colored 
spots or markings. Propagated by cuttings; 
first introduced in 1780. 


Nat. Ord. 


Grass. A general name for all graminaceous 
plants. 

Arrow. Triglochin. 

Artificial. A name given by agriculturists 
to various fodder plants, as Clover, rne, 
Sainfoin, Sorghum, etc. 

Awned Hair. Muhlenbergia capillaris. 

Barnyard. Panicum Crus Galli. 

Bear. Yucca filamentosa. 

Beard. The genus Andropogon and Polypogon 
Monspeliensis. : 

Bermuda. Cynodon Dactylon. 

Black. Alopecurus agrestis. 

Black Oat. Stipa avenacea. 

Blue. Poa compressa. 

Blue Eyed. Sisyrinchium Bermudianum. 

Bottle. Sefaria glauca. 

Brome. The genus Bromus. 

Canary. Phalaris Canariensis, the grain of 
which is the Canary seed of commerce 

Cat’s-Tail. Phlewm pratense. 

China. The fibre of the Ramie, Behmeria 
nivea. 

Cock’s-Comb. Cynosurus echinatus. 

Cock’s-Foot. Dactylis glomerata. 

Cord. Spartinia stricta. 

Cotton. The genus Hriophorum. 

Couch. Triticum repens. 

Crab. Panicum sanguinale, it is also applied to 
Eleusine, and Salicornia herbacea. 

Crested Hair. Keleria cristata. 

Cuckoo. Lwuzula campestris. 

Darnel. Lolium temulentum. 

Deer. Rhewia Virginica. 

Dog. Triticum caninum. 

Dog’s Tail. Cynosurus cristatus. 

Dog’s Tooth. Triticum caninum. 

Drop-Seed. Sporobolus and Muhlenbergia. 

Eel. Zostera and Vallisneria spiralis. 

Elephant’s. Typha elephantina. 

False Red-Top. Poa serotina. 

Feather. Stipa pennata. 

Fescue. The genus Festuca. 

Finger. The genus Digitaria. 

Fiorin. Agrostis vulgaris, and commonly ap- 
plied to A. alba and A. stolonifora. 

Flote or Float. Gilyceria fluitans. 

Four-leaved. Paris quadrifolia. 

Foxtail. Alopecurus pratensis. 

Frog. Salicornia herbacea. 

Gama. Tripsacum dactyloides. 

Ginger. Andropogon Nardus. 

Goat’s beard. Galium aparine, also Potentilla 
anserina, and Polygonum aviculare. 

Great Goose. ' Asperugo procumbens. 

Grip. Galiwm aparine. 

Guinea. Panicum jumentorum. 

Hair. Aira; also Trichochloa, and Agrostis 
scabra. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 175 


GRA 
Grass. Hard. Sclerochloa; also, Augilops, 
and Dactylis glomerata. 
Hare’s-Tail. Lagurus ovatus. 


Heath. Triodia decumbens. 

Hedgehog. Echinochloa; also applied to Cen- 
chrus. ; 

Herd’s, of New England. Phlewm pratense. 

Herd’s, of Pennsylvania. Agrostis vulgaris. 

Holy. Hierochloa borealis. 

Horn. The genus Ceratochloa. 

Horn of Plenty. Cornucopie cucullatum. 

Indian. A local name for Sorghum nutans. 

Indian Doob. Cynodon Dactylon. 

Knot. Triticum repens; also, Illecebrum, and 
Polygonum aviculare. 

Knot. of Shakespeare. Agrostis stolonifera. 

Lemon. Andropogon Schenanthus. 

Lob, or Lop. Bromus mollis. 

Love. Hragrostis 2legans. 

Lyme. Elymus arenarius. 

Maiden-hair. Briza media. 

Manna. Glyceria fluitans. 

Marsh. The genus Spartina. 

Mat. Nardus stricta; also, Ammophila aren- 
aria. 

Meadow. Poa pratensis, and P. trivialis. 

Millet. Milium; also, Sorghum vulgare, Pani- 
cum miliaceum, Setaria Italica, etc. 

Monkey. A commercial name for the whale- 
bone-like fibre of Attalea funifera. 

Moor. Sesleria coerulea. 

Mountain, of Jamaica. Andropogon bicornis. 

Mouse-ear Scorpion. Myosotis palustris. 

Mousetail. Festuca Myurus, also Alopecurus 
agrestis. 

Myrtle. Acorus Calamus. 

Nut. Cyperus rotundus var. Hydra. 

Oat. Arrhenatherum avenaceum; also various 
species of Avena. 

Of Parnassus. Parnassia palustris. 

Orange. Hypericum Sarothra. 

Orchard. Dactylis glomerata. 

Pampas. Gynerium argenteum. 

Panic. Panicum; also EHhrharta panicea. 

Para. A commercial name of the Piassiba 
fibre of Attalea funifera. 

Pepper.  Pilularia globulifera; also a local 
‘name for Lepidium. 

Poverty. Aristida dichotoma. 

Quake or Quaking. The genus Briza. 

Quick or Quitch. Triticum repens. 

Rattlesnake. Glyceria canadensis. 

Red-top. Agrostis vulgaris. 

Reed. Arundo; also Calamagrostis and Pha- 
laris. 

Reed Bent. The genus Calamagrostis. 

Rib. Plantago lanceolata. 

Ribbon. Phalaris arundinacea variegata. 

Rice Cut. Leersia oryzoides. 

Rope. The genus Restio. 

Rush. The genus Vilfa. 

Rye. Lolium perenne. 

Salt. Spartina juncea. 

Scorpion. Myosotis arvensis. 

Scurvy. Cochlearia officinalis. 

Sea. Ruppia maritima. 

Sea Mat. Ammophila arenaria. 

Sea Oat. Uniola paniculata. 

SeaSpur. Glyceria distans. 

Seneca. Hierochloa borealis. 

Shave. Equisetum hyemale. 

Shore. Littorella lacustris. 

Silk. Eriocoma cuspidata. 

Slender. Leptochloa mucronata. 

Soft. Holcus mollis. 


Grass. 


GRA 


Sour. Panicum leucophwum, also a 
local name for Rumex acetosa. 

Spear. Poa annua, ete. 

Spike. Uniola latifolia. 

Spiked Quaking. Brizopyrum spicatum. 

Squirrel-Tail. Hordeum jubatum. 

Star. Callitriche; also, the local name for 
Hypoxis and Aletris. 

Striped. Phalaris arundinacea variegata. 

Sweet. The genus Glyceria. 

Sword. Arenaria segetalis, and Melilotis sege- 
talis. 

Thin. Agrostis elata and perennans. 

Timothy. Phleum pratense. 

Toad. Juncus bufonius. 

Tussack or Tussock. Dactylis cespitosa. 

Vanilla. Hierochloa borealis. 

Velvet. Holcus lanatus. 

Vernal. Sweet. Anthoxanthum odoratum. 

Viper’s. The genus Scorzonera. 

Water Scorpion. Myosotis palustris. 

Water Star. Leptanthus gramineus. 

Wheat. Triticum. 

White. Leersia Virginica. 

Whitlow. Draba Verna and Saxifraga tridac- 
tylites. 

Wild Oat. Danthonia spicata. 

Wind. Apera Spica-venti. 

Wire. Hleusine indica, and Poa compressa. 

Wire Bent. Nardus stricta. 

Wood. Sorghum (Andropogon) Nutans; also 
LInzula sylvatica. 

Wood Reed. Cinna arundinacea. 

Woolly. Lasiagrostis. 

Woolly Beard. The genus EHrianthus. 

Worm. Spigelia; also Sedum album. 

Yard. Hleusine Indica. 

Yellow-eyed. The genus Xyris. 


Grass Cloth Plant. Behmeria nivea. 
Grasses. Ornamental. A number of hardy and 


half-hardy perennial grasses, as well as num- 
erous annual species are cultivated for the 
double purpose of rendering the mixed flower- 
border or shrubbery attractive during the 
summer and for the use of the spikes or pani- 
cles in a dried state for winter bouquets. The 
perennial sorts, such as Arundo conspicua 
Eulalia Japonica, E. Japonica variegata, E. 
zebrina, Arundo donax, and A. d. versicolor, 
Gynerium argenteum, Gymnothri« (Pennisetum) 
latifolium, Pennisetum longistylum, Stipa pen- 
nata, and others, make splendid groups for 
lawn decoration, either singly or in large 
masses. Of the annual species a good selec- 
tion is Agrostis elegans, A. pulchella, and A. 
nebulosa, Briza maxima and B. minor, Bromus 
brizeformis, Hordewm jubatum, Eragrostis ele- 
gans, Coix lachryme and Lagurus ovatus. If 
the hardier sorts are sown in the fall and 
wintered over, they will make finer plants, 
and produce larger spikes the following sea- 
son. 


Grass Tree. Australian. The genus Xanthor- 


rhea. 


Gra'tiola. Hedge Hyssop. A genus of Scro- 


phulariacee, consisting of pretty, free-flower- 
ing, hardy herbaceous plants, found in central 
Europe North America, and Australia. G. 
officinalis, the Hedge Hyssop of the herbalists, 
was in former times called Gratia Dei, on 
account of its active medicinal properties. 
Haller says that the abundance of this plant 
in some of the Swiss meadows renders it 
dangerous to allow cattle to feed in them. 


176 


HENDERSON’S TTANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GRA 


Gravel Root. A common name for Hupatorium 
purpureum. 

Graveolens. Strong-scented; having a smell 
which is unpleasant because of its intensity. 


Grave’sia. Named in honor of C. L. Graves, a 
botanical collector of Madagascar. Nat. Ord. 
Melastomacee. 

A genus of dwarf, showy herbs, natives of 
Madagascar. The leaves of G. gultata are of 
a rich dark-green culor, profusely dotted with 
rose-colored spots, arranged in lines. It was 
introduced in 1864. There are several very 
beautiful varieties of this species. Propagated 
by cuttings in heat. Syn. Bertolonia. 


Grease Wood. The genus Sarcobatus. 


Great Celandine. 
Chelidonium majus. 


Great Laurel. A name given to Magnolia grandi- 
flora 

Greek Valerian. The common name of Pole- 
monium-ceruleum. 


Green Brier. See Smilax. 


Green Dragon. A popular name for Arisema 
Dracontium. 


Green Fly. See Insects. 


Green-house. The name generally given to all 
kinds of glass structures. For private pur- 
poses the styles are so varied that it would be 
useless, in this work to give examples, as in 
such cases it is always economy to employ a 
competent green-house architect; but for 
commercial purposes, in our own establish- 
ment, we use exclusively the ridge and fur- 
row style; that is, the houses are joined to 
each other by a ten or twelve-inch gutter. 
Each house is twenty feet wide at base, four 
feet high at the gutter, and eleven feet high 
at the apex, giving an angle to the glass roof 
of about thirty-five degrees, which slopes 
equally to east and west. When green-houses 
are wanted for forcing Roses or other flowers 
in winter, it is better not to connect them 
together, but to make them say twenty feet 
wide at base, the roof forming what is 
known as a three-quarter span; that is, the 
long slope of the roof, which must face south, 
is about eighteen or nineteen feet long, while 
the short slope to the north is six or seven 
feet, both at an angle of about thirty degrees. 
The front or south wall should be four or five 
feet high, and the rear or north wall seven or 
eight feet high, making the apex from the 
ground level about ten feet. Our space will 
not admit of details of construction, for which 
see our work, Practical Floriculture, pages 76 
to 105. 


Greens. The common name for Spinach, Cab- 
bage, Kale, and other leafy esculents. 


Green Violet. See Solea. 


Gre’ggia. A genus of Crucifere from New Mex- 
ico, discovered by Dr. Gregg, who died in 
California through over-exertion in scientific 
pursuits. G.camporum, the only species, so 
named from its growing on the campos, or 
plains, has the habit of a wall-flower, and all 
its parts clothed with a hoary pubescence. Its 
pink-and-white flowers are something like a 
stock (Matthiola), and are borne in loose ter- 
minal racemes. 


Grevi'llea. Named after C. F. Greville, a patron 
of botany. Nat. Ord. Proteaceae. 


The common name for 


GRI 


An extensive genus of green-house shrubs 
and evergreen trees, natives of New Holland. 
The species include lofty trees more than 100 
feet high, and low-growing shrubs. G. robusta, 
the Silk Oak, is a magnificent tree, with 
orange-colored. flowers. G. Forsterti is a 
similar species with bright scarlet flowers, 
that are produced when the tree is young. 
The foliage of the species is as varied as the 
size of the plants; on sume of the trees it is 
needle-shaped; others have leaves closely 
resembling those of the Acanthus. Several of 
the species are under cultivation in the green- 
house, and are considered acquisitions. Young 
plants are obtained by cuttings or from seed. 


Gre'wia. Named in honor of Nehemiah Grew, 
M.D., famous for his work on the ‘‘ Anatomy 
of Vegetables.” This is an extensive genus of 
Liliaceew, consisting of shrubs or small trees, 
confined mostly to. the warmer regions of the 
Old World. Flowers yellow or rarely purple. 
The wood of the Dhamnoo, G. elastica, is very 
strong and elastic, and is much prized by the 
natives for making their bows. Most of the 
species have a fibrous inner bark, which is 
commonly employed for making fishinz nets, 
ropes, etc. 

Gre'yia. Named in honor of Sir George Grey, 
who was Governor-General of Cape Colony 
when the species was discovered. Nat. Ord. 
Sapindacee. 

G. Sutherlandi, the only species, is a beautiful 
and distinct moderate-sized tree, found in the 
mountains about Port Natal. Its foliage is 
similar to a Pelargonium. The flowers are 
borne in dense axillary racemes, and are of a 
brilliant crimson color, giving to the planta 
very handsome appearance. Flowering as it 
does from the old wood, full exposure to the 
sun is required to ripen the wood thoroughly, 
after which a season of rest is necessary, dur- 
ing which water may be withheld, giving only 
enough to keep the wood plump. When 
started into growth, it will flower freely. It 
was introduced in 1859, and is propagated by 
seeds, or cuttings of the half-ripened wood. 

Gri‘as. Anchovy Pear. From grao, to eat; the 
fruit being eatable. Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 

G. caulifiora is a tall, unbranched tree, with 
leaves two or three feet long, and bearing 
large whitish flowers, which proceed from the 
stem. The fruit has much the taste of the 
Mango, and is highly esteemed in the West 
Indies, where it is indigenous. The tree is 
largely cultivated, not only for its fruit, but 
for its highly ornamental character. 


Griffinia. Named after W. Griffin, a patron of 
botany. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A small genus of handsome bulbous plants 
from South America, producing large umbels 
of beautiful bright purple flowers. They 
require green-house treatment, and should 
have complete rest during winter. In March 
repot them, and they will immediately com- 
mence growth, and will require plenty of heat, 
light, air, and water. They are increased by 
offsets; introduced in 1822. 

Grinde’/lia. In honor of David H. Grindel, a 
Gernian botanist. A genus of Composite, 
containing nearly twenty species, found, most 
generally, in Texas and Mexico. They are 
biennial, or perennial, suffruticose plants, 
with branching stems, and yellow flower 
heads, solitary, at the ends of the branches, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 177 


GRI 


and from one to two inchesin diameter. They 
are easily cultivated, and are increased by 
seeds or cuttings. 


Griseli/nia. Named in honor of Frank Griselini, 
an Italian botanist. Nat. Ord. Cornacee. 
Asmall genus of evergreen shrubs, nearly 


allied to Aucuba which they resemble in habit. ° 


They have shining coriaceous leaves, and 
small inconspicuous flowers, produced in ter- 
minal panicles. They are natives of New 
Zealand, Chili, and Brazil, and are of com- 
paratively recent introduction. Their hardi- 
ness has not been tested in this country, but 
it is not likely they would endure the rigors 
of our winters, north of Virginia. 


Gromwell. See Lithospermum. 


Grono'via. Namedin honor of Dr. Gronovius, 
a botanist at Leyden, and a friend of Linnewus. 
Nat. Ord. Loasacew. 

G. scandens, the only «nown species, is a 
scandent herb resembling the Bryony. Itis 
found from Texas to Venezuela, and was in- 
troduced in 1751, but is little cultivated. 


Grossularia’cez. A natural order, now in- 


cluded by Bentham and Hooker with Sazifra- 


gacee. 

Ground Cherry. See Physalis. 

Ground Hemlock. See Tarus. 

Ground Ivy. See Nepeta Glechoma. 

Ground Laurel. See Epigawa repens. 

Ground Nut. See Apios tuberosa. : 

Ground Pine. A popular name of Lycopodium 
dendroideum. 

Ground Pink. See Phlox. 

Ground Plum. A popular name of the fruit of 
Astragalus earyocarpus. 

Groundsel. See Senecio vulgaris. 

Groundsel Tree. See Baccharis halimifolia. 


Gua‘iacum, Lignum Vite. The original name 
~in South America. Nat. Ord. Zygophyllacew. 
A genus of ornamental trees with pretty 
blue flowers. 4G. officinale furnishes'the well- 
known wood Lignum Vite, and also the drug 
known as Gum Guaiacum, which is procured 
“by notching the trunk, and allowing the 
exuding juice to harden. It is a native of the 
’ West Indies. 


Guava. See Psidium. 
Guelder Rose. Viburnum opulus. 
Guernsey Lily. Nerine Sarniensis. 


Guevi'na, The native name. Nat. Ord. Proteacee. . 


G. Avellana, the only species, is a tree of 
medium size, a native of Chiliand Peru. The 
flowers are in simple, erect racemes two to 
four inches long, and these are succeeded by 
round edible drupes, inclosing almond-like 
seeds, known as Chilian nuts. The latter 
have an agreeable, somewhat oily taste, while 

-the fleshy part is made a substitute for the 
Pomegranate. Syn. Quadria. This tree is 
hardy in the Southern States. 

Guilie/lma, Named in honor of Queen Withelmine 
Carolina of Bavaria. Nat. Ord. Palmacew. 

A genus of palms confined to the tropical 
regions of South Americ&, and containing three 
species which have tall, slender trunks armed 
with exceedingly sharp black spines. The large 
pinnate leaves have spiny leaflets and foot- 
stalks. G. speciosa, the Peach Palm, is cul- 


GUZ 


tivated on the banks of the Amazon and Rio 
Negro. Its edible fruits, which are about the 
size of Apricots, and bright-scarlet in color, 
are borne in large drooping bunches, and form 
a large portion of the food of the natives. The 
young plants make very handsome specimens 
for the green-house. 


Guinea Corn. See Sorghum vulgare. 
Guinea Grass. See Sorghum halapense. 


Guinea Hen Flower. A name given to Fritil- 


laria Meleagris. 

Gum. A vegetable secretion which may be 
detected in the sap of most plants, and which 
is excreted by many, and hardens on their 
surface. 


Gum Cistus. Cistus ladaniferus. 
Gum Guaiacum. See Guaiacum. 
Gum Tragacanth. Sterculia Tragacantha. 


Gum Tree. Various species of Eucalyptus, 
which see. 
Sour. Nyssa multiflora. 
Sweet. Liquidambar styracifiua. 


Gu’nnera. In honorofd. H. Gunner, aSwedish 
bishop and botanist. Nat. Ord. Haloragacee. 
A small genus of half-hardy herbaceous 
plants, natives of South America and the 
Sandwich Islands. G. scabra, has been intro- 
duced into the English gardens, and is re- 
markable for its ragged, rhubarb-like leaves, 
which are fully three feet across, borne on 
stout, thorny stems. The plantis also notable 
for its remarkab.e size; a good specimen 
being from four to five feet high, and 
eight to ten feet in diameter, and forming 
an excellent subject for the sub-tropical 
garden. Itis propagated by seeds, or careful 
division. 
Gusta’via. Named after Gustavus III. of 
Sweden. Nat. Ord. Barringtoniacee. 

A genus of fine evergreen trees and shrubs, 
with large, handsome, glossy leaves and 
showy white flowers, tinged with pink, some- 
times five or six inches across, and not unlike 
those of some Magnolias, disposed in race- 
mes orumbels at the ends of the twigs. The 
fruits are somewhat fleshy and apple-like. 
G. gracillima, has a smooth, slender, woody 
stem, and is a magnificent ornamental plant, 
introduced from the United States of Colum- 
bia by M. Roezl. The flowers grow from the 
axils of the leaves of the young plants, and 
from the leafless parts of the trunk in the 
older ones. They are solitary or in pairs, 
four inehes in diameter, of a beautiful rose 
color, consisting of cight petals, with the 
yellow incurved staminal tube bearing numer- 
ous purple anthers in a ring of an inch or 
more across. This species was introduced in 
1874, and is propagated by cuttings of well- 
ripened wood. 


Gutta Percha. See Isonandra. 
Guttatus. Spotted. 


Guzma’nnia. Named after A. Guzman, a Span- 
ish naturalist. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacea. 
Green-house perennials, natives of South 
America. G. tricolor is a very handsome 
species, with flowers on a spike, concealed by 
the bracts, the lowermost of which are green, 
while the others are scarlet. It requires or- 
dinary green-house treatment, and is propa- 
gated by suckers. 


178 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GYM 


Gymne’/ma. From gymnos, naked, and nema, a 
filament; in reference to the stamens. Nat. 
Ord. Asclepiadacee. 

G. lactiferum is the Cow Plant of Ceylon, 
the milk of which is used as food by the 
natives. The species are green-house ever- 
green twiners, producing clusters of yellow 
flowers from the axils of the leaves. They 
are allied to the Stephanotis, and require the 
same treatment. 


Gymmocla’dus. Kentucky Coffee Tree. From 
gymnos, naked, and klados, a branch; in refer- 
ence to the soft young wood, devoid of buds. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminosa. 

G. Canadensis, the only species, is an orna- 
mental, hardy, deciduous tree, growing fifty 
to sixty feet high. It is one of our most 
beautiful shade trees, and is planted to a con- 
siderable extent on the streets in Washington, 
D.C.; itis also valuable for its hard tough 
timber. The fresh leaves, macerated and 
sweetened, are occasionally used as a poison 
for house-flies ; the seeds were used formerly 
as a domestic substitute for coffee. Common 
from New York, south and west. 


Gymnogra’/mma. From gymnos, naked, and 
gramma, writing; in reference to the spore 
cases. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of very beautiful Ferns, requiring 
the warm green-house to grow them. In 
some of the species the under surface of the 
fronds is profusely covered with a rich yellow 
or white farinose powder, which gives them 
the name of Gold or Silver Ferns; they are fre- 
quently seen in cultivation on account of the 
beauty of their fronds. This genus contains 
two of the very few known annual Ferns, G. 
cherophylla, a West Indian plant, and G. lep- 
tophylla, which is found scattered over nearly 
the whole of the temperate regions of the 
globe. 

Gymnosperm, Bearing naked seeds. 

Gymnosta/chyum. From gymnos, naked, and 
stachys, a spike; probably on account of the 
absence of the bracteoles. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
thacee. 

A genus of ornamental evergreen erect 
herbs, natives of the East Indies, and the 
Malayan Archipelago. The leaves of some of 
the species are beautifully marked. G. 
venusta is in cultivation under the name of 
Justicia venusta. Fittonia has been placed 
under this genus by some authors. 

Gymnothe’ca. Derivation of name not given. 
Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A small genus of noble green-house ferns, 
formerly included in the genus Marratia. G. 
Raddiana, a native of Brazil, is a very orna- 
mental fern, requiring a warm house and 
moist atmosphere for its development. 


Gy’mnothrix. A genus of grasses, now united 
with Pennisetum. 

Gyne'rium. Pampas Grass. From gyne, female, 
and erion, wool; the stigmas being wooly. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of three species of hardy or nearly 
hardy ornamental grasses, natives of tropical 
andsub-tropical America. G. argenteum, the 
Pampas Grass, so called from its being found 
covering the vast plains or pampas of South 
America, is the best known species and forms 
a most noble and beautiful plant, growing from 
four to fourteen feet high according to the 


GYR 


strength of the plant, the soil or location. There 
is reason to believe that some varieties are 
better in habit than others and flower earlier. 
In such cases it would be better to divide them 
than to trust to seedlings. There are a num- 
ber of varieties, some of a delicate rosy color, 
one variegated, and several dwarf and neat in 
habit. If convenient, they should have a 
sheltered position on-the lawn or in the flower 
garden so as to prevent as much as possible 
the constant searing away of the foliage which 
occurs whenever the piant is much exposed, 
Its bright silvery plumes also show off much 
better when backed up with shrubs or some 
of the finer evergreens. It should be planted 
about the beginning of April and mulched 
with rotted manure, watered copiously in hot 
dry weather. This splendid Grass is not 
sufficiently hardy at the north without a 
mulching of dry leaves or litter around the 
roots. The clumps can be taken up in the 
fall, and kept in any convenient place away 
from frost during winter. With the best pos- 
sible care and culture there cannot be pro- 
duced such magnificent plumes either north 
or south, as are grown in southern California, 
where the plumes are grown largely for the 
northern and European markets. This 
species was first introduced in 1848. G. 
jubatum is very well spoken of, but as yet 
has not been tried much except in certain 
favored spots. The leaves resembles those 
of G. argenteum, but are of a deeper green, and 
droop elegantly at their extremities. From 
the center of the tuft and exceeding it by two 
or three feet, arise numerous stems, each 
bearing an immense loose panicle of long 
filamentous silvery flowers of a rosy tint with 
silvery sheen. It is a native of the republic of 
Ecuador and blooms earlierthan G. argenteum. 

Gynu’/ra. From gyne, female, and oura, a tail; 
the stigma being elongated and hispid. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

A genus of green-house herbaceous peren- 
nials, numbering about twenty species, the 
most of which are worthless, weedy plants, 
natives of the East Indies. G. aurantiaca, has 
brilliant orange-colored flower-heads, and the 
leaves and stems covered, over their entire 
surface, with small hairs of a rich plum- 
color, more especially the young leaves sur- 
rounding the flower-heads. It was thought 
to be a rival for the Coleus for bedding pur- 
poses, but rusts badly in our dry atmosphere 
and hot sun; it is easily increased by cut- 
tings. 

Gypso’phila. From gypsos, chalk, and phileo, to 
love; in reference to the soil most suitable 
for them. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. 

The species of this genus, natives of various 
parts of Europe and Asia, are characterized 
more by the grace than by the striking beauty 
of their flowers. The flowers are small, but 
are produced in great numbers in loose, . 
graceful panicles. They are plants that are 
easily cultivated, and are propagated by 
division and seeds, the latter in the open 
ground in spring. The flowers of the species 
are useful in making up in dried bouquets, as 
they retain their color perfectly during winter. 
They are also well adapted for rock-work. 


Gyrate. The same as Circinate (which see); 
curled inward like a crozier. 


Gyrose. Turned round like a crook. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


179 


H. 


HAB 


abena’ria. Rein Orchis. From habena, a 
rein or thong; referring to the long, strap- 
shaped spur. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A well-known and somewhat extensive 
genus of terrestrial Orchids, pretty generally 
distributed. Our native species have very 
curiously-shaped flowers, which are generally 
yellow, but sometimes purple, and occasion= 
ally white. They grow well in moist, shady 
situations. Several of the species are to be 
found in marshy places on the south side of 
Long Island. 


Habe'rlga. Named after Karl Haberle, Professor 
of Botany at Pesth. Nat. Ord. Gesneracew. 
H. rhodopensis, the only species, is an 
elegant little hardy herbaceous perennial, not 
unlike a miniature Gloxinia. Flowers pale 
lilac, drooping. Admirably adapted for pot 
or cold-frame culture. Introduced from Rou- 
melia in 1880. 


Habit. The general appearance of a plant; its 
manner of growth, without reference to details 
of structure. 


Habitat. The situation in which a plant grows 
in a wild state. 


Habra’nthus. From habros, delicate, and anthos, 
aflower. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

Very handsome South American bulbs, 
which like the rest of the order, should have 
a decided season of rest. They grow best in 
a rich soil composed of loam, rotted manure, 
and sand, should be well-drained and have 
plenty of water when growing or. flowering. 
These plants are found growing in dry, grav- 
elly places, and are half hardy. They will win- 

-ter in a cold frame with slight protection ; in- 
troduced in 1821. A number of the plants, 
formerly included in this genus, are now 
referred by the authors of the ‘“‘ Genera Plan- 
tarum” to Hippeastrum and Zephyranthes. 


Habrotha’mnus. From habros, gay, and tham- 
nos, ashrub. Nat. Ord. Solanacee. 

A genus of Mexican shrubs, closely allied to 
Cestrum, and one of the gayest productions of 
that country. The panicles of red or purple 
flowers are borne in abundance, and justify 
the name applied to them. They are propa- 
gated by cuttings and were first introduced in 
1844. Syn. Cestrum. ; 2 


Hackberry. Sce Celtis. 


Hackmatack. A local name for Larix Ameri- 
cana, the American or Black Larch. 

Hacque'tea. In honor of B. Hacquet, a German 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 

H. Epipactis, the only species, is a hardy 
herbaceous perennial plant, of very dwarf 
habit, having digitate three-lobed leaves, and 
a single umbel of small yellow flowers. It is 
a native of the Alps, and, like most Alpine 
plants, difficult to manage here. Syn. Dondia. 


Hema/nthus. From haima, blood, and anthos, 
a flower; referring to the color of the spathe 
and filaments of some species. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

A genus of South American bulbous plants, 
producing large scarlet, orange, and yellow 


HAL 


flowers of very singular appearance. 4H. 
coccinea, a beautiful species, does well in the 
green-house and should be grown in sandy 
loam and leaf mould. It is a strong grower, 
requiring considerable room. After making 
its growth it requires a season of perfect rest, 
after which it throws up its flower stalk, and 
should have plenty of water. They grow in 
fall and winter, and rest during spring and 
summer. They are propagated by offsets, and 
were introduced in 1629. 


Hemato/xylon. Logwood. From haima, blood 
and zylon, wood; Logwood is well-known for 
its red color. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

H. Campechianum, the well-known Logwood 
of commerce, is the only representative of this 
genus. Itisa handsome evergreen tree, grow- 
ing about forty feet high, with a trunk about 
a foot and a half in diameter. It was first 
found on the Bay of Campeachy, in Yucatan, 
whence its specific name. Itis also found in 
other parts of Central America, and has been 
introduced into and become naturalized in 
many of the West Indian Islands. Its impor- 
tance consist in its value as a dye-wood, for 
which purpose it forms an important article 
of commerce. 


Heemodora’cez. A natural order of perennial 
herbs with fibrous roots, sword shaped equit- 
ant leaves, and bearing wooly hairs or scurf 
on their stems, and flowers. Natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope, America and New Hol- 
land. The roots of some of them yield a red 
eolor, hence the name of the order. Anigosan- 
thus, Aletris, Barbacenia and Haemodorum, are 
well known genera. 


Hzmodo’rum. Blood-root. From haima, blood, 
and doron, a gift; probably in reference to the 
roots serving as food for the natives of Aus- 
tralia. Nat. Ord. Hamodoracee. 

A genus of pretty green-house perennials, 
all natives of Australia, with fascicled tubers, 
and black, red, livid-green, or orange-colored 
flowers. Increased by division; first intro- 
duced in 1810. : 


Hairbell See Campanula. 
Hair Grass. See Aira. 


Ha’kea. Named after Baron Hake, a German 
patron of botany. Nat. Ord. Proteaceae. 

A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
containing more than a hundred species, all 
natives of New Holland. The flowers of 
nearly all are white, produced in axillary 
clusters. None of the species has sufficient 
beauty, either in flower or foliage, to give ita 
place in ordinary collections. 

Hale’sia. Silver Bell, or Snowdrop Tree. Named 
after Dr. Hales, author of ‘‘Vegetable Statics.” 
Nat. Ord. Styracacee. 

A small genus of hardy deciduous shrubs or 
low-growing trees. One of the species, H. 
tetraptera, is found on the banks of the-Ohio, 
from Virginia westward, usually in very poor, 
rocky soil. It is a free flowering shrub, or 
small tree with beautiful pure white, showy, 
drooping flowers, on long slender pedicels, 
much resembling the Snow-drop, whence its 


"180 


IENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HAL 


name; the seeds are curiously winged. This 
species improves by cultivation, and thrives 
well in a poor soil, preferring one near water. 
It ” readily increased by layering, or from 
seed. 


Halimode’ndron. Salt-tree. From halimos, 
sea-coast, and dendron, a tree; referring to its 
native habitat. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

H. argenteum, the only species, is a very 
hardy shrub with silvery hairy leaves and 
pinkish papilionaceous flowers produced in 
axillary peduncles in Mayor June. It is a 
native of Siberia, in dry salt fields. It is a 
very elegant shrub for a bleak seacoast, and 
will thrive better if a little salt is mixed with 
the soil where it grows. This species is sent 
out by nurserymen under its former name, 
Caragana, argentea. 


Halle’ria. Named after Albert Haller, author of 
several botanical works. Nat. Ord. Scrophu- 
lariaceew. 

A genus of ornamental green-house ever- 
green glabrous shrubs, mostly natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope. dH. lucida, the African 
Honeysuckle, has large reddish drooping 
flowers, and is the species generally seen in 
cultivation. It was introduced in 1752, and is 
easily increased by cuttings. 


Haloraga’cez. A natural order of herbs or 
under-shrubs, often aquatic, with alternate 
opposite or whorled leaves, and small, fre- 
quently incomplete flowers. They are found 
in damp places and slow streams, sometimes 
submerged, in all parts of the world. The 
order contains nine genera, and about eighty 
species. Gunnera, Myriophyllum, and Hippuris, 
are examples. 


Hamamelida’cez. A small, natural order of 
shrubs or trees, with alternate, feather-veined 
leaves, and deciduous stipules, natives of sub- 
tropical Asia, south Africa, and North 
America. There are seventeen known genera, 
including Hamamelis, Bucklandia, and Liquid- 
ambar. 


Hamame'lis. The Witch Hazel. From hama, 
together with, and mela, fruit; referring to the 
flowers and fruit being on this tree at the 
same time. Nat. Ord. Hamamelidacee. 

H. Virginica is a native shrub, which will 
grow freely in any soil that is not too rich, 
though it prefers adry stony gravel. It has 
the peculiarity of flowering during winter, 
beginning to expand its rich, deep yellow 
flowers just as its leaves are falling off, and 
dropping its flowers when its branches begin 
to be reclothed with leaves in spring. The 
shrub is celebrated for the extract distilled 
from its bark and roots. Its seeds contain 
a quantity of oil, and are edible, and a strong 
decoction of its leaves is said to be a cure for 
mad-dog bites. 


Hamilto’nia. Named after William Hamilton, 
an eminent American botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Rubiacee. 


A genus comprising three or four species of 
ornamental, evergreen shrubs, natives of 
India, China, and the Indian Archipelago. 
Flowers white or blue, fascicled or umbellate ; 
corolla, funnel-shaped. H. suaveolens, and H. 
scabra, are cultivated for the sake of their 
white fragrant flowers. Propagated by cut- 
tings of the half-ripened wood. 


Hanging Baskets. 


HAN 


Hand Glass. This is used to protect Melons, 
Cucumbers, Tomatoes, or other tender plants, 
on being set out early in the open ground. 
They are usually about twenty inches square, 
with a flat or conical top. A cheaper con. 
trivance for the same purpose is a wooden 
frame of about the same size, having a small 
sash to fit the top. Thousands of these are 
used by the London and Paris gardeners to 
forward Cucumbers and Melons, but they are 
less used here than formerly, as the growing 
of vegetables ‘in the Southern States for 
northern markets renders their use no longer 
profitable. 


These are made in a great 
variety of styles. Those knuwn as ‘‘rustic” 
baskets are made with a wooden bowl to hold 
the soil, covered with roots of grotesque 
shapes. They are mostly made of Laurel 
(Kalmia) roots, which are well fitted to give the 
basket the necessary rough-looking outer 
covering. The bowlsto hold the soil are from 
six to fifteen inches in diameter, and of a pro- 
portionate depth; the three handles form a 
triangle, meeting at the top, in which an eye 
is fixed by which to suspendit. Another form 
is made of wire, and these, when lined with 
moss to prevent the soil from being washed 
out, are far the best for the well-being of the 
plants. Many other beautiful forms are made 
from pottery ware to represent stumps, logs, 
rocks, and other natural objects. The plants 
used for filling hanging baskets of course 
vary in accordance with the purpose for 
which they are wanted. If for shady 
rooms, shady verandas, or shady places 
out doors, where there is not exposure to 
drying winds, Mosses (Selaginellas) and Ferns 
are sometimes used exclusively; or, for the 
same places, Ivies of all sorts, Tradescantias, 
Moneywort (Lysimachia), Vincas, Ivy-leaved 
Geraniums, Smilax, Climbing Fern, Fittonias, 
etc., are plants suited to droop over the sides, 
while, for the centre, upright plants such as 
Dracenas and Crotons of sorts, Caladiums, 
Marantas, Centaureas, Echeverias, Ferns, 
Sanchezia nobilis, or any other plants of 
striking form or foliage may be used. 
For baskets to be placed in the sunlight, or 
partial sunlight, Coleus, Begonias, or bright 
Geraniums should be used as center plants, 
with Lobelias, Tropsolums, Petunias, To- 
renias, Peristrophe, Sedums, etc., to droop. 
It will be found of great benefit, after setting 
out the plants in baskets, to cover the soil 
with an inch or two of (Sphagnum) Moss, to 
prevent it drying up too quickly; for when 
the basket is hung in the air, of course it 
dries up much quicker than when placed ona 
shelf in the green-house or on the ground; 
and one of the main reasons for success with 
hanging baskets is the careful attention to 
watering, which is quickest and most thor- 
oughly done by taking the basket down and 
immersing itin a tub of water, so that the 
soil is thoroughly soaked through. This will 
_ be necessary once, twice, or thrice a week, 
according to the position the basket is placed 
in, the condition of the atmosphere, or the 
state of the plants; for, if in a shaded posi- 
tion, it will require less water; if the atmos- 
phere is damp, less; or if the plants have not 
attained vigor of growth, less; the opposite 
of these conditions, more. The soil used in 


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AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


181 


HAP 


hanging baskets need in no way differ from 
that used in the general culture of plants. 


Haploca'rpa Leitchlini. A beautiful little 
south African composite plant in the way of 
Gazania. The plants are stemless, and form 
rosettes of Dandelion-shaped leaves, seven to 
nine inches long, glossy above, and thickly 
covered with white closely-pressed silky 
down, beneath. The flowers are two to three 
inches across, of a rich golden yellow color, 
backed with purplish brown. Seeds sown in 
spring, bloom from mid-summer until frost. 

Hardenbe'rgia. Named after the Countess of 
Hardenberg, in Germany, sister to Baron 
Hugel. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
climbers found in southern and western Aus- 
tralia. They are closely allied to Kennedya, 
and are desirable green-house plants from the 
profusion of their flowers, which are mostly 
purple, arranged in stalked racemes, and 
nearly as large as those of the pea. The 
plants are of easy culture and are readily in- 
creased by cuttings; introduced about 1800. 

Hardhack. A common name for Spirea tomen- 
tosa. 

Hardy Annuals. This term applies to those 
plants that perfect their growth and ripen 
seed the same year they are sown in the open 
ground. See Annuals. 

Hardy Herbaceous Plants. 
Plants. 


Hare-Bell, See Scilla nutans. 

Hare’s-Har. Bupleurum rotundifolium. 
Hare’s-Foot. Ochroma Lagopus. 

Hare’s-Foot Fern. Davallia Canariensis. . 
Hare’s-Tail Grass. Lagurus ovatus. 

Haricot. The French name for Kidney Beans. 


Harlequin Flower. African. The genus Spar- 
axis 


Harpa/lium. From AHarpalyce, daughter of 
Lycurgus. Nat. Ord. Composiie. 

#1. rigidus, the only species, is Helianthus rigi- 
dus of Gray, a coarse-growing perennial, with 
yellow flowers, common in the Western 
States. 

Harpa'lyce. Named after Harpalyce, daughter 
of Lycurgus. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of handsome, erect, pinnate- 
leaved bushes from Mexico and Brazil. H. 
Braziliana bears handsome, scarlet pea-shaped 
flowers in a panicle toward the ends of the 
shoots. The Mexican species are smooth, 
and bear purple flowers. Propagated by 
cuttings. 


Hart-Berries. Vaccinium Myrtillus. 
Hartford Fern. See Lygodium. 
Hart's-tongue Fern. See Scolopendrium. 
Harvest-bells. Gentiana Pneumonanthe. 


Hartwe’gia. Named after M. Hartweg, court 
gardener to the Emperor of Austria, and once 
a collector for the Royal Horticultural Soci- 
ety. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea. 

A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, of but 
little interest, except in large collections. H. 
purpurea is a very pretty little plant, with 
spotted foliage, and long, slender spikes of 
purplish pink flowers. It is an almost con- 
stant bloomer, growing freely on blocks or 
cork in an ordinary green-house. It is a 


See Herbaceous 


HEA 


native of Mexico, introduced in 1837, and is 
increased by division of plants in the spring. 


Hastate. Shaped like the head of a halbert; 
enlarged at the base into two lobes directed 
nearly horizontally, as in the leaf of Sheep’s 
Sorrel. 


Hautbois. Fragaria elatior. A species of Straw- 
berry. , 


Hawkweed. See Hieracium. 


Hawo'rthia. Named in honor of A. H. Haworth, 
a distinguished English botanist. Nat. Ord. 
LDiliacew. 

A pretty and curious genus of succulents, 
that offer many inducements to the admirers 
of that class of plants. They are natives of 
south Africa, and are commonly known as 
Aloes, from which they were separated. The 
plants are mostly small, but particularly 
interesting on account of their upright flow- 
ers, which are always gay, and the translu- 
cent leaves of some of the species. They 
were first introduced in 1727, require the 
same treatment as the Aloe, and are readily 
increased from suckers or from seed. 


Hawthorn. See Crataegus. 


Haylo’ckia. Named after Mr. Haylock, gar- 
dener to Dr. Herbert. Nat. Ord. Amaryllida- 


cee. 

A small bulb from Buenos Ayres, allied to 
Zephyranthes ; flowers straw-colored, solitary. 
It is nearly hardy, the protection of a cold 
frame only being needed in this climate. 
Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1829. 


Hazel Nut. See Corylus. 


Head. A close terminal collection of flowers, 
surrounded by an involucre, as in composite 
flowers. 

Heal-all. 
rosea. 

Heal-all, or All-heal, Prunella vulgaris, which 
see. 

Heart of the Harth. Prunella vulgaris. 

Heart’s-ease. See Viola tricolor. 


Heath, or Heather. A general name for the 

genera Erica and Calluna 

American False. Hudsonia ericoides. 

Irish. Dabeocia (Menziesia) polifolia. 

Mediterranean. rica Mediterranea. (EH. 
carnea.) 

Sea. Frankenia levis. 

Tree. Hrica arborea. 

Cypress. Lycopodium alpinum. 


Heather. Scotch. rica cinerea and Calluna 

vulgaris. 

Heating by Flues. This is now but little done, 
except by beginners whose means are limited, 
or where a temporary green-house is erected. 
The objection to heating by flues is, that 
unless carefully constructed, there is danger 
from fire, or escape of gas injurious to the 
plants; still, many large green-house estab- 
lishments are yet heated by flues, in which 
plants are grown quite as well as by hot-water 
heating. In constructing the furnace for flue 
heating, the size of the furnace doors should 
be from ten to sixteen inches square, according 
to the size of space to be heated; the length 
of the furnace bars from eighteen to torty 
inches; the furnace should be arched over, 
the top of the inside of the arch from sixteen 


Collinsonia Canadensis and Rhodiola ° 


182 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HEA 


to twenty-four inches fromthe bars. The flue 


will always ‘“‘draw” better if slightly on the . 


ascent throughout its entire length ; it should 
be elevated in all cases from the ground, on 
flags or bricks, so that its heat may be given 
out on all sides. The inside measure of the 
brick flue should not be less than 8x14 inches; 
if tiles can be conveniently procured, they are 
best to cover with; but, if not, the top of the 
flue may be contracted to six inches, and 
covered with bricks After the flue has been 
built of brick to twenty-five or thirty feet from 
the furnace, cement or vitrified drain-pipe, 
seven, eight, or nine inches in diameter, 
should be used, as they are not only cheaper, 
but radiate the heat quicker than the bricks ; 
they are also much easier constructed and 
cleaned. Care should be taken that no wood- 
work isin contact with the flue at any place. 
We have known cases where wood-work has 
caught fire after the house had been in opera- 
tion for years; but an unusually strong draft 
intensified the heat, and the charred timber 
ignited and totally destroyed the green-house 
and its contents. It should be taken as a safe 
rule, that wood-work should in no case be 
nearer the flue or furnace than eight inches. 
In constructing do not be influenced by what 
the mechanics will tell you, as few of them 
have any experience in such matters, and are 
not able to judge of the dangers resulting 
from wood-wurk being in cluse contact with 
heated bricks. The position in which the flue 
is placed in the green-house depends upon its 
size. Presuming that the green-house to be 
heated is an equal span of twenty feet wide by 
fifty feet long, the best way is to start the 
furnace at the north end, so that the flues will 
run under the center or middle bench, the 
top of the furnace being inside the green- 
house, the fire, of course, being applied in the 
shed outside. A comparatively new plan of 
constructing flues is to have the flue run to 
the end of the green-house, and, returning, 
connect with the chimney, which is placed on 
the top of the arch of the furnace. By this 
method, as soon as a fire is lighted in the 
furnace, the brick-work forming the arch gets 
heated, and at once starts an upward draft, 
which puts the smoke flue into immediate 
action and maintains it; hence there is never 
any trouble about the draft, as in ordinary 
flues, having the chimney at the most distant 
point from the furnace. It will be seen that 
by this plan we not only get rid of the violent 
heat given out by the furnace, but at the same 
time it insures a complete draft, and the 
heated air from the furnace is so rapidly 
carried through the entire length of the flue, 
that it is nearly as hot when it enters the 
chimney as when it left the furnace. This 
perfect draft also does away with all danger 
of the escape of gas from the flues into the 
green-house, which often happens when the 
draft is not active. Formerly the flues used 
to be run along one side or end of the green- 
house, emptying into a chimney placed there; 
but this. method is rarely satisfactory, as the 
cold outside air, rushing down the chimney, 
throws back the heated air, particularly in 
high winds, so as to nearly destroy the heat; 
but by the method of constructing the chim- 
ney on the top of the arch of the furnace, and 
returning the flue back into it, no such diffi- 
culty can occur. 


HEA 


Heating by Hot-Beds. The preparation of the 
heating material for the hot-bed is a matter 
of importance. It should be manure fresh 
from the horse-stable, and when they can be 
procured, it is better to mix it with about an 
equal bulk of leaves from the woods, or refuse 
hops. If the weather is very cold, the bulk 
of manure must be of good size, from five to 
six wagon loads, thrown into a compact round 
heap, else the mass may be so chilled that 
heat will not generate. If a shed is con- 
venient, the manure may be placed there, 
especially if the quantity is small, to be pro- 
tected from cold until the heat begins to rise. 
The heap should be turned and well broken 
up before being used for the hot-beds, so that 
the rank steam may escape, and the manure 
become of the proper ‘‘ sweetened” condition. 
It is economy of the heating material to use 
a pit for the hot-bed. This should be made 
from two to three feet deep, six feet wide, 
and of any required length. After the heat- 
ing material has been packed in the pit to the 
depth of from twenty to twenty-four inches, 
according to the purpose for which it is 
wanted, or the season of the year (the earlier 
in the season the deeper it is needed), the 
sashes should be placed on the frame, and 
kept close until the heat generates in the 
hot-bed, which will usually take twenty-four 
hours. Now plunge a thermometer into the 
mauure, and if all is right it will indicate 
100° or more; but this is yet too hot as bot- 
tom heat for the growth of seeds or plants, 
and a few days of delay must be allowed until 
the thermometer indicates a falling of eight 
or ten degrees, when the soil may be placed 
upon the manure, and the seeds sown or 
plants set out in the hot-bed. Amateurs are 
apt to be impatient in the matter of hot-beds, 
and often lose their first crop by sowing or 
planting before the first violent heat has sub- 
sided. Another very common mistake is in 
beginning too early in the season. In the 
latitude of New York nothing is gained by 
beginning before the first week in March, and 
the result will be very nearly as good if not 
begun until a month later. There are two or 
three important matters to bear in mind in 
the use of hot-beds. Itis indispensable for 
safety to cover the glass at night with shut- 
ters or mats until all danger of frost is over; 
for it must be remembered that the contents 
of a hot-bed are always tender, from being 
forced so rapidly by the heat below, and that 
the slightest frost will kill them. Again, 
there is danger of overheating in the daytime 
by a neglect to ventilate when the sun is 
shining. Asa general rule, it will be safe in 
all the average days of March, April and May, 
to have the sash of the hot-bed tilted up 
from an inch to three inches at the back 
from 9 A. M.to4P.M. Much will, of course, 
depend upon the activity of the heating ma- 
terial in the hot-bed, the warmth of the 
weather, and the character of the plants in 
the bed, so that we can only give a loose gen- 
eral rule. Numbers of inexperienced amateur 
cultivators often lose the entire contents of 
the hot-bed by having omitted to ventilate 
their hot-bed, and on their return home from 
business at night find all the contents 
scorched up. Orthe danger of the other ex- 
treme is, that the plants are frozen through 
neglect to:cover them at night. A hot-bed 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 183 


HEA 


requires a certain amount of attention, which 
must be given at the right time, or no satis- 
factory results can be expected. 


Heating by Hot Water. This is now the 
method in use in nearly all well-appointed 
green-house structures. But little detail need 
be given, as this branch of heating is done 
almost exclusively by firms who make aspecial 
business of it, and who generally understand 
the construction and requirements necessary 
in heating, better than those who employ 
them usually do; but there are some points 
which it is perhaps as well to state. In any 
section of the country where the thermometer 
falls below zero, if a green-house, ten feet 
high, twenty feet wide, and 100 long, is to be 
heated by hot water, and a night-temperature 
of sixty degrees is required, there should be 
not less than eight ‘‘runs” of four-inch pipes 
running the length of the house; if fifty de- 
grees are required, six ‘‘runs” of pipe; if forty 
degrees, four ‘‘runs” of pipe. The styles of 
boilers in use are so varied that we forbear to 
give any one in particular a preference here. 
If estimated by the glass surface, one foot in 
length of four inch pipe is necessary for every 
three and one half square feet of glass surface, 
when the temperature is at ten degrees below 
zero, to keep a temperature of fifty degrees in 
the green-house. For smail green-houses, or 
such as are attached to dwellings, a simple 
contrivance known as the Base-burning Water 
Heater is very convenient. The boiler takes 
up no more room than an ordinary stove, and 
the fire requires no more skill or attention 
than any ordinary base-burning stove, being 
fed by coal from the top. It can be left with 
safety ten or twelve hours without any atten- 
tion. At present prices, a Base-burning Water 
Heater with pipes sufficient to heat a green- 
house 10x50 feet, will cost about $200, or 
for twice that size about $350. 


Heating by Steam. Few green-houses are as 
yet heated by steam, though the cost of con- 
struction is much less, and itis also claimed 
that there is greater economy in fuel; but 
though we have had green-houses heated for 
the past forty years, both in Europe and 
America, by hot water, steam heating for 
glass structures has made little progress. It 
has been successfully done, however, both in 
Philadelphia, Chicago, and the vicinity of New 
York, and experiments with it on a large 
scale are now being tried in several parts of the 
country. We have but little doubt that in 
erecting green-houses on an extensive scale 
at one time it is economy to use steam heat- 
ing ; but nearly all such structures are progres- 
sive, a few being added each year, and the 
heating by the ordinary hot-water pipes is as 
yet believed by the uninitiated to be the safer 
mode. It must be some such reason as this, 


whether right or wrong, that has so long | 


caused green-houses to be heated by hot water 
’ in this age of steam. 


Hebecla’dus. From hebe, pubescence, and 
. klados, a branch, in reference to the hairiness 
of the young shoots. Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. 

A genus of perennial herbs or sub-shrubs, 
, natives of western tropical America. 4H. 
’ biflorus is an interesting green-house shrub 
_ with handsome drooping purple flowers. It was 
introduced from the Andes of Peru in 1884, 


HED 


and is propagated by cuttings of the half- 

_ ripened wood. ; 

Hebecli’nium. A genus now included with 
EHupatorium. 

He'ctea. Named after J. H. G. Hecht, a Prus- 
sian counsellor, who died in 1837. Nat. Ord. 
Bromeliacee. 

A genus of pretty green-house plants, closely 
allied to Dyckia. The leaves are long, spiny, 
recurved, and crowded. They are all natives 
of Mexico. H. Ghiesbrechiii is the most orna- 
mental and desirable species. 


Hedeo’ma. Mock Pennyroyal. From hedeoma, 

the Greek name of Mint. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

The only species of interest in this genus is 

H. pulegioides, the American Pennyroyal, com- 

mon in open, barren woods and fields. Ithas 

the taste and odor nearly of the true Penny- 
royal (Mentha Pulegium) of Europe. 


He'dera. ThelIvy. The name appears to be 
derived from hedra, a Celtic word, signifying 
a cord; and the English name, Ivy, is derived 
from iw, a word in the same language, signi- 
fying green, from its being always green. 
Nat. Ord. Araliacew. . 
This well-known plant is what botanists 
call a rooting climber; that is to say, its 
stems climb up trees, walls, sides of dwell- 
ings, or any other suitable object which pre- 
sents a sufficiently rough surface for their 
roots to take hold of; as, unless this is the 
case, the Ivy, whenever it is rendered heavy 
by rain or snow, falls down. Whenever, 
therefore, Ivy is wanted to cover smooth, 
newly-plastered walls, the Ivy should be 
nailed against them, or secured with copper 
wire. The Ivy is remarkable for undergoing 
a complete change in its leaves when it flow- 
ers. The barren, or creeping Ivy, which trails 
along the ground, and roots into it, rarely 
flowers, and its leaf is deeply cut; but the 
tree Ivy, or flowering part, rears itself on 
high, so as to be fully exposed to the light 
and air,and the leaves become of an oval shape. 
H. Canariensis, the giant, or Irish Ivy, as itis 
sometimes called, though it is a native of the 
Canaries, is hardier and grows much faster 
than the common kind; but the variegated 
kinds are tender, and grow much slower. Ivy 
requires a deep and somewhat light soil, into 
which its roots can penetrate easily; and 
when grown for any purpose in pots or boxes 
it should be abundantly supplied with water. 
Ivy is useful in all cases where a naked space 
is to be covered with green in a short space 
of time; and it is particularly valuable in 
town gardens, as it will bear the smoke and 
want of pure air in cities better than most 
' other plants. It should, however, in aliclose 
and crowded situations, be abundantly sup- 
plied with water, and occasionally syringed 
over the leaves. The gold and silver varie- 
ties are very beautiful, especially the former, 
when grown against the chimney of a dwell- 


nearly all variegated-leaved plants, are more 
tender, and require a higher temperature 
than the plain green-leaved kinds. Increased 
freely by cuttings. ; 
Hedera’cez. Aname given to the Nat. Ord. 
Araliacee. : 
Hedge Bindweed. Calystegia sepium. 
Hedge-hog. Ranunculus arvensis. 


ing-house or green-house; but they, like 


. 


184 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HED 
Hedge-hog Grass. See Cenchrus. 
Hedge Mustard. Sisymbrium officinale. 
Hedge Nettle. Stachys sylvatica. 


Hedges. Many shrubs and plants are available 
for utilizing for hedges, which are often 


extensively planted in connection with gar- | 


dens, either for boundary fences, screens, or 
wind breaks. These are generally selected to 
suit the special requirements for which the 
hedge is intended, or, perhaps, different soils 
or locations may have effect on the selection. 
The principal plants now used are (deciduous) 
Osage Orange, European and Californian 
Privet, Althwas, Lilacs and Japan Quince; 
Beech, Thorns of various sorts, Hornbeam, 
etc., are also excellent hedge plants, though 
of rather slow growth. Of evergreens, Amer- 
ican and Siberian Arborvites, Retinosporas, 
and Hemlock make excellent hedges that 
stand cutting well, and can be kept to any 
“ desired height; Norway Spruce also, for a 
dividing fence or wind break, is unsurpassed. 


Hedge Violet. Viola sylvatica. 


Hedy’chium. Garland Flower. From hedys, 
sweet, and chion, snow; in reference to the 
sweet-scented, snow-white flowers of some of 
the species. Nat. Ord. Zingiberaceaw. 

’ A beautiful genus, deserving a place wher- 
ever space can be afforded them in the hot- 
house. They will attain a height of from three 
to five feet, and flower profusely, fully prov- 
ing the fitness of the term, ‘Garland Flower,” 
applied tothem. There are a large number 
of species, mostly from the East Indies. H. 
Gardmeriaum, one of the most useful of these, 
grows from three to five feet high, bearing 
huge spikes of bright lemon-colored flowers, 
with long scarlet stamens and elegant Canna- 
like foliage. It is an admirable plant for out- 
door decoration in summer, and the crowns 
may be lifted and stored in winter similar to 
those of the Canna or Dahlia. They are 
propagated by divisions of the plants before 
repotting in the spring. 

Hedy’sarum. The French Honeysuckle. From 
hedysaron, the name of a papilionaceous plant 
described by Theophrastus. Nat. Ord. Legum- 
inose. F 

This genus includes many species of hand- 
some hardy annual and perennial plants, 
natives of Europe, north Africa, the moun- 
tainous parts of Asia, and North America. 
Their flowers are purple, white, and rarely 
yellow, borne in prominent racemose spikes. 
H. coronarium, the French Honeysuckle, the 
species most usually cultivated, is a perennial 
herb, with spikes of deep red flowers. There 
is also a white-flowered variety. H. flecuosum, 
a closely allied species from southern Spain, 
has red flowers, tinged with blue. They are 
all of easy culture in open, sunny gardens, 
and are readily increased by seeds. 


Hedy’scepe Canterburyana. A name given to 
Kentia Canterburyana. 


Hee'ria rosea. A synonym of Heterocentron 
roseum. 


Hei'nsia. A genus of Rubiacew, including a 
few species of evergreen shrubs, natives of 
tropical Africa. H. jasminiflora, the only 
species yet introduced, is a beautiful, much 
branched, unarmed, glabrous shrub, with 


HEL 


pure white Jasmine-like flowers. 
gated by cuttings; introduced in 1824. 

He'lcia. From _ helciwm, a horse-collar; in 
reference to the curious formation of the 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

H. sanguinolenta, the only species, is a 
beautiful terrestrial Orchid from the Peruvian 
Andes. Its flowers are produced in great 
profusion on single stalks from the base of 
the bulbs; the sepals and petals yellowish, 
beautifully marked with reddish brown; lip 
large, white, marked with purplish crimson. 
It requires to be grown in a cold house, and 
isincreased by division. Syn. Tricopilia. 

Hele/nium, Sneeze Weed. Named after the 
beautiful Helen, the cause of the Trojan war. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Asmall genus of showy, hardy herbaceous 
plants, with a few hardy annuals. The flowers 
are mostly large and yellow, somewhat re- 
sembling those of Rudbeckia, which similarity 
prevents their introduction to the flower 
garden. H. autumnale, the only native species, 
popularly known as Sneeze Weed, is a showy 
plant, growing from two to three feet high. 
It is common southward. . 


Helia‘nathemum. Sun Rose. From helios, the 
sun, and anthemon, a flower. Nat. Ord. 
Cistacew. 

Low shrubs, generally used for planting on 
rock-work, and strongly resembling the Cistus 
or Rock Rose. As mostof the species are 
rather tender, they require protection during 
winter. Forthis reason they are either grown 
in pots, which are placed on the rock-work 
among the stones, or taken up and repotted 
in winter, to be planted out again in spring. 
They are generally increased by seeds, which 
ripen in abundance. 


Helia/‘nthus. The Sun Flower. From helios, 
the sun, and anthos, a flower; in reference to 
the common but erroneous opinion, that the 
flowers always turn their faces toward the 
sun. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

An extensive genus of hardy annuals and 
herbaceous perennials. The annual of this 
name, H. annuus, though a native of Peru, is 
of the hardiest of its kind, as it only requires 
sowing inthe open border. The flowers are 
immense in size, averaging a foot in diameter ; 
color yellow with a dark disk. It is not, 
however, suitable for any situation, unless 
there, be abundance of room, on account of 
the large size of its stalks and leaves. It 
is, however, much grown in marshy dis- 
tricts, because of its supposed virtue of 
absorbing malaria. Of the many varieties of 
this species, perhaps the finest are H. globosus 
fistulosus, and H. Californicus, both of which 
have very large, extremely double, globular 
flowers when fully developed. H. tuberosus, 
the well-known Jerusalem Artichoke is some- 
times cultivated for its tubers, which are in 
considerable demand especially in Europe, 
for soups, etc. The name of. Jerusalem 
Artichoke is considered to be a corruption 
of the Italian Girasole Articocca or Sun-flower 
Artichoke, under which name it is said to 
have been originally distributed from the 
Farnese garden at Rome soon after its intro- 
duction to Europe in 1617. The perennial 
kinds are quite nerdy and many of them are 
very ornamental. , orgyalis, a species from 
Texas, forms a bush from six to ten feet in 


Propa- 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 185 


HEL 


height, with numerous narrow recurved 
leaves surmounted by large loose panicles of 
comparatively small bright yellow flower 
heads, forming when in bloom a veritable 
fountain of gold. It is one of the most 
striking and useful of autumnal flowering 
plants. H. multifiorus plenus, a variety of 
HI. decapetalus, produces large, very double 
flowers, three to five inches in diameter, ex- 
ceedingly showy and desirable. H. rigidus 
and several other species are well worthy of 
a space in a collection of hardy herbaceous 
plants. 


Helichry’sum. [Everlasting Flower. From 


helios, the sun, and chrysos, gold; in allusion 


to the brilliant flowers. Nat. Ord. Composita. 
Syn. Hlichrysum. : 

The genus consists of annuals, hardy herba- 
ceous perennials, and evergreen shrubs, the 
two latter rarely seen except in botanical 
collections. The common yellow Everlasting, 
H. bracteatum, is a hardy annual that only 
requires sowing intheopen border. H. bicolor 
is a very slight variety of it, merely differing in 
having the outer petals tipped with copper 
color; but H. macranthum has white flowers 
tipped with pink, and is very handsome. This 
species is a native of the Swan River colony. 
It may either be sown in the open ground in 
April, to flower in autumn, or in a hot-bed in 
February to plant out in May. 4H. orientale, 
the Immortelle of commeree, a native of the 
Island of Crete, although known in Europe 
since 1629, was not generally cultivated before 
1815. Atpresent itis chiefly grown in the 
south of France, where the land gradually 
slopes to the Mediterranean. It comes to 
the greatest perfection in positions well 
exposed to the sun, and surrounded by dry 
stone walls, where it commences to bloom in 
June. It is propagated by division of the 
larger tufts, and thrives best in a light, stony 
or porous soil. The flowering stems are 
gathered before the flowers are fully expanded, 
by women, who make them up into small 
pundles which are usually placed to dry on 
the stone walls of the enclosure in which they 
grow. When properly dried, they are taken 
away by young girls who are employed to 
remove the downy covering from the stems. 
A pound weight of the dried plants contains 
about two hundred stems, each bearing on an 
average twenty flowers. Each tuft of the 
growing plants produces from sixty to seventy 


stems. An acre of ground contains about. 


16,000 tufts, which will annually yield from 
two to three tons weight of dried Immortelles, 
and a well-established and well-managed plan- 
tation will continue productive from eight to 
ten years. The flowers are sold either by the 
bundle or weight, the bundles ranging from 
three to six cents each, according to size, 
while, if sold by weight, the price varies from 
three to five dollars a hundred weight, 
according to the state of the market. 
The natural color of the flowers is a 
deep yellow, but the manufacturers of 
garlands, bouquets, wreaths, ete., dye large 
quantities of them in other colors also 
chiefly black, green, and orange-red. This 
last named color, said to be obtained from a 
preparation of borax, is very handsome, and 
is the favorite tint of the people of the south 
of Europe. Large quantities are also bleached 


HEL 


white, with a preparation of chloride of lime, 
and with the natural yellow flowers and those 
that are dyed black are used to form the wreaths 
and other devices devoted to the dead. Those 
which are dyed of brighter colors are used, 
either alone, or mixed with natural flowers, for 
bouquets, or room decoration; in these, how- 
ever, the Immortelle takes no prominent place 
among other flowers. Its great distinction 
from them seems to consist in its possession 
of those peculiarities of structure which have 
induced a nation of sentiment and refined 
taste to select it asthe most fitting of all to 
fill the office and bear the title of ‘The 
Flower of the Grave.”” The manufacture of 
Immortelle wreaths in Paris for funeral 
decorations engages upwards of 1,500 persons. 
The Immortelles are gathered in August on 
the arid hills of central and southern France. 
They are brought to the market in their 
natural condition, and the yellow blossoms 
are dyed or bleached white, green or red, in, 
readiness for All-Saints and ‘All-Souls days, 
November 1st and 2d, when all good Parisians 
visit their relatives’ graves. On these fetes- 
des-morts, the gates of the cemeteries are beset 
with dealers in wreaths, crosses, and head- 
crowns. At Pere la Chaise alune it is esti- 
mated that more than 200,000 persons visit 
the cemeteries, and the sale of Immortelle 
wreaths reaches about 25,000. The silvery- 
white ‘Cape Flower” of the florists is 
Helichrysum vestitum (syn. Leucostemma) intro- 
duced to cultivation from South Africa in 
1774. Large quantities are imported every 
year from the Cape of Good Hope, the lovely 
silvery sheen of the flowers superseding in a 
great measure the French or German white 
Immortelles. 


Helico’nia. From Helicon, a hill consecrated to 
the Muses; from its affinity to the genus 
‘Musa. Nat. Ord. Scitaminee. 

A genus of interesting plants from the West 
Indies and South America. Their fruit is 
eaten by the natives, though inferior to the 
Banana. It requires the same general treat- 
ment as the Maranta, but is too large for gen- 
eral green-house cultivation. Propagated by 
division of plant. 


Helio’phila. From helios, the sun, and phileo, 
to love; referring to the sunny aspect: where 
they delight to grow. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

Beautiful little annual plants, natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope, generally with blue 
flowers, and very long, slender stems. The 
seeds should be sown on a hot-bed in Febru- 
ary, and the plants planted out in a warm, 
open situation in May. 


Helio’psis. Ox-eye. From helios, the sun, and 
opsis, like; in allusion to the appearance of 
the flowers. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus comprising about six species of 
hardy perennials, with rather large, golden- 
yellow flowers. The native species, H. levis, 
is very showy and deserving of cultivation. 


Heliotrope. See Heliotropium. 


Heliotro’pium. Heliotrope. From helios, the 
sun, and trope, twining; in reference to the 
curled or twining flower branch. Nat. Ord. 
Boraginacee. 

This genus of interesting plants consists of 
hardy and tender annuals and green-house 
shrubs. Of the latter H. Peruvianum is the 


186 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HEL 


well-known Heliotrope, a general favorite 
from its delicious fragrance. It grows freely 
in the open border. After the first of Septem- 
ber, and until killed by frost, the plant is a 
complete mass of bloom. It and its many 
varieties are also largely grown in the green- 
house for cut flowers in winter, and is easily 
increased by cuttings or from seed. Intro- 
duced from Peru in 1757. 


Heli’pterum. From helios, the sun, and pteron, 
awing. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

An extensivé genus, separated from Helichry- 
sum, with which it was formerly classed. The 
species, commonly known as_ Ever.asting 
Flowers, are tender annuals from South Africa, 
Australia, and Tasmania. The name ‘ Ever- 
lasting Flower” is promiscuously applied to 
the plants of this genus and their allies. The 
arrangement of them in bouquets and floral 
designs is an extensive business in France and 
Germany. They grow freely from seed, and 

+ thrive best in a light, dry soil, made tolerably 
rich. Introduced from Swan River in 1863. 
Rhodanthe and Astelma are placed under this 
genus by some botanists. 


Hellebore. See Helleborus. 
White or Swamp. Veratrum nigrum. 


Helle’borus. Hellebore. From helein, to cause 
death, and bora, food; in reference to its 
poisonous quality. Nat. Ord. Ranunculacee. 

This genus consists of hardy herbaceous 
perennials, growing best under the shade of 
trees. The “Christmas Rose,” H. niger, is 
one of the most interesting plants belonging 
to this genus, on account of its flowering in 
winter or very early in spring, before almost 
every other flower. If grown ina frame, it 
will be true to its name, and flower freely 
during the Christmas holidays. It isincreased 
by division of the roots; introduced from 
Austria in 1596. 


Helmet. The hooded upper part of some flow- 
ers, as in the Monkshood. 


Helmet Flower. A common name applied to 
Aconitum, Coryanthes, and Scutellaria. 


He'lmia. In honor of Dr. C. Helm, a German 
ecclesiastic. Nat. Ord, Dioscoreacew. 
A genus of handsome climbers, allied to the 
Dioscorea or Yam, and requiring the same 
treatment. 


Helo’nias. From helos, a-marsh; habitat of the 
species. A genus of Liliacee, the only species, 
of which H. bullata is a pretty herbaceous 
perennial, flowering early in spring, found 
sparingly in boggy places from New Jersey to 
Virginia. 

Hemero’calli’dez. A sub-division of the nat- 
ural order Liliacee. 


Hemeroca'llis. Day Lily. From hemera, a day, 
and kallos, beauty; alluding to the beauty and 
duration of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

Strong perennial plants, with yellow or cop- 
per-colored flowers. They are perfectly hardy, 
and thrive best in a moist, shady situation. 
The more common sortsare unworthy of culti- 
vation. H. flava, found from the south of 
Europe to Siberia and Japan, has beautiful 
clear yellow, very fragrant flowers, borne in 
clusters on tall scapes. If in a shady 
border they remain some time in flower. 
Propagated by division of the root. 


HER 


Hemioni’tes, From hemionos, a mule; supposed 
to be barren. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A small genus of Ferns, with simple palmate 
fronds, natives of the tropics of both the New 
and Old Worlds. They are exceedingly inter- 
esting plants for the hot-house, where they 
must be grown. They are increased by divi- 
sion ; introduced in 1798. 

Hemite'lia. From hemi, half, and telia, alid; in 
reference to the shape of the indusium. A 
genus of about thirty species of tree ferns, 
belonging to the Nat. Ord. Polypodiacew. 

Natives of South America, and the West 
Indies. They are all strong growers making 
beautiful specimens, but require a large green- 
house or conservatory to give room for their 
proper development. 


Hemlock. See Coniwm maculatum. 
Water. Cicuta virosa, and C. maculata. 
Spruce. See Tsuga Canadensis. 


Hemp. The common name of Cannabis sativa, 
also applied to various valuable fibres 
employed for manufacturing purposes. 

Bow-String of India. Sanseviera Zeylanica, 
and Calotropis gigantea. ‘ 

Canada or Indian. Apocynum cannabinum. 

East Indian. Cunnabis sativa, and Hibiscus 
cannabinus. 

Manilla. The fibre of Musa teztilis. 

Water. Hupatorium cannabinum, 
cannabina, and Bidens tripartita. 


Hemp Nettle. Galeopsis Tetrahit. 
Hemp Weed. Climbing. IMikania scandens. 
Hen and Chicken Daisy. See Bellis perennis. 


Hen and Chickens. A popular name for one 
of the Houseleeks, Sempervivum soboliferum. 


Henbane. See Hyoscyamus. 
Henna Plant. Lawsonia alba. 


Hep, or Hip. The fruit of the Dog Rose, Rosa 
canina, and other species of Rosa. 

Hepa'tica. From hepaticos, relating to the 
liver; referring to the lobed leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Ranunculacee. 

A small genus of hardy herbaceous peren- 
nials, one of our earliest ‘‘ wild flowers,” and. 
very common in the woods throughout the 
Eastern and Northern States. It succeeds 
well in a shady border. 


Herac’leum. Cow Parsnip. From heracles, a 
plant cunsecrated to Hercules. Nat. Ord. 
Umbellifere. 

A genus of large, coarse-growing, hardy 
perennials and biennials, bearing large umbels 
of white flowers. They are all too weedy in 
appearance for the flower garden, being suit- 
able only for large masses in rocky places 
difficult to cultivate. 


Herb. A plant that does not possess a woody 
stem. 


Herbaceous. Merely green, or thin green and 
cellular, as the tissue of membraneous leaves. 
Also producing an annual stem from a peren- 
nial root. 

Herbaceous Plants, Hardy. W. Robinson in 
‘‘ Hardy Flowers,” London, 1888, says: ‘‘ The 
culture of the finest hardy perennials need 
not interfere in the slightest degree with that 
of bedding plants, or anything else—indeed it 
would enhance the beauty of all, and in 
almost every garden there is, goodness 
knows, an abundance of room for improve- 


Acnida 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 187 


HER 


ment of this kind. To discuss the subject 
from the basis of the ‘mixed border,” is 
completely to beg the question, and in most 
cases when people discuss this question, the 
old mixed border seems to represent their 
ideal of the highest beauty to be attained by 
the use of the hardy herbaceous and alpine 
flora of our gardens. To me it has a very 
different and a very much wider and nobler 
aspect. I have been somewhat surprised 
that people have spoken so encouragingly of 
the matter, considering their point of view. 
During the past eight or nine yearsI have 
sought after hardy plants of all kinds unre- 
mittingly,and previous to that I had seena 
few good old-fashioned mixed borders; but at 
no time have I ever seen anything in this way 
that displayed a tithe of the beautiful plants 
which it might have had, or that was in any 
way worthy of a beautiful garden. Assuredly 
a well arranged mixed border would be one of 
the most interesting things ever seen in any 
garden. But it is not alone in that way that 
the plants under discussion may be made 
available. Many combinations of the utmost 
beauty and which have not yet been attempted 
in gardens, are quite possible with them, and 
very few have any idea of the many divers 
ways in which they may be cultivated, so as to 
attain the happiest results.” A collection of 
hardy plants is most: interesting, and should 
form a feature in every garden. 
ment is of the easiest description, provided 
due preparation is made for their reception, 
and ordinary attention bestowed afterwards 
in keeping the borders cleaned, and the plants 
tied up to protect them from rough winds. 
Some sorts are well adapted for massing in 
large or small beds, the majority however, 
most suitable for cultivation in private gar- 
dens may be better arranged in mixed 
borders, reserving the dwarf and more deli- 
eate sorts for special culture in the rock- 
garden. <A general display at any particular 
season is not usually the rule with a varied 
collection of herbaceous plants, yet their 
flowering period extends with one or another 
genus nearly throughout the year; spring 
and autumn being the seasons when most 
are represented, their requirements being 
more fully met by a cooler temperature and 
moister atmosphere than those experienced 
in summer. Mixed borders, groups and beds 
of the finer perennials may be much improved 
by being varied with tufts of the finer orna- 
mental grasses, which see. Various select 
perennials, grown in quantity, afford an in- 
valuable supply of cut flowers especially in 
early autumn; a large number ‘also of the 
bulbous section, flower very early in spring, 
and are additionally attractive and useful on 
that account. The majority of hardy plants 
may be readily raised from seed, sown outside 
after the first of April, when germination is 
tolerably certain ; a large proportion however 
may be readily propagated by division on the 
commencement of the new growth in spring. 
The following selection embraces many of 
the most desirable species and varieties; asa 
guide in planting we give the color and the 
average height in feet: 
Achillea Eupatorium, bright yellow, 4 ft. 

Millefolium roseum, rose, 2 ft. 

Ptarmica fl. pl., double white, 1 ft. 

‘tomentosa, bright yellow, 1 ft. 


Their treat- | 


HER 


Aconitum Californicum, blue, 2 to 3 ft. 
Japonicum, flesh color, 6 ft. 
Napellus, blue, 3 to 4 ft. 
variegatum, blue, 3 to4 ft. 
Acorus Japonicus variegata, 11g ft. 
Adonis vernalis, yellow, 34 to 1 ft. 
Aigopodium podograria variegata, white, 1 ft. 
AKthionema grandiflora, rose, 114 ft. 
Ajuga reptans, blue, 34 ft. 
reptans variegata, blue, 34 ft. 
Allium Moly, yellow, 1 ft. 
Alyssum saxatile, yellow, 1 ft. 
Amsonia salicifolia, blue, 2 ft. 
Anchusa Italica, bright blue, 3 ft. 
Anemone Japonica, rosy carmine, 2 ft. 
Japonica alba, white, 2 ft. 
Anthemis tinctoria, yellow, 11¢ ft. 
Anthericum Liliastrum, white, 11¢ ft. 
Aquilegia ccerulea, blue and white, 1 ft. 
chrysantha, yellow, 2 ft. 
The various varieties of A. vulgaris, both 
double and single, height 2 to 3 ft. 
Arabis albida, white, (3 to % ft. 
albida variegata, white, Y ft. 
Armeria vulgaris, or maritima, the variety called 
“«Crimson Gem,” bright rose, 1 ft. 
Asclepias tuberosa, orange, 2 ft. 
verticillata, white, 11 ft. 
Asperula odorata, white, 1 ft. 
Aster prenanthoides, light blue, 3ft., and many 
others of our native species. 
Astilbe Japonica (Spirea), white, 1 ft. 
Aubretia, several species, light purple, very 
dwarf. 
Baptisia Australis, blue, 2 to 3 ft. 
Betonica grandiflora, purple, 2 ft. 
Bocconia cordata, buff-color, 5 to 6 ft. 
Boltonia lateesquama, light blue, 3 ft. 
Campanula. The species of this genus are all 
well worthy of cultivation. 
Centaurea montana, purple, 1 ft. 
Centranthus ruber, and its white variety, 2 ft. 
Cerastium tomentosum, white foliage and flow- 
ers, very dwarf. 
Chrysopsis Mariana, yellow, 1 ft. 
Clematis crispa, lilac, 4 to 6 ft. 
erecta, white, 3 ft. 
Colchicum autumnale, pink, 1 ft. 
Commelina celestis, blue, 1 ft. 
Convallaria majalis (Lily-of-the-Valley). 
Coreopsis auriculata, yellow, 2 to 3 ft. 
lanceolata, yellow, 2 ft. 
tenuifolia, yellow, 11g ft. 
Coronilla varia, rose and white, 2 to 3 ft. 
Corydalis nobilis, yellow, 1 ft. 
Cypripedium spectabile, and other species. 
Delphinium celestinum, light blue, 4 ft. 
formosum, blue and white, 3 ft. 
nudicaule, scarlet, 2 ft. 
Wheelerii, blue and purple, 4 ft. 
Dianthus plumarius, light purple, 1 ft. 
Dicentra eximia, pink, 144 ft. 
spectabilis (Dielytra), pink, 2 ft. 
Dictamnus Fraxinella, pink, 14 ft. 
Fraxinella alba, white, 11 ft. 
Dodecatheon Meadia, etc., pink and yellow, 1 ft. 
Doronicum Caucasicum and other sorts, yel- 
low, 2 ft. 
Dracocephalum, several species, blue, 1 to 2 ft. 
Echinacea purpurea, red, 3 to 4 ft. 
Echinops spherocephalus, light blue, 3 ft. 
Eomecon chionantha, white, 1 ft. 
Epilobium augustifolium, crimson, 3 to 6 ft. 
Epimedium alpinum, red, 1 ft. 
violaceum, white and violet, 1 ft. 


188 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HER 


Eranthis hyemalis, yellow, 1 ft. 
Eryngium amethystinum, light blue, 3 ft. 
Euphorbia corollata, white, lg ft. 
Funkia lanceolata, lilac, 146 ft. 
ovata marginata, blue, 1}¢ ft. 
subcordata, white, 2 ft. 
Galium mollugo, white, 3 ft. 
Geranium pratense, light purple, 2 ft. 
Geum coccineum plenum, scarlet, 2 ft. 
Gillenia trifoliata, light red, 1 to 2 ft. 
Glaucium corniculatum, yellow, 2 ft. 
Gypsophila paniculata, white, 3 ft. 
Harpalium rigidum, yellow, 3 ft. 
Helianthus multiforus, yellow, 4 ft. 
orgyalis, yellow, 6 ft. 
Helleborus niger, white, 1% ft. 
Hemerocallis flava, yellow, 2 ft. 
rutilans, orange-red, 2 ft. 
Kwanso fl. pl., orange-red, 2 ft. 
Hesperis matronalis, purple and white, 114 ft. 
Hibiscus grandiflora, white and rose, 4 to 8 ft. 
. Hyacinthus candicans, white, 4 ft. 
Iberis correfolia, white, 1 ft. 
Gibraltarica, rosy-white, 1 ft. 
sempervirens, white, 34 ft. 
Iris fostidissima variegata, bluish, 11¢ ft. 
Germanica, many sorts, 114 ft. 
Keempferii, many sorts, 2 ft. 
pumila, purple and white, 1¢ ft. 
Lamium maculatum, purple, x ft. 
Lathyrus platyphyllus (varieties), 6 ft. 
Liatris pycnostachys, purple, 3 ft. 
spicata, purple, 2 to 3 ft. 
Libertia ixioides, white, 11 ft. 
Lilium, many sorts, 1 to 5 ft. 
Lobelia cardinalis, scarlet, 2 ft. 
Lotus corniculatus, yellow, very dwarf. 
Lupinus polyphyllus, blue, 1 ft. 
Lychnis Chalcedonica fl. pl., scarlet. 
Chalcedonica alba, white, 3 ft. 
Lysimachia clethroides, white, 2 feet. 
nummularia, yellow, very dwarf. 
vulgaris, yellow, 2 ft. 
Lythrum salicaria, reddish-purple, 2 to 5 ft. 
Mertensia virginica, blue and red, 114 ft. 
Monarda didyma, scarlet, 2 ft. 
Bradburiana, purple, 2 ft. 
Myosotis palustris, light blue, 34 ft. 
Narcissus, many sorts, 1 ft. 
Cnothera Fraseri, yellow, 2 ft. 
riparia, yellow, 1 ft. 
Missouriensis, yellow, 34 ft. 
Omphalodes verna, blue, 1 ft. 
Papaver orientale, scarlet, 4 ft. 
Phlox subulata, purple; reptans, reddish-pur- 
ple, and other dwarf sorts. 
Garden hybrids of P. decussata, etc. 
Platycodon grandiflorum, blue, 114 ft. 
grandiflorum album, white, 11¢ tt. 
Peeonia officinalis, many varieties and colors, 
2 ft. 
tenuifolia fi. pl., crimson, 1 ft. 
Polemonium ceruleum and reptans, blue, 1 ft. 
moly genus cuspidatum, syn. P. Sieboldii, white, 
ft. 


Pyrethrum roseum and other species, 11¢ ft. 

Ramondia Pyrenaica, light purple, dwart. 

Ranunculus aconitifolius fl. pl., white, 2 ft. 

. acris fi. pl., yellow, 2 ft. 

Romneya Coulteri, white, 5 ft. 

Rudbeckia triloba, and other species, yellow, 2 
to 3 ft. 

Salvia pratensis, blue, 114 ft. 

Sanguinaria Canadensis, white, 1g ft. 

Saponaria ocymoides, pink, dwarf. 


HER 


Saxifraga crassifolia, red, 1 ft. 
Sedum, many sorts, principally dwarf. 
Sempervivum, many sorts. 
Silene alpestris, rose, 4 ft. 
viscosa fl. pl., deep pink, 1 ft. 
Spirea Aruncus, white, 4 ft. 
Filipendula fl. pl., white, 1 ft. 
lobata, red, 2 ft. 
palmata, red, 2 ft. 
Ulmaria, white, 1 ft. 
variegata, white, 1 ft. 
Stachys lanata, purple, 1 ft. 
Symphytum asperrimum, bluish-purple, 2 ft. 
officinale variegata, white, 2 ft. 
Tradescantia Virginica, blue and white varie- 
ties, 2 ft. 7 
Tricyrtis grandiflora, white and purple, 14g ft. 
Trifolium incarnatum, rose colored, 1 ft. 
rubens, purplish red, 1 ft. 
Trillium grandiflorum, white, 44 ft. 
Tunica saxifraga, red, dwarf. 
Valeriana officinalis, white, 3 ft. 
Veronica spicata, blue and other sorts. 
Vinca minor, white and blue varieties, dwarf. 
Viola, many sorts and colors, ¥ ft. 
Yucca filamentosa, white, 5 ft. 


Herbarium. The Herbarium or Hortus Siccus, 
is a collection of dried specimens of plants, 
named and systematically arranged. It is in- 
dispensable to the student, as well as to the 
working botanist. Beginners in the study 
should possess, or have access to an her- 
barium, which should contain specimens rep- 
resenting all the natural orders, and as many 
of the genera and species of the plants of his 
immediate vicinity or district as possible. An 
herbarium, however, may be restricted to a 
particular family of plants, made the object 
of special study. 

There has been considerable difference of 
opinion as to the proper size of the sheets for 
the Herbarium. The principal British her- 
baria adopt the size of 1614 x 10l¢ inches, 
which is thought rather: narrow, rarely per- 
mitting two specimens of the same species to 
be placed side by side. In the United States 
1614 x 1134 has been adopted, and which is, 
perhaps, the best to follow, though we think 
asize of 20x16 inches is not too large to 
handle for the genus covers, ‘the species 
paper being one-quarter of an inch narrower. 

Specimens intended to be dried should be 
gathered on a fine day; if wet with rain they 
are liable to lose their color, the great enemy 
to the preservation of which is damp. 
readiness there should be six or eight pieces 
of stout book or millboard, say twenty inches 
long by fifteen broad, a good supply of old 
newspapers folded to about the same average 
dimensions; also a few quires of blotting 
paper, a few pieces of tissue paper cut to the 
size of one’s hand, and half a dozen squares of 
cotton wadding cut to the same size as the 
boards. Using a board as a foundation, place 
upon it a couple of the folded newspapers, 
and then dispose the plant in the middle, let- 
ting it fall naturally, but keeping the leaves 
and other parts as little crumpled as possible; 
cover in turn with blotting paper, then news- 
papers, and so on till all are safely deposited. 
The extra boards are to interfere, if needful, 
the tissue paper is to lay, when necessary, 
over flowers of particular delicacy; the cot- 
ton wadding is to employ when the stem of 


ron” 


i 


HELLEBORUS NIGER (CHRISTMAS ROBE). 


HIBISCUS SINENSIS. 


AT S's 


pram: 
Bese ek 


HESPERIS (SWEET ROCKET), 


HELIPTERUM, 


HIBISCUS CALIFORNICUS. HEPATICA TRILOBA, 589 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 189 


HER 


the specimen is inordinately thick, so that a 
vacuum would be caused if the wadding were 


not there. A stout board at the top completes | 
the preparations. A weight of several pounds | 


more or less, according to the height of the 
pile, should be placed on top for twenty-four 
hours, when on examination the specimens 
will be found to be quite flat but limp and full 
of moisture. Now shift them into blotting 
paper, with tissue paper where very tender, 
and newspapers between each as before. In 
aday or two the specimens should have a 
second shift, allthe papers used being perfectly 
dry and warm. <A third and fourth shift into 
dry and warm papers, will ordinarily suffice 
to dry the specimens thoroughly, and fix the 
colors. It is no advantage to use warm 
papers for the commencing process, which is 
merely one of compression. Drying rarely 
commences for at least two days, and the 
more rapidly this is accomplished the better 
the success in retaining the colors. 

When perfectly dry, the specimens should 
be laid out upon half sheets of tolerably stiff 
paper, and the half sheets be placed within a 
whole sheet. Ifthe specimens are likely to 
be often handled and examined, it is desirable 
they should be mounted. This is best accom- 
plished by glueing bodily on the sheet with 
white glue, or by transverse strips of gummed 
paper. Sometimes it is preferable to keep the 
specimens loose. Inferior ones can then be 
superseded by better; the venation of the 
leaves can be scrutinized when there is need, 
and a vast amount of labor saved. When 
mounted, the name, date, and locality where 
gathered, should be written on the contain- 
ing paper; if kept loose, the same particulars 
should be stated on a ticket and the ticket 
attached to the specimen. As soon as anum- 
ber are got together, they should be sorted, 
according to their natural orders, a sheet 
being devoted to every order, with its name 
in bold writing on the outside. When the 
orders themselves become well illustrated, 
the genera should be isolated in a similar 
manner, and when a genus becomes well illus- 
trated the particular species should have sep- 
arate sheets. By this means continual ex- 
pansion is provided for. ‘‘There is a place 
for everything, and everything in its place.” 
The nomenclature and arrangement should be 
according to some published catalogue, the 
newer the better. Finally the sheets of spec- 
imens should be deposited in a suitable cabi- 
net, or they may be wrapped in brown paper, 
marked outside as to the contents. This pre- 
serves them from dust, which is often a sad 
blemish to an Herbarium, where cleanliness 
ranks next to order and accuracy. 

Everything that is interesting in economic 
botany, useful in medicine, employed in art 
or science, curious in structure, or in any 
way identified with floriculture, is worthy of 
preservation. The object of the Herbarium 
is to illustrate the plant in the most perfect 
manner possible. Such plants accordingly as 
grasses and ferns, should be procured at dif- 
ferent stages. Cotyledons, root leaves, 
sprays showing plumules, others showing 
stipules; autumnal foliage, leaves bearing 
parasitic fungi, should all be treated as though 
they were flowers. Seed-pods likewise should 
be introduced and packets of ripe seed should 
be kept in envelopes. Tendril-bearing plants, 


HER 


such as the Vetch, and twiners like the Hop, 
should be got while clinging to their prop, 
and the two be dried together. Thus we see 
the mode of life as well as the organs. Pro- 
ducts also should be introduced, such as lace 
bark, and the bark of the paper Birch, rice 
paper, Brousonettia cloth, or anything that 
lies flat, and helps to interpret the plants. 
Never be content, except where unavoidable, 
with a fragment. Every specimen should be 
large and handsome, coextensive with the 
room given by the paper. Fragments, of 
course, are better than nothing, but they 
should be regarded as only specimens pro tem. 

An Herbarium, therefore, is a life-long ex- 
ercise in everything implied, in order and 
neatness, accuracy of scientific observation 
and discrimination, and in exact and logical 
mental work. It is an unfailing amusement; 
it is profoundly educational alike to one’s 
self, and to others; it is a commentary on 
one’s tastes, and a history of experience. 

Herbe'rtia. Named after Dr. Herbert, Dean of 
Manchester, a distinguished investigator of 
bulbous plants. Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 

Very pretty species from South America, 
nearly hardy, requiring only the protection of | 
the frame. It does well grown in pots. The 
flowers resemble the Iris, and are of various 
colors, blue and white predominating. Prop- 
agated by offsets. Introduced in 1830. 


Herb Christopher. Actewa spicata, and Osmunda 
regalis. 

Herb of Grace, or Herb of Repentance. Ruta 
graveolens. 


Herb Robert. Geranium Robertianum. 


Herbs. In every garden a piece of ground 
should be specially devoted to Herbs, more 
especially to those of which only a few plants 
need be kept. Part ofthe space should also 
be devoted to the annual sorts in preference 
to growing them in various parts of the gar- 
den. Itis also just the place for the orderly 
and systematic culture of all small salading, 
such as Mustard and Cress, a constant success- 
ion of young Onions, a row of Chives, and the 
cultivation of Radishes, etc., throughout the 
season. Parsley requires special attention, as 
it is always of great importance for garnishing. 
The following are among the most useful 
Herbs in cultivation for flavoring purposes: 
Angelica, Sweet Basil, Borage, Burnet, Car- 
away, Anise, Chervil, Chives, Coriander, Dill, 
Fennel, Horehound, Lavender, Rosemary, 
Sweet Marjoram, Mint, Parsley, Pennyroyal, 
Rue, Sage, Summer and Winter Savory, Tar- 
‘ragon, Thyme, and Wormwood. 

Hercules Club. Aralia spinosa, and Xantho- 
aylum Clava-Hercules. 

Herd’s Grass. The New England name of 
Phleum'pratense. ; 5 

In Pennsylvania Agrostis vulgaris is com- 
monly called Herd’s Grass. 

Herma‘nnia. Named for Paul Hermann, at 
one-time Professor of Botany at Leyden. An 
extensive genus of Sterculiacee, including 
about eighty species of twiggy undershrubs, 
having the stems and leaves more or less 
clothed with starry hairs. The pretty nodding, 
sometimes sweet scented, flowers, are pale 
yellow, orange, or reddish-colored, disposed 
in dense clusters, or loose racemes or panicles 
at the ends of the twigs. Three of the species 


190 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HER 


are natives of Mexico and Texas, the rest are 
all African. Propagated by cuttings. 


Hermaphrodite. Having both stamens and 
pistils in one bloom, as in most common 
plants. 

Heron’s Bill. See Hrodium. 

Herpe’stis. From herpestes, a creeping thing; 
in reference to the creeping stems. Nat. Ord. 
Scrophulariacee. 

An extensive genus of herbaceous peren- 
nials, chiefly aquatics, common throughout 
all tropical countries. There are also several 
species found in marshy places in the South- 
ern and Western States. The species are 
mostly uninteresting. H. reflexa, a species of 
recent introduction, is a valuable plant for the 
aquarium. 


Herra’/nia. Named after Gen. Herran, a Presi- 
dent of the Republic of New Grenada. Nat. 
Ord. Sterculiacee. 

This genus consist of three or four species 
of evergreen trees, natives of South América, 
and one from Australia. They have palm- 
like heads, composed of large digitate leaves. 
They are very showy, but too large for general 
green-house cultivation. 


Hesperalo’e. From hesperos, western, and 
Aloe, alluding to the aspect of the plant, and 
its native habitat. Nat. Ord. Liliacea. 

H. Zuccifolia is a very striking and interest- 
ing green-house plant, having a leafy stem, on 
a very short caudex. The pale rose-colored 
flowers are borne in loose racemes on a leafless 
scape, three to four feet high. It was intro- 


duced to cultivation from Texas in 1882. Syn. . 


H. Engelmanni. 


Hespera/ntha. Evening Flower. From hesperos, 
the evening, and anthos, a flower. Nat. Ord. 
Tridacee. 


A genus of Cape bulbs closely allied to the 
Izia. The species are remarkable for expand- 
ing their sweet-scented flowers in the even- 
ing; hence their name. The flowers are 
mostly white, sometimes stained on the out- 
side with purple or brown. Culture same as 
Ixia; introduced in 1825. 


He’speris. Rocket. From hesperos, the evening; 
the Rockets being sweeter toward evening. 
Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

These flowers, though very common, are 
rarely well grown, as they require a great deal 
of care to bring them to perfection. They are 
all perennials ; and as soon as they have done 
flowering they should be taken up and trans- 
planted into fresh and very rich soil, which 
must be of a light and friable nature. Thus 
treated, the double white and double purple 
varieties of Hesperis matronalis will attain 
extraordinary size, and will flower splendidly ; 
they are propagated by seeds or division of 
roots. 


Hesperosco/rdum. Literally, the Onion of the 
West; from hesperos, the west, and skordon, 
garlic. Nat. Ord. Liliacea. 

A small genus of California bulbs, allied to 
the Allium, with large and showy flowers, blue 
and white. They have a strong smell of gar- 
lic, which is a barrier to their introduction to 
the flower garden. Syn. Brodiea. 

Hetera/‘nthera. From heteros, variable, and 
anther; the Anthers are variable. Nat. Ord. 
Tridacee. 


Hexace'ntris. 


HIB 


A genus containing about eight species of 
ornamental aquatic perennial herbs, of which 
one is African and all the rest American. 
Flowers blue or white, produced from a spathe 
in the axil of a sheathing leaf stalk. H. reni- 
formis, the Mud Plantain, with roundish kid- 
ney-shaped leaves and white flowers, is not 
unfrequent by the muddy banks of streams in 
the Southern States. H. limosum, with blue 
flowers, is found from western Virginia to 
Illinois and southward. 


Heteroce/ntron. From heteros, variable, and 
kentron, asharp point. Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. 
A genus of free-flowering under-shrubs from 
Mexico. There are but two species, one H. 
album, with white, the other, H. rosewm, with 
crimson-purple flowers, produced in axillary 
or terminal clusters. They make very desir- 
able plants for winter blooming, and are pro- 
pagated by cuttings. Syn. Heeria. 


Heuche'ra. Alum root. Named after Professor 
Heucher, a German botanist. Nat. Ord. Sazi- 
fragacee. 

A genus of very handsome herbaceous peren- 
nials, natives of this country and Siberia. The 
leaves are entire, from the center of which the 
flower scape arises from one to three feet 
high, with terminal panicles of greenish or 
purplish flowers. The root of H. Americana 
is so astringent that it is called Alum-root; 
propagated by division of the roots in spring. 


From hex, six, and centron, a 
spur; alluding to two of its stamens having 
one spur each, and two of them two spurs 
each. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
shrubs, of climbing habit, with dentate leaves. 
The flowers are purple or yellow, produced in 
many flowered terminal or axillary racemes in 
June. They are natives of India, and are pro- 
pagated by cuttings. This genus is now in- 
cluded by Bentham and Hooker under Thun- 
bergia. 


Hibbe’rtia. In honor of George Hibbert, a dis- 


tinguished promotor of botany. Nat. Ord. 
Dilleniacee. 

Green-house evergreen shrubs, from New 
Holland and the Cape of Good Hope. There 
are more than fifty species included in this 
genus. Most of them are small, heath-like, 
tufted shrubs, or of a slender trailing habit; a 
few are climbing shrubs. Their flowers are 
yellow, borne at the ends of the branches, and 
generally give out a very unpleasant odour. 
H. dentata, a climbing species, is one of the 
most showy, and grows six or eight feet high. 
H. volubilis, the largest species of the genus, 
has a stiff climbing stem and pale yellow 
flowers two inches across, but most disagree- 
ably scented. Propagated from cuttings of 
half-ripened shoots in spring; introduced in 
1823 ‘ 


Hibi’scus. Virgil’s name for the Marsh-mallow. 
Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 

An extensive genus, consisting of annuals, 
perennials, and hardy and green-house shrubs. 
All the kinds bear very showy flowers, and 
deserve to be extensively cultivated. H. rosa- 
sinensis pleno produces large double flowers, 
scarlet, and yellow, or buff, requiring simple 
green-house treatment. A singular freak of 
this species is, that orange and crimson flow- 
ers are occasionally seen on the same plant. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 191 


HIC 


Quite a number of varieties of H. rosa-sinensis 
have been introduced of late years that are 
much superior to the typical species. H. 
Syriacus (Althea), one of our most beautiful 
hardy shrubs, the mure valuable as it is a free 
flowerer, will grow almost anywhere, and 
propagates freely by seeds, layers and cut- 
tings. There is a pretty variegated-leaved 
variety of H. Syriacus, quite hardy, introduced 
by the late Robert Buist, of Philadelphia, 
Penn. The varieties of this species are used 
for hedges in many places along our coast, 
where the soil is too poor for any other shrub 
to thrive. H. Moscheutosis abundant in marshy 
places along our coasts. The flowers are 
a light rosy-pink color, sometimes nearly 
white, five to six inches in diameter, borne in 
great numbers on a scape three to four feet 
high. This species improves in size of plant 
and color of flower by removing it from its 
habitat to a dry situation in the border. H. 
Californica is a strong-growing species, bear- 
ing immense pure white flowers, and is one of 
the most va'uable plants of recent introduc- 
tion. The perennials are propagated by seeds 
or division of roots. The annuals are showy 
and grow readily from seed. 4H. esculentus, 
or Abelmoschus esculentus of modern botanists, 
is the Okra of the gardens, a tender annual 
from Central America and the West Indies. In 
the latter it is known as Gombo, and is exten- 
sively grown for the seed pods, which are used 
as a vegetable. The unripe pods are added to 
soups to render them more mucilaginous. 
They are also pickled like capers, and make 
an excellent salad. Okra may be raised by 
sowing the seed in spring as soon as the 
ground is warm. The dwarf varieties are 
preferable, being more productive, and requir- 
ing less space for their development. The 
soil should be rich to make tender pods. 


Hickory. See Carya. 


Hiera’cium. Hawkweed. From hieraz, a 
hawk; being supposed to sharpen the sight 
of birds of prey. Nat. Ord. Composite. ; 

A large genus of free-flowering, handsome 
herbaceous perennials, quite hardy and well 
adapted for planting among rock-work, or 
near the front of large groups of mixed plants ; 
the genus also contains a very beautiful an- 
nual suited for growing in masses; this is 
perhaps better known by the English name 
of the genus, Hawkweed. The flowers of 
nearly all the species are yellow, several 
of them are indigenous and common, but not- 
withstanding are well deserving the little at- 
tention necessary to keep them in the neat 
order requisite in the flower garden. Most 
species are from Central Europe, and have 
long been cultivated as garden flowers. 


Hiero’chloa. Holy Grass, Vanilla Grass, 
Seneca Grass. From hieros, holy, and chloa, 
grass. Nat. Ord. Graminacew. 

Asmall genus of grasses inhabiting high 
altitudes, both in this country and in Europe. 
The species have no agricultural value, as they 
produce but little herbage, and have very pow- 
erful creeping roots, which are very difficult 
to extirpate, making. it troublesome in cul- 
tivated fields. H. borealis, having been dedi- 
cated to the Virgin Mary, is much used in 
Catholic countries for strewing before their 
churches. In Sweden it is hung over beds in 
the belief thatit induces sleep, because of its 


HIP 


sacred influence. In Iceland it is used to 
scent the clothes and apartments of the in- 
habitants. The scent emitted is very similar 
to that of the Sweet-scented Vernal Grass. 


Hill. This is a term used to designate the 
place where Tomatoes, Corn, Potatoes, Mel- 
ons, etc., are planted; and the use of the 
term often leads the novice to serious errors 
in planting, as it gives the impression that 
a hill or mound must be made to sow and 
plant on, and which is often done to the detri- 
ment of the crop, as in our hot and dry cli- 
mate, if a mound of four or five inches is 
raised above the general level, the plants suf- 
fer often severely indry weather. Ifa‘‘hill” 
is formed atall, it should only be by drawing 
the soil up to the plant to support it after it 
has well started to grow; such a mound will 
then do less harm, as the foliage shades the 
ground. In planting then, particularly on 
light, dry soils, the ‘‘hills” for sowing or 
planting should be made nearly on the level 
surface. 

Hilum. The scar produced by the separation 
of a seed from its placenta. ‘ 
Hi/ndsia. Named after R. B. Hinds, a zealous 

botanist. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

Green-house evergreen shrubs from Brazil. 
Some of the species are plants of great beauty. 
H. violacea bears clusters of ultra-marine 
flowers two inches long, very showy. They 
are propagated by cuttings; introduced in 
1844. 


Hippea’strum. Knight’s Star Lily. From 
hippeus, a knight, and astron, a star; referring 
to one of the species. Nat. Ord. Amarylli- 
dace. 

This may, with justice, be termed the most 
noble and showy section of the family to 
which it belongs. The flowers are variously 
colored; some species have them entirely 
crimson, while others are white, abundantly 
streaked with red or crimson. The plants 
require the came treatment as Amaryllis. 
This genus was formerly classed with the 
Amaryllis, but was separated from it some 
years ago by the Rev. W. Herbert, who, in 
fact, reconstructed the whole family. They 
are, however, still classed by many under 
Amaryllis (which see), and are remarkable for 
the number of gorgeous and attractive hy- 
prids and crosses that have been obtained by 
the skill and perseverance of the hybridist. 
Propagated by offsets. First introduced 
from Lima in 1836. 

Hippo’mane. Manchineel- or Manzanillo tree. 
From hippos, a horse, and mane, madness; 
alluding to the effects of the original plant. 
Nat. Ord. Huphorbiacee. 

H. Mancinella, the only species is an ever- 
green one that grows to an immense size, 
and is very common in many of the West 
Indian Islands and in Venezuela and Panama, 
usually growing on sandy sea shores. The 
violent nature of the juice of the Man- 
chineel tree has given rise, in the western 
hemisphere, to nearly as wonderful stories as 
those associated with the Upas tree in the 
eastern. 

The fruit is beautiful, resembling an apple, 
but is a virulent poison. The whole tree 
abounds with a white milky juice, which is 
also of an acrid noxious quality. If a single 
drop of this juice drops on the skin, it causes 


192 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HIP 


. asensation like the touch of a hot iron, and 
raises a blister on the part. The wood is 
beautifully variegated with brown and white, 
and is highly prized for furniture and orna- 
ments. The workmen who fell the trees first 
kindle a fire around the stem. by which 
means the juice becomes so much thickened, 
as not to flow out when wounds are made 
with their axes. Whole woods on the sea 
coast of Martinique have been burnt in order 
to clear the country of such a dangerous 
plant. One of the most dangerous properties 
of this tree, is that of causing blindness, if by 
chance the least drop of the milk, or the 
smoke of the burning wood, comes in contact 
with the eyes. Dr. Seaman states that at 
Veraquas some of the ship’s carpenters were 
blinded for several days from the juice getting 
into their eyes whilst cutting down the Man- 
chineel trees, while he himself suffered tem- 
porary loss of sight from merely gathering 
specimens. 


Hippo’phz. Sea Buckthorn. From hippos, a 
horse, and pho, to kill; in reference to the 
supposed poisonous qualities of the seeds. 
Nat. Ord. Hlw@agnacee. 

H. rhamnoides, is a strong-growing decidu- 
ous shrub or low-growing tree, with small 
foliage of a curious grey-green color, and 
yellow, minute flowers, succeeded by bright 
orange-colored berries. It is a native of the 
east coast of Great Britain, and very suitable 
for planting near the sea as a shelter. It 
grows satisfactorily even in positions that 
are occasionally drenched by the sea-spray. 
When in fruit, it is a very ornamental shrub. 


Hippu’rus, Mare’s Tail. From hippus, a mare, 
and oura, a tail; the stem resembles a mare’s 
tail, from the crowded whorls of very narrow, 
hair-like leaves. Nat. Ord. Haloragacee. 

A very curious aquatic plant, found sparingly 
in ponds and springs from New York to Ken- 
tucky and northward. Scientists say the 
plant absorbs a large quantity of inflammable 
air, which assists in purifying the putrid air 


of marshes. It is a favorite food of wild 
ducks. 
Hirsute. Hairy; covered with somewhat soft 


hairs. 
Hispid. Covered with Jong. stiff hairs. 
Hoary. Covered with white down. 
Hoary Pea. See Tephrosia. 


Hobble-bush. A common name for Viburnum 
latanoides. 


Hoe. This consists of the ‘‘draw” and the 
‘*push” or ‘‘scuffle” hoe. There are a great 
many modifications of these. For deep hoe- 
ing the steel-pronged draw hoe is the best 
implement, being much preferable to the 
blade draw hoe, as it not only pulverizes the 
soil better, but its points penetrate the soil 
easier, and the work is thus made much 
lighter for the operator. The blade draw hoe 
should never be used, except when the ground 
is overgreen with weeds (a condition of 
things which, if possible, should never be 
allowed), or to draw earth up to plants, such 
as Celery or Cabbages. After the ground is 
new planted, before it is allowed to get hard, 
the ‘scuffle’ or *“*push hoc’ is far more 
effective than the draw hoe, particularly be- 
tween rows; nearly twice the amount of work 


ean be done than with the draw hoe, but of - 


HOP 


course that is simply stirring the surface ; for 
deep cultivation, the steel-pronged how is the 
best implement. 


Hoffma’nnia. A synonym of Campylobotrys, 
which see. 


Hog Plum. See Spondias. 

Hog-weed. A common name for Ambrosia 
artemisefolia. 

Hoi’'tzia. A synonym of Leselia, which see. 


Ho’lcus. From helko, to extract; the original 
plant was supposed to possess the power of 
extracting thorns. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of grasses that have soft woolly 
herbage, mostly natives of Great Britain, and 
of but little value. H. lanatus is common in 
our moist meadows, having become natural- 
ized from Europe; it is popularly known as 
Velvet Grass. 


Holly. See Ilex. 

Hollyhock. See Althea rosea. 

Holly, Sea. See Hrygnium. 

Holy Ghost Plant. See Peristeria elata. 


Holy Grass. A name applied to Hierocloa, a 
genus of sweet-scented grasses, that are strewn 
before the church doors on saints’ days, in 
the north of Europe. See Hierocloa. 

Holy Rose. A name given to the Rose of 
Jericho, Anastatica. 


Holy Thistle. See Carduus. 


Holy Tree. A popular name for Melia Aze- 
darach. 


Homalome’na. From homalos, flat, and mene, 
moon; a translation of the native name of 
some of the species. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A small genus of herbaceous plants, with 
heart or arrow-shaped leaves, and flowers 
resembling the Richardia. They are natives of 
China. H. cordata is occasionally grown in 
green-houses, and requires the same treat- 
ment as the Richardia. H. aromatica has an 
agreeable aromatic odor, and its root is sup- 
posed by the natives to possess medicinal 
properties. 

Home'ria. From homerio, to meet; the fila- 
ments are connected in a tube around the 
style. Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 

A small genus of pretty flowering bulbs 
from the Cape of Good Hope, aud formerly 
included in the genus Morea. They succeed 
well in the open border, but require the pro- 
tection of a frame during winter. Propagated 
by offsets, that should be taken off in Septem- 
ber. e 

Honesty. See Lunaria. 

Honey Bean. See Robinia. 


Honey Flower. See Melianthus. 


Honey Garlic. See Nectaroscordum. 
Honey Locust. See Gileditschia. 
Honey Plant. The genus Hoya. 


Honeysuckle. The common name for the genus 
Lonicera. 

Honey-wort. See Cerinthe. 

Hoop Petticoat. A common name given to the 
genus Corbularia; also to Narcissus bulboco- 
dium. 

Hop. See Humulus Lupulus. : 
Japan. A popular name for Humulus Japoni- 

cus. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 193 


HOP 


Hop Hornbeam. See Ostrya. 


ee The popular name of Ptelia trifo- 
ata. 


Ho'rdeum. Barley. According to Bodewus, the 
name is derived from hordus, heavy; because 
the bread made from Barley is very heavy. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of valuable, erect annual, rarely 
perennial grasses, natives of Europe, temper- 
ate Asia, northern Africa, and extra-tropical 
America. The most useful of the species is 
the common Barley, H. vulgare, a grain which 
has been the longest in cultivation, and is 
more generally used than any other. The 
Egyptians have a tradition that Barley was the 
first grain made use of by man, and trace its 
introduction to their goddess Isis. Pliny, in 
his Natural History, speaks of its great 
antiquity, but gives no account of its origin, 
which is as little known as that of Wheat. Of 
the kinds under cultivation, H. vulgare is the 
common four-rowed, H. distichon, the two- 
rowed, and H. hexastichon the Winter Barley, 
which has six rows of grain, each row termi- 
nating in a long beard. This is the species 
most generally cultivated in this country. H. 
jubatum, Squirrel-tail Grass, is anative species, 
and is common on the shores of the great 
lakes. It is often cultivated in collections of 
ornamental grasses. 

Horehound. See Marrubium vulgare. 


Horke’lia. Named after J. Horkel, a German 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Rosaceae. 

Hardy herbaceous perennials, found in Cali- 
fornia in 1826. They are desirable plants for 
the garden, bearing white flowers, and having 
finely cut foliage, like the Potentilla, to which 
itis allied. Propagated by seeds or division. 

Hormi/num. From horminon, the Greek name. 
Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

H. pyrenaicum, the only species is an ele- 
gant hardy, herbaceous perennial, with 
bluish-purple flowers. It is of easy culture, 
and is increased by seeds or divisions. 

Horn. Any appendage which is shaped some- 
what like the horn of an animal, as the spur 
of the petals in Linaria. 

Horn-beam. See Carpinus. 

Hormed Poppy. See Glaucium. 

Horn of Plenty. The common name of Fedia 
Cornucopia. 

Horse Balm. See Collinsonia. 

Horse Chestnut. See Asculus. 


Horse Mint. A common name for Monarda 
punctata. 

Horse Nettle. A local name of Solanum Caro- 
linense. 

Horseradish. Cochlearia armoracea. This 


plant is a native of the marshy districts of 
Great Britain, whence it was introduced into 
our gardens at an early day, and from the 
gardens it has escaped into moist, waste 
places, in various parts of the country. The 
generic name is derived from cochlear, a 
spoon; from the spoon-like, or concave leaves 
of some of the species. Asa condiment, the 
Horseradish is in general use, and is con- 
sidered stimulating tothe digestive organs. 
This root is an important crop, upwards of 
five hundred acres of it being grown in the 
vicinity of New York alone, and for the last 


HOR ’ 


twenty years there has been nothing grown 
from which more profit as a second crop has 
been realized. It isalways grown asa second 
crop in the followiug manner: 

In preparing the roots for market during 
winter, all the small rootlets are broken off 
and reserved for planting, leaving nothing 
but the main root, which is usually from 
twelve to fifteen inches long, and weighing 
about three-quarters of a pound. The root- 
lets, or sets, are cut into pieces of from four 
to six inches in length, and from one-quarter 
to one-half an inch in diameter; these are tied 
in bundles of from fifty to sixty, the top end 
being cut square and the bottom end slant- 
ing, so that in planting there will be no danger 
of setting the root upside down; for, although 
it would grow if planted thus, it would not 
make a handsome root. 

The sets, when prepared, are stowed away 
in boxes of sand, care being taken that a 
sufficiency of sand is put between each layer 
of bundles to prevent their heating. They 
may either be kept in the boxes in a cool 
cellar, or pitted in the open ground, as may be 
most convenient. 

Horseradish is always cultivated as a second 
crop, and usualiy succeeds Early Cabbage, 
Cauliflower or Beets. Thus we plant Early 
Cabbage, lining out the ground with the one- 
foot marker; on every alternate line are first 
planted the Cabbages, which stand, when 
planted, at two feet between the rows, and 
sixteen or eighteen inches between the plants. 
We always finish our entire planting before 
we put in the Horseradish, which delays it 
generally to about Ist of May. Itis then 
planted between the rows of Cabbage, and at 
about the same distance as the Cabbage is in 
the rows, giving about 12,000 or 13,000 plants 
per acre. 

The planting is performed by making a hole 
about eight or ten inches deep with a long 
planting stick or light crowbar, into which is 
dropped the Horseradish set, so that its top 
will be two or three inches under the surface; 
ifthe sets should be longer the hole should be 
made proportionally deep, so that the top of 
the set is not nearer the surface than two or 
three inches ; the earth is pressed in alongside 
the set, so as to fill up the hole, as in ordinary 
planting. 

The main reason for planting the set so far 
under the surface is to delay its coming up 
until the crop of cabbage be cleared off. The 
Horseradish makes its main growth in the 
fall, so that it is no injury to it to keep it 
from growing until July; in fact, it often 
happens that by being planted too near the 
surface, or too early, it starts to grow so as 
to interfere with the Cabbage crop; in such 
cases, we have often to cut the tops off twice 
with the hoe before the cabbage is ready, but 

_ this does not injure it in the least. 

It is a crop with which there is very little 
labor during summer; after the Cabbage has 
been cut off, the Horseradish is allowed to 
grow at will, and as it quickly covers the 
ground, one good deep stirring by hoe or culti- 
vator is all that is required afterdigging out 
the Cabbage stumps. 

When grown between Early Beets the cul- 
ture is, in all respects, the same, only it is 
more profitable to have the rows of Beets only 
eighteen inches apart; this, of course, throws 


194 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HOR 


the Horseradish nearer, so that when grown 
between Beets it should be planted at the dis- 
tance of two feet between the plants in the 
rows, making about the same number of plants 
per acre as when planted between Early 
Cabbages. 

This manner of growing Horseradish we 
claim to be a great advance on the methods 
generally practised. All American writers on 
the subject, that we have seen, follow in the 
same track, und recommend planting the 
crowns. This not only destroys the most sale- 
able part of the root, but when planted thus, 
the crowns produce only a sprawling lot of 
rootlets which are utterly unsaleable in the 
market. 


Horseradish Tree. See Moringa. 

Horse-tail. The genus Equisetum. 

Hortensis. Of or belonging to a garden; the 
word is often contracted thus: hort. 

Hotei’a Japonica. A synonym of Spiraea 
or Astilbe Japonica. 

Hottentot Bread. A South African name for 
Testudinaria Elephantipes. 


Hottentot Fig. Mesembryanthemum edule. 


Hotto’nia. Water Violet. Named after P. 
Hotton, a Dutch botanist. Nat. Ord. Primu- 
lacee. 

Hardy aquatic or marsh plants. H. inflata 
is common in pools and ditches from New 
England southward. H. palustris, the Water 
Violet, is a singular and beautiful plant, com- 
mon in pools in many parts of England. The 
leaves grow wholly under water; from them 
there arises a long flower stalk bearing a 
pyramid of blue or white flowers, which are 
disposed in whorls. Itis a very interesting 
plant for the aquarium. 


Houlle'tia. Named after M. Houllet, a French 
gardener. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of very handsome epiphytal 
Orchids, natives of Brazil. The genus is re- 
lated to Stanhopea, and requires the same 
treatment. 


Hound's Tongue. See Cynoglossum. 
Houseleek. See Sempervivum. 


Housto’nia. Named in honor of Dr. W. Houston, 
an English botanist. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 
This elegant genus of small flowering plants 
is found throughout the Northern and 
Western States. They are well adapted for 
flower borders, “rock-work, or shaded beds, 
and thrive best in a moist situation. The 
colors of the flowers are white, blue and pur- 
plé. Herbaceous perennials, popularly known 
as Bluets, and propagated by division of 
the roots. 


Ho’vea. Named after A. P. Hove, a Polish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Leguminosa. 

A genus of handsome, blue-flowered ever- 
green shrubs from New Holland. ‘ H. Celst# 
(Syn. H. elliptica), one of the best known, is a 
beautiful green-house plant, flowering like 
most of the species, inthespring. This plant 
exhibits the peculiarity of the flower buds of 
the preceding year appearing at the base of 
those expanded during the present; acommon 
condition of leaf buds, which are always visi- 
ble the season preceding their expansion. but 
not frequently so with flower buds, which, 
though they may be formed several years 


HUG 


before their development externally, gener- 
ally remain concealed till the period of their 
unfolding.” The flowers are pea-shaped, ax- 
illary, on short peduncles. Propagated by 
seeds; introduced in 1818. 

Hove'nia. In honor of David Hoven, a Senator 
of Amsterdam, who contributed to the success 
of the travels of Thunberg. Nat. Ord. 
Rhamnacee. 

These are small fruit-bearing trees, growing 
to the height of eight or ten feet, and pro- 
ducing a fruit which is said to taste like the 
Bergamot pear. JH. dulcis, a native of Japan, 
has been introduced into this country, and 
grown as an ornamental fruit-bearing tree. 
None of the other species are hardy. 


Ho’wea. From Lord Howe’s Island where 
only the genus is found. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 
This name is now generally adopted for the 
two palms introduced and cultivated under 
the names of Kentia Belmoreana, and K. 
Fosteriana. 


Ho’ya. Wax Flower. In honor of Thomas Hoy, 
F. L. S., gardener to the Duke of Northumber- 
land at Sion House, England. Nat. Ord. 
Asclepiadacee. 

The most common species, H. Carnosa, has 
curious, wax-like flowers, from which drops 
a sweet, honey-like juice. It isa hot-house 
climber, which requires a light rich soil, and 
is propagated by cuttings, which require an 
average temperature of not less than 75° to 
root freely. It is sometimes grown in green- 
houses, in a warm situation, exposed to the 
sun. It makes an excellent plant for a warm 
sitting-room, as it grows freely without direct 
light. Introduced from Asia in 1802. The 
variegated-leaved variety is a very orna- 
mental plant; H. bella, with beautiful waxy 
white flowers and dwarf shrubby slender 
habit, forms an excellent subject for a hang- 
ing basket in a warm green-house. There are 
many other species of much beauty, all requir- 
ing a warm plant-stove to bring them to per- 
fection. 


Huckleberry. Whortleberry. The popular 
names of the genus Gaylussacia, of which 
there are several species. G. dumosa, the 
Dwarf Huckleberry, G. frondosa, the Blue 
Huckleberry, and G. resinosa, the Black 
Huckleberry, are common throughout the 
United States, the latter being the Huckle- 
berry of the Northern States. 


Hudso’nia. False Heath. Named after William 
Hudson, author of ‘‘Flora Anglica.” Nat. 
Ord. Cistacee. 

A genus of bushy little heath-like shrubs, 
seldom a foot high, covered all over with 
small awl-shaped or scale-like persistent 
downy leaves, and bearing numerous small, 
but showy yellow flowers in May, crowded 
along the upper part of the branches. Found 
in dry sandy soil near the coast. from Maine 
to Virginia. From its resemblance when not 
in bloom to Heather (Calluna vulgaris), it is 
often taken for that plant. 


Huge'lia. Named after Baron Hugel, of Vienna, 
Nat. Ord. Polemoniacee. : 
A small genus of hardy annuals from Cali- 
fornia with blue and_ yelluw flowers, 
propagated by seeds. First discovered in 
1833. This genus is now included under 
Gilia. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 195 


HUM 


Huma'ta. Meaning unknown. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
podiacee. 

A small genus of dwarf evergreen ferns, 
allied to Davallia.under which genus they are 


now included by some authors. 


Humble Plant. 
dica. 


Hu’mea. Named after Lady Hume. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 
H. elegans, the only species, is an elegant 
biennial plant, which should be sown on a 
slight hot-bed in spring, then potted off and 
kept in the open air during summer, and in 
the green-house during winter, to be finally 
- planted in the open border in May the second 
year. If the plants are repotted once or 
twice during the course of the first summer, 
always into only a little larger pots, they will 
become so much stronger befure they are 
finally planted out as amply to repay the ad- 
ditional trouble. Itis a very ornamental plant 
for the lawn or sub-tropical garden. It grows 
from four to six feet high, its brownish-red, 
pink, or crimson minute flower-heads being 
disposed in a large, loosely-hranched terminal 
fountain-like panicle, which has a peculiar but 
delightful odor. It was introduced from New 
South Wales in 1800. Syn. Agathomeris. 


Humming Bird Bush. schynomene Montevi- 
densis. 
Humming Bird’s Trumpet. See Zauschneria. 


Hu'mulus. The Hop. From hwmus, the ground; 
creeping on the ground if not supported. Nat. 
Ord. Urticacee. 

H. lupulus, the common garden Hop, has 
been under cultivation in Europe from a very 
early period. It was well known by the 
Romans, and is mentioned by Pliny under the 
name of Lupus salictarius. It was introduced 
from Flanders into England in 1524. Its culti- 
-vation, however, met with violent opposition ; 
petitions to Parliament were presented against 
it, in which it was stigmatized as ‘‘a wicked 
weed that would spoil the drink and endanger 
the people.” The Hop, like all the dicecious 
family, bears its flowers on separate plants; 
the female plant, therefore, is alone culti- 
vated. The Hop is increased by cuttings 
from the most healthy of the old shoots; two 
buds are required, one beneath the ground, 
from which will spring the roots, and from the 
other the stalk. H. Japonicus, the Japan Hop, 
is a rapid-growing climber, similar in appear- 
ance to the common Hop. Neither heat, 
drought, nor insects seem to trouble it, render- 
ing it a valuable plant for covering trellises, 
verandas, etc. Introduced from Japan in 1886. 


Hungarian Millet, or Hungarian Grass. Pani- 
cum Germanicum. This is a very valuable 
grass for light soils, and is very early, with 
abundant foliage, two to three feet in height. 
It stands drought well, and is very popular 
with those who are clearing timber lands. 


Hunnema/nnia. Named in honor of J. Hunne- 
mann, a zealous botanist and botanical collec- 
tor. Nat. Ord. Papaveracew. 

An erect-growing herbaceous, tender peren- 
_nial, allied to Eschscholizia. H. fumariafolia, 
the only species, is a native of Mexico; it 
grows to the height of two or three feet, with 
glaucous leaves, resembling those of the 
Fumatories, and bears large, solitary terminal 
-flowers, like those of the Eschscholtzia. 


A name given to Mimosa pu- | 


HYA 


Although a perennial, it can be successfully 
grown as an annual by starting the seeds 
early in spring, in the green-house or hot-bed. 


Huntley’a. Named after the Rev. Mr. Huntley, 
a zealous collecter of plants. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidaceae. 


A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, natives 
of South America. The genus is closely 
related to Zygopetalum. H. violacea, from 
Demerara, is a very handsome species, its 
flowers being large and of an intense violet 
color, which is quite uncommon among 
Orchids. This species is also known as 
Bollea violacea and Pescatoria violacea. It is 
evergreen, and requires but a short season of 
rest, and should be grown in the shade and 
never allowed to become wholly dry. It 
is increased by division ; introduced in 1831. 


Huntsman’s Cup. One of the popular names 
of Sarracenia purpurea, from a fancied resem- 
blance. 


Hu’ra. Sand-box Tree. The name of the tree 
in South America. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceew. 
A small genus of tropical evergreen trees, 
with whitish-yellow flowers. H. crepitans, the 
only species, is the sand-box tree of tropical 
America. Itis a branching tree of thir y to 
forty feet high, often planted for the sake of 
its shade, for which it is well adapted, having 
a great abundance of glossy, poplar-like 
leaves. The flowers are inconspicuous, and are 
succeeded by curious rounded, hard-shelled 
fruit about the size of an orange, which is 
divided into deep furrows, in each of which is 
a cell containing a single flattened seed. 
When the fruit is ripe and exposed to the 
action of a dry atmosphere, it bursts with 
great force, accompanied by a loud, sharp 
erack, like the report of a pistol, for which 
reason it has often been called the Monkey’s 
Dinner-bell. The seeds are much used in 
medicine, and the timber in the mechanic 
arts. 


Hyacinth Bean. A common name for Dolichos 
lablab. 


Hyaci/nthus. The Hyacinth. Thename of this 
genus originated with the fabulists of an- 
tiquity. It was pretended that Hyacinthus,’ 
a beautiful boy, was the son of a Spartan 
king, and the favorite of Apollo. Zephyrus, 
being envious of the attachment of Apollo 
and Hyacinthus, so turned the direction of a 
quoit which Apollo had pitched while at play, 
that it struck the head of Hyacinthus and 
slew him. The fable concludes by making 
Apollo transform the body of his favorite into 
the flower that bears his name. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 

This genus comprises about thirty species 
of bulbous plants, the majority of which are 
natives of the Mediterranean region, and the 
East. H. orientalis, from which species the 
numerous cultivated varieties have originated, 
is a native of the Levant, and was first intro- 
duced into England in 1596, but it was known 
to Dioscorides, who wrote about the time 
of Vespasian. Gerarde, in his Herbal, pub- 
lished at the close of the sixteenth century, 
enumerates four varieties, the single and 
double blue, the purple and the violet. In 
that valuable old book on gardening, ‘“ Para- 
dist_in Sole Paradisus terrestris,” published 
by John Parkinson in 1629, there are men. 


196 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HYA 


tioned and described eight different varieties. 
He tells us ‘‘some are pure white; another is 
almost white, but having a show of blueness, 
especially at the brims and bottoms of the 
flowers; others again are of a very faint 
blush ; some are of as deep a purple as a vio- 
let; others of a purple tending to redness, 
and some of a paler purple; some again 
are of a fair blue; and some so pale 
a blue as if it were more white than blue. 
After the flowers are past, there rise 
up great three-square heads, bearing round 
black seed, great and shining.” During the 
two hundred and fifty years that have passed 
since the above was penned, there has been a 
steady improvement in the size, form and 
color of the flowers of this plant. From the 
eight varieties of 1629, more than four thous- 
and varieties have been produced and cata- 
logued, from which number upward of two 
hundred varieties are subjects of extensive 
commerce. The Hyacinth is a universal 
favorite in the most extended application of 
the word. The numberof its varieties isnow 
fully equal to that of any other florist’s 
flower. They are usually grown for forcing 
into flower in the dull, cheerless months of 
winter and early spring, when their delicately- 
colored flowers and rich fragrance lend a 
charm not otherwise to be found. They are 
equally desirable for planting in beds, or in 
the garden border., For forcing, the bulbs 
should be potted about the middle of Septem- 
ber in five inch pots in rich, light earth, and 
placed in a cold frame or under a wall, where 
they can be covered with wooden shutters, 
- or some similar contrivance, to keep off heavy 
rains; in either case they should be covered 
a foot thick with newly-fallen leaves, and 
being once well watered after potting, they 
may be left for a month to form their roots, 
when the most forward should be brought 
out, and placed in a gentle heat. Some care 
is necessary in the application and increase of 
this, or the flowers will be abortive ; it should 
not exceed 50° for the first three weeks, but 
afterward may be increased gradually to 60° 
or 65°, and if the pots are plunged into bottom 
heat the same careful increase should be ob- 
served, or the points of the roots will infal- 
libly be killed. One-third the depth of the 
pot is fully sufficient at first, and if the heat 
is brisk they should not be plunged more than 
half way at anytime. When the flower stems 
have risen to nearly their full height, and the 
lower flowers of the spike are beginning to 
expand, the plants should be removed toa 
lower temperature, usually afforded by the 
green-house, and when the flowers are fully 
expanded, the plants can be taken to the sit- 
ting-room or wherever their presence is de- 
sired, observing to protect them from sudden 
changes or cold draughts of air, and the 
water given to them should be moderately 
warm. Hyacinths in glasses are an elegant 
and appropriate ornament to the drawing- 
room, and for this purpose occasion little 
trouble. The bulbs should be procured and 
placed in the glasses as early in the season as 
possible, keeping them in the dark until their 
roots are well started, after which the lightest 
position that can be afforded is the best; the 
water in which they grow should be changed 
twice or thrice a week, and in severe weather 
the plants must be removed from the window, 


HYB 


so as to be secure from frost. For decorating 
the flower garden, the bulbs should be 
planted in October or the early part of No- 
vember, in light, rich soil, at a depth of four 
inches from the crown of the bulb to the surface 
of the earth. It may be necessary to place sticks 
to them when in bloom, to prevent them from 
being broken by the wind, and this is all the 
attention they require till the foliage is with- 
ered, and the season has arrived for taking 
them up, when, instead of the usual practice 
of drying them at oncein the sun, we would 
advise the Dutch method to be adopted, 
namely, to place them side by side on a sunny 
spot of ground, and cover them with about an 
inch of loose earth, to thoroughly ripen by the 
subdued heat imparted to the earth which 
surrounds them. Left in this position fora 
fortnight, they will become dry and firm, and 
an hour or two of sunshine will finish them 
properly for storing. The multiplication and 
growth of Hyacinths for sale is principally 
carried on out of doors in the vicinity of 
Haarlem, in Holland. The sandy soil, and 
moisture of both soil and climate in that 
country, are peculiarly favorable to the growth 
of the Hyacinth. Hundreds of acres are there 
devoted to the culture of these and kindred 
plants, and the Haarlem gardens are a gay 
sight from the early season of the year till far 
oninthe summer. The process of multipli- 
cation is carried on by sowing the seeds, or 
by taking offsets from the parent bulb. By 
seeds new varieties only are obtained; it is 
by offsets the already known and valued 
kinds are increased. The bulbs are cut cross- 
wise and sprinkled with sand to absorb any 
superfluous moisture that may exude from the 
incisions. After a time they are planted in 
the earth, when numerous small bulbs are 
formed on the edges of these incisions. At 
the expiration of one season they are again 
lifted from the ground, and the numerous 
small bulbs, still only partially developed, 
are separated from the parent root, and 
planted out again and again, year after year, 
for three or four years, before they become 
flowering bulbs of fine market quality. The 
white Roman Hyacinth is largely used for 
forcing for winter flowers by the florists of 
New York and all large cities. In Naw York 
alone upward of one million bulbs are 
used during the winter, and the number 
is rapidly increasing each year. The flower 
spikes average fuur cents each at wholesale. 
By asuccession of plantings, beginning in Sep- 
tember, they are had in flower from November 
till May, and even later. The method pur- 
sued is similar to that for the Lily of the Valley 
(See Convallaria, where the method is de- 
scribed). H. Candicans, Syn. Galtonia, is a 
very showy species, forming a scape four to 
five feet high, including a raceme of from 
fifteen to thirty pure white, large, fragrant, 
drooping flowers, admirably adapted for grow- 
ing in clumps, in borders, or on lawns. Al- 
though a native of south Africa, it is quite 
hardy, more especially if slightly protected 
with leaves, etc. 


Hybrid. Hybrids are plants obtained by ap- 
plying the pollen of one species to the stigma 
of another; the common offspring of two 
distinct specics. 


HOYA BELLA. 


Tos 


HYACINTHS (SINGLE). 


396 HYACINTH (WHITE ROMAN), HYACINTH (FEATHERED), 


IBERIS HYBRIVA NANA (DWARF CANDYTUFT), 


IMPATIENS SULTANL 


HYDRANGEA HORTENSIS ROSEA, 


Lede; 
wae 


yan 


Y 
Ki 


> 
By 


YWERIS (WHITE ROCKET CANDYTUFT). HYDRANGEA PANICULATA GRANDIFLOBA 197 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 197 


HYB 


Hybridization. It is to the careful, system- 
atic, and pains-taking efforts of the hybridizer 
that most of our ‘‘Florist’s Flowers” have been 
brought to their present standard of excel- 
lence. The operation consists in removing 
the pollen by means of a camel’s hair brush 
or otherwise, from the male parent and placing 
it on the stigma of the female or seed bearer. 
Of course unless the latter is receptive this 
proceeding would be ineffective. As a rule 
when the stigma is fit to be acted upon by the 
pollen, it becomes more or less glutinous. 
This condition occurs in some plants before 
their own anthers are ready to discharge the 
-pollen, and in others after the pollen has been 
shed. In both these cases, the arrangement 
is evidently to prevent self-fertilization. In 
most plants however the stigma and anthers 
are developed at the same time, and with 
them it is necessary to remove the anthers 
before they burst, and at the same time by 
means of fine gauze or otherwise to prevent 
the visits of insects which might convey pollen 
from another flower and thus effect an undesir- 
able cross. Insects doubtless perform an 
important part in the fertilization of flowers, 
for upon examination a number of plants will 
be found to bear flowers manifestly adapted 
for insect visitation. Not to mention the 
Orchid family which “Darwin observed so 
closely and has described so minutely, the 
curious genus of Stapelia is fertilized solely 
by the larve of a fly, generally the common 
“Blue Bottle.”* This fly, attracted by the 
offensive odor of the flower, lays its eggs 
as far as it can in the tube of the corolla. 
These eggs hatching, the larve they produce 
come in contact with the pollen-granules 
which adhere to them and which they carry to 
the pistils and thus fertilize them. A similar 
office is performed for Ceropegia by a small 
fly in the perfect state. As a rule, flowers 
possessing much fragrance, and secreting 
nectar, and those of gay colors, are more or 
less dependent on insect agency. Herma- 
phrodite flowers, being provided with both 
stamens and pistils, pollen and ovary, one 
would suppose to be amply furnished with the 
powers of reproduction, yet it has been abun- 
dantly shown that flowers fertilized by 
themselves do not produce such vigorous and 
healthy seeds and offspring as those fertilized 
by another flower of the same species; hence 
the disadvantage of breeding in and in, the 
nearer the degree of consanguinity, the less 
prospect is there of healthy and vigorous off- 
spring. The hybridizer therefore finds a 
flower of good shape but defective in color, 
crosses it with another, defective perhaps in 
shape but of a novel and desirable color, a 
weakly growing variety of good habit, is cross- 
ed with a more robust variety, lacking the 
peculiar qualities of the former and so on. 
With regard to Double Flowers, if the finest 
colored and best shaped flowers of the single 
sorts are selected as in the Petunia, the 
anthers carefully removed before they burst, 
and then fertilized with pollen from the best 
double or even semi-double flowers attainable, 
fifty to seventy-five per cent. of the progeny 
may be relied upon to produce flowers equal 
to, and often superior, to the parent. Ina 
lecture before the Massachusetts Horticultural 
Society, the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, a most 
successful hybridizer, said, ‘‘In my experi- 


HYD 

ments, I have discovered that for the pro- 
duction of double flowers, it is important that 
the pollen used for impregnation should be 
borne on a petaloid anther—that is, an anther 
bearing a small petal—and that this is still 
better if from a double flower. I also observed 
that the larger and better developed this 
petaloid anther, the better chance for a fine 
double offspring; for as might have been 
expected, the anthers being cunnected with 
the corolla, the number, of petals would be 
increased by such an operation. I found also 
that for the most perfect and symmetrical 
flowers, it was better to select single flowers, 
which were the most perfect in their petals 
for seed bearers; and that single or semi- 
double sorts with perfect corollas, when 
impregnated with petaloid pollen, will pro- 
duce double flowers of a regular symmetrical 
formation. Of this I have the most conclu- 
sive evidence in the Camellia Wilderti, and 
many other fine double varieties in my col- 
lection which were produced from a single 
red and single white Camellia, fertilized by 
pollen from a petaloid anther of double 
varieties.” Mr. Wilder for many years made 
the hybridization of Camellias a speciality and 
to his efforts we owe some of the best vari- 
eties in cultivation. 


Hydra’/ngea. From hydor, water, and aggeion, 


a vessel; referring to the cup form of the cap- 
sule or seed-vessel. Nat. Ord. Sawifragacee. 
A genus of showy shrubs, first introduced 
into England in 1790 by Sir Joseph Banks, 
who sent H. hortensis from China, and since 
then a number of species have been sent to 
this country from Japan, among which is a 
elimbing variety, H. volubilis, or scandens, 
that will adapt itself to almost any situation. 
It is slow growing and a little tender while 
young, and is still scarce. What has been 
known as the climbing Hydrangea, will be 
found described under Schizophragma. The 
flowers, or rather bracts, of H. hortensis are 
pink, but in some soils they become of a deep 
blue. This change is effected artificially by 
using iron filings, incorporating them in the 
soil. A distinct white variety of H. hortensis, 
known as ‘‘ Thos. Hogg,” is now very -popu- 
lar. To cultivate these plants in perfection, 
cuttings should be taken every season from 
the strongest shoots of the old plants in July 
or August; and after being struck, should be 
potted in rich earth, and encouraged to grow 
vigorously. A cold pit or frame, with fre- 
quent applications both of manure and plain 
water; will usually effect this, and cause them 
to become thoroughly established and strong 
before the winter. In this state they may 
either be forced in a gentle, moist heat 
through December and the spring months to 
bloom early, or kept cool for the production 
of summer flowers; in either case, it must be 
borne in mind that they require abundance of 
moisture when in an active state. H. pani- 
culata, grandiflora, introduced a few years 
since from Japan, is among the finest of all 
hardy shrubs for the lawn or the border. The 
flowers are white, and are produced in the 
greatest abundance in August, and remain, 
till mid-winter in a dried condition. H. 
Otaksa, also recently introduced from Japan, 
is of the habit of H. hortensis, but a stronger 
grower, and more profuse bloomer, forming a 


198 - HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


HYD 


very superior sort for pot culture for decora- 
tive purposes. H.h. rosea is another variety 
with large deep rose-pink-colored globular 
trusses, very free flowering and desirable. H. 
stellata. prolifera introduced from Japan in 
1868, is a most beautiful free flowering double 
pink variety, with large trusses of flowers 
often nine inches in diameter. 


Hydra’stis. Yellow Root. Yellow Puccoon. 
From hydor, water; referring to the marshy 
places where it grows. Nat. Ord. Ranuncu- 
lace. 

H. Canadensis, the only species, is a hardy 
herbaceous perennial, common in moist 
woods in the Northern and Eastern States, 
where it was formerly esteemed in domestic 
medicine. It has a thick knotty yellow un- 
derground stem or root, which in early spring 
sends up a simple stem, about a foot high, 
bearing near the top two (or rarely three) 
hand-shaped leaves, the upper leaf growing 
close upon the stem, while the lower one has 
a longish stalk. The flower is solitary, incon- 
spicuous, and produced at the top of the 
stem. The fruit greatly resembles a red 
raspberry. The yellow root of this plant was 
formerly employed by the Indians for dyeing 
a bright yellow color, and it is occasionally 
used for the same purpose at the present day. 
The root is also used in medicine as a nar- 
cotic. 


Hydriaste'le. From hydria, a water vessel or 
fountain, and stele, a column; in allusion to 
the tall stems growing near springs. Nat. 
Ord. Palmacee. 

H. Wendlandiana is the name now given to 
the beautiful Australian Palm, known in cul- 
tivation as Kentia Wendlandiana. 


Hydro’charis. From hydor, water, and charis, 
grace; a pretty water plant. Nat. Ord. 
Hydrocharidacee. 

‘A small floating aquatic giving name to the 
small order which contains the Stratioides or 
Water Soldier, and the curious Vallisneria or 
Eel Grass. H. morsus rane, or Frog-bit is an 
elegant little plant inhabiting ditches, ponds, 
and the still back waters of rivers. It is one 
of the most desirable plants for the fresh 
water aquarium. 


Hydroco'tyle. From hydor, water, and cotyle, 
a cavity; in reference to the plants growing 
in moist situations, and the leaves being hol- 
lowed like cups. Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 

A genus of uninteresting, marshy plants, 
common throughout the United States, and 
popularly known as Water Pennywort. There 
are about a dozen species. 


Hydrophylla'cee. A small natural order of 
annual or perennial herbs or small trees, 
natives chiefly of north-west America. A few 
are found in the East Indies and the Cape of 
Good Hope. They have usually alternate and 
lobed, hispid leaves, with chiefly white or 
blue flowers, in one-sided cymes or racemes, 
which are mostly bractless, and coiled from 
the apex when young, as in the Borage family. 
Well known genera are Nemophila, Eutoca, 
Phacelia and Whitlavia. 

Hydrophy’llum. Water Leaf. From hydor, 
water, and phyllon, a leaf; leaves loaded with 
water in spring-time. Nat. Ord. Hydrophyl- 
lacew. 


HYO 


A genus of herbaceous perennials, natives 
chiefly of the Western States. The flowers 
are pale white or blue, bell-shaped, in cymose 
clusters, and the species grow generally 
among moist shady rocks. 


Hydropy’rum. Canada, or Indian Rice. A 
synonym for Zizania, which see. 


Hyema'lis. Of or belonging to winter; gener- 
ally applied to plants that bloom in winter. 


Hymenoca'llis. From hymen, a membrane, 
and kalos, beautiful; referring to the mem- 
branous cup inside of the flower. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. ; 

A genus of hardy and green-house bulbs, 
producing large white flowers similar to the 
Pancratium, to which class they are closely 
allied, and under which name they are 
described in ‘‘Chapman’s Flora of the South- 
ern States.” H. rotatum, H. occidentale and 
other species are found in great abundance in 
the swamps of Virginia and southward, and 
are sent to market in large quantities, and 
sold on the streets of all our large cities 
as ‘* Spanish Lilies." They are considered 
poor tenants for the green-house, as they do 
not pay in beauty for the required room and 
eare. The genus Ismene is included under 
Hymenocallis by some authors. See IJsmene 
and Pancratium. 


Hymeno’dium. A synonym of Acrostichum. 


Hymenophy'llum. Filmy-leaf Fern. From 
hymen, a membrane, and phyllon, a leaf. Nat. 
Ord. Polypodiacee. , 

A genus of very beautiful Ferns, mostly 
natives of Chili and New Zealand, where they 
grow in moist ravines. The fronds are varia- 
ble, some being very minute, and others of 
large size; some single, others compound. 
Several of the species are highly esteemed for 
cultivation in the green-house. 


Hymenospo’rum. From hymen, a membrane, 
and sporos, seed; the seeds are girded by 
membranous wings. Nat. Ord. Pittosporacee. 

H. flavum, the. only species, is a handsome 
evergreen plant from eastern Australia. It is 
of branching habit, with broadly obovate- 
lanceolate, glaucous leaves. The flowers 
form a compound terminal corymb, and are 
yellow, marked with orange-red at the mouth 
of the tube-like portion, and clothed outside 
with silky hairs. Syn. Pittosporum flavum. 


Hyopho’rbe. From hyos, a hog, and phorbus, 
pasturage. Nat. Ord. Palmacea. 

Asmall genus of Palms, inhabiting the island 
of Bourbon and Mauritius, and having tall 
cylindrical stems, marked with circular scars, 
and a crown of graceful pinnate leaves. The 
male and female flowers grow on distinct 
trees, or a few males are occasionally inter- 
spersed among the females, the flower-spikes 
being simply branched and growing out from 
beneath the leaves, with a single spathe at 
their base. The fruit has a fibrous, fleshy 
rind, and contains a single seed. H. Versch- 
affelt#i, formerly known as Areca Verschaffeltit, 
is one of the most ornamental species. Young 
plants are produced from seed. 


Hyoscy’amus. Henbane. From hyos, a hog, 
and kyamos, a bean ; the fruit is eaten by hogs. 
Nat. Ord. Solanacee. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 199 


HYP 


Hf. niger is the common Henbane whose 
virtue consists in the supposed power it has 
of absorbing malaria that is generated 
around filthy habitations. It is also culti- 
vated for its medicinal properties. 


Hyperica'cez, A natural order of herbs, shrubs, 
_or trees, with a resinous juice, opposite, 
rarely whorled, entire, exstipulate leaves, 
usually with transparent dots, and blackish 
glands, and regular flowers. The plants of 
this order are generally distributed over the 
world, both in temperate and warm climates. 
Many species yield a yellow juice and an 
essential oil. There are ten genera, and nearly 
three hundred species. Illustrative genera 
are Hypericum, Hlodea, and Ascyrum. 


Hype’ricum. St. John’s Wort. The name is 
said to be derived from yper, over, and eicon, 
an image; the superior part of the flower 
represents a figure. Nat. Ord. Hypericacea. 

The pretty, yellow-flowered shrubs and 
herbaceous perennials known by this name at 
the present day, were formerly, in ignorant 
communities, in high repute for driving away 
evil spirits; and on this account were gen- 
erally planted near dwelling-houses. They 
were also highly valued for their medicinal 
properties, being believed to have a powerful 
effect in stopping blood and healing wounds. 
All the kinds will thrive under the drip of 
trees; and they will grow almost anywhere, 
though they prefer moisture and a moderate 
shade. They are found in almost all the 
temperate climates of the world; and are 
propagated by seeds and by division of the 
roots. 


Hyphe'’ne. From hyphaino, to entwine; re- 
ferring to the fibres of the fruit. Nat. Ord. 
Palmacee. 

A small genus of African palms confined to, 
and widely distributed throughout that con- 
tinent, more particularly upon the eastern 
side, extending from Egypt as far south as 
Natal. The genus is remarkable for having 
the stems branched, a peculiarity not frequent 
among palms, each branch terminating ina 
tuft of large fan-shaped leaves, from amongst 
which the branching catkin-like spikes of 
flowers are produced, the different sexes 
being borne on different trees. H. thebaica 
is the Doum Palm, or Gingerbread tree of 
Egypt. It seldom exceeds twenty-five or 
thirty feet in height, and its stem is frequently 
three or four times branched or forked in old 
trees, though when young it is always simple. 
The fruits which are produced in long clusters, 
each containing between one and two hundred, 
are beautifully polished, of a rich yellowish, 
brown color, and of irregularform. In Upper 
Egypt they form part of the food of the poorer 
classes of inhabitants, the part eaten being 
the fibrous mealy husk, which tastes almost 

‘exactly like gingerbread, but its dry husky 
nature renders it unpalatable. The hard tough 
wood is used for making various domestic 
utensils ; and rosaries are cut out of the horny 
seed. 


Hypocaly’mma. From hypo, under, and 
kalymma, a veil; the calyx, falling off like a 
veil, or hood. Nat. Ord. Myrtacew. 

Agenus of ornamental evergreen shrubs, 
containing about twelve species, natives of 
Australia. H. robustum is a charming little 


HYS 


green-house plant, bearing a profusion of 
small bright rose-colored flowers, and having 
an odor resembling lemons. It is of easy 
culture, and is increased readily by cuttings. 
Introduced in 1842. 


Hypocalyptus. From hypo, under, and kalypto, 
to hide; named from a covering to the un- 
opened flower. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

HI. obcordatus, the only species is an orna- 
mental green-house evergreen shrub from the 
Cape of Good Hope. It has neat trifoliate 
leaves and purple flowers, appearing in June 
and July. It was introduced in 1823, and is 
propagated by cuttings of the side shoots. 
Syn. Crotolaria purpurea. 

Hypocrateriform. Salver-shaped ; having along 
slender tube and a flat limb, as in the Primrose. 

Hypocy’rta. A genus of Gesneracew, contain- 
ing a few species, natives of South America. 
They are procumbent under-shrubs, throwing 
out roots from below the origin of their 
opposite and fleshy leaves. The flowers are 
axillary and solitary, or several together, 
generally bright scarlet in color. They were 
introduced in 1846, and are increased by cut- 
tings, or seeds. 

Hypoe’stes. A considerable genus of Acan- 
thacew, dispersed over Africa, tropical Asia, 
and Australia, and remarkably abundant in 
Madagascar. They are shrubs or small trees, 
with entire or dentate leaves, and large purple 
or rose-colored flowers in axillary clusters or 
short spikes, often numerous and forming a 
terminal leafy thyrse. Nearly forty species 
have been described; increased by cuttings. 


Hypogzeous. Growing under the earth. 

Hypogynous. Growing from below the base 
of the ovary. 

Hypo’lepis. From hipo, under, and lepis, a 


seale. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacew. 

A small genus of handsome free-growing 
ferns, natives of tropical America, south 
Africa, New Zealand, etc., nearly allied to 
Cheilanthes. The fronds are evergreen, bi- or 
quadripinnate, with free veins. These are 
plants of easy culture, thriving best in a 
rough, coarse soil; they should have good 
drainage and plenty of water. 

Hypo’xis. Star Grass. From hypo, beneath, 
and oxys, sharp; referring to the seed pod. 
Nat. Ord. <Amaryllidacee. 

H. erecta, a very pretty bulb, found in 
meadows and waste places in New England, 
and southward. The flowers are bright yel- 
low inside, brownish outside, and borne on 
umbels on a scape about a foot high. 

Hyssop. See Hyssopus. 


Hysso’pus. From Hyssopos, the old Greek 
name, used by Hippocrates. Nat. Ord. Labi- 
at 


e. 
The garden Hyssop is a native of Siberia, 
and the mountainous parts of Austria. It 
was early introduced into the garden in this 
country, and has escaped in many places to 
the roadsides. It is considerably grown as a 
medicinal herb, but is not, however, much 
esteemed except in domestic practice. This 
is not supposed to be the Hyssop mentioned 
in the Old Testament, and it has not been 
ascertained what plant is referred to. As it 
was one of the smallest plants, and “grew 
out of the wall,” some have conjectured it.to 
be one of the Mosses. ‘ agin 


200 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


1, 


IBE 


[te Candytuft. From Iberia, the ancient 
name of Spain, where the original species 
abounds. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

The genus consists of annuals, biennials 
and perennials, all perfectly hardy and of the 
easiest culture. The common name Candy- 
tuft was given because they flower in tufts. 
and the first introduced species, I. wmbellata, 
was brought from Candia. For the early flower- 
ing of the annual varieties, the seed should 
be sown in the fall, and slightly protected 
from the sun, during winter, by leaves or any 
convenient dry mulching; they will come 
into tlowerin May. The plants of I. coronaria, 
Rocket Candytuft, should be thinned out to 
one or two feet apart each way; then, if in 
rich soil, they will completely cover the 
ground. The sub-shrubby species, I. cor- 
reefolia, I. Gibraltarica, I. sempervirens and 
others, are most handsome, compact-growing 
plants, admirably adapted for the front rows 
of shrubbery or herbaceous borders. If 
grown in cold frames, and kept a little close 
towards spring, they will bloom at least three 
weeks before those out-of-doors, and are val- 
uable for early decorations, or for cut flowers. 


Iceland Moss. See Lichen. 
Ice Plant. See Mesembryanthemum. 


Ide’sia. Named after Y. Ides, a Dutch traveler 
in China. Nat. Ord. Flacourtiacea. 

I. polycarpa, the representative species of 
this genus, is a beautiful tree, found in Japan, 
and said to be perfectly hardy around New 
York. The leaf stem is from six to twelve 
inches long and bright red, with leaves nearly 
round and from six to eight inches broad. 
The flowers are yellowish-green, in long 
drooping racemes, and very fragrant. The 
fruit is about the size of a cherry, of an 
orange color, and edible. Syn. Flacourtia. 


Ilex. The Holly. Name originally from the 
Celtic, oc or ac, signifying a point; on account 
of the prickly leaves. Nat. Ord. Aquifoliacee. 

An extensive genus of evergreen trees and 
shrubs, remarkable for their glossy, prickly 
foliage and scarlet fruit, that remains on the 
shrub during the winter. They are well 
adapted for the lawn or for hedges, and grow 
best in adry loam. I. aquifolium is the Holly 
of the English gardens, and I. opaca is the 
American Holly, which grows plentifully from 
New York southward. It is to be regretted 
that the English Holly, the most beautiful of all 
evergreens, is unsuited to ourclimate, being in 
the Northern States too tender to withstand 
our winters, while the hot, dry summers of 
the Southern States are equally injurious to 
it. I. Paraguariensis, a native of Paraguay 
and Brazil, furnishes the Paraguay tea, or 
Yerba de Maté, which occupies the same im- 
portant position in the domestic economy of 
South America as the Chinese tea does in this 
country, and it is calculated that it is con- 
sumed in that country to the extent of about 
8,000,000 poundsannually. It has been in use 
for about a century and a half, the practice 
having been adopted from the aboriginal peo- 


IMP 


ple. The leaves are prepared by drying and 
roasting, when they are reduced to a powder, 
which is prepared for drinking by putting a 
small quantity into a gourd or cup, with a lit- 
tle sugar. The drinking tube is then inserted 
and boiling water poured on the Mate; when 
sufficiently cool the infusion is sucked up 
through the tube. It has an agreeable, 
slightly aromatic odor, is rather bitter to the 
taste, and very refreshing and restorative to 
the human frame after enduring great fatigue. 
It contains the same active principles as tea 
and coffee, called theine, but not their volatile 
and empyreumatic oils. 


Tilici‘neze. A small natural order, generally 
placed as a sub-order of Aquifoliacee. 


Illi/cium. Aniseed Tree. From illicio, to 
allure; referring to the perfume. Nat. Ord. 
Magnoliacee. 

A small genus of evergreen shrubs or low- 
growing trees, with smooth entire leaves, 
exhaling when bruised, a strong odor of Ani- 
seed. They are natives of the extreme 
Southern States, Japan. southern China, and 
Asia. J. religiosum, a Japanese species, is a 
small tree about the size of a cherry, and is 
held sacred by the Japanese. The leaves of 
this species, like those of I. floridanum, are 
said to possess poisonous properties. In Ala- 
bama the plant has acquired the name of 
Poison-Bay. 


Ima’‘ntophy'lum. From imas, imantos, aleather 
thong, and phyllon, a leaf; alluding to the 
shape and substance of the foliage. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

Those with authority to speak of plants 
seem determined that the only species of this 
genus shall have neither name nor home. 
Some insist upon calling it Clivia nobilis; 
others want to reverse it, and have C. nobilis 
called I. Aitoni. Then, again, for variety’s 
sake, some prefer the orthography Imatophyl- 
lum. Most writers call Imantophyllum and 
Clivia synonymous. That they are closely 
allied we do not doubt. Having flowered them 
frequently, we find the flowers of I. mini- 
atum (the only species) to be erect, and much 
larger than Clivia nobilis, the flowers of which 
are drooping and of a darker color. This spe- 
cies, introduced from Natal in 1854, is propa- 
gated by division, and requires the same 
culture as the Clivia. Many beautiful hybrids, 
having larger and more highly-colored flowers 
than the type, have of late years been put in 
commerce in Britain and on the Continent, and 
are most attractive and valuable acquisitions 
to this genus. 


Imbricated. When bodies overlap each other, 
like the tiles or shingles on a roof. 


Immarginate. Having no rim or edge. 

Immersed. Growing entirely under water. 

Immortelle. The popular name for Helichry- 
sum orientale, which see. 

Impa’tiens. Balsam, Silver Weed, Jewel Weed. 
From impatiens, impatient; referring to the 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 201 


IMP 


elasticity of the valves of the seed-pod, which 
discharge the seeds when ripe. A genus of 
Geraniacee, chiefly found in India, though a 
few species occur in Europe and North Amer. 
ica. They are generally glabrous herbs, with 
thick succulent stems, enlarged at the joints, 
where the undivided leaves are given off. The 
flowers are axillary, often handsome, and so 
very irregular that considerable difference of 
opinion exists as to which parts belong to the 
ealyx, and which to the corolla. The green- 
house species may be propagated from cut- 
tings or from seeds, when these are to be 
obtained. J. Sultani, introduced from Zanzi- 
bar, is one of the most beautiful and useful 
flowering plants of late introduction, produc- 
ing its bright rose-scarlet flowers almost con- 
tinually. It succeeds well in a green-house in 
spring and summer, but requires a warm 
house for winter. JI. Hawkerii, introduced 
from the South Sea Islands, has very large 
flatly expanded flowers of the most brilliant, 
rich deep carmine color, relieved by a lustrous 
bluish tinge round the small white eye, the 
spur being red and about two inches long. It 
is of free growth and produces its flowers in 
great profusion from March until October. J. 
Jerdonie, a dwarf species, is hest grown as a 
basket plant, started into growth in April, and 
rested during winter. 

Our native species of this genus are gener- 
ally known as Touch-Me-Nots, from the sudden 
bursting of the pods when touched. They are 
interesting annuals, common in damp ground 
throughout the United States. The Balsam 
of our gardens is I. Balsamina, and is de- 
scribed under Balsam, which see. 


Imphee. See Sorghum. 
Incised. Regularly divided by deep incisions. 


Incurved, Incurvate. Bending inwards; as 
where the stamens curve towards the pistil. 


Indian Bean. See Catalpa. 

Indian Corn. See Zea. 

Indian Cress. The genus Trop@olum. 

Indian Crocus. The genus Pleione. 

Indian Cucumber Root. See Medeola. 

Indian Currant. The common name of the 
fruit of the Symphoricarpus vulgaris. 

Indian Fig. See Opuntia. 

Indian Hawthorn. See Raphiolepis. 

Indian Hemp. See Apocynum. 

Indian Hill-Guava. See Rhodomyrtus. 

Indian Mallow. A common name of Abutilon 
Avicenne, a troublesome weed in fields and 
waste places. It is a native of India, and was 
introduced into our gardens as an ornamental 
plant, but is now naturalized, and is spoken of 
as valuable for its fibre. 

Indian Millet. One of the popular names of 
Sorghum vulgare, to which species belong 
Broom Corn, Sweet Sorghum, and other cul- 
tivated varieties. 

Indian Pink. One of the popular names for 
Dianthus Chinensis. 

Indian Pipe. A common name of the Monotropa 
uniflora. See Corpse Plant. 

Indian Plantain. The popular name of the 
genus Cacalia, common in rich, damp woods 
in most of the States. 


INS 


Indian Poke. Veratrum viride, or White Helle- 


bore. 
Indian Rice or Water Rice. 
Indian Shot. See Canna. 
Indian Strawberry. Fragaria indica. 
Indian Tobacco. See Lobelia inflata. 


See Zizania. 


' Indian Turnip. See Arisaema. 


India Rubber Tree. See Ficus elastica. 


Indigenous. A plant which is the natural pro- 
duction of any country ; not exotic. 


Indigo. See Indigofera tinctoria. 
Wild. Baptisia tinctoria. 

Indigo’fera. From indigo, a blue dyestuff; a 
corruption of Indicum, Indian, and fero, to 
bear; most of the species produce the well- 
known dye called Indigo. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

An extensive genus of rather ornamental 
herbaceous perennials, tender annuals, and 
evergreen shrubs, grown almost wholly for 
the commercial value of the dyes they pro- 
duce. I. tinctoria, the species most commonly 
cultivated, is a native of the East Indies and 
other parts of Asia, but it has been intro- 
duced into, and become naturalized in, the 
Southern States, and was formerly extensively 
cultivated, as was I. anil, the West India In- 
digo, a stronger growing species, from both 
of which large quantities of Indigo were 
made. They are tender shrubs, growing from 
four to six feet high, with very pinnate leaves, 
and axillary racemes of pink and purple flow- 
ers. The shrubby species are propagated by 
cuttings, and the annuals from seeds. 


Indusium. The membraneous covering of the 
spore-cases of many Ferns. 


Inferior. When one organ is placed below an- 
other; thus an inferior calyx grows below 
the ovary, while an inferior ovary grows, or 
seems to grow, below a calyx. 


Inflated. Thin, membraneous, slightly trans- 
parent, swelling equally, as if inflated with 
air. 

Inga. The South American name of I. vera, 
adopted by Marcgraff. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A very extensive genus of ornamental 
shrubs and trees, numbering upward of one 
hundred and fifty species, natives of the 
warmer parts of South America, principally of 
Brazil and Guiana. The flowers-are white, 
pink, crimson, etc., and are borne in vari- 
ously-shaped spikes, or in nearly globular 
heads, growing singly or in clusters from the 
angles of the leaves. TI. pulcherrima, a native 
of Mexico, is one of the most beautiful of the 
genus. The foliage is smaller than most of 
the species, and is very ornamental. The 
tassel-like flowers are of a bright crimson, 
and very showy. The shape of the flower- 
heads has given it the name of Bottle Brush. 
All the species are propagated from cuttings 
Se wood in summer. Introduced in 


Ink-Berry. The fruit of Ilex (Prinos) glabra, an 
evergreen shrub, common on the Atlantic 
coast. 


Insecticides. The enormous damage done by 
insects to our fruits, vegetables, grains, etc., 
is almost beyond belief, amounting, it is 
claimed, to over two hundred millions of dol- 
lars yearly in the United States alone; their 


202 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


INS 


prompt destruction, therefore, immediately 


any are detected, is most important and essen- 
tial. Fortunately the extensive experiments in 
insecticides and the improvements in imple- 

+ ments for applying them, énable us to fight 
them so well that the damage done is scarcely 
felt when the most is made of the opportuni- 
ties within reach. In applying insecticides it 
should be borne in mind that ‘enough is as 
good as a feast.” It is not necessary to 
drown the insects with solutions, or to bury 
them in powder, to kill them; the least parti- 
cle of poison is sufficient to do its deadly 
work, but it is necessary that ‘the least par- 
ticle” and the insect come in contact. Ft is 
much better to reach every portion of the 
plant or tree, underneath as well as above, 
with a fine spray of fluid, or a slight dusting 
of powder, than to apply liberally in some 
parts and carelessly overlook others, as is 
the too general custom. To fight insects 
effectually it must be done thoroughly, and 
every inch must be covered. Besides, there 
is much less danger of burning or injuring the 
leaves and fruit by light applications. The 
improved implements now offered for apply- 
ing powders or fluids are great economizers, 
covering large surfaces, with less material, 
doing it with greater speed, and reducing the 
danger of injury to the plants to a minimum. 
Of the many insecticides recommended for 
general use in the garden or orchard the most 
serviceable are London Purple, Paris Green 
and Kerosene Emulsion. 

Lonpon Purge. is rapidly taking the lead. 
It is largely used in the public parks and on 
government experimental farms, and is consid- 
ered superior to Paris Green on account of 
being more soluble, there being less danger of 
burning the foliage with it. It is said to go 
further, and is certainly much cheaper, which 
is accounted for by its being a by-product. 
When used as a powder it has also the advan- 
tage of being more readily seen on the plants. 
The adulterants usually mixed with it are 
either land-plaster, road-dust, plaster-of-Paris 
or cheap. flour, and it is advisable to mix 
thoroughly at least twenty-four hours before 
use, which allows the adulterant to absorb 
the poison, making it more effectual. When 
mixed with flour one pound of London Purple, 
to twenty to thirty pounds of flour, is the 
proper proportion, according to the tender- 
ness of the piants; mixed with land-plaster or 
plaster-of-Paris, one pound of the poison to a 
hundred and fifty pounds of the adulterant; 
with dry road-dust, one pound of the poison 
to a bushel and a half of the dust. In making 
liquid solutions mix one pound of London 
Purple with two hundred gallons of water, 
but first wet the powder and form a thin 
paste to prevent it from forming lumps. It 
should be put in the water twelve hours at 
least before use, for the best results. Paris 
Green can be mixed in the same proportions, 
and in the same manner. Kerosene in its 
natural, undiluted state is fatal to all insect 
and vegetable life, but prepared (emulsified) 
as recommended by the Entomological Divis- 
ion ef the Department of Agriculture at 
Washington, may be used safely and with 
much benefit. 

KEROSENE Emuusion. Add two gallons of 
Kerosene to a hot solution of one-half a pound 
of soap in a gallon of water, and churn the 


INS 


mixture through the nozzle of a force-pump 
until it forms a cream-like mass. This may 
be kept unchanged until needed for use. For 
general use reduce the emulsion thus made 
with nine parts of water, and apply through a 
force-pump or syringe, three gallons of 
the emulsion making thirty gallons of the 
spraying liquid. Besides its use as an emul- 
sion, Kerosene, when used with discretion, is 
a most valuable insecticide for the destruction 
of Mealy-bug, Scale, etc., in the green-house. 
A wine-glassful to a gallon of water is suffi- 
cient, only when applying the solution the 
water must be kept thoroughly churned by 
forcing every other syringeful back into the 
bucket so as to keep it thoroughly mixed. 
Small plants, such as Camellias, Azaleas, 
Ardisias, Palms, ete., may be safely dipped in 
the solution if at the same time it is kept 
thoroughly mixed as above. Hellebore, Per- 
sian and Dalmatian powders, Buhach, etc., 
are valuable for destroying the Cabbage- 
worm, etc. See Insects. 


Insects. In the green-house or grapery, or any 
place where plants are grown under cover, in- 
sects, with few exceptions, are under control; 
but when in the open field or garden we are 
often powerless against their ravages, par- 
ticularly when they attack the roots of plants. 
We can manage many of them, even outside, 
when they attack branches or leaves; but 
with others we are as powerless as with those 
attacking the roots. There is no doubt that 
the encouragement of birds on farms and in 
gardens, by feeding and sheltering them, well 
repays in the return for the insects they 
destroy. In nearly all the large cities in_this 
country, since the introduction of the Euro- 
pean Sparrow, though in part a seed-eater, 
there has been a marked absence of the 
“‘Measuring Worm,” ‘* Rose Slug,” and other 
caterpillar-like insects. 

The Rose Suvue (Selandria rosea) is a light- 
green insect, which, when fully developed is 
about an inch in length. There are appar- 
ently two kinds, one of which eats only 
the outer skin of the leaf on the under 
side, the other eats it entire. The first 
is by far the most destructive. In afew days 
after the plants are attacked, they appear as 
if they had been burned. An excellent appli- 
eation for the prevention of the Kose Slug is 
whale oil soap dissolved in the proportion of 
one pound to eight gallons of water; this, if 
steadily applied daily for a week with a 
syringe on Rose plants, in earlyspring, before 
the buds begin to develop, will never fail to 
prevent the attacks of this insect. If this 
precaution has been omitted, and the insects 
are seen on the leaves, white Hellebore pow- 
der dusted on the plants will quickly destroy 
them, without injury to the plants. The Rose 
Beetle (Aramigus Fulleri) or Bug, as it is com- 
monly called, however, is a much more diffi- 
cult insect to deal with. The Rose or Grape 
Vine Beetle (Melolontha subspinosa) is another 
pest, usually destroying the flowers on the 
Rose, and both flowers and young fruit on the 
vine. The only certain remedy is to destroy 
them by hand. 

The GREEN Fuy, or APHIS, is one of the 
most common, but most easily destroyed, of 
almost any insect that infests plants, either 
indoors or out. In our green-houses, we fumi- 


~” 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 203 


INS 


gate twice a week, by burning about half a 
pound of refuse tobacco stems (made damp) 
to every 500 square feet of glass surface, but 
in private green-houses or on plants in rooms, 
fumigating is often impracticable. But To- 
bacco in any form is quickly fatal to the 
Green Fly; so in private green-houses or in 
rooms, where the fumes of Tobacco would be 
objectionable, Tobacco stems can be used by 
steeping one pound in five gallons of water, 
_until the water gets to be the color of strong 
coffee. This is applied over and under the 
leaves with a syringe, and destroys the insect 
quite as well as by fumigating, only in either 
case the application should be made before 
the insects are seen, to prevent their coming 


rather than to destroy them when established ; _ 


for often by neglect they get a foothold in 
such legions that all remedies become inef- 
fectual to dislodge them. unless by brushing 
them off the leaves with a light brush. 
Another means of preventing the Green Fly is 
to apply Tobacco in the shape of dust or snuff. 
The sweepings of Tobacco warehouses can be 
bought in most places at a cost of five or ten 
cents per pound. This, applied once or twice 
a week to an ordinary-sized private green- 
house, would effectually prevent any injury 
from the Green Fly. No special quantity of 
this need be prescribed, as it is in no way 
hurtful to the plant; all that is necessary is 
to see that it is so dusted on that it reaches 
all parts of the plant, and on both sides of the 
leaves. It is best to slightly moisten the 
leaves beforehand, so that the dust will 
adhere to them. When applied to plants out- 
doors, it should bé done in the morning when 
the dew is on, or aftera rain. Fruit trees of 
many kinds, shrubs, and Roses of all kinds, 
out of doors, are particularly liable to injury 
from some species of Aphis, but the applica- 
tion of Tobacco inany of the forms alluded to, 
if made in time, will be found a cheap and 
effectual remedy. 

GROUND OR BLUE APHIS is another species 
of Aphis that gets its living from the roots 
down in the soil, which may have the effect 
of changing its color, while the Green Aphis 
feeds in the air on the leaves. The Blue 
Aphis attacks a great many varieties of 
plants, both flower and vegetable, particu- 
larly in hot, dry weather, and whenever As- 
ters, Verbenas, Petunias, Centaureas, Beets, 
Radishes, Lettuce, etc., begin to droop, it 
will be found on examination, in three cases 
out of four, that the farthest extremities of 
their root are completely surrounded by the 
Blue Aphis. The only remedy we have ever 
found for this pest is strong decoction of 
Tobacco stems, made by being boiled until it 
gets to the color of strong coffee, and poured 
on, when cold, in quantity enough to reach 
the extremity of the roots. There is no fear 
of injuring the plants by this application, as 
it acts as a fertilizer to some extent. 

THE VERBENA MrtE, the minute cause of 
the ‘‘black rust” so disastrous inits ravages 
on the Verbena, Heliotrope, Petunia, Pelar- 
gonium, and various other plants, is so small 
that it cannot be seen by the naked eye; but 
its ravages under certain conditions are so 
disastrous as to render the cultivation of the 
Verbena and some similar plants next to 
impossible. 


INS 


When this little pest has once got a foothold, 
all direct remedies to dislodge it seem to 
be powerless; the fumes of tobacco, so dis- 
tructive to the aphis, or of sulphur, which is 
death to the spider, fall harmlessly on this 
microscopic insect... 

There is hardly a doubt but that the fumes 
of sulphur and tobacco would destroy it, if. it 
had not the power of imbedding itself in the 
leaf. This is evidently the case, as on subject- 
ing affected plants to a severe fumigation 
with tobacco for thirty minutes. no insects 
could be discerned on the leaves; but after a 
short time they again appeared on the field of 
the microscope, apparently unscathed. We 
also find that an excellent preventive against 
this insect is to syringe the plants twice a 
week with a weak solution of fir-tree oil; one- 
half pint to five gallons of water. This seems 
like tobacco smoke to check it somewhat, yet 
it is not a complete remedy and if plants are 
severely attacked, there is nothing for it but 
to throw those affected out—as there is but 
little doubt that it quickly spreads. Now, 
although we have no direct remedy against 
this insect, which produces the black rust, we 
have, I think, a preventive, by keeping the 
plants in that healthy, vigorous condition 
which seems to be repellant to its attack. 

The Mzaty Bug, as itis familiarly known, 
from its white, mealy-like appearance, be- 
longs to the same family as the Cochineal 


.insect (Coccus Cuactt), from which the Cochi- 


neal dye is obtained. It is one of the most 
troublesome of all insects to dislodge. The 
only certain remedy we have ever been able . 
to get to kill Mealy Bug without injury to the 
leaves, is a mixture known as ‘‘Cole’s Insect 
Destroyer,” the ingredients of which we do 
not know, as the inventor so far has been 
able to keep his secret. This, put on with an 
atomizer, never fails to destroy them. The 
great objection to this remedy is its price, 
which is entirely too high to admit of its 
being used on a large scale. The common 
method to get rid of Mealy Bug is to 
brush it off the leaves with a brush, made 
soft enough not to scratch the leaves or 


.stems, or by using the Kerosene Emulsion. 


See Insecticides. 

TuHRIps (Tettigonia) vary in color, being 
light green, brown, and black. It is much 
more active in its movements than the Green 
Fly, and more difficult to destroy, and when 
it once gets a foothold is one of the most 
destructive enemies to the grapery or green- 
house. Tobacco smoke that will destroy the 
Aphis, has but little effect on Thrips; but in 
our experiments in destroying insects in the 
winter of 181 in our green-houses, we found 
that Tobacco stems boiled so that the liquid 
from them was as dark as strong coffee or 
porter, was certain death to the Thrips. We had 
a large house of Draceenas and other tropical 
plants badly affected by Thrips; we syringed 
the plants freely with the Tobacco water for 
ten or twelve days with the most satisfactory 
results, as at the end of that time not an insect 
was to be seen, and the plants at once began 
to grow with unwonted vigor. 

The RED SPIDER (Acarus tellarius) is an- 
other well-known pest to the green-house, 
and, like the Thrips, seems perfectly indiffer- 
ent to the fumes of Tobacco. It is one of the 
most insidious of all our insect enemies, as it 


204 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


INS 


works nearly always on the under part of the 
leaves, and often has got a firm foothold be- 
fore its presence has been discovered. The 
experienced gardener knows that the main 
cause of Red Spider is a dry, hot atmosphere, 
as it is never present to injure in a moist at- 
mosphere and low temperature. So the pre- 
ventive is at all times an atmosphere in the 
green-house that will prevent the attacks of 
the Red Spider, which at the same time is 
most congenial to the health of the plants, for 
it is certain that if the Red Spider is present 
in force, then the atmosphere has been too 
dry for the well-being of the plants. To 
avoid this in private green-houses, where the 
walks cannot be splashed with water, evap- 
orating pans should be placed on the pipes, 
or any other method that may suggest itself 
to increase the moisture of the atmosphere. 
Last season we filled the space between the 
rows of pipe with Sphagnum Moss, from 
which, when wet, a steady moisture was 
given out. When the Red Spider is present, 
the best way to destroy it is repeated forcible. 
syringings of the leaves, with applications of 
a sulphur wash to the pipes, as recommended 
for Mildew, which see. 

‘* CARNATION TWITTER ” is an insect but 
little known, and in this district only by its 
local name of ‘Carnation Twitter,” given 
from its rapid and nervous motion. As seen 
by the naked eye, it is about the twentieth 
part of an inch in length, and of a thickness 
not more than that of a needle point. It is of 
various shades of color, from green to black. 
It is never very numerous on the plants, but 
most destructive, and evidently poisonous in 
its attacks on all varieties of the Carnation or 
Dianthus family. Its effects on plants some- 
what resemble those of the Red Spider, ex- 
cept that, when attacked by the ‘ Twitter,” 
the leaves have a cankered and twisted ap- 
pearance, easily distinguishable from the 
browning effects of the Spider; and it is far 
more destructive. We have often seen thous- 
ands of Carnation plants destroyed by it in a 
season. We regret to say that, so far, we 
have found nothing that will destroy this 
insect that does not at the same time injure 
the plant. We have tried Tobacco in. all 
forms, lime, soot, Hellebore, Paris Green, 
Quassia, Aloes, and all the nostrums usually 
baneful to insect life, without seeming in the 
slightest to disturb the ‘‘ Twitter.” We have 
found, however, that its ravages are worst on 
light soils; on heavy, stiff clay land we have 
never known it to do much injury. 

BrRowN AND WHITE SCALE INSECTS are 
often troublesome on old plants of Oleanders, 
Orange trees, and some hot-house plants. 
They are best destroyed by being washed or 
rubbed off, or by using the Kerosene Emul- 
sion. See Insecticides. : 

SuiuGs or Snarus. These are troublesome 
both in the open ground and in the green- 
house. Salt is certain death to them, evenin 
smallest quantities, and when in the open 
garden, a slight sprinkling of salt over the 
ground is effectual; but the sprinkling, it 
must be remembered, must be very slight, as 
salt, if put on (even as thick as sand is usually 
strewn on a floor) will kill almost any kind of 
vegetation. In our green-houses the snails 
usually feed at night, getting under the 
benches during the day. We have found a 


INS 


most effectual remedy in strewing a thin line 
of salt on edge of each bench ;—this makes a 
complete ‘dead line” for the Slugs or Snails, 
for they cannot cross it and live. Another 
plan is to slice up potatoes, carrots, cabbage, 
or lettuce leaves, to feed on, for which they 
will leave all other plants. Examine these 
traps daily, and destroy the captives. 

Ants.—These are sometimes. very de- 
structive to vegetation, particularly in dry, 
sandy soils. We have repeatedly suffered 
serious losses from them, both in our green- 
houses and out of doors. The most effica- 
cious remedy we have tried is to saturate 
pieces of sponge with sugar, or to place fresh 
bones around their haunts; they will leave 
everything else to feed on these, and when 
they are thus trapped, can be destroyed by 
dipping in hot water or burning. Another 
method is to blow Pyrethrum or Persian Insect 
Powder over them with a bellows. They are 
killed at once if the powder strikes them in a 
dry state; but it has no effect if damp, for, 
when strewed in their haunts, they run over 
it with impunity. 

The ANGLE WoRM, or the common red 
worm, seen in nearly every soil, in pots or in 
the open ground, is harmless as far as feeding 
on the plant goes, for it does not feed on the 
plants, but bores and crawls around in a way 
which seriously disturbs the roots of plants, 
particularly when growing in pots. Some 
savant has recently given it as his opinion 
that the Angle Worm is highly beneficial in 
pulverizing the soil, and that Nature has 
placed it there for that purpose. We are 
afraid that there are few cultivators that feel 
grateful to the Angle Worm for such service, 
and that most of us would rather be allowed 
to do our own pulverizing without this 
‘natural’ assistance. The Angle Worm is 
easily destroyed with the following solution : 
one peck of shell lime in forty gallons of 
water, allowing the residue to settle at the 
bottom, and watering the plants with the clear 
lime water. The caustic of the lime acts on 
the cuticule of the worms, and is quickly fatal 
to them. 

There are many insects that attack the 
Cabbage tribe, among the best known of which 
is that which causes the disease known as 
“Club Root” (which see). Another enemy of 
the Cabbage plant, and one that is sometimes 
even more destructive than the Club Root, 
is the 

CaBBAGE CATERPILLAR OR CABBAGE WORM. 
This insect is comparatively a new comer in 
the vicinity of New York, having been, itis 
believed, imported from Europe. It is pro- 
duced by a small white butterfly that is seen 
hovering over the Cabbage patches in spring. 
It attacks the leaves of the plant, and is such 
a voracious feeder that it will quickly destroy 
a whole plantation. We find an excellent 
remedy for this pest to be White Hellebore 
powder, which must, however, be put on in 
the early stage of the plant’s existence, as 
when heading up, of course, it would not be 
safe to apply it. The past fall and winter our 
cold-frame Cabbage and Cauliflower plants 
were attacked by the Cabbage Worm, both in 
the seed bed in the open field, and also after 
being transplanted into the frames. One 
good dusting of White Hellebore powder 
destroyed them completely on both occasions. 


IPOM@A COCOINEA. 


we 


L «al | 


304 


IRIS HISPANICA. TRIS SUSIANA, = TRIS ANGLICA, 


IRIS KEMPYERI, 205 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 205 


INS 


For application when the plants are heading 

" up nothing is more efficacious, or more easy 
of application, than Persian or Dalmatian 
insect powder. As it is practically harmless 
to man, and the higher animals, it can be 
applied by a bellows, at any stage of the 
plant’s growth, and, if of a good grade, it is 
certain death to all insects which it. strikes. 
Many southern growers say it is the only 
effectual, and at the same time, perfectly safe 
cure for the Cabbage Worm. 

There are three kinds of insects which 
attack the roots of Cabbages after being 
planted out in the field to head. One is a 
species of Wire Worm, that imbeds itself in 
the stem, for which, we regret to say, we can 
suggest no remedy that will not at the same 
time kill the plant. Another, of a dull gray 
color, resembling a caterpillar in shape, is 
known by the popular and expressive name 
of Cut-worm, based upon their practice of 
eating off the young plants at the level of the 
ground. They are the larves of several species 
of .Noctuida, and are nocturnal in their habits, 
lying just under the surface of the ground 
during the day, and feeding at night. They 
hatch out early in spring, and feed on grass, 
weeds, etc., and when the ground is cleared 
and the plants set out, their enforced fast 
makes them doubly dangerous. The following 
extract from a communication to Garden and 
Forest may be of service to many : 

“Various means have been tried to keep 
them from the plants—lime, salt, gas-tar and 
a variety of other repellants have been em- 
ployed, all with a variable, usually small, 
degree of success. Later, as the habits of 
the worms became better known, traps were 
prepared for them. Holes were driven with 
a dibble, around the newly-set plants, and the 
Cut-worms wandering about fell into them, 
and, being unable to climb up the smooth 
sides, perished there. Traps were set in the 
form of chips and short pieces of board, which 
proved convenient hiding places for the larve, 
and there they could be readily found during 
the day and destroyed. Still later, balls of 
grass and succulent leaves were scattered 

,zbout the fields, and there the worms congre- 
“gated, and were easily destroyed during the 
day. More recently, the grass balls were 
poisoned, by being soaked in a pail of water 
into which a teaspoonful of London Purple 
had been stirred, and the Cut-worms were 
thus killed without the labor attendant upon 
a daily visitation of the lures. The trapping 
system with the aid of poisoned lures has, on 
the whole, proved most satisfactory ;. but, as 
in the case of all applications of insecticides, 
the element of time is a most important 
factor, and in many cases really determines 
success or failure. 

“There is comparatively little success from 
lures placed after a field has been set out 
and where vegetation has started, since the 
worms will prefer young, growing plants, to 
the lures, and after the larve become full 
grown and ready for pupation, lures, of 
eourse, fail in attracting more than a very 
few belated specimens. The proper time for 
a Cut-worm campaign is just after the ground 
has been prepared for the crop to go in it, and 
while it is clear and free from vegetation—if 
possible only a day or two before planting— 
the poisoned lures should be spread about 


INS 


liberally, and the vast majority of all the Cut- 
worms in the prepared ground will be attracted 
and destroyed. It is, of course, not likely 
that the destruction will be complete, but the 
percentage of plants lost will be very much 
lessened, and will be insignificant in compari- 
son to the damage that would have heen 
otherwise caused.” The other is the 

CABBAGE MaGGor. One of the most destruc- 
tive insects we have to contend with in growing 
Cabbage or Cauliflower is the Cabbage Mag- 
got. The only remedy is prevention—which 
requires close observation. Just as soon as 
the Cabbage or Cauliflower becomes well 
rooted in the open field after planting out (inthe 
latitude of New York usually about middle 
of May), close attention will show a small 
black fly hovering around the plants that 
deposits usually about twenty eggs, of a 
whitish color and about the size of a pin’s head. 
Before the eggs hatch out each plant must be 
fingered around so as to displace them from 
the stem. This is quickly done, and it is, we 
believe, the only known remedy to save the 
crop. 

The CURCULIO or PLUM WEEVIL. This little 
beetle is one of the greatest orchard pests, 
attacking not only the Plum, Cherry, Peach and 
other stone fruits, but also doing serious dam- 
age to the Apple. Its attacks are followed by 
great deformity in the fruit. The Apples are 
often stung many times and become so gnarled, 
distorted, and scarred as to be wholly worth- 
less. Analmost certain remedy is to use a 
tablespoonful of London Purple or Paris Green 
to six gallons of water, syringed on the trees 
every other day for fifteen days, beginning 
the operation as the flower begins to drop, as 
itis just when the fruit is forming that the 
insect deposits its egg. No danger need be 
apprehended from the small quantity of the 
poison used, as it will be all washed from the 
fruit long before it ripens. Another remedy, 
which will effectually save acrop in the dis- 
tricts infested by this insect, is to jar the 
tree in the morning or in cool days, first 
spreading sheets under the trees to catch the 
weevils, after which they may be burned. If 
this is begun as soon as the Plums are formed, 


. and persisted in every few days until they are 


ripe, a large share of the crop may be saved. 
This may be thought to be paying rather dear 
for a crop of Plums, but it is really the only 
way it can be secured. Many years ago the 
crop of a Plum orchard under my charge, 
numbering over a hundred large trees, was 
saved by this process, while all other Plums 
in the district, where the jarring of the trees 
was not resorted to, were completely des- 
troyed. This plan was recommended nearly 
half a century ago, and no other practicable 
method has been presented until the recent, 


_use of London Purple or Paris Green, applied 


as already described. 

. The PHYLLOXERA, which has been so des- 
tructive to the Grape vine in Europe, is, fortu- 
nately, mostly localized with us thus far, and 
its ravages have been far from alarming, 
though many feel apprehensive of the future. 
Its depredations, which are of a deadly nature, 
are confined chiefly to the roots, and thus far 
no certain means for its destruction have 
been discovered.. The Phylloxera. has, in a 
few places, been found quite destructive .to 


206° HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


INS 


the foreign vine grown under glass, especially 
in parts of Rhode Island, making it necessary, 
in some cases, to renew both the vines and 
the borders. 

CoLtoRAvO BuG, oR PoTatTo BEETLE, so 
destructive some years ago, has now been 
well-nigh driven off by the persistent use of 
Paris Green by farmers and gardeners. 


Insertion. The manner in which one part is 
inserted into, or adheres to, or originates from 
another; as the leaf on the branch, the branch 
on the stem, ete. 


Inula. A word of doubtful origin, but said to 
be a corruption of Helenitum. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of coarse-growing annuals and her- 
baceous perennials, not worth growing as 
flowering plants. J. Helenium is the Elecam- 
are common in the roadsides throughout the 

tates. 


Involucre. A ring or rings of bracts sur- 
rounding several flowers, such as the whorled 
bracts at the base of an umbel, a head, or a 
single flower. 


Involute. Rolled inward ; when edges are rolled 
inward on each side. 


Iochro'ma. From ion, violet, and chroma, color; 
color of the flower. Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. 

A genus of green-house trees or shrubs, 
natives of western tropical America. It con- 
tains about fifteen species, bearing blue, 
violet, white, yellowish, or scarlet flowers. 
The fruit is succulent, two-celled, and many 
seeded, inclosed in a bladdery calyx. JI. lan- 
ceolata and JI. tubulosa have very showy, rich, 
deep purplish-blue flowers, and they would 
doubtless prove hardy in the Southern States. 


Ionopsi’dium. From ionopsis, violet-faced, and 
eidos, resemblance; alluding to the resem- 
planee to some of the tufted Violets. Nat. 
Ord. Crucifere. 

A small genus of hardy annuals, natives of 
Portugal and Algeria. JI. acaule, the only 
cultivated species, makes a beautiful little 
plant for rockeries or shaded situations; its 
flowers are of a clear lilac, and the foliage of 
a delicate green. It is increased by seeds and 
also by runners, which root freely in the damp 
soil. Introduced 1845. 


Iono'psis. From ion, violet, and opsis, like. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

Asmall genus of free-flowering, low-grow- 
ing, beautiful little Orchids. They are difficult 
to manage, and are, therefore, seldom seen in 
collections. 


Ipecacua’nha. The root of Cephelis Ipecacu- 
anha. A Brazilian plant, the cultivation of 
which has been introduced into India. The 
roots afford the important emetic, and the 
only known specific for dysentery. 

Ipome’a. Morning Glory. From ips, bind- 
weed, and homoios, similar; alluding to the 
twining habit of the plants. Nat. Ord. Con- 
volvulacee. 

A very extensive genus of twining plants, 
consisting of hardy and tender annuals, hardy 
taberous-rooted perennials, and green-house 
perennials. They are remarkable for their 
showy flowers of white, pink, blue and purple 
colors. I. purpurea, with its varieties, is the 
common Morning Glory of the garden. It is a 
native of South America, but has escaped 


IPS 


from cultivation and become thoroughly nat- 
uralized. I. pandurata, Man-of-the-Earth, a 
native species, having very large tuberous 
roots, when well established will cover a very 
large space, and produce an immense number 
of very large, pure white flowers. They re- 
main open much longer than the annual 
varieties. The tuberous-rooted species are 
increased by division, by cuttings, or from 
seeds. The beautiful Moon Flower, Ipomea 
(Calonyction) grandiflora, known also in com- 
merce as I. noctiphiton, etc., is a tropical per- 
ennial species, with immense pure white, 
sweet-scented flowers, which, contrary to the 
habits of this splendid family, open at night 
instead of the morning. Being a free 
bloomer, the effect, especially, on a moon- 
light night, is charming, particularly when it 
is growing on atree. This species requires 
protection during winter, and is increased 
by cuttings or seeds. I. Mexicana and IJ. 
Bona Nox, natives of Florida and New 
Mexico, etc., are also white-flowered, night- 
blooming species, but neither of them is so 
large or floriferous as the foregoing. I. Learii, 
the blue Dawn flower, a tender perennial 
species, is perhaps the most beautiful and 
useful of all the Ipomeas. It is useful in the 
open air for rapidly covering an outbuilding, 
a wall, ora trellis, and will flower abundantly 
from midsummer till fall. In the green-house 
it will bloom the whole year, but it is well to 
cut it in ratherseverely in September to keep 
it within bounds. The flowers, which are 
large, and of that pure sky-blue so rare among 
flowers, are produced in the greatest profu- 
sion. It is propagated by cuttings. We 
have tried many times to raise it from im- 
ported seed, but have never found it to come 
true. J. leptophylla is a hardy perennial 
species of half-climbing habit, with an im- 
mense tuberous root, and is a desirable plant. 
Itis found from Nebraska to New Mexico, 
and is propagated by division and from seed. 
I. coccinea, or Star Ipomeea, a native of the 
West Indies, bears a profusion of scarlet 
flowers, and is a very desirable plant. Nearly 
all the Ipomceas are popular plants, especi- 
ally with those who have an eye for grace and 
beauty combined. 


Ipomo’psis. Standing Cypress. From ipo, to 
strike forcibly, and opsis, sight; alluding to 
the dazzling color of the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Polemoniacee. 

I. elegans and I. picta are the only species. 
They are beautiful hardy biennials, natives of 
South Carolina and southward. They grow 
from four to six feet high, and are covered 
nearly their whole length with brilliant scar- 
let flowers. Seed should be sown in early 
summer, in a dry, sandy soil, where the water 
will not stand in winter; they will be greatly 
benefited with a slight mulching of leaves, 
not as a protection against cold, but against 
wet and sudden changes. This genus is now 
included under Gilia, by some authorities. 


I’psea, Derivation of name unknown. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidacee. 

This genus of Orchids is represented by I. 
speciosa, a beautiful and rare species from 
Céylon. The flowers are clear yellow with a 
carmine stripe on the lip. It requires the 
same treatment as the Bletia, which it re- 
sembles in habit; introduced in 1840. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 207 


IRE 


Tresi/ne. From eiros, wool; referring to the 
wooly aspect of the branches of some of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Amaranthacea. 


A genus of erect herbs or sub-shrubs, na- 
tives of Australia and tropical and sub-tropi- 
eal America, a single species reaching as far 
north as Ohio. Those best known in cultiva- 
tion are very ornamental plants, and are in- 
dispensable in all bedding-out arrangements 
on account of their beautifully-colored foliage. 
ae genus is very closely allied to Achyran- 
thes. : 


Iria'‘rtea. Named in honor of Juan Iriarte, a 
Spanish botanist. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A small genus of ornamental, tall-growing 
palms, inhabiting tropical America. Natur- 
ally, they sometimes produce aerial roots, 
which raise the trees from the ground as if 
on stilts. They require the same treatment 
as other stove-palms. 


Iriarte’lla setigera. A small South American 
palm formerly included in Jriartea. It 
rarely grows more than fifteen feet high, and 
has a perfectly straight cylindrical trunk, 
scarcely more than an inch thick. The In- 
dians on the Amazon and Rio Negro, where 
this palm grows, in the underwood of the 
forests, use its slender stems for making 
their blow-pipes, the weapon commonly em- 
ployed by them inthe pursuit of game, and 
through which they blow small poisoned 
arrows with unerring accuracy, and to a con- 
siderable distance. These blow-pipes are 
usually from eight to twelve feet long, and 
have a bore of about a quarter of an inch in 
diameter. 


Irida’cez (The Iris Family). A natural order of 


herbs with corms, rhizomes, or fibrous roots, | 


and mostly with equitant leaves, and flowers 


in sheaths. They are found in warm and - 


temperate regions, and abound at the Cape of 
Good Hope. There are about fifty genera 
and upward of five hundred species. Iris, 
Gladiolus, Crocus, and Ixia are examples. 


T'ris. Fleur-de-Luce, or Flower-de-Luce. Iris, 
the rainbow deified; anciently applied to this 
genus on account of the bright and varied 
colors of the blossoms. Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 
There are two large and distinct sections 
into which the Jris is usually divided, one 
with creeping fleshy root-stocks or rhizomes, 
including such species as I. Germanica, I. Flor- 
entina, I. flavescens, I. squalens, etc., and num- 
berless varieties having large and handsome 
flowers, and as they are the easiest to cul- 
tivate, they are most largely grown, the other 
section includes the bulbous kinds or Xiphions, 
principally represented in cultivation by 
what are known asthe English and Spanish 
Tris. Both are of Spanish origin, and vary 
chiefly in the size of the bulbs and flowers, 
and in the more curious combination of colors 
as exhibited in the flowers of the former. 
They should be taken up and replanted every 
second or third year, as the new bulbs, which 
are formed every season, are always directly 
under the old bulb; and thus in the course of 
a few years the bulbs descend so low as to be 
out of the reach of the air, and consequently 
incapable of vegetaticn. Thus it -will be 
generally found that persons in the habit of 
growing Irises, are always complaining of 


ISM 


losing their plants, while the real fault rests 
with themselves for not taking up their bulbs 
at the proper time. The bulbous and tuber- 
ous-rooted Irises succeed in any light and 
dry soil. The splendid Chalcedonian Iris is 
one of the tubercus-rooted kinds; and it not 
-only requires a dry soil during winter, but to 
be allowed plenty of pure air during the whole 
period of its growth, or it will be very apt to 
damp off. Among the species of late intro- 
duction is I. Kempferii (Syn. levigaia), from 
Japan. The plantsare perfectly hardy, and 
are very free-flowering. The flowers are 
double and single, the colors pure white, 
purple, maroon, blue, and many with the 
various colors marbled with white. They 
grow readily in almost any situation, in full 
exposure to sun, or in partial shade. They 
are increased by division, or may be grown 
readily from seed, which if sown in the open 
border, will make plants that will flower the 
second year. These are really grand plants. 
Scarcely any plants in the flower-garden can 
compare with them for gorgeous beauty, and 
they command a prominent place in all 
gardens. That they do not flower until near 
midsummer, when the season of the common 
Iris is past, is an additional recommendation 
to most lovers of plants. 


Irish Heath. Dabecia polifolia. 


Iron Tree. The common name of Parrotia 
Persica. 


Iron-weed. The popular name of Vernonia 
Noveboracensis, a common plant in moist 
grounds and along fence rows, growing from 
two to seven feet high, and bearing bright 
purple flowers. 


Iron-wood. The popular name of two trees 
that furnish a hard, useful timber, the one 
Ostrya, which is also known as Hop Horn- 
beam, and the other Carpinus, the common 
Hornbeam, or Iron-wood. Both are common 
in most of the States. 


Iron-wood of Morocco. See Argania, siderox- 
ylon. 


TV’satis. A genus of Crucifere, consisting of 
erect annual or biennial plants, natives of 
southern Europe and western Asia, one being 
found in China. ‘ They have undivided leaves, 
with a bluish bloom, and generally yellow 
flowers, borne in long, loose, erect, terminal 
panicles. I. tinctoria, the Dyer’s wood, is the 
only species of importance, being cultivated, 
especially in the north of China, for the blue 
dye, similar to indigo, obtained from it. 


Isme’ne. Peruvian Daffodil. After Ismene, the 
daughter of Gdipus and Jocasta. Nat, Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. ‘ 

A small genus of very handsome bulbs from 
Peru, which require to be kept perfectly dry 
during winter, and free from frost. Planted 

-out in spring as soon as the ground is warm 
and dry, they come into flower in June and 
July. J. calathina, with pure white, very fra- 
grant flowers, and I. amances, yellow, are ex- 
cellent for this purpose. As the flowers last 
well, they are also valuable for winter forcing, 
and.can be brought into bloom in six weeks 
from the time of planting, and may be had-in 
succession all winter. - The flowers are pro- 
duced in an umbel on a spathe about two feet 
high. This genus isincluded by some botanists 


208 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ISO 


under Hymenocallis, and by others under Pan- 
cratium. They are propagated by offsets, and 

. were introduced in 1800. 

Iso’lepis. From isos, equal, and lepis, a scale; 
-alluding to the regularity of the scales. Nat. 
Ord. Cyperacee. 

I. gracilis is a very pretty, low-growing, 
fine, rush-like grass, cultivated for a basket 
plant, a purpose for which it is admirably 
adapted. Propagated by division. Syn. Scirpus 
riparius. 

Isolo'‘ma. From isos, equal, and loma, a bor- 
der; lobes of corolla equal. Nat. Ord. Ges- 
neracee. 

-A genus comprising about sixty species of 
ornamental green-house and stove plants, 
often confused with Achimenes and Gesnera, 
natives of Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, etc. Flowers 
often scarlet, golden, or spotted ; leaves oppo- 
site, often slightly villous. Culture similar 
to Gesnera or Tydea, which see. 

Isolo'‘ma (of J. Smith). A name given to a 
genus of Ferns now included under Lindsea. 


Isona/ndra. Gutta Percha Tree. From isos, 
equal, and ander, the male organ, or stamen; 
referring to an equal number of fertile and 
barren stamens. Nat. Ord. Sapotacee. 

gutta, the species which yields Gutta 
Percha, is a large forest-tree, growing sixty to 
seventy feet high, with a trunk two or three 
feet in diameter. It is a native of Borneo, 
_Ceylon and Malaya, where there are immense 
forests of this and kindred species. They are 
quite ornamental trees, but, from their size, 
only valuable fo’the Gutta Percha they pro- 
uce. 


Isopy’rum. From isos, equal, and pyros, wheat. 
The Greeks gave this name to a plant resem- 
bling Nigella, the seeds of which have the 
same taste. Nat. Ord. Ranunculacee. 

A genus of dwarf, slender, hardy perennial 

_ herbs, natives of Europe and temperate Asia. 

I. thalictroides is a very graceful border plant, 

with feathery, white flowers, and foliage re- 

sembling a Maiden-hair Fern. It is of easy 

cultivation, and is increased by seeds or divis- 
ion of the roots. 


Iso'toma. From isos, equal, and toma, a sec- 
tion; the flowers are equal. Nat. Ord. Loebel- 
tacee. 


Asmall genus of annuals and herbaceous 
perennials, formerly included in the genus 
Lobelia. I. petrea is a very showy half-hardy 
annual, with cream-colored flowers. J. longi- 
flora, a native of the West Indies, is a most 
venomous plant, producing dangerous cathar- 
tic symptoms. It proves fatal to horses that 
eat it. ° 

Isotro’pis. From isos, equal, and _ tropos, 
turned; referring probably to the distinctly 
formed veins in the flowers. Nat. Ord. 

nose. 

. striata, from Swan River, constitutes this 
genus. It is a beautiful little green-house 
shrub, with a soft and slightly downy stem. 
The flowers are much like those of the Choro- 
zema, clear orange yellow, with rich, deep 
erimson, forked veins. It was introduced in 
1838, and is propagated by cuttings of the 
young wood. . 


Italian Rye Grass. Lolium Italicw.n. 
T’tea. The Greek name for the Willow, applied 


Ixo 


to this genus on account of its rapid growth in 
damp soil. Nat. Ord. Saxifragacea. 

I. Virginica, the only cultivated species, Js 
a dwarf shrub resembling a. willow in habit 
and foliage ; flowers white, produced in great 
profusion towards the end of summer. In- 
digenous in wet places, from New Jersey 
southward, near the coast. 


Ivory. Vegetable. The hard albumen of the 
nuts of Phytelephas macrocarpa. 


Ivy. See Hedera helix. 
American. Ampelopsis quinquefolia. 
Germanor Parlor. A garden name for Sen- 
ecio Mikanioides. 

Ground. Nepeta Glechoma. 

Japan, or Boston. See Ampelopsis tricuspi- 
data (Syn. A. Veitchii). 


Kenilworth, or Coliseum. Linaria cymba- 
laria. 
Mexican. Cobca scandens. 


Poison. Rhus toxicodendron. 


Ixia. From izia, bird-lime; in reference to 
the clammy juice. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A genus of beautiful Cape bulbs, with nar- 
row ensate leaves, and slender, simple, or 
slightly branched stems, bearing spikes of 
large showy flowers, various in color, and ex- 
ceedingly attractive when fully expanded by 
sunshine. These flowers have a_salver- 
shaped perianth, with a slender tube, and 
six-parted, spreading, equal limb, three sta- 
mens inserted in the throat, with filiform fil- 
aments and versatile anthers, and a three- 
celled ovary with numerous ovules, termi- 
nating in a filiform style, and three narrow 
linear con-duplicate recurved stigmas. 
viridiflora, which has large sea-green flowers 
with black markings at the base of the seg- 
ments, is a very singular-looking, as well as 
very beautiful plant. There are many species 
and some varieties, and the greater part of 
them are worthy of cultivation. They are 
half hardy, but with us should be grown in 
pots in the green-house; about mid-winter 
they will begin to show their handsome flow- 
ers freely. When done flowering they should 
be dried off till September or October, which 
is the proper time to start them again. They 
grow well in a light loam with the addition of 
leaf mould and sand, and are propagated by 
offsets. First introduced in 1757. 


Ixia/nthes retzioides. A rare and beautiful 
plant of the Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee, native 
of western South Africa. Itis an erect shrub, 
with lanceolate leaves, densely crowded into 
ternary whorls. The flowers are not unlike 
those of a Pentstemon, but bright yellow. It 
grows naturally almost in the water, and in 
drier places becomes stunted and depauper- 
ated. Introduced in 1882. 


Ixioli'rion. From izxia, and leirion, a lily; lit- 
erally, Ixia-like Lily. Nat. Ord. Amarylli- 
dace. 

A small genus of rare and beautiful little 
hardy bulbs from Asia Minor. They have 
simple erect stems, with terminal clusters’ or 
racemes of sky-blue flowers, and are propa- 
gated by seeds or offsets. Introduced in 
1844. 


Ixo’/ra. Named after Jswara, a Malabar deity, 
to whom the flowers of some of the species 
are Offered. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


209 


JAB 


A genus of Indian and ‘tropical African 
shrubs, with corymbs of handsome flowers of 
a scarlet, pink, or white color, and frequently 

_ having an agreeable fragrance. The history 
- of Izora coccinea, the best known species, is 
rather curious. Itis a native of China and 
‘ some of the East India Islands, where it is 
worshipped as a sacred plant, and where it is 
said to form a small tree about six feet high, 
rising with a single stem, and having its head 
formed entirely of clusters of bright scarlet 
and yellow flowers, whence it has received 
the name of Flamma Sylvarum, or the Tree of 
Fire. This plant was first introduced in 1690; 
but it was soon lost and its existence was 
even doubted until it was re-introduced about 
a, hundred years afterward by the celebrated 
Dr. Fothergill. The Ixoras are really mag- 
nificent plants, and should be grown in a 
warm temperature. They are propagated 
from cuttings, and should be grown in asandy 
loam and leaf mould. When repotted, which 
should be done immediately after flowering, 
the plants will be benefited by being plunged 
into a moderate bottom heat, which induces 


JAP 


them to root freely, and to form the growth 
quickly and with ‘vigor, thus enabling them 
to become properly ripened before winter. In 
the spring, when the flower heads begin to 
appear, a liberal regimen should be adopted, 
and liquid manure occasionally applied. At 
this time, and, indeed, throughout the sum- 
mer, the foliage should be frequently syr- 
inged, in ordcr to keep it clear of insects, and 
to preserve its rich green and glossiness. As 
soon as the flowers are expanded, and onward 
till the growth is complete, the plants should 
be shaded from powerful light, and through 
the summer a moderately moist atmosphere 
-of about 75° should be kept about them. In 
winter the ordinary attention required by hot- 
house plants will suffice. The taste for hard- 
wooded plants is on theincrease. Among the 
best is the Ixora, which should be more gen- 
erally grown; over twenty species varying in 
color, from pure white to deep orange-scarlet, 

, are now in cultivation. I. coccinea superba, 
I. eminens, I. illustris, I. decora, I. ornata, I. 
Williamsii and others, are free flowering and 
easily grown species. 


J. 


je From Jaborose, the Arabic for the 
Mandrake, an allied plant. Nat. Ord. So- 
lanacew. 

A small genus.of South American herbaceous 
perennials. The flowers are funnel-shaped, 
white or green. None of the species has any 
special attractions. . : 

Jack-in-the-Pulpit. See Arisema. 

Jaca, or Jack-Tree. The native name of Ario- 
carpus integrifolia, the Bread Fruit of the East 
Indies. 

Jacara’nda. 
Bignoniacee. 

A genus of very handsome, lofty evergreen 
trees, with the elegant habit of the fine- 
leaved Acacias. They have bluish flowers in 
terminal panicles, but their size prevents their 
cultivation in the green-house. 

Jacobee’a. A synonym of Senecio. 

Jacobzean Lily. See Sprekelia. 

Jacobi/nia. A genus of Acanthacew, proposed to 
include Cyrtanthera, Pachystachys and Serico- 
graphis. 

Jacob's Ladder. See Polemonium. 

Jacquemo’ntia. Named after Victor Jacque- 
mont, a traveler in the East Indies. Nat. Ord. 
Convolvulacee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
twiners, intermediate between Ipom@a and 
Convolvulug. They are natives of Mexico and 
the East Indies, and are propagated by cut- 
tings. Introduced in 1808. 

Jacqui/nia. Named in honor of N. J. de Jacquin, 
once Professor of Botany at Leyden. A genus 
of handsome evergreen bushes of the Nat. 

. Ord. Convolvulacee, peculiar to America, where 

- they range from Florida to Brazil, and are 
usually found near the coast. J. armillaris is 
known by the West Indian settlers as Brace- 


Its Brazilian name. Nat. Ord. 


let Wood; the shiny brown and yellow seeds 
being made into bracelets. Introduced to 
cultivation in 1768. 


Jalap. See Hxzogoniwm. 

Jamaica Dogwood. Sce Piscidia. 

Jamaica Mignonette. (Henna Plant.) See 
Lawsonia. : 

Jamaica Pepper. A name given to Allspice, 
Pimento vulgaris, which see. : 


Jame'sia. Named after Dr. Edion James, who 
first discovered the plant. Nat. Ord. Sazi- 
fragacee. 


J. Americana, the only species, is a medium- 
sized hardy shrub, with opposite serrated 
leaves and white flowers, like a Deuitzia, 

-blooming nearly allsummer. It is anativeof 
Mexico and the Rocky Mountains, and is in- 
creased by seeds or cuttings of the ripened 
wood. Introduced in 1865. 

Jamestown Weed. See Datura. 
Janipha. See Manihot. 
Japan Allspice. See Chimonanthus. 


Japan Cedar. See Crytomeria. 
Japan Clover. See Lespedeza. 
Japan Cypress. See Retinospora. 


Japanese Toad Lily. See Tricyrtis. : 

Japan or Climbing Fern. See Lygodium. 

Japan Lacquer Tree. Rhus vernicifera. 

Japan or BostonIvy. See Ampelopsis ( Veitchii) 
tricuspidata. 

Japan Maple. Acer Japonicum. 

Japan Medlar, or Japan Persimmon. 
Diospyros. : 

Japan Pepper. See Xanthoxylum. : 

Japan Plum. See Eryobotrya. : 

Japan Quince. See Cydonia. ; 


See 


210 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


JAP 


Japan Varnish Tree. Ailantus glandulosus. 

Japan Yew. See Podocarpus. 

Jasio/ne. An ancient name used by Theophras- 
tus. Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. 

A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials 
and annuals, mostly natives of Europe and 
North Africa. All of the species have very 
pretty blue flowers, though not of sufficient 
importance to warrant their introduction in the 
garden. dJ. montana is a pretty annual, com- 
mon in the healthy and moorland districts of 
Great Britain. It is commonly known as 
Sheep’s Scabious, from its resemblance to the 
‘Scabious, and from its abundance in sheep- 
walks. 


Jasmine or Jessamine. See Jasminum. 
Cape. See Gardenia florida. 
Carolina. Gelsemium nitidum. 


Jasminez. A tribe of the Nat. Ord. Oleacew. 


Jasminum. Jasmine. From Ysmym, the Ara- 
bic name. Nat. Ord. Oleaceaw. 

The delicacy and fragrance of the flowers of 
the Jasmine have often afforded metaphor and 
theme to the poet. Among the species are 
found equally desirable subjects for deco- 
rating the hot-house, the green-house, arbors, 
or other objects in the open air, and combin- 
ing in every instance freedom and elegance 
in the general habit of the plants, with all 
that is desirable in floral embellishments. 
The hot-house and green-house species should 
be frequently fumigated through the summer, 
as they are extremely liable to attacks from 
aphis and other insects. The hardy kinds 
grow freely in almost any situation, and 
only require to be kept trained in the desired 
form, without, however, reducing them to a 
rigidly formal outline, to make them most 
ornamental objects in almost any position. 
Most of the species are from the East Indies. 
J. grandiflorum is one of our best known 
winter-flowering plants, and is largely used for 
cut flowers. It is propagated by cuttings, 
which root freely, and when well grown form 
good plants the first season. Introduced in 


Ja'tropha. From iatros, physician, and trophe, 
food; referring to its medicinal qualities. 
Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacee. 

A widely-distributed genus of herbs and 
evergreen shrubs, principally of economic 
value, found chiefly in South America. None 
of the species are valuable as flowering or 
ornamental plants, though J. podograria is 
sometimes grown for its curious gouty stems, 
J. urens, common on the coast from Virginia, 
southwards, from its stinging properties, is 
generally known by its popularnames, Tread- 
Softly, and Spurge-Nettle. 


Jefferso'nia. Twin-leaf. Named in honor of 
Thomas Jefferson. Nat. Ord. Berberidacew. 
J. diphylla, the only species, isa pretty little 
plant, common in woods from New York to 
‘Wisconsin and southward. It is sometimes 
called Rheumatism Root, from its supposed 
medicinal properties. 


Jerusalem Artichoke. See Helianthus. 
Jerusalem Cherry. See Solanwm capsicastrum. 
Jerusalem Sage. See Phiomis. 

Jerusalem Thorn. See Parkinsonia. 
Jessamine. A popular corruption of Jasmine. 


JUD . 


Jewel Weed. See Impatiens. 
Jimson Weed. See Datura. 
Job’s Tears. See Coix lachryma. 


Joe-Pye Weed. Trumpet Weed. Popular 
names of Eupatorium purpureum. 

Johnson Grass. Sorghum halepense. The name 
Johnson Grass, which is the one most gener- 
ally adopted in this country, originated from 
William Johnson of Alabama, who introduced 
the grass into that state from South Carolina 
about 1840. Its chief value is for hay in 
regions where other grasses fail on account 
of drought. If cut early, the hay is of good 
quality, and several cuttings may be made 
in a season. The late Mr. Howard, of 
Atlanta, Ga., a careful and practical farmer 
and investigator, said of it, after anexperience 
of forty years, that this grass was preferable 
to all others that could be grown in the South. 
Its analysis shows it to be more nutritious 
than even sweet corn fodder. Its seeds are 
as large as those of broom corn, and its 
leaves are long and _ tender. The stem 
reaches a height of six feet. Its perennial 
growth, and the firm hold ittakes of the soil, in 
which it spreads with great rapidity, give it 
a high value for a fodder grass in the South. 

John’s, St., Bread. Ceratonia siliqua. 

John’s, St., Wort. The genus Hypericum. 


Jointed Charlock. A name frequently given 
to the Wild Radish, Raphanus raphanistrum. 

Joint Grass. A common name of one of our 
native grasses, Paspalum distichum. 

Joint Weed. A popular name for Polygonum 
articulatum. 

Jo/nesia. Named after Sir. W. Jones, Nat. Ord. 

' Leguminose. 

A small genus of shrubs or low-growing 
trees inhabiting-the East Indies. They have 
bright glossy leaves, about a foot long, made 
up of three to six pairs of leaflets. The flow- 
ers are bright scarlet, in terminal round clus- 
ters, resembling the Zzora. Some of the Jap- 
anese species have clusters six to eight 
inches across, and succeed best when grown 
in heat. They are propagated by cuttings, 
and were introduced in 1820. Syn. Saraca. 

Jonquil. See Narcissus. 

Joseph's Coat. See Amaranthus tricolor. 

Jubza. After Juba, ancient King of Numidia. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

J. spectabilis, the only species, is the Co- 
quito Palm of Chili. It has a tall, straight 
trunk, bearing a crown of large pinnate 
leaves, and branching spikes of dark yellow, 
distinct male and female flowers, inclosed in 
a double spathe. In Chili, a sweet syrup, or 
Palm-honey, is prepared by boiling the sap of 
this tree to the consistency of molasses, and 
itforms a considerable article of trade, being as 
much esteemed for domestic use as sugar. 
The sap is obtained by felling the trees and 
cutting off the crown of leaves, when it im- 
mediately begins to flow, and continues for 
several months, until the tree is exhausted, 
provided a thin slice is shaved off the top 
every morning. Each tree yields about 
ninety gallons. The nuts, trunks, and leaves 
are used for various economic purposes. Young 
plants are obtained from seeds, and require to 
be grown in a plant-stove. 

Judas Tree. See Cercis. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 211 


JUG 


Juglanda’cez. A natural order of trees with 
alternate, pinnate, stipulate leaves and uni- 
sexual flowers. They are chiefly natives of 
North America and the Indies. Juglans regia 
is the English Walnut or Madeira Nut of the 
fruit stores. Carya alba is the American 
Hickory Nut. Juglans nigra is the Black 
Walnut. There are five genera and about 
thirty species, all valuable timber trees, much 
prized by cabinet makers. Juglans and Carya 
are examples of the order. 


Ju/glans. Walnut. From Jovis, the heathen 
god, and glans, a nut. Nat. Ord. Juglan- 


A well-known genus of hardy deciduous 
trees. J. regia, the common English Walnut 
or Madeira-nut tree, isa native of Persia, and 
was introduced into English gardens in 1562. 
This species makes a beautiful tree for the 
lawn as far north as New York, but it rarely 
ripens fruit. There are several specimens of 
this tree on the grounds of Mr. Manice, 
Queens, Long Island, having favorable situa- 
tions, and they seldom fail of ripening a fair 
crop of nuts. There is alsoalong avenue of 
old trees of this Walnut in Westchester 
County, N.Y., and the crop seldom fails. J. 
cinerea is our common Butter-nut, and J. nigra 
the well-known Black Walnut. 


Jujube. See Zizyphus Jujube. 


Juncus. Rush. Bog-Rush. Linneus derived 
the name from jungo, to join; in allusion to 
the first ropes having been made from rushes. 
Nat. Ord. Juncacee. 

The Rush is a very extensive, and almost 
universally distributed genus of marshy plants. 
Some of the species are very troublesome to 
the farmer, when once started in moist 
meadows. The destruction of the grass is 
certain, unless a constant warfare is kept up. 
Some of the species, in their native countries, 
are of the greatest value. In Holland, the 
Rush is planted with great care on their sea 
embankments, to prevent, by its roots, the 
action of the tides from washing away the 
earth. When these Rushes have attained 
their full height, which is in summer, they 
are cut down, tied into bunches, dried, and 
taken into market, where they are wrought 
into baskets and other useful articles. In 
Japan the manufacture of Rush matting is 
carried to a great extent. For this purpose, 
J. conglomeratus, or hard Rush, is used; and 
for their best floor-mats, J. effusis, or soft 
Rush, is employed. These mats, which are 
at once carpets and the only beds used by the 
Japanese, are soft, elastic, and often three or 
four inches thick. They are very closely 
plaited, and the interstices afterward filled 
with rice paper. Some law appears to regu- 
late the size of these mats, for, according to 
Thunberg, they are of precisely the same 
dimensions throughout all parts of the king- 
dom, with the exception of those in the 
imperial palace of Jeddo. The regulation size 
is six feet by three, with a narrow blue or 
black border. They make a lighter sort of 
matting of the same material, which is used 
as window blinds, and to protect the trans- 
parent paper which forms a substitute for 
glass. Of some harder species they even 
make shoes for their horses, which come up 
to the pastern joint, and cover the hoof. 
Bags made of Rushes are extensively used in 


JUT 


the Eastern countries. Sugar sent from the 
Mauritius is always in bags made of Rushes, 
which are very strong and durable. A very 
handsome plant of the Bulrush family ‘has 
been lately introduced from Japan, with 
foliage as strikingly variegated as Eulalia 
Japonica zebrina. Like that plant, the varie- 
gation runs horizontally around the hollow 
leaves. The bands of bright yellow are about 
two inches apart, delicately shaded into the 
green, and the whole appearance of the plant 
is one of unique beauty. It may prove to be 
hardy. It was introduced here from Japan by 
Thomas Hogg, but sent to England for distri- 
bution. See Scirpus. 
June Berry. See Amelanchier. 


Juniper. See Juniperus. 
Irish. Juniperus communis, var. hybernica. 
Swedish. Juniperus communis, var. suecica. 


Juni/perus. Juniper. From the Celtic Juni- 
perus, rough. Nat Ord. Conifer. 

An extensive genus of evergreen trees and 
shrubs, the more conspicuous of which are J. 

- communis, the common Juniper, indigenous 
in dry, rocky places in New Jersey and north- 
ward. The berries of this species are much 
used in the manufacture ofgin. J. Virginiana, 
the well-known Red Cedar, is found in all 
parts of the country, but more particularly 
from Virginia southward. J. Bermudiana, 
Bermuda Cedar, is used for lead pencils as 
well as the Red Cedar, the latter being used 
for the best. 

Jupiter's Beard. See Anthyllis. 

Jurinea. Derivation not explained. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

A genus of about forty species of hardy 
herbaceous perennials, natives of southern 
Europe and western and central Asia. Though 
occasionally seen in cultivation, none of the 
species is of much horticultural value. They 
are increased by seeds or by division of the 
roots in spring. 

Jussiz’/a. Named in honor of the celebrated 
family of Jussieu. An extensive genus of 
Onagraceew, consisting of herbs, or, more 
rarely, shrubs, growing in marshes or ponds 
throughout the tropics, a few reaching to 
sub-tropical regions. They have white, or 

* yellow flowers, and alternate, very frequently, 
membraneous and entire leaves. Some of the 
species are astringent, as J. villosa, from 
India, and J. Caparossa, and J. villosa, from 
Brazil, where, also, occurs, J. pilosa, which 
yields a yellow dye. J. decurrens, reaches 
north as far as Virginia. 

Justicia. Named after J. Justice a celebrated 
Scotch horticulturist. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

An extensive genus of tender annuals and 
biennials, green-house herbaceous perennials, 
and green-house shrubs. They are natives 
of the East Indies, with a few in South 
America and the West Indies. Many of the 
species are mere weeds. Some of the green- 
house shrubs are ornamental and desirable, 
their long spikes of red and purple flowers 
being very showy. The beautiful bright 
yellow species known best as J. calotricha, and 
d. flavicoma, are now placed under Schaueria, 
which see. They are easy of cultivation, 
and are propagated by cuttings, 

Jute. The fibre of Chorchorus capsularis and 
C. olitorius, 


212 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


K. 


KAD 


feels The Japanese name. Nat. Ord. 
Magnoliacee. 

A small genus of half-hardy evergreen trail- 
ing plants, with white or yellow flowers. Na- 
tives of Japan. Some of the species are under 
cultivation, but are not of special interest. 


Kempfe'ria. Named after Kempfer, a German 
naturalist. Nat. Ord. Zingiberacee. 

A genus of East Indian herbaceous peren- 
nials, with singular tubular-shaped flowers, 
that appear before the leaves, from very short 
stems. K. Gilbertii has tufted, oblong-lance- 
olate, dark green leaves, slightly undulated, 
and bordered by a broad and very conspicuous 
band of white. A very attractive and desira- 
ble variegated plant, introduced from Moul- 
mein in 1882. The roots of some of the spe- 
cies have an aromatic fragrance, and are used 
medicinally and for perfumes. 


Kaffir Bean Tree. See Schotia. 

Kaffir Lily. See Schizostilis. 

Kaki, The Japanese Persimmon. See Diospy- 
ros. 


Kale. See Borecole. 


Kala’nchoe. The Chinese name of one of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Crassulacew. ~ 
A very pretty genus of succulent plants, 
natives of tropical Africa, but also found in 
tropical Asia, at the Cape, and in Brazil. They 
do well in a light sandy loam, and produce 
rather large flowers, usually in many-flowered 
paniculate cymes, the color being yellow, 
purple, or scarlet. The leaves are fleshy, 
opposite, sessile or petiolate, entire, crenate, 
or pinnatifid. They are very interesting 
plants, and worthy of a place in the green- 
house. K. acutifolia has divided, bronzy 
leaves, and altogether is a beautiful plant, and 
' is propagated readily from cuttings placed in 
sand. First introduced in 1781. K. carnea, a 
' recent introduction from south Africa, with 
~ delicate pink flowers, blooming during the 
winter months, is of easy culture, is very 
floriferous, and succeeds well in ordinary 
green-house temperature. The flowers are 
borne in large clusters, are of a wax-like con- 
sistency, and last a long time in perfection. 


Ka’lmia. Named after Peter Kalm, a Swedish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Hricacee. 
A genus of evergreen shrubs, growing from 
four to ten feet high, common from Maine to 
Georgia, usually found on mountain sides or 
dry waste places, but sometimes also along 
brook sides. K. latifolia, Calico Bush, is the 
common Laurel of the United States, and is 
certainly one of the most beautiful of ever- 
greens, whether we regard the deep verdure 
of its foliage or the abundance of its exquis- 
itely elegant, delicate pink, rose, or nearly 


white flowers, produced from May to July. It. 


is generally supposed that this shrub cannot 
be transplanted from the woods with any cer- 
’ tainty of success, but this is a mistake. Take 
the precaution to prepare a bed or border, 
with a soil as nearly like the one you, find 
them in as possible, and which is usually 


KEN 


composed, in a great measure, of leaf-mould; 
take up plants of a small size, being careful not 
to cut the roots, and not to let them get dry, 
and get them into the border as soon as pos- 
sible after taking them up; then cut well 
back, and very-few will fail to make elegant 
plants, which will flower freely the second 
year. After one removal they may be taken 
up and shifted as often as desirable, with as 
little difficulty or danger as any of our border 
shrubs. K. angustifolia, Sheep Laurel, or 
Lambkill, is a dwarf-growing, narrow-leaved 
species, with smaller flowers, but of a bright 
crimson color. The leaves are generally sup- 
posed to be poisonous to sheep and lambs; 
hence the two common names, © 


Kalosa’nthes, A synonym of Rochea, which 
see. 


Kansas Gay Feather. See Liatris pycnostachya. 


Kara'tas. A genus of Bromeliacee, comprising 
about a dozen species of herbaceous peren- 
nials, natives of the West Indies, tropical 
South America, and Brazil. They are gener- 
ally rather coarse, long-leaved, spinous plants, 
though K. Innocentit and K. spectabilis are 
very showy species. They are of easy cul- 
ture. Syns. Nidularium, Bromelia, ete. - 


Katherine's, St., Flower. Nigella. Damascena. 


Kaulfu’ssia. In honor of Frederic Kaulfuss, 
M.D., Professor of Botany at Halle. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

A small genus of beautiful little hardy an- 
nuals from the Cape of Good Hope. The 
flowers are of various colors, blue, rose, white 
and violet, somewhat resembling an Aster. 
This genus is now called Charieis, K. amel- 
loides being. known as C. heterophylla; the 
name going by priority to the following genus 
of Ferns. 


Kaulfu’ssia, A very distinct genus of Ferns, 
found in India and Java, with thick rhizomes 
and coarse terminal fronds. The fronds of 
K. esculifolia, the only described species, are 
like a Horse-chestnut leaf, and the under 
surface is dotted over with copious stomata- 
like pores. Closely allied to Marattia. 


Kauri, or Kawrie Pine. See Damarra Australis. 


Keel... When the mid-rib of a leaf or petal is 
sharp and elevated externally it is called a 
keel. 


Keferste/nia. A synonym of Zygopetalum. 
KenilworthIvy. See Linaria. 


Kenne/dya. Named in honor of Mr. Kennedy, 
of the firm of Lee and Kennedy, celebrated 
English nurserymen. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of free-flowering, evergreen green- 
house climbers, remarkable for their beautiful 
racemes of pea-shaped flowers, which are of 
various colors, scarlet, blue, purple, pink and 
variegated. They are highly ornamental, and 
useful in the green-house for cut flowers; and 
are increased readily by cuttings of short side 
shoots, well hardened. Introduced in 1824 
from New Holland. 


KOHL RABI (EARLY WHITE VIENNA), 


KENTIA CANTERBURYANA, 


EQ@NIGA (SWEET ALYSSUM). 


A 
4 
ia 
a 
| 


wo, 
\( 


213 


LACHENALIA PENDULA. 


LAGERSTREMIA. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 213° 
KEN KRA 
Ke'ntia. In honor of Lieut.-Colonel Kent. Nat. | Knot-Weed. Centaurea nigra, also the genus, 
Ord. Palmacee. Polygonum. 
A small genus of Palms, separated from | Kno'xia. Named after Robert Knox, who lived 


Areca, chiefly on account of the shape and 
substance of the seed; in all other respects 
they are identical. K. sapida is the most 
southern known Palm, being found in New 
Zealand, two or three degrees further south 
than any representative of the order in either 
hemisphere. The natives use the young 
flower spikes as an article of food. K. (Syn. 
Hedyscepe) Canterburyana is an exceedingly 
ornamental plant, useful for decorative pur- 
poses. Itis called in its native country the 
‘¢Umbrella Palm.” A number of the species 
are now under cultivation. Young plants are 
obtained from seed. 


Kentio’psis. From Kentia, and opsis, a resem- 
blance; on account of its likeness to Kentia. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of very pretty Palms, closely allied 
to Kentia. The leaves of K. divaricata when 
young are of a fine red color. Natives of New 
Caledonia. Introduced in 1876. 


Kentucky Blue Grass. See Poa pratensis. 
Kentucky Coffee Tree. See Gymnocladus. 


Ke’rria Japonica. An old favorite in the gar- 
den, with both single and double flowers, to 
which has lately been added a very pretty 
variety with variegated leaves. These have 
been transferred to the genus Corchorus, 
which see. 


Kidney Bean. See Phaseolus vulgaris. 
Kidney Vetch. See Anthyllis. 

King Plant. <Anectochilus setaceus. 
Kinnikinnik. Common name of Cornus sericea. 


Kle'inia. Named by Linneus in honor of James 
Henry Klein, a German botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

A small genus of curious succulent plants 
from Africa. Some are of upright habit, and 
others trailing or creeping. A few have been 
introduced into the green-house, and are 
grown for basket plants. K. articulata, or 
Candle Plant, is very curious and easily 
grown; propagated by cuttings. Syn. Senecio. 


Eni'ghtia. Named after Thos. A. Knight, a 
celebrated English pomologist. Nat. Ord. 
Proteacee. 


A genus comprising three species of trees, 
or shrubs, one of which is from New Zealand, 
and the two others, from New Caledonia. K. 
excelsa, the only species yet introduced, is an 
ornamental evergreen tree, growing in its 
native country to the height of 100 feet, and 
having much the habit of a Lombardy Poplar. 
The wood of this tree is mottled with red and 
brown, and is largely employed in making 
furniture. 

Knight’s Spurs. An old name for Larkspur. 

Knight's Star Lily. See Hippeastrum. 

Knipho’fia. Named after J. H. Kniphof, Pro- 
fessor of Medicine at Erfurt, 1704-1763. Nat. 
Ord. Liliacee. 

This genus of half-hardy herbaceous plants 
is usually known as Tritoma, but the name 
here given is a prior one, and therefore the 
more correct. See Tritoma. 

Knot-Berry. Rubus Chamemorus. 
Knot-Grass. Polygonum aviculare. 


many years in Ceylon. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 
A small genus of rather pretty, low-grow- 
ing green-house evergreens, with small white 
or pink flowers. Propagated by cuttings; in- 
troduced from Bengal in 1828. 
Keele'ria. A small genus of grasses inhabiting 
the higher altitudes of northern Europe. 


Keoelreute’ria. Named after Kelreuter, once 
Professor of Natural History at Carlsruhe, 
the father of hybridizing plants. Nat. Ord. 
Sapindacew. 

K. paniculata, the only species, is a decidu- 
ous shrub or low-growing tree, a native of 
China. It has pinnate foliage with an odd 
leaflet. The flowers are yellow, disposed in 
terminal spreading clusters, and are suc- 
ceeded by large bladdery capsules, which 
render the tree conspicuous till late in autumn. 
This tree is hardy in the vicinity of New York 
and southward. 


Koe'niga. Sweet Alyssum. In honor of Charles 
Konig, Superintendent of the Natural History 
Department of the British Museum. Nat. 
Ord. Crucifere. 

K. maritima is a pretty and well-known 
hardy annual. K. m. major has flowers nearly 
as large as Candytuft. Sow the seed in early 
spring; it usually sows itself, coming up 
freely where oncesown. A. m. plena, a double. 
variety, is valuable for cut’ flowers. K. m. 
variegata has variegated leaves, and is a 
pretty and useful plant. A more recent 
variety with double flowers has even finer 
variegation. The last three named are pro- 
pagated by cuttings, as they do not seed. 


Kohl-Rabi. Brassica oleracea Caulo-rapa. 
Kohl-rabi is a very distinct vegetable not 
very largely cultivated except by Germans. 
It comes between the Cabbage and Turnip, 
and is generally used as a substitute for the 
latter. The upper part of the stem swells 
into a large fleshy head above ground, re- 
sembling a Cabbage. Kohl-rabi has several 
advantages over some other vegetables, and 
consequently deserves a place in gardens. It 
is .exceedingly hardy, withstanding even 
severe frosts, and also resists drought much 
better than the Turnip. The varieties mostly 
cultivated are the Early Purple and Early 
White Vienna, both dwarf and useful sorts; 
they are not good if allowed to get old and 
large before being used. 


Ko’psia. Named after Professor Kops. the 
author of: a Botanical Dictionary of reputa- 
tion. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

K. fruticosa, the only species, is a native of 
Pegu, Japan. It isan exceedingly ornamental 
green-house evergreen shrub, producing 
flowers similar to the green-house species of 
Vinca, several times during the season. The 
color is red and extremely showy. It is in- 
creased by cuttings; introduced in 1818. , 


Krame'ria. Named after the two Kramera, 
German botanists. Nat. Ord. Polygalacee. 

A small genus of ornamental green-house 
evergreen shrubs. KX. triandra is remarkable 
for its entire, obovate, acuminate leaves, . 
covered on both sides with silky hairs. In 
Peru an extract, which is a mild astringent, is 
made from it. An infusion of the roots of one 


214 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


KRE 


of the species is blood-red, and is largely used 
in adulterating port wine. The species are 
natives of South America. 


Kreysi/gia. Named after F. L. Kreysig, a Ger- 
-man botanist. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

K. multiflora, the only species, is a very 
pretty, half-hardy, herbaceous perennial, hav- 
ing a roughish, simple stem, and a knotty 
rhizome. Itisof easy culture and is increased 
by divisions in spring. Introduced from New 
South Wales in 1823. 


Kri/gia. Dwarf Dandelion. In honor of Mr. 
David Kreig, a German botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

A very pretty little annual, with flowers 
resembling miniature Dandelions. Itis quite 
common in dry grounds from New York 
southward. 


Kwhnia. Dedicated to Dr. Kuhn, of Pennsyl- 
vania, who brought the living plant to Lin- 
neus. Nat. Ord. Composite. 


LAC 


A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, of 
but little interest except in botanical collec- 
tions. K. atorioides is common in dry 
soils from New Jersey to Wisconsin, and 
southward. 


Ku’nthia. Named after C. S. Kunth, a Prussian 
botanist. Nat Ord. Palmacee. 

K. Deppeana, a rare palm, the only species, 
allied to Areca, is a native of New Grenada. 
It is propagated by seeds, and grows freely 
with ordinary green-house treatment. Syn. 
Chamedorea elegans. 


Ku'nzea. Named after Gustav Kunze, a botanist 
and physician of Leipsic. A genus of Myr- 
tacew, comprising a number of species of 
green-house shrubs, often heath-like, con- 
fined to Australia. Flowers red, or white, in 
dense terminal spikes. Only two species are 
in cultivation. Propagated by cuttings of the 
half ripened wood. 


L. 


_eae Lip; or rather the lower lip only. 
The third petal of an Orchid, usually turned 
toward the lower front of the flower, and very 
different from the remainder; also a similar 
petal in other flowers. 


Labia’tz. An extensive natural order of herbs, 
or undershrubs, with square stems, opposite 
and exstipulate leaves, and flowers in clus- 
tered centrifugal cymes, or crowded into 
spikes. This order forms one of the most 
natural groups of plants; the characters of its 
members are so uniform that it may be called 
monotypic, as if all the species could be 
comprehended in a single genus, and the dis- 
crimination of its genera is hence often very 
difficult. They are natives of temperate 
climates. Many of them are carminative, and 
yield volatile oils. Mint, Sage, Rosemary, 
Lavender, Basil, Horehound, Patchouly, 
Savory, Thyme, and Marjoram belong to this 
order, which contains upwards of 100 genera, 
and about 2,500 species. Coleus, Lamium, 
Salvia, Perilla, and Cunila are well-known 
‘representatives of the order. . 


Labiate. Having lips; aterm applied to that 
form of a monopetalous calyx or corolla which 
is separated into two unequal divisions, the 
one anterior and the other posterior, with 
respect to the axis. 


Labi’chea. Named after M. Labiche, a French 
naval officer. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of five species of evergreen shrubs, 
allied to Cassia, natives of Australia. LD. 
lanceolata, the only species now in cultivation, 
has trifoliate leaves, and bright yellow flowers, 
borne in axillary racemes. It was introduced 
from western Australia in 1840. 


Labi'sia. Spoon-flower. From labis, a spoon; 
in allusion to the form of the corolla divisions, 
which resemble the bowls of small spoons. 
Nat. Ord. Myrsindacee. 


A genus comprising a few species of glab- 
rous or puberulous shrubs, with the habit of 
Pothos; natives of the Malayan Archipelago. 
L. Maloniana, introduced from Borneo in 1885, 
has broad, lanceolate, velvety, dark green 
leaves, irregularly marked with pale green 
down the middle; red and purple when young. 
Stem copper-colored, spotted white. DL. poth- 
oina is a very pretty plant, producing clusters 
of small, rosy-white flowers. 

La’blab. A genus of tropical pulse, more 
usually included in Dolichos, which see. 


Labrador Tea. Ledum latifolia. This is a shrub 
growing from two to five feet high, common 
in swamps and bogs, North and West. The 
leaves were formerly used as a substitute for 
Tea, whence the common name. s 


Labu’mum. See Cytisus Laburnum. 


Lace’na. One of the names of Helen of Troy, 
applied because of the beauty of the plant. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A genus of epiphytal Orchids. L. bicolor, 
the original species, isa native of Guatemala, 
and has long, pendulous racemes of flowers 
of a greenish-yellow color, the lip marked 
with purple about the center. They requirea 
hot-house, and should be grown in flat baskets 
or pans, in leaf-mould and sphagnum moss, 
and are increased by division in spring, after 
blooming. Introduced in 1843. 


Lace Bark. See Lageita. 
Lace-leaved Plant. See Owvirandra. 
Lacerate. Torn; having a torn appearance. 


Lachena’lia. Cape Cowslips. Named after W. 
de Lachenal, a botanical author. Nat. Ord. 
Liliaceae. ; 

An extensive genus of very interesting and 
showy bulbous plants from the Cape of Good 
Hope. L. pendula, L. tricolor, and L. quadri- 
color are the kinds mostly cultivated in the 
green-house. They have long, lanceolate leaves, 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 215: 


LAC 


often spotted, and erect flower-scapes bearing 
pendulous flowers, the yellow color predomi- 
nating. They should be potted in October, in 
light fibrous soil, and only moderately watered 
until after flowering, then more freely until 
they show signs of ripening off. They should 
be kept in the pots dry during summer, and 
are propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1774. 

Lachne’a. From lachne, down; referring to 
the downy clothing of the flower heads. Nat. 
Ord. Thymelacee. 

An interesting genus of green-house ever- 
green shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope, all 
but one with white flowers. The heads of the 
flowers are usually covered with fine wool, 
giving them a singular appearance. They are 
increased by cuttings, and should be kept in 
the shade during summer. 


Lachna’nthes. The Red Root. From lachne, 

wool, and anthos, a flower; in allusion to the 
flowers, which are woolly. Nat. Ord. Hama- 
doracee. 
. DL. tinctoria, or Red Root, is common in 
sandy swamps, from New Jersey southward. 
The roots were formerly used for a red dye, 
whence the popularname. ‘‘ L. tinctoria, com- 
monly known as Paint Root, abounds in the 
Southern States, and is said to have an im- 
portant bearing on the agriculture of those 
States, from the singular fact claimed for it 
that when its roots are eaten by white pigs, 
it fatally poisons them, while black pigs eat 
the roots with impunity; and hence the pre- 
ponderance of black pigs in the Southern 
States. This extraordinary statement is made 
by Charles Darwin, who gives Dr. Jeffries 
Wyman as his authority. The same testimony 
has recently been given by Dr. P. Statesbury, 
of Clinch County, Georgia.”—American Agri- 
culturist, March, 1876. - 


Laciniate. Cut or divided into segments; 
fringed. 

Lactu’ca. Lettuce. From lac, milk; referring 
to the milky juice. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

The native country of the Lettuce is un- 
known; and from what species the garden 
varieties originated is merely conjectural. 
According to Herodotus, it was in use 550 
years before Christ; yet Pliny says the an- 
cient Romans knew but one sort. In his 
time it was cultivated so as to be had at all 
seasons of the year, and even blanched to 
make it more tender. In the privy-purse ex- 
penses of Henry VIII., in 1530, is mention of 
areward to the gardener of York Place for 
‘bringing ‘‘ Lettuze ” and Cherries to Hampton 
Court. Gerarde, in his Herbal, 1597, gives 
an account of eight sorts cultivated in his 
day. Parkinson, in 1629, says: ‘‘There are 
so many sorts, and so great diversitie of 
Lettice, that I doubt I shall scarce be -be- 
leeved of a great many. For I doe in this 
Chapter reckon up unto you eleaven or 
twelve differing sorts; some of little ‘use, 
others of more, being more common and 
vulgar; and some that are of excellant use 


and service, which are more rare, and re- | 


quire more knowledge and care for the order- 
ing of them, as alsofor their time of spending, 
as some in the spring, some in summer, 
others in autume, and some being whited for 
the winter. For all these sorts I shall 


not neede many descriptions, but only shew | 


you which doe cabbage, and which are loose ; 


LE 


which of them are great or small, white, 
greene, or red, and which of them bear white 
seeds, and which of them blacke.” We can- 
not quote the whole chapter, but cannot omit 
one of the ‘Vertues of the Lettice,” viz. : 
“They all cool a hot and fainting stomacke.” 
Loudon says: ‘“L. sativa is well known as 
furnishing, among its numerous varieties, 
the best vegetable of the salad kind grown in 
the open garden. It is questioned by some 
whether the greater number of what are set 
down as species in this genus, are anything 
more than variations of one type; and, at all 
events, it is thought L. virosa is the parent of 
our cultivated sorts.” All writers agree that 
the Cos Lettuce comes from one of the Greek 
islands bearing that name. Itis by far the 
most delicately flavored of the whole class, 
though not well suited for our hot summers. 
The best kinds at present writing for our cli- 
mate are: For early use, the ‘‘ Curled Simp- 
son” and “ Black-seeded Simpson ;” and for 
summer use, the ‘ Deacon,” ‘* Salamander,” 
‘s Vellow-seeded Butter,” and ‘* Henderson’s 
New York.” Hundreds of acres of glass are 
devoted to the forcing of Lettuce in the United 
States. The variety used mostly for that pur- 
pose is known as ‘‘ Boston Market.” 

Lacunose. Having numerous large deep exca- 
vations. 

Lad's Love. Artemisia Abrotanum. 

Lady Fern. Asplenium Felix-famina. 

Lady’s Bed-straw. Galium verum. 

Lady’s Bower. Clematis Vitalba. 

Lady's Comb. Scandix Pecten-Veneris. 

Lady's Cushion. <Armeria maritima. 

Lady’s Ear-drops. The flowers of the common 

- Fuchsia. : 

Lady’s Fingers. See Anthyllis. 

Lady's Glove. Digitalis purpurea. 

Lady's Hair. Briza media. 

Lady’s Laces, or Lady’s Garters. Phalaris 
arundinacea variegata. 

Lady’s Looking-glass. Campanula speculum. 

Lady’s Mantle. Alchemiila vulgaris. 

Lady's Slipper. See Cypripedium and Garden 
Balsam. 

Lady’s Smock. Cardamine pratensis. 

Lady’s Thimble. Campanula rotundifolia. 

Lady’s Thistle, Our. Carduwus Marianus. 

Lady's Traces, or Tresses. See Spiranthes. 

Lady Washington Geranium. A variety 
name for one of the large-flowered Pelargo- 
niuma, and for a long time in this country 
a common name for the whole of that 
class. It is to some extent still in use, 
though the variety bearing the name has long 
since been discarded; consequently it is im- 
proper to thus continue to use a specific 
name for a generic. 

Le'lia. Named after a Vestal virgin of that 
name, because of the variety of its flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacea. 

“This is a lovely genus of plants,most of 
the species being compact in their growth, 
with evergreen foliage, resembling in many 
respects, the genus Cattleya, to which some of 
them are equal in the beauty of their flowers. 
They produce their flowers, which are large, 


216 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS ! 


LE 


distinct in color, and very handsome, on 
spikes of varied length, from the top of their 
pseudo-bulbs. These plants merit a place in 
every collection, and will amply repay the 
cultivator for any care they may require; in- 
deed, the Lelias are among our finest Orchids, 
whether for winter orsummer flowering.”—B. 
S. Williams. All the species are natives of 
Mexico and South America, and were first in- 
troduced in 1835. 


Levigate. Having the appearance of being 
polished, as many seeds. 

Levis. Free from asperities or hairs, or any 
sort of unevenness. 


Lagena’ria. Bottle Gourd. From legena, a 
bottle ; referring to the shape of the fruit of 
some species. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacew. 

L. vulgaris, the only species is an East In- 
dian species of Gourd, sometimes grown on 
account of its curious shape. Like most of 
the order, the pulp is poisonous. The com- 
mon name does not indicate the shape of all 
the varieties, some being pear-shaped, some 
nearly round, and others egg-shaped. They 
should be sown at the same time as Melons 
and Squashes, and should have a trellis or 
brush to run upon. Introduced in 1597. 


Lagerstroe’mia. In honor of Magnus Lagerstrem 
of Gottenburgh. Nat. Ord. Lythracee. 

A genus of handsome, free-fiowering shrubs 
from India. JL. Indica is commonly known as 
Crape Myrtle, and is a favorite half-hardy 
shrub. It can be planted out in the border in 
spring, and will bloom profusely during mid- 
summer. Atthe approach of winter take it 
up, put it in a tub or box, and keep it in the 
cool part of the green-house or in a dry cellar, 
giving but very little water. There are several 
varieties of this species, having purple, pink, 
and white flowers. The latter is rather a shy 
ploomer, and is of dwarfer habit. Propagated 
by cuttings. 

Lage’tta. Lace Bark. Lagetto is the name of 
the species at Jamaica. Nat Ord. Thymelacee. 

A genus of West Indian, tall-growing trees, 
interesting from the peculiar formation of the 
bark of some of the species. The inner bark 
of L. lintearia consists of numerous concentric 
layers of fibers which are interlaced in all 
directions, and thus presents a great degree 
of resemblance to lace, whence the common 
name of the tree. 


Lagu’rus. Hare’s-tail Grass. From lagos, a 
hare, and oura, a tail; on account of the 
resemblance of its head. Nat. Ord. Gramin- 
ace. 

L. ovatus, the only species, is found in 

the Island of Guernsey, and some parts of 

Asia, and is one of the handsomest of culti- 

vated annual grasses. 


La’lage. Named after Lalage, a gay, witty dame, 
immortalized by Horace. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

A small genus of ornamental shrubs, natives 
of the south-west coast of Australia. The 
flowers are either yellow or mixed orange, 
violet, or crimson, and are produced in axil- 
lary clusters. They require the green-house, 
and are propagated by cuttings. Syn. Bossiwa. 
Introduced in 1830. 

Lama’rckia. Named after J. B. Lamarck, the 
great French naturalist. Nat. Ord. Gramina- 
cee. 


LAP 


L. Aurea, the only species, is a pretty; many 
stemmed, low, ornamental annual grass. It 
is generally included in collections of orna- 
mental grasses. Native of southern Europe 
and north Africa. Syn. Chrysurus. 


Lambe'rtia. Named in honor of A. B. Lambert, 
one of the most liberal botanists in Europe, 
and whose extensive herbarium was open to 
every man of science. Nat. Ord. Proteacee. 

Very handsome green-house evergreen 
shrubs from tropical Australia. The flowers 
are mostly produced in terminal clusters, 
sometimes singly, the prevailing color being 
dark red, with occasionally an orange tint. 
Height of plant three to four feet. They are 
readily increased by cuttings, but must be 
grown: with considerable care, the principal 
caution being against over-watering; any ex- 
cess in that is fatal to them. Introduced in 
1824. 

Lambkill. See Kalmia. 

Lamb's Lettuce or Corn Salad. See Valerianella. 

Lamb's Toe. Anthyllis vulneraria. 

Lamb’s Tongue. Plantago media. 

Lamium. From laimos, a throat; on account of 
the shape of the corolla. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of herbaceous plants of but little 
interest. L. album or Dead Nettle received 
its English name from the resemblance of its 
Teaves to those of the true Nettle, from which, 
however, it may be distinguished by its square 
stem. L. maculatum is a pretty dwarf, free- 
growing border plant, its variety (awrewm) 
with golden-colored foliage is useful either as 
a rock or border plant, or for spring bedding. 

Lamproco’ccus. This genus is now included 
by Bentham and Hooker under 4ichmea. 


Lanate, Lanuginose. Long, dense, curled and 
matted hairs, resembling wool. 

Lanceolate. Shaped like the head of a spear; 
nalrow and tapering at each end. 

Lance-wood. The light elastic wood of Dugue- 
tia quitarensis. 

Lando'lphia. Named after M. Landolphe, an 
African explorer. A genus of scandent shrubs, 
natives of tropical Africa and Madagascar. 
Caoutchouc is obtained in large quantities 
from many of the species. L. owartensis, L. 
florida, and other species have been intro- 
duced to Kew, and distributed to various of 
the British colonies. The former bears a red- 
dish-brown fruit about the size of an orange, 
with an agreeable, sweetish, acid pulp. Cut- 
, tings root readily in heat. 

Lanta’na. Ancient name for Viburnum. Nat. 
Ord. Verbenacea. 

An extensive genus of ornamental, free- 
flowering, tender shrubs, common from the 
West Indies to Brazil. The species are rapid 
growers, and most. constant bloomers. They 
are readily increased by cuttings, and will 
grow freely in the garden, preferring a sunny 
situation. Many new varieties have been 
produced from seeds, comprising, red, golden, 
white, or various colored flowers, which are 
much used for bedding-out purposes and as 
specimen decorative plants. First introduced 
from the West Indies in 1692. 


Lantern Flower, The genus Abutilon. 


Lapage’ria. Named after Josephine Lapagerie, 
wife of Napoleon I. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 217 


LAP 


L. rosea, and its white variety, are unques- 
tionably the most beautiful green-house twin- 
ing plants yet introduced. The stems are 
round, branching, and with proper treatment, 
will grow to almost any required length. The 
flowers are large, lily or bell-shaped, and pro- 
duced on solitary, one-flowered peduncles. L. 
rosea has deep rose-colored flowers, spotted 
inside with white. Several seedling varieties 
with larger flowers and of a rich, brilliant 
crimson color, are in cultivation; a double 
variety has also been introduced, the charac- 
ter of which has not yet been established. 
They should be grown in a house with a low 
temperature, and given plenty of air, water, 
and root room; the latter is a necessity. 
They do tolerably well grown in tubs, but are 
seldom seen in perfection except when turned 
into the border, and grown in a soil largely 
composed of turfy peat, good turfy loam, and 
sand. They are increased either by layers or 
from seeds, the latter being preferable ; plants 
from cuttings rarely succeed. They are na- 
tives of Chili, and were introduced in 1847. 


Lapeyrou’sia. Named in honor of J. F. G. de 
La Peyrouse, the French navigator. Nat. Ord. 
Tridacee. 

A small genus of showy flowering bulbs, 
blue, white, purple, or pink in color, in gen- 
eral habit resembling the Ixias, and requiring 
the same treatment. Closely allied to Ano- 
matheca. Natives of the Cape of Good Hope; 
first introduced in 1825. Syn. ‘‘Peyrousia.” 


Lapo’rtea. Named by Gaudichand, after his 
friend M. Laporte. A genus of Urticacee, con- 
sisting of herbs, shrubs, or trees, natives of 
North America and the warmer regions of the 
Old Wortd. Some of the species, as L. gigas, 
are armed with very virulent stings, the ef- 
fect of which remains for many days, or even 
months. L. Canadensis (Wood Nettle), a 
native species, has lately been imported into 
Germany as a new textile plant; it is peren- 
nial and capable of enduring the climate of 
central Germany, but further experiments are 
needed ere its commercial value-can be deter- 


Larkspur. 


LAT 


Hackmatack, or American Black Larch, and is 
superior to any of the species of Pine or 
Spruce for ship-building, for which purpose 
it is largely employed in Maine and the Brit- 
ish Provinces. The trees are small and of 
but little value south of Maine. Its southern 
limits are the mountains of Virginia. L. oc- 
cidentalis, found in British Columbia, northern 
Washington Territory, the western slopes of 
the Rocky Mountains of Montana, very com- 
mon, and perhaps reaching its greatest devel- 
opment in the region north of the Big Black- 
foot river, and in the valley of the Flathead 
river, Montana, is the largest and most valu- 
able timber tree of the Columbia basin. It is 
not so fine an ornamental tree as L. Huropea, 
which is also a valuable timber-tree, and 
worthy of a place on the lawn. There are a 
number of varieties. 


A general name for the garden 
species of Delphinium. 


La’‘rrea. In honor of John Anthony de Larrea, a 


Spanish promoter of the sciences. Nat. Ord. 
Zygophyllacee. 

L. Mexicana, the Creosote plant, is a shrub 
growing from four to six feet high, very 
abundant in some parts of Mexico, forming a 
dense and almost impassable scrub, particu- 
larly on the borders of the Colorado desert, 
where its luxuriant growth puts a stop to the 
drifting sand. Its appearance isa sure indi- 
cation of a sterile soil, as nothing will grow 
beneath it, and its strong Creosote odor is so 
repulsive that no animal will touch it. It is 
with great difficulty that it can be made to 
burn, and it is consequently useless for fuel. 


Lasia/ndra. From lasios, woolly, and amer, an 


anther; alluding to the hairy stamens. Nat. 
Ord. Melastomacee. 

‘A large genus of green-house evergreen 
shrubs, with handsome foliage, and producing 
large panicles of beautiful purple flowers. 
They are easily propagated from cuttings, 
and were introduced from Rio Janeiro in 1836. 
Syn. Pleroma. 


Lasthe’nia. Derivation of name unknown. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 
A small genus of hardy annuals from Cali- 
fornia, the seeds of which should be sown in 
autumn or early spring. The flowers are 


mined. ; 
La’ppa. Arctium Lappa, or Burdock. 
Larch. See Lariz. 
Lardiza’bala. In honor of M. Lardizabala y 


Uribe, a Spanish naturalist. Nat. Ord. Ber- 
beridacee. 

Half-hardy evergreen climbers, natives of 
Chili. L. biternata, the most beautiful of the 
species, has dark, glossy, evergreen foliage, 
and drooping spikes of deep, purple flowers. 
In Chili a very tough fibre is obtained from 
its stems and made into cordage; and its 
fruit, containing a sweet-tasted pulp, is sold 
in the markets. This species would make a 
splendid creeping plant for covering walls in 
the Southern States, but would not be hardy 
north of Virginia. 

La’rix. Larch. From the Celtic, lar, fat; on 
account of the tree producing plenty of resin. 
Nat. Ord. Coniferw. 

Larix Americana, one of our native species, 
is a beautiful deciduous tree, growing to its 
greatest perfection in the more northern 
States and Canada, where it attains a height 
of from eighty to a hundred feet, with a diam- 
eter of from two to three feet. The wood of 
the American species is popularly known as 


La/strea. Derivation unexplained. 


Lata’nia. 


pure golden yellow, making it a very pretty 
border plant. Introduced in 1834. 


Nat. Ord. 
Polypodiacee. 

An extensive genus of polypodiaceous 
Ferns, formerly included in the genus <As- 
pidium. Some of the newly-introduced spe- 
cies from Australia grow luxuriantly in the 
ordinary green-house. Like all of the order 
a moist atmosphere is favorable to their per- 
fect development. This genus is now in- 
cluded by some botanists under Nephrodium. 


Bourbon Palm. Latanier is the 
name of the palm in the Isle of Bourbon. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A small genus of very handsome palms, 
with branching flower spikes, the male and 
female being produced on different plants. L. 
Verschaffeltti (Syn. L. awrea) has flabelliform 
roundish, deeply incised leaves of a deep 
glaucous-green color, and golden-colored 
midribs. The petiole is smooth, of an 
orange tint and from two to four feet long, 


218 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


LAT 


L. Commersonii, has deeply incised, gracefully 
recurved leaves, the segments margined with 
a reddish colored band, edged with fine teeth- 
like spines ; the petioles are long and smooth, 
of a deep chocolate-red color. It is avery 
handsome and distinct species. They are 
propagated by seed, which grows freely if 
given a mild bottom heat. They can be kept 
in the green-house during winter, and require 
but little water. In the summer give them 
plenty of heat and water; their growth will 
be in proportion to the amount of each given. 
The species known in cultivation as Latania 
Borbonica, is now named Livistona Chinensis, 
which see. 


Lateral. Fixed near or upon the side of any- 
thing. 

Laterals. The sideshoots that emanate right 
and left of the leading branch or shoot. 


Lathre’a. Tooth Wort. From lathraios, hid- 
den, on account of the species being found as 
if hidden under trees. Curious leafless, her- 
baceous plants, belonging to the Orobanchacee, 
natives of western Europe and Asia, with 
white, yellowish, or pinkish flowers in dense 
spikes. Parasitical on the roots of various 
trees. 


La’thyrus. From la, to add to, and thouros, 
an irritant; to increase excitement; the sup- 
posed qualities of the seeds. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

A large genus of very beautiful, free-flower- 
ing climbing annuals and perennials, found in 
the temperate regions of both hemispheres. 
L. odoratus, the Sweet Pea of our gardens, is 
a native of southern Sicily, and was first in- 
troduced into England in 1701. On account 
of its fragrance it is the most desirable of the 
species. There is now great diversity in the 
colors of the different varieties, some of 
late introduction being the best in cultivation ; 
they include white, purple, black, scarlet, 
blue-edged, and striped sorts. The Sweet 

* Pea delights in a heavy, stiff loam, and will 
not succeed in a light soil unless planted very 
deep, say five inches, and the earth well 
packed down around the plants. L. sylvestris 
platyphyllus (L. latifolius), or Everlasting Pea 
(of gardens), of which there are three varieties, 
producing purple, rose, and white flowers, 
are pretty generally distributed throughout 
Europe. They grow from six to eight feet 
high when properly trained upon a trellis; 
and if planted in a moist soil will prolong their 
season of flowering nearly the whole summer. 
They are extensively used in New York and 
other large cities as cut flowers. L. Magel- 
lanicus, a perennial species from Cape Horm, is 
remarkable for the beauty of its foliage, as well 
as for its showy blue flowers. The perennials 
are propagated by root division and from 
seed. Seedlings do not usually get strong 
enough to flower well before the third year; 
they will, however, produce some flowers the 
second year. There is one perennial species, 
L. tuberosa, occasionally met in Europe, hav- 
ing edible tubers, which, if baked or roasted, 


are said to be great delicacies. The flowers - 


of this species are borne in clusters on long 
peduncles; they are of medium size, and of 
a rosy-pink color. There are several other 
species under cultivation. 


Lattice Plant. See Owvirandra. 


LAV 


Laura/cee. A natural order of trees, with ex- 
stipulate, usually alternate, dotted leaves. 
They are tropical, aromatic, and fragrant 
plants. Cinnamomum Zeylanicum yields Cin- 
namon Bark. C. cassia supplies Cassia Bark. 
Camphora officinarum, a native of China, 
Japan, and Cochin China, yields Camphor. 
Persea gratissima furnishes the fruit called 
Avocado Pear or Alligator Pear. Sassafras 
officinale is the American Sassafras Tree. 
Laurus nobilis is the Sweet Bay. There are 
about fifty genera and between 400 and 500 
species. Laurus, Cinnamomum, Camphora, 
and Sassafras are examples of the order. 


Laurel or Cherry Laurel. Cerasus Lawro- 
cerasus. 
American. Kalmia latifolia. _. 
Californian. Oreodaphne Californica. 
Ground. Epigaa repens. 
Magnolia. See Magnolia glauca. 
Portugal. Cerasus Lusitanica. 
Sheep’s. Kalmia angustifolia. 
Spurge. Daphne Laureola. 
Victor’s. See Laurus nobilis. 


Lau’rus. Laurel. From the Celtic laur, green. 
Nat. Ord. Lauraceae. 

Under the common name of Laurel many 
different plants are met in fields and gardens, 
but the Sweet Bay, or Victor’s Laurel, L. 
nobilis is the only one which is properly so 
ealled. It is a native of southern Europe, 
and is a beautiful evergreen shrub or tree. 
In some localities it grows to the height of 
fifty or sixty feet, always retaining its shrub-. 
like character. Its leaves have an agreeable 
aromatic, slightly bitter taste; its flowers are 
yellowish and inconspicuous, and its fruits are 
succulent, and of the size of a small cherry. 
The leaves, because of their agreeable flavor, 
are used in cooking and in various confec- 
tions. The dried figs that are imported into 
this country are usually packed with these 
leaves. This tree is not hardy enough to 
resist the winters north of the Carolinas. 
Propagated by layers, root cuttings, or by 
seeds. 


Laurusti'nus. See Viburnum tinus. 


Lava/ndula. Lavender. From lavo, to wash, 
in allusion to the use made of its distilled 
water. Nat. Ord. Labiataw. 

Mostly under-shrubs, natives of the south 
of Europe, but largely grown in England and 
France for the sake of their perfume, and 

_for the oil, on which this property depends. 
The essential oil of Lavender is produced by 
distillation from the flowers, and is much 
prized for its agreeable odor. When dissolved 
in spirits of wine, and mixed with other pur- 
fumes, it forms the much appreciated Laven- 
der Water. This oil is the essential element 
in the Sweet Spirits of Lavender of the drug- 
gists. L. vera is the species grown for these 
extracts, and is propagated by cuttings or 
from seed. All the hardy species are orna- 
mental. 


Lavate’ra. Named after the the two Lavaters, 
Swiss botanists. Nat. Ord. Malvacee. 

An extensive genus of herbaceous peren- 
nials, biennials, and annuals, common 
throughout Europe and western Asia. ‘They 
are mostly coarse-growing, bushy plants,,of 
little merit. The annual species are rather 
showy, producing large purple flowers, suit- 


AND. GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 219 


LAV. 


able only ‘for backgrounds to other plants. 
The seed need only be sown where wanted to 
grow. 


Lavender. See Lavandula. 
Cotton. See Santolina. 


Lawn. Is the name given to the open grass 
space surrounding a dwelling. The prepara- 
tion of the lawn should be preliminary to the 
laying out of flower-beds in grounds having 
pretensions to what is called Landscape Gar- 
dening. The formation of the lawn is too 
often hastily and imperfectly done; it is the 
foundation of all subsequent operations, and 
if badly done at first, the fault can never be 
remedied afterwards. The first thing to be 
done is to get the ground shaped to the 
desired grade, taking care in grading that 
when hills or rocks are removed, sufficient 
subsoil is also removed to be replaced with 
top soil; so that at. least five inches of good 
soil will overlay the whole in all places. When 
the grading is finished, if the nature of the 
ground requires it, drains should be laid 
wherever necessary (see Draining); then the 
whole should be thoroughly plowed, a sub- 
soil following in the wake of the common 
plow, until it is completely pulverized. A 
heavy harrow should then be applied until the 
surface is thoroughly fined down; all stones, 
roots, etc., should be removed, so that a 
smooth surface may. be obtained. The lawn 
is now ready to be sown. When the seed is 
sown, a light harrow should again be applied, 
and after that a thorough rolling given, so 
that the surface is made as smooth and firm 
as possible. In the latitude of New York, the 
seed may be sown any time during the months 
of April and May, and will form a good lawn 
by August, if the preparation has been good. 
If sown in the hot months of June or July, a 
sprinkling of oats should be sown at the same 
time, so that the shade given by the oats will 
protect the young grass from the sun. Lawns 
are also sometimes sown during the early fall 
months (September being the best) with excel- 
lent results. The formula for seed for lawn 
grass now known in New York as Central 
Park Mixture, is as follows: Eight quarts 
Rhode Island Bent Grass; three quarts 
Creeping Bent Grass; ten quarts Red Top 
Grass; ten quarts Kentucky Blue Grass; one 
quart White Clover. For small plots, of 
course digging, trenching, and raking must 
be done, instead of plowing, sub-soiling, and 


harrowing. Wherever the extent of the lawn. 


does not exceed 2,500 square feet, and where 
sods can be obtained from a suitable pasture 
near at hand without much cost, the quickest 
way to make the lawn is to sod it; but before 
doing so, the ground should be rolled or beaten 
down, particularly if any portion of it has 
been filled in, so that there may be no “set- 
tling ” to form hollows or inequalities. A con- 
venient size of sod to lay down is twelve by 
eighteen inches, and of a thickness of two 
inches. In laying, see that the edges are 
neatly laid together, and the whole firmly 
beaten down with the back of a spade. If itis 
dry weather when the work is done, it may be 
“necessary to thoroughly drench the ‘newly- 
laid sod fora week or so after, every other 
evening. . we 
To keep the lawn in proper condition, it 
should be mowed over once every week, if the 


Lawso’nia. 


LAW 


weather is moist, and not less than once in 
two weeks, even in dry weather; for if the 
lawn has been properly made in the first place, 
and ‘‘top-dressed” with a good coat of well- 
rotted manure in fall, and the rough parts 
raked off in spring, the weather must be dry 
and hot indeed to prevent its growth. 

On sloping banks it is often necessary to use 
sod, as the rains wash the soil off before the 
grass-seed has time to germinate. It issome- 
times even necessary, in sodding very steep 
banks, to use pins eight or ten inches in 
length, to pin the sods to place, to prevent 
them from being washed down by excessive 
rains before the grass-roots have had time to 
fasten in the soil. 

Lawns that have been worn out by neglect 
or other causes, or where it is not convenient 
or desirable to renew them by plowing up, 
will be greatly benefited by running a light 
harrow over them if the surface is large, or by 
a sharp steel rake for smaller areas. After 
stirring the surface by such means, judiciously, 
so as not to injure the roots too severely, 
lawn grass should be sown over the surface, 
using about half the quantity of seed required 
for new lawns, and over this for each acre, or 
in the same proportions for lesser areas, sow 
500 pounds of some good ‘lawn enricher;” 
again harrow or rake, and roll down firmly. 

WEEDS in lawns, such as thistles, dande- 
lions, dock-roots, ete., can only be removed 
by cutting them out with a knife. Thistle 
and dock-roots should be removed as far as 
possible; but as to others, there is no neces- 
sity for cutting the whole root out. If cut 
below the crown, the root will not start again. 

ANTS on lawns are a pest that we are almost 
powerless to cope with. Nothing seems to 
poison them, as either their instinct teaches 
them to avoid the ordinary insect poisons, or 
their constitutions are’ proof against them. 
Everything we have tried has failed, except 
Pyrethrum or Persian insect powder. This 
applied by a bellows quickly suffocates them ; 
but every insect needs to be struck by it, or it 
is useless, as it only kills-them by suffocation. 
They can also be captured by placing fresh 
bones or molasses in plates around their 
haunts; they attack these before anything 
else. By persistently thus catching and 
destroying them two or three times a day, 
they may be permanently got rid of. 


Henna Plant. Named after Dr. 
Isaac Lawson, a botanical traveler. Nat. Ord. 
Lythracee. 

L. Alba, the only species, the celebrated 
Henna of the East, and is a dwarf shrub, eight 
to ten feet high, bearing smooth, oval, lance- 
shaped, entire leaves, and panicles of small, 
white, sweet-smelling flowers, which are used 
by Buddhists as offerings to their deities. 
This shrub is grown, throughout India, Persia, 
Egypt, and the north of Africa, and the use 
of the powdered leaves as a cosmetic is very 
general in all these countries, the practice 
having descended from very remote ages, as 
is proved by the evidence of Egyptian 
Mummies, the parts dyed being usually the 
finger and toe nails, the tips of the fingers, 
the palms of the hands, and the soles of the 
feet, to all of which it imparts a reddish- 
orange color, which is considered by the Orien- 
tal fair sex, greatly to enhance their beauty. 


220 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


LAX 


In the West Indies where it is naturalized, it 
goes by the name of Jamaica Mignonette. 


Laxma’nnia. Named after E. Laxmann, a Sibe- 
rian traveler. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A small genus of low-growing, green-house 
herbaceous plants, from New Holland. The 
flowers are borne in terminal heads on slender 
scapes, six inches high, and are either white 
or purple. They are increased by division 
of the root, and were introduced in 1824. 

Layering. See Propagation by Layering. 

La’yia. Named in honor of Thomas Lay, nat- 
uralist in Beechey’s Voyage. A genus of Com- 
posite, consisting of seven or eight annual 
or biennial herbs, natives of California, and 
Oregon, usually pubescent or hirsute, often 
glandular, with alternate leaves, and white or 
yellow flowers; increased byseeds. Syn. Cal- 
lichroa, Calliglossa, and Ozyura. 

Lead-colored. Slate colored, with a slight 
metallic lustre. 


Lead Plant. See Amorpha canescens. 
Leadwort. See Plumbago. 


Leaf. An appendage to the stem, considered as 
an expansion to the bark, composed of cellu- 
lar tissue, and generally with fibres of vascu- 
lar tissue intermixed. 


Leaf Cup. The genus Polymnia. 


Leather Flower. The common name of 
Clematis Viorna. 


Leather Leaf. Cassandra calyculata. 
Leatherwood. See Dirca. 


Le’chea. A genus of Cistacee differing from 
Helianthemum in some slight particulars. 
There are four or five species, all natives of 
the United States, slender, much branched 
perennial herbs with numerous small green- 
ors purple flowers. Common in dry sterile 
soils. 


Le’/cythis. From lecythos an oil-jar; in allusion 
to the shape of the seed-vessels. A genus of 
Myriacee, almost exclusively confined to 
Venezuela, Guiana, and Brazil. Under the 
name of Sapucai Nuts the seeds of L. Zabu- 
cajo are sold as a substitute for the closely 
allied Brazil nuts, to which they are far su- 
perior. LZ. Ollaria produces large fruits com- 
monly known as Monkey Pots, but the seeds 
are not so palatable as the former, leaving a 
bitter flavor in the mouth. 


Ledenbe’rgia. A commemorative name. Nat. 
Ord. ‘Phytolaccacee. 

L. rosea-enea the only species is a_very 
ornamental-leaved warm green-house shrub, 
with large, thick obovate-lanceolate leaves, 
dark shining coppery-green on the upper 
surface and bright rosy-violet color beneath. 
The stems and branches are reddish-purple. 
It was introduced from Central America in 
pe and is readily increased by cuttings in 

eat. 


Le’/dum. Labrador Tea. From ledon, the Greek 
name of Cistus, which this genus resembles. 
Nat. Ord. Ericacee. 

A small genus of hardy, evergreen, white- 
flowering shrubs, natives of British America. 
See Labrador Tea. 

Lee’/a. Commemorative of James Lee, a London 
nurseryman, who did a good deal to popular- 
ize the Linnean system. A genus of Vitacee, 


LEM 


consisting of rough shrubby plants (rarely 
trees), found in tropical Asia, Africa, and the 
Mauritius. Plants of little interest except L. 
amabilis which is a very handsome foliaged 
plant. Introduced from Borneo in 1880. 


Leek. Allium Porrum. 


Legume. A name given to the seed-vessel of 
the Pea family, opening the two valves, and 
having the seeds attached to the ventral 
suture. 


Legumino’sz. A natural order of herbs, shrubs. 
or trees, with alternate, usually compound, 
exstipulate leaves. The plants occur in all 
parts of the world, but are abundant in trop- 
ical countries. The order is a large one, and 
has been divided into three sub-orders, viz: 
Papilionacee, Cesalpinew, and Mimosee. They 
supply food, timber, fibre, gums, dyes, and 
various economical substances. Some are 
poisonous. Among the useful plants may be 
mentioned Beans, Peas, Lentils, Pulse of 
various kinds, Lupins, Clover, Lucerne, Sain- 
foin, Tragacanth, Indigo, and others. There 
are about 550 genera and 7,000 species. 
Phaseolus, Vicia, Pisum, Lotus, Cassia, and 
Acacia are examples of the order. 


Leiophy'llum. Sand Myrtle. From leios, smooth, 
and phyllon, a leaf; referring to the leaves 
being quite smooth. Nat. Ord. Hricacee. 

L. buxifolium, the only species, is a small 
erect bushy evergreen shrub, its pretty white 
flowers having pink tips. Natives of New 
Jersey, and the mountains of Virginia. Syn. 
Ledum buxifolium. 


Lemna. Duck-weed. An old Greek name of 
uncertain meaning. Nat. Ord. Lemnacee. 

A genus of small floating herbs distributed 
over Europe, Northern - Asia, and North 
America, but very rare in the tropics. These 
plants are without distinct stems or real 
leaves, ‘‘ but consist of small leaf-like fronds, 
either separate, or cohering two or three 
together by their edges, emitting in most 
species, one or more fibres from their under 
surface into the water, and multiplying by 
similar fronds growing out of their edges. 
Flowers very rare, appearing from a fissure 
in. the edge, or on the upper surface of the 
frond” (Bentham). The pretty little Nertera 
depressa, with its red fruits is often called 
Australian or Fruiting Duck-weed, showing 
plainly the absurdity and inutility of English 
names only, to distinguish plants. 


Lemnacez. A natural order of very small 
herbaceous plants, found floating on the 
surface of stagnant waters especially in: tem- 
perate regions. The two genera, Lemna and 
Wolfia, are the smallest known Phanerogam- 
ous plants, and are closely allied to Aroidea, 
and Naidacee. 


Lemou. See Citrus. 


Lemon Grass. A popular name of one of the 
species of Andropogon. 


Lemo’nia. Named in honor of Str Charles 
Lemon. Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

L. spectabilis, the only species, is a green- 
house evergreen shrub from Cuba, producing 
axillary clusters of beautiful rose-colored 
flowers in September. During summer they 
require plenty of heat and water, and in winter 
to be kept dormant, with only water enough 


LATHYRUS ODORATUS (SWEET PEAS). 


220 é LATANIA BORBONICA (LIVISTONA CHINENSIS). LAPAGERIA, 


LEPTOSIPHON HYBRIDUS,. 


LEUCOJUM VERNUM, fen patie LEONTOPODIUM (EDELWEISS). | aan 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE, 221 


LEM 


to keep them from shriveling. Propagated 
by cuttings. Syn. Ravenia. 


Lemon Verbena. Aloysia citriodora. 


Lens esculenta. Syn. for Ervum lens (Lentil). ~ 


Lentibularia’ceze. A natural order containing 
four genera of principally aquatic or marsh 
herbs, most abundant in the tropics. The 
most familiar examples are the common Blad- 
der-wort (Utricularia) and Pinguicula. 

Lenticular. Shaped like a lens; resembling a 
double convex lens. 


Lentil. See Ervwm Lens. 


Lent Lily. A common name for Narcissus 
Pseudo- Narcissus. 

Lent Rose. A name given to Helleborus orien- 
talis, H. Olympicus, and other species. 


Leono’tis. Lion’s Ear. From leon, a lion, and 
ous, an ear; some resemblance in the flower. 
Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A small genus of annuals and green-house 
evergreen shrubs. Of the latter L. leonurus, 
the Lion’s Tail, is a magnificent species from 
the Cape of Good Hope, producing brilliant. 
scarlet flowers. It requires a rough, sandy 
loam, with plenty of air, and during the sum- 
mer a liberal supply of water, when it will 
not fail to grow and flower finely. It is propa- 
gated by cuttings. The other species are 
svarcely worth growing. JL. cardiaca is 
known in domestic medicine as Motherwort. 


Leo’ntice. From leon, leontos, a lion; alluding 
to the fancied resemblance in the leaves to 
the print of a lion’s foot. Nat. Ord. Berberi- 
dacee. 

A small genus of herbs with tuberous rhi- 
zomes, natives of southern Europe and central 
Asia. L. Altaica, the best-known species, is 
a dwarf half-hardy plant, producing terminal 
deflected racemes of yellow flowers early in 
May. It may be increased by offsets or seeds. 


Leo’ntodon. Hawk-bit. From leon, a lion, and 
odons, a tooth; referring to the tooth-like 
margins of the leaves. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus comprising about forty species of 
hardy herbaceous plants, very generally dis- 
tributed in the old world, only one being 
native of America. None of the species are 
of any horticultural value. 


Leontopo’dium. Edelweiss. Lion’s Foot. 
From leon, a lion, and pous, a foot; resem- 
blance of the flower-heads. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. ; 

L. alpinum, the only species under cultiva- 
tion, was formerly included in the genus 
Gnaphalium. This singular plant is a native 
of the Swiss Alps, where it is known by the 
popular title Edelweiss. The flower-heads are 
flat, topped by a wide-spreading, woolly-leaved 
foliaceous involucre. The appearance not 
inaptly resembles the soft-cushioned foot of 
the lion, hence the generic name. It suc- 
ceeds best on rock-work, or in exposed spots in 
moist, sandy soil, and is increased by seeds 
or by careful division. Syns. Gnaphalium 
Leontopodium and L. Helveticum. 

Leopard's Bane. See Doronicum. 

Leopard Wood. See Brosimum. 


Leopoldi/nia. Named after the late Empress 
of Brazil. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A small genus of Brazilian Palms, compris- 

ing three or four species, existing in consid- 


LEP 


erable numbers on the Amazor and Rio 
Negro. The trees are of medium size, bear- 
ing terminal, smooth, pinnate leaves, and 
having the upper part of their stems covered 
with a copious network of fibres. L. Piassaba 
is one of the Palms which yield the Piassaba 
or Piacaba fibre, now so extensively employed 
by brush-makers as a substitute for bristles, 
and also for making the stout street brooms 
used in all large cities. Two distinct varieties 
of this fibre are recognized in commerce, one 
being a coarse kind obtained from Attalea 
funifera and imported from Bahia; and the 
other a finer kind brought trom Para, the pro- 
duce of the Leopoldinia, which is found grow- 
ing in great abundance on the extensive 
plains between the Rio Negro and Orinoco 
rivers, forming entire forests. It attains a 
height of from fifteen to forty feet, and the 
fibre, or beard, as it is usually called, which 
is the envelope of the young leaves, hangs 
down all round, and completely covers the 
trunk quite to the ground, except in very tall 
trees, the lower part of whose trunk is gen- 
erally bare. The brushes made from this 
fibre are known in trade as Tampico, and for 
many purposes are considered superior to 
those made from bristles. 


Lepa’nthes. From lepos, bark, or lepis, scale, 


and anthos, a flower; the plants of this genus 
have very small flowers, and grow upon the 
bark of trees. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A genus of the dwarfest of Orchids, with 
the habit of, and nearly related to, Pleurothal- 
lus. They can only be grown under a bell- 
glass, among damp moss, in a cool part of the 
house. They are natives of Mexico and the 
West Indies, and are propagated by division. 
Introduced in 1834. 


Lepa’/nthus. A synonym of Heteranthera. 
Lepi/dium. Cress orPeppergrass. From lepis, 


a scale; in allusion to the shape of the pods, 
which appear like little seales. Nat. Ord. 
Crucifere. 

A very extensive genus of hardy annuals 
and perennials, found distributed throughout 
the temperate regions of the earth. Theonly 
species of interest are L. sativum, the com- 
mon garden Peppergrass, whose nativity is 
attributed to Persia: and DL. Piscidiwm, found 
in the Society and Sandwich Islands. This 
species, in common with many other plants, 
possesses properties that intoxicate fish, and 
the natives use it for that purpose. When 
thrown into the water itis eagerly eaten by the 
fish, which are, soon after eating it, rendered 
insensible, and float helplessly upon the 
water, and are easily taken. There are sev- 
eral native and naturalized species common 
in this country, all of them weeds. 


Lepta’/ndra. Included under Veronica. 
Leptochlo’a. Slender Grass. From __ leptos, 


slender, and chloa, grass; in allusion to the 
slender habit of the grass. Nat. Ord. Grami- 
nacee. 

A small genus of slender grasses inhabiting 
North and South America. L. gracilis is a 
graceful grass with long plume-like panicles. 
None of the species are considered valuable 
for agricultural purposes. . 


Leptosi/phon. From leptos, and siphon, a 


tube; alluding to the tube of the flower. Nat. 
Ord. Polemoniacee. : 


222 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


LEP 


Handsome dwarf-growing Californian an- 
nuals. Some of the species make charming 
bedding plants. When planted in masses 
they form an entire sheet of pure white or 
lilac flowers, not more than eight inches from 
the surface of the soil. They succeed well in 
the open border, and by successive sowings may 
be had in flower the entire summer and au- 
tumn. They are also well adapted for grow- 
ing in pots to bloom in winter. This genus 
is closely allied to Gilia, under which it is 
placed by some authors. 


Leptospe/rmum. From leptos, slender, and 
sperma, aseed; seedsslender. A large genus 
of shrubs or small trees belonging to the 
Myrtacew, and nearly all confined to Australia 
and Tasmania. The leaves are alternate, small, 
leathery, and full of dots, or cells containing 
oil; their white flowers are borne on short 
stalks, on the sides of the young branches, 
either solitary or in little clusters. L. lani- 
gerum, a native of Tasmania and south-eastern 
Australia, is commonly called Tea tree, on ac- 
count of its leaves having been used by the 
early settlers in these countries, as a substi- 
tute for tea. Propagated by cuttings of the 
young shoots. 


Lepto’syne. From leptosin, slender; a name 
applicable to the original species. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 


A genus of annual, or perennial, herbaceous, 
or suffruticose plants, with showy peduneu- 
late heads the ray and disk being both 
bright-yellow and pinnately divided. or dis- 
sected leaves. They have the habit of Core- 
opsis, which they represent on the western 
side of North America. DL. Maritima, an 
autumn blooming perennial, is cultivated 
under the name of ‘‘ Mid- Winter Sunflower.” 


Lepto’tes. 
the leaves. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceew. 

A small genus of Brazilian Orchids. The 
two species known, are pretty little epiphytes, 
producing small, rush-like leaves and lovely 
white flowers, having a blotch of bright crim- 
son on the lip. They are of easy culture, 
growing in the green-house, either on cork or 
in baskets of moss, and requiring liberal wat- 
ering during the growing season. They are 
propagated by division; introduced in 1831. 


Leptu’/rus. A small genus of grasses but rarely 
met; it is occasionally found inhabiting 
marshy places on the sea-coast, where it fur- 
nishes considerable pasture for cattle. 


Leschenau'ltia. Named after M. Leschenault, a 
French botanist. Nat. Ord. Goodeniacee. 

A small genus of very ornamental heath- 
like shrubs, with rich blue or scarlet 
flowers, natives of Australia. They are 
among the most beautiful and effective 
green-house hard-wooded plants, and re- 
quire the most careful attention at all sea- 
sons, particularly in regard to watering. LD. 
biloba major is perhaps the finest blue hard- 
wooded shrub in cultivation, and L. formosa 
with scarlet flowers, is an exceedingly hand- 
some species. They are propagated by cut- 
tings of the moderately firm young shoots in 
a little heat. 

Lespede’za. Named in honor of M. Lespedez, 


once Governor of Florida, and a great patron 
of botany. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 


From leptos, slender; referring to | 


LEU 


A genus of low-growing, pea-flowering 
shrubs, annuals and herbaceous perennials, 
common from South Carolina to Mississippi. 
Some of the kinds are showy when in flower. 
L. bicolor, introduced from Japan under the 
name of Desmodium penduliflorum, is a hardy . 
deciduous shrub, blooming in the autumn, 
and producing long, pendulous, branched 
panicles of rich rosy-purple colored flowers. 
if pruned close down to the ground every 
spring it forms a neat, graceful bush, two to 
three feet high, covered in autumn with blos- 
som; a splendid addition to any collection of 
herbaceous plants. The species of most 
value is L. striata, or Japan Clover, which 
first appeared in 1849, near Charleston, 8. C. 
The seeds are supposed to have been brought 
from Japan, or China, in some tea boxes. It 
rapidly spread into Georgia, and in 1870 ap- 
peared in Tennessee, and now spreads from 
the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River. 
It is a low perennial plant, with a spreading 
habit, much like that of white clover. It 
flourishes on the poorest soils, preventing 
washing by rains, furnishing not only good 
grazing, but fertilizing the soil by the decay 
of its stubble as clover does. For sheep pas- 
ture, south of Virginia it is scarcely excelled 
by any other forage plant. 


Lettuce. See Lactuca. 


Leucade’ndron. From leukos, white, and den- 
dron, a tree; in allusion to the white leaves. 
Nat. Ord. Proteacee. 

An extensive genus of green-house ever- 
green shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope. 
They are cultivated for their silvery foliage, 
and their large terminal clusters of yellow 
flowers, which are produced in June and July. 
They all grow freely in a cool green-house, if 
care be observed not to over-water in winter ; 
in fact, they are at all times impatient of 
water. They are readily increased by cuttings 
or ripened wood. LL. argenteum is the Witte- 
broom, or Silver Tree, of the Cape colonists. 
It is a very handsome tree, too rarely seen in 
cultivation. The beautiful silvery-white dried 
leaves are imported, and largely used in the 
manufacture of wreaths, etc. 


Leuca’nthemum. Ox-eye Daisy. From leukos, 
white, and anthos, a flower; white flowers, 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

This pernicious weed, L. vulgare, formerly 
included in the genus Chrysanthemum (C. leu- 
canthemum), is a native of Great Britain, but 
has become thoroughly naturalized in many 
parts of the United States. It is a perennial, 
and increases rapidly from seed, or from the 
roots. LL. alpinum is rather a quaint, pretty, 
very dwarf plant, with white, daisy-like flow- 
ers, and well deserves cultivation on rock- 
work in poor, gravelly soil. It is sometimes 
known as Chrysanthemum articum and Pyreth- 
rum alpinum. 


Leucoco’ryne. From leukor, white, and koryne, 
a club; because of the white sterile anthers. 
Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. : 

Half-hardy bulbous plants, pretty, and de- 
serving attention. They may be cultivated 
either in pots or in the open ground, if they 
are taken up and preserved in sand through 
the winter. The flowers are large for the size 
of the plant, and are either white or lilac. 
They are increased by offsets, and when 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 223 


LEU 


planted in the borders the bulbs should be set 
rather closely together to insure a display. 
Introduced from Chili in 1851. 


Leuchtenbe'rgia. Named after Prince Leuchten- 
berg. Nat. Ord. Cactaceew. 

L. principis, the only species, has glaucous- 
green, succulent, triangular leaves, truncated 
at the apex, and there bearing six or seven 
long, chaffy, almost horny scales, of which 
the center one is almost as long as the mami- 
le, and the others form a whorl round the 
center. The stem is about as thick as a man's 
arm, hard and woody, and the flowers area 
rich, clear yellow, large, usually solitary, and 
produced at the top of the plant, among the 
younger mamile. It was introduced from 
Mexico in 1847, and requires the same treat- 
ment as Mamillaria. 


Leucoca’rpus. From leucos, white, and Kar- 
pos, afruit; alluding to the color of the ber- 
ries. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

L. alatus, the only species, a native of 
Mexico, is a tall, puberulous or glabrous 
green-house plant, with yellow bi-abiate flow- 
ers and large opposite-spreading leaves. It 
grows from two to two and ahalf feet high, 
and is very ornamental when laden with its 
white fruits. Syn. Mimulus perfoliatus. 


Le’ucojum. Snowflake. From leukos, white, 
and ion, a violet; in reference to the color of 
the flower, whence the English name Snow- 
flake. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidaceew. 

Hardy bulbs, growing to the height of 
twelve and eighteen inches, and producing 
spikes of pretty white flowers like the Snow- 
drop. They increase by offsets from the 
bulbs. L. vernum, Spring Snowflake, one 
of our best early flowering bulbs, is a 
native of Germany and Switzerland, where it 
is found wild in the woods and other shady 
places. It was introduced in 1596; is dedi- 
cated to St. Agnes, the patron saint of young 
virgins, from its loveliness and purity, and 
hence is called St. Agnes’s Flower. In Park- 
inson’s time it was also known by the name 
of the Great Early Bulbous Violet. Itis said 
to have become naturalized in the neighbor- 
hood of Bridgeport, Dorsetshire, England. 
These very elegant and delightfully fragrant 
flowers greatly resemble the Snowdrop, but 
they are much larger, and are about a month 
later. There is a yellowish green spot on each 
petal near the point. They areamong the most 
desirable of early flowering bulbs, and are 
suitable for rock-work or borders. A shel- 
tered situation should be chosen, and the 
soil should be well-drained. Syn. Hrinosma. 


Leucophy’ta Brownii. A synonym for Caloce- 
phalus Brownii, which see. 


Leucopo’gon. From leukos, white, and pogon, 
a beard; referring to the hairs on the flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Epacridacec. 

An extensive genus of evergreen shrubs, 
with handsome white flowers, produced in 
terminal or axillary spikes. The species are 
widely scattered over Australia, Tasmania, 
and New Zealand. But few of the species are 
under cultivation. 


Leucospermum. From leucos, white, and 
sperma, a seed; in allusion to the downy 
seeds. A genus of Proteacew, consisting of 
evergreen shrubs, or small trees, natives of 
south Africa. The flowers are solitary under 


Leucoste’gia. 


Leucotho’e. 


LHO 


each bract, sessile, and capitate, and the 
leaves are sessile and coriaceous, generally 
covered with silky hairs. Several species are 
in cultivation. 

A genus of Ferns now incor- 
porated with Davallia. 


The name of a sea-goddess in the 
Greek Mythology. Nat. Ord. Ericacew. 

A genus of handsome hardy evergreen 
shrubs, natives of North America and Japan. 
The flowers are white, and are disposed in 
terminal and axillary racemes. They are 
among the most desirable of hardy Ericaceous 
shrubs, and are propagated by seeds, layers, 
or divisions of established plants early in 
spring. LL. Davisie is a handsome evergreen 
shrub, anative of California, where it grows 
from three to five feet high. It has rather 
small deep green foliage, and bears at the 
tops of each branch, clusters of small white 
blossoms, which being abundant, are very 
effective. 


Levi’sticum. From levo, to assuage; the plant 


is said to relieve flatulency. Nat. Ord. Um- 
bellifere. 

L. officinale, the only species in cultivation, 
is a hardy herbaceous perennial, with yellow 
flowers and ternately-decompound leaves. It 
is seldom seen except in botanic gardens. A 
variety with variegated leaves has been 
recently introduced. 


Lewi'sia. Bitter Root. Named after Captain 


M. Lewis, the American traveler and compan- 
ion of Clark. Nat. Ord. Portulacacee. 

L. rediviva, the only species, is a succulent 
perennial, with a fleshy, tapering root. Its 
leaves are quite succulent, and from their 
centre arises a strong stalk bearing a solitary 
rose-colored flower, surrounded by an invo- 
lucre of five to seven scales. As soon as the 
flower appears the leaves begin to wither and 
dry up, usually lasting only a few days, the 
entire period of the plant’s existence above 
ground not exceeding six weeks. This ex- 
ceedingly curious plant is a native of the 
upper Oregon Territory, and its roots, which 
are largely collected by the Indians, afford a 
wholesome, though bitter-tasted food, being 
composed almost entirely of starch. The 
specific name, rediviva, was given to the plant 
in consequence of the growth of some dried 
and apparently dead roots, taken from an her- 
barium specimen. 


Leyceste’ria. Named after William Leycester, 


of the Indian Civil Service. Nat. Ord. Capri- 
foliacee. 

L. formosa, the only species, is a very hand- 
some hardy or half-hardy deciduous shrub, of 
a rather rambling habit. Itis a distinct and 
interesting plant, bearing its purplish-tinged 
white flowers in fascicles disposed in whorls 
of fives and sixes, the whole forming short, 
leafy, drooping racemes, which terminate the 
branches and branchlets. It is a native of 
the temperate Himalayas, whence it was in- 
troduced in 1824. It is propagated by cut- 
nee of the young shoots in spring or by 
seeds. 


Lho’tzkya. Named after Dr. John Lhotzky, a 


Viennese botanist who traveled in Australia, 
Nat. Ord. Myritacew. 

A genus of evergreen, Heath-like shrubs, 
natives of Australia. G. acutifolia (white) and 


224 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


LIA 


G. violacea (purple), the species best known to 
cultivation, are of easy management, and are 
propagated by cuttings made of the young 
shoots, when the base is hardened a little. 


Lia'tris. Blazing Star. Button Snake Root. 
Derivation of the name unknown. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

This genus consists of some twenty species, 
all hardy herbaceous perennials, common 
from New York to Kansas and southward. 
Some of the species are very ornamental 
border plants. They all produce long spikes 
of purple flowers from August until October, 
L. pycnostachya (Kansas Gay Feather), one of 
the finest of the species, has rosy purple 
flowers, on a spike three to four feet high. 
They begin to flower at the top of 
the spike, and continue to open downward, 
which is characteristic of the species. They 
are increased by seed, will flower the second 
year, and will grow anywhere and bloom well; 
the size and length of the spike will, however, 
be in proportion to the richness of the soil. 


Liber. The inner lining of the bark Exogens, 
where alone its woody matter resides. 


Libe'rtia. Named after Mademoiselle M. A. 
Liebert de Malmedy, a Belgian lady and bota- 
nist. Nat. Ord. Iridacew. 

Asmall genus of half-hardy bulbs, natives 
of Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and 
Chili. They are of dwarf habit, with delicate 
white flowers, which are produced in umbels’ 
onascape one and a half feet high. L. formosa 
produces spikes of flowers of snowy white- 
ness more like those of some delicate Orchid 
than of an out-door plant. L. ivioides and 
L. Magellanica are also very attractive when 


in flower. They are increased by offsets; in- 
“troduced in 1822. 
Liboce/drus. From libanos, incense, and ce- 


drus, the cedar; the wood being fragrant and 
resembling the cedar. Nat. Ord. Coniferw. 

This genus consists of handsome evergreen 
trees, natives of Chiliand New Zealand. They 
are nearly related to the Arbor-Vite, differing 
only the form of their cones. They are fine 
timber trees, growing to an immense size. 
Spars eighty or ninety feet long, are obtain- 
able from L. Chilensis, and a single tree often 
yields as many as 1,500 boards. Its grain, too, 
is so straight and equal that it can be split 
into shingles, which look as though they had 
been dressed with aplane. These trees are 
not hardy in the Northern States. 


Libo'nia. Named after M. Libon, a traveler in 
Brazil. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

A genus of handsome flowering plants from 
Brazil. LL. floribunda, the only species yet 
known, is a small suffruticose plant, with 
elliptic oblong leaves, and very abundant 
tubular, yellow-tipped scarlet flowers, one or 
two from each leaf axil. The calyx is five 
cleft; the corolla tubular, with an erect 
bilabiate limb; two stamens affixed to the 
middle of the tube, with two-celled cordate- 
ovate anthers, one cell inserted higher than 
the other; disk annulate; style filiform, with 
a punctate stigma. The flowers are droop- 
ing, very abundant, and exceedingly orna- 
mental. The leaves are apt to drop if the 
plant is allowed to suffer for water. L. Pen- 
rhosiensis, a seedling from the above, obtained 


LIC 


by crossing it with Sericograpis (Jacobinia 
Ghiesbrechtiana, is in many respects a decide 
improvement. The plant is dwarfer and of 
denser growth; the foliage is darker, larger; 
and more persistent; the flowers are even 
more abundant, there being from four to six 
at the axils instead of two, with more red and 
less yellow; and they make their appearance 
earlier. These plants should be grown in the 
green-house, where they will flower from 
November tillSpring. Theyare also excellent 
sitting-room plants, and -worthy of a place in 
any collection They grow best in a moder- 
ately rich loam, and are easily increased by 
cuttings; introduced in 1864. This genus is 
now included by Bentham and Hooker under 
Jacobinia, but the plants are best known by 
their former names. 


Lichens. Lichens, as they are inform among 
the simplest of plants, so they may be called 
the pioneers of the vegetable kingdom. They 
are in general parasitical plants, living upon 
the bark of trees, or on the moist ground, or 
even upon the bare rocks. The sporules of 
the lichen are furnished with a gummy and 
adhesive fluid, and being scattered about by 
the winds they fall upon bare rocks, and to 
these attach themselves. Without soil, and 
simply from the moisture and from the air, 
they vegetate and form a small central lichen ; 
others grow in circles around, till, in process 
of time, the whole surface of the bare rock 
becomes covered with a hoary coat. These 
lichens periodically decay, and mouldering to 
the earth form with the particles of abraided 
rock, a soil which is fitted for the reception 
of other plants further advanced in the scale 
or organization. Lichens are found at the 
extreme points of vegetation, on the summits 
of high mountains, and near the poles, where 
all other vegetable bodies disappear. In the 
Arctic regions, the hunters prepare an im- 
portant article of food from one of the species 
that is there found in great abundance where 
there is scarcely a particle of soil, and where 
the snow rarely disappears. 

The IcELAND Moss.—Cetraria islandica is 
used as an edible substance by the Icelanders, 
who rarely obtain corn bread, and whose 
limited stock of substitutes obliges them to 
have recourse to every species of vegetable 
production which is permitted by their in- 
clement climate to spring forth. The plant is 
collected by the inhabitants of this northern 
region; and after being washed, is cut Anto 
pieces, or it is dried by the fire or in the sun, 
then put into a bag which is well beaten. It 
is ultimately worked into a powder by being 
trampled on, and in this state is used as food. 
This lichen contains a nutritious matter 
called lichen-starch, along with a bitter 
principle. When boiled and macerated in 
water it forms, a nutritious and light jelly, 
which, with the addition of sugar and milk, 
has been used as a dietetic medicine in cases of 
decline, and was fancied at one time as a cure 
for consumption. 

The REINDEER Moss.—Cladonia rangiferina 
grows in great abundance in the north of 
Europe, especially in Lapland, where it con- 
stitutes almost the sole winter food of the 
reindeer, that useful animal, without which 
the natives of that barren region could not 
exist. Linneus assures us that this lichen 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


LIC 


grows so luxuriantly in Lapland, as to be 
found sometimes a foot in height. 

Rocella tinctoria, from which Litmus is 
obtained, furnishes an excellent dye. Lec- 


anora esculenta is frequently met with in im- | 


mense quantities in the most arid, desert 
regions of Asia and north Africa. It occurs 
in rounded masses about the size of a filbert, 
and is largely used as food. It possesses too, 
a peculiar interest, on account of its being 
supposed, by some commentators, to be the 
‘“‘manna” which fed the children of Israel 
during their wanderings in the wilderness. 


Licua/la. The name of the species in the 
Macassar language. Nat. Ord. Palmaceew. 

A small genus of very elegant palms, allied 
to Corypha, natives of the East Indies, New 
Guinea, and northern Australia. L. grandis 
(Syn. Pritchardia grandis) has fan-shaped, 
deep, bright green leaves, three feet in diam- 
eter, borne on long slender petioles two to 
three feet long. It was discovered in one of 
the South Sea Islands and takes rank among 
the most distinct and attractive Palms ever 
introduced. L. acutifida, has a slender stem, 
bearing a small head of beautiful, much- 
parted, fan-like leaves, of an intense green. 
As an exhibition plant or ornament for the 
green-house or conservatory, it is highly to 
be recommended, either when young or in a 
more mature state. The stems of this plant 
grow from five to eight feet high, and form 
the handsome walking canes imported into 
England under the name of Penang Lawyers. 


Liebi/gia. Named after Liebig, a celebrated 
German chemist. Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 

A genus of hot-house evergreen plants, 
allied to Chirita, and requiring the same 
ee They are natives of the East 
ndies. 


Lie’tzia. Named after A. Lietze, a nurseryman 
at Rio Janeiro. Nat. Ord. Gesneracea. 
L. Brazilensis, the only described species, 
- ig a stove-house perennial with a tuberous 
rhizome. The flowers are green, spotted with 
brown, and are remarkable for their curious 
form as well as color. It was introduced from 
Brazil in 1880, and is propagatea by seeds, 
tubers, or cuttings. 


Ligneous. Having the texture of wood; of or 
belonging to wood. 


Lignum. The wood; that central part of a 
stem which lies beneath the bark, or its 
equivalent, the cortical integument. 


Lignum Vitze. See Guaiacum. 


Ligula’ria. From ligula, a strap; referring to 
the florets. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A small genus of hardy and half-hardy her- 
baceous perennials, some of which are of an 
ornamental character, and are favorite garden 
plants. They abound in the mountainous 
regions of Asia, and have been more generally 
known as species of Cineraria and Senecio. L 
Koampferi aureo-maculata, a native of China, 
and popularly known as Farfugium grande, is 
a low-growing-broad-leaved plant, remarkable 
for its shiny, dark-green foliage, which is 
irregularly blotched with bright yellow, or 
sometimes with white and rose. Itis easily 
grown, and is a very decorative plant for the 
border. It requires the protection of the 
house during winter, and is propagated by 
division in spring or autumn. ; 


LIL 


Ligulate. Strap-shaped; narrow, moderately 
long, with the two margins parallel. : 
Ligu’sticum. Named for the country Liguria, 
where the officinal Lovage, L. Levisticum, 

abounds. Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 
A genus of about twenty species of glabrous 
perennial herbs, dispersed over the northern 


hemisphere. None of the species is worth 
cultivating. - 

Ligustri/na Amurensis. A synonym of Syringa 
Amurensis. 


Ligu’strum. Privet. From ligare, to tie; refer- 
ring to the use made of the flexible shoots. 
Nat. Ord. Oleacee. 

A genus of hardy, ornamental shrubs, or 
small trees, natives of tropical Asia, Japan, 
and Northern Africa. The species are of easy 
culture in almost any soil or situation, and 
are especially valuable in the neighborhood of 
large towns, where a smoky atmosphere pre- 
vails; in the shade, or under the drip of trees. 
L. vulgare, the common Privet, is extensively 
used for hedges in ornamental gardens, owing 
to its bearing clipping without injury. 
ovalifolium, a native of Japan, commonly 
known as the California Privet, is one of the 
hardiest and most floriferous of the genus, 
and is remarkable for the beauty and persist- 
ence of its foliage, which is of a dark waxy- 
green color, and considerably larger than the 
common Privet. As a single specimen ona 
lawn, or for grouping in shrubberies, it is of 
rapid growth and great beauty, while its 
adaptation as a hedge plant is unsurpassed. 
L. ovalifolium variegatum is a vigorous, com- 
pact grower, the young leaves of which have 
a beautiful yellow tint, passing into white as 
the leaves get older. All the species are 

. readily increased by cuttings. 

Lilac. See Syringa vulgaris. 

Lilia’ceze. Including Hemerocallidew, Tulip- 
aceew, Coronariw, Asphodelew, Asparagine. 
and Convallariacee. A natural order of herbs, 
shrubs, or trees, with bulbs, corms, rhizomes, 
or fibrous roots, simple, sheathing, or clasping 
leaves, and regular flowers. They are natives of 
both temperate and tropical regions,and pos- 
sess medicinal qualities. Onions, Leeks, Garlic, 
Chives, Shallot, Rocambole, Tulips, Hyacinths, 
Lilies, ete., are allfurnished by plants belong- 
ing to this extensive order. There are up- 
ward of 150 genera and 1,200 species. Lilium, 
Tulipa, Hyacinthus, Yucca, Agapanthus, Aspho- 
delus, and Dracena, are examples of the order, 

Lilium. The Lily. From the Celtic word hi, 
signifying whiteness; the lily having long 
been considered an emblem of whiteness and 
purity. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

This genus, the type of an extensive order, 
numbers upward of sixty species, and is emi- 
nently distinguished for its surpassing loveli- 
ness, its rare combination of grandeur and 
chaste beauty. A remarkable feature in this 
family of plants is, that it has no poor rela- 
tions. Ina general collection of the species, 
all that can be imagined desirable and perfect 
in floral forms will be realized. A great 
inducement to the cultivation of this genus is 
their ease of culture, and their almost perfect 
hardiness, thriving with all the vigor of indig- 
enous forms when planted in the flower bor- 
der. All of them delight in light rich soil, 
such as is afforded by a mixture of loam and 


226 


+ 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


LIL 


well-rotted manure, and one uniform treat- 
ment is applicable under all circumstances to 
the whole of the species; all may be grown 
together in the border, and remain undis- 
turbed a number of years, frequent removals 
being injurious, by destroying the roots. All 
the species thrive best when planted in partial 
shade, the shrubbery border, or in large beds 
in an open grove. Propagated by offsets. 
When the old bulbs have several small ones 
formed around them, take them up in Octo- 
ber, divide them into single bulbs, and re- 
plant the large flowering bulbs immediately 
into fresh, rich earth, where they are to 
flower. Plant the small bulbs in a bed of the 
same kind of soil by themselves; let them 
remain until sufficiently large and strong for 
flowering, which should require but two 
years; then take them up, select the larger 
bulbs, and plant them where they are to 
remain, taking care to enrich the earth with 
well decomposed manure; the small ones to 
be replanted as before. LL. candidum should 
be taken up and replanted in August or first 
part of September, as the bulbs make a 
growth in autumn, upon which in a great 
measure depends their flowering the coming 
season. In selecting the situation for the 


Lily-bed, care should be taken to have the- 


dryest spot possible, where water is notliable 
to stand in the winter. A good mulching of 
leaves, coarse manure, or evergreen boughs 
will prove highly beneficial. The species are 
pretty generally distributed throughout the 
temperate regions of the northern hemi- 
sphere; afew only are found in the moun- 
tains of sub-tropical Asia. California has 
furnished several that are among the more 
difficult to cultivate here, because of the dif- 
ference in the seasons of growth. Japan has 
furnished by far the greater number of really 
excellent species, among whica are DL. aura- 
tum, or Golden-banded, of which there are 
many beautiful varieties in cultivation; L. 
speciosum and its varieties; L. Kramerii, L. 
Leichtlinii, L. Tigrinum flore pleno, L. Thun- 
bergianum in variety, L. longiflorum, L. Han- 
soni, etc. LL. candidum, the oldest known 
species, comes from the Levant. Asia fur- 
nishes L. Chalcedonicum and L. giganteum; 
Siberia the beautiful little L. tenuifolium, 
which is there grown as an article of food. 
The United States contributes L. superbum, 
L. Canadense, L. Philadelphicum, L. Catesbai, 
L. Carolinianum, and L. Columbianum, to- 
gether with L. Washingtonianum, L. Hum- 
boldti, L. parvum, L. Californicum, L. pardali- 
num, L. Roezlii, L. Parryt and L. Walkerii 
from California. Most of the other species 
are found scattered throughout Europe. The 
great popularity of this flower has induced 
the growers and dealers to sub-divide the 
species and multiply varieties to such an 
extent as to bewilder the amateur in making 
a selection. A prominent European house 
offers sixty varieties of L. elegans (L. Thunber- 
gianum), and nearly as many of L. speciosum 
(L. lancifolium). L. candidum, the Annuncia- 
tion, or St. Joseph’s Lily, has eight varieties, 
L. umbellatum about thirty, any one of which 
would well represent the family. All the 
species succeed well grown in pots, but sev- 
eral bear what is termed forcing, or being 
made to bloom out of their natural season. 
The principal of these are L. candidum, L. 


, 


LIL 


longifiorum, and L. Harrisii. The latter of 
these, LZ. Harrisii, or the Bermuda Easter 
Lily, was introduced into general cultivation 
about 1878. There is some question whether 
it is a “sport” from the old Lilium longi- 
florum, or Trumpet Lily, or whether long 
years of cultivation in the congenial climate 
of Bermuda has so changed the nature of the 
plant as to give it the wonderful free-flower- 
ing properties it possesses. We are inclined 
to think the variety is distinct from L. longi- 
florum, for it is not only more prolific in flow- 
ering, but the flowers are wider and more 
robust, a result not to be expected from any 
temporary cultivation in a climate no matter 
how congenial. The rules for the cultivation 
of the Bermuda Easter Lily are almost iden- 
tical with those in use for Roman Hyacinths, 
or Lily-of-the-Valley (see Convallaria), except 
that after the boxes or pots are filled with 
roots the time for the development of the 
flower is longer. The dry bulbs, however, 
usually can be procured as early as the 
first week in August, and if potted or 
boxed up at that time, and placed outside, | 
will form roots sufficient to enable them to 
be brought into the green-house by the first 
of October, and if kept in a temperature of 
sixty degrees at night, with ten or fifteen 
degrees higher during the daytime, will give 
a crop of flowers by Christmas. The Bermuda 
Lily is largely used for decoration at Easter, 
and for that season, beginning to force in 
January will be soon enough. Liliwm longi- 
florum and L. candidum require exactly the 
same treatment, except that neither of these 
can be made to flower so early as the Bermuda 
Lily. 

It may be added here that the Californian 
Lilies often remain a whole year in the 
ground before growing. 2 


Lily. A general name for plants of the genus 
Lilium, applied also to various other 
plants. 

African. Agapanthus umbellatus. 
Annunciation. Lilium candidum. 
Atamasco. Zephyranthes Atamasco. 
Belladonna. Amaryllis Belladonna. 
Bermuda. Lilium Harrisii. 

Blackberry. Pardanthus Chinensis. 

Cape. Crinum Capense. 

Chequered. Fritillaria Meleagris. 

Cuban. Scilla Peruviana. 

Easter. Lilium longiflorum and L. Harrisii. 
Golden banded. Lilium auratum. 
Guernsey. Nerine Sarniensis. 

Jacobean. Sprekelia (Amaryllis) formosissima. 
Japan. Lilium speciosum. 

Knight's Star. The genus Hippeastrum. 
Martagon. Lilium Martagon. 


Mediterranean. Pancratium maritimum. 
Ofthe Amazon. Hucharis Amazonica. 
Of the Nile. Richardia Afthopica. 


Of the Valley. See Convallaria majalis. 

Of the Valley, Tree. Andromeda floribunda. 
Orange. Lilium croceum. 

St. Bruno’s. Anthericum Liliastrum. 

St. James’s Cross. Sprekelia formosissima. 
St. Joseph’s. Liliwm candidum. 
Scarborough. Vallota purpurea. 

Scarlet Martagon. Lilium Chalcedonicum. 
Swamp. Liliwm superbum. 

Sword. The genus Gladiolus. 

Tiger. Lilium tigrinum. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 227 


LIL 


Tom Thumb, Lilium tenuifolium. 
Trumpet, White. Lilium longiflorum. 
Turban. Liliwm Pomponium. 

Turk’s Cap. Varieties- of Lilium Martagon. 
Turk’s Cap, American. Lilium superbum. 
White Water. See Nymphaea adorata. 
Yellow Pond. Nuphar advena. 


Lily-Thorn. The genus Catesbea. 
Lima Bean. See Phaseolus lunatus. 


Limato’des. Name unexplained. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacew. 

A genus of East Indian terrestrial Orchids, 
nearly allied to Calanthe. LL. rosea is avery 
beautiful plant. The flowers are from pure 
white to the deepest pink, produced on a tall 
spike, which proceeds from the base of the 
bulb after the foliage has died away. They 
require the same treatment as the Calanthe. 


Limbate. Having one color surrounded by 
an edging of another. 


Lime. See Fertilizers. 
Lime, of commerce. See Citrus. 
Lime Tree, or Linden. See Tilea. 


Limna/nthemum. Floating Heart ; From limme, 
a marsh, and anthos, a flower; from the situ- 
ations where they grow. Nat. Ord. Gentt- 
anacee. 

A genus of very interesting and beautiful 
aquatic plants, closely allied to Villarsia, two 
species of which are occasionally met in 
ponds from Maine southward. LD. lacunosa, is 
a charming plant having at first sight the 
appearance of a miniature Water Lily. Its 
leaves are from one to two inches in diameter, 
beautifully blotched with brown, giving them 
an appearance similar to those of the Cycla- 
men. The flowers are white, about half an 
inch across, and very curiously borne upon 
the same stem which bears the leaves. The 
plant blooms freely all summer, and will 
grow in either shallow or deep water, and 
would make a charming plant for the aqua- 
rium. L. Nympheoides, a European species is 
perfectly hardy and produces its bright yellow 
flowers in great profusion. It is a very beauti- 
ful hardy aquatic, but somewhat difficult to 
eradicate when once established. 

Limna’nthes. From limne, a marsh, and anthos, 
a flower; in allusion to the habitat of the 
plant. Nat. Ord. Geraniacee. Bin 

A small genus of hardy annuals from Cali- 
fornia. They are of trailing habit, and produce 
small white, and yellow and white flowers, 
quite fragrant and neat, but not showy. 
They come soon into flower after the seed is 
sown, and a succession of flowers can be kept 
up by occasional sowings during summer. 
They are not at all particular as to soil, but 
prefer a moist situation. 


Limno’bium. American Frog’s Bit. From 
limnobius, living in pools. Nat. Ord. Hydro- 
charidacee. bees 
. A genus of aquatic plants, floating in stag- 
nant water, common almost everywhere. 

Limno’charis. From limne, a pool, and chairo, 
to delight in; referring to their habitat. 
Nat. Ord. Alismacee. ; 

A small genus of green-house aquatic 
plants, with yellow flowers and heart-shaped 
leaves, natives of Brazil. Two spécies, L. 
Plumieri and L. Humboldtii, are in cultiva- 
tion, and are favorite plants for the aquarium. 


LIN 


Limodo’rum tuberosum. A synonym for Calo- 


pogon pulchellus, 


Limo’nia. From limoun, the Arabic name of 


the Citron. Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

A small genus of evergreen shrubs from 
the East Indies, China and New Holland. JL. 
acidissima, typical of the genus, is a spiny 
shrub growing eight or ten feet high, and 
having pinnate leaves with winged stalks, 
and racemes of pure white flowers. The 
fruit is about the size of a damson plum, yel- 
low, with ared or purplish tint. The Java- 
nese employ the extremely acid pulp of these 
fruits as a substitute for soap. The fruit is 
also used medicinally. 


Limonia’strum. From leimon, a meadow, and 


Aster, astar; in allusion to the starry flowers, 
and the habitat of the plants. Nat. Ord. 
Plumbaginacee. 

A small genus of nearly hardy shrubs, 
natives of the western Mediterranean region. 
They are closely allied to Statice and have 
the blue flowers and general appearance of 
some of the more twiggy species of that 
genus. All the green parts of the plants are 
covered with white discs of calcareous 
matter. 


Limoo. A name used in some of the Pacific 


Islands for Sea-weed. 


Lina'cez. A small natural order of herbs, or 


shrubs, with entire, sessile, alternate, op- 
posite, or verticillate leaves, which have oc- 
easionally a pair of minute glands at the base. 
Flowers regular and hermaphrodite, usually 
terminal, blue, yellow or white, rarely pink. 
Linum usitatissimum, yields the flax and lin- 
seed of commerce. The order contains four-. 
teen genera, and over 125 species. 


Lina'ria. Toad Flax. From linum, flax; on 


account of the similarity of the leaves. Nat.. 
Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A very large genus of hardy annuals, her-. 
baceous perennials, and a few half-hardy.and 
tender species. Many of them are exceed-. 
ingly ornamental. L. cymbalaria is the well- 
known Kenilworth Ivy, or Coliseum Ivy, a. 
valuable trailing plant, and one of the best. 
for hanging-baskets and rustic designs. 
There is a very pretty variegated form of this. 
species. L. triornithophora, remarkable for the 
resemblance of its flowers to three little 
birds attached to the spur. LL. vulgaris, com-. 
monly known as Butter-and-Eggs, was intro- 
duced into Philadelphia as a garden flower: 
many years ago, and has become thoroughly 
naturalized, and a perfect nuisance in many 
parts of the country. When once introduced. 
it takes almost complete possession of the 
soil, producing an almost innumerable num- 
ber of seeds, besides its rapid increase by 
means of its numerous spreading roots. The- 
useful species are all readily increased from 
seeds. 


Linco’nia. Said to be a south African name. 


Nat. Ord. Bruniacee. 

A genus of ornamental Epacris-like, green- 
house shrubs, natives of the Cape of Good 
Hope. The leaves are spirally arranged, and 
the solitary white flowers are borne in the. 
axils of the upper leaves. They were first 
introduced in 1816 and require the same 
culture as the Diosma, which they much re- 
semble. 


(228 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


LIN 


Lindelo’fia. Named in honor of Freidrich von 


Lindelof, of Darmstadt, a patron of botany. 
Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. * 

L, spectabilis is a rather showy perennial, 
growing about one and a half feet high, 
bearing in early summer, drooping clusters 
of deep purple-blue flowers. It is hardy in 
well drained situations, but is not so valuable 
a plant as many others of the same order. 
Syn. Cynoglossum longiflorum. 

Linden. See Tilia. 
Linde’nia. Named after J. Linden, a Belgian 
horticulturist. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 

A small genus, natives of Mexico, Central 
America, and the Fiji Islands. L. rivularis, 
the only species yet in cultivation, is a dis- 
tinct plant, with rather small lanceolate 
leaves, and bearing solitary long-tubed white 
flowers nearly five inches long, from short 
spurs. Although the flowers are solitary, the 
plant is very free-blooming and is remark- 
ably interesting. It was introduced from 
Mexico in 1856, and is propagated by cuttings 
of the ripened wood. ; 

Linde’ra. Wild Allspice. Fever Bush. Named 
after John Linder, a Swedish botanist. Nat. 
Ord. Lauracee. 

A tall-growing shrub, common in damp 
woods from New York southward. Syn. 
Laurus Benzoin. f ‘ 

Lindhei’/mera. Named in honor of F. Lind- 
heimer, the discoverer of the plant. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. ; 

L. texana, the only species is an erect, 
branching, half-hardy annual, with yellow 
flowers resembling a Zinnia. Introduced to 
cultivation from Texas. ca 


-Li‘ndleya. Named after Professor Lindley by 
Humboldtand Kunth. . Nat. Ord. Rosacea. 
L. mespiloides, the only species, is an orna- 
mental, low-growing, evergreen tree or shrub, 
native of the mountainous regions of Mexico. 
It has simple, crenulate, shining leaves, and 
solitary, large, white, sweet-scented flowers, 
borne on the tips ofits branchlets. It was in- 
troduced to cultivation in 1843, and is pro- 
pagated by cuttings of the ripened wood. in 
heat, or by grafting on the Hawthorn. 


Lindse’a. A synonym of Lindsaya, which see. 


Lindsay’a. Named after Archibald Lindsay, a 
- distinguished English botanist. Nat. Ord. 
‘Polypodiacee. 


A genus of about fifty species of handsome 
tropical ferns, most of them difficult to 
cultivate. 


Linear. Narrow, short, with parallel margins, 
~ as the leaf of the Yew. 


Ling. Calluna vulgaris, also a Chinese name for 
Trapa bicornis. 

Li/nnza. Twin-Flower. Dr. J. F. Gronovius, 

' with the concurrence of Linneus, selected 
this little depressed, early-flowering, long- 
overlooked northern plant, to transmit the 
illustrious name of Linnseus to posterity. 
Nat. Ord.. Caprifoliacee. 

L. borealis, the only species, is a beautiful 
little trailing evergreen plant, with long, 
slender branches, bearing small ovate or 
obovate leaves, slightly toothed at the top, 
and sending up erect, thread-like flower stalks, 

- which fork near the top, and bear two grace- 
fully drooping, very fragrant bell-like 


flowers, of a pale pink or nearly white color, 
and almost half an inch in length. It grows 
almost exclusively in woods, in cold, moist 
situations, is common from New Jersey 
northward, and is widely dispersed over 
northern Europe and Asia. According to 
some writers, its scent is so powerful, especi- 
ally at night, that it may be discovered ata 
considerable distance. The Laplanders use a 
decoction of its flowers as a remedy in rheu- 
’ matic complaints. 


Linosy'ris. A genus of Composite of little 
horticultural value. JL. divaricata, with’ gol- 
den-yellow flowers, a native of Australia, is in 
cultivation as a hardy, herbaceous perennial. 
LL. vulgaris, Goldilocks, is a showy British 
perennial producing its bright yellow flowers 
in terminal clusters in late summer and 
autumn. Syn. Chrysocoma Linosyris. 


Linum. Flax. From the Celtic word Ulin, a 
thread ; whence the Greek linon, and the Latin 
linum. Nat. Ord. Linacee. 

This genus contains upward of fifty species 
of various characters, some rising to be small 
shrubs, hardy and tender perennials, bien- 
nials, and annuals; all of them interesting, 
and many very handsome. The tender 
species require the ordinary treatment of 
green-house plants. JL. triginum (Syn. Rein- 
wartia trigina) is one of the most beautiful of 
all our yellow-flowering shrubby green-house 
plants; while L. grandiflorum, one of the best 
and most showy annuals in cultivation, has 
magnificent crimson flowers. L. flavum, and 
all the tall-growing species find a place in 
the borders, and the dwarf kinds on the rock- 
work or in the rock-gardens. The latter are 
somewhat impatient of wet in winter, and in 
consequence are usually potted in autumn, and 
kept in a cold-frame during winter. JL. usita- 
tissimum, the common annual Flax, has 
been an object of cultivation from the 
earlicst times. Mr. B. Clarke thus describes 
it in the ‘‘ Treasury of Botany:” ‘‘ The plant 
has, for the most part, solitary, quite erect 
stems, alternate smooth linear-lanceolate 
leaves, and a corymbose inflorescence; the 
sepals are ovate-acute, with a membraneous 
margin; and the petals are blue, three times 
longer than the calyx. The finer kinds of the 
linen of commerce are manufactured from the 
ligneous fibres of the stem of this plant; and 
the seed, called Linseed, is scarcely less valu- 
able, on account of the large quantity of oil 
contained inthe embryo. The seeds contain 
a mucilage, which, dissolved in water, is 
demulcent and emollient, and the meal of the 
seed is used for poultices. The cake remain- 
ing after the oil is expressed, is extensively 
used in fattening cattle.” JL. catharticum, re- 
markable for its erect, much-branched stems, 
its opposite, smooth. obovate-lanceolate 
leaves, and small white flowers, is occasionally 
used in medicine, being bitter and purgative. 

Lion’s Har. See Leonotis. 

Lion’s Foot. See Leontopodium. 

Lion’s Tail. Leonotis Leonurus. 

Lipa’ria. From liparos, oily, shining; in allu- 
sion to the shining surface of the leaves. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of south African shrubs with un- 


divided, alternate, lanceolate leaves, and 
bright yellow flowers, in terminal heads. L. 


2m Z 
LILIUM CANDIDUM. a a it 


228 LILIUM WASHINGTONIANUM. LILIUM COLCHICUM. 


LINUM FLAVUM. LOBELIA (DWARF). 229 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


229 


LIP 


parva and L. spherica, the two species intro- 
duced, are propagated by cuttings of the 
young shoots, and thrive best in a compost 
of turfy loam and fibrous peat. 


Li/paris. From lparos, unctuous; referring to 
the leaves. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A small genus of terrestrial and epiphytal 
Orchids, of no special merit. They have 
mostly purplish or greenish flowers. Several 
of the species are common in moist wood- 
lands in the Middle States and westward. 


Lip Fern. See Cheilanthes. 


Li’ppia. In honor of A. Lippi, a French physi- 
cian. Nat. Ord. Verbenacew. 

A large genus of shrubs or sub-shrubs, 
rarely herbs, mostly American, a few being 
found in Africa. But few of the species are 
in cultivation. Aloysia citriodora, the Lemon 
Verbena, is by some, placed in this genus. 


Liquida’mbar, From liquidus, liquid, and amhar, 
amber; referring to the gum, called liquid 
storax, produced by some species. Nat. Ord. 
Hamamelidacee. 

A genus of beautiful deciduous trees. L. 
styraciflua, our common Sweet Gum Tree, is 
one of our finest forest trees, and one deserv- 
ing more general cultivation on the lawn, and 
for a shade tree upon the roadsides. Itis a 
tall, erect-growing tree of elegant appearance, 
especially in autumn, when its beautiful star- 
shaped leaves which are very fragrant when 
bruised, or afier a shower when young, 
change to a bright red, quite as conspicuous 
as those of the Maple, and remain on the tree 
much longer. This is the tree whose rough, 
corky-ridged branches, are sold in the streets 
of New York asthe ‘‘ Alligator Plant.” These 
pieces of stick are sold by the thousands 
every season at from twenty-five to fifty cents 
each, to unsophisticated city men, with about 
as much chance of growing as their fence 
pickets. There are several other species, 
one from the Levant, and the others of late 
introduction from Formosa, one or more of 
which furnish the wood used by the Chinese 
to make the chests in which they export their 
tea. They are increased by seeds. 


Liquid Manures. See Manures. 
Liquorice. See Glycyrrhiza. 


Liriode’ndron. Tulip Tree. From leirion, a 
lily, and dendron, a tree; the flower produced 
by this tree bears some resemblance to a 
Lily, but is more like a Tulip. Nat. Ord. 
Magnotiacee. 

L. tulipifera, the only species, is one of our 
most beautiful forest trees, and has no 
superior for a shade tree where there is 
plenty of room for its perfect development. 
It is common from Canada to Louisiana in 
rich woodlands, where it sometimes attains a 
height of 200 feet, with a trunk as straight 
as an arrow. Its flowers which are of the size 
and shape of Tulips, and very fragrant, are 
produced in June in the greatest abundance. 
Color greenish white, variegated with yellow 
and orange. There are two varieties of the 
species, one of which furnishes white, the 
other yellowish lumber. The former is of 
but little value to the mechanic, but the latter 
is highly esteemed for cabinet work, for boat- 
building and especially in the manufacture of 
wooden pumps, wooden-ware, etc. ; it is also 
largely used for carriage bodies. Lirioden- 


LIT 


drin, a stimulant tonic, with diaphoretic 
properties, is obtained by macerating the 
inner bark, especially the root. It is propa- 
gated by seeds sown as soon as ripe. 

Li/riope graminifolia. A synonym of Ophio- 
pogon spicatum. 

Lisia’nthus. From lysis, the termination of a 
disease, and anthos, a flower; referring to its 
intense bitterness and medicinal properties, 
Nat. Ord. Gentianacee. 

This genus is composed of green-house an- 
nuals and evergreens, mostly of little merit 
as flowering plants, the exception being L. 
princeps, an evergreen shrub from New 
Grenada, that has long hanging flowers of 
a rich scarlet, shading into yellow at either 
end, and having an emerald green, five-lobed 
limb. Thisspecies is propagated by cuttings, 
and was introduced in 1848. L. Russellianus 
(Syn. Hustoma Russellianum), an annual or 
biennial from Mexico, is another very pretty 
species with rich blue flowers shaded with 
purple. It is propagated only by seeds. 


Lissa/nthe. From lissos, smooth, and anthos, a 
flower; in reference to the limb of the corolla 
being destitute of hairs. Nat. Ord. Hpa- 
cridacee. 

A genus of small, rigid shrubs, sometimes 
not more than three or four inches high, and sel- 
dom exceeding five feet, having small needle- 
pointed leaves, and small, usually white flow- 
ers, borne in short spikes from the sides of the 
branches. L. sapida, anative of south-eastern 
Australia, is called the Australian Cranberry, 
on account of its resemblance both in size and 
color to the European Cranberry, but its flesh 
is thin, and more like that of the Siberian 
Crab. The fruits of L. strigosa, and L. Mon- 
tana are eaten in Tasmania, the latter being 
avery dwarf mountain species, bearing large, 
white, transparent, fleshy fruits. 


Lissochi/lus. From lissos smooth, and cheilos, a 
lip; in allusion to the lip of the flower. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidacee. 

A genus of terrestrial Orchids from Africa, 
producing racemes of rather showy flowers 
from the base of the pseudo-bulbs. The 
species are not very numerous, and the few 
are only met with in large collections. 


Li/stera. Twayblade. Dedicated to Dr. Martin 
Laster, an early British naturalist. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

Asmall genus of terrestrial Orchids, bearing 
slender spikes of small green flowers, of no 
special interest except in botanical collections. 
The several species are common throughout 
the United States. 


Lita/othes. From litos, small, and anthos, a 
flower; because of the extremely small size 
of the plant. Nat. Ord. Liliaceew. 

L. pusillus, the only species, is an exceed- 
ingly small bulbous plant, having a bulb about 
the size of a pea. The flowers are small, 
white, solitary and drooping. It was intro- 
duced from South Africa in 1870, and forms a 
prstuy object when grown in clumps in-a 
pot. 


Lithospe'‘rmum. Gromwell. From lithos, a 
stone, and sperma, a seed; the little nuts or 
seeds are extremely hard, and have a surface 
as smooth as polished pebbles. Nat. Ord. 
Boraginacee. 


230 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


LIT 


Annual and perennial herbs, and sometimes 
shrubs, of easy culture. Some of the species 
are well adapted for rock-work and for the 
border. L. prostratum is, unquestionably, one 
of the most beautiful of spring-flowering per- 
ennials, when it succeeds properly. A light, 
well-drained soil is necessary to have it in 
perfect health. It is a prostrate, half-shrubby 
plant, with rich, deep-blue flowers, resembling 
those of the Forget-me-not, and succeeds best 
in a light, well-drained soil. It is a native of 
southern Europe, and was introduced in 1825, 
and is easily increased by seeds or cuttings. 


Litmus. A blue dye prepared from Rocella 
tinctoria, and some other Lichens. It is of 
great iniportance to chemists, as it affords 
a delicate test for acids and alkalies, since 
blue litmus paper acquires from acids a red 
tint, which is restored by alkalies. 


Litobro’chia. A commemorative name. 
Ord. Polypodiacee. 
An extensive genus of tropical Ferns, dif- 
fering from Pteris only in the reticulation of 
the veins of the fronds. 


Li'tsza. From the Japanese name. 
Lauracee. 

A large genus of half-hardy or green-house 
shrubs or trees, natives of the Malayan Archi- 
pelago to Japan, Australia, New Zealand, etc. 
L. glauca and L. Japonica, both Japanese spe- 
cies, are handsome bushes for green-house or 
conservatory decoration. 

Littz’/a. Under this name Tagliabue, an Italian 
botanist, described a South American Agave, 
which flowered for the first time in Europe in 
the garden of the Duke of Litta, near Milan, in 
1815, but which now bears the name of Agave 
geminifiora. 


Nat. 


Nat. Ord. 


Litto’nia. Named after Dr. S. Litton, once 
Professor of Botany at Dublin. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 


A genus comprising only only two species of 
South African plants. They are half-climbing 
in habit, bearing showy orange-colored flow- 
ers. LL. modesta, the only species yet intro- 
duced. is an elegant green-house plant, very 
like Gloriosa in habit and appearance. 


Littoral. Growing on the sea-shore. 


Lituate.. Forked, with the points a little 
turned outward. 

Lhive-Forever. See Sedum. 

Live Oak. See Quercus virens. 

Liver-Leaf. The popular name of Hepatica 
triloba, from a supposed resemblance of the 
leaves. 

Livistona. Named in honor of Patrick Murray, 
of Livingston, near Edinburgh, Scotland. Nat. 
Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of very interesting and ornamental 
Palms, natives of southern China, the Malayan 
Archipelago, New Guinea, and Australia. Two 
of the species attain a height of from ninety 
to one hundred feet; the remaining species 
rarely exceed thirty or forty feet in height. LD. 
Australis, also called Corypha Australis, is one 
of the few palms found in Australia, and is 
principally found along the coast, and is the 
tallest of the species. Its unexpanded leaves, 
prepared by being scalded and then dried in 
the shade, are used for making hats, while 

. the younger and more tender leaves are eaten 
like cabbages. It is very largely grown for 


LOB 


decorative purposes in all the large cities of 
the United States. In Assam the leaves of L. 
Jenkinsiana are used for making the peculiar 
umbrella hats worn in that country. L. altis- 
sima, introduced from Java in 1868, is a very 
beautiful species now largely used as a sum- 
mer decorative plant. L. Chinensis (Syn. 
Latania Borbonica), under which name it is 
generally cultivated, is a well-known and very 
handsome Palm and makes a very beautiful 
plant for the lawn in summer. When grown 
in tubs or large pots, this Palm is one of the 
best suited and most largely used for the 
decoration of hotel verandas; thousands are 
now in use for that purpose. Exceedingly 
fine specimens of this beautiful Palm are now 
growing in the Botanic Gardens at Washing- 
ton. Several other species are in cultivation 
and they are all admirably adapted for various 
decorative purposes, and especially for the 
sub-tropical garden. They are propagated by 
seeds sown in heat. 


Lizard’s Tail. The common name for Saururus 
cernuus. 


Lla’vea. 
coverer of the only known species. 
Polypodiacee. 

L. cordifolia, the only species, is a very 
interesting Fern, found in the higher eleva- 
tions of Mexico. It requires the same treat- 
ment as most green-house Ferns.. 


Lloy’dia. Named after Edward Lloyd, who 
first discovered the plant in North Wales. 
Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A small genus of two species of bulbous 
plants, the best known of which, L. serotina, 
has white, solitary, erect flowers, veined ex- 
ternally with green. It is found on the rocky 
ledges of the Snowdon range in Wales, and 
the mountains and Arctic regions of the 
Northern hemisphere. Syn. Anthericum sero- 
tinum. 


Loa’sa. The native name in South America. 
Nat. Ord. Loasacew. 

A genus of very curious climbing or creep- 
ing plants, of annual or biennial duration, 
having yellow, white, or scarlet flowers. The 
seed should be sown in March in a gentle 
heat, and after being gradually hardened the 
plants may be removed to the borders of the 
flower-garden. The leaves of all the species 
have more or less of the irritating qualities of 
the common Stinging Nettle. They are all 
natives of Chili, and were introduced in 1822. 


In honor of M. La Llave, the dis- 
Nat. Ord. 


Loasa’ceze. A natural order of herbs, with 
rigid or stinging hairs, opposite or alternate, 
exstipulate leaves, and showy flowers, natives 
of tropical and sub-tropical America. The 
species are of little economic value; some of 
them, from their stinging qualities are called 
Chili Nettles. There are about ten genera 
and 100 species, Loasa being the best known. 


Lobate. Lobed; divided into a number of 
segments. 


Lobately-crenate. 
or indentations. 


Lobe. A rounded projection or division of a 
leaf or other organ. 


Lobe’lia. Named in honor of Matthew Lobel, 
author of various botanical works. He wasa 


Having deep crenatures, 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


281 


LOB 


native of Lille, became physician and botanist 
to James I., and died in London in 1816. 
Nat Ord. Campanulaceew. 


An extensive and varied group of interest- 
ing plants. The genus consists of over eighty 
species, many of which are highly ornamental 
and useful in the garden and in the green- 
house. L. erinus and its varieties are trailers, 
and remarkable for their profusion of beauti- 
ful blue flowers. They are usually treated as 
annuals, and grown from seed, but succeed 
well when grown from cuttings. This species 
was introduced from the Cape of Good Hope 
in 1752, and from it have sprung numerous 
varieties, running through all shades of blue 
rose, lilac, ete. A very pretty double blue 
variety was originated in 1870. JZ. cardinalis, 
Cardinal Flower, a native species, common 
throughout the States; is one of the most 
brilliant flowers in cultivation. Though 
usually found in moist places, it will grow 
well in the border, and is one of our best 
plants to grow on the shady side of the house. 
LL. syphilitica, another species common to our 
brook and river sides, has beautiful blue 
flowers, and is well worthy of cultivation. L. 
inflata (Indian Tobacco), an annual species, 
common in the Northern States, is, perhaps, 
the best known of the whole family, because 
of the medicinal properties it was formerly 
supposed to possess. It is still largely used 
in medicine, but is not now considered a spe- 
cific for every disease that flesh and blood are 
heirs to. 

Lobelia’ceze. A tribe of Campanulacee. 
Lobel's Catchfly. See Silene armeria. 
Loblolly Bay: See Gordonia. 
Lobster-Leaved Cactus. See Epiphyllum. 
Loco. See Astragalus. : 
Locular. Divided into cells. 


Locust Tree. The common name for the ‘genus 
Robinia; also used for Ceratonia Siliqua, and 
Hymenea. 


Locust Tree. Of Scripture, or St. John’s 
Bread. See Ceratonia. 


Loddige’sia. Named after Conrad Loddiges, 
founder of a once celebrated London nursery. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

L. oxalidifolia, the only species isa much- 
branched evergreen shrub, with trifoliate 
leaves, and bearing pinkish flowers, with a 
dark purple keel, borne in three to eight- 
flowered umbels in June. It was introduced 
from the Cape of Good Hope in 1802, and is 
easily increased by cuttings in April. 


Lodoi’cea. Coco de Mer. Double Cocoanut. 
Named after Laodice, the daughter of Priamus 
and Hecuba. Nat. Ord. Palamcee. 

L. Seychellarum, the only species of this 
genus, is one of the most remarkable of the 
order. Itis found only on the islands Praslin 
and Curiense of the Seychelles group. This 
Palm has a nearly cylindrical trunk, scarcely 
exceeding a foot in diameter, grows to the 
height of one hundred feet, and bears a crown 
of fan-shaped leaves, some of which are up- 
ward of twenty feet long and twelve feet wide. 
Many marvelous stories are told of this tree, 
its fruit, and its uses. We give the descrip- 
tion and history of this Palm, which is far 
more wonderful than fiction, in the language 
of Thomas Moore, F.L.S., as related in the 


LOI 


“Treasury of Botany:” ‘This magnificent 
Palm requires a great length of time to arrive 
at maturity. The shortest period before it 
puts forth its flower-buds is thirty years, and 
a hundred years elapse before it attains its 
full growth. From the age of fifteen to 
twenty-five years it isin its greatest beauty, 
the leaves at this period being much larger 
than they are subsequently. The stem grows 
quite upright, straight as an iron pillar, 
and inthe male trees frequently attains 100 
feet in height, the females being shorter. At 
the age of thirty it first puts forth its blos- 
soms, the males forming enormous catkins, 
about three feet in length and three inches in 
diameter, while the females are set on a 
strong zig-zag stalk, from which hang four or~ 
five, or sometimes as many as eleven nuts, 
averaging about forty pounds weight each. 
From the time of flowering to the maturation 
of the fruit, a period of nearly ten years 
elapses, the full size, however, being attained 
in about four years, at which time it is soft 
and full of a semi-transparent, jelly-like sub- 
stance. The arrangements provided by nature 
for the roots of this tree are of amost peculiar 
kind. The base of the stem is rounded, and 
fits into a natural bowl or socket about two 
and a half feet in diameter and eighteen 
inches in depth; this bowl is pierced with 
hundreds of small oval holes about the size of 
a thimble, with hollow tubes corresponding 
on the outside, through which the roots pene- 
trate the ground on all sides, never, however, 
becoming attached tothe bowl, their partial 
elasticity affording an almost imperceptible 
but very necessary ‘play’ to the parent ste 
when struggling against the force of violent 
gales. This bowl is of the same substance as 
the shell of the nut, only much thicker. It 
rots very slowly, for it has been found quite 
perfect and entire in every respect sixty years 
after the tree has been cut down.” 


Leese'lia. Named after John Lesel, author of 

‘Flora Prussica.” Nat. Ord. Polemoniacew. 

A genus of glabrous, slightly viscid shrubs 
or herbs, natives of Mexico, Central America, 
and New Grenada. The flowers are axillary, 
scarlet or white, the upper ones often crowded 
at the apices of the branches; leaves alternate 
or opposite, undivided, often acutely toothed. 
L. coccinea, a very showy scarlet species, is 
generally found under the name of Hoitzia 
coccinea. They are easily increased by cut- 
tings. 

Loga/nia. A genus comprising about twenty 
Australian species, and one from New Zealand, 
all herbs or small shrubs, of no particular 
interest, either as useful or ornamental plants. 
It has given its name to the order Loganiacee. 


Logania’cez. A natural order of herbs, shrubs, 
or trees, of variable habit, closely allied to 
Rubiacee. They inhabit chiefly tropical 
countries, and are bitter and highly poisonous, 
both in bark and seeds. The Poison-Nut, 
Strychnos nua-vomica, belongs to this order. 
There are about thirty genera, and 350 species. 
Spigelia, Strychnos, and Logania are the most 
easily recognized examples. 


Logwood. See Hematozylon. 


Loiseleu/ria. Alpine Azalea. Named for Loise- 
leur Deslongchamps, a French botanist. Nat. 
Ord. Hricacea. 


232 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


LOL 


_ L. procumbens, the only species, is a trail- 
ing evergreen shrub with small elliptical 
leaves, and terminal clusters of small rose- 
colored or white flowers. Itis found on the 
summits of the White Mountains in New 
Hampshire, in the most rocky situations. 


Lo'lium. Rye Grass. The old Latin name 
used by Virgil and Pliny. Nat. Ord. Gramin- 
acee. 

A widely distributed genus of grasses, the 
most important of which, in agricultural 
economy, is L. perenne, commonly called Rye- 
grass, which has had the reputation in Great 
Britain, for many years, of being one of the 
most important and valuable of the cultivated 
grasses. The leaves are generally abundant 
and luxuriant on rich moist soil, but on 
poorer, light and gravelly soils they are 
often so scanty as to render the grass of little 
value either for hayor pasturage. This differ- 
ence of development in various situations, 
will, in a great degree, account for the differ- 
ence of opinion that exists in regard to the 
value of this grass for agricultural purposes. 

L. Italicwm. Italian Rye Grass, a variety of 
the above is considered in England one of 
their best grasses to cut for soiling, as it 
affords a large and nutritive crop. 

L. temulentum. Darnel, is an annual grass 
closely allied to the Rye-grass, and is remark- 
able as the only species of the family known 
to possess poisonous properties. It is a com- 
mon weed among other grains, especially 
wheat, throwing up a stem two or three feet 
high, bearing a spike somewhat resembling 
that of the other species. The seeds of this 
grass are extremely deleterious, actingas a 
narcotic poison and, iftaken in small quanti- 
ties for a long period together, causing a 
peculiar disease called dry gangrene, resem- 
bling that occasioned by the ergot of rye. 
The bad reputation of this species has prej- 
udiced that of the other, and useful species. 
The ‘“Tares” of Scripture are supposed to 
refer to this species. 


‘Loma’ria. From loma, an edge; referring to 
the position of the spore or seed cases on the 
leaves. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

An extensive and interesting genus of Ferns, 
ineluding hardy, green-house, and hot-house 
species. They occur in most parts of the 
world, and comprise examples with simple 
pinnatifid and pinnate fronds, while one spe- 
cies, L. Fraseri, has a slender, tree-like stem, 
and bi-pinnatifid fronds, but it is quite excep- 
tionalinthe genus. L. Gibba, adwarf species, 
is largely grown for decoration. They are all 
of easy culture and are propagated by spores. 


Loma'tia. From loma, an edge; referring to 
the winged edge of the seeds. Nat. Ord. Pro- 
teacee. 

A small genus of South American and 
Australian evergreen shrubs or small trees, 
with simple pinnate and bipinnate leaves of a 
leathery texture. A few of the species are 
grown in collections of plants with variegated 
or ornamental foliage. They require ordinary 
green-house treatment, and are propagated by 
cuttings. 

Lomatophy'llum. From loma, lomatos, a border, 
and phyllon, a leaf; alluding to the distinctly- 
bordered leaves. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small genus of green-house succulent 
plants, allied to Aloe. L. Aloifiorum, or Bour- 


LOP 


bon Aloe, the only species in cultivation, has 
smooth leaves nearly three feet long, and two 
to three inches broad. The stems in old speci- 
mens measure about eight feet high, and are 
nearly as thick as a man’s thigh. It -was 
introduced from the Island of Bourbon in 1766 
under the name of Phylloma aloiflorum. 


Lombardy Poplar. See Populus. 
Lo’nas. Derivation unknown. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 


L. inodora, the only species, is a hardy, 
erect, branched, annual herb, thriving in any 
ordinary garden soil. It produces its small 
yellow flowers in dense, terminal-crowded 
corymbs from July to October. 


Lonchi'tis. From lonche, a lance; alluding to 
the shape of the fronds. Nat. Ord. Polypo- 
diacee. : s 

A small genus comprising two species_of 
plant-stove ferns. LL. pubescens, an introduc- 
tion from the Mauritius has deltoid, tri-pin- 
natifid fronds, two to four feet long, with 
marginal sori, placed in the sinuses of the 
fronds, and more or less distinctly reniform. 


Lonchoca’rpus. From lonche, a lance, and 
karpos, a fruit; in allusion to the shape of the 
pods. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

An extensive genus of ornamental shrubs, 
natives of tropical America, Africa and 
Australia. ZL. roseus, probably the only 
species yet introduced, has erect, simple 
racemes of large, showy, rose-colored flowers. 
It was introduced from South America in 
1700, and is propagated by cuttings of the 
half-ripened young wood. E 


London Pride. See Sazifraga umbrosa. 


Long Moss. See Tillandsia. 
Long Purples. Shakespeare’s name for Orchis 
mascula. 


Long-tailed Ornithogalum. See Ornithogalum. 


Loni/cera. Honeysuckle. Named after Adam 
Lonicer, a German botanist, who died in 1596. 
Nat. Ord. Caprifoliacee. 

An extensive genus of climbing and upright 
shrubs, inhabiting both the Eastern and the 
Western Hemispheres, and much cultivated 
for the sake of ornament and the fragrance of 
their flowers. L. sempervirens, Trumpet 
Honeysuckle, a handsome climbing plant with 
sub-evergreen foliage and scarlet flowers, is a 
native species, common from New York to 
Florida, and is one of the most ornamental 
of the genus. LZ. Halleana, from Japan, one 
ofthe best of the climbing species, is a very 
rapid and free grower and blooms all summer, 
and L. brachypoda aurea riticulata, also from 
Japan, is prized for the beauty of its variegat- 
ed foliage. JL. Tartarica, Tartarian Honey- 
suckle, makes an ornamental shrub growing 
from six to eight feet high,of compact habit, 
and is profusely covered with flowers in May, 
and with orange-colored berries during sum- 
mer. ll the species are worthy of cultiva- 
tion, and are readily increased by layers, 
cuttings, or from seed. 


Looking-Glass Tree. A name given to Her- 
itiera littoralis. 

Loosestrife. See Lysimachia. 

Lope’zia. Named in honor of J. Lopez, a 
Spanish botanist. Nat. Ord. Onagracée. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 233 


LOP 


This is a genus of very handsome plants, 
distinguished by having two filaments, of 
which one bears an anther, and the other is 
petal-like and abortive. The seed vessel is 


LOX 


demand for holiday decorations. There are 
about thirteen genera, and five hundred spe- 
cies. 


Lorate. Shaped like a thong or strap. 

Lord Anson's Pea, Lathyrus Magellanicus. 
Lords and Ladies. Arum maculatum. 

Lo'reya. Named after M. Lorey, a French 


four-valved, four-celled, and many seeded. 
The species are all natives of Mexico, bearing 
alternate, rarely opposite toothed leaves, and 
terminal racemes of small purple or red 


flowers. The biennials are green-house plants. 
The seeds of the annuals may be sown 
early, in a hot-bed or in the green-house, 
and transplanted when they have made a 
couple of leaves. They make very pretty 
standard when trained and pinched during 
the summer. On the approach of cold weather 
they should be brought into the green-house, 
where they will flower handsomely during the 
winter. L.coronata, the Mosquito plant intro- 
duced in 1804, is one of the best known 
species, and is easily increased by cuttings, 
or by seeds. 


Lopha/nthus. Giant Hyssop. From lophos, a 
crest, and anthos, a flower; in allusion to the 
crested lip of the corolla. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of hardy plants, with the habit of 
Nepeta, natives of the northern United States 
and eastern Asia. They are all hardy peren- 
nials and grow well in any soil. 


Lophi’ola. A diminutive of lophos, acrest; re- 
ferring to the crested sepals. Nat. Ord. 
Haemodoracee. : 

L. aurea, the only species, is a pretty, 
slender, hardy herbaceous plant with yellow 
flowers, densely woolly on the outside. It 
succeeds best in a peaty soil in a damp situ- 
ation, and will grow and flower well in pots 
placed in pans of water; it is increased by 
division of the roots. 


Lophospe’rmum. From lophos, a crest, and 
sperma, a seed; the seeds are furnished with 
acrested wing. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

Handsome green-house climbers, bearing 
numerous large rosy-purple flowers. They 
are also adapted for the open air, and flower 
well when trained against a wall or fence hav- 


botanist and author of a “‘ Flora of Burgundy,” 
1825.° Nat. Ord. Melastomacea. 

A small genus of ornamental trees, natives 
of northern Brazil and Guiana. L. arbores- 
cens, probably the only species yet introduced, 
has white flowers borne in cymose panicles, 
followed by a yellow edible berry, very like a 
medlar. 


Lorope’talum. From loron, a thong, and peta- 


lon, a petal; referring to the long, thong-like 
petals. Nat. Ord. Hamamelidacee. 

L. Chinense, the only species, is a very orna- 
mental, free-flowering, hardy shrub, intro- 
duced from the Khasia Mountains, and China, 
in 1889. The flowers are white, disposed in 
terminal, crowded, six to eight flowered heads, 
It thrives in very rich, light soil, and is pro- 
pagated by seeds or cuttings. 


Lo’tus. From Lofos of Theophrastus; the true 


Lotus is Zizyphus Lotus. Nat. Ord. Legumin- 
ose. 

An-extensive genus of hardy annuals and 
herbaceous perennials, a few of which are 
ornamental and are sometimes cultivated in 
the borders. L. corniculatus, the Bird’s-foot 
Trefoil, with its double-flowered form, are 
very handsome, dwarf, herbaceous plants with 
bright yellow flowers, well-suited for the rock 
garden. JL. Jacobwus, a green-house plant, 
has flowers more nearly black than almost 
any known flower. It forms a neat bush and 
is easily increased by cuttings. Several of the 
species are forage plants. 


Lotus, Egyptian. Nymphea Lotus. 
Lousewort. One of the vulgar names of Pedi- 


cularis Canadensis; also called Wood Betony. 


Lovage. Ligusticum Scoticum. 

Love-Apple. A name formerly used for the 
Tomato. 

Love Grass. A popular name for the genus 
Eragrostis, which see. . 

Love-in-a-Mist. Nigella Damascena. 

Love-in-Idleness. Viola tricolor. 

Love-lies-bleeding. See Amaranthus caudatus. 

Love-Tree. A name sometimes given to the 
Judas-tree, Cercis Siliquastrum. 


Lo’wea. Named after the Rev. Mr. Lowe, of 
the University of Cambridge. Nat. Ord. 
Rosaceew. 


ing a south aspect in the flower garden, de- 
lighting in an airy position, with rich earth to 
grow in. Seed is also produced plentifully in 
such positions; and when this is secured it 
saves the trouble of preserving plants through 
the winter, as, if it is sown early in March, in 
heat, and brought forward in pots, the young 
plants bloom quite as soon, and are generally 
more vigorous than those which have been 
kept from the preceding year. LL. scandens, 
the species best known, is a native of Mexico, 
and was introduced in 1834. 


Lop-seed. Phryma leptostachya. 
Loquat or Japan Medlar. Photinia (Eriobo- 


trya) Japonica. 

Lorantha’cez. A natural order of evergreen 
shrubs with articulated branches, opposite, 
exstipulate, fleshy leaves, and hermaphro- 
dite, or unisexual flowers, parasitic on the 
wood of other trees. Natives chiefly of the 
equinoxial regions of Asia and America, but a 
few are European and African.~ The fruit of 
this order contains bird-lime, a peculiar vis- 
cous, tenacious, and elastic substance. Mis- 
tletoe, Viscum album, was formerly worshipped 
by the Gauls; it was also held sacred by the 
Druids. The False Mistletoe, Phoradendron 
Siavescens, is our native species, so much in 


L. berberidifolia, the only species, is a very 
singular and rare plant, native of northern 
Persia, and the Soongari desert, first de- 
scribed by Pallas, and by him referred to 
Rosa, in which genus it is nowreplaced. It 
is a neat little shrub, with yellow rose-like 
flowers, with a purple spot at the base of 
each petal, and simple obovate-cuneate ser- 
rated glaucous foliage. It agrees perfectly in 
the character of its flowers with Rosa, but 
differs strikingly in its foliage, and is seldom 
seen excepting in botanical collections. 


Loxoco’ccus. From loxos, oblique, and cokkos, 


a berry ; oblique-fruited. Nat. Ord. Palmacea. 


234 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


Lox 


L. rupicola, the only species, is an elegant 
stove-house Palm, introduced from Ceylon in 
1878. It has spreading pinnate leaves, five to 
six feet long and three to four feet wide, bear- 
ing twelve to twenty pairs of spreading, some- 
what recurved pinnules. Itis still rare, and 
flowered for the first time in England, at Kew, 
in the spring of 1878. 


Loxso’ma. From lozos, oblique, and soma, a 
body; the sporangia are girt by an incomplete 
ring. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacew. 

L. Cunninghami, the only species, is a rare 
and beautiful Fern with decompound, coriace- 
ous, long-stalked fronds, glaucous beneath ; 
the sori are marginal, and have ashort, broad, 
incomplete oblique ring, opening vertically. It 
is a native of New Zealand, and is of easy cul- 
ture in a cool green-house. : 


Lucerne. See Medicago. 
Lucid, Lucidus. Bright, shining. 


Lucw'lia. Luculi Swais the name given to the 
tree by the Nepalese. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 
The two species forming the genus are 
among the finest winter-flowering plants we 
possess, as, when well grown, they become 
covered with large heads of lovely pink 
flowers. The plants should be placed when 
young in large pots, well drained, and filled 
with fibrous loam. The encouragement of a 
slight bottom heat and a rather elevated 
humid atmosphere will induce them to grow 
with vigor. Itis best, in this early stage of 
their development, to stop the shoots once or 
twice, so as to form handsome specimens, 
and when the growth is nearly complete, 
they should be removed to the green-house 
‘to mature it and form their flowers, which 
are usually unfolded about the end of autumn, 
and with a little care may be preserved for a 
long period. L. gratissima is the best known 
species, and should find a place in every col- 
lection. It bears numerous cymes of reddish- 
pink flowers, which are very fragrant. There 
are few more beautiful plants than this when 
in bloom, and it should be more generally 
grown. It does wellin aloamy soil, to which 
leaf mould and sand have been added. The 
species are natives of Nepal, and were intro- 
duced in 1823. Although it is possible to prop- 
agate Luculias from cuttings, it is by no 
means a successful method, unless the con- 
ditions under which the cuttings are placed 
regarding shade and temperature are just 
suitable to their requirements. Seedling 
plants grow fast, if properly attended to, but 
seldom bear flowers before the second or 
third year. 


Lucwma. The Peruvian name of one the 
species. Nat. Ord. Sapotacew. 

A large genus of lactescent trees and 
shrubs, natives of South America and the 
West Indies, a. few being found in Australia 
and New Caledonia. DL. Mammosa, the Mar- 
malade Plum bears a very luscious, large 
oval or top-shaped fruit of a russet color. 
It was introduced in 1739, and is perhaps the 
only species, in cultivation. 


Luddema’nnia. Complimentary to M. Ludde- 
mann. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

L. Pescatorei, the only species, was formerly 
called Cycnoches Pescatorei. It is a native of 
South America. The flower spike is pendu- 
lous, very long, producing thirty to forty buff- 


LUP 


yellow flowers, brown inside, with the sepals 
and lip bright yellow. This species is in- 
creased by division, and should be grown in 
a basket in moss. . 


Lu’ffa. From louff, the Arabic name. 
Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

A curious genus of ornamental gourds, na- 
tives of the warm regions of the globe, one 
being indigenous to America. The long 
green fruits when ripe, form inside a tough 
fibrous mass which, when the seeds and shell 
are removed, is used for bathing purposes, 
and for scouring cooking utensils. Hence, 
some of the species are called Sponge Gourds, 
and Dish-rag Plants. 


Lu’‘hea. Named after C. Vander Luke, a Ger- 
man botanist, who wrote on the plants of the 
Cape of Good Hope. Nat. Ord. Tiliacee. 

A small genus of handsome stove-house 
trees, allied to Sparmannia. L. paniculata, 
probably the only species yet introduced, has 
broad-ovate blunt leaves, unequally serrate 
and cordate at the base, and rosy-white flow- 
ers borne in leafy cymes at the tips of the 
branches. Itis avery pretty plant, thriving 
well in a mixture of peat and loam, and is 
increased by cuttings of the nearly ripened 
wood, in sand. In Brazil the bark of this 
species is used in tanning leather. 


Luna’ria. Moonwort, Honesty. From luna, the 
moon; referring to the shape of the seed- 
vessels. Nat. Ord. Cruciferae. 

Of this old garden plant there are but two 
species. One a hardy biennial. L. biennis, 
with blue and white, and white flowers, is 
interesting for its large oval, silvery seed 
pouches, which are quite ornamental, and are 
much used in bouquets of dried Ferns and 
Grasses, as they last a long time if kept dry. 
The seeds of this species should be sown in 
early summer for flowering the next year. It 
is a native of Germany, and is mentioned by 
the earliest botanical writers. The other 
species is a hardy herbaceous perennial of 
but little merit. 


Lunate, Lunulate. 
crescent-shaped. 


Lungwort. See Pulmonaria. 
Lupine. See Lupinus. 


Lupi/nus. Lupine. From lupus, a wolf; de- 
vastates land as a wolf does the fold; liter- 
ally, destroyer. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of herbaceous annuals and peren- 
nials, which contains some of our most beauti- 
ful border flowers; yellow, blue, white and 
and pink Lupines are among the oldest of our 
cultivated border annuals. L. nanus is a 
beautiful little annual, with dark blue flowers, 
a native of California, and requires the usual 
treatment of Californian annuals. DL. muta- 
bilis and L. Cruikshankii are splendid plants, 
growing to the height of four or five feet, and 
branching like miniature trees. L. polyphyllus 
and its varieties are perennials, and they are 
splendid, vigorous-growing plants, with 
Spikes of fiowers from one foot to eighteen 
inches in length; L. Nootkatensis is a hand- 
some dwarf perennial, and L. arboreus, when 
trained against a wall, will attain six feet in 
height, and in sheltered situations it will 
‘grow with equal vigor when trained as a 
bush tied to a stake; L. latifolius is a peren- 


Nat. 


Shaped like a half-moon; 


AND GENERAL. 


HORTICULTURE. 235 


LUR 


nial from California with very long spikes of 
blue flowers. 


Lurid. Of a dingy brown; gray with orange. 


Luxembu'rgia. In honor of the Duke of Luz- 
emburg, under whose patronage M. Auguste 
de St. Hilaire commenced his botanical re- 
searches in Brazil. Nat. Ord. Ochnacee. 

A genus of very showy, branched, very 
glabrous shrubs, bearing racemes of bright 
yellow flowers, blossoming during the sum- 
mer months. They were first introduced 
from Brazil in 1840, and are propagated by 
cuttings of the half-ripened shoots. 


Lu’/zula. From the Gramen Luzule of Bauhin, 
Glow-worm Grass. Nat. Ord. Juncacee. 

A genus of herbaceous perennial plants, 
of but little beauty, allied to the Rushes. 
They are common throughout the United 
States. From their being usually found in 
dry grounds and woods, they are commonly 
known by the name Woodrush. 


Luzuria’ga. Named in honor of Ignatio de Iw 
zuriaga, a Spanish botanist. Nat. Ord. Lilia- 
cee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
climbing shrubs, somewhat resembling the 
Lapageria, to which they are closely allied. 
The flowers are white, and are produced in 
great abundance. L. radicans is a very pretty 
Smilax-like plant with delicate leafage and 
neat white flowers. It is valuable for green- 
house culture, and general decorative pur- 
poses, andis propagated by cuttings. Syn. 
Callixene. 

Lyca'ste. Named after a beautiful woman of 
Sicily. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

Very handsome epiphytes of the pseudo- 
bulbous class. They grow with freedom when 
potted in a well-drained mixture of turfy- 
peat and sphagnum, interspersed with 
which should be a considerable number of 
small pieces of charcoal or potsherds. Being 
natives of the Western Hemisphere, the 
species do not require a very high tempera- 
ture, that of an ordinary green-house being 
fully sufficient; neither do they require so 
decided a rest as some other individuals of 
the order, but should be freely supplied with 
both water and air when growing. There 
are about twenty-five species in this genus, all 
natives of Central and South America. First 
introduced in 1828. 


Ly‘chnis. From lychnos, a lamp; referring to 
the brilliancy of the flowers of some of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. 

A group of very ornamental herbaceous 
plants, quite hardy, and deserving a place in 
every garden. The species vary in character 
very much, some of them attaining a height 
of three or four feet, as in the case of the 
common Scarlet Lychnis (L. Chalcedonica), an 
old garden favorite from Russia, valuable 
because there are so few flowers of that color 
among our hardy herbaceous plants. There 
is a fine double variety of this species, also a 
double and single white. L. Haageana, a 
brilliant scarlet garden hybrid is also a very 
desirable variety. Many others are low-grow- 
ing, not more than six inches in height. L. 
grandiflora, and L. fulgens are very handsome, 
and the very pretty DL. celi-rosea should be 
included in the list of annuals for every gar- 
den. JL. Senne introduced from Japan in 


LYC 


1865, is beautifully striped white and crin- 
son. The rosy-red and white varieties of the 
“German Catch-fly,” LD. viscaria, are most 
showy and desirable hardy herbaceous plants, 
more especially the form with double dark red 
flowers known as L. v. splendens, which is used 
with good effect as an edging plant, about 
Paris. They are all easily propagated by seed 
or by division. 


Ly’cium. Box Thorn. From lycion, a name 


given hy Dioscorides to a thorny shrub, and 
applied to the genus because of its containing 
some thorny shrubs. Nat. Ord. Solanacee. 

There are numerous species in this genus, 
all hardy or green-house shrubs, mostly of 
little value as ornamental plants. J. barba- 
rum is a plant of rapid growth, green foliage, 
and small lilac flowers. Itis a climber, and 
is grown considerably in England to cover 
trellises and arbors. It is commonly called 
Tea Plant, and its leaves have been recom- 
mended as a substitute for tea. LL. Carolinia- 
num, a handsome shrub, is common in the 
swamps from Carolina to Florida. LD. vul- 
gare, a native of Europe, and an escape from 
our gardens into the hedge rows and waste 
places in some of the States, is popularly 
knownas Matrimony Vine. 


Lycope’rdon. From lykos, a wolf, and perdo, 


to explode backwards; some old writers 
believed that this fungus developed from the 
dung of the wolf. A genus of Fungi, known 
also as ‘‘ Puff-balls.” While white and fleshy 
they are edible. LD. gigantewm, a species that 
grows so large as to suffice for a meal for ten 
or twelve persons, is esteemed as an article 
of food by many people. When ripe, the dry 
mass of threads and spores is used as a 
styptic, and its fumes answer the purpose of 
chloroform. 


Lycope’rsicum. Love Apple. Tomato. From 


lykos, a wolf, and persicon, a peach; in allusion 
to the fleshy fruit, and its inferiority com- 
pared with the peach. Nat. Ord. Solanacea. 

A genus of three or four species of her- 
baceous, procumbent plants, natives of South 
America, chiefly Peru. The flowers are dis- 
tinguished from those of the allied Solanum, 
by their stamens having the anthers connected 
together by a thin membrane which is pro- 
longed upwards. The principal species is L. 
esculentum, for culture, etc., of which, see 
Tomato. 


Lycopodia’cez. A naturalorder of Cryptogams, 


consisting of two very distinct groups, and 
comprising four genera and about 150 species. 
They are found in all climates, and are either 
terrestrial, or epiphytal perennials. The 
stems are branched and leafy throughout, and 
generally rigid. The leaves are imbricated 
all round the stem, and are arranged in from 
two tosixranks. Lycopodium, and Selaginella, 
are the best known examples. 


Lycopo/dium. Club Moss. From lykos, a wolf, 


and pous, a foot; the roots having a resem- 
blance to that animal’s paw. Nat. Ord. Lyco- 
podiacee. 

An extensive genus of neat little evergreen 
herbaceous plants allied to Selaginella, but 
distinguished from that genus by their 
coniferous habit and the single form of the 
capsules. LL. dendroideum, remarkable for its 
tree-like appearance, is largely employed in 


236 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


LYC 


making ‘Christmas greens,” and in bouquet 
work by the florists. It is very common in 
swampy places, particularly in New England. 
The spores of the common Club Moss, L. 
clavatum, are very inflammable, and are used 
on the stage to produce artificial lightning. 
Many species formerly placed under this 
genus are now removed to Selaginella, which 
see. 


Lyco’psis. A genus of Boraginacee, differing 
very slightly from Anchusa, with which genus 
it is now united by many botanists. 


Lyco’ris. The name of a woman in Roman 
history. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacea. 

A small genus of hardy bulbs from China, 
producing an umbel of several showy flowers 
ona slender scape from twelve to eighteen 
inches high, the color being yellow or light 
straw, and pink. They are allied to the 
Vallota, and require the same treatment. 
Introduced in 1758. 

Lygodi’ctyon. From Lygodiwm and dictyon, a 
net; its net-like veins distinguishing it from 
Lygodium. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. ; 

L. Forsteri, a climbing Fern, common in the 
South Sea Islands, constitutes this genus. It 
is almost identical with the genus Lygodium, 
and is also known as Hydroglossum. Syn. 
Lygodium reticulatum. 


Lygo’dium. Climbing Fern. Japan Fern. 
From lygodes, flexible; in allusion to the 
twining habit of the plants. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
podiacer, — 

A genus of climbing Ferns, mostly of an 
ornamental character, and widely dispersed 
over the warmer parts of the earth. L. 
scandens, introduced from Japan in 1830, is a 
favorite in the green-house, and is well 
adapted to house culture, as it requires but 
little light, and is not injured by ‘furnace 
heat” or gas, so fatal to most plants in- 
troduced into the drawing-room. It is 
moreover a rapid grower. With a little 
management this plant can be made to com- 
plete its growth during the summer, and it 
may then be placed in a cool room in the 
house or in the hall, where it will remain an 
object of beauty till spring, when it may be 
cut down for anew growth. There is reason 
to suppose that DL. scandens is hardy, even 
in the vicinity of New York. Itis increased 
by spores or root division. ZL. palmatum, the 
only native species, is found in Connecticut, 
Massachusetts, Virginia, and Kentucky. It 
is pressed -and sold in large quantities for 
parlor decoration, and is known in the trade 
as the Hartford Fern. 


Lyo’nia. Named in honor of John Lyon, a col- 
lector of North American plants. Nat. Ord. 
Ericacee. 

This genus formerly included under An- 
dromeda, comprises about eight species of 
hardy or green-house trees or shrubs. They 
are natives of North America, Mexico, 
Jamaica, and Cuba. L. ligustrina, the 
American representative of the genus is 
found in low thickets, and swamps, from New 
England to Virginia and southwards. 


Lype’ria. From lyperos, sad or sorrowful; 
alluding to the dull, heavy color of the flow- 
ers. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. A genus of 
herbs or low-branching under-shrubs, all 
natives of southern Africa. They are of little 


LYT 


ornamental value, and are but little culti- 
vated. The flowers of DL. crocea have been 
imported under the name of African Saffron. 


Lyrate. A lyrate leaf is pinnatifid, with the 
upper lobes much larger than the lower, and 
ending in one still larger. 


Lysilo’ma. A genus of Leguminose, of the tribe 
Mimosee, formerly combined with Acacia, from 
which, however, it is botanically different. It 
comprises eight or ten species, all natives of 
tropical America, and ‘‘is of considerable im- 
portance in an economic point of view, on 
account of one of its species yielding the 
valuable hard timber known as Sabict, 
Savaci, or Savicd wood, the origin of which 
was long unknown, but which has now been 
ascertained to be the product of a species of 
this genus, to which the name of Sabictt has 
been given. Sabicti timber is imported in 
considerable quantities from Cuba, where only, 
the tree is known to exist. It is a dark 
colored wood, very heavy, excessively hard, 
and extremely durable, the two latter quali- 
ties rendering it of great value to the ship- 
builder, by whom it is much esteemed. On 
account of its hardness, it was selected for the 
stairs of the building for the Great Exhibition 
in 1851, and notwithstanding the immense 
number of people who passed up and down, 
the stairs were found, at the close of the Ex- 
hibition, to be scarcely at all the worse for 
wear. 


Lysima’chia. Loosestrife. From lysis, dis- 
solving, and mache, strife; supposed soothing 
qualities. Nat. Ord. Primulacee. 

Hardy herbaceous perennials of the easiest 
culture. LZ. nummularia, Moneywort, is a 
well-known evergreen trailer, a native of 
Great Britain. If kept in a pot of moist soil 
and suspended, it will produce shoots of two 
or three feet in length, which hang down on 
every side. L. nummularia aurea is a golden- 
leaved variety of great beauty, now much 
used as a drooping plant. JD. verticillata is an 
upright-growing plant, with an abundance of 
showy yellow flowers suitable for a large 
border. LZ. clethroides, a Japanese species 
is a graceful and beautiful plant, from two to 
three feet high, bearing long dense nodding 
spikes of white blossoms, the leaves display- 
ing brilliant tints in autumn. They are all 
readily increased by cuttings, seeds or 
division. 

Lysiono’tus. From lysis, loosening, and notos, 
the back; in reference to the capsule opening 
with elasticity from the dorsal suture. Nat. 
Ord. Gesneracee. 

A genus containing a few species of glabrous 
or pubescent plants, natives of the Himalayas. 
L. ternifolia (Syn. L. serrata) has compound 
umbels of beautiful pale lavender-colored 
flowers, with veins of a deeper color, shaded 
to soft gray. It was introduced in 1882. 


Lythra’cez. A natural order of herbs or shrubs, 
often with square branches, and usually op- 
posite, entire, exstipulate leaves. The plants 
aré chiefly tropical, but some are found in 
Europe and North America. They have 
astringent qualities. Lawsonia alba yields the 
Henna of the Arabs. There are forty genera, 
and upwards of 300 species; Cuphea, Grislea, 
and Lythrum are good examples of the order. 


236 LINARIA CYMBALLARIA VARIEGATA, LUNARIA BIENNIS (HONESTY), 


MALCOLMIA (VIRGINIAN STOOR), LYGODIUM, 


MARANTA ZEBRINA. 


LYCHNIS CHALCEDONICA, , MAGNOLIA, 


MALOPE GRANDIFLORA, 237 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 237 


LYT 


Ly’thrum, Loosestrife. From lythron, black 
blood; the prevailing purple color of the flow- 
ers. Nat. Ord. Lythracee. 

A genus of hardy annuals and herbaceous 
perennials. Several species of the latter are 
common in marshes and wet places through- 
out the Middle and Western States. The flow- 


MAC 


ers produced in the gardens are finer than 
those growing wild. They flower freely in the 
autumn months and are propagated by divis- 
ion. L. Grefferi is a very ornamental trailing 
plant, well adapted for cultivating in hanging 
pans or baskets for summer decoration. Itis 
readily increased by cuttings. 


M. 


Ma Amurensis. A synonym of Clad- 
rastis Amurensis. 


Ma’ba. Its native name in the Tonga Islands. 
Nat. Ord. Hbenacee. 

A genus of nearly twenty species, dispersed 
over tropical Africa and Asia, the Pacific 
Islands, and Australia. The Ebony Wood of 
Cochin China is believed to be the produce of 
a tree of this genus. Only one or two species 
are in cultivation. 


Macada’mia. Named after John McAdam, M.D., 
of Victoria. Nat. Ord. Proteace. 

M. ternifolia is remarkable for its fruit, 
which contains a kernel of a remarkably rich 
and agreeable flavor, resembling, but much 
superior to, the Filbert. It is the only species 
yet in cultivation, and was introduced in 1869. 


Mace. The envelope which surrounds Nutmegs. 
See Myristica. 


Macheranthe’ra. From machairos, a sickle, 
and anthera, an anther; alluding to their 
peculiar form. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of biennial and annual plants, 
natives of North America, now classed with 
Aster. M. canescens, and M. tanacetifolia are in 
cultivation but are scarcely worth growing. 


Macka'ya Named after Dr. J. F. Mackay, 
author of the ‘‘ Flora Hibernica.” Nat. Ord. 
Acanthacew. 

M. bella, the only species, is alovely shrubby 
green-house plant, a native of the rocky bed 
of the Tongat river, Natal, and is described 
by its discoverer, Mr. J. Sanderson, as form- 
ing a beautiful object, being one mass of most 
delicate, pendant, pale lilac, campanulate 
flowers, which grow in racemes four to six 
inches long. It grows very freely, but re- 
quires special treatment to induce it to flower 
profusely. The essential points are the 
encouragement of a free growth during sum- 
mer and the allowance of a season of rest in 
winter, during which time no water should be 
applied to the roots or overhead. The plant 
is nearly or quite deciduous, and the racemes 
are produced from the points of nearly all 
well ripened shoots. It was introduced in 
1869, and is propagated by cuttings in sum- 
mer. This genus is included by Bentham and 
Hooker under Asystasia. 


Maclea'nia. Named after John Maclean, of 
Lima, a British merchant, and a distinguished 


patron of botany. A genus of Peruvian shrubs 
of the Nat. Ord. Vacciniacew, comprising about 
a dozen species of ornamental green-house 
shrubs, with alternate leaves and axillary 
flower stalks, terminated by a single reddish 
or yellow flower of great beauty. Cuttings 
will readily root in sand or soil. First intro- 
duced in 1842. 

Macleay’a. A synonym for Bocconia, which 

see. 


Maclu’ra. Osage Orange. Named after Wil- 
liam Maclure, a North American geologist. 
Nat. Ord. Urticacee. 

A genus of handsome, low-growing trees, 
generally attaining the height of thirty feet. 
There are but three species included in the 
genus, two of which are common in the West 
Indies, and not hardy here, excepting in the 
extreme Southern States. MM. aurantiaca, the 
Osage Orange, is anative of the south-western 
States, and forms a spreading tree from thirty 
to sixty feet high, but is easily kept dwarf by 
cutting back, and is extensively used as a 
hedge plant in the Western States, for which 
purpose its rapid growth, together with its 
strong spines, renders it suitable. The wood 
is bright yellow and very elastic. It is called 
Bow-wood, from its being used by the Indians 
for making bows. Young plants are grown 
from seed, which, if sown in good soil, will 
make very strong plants for the hedge-rows in 
two years. Many prefer setting them one 
year from seed. This species is hardy in the 
vicinity of New York, and is used for hedges 
and on the lawn. WM. tricuspidata (Syn. Cud- 
rania triloba) is an ornamental deciduous tree, 
remarkable for the difference of the appear- 
ance and shape of its leaves in its young and 
adult state. It forms a good hedge plant, 
and in China, whence it was introduced in 
1872, the leaves are used for feeding silk- 
worms, and the wood yields a yellow dye. M. 
tinctoriaisasynonym for Chlorophora tinctoria, 
which see. 


Maco'des. From makos, length; in reference 
to the shape of the labellum. A very beauti- 
ful Orchid from Java, its leaves beautifully 
marked with netted golden veins, closely allied 
to Anectochilus. 


Macrade'nia lutescens, is a little Trinidad 
Orchid forming a genus allied to Oncidium. 


238 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MAC 


Macrome’ria. From makros, large, and meris, 
a part; the flowers of this genus are the 
largest in the whole family. A genus of Bor- 
raginacee, comprising about eight species of 
half-hardy perennial herbs, natives of Mexico, 
Columbia and Peru, closely alkied to Litho- 
spermum. M. exserta with yellow flowers, 
probably the only species yet in cultivation, 
was introduced from Mexico in 1846. 


Macronemum. From Makros, long, and Kneme, 
a leg; in reference to the long flower-stalks. 
Nat. Ord. Rubiacew. 

A genus of tropical trees and shrubs, natives 
of tropical America and the West Indies. M. 
Jamaicense, the only species yet introduced, 
has greenish-white, sweet-scented flowers, 
with oblong-oval. polished leaves. It was 
introduced from Jamaica in 1806. 


Macropi’per. The word signifies large pepper. 
Nat. Ord. Piperacee. eciescd 

M. methysticum formerly called Piper methy- 
sticum, furnishes the root called Ava by the 
Polynesians. It has narcotic properties, and 
is employed medicinally, but is chiefly remark- 
able for the value attached to it as a narcotic 
and stimulant beverage, of which the natives 
partake before they commence any important 
business or religious rites. It is used by 
chewing the root and extracting the juice, 
and has a calming rather than an intoxicating 
effect. Europeans distill the juice, and use it 
as a beverage in moderate quantities. By 
the more respectable of the population it is 
considered a filthy preparation, and is not 
indulged in. 

Macrorhy’nchus. From markos, long, and 
rhynchos, a snout. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of annual and perennial plants, 
natives of North and South America, closely 
allied to the Dandelion. M. grandiflorus, a 
Californian perennial species has very hand- 
some, large, yellow flower-heads, but it is 
rarely found in cultivation. 


Macro’stylis. From makros, long, and stylos, a 
style; style very long. Nat. Ord. Rutacem. 

A genus of pretty, green-house evergreen 
shrubs, indigenous to South Africa and nearly 
allied to Barosma, and Diosma. The reddish 
flowers are arranged in a kind of umbel on the 
ends of the branches. The Orchidaceous 
genus of this name is synonymous with 
Corymbis. 

Macroto’mia. From makros, long, and tome, a 
cutting; in allusion to the long division of 
the calyx. Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. 

A genus of erect, hispid, perennial herbs, 
natives of the Himalayas and the East Indies. 
M. Benthami, the only species yet introduced, 
grows from one to two feet high, producing 
a thyrse eight to twelve inches long, of dark 
maroon-purple flowers. It was introduced 
from the Western Himalayas in 1884, and is 
perfectly hardy. 


Macroza/mia. From makros, long, and Zamia. 
Nat. Ord. Cycadacee. 

V'his interesting genus is formed from a few 
species of Zamia, and contains some of the 
most beautiful plants under cultivation 
for decorative purposes. The leaves and 
trunk are similar to Cycas except that the 
pinne have no midrib and are striate, with 
parallel veins. MM. plumosa, plume-like, is 


MAG 


one of the most beautiful and is remarkable 
for its distinct and elegant character. M 
corallipes ig another rare species. There 
are several species under cultivation, all 
natives of Australia. For culturesee Zamia. 


Maculate, Maculose. Spotted or blotched. | 


Madder. The root of Rubia tinctoria, which 
see, 


Maderia Nut. See Juglans. 
Maderia Vine. See Boussingaultia baselloides. 


Ma’dia. Madi is the name of the original 
species (M. sativa) in Chili. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

This is a small genus of coarse-growing, 
hardy annuals, with bright yellow and white 
flowers, natives of Chili and northern Califor- 
nia. They grow freely in almost any soil or 
situation. The seeds should be sown in the 
spring as soon as the ground is in readiness 
and the weather sufficiently warm ; introduced 
in 1831. Syn. Madaria. 


Madonna Lily. Liliwm candidum. 
Madwort. The genus Alyssum. 
Magic Tree, Peruvian. Cantua buxifolia. 


Magno'lia. Named after Pierre Magnol, Pro. 
fessor of Medicine at Montpellier, 1638-1715, 
Nat. Ord. Magnoliacee. 7 

A magnificent genus of ornamental trees 
aud shrubs, natives of the United States, 
China, India, and Japan. It is composed of 
evergreen and deciduous hardy and half- 
hardy trees and shrubs. The flowers are 
white, purple, or greenish white, and are re- 
markable for their fragrance. MM. acuminata 
(Cucumber Tree) grows from thirty to fifty feet 
high, and is common in moist woods from 
New York to Ohio and southward. M. glauca 
(Small or Laurel Magnolia, Sweet Bay) isa 
low growing deciduous tree, in some localities 
called Swamp Sassafras. Itis also known by 
the name of Beaver Tree, because the roots 
are eaten by beavers, which animals also 
make use of the wood in constructing their 
huts or nests. This species is common in 
swamps in New Jersey and southward. The 
flowers are single, produced on the ends of 
the branches, greenish white, and delight- 
fully fragrant. They are collected and sold 
in the markets and streets of New York in 
large quantities. M. cordata is the Yellow 
Cucumber Tree of Georgia. M. grandiflora 
(Great Laurel) is justly entitled to its specific 
name, as it is one of the most noble and beau- 
tiful of American evergreen trees, remark- 
able for the majesty of itsform, the magnifi- 
cence of its foliage, and the beauty of its 
flowers. Thisis a large tree, growing from 
sixty to one hundred feet high; the foliage is 
thick, brilliant on the upper surface, and 
rusty colored underneath; the flowers are 
pure white, six to eight inches across, and 
very fragrant. It is a native of the Carolinas 
and westward, but not hardy north of Wash- 
ington. There is one specimen in Philadel- 
phia, well protected, that blooms annually. 
M. macrophylla is a comparatively rare species 
being only occasionally met in the woods 
from Florida to Tennessee. It rarely attains 
a height of sixty feet. It is a deciduous tree 
of perfect form, with leaves from one and a 
half to three feet long, clustered at the sum- 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 239 


MAG 


mit of the branches. The flowers are pure 
white, with a purple spot at the base of the 
petals, and are from eight to twelve inches in 
width, and deliciously fragrant. This species 
is not considered sufficiently hardy to with- 
stand the severity of our winters. Itis to be 
regretted that it has such a reputation, as it 
isin a great measure unjust. It might not 
succeed in the more exposed situations, but 
there is scarcely a fine suburban place around 
New York that has not some sheltered, cosy 
corner in which this noble tree would not de- 
light to grow. There is upon the Manice 
estate at Queens, Long Island, a tree of this 
species that was planted more than fifty years 
ago, and is now fifty or more feet high, with 
a boll afootin diameter. There is upon this 
tree every year hundreds of flowers, and it is 
no less conspicuous in autumn, with its large 
heads of bright scarlet fruit. It also suc- 
ceeds well up the Hudson River.. Young 
trees are easily produced from seed. M. 
hypoleuca, a Japanese species of great beauty, 
has leaves a foot long, glaucous beneath, and 
sometimes purple tinted above, with a red 
midrib and leaf stem. The flowers are large, 
creamy-white, delightfully fragrant, and 
bloom in June after the foliage is developed. 
M stellata, known as Hall’s Japan Magnolia, is 
another very desirable species. Its form is 
low and shrub-like, flowers pure white and 
delicately fragrant. It blooms earlier than 
any other Magnolia, and is very showy. M. 
Campbellii, introduced from the Himalayas in 
1858, the flowers of which are pale rose in- 
side, crimson outside, and slightly fragrant, 
is an exceedingly handsome deciduous 
species, probably not entirely hardy 
in the Northern States. M.  con- 
spicua, or M. Yulan, is a native of China, 
where it attains a height of forty or fifty feet. 
It is perfectly hardy in this latitude, and re- 
markable for the great number of white 
flowers produced in spring, before the 
leaves are developed. M. purpurea and M. 
Soulangeana, are deciduous, like the former, 
and are in all respects similar, except that the 
flowers are purple outside and white within. 
These two species contrast finely with M. 
Conspicua, when planted together upon the 
lawn. M. fuscata, a green-house evergreen 
from China, is a low-growing shrub, with 
small glossy leaves, and dull purple flowers 
of exquisite fragrance. There are many 
other species and varieties, but those de- 
scribed are the best representatives. 


Magnolia’cez. A natural order of trees or 
shrubs, with alternate, leathery, sometimes 
dotted leaves, and showy, often fragrant 
flowers, natives of tropical and eastern Asia, 
and North America. They possess bitter, 
tonic, and aromatic qualities. There are 
about a dozen genera and upward of seventy 
species. Examples: Illicwm, Drimys, and 
Liriodendron. 


Maguey-fibre Plant. ‘Various species of 
Agave. 


Mahe'’rnia. An anagram of Hermannia, an 
allied genus. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacee. 

A genus of neat little green-house shrubs, 
growing about two feet high, and remarkable 
for the profusion of their fragrant yellow, or 
red and yellow flowers. The yellow M. 
odorata, is the best known. They are easily 


MAL 


grown in the green-house with ordinary 
treatment. All the. species are from the 
Cape of Good Hope, were introduced early 
in the present century, and are easily increas- 
ed by cuttings of the young shoots. 


Mahogany-Tree. Swietenia Mahagoni. 


Maho’nia. In honor of Bernard McMahon, an 
American botanist. Nat. Ord. Berberidaceaw. 
A genuc of handsome hardy and half-hardy 
evergreen shrubs, most of ‘which are now in- 
cluded in the genus Berberis. M. Bealit has 
large leaves of a yellowish green tint, com- 
posed of broad spiny leaflets of irregular out- 
line, and terminal clusters of yellow flowers, 
produced in winter or early spring, a native 
of Japan, B. Japonica is probably a variety of 
the same species. They are of comparatively 
recent introduction (1845) and are so distinct 
from everything else that one or the other of 
the varieties should be found in every collec- 
tion of choice shrubs. They require a slight 
protection in winter in the Northern States. 
By some this genus is placed under Berberis. 


Maiden Hair Fern. See Adiantum. 
Maiden Hairtree. See Salisburia. 
Maiden Pink. Dianthus deltoides. 
Maize. See Zea. 


Malabai'la. Named after Count Malabaila von 
Canal, once director of the Botanic Gardens 
at Prague. Nat. Ord. Umbeilifere. 

A genus of hardy perennial, often glabrous 
herbs, similar in habit to Peucedanum, but 
with broader leaves; natives of eastern 
Africa, western Asia and south-eastern 
Europe. M. Opoponax (Syn. Pastinaca Opo- 
ponax) is sometimes cultivated as a decora- 
tive plant for the sub-tropical garden. It 
grows about six feet in height and is easily 
increased by seeds sown in the open ground 
in spring. 

Malabar-Leaf. A common name for Cinnamo- 
mum Malabathrum. 


Malabar Nightshade. See Basella. 


Malacoca’'rpus. From malakos, soft, and kar- 
pos, a fruit; alluding to thejuicy fruits. Nat. 
Ord. Cactacew. 

This genus, now included by Bentham and 
Hooker under Echinocactus, is composed of 
the smooth-fruited species of that genus. 


Malacoid. Having a mucilaginous texture. 


Mala’xis. From malazis, tenderness; in allu- 
sion to the nature of the species. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidaceae. 

. Agenus of curious and interesting-terres- 
trial Orchids, growing naturally in spongy 
boggy places. They are mainly of botanical 
interest. 


Malay, or Rose Apple. A name applied to the 
fruit of Eugenia Jambos, and some other 
species of Eugenia. 

Malco'lmia. Named after W. Malcolm, a cele- 
alg London nurgeryman. Nat. Ord. Cruci- 

ere. 

A genus of hardy plants, mostly annuals, 
chiefly natives of the south of Europe, pro- 
ducing white or purple flowers disposed in 
racemes. Most of the species are but little 
grown. MM. maritima is the well-known Vir- 
ginian Stock of our gardens. They all grow 
from seed sown in spring. 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MAL 


Male Fern. A common name for Aspidium 
Filiz-mas. 
Mallow. See Malva. | 


Ma’lope. From malos, soft or tender: refer- 
ring to the texture of the leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Malvacee. 


Annual plants with very handsome flowers. 
M. trifida, of which there are two kinds, one 
with crimson and the other with white 
flowers, is rather dwarf; but M. grandiflora 
will grow four or five feet high in a good soil 
and an open situation, bearing very large 
and showy, brilliant crimson flowers. All the 
kinds are quite hardy, and only require sow- 
ing in April or May in the open border, and 
thinning out ortransplanting, when the young 
plants are three or four inches high. Natives 
of north Africa ; introduced in 1808. 


Malorti’ea. Named in honor of E. Von Malortie 
of Hanover. Nat. Ord. Palmacea. 

A small genus of slender, dwarf, elegant 
palms, admirably adapted for cultivation in 
the dwelling-house or for table decoration. 
They are characterized by their slender reed- 
like stems and simple branching spikes of 
unisexual flowers. M. gracilis and M. simplez, 
two species from Guatemala, are considerably 
grown as ornamental plants, and were form- 
erly referred to Chamerops. They are of 
easy culture, requiring a rich light soil and 
plenty of water. 

Malpi’ghia. Named after Marcello Malpighi, 
an Italian naturalist. Nat. Ord. Malpigiacee. 

A genus containing about twenty species of 
small trees or shrubs, natives, principally, of 
tropical America. Flowers pink or white, 
fasciculate or corymbose, rarely solitary ; 
drupe fleshy. The fruits of M. glabra, and M. 
urens, are eaten in the West Indies, those of 
the former being called Barbadoes Cherry. 
Propagated by cuttings. 

Malpigia’cez. A natural order of trees or 
shrubs, sometimes climbing, with simple, 
generally opposite leaves, and yellow or red 
flowers. They are natives chiefly of tropical 
countries, and a great number of them are 
found in South America. There are about 
forty-nine genera and 600 species. Good ex- 
amples are Malpigia Bannisteria, and Gaudi- 
chaudia. 

Ma’lus. Pyrus Malus. The Apple, which see. 

Ma'lva. Mallow. From malacho, to soften; 
referring to their emollient qualities. Nat. 
Ord. Malvacee. 

This is a group of plants remarkable for 
their large, showy flowers; but the coarseness 
of the leaves and loose manner of growing de- 
prive the genus of much of the interest it 
would otherwise have. The genus consists of 
tender, half-hardy, and hardy perennials and 
annuals, all of the easiest culture, according 
to their respective kinds. M. moschata, the 
Musk-Mallow, derives its name from the 
peculiar musky odor given off by all parts of 
the plant when kept in a confined situation, par- 
ticularly in dry weather; but it is seldom pow- 
erful enough to be perceived in the open air. 
This species is a hardy herbaceous perennial, 
common in waste places in Great Britain. M. 
rotundifolia has become naturalized until it is 
quite a nuisance in our gardens and yards. 


Malva/cez. A natural order of herbaceous 
plants, trees, or snrubs, generally distributed 


MAM 


over the world. They are mucilaginous and 
demulcent, and yield fibres. Althwa officinalis 
(the Marsh-Mallow) yields mucilage, Gosst- 
pium furnishes various kinds of cotton, Hibis- 
cus cannabinus supplies Indian hemp, Paritiwm 
elatum gives Cuba bast. There are nearly 
fifty genera, including Malva, Lawatera, Hibis- 
cus, and Sida, and upwards of 1,000 species. 


Malva’strum. Name altered from Malva. Nat. 
Ord. Malvacee. 

A genus containing about sixty species of 
green-house or hardy herbs, natives of the 
warmer parts of North and South America. 
M. Munroanum is a dwarf hardy plant, with 
rather small orange-red flowers, introduced 
from Columbia in 1828, under the name of 
Malva Munroanum. M. lateritiwm, an intro- 
duction from Buenos Ayres, has handsome 
brick-red flowers, on long peduncles. The 
perennial sorts are increased by seeds or cut- 
tings; the annuals by seeds only. 


Malvavi'scus. From malva, mallow, and viscus, 
glue; referring to the mucilage with which it 
abounds. Nat. Ord. Malvacee. 

A genus of evergreen shrubs, with entire or 
slightly lobed leaves, and crimson flowers, 
natives of tropical America and Mexico. M. 
arboreus (Syn. Achania malvaviscus) is a well- 
known green-house shrub, with bright scarlet 
flowers ;. free-flowering, and desirable. Pro- 
pagated by cuttings of the side shoots. 


Ma’mmea. Mammee Tree. Mamey is the 
nativename. Nat. Ord. Clusiacee. 

M. Americana, a native of the West Indies, 
produces the Mammee Apple, or South Ameri- 
can Apricot, which is very much valued in 
tropical countries. It often attains the size 
of a child’s head, and is of a yellowcolor. The 
outer rind and the pulp which immediately 
surrounds the seeds are very bitter, but the 
intermediate is sweet and aromatic, and is 
eaten cut into slices and steeped in wine, or 
made into preserves of various kinds. 


Mammee Apple. See Mammea. 


Mammilla'ria. From mamma, the nipple; in 
allusion to the small tubercles. Nat. Ord. 
Cactacee. 

Succulent plants, with almost globular 
stems covered with prickles, but without 
leaves, the flowers growing out of the stem 
without any stalk. These plants are natives 
of the high table-land of Mexico, where they 
are subject to very few variations of tem- 
perature, and they should, therefore, be kept 
in green-house heat all the year. They are 
also found in Texas and Colorado. In their 
native country they grow in rich loam, and 
therefore require a better soil than the dif- 
ferent kinds of Cereus and Echinocactus, 
which grow among calcareous rocks, in the 
mould formed by the deposition of vegetable 
matter in the fissures. By attending to these 
particulars the Mammillarias may be easily 
grown in any situation where they can be 
kept free from frost. When kept in a room, 
they should be allowed as much air as pos- 
sible, and the dust which lodges among their 
spines should be frequently blown off with a 
small pair of bellows or the breath. There 
are about 100 species in this genus, nearly 
all confined to Mexico and South America. 
They were first introduced from Peru in 1799, 
and are propagated by offsets or by seeds. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 241 


MAM 


Mammoth Trees of California. See Sequoia. 


Manchineel Tree. The virulently poisonous 
Hippomane Mancinella. 


Mandarin Orange. Citrus nobilis. 


Mandevi'lla. Named after H. J. Mandeville, an 
English minister at Buenos Ayres, and a 
botanical collector. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

M. suaveolens, the only species yet intro- 
duced, is a native of South America, and is a 
desirable climber forthe green-house, as it is 
a rapid grower, and produces clusters of very 
sweet-scented white flowers during the sum- 
mer. It should be allowed to rest during 
winter. It is propagated by cuttings of the 
small, stiff side shoots, taken off close to the 
old wood. Introduced in 1837. 


Mandio’cco. A synonym of Manihot, which 
see. 


Mandrago’ra. Mandrake. From mandra, an 
oxstall, and agauros, cruel; alluding to its 
poisonous effects when accidentally given to 
eattle with their fodder. Nat. Ord. Solanacee. 

The species are natives of southern Europe 
and the East, and have very short stems, with 
a thick, fleshy, often forked root, from the 
summit of which the entire ovate lance-shaped 
leaves appear. The early writers attribute 
the most wonderful and poisonous properties 
to this plant; it was both used to save and to 
destroy life. Shakespeare alludes to it as fol- 
lows: ‘‘Or have we eaten of the insane root 
that takes the reason prisoner?” Inthe olden 
time this root was said to be employed as an 
anesthetic, in the same way that chloroform 
now is. While its poisonous properties are 
yet acknowledged and dreaded, its medical 
properties are no longer esteemed. 


Mandrake. See Podophyllum and Mandragora. 


Mane’ttia. In honor of Xavier Manetti, prefect 
of the Botanic Garden at Florence, and au- 
thor of ‘‘Regnum Vegetabile,” 1756. Nat. 
Ord. Rubiacee. 

An elegant family of green-house climbers, 
suitable for training over a wire trellis at- 
tached to the, pots in which the plants grow. 
The species delight in a moderately warm and 
moist atmosphere when they are growing, 
and in the case of having tuberous roots, like 
M. cordifolia, are all the better for a decided 
drying through the winter. The other species, 
from having only fibrous roots, will not bear 
a reduction to the same extent. M. bicolor 
for winter-flowering should be grown freely 
through the summer, and afterward be placed 
in a dry, warm position to induce it to 
flower freely, and to preserve its foliage from 
mildew. to which it is very subject. The 
flowers of this species are yellow and crimson ; 
those of the others are scarlet, except M. Ly- 
gistum, a native of Cuba, which has pink 
blossoms. All the species do well here 
planted out during summer, keeping up a 
continuous bloom, and are propagated by 
cuttings, either of the roots or shoots. In- 
troduced from South America in 1806. 


Mangel Wurzel. Beta vulgaris macrorhiza. A 
cultivated variety of Beet, largely grown as 
food for cattle. 

Mangi’'fera. Mango Tree. From mango, the 
Hindoo name of the fruit, and fero, to bear. 
Nat. Ord. Anacardiacee. 


MAN 


M. Indica grows abundantly in India, where 
numerous varieties are cultivated. It is also 
grown in Brazil and the Mauritius for the 
fruit, which is highly esteemed for its grateful 
acidity and sweet perfume. In the tropics it 
is the principal fruit eaten. The tree grows 
about twenty feet high, and the fruit is pro- 
duced in terminal clusters. 


Mangle’sia. Named after Captain Mangles, and 


his brother, Robert Mangles, distinguished 
patrons of botany. Nat. Ord. Proteaceae. 

A genus of ornamental green-house shrubs 
from Swan River, with very small flowers of 
little beauty. It is grown only for its beauti- 
ful foliage, and is now included under Grevil- 
lea by some botanists. 


Mangosteen. See Garcinia. 

Mango Tree. See Mangifera. 

Mangrove. See Rhizophora. 

Manica'ria. From manica, a glove; referring 


to the spathe rolled around the inflorescence 
or flower stem. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A noble genus of Palms inhabiting the tidal 
swamps of the Lower Amazon River. MM. 
saccifera, the only species yet introduced, has 
immense leaves, unlike any others of the 
order, which are more or less pinnated or fan- 
shaped; these, on the contrary, are entire, 
frequently growing thirty feet long and from 
three to four in width; and being of a stiff 
habit, stand erect upon the summit of the 
stout, crooked stem, which usually attains 
the height of fifteen or twenty feet. The In- 
dians call the Palm Bussu, and its immense 
leaves are invaluable to them for thatching 
their huts. The fibrous spathes are also con- 
verted into useful bags and caps by simply 
cutting round them near the bottom, and 
pulling them off entire, and afterward stretch- 
ing them open as wide as possible without 
tearing; they also supply a coarse, but strong 
kind of cloth. On account of its immense 
ize this interesting species is rarely met in 
collections. Propagated by seeds. 


Mani/hot. The Brazilian name of this genus. 


Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceew (Syn. Mandiocca). 

A genus comprising about eighty species of 
tall herbs, or evergreen shrubs, mostly natives 
of Brazil, a few being dispersed through the 
warm regions as far as Mexico. M. Aipi, the 
Sweet Cassava, deserves special notice as 
being one of the recent additions to the food 
plants of this country. It is closely related 
to the Ricinus or Castor-oil Bean which it 
resembles in general appearance. In the 
southern portion of the United States and 
more particularly in Florida, there are large 
areas admirably adapted to the growth of this 
plant as an article of home consumption, 
while in time its manufacture into starch, 
tapioca, and glucose, ought to become a lead- 
ing industry. Ithas also created much inter- 
est as food for stock being greatly relished by 
cattle, horses, hogs, and poultry. The tubers 
often three or four feet in length may be dug 
at any season, only however, as wanted for 
use, as they decay soon after being exposed to 
the air. It is propagated from cuttings of 
the larger stems, which before frost, are cut, 
laid in piles and covered with earth. When 
ready for planting in January, February, or 
March, the stems are cut into pieces about six 


242 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MAN 


inches long and planted four orf five feet apart 
each way, and three or four inches deep. ‘The 
crop receives shallow culture until sufficiently 
grown to hold its own against weeds, It may 
be left to grow for two years with advantage, 
thus requiring a minimum of culture. It is 
calculated that from ten to fifty tons of roots 
of one year’s growth ought to be obtained 
from an acre of land according to its quality. 
Besides those already mentioned it can be put 
to avariety of uses, the Florida house-wives 
having used it for making bread, puddings, 
custards, fritters, jellies, etc., and also asa 
vegetable in all the ways in which potatoes 
are used. The root of M. utilissima (Syn. Jan- 
tpha manihot) is virulently poisonous and bit- 
ter.. The poisonous juice is however express- 
ed in the process of manufacture and when 
allowed to settle, deposits what is known as 
Brazilian Arrowroot or Tapioca. Itis from 
this that the Tapioca of Commerce is pre- 
pared. 


Manna. See Alhagi, Ornus, Tamarix and Rocella. 
Manna Ash. See Ornus. 
Man-of-the-Harth. See Ipomaa. 


Man Orchis, or Green Man Orchis. A name 
usually given to Aceras anthropophora, which 
see, 


Manti'sia. Opera Girls. Named after the in- 
sect Mantis, to which the flowers have been 
compared. Nat. Ord. Scitaminew. 

Hot house herbaceous evergreens from the 
East Indies. One of the species has long 
been grown in some countries for the singu- 
larity and beauty of its flowers, which present 
some appearance of a ballet dancer, hence the 
popular name, Dancing Girls, applied to the 
plant. The filament and anther, with its 
wing-like margins, represent the head and 
neck of the lady, the long inner segments of 
the corolla represent the arms, while the label- 
lum corresponds to the dress. The flowers 
are purple and yellow; they were introduced 
in 1808, and are propagated by root division. 

Manw lea. From manus, the hand; in allusion 
to the divisions of the corolla. Nat. Ord. 
Scrophulariacea. : 

A genus of about twenty-five species of 
green-house plants; natives of southern 
Africa. They are handsome plants with 
golden-yellow, or orange-colored flowers, of 
easy cultivation, though rarely found except 
in large collections. M. rubra, yellow, and 
M. tomentosa, orange, are the best known 
species, and are easily increased by cuttings 
or by seed. 

Manures. . There are few soils or conditions 
under which crops can be grown successfully 
without the use of manures, consequently, 
their aid is of the utmost importance to every 
operator in the soil whether professional or 
amateur. According to the experiments 
which have been made—all substances enter- 
ing into the composition of vegetable manure 
or food, should be in a state of fluidity, or in 
the form of gas. The great object therefore 
in the application of manure should be to 
make it afford ag much soluble matter as is 
possible to the roots of the plant, and in so 
gradual a manner that it may be entirely con- 
sumed in producing the required crop. Every 
substance, organic or inorganic, that adds 
directly or indirectly to the fertility of the 


MAN 


soil may therefore be considered a manure. 
The comparative value of the manures must 
be regulated by the cost. If rotted stable man- 
ure whether from horses or cows, can be deliy- 
ered on the grounds at $3 per ton, it is about 
as valuable for fertilizing purposes, as Peru- 
vian Guano at $65 per ton, or pure bone dust 
at $40 per ton. Itis better than any of these 
or any other concentrated fertilizer, from the 
fact of its mechanical action on the land— 
that is, its effects from its light porous 
nature in aérating and pulverizing the soil. 
The method of its application is so well known 
that it is not necessary to go further into 
detail. 

Fisu. On the coasts of New Jersey, Con- 
necticut, Long Island, ete., Fish are often 
used as amanure. When composted with sea- 
weed and soil, decomposition is very rapid 
and the quantity applied to the land must be 
according to the strength of the compost. It 
is a valuable manure for all early vegetable 
crops. 

GARDEN REFvSsE of almost any description 
is valuable as a manure, either composted with 
lime and soil, or dug in, when green. Leaf- 
soil collected from woods where the leaves 
have decayed naturally till those beneath the 
surface have become changed into a 
light mold is of great value in heavy soils, 
and in all composts where turfy peat cannot 
be had. For Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and 
many fine-rooted, hard-wooded plants, its 
value is not sufficiently recognized in many 
places where quantities might easily be col- 
lected. Nothing is better suited for improv- 
ing flower-beds, or for adding to soil of 
any description for placing round trees, 
shrubs, or plants, whose roots it is desired to 
encourage. 

Muck is the name given to a deposit 
usually largely composed of vegetable matter, 
found in swamps or in hollows of forest lands. 
Of itself it has usually but little fertilizing 
property, but from its porous nature when 
dry, itis one of the best materials to use for 
mixing with other manures as an absorbent; 
mixed with night soil itisthe basis of Pou- 
drette, a well known commercial fertilizer. 

Limz. Under certain conditions and for 
certain crops, the use of Lime as a manure 
is often attended with excellent results. 
Quick-lime is extremely caustic, and possesses 
the power of decomposing animal and vege- 
table substances. Its chemical action there- 
fore brings the component parts of the soil 
into a proper condition for being absorbed by 
the roots of plants; hence its fertilizing value 
on land that has been recently broken up, 


‘or that contains a quantity of roots, fibre, 


peat or otherinert vegetable matter. Lindley 
in his ‘“‘ Theory of Horticulture” states that 
‘when this substance (Lime) is mixed with 
decaying matter, it hastens its decomposition 
and renders it more easily assimilated. This 
is its chief horticultural value ifregarded as a 
manure. In old cultivated land, rich in humus, 
it suddenly increases productiveness in a 
remarkable degree, increasing the properties 
of dormant animal or vegetable manure. 
Hence it has a most important effect in 
kitchen gardens. But limed land soon loses 
its productiveness unless manure is subse- 
quently applied, and poor soils are soon run 
out by it.” One of the best methods of apply- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 243° 


MAN 


ing it is by composting it with double the 
amount of soil, weeds, or organic matter of 
any description (see Composts), spreading it 
over the ground, and keeping it as near the top 
of the soil as possible. Applied at the rate of 
100 bushels per acre it is of great benefit to 
grass lands, and all Cereals, Beet-root, Sain- 
foin, Clover, Peas, etc. Such a compost is 
also an excellent top dressing for lawns, 
especially in shady situations, if they get full 
of moss. To some plants such as many Coni- 
fers, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and almost all 
members of the Heath family, its presence in 
the soil is undoubtedly injurious. For Guano, 
Bone Dust, Ashes, etc., see Fertilizers. 

Manure, Liquip. Manure of almost any 
description is quicker in its action, and may 
be most efficiently applied in the form of 
Liquid Manure. It has also the great advan- 
tage of economy as it can be applied at any 
season when nourishment is required by the 
growing crops, or by plants in pots. Cow 
Manure forms one of the best substances for 
this purpose as it possesses none of the 
caustic principles so prevalent in chemical 
preparations, and will never injure, no matter 
how strong it is made. Manure from sheep- 
pens, poultry or pigeon-houses, is also excel- 
lent for this purpose when procurable, but 
must be used with more caution. Guano, 
about one pound to twenty gallons of water, 
or one pound of Sulphate of Lime with half a 
pound of Nitrate of Soda, are also excellent, 
but these also must be used with caution. 
Soot, placed in a bag and left soaking in the 
water, is an excellent liquid manure always 
tending to produce healthy foliage of a dark 
green color. Stir up well a few times, then 
allow the liquid to stand and become clear, 
the clearer the better. It is only that which 
dissolves in the water and becomes invisible, 
the same as sugar dissolves in tea, that is of 
real benefit to plants, yet some persons stir 
up the mud at the bottom of the casks, sus- 
pending visible matter in the water. This is 
generally useless, and often worse, in seal- 
ing up the pores of the soil. 

Liquid Manure, when kept in casks for 
some time, is apt to become offensive, though 
that which escapes is just what plants re- 
quire, the very essence of the liquid. This 
may be kept in it by adding a little Sulphate 
of Iron, an ounce or two probably sufficing. 
A ready and clean method of preparing Liquid 
Manure at once, is by stirring a quarter of a 
pound of Guano well into a four-gallon can or 
pail of water, or half that quantity of Nitrate 
of Soda or Sulphate of Ammonia, and apply- 
ing forthwith where it is needed. The 
strength named is for garden crops; half that 
quantity is sufficient for plants in pots, and 
more should not be used by the inexperi- 
enced. 

MANURES, ABSORBENTS FOR. This term is 
used in horticulture for such materials as ab- 
sorb and retain the liquid portions of manure, 
among which may be mentioned Charcoal, 
dry Peat or Muck, Saw-dust, or in short any 
material that will absorb urine or other 
liquid forms of manure that is not hurtful to 
vegetation. Since 1855 a material has come 
largely into use in the vicinity of New York 
for stable-bedding of horses and cows in lieu 
of straw. It is imported from Germany, and 
is known as German Peat Moss. It is. simply 


MAR 


the decayed Sphagnum of the swamps, from 
which the water has been expressed, thor- 
oughly dried, packed in bales and shipped to 
this country where it is sold at about fourteen 
dollars per ton. We have had it in use in our 
stables for over two years and find it to be 
not only much cheaper than straw, but it has 
at least three times the value as a deodorizer, 
and as an absorbent for manure. There is, 
no doubt abundance of such deposits in the 
United States, which will doubtless be util- 
ized as soon as their great value becomes ap- 
preciated. 

Maple. The common name for the genus Acer. 

Marajah Palm. See Bactris. 


Mara’nta. Arrowroot. Named after B. Ma- 
ranti, an Italian botanist. Nat. Ord. Scitam- 
inew. 

A genus of tropical herbaceous plants, pretty 
extensively disseminated from the West to 
the East Indies. Some of the species are 
among the finest ornamental leaved plants in 
cultivation. M. zebrina (known also as Cala- 
thea zebrina) has leaves two feet long and six 
inches wide, of arich deep green, beautifully 
shaded with a purplish green, and has a soft 
appearance, resembling the finest velvet. It 
is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in 
1815. M. Sanguinea, an excellent plant for 
house or window culture is now known as 
Stromanthe (which see). Many other well- 
known species are equally ornamental, and 
occupy a prominent position in choice collec- 
tions. Several of the species are cultivated 
in the East and West Indies for the starch 
that is contained in their tubers, which is 
very nutritive, and is commercially known as 
Arrowroot. The term Arrowroot is said to be 
derived from the fact that the native Indians 
used the roots of these plants as an applica- 
tion to wounds inflicted by poisoned arrows. 
The green-house kinds are of easy culture, 
heat and water being the main requirements 
while growing; they should also be shaded 
from the sun. We have found it an excellent 
and economical plan to grow them during the 
summer months in between large foliaged 
plants, such as Palms, which give them the 
necessary conditions of shade and moisture. 
Increased by division. See Calathea, to which 
many Marantas have been transferred. 


Mara’ntez. A tribe of Scitaminee. 


Mara'ttia. Named after J. F. Maratti, an Ital- 
ian botanist. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A well-marked genus of hot-house or green- 
house ferns, natives of South America and the 
Eastern and Pacific Islands. Being swamp- 
loving plants they will grow more luxuriantly 
if placed partially in water; propagated by 
spores. 

Marcgra'via. In honor of George Marcgrave, a 
German who published a Natural History of 
Brazil, in 1718. Nat. Ord. Ternstremiacee. 

M. umbellata, one of the best known species, 
is a sub-parasitical creeping shrub. At first 
it is radicant, like some Ferns, but as it ad- 
vances the stem becomes shrubby, adhering 
still by its fibers to the trunk of some tree, to 
the top of which it frequently runs, at length 
dividing into loose pendulous branches, com- 
monly terminating with umbels of white 
flowers. It is a native of the cool wooded 
mountains of Jamaica, It appears in such a 


244 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MAR 


variety of forms that in the different stages 
of its growth it has been mistaken for differ- 
ent plants. The genus is remarkable for the 
transformation of its smaller leaves into 
hollow, tubular bodies, resembling the 
pitchers of some other plants. It succeeds 
well in the green-house, and is propagated by 
cuttings. 


Marcegra’viez. A tribe of Ternstremiacee. 


Marciscent. Permanent; not falling off until 
the part which bears it is perfected, but with- 
ering long before that time, as the flowers of 
Lobelia, Orobanche, etc. 


Mare’s Tail, See Hippurus. 


Marguerite. Bellis perennis, and Chrysanthe- 
mum frutescens. 


Marguerite. Reine. 
stephus Chinensis. 
Margyrica’rpus. From margaron, pearl, and 
karpos, a fruit; resemblance in white fruit. 

Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

A small genus of branched rigid shrubs 
found in the temperate regions of South 
America and the Andes of Patagonia. WM. 
setosus is a pretty little hardy evergreen, well 
suited for the rockery, and should be so 
planted that its branches can rest on a dark 
colored stone, which will show up the fruit to 
advantage. It was introduced from the 
Andes in 1829, and is propagated freely by 
cuttings, or by layers. 


Maria/nthus. From Maria, Mary, and anthus, 

a flower; dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Nat. 
Ord. Pittosporacee. 
' A small genus of green-house deciduous 
climbers, natives of Australia. M. c@ruleo- 
punctatus has pretty pale blue, spotted flow- 
ers, and is propagated by cuttings; intro- 
duced in 1840. 

Ma’rica. From maraino, to flag; referring to 
the ephemeral nature of the flowers, which 
last hardly aday. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A small genus of fibrous-rooted plants, with 
very beautiful but transient flowers, some- 
what resembling the Tigridia. They all grow 
freely, are increased by division or from 
seed, and require the protection of the green- 
house while at rest during winter. They are 
natives of Central and South America, and 
were first brought into notice in 1782. 


Ma’rigold. See Calendula and Tagetes. 
Marigold. Corn. Chrysanthemum segetum. 
Marigold. Marsh. See Caltha palustris. 
Mariposa Lily. The genus Calochortus. 
Marjoram. See Origanum. 


Marker. This is a simple implement used 
mostly by market gardeners to line out drills. 
It is often home-made by taking a piece of joist 
3x4 inches, and about six feet in length, and 
to each side nailing pointed slats eight or 
nine inches long, at a width apart usually, on 
one side of fourteen inches, and the other of 
nine inches. ,Two handles four or five feet in 
length are fastened to it, by which it is 
dragged, the teeth marking the rows. If 
wanted deep a weight is placed on the joist. 
In operating it a line is stretched across the 
bed to be sown or planted, the first teeth be- 
ing guided by the line; itis steadily dragged 
along the bed, making from four to six lines 


The China Aster, Calli- 


MAR 


at once, in a much more uniform manner than 
can be done with the hoe. 


Marking Nut Tree. See Semecarpus. 


Marmorate. Marbled; traversed by irregular 
veins of color. 


Marrow. Vegetable. Cucurbita Pepo var. ovifera. 


Marru’bium. Horehound. From marrob, a 
Hebrew word signifying a bitter juice; in al- 
lusion to the extreme bitterness of the plants. 
Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

M. vulgare is the common Horehound of our 
gardens. The plant is a native of Europe, but 
has become naturalized, and is as familiar as 
an indigenous plant in the United States. Of 
the several species, this is the only one val- 
ued, and this only for its tonic properties. 


Marsde’nia. Named after William Marsden, 
author of a history of Sumatra. Nat. Ord. 
Asclepiadacew. 

A genus of green-house or half-hardy twin- 
ing, or sub-erect shrubs, natives of New Hol- 
land, Moluccas, tropical America, and the 
East Indies. M. tenacissima furnishes a valu- 
able fibre, and M. tinctoria and M. parviflora 
yield by decoction a blue dye resembling in- 


digo. Propagated by cuttings. Syn. Gono- 
lobus. 
Marshallia. Named for Humphrey Marshall, 


of Pennsylvania, author of Arbustrum Ameri- 
canum, one of the earliest works on the trees 
and shrubs of this country. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of herbaceous perennials, common 
to Virginia, and southward. The leaves are 
alternate, entire, and glabrous; flower scape 
about one foot high, with a single terminal 
head of purple or rose flowers, resembling 
those of the Scabious. 


Marsh Cinquefoil. A common name for Co- 
marum palustre. 


Marsh Mallow. See Althea. 

Marsh Marigold. See Caltha. 
Marsh Rosemary. See Statice. 
Marsh Trefoil. Menyanthes trifoliata. 


Marsi’/lea. Linnseus dedicated this genus to 
the Count L. F. Marsigli, founder of the Acad- 
emy of Science, Bologna. Nat. Ord. Marsil- 
eacee. 

A genus of curious low-growing aquatics 
inhabiting Brazil, Australia, Africa, and the 
south of Europe. They are termed pseudo- 
ferns, and are very interesting plants for the 
aquarium. 


Martagon Lily. See Lilium Martagon. 


Martine’zia. In honor of Balthassar Martinez, 
a Spanish naturalist. Nat. Ord. Palmacea. 
Asmall genus of Palms, mostly of dwarf 
habit, natives of Central America. A few of 
the species are under cultivation for decora- 
tive purposes. 


Marty'nia. Unicorn Plant. Named after Dr. 
Martyn, once Professor of Botany at Cam- 
bridge, England; he died in 1768. Nat. Ord. 
Pedaliacee. 

A genus of hardy and half-hardy annuals, 
growing from two to three feet high, branch- 
ing, with heart-shaped leaves, the whole being 
covered with clammy hairs. Some of the 
species are quite ornamental, but too coarse- 


MARTYNIA PROBOSOCIDEA. 


MERTENSIA VIRGINICA, 


MARTYNIA FRAGRANS, 


se 


MALVAVISCUS ARBOREA. 


MANGIFERA (MANGO). 


MATRICARIA INODORA FL. PL. 


COMO 


MELOTHERIA PUNCTATA. 


MESEMBRYANTHEMUM CORDIFOLIUM VARIEGATUM, 


245 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 245 


MAR 


growing for handsome border plants. M. pro- 
boscidea is indigenous to southern Illinois and 
southward, but is most common on the banks 
of the Mississippi. It is grown inthe garden 
for the young seed pods, which are used to 
some extent for pickling. They require to be 
placed three feet apart each way; at that dis- 
tance, in-rich soil, the plants will completely 
cover the ground. Seed should be sown 
where it is to grow, in April and May. 

satire ay Cotula. May-weed. A common field 
weed. 


Marvel of Peru. See Mirabilis. 


Masdeva'llia. Named after J. Masdevall, a 
Spanish botanist. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

An extensive genus of epiphytal Orchids 
from South America. The flowers are re- 
markable for their singularity, and also for 
their beauty. They require to be grown in a 
lower temperature than most Orchids, and 
ae le by division. First introduced 
in . 


Mask Flower. See Alonsoa. 


Massa’ngea. A small genus of Bromeliacee, 
now included by Bentham and Hooker under 
Caraguata. They are grown principally for the 
elegance of their leaves. 


Masso/nia. Named after F. Masson, a botan- 
ical traveler in South Africa. Nat. Ord. 
Liliaceew. 

A genus of small Cape bulbs. The leaves 
are commonly two in number, lying flat on 
the ground. The flowers are in an umbel- 
like head, nearly sessile, between the leaves. 
The flowers are sword-shaped, usually white, 
and of little beauty. They may be wintered 
in a frame or kept in sand in the green-house, 
and are increased by offsets. Introduced in 
1791. 


Mato’nia. Named after Dr. Maton, once Presi- 
dent of the Linnean Society, London. Nat. 
Ord. Polypodiacew. 

M. pectinata, the only species, is a rare ani 
handsome stove-house Fern, with large fan- 
shaped fronds, one and a half to two feet 
wide, very hard and leathery. It was intro- 
duced from Borneo in 1839, and is increased 
by spores or division. 


Matrica’ria. So called from its former use in 
medicine. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of about seventy species of annual, 
rarely perennial, branched herbs; natives of 
Europe, Africa and western Asia. Few of the 
species are worthy of cultivation; the annual 
sorts are easily raised from seed, the peren- 
nial by division or.by cuttings. M. inodora 
flore-pleno a double form of a common British 
weed, is a very free-flowering and desirable 
border plant. It is also known in cultivation 
as Anthemis Chamomilla flore-pleno. 


Ma'tthiola. Stock-Gilliflower. Named after 
P. Mathioli, an Italian botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Crucifere. 

In this genus we have the well-known Stock 
in all its multifarious varieties. These, for 
the purposes of culture, are classed in two 

divisions: the biennial kinds, as the Bromp- 
ton, Queen, etc., and the annual or Ten-Week 
Stocks. The former require to be sown the 
season previous to that in which they are 
wanted to flower. They do best when sown 
in May or June in the open air, allowing them 


MAT 


to grow upstrong, and when about two inches 
high they should be potted singly in small 
pots. This is for the purpose of protecting 
them through the winter, as in very severe 
weather, or a long continuance of wet, they 
perish; but being potted and putin a frame 
they are perfectly safe as they become harder 
and better ripened, and in the succeeding 
spring may be placed where they are to bloom. 
The seeds of Ten-Week Stocks should be 
sown ina hot-bed or green-house in February 
or March. As soon as the plants have com- 
pleted their second leaves, prick out into 
shallow boxes, and in three or four weeks 
they will be ready to pot in thumb pots, and 
the plants will be sufficiently large for trans- 
planting by the end of the following April. 
Much attention is paid to the saving of this 
seed on the Continent, and as many as twelve 
distinct colors may now be selected; a great 
many more are advertised, but they are in- 
distinct, and we think it preferable to have a 
few decided and brilliant colors than a multi- 
tude of indefinite shades, several of which 
are nearly duplicates of each other. The 
colors run through all the shades of crimson, 
lilac, rose, white, etc. There are no true 
scarlets, though some catalogues continue 
yearly to offer such colors. One of the first 
requisites to insure good double Stocks is to 
put the ground intended for them in the very 
best possible condition. It isa great mistake, 
and but too common, to suppose that the soil 
for flowers need not be rich; for we are of 
opinion, from observation, that, to a great 
extent, the double state is only brought about 
by excess of vigor, and if this condition is 
lost by planting in impoverished ground, it is 
only reasonable to suppose that the flowers 
will degenerate to their normal condition. 
Another common error deserves notice, re- 
specting the choice of plants to bear seed. It 
is very generally supposed that, to insure 
seed which will produce double flowers in the 
following season, it is necessary that the 
seed-bearing plants stand in close proximity 
to others which have their flowers double, 
because it is supposed the single flowers are 


“impregnated with the pollen of the double 


ones; but to prove the fallacy of this suppo- 
sition it is only necessary carefully to ex- 
amine.the latter, and they will be found alto- 
gether devoid of the organs bearing pollen. 
The great secret in the production of seed 
likely to bring double flowers is, we believe, 
to impart extraordinary vigor to the single 
plants which are to bear it, and every 
means available should be resorted to for this 
end. There is no good reason why as good 
seed should not be grown in some portions of ' 
the United States as in any part of the world. 
In fact, the finest Stocks we have ever seen 
were grown from seed saved in the western 
part of the State of New York, andthat from 
Stocks that had been grown a number of 
years in order to fairly test the question as to 
whether Stocksas well as other seeds cannot. 
be produced as well here as in Germany; and 
the question is settled, that one of our large 
dealers grows and saves his own seed, and 
that which gives the greatest satisfaction to 
his customers. To save-seed let the largest 
pods from the strongest plants be selected, 
and the seed placed in good ground, and there 
will be no lack of double flowers. The In- 


246 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MAT 


termediate Stock is an excellent kind to grow 
in pots for early spring decoration. The 
seed should be sown about midsummer for 
this purpose, and the young plants, after 
being potted, should be brought up as robust 
as possible; keeping them in frames through 
the winter until they are in bloom, when they 
tend to make the green-house gay in March, 
and in April may be turned into the flower 
garden, where they continue to bloom for a 
length of time. Double varieties may be per- 
petuated by striking the side shoots at mid- 
summer, under a hand glass, as is practiced 
with pinks, but this trouble is hardly neces- 
sary if the foregoing directions are observed. 
There are several other species included in 
the genus, only one of which, however, is 
often seen beyond the precincts of the purely 
botanical collection, this one is the Matthiola 
tristis, or Night-scented Stock. Itisacurious 
looking plant, with narrow, glaucous foliage, 
and small, lurid colored flowers, emitting an 
agreeable fragrance in the evening, and on 
this account is yet preserved along with its 
more gay associates. Itrequires to be grown 
in the green-house, with the ordinary man- 
agement of plants belonging to that structure, 
and is readily increased by cuttings. M. 
annua is the original of all the varieties of 
the Ten-Week Stocks, and M. Greca of the 
wall-leaved or smooth-leaved Annual Stock; 
both of which are natives of the South of 
Europe, and were favorably mentioned as 
“flowers for the garden for pleasure” by 
Parkinson in 1629. 
Matrimony Vine. See Lyciwm. 


Maturation. The process of ripening; also the 
time when fruits are ripe. 


Maura/ndya. Named after Professor Maurandy, 
of Carthagena. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacem. 

A handsome genus of tender climbing per- 
ennial plants from Mexico, with violet, pink, 
purple, and white colored flowers. All the 
species are profuse bloomers, and may be 
treated as annuals, or increased by cuttings. 
The seed should be sown in February or 
March, in a hot-bed or in the green-house, and 
pricked out into shallow boxes, and then into 
small pots, and grown on until it is time to 
plant out tender annuals. They are admirable 
for any sunny situation where a delicate 
climbing plant is required. They commence 
to flower in August, and continue until after 
there has been six to eight degrees of frost. 
By taking the roots up in the fall, potting, and 
placing them in a cool green-house or warm 
cellar, they can be planted out again in spring, 
and will come into flower much earlier than 
plants grown from seed. There are two erect 
growing species from California that we have 
not yet had an opportunity to test. The genus 
is allied to Antirrhinuwm, to which the flowers 
have a great resemblance. Lophospermum is 
included in this genus by some authors. In- 
troduced in 1796. 

Mauri’tia. Named after Prince Maurice of Nas- 
sau. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

- A genus of Palms peculiar to tropical South 
America. They grow to an immense size, 
some species attaining the height of 100 or 150 
feet. They bear a crown of enormous fan- 
shaped leaves, from among which the pendu- 
lous flower-spikes are produced. The species 
are abundant on the banks of the Amazon, 


MED 


Rio Negro, and Orinoco Rivers. They usually 
occupy swampy tracts of ground, which are at 
times completely inundated, and present the 
appearance of forests rising out of the water. 


Mawseed. The seeds of Papaver somniferum. 


Maxilla’‘ria. From mazille, the jaws of an in- 
sect; referring to a resemblance of the 
columns and labellum. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

An extensive genus of epiphytal Orchids. 
Many of the species are very beautiful, and of 
delicious fragrance; others, on account of 
their small flowers, are not worthy of cultiva- 
tion. Some of them have their flowers hang- 
ing down from the pseudo-bulbs, and are 
grown in baskets of moss or on pieces of cork, 
or hung by wires to the rafters of the Orchid 
house. Allofthem-are adapted to the cool 
house. 


Maximilia’na. Named after Prince Maximilian. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

M. regia, the only known species, is an im- 
mense-growing Palm of the Amazon. Its 
trunk often exceeds 100 feet in height, and is 
crowned with leaves from thirty to,fifty feet 
long, and its woody spathes, when open, fre- 
quently measure as much as five or six feet in 
length, by about two feet in width, tapering 
to a long point or beak. These spathes are so 
hard that when filled with water they will 
stand the fire, and are sometimes used by the 
Indians as cooking utensils, but more fre- 
quently as baskets for carrying their stores. 


May Apple. See Podophyllum. 
May Flower. See Hpigaa. 
Mayte/nus. From Mayten, the Chilian name 


of the genus. Nat. Ord. Celastracee. 

A genus of evergreen shrubs or small trees 
with alternate coriaceous leaves, and small 
flowers, solitary, or clustered in the axils. The 
arborescent species have very hard wood, and 
the leaves of the commonest Peruvian species, 
although astringent, are said to be greedily 
devoured by cattle. They are seldom found 
in cultivation. 

May Tree or May Bush. See Crataegus. 


May Weed. The popular name of the genus 
Maruta. 

Meadow Beauty. See Rhevia. 

Meadow Clary. Salvia pratensis. 

Meadow Grass. See Poa pratensis. 


Meadow Pink. A common name of Dianthus 
deltoides. 

Meadow Rue. See Thalictrum. 

Meadow Saffron. See Colchicum. 

Meadow Sweet. See Spirwa Ulmaria. 

Mealy. Covered with a scurfy powder. 

Mealy Bug. See Insects. 

Mecono’psis. From mekon, the poppy, and 
opsis, like. Nat. Ord. Papaveracew. 

A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
natives of Britain, north-west America, and 
the Himalayas. M. cambrica, common in 
Wales where it is known as Welsh Poppy, is 
a showy plant, growing about one foot high, 
with bright-green pinnate, hairy leaves, 
slender stems, and large terminal, short-lived 
flowers, of a delicate sulphur yellow color. 
Propagated by seeds or by division. 

Mede'’ola. Indian Cucumber root. Named after 
Medea, the sorceress. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 247 


MED 


M. Virginica, the only species, is a hardy 
herbaceous perennial, common from Virginia 
southward. It has a creeping, tuberous root, 
tasting like a cucumber, from which the plant 
derives its local name, Indian Cucumber. It 
has an erect, simple stem, with sessile leaves 
produced in whorls, with a terminal umbel of 
small, greenish-yellow flowers. 


Medica’go. Medick. From mediko, a name 
given by Dioscorides to a Median Grass. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of weedy-looking plants, with yel- 
low pea-flowers which are generally single or 
in smallclusters. The seed pods in many of 
the species, are very curious, some resem- 
bling snails, others hedgehogs, and others bee- 
hives. They were formerly found in seed- 
men’s catalogues under these various names, 
and recommended to garnish dishes of meat, 
ete. They are now seldom met, as the plants 
to which they belong are found not worth 
growing. M. lupulina, the yellow Trefoil, is 
an excellent fodder plant, either alone or when 
mixed with grasses. It starts very early in the 
spring, is very productive, and grows rapidly. 
M. sativa is the well-known Alfalfa, or Lucerne, 
now extensively used in California and many 
other parts of the world as a forage crop. It 
is particularly fitted from its deep-rooting 
properties, for dry, barren soils. In some 
sections of California five crops are cut 
annually, and at this writing it is considered 
the most valuable forage crop of theState. See 
Alfalfa. 

Medick. See Medicago. 


.Medini/lla. Named after J. de Medinilla y Pin- 
eda, Governor of the Marianne Islands. Nat. 
Ord. Melastomacee. 

A small genus of East Indian evergreen 
shrubby plants, with large fleshy leaves, and 
large pendulous racemes of white or rose- 
colored flowers. The species generally met 
in our green-house is M. magnifica, a plant 
that truly deserves the name. Its enemy in 
the green-house is the mealy bug, which is 
very sure to find it. Itis propagated by cut- 
tings, and requires considerable heat.to grow 
it in perfection. Introduced in 1884. 


Medlar. See Mespilus. 

Medlar. Japanese. See Photinia Japonica. 

Medulla, Medullary. The pith of a plant; 
that central column of cellular matter over 
which the wood is formed in Exogens. 


Medusa’s Head. Euphorbia Caput-Meduse. 


Megacli/nium. From megas, large and kline, a 
hed; referring to the axis or rachis on which 
the flowers are borne. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A small genus of epiphytal Orchids of tropical 
western Africa, closely allied to Bulbophyllum, 
remarkable for the curious flattened, sword- 
shaped flower stalks, upon which the curious 
little flowers are seated in a straight row 
along the middle on both sides. The flowers 
are of a greenish or yellowish brown, spotted 
more or less with purple. Some of them 
have a fancied resemblance to little frogs or 
toads, whence one species has been named 


M. bufo. They are seldom met except in 
large collections. 
Megarrhi’za. Big-Root. From megas, large, 


and rhiza, root; alluding to the large tuberous 
root stocks. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. 


MEL 


A genus of tuberous rooted, climbing plants 
with small white flowers which are produced 
in early spring, the leaves are cordate, pal- 
mately lobed or angled. ‘‘A genus confined to 
the Pacific coast, the species not all known, 
nearly allied tothe Echinocystus of the Atlantic 
States, to which it has been referred, but from 
which it is separated by its thick perennial 
roots, its large turgid emarginate seeds, and 
its thick fleshy cotyledons, which remain 
under ground in germination. The fruit in 
some species appears to be wholly indehis- 
cent.” Cal. Bot. 


Mega’sea. A genus now included under Sazi- 
Sraga. 
Melaleuca. From melas, black, and leukos, 


white; referring to the color of the old and 
young bark. Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 

This genus consists of evergreen trees and 
shrubs, natives of Australia and the islands in 
the Indian Ocean. They have alternate flat or 
cylindrical leaves, and yellowish, purple, or 
erimson flowers produced in axillary clusters. 
M. leucadendron minor is one of the more im- 
portant species the leaves of which after fer- 
mentation are distilled for the purpose of 
yielding the well-known Cajeput Oil, a limpid, 
very volatile, powerfully aromatic oil, of a 
bluish-green color, highly valued as a pre- 
servative of all preparations of natural his- 
tory. The leaves of this species are used as 
a tonic, and the bark is used as oakum and for 
thatching houses. Numerous species’ are 
grown as green-house plants, on account of 
the simplicity of their foliage and the beauty 
of their clustered flowers. 


Melampy’rum. Cow-wheat. A genus of 
Scrophulariacee, natives of Europe and west- 
ern Asia, one being very broadly dispersed 
over Asia and North America. M. arvense 
has large oblong spikes of flowers, variegated 
with yellow, green, and crimson, and forms 
quite a conspicuous object in the corn fields in 
the Isle of Wight, England. Our native 
species M. Americanum is common in open 
woods and is inconspicuous. 


Melana/nthon. Dark-flowered. 
Melanoca’ulon. Black-stemmed. 


Melantha’cez. A natural order included by 
Bentham and Hooker under Liliacee. 


Mela’/nthium. From melos, black, and anthos, 
a flower; referring to the dusky flowers. Nat. 
Ord. Melanthacee. 

A small genus of half-hardy bulbs, requiring 
the protection of the green-house or pit dur- 
ing winter. The flowers are white, yellow or 
pink, and some with nearly black flowers. All 
have very much the appearance of small Ixias. 
They grow in a light soil, flower in early 
summer, and are increased by offsets; intro- 
duced in 1797. 


Melasphe’rula. From melas, black, and sphe- 
rula, a ball; referring to the blackish bulbs. 
Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A small genus of very pretty green-house 
plants of graceful habit, producing a pro- 
fusion of yellow or yellowish-green flowers | 
which remain in perfection for a considerable 
time. They are natives of the Cape of Good 
Hope, and require to be treated similarly to 
the Ivias. Syn. Aglewa and Diasia. 


248 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MEL 


Mela’stoma. From melos, black, and stoma, a 
mouth; the black berries of certain species 
when eaten stain the mouth. Nat. Ord. Me- 
lastomacee. 

This genus contains a considerable number 
of species, distributed over tropical Asia and 
the islands of the Indian and Pacific oceans, 
extending as far south as Moreton Bay. The 
plants are small shrubs, covered with close- 
pressed hairs, and have large violet-purple, 
pale rose, or white flowers, mostly in fascicles 
at the summit of the branches. Propagated 
in spring by cuttings. 

Melastoma’cez. A natural order of trees, 
herbs, or shrubs, with opposite, ribbed leaves 
and showy flowers. They are found chiefly 
in warm climates, though some are natives of 
more temperate regions. There are no un- 
wholesome plants in the order, and the suc- 
culent fruit of several is edible. There are 
over one hundred genera, and nearly two 
thousand species. Illustrative genera are 
Pleroma, Rhexia, Miconia, and Bertolonia. 


Melha’nia. From Mount Melhan, in Arabia 
Felix, where the original species was first 
found. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacew. 

A genus of about sixteen species of orna- 
mental trees or shrubs, natives of Africa, the 
warmer parts of Asia, and tropical Australia. 
MM. erythroxylon is a handsome green-house 
plant, with white flowers changing to pink, and 
ovate, cordate leaves, tomentose beneath. It 
is a native of St. Helena, and only a very few 
individuals now exist in its native habitat. M. 
melanozylon, also from St. Helena, has, within 
comparatively recent years, become quite 
extinct in a wild state, and probably no longer 
exists in cultivation. 


Me’lia. Bead Tree. From Melia, the Greek 
name for the Ash; in allusion to the resem- 
blance in the leaves. Nat. Ord. Meliacee. 

A small genus of tropical trees and shrubs, 
with alternate pinnate or bipinnate leaves, aud 
flowers borne in panicles. M. Azedarach, com- 
monly known as the Pride of India, False 
Sycamore, Holy Tree, Arbre & Chapelet, Bead 
Tree, Hill Margosa, and in our Southern States 
also as Umbrella China Tree and China Berry, 
is, says Dr. Masters, ‘‘ widely diffused over the 
globe, having been carried to America, Africa, 
and different parts of southern Europe. It is 
from thirty to fifty feet high, with bi-pinnate 
leaves, and large bunches of fragrant, lilac- 
colored flowers, which are succeeded by a 
fruit about the size of a Cherry, with an ex- 
ternal pulp and a hard nut within. In south- 
ern France and Spain the tree thrives well in 
the open air, as it does in our Southern States. 
The Arabic name, Azedarach, implies a 
poisonous plant, and the fruit is generally 
considered so. The rootis bitter and nau- 
seous, andis usedasananthelmintic. Thetree 
is supposed to possess febrifugal properties, 
and a decoction of the leaves is used as a 
remedy for hysterics. It derives the name 
Bead Tree on account of the use made of the 
seeds in Catholic countries where the nuts 
are threaded for beads, for which purpose they 
are peculiarly suited, having a natural perfora- 
tion through thecentre ; hence the tree has been 
ealled Arbor Sancta.” We make the following 
extract from the American Agriculturist : ‘“‘The 
tree is not hardy north of Virginia, but south- 
ward it is a common street tree, and frequent 


MEL 


around country places. The ease with which 
it may be transplanted and its rapid growth 
are somewhat offset by the readiness with 
which its branches are broken by high winds. 
Its wood makes excellent fuel, is durable, 
and is used for furniture. There has been in- 
troduced from Texas, within a few years, a 
marked variety,called theUmbrella China Tree. 
Several years ago we saw a small specimen of 
this in the extensive collection of P. J. Berck- 
mans, near Augusta, Ga., which promised to 
be valuable, and now we have a photograph 
of a tree in Abbeville, Ala., taken by J. C. 
Mangold, to show the remarkably compact 
habit and umbrella-like form. Mr. J. A. Clen- 
dinen sends an account of the tree, from which 
we learn that the foliage is so dense that it 
will turn almost any rainfall. It does not 
fruit so abundantly as the ordinary form of 
the tree, but, what is quite remarkable, the 
variety is reproduced from the seed. This 
variety of the favorite China Tree will com- 
mend itself to our readers in the Southern 
States, as it has naturally the compact habit 
that is somewhat imperfectly produced in the 
ordinary form of the tree by severe cutting. 
China Berries, as the fruit of the tree is usu- 
ally called, are eaten by sheep and goats, 
which in winter require but little other food; 
cows are fond of them, but they impart an un- 
pleasant taste to the milk. The hard stone is 
sometimes bored and strung to make _ rosa- 
ries’ and necklaces, hence the tree is known 
in some countries as the Bead Tree.” 


Melia’ceze. A natural order of trees and shrubs 
with alternate, pinnate leaves, without 
stipules, flowering in panicles. They are’ 
natives of the tropics of America and India, 
and very rare in Africa. The flowers of this 
order are generally fragrant, aromatic, and 
tonic. Many supply compact beautifully- 
veined timber, such as the well-known Ma- 
hogany of tropical America (Swielenia Mahog- 
oni), the Satin-wood of India (Chloroxylon 
Swietenia), the Yellow-wood of New South 
Wales (Ozleya xanthoxyla), the Red-wood of 
Coromandel (Soymida febrifuga), and the Toon 
of India, or Simal-Kun of the Lepchas (Ced- 
rela Toona). A kind of oil is procured from 
Satin-wood, and the barks of Cedrela febrifuga, 
as well as the Mahogany Tree, and others, are 
used medicinally in intermittent fevers, etc. 
There are nine known genera and twenty-five 
species. Swietenia, Cedrela, Flindersia, and 
Soymida are examples of the order. 


Melia/nthez. A tribe of Sapindacee. 


Melia’nthus. Honey Flower. From _ meli, 
honey, and anthos, a flower; the tubes contain 
a copious supply of honey-like juice. Nat. 
Ord. Sapindaceaw. : 

A small genus of ornamental shrubs or 
small trees from the Cape of Good Hope, pro- 
ducing axillary or terminal clusters of purple 
flowers, from which the natives obtain honey 
for food by shaking the branches. They are 
rarely, if ever, introduced into the green- 
house, and it is difficult to make them flower. 
M. major is an old green-house plant, the 
leaves of which have a peculiar odor, which 
has given it the name of ‘‘Pease Meal 
Plant.” It is easily raised from seed and 
forms a very ornamental plant with smooth, 
glaucous, deeply-cut leaves; largely em- 
ployed in sub-tropical gardening. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


249 


Meli'chrus. 


MEL 


‘ From melichros, honey-colored, 
in reference to the color of the glands of the 
flower. Nat. Ord. Hpacridacea. 

A small genus of ornamental green-house 
shrubs, with a procumbent or somewhat erect 
habit ; natives of eastern, temperate Australia. 
They have erect, showy, scarlet flowers with 
sessile lanceolate leaves, and are propagated 
by cuttings of the half-ripened shoots. 


Meli'cope. From meli, honey, and kope, a 
division ; in allusion to the four honey glands 
at the base of the ovaries. Nat. Ord. Ruta- 
cee. 

A genus of about fifteen species of green- 
house shrubs, natives of New Zealand and 
the Pacific Islands. M. ternata, the only 
species yet in cultivation, has greenish-white, 
rather small flowers, borne in axillary many- 
flowered cymes. It was introduced from 
New Zealand in 1822, and is propagated by 
cuttings of the small side shoots. 


Melilo’tus. Sweet Clover. From meli, honey, 
and Lotus. The plants are said to be the 
favorite resort of bees. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

This genus consists of about twenty species, 
mostly belonging to southern and central 
Europe and western Asia. Some of the 
species are grown in their native countries as 
forage plants. MM. officinatis, with yellow 
flowers, and M. alba, with white flowers, are 
tommon on the roadsides in the United States, 
having become naturalized from Europe, and 
are sometimes cultivated as ‘‘ Bee Plants.” 


Meli/ssa. Balm. From melissa, a bee; liter- 
ally, a bee-flower. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of hardy, herbaceous perennials. 
The different species being widely diffused 
throughout Europe, middle Asia, and by 
naturalization in the United States. MM. 
officinalis has varieties having delightfully 
fragrant leaves finely marked with yellow and 
white, known as Golden and Silver Balm. 
They are all hardy perennials, and propagated 
by cuttings and by division of the roots. 


Meli’ttis. Bee Balm. From melitta, a form of 
the Greek melissa, a bee, to which insect the 
plant was considered specially grateful. Nat. 
Ord. Labiate. 

M. Melissophyllum widely diffused in Europe, 
is a very handsome hardy perennial, with 
large creamy-white flowers, spotted pink or 
purple. It is most distinct in character, and 
should be grown extensively on the margins 
of shrubberies, and in herbaceous borders 
generally. Propagated by division. 


Melleous. Having the taste or smell of 
honey. 

Melliferous. Honey-bearing. 

Meloca’ctus. Melon Thistle. From melos, a 


melon, and cactus; in allusion to the appear- 
ance of the plants. Nat Ord. Cactacew. 

A sectional genus of Cactus, differing from 
Echinocactus in having the flowers produced 
on a head or cushion covered with dense, 
woolly and bristly hairs, and beset with spines, 
while those of the Echinocactus issue from 
the bare ribs or angles. M. communis, the 
Turk’s Cap Cactus, so called from the flower- 
ing portion on the top of the plant, being of a 
cylindrical form and red color, like a fez cap, 
is a fair representative of this class. In 
South America and in many of the West 


MEN 


Indian Islands it is very common, covering 
large tracts of barren soil. Notwithstanding 
the arid places in which they grow, they con- 
tain a considerable quantity of moisture, and 
the mules resort to them when hard pressed 
for water, carefully removing the spines with 
their fore-feet previous to quenching their 
thirst with the juice. They are not often seen 
in cultivation, and are more grotesque than 
beautiful. 

Melodi’nus. From melon, an Apple, and dineo, 
to turn round; referring to the shape of the 
fruit. Nat. Ord. Apocynacea. 

A genus of woody-stemmed often climbing 
plant-stove shrubs, natives of the East 
Indies, China, the Malayan Archipelago, the 
Pacific Islands and Australia. They are very 
ornamental plants, closely allied to Dipladenia 
and are well worthy of cultivation for their 
showy flowers. D. monogynus has large, 
white, fragrant flowers, borne in axillary and 
terminal panicles, followed by four-cornered 
yellow fruits, the size of an orange, contain- 
ing an edible pulp. It was introduced from 
northern India in 1820. 


Melon. Musk. Cacumis Melo. See Musk- 
Melon. 

Melon-Thistle. See Melocactus. 

Melon. Water. Cucumis Citrullus. See Water- 


Melon. 


Melon-Wood. A yellow Mexican wood, which 
resembles Sander’s wood; used for furniture. 


Melo'thria punctata. This is given in ‘‘ Nichol- 
son’s Dictionary of Gardening” as the cor- 
rect name of the beautiful little climbing 
cucurbitaceous plant known as_ Pilogyne 
suavis. It is a native of South Africa, and 
was introduced to this country by way of 
Germany in 1875. See Pilogyne. 


Meni/scium. A group of ten species of very 
distinct, though coarse-habited Ferns, with 
simple, or once-pinnate fronds. The sori are 
naked, linear-oblong and curved, placed on 
the transverse venules. Sometimes the fronds 
are contracted and the fructification becomes 
crowded, almost like Acrostichum. 


Menisperma’cez. A natural order of trailing 
shrubs with alternate, simple, usually entire 
leaves, and incomplete, usually unisexual 
flowers. They occur in the tropical woods of 
Asia and America, and have bitter and nar- 
cotic properties, some being very poisonous. 
There about thirty genera, and three hundred 
species. Illustrative examples are Anamirta, 
Cissampelos and Menispermum. 


Menispe/rmum. Moon-seed. From mene, the 
moon, and sperma, a seed; the fruit is kidney 
or half-moon shaped; whence the English 
name Moon-seed. Nat. Ord. Menispermacee. 
A small genus of handsome climbing 

shrubs, natives of the Northern States and 

Europe, with curiously-shaped leaves, racemes 

of yellowish or greenish-white flowers, 

and red or black berries, which have some- 
what of an intoxicating quality. M. Canadense, 
which is the commonest species, is a very 
ornamental, hardy, free-growing climber, ad- 
mirably adapted for covering a wall or arbor 
in avery short time. It is well deserving of 
general cultivation, and yet itis comparatively 
little known, perhaps on account of the modest 
color of its elegant little drooping racemes of 


250 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MEN 


flowers, which are generally hidden from 
common observers by the leaves. It looks 
very well on a lawn trained up a single pole, 
and with the extremity of its branches left to 
spread themselves to the wind at pleasure. 
It also looks very well trained to form a 
pillar, or to a frame with an umbrella-top, 
ete. Propagated by cuttings, or from seed 
sown in spring. 

Me'ntha. Mint. The Latin version of the 
Greek name Minthe, borne by the daughter of 
Cocytus, who, according to the poets, was 
metamorphosed into a Mint plant by Proser- 
pine in a fit of jealousy. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A well-known genus of useful herbs. The 
species are pretty generally distributed 
throughout the cooler parts of the world, but 
are most common throughout Europe. They 
have, through naturalization, become quite 
common in many parts of the United States. 
M. piperita is the well-known Peppermint. It 
is extensively cultivated in Wayne County, 
N. Y., for the sake of its volatile oil, which is 
procured by distilling its leaves. M. viridis, 
or Spearmint, is the plant that is used for 
culinary purposes under the name of Mint. 
This species is extensively forced or for- 
warded under glass, and thousands of dollars’ 
worth of it are sold in the winter and spring 
months in the markets of New York. WM. 
Pulegium is the true Pennyroyal, a native of 
Great Britain, like the preceding species. 
(The plant known as Pennyroyal of our woods 
is an annual, Hedeoma pulegioides, American 
Pennyroyal.) The species are abundantly 
propagated by suckers, division, or cuttings, 
and but rarely produce perfect seed. The 
only difficulty in their cultivation in the pri- 
vate garden is in keeping them within bounds. 
M. citrata, a native of Europe, is the species 
from which the Oil of Bergamot is extracted. 

Mentze'lia. Namedin honor of C. Menizel, a 
German botanist. Nat. Ord. Loasacew. 

A genus of hardy annuals and perennials, 
mostly with large white, showy flowers; com- 
mon on the western plains. MM. albicaulis, a 
low-branching plant from six to ten inches 
high, with white polished stems, and deeply 

cut, lance-shaped leaves, is found abundantly 
on the arid, sandy plains of Oregon and Cali- 
fornia. It produces oily seeds that the 
Indians pound up and make into cake, which 
forms part of their food. They are all easily 
raised from seed. Burtonia is now generally 
included under this genus. 


Menya’nthes. Buck Bean. From men, a 
month, and anthos, a flower; the time of 
duration. Nat. Ord. Gentianacew. 

The European kinds have white flowers, but 
some of the exotic species, now called Vil- 
larsia, which are natives of Australia and the 
Cape, are very handsome, with very showy 
yellow flowers. They are all marsh plants, 
and should be sown or planted in the mud or 
soft ground left by the water. Some of the 
kinds are only half-hardy. M. trifoliata is 
common in moist places from New England 
north and westward. It produces racemes 
of very pretty white or slightly reddish flow- 
ers, about one foot high. 

Menzie’sia. Named after A. Menzies, surgeon 
and naturalist of the expedition under Van- 
Couver. Nat. Ord. Hricacew. 

The several species that constitute this 


MES 


genus are small, handsome, heath-like shrubs, 
natives of the North American coast. The 
flowers are larger and more globular than the 
common Heath, and much handsomer; they 
are terminal, either singly or in clusters. 
They were introduced in 1810, and are propa- 
gated by layers in autumn or by cuttings. 


Mercuria’lis. So named after Mercury, who is 
supposed 10 have discovered some virtues in 
the genus. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceew. 

A genus of uninteresting plants widely dis- 
tributed in temperate climates. M. perennis, 
the Dog’s Mercury, is a poisonous plant 
which turns a dull bluish-green when dried; 
a deep blue dye of a fugitive nature may be 
obtained from it. 


Merende’ra. A name given to Colchicum by 
the Spaniards, and applied to this genus be- 
cause of its affinity. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

M. Cuucasica, the best known species, is a 
hardy bulb with purple flowers, from the Cau- 
easus. It is very like Bulbocodium vernum, 
but flowers in autumn and grows frcely in the 
garden with the same treatment as is given 
to other hardy bulbs. M. Persica, introduced 
in 1872, under the name of M. Aitchinsoni, has 
pale lilac, fragrant flowers, about two inches 
in diameter. It was introduced in 1823, and 
is propagated by offsets. 

Mermaid Weed. The popular name of the 
genus Proserpinaca, a common plant in sandy 
swamps near the coast. 


Merte’nsia. Named in honor of Prof. F. C. 
Mertens, a German botanist. Nat. Ord. Bora- 
ginacee. 


A genus of very handsome, hardy perennial, 
glabrous, or pilose herbs, natives of eastern 
Europe, Asia, and North America. Flowers- 
blue or purplish, in terminal racemes, leaves 
alternate, often pellucid-dotted. M. Virginica 
(the Virginian Cowslip), syn. Pulmonaria, is 
an admirable plant for either the herbaceous 
border, or for rock work. Propagated by 
division, or by seeds sown as soon as ripe. 

Mery’ta. From meryo, to roll up; in reference 
to the male flowers forming something like a 
rolled-up ball. Nat. Ord. Araliaceaw. 

A genus of six species of stove or green- 
house glabrous trees, natives of Norfolk 
Island, New Zealand, and the South Pacific 
Islands. M. Denhami and M. macrophylla are 
cultivated for their showy and ornamental 
foliage. 

Mesembryacez or Mesembryacez. A nat- 
ural order now included by many botanists as 
a tribe of Ficoidew. : 

Mesembrya/nthemum. Fig Marigold, Ice 
Plant. From mesembria, midday, and anthe- 
mon, a flower; referring to the flowers open- 
ing better onsunny days. Nat. Ord. Ficoidee. 

This genus consists of nearly four hundred 
species, more than one hundred and fifty of 
which have been introduced and highly recom- 
mended for the flower garden. They are 
very succulent and grow in hot, sandy plains, 
the genus being almost entirely confined to 
the Cape of Good Hope. Their leaves are 
very variable in form, but almost always of a 
thick, fleshy texture; the flowers, which em- 
brace all shades of orange, crimson, pink, 
white, etc., are most of them very beautiful, 
the petals of brilliant colors and of a lasting 
nature, with a handsome centre.. They only 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 251 


MES 


expand in the sunshine, and are well adapted 
for a hot situation, one in which but little 
else would thrive well. M. erystailinum, a 
native of the Canary Islands and Greece, as 
well as of the Cape of Guod Hope, is the com- 
mon Ice Plant of our gardens, so called in 
consequence of every part of the leaf and 
stalk being covered with small watery pus- 
tules, which glisten in the sun like fragments 
ofice. Large quantities of the plant are col- 
lected in the Canaries and burned, the ashes be- 
ing sent to Spain for use of glassmakers. The 
English name of Fig Marigoldis appliedto M. 
edule, the fruit of which is shaped like a fig, 
and which is eaten by the Hottentots; and to 
the flower, which resembles that’ of the Mari- 
gold in shape, and sometimes in color. M. 
cordifolium variegatum is remarkable for the 
distinct variegation of its leaves, white and 
green. Itisafree-growing plant, well adapted 
for rockeries, vases, or edgings to beds or 
ribbon borders. This variety is increased by 
cuttings, as the variegation is not constant in 
plants grown from seed. All the species are 
easily increased by cuttings. 


Mesopini’dium. From mesos, medium-sized, 
and spinidiom, abird. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 
A small genus of beautiful little Orchids 
from the Andes of Peru, nearly allied to 
Odontoglossum. M. sanguineum is one of the 
most showy species, and is interesting on 
account of its nodding racemes of rusy flow- 
ers. The species are rarely seen in collec- 
tions. They may be grown in a cool house, 
must be sparingly watered, and are increased 
by division ; introduced in 1867. 


Me’spilus. Medlar. From mesos, half, and 
pilos, a ball; referring to the shape of the 
fruit of the Medlar. Nat. Ord. Rosacea. 

A genus of low-growing, hardy deciduous 
trees, common to Europe. ‘They are orna- 
mental and produce an edible fruit of but little 
value. They are good plants for shrubberies, 
or for single specimens like the Hawthorn, 
which they resemble somewhat in appearance. 


_Mesquit or Meskit. Prosopis juliflora. 


Me’sua. Named after Mesue, the father and 
son, two celebrated Arabian physicians and 
botanists, who resided at Damascus, and 
flourished in the eighth and ninth centuries. 
Nat. Ord. Guttifere. 

A small genus of tender evergreen trees 
from tropical Asia, remarkable for their beauti- 
ful foliage, and large, pure white axillary 
flowers, which are highly fragrant. The flow- 
ers, both fresh and: dried, are sold in all the 
Indian bazaars, under the name of Nagkesur, 
being held in high esteem on account of their 
fragrance. 


Metho’nica. A synonym of Gloriosa, which 
see. 
Metrodo’rea. In memory of Metrodorus Sa- 


binus, said to have been the first draughtsman 
of plants. Nat. Ord. Rutacea. 

‘M. atropurpurea, the only described 
species, is a shrubby stove-house shrub with 
purplish flowers borne in panicles. It is a 
native of Mexico, introduced in 1851. 


Metrosi/deros. From metra, heart-wood, and 
sideros, iron; referring to the hardness of the 
wood. Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 


MIC 


A genus of lofty trees, climbers and shrubs, 
natives of New Zealand. M. robusta is a tall 
tree with a stout, erect trunk, and a branching 
head of myrtle-like foliage, and showy, scarlet 
or crimson flowers. The wood of this species 
is very valuable for ship timber. M. tomentosa, 
is called the Fire Tree by the colonists, on 
account of its brilliant flowers. One or two 
species are under cultivation in the green- 
houses, where their bright scarlet flowers are 
very effective. They were first introduced in 
1787, and are propagated from cuttings of the 
young wood. 


Metro’xylon. From metra, the heart of a tree; 
and zylon, wood, in allusion to the large pro- 
portion of pith contained in the plant: Nat. 
Ord. Palmacee. 

A small genus of erect plant-stove palms, 
natives of the Malayan Archipelago, New 
Guinea, and the Fiji Islands. From the 
trunks of M. leve and M. Rumphii part of the 
sago of commerce is prepared. Syn. Sagus, 
which see. 

Metterni’/chia. Named after Prince Metternich, 
of Austria, 1772-1859. Nat. Ord. Solanacee. 

A genus of handsome plant-stove evergreen 
plants similar in habit to Brunsfelsia, natives 
of South America. They have very showy 
funnel-shaped flowers, with entire shining, 
somewhat coriaceous leaves. They are closely 
allied to Lisianthus. 


Me’um. From meion, small; in allusion to the 
leaves. Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 

A small genus of hardy herbaceous plants, 
most of which are of but little merit. M. 
athamaticum (Spignel), a native of Scotland, 
is a plant of compact habit, with charmingly 
cut foliage of most intense green; its flowers 
are of no importance, but its leaves are of 
great value for decorative purposes. 

Mexican Fox Glove. See Tvtranema. 
Mexican Tea. See Chenopodium. 

Mexican Thistle. See Hrythrolena. 

Mexican Tiger Flower. See Tigridia pavonia. 


Meye’nia. Named in honor of M. Meyen. Nat. 
Ord. Acanthacee. 

M. erecta, the best known species, is a very 
pretty green-house shrub with purple and 
yellow flowers, introduced from West Africa 
in 1857. The genus is now included under 
Thunbergia, which see. 


Mezereon. A common name for Daphne Mez- 
erium. 


Mice. Field. Are often very destructive to some 
kinds of garden crops, particularly such plants 
as are kept under glass in winter, such as 
Vines in cold graperies, Cabbage, Lettuce or 
such plants as are kept in cold frames. They 
are easily destroyed by any of the methods 
used = the destruction of the ordinary mice 
or rats. 


Michelmas Daisy. The English name for the 
genus Aster. 


Micha’uxia. Named after A. Michaua, a French 
botanist.e Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. 

A genus of hardy biennials, chiefly found in 
the Levant. They are allied to the Cam- 
panulas, and are of easy culture. M. cam- 
panuloides is a remarkable and highly orna- 
mental plant, growing from three to eight 
feet high. The flowers are white, tinged 


252 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MIC 


with purple, and are arranged in a pyra- 
midal candelabra-like head, which makes 
it very striking and distinct. It flourishes 
best in a moist and deep sandy loam, and 
should be treated as a hardy biennial, seed- 
lings being raised annually so as always to 
have good flowering plants. Its fine stately 
form and tall stature are very effective, either 
in the mixed border or when given a nook to 
itself in a choice bed of evergreen shrubs. 
They are all of easy culture, were first intro- 
duced in 1787, and are propagated by seeds. 


Miche’lia. Named after P. A. Michele, afamous 
Florentine botanist, who died in 1757. Nat. 
Ord. Magnoliacee. 

Lofty evergreen trees, natives-of India and 
the islands of the Eastern Archipelago. J. 
Champaca is cultivated in India for the power- 
ful fragrance of its flowers, which is said to be 
so strong that bees seldom if ever alight on 
them. The tree is sacred to Vishnu, and is 
therefore an object of superstitious regard on 
the part of the Hindoos, who adorn their dark 
hair with the rich orange-colored flowers. It 
has seldom been introduced into the green- 
house, and where tried it has not proved an 
acquisition. 


Mico’nia. Named after D. Micon, a Spanish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. 

A large genus of trees and shrubs, natives 
of tropical America and Asia. The flowers 
are white, pink, purple, red, or yellow, gen- 
erally in terminal panicles. A few of the spe- 
cies are grown for their beautiful foliage. The 
genus contains nearly 300 species. : 


Microca/chrys. From mikros, small, and 
kachrys, a cone; referring to the very small 
cones. Nat. Ord. Conifere. 

M. tetragona, the only species, is a prostrate, 
much-branched evergreen shrub, introduced 
to cultivation from the mountains of Tas- 
mania in 1857. It is called the ‘‘Strawberry- 
fruited Cypress of Tasmania,” and is described 
in the Gardener’s Chronicle ‘“‘ as quite a gem 
among conifers.” The female plant is very 
pretty, having nearly every one of its multi- 
tude of little branchlets terminated by a 
bright-red, almost globular, fleshy cone, 
measuring about one-quarter of an inch from 
base to apex. By training up a leader, the 
lateral branches arrange themselves in a 
drooping manner round about. Syn. Dacry- 
dium tetragonum. 


Microglo’ssa. From mikros, small, and glossa, 
a tongue; alluding to the shortness of the 
straps of the ray-flowers. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of about six species of small shrubs, 
natives of the warmer parts of Asiaand Africa. 
M. albescens (syn. Asier albescens) is a hand- 
some, hardy shrub, introduced from the Him- 
alayas in 1883. The flower-heads are small, 
in a diffuse corymb, and are of a beautiful 
blue color. Propagated by seeds or by divi- 
sion of the roots. 


Microle/pia. From micros, small, and lepis, a 
scale; in allusion to the appearance of the 
spore, or seed-cases. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of strong-growing evergreen Ferns, 
elosely allied to Davailia, under which genus 
they are included by some authors. The spe- 
cies are plants of easy culture, and of great 


MIG 


beauty, all well adapted for amateur collec- 
tions, as they thrive well in a moderate tem- 
perature. They are found in nearly all the 
oe parts of the world. Introduced 
in 1836. 


Microli'cia. From mikros, small, and alikia, 
stature; the plants are dwarf. Nat. Ord. Me- 
lastomacee. ; 

A large genus, comprising over seventy 
species, few of which are of any horticultural 
value. M. bivalvis and M. recurva, introduced 
from Trinidad in 1822, are pretty dwarf plants 
with purple flowers, and are increased by 
seeds or division. 


Microme’ria. From micros, small, and meris, a 
part; referring tothe usually diminutive flow- 
ers. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of hardy or half-hardy shrubs or 
herbs, comprising about sixty species, dis- 
persed over nearly all the temperate and 
warmer parts of the globe, but occurring in 
the greatest abundance in the Mediterranean 
region. Some of the species have an odor 
like common Thyme, others smell like Mint. 
M. Piperella is a pretty little rock plant, and 
may be increased by cuttings. 


Micromy’rtus. From micros, small, and Myrtos, 
Myrtle; small Myrtles. Nat. Ord. Myrtacew. 
A genus of heath-like green-house shrubs, 
natives of Australia. M. microphylla, the only 
species yet introduced, forms a neat little 
green-house plant, with small white flowers, 
borne in racemes on the upper branches. It 
is propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened 
wood, and was introduced to cultivation in 


Microspe’rma. From mikros, small, and sperma, 
aseed. Nat. Ord. Loasacee. 

M. bartonioides, is a very pretty little yellow 
California annual, now included by Bentham 
and Hooker under Mentzelia. It is also in 
cultivation under the name of Euenide bar- 

Micro’stylis. From mikros, small, and stylos, a 
column. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A small genus of terrestrial or epiphytal 
orchids, natives of tropical America and 
India. But few of the species are under cul- 
tivation. M. discolor, a native of Ceylon, 
is a very interesting plant, worthy of 
a place in every collection. It is char- 
acterized by Sir William Hooker ‘as 
among the most lovely of terrestrial orchids. 
The foliage is a rich purple, sometimes witha 
green edge plaited longitudinally and much 
crisped at the margin, nor are the flowers, 
though minute, wanting in singularity of 
structure, when seen under the microscope. 
They have the property of changing color, be- 
ing at first yellow, then orange, or purple.” 
It requires the same treatment as the Anec- 
tochilus. 


Midday Flower. The Australian settlers’ 
name for Mesembryanthemum. 

Midrib. The large vein extending along the 
middle of a leaf, from its petiole nearly or 
quite to the other end. 

Midshipman’s Butter. See Persea. 

Mid-winter Sunflower. See Leptosyne. 

Mignonette. Reseda odorata. This  well- 
known plant is generally treated as an annual 
and sown every year as such; but it is, in 


MIMULUS TIGRINUS FL. PL. MILLA BIFLORA. 


MICROLEPIA HIRTA CRISTATA, 


MIGNONETTE. 


MIMOSA PUDIOA. MIMULUS MOSCHATUS. MIRABILIS (MARVEL OF PERU) 


MINA LOBATA, MONTEBRETIA POTTSL, 


MONTBRETIA CROCOSMIZFLORA, MIMULUS CARDINALIS. 253 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 253 


MIG 


fact, a shrub, and if preserved carefully 
through the winter, in two or three years its 
stem will become quite woody. In this state it 
is called the Tree Mignonette, and is supposed 
by many to be a different species. It is a 
native of Barbary,- and grows wild on the 
sandy shore of Algiers. The name Mignon- 
ette, which is French for ‘the little dar- 
ling,” is supposed to have been given to it on 
account of its seeds having been first sent to 
-England from Paris. It is rather singular, 
however, that it should be known by a French 
name in England, while in France and Ger- 
many it is known by its Latin name of Reseda. 
Mignonette should always be sown in light, 
sandy soil, if possible; as, when grown in a 
rich loam, it loses its fragrance. With a 
little management, it may be contrived to 
have Mignonette in flower every month dur- 
ing the year without the aid of a regular 
gardener. In order that the plants may flower 
in winter, the seed should be sown in the 
open border in July; or, if it be more con- 
venient, the seeds may be sown in pots in 
that month, placing the pots in any situation 
where they will have abundance of light and 
air. In September the plants should be put 
in the pots in which they are to flower, and 
only a sufficient number left in each to make 
the pots look full without the plants being so 
crowded as to occasion them to be drawn up. 
This number must, of course, vary according 
to the size of the pot; but it should never ex- 
ceed eight, or be less than three. The pots 
should then be taken into the house, and 
placed in any convenient situation in a room 
without a fire, till they have formed their 
flower-buds, which will be the latter end of 
October. They should then be removed to a 
window in a room where the temperature 
does not exceed 50° at night, when they will 
throw out an abundance of branches, and will 
continue flowering beautifully during Novem- 
ber, December, and January; and, if they are 
regularly watered every day, till the following 
March. When itis wished to obtain a plant 
of Tree Mignonette, a healthy, vigorous plant 


of Mignonette sown in a pot in April should | 


be selected, and the flower-buds should be 
taken off as fast as they appear. In autumn 
all the lower side shoots should be cut off, so 
as to shape the plant into a miniature tree, 
and it should be transplanted into a larger 
pot, with fresh soil, formed of turfy loam 
broken small. It should then be removed to 
a green-house or warm room, and by being 
regularly watered every day, and kept toler- 
ably warm, it will remain in a growing state 
all the winter, and by spring its stem will be- 
gin to appear woody. It should be treated in 
the same manner the following year, all the 
side branches being cut off as they appear, 
except those that are to form the head of the 
tree; and by the third spring it will have bark 
on its trunk, and be completely a shrub. It 
may now be suffered to bloom, and its flowers 
will continue to be produced every summer 
for a great many years in succession. 
Mignonette does best in a cool climate, our 
summers sometimes being too warm to grow 
it in perfection; but for fall flowering nothing 
can surpass its luxuriance, beauty, or fra- 
grance. For this purpose sow the seed in 
July ‘or early in August in a well-prepared 
bed of deep rich soil. It is of the utmost im- 


MIL 


portance that the seeds of Mignonette, when 
sown in the hot months, should be well 
firmed. Our plan is to sow in drills two or 
three inches deep and eighteen inches apart. 
After sowing the seed it is carefully and reg- 
ularly trodden down with the foot, and then 
raked lengthwise of the rows to make the 
ground level. Inthis way the seed will ger- 
minate in the hottest or dryest weather, while 
it is almost certain to fail if left loose. Thin 
the plants out to six inches apart each way, 
and from the first of September until quite 
cold ‘weather there will be a profusion of 
. flowers. 

MIGNONETTE FOR CUTTING IN WINTER is 
most successfully grown in a _ span-roofed 
house with solid side benches. These should 
be thoroughly drained and heavily manured 
with well-rotted cow manure which should be 
well mixed with the soil to the depth of at 
least eighteen inches. The seed may be sown 
in rows six inches apart, directly upon the 
beds, about the middle of August, and thinned 
out from four to six inches apart, according 

_to the strength of the variety sown. The 
plants thrive much better if the surface of the 
soil is gone over frequently and kept loose, 
care being taken that no chick-weed is left, as 
it luxuriates in the cool, rich border, and will 
cause no end of trouble later in the season. 
Water should be carefully and systematically 
applied, the beds thoroughly watered when 
necessary, and withheld till the appearance 
of the soil or plants indicates the need of 
more moisture. 

To keep the stems straight and marketable 
a system of brushing may be adopted, using 
branches suitable to the height of the Mignon- 
ette. By thus keeping the plant as upright 
as possible, and breaking the shoots well 
back in picking, the last shoot gathered in 
June will be nearly as firm as those picked in 
November and December. To have sturdy, 
short-jointed Mignonette the temperature 
must be kept low, not over forty degrees at 
night, no matter if it occasionally touches the 
freezing point; plenty of air being given 
whenever the weather will permit. It will 
not mature as fast as if kept warmer, but the 
spikes will be all the finer, more marketable, 
and, of course, more valuable. 


Mika’nia. Climbing Hempweed. Named after 
Joseph Mikan, Professor of Botany at Prague. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of hardy and half-hardy twining 
plants, allied to Eupatorium. MM. scandens, 
common from Long Island to Kentucky and 
southward, is a perennial, with axillary clus- 
ters of flesh-colored flowers. MM. violacea, a 
tender species with dark, velvet-like foliage, 
is now much used as a drooping plant for 
baskets, vases, etc. Propagated by cuttings. 


Mildew. The term used for the parasitical 
fungus so common to vegetation, both under 
glass and in the open air. Like nearly all 
other parasites hurtful to plants, it seems to 
us that Mildew only attacks plants when, 
from some cause or other, they are in an 
abnormal state. For instance, we find that if 
some varieties of Roses and Grape Vines, 
cither under glass or in the open air, are 
exposed to excessive drought, so as to 
enfeeble the leaf action, or if exposed to a 
sudden change of temperature, they are 


254 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MIL 


almost certain to be attacked with Mildew. 
Many years ago, in our green-houses at Jersey 
City, N. J.. we had a marked instance well 
illustrating this belief. We had a Rose-house, 
on which the sashes had been slid down for 
ventilation; it came up suddenly cold, and 
before the green-house could be closed, some 
six or eight square spaces of 3x3 feet, where 
the sashes had been let down, were frozen so 
severely that the young shoots of the Roses 
hung down and we thought they were ruined. 
The next morning, however, they appeared all 
right; butin a few days after Mildew appear- 
ed in the square space (3x3 feet) with the 
lines nearly as closely defined as if struck out 
with «a rule, the other portions of the Rose- 
house being entirely free from it. Now we 
reason from this incident, and others nearly 
as marked, that spores or germs of mildew are 
nearly always present, floating in the atmos- 
phere, and that when a congenial soil, so to 
speak, is formed by a relaxed condition of 
the plant, the floating germ is sown on the 
enfeebled leaves, and the parasite starts into 
the low organic life known as Mildew. For- 
tunately, we have a rarely-failing antidote 
against Mildew. Sulphur, applied in various 
forms, is almost acertain specific. For Grape 
Vines, Roses or other plants affected by Mildew 
outdoors, the flowers of sulphur applied by the 
sulphur bellows, when used in the early stage 
of the attack, will at once check it; but when 
Mildew attacks Roses or Grape Vines under 
glass in winter, the best plan is to paint the hot 
water pipes with a wash of sulphur and lime or 
sulphur and guano (the guano or lime is only 
used to make the sulphur stick to the pipes) 
every eight or ten days. The fumes of the sul- 
phur, evolved by the heated water in the pipes 
(about 200 degrees), is certain destruction to 
the germ-producing Mildew. When flues are 
used instead of hot-water pipes, the sulphur 
‘wash may be used on them; but care must be 
taken that it is only on the end of the flues 
farthest from the furnace, as, if much hotter 
than 200 degrees it will injure the leaves; 
but no harm can ever ensue from its use on 
the hot-water pipes or on the smoke flue, if 
not hotter than 200 degrees. At seasons 
when no fires are used, the following prepar- 
ation will usually be found a prompt remedy 
against Mildew: take six pounds each of 
flowers of sulphur and lump lime, put together 
and slake the lime, adding ten gallons of water. 
Boil all together until it is reduced to four 
gallons; allow the liquid to settle until it gets 
clear, and then bottle for use. One gill only 
of this is to be mixed with five gallons of 
water, and syringed freely over the plants, 
care being taken not to let it drop on expand- 
ed flowers or ripe fruit, as its odor is very 
disagreeable. Mr. Chas. E. Pearson, of Chil- 
well, in an article on the culture of the Chry- 
santhemum, see “Journal of Horticulture,” 
London, December, 1888, says : ‘‘If Mildew ap- 
pears while the plants are outside, syringe 
with the following: 1 pound soap, 4 pound 
sulphur, and ten gallons of water, mix with 
boiling water, and add the remaining quantity 
cold; stir constantly while using. This is a 
perfect cure, and far before any method of 
‘dusting sulphur, etc. After they are housed, a 
coat of linseed oil and sulphur on the pipes is 
2 good preventive. Ihave not seen a speck 
of mildew in all our large show houses this 


MIM 


season, which I attribute to this precaution.” 
This linseed oil and sulphur cure was first 
brought before the public some years ago by 
Mr. Arch. Veitch, of New Haven, Conn., ina 
communication to the ‘Gardeners’ Monthly,” 
the editor of which, Mr. Thos. Meehan, in a 
communication to the ‘Journal of Horticul- 
ture,” February, 1889, says: * * ‘‘I have seen 
it tried over and over again, and have no 
hesitation in saying, that it not only preyents 
Mildew from appearing in a plant-house but 
will speedily stop its progress after it com- 
mences its ravages.” It may moreover, be 
used on steam pipes, or on hot flues with 
perfect safety, the oil seeming to modify the 
acrid fumes of the sulphur and render them 
innocuous. 

Milfoil. See Achillea. 

Mi'lium. Millet Grass. 

Milk-Thistle. Silybum Marianum. 

Milk-Tree. See Brosimum. 

Milk Vetch. See Astragalus. 

Milk-Vine. Periploca greca. 

Milk-Weed. See Asclepias, a name also given 
to Euphorbia. : 

Milk-Wort. The genus Polygala. 


Milla. Named after J. Milla, gardener to the 
Spanish Court at Madrid. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 
A genus of hardy bulbs, allied to Tritelia 
with whichit is often confounded. MM. biflora, 
the only cultivated species, grows freely in 
the open border, producing white flowers 
often in pairs, on a slender scape about a foot 
high. It flowers in July and August, con- 
tinuing a long time in’succession. It was 
introduced from Mexico in 1826, and is 
increased by seeds or offsets. 

Millet-Grass. The common name of Milium. 

Mille'tia. Named after J. A. Millet, a French 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of tall-climbing trees or shrubs, 
natives of Australia, and the warmer parts of 
Asia and Africa. M. megasperma, introduced 
from Queensland, has glossy dark green 
leaves and loose panicled racemes of showy 
purple flowers, resembling in habit the Wis- 
taria Chinensis. 

Milto/nia. Named after the Earl Fitzwilliam. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

This small genus stands conspicuously 
prominent, even in the magnificent order to 
which it belongs, on account of the number 
and beauty of its flowers. Nor are they at all 
difficult of management, requiring only to be 
treated in the manner recommended for Le- 
lia or Cattleya; and when grown into a 
tolerably good specimen, nothing can exceed 
the grandeur of M. spectabilis or M. candida, 
the large size and delicate white of the sepals 
and petals, contrasted with the rich crimson 
marking of the expansive lip of the former, 
when seen in any quantity, fully equal the 
most showy of the order. Either or both of 
the above should always be included in every 
collection of Orchids. The genus consists of 
about a dozen species, all natives of Brazil; 
introduced in 1840. 

Mimo’sa Sensitive Plant. From mimos, a 
mimic; referring to the irritability of the 
leaves, as if imitating animal sensibility. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 

To this genus belongs the Sensitive Plant, 
of which there may be said to be three spe- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 255 


MIM 


cles, the leaves of all of which shrink to the 
touch, viz.: M sensitiva and pudica, natives 
of Brazil, growing two to three feet high, with 
pale ball-like pink flowers; and M. casta, a 
native of the East Indies, growing about two 
feet high, with pale yellow flowers. M. pudica 
is the true Sensitive Plant, and the one that 
is usually grown, being more sensitive than 
M., sensitiva. It is cultivated as an annual, 
and should be raised on a hot-bed or in the 
green-house in spring, with the tender an- 
nuals; and either kept in pots throughout the 
summer, or turned out into the open border 
about the end of May. Many species formerly 
included under the genus Mimosa are now re- 
moved to Acacia; the principal distinction 
between the genera being that Mimosa has a 
jointed seed-pod, which Acacia has not. Sev- 
eral other genera have also been formed out 
of Mimosa. Some of the kinds are hot-house 
plants; others thrive in a green-house; and 
M. marginata (the M. prostrata of the nurs- 
eries) is sufficiently hardy to stand the winter 
at the South. They are propagated by cut- 
tings; the annuals by seeds. A singular fact 
in connection with the Mimosa pudica is said 
to be, that if chloroform be applied to the 
plant, its sensitiveness is suspended until the 
effects of the anesthetic have passed off. 


Mi’mulus. Monkey Flower. From mimo, an 
ape or actor; in reference to the ringent or 
gaping mouth of the flower. Nat. Ord. Scro- 
phulariacee. 

This genus, among the most ornamental of 
our hardy and half-hardy herbaceous plants, 
is found dispersed over America, Asia, Aus- 
tralia, and Africa, but most numerous in 
western America. Two species have broken 
out into numberless varieties: these are M. 
cardinalis, and M. luteus, and the latter, espec- 
ially seems capable of bringing a great deal of 
variety to the aid of the flower-gardener. All 
of these, and M moschatus, or Musk Plant, as it 
is called, are valuable aids in that department, 
and are very generally grown for the purpose, 
being very prolific of flowers. M. cupreus, 
introduced from Chili in 1861, is also the 
origin of a great number of very beautiful 
hybrids known as M. maculosus. They are all 
easily propagated by seeds, cuttings, or by 
division of the roots. 


Mi'musops. From mimo, an ape, and opsis, a 
face; the flowers may be fancied to resemble 
the face of a monkey. Nat. Ord. Sapotacee. 
A genus of ornamental trees with a milky 
juice, ‘‘the better known species of which are 
found in the East Indies, tropical Australia, 
the Cape of Good Hope, and Brazil. They are 
very ornamental, showy trees, with entire, 
smooth leaves, and small white, often sweet- 
smelling flowers. Several species yield hard, 
durable and very heavy timber, such as M. 
E iand M. Indica, in Ceylon, where the 
wood is used for ordinary house-building pur- 
poses, and M. hexandra, in the peninsula of 
India. A species called the Bully-tree, or 
Bullet-tree, in British Guiana, grows over 100 
feet high, with a trunk six feet in diameter, 
affording a very close-grained timber of an 
exceedingly durable nature, being but little 
influenced by the weather. Its small fruits, 
about the size of coffee-berries, are delicious 
when ripe. The fruits of other species, also, 
are eaten in their native countries, such as 


MIT 


those of M. Elengi, the seeds of which likewise 
afford an abundance of oil, while its highly- 
fragrant flowers yield their perfume to water 
by distillation.”—A. Smith, in ‘Treasury of 
Botany.” 


Mi’na. A genus of Convolvulacee, containing 
one species, M. lobata, a beautiful climbing 
herbaceous plant, with rosy-crimson flowers, 
changing as they expand first to orange and 
then to pale yellow. Now placed by Bentham 
and Hooker under Ipomea, as I. versicolor. 


Minia’tus. Of a vermilion color; pure red with 
a little yellow. 


Mint. See Mentha. 


Mint-bush, or Mint tree of Australia. See 
Prostranthera. 


Mira’bilis. Marvel of Peru. From mirabilis, 
wonderful, as everything was at first con- 
sidered that was sent from South America 
to Great Britain. Nat. Ord. Nyctaginacee. 

The varieties of M. Jalapa, or Marvel of 
Peru, are valuable ornaments of the borders 
of the flower garden. The seed should be 
sown in May where they are to grow, or they 
may be sown for early blooming in a hot-bed 
and transplanted in May along with Dahlias 
and such plants. Their after treatment 
closely resembles that of the former; they_ 
should be staked and tied in the same way, 
and on the approach of winter their large 
tuberous roots should be taken up and stored 
away in dry sand until the following spring, 
when in April they may be forwarded on a 
moderate hot-bed, and again in May be 
planted into the border of the flower garden, 
or they may be planted at once in the border as 
soon as danger from frostis past. The whole of 
the genus are of one character, and may be 
treated alike. Plants from the old roots will 
come into flower much earlier than if grown 
from seed. The colors of the Marvel of 
Peru are various, one being pure white and 
very fragrant, while others are beautifully as 
well as curiously striped. Gerarde first 
notices this genus in 1596. 


Mirbe’lia. Named after C. F. B. Mirbel, a 
physiological botanist of Paris. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

This genus consists of eight or nine species 
of Australian shrubs, with handsome yellow, 
purple, or bluish flowers. A few of the species 
are occasionally met in the more rare collec- 
tions of green-house plants. They are ever- 
greens, producing their flowers in July, 
and are propagated by cuttings; introduced 
in 1825. 

Missouri Currant. See Ribes aureum. 

Mist Flower. See Conoclinium. 

Mist Tree. See Rhus cotinus. 

Mistletoe. See Viscum album. 


Mitche’lla. Partridge Berry. Named inhonor 
of Dr. John Mitchell, an early correspondent 
of Linneus, and an excellent botanist, who 
resided in Virginia. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

A small genus comprising two species of 
glabrous creeping herbs, one dispersed 
through North America from Mexico to 
Canada, and the other a native of Japan. M.. 
repens, our native species, is a low, creeping 
evergreen, widely distributed throughout the 
United States and Canada in dry woods. 


256 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MIT 


The flowers are white, tinged with purple, 
and fragrant, the fruit is scarlet and edible, 
but nearly tasteless, and remains on during 
the winter. The Partridge is very fond of it, 
whence the local name. It isa pretty little 
plant for rockeries, hardy ferneries, and such 
like places. 


Mite’lla. Mitre-Wort. Bishop’s Cap. A diminu- 
tive from mitra, a cap or mitre; alluding to 
the form of the young pod. Nat. Ord. Sazi- 
Sragacee. 

A genus of hardy, perennial herbs, with 
stalked, roundish, cordate crenated leaves, 
and greenish-white flowers, often nodding, 
in slender many-flowered racemes. One 
species, M. nuda, occurs in Siberia, and this 
and the other species are natives of this 
country. They are admirable subjects for the 
rock-garden. 


Mitraca'rpum. From mitra, amitre, and karpos, 
a fruit; in allusion to the fruit being cut 
round about inthe middle. Nat. Ord. Rubia- 

cee. 
A genus of erect or prostrate herbs, often 
with perennial roots, natives of tropical 
America and southern Africa. The small 
white flowers are produced in dense-flowered 
heads; the leaves are linear-lanceolate or 
ovate. M. styloswm, the only species in 
cultivation is a plant-stove annual. None of 
the other species so far as known, are of any 
horticultural merit. 


Mitra'ria. From mitra, a mitre; referring to 
the seed pod. Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 

M. coccinea, the sole representative of this 
genus, is a low-growing shrubby plant, 
native of the Island of Chiloe. Its leaves are 
small, opposite, or sometimes trifoliate. The 
flowers are solitary, and of a bright scarlet 
color. It is a very beautiful plant for the 
green-house, or for planting out during the 


summer. It was introduced in 1848, and is 
propagated by cuttings. 
Mitriosti’gma. From mitra, a mitre, and 


stigma; in reference to the shape of the pistil. 
A genus of two species, closely related to 
Gardenia with which they are usually classed. 
M. axillare, forms a compact spreading shrub 
with white, very fragrant, single axillary 
flowers. It was introduced from Natal in 
1856, and is often cultivated under the name 
of Gardenia citriodora. 

Moccasin Flower. The popular name of our 
native Cypripediums, from the fancied resem- 
blance of the flower to a moccasin or slipper. 

Mock Orange. See Philadelphus. 

Mock Orange Gourd. Cucurbita aurantia. 

Mock Privet. See Phillyrea. 

Mode'cca. The East Indian name. 
Passifloracee. 

A genus of evergreen climbing shrubs, re- 
sembling Passiflora in habit, but by no means 
so handsome. Natives of tropical Asia and 


Nat. Ord. 


Africa. The flowers are small and greenish- 
white. Propagated by cuttings. 
Modi'ola. From modiolus, the nave of a 


wheel; referring to the formation of the seed- 
vessel. Nat. Ord. Malvacee. 

A genus of annual and herbaceous peren- 
nials allied to the Mallow. They are mostly 
uninteresting plants, with low, creeping habit, 


MOL 


and purple or crimson flowers. 
the Southern States, and Brazil. 


Mo‘hria. Named after M. Mohr, a German 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of South African Ferns, consisting 
of but one species, M. thurifraga, a beautiful 
Fern with the general appearance of Woodsia 
obtusa. It makes a splendid specimen plant, 
and may be grown in a cool green-house. 
Propagated by spores. 

Moldavian Balm. See Dracocephalum. 


Moles. The common Mole (Talpa), is found 
in most parts of the country, and is well 
known for its curious cylindrical form, and 
the blackness of its velvet-like coat. The 
eyes are so small as to be practically useless 
to the animal, which is, however, possessed 
of acute hearing and smell. Theteeth prove 
them to be carnivorous, and observation: 
proves that Moles feed on insects, chiefly as 
larvee, and on earth-worms. Occasionally a 
little vegetable matter may beswallowedalong 
with this food. The home of the Mole is usually 
situated in some secure situation under a 
large stone or the rootof a tree, and there are 
usually several passages diverging from it, 
into any of which it may retreat when danger 
threatens. Itis probable that Moles do more 
good than harm when they confine their 
operations to the fields, but in gardens they 
do much damage by cutting the roots of the 
plants in flower borders, upheaving the soil 
in seed-beds, etc., and their earth-heaps render 
lawns very‘unsightly. They are unwelcome 
visitors to the garden, and it is necessary to 
remove them by the use of traps set in their 
burrows orruns. Asthey are very wary, it is 
needful to take special precautions against 
the smell of one’s hands remaining about the 
traps. 

Moli/nia. Named in honor of J. Molina, a 
writer upon Chilian plants. Nat. Ord. Gram- 
imacee. 

M. coerulea is a tall, tufted, hardy, perennial 
grass, with stems one to three feet in height, 
the variegated form of which forms an excel- 
lent decorative and bedding plant. 

Mollis. Soft. oe 


Molopospe’rmum, From Molops, a stripe, and 
Sperma, a seed; the fruit has the appearance 
of being striped. Nat. Ord. Umbellifera. 

M. Cicutarium, the only species is a large 
vigorous-growing, handsome perennial plant, 
producing beautiful, finely cut, fern-like leaves, 
often four feet in diameter. It forms an ex- 
cellent plant for large shrubberies and is very 
effective asa solitary plant on lawns. Itisa 
native of central and southern Europe and 
is propagated by division, or by seeds sown 
when ripe. 

Mo'ltkia. Named after Count. Gadske Moltke, 
a Danish noble. Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. 

M. coerulea, is a hardy herbaceous perennial, 
with beautiful blue flowers. It is a native of 
Persia, grows freely with ordinary garden 
culture, and is propagated by seeds or root 
division; introduced in 1829. 

Moluce'lla. A genus of Labiate, of hardy, or 
half-hardy annuals, inhabiting the Mediter- 
ranean region. M. levis, is remarkable on 
account of the singular form of the calyces, 
which are shallowly bell-shaped, and densely 
arranged on erect stems. It forms an excellent 


Natives of 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 257 


MOM 


subject for skeletonizing. Seeds sown ina 
green-house or frame can be planted out in 
May. 
Momo'rdica. Balsam Pear, Balsam Apple. 
From mordeo, to bite; the seeds have the ap- 
earance of being bitten. Nat. Ord. Cucur- 
itacee. 

A small genus of annual and perennial 
climbing herbaceous plants, with coarse leaves 
and inconspicuous flowers, either white or 
yellow. M. charantia, an East Indian species, 
isthe Balsam Pear of our gardens. It has 
bright orange-yellow, pear-shaped fruit, from 
four to six inches long,and covered all over with 
little wart-like protuberances. When ripe the 
fruit splits open and turns back, and its bright 
red seeds give it a showy appearance. M.‘ 
balsamina, Balsam Apple, is in all respects the 
same, excepting that the fruit is smaller and 
nearly round. This fruit inSyriais famous for 
curing wounds. They cut it open when un- 
ripe, and infuse it in sweet oil, exposed to the 
sun for some days until the oil becomes red. 
It may then be applied to a fresh wound, 
dropped oncotton. They grow bestin a light 
rich soil, with a sunny aspect, and should be 
trained over atrellis or on brush. 


Monadelphous. Having all the stamens united 
by their filaments into atube. 

Monandrous. Having only one stamen. 

Mona’rda. Horse Mint. Named after M. 
Monardez, a physician of Seville. Nat. Ord. 
Labiate. 

A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
common from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin. 
They are mostly coarse growing, and of but 
little beauty. M. didyma, Oswego Tea, has 
bright red, showy flowers, and is sometimes 
cultivated under the name of Bee Balm. 

Monarde'lla. A genus of hardy. annual or peren- 
nial, pleasantly ‘aromatic, fragrant herbs, 
of the natural order Labiate, much resembling 
Monarda in aspect and inflorescence, natives 
of North West America. They have bright 
colored flowers, in terminal heads, and are of 
easy cultivation. 

Moneywort. See Lysimachia. 

Moneywort. Cornish. Sibthorpia Europea. 

Moniliform. Formed like a necklace; that is 
to say, with alternate swellings resembling 
beads. 

Moni'mia. Named after Monime the wife of 
Mithridates. Nat. Ord. Monimiacew. A small 
genus of shrubby plants, natives of the Mas- 
earene Islands. Their leaves are opposite, 
entire, coriaceous, and often slightly pubes- 
cent; none of the species are in eultivation. 

Monimia’ceze. An order of trees or shrubs, 
natives of the warmer parts of Asia and 
America, Australia, and the Southern Pacific 
Islands. The bark and leaves are aromatic 
and fragrant, and the succulent fruit of some 
is eaten. There are over twenty genera 
described and over 150 species. Monimia, 
Larelia, and Boldoa, are examples of the order. 


Monkey Flower. See Mimulus. 

Monkey Pot. See Lecythis. 

Monkey Puzzler. A common name for Arau- 
caria imbricata. 

Monkey’s Dinner-Bell. See Hura crepitans. 

Monk's Hood. See Aconitum. 


MON 


Monni'na. Named after Monnino, Count de 


Flora Blanca, a Spanish promoter of botany. 
Nat. Ord. Polygalacee. 

A genus of about fifty species of green- 
house evergreen herbs, shrubs, or small trees, 
natives of Western America. The flowers 
have usually a white or yellowish corolla, and 
blue calycine wings. Few of the species are 
of any horticultural value. 


Monoche’tum. From monos, one, and chaite, 


a bristle; in allusion to the shape of the con- 
nective of the stamen. Nat. Ord. Melasto- 
mace. 

A genus of over twenty species, of erect, 
branched, often tomentose shrubs, natives of 
the mountains of Peru, New Grenada, Mexico, 
and Guatemala. They form showy plants, 
and are of easy culture. 


Monochi'lus. From Monos, one, and cheilos, a 


lip ; alluding to the form of flower. Nat. Ord. 
Verbenacee. 

M. gloxinifolius, the only species introduced 
from Brazil in 1838 is a very pretty low-grow- 
ing stove-house plant, with white flowers, re- 
markable for the form of its corolla. It is 
propagated by cuttings. 


Monocotyledons or Endogens. One of the 


two great classes into which all flowering 
plants are divided. They are characterized 
as having the wood of the stem irregularly 
disposed in longitudinal bundles, not in con- 
centric layers, and having no defined central 
pith ; the leaves generally parallel veined ; and 
the flowers with organs mostly in threes or 
fours, never in fives; in grasses, the parts are 
arranged in twos and threes. The embryo 
with a single cotyledon; first formed leaves 
alternate, the radicle not branching but 
throwing out adventitious roots. 


Monodo’ra. From monos, one, and dora, a 


skin; in allusion to the fruit being one-celled. 
Nat. Ord. Anonacee. 

A small genus of plant-stove trees confined 
to tropical Africa. M. Myristica, or Calabash 
Nutmeg, the only species yet introduced, has 
large, variegated, pendulous, sweet-scented 
flowers, followed by large globose woody fruit, 
varying in size from that of an orange, to a 
large melon, containing a number of seeds 
which abound in an aromatic oil of anutmeg 
flavor, and which are commonly called Jamaica 
or American nutmegs. It was introduced in 
1843, and is propagated by cuttings of the 
ripened wood. 


: s 4 
Moneecious. Having male and female organs 


in different flowers on the same plant. 


Monogra’/mma. From monos, one, and gramma, 


a writing ; referring to the spore or seed-cases. 
Nat. Ord. Polypodiacew. 

A small genus of very dwarf Ferns from the 
West Indies, requiring a warm green-house. 


Monogynous. Having but one style, even 


though many carpels be present. 


Monole’/na. From monos, one, and olene, the 


arm ; alluding to the process or arm from the 
base ofthe anther. Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. 
A genus of fleshy, stemless, glabrous plants, 
with thick rhizomes, natives of Peru and 
Grenada. M. primuleflora, the only one yet 
introduced, is a very handsome species. It 
has deep, bright, pink flowers with a white 
eye and yellow anthers, of free growth, and is 


258 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MON 


propagated by division or by cutting up the 
rhizomes, and starting them in bottom heat. 

Mono'lophus. A  small-growing, deciduous 
plant, of the Nat. Ord. Zingiberacew. It has 
slender, leafy stems, about two feet in height, 
bearing distichously arranged leaves, and 
terminal oblong spikes of pretty bright rose- 
colored flowers. Itisa native of India, and 
of quite recent introduction. Included under 
Kempferia by some authors. 


Monolo’pia. From monolopus, a single cover- 
ing; referring to the flower covering. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

California woolly annuals, allied to Chrysan- 
themum. There are but two species: one, 
M. major, with yellow flowers, is rather showy ; 
the other is a mere weed. 


Mono’panax. From monos, one, and Panaz; 
the plant resembling a Panax, and having a 
one-celled ovary. A genus proposed by Regel 
to accommodate the Aralia Ghiesbrechtii of 
gardens. 

Monope'talous. Having one petal; having all 
the petals united by their edges. 


Monophy’llous.. Having only one leaf; or 
several leaves united by their edges into 
one. 


Mono’psis. From monos, one, and. opsis, a 
face; the flowers are regular, not bilabiate. 
Nat. Ord. Lobeliacee. 

This little annual deserves far more atten- 
tion than it has hitherto received. It bearsa 
resemblance to the well-known Lobelia gracilis, 
except that its flowers are round, the segments 
being equal instead of bilabiate, as in Lobelia. 
The Monopsis requires the treatment usual 
for the other plants mentioned, and in the 
same situations has a much better effect, its 
flowers being of the same color, but from their 
form are more showy. Itis from the Cape 
of Good Hope, and at present is seldom seen 
in cultivation. Introduced in 1812. 


Monosepalous. Having one sepal; having all 
the sepals united by their edges. 

Mono’tropa. The generic name of the Indian 
Pipe or Corpse Plant. 


Monotropa’cez. An order of leafless herbs, 
parasitical on the roots of trees, principally 
Pines and Beeches. There are nine genera, 
and from ten to twelve species. Hypopytis, 
Monotropa, and Schweinitzia, are native ex- 
amples of the order. 

Monso’nia. Named after Lady Ann Monson, a 
correspondent of Linneus. Nat. Ord. Gerani- 
acee. 

A genus of very beautiful herbaceous plants, 
nearly allied to the Geraniums, but with much 
larger flowers. ‘ Though but rarely seen, they 
are well worthy of cultivation, and are easily 
propagated by seeds, or by cuttings. First 
introduced from the Cape of Good Hope in 1774. 

Monste’ra. Name not explained. Nat. Ord. 
Aroidee. : 

A genus of climbing stove epiphytes, for- 
merly known as Dracontium. Several of the 
species are cultivated in collections of plants 
with ornamental foliage. M. deliciosa, a Mex- 
ican species, has a succulent fruit, with a 
luscious pineapple flavor. It is better known 
among us as Philodendron pertusum. Most of 
the species have holes in their leaves at irregu- 
lar intervals, and are curious and interesting 


MOR 


plants. They are all excellent subjects for the 
sub-tropical garden. Propagated by cuttings 
and by seeds. 

Monta’noa, Named after Montano, a Mexican 
politician. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of about fourteen species of orna- 
mental shrubs, natives of North America, 
from Mexico to Columbia. M. bipinnatifida 
(syn. M. heracleifolia, Polymnia grandis) has 
large, opposite, deeply-dentate leaves, and is 
much used in Europe in sub-tropical garden- 
ing. Itis easily increased by seeds, or root- 
cuttings. 

Montbre’tia. Named in honor of M. Montbret. 
Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A small genus of hardy or half-hardy bul- 
bous plants, natives of Southern Africa. M. 
Pottsii, has bright, yellow flowers, flushed on 
the outside with brick-red, borne on spikes, 
six to nine inches long, and twelve to twenty 
flowered. Itis perfectly hardy, as is M. cro- 
cosmifiora, a very handsome hybrid, raised 
between M. Potsit and Crocosmia aurea. The 
latter is a vigorous growing Iris-looking plant 
with scapes, a foot or more high, bearing 
many-flowered panicles of bright orange-scar- 
let flowers, from July until frost. It is one of 
the most floriferous and showy of autumn 
blooming, hardy, bulbous plants, and like the 
Gladiolus many beautiful varieties have ori- 
ginated from seed and are now cultivated 
under distinctive names. The genus is closely 
allied to Ivia, and is placed under Tritonia by 
some authors. 


Monterey Cypress. Cupressus macrocarpa. 

Moon Daisy. A common name for Leucanthe- 
mum, or Ox-eye Daisy. 

Moon-Flower. A popular name of Ipomea 
(Calonyction) grandiflora; applied also to Ane- 
mone nemorosa, and Leucanthemum Chrysanthe- 
moides. 


Moon-Seed. See Menispermum. 

Moonwort. See Botrychium and Lunaria. 
Moose Horn Fern. See Platycerium Aithiopica. 
Moose-wood. Sez Dirca. 


Moqui'lea. From the name of one of the 
species in Guiana. Nat. Ord. Rosacew. 

A genus of nearly twenty species of trees 
and shrubs, mostly natives of Brazil. The 
powdered bark of M. utilis (the Carapi or 
Pottery-tree of Para), baked with an equal 
quantity of clay, makes vessels capable of 
withstanding a great amount of heat. 


More’a. Named after R. Moore, an English 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

Bulbous plants with very handsome flowers, 
nearly allied to Ixia, from which genus they 
have been removed. They are generally 
grown in pots. When they have done flower- 
ing, they should be kept dry till they begin to 
grow in spring. When planted in the open 
ground they should be protected from frost 
and heavy rains. They are natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope, and are propagated by 
offsets. Introduced in1758. Syn. Vieusseuxia. 


Morel. This group of Fungi, included in the 
genus Morchella, grow chiefly in woods. Sev- 
eral species are distinguished, all of them 
edible, the common Morel being esteemed for 
its good qualities, and regarded as a great 
delicacy. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 259 


MOR 


More’nia. In honor of M. Moreno. Nat. Ord. 
Palmacew. 

A small genus of hot-house Palms from 
Peru, requiring the same treatment as the 
Chameedorea, to which genus they are closely 
allied. 


Morica’/ndia. Named after M. EF. Moricand, an 
Italian botanist, author of ‘Flora Veneta.” 
Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

A genus of very pretty hardy annual or 
biennial herbs, natives of southern Europe, 
northern Africa and western Asia, with beauti- 
ful large rosy-purple or violet-colored flowers. 
Propagated by seeds, sown in spring in a 
warm dry situation out of doors. 

Mori/na. Named after L. Morin, a French 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Dipsacacee. 

A small genus of hardy herbaceous per- 
ennials. M. longifolia, a native of the moun- 
tains of the north of India, is a showy plant, 
growing two or three feet high and flowering 
freely from July until October. Its habit of 
growth resembles the Acanthus; the flowers 
resemble those of the Verbena, only they are 
larger, and produced in whorls around the 
stem. The general appearance of the plant is 
weedy. 

Mori'nda. From morus, a Mulberry, and 
Indica, Indian; Indian Mulberry. Nat. Ord. 
Rubiacee. 

A genus of about forty species of erect or 
scandent glabrous shrubs, or trees, all 
natives of the tropics, M. tinctoria has pure 
white flowers with a Jasmine-like fragrance ; 
the bark of the root gives a rich red dye. 


Mori/nga. Horse-radish Tree. From moringo, 
the Indian name. Nat. Ord. Moringaceaw. 
The three species that compose this genus 
are green-house evergreens from north Africa, 
western Asia, and the East Indies. The 
root of one of the species, M. pterygosperma, is 
pungent and stimulant, and is used by the 
natives for Horse-radish. The fruit of this 
species is called Ben Nuts, from which is ex- 
tracted a fluid oil, called Oil of Ben, used by 
watchmakers. 


Moringa’cez. This natural order contains but 
a single genus, Moringa, which see. 

Moriso/nia. Named after Robert Morison of 
Aberdeen, Professor of botany at Oxford in 
1683. Nat. Ord. Capparidacee. 

A genus of four species of West Indian and 
South American trees, with white axillary flow- 
ersand succulentfruit. M. Americana, proba- 
bly the only species in cultivation, is of easy 
culture and is propagated by cuttings of the 
ripened shoots in sand; introduced from the 
West Indies in 1824. 

Mormo’des. From mormo, a goblin; referring 
to the strange appearance of the flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, with 
dark purple, curiously shaped flowers, from 
Mexico. They are rarely met under culti- 
vation and when grown it is more for their 
singularity than their beauty. : 

Mo’'rna. Named after Morna, one of Ossian’s 
heroines. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

This is a small genusof beautiful half-hardy 
annuals, with yellow and white everlasting 
flowers, allied to Helichrysum; introduced 
from Swan River in 1835. They should be 
started in a hot-bed, and planted out in May. 


MOS 


Morning Glory. See Ipomeu. 
Morono’bea. From Moronobo or Coronobo, the 


Carribean name of M. coccinea. Nat. Ord. 
Guttifere. f= 
A small genus of large, slender-stemmed 


. trees natives of the West Indies, Guiana and 


Brazil. M. coccinea, the Hog Gum-Tree has 
large, white, terminal, solitary flowers, and is 
valuable for a fluid pellucid juice which issues 
from incisions in the trunk and which hardens 
into a valuable medicinal resin. It is said 
that in Jamaica, hogs when injured rub them- 
selves against the tree in order to become 
smeared with the juice, hence the common 
name. 


Morphology. That department of botany which 


treats of the forms and modifications of the 
organs of the plants. 


Mo’rus. Mulberry. From mor, the Celtic for 


black; referring to the color of the fruit. Nat. 
Ord. Urticacew. 

The species of the Mulberry grow from ten 
to forty feet high, and are more celebrated as 
affording leaves upon which the Silk-worm 
feeds than for their fruit, which is, however, 
of a very grateful quality. MM. rubra, the Red 
Mulberry, is very common throughout the 
United States, and produces the best fruit 
of any of thespecies. Charles Downing raised 
a seedling from M. alba multicaulis, which is 
called ‘‘Everbearing,” and justly so, as it 
ripens its fruit earlier than any of the species, 
and keeps in bearing later. M. nigra, the 
Black Mulberry, is the species that was 
formerly cultivated for its fruit, and was an 
object of much attention at a very early 
period in the western parts of Asia and Europe. 
The care bestowed upon it must have been 
solely on account of its fruit; for the know- 
ledge of the mode of rearing silk-worms was 
confined tothe people of central and southern. 
Asia till the sixth century. Itis mentioned 
in the Psalms that the wrath of the Almighty 
destroyed the ‘‘ Mulberry trees with frost,” 
and this must have been recorded as a 
remarkable instance of the Divine displeasure ; 
for the Mulberry is universally known not to 
put forth its buds and ieaves till the season is 
so far advanced that, in the ordinary course 
of events, all dangers from the frost are past. 
We also read in the Bible that “‘ David came 
upon the Philistines, and smote them over 
against the Mulberry -trees.” This species is 
found wild in the chains of the Caucasus and 
adjoining mountains, and also in Persia and 
Asia Minor. M. alba, the White Mulberry, isa 
native of China, and, with its varieties, is culti- 
vated for food for the Silk-worm. Of all the 
varieties, M. alba multicaulis, is considered the 
best, and is the most grown in silk-producing 
countries. It was this variety that created such 
a maniainthe United States about fifty years 
ago, when it was asserted that silk was soon to 
take the place of cotton, and that in all the 
Middle States it could be profitably produced. 
It is now largely grown in California for rais- 
ing the Silk-worm. 


Mosch/aria. From moschos, musk; a musk- 


smelling plant. Nat.Ord. Composite. 

A halt-hardy annual from Chili, interesting 
only for the fragrance of the plant; the flow- 
ers are white, but of little merit. 


Moschatus. Possessing the odor of musk. 


260 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MOS 
Mosquito Plant. See Lopezia coronata. 
Moss. See Sphagnum. 


Moss Campion. 
Silene, which see. 


Moss Pink. See Phlox subulata. 

Mother of Thousands. Linaria Cymbalaria. 

Motherwort. Leonurus, a worthless weed, 
common in neglected and waste places; also, 
Artemisia vulgaris. 

Mountain Ash. See Pyrus aucuparia.. 

Mountain Cowslip. See Primula Auricula. 

Mountain Fringe. See Adlumia cirrhosa. 

Mountain Holly. See Nemopanthes. 

Mountain Laurel. See Oreodaphne. 

Mountain Mahoe. See Paritium. 

Mountain Spinach. See Atriplex. 


Mountain Sweet. A Canadian name for Ceano- 
thus Americanus. 


Mount Etna Lily. See Sternbergia. 
Mourning Bride. See Scabiosa. 
Mouse-ear Chickweed. See Cerastiwm. 
Mouse-tail. Myosurus minimus. 
Moutan, or Tree Peony. See Pwonia. 
Moving Plant. See Desmodium. 


Mucous, Mucose. Covered with a slimy secre- 
tion, or with a coat that is readily soluble in 


One of the popular names of 


water, and becomes slimy; resembling 
mucus. 
Mucronate, Abruptly terminated by a hard, 


sharp point; thus, mucronato-serrate is when 
the serratures terminate in a hard, sharp 
point, 
Mucu’na. Cow Itch. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 
The plants of this genus are well known to 
travelers in tropical countries from the 
exceedingly annoying character of their seed- 
pods, which are thickly covered with stinging 
hairs, easily detached by the slightest shake, 
and causing great irritation if they happen to 
fall upon exposed parts of the body. 


Mud Plantain. See Heteranthera. 


The Brazilian name. 


Muehlenbe’ckia. Named after H. G. Muehlen- 
beck, a Swiss physician. Nat. Ord. Polygon- 
acee. 


A genus of twining shrubs or small trees, 
natives of South América, New Zealand, and 
Australia. M. compleza (syn. Polygonum 
complezum) is of dense and diffuse habit, and 
from the distinct form and color of its foliage, 
together with its graceful, drooping, wire- 
like branches, often covered with transparent 
fruit, the tooth-like divisions of which hang 
like miniature icicles in small clusters on 
lateral shoots from the more ripened stems, 
is a most desirable plant for vases or hanging 
baskets. It is probably hardy, and was intro- 
duced from New Zealand in 1870. M. platy- 
clada is the name now given by some to the 
plant known as Cocoloba platyclada, which 
see. 


Mu’kia. Derivation unknown. Nat. Ord. Cucur- 
bitacew. 

A small gonus of Cucurbitacee, nearly allied 
to Bryonia. They are confined to the tropics 
of the old world. M. scabreila is widely 
diffused. It is an annual, scabrous climbing 


MUL 


herb, with entire or lobed leaves, small yellow 
flowers and greenish fruit, half an inch in 
diameter, which is yellow or reddish when 
ripe. 

Mulberry. See Morus, 

Mulberry. Indian. See Morinda. 

Mulberry. Paper. Broussonetia papyrifera. 


Mulching. Placing leaves or rough litter around 
newly planted trees to prevent evaporation 
from the soil has been long practiced. Good 
cultivators apply leaves, rough manure, etc., to 
the surface of the soil to protect the roots of 
certain plants against the action of the frost, it 
being useful, not so much against freezing as 
to prevent alternate freezing and thawing. 
In strawberry culture, the mulch applied in 
the fall protects the roots during winter; it is 
allowed to remain on the bed, where, if thick 
enough, it keeps down weeds, and prevents 
the evaporation of moisture from the soil 
during the dry time we are apt to have between 
the flowering and the ripening of the Straw- 
berry. The utility of a mulch is not confined 
to the Strawberry among fruits; Raspberries 
and Currants are much benefited by it; and 
the finer varieties of English Gooseberries, a 
fruit with which very few succeed in our hot 
summers, can be successfully grown when so 
treated. Newly planted trees, whether of 
fruit or ornamental kinds, are much benefited 
by a mulch, and its application often settles 
the question of success or failure. We have 
known a whole Pear orchard to be mulched, 
and the owner thought its cost was more than 
repaid by saving the fallen fruit from bruises. 
Spinach is protected in the same way, and 
Carnations, Pansies, Roses, and other partly 
hardy plants, are mulched in the same manner. 
The rooting of a layer is by some gardeners 
thought to be facilitated by placing a flat 
stone over the buried branch; the fact being 
that the stone acts asa mulch, and prevents 
the soil around the cut portion from drying 
out, and greatly favors the rooting process. 
Even in the vegetable garden mulching is 
found useful, especially with Cauliflowers, 
which find our summers quite too dry. The 
material of the mulch is not of much impor- 
tance; mostly one kind of litter will answer 
nearly as well as another. The material will 
be governed in great measure by locality; 
those living near salt water will find salt hay, 
as hay from the marshes is called, the most 
readily procured; those who live near Pine 
forests use the fallen leaves, or Pine needles, 
as they are called; in the grain-growing 
districts straw is abundant, and nothing can 
be better; it can be applied more thoroughly 
if run through acutter. Leaves are Nature’s 
own mulch, and answer admirably, if there is 
danger of their being blown away, brush laid 
over them, or even a little earth sprinkled on 
them, will keep them in place. One of the 
best materials to use for summer mulching is 
the green grass mowed from lawns. This, 
applied to the thickness of two or three inches 
around the roots of all kinds of small fruits, 
will be found not only to greatly benefit the 
crop, particularly in dry weather, but will save 
greatly in labor by preventing the growth 
of weeds. Stable manure, particularly that 
of cows, is extensively used in Rose growing 
in winter, two or three inches of which is 
placed over the soil, whether they are grown 


MYRSIPHYLLUM (SMILAX), 


OTRYOIDES. 
260 MUSBCARI Bi 


PLAN OF HOUSE FOR FORCING MUSHROOMS, 
SEA KALE, RHUBARB, ETO. 


Section, 
af rightangles. 


TTI 


TOUT TT Ey 


ScaAce fein to | Fr 
{ aa (aa (el (ieee | 


Ground = L 


OFF. 


MUSHROOMS ON SHELVES. 


oe 
LEB Sh 


D 
Z 


tay 


MUSHROOMS IN BEDS. 26r 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 261 


MUL 


in pots or on benches; Moss mulching is also 
used for this and other purposes. 

Mullein. See Verbdascum. 

Multifid. Divided half-way into many parts or 
segments. - 


Munti’ngis. Named after Abraham Munting, 
Professor of Botany at Groningen, 1626- 
1683. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 


M. Calabura, the only described species, 


is a handsome small evergreen shrub, with 
white flowers resembling those of the Bramble. 
An infusion of its leaves is used as tea in 
Caraccas, whence it was introduced in 1690. 


Mura’ltia. Named after John Von Muralt, a 
Swiss botanist, 1645-1733. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
galacee. 


A genus of about fifty species of green-house - 


much-branched shrubs, natives ofSouth Africa. 
M. Heisteria, the species best known to culti- 
vation, has small, purple, axillary flowers, 
and, under good treatment, is almost per- 
petuallyin bloom. It was introduced in 1787, 
and a propagated by cuttings of the young 
wood. 


Muricate. Covered with short, sharp points, 
as in Panicum muricatum. 


Mu'rraya. Named after Professor Murray, 
editor of Linnwus’s works. Nat. Ord. Ruta- 
cee. 


A small genus of hot-house evergreen trees 
from India, Java, and China, producing showy 
white flowers, which are very fragrant. 


Murucu'ja. The name of the species in Brazil. 
Nat. Ord. Passifloracee. 

Asmall genus of green-house climbers, with 
showy scarlet or purple flowers. The genus 
was formerly included in FPassiflora, and 
should in all respects be treated the same. 
Natives of Brazil. 


Mu’sa. Banana or Plantain. Named in honor 
of Antonius Musa, the physician of Augustus. 
Nat. Ord. Scitaminee. 

The representative species of this interest- 
ing and useful genus are M. paradisiaca, the 
Plantain, and M. sapientum, the Banana. The 
latter has its stems marked with purple spots, 
and its fruits are shorter and rounder than 
those of the Plantain, and are red and yellow 
in color, but otherwise the two plants are lit- 
tle different one from the other. The fruit of 
the Plantain is smaller and angular, and yel- 
low in color. ‘‘They have been cultivated 
from the most remote times in tropical cli- 
mates, in sub-tropical Asia, America, Africa, 
and the islands of the Atlantic and Pacific 
Oceans, for the sake of their fruits, which they 
produce in enormous quantities, with very 
little attention. There are several varieties, 
the fruits of which differ in color and taste. 
The starch in the unripe fruit becomes con- 
verted, as it ripens, into mucilage and sugar. 
They are highly nutritious, and serve as the 
staple food of a large number of the human 
race. Though less nutritious than wheat or 
potatoes, yet the space occupied by their cul- 
ture and the care required are so very much 
less, that Humboldt has calculated the pro- 
duce of Bananas compared to that of Wheat 
as 133 to 1, and to that of Potatoes as 44 to 1. 
Plantain meal is obtained by powdering the 
dried fruit. It is very nutritious, as it con- 
tains not only starch, but proteine or flesh- 


MUS 


forming material. The fruits of the Plantain 
are stated by chemists to be most nearly allied 
in composition and nutritive qualities to the 
Potato, and the Plantain meal to Rice. The 
natives in many parts of India live almost 
entirely on Plantains, and the stems, laden 
with fruit, are made use of at wedding fes- 
tivities, in token of plenty.” The Banana is 
not known in an uncultivated state. The 
wildest tribes in South America, who depend 
upon this fruit for subsistence, propagate the 
plant by suckers. Eight or nine months after 
the sucker has been planted, the Banana 
begins to form its clusters, and the fruit is 
ready for picking in two or three months 
thereafter. When the stalk is cut, the fruit 
of which has ripened, a sprout is put forth, 
which again bears fruit in three months. The 
whole labor of cultivation that is required for 
a plantation of Bananas, is to cut the stalks 
laden with ripe fruit, and to give the plants a 
slight nourishment once or twice a year by 
digging round the roots. The yield per acre, 
with the little or nocare bestowed, is between 
fifty and sixty tons of ripe fruit. The Banana 
is often cultivated in the green-house. M. 
Cavendishii is the best fer this purpose; it is 
a dwarf species, from China, rarely growing 
more than six feet high, and is exceedingly 
ornamental. Ina warm house it ripens its 
fruit to perfection, and the flavor is far 
superior to that which is found in our markets, 
which is picked quite green, and ripened in 
holds of vessels or in fruit stores. M. superba 
and M. Ensete have foliage of magnificent pro- 
portions, and are often grown on the lawn as 
ornamental plants. M. coccinea, a native of 
Cochin China, has spathes of a bright-scarlet 
color, tipped with yellow, and is a very orna- 
mental plant in a stove or warm green-house. 


Musca'ri.. Grape Hyacinth. From moschos, 
musk; the smell of the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 

A small genus of bulbous plants, with small 
white or blue globular flowers, in racemes, at 
the end of asimple stalk.. They only require 
planting where they can remain many years 
without being disturbed. Though natives of 
middle Europe and the Mediterranean region, 
they have become naturalized in many parts 
of the United States. On the east end of Long 
Island some fields are literally blue with the 
flowers in early spring. From their peculiar 
fragrance, the plant is often called ‘Baby’s 
Breath.” 


Musci. An important tribe of Cryptogams, 
comprising the true Mosses. 


Mushroom. Agaricus campestris. The great 
interest now being taken in Mushroom culture 
in the United States has induced us to treat 
the subject as fully as the limits of our space 
will permit. Mushrooms may be grown 
either in a house specially erected for the pur- 
pose, in cellars, out-houses, sheds, under 
green-house stages, tables, or, as in France | 
and other parts of the world, in caves or other 
subterranean places, as light is not necessary 
to their growth. There is a peculiar interest 
in Mushroom culture to the amateur or begin- 
ner, from the fact that, while in all other culti- 
vated plants we have something tangible to 
start with —either plants, seeds, or roots— 
we have neither, here, as far as the naked eye 
can see; for the white mouldy substance 


262 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MUS 


called spawn is not easily imagined to be 
either, though we know, by the use of the 
microscope, that the germs or spores are to 
be found in countless numbers on the ‘‘ gills” 
of the fully-developed Mushroom, and these, 
without doubt, when falling in a congenial 
‘* soil,” form the spawn which we plant to de- 
velop the Mushroom. But an extended 
botanical or physiological inquiry is not neces- 
sary to the subject of culture. As there is no 
necessity for light in Mushroom culture, the 
usual method of growing them, where there is 
a green-house, is to use the sheds used for 
potting, packing, or for covering the boiler 
pits; and the portion of them used for Mush- 
room growing is generally four feet from the 
back wall, starting on the floor of the shed 
with the first bed, the additional beds being 
formed of shelving of the same width, and 
from twelve to fifteen inches deep, raised one 
above another to the top of the wall, like 
steamboat sleeping berths. Of course, if the 
shed is used for growing Mushrooms exclu- 
sively, these beds will be formed in the middle 
and front of the shed, leaving say three feet 
walks between each tier of Mushroom beds; 
for example, if the shed is eleven feet wide, 
it will give two Mushroom beds four feet wide 
on each side, with a three-feet walk in the 
centre; or if twenty-two feet wide, the beds 
for Mushrooms should be four feet wide at 
front and rear, with an eight-feet bed in the 
centre, and three feet walks all around, the 
eight-feet bed being accessible from the walks 
on either side. When a Mushroom bed is 
made under the green-house bench, the bench 
must be made of slate or other material, to 
prevent the water getting through, otherwise 
Mushrooms could not well be raised under it. 
The bed must also be formed under such 
“benches as have no pipe or flues under them, 
as the heat from such near to the bed would 
pe hurtful. Where there is a superfluity of 
cellar-room, there is no better place to raise 
Mushrooms, as the coolmoisture of the atmos- 
phere and the uniform temperature of the cellar 
is more congenial to the growth of this vege- 
table than structures above ground. The beds 
may be formed of the size and depth above 
recommended; or, where portable Mushroom 
beds are wanted, boxes may be used of the 
requisite depth and of convenient size. The 
temperature of the apartment where Mush- 
rooms are to be grown during the winter 
months should range from 55° to 65°, and, 
consequently, it would be useless to attempt 
to grow the crop in the winter months unless 
artificial means were used to keep the tem- 
perature to that height; for though the 
manure in the beds were up to 80° when first 
made, it would only partially raise the tem- 
perature of an unheated building in winter. 
Probably the best time to begin making the 
beds for a crop wanted in winter is during 
August and September, as at that season the 
temperature is high enough to cause the 
spawn to germinate freely, so that the first 
beds made in August will give the first crop 
during December; those in September, in 
January or February; and so on. The fol- 
lowing plan, given in our work, ‘Gardening 
for Profit,” has been extensively practiced for 
the past fifteen years, with rare instances of 
failure, even by those who never before 
attempted the culture of the Mushroom: 


MUS 


‘Let fresh horse droppings be procured from 
the stables each day, in quantity not less, 
perhaps, than a good barrowful. To every 
barrowload of droppings add about the same 
weight (which will be a little less than one- 
third in bulk) of fresh loam from a pasture, or 
sod land of any kind, in fact, that has not 
been manured; the danger of old manured 
soil being, that it may contain spurious fungi. 
Let the droppings and soil be mixed together 
day by day as the droppings can be procured. 
If they can be had all at once in quantity 
enough, so much the better. Let the heap be 
turned every day, so that it is not allowed to 
heat violently, until you have got enough to 
form the bed of the dimensions required. Be 
careful that you keep it under cover, so that 
it cannot possibly get wet. Now, from the 
prepared heap of droppings and soil, spread 
over the bed a thin layer; pound this firmly 
down with a brick, and so on till it reaches a 
depth of eight inches. Be careful that it is 
not more nor less than eightinches; more will 
cause the mass to heat too violently, while less 
is hardly enough. Into this bed plunge a 
thermometer; in a day or two the bed will 
heat so that it will run up to 100° or over; 
and as soon as it declines to 90°, take a dib- 
ble, or sharp stick, and make holes three or 
four inches deep all over the bed at twelve 
inches each way; into each hole put a piece 
of spawn about the size of a hen’s egg, cover- 
ing up the hole again with the compost, so 
that it will present the same level, firm sur- 
face as before the spawn was put in. Let it 
remain in this condition for about ten or 
twelve days, by which time the spawn will 
have ‘run’ through the whole bed. Now 
spread evenly over the surface of the bed 
nearly two inches of fresh loam; firm it down 
moderately with the back of a spade, and 
cover up the bed with three or four inches of 
hay or straw. This completes the whole 
operation of ‘planting the crop.’ Nothing 
now remains to be done but to attend to the 
proper degrees of heat and moisture. Ifyou 
can control the means of heating, so that the 
place can be kept uniformly at a temperature 
of 60°, all the better; if not, it may range 
from 40° to 60°. It should never get below 
40°, else the bed will become cold and delay 
the crop until too late in the season to be 
profitable. Unless the air of the house has 
been unusually dry, the Mushrooms will 
appear before any water is required; but 
examination should be made, and if the sur- 
face of the bed appears dry, a gentle sprinkling 
of water, heated to about 100°, must be given. 
With this treatment, beginning in August, 
our first crop is ready for use in December; 
while beginning in September, the crop should 
be ready in January and February. The 
Mushrooms do not come up all at once, but 
from three to four weeks will be needed to get 
off the first crop. After this, a slight dress- 
ing of fresh soil about half an inch in depthis 
spread over the bed, and again beaten down 
with the spade; this is gently watered with 
tepid water when dry, and a second crop of 
Mushrooms (often better than the first) is 
gathered in March or April. To show howa 
simple oversight in our operations may defeat 
the whole work, I will state that in my first 
attempt at Mushroom growing I labored for 
two years without being able to produce a 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 263 


MUS 


single Mushroom. In my apprentice days I 
had known no such word as fail in so simplea 
matter; but here, on my first attempt, on my 
own responsibility, I was met by total failure. 
Every authority was consulted, all the various 
methods tried, but with no better success. In 
all such cases something must be blamed, and 
I pronounced the spawn worthless; but this 
could not well be, as a friend had abundant 
crops growing from spawn received from the 
same source. Driven into a corner by this 
information, I made another exploration of 
my ‘authorities,’ and was fortunate to find 
in one of them a single sentence that at once 
showed where my error had been; it was to 
‘be careful to delay the covering with mould 
until ten or twelve days after the bed had 
been spawned.’ Now, in all the different 
methods I had tried, I had in each invaria- 
bly put in the spawn, and at once put on the 
two-inch covering of soil, which had the 
effect to shut down the steam, thereby raising 
the temperature in the bed to a degree that 
destroyed the spawn, and consequently 
defeated my whole operations. My excuse 
for this digression is to show the importance 
of what might otherwise be thought unneces- 
sary details. Although spawn is procurable 
at cheap rates in all horticultural stores, yet 
to such as desire to make it themselves, I 
give the following brief directions: Take 
equal portions of horse droppings, cow dung, 
and fresh loam, and mix the whole thoroughly 
together, as you would make mortar; then 
form it into cakes about the size of large 
bricks; place these on edge. under cover, 
until they become half dry; then insert into 
each a piece of spawn half an inch or so 
square, and let the bricks remain until they 
are quite dry; then spread about eight inches 
of horse dung over the floor of the shed, on 
which build the bricks in a pile three feet 
wide by three feet high, keeping the side in 
which the spawn has been put uppermost; 
then cover them over with sufficient stable 
Imanure, so as to give a gentle heat, not 
exceeding 100°, through the whole. In twoor 
three weeks the spawn will have spread itself 
through the whole mass of each brick; they 
are then removed to a dry place, and will 
retain their vital properties for many years. 
There is not the least question that the culti- 
vation of Mushrooms for market, forced in 
the manner detailed, will give a larger profit 
for the labor and capital invested than that 
from any other vegetable. The supply has 
never yet been half enough, and sellers have 
had prices pretty much as they pleased. I 
know of no house that has been especially 
erected for the purpose, and the markets 
have been supplied from beds formed in out- 
of-the-way corners, giving only an uncertain 
and irregular supply, very discouraging to 
buyers. I have no doubt whatever that 
Mushroom houses, roughly built, but exclu- 
sively devoted to that purpose, would, in the 
vicinity of any of our large cities, pay a profit 
of fifty per cent. per annum on the cost of 
construction.” 

The following article was written to a re- 
quest made by me to John G. Gardner, Jobs- 
town, N. J., who has been eminently success- 
tul as a grower of Mushrooms. 

“Having been interested in the culture of 
Mushrooms for the past fifteen years, both in 


MUS 


England and in this country, and having read 
almost everything written on the subject, 
besides having had ample experience every 
year, growing them successfully in various 
ways, under green-house benches, in cellars, 
and in houses constructed especially for 
Mushroom culture ; it is only after close study 
that I have been able during the last three 
years to produce enough in quantity to com- 
pensate for the expense attending their cul- 
ture. Starting with these facts uppermost in 
my mind—that I could not realize Mushrooms 
enough in value as an equivalent of labor and 
material expended, and that at some future 
time I might have to grow them for market, I 
concluded that I must become more familiar 
with the conditions of their development, and 
closely watched from day to day all stages of 
operations, until the Mushrooms appeared 
upon the surface of the beds. 

‘«The first serious drawback I saw, was the 
falling off after two or three weeks of the 
quantity gathered, and upon examining the 
beds I found abundance of spawn in thread- 
like form looking healthy, and Mushrooms 
already formed upon the ends of the threads, 
but only a few developed, ninety per cent. 
becoming brown in color after showing upon 
the surface the size of small peas. NowI was 
at a loss to know the cause of this falling off; 
with the spawn in perfect health, and as some 
of the beds in the same house having had 
exactly the same treatment, spawned and 
commenced bearing at the same time were 
still bearing well, being positive also that the 
atmospheric conditions had not been changed, 
and that the beds were moist enough, I came 
to the conclusion that the food of the 
Mushroom had been allabsorbed, and nothing 
left to develop the thread-like forms into 
Mushrooms, and that what was needed was 
food prepared in a soluble form that I could 
apply at this stage of falling off. I had read 
that the Mushroom abounds in nitrogen, and 
that this substance must be a necessary ele- 
ment, butin what form did the Mushroom take 
itup? I knew also that from beds that would 
not ferment although in a house of the proper 
temperature, I could not get a crop, so it ap- 
peared clear to me that fermentation was the 
means of preparing the nitrogen, causing it to 
take the form of ammonia, and that in this 
state it became soluble, and fit for plant food. 
At once then I saw this to be the cardinal 
point—that this ammonia must be retained 
in the beds, that the labor of turning and dry- 
ing the material, and all the foundation that 
took place in the manure was a loss, as the 
nitrogen escaped in the form of ammonia, but 
until some other material than horse-stable 
manure be used for the beds (and I believe it 
will be practical in the near future to use 
other material), there will be a loss of am- 
monia from the beds by fermentation in 
different stages. I have been experimenting 
with sphagnum moss and cocoanut fibre, 
using hot water to get the proper temperature 
to produce the spawn in an active state, and 
covering with soil, charged with ammonia, I 
have been successful in raising healthy Mush- 
rooms. 

‘In October, 1886, being satisfied with the 
result of my experiments, and feeling certain 
that I had mastered the fundamental part of 
‘Mushroom Culture,’ I made a radical 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MUS 


change in my operations, which I give in 
detail. First, however, I will give some idea 
of my house. It had been a storage cellar for 
roots,60x24 feet, with a cement floor, and below 
ground level. I had six rows of 21g inch pipe 
put in to keep up a proper temperature in 
severe weather, tore out all the shelves and 
benches of the old system, and formed the 
bed on the floor. I received the manure by 
the cars from New York, and had it unloaded 
and carted at once, making the bed the same 
day, passing the manure through openings in 
the walls, and levelling it to an even depth of 
fifteen inches. The next day I had soil from 
the vegetable garden, a rich mellow loam, 
carted and put on to the depth of three 
inches over one half of the bed, lengthwise in 
the house. The other half of the bed I had 
forked up loosely three inches in depth, so as 
to dry and ferment as quickly as possible, 
throwing open all the windowsanddoors. In 
twelve days after making the bed in the part 
that had no soil upon it, I cut drills with a hoe 
sixteen inches apart and two inches deep 
lengthwise of the house, to receive the spawn, 
‘leaving drills uncovered two days.’ Finding 
the temperature in the bottom of the drill to be 
95°, and the bed below getting dry, I took soil by 
hand, and spreading a little thinly in the bot- 
tom of the drill, I put in the spawn, which 
was in cake form, broken into pieces the size 
of a small egg, then moistening it in each 
drill by a sprinkler, I partially closed the 
house, so as to hold a warm damp moisture 
over the spawn. On the second day, finding 
the temperature falling, I pulled the manure 
loosely over the spawn with a rake, and plac- 
ing a thermometer at the same depth as the 
spawn, I found next morning the temperature 
to be 90°. Ithen tamped the bed down to a 
level surface, and passing the soil from the 
other part of the bed upon the spawned part, 
I forked up the surface loose, and threw the 
house open again to dry the bed ready for 
spawning, which was in half the time of the 
first part. When spawned half the soil was 
passed over again and the whole surface made 
even and tamped down firmly. In five weeks 
I gathered Mushrooms, and continued to do so 
until the following May, when the warm 
weather set in and the Maggot played havoc 
with them in all stages. The soil was 
thoroughly charged with ammonia as it lay 
upon the surface of the bed during the whole 
fermentation, and furnishing the food for the 
Mushroom. The moisture of the house was 
kept up by fermenting manure in oil barrels, 
which were recharged as they cooled off. The 
temperature was kept at 57°, as nearly as pos- 
sible; other artificial heat by steam or flue 
heating would have answered nearly the 
same purpose. 

“For growing Mushrooms in fruit-houses 
such as a peachhouse or grapery,I use hot- 
bed sashes, forming the frames with boards, 
making the beds directly upon the soil of the 
border. These bedsI form with the manure 
as soon as received, making them one foot in 
thickness, and treading down firmly. I then 
spread one and a half inches of soil evenly 
over the surface, and fork up an inch or s0 of 
the manure with it, intermixing it slightly so 
as to prevent the soil forming a cake-like sur- 
face ; I then add two inches of manure, which 
is left loose on the top of the bed. I find that 


MUS 


the soil lessens the fermentation near the sur- 
face, and that a large amount of the ammonia 
is gathered in the loose manure which is 
much cooler and damper than the body of the 
bed below the soil. I spawn at atemperature 
of 90° to 95°, placing the spawn in drills one 
foot apart and two inches deep, using one anda 
half bricks to a sash 6x3 feet, finishing with 
one and a half inches of soil direct from the 
vegetable garden. I find when fresh manure 
is formed into beds, that when the fermenta- 
tion is ceasing, the manure becomes nearly 
dry, so that there is no danger of raising 
the temperature when the beds are soiled 
directly after spawning. The sashes are then 
put on, each one being tilted an inch or so to 
let out the moisture given off by the beds, so 
as to keep the soil dry upon the surface until 
the Mushrooms appear, after which the soil 
must be kept moist, the supply of air being 
regulated so as not to allow it to become dry. 
Strong light, or sun’s rays must be kept off 
the sashes to keep an even temperature, asa 
sudden raise of 10° would be of great detriment 
to the young Mushrooms near the surface. I 
spread half a peck of soil charged with Am- 
monia under each sash over the surface of the 
bed every two weeks, after gathering has 
commenced, which should be in from five to 
six weeks. Frames made up in this way will 
bear good crops from November to April. 

‘*REMARKS. Mushroom spores will repro- 
duce themselves in fourteen days, from dry 
spawn put into active state, soin case where 
the beds have been found dry, after fermenta- 
tion has ceased, which is often the case if not 
watched closely; after having been spawned 
two weeks, take a watering pot with a fine 
sprinkler and water the surface so as to pen- 
etrate about two inches with water at 90 
degrees, at the same time raising the temper- 
ature of the house 10 degrees. Mushrooms 
will then appear in from five to six weeks. 

‘«‘Brest TEMPERATURE for Mushroom-house 
57 degrees. 

‘* Best CoNDITION. Moist only to a percep- 
tible degree, the surface soil kept damp by 
watering moderately with clear water, of a 
temperature of not less than 80 degrees, ap- 
plied with a syringe or a watering-pot with a 
fine sprinkler. To have the beds packed 
solidly, as recommended by a great many 
growers, is a mistake, as the thread-like 
spawn, cannot travel freely enough through 
the material of the bed—have the beds firm 
only. For storing spawn in a dry state, with 
which to spawn other beds, it is best to have 
it in solid material as it will handle better 
than in flakes. 

‘“‘ ATMOSPHERE. The best means to keep the 
atmosphere of a Mushroom-house moist, is to 
place a few barrels of fermenting manure in 
the house, changing them when cooled off. 
This will obviate running the risk of getting 
the beds too wet from the syringe or watering 

ot. 
a VENTILATION. The passage of air must be 
from the top, and must be fully under control 
at a temperature not below 45 degrees on 
entering the house. Avoid all currents of air 
on the surface of the bed when in bearing. 

“‘HEATING. Use hot-water pipes as little 
as possible, and only when the house drops 
below 55 degrees. MHot-water pipes within 
eight inches of the bed will damage the Mush- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 265 


MUS 


rooms. Keep a temperature as near 57 degrees 
as possible, a sudden change of ten degrees 
higher or lower will have a bad effect.” 

MUSHROOMS ON PASTURE LANDS, ETC. A 
simple method of growing Mushrooms on 
pasture lands or on lawns is to take pieces of 
spawn—about the size of a hickory-nut—and 
lift the sod with a trowel or spade, just suffi- 
cient to get the spawn under it and then press 
it down tight. Set the pieces of spawn one to 
two feet apart. Three or four dollars’ worth 
of spawn, which can be got from any seeds- 
man, is sufficient for an acre. 

The best time to place the spawn under the 
sod is from middle of May to middle of June, 
and in atavorable season a fair crop can be 
expected the following September, or in three 
or four months from time of planting. 


Musk Mallow. See Malva. 


Muskmelon. Cucumis melo. See Cucumis. 
The cultivation of the Muskmelon was car- 

ried on at a very remote period. It is said 
to be a native of the central part of Asia, and 
to have been brought into Europe from 
Persia; but the date of its first culture is so 
remote that there is no certain knowledge on 
the subject. It appears to have been brought 
into Italy early in the first century, if not be- 
fore, as it is mentioned ky Pliny, who died 
from suffocation caused by the great eruption 
of Vesuvius in A. D. 79. In his works he de- 
scribes the methods by which Melons were 
grown or forced, so as to be obtained for the 
Emperor Tiberius at all times of the year. 
Of the Melon there are many varieties. Of 
the various classes of Melons, one of the 
oldest and bestis the Cantaloup, which, ac- 
cording to M. Jacquin, derives its name from 
Cantalouppi, a seat belonging to the Pope, 
near Rome, where this sort, brought from 
Armenia by the missionaries, was first culti- 
vated. The flesh of this, with its varieties, is 
yellowish or pink. The Nutmeg and Citron 
varieties, which are the more common in our 
markets, are supposed to be the African or 
“Egyptian Melons of the early writers. The 
Melons of Persia have long borne a high 
character, and differ materially from the 
varieties commonly cultivated. They are ex- 
tremely rich and sweet, and instead of the 
thick rind of the common melons, they have 
avery thin and delicate skin, which makes a 
fruit of the same apparent size contain nearly 
twice as much edible flesh. From this 
peculiarity they are difficult to handle and 
ship; and they are likewise more difficult of 
culture, requiring a long, warm season to 
ripen to perfection. The most popular 
Melon of the New York markets is the 
*« Hackensack,” a green-fleshed, finely netted 
variety, cultivated in immense quantities in 
the vicinity of Hackensack, N. J. 

Musk-Plant. See Mimulus Moschatus. 

Musk-Thistle. Carduus Nutans. 

Musk Tree, or Musk Wood. LEurybia (Aster) 
argophylla. 

Musquash Root. One of the popular names of 
Cicuta maculata. — 


IMussze’nda. The Cingalese name of one of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 

A small genus of tropical evergreen shrubs. 

M. frondosa is a very pretty species, with ter- 

minal clusters of yellow flowers, surrounded 


MYL 


by bracts of pure white, which give ita very 
singular appearance. The leaves of some of 
the species are esteemed for their medicinal 
properties. M. uniflora is a vigorous, free- 
flowering, handsome plant, suitable for basket 


culture. Theyare natives of the East Indies, 
and are propagated by cuttings. Introduced 
in 1814. 


Mu’sschia. Named after J. H. Mussche, once 
Director of the Botanic Garden at Ghent. 
Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. 

A small genus of perennial herbs or small 
shrubs, natives of the Island of Madiera. MM. 
aurea is a fine herbaceous perennial, bearing 
its rich, golden-yellow flowers in erect, loose 
panicles. Introduced in 1777. Syn. Campa- 
nula aurea. 


Mustard. See Sinapis. 
Mustard. Hedge. See Erysimum. 


Mustard Tree of Scripture. Supposed to be 
the common Mustard-plant (Sinapis alba, or 
nigra), which in Palestine is said to attain the 
height of ten to fifteen feet. The late Dr. 
Royle endeavored to prove that Salvadora 
Persica was meant, but this tree does not grow 
in Galilee. 

Muticous. Pointless. 


Muti’sia. Named after C. Mutis,a South Ameri- 
can botanist. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Asmall genus of ornamental green-house 
climbing plants, natives of South America, 
chiefly confined to the Andes of the West, and 
especially of Chili. The flowers are produced 
in terminal heads or clusters, and are mostly 
of a‘pink, purple, or yellow color. They re- 
quire a warm place in the green-houge. Prop- 
agated by cuttings. Introduced in 1832. 

Myce’lium. A word equivalent to spawn, de- 
noting the negative part of Fungi, the greater 
part of what most readily attracts attention 
being frequently merely the fructification. 
The vegetative part of a mushroom, for in- 
stance, is represented by the delicate white 
down and strings which traverse the soil, the 
fruit is the stem, pileus, and gills, which we 
call the mushroom. Fungi, except the lowest 
forms, are made up chiefly of long, slender 
threads, composed of rows of cells placed end 
to end: these threads usually branch, and are 
interwoven so as to form a tissue that seems 
frequently composed of cells united in the 
way observed among other plants, though 
really only a false, soft, cellular tissue. 


Mygi’nda. Named after Francis von Mygind, a 
German botanist. Nat. Ord. Celastracee. 

A small genus of glabrous or pilose shrubs, 
natives of tropical America and Chili. M. 
latifolia, the best known species, has small 
white flowers in bunches at the ends of the 
branches. It was introduced in 1795, and is 
propagated by cuttings of the ripened wood. 

Myloca’ryum. Buck-wheat Tree. From Myle, 
a mill, and karyon, anut; the dry seeds have 
four wings like a windmill. Nat. Ord. Cyril- 
lace, 

M. ligustrinum, the only species is a half- 
hardy, evergreen shrub, with terminal racemes 
of white fragrant flowers. It is a native of 
the Southern United States, and succeeds best 
here in the cool green-house. Itis propa- 
gated by cuttings of the half-ripened. shoots. 
This plant is now named Cliftonia ligustrina by 
many botanists. 


266 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MYO 


Myopo’rum. The typical genus of Myoporacee, 
consisting of upwards of fifteen species of 
shrubs chiefly from Australia. Flowers often 
white, small or medium. They are increased 
by cuttings, but few of the species are in 
cultivation. 


Myosoti’dium Nobile. The only representa- 
tive of the genus is a very handsome, hardy, 
or nearly hardy herbaceous perennial, resem- 
bliug a gigantic Forget-me-not, and belonging 
to the same natural order, Boraginacee. 

It is difficult of cultivation and seems to do 
best in a cool, damp, sheltered situation, 


Myoso’tis. Forget-me-not. From mys, a 
mouse, and ofos an ear; resemblance of the 
leaves. Nat. Ord. Boraginacea. 

A genus of hardy and half-hardy annuals and 
perennials, comprising numerous European, 
northern Asiatic, and one or two native 
species. The herbaceous species succeed 
best in moist places, but all may be grown in 
pots, provided they are kept well watered. 
They are usually grown, however, in cold 
frames like Pansies. M. dissitifora is a 
handsome species, from Switzerland, closely 
allied to M. sylvatica, with large, deep sky- 
blue flowers, and larger in all its parts than 
the latter. It is one of the best sorts for 
winter blooming, and succeeds best grown in 
a cool house like Mignonette. WM. palustris, 
the true ‘“ Forget-me-not,” is a well-known 
hardy perennial from six to twelve inches 
high, flowering in a cool moist position all 
summer. WM. Azorica with its variety known 
as Imperatrice Elizabeth, form beautiful 
branching bushes, six to twelve inches high, 
covered with numerous heads of bluish- 
purple flower. It is a native of the Azores, 
and is not so hardy as the other species, but 
is very useful for green-house decoration in 
the winter and spring months. They are all 
readily propagated by division, or by seed. 

My’rcia. A mythological name. Nat. Ord. 
Myrtaceae. 

A very large genus—over three hundred 
species—of trees or shrubs, all natives of 
tropical and sub-tropical America. The flow- 
ers are small, and very few of the species are 
in cultivation. 

My’rica. Bayberry, Wax Myrtle, Sweet Gale. 
From myrio, to flow; found on the banks of 
rivers. Nat. Ord. Myricaceaw. 

A genus of green-house evergreen and hardy 
shrubs. The former are not much grown. 
Of the latter M. cerifera is a shrub common to 
New York and the Atlantic coast, growing 
four to eight feet high. The foliage has a 
pleasant fragrance, and is used to a large ex- 
tent in mixing with flowers used in summer 
bouquets. In New England the wax which 
invests the berries is collected in considerable 
quantities. Itis obtained by boiling the ber- 
ries in water, when the wax melts and rises 
to the surface. Under the name of Bayberry 
tallow it is often used to make candles, either 
alone or mixed with tallow; it is also em- 
ployed in soap-making. 

Myrica’cez. A natural order of trees or 
shrubs with resinous glands, alternate leaves 
and unisexual flowers. They inhabit tem- 
perate and tropical countries, and have 
aromatic, tonic, and astringent properties. 
The order contains but one genus and about 
thirty-five species. 


MYR 


Myrica’ria. From murike, the Greek name of 
the Tamarisk. Nat. Ord. Tamaricacee. 

Of the several species that are included in 
this genus, M. Germanica is the only one of 
special interest. It is a hardy evergreen 
shrub from six to eight feet high, with very 
narrow, flat leaves, and longspikes of delicate 
pink flowers. It is indigenous throughout 
most parts of Europe and the Caucasus. Itis 
of easy culture, and very ornamental. Propa- 
gated by cuttings of young shoots, either in 
spring or autumn. 

Myriophy'llum. Water Milfoil. From myrios, 
amyriad, and phyllon, a leaf; division of the 
leaves. Nat. Ord. Haloragacee. 

An extensive genus of hardy aquatic 
plants, allied to Hippuris. The several 
species are common in ponds and ditches 
throughout the United, States. M. spicatum 
makes a desirable plant for the aquarium. 

Myri’stica. Nutmeg. From myristikos, sweet- 
smelling. Nat. Ord. Myristicacee. 

M. moschata or fragrans, a beautiful branch- 
ing tree, growing about thirty feet high, pro- 
duces the Mace and Nutmegs of commerce. 
It is principally grown in the Banda Isles, 
though common in Java and the Molucca 
Islands. The male and female flowers are on 
difterent trees. The flowers of both are small, 
white, bell-shaped, and without any calyx; 
the embryo fruit appearing at the bottom of 
the female flower in the form of a little reddish 
knob. The female flowers grow on slender 
peduncles, two or three together, but it is 
rare that more than one flower in each bunch 
comes to maturity and produces fruit; this 
resembles in size a small peach, but it is 
rather more pointed at both ends. The outer 
coat is about half an inch thick when ripe, at 
which time it bursts at the side and discloses 
the spices. These are, the Mace, having the 
appearance of a leafy net-work of a fine red 
color, which seems the brighter by being con- 
trasted with the shining black of the shell 
that it surrounds. This is laid to dry in the 
shade for a short time, but if dried too much 
a great part of its flavor is lost by evaporation. 
On the other hand, if packed too moist, it 
either ferments or breeds worms. The Nutmeg 
is contained in a shell somewhat harder than 
that of the filbert, and could notin the state 
in which it is gathered be broken without 
injuring the nut. On that account the nuts 
are successively dried in the sun, and then by 
tire heat, till the kernel shrinks so much as to 
rattle in the shell, which is then easily broken,’ 
and the Nutmeg released. After this process, 
they are several times soaked in sea-water and 
lime, and then laid in a heap, where they heat 
and get rid of their superfluous moisture by 
evaporation. This process is pursued to pre- 
serve the substance of the nut, as well as to 
destroy its vegetative power. When perfectly 
cured they are packed in dry slacked lime, and 
sent to market. 

Myristica’ceze. A natural order of trees and 
shrubs, natives of the tropical regions of Asia 
and America, Madagascar, Africa, with one 
representation in Australia. ,Myristica the 
only genus furnishes the well-known Nutmeg 
and Mace of commerce, and contains about 
eighty species. 

Myrobalan Plum. See Prunus cerasifera. 

Myrobalans. See Terminalia. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 267 


MYR 


Myro’dia. From myron, myrrh, perfume, and 
osme,asmell. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacew. 

A genus of South American trees or shrubs, 
with an aromatic odor. There are seven 
species described of which M. turbinata is 
the only one yet introduced. Its flowers 
are white and very fragrant, otherwise it is of 
little horticultural interest. It is of easy 
cultivation, and is propagated by cuttings of 
the half-ripened shoots. 

Myrospe/rmum. From myron, myrrh, an aro- 
matic balsam, and sperma, a seed; the seeds 
yield a strong-smelling resin. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

This is the genus which produces the Balsam 
of Peru, used in perfumery and in the prepara- 


tion of lozenges. They areall from South Amer-. 


ica, and closely allied to Myrozylon, and are 
mainly interesting for the drugs they furnish, 


Myro’xylon. Tolu Balsam Tree. From myron, 
myrrh, and zylon, wood; the wood is resinous 
and sweet-scented. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of about six species of evergreen 
trees, natives of tropical America. M. Tolui- 
Serum (Tolu Balsam-bearing), the most impor- 
tant species, is a large spreading tree, with 
very thick, rough, brown bark. The balsam 
flows from incisions made in the bark during 
the hot season, its smell is extremely fragrant, 
somewhat resembling the lemon, and its taste 
is warm and sweet. 


Myrrh. An aromatic, medicinal, gum-resin, 
yielded by Balsamodendron myrrha, a native 
of Arabia Felix. See also Myrrhis. : 


My’rrhis. Sweet Cicely or Myrrh. From myrrha, 
myrrh; in allusion to the scent of the plants. 
Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 

M. odora, the only species of interest, is a 
very graceful-looking plant with finely cut 
foliage, and an agreeable odor. It is still 
used in salads in Italy. Native of the moun- 
tains of Europe and the Caucasus region. 


Myrsina’cez. A natural order of trees, shrubs 
or under-shrubs of variable habit, natives of 
Africa, Asia and America, and said to abound 
chiefly in islands with an equable temperature. 
Little is known of their properties. There are 
over thirty genera and five hundred species. 
Myrsine, Ardisia, Theophrasta, and Jacquinia 
are examples of the order. 

My’rsine. The old Greek name given by Dio- 
scorides to the myrtle. Nat. Ord. Myrsinacea. 

A genus of about eighty species of shrubs 
or small trees, mostly evergreen, natives of 
Asia, Africa, and tropical America, a few being 
indigenous in Japan, Australia, and New 
Zealand. The berries of M. Africana, aspecies 
widely, dispersed over Africa and occasionally 
to be seen in green-house collections, are said 
to be mixed with barley by the Abyssinians as 
food for-their asses and mules. Syn. Sider- 
ozylon, Manglilla, and Samara. 

Myrsiphy'llum. Smilax. From myrsine, a 
myrtle, and phyllon, a leaf; resemblance of 
the leaves. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

M. asparagoides, the well-known Smilax of 
the florist, is a native of various parts of the 
Cape of Good Hope. It was first introduced 
into England in 1702, ut was soon discarded. 
It was again introduced by Mr. Cooper about 
1861, who sent it to Kew, where it flowered, 
and from whence it was disseminated. It is 
now one of the essentials of a florist’s stock; 


MYR 


in fact itis of greater importance than any 
flower, if we except the Rose. It is of easy 
culture, as may be inferred from the fact that 
it is treated in about as many different ways 
as there are growers. Sow the seed in the 

green-house in boxes of light rich soil in Jan- 
uary or early in February. As soun as the 
plants are three inches high, prick them out 
first into shallow boxes, and again into thumb 
pots when established, and grow on in any 
convenient place, even partially under 
benches, where little else would grow. When 
required shift into three-inch pots, and grow 
on until about the first of August, and then 
plant out in the bed where they are to grow, 

at about six inches from plant to plant, and 

twelve inches between the rows. This is 

about the right distance when strings of six: 
or nine feet are used to train on; if higher the 

plants may be set farther apart. By the first 

of January following, they will have made a 
growth of eight or ten feet, and be ready for 
cutting. A second growth will at once com- 

mence, and a crop secured by March or April. 

When the second crop has been cut, give it a 
partial rest, clean the bed off, enrich with a 

light top dressing, and put up the strings 

for the next year’s growth, which will com- 

mence in August or September. When grow- 

ing freely it may be liberally supplied with 

manure water once a week and syringed once 

aday. This treatment never fails of -giving 
at least two good cuttings a year; and witha 
succession of plantings a supply can be had at 
alltimes ofthe year. The strings used should 
be of a green color, so that in festooning they 
may not be seen. Although a crop is often 
taken after the last cutting in April, we pre- 
fer to use the space in spring for other pur- 
poses, and plant the young plants of Smilax 
each year, beginning the first planting in 
August, as above mentioned. From August 
to October a light shading should be used on 
the glass. We find nothing better than 
naphtha mixed with a little white lead, so as 
to give it the color of thin milk., This shad- 
ing can be put on with a syringe ina few 
minutes. It costs only twenty-five cents for 
each thousand square feet of glass, and we 
consider it the best shading for all green- 
house operations. One important caution in 
growing Smilax must be given; it will not 
stand tobacco nor any other kind of smoke or 
gas, the leaves quickly getting yellow. If 
infested by the Aphis (Green Fly) tobacco 
must be used in the liquid state by steeping 
the stems till of the color of strong tea. When 
other plants require to be fumigated in the 
same house with Smilax, to save the Smilax 
from injury, it should be first freely syringed, 
as the smoke will then nct hurt the leaves. 
The same plan should be used with Helio- 
trope, or any other plants the leaves of which 
are susceptible to injury from fumigation. 


Myrta'cez. A natural order of trees or shrubs, 


natives chiefly of warm countries, as South 
America and the East Indies; many, how- 
ever, are found in more temperate regions, 
and some of the genera are peculiar to Aus- 
tralia. Many yield an aromatic volatile oil, 
some, edible fruits, and others furnish astrin- 
gent and saccharine substances. The leaves 
of certain species of Leptospermum, and Mela- 
leuca, are used as tea in Australia. Pimento, 
or Allspice is the berried fruits of Eugenia 


268 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


MYR 


Pimenta, a tree of the West Indies and Mexico. 
The flower buds of Caryophyllus aromaticus, 
constitute the Cloves of commerce. Guavas 
are the fruits of species of Psidiwm. Punica 
Granatum, yields the Pomegranate. The 
species of Eucalyptus, are the gigantic Gum or 
Fever-trees of Australia. The order is a very 
extensive one, containing about one hundred 
genera, and fifteen hundred species. 

Myrtle. See Myrtus. 

Myrtle. Sand. Leophyllum busifolium. 

Myrtle. WaxorCandleberry. Myrica cerifera. 

My'rtus. From myron, signifyin erfume. 
Nat. Ord. created ee 

A genus of beautiful evergreen shrubs, na- 

tives of Europe, Asia, South America, and 
some of them of New Holland. The common 
Myrtle, Jf. communis, of which there are eight 
or ten very distinct varieties, is too well known 
to require any description. It is not sur- 


NAN 


passed in beauty of foliage by any exotic 
shrub, and the flowers are of a pure white, 
and, like the leaves, fragrant. The fragrance 
arises from an oil which is secreted in little 
cells, which appear as dots when the leaves 
are held up to the light. The handsomest 
varieties of the common Myrtle are the 
Roman, or broad-leaved, the broad-leaved 
Dutch, the narrow-leaved, and the double- 
flowered. M. Nummularia, a native of the 
Falkland Islands spreads over the ground 
like common Thyme. M. Ugni (syn. Eugenia 
Ugni), introduced from Valdivia in 1845, 
forms a very pretty, cool green-house plant, 
with white flowers succeeded by red or black 
glossy fruits, which, when ripe, are highly 
flavored and emit an agreeable perfume. It 
is quite hardy in the Southern States. All 
the species are readily propagated by cuttings 
of the partially ripened shoots. : 


N. 


Nave The Bish or Bikh. A powerful Indian 
poison obtained from Aconitum feroz. 


Nege’lia. Named after Karl Nageli, aneminent 


German botanist. Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 


This genus was formerly included with Ges- 


nera, of which the type is the well-known G. 
zgebrina. 


plants natives of Mexico. The leaves are 


oval-shaped, of a green color, and have a 
velvety appearance, being thickly covered 
with short crimson hairs, which give them a 
rich velvet-like hue. They have erect racemes 


of large, showy flowers, mustly bright scarlet. 


They are propagated and cultivated the same 


as recommended for Gesnera. 
Nagkesur. See Mesua. 
Na‘ias. From Naias, water nymph. 


interest. 


Naidacez. Pond-weed Family. A natural order 
of plants living in fresh or salt water, widely 
distributed over the globe, and of but little 

There are about six- 

teen genera and over one hundred species; 

Aponogeton, Nais, and Triglochin are examples. 


A common name for Paronychia, 


horticultural interest. 


Nail-wort. 
which see. 


Naked Seeds. 
covering, as in Conifers and Cycads. 


Na’ma. 


phyllacea. 


A genus of annual or perennial herbs or 
shrubs, natives of northwest America and 


Mexico. Thespecies are not much cultivated. 


N. Parryti, the best known, introduced to 
cultivation from California in 1881, is a half- 
hardy herbaceous plant, with lilac-purple flow- 
ers in dense clusters, on terminal branched 
It is propagated by division or by 


panicles. 
euttings. 


Nandi’na. 


They are deciduous green-house 


A genus 
giving its name to the order Naidacew. All 
the species are little branching herbs, grow- 
ing under water and are only of botanical 


Seeds having no pericarpal 


From nama, a stream of water; allud- 
ing to their natural habitat. Nat. Ord. Hydro- 


Nancy Pretty. A common English name for 
Sazxifraga umbrosa. : 

From Nandin, the name of the 
shrub in Japan. Nat. Ord. Berberidacew. 
' N. domestica, the only representative of the 
genus is a handsome, erect, half-hardy green- 
house shrub, with ternately-compound leaves 
and terminal compound panicles of white 
flowers with yellow anthers, followed by 
round, red berries, about the size of peas. It 
is a native of China and Japan where it is 
extensively grown; it is also a favorite orna- 
mental plant in the Southern States where it 
is now thoroughly domesticated. It was 
introduced to cultivation in 1804, and is 
propagated by cuttings of the well-ripened 
wood. 

Wa/nnorhops. From nannos, dwarf, and rhops, 
a bush; in reference to the low growth of the 
plant. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

NN. Ritcheana, the only described species, isa 
low, unarmed, plant-stove palm, with a tufted, 
creeping caudex. The leaves of this plant are 
used in India for the manufacture of fans, 
sandals, baskets, etc. Itis propagated by off- 
sets or by seeds. ~ : 

Nano’des, From nanodes, apigmy. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidaceae. 

Asmall genus of very dwarf, rare and beauti- 
ful Orchids, natives of Brazil and the West 
Indies. N. Meduse, the principal one under cul- 
tivation, is thus described by B.S. Williams, 
in the ‘Orchid Growers’ Manual.” ~‘This is 
a very rare, most extraordinary, and beautiful. 
plant, very distinct in habit from any other 
Orchid I have seen. Thereisno bulb to support 
it,only a woody stem with light green leaves on 
both sides, which are about three inches long; 
flowers large, terminal, produced two or more 
together; sepals and petals light green, tinged 
with brown; lip large and spreading, deeply 
fringed round the margin, rich maroon in 
color, except towards the base, where it is 
green. It requires to be grown on a block, or 


wi 
NARCISSUS CYCLAMINEUS. 


NELUMBIUM (SACRED LOTUS). 


NARCISSUS INCOMPARABILIS (DOUBLE). 


NARCISSUS HORSFIELDI. 


NARCISSUS ALBUS PLENUS ODORATUS, 


me a i 
NARCISSUS (TRUMPET MAJOR). 


268 


\ 
NARCISSUS POLYANTHUS (PAPER WHITE). 


NAROISsUS (VAR, ‘‘8IR WATKIN”), 269 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 269 


NAN 


in a basket with moss and peat, and kept very 
eool, as it is a native of the higher Andes of 
western South America.” 


Nanus. Dwarf. 


Napiform. Turnip-shaped. 


Napoleo’na. Named in honor of the Emperor 
Napoleon. Nat Ord. Myrtacere. 

A very singular genus of shrubs, natives of 
western tropical Africa, whose place in the 
natural system is a contested point among 
botanists. ‘*Among the most remarkable 
plants that have hitherto been discovered ranks 
this rare species. It forms a bush aboutas large 
asa Camellia, and some ideaof the structure of 
its flowers may be formed when we state that 
the species has been referred to the natural 
order Passifloracew by some botanists, and to 
Cucurbitacee by others.”—Paxton. Whitfield, 4 


botanical collector, brought with him in 1843 - 


from Sierra Leone, dried specimens and living 
plants, one of the latter of which, flowering 
a few years later, cleared away all uncer- 
tainty as to its location in the natural system. 
The propagation of this plant may be effected 
by cuttings, and in other respects its treat- 
ment should resemble that of the Gardenia. 


Narci’ssus. _Name of a youthsaid to have been 
changed into this flower. Nat. Ord. Amarylli- 
dacew. 

In this genus of ornamental, usually hardy 
bulbous plants, we have a long list of estab- 
lished favorites, remarkable alike for the ele- 
gance, fragrance, and precocity of their 
flowers. The majority of them will thrive in 
almost any soil or situation, though they will 
succeed best in a thcroughly drained, toler- 
ably rich soil, and if the position is one 
partially shaded from the hot sunshine in 
spring, the flowers will retain their beauty for 
a much longer period than if more fully ex- 
posed. The hardy sorts, when grown in the 
open borders, should be planted in September 
in newly-dug, well-manured ground at a depth 
of three inches, reckoning from the top of the 
bulb to the surface of the soil. This will not 
be too much for any, except, perhaps, the 
Jonquils, which, from having smaller bulbs, 
may be placed an inch shallower. When 
planted in beds and it becomes necessary to 
remove them to make room for other plants 
it should be done as soon as their beauty is 
past. As the bulbs are by no means mature 
at this time, they should be “laid in” in some 
slightly shaded place until the foliage is quite 
withered, when they may be taken up, dried, 
and stored away until wanted for the next 
planting season. Narcissi are well adapted 
for planting in the herbaceous or shrubbery 
border, or in the grass by the sides of wood- 
land walks, in open spaces between trees and 
shrubs, in cemeteries, or in any situation 
where the flowers may be readily seen on their 
appearance in spring. The foliage should be 
allowed to ripen naturally before being re- 
moved, at which time an annual top-dressing 
of loam and decayed manure may be applied 
with advantage. Varieties of Polyanthus 
Narcissus are very extensively cultivated in 
pots for green-house decoration, as well as for 
the use of their highly-fragrant flowers in a 
cut state. The instructions given for the 
culture and management of the Hyacinth will 
be found in every way applicable to the Nar- 
cissus (see Hyacinth). Of those most com- 


NAR 


monly grown for forcing, we prefer the follow- 
ing: Soliel d’or (yellow, with orange cup), 
Gloriosus (white, primrose cup), States Gen- 
eral (white, with citron cup), Grand Primo 
(white, with citron cup), and Grand Monarque 
(white, with pale yeliow cup), with the Double 
Roman (yellow) and Paper White. Double 
and single sweet-scented Jonquils, N. Jon- 
quilla, are very tragrant when in flower, and 
are well adapted for pot culture, as is also the 
early variety of the Poets’ Narcissus, .N. poeticus 
ornatus. The Paper White Narcissus, N. Tazetta, 
is forced in immense quantities by the florists 
of New York and other large cities,and, nextto 
the Roman Hyacinth and Tulip,is the bulb most 
extensively grown for this purpose. When 
grown on a large scale, they are planted in 
boxes of soil four inches deep at a distance of 
three to four inches apart, and treated as 
described for Roman Hyacinths. The hardy 
varieties of Narcissus or Daffodils, of which 
large quantities are now used, are forced in 
the same manner, it being imperative for their 
success that they be well rooted in the boxes 
or pots before being brought into heat, as, if 
they are insufficiently rooted, failure will re- 
sult. To bein proper condition to force, the 
pots or boxes should be matted around with 
the roots. The most reliable single varieties 
for forcing are Trumpet Major (yellow), 
Trumpet Minor (yellow trumpet and white 
perianth), Obvallaris(the famous Tenby Daf- 
fodil, rich yellow), and Poeticus Ornatus 
(white); of double varieties, Incomparabilis 
(yellow and orange), Pseudo Plenus, or Lent 
Lily (yellow and white), and Von Sion (all 
yellow). Of double whites, Alba plena odorata 
is the best. For out-doors all of the above 
are desirable, and in addition many others, 
such as Horsfieldi, Scoticus, Sir Watkin, Pal- - 
lidus preecox, Leedsii, the varieties of Bulbo- 
codium, Orange Pheenix, etc. 


WNardosta’chys. From Nardos, a sweet-scented 


shrub, and stachys, a spike; the Nardus of the 
ancients was close akin to this plant. Nat. Ord. 
Valerianiacee. 

This genus comprises two species of hardy 
perennial herbs, natives of the Himalayas. 
The flowers are arranged in dense, small 
heads, rosy-purple in color. The root is short, 
thick, fibrous, and very fragrant. The only 
species introduced is N. Jatamansi, which is 
now generally acknowledged to be the Spiken- 
ard of the ancients. 


Narthe’/cium. From narthex, a rod; referring 


to the flower-stems. Nat. Ord. Juncacee. 

A small genus of hardy herbaceous, Iris- 
like rushes, well adapted to moist. places in 
the mixed border. N. ossifragum, a native 
species, produces lively spikes of deep golden- 
yellow flowers in July and August. It is 
popularly known as Bog Asphodel. 


Na'rthex. The ancient Greek name given by 


Dioscorides to Asafctida. Nat. Ord. Umbel- 
liferee. . 

A genus of tall-growing plants, the most 
notable of whichis N. Asafetida, a native of 
Western Thibet, Persia, etc. ‘‘It seems cer- 
tain from the researches of Falconer and 
others, that this plant produces some of the 
Asafcetida of commerce, while Scorodosma 
fetida, a gigantic umbelliferous plant, found 
in the sandy steppes east of the Caspian, as 
well as some other allied plants, also furnish 


270 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 


NAS 


the drug. On cutting into the upper part of 
the root, a juice exudes which hardens by ex- 
posure,and is collected and sent to this country 
from Bombay. The drug is well known for its 
disgusting odor, which it seems has charms 
for some people, as the Persians and other 
Asiatics use it as acondiment.”—Dr. Masters, 
in ‘Treasury of Botany.” The plantis closely 
allied to Ferula under which genus it is placed 
by Bentham and Hooker. 


Naso/nia. From naso, a nose; in allusion to the 
column. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

N. punctata, the only species that constitutes 
this genus, is a very beautiful little epiphytal 
Orchid, a native of Peru. It is dwarf- 
growing plant, with small green alternate 
leaves. The flowers are large, cinnabar-red, 
with the centre of the lip yellow, and are pro- 
duced from the axils of the leaves on a short 
scape. 


Nastu’rtium. Water Cress. From nasus, the 
nose, and tortus, tormented; referring to the 
hot, acrid smell. Nat. Ord. Cruciferae. 

This genus consists principally of dwarf, 
uninteresting, weedy looking plants. WN. 
officinale is the well-known Water Cress, a 
native of Great Britain. It has become 
naturalized here, and is common near springs, 
or open, running water courses. The culture 
of Water Cress is still comparatively little 
known inthe United States, and as the subject 
was very fully treated in our vegetable work, 
‘*Gardening for Profit,” in 1874, we here quote 
from that work at length, believing that little 
else is needed for afull understanding of its 
cultivation. ‘This is a well-known hardy 
perennial aquatic plant, growing abundantly 
along the margins of running streams, ditches 
and ponds, and sold in immense quantities in 
our markets in spring. Where it does not 
grow naturally it is easily introduced by 
planting along the margins of ponds or 
streams, where it quickly increases, both by 
spreading of the root and by seeding. Many 
a farmer, in the vicinity of New York, 
realizes more profit from the Water Cresses 
cut from the margin of a brook running 
through his farm, in two or three weeks 
in spring, than from his whole year’s hard 
labor in growing Corn, Hay, or Potatoes. 
Water Cress can be best cultivated in places 
where the streams run through a level tract. 
Supposing the streams to bea foot deep on an 
average and six or eight feet wide, running 
through a meadow, a good plan for cultiva- 
tion is to make excavations laterally, say in 
beds five feet wide (with alleys between five 
feet) to a depth of about eight inches, or deep 
enough to be flooded by the stream when it is 
of average height, or, when shallow, by dam- 
ming it up so as to flood the beds. The ad- 
vantage of having the bedsexcavated at right 
angles tothe stream rather than parallel with 
it is, that in the event of freshets the crop is 
less liable to be washed away. The length 
and number of the beds excavated must, of 
course, be determined by circumstances. 
Water Cress seeds germinate freely in earth 
when kept saturated; hence the beds, when 
properly leveled and pulverized by digging 
and raking, should be slightly flooded (enough 
to saturate the soil only when the seeds ger- 
minate) ; for, of course, if the beds were filled 
up with water the seeds would be washed off. 


NAU 


After the seedlings have started so as to show 
green, the water may be gradually let on as 
they develop. Probably the best time of 
sowing the seed would be,. for the latitude of 
New York, about the middle of August. 
When Water Cress is found growing naturally, 
the beds can be made by setting the plants six 
or twelve inches apart each way. When the 
cultivation is once fairly begun there is no 
difficulty about forming new beds, as few 
plants grow more rapidly when proper condi- 
tions are present. If the crop is planted or 
the seed sown by the middle of August, it will 
have spread all over the beds by Noverober. 
The streams being full in autumn, the beds 
will be fully flooded, so as to protect the 
plants during winter. -It is always found 
wild growing best in clear, shallow, slowly- 
running water with a sandy or gravelly bot- 
tom; and as Nature is always the surest guide 
to successful cultivation, the nearer she can 
be imitated the better the success. I find it 
is one of the plants the culture of which isnot 
very easy to give by writing, as so much must 
be determined by the circumstances of 
locality. Whenever a suitable stream _is at 
command the experiment of growing Water 
Cress is worth trial, especially when we know 
that it, in many cases, pays for a given area 
six or eight times more than any other vege- 
table cultivated, provided it can be sold in the 
markets of New York or Philadelphia. It is 
usually sold in baskets, containing about 
three quarts, which sell, when first in market, 
at one dollar each; and 200 or 300 such are 
carried in an ordinary wagon, so that from a 
single load of this simple vegetable, $200 to 
$300 are realized. The Water Cress has a 
particularly pleasant pungent taste, agreeable 
to most people in early spring. It is said, 
that when Sir Joseph Banks first arrived in 
England after his voyage around the world, 
among the first things he asked for were 
Water Cresses, well knowing their value as a 
purifier of the blood; and that he afterward 
presented one of the largest Water Cress 
growers for the London market a Banksian 
Medal, for energy shown in the business, be- 
lieving that, while he had benefited himself, 
he had benefited the community. I have no 
doubt whatever that in situations where 
irrigation could be used at pleasure, and 
regular plantations made as for Cranberries, 
if grown in this way (judging from the enor- 
mous price they sell at, picked up as they are 
in the present hap-hazard way), at present 
prices, an acre would sell for four thousand 
or five thousand dollars. 

The name of this genusis frequently mis- 
applied to the common forms of Tropeolum. 

Natal Plum. Arduina grandiflora. 

Natans. Floating under water. 

WNaturalized. Introduced from a foreign coun- 
try, but growing perfectly wild, and propaga- 
ting freely by seed. 

Nau'clea. From naus, a ship, and kleto, to 
enclose ; the half-capsule is hull-shaped. Nat. 
Ord. Rubiaceae. 

A genus of trees and shrubs, natives of 
tropical Asia and the Malayan Islands. N. 
Gambir, or Uncaria Gambir yields the Gambir 
or Terra Japonica of commerce. Among the 
Malays, its chief use is as a masticatory in 
combination with the Areca-nut and the Betel- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 271 


NAU 


leaf, but considerable quantities are exported 
to China and Europe for tanning the finer 
kinds of leather. It is also used by dyers and 
curriers. Two or three species are in cultiva- 
tion, but they are of no horticultural value. 

Naumbe’rgia thyrsiflora. A synonym of Lysi- 
machia thyrsiflora. 

Navarre'ttia. Derivation of name unknown. 
Nat. Ord. Polemoniacee. 

Mostly coarse hardy annuals, with blue 
flowers, from California. They are allied to 
Ipomosis, and should have the same treat- 
ment. The genus is now included under Gilia 
by some botanists. 


Navelwort. Ses Cotyledon 


Navicular. Boat-shaped, the same as Cymbi- 
form. : 

Neapolitan Violet. (V. 0. pallida plena) A 
variety of Viola odorata. 

Nebulose. Clouded. 


Neck. The upper tapering end of bulbs is 
called the neck, as in Crinum, Amaryllis, etc. 


Necklace Tree. See Ormosia. 


Neck-Weed. A popular name for Cannabis 
saliva or Hemp. 


Necta’ndra. From Nektar, and ander, andros, 
a male (stamen); in reference to the three 
nectariferous barren stamens. Nat. Ord. 
Lauracee. 

A genus of about seventy species of trees or 
shrubs natives of tropical America, from Brazil 
and Peru, as far as Mexico and the West Indies. 
The species most worthy of notice is N. 
Rodiwvi, the Bibisi tree, or Green-heart of 
British Guiana, the timber of which is largely 
imported for ship-building. 


Nectar. The honey, etc., secreted by glands, 
or by any part of the corolla. 


Nectariferous. Honey-bearing, or having a 
nectary. 
Ne’ctarine. Persica vulgaris var. levis. The 


Nectarine is almost identical with the Peach ; 
both owe their origin to one and the same 
parent, Persica vulgaris, and in growth, habit, 
and general appearance they are almost iden- 
tical. Most botanists consider them the same 
species; the only difference between the two 
being in the skin, the Nectarine having a 
smooth and the peach a downy one. 
The fruit, however, is rather smaller, 
and is one of the most wax-like and exquisite 
of all productions for the dessert. They are, 
perhaps, scarcely so rich in flavor as the 
finest peach, but have more piquancy, partak- 
ing more of the peach-leaf flavor. Their 
identity has often been confirmed by fruit of 
both sorts being produced not only on the 
same tree, but on the same stem; and in- 
stances are recorded of the same occurring in 
one fruit, one side of which was downy like 
the Peach, the other smooth like the Nectar- 
ine. Nectarines, however, usually produce 
Nectarines again, on sowing the seeds, but 
they occasionally produce peaches; the Bos- 
ton Nectarine was a seedling from a Peach 
stone. The French have always considered 
them the same, and designate them as smooth 
and downy peaches. The Nectarine is alittle 
more shy of bearing in this country than the 
Peach but this arises almost always from the 
destruction of the crop of fruit by theCurculio, 


: NEI 


the destroyer of all smooth-skinned fruits in 
sandy soils. Itis quite hardy wherever the 
Peach will thrive, though it will not generally 
bear large and fine fruit unless the branches 
are shortened in annually, about one half of 
their length. With this easy system of prun- 
ing, good crops are readily obtained wherever 
theCurculio is not very prevalent (see Curculio). 
The culture of the Nectarine is in all respects 
similar to the Peach (which see). The fol- 
lowing is a good selection of choice varieties 
for a small garden: Violet Hative one of the 
very best, of delicious flavor, hardy and pro- 
ductive; Elruge, Hardwicke, Boston, Roman, 
and New White. 


Nectarosco’rdum. Honey Garlic. From 
nectar, honey, and skorodon, garlic, referring 
to honey-pores in the flower of this onion-like 
plant. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. E 

This genus of bulbs is allied to the Allium, 
and was formerly called Allium siculum. It 
is a very curious, hardy bulb, throwing up a 
flower scape three to four feet high, quite 
slender, with a cluster of long, pendulous, 
green or purplish flowers. _It grows freely in 
alight soil, and flowers in June. Introduced 
from Sicily in 1832. It is increased by off- 
sets. 


Nectary. An organ which secretes honey; an 
old name for petals and other parts of the 
flower when of unusual shape, especially when 
honey-bearing. So the hollow spur-shaped 
petals of Columbine were called nectaries; 


hood. 


Needle-and-Thread, Adam’s. 
for Yucca jilamentosa. 


Needle-shaped. Long, slender, and rigid, like 
the leaves of a Pine. 


Negro Corn. A West Indian name for Dhoura. 
Negro’s Head. Phytelephas macrocarpa. 


Neguwndo. JBox Elder, Ash-leaved Maple. 
Derivation of name unknown. Nat. Ord. 
Aceracee. 

A genus of hardy, native, deciduous trees, 
allied tothe Maple. WN. aceroides (syn. fraain- 
ifolium) is common in Pennsylvania, and South 
and West. Its variety, N. a. foliis argenteis 
variegatis, is one of the handsomest variegated 
trees under cultivation in England, but in the 
dry, hot climate of the United States, though 
a native, it is rarely seen in perfection, the 
leaves burning up under our hot, scorching 
sun. The leaves are beautifully marked 
white and green, and it is a plant of rapid and 
vigorous growth. There are several varie- 
ties, but none so good asthe above. N. Cali- 
fornicum is found in valleys of the lower 
Sacramento River and the interior valleys of 
the coast ranges of the San Bernardino 
Mountains. The wood is occasionally used 
in manufacturing furniture, etc. 


Nei/llia. Named after Patrick Neill of Edinburgh, 
Scotland, secretary of the Caledonian Horti- 
cultural Society in the early part of this cen- 
tury. Nat. Ord. Rosacea. 

A genus of hardy branching shrubs, natives 
of northern India, Java, and North America. 
Two species are in cultivation, both from the 
Himalayas, bearing terminal racemes of white 
flowers in June, and forming excellent plants 
for shrubberies, etc. 


A popular name 


also the curious, long-clawed petals of Monks- | 


272 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


NEJ 


Ne’ja. A small genus of Composite, consisting 
of about six south Brazilian perennials, or 
under-shrubs, with yellow flower-heads. WN. 
gracilis is a compact, free-flowering little 
plant, and has a very neat appearance in the 
borders. Propagated by seéds or division. 


Neli'tris. From ne, privative, and elytron, a 
seed case; in reference to the berry being 
without any partitions. Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 

A genus of shrubs or small trees, natives of 
tropical Asia and Australia. Only one or two 
species are in cultivation. 


Nelso/nia. Namedin honor of D. Nelson, the 
botanist who accompanied Captain Cook. Nat. 
Ord. Acanthacea. 

A small genus of plants distributed over 
tropical and sub-tropical regions in both the 

- Old and New Worlds. The species consist of 
«diffuse tomentose herbs, and are but little cul- 
tivated. 


Nelu’mbium. Nelumbo, Sacred Bean. From 
Nelumbo, the Cingalese name of N. speciosum. 
Nat. Ord. Nymphecee. 

This genus contains several beautiful spe- 
cies, all aquatic plants growing in ponds 
and slow-running streams. N. speciosum 
is the Sacred Bean or Sacred Lotus of 
India. It is a native of both the East and 
West Indies, China, Japan, Persia, and Asiatic 
Russia. According to Thunberg, it is es- 
teemed a sacred plant in Japan, and pleasing 
to their deities, the images of their idols be- 
ing often represented as sitting on its large 
leaves. The worship of the Lotus was com- 
mon with the ancient Egyptians; it is not 
now, however, to be met with on the Nile. 
Herodotus described the plant with tolerable 
accuracy, comparing the receptacle of the 
flower to a wasp’s nest. Sculptured repre- 
‘sentations of it abound among the ruins of 
Egyptian temples, and many other circum- 
stances prove the veneration paid to this 
plant by the votaries of Isis. The Chinese 
have several varieties, the most beautiful be- 
ing the rose-colored flowering one. They 
have always held it in sacred regard. That 
character has not, however, limited it to 
merely ornamental purposes, for the roots 
are not only served up in summer with ice, 
but they are also laid up with salt and vine- 
gar for the winter. The leaves are covered 
with a fine microscopic down, which, by re- 
taining a film of air over the upper surface, 
prevents it from being wetted when water is 
poured on it, the water rolling off in drops; 
this has a very pretty appearance, the drops 
of water looking like drops of molten silver. 
The Hindoos have a proverb founded on this 
peculiarity of the leaves, to the effect that 
the good and virtuous man is not enslaved by 
passion nor polluted by vice; for though he 
may be immersed in the waters of temptation 
yet, like a Lotus leaf, he will rise uninjured 
by them. WN. lutewm (Yellow Nelumbo or Water 
Chinquapin) is a very beautiful species, with 
yellow flowers from six to ten inches in diam- 
eter, common in the Western and Southern 
States. It has been introduced, probably by 
the Aborigines, into the Delaware near Phila- 
delphia, and also in some parts of New Jersey 
and Connecticut. It may be grown in a large 
tub, or in a tank, in the same manner in 
which the white Pond Lily is often grown. 


Nelu'’mbo. See Nelumbium. 


NEP 


Nemasty'lis. From nema, a thread, and stylos, 
a column; referring to the slender style. Nat. 
Ord. Iridacea. ee 

A genus of half-hardy bulbs, natives of 
Mexico and the southern United States. They 
can be grown quite successfully, if treated in 
the same manner of IJvias and Sparazis. 
There are three species in cultivation—N. 
geminifiora (syn. N. acutus) and N. purpureus, 
from Texas, and N. celestinus, from Florida. 
All are of dwarf growth with showy blossoms, 
which, however, are fugacious, though pro- 
duced continuously. 


Nemata’nthus. From nema, a thread, and 
anthos, a flower; in allusion to the pendant, 
thread-like peduncles on which the flowers 
are suspended. Nat. Ord. Gesneracea. 

A genus of green-house evergreen trailing 
plants, with large scarlet flowers, singly, in 
the axils of the leaves. It requires a warm, 
humid atmosphere, in which it is a rapid 
grower. Itisanative of Brazil. Introduced 
in 1841. 

Neme’sia. A name applied by Dioscorides to 
denote an allied plant. Nat. Ord. Scrophu- 
lariacee. 

A small genus of low-growing annuals from 
the Cape of Good Hope. They have opposite 
or whorled leaves, and terminal racemes of 
white and purplish tinted flowers. They are of 
but little interest. 


Nemopa’nthes. Mountain Holly. From nemos, 
a grove, and anthos, a flower; it being gener- 
ally found in groves. Nat. Ord. Aquifoliacee.. 

N. Canadensis, the only species, is a beau- 
tiful hardy shrub, indigenous to the moun- 
tains from Virginia to Maine, Wisconsin and 
northward. It was formerly called Ilex Cana- 
densis, and is popularly known as Mountain 
Holly. It forms a handsome, much-branched 
shrub, from four to six feet in height, with 
small white flowers, which are succeeded in 
autumn by large, beautiful crimson berries. 
It is increased by seeds or by layers. 


Nemo’phila. Fromnemos, a glove, and phileo, 
love; the plants delight in a shady situation. 
Nat. Ord. Hydrophyllacee. 

A small genus of very beautiful hardy 
annuals from California. N. insignis, is a 
beautiful border plant with lovely blue flow- 
ers, and should be grown ina moist, partly 
shaded situation. The seed should be sown 
very early in spring. The Nemophilas make 
fine pot plants for flowering in the green- 
house in winter; and for this purpose the 
seed should be sown early in the fall, and the 
plants kept rather cool in winter. 


Neo’ttia. From neottia, a bird’s-nest; refer- 
ring to the interlacing of the numerous roots. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. : 

A genus of hardy and green-house terres- 
trial Orchids of but little interest and rarely 
cultivated. 


Neotto’pteris. From neottia, a bird’s-nest, and 
pteris, afern; founded on the Bird’s Nest or 
Spleenwort Fern. Linn. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
podiacee. 

A genus of very interesting Ferns from New 
Zealand and the East Indies, found in all good 
collections, now included under Aspleniwm. 

Nepentha’cez. A natural order of curious 
shrubs or sub-shrubs inhabiting tropical 
Asia, Madagascar, tropical Australia, New 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 273 


NEP 
Caledonia, and especially the Malayan Archi- 


pelago. Nepenthes, the only genus comprises 
upwards of thirty species. 


N epe’nthes. Pitcher Plant. From nepenthes, 
grief-assuaging ; its supposed medicinal qual- 
ity. Nat. Ord. Nepenthacea. 

Among the many curious forms which 
abound in the vegetable kingdom, perhaps 
few arrest more general attention than do the 
members of this genus. The extraordinary 
appendage to the apex of each leaf has obtain- 
ed for it the appropriate appellation of the 
Pitcher Plant. Connected with the point 
of the leaf, by means of along, pendant, strap- 
like ligament, hangs a hollow tube, sometimes 
of the color and consistence of the leaf, shaped 
much in the manner of some antique vase, 

-which will hold from half a pint to nearly a 
quart of water, and extending over the mouth 
of which is what may be réadily likened to a 
lid, the whole hanging loosely by the strap be- 
fore mentioned, and appearing only as though 
provided by a beneficent Providence to catch 
and preserve the dews of heaven for the 
supply of the animal population of the sultry 
clime from which it is obtained. In culti- 
vation, the species require very similar treat- 
ment to what is usual for East Indian Orchids. 
They are of an upright. slender habit, requir- 
ing some support to their flexible branches; 
and for this purpose light iron rods should be 
fixed to the pot or basket in which they are 
grown, and circular hoops afford the easiest 
means of fastening the leaves and pitchers in 
their respective places. Turfy peat, with an 
equal quantity of Sphagnum moss, appears 
to be the most proper medium for their 
roots and with adamp atmosphere of about 80° 
in summer they grow vigorously. The neces- 
sary reduction of heat and moisture in winter 
must be observed with these as with all 
other plants. WN. distillatoria, the first intro- 
duced species is still in cultivation though it 
has been superseded in size and beauty by 
many later introductions. N. Raffesiana, 

like many others has two kinds of pitchers, 

those on the lower leaves being bladder- 
shaped, with twofringed wings in front, about 
four inches long by two wide and beautifully 
spotted with rich brown; while those on the 

upper leaves are less beautifully colored, a 

good deal longer, and funnel-shaped, narrow- 

ing gradually to the base where they gracefully 
curve upward. _N. calcarata, N. Hookeriana, 

N. Northiana, N. lanata, N. Veitchii (syn. N. 

sanguinea), and N. Rajah with pitchers a foot 

or more long, are afew of the number of species 
introduced of late years, while the hybridizer 
has given us many varieties of equal, if not 
greater beauty and interest. The genus is 
distributed throughout Borneo, Sumatra and 
the adjacent islands of the Indian Archipelago. 
Increase is had by cuttings, or by separating 
the offsets produced near the base of thestems 
of the old plants ; these should be taken off and 
potted at once in the manner of mature speci- 
mens, and if allowed the warmest part of the 
house, or a brisk bottom heat, they soon é¢s- 
tablish themselves. To believers in the Dar- 
winian theory of insect-eating plants, the 

Pitcher Plants offer a good argument. In 

nearly all the varieties a fluid is found at the 

bottom of the “ pitchers,” that seems to at- 
tract, and at the same time poison ants that 


Nephro’lepis. 


NEP 


flock to it in immense numbers, sometimes @ 
thousand being found in a single “ pitcher.” 
Mr. William Smith, Superintendent in the Bo- 


‘tanic Gardens, Washington, D. C., holds to the 


belief that the fluid intoxicates the insects. 
First introduced in 1820. 


Nep’eta. Catnip, Cat Mint. From Nepet a town, 


in Tuscany. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
plants, properly classed with troublesome 
weeds. N. cataria, the well-known Catnip, 
which is regarded as an useful herb, and N. 
Glechoma (Ground Ivy) have become natural- 
ized throughout most of the States, until they 
have become more troublesome than useful. 
The latter is, however, an excellent companion 
plant to Vinca minor for covering very shady 
areas or door-yards in the cities or for grow- 
ing under trees, or other very shady spots in 
the country. WN. G. variegata, a variety its 
leaves beautifully variegated with white, has 
been lately introduced from Japan, and is an 
excellent and valuable basket plant, and it will 
probably provehardy. N. cataria, is now being 
grown in rough waste places for Bee-food, for 
which it is said to be valuable. N. Mussini, is 
an old plant, and was once used a good deal 
for edgings to borders for which its compact 
growth well suits it. The other species are 


suitable only for botanical collections. Syn. 


Glechoma and Cataria. 


Nephe'lium. An ancient name for Burdock; 


applied in reference to the similarity of the 
heads of the flowers and seeds. Nat. Ord. 
Sapindacee. 

A small genus of fruit-bearing trees from 
China and the East Indies. WN. Litchi, the 
best variety has fruit nearly round, about 
one inch and a half in diameter, with a thin 
brittle shell of a red color, which is quite 
warty. When fresh, they are filled with a 
white, almost transparent, sweet, jelly-like 
pulp; after they have been gathered some 
time, the fruit shrivels, turns black, and then 
bears some resemblance to Prunes. The 
Chinese are very fond of these fruits, and 
consume large quantities of them, both green 
and in the dried state, preserved. 


Nephro’dium. From nephros, a kidney; the 


shape of the spore-cases. Nat. Ord. Polypo- 
diacee. 

An extensive genus of Ferns, distrib- 
uted freely over the warmer parts of the Old 
and New Worlds, and consisting mostly 
of species which have more or less the aspect 
of the common male fern, N. Filixmas. The 
most familiar species is N. molle, which is 
everywhere met with in collections of culti- 
vated ferns as well as among dried ferns from 
nearly all parts of the world. Many beauti- 
ful species and varieties, both hardy and 
exotic, are now in cultivation, and are 
deserved favorites in all collections. The 
various genera, however, of this section or 
group of Ferns, as Polystichum, Sagenia, 
Aspidium, Lastrea, Nephrodium, etc., have 
been so mixed up by botanists that no two 
agree as to which particular genus many of 
the species belong. 

From nephros, a kidney, and 
lepis, a scale; referring to the covering of the 
seed or spore-cases. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A considerable eens of very handsome 
tropical Ferns. . davallioides furcans is by 


274. 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


NEP 


far the finest of the family, and the one best 
adapted for the ordinary green-house. It has 
no equal for the sitting room or conservatory, 
being a rapid grower, of graceful habit, and 
not liable to be injured by sudden changes of 
temperature. N. exaltata, and N. tuberosa 
(syn. N. cordifolia), are both very desirable 
species, especially for large hanging baskets. 


N. Duffi is also a very elegant species having . 


fascicles of numerous gracefully-arching 
narrow fronds. It was introduced from Duke 
of York’s Island in 1878. There are many 
other interesting and beautiful species, all 
of easy culture, and rapidly increased by 
division, or by spores. 

Nephrospe/rma. From nephros, a kidney, and 
sperma, a seed; referring to the shape of the 
seed. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

N. Van Houtteanum, the only described 
species, is a very elegant, armed, plant-stove 
palm, with pinnate, gracefully arched leaves, 
divided into pendulous, acuminate, unequal 
segments. The plants are very useful for 
decorative purposes in the young state. It 
was introduced from the Seychelle Islands in 
1868, and is propagated by imported seeds. 
Syns. Areca nobilis, and Oncospermum Van 
Houtteanum. 

Ne’phthytis. Named after Nephthys, the 
mother-in-law of Typhon. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A small genus of four species, of which N. 
picturata is remarkable for the handsome 
variegated character of its foliage. This 


variegation is peculiar, and quite unique in. 


character, forming a pattern resembling in out- 


line the tips of fern-fronds laid between the’ 


nerves of the bright green-colored leaves, 
with their points all directed towards the base 
oaee leaf. Introduced from the Congo in 
1887. 

Neptu’/nia. Named after the mythological deity 
Neptune, in reference to the species growing 
in water. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A singular genus comprising about eight 
species of prostrate, often floating perennial, 
herbs or small shrubs. Natives of North and 
South America, tropical Asia and Australia. 
N. plena (abounding), the only cultivated 
species, is a most eurious and interesting 

-water-plant with yellow flowers. The white, 
spongy, lower portion of thestems full of 
air-cells, enabling the plant to float, are very 
remarkable. The leaflets and petioles are as 
irritable as those of Mimosa pudica, and are 
of an extremely delicate yellowish-green 
color. It was introduced from Mexico in 
1845. N. lutea is found in damp soil near the 
coast, Key West to Alabama and westward. 


Neri/ne. Guernsey Lily. Named after Nerine, 
daughter of Nerius. Nat. Ord. Amarylli- 
dacee. 


Showy bulbous plants, the type of which is 
the Guernsey Lily, and which are natives of 
the Cape of Good Hope, China, and Japan. 
The Guernsey Lily is anative of Japan, and 
the reason why it has obtained its English 
name is said to be, that aship laden with these 
bulbs and other plants from China was wrecked 
onthe coast of Guernsey; and that the bulbs 
being washed onshore, took root in the sandy 
soil of the beach, and flourished there so 
remarkably as to be supposed to be natives 
of the island. Whether this story be true or 
not, it is quite certain that for nearly two 


NER 


hundred years these bulbs have been culti- 
vated in Guernsey with the greatest success, 
growing freely in the open air, and producing 
abundance of offsets every year, from which 
the market is supplied. Tho pulbsare gener. 
ally planted in spring, in pots of very sandy 
loam, and placed in some window or other 
situation where they will have plenty of light. 
They flower in September and October; and 
as soon as they have flowered the bulbs are 
generally thrown away, as they are said never 
to flower well the second year. This is, how- 
ever, entirely the fault of ‘the grower, as, if 
they were planted in a well-drained, sunny 
border in the open ground, and allowed to 
mature their new bulbs every year by the 
agency of the leaves, there is no doubt that 
they would live as long as any of the kinds of 
Narcissi, and flower as freely. The true 
Guernsey Lily is N. sarniensis. N. curvifolia 
is also an exceedingly beautiful species, and 
one of the most vigorous growers. The 
flowers which appear at various seasons, are 
of a bright glittering scarlet, the petals in the 
sunlight appearing as. if sprinkled with gold- 
dust. Itis probably the most showy of the 
genus, and is known in cultivation as Amaryl- 
lis or Nerine Fothergitllia. 


Ne’rium. Oleander. From zeros, moist; refer- 
ring to their native places of growth. Nat. 
Ord. Apocynacee. 

Nerium oleander and its varieties are old and 
valued inhabitants of our green-houses; their 
large and handsome flowers, either double or 
single, pink or white, produced in the early 
part of the season, having made them general 
favorites. As the flowers are borne only on 
mature, well-ripened shoots, the plants must 
be well exposed to sun and air during their 
period of growth. Many beautiful varieties, 
both double and semi-double, mostly of Conti- 
nental origin, have been introduced of late 
years, and are the more valuable on account 
of their blooming freely when in a young or 
dwarf state. Neriums are easily propagated 
by cuttings of the matured leading shoots in 
a close, narrow, warm place, or they may be 
rooted successfully in bottles of water, and 
afterwards potted carefully in soil. Their 
principal insect enemy is the White Scale, 
which only persistent sponging or washing 
with kerosene emulsion will subdue. Not- 
withstanding their beauty they are one of the 
most virulent of vegetable poisons. The 
leaves are fatal to animals; the flowers have 
caused death to those who carelessly picked 
and ate them, and it is on record that the 
branches divested of their bark, and used as 
skewers, have poisoned the meat roasted on 
them, and killed seven out of twelve persons 
who partook of it. 


Ne’rtera. From nerteros, lowly; referring to 
the habit of the genus. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 
A small genus of creeping, herbaceous 
plants, indigenous to the mountains of Java, 
the Phillipine and Sandwich Islands, the 
Andes of South America, Australia, and New 
Zealand. N. depressa, the Bead Plant, com- 
monly known under the absurd name of 
Flowering or Fruiting Duckweed, is a beauti- 
ful hardy perennial rock plant, forming a 
dense carpet, closeto the ground, of creeping 
stems thickly covered with tiny, small, ovate, 
almost fleshy leaves. The plant is exceedingly 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 275 


NER 


attractive and conspicuous when.covered with 
its bright orange-red or crimson berries about 
the size of small peas, and which are produced 
in the greatest profusion. It may be increased 
_ from seeds, but is generally propagated by 
division of the root, any small piece of which 
will root freely. It is also well adapted 
for growing in pots or shallow pans. Intro- 
duced from the Antarctic Mountains in 1868. 


Nerves. The strong veins upon the leaves or 
flowers. 


Nervose. Nervous; full of nerves. 


Nesz’a. A genus of Lythracew, comprising 
about a dozen species of erect, leafy, perennial 
herbs, or sub-shrubs, natives of America and 
Africa, with yellow, purple, or blue flowers. 
N. verticillata, our native species, is a most 
showy plant, with four to six-sided stems, two 
to six feet long, bearing axillary, rose-colored 
flowers on short pedicels. Found in swampy 
ground, common in the Eastern States. 


Netted-veined. Furnished with branching 
veins forming net-work, 


Nettle. See Urtica. 

Nettle Tree. See Celtis. 

Neuma’nnia. <A genus, now included under 
Pitcairnia. 

Neurolo’ma arabidifolia. A synonym for Arabis 
albida. 


Ne’viusia. Named in honor of the Rev. R. D. 
Nevius, of Alabama, the discoverer. Nat. Ord. 
Rosaceae. 

N. Alabamensis, the only species, is a hand- 
some shrub, with slender branches and numer- 
ous large, white, solitary or clustered flowers 
on terminary peduncles. It differs from its 
allies, Kerria, Rhodotypus, etc.,in having no 
petals, the absence of which is compensated 
by the large spreading persistent calyx-lobes. 
It was discovered in Alabama in 1882, and may 
be propagated by cuttings. 

New Jersey Tea. See Ceanothus. 

New Zealand Flax. See Phormium. 


New Zealand Spinach. Tetragonia expansa. 
This is grown as a substitute for summer 
Spinach, being of a delicate flavor, and con- 
tinuing available the whole summer. This 
species is found in Tasmania, Australia, Nor- 
folk Island, and both sides of South America, 
as well as in New Zealand and Japan. Itisa 
half-hardy annual under cultivation, and was 
introduced into England from New Zealand in 
1772 by Sir Joseph Banks, on his return from 
accompanying Captain Cook on his first voy- 
age around the world, and disseminated by 
the English seedsmen. 

New Zealand Tea. Leptospermum scoparium. 


Nica’ndra. Named after Nicander, who wrote 
on medicine and botany about 150 A.D. 

A genus of Solanacew, comprising only one 
species, N. Physaloides (Winter-cherry-like), 
so called from the resemblance of its fruit to 
that of Physalis, is a stout annual plant, 
about two feet in height, with smooth, deeply 
sinuated leaves. Introduced from Peru in 
1759. 

Nico’tiana. Tobacco. Named in honor of John 
Nicot, of Nismes, ambassador from the King 
of France to Portugal, who procured the first 
seeds from a Dutchman, who had them from 
Florida. Nat. Ord. Solanacew. 


NIE 


Of this extensive genus of annuals and.per- 
ennials, the best known and most generally 
cultivated is N. tabacum, and its varieties. 
There are, however, several other species 
largeiy cultivated, particularly in Mexico, 
Central America, and the West Indies. The 
specific name, tabacum, according to Hum- 
boldt, is derived from the Haytian word for 
the pipe in which the herb is smoked, and 
which has been transferred from the instru- 
ment to the plant. N. repanda is largely 
grown in the West Indies, and furnishes the 
material for the celebrated Havana cigars. 
“«Smoking is a custom of very great antiquity 
in both hemispheres, although, previous to 
the discovery of America, it was not common 
among the inhabitants of the Old World, and 
the substances smoked were either Hemp or 
such herbs as Coltsfoot. But when Columbus 
and his followers landed in Cuba in 1492, 
they discovered the far-famed Tobacco in 
common use among the natives; and subse- 
quent explorers found it was spread over the 
whole continent of America, where it had been 
cultivated from time immemorial. The pleas- 
antly soothing effects of this new herb wereso 
enticing that it soon found patrons among the 
adventurers, andin an almost incredibly short 
time after their return to Spain, tobacco- 
smoking began to be practiced in Europe; but 
it did not gain much ground among the nations 
of the North until the famous Sir Walter Ra- 
leigh and hig companions introduced the 
custom into England in 1586. At first it 
met with the most violent opposition; kings 
prohibited it; popes fulminated bulls against 
it; and sultans sentenced smokers to the_ 
most cruel kinds of death. Persecution, how- 
ever, only helped to spread it. In spite of all 
penalties, the custom rapidly progressed, un- 
til, at the present day, it may be said to be 
almost universally practiced by both civilized 
and uncivilized man.” WN. affinis is a good 
border plant, having long tubed white flowers, 
which open about 6 P. M., and emit a power- 
ful and pleasant odor during the evening and 
night. N. Wigandioides, a shrubby species 
from Columbia, has large ovate-acuminate 
leaves, and is well adapted for sub-tropical 
gardening. ? 


WNierembe'rgia. In honor of John Eusebius Nie- 


remberg, a Spanish Jesuit, author of a History 
of Nature, Antwerp, 1635. Nat. Ord. Sola- 
nace. 

A very interesting genus of annuals and 
green-house herbaceous perennials, natives of 
Central and South America. These interest- 
ing little plants well deserve attention. N. 
Jlicaulis and N. gracilis are among the most 
beautiful of the class of plants adapted for 
embellishing the flower garden in summer, or 
“turning out,” as itis termed. A few epeci- 
mens of either, in a tolerablv good situation, 
will keep up a display from June till cut off by 
the autumnal frosts ; nor are the other species, 
N. aristata and N. calycina, deficient in beauty, 
though not so well adapted for this purpose, 
pecause of their more extended habit. N. 
rivularis, introduced from La Plata in 1866, is 
a very handsome hardy perennial, bearing 
white flowers with a pale-yellow centre. Itis 
a low-growing plant, and is in flower from 
June till fall in the open border. This species 
is much used in cemetery decoration. Cut- 


276 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


NIG 


tings put in during the winter in the green- 
house, will make fine plants for planting 
out in spring. 

Nige’lla. Love-in-a-Mist, or Devil-in-the-Bush. 
From ‘niger, black; the color of the seeds. 
Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. 

Annual plants, with showy flowers, which 
are, however, almost hidden by their leafy 
involucres. N. Hispanica is the handsomest 
species. They only require sowing in March 
or April in the open border; or they may be 
sown in autumn, as they will stand the winter 
without protection, and will thus be ready to 
flower early in the summer. They are mostly 
natives of the south of Europe, and have long 
been in cultivation. 


Niger. Black, or black a little tinged with gray. 
Night Blooming Cereus. See Cereus. 
Night Blooming Jasmine. See Cestrum. 


Night Flower. A name given to Nyctanthes 
arbor-tristis. ‘ 


Night Scented Stock. A common name applied 
to Hesperis tristis, Matthiola tristis, M. odora- 
tissima, etc. 


Nightshade. See Solanum. 


Night Shade. Deadly. <Atropa Belladonna. 
Night Shade. Enchanter’s. See Circea. 
Nigrescens, Nigricans. Blackish. 


Nimble Will or Drop Seed. A popular name 
for the grass Muhlenbergia diffusa. 


Ni'pa. The name of the tree in the Moluccas. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

N. fructicans, the only representative of the 
genus, is an ornamental, unarmed, palm-like 
plant, with a creeping, furcated trunk, feathery 
leaves, and large round bunches of fruits. Dr. 
Seemann, in the “‘ Treasury of Botany,” says: 
‘It is commonly met with in the salt marshes 
of the coasts and islands of the Indian seas, 
and is generally classed with Pandanacee, or 
Palmacee, but does not quite agree with either 
of these natural orders. A similar plant 
abounds in the tertiary formations at the 
mouth of the Thames, where its fruit must at 
one time have floated about in as great pro- 
fusion as those of N. fruticans do at the pres- 
ent day in Indian rivers. It is rather diffi- 
cult to grow and is found to succeed best with 
the pot partially submerged in water; it was 
introduced to cultivation in 1822. 


Niphe’a. From niphos, snow; in allusion to 
its pure white flowers. Nat. Ord. Gesneracea. 
Asmall genus of green-house herbaceous 
perennials, with pure white flowers. The 
genus is allied to Achimenes; it requires the 
same treatment, and is increased in the same 
manner. Introduced from New Grenada and 
Guatemala in 1841. 


Nipho’bolus. From niphobolos, covered with 
snow; referring to the white covering of the 
spore cases. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of Ferns found in the East Indies, 
Australia, and Africa. They were separated 
from Polypodium, to which they bear a close 
resemblance. Some of the species are very 
beautiful, and well adapted for the Fern-case. 
They are increased by division or by spores. 


Ni’'tidus. Having an even, smooth, polished 
surface, as many seeds. 


NOP 


Nitra’ria. From nitrum, nitre; first found by 
Schreber near the nitre works in Siberia. Nat. 
- Ord. Malpighiacea. 

Low shrubs with white flowers, which are 
very hardy, and will grow well in situations 
exposed tothe sea. In gardens, the ground 
in which they grow should be occasionally 
watered with water in which saltpetre has 
been dissolved. 


Niva'lis. Growing near snow, or appearing at 
a season when snow is on the ground, 
Niveus. Snow-white; the purest white. 


Node. That part or point in a stem from which 
a leaf, whether complete or incomplete, 
arises. 


Nodose. Nodulose. 
nodes or knots. 


Knotted; having many 


No-Eye Pea. Of the West Indies. See Ca- 
janus. 
Woise’ttia. Named after L. C. Noisette, a 


French nurseryman, author of ‘Le Jardin 
Frutier.” Nat. Ord. Violacee. 

N. longifolia, the only cultivated species, is 
a green-house evergreen shrub, introduced 
from Cayenne in 1824. The flowers are cream 
color, produced in large clusters. Propa- 
gated by cuttings. 


Nola’na. From nola, a little bell; the form of 
the flowers. Nat. Ord. Convolvulacee. 
Trailing annual plants, with pretty blue 
flowers, that only require sowing in early 
spring in the open border. N. atriplicifolia, 
the handsomest species, strongly resembles 
Convolvulus minor. They are natives of Chili 
and Peru, and were introduced in 1825. 


Nolana’cez. A natural order now included 
under Convolvulacea. 


Noli/na. Named after P. C. Nolin, a French 
botanist of the last century. Nat. Ord. Lilia- 
cee. 

A genus of about a dozen species, natives of 

Mexico and the southern United States. WN. 

Georgiana (Georgian) is a showy plant, with a 

very large tunicated bulb, and numerous 

small white flowers crowded in long bracted 
racemes borne on scapes two to three feet 
high. It is found on dry sand hills in the 
middle districts of Georgia and South Caro- 
lina, and flowers in April and May. This 
genus is now included by Mr. Baker under 
Beaucarnea. 


None-so-Pretty. Sazifraga wmbrosa. 


No’nnea. Named after J. P. Nonne, of Erfurt, 
a German writer on botany, 1729-1772. Nat. 
Ord. Boraginacee. 

A rather large genus of hardy or half-hardy 
plants of little interest, except in botanical 
collections. 


Noon-Flower, or Noon-tide. 
tensis. 

Nopalea. From Nopal, the Mexican name for 
a Cactus. Nat. Ord. Cactacem. 

A small genus of fleshy shrubby plants, 
closely allied to Opuntia, from which they 
differ in having erect and conivent, not ex- 
expanding, petals, and the stamens being 
shorter than the style, but longer than the 
corolla. N. coccinellifera, largely cultivated 
in Mexico and the West Indies, as food for 
the cochineal insects, is better known as 


Tragopogon pra- 


NERINE SARNIENSIS, 


NEPENTHES 


NIGELLA DAMASCENA. 


a te 


ER NATS 
¥ ZV INS ee, 
Ke Ni o Wag 


NEPHROLEPIS DUFF. 


NOLANA ATRIPLICIFOLIA, 


276 


NIGELLA HISPANICA. 


NYMPHHA DEVONIENSIS. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 277 


NOR 


Opuntia coccinellifera under which name it is 
described in this work, and which see. 


Nora’ntea. Altered from Gonora-aniegri, the 
Guiana name of N. Guianensis. Nat. Ord. 
Ternstromiacee. 

A genus of handsome epiphytal or climbing 
shrubby plants, natives of the tropical parts 
of America. A few species are in culti- 
vation. N. Guianensis has violet-colored 
flowers on long spikes with large scarlet 
bracts. The branches are red, and throw out 
roots by which they are supported. Itisa 
beautiful species and was introduced to culti- 
vation in 1818. 


Norfolk Island Pine. See Araucaria excelsa. 


Normal. When the ordinary structure peculiar 
rs the family or genus is in nowise departed 
rom. 


Norway Maple. Acer Platanoides. 
Norway Spruce. See Abies excelsa. 


Nosebleed. A common name for the Yarrow. 
Achillea Millefolium. 


Notelz’a. From notos, south, and Hlaia, the 
Olive; in allusion to the form and native 
place of the species. Nat. Ord. Oleacee. 

A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
natives of Australia and Tasmania. The 
flowers are white and are borne in axillary 
racemes; the leaves are opposite and _ entire. 
N. ligustrina, the Tasmanian Ironwood, yields 
an extremely hard dense wood, which is used 
ag a substitute for lignum-vite, and for turn- 
ery and inlaid work. 


Nothochle’na. From nothos, spurious, and 
chlaina, a cloak; some of the species appear 
to have an involucre. Nat. Ord. Polypodi- 
acee. 

An extensive genus of green-house Ferns 
found in almost every tropical and sub-tropi- 
cal country. It is related to Polypodium, dif- 
fering only inthe sori. A number of the spe- 
cies have been introduced intv the Fern-house, 
and among them, WN. nivea, a fine Silver 
Fern, and N. flavens (syn. N. chrysophylia) a 
very beautiful miniature Golden Fern; 
lanuginosa, N. Marante (an almost hardy spe- 
cies), N. trichomanoides, N. sulphurea, and N. 
Eckloniana, are all very desirable species. 
They are propagated by spores. 


Nothosco/rdum. From nothos, spurious, and 
Scordon, garlic; in reference to the near rela- 
tionship which exists between this genus and 
Allium. Nat Ord. Liliacea. 

A genus comprising about ten species of 
green-house, or hardy bulbs, closely allied to 
Allium, and Milla, in which genera the species 
of this genus are by some authorities dis- 


tributed. Natives of North and tropical 
America, and China. 
Notospa'rtium. From motos, southern, and 


Spartium, Broom; in reference to its being a 
native of the southern Hemisphere, and its 
Broom-like appearance. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

N. Carmichelie the only species, is a beauti- 
ful and interesting, half-hardy, Broom-like 
shrub, or small tree. ‘‘This, the ‘Pink- 
Broom,’ of the residents of the Middle Islands 
of New Zealand, is one of the most beautiful 
plants in the colony, and is further remarkable 
as being a member of what is one of the 
largest families of plants in every part of the 


NUT 


world, except New Zealand. Indeed, the 
absence of Leguminosae in New Zealand, in con- 
trast with their great abundance in Australia, 
is the most singular feature in the Flora of 
the Island.”—Hooker. : 


Nudicaulis. When a stem has no leaves. 


Nu’phar. Yellow Water Lily. From Naufar, 
the Arabic for Water Lily. Nat. Ord. Nym- 
phacee. . 

The several species included in the genus 
are common in ponds and stagnant water in 
the Middle, Northern, and Western States, 
and are known as Yellow Water Lilies. 


Nut. A hard indehiscent pericarp, usually 
containing only one seed, the fruit or 
‘kernel of the seed of various plants; rarely 
applied to certain tubers. 

Acajou, the Cashew Nut. <Anacardium occi- 
dentale. 

Ar. See Bunium flexuosum. 

Barbadoes. The seed of Curcus purgans. 

Barcelona.. A variety of Corylus Avellana. 

Bedda. Thefruitof Terminalia Bellerica, called 
also Bastard Myrobalans. 


Ben. The winged seed of Moringa pterygo- 
serma. 

Betel. The seed of Areca Catechu. °* 

Bitter. Carya amara. 

Bladder. Staphylea trifoliata and S. pinnata. 

Brazil or Castanha. The seed of Bertholletia 
eacelsa. : 


Bread. The fruit of Brosimum Alicastrum. 
Bread. Monkey. The fruit of Adansonia digt- 


tata. 
Buffalo. The fruit of Pyrularia oleifera. 
Butter. Juglans cinerea. 
Candle. The seed of Aleurites triloba. 
Cashew. Theseed of Anacardium occidentale. 


Cob. A variety of Corylus Avellana. 

Cocoa. Cocos nucifera. ; 

Cocoa, Double or Sea. Lodoicea Seychellarum. 

Cola or Kolla. The seed of Cola acuminata. 

Coquilla. The fruit of Attalea funifera. 

Earth. Arachis hypogea, also Bunium flexuo- 
sum, and Carum bulbo-castanum. 

Elk. The fruit of Pyrularia oleifera. 

French. dJuglans regia. 

Ground. Arachis hypogea, also a common 
name for Aralia (Panaz) trifolia. 

Hazel, English. Corylus Avellana. 

Hazel, American. Corylus Americana and C. 
rostrata. 

Hickory. Carya Alba, and other species. 

Hog or Pig. Carya porcina. 

Hog Pea. A common name for Amphicarpea, 
which see. 

Ivory. Phytelephas macrocarpa. 

Jesuits’. Trapa nutans. 

Malabar. Adahota Vasica. 

Marking, Maranay or Marsh. The nuts of 
Semecarpus, Anacardium. 

Mocker or Moker. The nut of Carya tomen- 
tosa. 

Monkey. Arachis hypogewa, and the seeds of 
Anacardium. 

Oil. The fruit of Pyrularia (Hamiltonia) olet- 
fera, also a West Indian name for the seeds 
Ricinus communis. 

Olive. The fruit of Hlwocarpus. 

Pea. See Arachis hypogea. 


Pecan. Carya oliveformis. 
res, Curcus purgans. (Syn. Jatropha pur- 
gans. 


278 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK Of PLANTS 


NUT 


Pistachia, or Pistachio. 
Pistachia vera. 
Poison. The poisonous seed of Strychnos nux 


The edible seed of 


Sapucaia. The seed of Lecythis Zabucajo, 
also, L. Ollaria and L. grandiflora. 

Sassafras. Nectandra Puchury. 

Singhara. The fruit of various species of 
Trapa, especially T. bispinosa and T. bi- 
cornis. 

Soap. Mimosa abstergens. 

Souari or Suwarrow. The seed of Caryocar 
nuciferum and C. butryosum. 

Spanish or Barcelona. Corylus Avellana Bar- 
celonensis, also Morea Sisyrnchium. 

Vegetable Ivory. Phytelephas macrocarpa. 

Water. The fruit of various species of Trapas. 

Wood. Corylus Avellana. 


Nutans. Nodding; inclined very much from 
the perpendicular, so that the apex is directed 
downward, as the flower of the Snowdrop. 


Nut-galls. The galls produced by insects on 
Quercus infectoria. 

Nut-gall-tree. Chinese orJapanese, Rhus semi- 
alata. 


Nut-grass. Cyperus rotundus, var. Hydra. 


Nutmeg. See Myristica, moschata. 
American. Monodora myristica. 
Brazilian. Cryptocarya moschata. 
Californian. Torreya myristica. 
Clove. Agathophyllum aromaticum. 
Peruvian. The seed of Laurelia sempervirens. 
Plume. Atherosperma moschata. 
Wild. Myristica fatua, and M. tomentosa. 


Nutmeg-Geranium. See Pelargonium fragrans. 


Nutmeg-wood. The wood of the Palmyra 
Palm, Borassus flabelliformis. 

Nut Pine. Pinus monophylla (syn. P. Fremon- 
tiana), and P. Sabiniana, the seeds of the 
latter are collected in immense quantities by 
the Californian and Oregon Indians as an 
article of winter food. 

Nutta’‘llia. Named by Torrey and Gray, in 
honor of Thomas Nuttall, of Cambridge, Mass., 
an eminent botanist. Nat. Ord. Rosaceae. 

This genus consists of but one species, N. 
Cerasiformis, a small ornamental deciduous 
shrub, of nearly globose habit, branching 
freely, and producing its drooping racemes of 
white flowers in great abundance. Easily 
increased by seeds, or by suckers, which 
spring plentifully fromthe roots. Introduced 
to cultivation from California in 1848. : 


Nux Vomica. See Strychnos. 


Nuy’tsia. Fire Tree. Named after T. Nuyts, a 
Dutch navigator. Nat. Ord. Loranthaceew. 

A genus of very handsome shrubs or small 
trees from Swan River, Australia, remarkable 
as being the only one in this order of parasites 
that grows on the ground. From the abun- 
dance of its brilliant orange-colored flowers, 
the colonists call it the Flame-tree or Tree of 
Fire. y 

Nyctagina’cez. A natural order of herbs, 
shrubs or trees, natives of tropical regions, 
principally America, with opposite unequal 
leaves and involucrate flowers. The plants 
of the order have in. general purgative quali- 
ties; that of Mirabilis Jalapa (false Jalap) has 


NYM 


the nauseous smell of the true Jalap, with 
which it was long confounded. ‘The order 
comprises about twenty genera, and one 
hundred species. Mirabilis, Bougainvillea and 
Abronia, are illustrative genera. 


Nycta’/nthes. Sad Tree. From nyctos, night, 
and anthos, a flower; the flowers open in the 
evening. Nat. Ord. Oleacee. 

The only species is a free-flowering shrub 
or small tree, native of India. The flowers 
open only in the evening, and drop before 
morning; their fragrance perfumes the air at 
night. The flowers are gathered in the morn- 
ing and wornas necklaces and in the hair 
by the native women. As it loses its bright- 
ness during the day it has received its specific 
name, N. arbor tristis, or Sad Tree. 


Nycteri/nia. From nycterinos, nocturnal; the 
flowers being fragrant during the evening. 
Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A genus of half-hardy annuals, perennials, 
or under-shrubs, natives of the Cape of Good 
Hope. A few of the species have been under 
cultivation but they are chiefly plants of little 
interest. Syn. Zaluzianskia. 


Nycte’rium. A genus now classed under So- 
lanum. 


Nycto’calos. From nyz, night, and kalos, 
beautiful; because the handsome flowers of 
the first species discovered open in the even- 
ing and fade in the morning. Nat. Ord. 
Bignoniacee. 

A small genus of twining, shrubby 
plants, natives of the Malayan Archipel- 
ago, Assam and Queensland. N. Thomp- 
soni, the only introduced species is a 
handsome stove-house climber, with white 
Gloxinia-like flowers nearly seven inches 
long. It expands only at night and drops the 
next morning. It was introduced from 
Assam in 1868. 

Nymphe’a. Water Lily. From nymphe, a 
water nymph. Nat. Ord. Nympheacee. 

This genus consists of beautiful water 
plants found in lakes, ponds and rivers in 
almost all parts of the world. N. odorata 
is the double white Water Lily or Pond Lily, 
so common and well-known throughout the 
Eastern and Southern States. Of this species 
there are several varieties, mostly having 
pure white flowers, remarkable for their fra- 
grance. There is, onthe Island of Nantucket, 
and also near Barnstable, Mass., a variety with 
pinkish flowers, and rarely with bright pink-red 
flowers. They are exceedingly beautiful, and 
valued highly for their rarity. The cultiva- 
tion of all our native species in tubs on the 
lawn, or wherever desired, is attended with 
put little difficulty. The roots should be ob- 
tained from their native habitat as early in 
spring as possible, or at least before they 
have made much growth. Take any tub or 
cask, say eighteen inches in depth, put in 
good rich Joam or muck to the depth of six 
or eight inches, in which plant the roots, 
barely covering them, and fill the cask with 
water, replenishing it as it loses by evapora- 
tion. In winter empty the water and remove 
_toacold cellar, or protect from hard freezing 
by acovering of leaves. Thisis all the care and 
trouble required to produce flowers almost 
as fine as are found in their natural homes. 
Artificial ponds can be made upon the lawn 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 279 


OAK 


with but little expense, in which the Nymphea 
may be grown with less trouble even than in 
tubs. Dig outa basin-shaped pond of any de- 
sired size, to the depth of two and a half feet 
in the centre, cement in the same manner as 
for a cistern, put in some earth, and plant 
the same asinatub. Cover over with boards 
upon the approach of cold weather, and then 
cover all with leaves or coarse litter sufficient 
to protect the cement from frost. This will 
not only furnish beautiful aquatic flowers, 
but will attract thousands of birds, particu- 
larly robins, daily for their baths. Many of 
the rarer exotic species, such as N. gigantea, 
N. Zanzibarensis, N. cerulea, N. rubra, N. 
scutifolia, N. Devoniensis, N. Lotus, etc., are 
now grown in this way, and are exceedingly 
attractive during the summer. The Water 
Lily, when expanded, towards evening has 
the peculiarity of enticing myriads of insects 
to light on its petals, the petals gradually 


OCH 


close as evening falls, and the insects 
are imprisoned. They are propagated by 
seeds, which, in most cases, ripen freely, and 
should be sown in small pots of- soil and sub- 
merged in shallow warm water in spring. 
The seedlings will grow freely, and if prop- 
erly treated, will flower well the same season. 


Ny’ssa. Tupelo, Pepperidge. Sour Gum. From 
Nyssa, a water nymph; because of the habitat 
of the species. Nat. Ord. Cornacee. 

A genus of beautiful low-growing trees, 
common in moist woodlands and low grounds 
throughout the United States. The wood is 
very tough and difficult to split, and on that 
account it is valued for hubs of carriage wheels, 
hatter’s blocks, and similar work. The foliage 
of this genus is remarkable for its fine glossy 
verdure during summer, and its rich crimson 
tints in autumn, when it is one of the brightest 
ornaments of the forest, 


O. 


O= The popular name for the trees of the 
genus Quercus, which see. 
Oak. Black. Quercus Robur. 
Chestnut. Quercus sessilifiora. 
Chestnut, American. Quercus Prinus. 
Cork. Quercus Suber. 
Evergreen. Quercus Ilex. 
Indian. Tectona grandis. The Teak tree. 
Japanese. Quercus glabra. 
Jerusalem. Chenopodium Botrys. 
Live. Quercus virens. An important ship- 
building wood. 
Nut-gall. Quercus infectoria. 
Pin. Quercus palustris. 
Poison. Rhus toxicodendron. 
Scarlet. Quercus coccinea. 
Scrub. Quercus Catesbai and Q. ilicifolia. 
Swamp. Quercus Prinus. 
Turkey, American. Quercus Catesbei. 
White, American. Quercus alba. 
Willow. Quercus Phellos. 
Yellow. Quercus Castanea. 
Oak-Fern. Polypodiwn Dryopteris. 
Oak-leaved Geranium. See Pelargonium. 
Oat or Oats. See Avena. 


Oat-Grass. See Arrhenantherum, also Avena 
pratensis and Bromus mollis. 


Oat. Water. A name given to Water Rice. 
Zizania aquatica. 

Obelisca’ria. From obeliskos, obelisk, in allu- 
sion to the elevated disk of the flower. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

A small genus of half-hardy, showy peren- 
nials, common in Texas. They, too, closely 
resemble their allied species, the Rudbeckia, 
to become favorites in the garden. 

Obero’nia. So called after Oberon, the Fairy 


King, in allusion to the quaint and variable 
forms of the plant. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 


Agenus of Orchids, all epiphytal, having ; 


terminal spikes of minute flowers, of but 
little interest except to botanists. In refer- 


ence to the genus Dr. Lindley says: ‘The 
resemblance to insects and other animal forms, 
which have been perceived in the Orchidace- 
ous plants of Europe, and which have given 
rise to such names as Fly Orchis, etc., may 
be traced so plainly in the genus Oberonia, in 
every species, that it alone would furnish a 
magazine of new ideas for the grotesque pen- 
cil of a German admirer of the wild and 
preternatural. If the Brahmins had been 
botanists, one might fancy they took their 
doctrine of metempsychosis from these pro- 
ductions.” They are chiefly natives of India 
and Africa. 


Obscure. Of a dark, dingy color. 
Obtuse. Blunt or rounded. 


Oca. The tubers of Ozalis tuberosa and 0. 
crenata are so called in Brazil, where they are 
cooked and used like potatoes. 


Occidental. Coming from or relating to the 
west, as Platanus Occidentalis. 


O’chna. From Ochne, the old Greek name for 
the wild Pear, to which the foliage of this 
genus bears some resemblance. Nat. Ord. 
Ochnacee. : 

A genus of about twenty-five species of ever- 
green shrubs, natives of tropical Asia and 
Africa, only a few of which are in cultivation. 
O. multiflora, is a most remarkable as well as 
handsome plant. The fruit is about the size 
of a Strawberry, but less conical, and upon it 
are placed black seed-like bodies about the 
size of Peas. These are really the carpels, 
and present a striking contrast to the bright 
erimson receptacle and calyx. It is a native 
of Blorta Leone, and was reintroduced in 


Ochna’cez. A natural order of trees and 
shrubs scattered over the whole of the tropics, 
but mostly in America. Some of the species 
possess tonic properties, and the berries of 
Gomphia Jabotapita, are edible. The order 
contains twelve genera, including Gomphia, 


280 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


OCH 


and Luzxemburgia, and about one hundred and 
fifty species. 


Ochra or Ochro. Abelmoschus esculentus. 


Ochraceous. Having the color of clay, or yellow 
ochre. 1 


Ochroca’rpus. From ochros, pale yellow, and 
karpos, a fruit; alluding to the color of the 
fruits. Nat. Ord. Guttifere. 

A genus of tropical trees, natives of Africa, 
Asia, and the Mascarene Islands, of little 
horticultural interest. O. Africanus, bears a 
large fruit with a thick rind and a yellow pulp. 
The tree abounds with a yellow resinous gum. 
Syn. Mammea. 

Ochroleucus. Whitish-yellow. 


Ochro’ma. Cork-wood. From ochros, pale; 
referring to the flowers. Nat. Ord. Malvacee. 
O. Lagopus, a tree growing from thirty to 
fifty feet high, known as Corkwood, is com- 
mon in the West Indies and Central America, 
where it is employed as a substitute for 
cork, for stopping bottles ; itis also extensively 
used for making rafts, floats for fishing nets, 
and other purposes where light wood is re- 
quired. 


Ochro’pteris. From ochros, pale-yellow, and 
pteris, a Fern; alluding to the color of the 
plant. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

O. pallens, the only described species, is an 
extremely rare and beautiful Fern requiring 
an abundance of heat and moisture to grow 
it successfully. It has large decompound 
fronds, with small, glossy, coriaceous pinules, 
and is an introduction from the Mascarene 
Islands and Mauritius. 


O’cimum. Basil. From Okimon, the old Greek 
name used by Theophrastus for Basil. Nat. 
Ord. Labiate. 

A somewhat extensive genus of fragrant 
and aromatic plants, mostly natives of India. 
The most important of them are O. basilicum, 
the Sweet or Common Basil, a tender annual, 
introduced from India in 1548, and O. mini- 
mum, the Dwarf or Bush Basil, a native of 
Chili, and introduced in 1573. The leaves of 
both species have a strong aromatic smell, 
and are much used in seasoning soups and 
various other dishes. 7 


Oco’tea. Said to be the native name of the tree - 
in Guiana. Nat. Ord. Lauraceae. 

A large genus comprising about two hun- 
dred trees or shrubs, natives of tropical 
America, a few being found in the Canary 
Islands, South Africa, and the Mascarene 
Islands. WM. bullata, probably the only species 
yet introduced, has small green flowers, and 
is a plant of comparatively little interest. 
It is also in cultivation under the name of 
Oreodaphne bullata. 


Octome'ria. From okto, eight, and meris, a part; 
in allusion to the pollen masses. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

A genus of green-house epiphytal Orchids, 
natives of Brazil, Guiana, and the West Indies. 
They are curious little Pleurothallis-like Or- 
chids, and are frequently imported along with 
Bromeliads, about the bases of which they 
grow on the trunks of trees. 0. graminifolia, 
with pale-yellow flowers, and O. Saundersiana, 
with yellow flowers striped with purple, are 
the best known species. The latter was intro- 
duced from Brazil in 1880. 


NO 


Oculatus. Marked with concentric spots of 
different colors or tints. 


O’cymum. A synonym of Ocimum, which see. 


Odes or Oides. A Greek termination signifying 
similarity ; as Phyllodes, leaf-like. 


Odontade’nia. From odous, odontos, a tooth, 
and aden, a gland; in allusion to the five- 
toothed glands. Nat. Ord Apocynacee. 

A genus of shrubby plants, natives mostly 
of Brazil and Guiana. O. speciosa, the only 
introduced species, has showy yellow, deli- 
cately-scented flowers, borne in large, loose 
bunches, and is an excellent plant for training 
on the rafters of the plant-stove. It is propa- 
gated by cuttings, and was introduced from 
Trinidad in 1854. Syn. Dipladenia Harrisi. 

Odontoglo’/ssum. From odous, odontos, tooth, 
and glossa, a tongue; tooth-like processes on 
the lip or labellum. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceew. 

A very extensive genus of epiphytal Orchids, 
found principally in the cool mountain regions 
of Mexico, Peru, New Grenada, and Venezuela. 
Very many of the species have been intro- 
duced into the green-house, and are greatly 
prized by cultivators for their magnificent 
flowers, which are remarkable, both for their 
size and the beauty of their colors. Many of 
the species have pure white flowers, variously 
spotted; some have a powerful odor of violets. 
With but few exceptions, they require to be 
grown in a moderately cool house. All the 
Odontoglossums are propagated by division, 
none having as yet been raised from seeds. 
Mr. H. Veitch, in his paper on the ‘‘ Hybrid- 
ization of Orchids,” 1855, says that numer- 
ous crosses, between various species, both 
Mexican and New Grenadan, have been 
effected, and seed-pods, with apparently good 
seed, have been produced, but with the utmost 
care that could be bestowed, no progeny has 
yet been raised. See Orchids. 


Gina’nthe. From oinos, wine, and anthos, a 
flower; referring to the vinous odor of the 
blossoms. Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 

A genus of mostly uninteresting herbs, fre- 
quenting wet or marshy places, or even grow- 
ing in water. CM. crocata is a stout-branched 
species, attaining a height of three to five 
feet, and is remarkable as being one of the 
most poisonous plants of the whole order. 
The juice of the stem and roots becomes yel- 
low when exposed to the air. The roots act 
as a narcotic, acrid poison, and from their re- 
semblance to parsnips, have been the cause of 
frequent, and sometimes of fatal accidents. 
The plant has been used with beneficial results 
in certain skin diseases, and for the purpose 
of poisoning rats and moles. 


GSnoca’rpus. From oinos, wine, and karpos, a 
fruit; yields palm-wine and oil. Nat. Ord. 
Palmacee. 

An exclusively South American genus of 
lofty Palms, consisting of several species, 
some of which yield large quantities of sweet- 
tasted oil, which is excellent for cooking, and 
is much used for burning in lamps. 


Ginothe'ra. Evening Primrose. From oinos, 
wine, and thera, imbibing; the roots of G. 
biennis were formerly taken after meals as in- 
centives to wine-drinking. Nat. Ord. Onagra- 
cee. 

A genus of annual, biennial, or perennial 
herbaceous plants, natives of North and South 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 281 


OFF 


America, a few species of which are natural- 
ized over the warmer portions of the globe. 
Many of the species and varieties are amongst 
the most beautiful and attractive of hardy 
plants, their large, showy, fragrant flowers 
presenting considerable difference in color, 
some being yellow, others white or purple, 
and usually opening in the evening. They are 
all of easy cultivation, readily increased by 
seeds or division, and are most suitable for 
the margins of shrubberies, mixed borders, or 
similar situations. C. Fraseri, Gi. Missou- 
riensis G.biennis, var. Lamarckiana, GE. riparia, 
G. Taraxifolia, and many other sorts, will be 
found excellent for this purpose, while many 
of the annual sorts. better known under the 
familiar name of Godetia, are most attractive 
in mixed borders, especially if sown or grown 
in clumps or masses. ; 

Officinalis. Applied to plants which are useful 
in medicine or the arts. 

Offset. Short branches next the ground which 
take root. 

Oidium. A name given to a genus of naked- 
spored moulds, which has obtained consider- 
able notoriety from its connection with the 
Vine Mildew, which arises from the attacks of 
O. Tuckeri. This fungus derived its name 
from a gardener at Margate, England, who 
was one of the first to use sulphur as a 
remedy. There are many different kinds of 
Oidium, all peculiar to the plants they most 
frequent, thus Peas, Hops, Turnips, etc., have 
their special species to contend against. The 
best known remedy is an application of the 
flowers of sulphur, or a weak solution of 
sulphide of potassium. 

OilofBen. See Moringa. 

Oilof Bergamot. See Mentha citrata. 

Oil of Origanum. See Origanum. 

Oil Palm. See Elais. 

Oil Plant. Sesamum orientale. 

Okra. See Hibiscus esculentus. 

Oldenla/ndia. Named after H. B. Oldenland, a 
Dane, who collected plants at the Cape of Good 
Hope. An extensive genus of Rubiaceew com- 
prising nearly seventy species of stove and 
green-house plants, found in tropical countries, 
principally in Asia. O. wmbellata, commonly 
known as Chay-root, yields a red dye, and is 
largely employed by the dyers of southern 
India, the plant there being extensively culti- 
vated. O. Deppeana is a favorite free-flower- 
ing green-house plant, with white flowers, 
almost constantly in bloom. 

Old Maid. Vinca rosea. 

Old Man. Artemisia Abrotanum, Clematis vitalba, 
and Rosmarinus officinalis. 

Old Man Cactus. See Pilocereus. 

Old Man’s Beard. Sazifraga sarmentosa, Til- 
landsia usneoides, and Geropogon, which see. 


Old Witch Grass. Panicum capillare. 
Olea. Olive. From elaia, Olive. Nat. Ord. 
Oleacee. 


Europea, var. sativa, the tree that produces 
the Olives and Olive Oil of commerce, is alow- 
branching evergreen, growing from twenty to 
thirty feet high. The leaves bear some re- 
semblance-to those of the Willow, only they 
are softer and more delicate. The flowers are 
as delicate as the leaves, and are produced in 


OLE 


small axillary bunches, from wood of the 
former year, and appear from June until 
August. At first they are of a pale yellow; 
but when they expand their four petals, the 
insides are white, and only the centre of the 
flower yellow. The matured wood of the Olive 
is hard and compact, though rather brittle ; 
its color is reddish, and it takes a fine gloss, 
on which account the ancients carved it into 
statues of the gods, and the moderns make it 
into snuff-boxes, and various trinkets, that 
find a ready sale to travelers in Eastern lands. 
An observing visitor to the Holy Land from 
New York says: ‘There is annually more 
Olive-wood sold from the Mount of Olives to 
Pilgrims than ever grew there.” The Wild 
Olive is found indigenous in Syria, Greece, 
and Africa, and on the lower slopes of the 
Atlas. The cultivated one grows spon- 
taneously in many parts of Syria, and is ex- 
tensively cultivated in the south of France, 
Italy, and Spain, and has been, from all the - 
accounts we can gather, from the earliest 
periods of the earth’s history. The young 
Olive bears its fruit at two years old; in six 
years it pays the expense of cultivation ; after 
that period, in good years, the produce is the 
surest source of wealth to the farmer. A com- 
mon saying in Italy is, if you wish to leave a 
lasting inheritance to your children’s children, 
plant an Olive. Besides its use for the pro- 
duction of oil, the unripe fruit is used as a 
pickle. For this purpose they are steeped in 
an alkaline solution, to extract a part of the 
bitter flavor, they are next washed in pure 
water, and afterward preserved in salt and 
water, to which fennel, or some aromatic, is 
sometimes added. Olive branches have for 
ages been regarded as emblems of peace and 
plenty. The O. frayrans (syn. Osmanthus frag- 
rans) is a native of China, and is highly odor- 
iferous, and on this account is much esteemed 
by the Chinese, who use the leaves to adulter- 
ate and flavor tea. It is alsoafavorite green- 
house plant. It is readily increased in spring 
by cuttings of well-ripened wood. O. Amert- 
cana, a native species, common from North 
Carolina to Florida, is an evergreen shrub or 
small tree, producing axillary racemes or pani- 
cles of small, white, fragrant flowers, and a 
bitter, astringent fruit about the size of a pea. 

Olea’ceze.” A natural order of trees and shrubs, 
natives chiefly of North America, Asia, Europe, 
and New Holland, with opposite simple or com- 
pound leaves, and hermaphrodite, or unisex- 
ual flowers. The plants of the order are 
bitter, tonic and astringent, and some yield 
fixed oil. Olive oil is expressed from the 
fruit of a cultivated variety of Olea Europea, 
and the unripe fruit macerated in brine and 
flavored with aromatics is used asa condiment. 
Ash-wood (Frazinus) is invaluable for its light- 
ness, flexibility and strength, several species 
of Ornus yield manna, and the bark of the com- 
mon Ash has been proposed as a substitute for 
quinine. There are upwards of twenty genera, 
including Olea, Fraxinus, and Syringa, and 
nearly one hundred and fifty species. 

Oleaginous. Fleshy in substance, but filled 
with oil; also, like oil. 

Oleander. See Nerium Oleander. 


Olea/ndra. A small genus of tropical Ferns 
distinguished from Aspidium chiefly in habit, 
with wide-creeping scandent shoots, jointed 


282 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


OLE 
stems, and entire lanceolate-elliptical fronds. 
O. neriiformis and O. nodosa are both easily 
cultivated, free-growing species. 

Olea'ria. A genus of Composite, very nearly 
allied to the Aster, and only distinguished 
from the Eurybia, which generally represents 
Aster in Australia, by the pappus being more 
distinctly double, and the outer ring of setes 
being shorter and often more chaff-like. It 
consists of about a dozen. shrubs, natives of 
New Zealand, with small entire or toothed 
leaves cottony beneath. Some of them 0. 
Haastii, for instance, make beautiful bushes 
in the open border. Propagated by cuttings 
of the half-ripened wood. 

Olea’ster. See Hla@agnus. 

Oleraceous. Esculent, eatable. 

Olfe’rsia. Named after Olfers, a German botan- 
ist. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of hot-house Ferns common in the 
West Indies, South America, and occasion- 
ally in the East Indies. There are many 
species, but few ofthem are under cultivation. 
This genus is included under Acrostichum by 
some botanists. 


Olibanum, or Frankincense Tree, 
thurifera. 
Olivaceous. 

Olive. See Olea. 

Olive. Barbadoes. Bontia Daphnoides. 

Olive-Bark Tree. Terminalia Catappa. 

Olive. Californian. Oreodaphne Californica. 

Olive. 
Cotinus and Daphne Thymelea. 


Olive Wood. See Eleodendron, also the yel- 
lowish fancy wood of the Olive tree. 


Boswellia 


Greenish-brown. 


Ompha’lea. From omphalos, the navel, alluding 
to the umbilicated anthers. Nat. Ord. Huphor- 
biacee. 

A genus of tropical trees or tall shrubs 
remarkable for the curious structure of the 
male flowers. 0. triandra the only species in 
cultivation, introduced from Jamaica in 1793, 
grows about twelve feet high and is more 
interesting than ornamental. A juice is 
extracted from it that turns black in drying 
and is used in making ink, or as glue; the nuts 
after the poisonous embryo is extracted are 
edible. 


Omphalo’bium. From omphalos, the navel, 
and lobos, a pod. Nat. Ord. Conaracee. 

A small genus of tropical trees that furnish 
the beautiful Zebra Wood of the cabinet- 
makers. The species are mostly confined to 
Africa and India. 


Omphalo’des. Venus’s Navelwort. From ompha- 
los, the navel, and eidos, like; the fruit resem- 
bles the navel. Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. 

An interesting genus of hardy annuals, and 
erennials. They are natives of southern 
urope, Asia Minor, and the Caucasus. 0. 
linifolia, is a common border annual, known 

“ag Venus’ Navelwort. The flowers are white, 
tinged with blue. 0. verna, the Petite Con- 
soude of - the French, is a charming, low-grow- 
ing perennial, with creeping shoots, heart- 
shaped leaves, and brilliant blue flowers, like 

_. the Forget-me-not; sometimes from its habit, 
‘ealled Creeping Forget-me-not. It is propa- 

gated by division. a: 


4 


Wild. Eleagnus angustifolius, also Rhus 


ONC 


Onagra’cez. A natural order of annual or 
perennial herbs, or shrubs, withsimple leaves, 
and the parts of the flower usually tetramer- 
ous. They inhabit chiefly the temperate reg- 
ions of Europe, Asia, and America, and are 
found sparingly in Africa. Thespecies contain 
mucous, and occasionally somewhat astrin- 
gent principles. Some yield edible fruits, as 
Fuchsia, others furnish edible roots, as 
Gnothera biennis, and both Trapa natans, and 
T. bicornis, remarkable for their horned fruit, 
supply edible seeds. There are about twenty- 
two known genera, and upwards of three hun- 
dred species. Fuchsia, Gaura, Ginothera, and 
Trapa, are illustrative genera. 


Onci/dium. From onkos, a tumor; the plants 
belonging to this genus have warts, tumors, 
or other excrescences at the base of the 
labellum. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 


This is perhaps the most extensive and 
varied genus in the order to which it belongs. 
Some: of its species have extremely large 
pseudo-bulbs, others have the pseudo-bulbs 
very small; another portion are entirely desti- 
tute of these, and have instead thick, leathery 
leaves, which again vary in size from two feet 
long and nearly half as much in breadth, to 
scarcely six inches in their greatest measure- 
ment; a third group are distinguished by their 
rounded, rush-like leaves, about the thickness 
of a little finger, and from two to four feet in 
length. Besides this, quite as much disparity 
exists in the size and color of the flowers, and 
in the length of the flower-spike, which, in 
some species, will attain an extent of twenty 
feet, while in others it is not more than three 
or four inches; yet every individual is beauti- 
ful and worthy a place wherever Orchids 
are grown. O. Papilio, the Butterfly Orchid, 
is certainly ag much like a butterfly as it is 
possible to imagine a flower to be, and as it is 
borne onalong slender stem, which quivers 
with every breeze, it forms no bad representa- 
tion of a beautiful insect fluttering over the 
neighboring flowers. 0. altissimum has a 
spike of flowers which is sometimes ten or 
twelve feet in length. 0. altissimum, 0.. 
ampliatum majus, O. cucullatum, O. Gardneri- 
anum, O. Papilio, O. Kramerianum, O. splen- 
didum, O. macranthum, O. Marshallianum, O. 
Jonesianum, O. varicosum, O. cris , etc., are 
among the most beautiful of this large and 
interesting genus. They are all natives of 
South America, Mexico and the West Indies, 
and as they will thrive in a lower temperature 
than the Aerides and other East Indian 
Orchids, they are very suitable for a small hot- 
house. Itis better to cultivate all the larger 
growing kinds in-pots or pans, and to place 
them in rather large ones, that they may not 
require frequent shifting, which, each time it 


is performed, inflicts a serious check upon the 


-plants, in consequence of the unavoidable 
breaking of the roots. The soil for them 
should be turfy peat and sphagnum, 
‘thoroughly mixed, but not broken finely; 
this, with abundant drainage, a brisk, moist 
temperature in-the growing season, shade 
from strong light, a careful preservation from 
insects and dirt, and a moderate rest in 
winter, will not fail to form healthy flowering 
specimens in a short time. The smaller 
species may be placed on cork, or in bas- 
kets. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 283 


Onion. 


ONC 


Oncospe’rma, From onkos, a tumor, and 
sperma, a seed; in reference to the form of 
the seeds. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

- A genus of afew species of spiny plant-stove 
Palms, natives of tropical Asia. There are 
several species in cultivation, the best known of 
which, ‘‘O. filamentosum, the Nibung or Nibong 
of the Malays, is a very elegant Palm, found 
growing in masses in swampy places upon the 
coasts of Malacca, Sumatra, Borneo, and the 
islands of the Indian Archipelago. It attains 
a height of forty or fifty feet, and has leaves 
ten or twelve feet in length, with very numer- 
ous, narrow, drooping leaflets about two feet 
long. In Borneo, the delicate white heart of 
the unexpanded leaves, called the Cabbage, 
is highly esteemed as a vegetable. The 
unsplit trunks are used for house-building, for 
posts, etc., and the hardest part of the split 
trunks for rafters, flooring, etc.”—A Smith, 
in “Treasury of Botany.” When growing they 
require plenty of heat and a copious supply of 
water, and are propagated by seeds or by 
suckers. Syns. Areca and Nephrosperma. 
Allium cepa. The Onion has been 
known and cultivated as an article of food 
from the very earliest period. Its native 
country is unknown, but it is believed to have 
originated in the East. In the sacred writings 
we find it mentioned as one of the things for 


which the Israelites longed when in the wilder-, 


ness, and complained to Moses because they 
were deprived of their Leeks, Onions, and 
Garlic, of which, said the murmurers: ‘‘ We 
remember we did eat in Egypt freely.” To 
show how much it was esteemed by the 
ancient Egyptians we need only mention that 
Herodotus says in his time (450 B.C.) there 
was an inscription on the Great Pyramid, 
stating that a sum amounting to 1,600 talents 
had been paid for Onions, Radishes, and 
Garlic, which had been consumed by the 
workmen during the progress of its erection. 
Even at the present day, the people of western 
Asia, as well as the inhabitants of cold coun- 
tries, are all large consumers of Onions, which, 
for culinary purposes, are more universally 
cultivated than almost any other vegetable. 
The garden varieties that have been intro- 
duced are very numerous, and their origin 
about as difficult to trace as the species. The 
justly celebrated Bermuda Onion of our 
markets is grown from seed annually imported 
from the south of Europe. Onions are also 
most extensively grown in the United States, 
one seed firm alone selling twenty tons of the 
seed annually. The varieties grown are thered, 
white, and yellow-skinned, among which are 
humerous varieties, the favorite kinds being 
known as Yellow Danvers, White Globe, Red 
Globe, Wethersfield Red, White Portugal, etc. 
Beginners growing the Onion for market had 
better consult. works specially devoted to 
Onion culture, or works spccially on Market 
Gardening, but for private use we will briefly 
detail the methods. For the earliest crop the 
“sets” or small bulbs, which are produced 
from seed thickly sown the previous year, 
should be planted as early in spring as the 
ground is dry enough to work, in beds four or 


five feet wide, and in rows nine inches apart - 


with two or three inches between the sets or 
bulblets, pressing these down about an inch or 
go into the soil. Grown in this way, the Onions 
are usually used in the green state. For the 


Onion. Barbadoes. 


ONO 


main crop the seed proper, is thinly sown in 
drills two or three inches deep, the rows at 
the same distance apart as for the sets. To 
insure quick and safe germination after sowing 
the seed, the drills should be trod along evenly 
with the foot, and then raked level. This plan 
of treading in seeds with the feet we invari- 
ably practice, particularly if the soil be dry. 
If not done, our hot, dry atmosphere pene- 
trates the loose soil, partially drying up the 
seed, which always impedes germination, and 
often destroys the crop completely. The 
omission of practicing the firming of the 
soil over seeds, either by the feet, roller, or in 
any other manner that will accomplish the 
purpose, is the loss of many millions annually, 
not only to the garden, but to the farm. The 
importance of this subject is our excuse for 
the digression. In ten to twelve days after 
sowing, the Onion seed will have started 
sufficiently to show the rows. The ground 
should then be lightly hoed, so as to destroy 
the weeds which germinate, many of them 
simultaneously with the Onion seed. Inthe 
seed rows, where the hoe cannot be used, the 
soil should be stirred with the fingers, other- 
wise weeds would quickly grow up and choke 
the crop. When about three or four inches, 
high the Onions should be thinned out to two 
or three inches apart. Kept éntirely clear 
from weeds, the crop is ripened off in June, 
July, or August, according to the latitude in 
which it is grown. It is a curious fact, how- 
ever, that Onions do not ripen their bulbs 
later than August; consequently, though 
they will grow well enough if sown late in the 
season, yet, if wanted to ripen so as to keep 
during winter, they must be sown in the first 
sowing of seeds in the spring. Two kinds of 
Onions are grown exclusively from bulbs, one 
of these is the Potato Onion, or ‘‘ Multiplier,” 
which increases by the bulb splitting up and 
dividing itself into six or eight smaller bulbs, 
which in turn form the sets to plant. for the 
next crop. The other variety is what is called 
the Top Onion, which forms little bulbs on the 
top of the stem in the place of flowers. 
These bulbs are in clusters, and about the 
size of hazel nuts. The bulbs are broken apart, 
and planted in spring at the same distances 
as the ‘‘ sets.” ‘ 


Ornithogalum scilloides. 
Crow. Allium vineale. 

Gipsey. . Allium ursinum. | 
Himalayan. Allium leptophyllum. 
Hog. Osmunda regalis. 

Pearl. Allium Ampeloprasum. : 
Potato. Allium cepa, var. aggregatum. 
Sea. Urginea (Scilla) maritima. 
Tree, or Canada. Allium proliferum. 
Welsh. Allium jfistulosum. 

Wild American. Allium cernuum. , 


Onion Lily. See Ornithogalum caudatum. 
Onobrychis. Sainfoin. Esparsette. From onos, 


the ass, and brycho, to bray ; said to be the fav- 
orite food of the ass. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A somewhat extensive genus of hardy her- 
baceous perennials, or small shrubs, natives 
of Europe, western: Asia, and north Africa. 
O. sativa, Sainfoin, the only species of special 
interest, grows about two feet high, with 
branched, rather spreading stems, and.large 
spikes of crimson flowers variegated :.with 
purple and white. -It has a long ‘tap root; :ex- 


284 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ONO 


tending to a considerable depth, which, on 
hard soil, tends to break up the subsoil, and 
loosen it for subsequent cultivation. It has 
been grown in some parts of France, Ger-. 
many, and England for years, and has proved 
a most valuable fodder plant, especially in 
light, dry, sandy or calcareous districts in the 
Southern and Western States. Owing to its 
long descending roots it flourishes during 
long continued droughts, and succeeds in 
many situations where no other forage plant 
would exist. It is moreover very nutritious, 
and whether made into hay or fed green is 
greatly relished by all domestic cattle. It 
will crop from seven to ten years, according 
to the nature of the soil, and its yield is 
greatly increased by judicious top dressing. 
Its culture is almost identical with that of 
Alfalfa or Luzerne, which see. 


Ono'clea. From onos, a vessel, and kleio, to 
close; referring to the singularly rolled up 
fructification. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A very distinct genus of Ferns, the principal 
and perhaps the only species of which is O. 
sensibilis, sometimes called the Sensitive 
Fern, but having no other claim to this 
name, beyond the fact of its speedily 
withering when cut. It is a very common 
Fern, found generally in moist or wet places, 
along streams, etc. Itis an excellent subject 
for a shady place in the rock garden. 


Ono’nis. Rest-harrow. From onos, an ass, 
and onemi, to delight; the ass delights to 
browse on the herbage. Nat. Ord. Legu- 
minose. 

An extensive genus of small herbaceous 
plants, common to Europe. A few species 
are tender annuals from the Cape of Good 
Hope. They have white, pink, or yellow 
flowers, some of them very pretty, but best 
suited to rough, waste places. They are 
easily grown from seed, and will adapt them- 
selves to any place given them. 


Onopo'rdon. Cotton Thistle. From onos, an 
ass, and perdo, to destroy; referring to the 
supposed effects on the ass. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

O. Acanthium, the supposed Scotch Thistle, 
is a native of Europe, but has become natural- 
ized in many parts of the United States. It 
grows from six to eight feet high, and is one 
of the most showy of the Thistle family. 
According to common tradition, the Danes or 
Norsemen, while invading Scotland, came 
upon the Scots, unperceived at midnight, and 
halting while their spies were thrown for- 
ward to discover the undefended points of 
their enemy’s camp, one of them chancing to 
tread upon a Thistle of this species, uttered 
a loud cry of pain, which roused the Scots to 
their danger, who at once attacked and re- 
pelled the invaders, gaining a complete 
victory; and henceforth they adopted the 
Thistle as the national emblem. In 1540 
James VY. instituted an order of knighthood 
called the Order of the Thistle. See Scotch 
Thistle. 


Ono’seris. From onos, an ass, and seris, Endive; 
a salad for asses. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of about a dozen shrubs or herbs, 
natives of the Andes and tropical South 
America. The leaves of O. adpressa are over 
three inches long, and are pure white and 


OPH 


cottony beneath. Introduced in 1830, under 
the name of Centroclinium. 


Ono’sma. Golden Drop. From onos, an ass, 
and osme, smell; said to be grateful to that 
animal. 

A genus of Boraginacew, consisting of 
nearly seventy species, only a few of which 
are incultivation. They arefoundin northern 
Africa, southern Europe, and west and central 
Asia. O. stellatum, and its variety O. 8. tauricum, 
with yellow flowers, are the most showy, and 
should have a well-drained sunny exposure in 
the rock garden, or herbaceous border. 


Onosmo’dium. . So called from its similarity to 
Onosma. Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. 

A small genus of hardy herbacous peren- 
nials, only two of which, O. Carolinianum and 
O. Virginianum both with yellowish-white 
flowers, and natives of the United States, are 
in cultivation. 

Ony’chium. From onyz, a claw; shape of the 
lobes of the fronds. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea. 

A small genus of very elegant Ferns found 
in Japan, Africa, Australia, and the East 
Indies. A few of the species are under cul- 
tivation, and among them O. Japonicum, a 
delicate, fennel-like Fern, fragile, fairy-like, 
yet one that succeeds well with the most 
ordinary green-house treatment. It requires 
shade, and is propagated from spores or by 
division. Introduced in 1864. Syns. O. 
Capense'and O. lucidum. 5 

Opaque. When the surface is dull, or not atall 
shining. 

Opera Girls. See Mantisia saltatoria. 
Opercula’ria. From operculum, lid; referring to 
the shape ofthe calyx. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 

A genus of very pretty Australian green- 
house shrubs or herbs, sometimes twining. 
‘The species, of which only two are in cultiva- 
tion, succeed best in a compost of sandy loam 
and leaf mould, and are propagated by seeds 
sown in heat in spring, or by cuttings of the 
young shoots. 

Operculum. The lid of anything, as in the 
pitcher of Nepenthes; more especially the lid 
of the spore-cases of Urn-mosses. 

Ophe'lia. From Opheleia, serviceable; plants 
useful in medicine. Nat. Ord. Gentianacew. 

This genus is composed of one species, a 
pretty little annual, with starry pink flowers, 
allied to the Gentian. Seeds should be sown 
early in the hot-bed or in the green-house, and 
planted out as soon as the border is ready for 
tender plants. It is a native of the East 
Indies, and was introduced in 1836. Syn. 
Swertia. ’ 

Ophiocau'lon. From ophis, a serpent, and 
kaulon, a stem; in reference to its climbing 
habit. Nat. Ord. Passifloracee. 

A small genus of plant-stove, climbing, her- 
baceous plants, natives of tropical Africa, 
Natal, and Madagascar. O. Cissampeloides, 
introduced from western Africa in 1871, is a 
green-house climber with orbicular or cordate, 
glaucous leaves two to three inches long, 
often mottled with white. It is closely allied 
to Modecca, and is often found in cultivation 
under the name of Passiflora marmorata. 

Ophioglo’ssum. Adder’s Tongue. Fromophios, 
a snake, and gloasa, a tongue; referring to the 
shape of the spike of fructification. 


N\ 


C2NOTHERA MISSOURIENSIS. OBELISCARIA. 


ODONTOGLOSSUM Rossii. 


OCHNA MULTIFLORA. 


G:NOTHERA LAMARCKIANA, 


:NOTHERA DRUMMONDI. 


ORIGANUM (SWEET MARJORAM), 


OKRA (DWARF), PROLIFIO, 285 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 285 


OPH 


The typical genus of Ophioglossacee, distin- 
guished from all others of that order, by having 
its fructification borne in the form of spikes. 
The species are spread over the whole world, 
from the Torrid to the Arctic Zones, and being 
of simple structure are not readily discrimi- 
nated. Some botanists regard the greater part 
of them as mere forms of O. vulgatum, the 
common Adder’s Tongue. 


Ophiopo’gon. From ophis, a serpent, and 
pogon, a beard; a translation of the native 
Japanese name. Nat. Ord. Hemodorace. 

A small genus of hardy or half-hardy her- 
baceous perennials, natives of India, China 
and Japan. They have long, linear leaves 
and erect spikes or racemes of flowers, about 
a foot in length. O. Jaburan variegatus is a 
most beautiful and useful plant for the cool 
green-house or for hanging baskets, vases, 
ete. Its deep violet-blue flowers, freely pro- 
duced in dense spikes, followed by deep blue 
berries about the size of currants, and re- 
maining along time in perfection, are an ex- 
cellent contrast to the drooping broad grass- 
like leaves striped with green and creamy- 
white. There is a variegated form of O. 
Japonicus intermedius, known as O. J. argenteo- 
marginatus which though producing white 
flowers is also an excellent plaut for the pur- 
poses named. They are both introductions 
from Japan, are of easy culture, and are in- 
creased readily by division. Syn. Flueggia, 
sometimes spelled Fluggia. 


O’phrys. From ophrys, eyebrows; referring 
to the fringe of the inner sepals. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

A small genus of terrestrial Orchids, chiefly 
natives of England. They are exceedingly 
difficult to manage, but produce their flowers, 
which are of rare beauty, freely in early sum- 
mer, in fields and dry pastures. O. opifera 
looks as though a bee were buried in the 
flower; another, O. aranifera, has the lip in 
the form of a spider; and in a third, O. mus- 
cifera, the whole flower resembles a fly. 


Opium. See Papaver somniferum. 


Oplisme’nus. From hoplismenos, awned; re- 
ferring to the awns. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A small genus of tender grasses allied to 
Panicum, broadly dispersed over the tropical 
and sub-tropical: regions. O. Burmanni 
variegatus is a beautiful drooping grass, 
prettily variegated with white and pink. It 
is best known in cultivation as Panicum 
variegatum. 


Opo’panax. Ancient Greek writers mention a 
medicinal plant under this name, which is used 
by botanists to designate a genus of Umbelli- 
fere, containing two or three species. 0. 
Chironium, is a plant six or seven feet high, 
resembling the Parsnip, and is a native of 
southern Europe. It yields a milky juice, 
having similar properties to those possessed 
by Ammoniacum, but is now scarcely used. 
The plant is of no ornamental value, and is 
only to be found in botanic gardens. Syn. 
Malaibala Apoponaz. 


Opora’/nthus. From opora, autumn, and anthos, 
aflower. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacew. 

A hardy, free-flowering bulb from the south 
of Europe. The flowers bear a strong resem- 
blance to the Yellow Crocus, for which, in- 
deed, if it flowered at the same season, it 


OPU 


might easily be mistaken. It is very orna- 
mental, and should be planted in beds with 
the Colchicum, as they flower at the same 
season, and contrast finely in color. It grows 
freely in a light soil, but should have a slight 
protection in winter to perfect the bulbs. It 
generally comes into flower with our first 
frosts, the leaves remaining green during the 
winter. This bulb was formerly classed as 
Amaryllis lutea, and none but the keen eye of 
the botanist can see any difference. This 
genus is now included with Sternbergia, which 
see. 


Opposite. Placed on opposite sides of some 
other body or thing, and on the same plane. 
Thus when leaves are opposite, they are on 
opposite sides of the stem; when petals are 
opposite they are on opposite sides of the 
flower, and so on. 


Oppositifolius. Opposite a leaf, that is to say, 
growing on the side of astem opposite to that 
on which a leaf grows; also applied to leaves 
opposite to each other. 


Opw’ntia. Prickly Pear. Indian Fig. A Latin 
name of which the derivation is not applicable 
to the species now placed under it. Nat. Ord. 
Cactacew. 

There are upward of a hundred and fifty 
species of the Opuntia, or Prickly Pear, all of 
which are natives of thiscontinent. They are 
found chiefly in Mexico, California, Peru, 
Brazil, the West Indies, and a few in the United 
States. The plants, when old, are hard and 
woody, but the new growth remains succu- 
lent or fleshy for some time. Some species 
grow erect and tree-like, while others are 
procumbent or creep on the ground, and 
nearly all have spines. The upright growers 
sometimes reach a height of ten feet or more, 
and one kind even twenty feet. Some of 
them (0. Tuna, for example) have been in- 
troduced into southern Europe, Africa and 
other places where they are cultivated for the 
sake of obtaining Cochineal. The flowers (é6x- 
cept in Nopalea) are generally a dull reddish 
orange. The fruit is pear-shaped, two or 
three inches long, and of a bright carmine 
color when ripe. The fruit is edible, and has 
a pleasant sub-acid flavor, being considered 
cooling and refreshing, and is much used in 
the West Indies and other places. The 
juice is sometimes used as a water color, 
and also for coloring candies. In Mexico the 
plant is used for hedges as well as for the 
Cochineal insect, and from the fruit is pre- 
pared a beverage called Colinche. Writers 
tell us that in Algeria the French make from 
the old wood anumber of ornamental articles, 
such as flower trays, fancy baskets, ete., and 
even veneering. The Opuntia, it will be seen, 
is a plant of considerable commercial value. 
Botanists have taken three species from 
Opuntia, to which they have given the generic 
name Nopalea; the reason of which may not 
be apparent to the common observer. In 
the new genus the flowers have erect petals, 
which are drawn together at the top instead 
of being expanded, as they are in Opuntia; the 
stamens are longer than the corolla, but 
shorter than the style. Thestems are round, 
or nearly so, with jointed, fleshy, flat branches; 
but unlike Opuntia, the tubercles upon the 
branches are not always armed with spines. 
The flowers, instead of being yellow or orange, 


286 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


OPU 


like Opuntia are reddish or crimson. In 
view of the commercial value of the product, 
we shall next allude somewhat briefly to the 
Nopalea (Opuntia) as connected with the cul- 
tivation of the Cochineal insect, Coccus Cacti. 
There are two species grown chiefly for this 
purpose, the Nopalea coccinellifera and N. 
Tuna. The first grows about eight feet high, 
and its branches give it a tree-like appearance. 
The stem and older branches are nearly round 
and grayish in color, but the younger 
growth is flat and deep green in color. The 
joints are from six to twelve inches long, 
oblong in form, mostly without spines, but 
having, when young, a growth of fleshy leaves, 
which soon drop off, leaving a scar and a tuft 
of short wool and bristles. Though the name 
coccinellifera, or cochineal bearing, has been 
given to this particular species, it is not the 
only one upon which this insect feeds, for in 
Mexico N. Tuna is even more largely grown 
for the same purpose. Nopaleries is the name 
given to plantations for rearing the Cochineal 
insect. The male only is winged, and some- 
what resembles the Aphis, and the two are 
not very distantly related to each other; both 
feed in the same way, drawing the juices of 
the plant through a proboscis. It is the 
female, however, which yields the highly- 
prized dye. A plantation will sometimes con- 
tain from fifty to sixty thousand plants. The 
plants are grown in rows, but are not allowed 
to grow to their natural height for convenience 
in handling. Inthe month of August the female 
insects are placed on the plants, and in about 
four months thereafter the first crop is fit to 
be gathered, and another prepared for, three 
being taken in the course of the year. When 
fully grown the insects are brushed off and 
dried in ovens, when they are ready for sale. 
The value of this industry is such that the 
Prickly Pear has been placed on the coat of 
arms of the Mexican Republic. Though Mex- 
ico is the native place of the Cochineal, it is 
now largely grown in New Grenada and the 
Canary Islands, and to a less extent in 
some parts of southern Europe and Africa. 
The annual produce amounts to thousands of 
tons, the usual price being about two thous- 
and dollars per ton, which gives us an idea 
of the value of the industry. There are many 
interesting facts connected with the Coccus 
family, as regards both their natural history 
and their commercial value which- we must 
pass over, simply remarking that it is to a 
member of this family that we are indebted 
for some of the best shell and other lacs. It 
may be said of them, as it cannot be said of 
most insects, that they make some amends for 
the injury they do to plants. Of our native 
species of Prickly Pear. O. vulgaris is the coin- 
mon Prickly Pear of New York and some of 
the Eastern States. It is very hardy and tena- 


cious of life, growing among the rocks where ‘ 


there is scarcely sufficient soil to cover the 
roots. Its flowers are bright yellow, very 
handsome, and produced freely. There are 
other American species which produce larger 
and even handsomer flowers than O. vulgaris. 
The other members of this order take pre- 
eedence in the green-house, on account of 
their rarity, and, in some instances, more 
showy flowers. See Nopalea. 

Opuntia’cez. A natural order, now placed as 
a sub-division of Cactacee. 


ORC 


Orache, or Mountain Spinach. See Atriplex. 
Orange. See Citrus. 

Orange-flower Tree. Philadelphus coronarius. 
Orange Gourd, Cucurbita Pepo aurantia. 
Orange Grass. Hypericum Sarothra. 

Orange Osage. See Maclura. 

Orange Root. Hydrastis Canadense. 
Orbicular. Nearly round and flat. 


Orchard. Fruits of all kinds are now so 
extensively used, that there are few country 
gardens large enough to give a sufficient 
supply of fruit, even if it were desirable to 
grow many fruit trees in a vegetable garden. 
It is often necessary therefore to establish an 
orchard from which to supply the ordinary 
demands for the larger fruits. As these trees 
will last a generation or longer, and as nany 
of them are several years before they come 
into bearing, any error, therefore, made in 
the selection of kinds, is a serious one. 
Whenever practicable, the purchase of trees 
for the orchard should be made direct from 
the nurserymen whose reputation is beyond 
question. Many thousands of farmers, and 
others, in nearly every section of the country 
have been victims of irresponsible tree 
peddlers, who, either from ignorance or 
design, have palmed upon their unfortu- 
nate patrons, apples, pears, peaches, plums, 
and other fruit-trees, which, after years of 
anxious waiting for, have proved entirely 
worthless. The safest plan therefore, is to 
purchase direct from the nearest reliable 
nurseryman, keeping in view the point that it 
is best always to buy trees grown North of 
your latitude, and not to plant too many 
varieties, but only those that are found to 
do best in your locality. 

The soil and its preparation for the orchard 
are also vital matters. For most fruits a 
deep and rather sandy loam is best, but, as in 
all other crops, it is useless to plant trees un- 
less the soil is free from water, and if draining 
is necessary it must be thoroughly done. (See 
draining.) A limestone gravelly soil is best 
for apples; pears succeed best upon good clay 
loams; plums require a rather moist soil for 
the best results, and peaches must have a 
warm light sandy loam with a somewhat 
heavier subsoil, but well drained, either 
naturally or artificially. The location of an 
orchard is quite important. Apples and 
peaches do best upon hilly or rolling ground, 
while pears and plums do well in low lands. 
A western exposure, and in some cases a 
northern slope, is preferable to any other, for 
all fruits. A southern slupe is the worst of 
all, as the trees in such a case are forced by 
the sun’s warmth into a too early growth, and 
often suffer from late spring frosts, which 
destroy the blossom, while the more back- 
ward trees upon western and northern slopes 
are uninjured. The advantage of a western 
slope is that it escapes the morning sun, 
which is sometimes injurious after a cold 
frosty night, while it enjoys the last of the 
evening sun and so gets a large share of 
warmth which remains during the night. 

THE PREPARATION OF THE SoIL and the man- 
ner of planting the trees are of the utmost im- 
portance, and should be thoroughly well done. 
Arich soil is not required. Ifthe land is able 
to produce a good crop of corn, potatoes or 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 287 


ORC 


clover, it is rich enough; if made too rich the 
trees are apt to make too much wood, or a 
weak, rank, growth, which must be cut away 
by pruning. and thus really exhaust the tree, 
and put off its bearing period for some con- 
siderable time. The following details will 
suggest a proper method for the average con- 
ditions. The planter of course must study 
his particular case and make a judicious 
application of these suggestions. The land 
should be well plowed in the fall or late sum- 
mer, as deeply as possible; deep plowing in 
this case is beneficial, when it might be other- 
wise for anordinary crop. The next thing to 
be done is to prepare a sufficient quantity of 
good compost of rotted leaves, sod, scrapings 
of the barn-yard, lime, wood ashes and some 
rotted manure. These are well mixed and 
put into a heap readyforuse. The trees are 
then ordered to be delivered at a special time, 
and for safety, and the proper guidance of the 
nurseryman full and accurate directions should 
be given for shipping. The orders should be 
sent so as to give the nurseryman ample time 
to ship the trees. The next work is to stake 
out the ground, and dig the holes, two feet 
deep, and large enough to give the roots 
ample spread, say four feet wide. The top 
soil should be thrown on one side by 
itself. The compost is then hauled on to the 
ground and a liberal quantity of it thrown 
into the hole and spread, and partly mixed 
with the earth in it, being left slightly raised 
in the centre for the tree to restupon. Every- 
thing is now in readiness for the trees, 
When these arrive, they should be unpacked 
and sorted at once, and each variety laid in 
the wagon by itself. Each variety should be 
planted separately in a row orblock. The 
wagon is then taken toa field. The planter 
who has a boy to assist him, takes a tree, sets 
it firmly upon the earth in the hole so that it 
is a little deeper than it has been in the 
nursery, and while the assistant holdsit, he 
spreads the roots and carefully works the 
soil among them that so they are in as natural 
a position as possible. This is very important 
and should be well done. After this the rest 
of the top soil is thrown in and well trodden 
with the feet. Then the subsoil is put in 
with a little of the compost mixed with it and 
thoroughly well firmed with the feet, but left 
in aslight mound so as to turn water from the 
stem. After all the trees have been thus 
planted, each one should be properly pruned, 
the young wood being cut back one-third and 
the head properly shaped. Fall planting, 
which is generally preferable, should be done 
from the 15th October to the 15th November, 
and spring planting as soon as the ground is 
free from frost and dry enough to work. 

The after treatment of a young orchard 
should be as follows: For the first three years 
such crops as potatoes, beans or turnips, that 
are cultivated and manured may be grown, 
but no others, both to manure the ground, 
destroy weeds, and for the sake of the culti- 
vation, the trees being hoed as the rest of the 
crop. Afterwards the ground may be sown 


to clover, but not to grass, a3 a sod is injuri- 


ous to a young orchard, although it may be 
permitted in an established one. 


Orchard Baler. This name is given to an in- 
vention that promises to be of great value to 


ORC 


the fruit-growing interest of the Unites States. 
It is a machine by which the branches of fruit 
or other trees are tied in a pyramidal form, 
and in this shape thatched with straw or hay, 
as a protection in winter against the severe 
frosts which cause so much injury to the buds 
of Peaches and other fruit trees. Thus 
thatched and excluded from the sun, the 
flower buds of fruit trees will be held back 
from opening for nearly a week, which will 
often be sufficient to save them from late 
spring frosts. It is claimed that Peach Trees 
so protected never fail to produce annually a 
crop of fruit. A pair of these machines cost 
from $25 to $50; and it is claimed that two 
men can bale and thatch fifty trees per day. 
The time for the operation is after the leaves 
have fallen in autumn, or any time except 
when the limbs are frozen. Of course, it is 
equally applicable to ornamental trees, and 
for such trees as the Magnolia grandiflora, 
which is rarely seen in good condition north 
of Richmond, it would be particularly valu- 
able. 
Orchard Grass. See Dactylis. 


Orche’lla Weed. The common name of several 
species of Roccella, a genus of lichens, cele- 
brated for their valuable properties as dye- 
weeds. 

Orchida’ceze. A very large order of plants, and 
one of the most natural families of the vege- 
table kingdom. They are perennial herbaceous 
plants or shrubs, assuming a terrestrial habit 
in temperate countries, and in warmer lati- 
tudes, growing on trees (Epiphytes), or fixing 
themselves to stones. Orchids are found in 
almost all parts of the world, and are noted 
for the peculiar shapes and diversity of their 
flowers. According to the authors of the 
“‘ Genera Plantarum,” the order contains over 
330 genera and 5,000 species. 

Orchid Culture. The following article on Orchid 
culture was written in 1888 for ‘‘ Gardening for 
Pleasure,” by Mr. William Grey of Kenwood, Al- 
bany. As heis known to be one of the most suc- 
cessful growers of Orchids in this or indeed any 
other country, his experience may prove valu- 
able to the more skillful as well as to the 
tyro in their culture. 

The taste for cultivating Orchids is rap- 
idly increasing. Every season, dozens of 
amateurs already possessing green-houses 
begin the culture of Orchids. To be 
successful, careful attention and some knowl- 
edge of the subject by actual practice are nec- 
essary; but as most of our gardeners are such 
as have had European training, nearly all that 
are proficient in their business have a knowl- 
edge of Orchid culture. It is about the only 
part of floriculture that I have had no actual 
practice in, so that 1am glad to avail myself of 
the experience of Mr. Grey, who kindly has 
written the following brief instructions: 

The best twelve well-known kinds are, 
Cattleya Trianiw, Dendrobium nobile, Dendro- 
bium Wardianum, Lelia anceps, Cologyne 
cristata, Lycaste Skinneri, Odontoglossum 
Alexandre, Odontoglossum Pescatorei, Cypripe- 
diwm insigne, Phaius Wallichii, Calanthe 
Veitchii, Calanthe vestita. ‘The next twelve 
are Cattelya Mossiv, Calogyne ocellata, Cypri- 
pedium Spicerianum, Cypripedium villosum, 
Dendrobium crassinode, Phaius grandifolius, 
Phalenopsis amabilis, Phalenopsis Schilleriana, 


288 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ORC 


Phalenopsis Stuartiana, Vanda cerulea, Vanda 
Sanderiana, Zygopetalum Mackayi. (For de- 
scription of the various species, see Orchid 
Catalogues.) , 

‘¢Of these the best suited for growing in pots 
are, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, and Odonioglos- 
sums, all of which do well in coarse chopped 
peat, the pots nearly filled with crocks; Celo- 

and Lycaste, coarse, sandy peat, with 
chopped, half-decayed leaves; Cypripediums, 
Phaius, and Zygopetalums in peat and loam, 
and a little rotten manure; Phalenopsis, Van- 
das, and Lelias do well in baskets, pots, or 
small pans, in chopped sphagnum; the drain- 
age must be perfect. Calanthes, chopped sods 
of sandy loam, with not over-fine leaf mould. 
The plants must be made steady with stakes 
and copper wire. 

‘The kinds suited to grow on bark or cork, 
or other such material, are Cattleyas, Lelias, 
Phalenopsis, Vandas, and Dendrobiums. These 
all do well on blocks of cork, rafts, cylinders, 
ete., with sphagnum or other moss; but take 
more care as they dry so quickly. A plant on 
a block will take water twice a day; the same 
in a basket only once in two days. Blocks 
can be hung overhead, and dipped twice a day 
in hot, dry weather. 

‘<The temperature should be for such varie- 
ties as Phalenopsis, Vandas, Dendrobiums, and 
Cypripediums, in winter, sixty to sixty-five 
degrees at night, to seventy-five degrees by 
day, with air; in summer, seventy degrees 
at night, ninety or more degrees by day, with 
plenty of airand ventilationat night. Cattleya, 
Lelia, Phaius, Calanthe, Calogyne, and Zygo- 
petalum, in winter, fifty-five or sixty degrees 
at night, seventy degrees with sun by day; in 
summer, sixty-five degrees at night, eighty- 
five degrees by day, with plenty ofair. Odonto- 
glossums, in winter, fifty-five degrees at night, 
sixty-five degrees by day; in summer, as 
cool as they can be kept. All want abun- 
dance of atmospheric moisture night and 
day. 

x Some kinds, such as Phalenopsis and Van- 
das, grow at all seasons; Cypripediwms, Cat- 
tleyas, and Lelias in spring; Calanthe, 
Celogyne, Phaius, and Zygopetalums in sum- 
mer. When any plant grows in winter 
(except Odontoglossums) it should be placed in 
awarm house. Odontoglossums do best ata 
temperature of fifty-five to seventy degrees ; 
never hotter, if possible. 

“ Cattleya Trianie, Lelia anceps, and Cypripe- 
dium insigne bloom during the resting period, 
which is from December to January. Pha- 
lenopsis and Vandas grow all the year; and 
during the short dark days of fall and winter 
less food is given by withholding water. Cal- 
anthe, Caelogyne, and Phaius bloom with the 
maturity of the growth, and lay dormant 

. until spring. 

“‘ The best shading for an Orchid house, when 
ground glass is not used, is canvas raised 
eighteen inches above the roof; or, if that is 
not convenient, thin paint made of turpentine 
and whitening, or white lead. Lay it on in 
the middle of March and brush it off in the 
middle of October. Ground glass is too dark 
from-October to March for plants, and nothing 
does well with me under it in winter. I use 
first quality clear French glass. When the 
‘glass is shaded with canvas it should be done 
from March to October from nine o’clock in 


ORC 


the morning to four o’clock in the afternoon, 
except on cloudy days. 

‘Orchids when. grown by a florist to pay 
would have to be grown in quantity, each 
species with a house to itself; but when 
grown by amateurs, of course nearly all 


. species are usually grown in one house. The 


most oz the twenty-four species named could 
be had in flower from Novemberto April. All 
plants with a tendency to early maturity 
should be placed at the warm end of the 
house; or in the fall, partition. off the 
space necessary at the warmer end for the 
most forward. The plants would have to be 
imported from the woods at first cost, when 


_grown to sell (established plants at present 


prices would be too expensive), and the flowers 
sold cheap to become popular. Orchid-grow- 
ing to-day, is where Rose-growing was thirty- 
five years ago. Tosum up: In the cultivation 
of Orchids all plants, when newly potted or 
mounted, should be’ made firm, or wired, 
otherwise, if the plants move by syringing, 
or other cause, the rootlets will be destroyed. 
The atmosphere of an Orchid house should 
always be moist, winter and summer, in 
winter allowing the pottery, cork, or other 
material to become more dry. Light and air 
are essential to vigorous growth, delug- 
ing with water when in active growth, but 
never closing top ventilation; never having a 
stagnant atmosphere; gradually withholding 
water as the growth approaches maturity, and 
then only enough to keep them from shrivel- 
ing. As to the time for repotting, the culti- 
vator is guided by the commencement of 
growth. Plants should always be under-’ 
potted as long as the plant is not top-heavy, 
for such as Cattleyas, Lelias, Dendrobiums, etc. 
a top-dressing is often all that is needful. 


“Calanthe, Phaius, etc., are repotted annually. 


“ Insects, such as thrips and aphis, are kept 
under by filling the evaporated pans, or other 
vessels, with chopped tobacco stems covered 
with water. Slugs are kept down by placing 
lettuce leaves, sliced potatoes or carrots 
on the pots, which examine daily and destroy. 
Roaches and water bugs may be killed by 
mixing roach poison with molasses, and 
placing it on oyster shells at convenient 
points in the green-house. These same reme- 
dies will be found effective against insects 
attacking any kind of green-house plant.” 

ORCHID FERTILIZATION. So much interest 
has of late years been exhibited in this subject, 
that we would refer the reader for informa- 
tion on this as well as other important ques- 
tionsin Natural Science to Charles Darwin’s 
work ‘On the various Contrivances by which 
British and Foreign Orchids are Fertilized by 
Insects.”” This must always be a book of 
reference to those who wish to understand 
the very curious structures that adapt many 
Orchids, in a very peculiar degree to benefit 
by the visits of insects, while a smaller 
number are adapted for self-fertilization 
alone. 

ORCHID FLOWERS IN MorTIon. Great 
interest has lately been exhibited in the 
motion of the beautifully fringed labellum of 
Bulbophyllum barbigerum, the numerous long 
hairs on which keep continually in motion. 
A correspondent of ‘‘Garden and Forest” 
in mentioning it also says: 

“The singular little Masdevallia muscosa is, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


289 


ORC 


_- perhaps, still more remarkable. It appears 
_ from an account which has recently been 
published, that the lip of this plant is sensitive 
and has a movement as definite as that of the 


remarkable Dionwa muscipula, or ‘ Venus’ Fly- | 
trap.” The habit of the plantis almost that of | 


the well-known M. Harry 


ana, but smaller, the | 


flowers standing some six inches high; light | 


"yellow in color, the tube of the sepals short, 


the lip long and protruding, and much nar- | 
rowed behind. When the flowers open, the lip | 


hangs pendulous underneath, but when an 


insect alights on the lip, and touches a small | 


ecushion-like disc, situated some distance 


from the apex, the lip suddenly shuts up | 
tight aguinst the column moving through | 


an angle of 80° or 90° in two seconds. 


The | 


Masdevallia is not as bloodthirsty as the ' 
Dioncea, for the insect is not tightly boxed - 


in, nor does the plant forthwith proceed to 


devour and digest its victim.. There is a way | 


of escape between the two petals and the face 


of the column, but the insect can scarcely | 
fail to carry away the pollen-masses in | 


making its exit, and there can be little |. 


doubt that on visiting a second flower it | 
comes in contact with the stigma, and thus | 


fertilization is effected. 

“This is not all. The plant regularly goes to 
sleep at night—that is to say, it closes up 
tight—but positively refuses to sleep in the 
daytime; for two hours in a dark cellar are 
reported to have made no impression on it. 
The slightest touch with a hair on the sensi- 
tive cushion causes the lip to close suddenly, 
but after ashort time it gradually opens again. 
Another remarkable point about the plant is 
that the peduncles are completely covered 
with greenish-yellow moss-like bristles, which 
have been well compared to those of the Moss 
Rose. There is no climbing up some other 
way. Ants have been observed to make the 
attempt, but eventually had to give it up in 
disgust. It is supposed that this is the 
particular use of these bristles to keep away 
robber-insects. Those who would pay their 
Tespects must come in a legitimate way, and 
alight on the flower itself. Quite a little 
chapter of romance; but one would suspect 
that the insect goes away with rather mixed 
feelings after its first visit.” 


Orchis. From orchis, testiculate; referring to 
the two oblong, bulb-like roots of many of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A dwarf genus of terrestrial Orchids, 
mostly unpretending, yet beautiful little 
‘plants. They are common in England and 
throughout most of Europe, O. mascula and 
O. maculata, being among the most beautiful 
and interesting plants of the British woods. 
With the exception of a few species, they are 
perfectly hardy, and can be grown in the out- 
side border, or in pots, forced like the Hya- 
einth. They do not like being moved from 

' their native homes, but are easily produced 
from seed, which, if sown in a frame of light, 
turfy loam, will make flowering plants in three 
years. O. spectabilis (Showy Orchis), is com- 
mon in rich woods throughout the Northern, 
Eastern and Western States. This species 
does well under cultivation. 


division. 
‘Orchis. Bee. Ophrys apifera. 
Cuckoo. Orchis mascula. 


Propagated by 


“ORI 


Fly. Ophrys muscifera. 

Marsh. Orchis latifolia. 

Military. Orchis militaris. 

White Fringed.. Habenaria blepharigiottis. 
Yellow Fringed. Habenaria ciliaris. 

Ordeal Bean of Qld Calabar. See Physos- 
tigma. ; : 

Ordeal Tree. See Tanghinia. 

Oreoco’me Candollei. A very striking and 
effective decorative plant belonging to the 
Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. : 

It makes a fine pyramid, five feet high, fur- 
nished with large. leaves that are as finely 
divided as those of a Todea, spread out hori- 
zontally, and recurve gracefully. 

They are of fresh green color, and the 
flowers which rise well above the foliage, are 
pure white. It is quite hardy and is an excel- 
lent plant for,margins of shrubberies or for 
planting singly on a lawn. 


Oreoda’phne. From oreos, a mountain, and 
Daphne, Mountain Daphne. Nat. Ord. Law- 
racew. 


A genus of hardy evergreen trees, confined 
mostly to the Pacific Coast. O.Californica (syn. 
Umbellularia) is a common tree in the moun- 

> tainous parts of California, where it goes bya 
variety of names, such as Mountain Laurel, 
Spice-bush, Balm of Heaven, Sassafras Laurel, 
Cajeput-tree, California Laurel, etc. In some 
parts it attains a height of fifty to one hun- 
dred feet, but in the southern districts it is 
seldom more than fifteen or twenty feet high. 
Wher bruised it emits a strong spicy odor 
which is apt to excite sneezing; the natives 
use the leaves as a condiment. This species 
was introduced by Mr. Douglas in 1862. Syn. 
Ocotea. ; 

Oreodo’xa. From oreos, a mountain, and doza, 
glory ; alluding to the lofty stature of some of 
the species. Nat. Ord. Palmacew. 

A small genus of very tall-growing and 
handsome Palms, inhabiting the West Indies 
and tropical America. Some of the species 
are among the most graceful of palms. O. 

'' regia, the Royal Palm, is a favorite cultivated 
species, and is largely used in the decoration 
of rooms. O. oleracea, the West Indian Cab- 
bage Palm, sometimes attains a height of 
‘one hundred and seventy feet, with a very 
small trunk, perfectly straight and cylindrical. 
The heart of the young leaves is cooked like 
Cabbage, and the pith affords Sago. Oil in 
considerable quantities is obtained from the 
fruit. Young plants are obtained from seed. 


Oreo’panax. From oreos, a mountain, and 
Panax, alluding to the relationship of the 
plants to Panaz, and their natural habitats. 
Nat. Ord. Araliacee. 

A genus of comparatively late introduction 
comprising certain tropical American trees 
and shrubs, closely allied to Hedera. Sixty- 
four species have been described, but only a 
few are in cultivation. They form very 
ornamental green-house plants, and are propa- 
gated by cuttings of the young shoots. % 

Organ. A general name for any defined sub- 
ordinate part of the vegetable structure, ex- 
ternal or internal ; as cell, fibre, leaf, root, ete. 

Oricola. See Primula. : 

Ori’ganum. Marjoram. From oros, a moun- 
tain, and ganos, joy; referring to the natural 
places of growth. Nat. Ord. Labiata. 


290 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ORM 


A genus of hardy and half-hardy herbaceous 
plants and shrubs, natives of Europe and 
Northern India. 0. vulgare, the wild Mar- 
joram, common throughout Europe, and natur- 
alized in this country, furnishes the Oil of 
Origanum, which is an acrid stimulant. O. 
Onites and O. Majorana are included in the 
pot or seasoning herbs, under the name of 
Marjoram. They are natives of Sicily and 
Portugal, respectively. There are a few orna- 
mental species sometimes grown as house 
plants, the more common of which is O. 
sipyleum, a native of the Levant, and popularly 
known as Hop Plant. It is of easy culture, 
and is propagated by cuttings. 

Ormoca’rpum. From ormos, a chain, and kar- 
pos, a fruit; referring to the narrow chain- 
like pods. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus consisting of three or four shrubs, 
natives of tropical Africa and the Indian 
Archipelago, nearly allied to Aischynomene. 
O. Coronilloides has pale yellow flowers, borne 
in many-flowered axillary peduncles in May. 
Young specimens only are adapted to pot cul- 
ture, and are produced from cuttings. 


Ormo’sia. Bead Tree. From ormos, a neck- 
lace ; in allusion to this use of the seeds. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of ornamental tropical trees, 
natives of Guiana and the West Indies. They 
are all too large for introduction into the 
green-house. O. dasycarpa is the West Indian 
Bead Tree, or Necklace Tree, the seeds of 
which, like those of O. coccinea, a native of 
Guiana and Brazil, are nearly round, beauti- 
fully polished, and of a bright scarlet color, 
with a black spot at one end, resembling 
beads, for which they are substituted, being 
made into bracelets, necklaces, or mounted in 
silver for studs or buttons. The seeds are 
picked up on the seacoast in various places, 
at very great distances from where they grow, 
having been carried by strong oceanic cur- 
rents. They are usually mixed in with small 
shells, and sold as ‘‘Sea Beans,” the common 
a being that they are the fruit of some sea 
plant. 


Ornamental Grasses. See Grasses. 
Ornamental Leaved Plants. These are such 


as are grown for the beauty of their foliage. 


rather than for their flowers; such as the 
various Crotons, Dracsenas, Coleus, Dieffen- 
bachias, etc., with colored or variegated 
leaves ; the numberless Palms, Ferns, Agaves, 
Aralias, Ricinus, etc., with large showy or 
finely divided leaves, or possessing other 
remarkable characteristics in their foliage are 
also placed in this class. 


Ornamental Planting. The beauty of many of 
our country homes is sadly marred by the in- 
judicious planting of ornamental trees and 
shrubs. There is no branch of the land- 
scape gardener’s art that demands more sound 
judgment, correct ideas, or refined taste, for it 
is not enough merely to be able to admire and 
appreciate a well defined and harmoniously col- 
ored landscape, and to jucge of its merits or de- 
fects, but he mustalso be able to select the mate- 
rials, and so arrange or dispose of them as to 
produce an effect at once the most powerful, 
agreeable, and perfect, that they are capable of 
doing. To attain this end the planter requires 
an amount of skill and knowledge only attaina- 


ORN 


ble by perseverance, study, and practice. 
These remarks apply principally to large and 
extensive country seats, but also bear weight 
with regard to less pretentious residences. In 
former years the rage has been altogether for 
mixed planting, without regard to the future 
size of the trees or shrubs planted, or to the 
effect of the shades of color, either in the 
summer or fall; but now a more tasteful and 
natural idea prevails, and planting in groups 
with reference to the general effect, the ulti- 
mate size of the trees, and their coloring in 
summer and fall, is more generally carried 
out. Trees having a resemblance to one 
another in the size and form of their leaves 
may be associated in groups, but it is more 
desirable that they possess some other marked 
characteristic in common, such as color of 
foliage, bark, or flower, habit of growth, or 
form, ete. Thus, when depth of color in leaf- 
age is desired, fit associates are found in the 
Purple Beech, Elm, Oak, Hazel, or Barberry ; 
when light colors are wanted they are at com- 
mand in the Golden Birch, Alder, Elder, or 
Willow, as also among the naturally silvery- 
foliaged trees, as the Silver Poplar, Linden, 
Maple, Huntingdon and other Willows, and 
Sea Buck Thorn, while among strictly varie- 
gated trees and shrubs, there exists a wide 
field to select from. The autumnal colors and 
tints of falling foliage deserve marked atten- 
tion. The rich scarlet and purple of the Oaks, 
Liquidamber, Nyssa, or Scarlet Maple; the 
golden-yellow of the Norway and other Maples, 
Tulip Trees, etc.; the Chestnut, with its yel- 
low and brown; gorgeous festoons of the Vir- 
ginia Creeper and Yellow Celastrus, contrast- 
ing beautifully with the deep green of the 
Spruces, Hemlocks, or other evergreens. 
Color in bark is most appreciable when 
branches are denuded of their foliage, and 
small groups having distinct colors tend to 
relieve the dull monotony of the winter and 
early spring months. White Birch, Linden, 
Golden Ash, Purple, and Golden Willow, Vir- 
gilia lutea, the Red Dogwood, ete., all work 
in well; while Deutzias, Spireeas, Weigelas, 
Chinese Magnolias, Tartarian Honeysuckle, 
the Dwarf Buck-eyes (Pavia), Hawthorns. 
Japanese Judas Tree, Hydrangea paniculata 
grandiflora, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and a 
host of other equally desirable shrubs, either 
singly or in groups, may fill up the foreground 
and give lightness and beauty to the carriage 
drive and lawn during the whole season. 
Irregularity of outline to the lawn gives an 
idea of size, and the margins and points may 
be well filled up here and there by groups of 
hardy herbaceous and other plants, Arundo 
Donax versicolor, A. conspicua, Eulalias, Pam- 
pas Grass, etc., in prominent positions in 
groups, or as single specimens on the lawn. 


Ornithi/dium. From ornis, a bird, and eidos, 
like; the upper lip of the stigma is beak-like. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A small genus of curious little Orchids, but 
not of sufficient beauty or interest to warrant 
their introduction into the Orchid house. 
They are regarded as weeds among air plants. 


Ornithoce’phalus. From ornis, ornithos, a bird, 
and kephale, a head; in reference to the form 
of the column and anther. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
acee. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 291 


ORN 


A genus of curious little epiphytal Orchids, 
natives of tropical America. O. grandiflorus, 
a very pretty and desirable species with yellow 
i hela is, perhaps, the only species in culti- 
vation. 


Ornithochilus. From ornis, ornithos, a bird, 
and cheilos, a lip; referring to the shape of 
the labellum. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea. 

A small genus of stove-house Orchids, 
natives of Burmah and the Himalayas. N. 
Jfuscus has brownish-yellow flowers striped 
with purple, and very fragrant. It is often 
found in cultivation as Aerides diforme. ~ 


Ornitho’galum. Star oi Bethlehem. From ornis, 
a bird, and gala, milk. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A rather large genus of bulbous plants, the 
species of which are natives of southern 
Europe, western Asia, and the Cape of Good 
Hope. Several of the species are hardy, and 
grow so freely as to become a nuisance; this 
is particularly so with O. umbellatum, the 
pretty little Star of Bethlehem, that has 
escaped in many places from the gardens into 
the meadows, and taken almost complete pos- 
session, and become very troublesome. 0. 
caudatum, a tender species from the Cape of 
Good Hope, has very large, watery-looking 
bulbs; the leaves are broad and very long, and 
they wither and shrivel up at the tip, so as to 
have a round, tail-like appearance; whence 
their common name, Long-tailed Ornithoga- 
lum. This species is sometimes called Onion 
Lily, and is a favorite with the Chinese, who 
grow it in dishes filled with water and gravel. 
Its tenacity of life is most remarkable, as it 
wili grow anywhere and under almost any cir- 
cumstances, in water or hung up against a 
wall in a dry room, in rich earth or poor, in- 
doors or out, and, with slight protection, will 
endure our winters. Its flower scape is from 
two to four feet in length, and it keeps in 
bloom for several months. There is but little 
beauty in the flowers of most of the species. 
0. Arabicum has large white flowers with a 
black centre, and has a distinct aromatic 
odor. 0. thyrsoides has yellow flowers in 
dense racemes, twelve to thirty flowered, 
borne on an erect scape twelve to eighteen 
inches long. There are several varieties of 
this species, O. t. album, pure white with dark 
centre; O.t. awreum, golden-colored, and O. ¢. 
flavissimum, much brighter yellow than the 
type, areall distinct and desirable green-house 
plants, and are deserving of a place in every 
collection. All the species are increased by 
offsets. 

Ornithoglo’ssum. From ornis, ornithos, a bird, 
and glossa, a tongue; referring toresemblance 
existing in the petals. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

A genus of bulbous plants, with simple or 
slightly-branched, leafy stems, with green and 
purple or white flowers, natives of south 
Africa. They thrive well in sandy loam, and 
require the same general treatmentas Tigrida. 
Syn. Lichtensteinia. 

Orni'thopus. Bird’s foot. From ornis, orni- 
thos, a bird, and pous, a foot; referring to the 
claw-like legumes or seed pods. A genus 
of Leguminose of which one species, 0. 
perpusillus, a small prostrate herb, is not un- 
common in dry, gravelly soils in Great Britain. 
O. sativus, the Serradilla, by some considered 
merely a variety of O. perpusillus, a native of 
Portugal, is a valuable agricultural plant, in- 


ORT 


troduced to cultivation in 1818, and particu- 
larly worthy of attention from the fact of its 
producing an abundant crop of excellent fod- 
der, where nothing else will grow to perfec- 
tion. 


O’rnus. Flowering Ash. From oreinos, ancient 
name of the Ash; applied on account of the 
resemblance and affinity. Nat. Ord. Oleacee. 

Hardy, white-flowered, deciduous trees. 
The genus includes about a dozen species, all 
interesting on account of their clustered pan- 
icles of pure white flowers, borne at the ex- 
tremities of the branches. In Sicily several 
of the species are extensively grown under 
the name of Manna Ash, the trees yielding 
the saccharine substance commercially known 
as Manna, the properties of which are pur- 
gative instead of nourishing; consequently it 
could not have been the Manna that sustained 
the Hebrews in the wilderness, although it is 
known by that name at the present day. This 
genus is included under Fraxinus by some 
authors. 


Oroba’nche, A genus of singular-looking par- 
asitic plants, typical of the Orobanchacee, 
and represented by a variety of species which 
grow severally on the roots of Clover, Ivy, 
Furze, Beans, Tobacco, Hemp, etc. Some of 
them are agricultural pests, and do a great 
deal of damage. 


O’robus. From oro, to excite, and bous, an ox; 
the Orobus of Theophrastus was the name of 
a plant used for fattening cattle. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

An extensive genus of hardy perennials, dis- 
tinguished from Lathyrus chiefly by not being 
of a climbing habit of growth. The majority 
of the species are very handsome when in 
flower, which is generally in spring. There 
is a similarity between many of them; the 
following are the most distinct: O. aurantiua, 
orange-yellow; O. lathyroides, bright blue; 
O. vernus, purple and blue, with red veins; 
and O. taurica, orange. O. pubescens, O. can- 
escens, O. varius, and O. Fischeri, are also 
good showy species, but O. vernus and its 
varieties are the handsomest of the species. 
All are of easy culture, and are increased by 
seeds or division of the root. 


Oro’ntium. Golden Club. Derivation of name 
obscure. Nat. Ord. Aroidew. 

This genus consists of two species of aquatic 
plants. @Q. aquaticum is common in ponds 
from Maine to Florida, near the coast. O. 
Japonicum, a native of Japan and the East 
Indies, has leaves like Lily of the Valley, 
green on the upper side, and covered with 
very minute hairs, so that they look like fine 
velvet. These leaves are readily eaten by 
cattle and swine in spring. The seeds are 
boiled and eaten like peas by the natives. 
This species makes a beautiful plant for the 
aquarium. 

Orpine. A common name for Sedum Telephium. 
Orris Root. The root of Iris Florentina. 


Orthosi’/phon. From orthos, straight, and 
siphon, a curved tube; alluding to the tube of 
the flower. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of perennial herbs or shrubs, 
natives of the East Indies, the Malayan Archi- 
pelago, Africa and Australia. O. stamineus 
has pretty pale lilac-blue flowers, nearly one 
inch long, arranged in whorls, and these 


292 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ORT 


. again in racemes at the ends of the branches, 
the stamens projecting a long way. It was 

. introduced from tropical Asia in 1869, and is 
iiopeaeed by cuttings of the half-ripened 
shoots. 


Orthrosa’nthes. From orthros, morning, and 
anthos, a flower; the flowers expand early in 
the day. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A genus of green-house herbaceous peren- 
nial plants, natives of extra-tropical South 
America and western Australia. MM. multi- 
Jlorus is a pretty little plant with beautiful 
sky-blue colored flowers, of easy culture in a 
compost of turfy peat and leaf-mould. It is 
propagated by division of the tufted root- 
stocks, or by seeds. Syn. Sisyrinchium cyan- 
eum. 

Orva'la. Said to be from Orvale, the French 
name for Clary. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

O. Lamoides, the only described species, is a 
hardy herbaceous plant, producing its pretty 
purplish red and white flowers in April. Itis 
a native of the south of Europe, and is easily 
increased by division or by seeds. Bentham 
and Hooker now include this genus under 
Lamium. 


Orychopra’gmus Sonchifolius. A showy plant 
belonging to the Nat. Ord. Cruciferw. It 
is a very attractive plant, as its flowers 
are of a bright violet-blue color, and under 
good cultivation it attains a height of two 
feet, the loose terminal racemes of flowers 
being about half that height. It succeeds well 
in sheltered localities treated as a half-hardy 
annual. Syn. Moricandia. 


Ory'za. Rice. Derived from the Arabic name, 
cruz. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 
A small genus of grasses, only one of which, 
O. sativa, the common Rice of commerce is of 
any great importance; and thisis one of the 
most useful and extensively cultivated of all 
- grains, supplying as it does the principal food 
of nearly one-third of the human race. Like 
that of all other grains, its native place is 
unknown, but it is generally supposed to be 
of Asiatic origin, though recent travellers in 
South America mention finding the rice-plant 
apparently in a wild state on the banks of 
some rivers there. Wherever it may have 
originated, itis now cultivated in all parts of 
the globe where the conditions of heat and 
moisture are favorable for its development. 
It is adapted to tropical and sub-tropical 
climates, rather to the latter than the former, 
and requires much moisture, rather, however, 
in the soil than in the air. Rive is an annual, 
varying from one foot to six feet in height. 
There are as many other distinguishing char- 
. acteristics of the varieties under cultivation, as 
there are in the varieties of wheat, barley, or 
corn. The seed or grain of rice grows on 
‘ little separate stalks springing from the main 
stalk; and the whole appearance of the plant, 
when the grain is ripe, may be said to be in- 
termediate between that of barley and of 
oats. It flourishes best in low marshy 
grounds which can be overflowed, and tide- 
water swamps are particularly favorable for 
the crop. 
_ There is another species, Oryza mutica, 
. which grows upon dry lands and the sides of 
- mountains, largely cultivated in Ceylon and 
Java, and to some extent in southern Eu- 
rope. There is a variety of this species known 


OsT 


as ‘Cochin China,” which is considerably 
grown in dry soils in North Carolina, Virginia, 
and to-some extent in Maryland. It is not 
equal in quality to that grown in marshy 
soils, neither is it as productive, as its yield 
hardly exceeds fifteen to twenty bushels per 
acre, while the rice grown in wet ground, 
and flooded, produces thirty to sixty and 
under the most favorable circumstances 
nearly one hundred bushels to the acre, each 
bushel weighing from forty-five to forty-eight 
pounds of clean rice. 


Osage Orange. See Maclura aurantiaca. 


Osbe’ckia. Named after Peter Osbeck, a Swedish 
naturalist. Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. 

A genus of green-house evergreen and 
deciduous shrubs and herbs, natives of tropi- 
eal Asia, Africa, and the adjoining Islands. 
The rose, purple, or violet flowers are borne 
in terminal racemes. 0. Nepalensis (syn. 
Melastoma Nepalensis) has large, handsome, 
purplish, rose-colored flowers, and is well 
worthy of a place in any collection. Several 
other species are in cultivation; they are all 
easily propagated by cuttings of the half- 
ripened shoots. 

Osier. Any of the Willows grown for their long 
flexible shoots, which are largely used in 
basket-making, are called Osiers. The one 
most extensively grown, and considered the 
best for this purpose, and to which the name 
is generally applied, is Salix viminalis, or 
Basket Osier. 

Osma/nthus. From osme, perfume, and anthos, 
a flower, in allusion to the fragrance of the 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Oleacee. 

A small genus of half-hardy glabrous 
shrubs or trees, natives of eastern Asia, North 
America, and the Pacific Islands. 0. fragrans 
(syn. Olea fragrans), a native of Japan, China, 
ete., is a handsome shrub with serrated 
leathery leaves, and yellowish or almost white, 
exceedingly fragrant flowers. O. aquifolium 
(syn. O. illicifolium) is a very handsome ever- 
green shrub, somewhat resembling a Holly, 
with leathery, smooth, shining leaves, varying 
considerably in their size and toothing. There 
are several white and yellow variegated 
varieties in cultivation, all well deserving a 
place in the cool green-house. They may be 
propagated by cuttings, but are more rapidly 
increased by grafting on the Privet. 


Osmorhi’za. Sweet Cicely. From osme, scent, 
and rhiza, a root; roots sweet scented. Nat. 
Ord. Umbellifera. 

A small genus of uninteresting herbaceous 
perennials. They are common in rich, 
moist woods, and are popularly known as 
Sweet Cicely. 


Osmwnda. Flowering Fern. From Osmunda, 
one of the names of Thor, a Celticdeity. Nat. 
Ord. Polypodiacew. 

A genus of ornamental Ferns, found widely 
distributed throughout the temperate regions 
of both hemispheres. A well-known species 
is O. regalis, or Royal Fern. There are several 
species common in swamps and wet places 
throughout the United States. Most of them 
bear transplanting well, and make beautiful 
plants for a shady border. 

Osteospe/rmum. From osteon, a bone, and 
sperma, seed ; referring to the hardness of the 
seed. Nat. Ord. Composite. 


OSMUNDA REGALIS. OPUNTIA. OXALIS VALDIVIANA. 


OXALIS ROSEA. OXYURA CHRYSANTHEMOIDES. 


OURISIA COCCINEA. 


Hf My 


PHONIA TENUIFOLIA FL. PL. 


ye Ee 
. PANDANUS JAVANICUB, 


PHONIAS (HERBACEOUS). 


PALAVA FLEXUOSA. 


PHONIAS (MOUTAN OR TREE), 293 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 293 


“OST 


A genus of green-house shrubs, natives of 
South Africa. They are rather ornamental 
plants with yellow flowers, some of which are 
in cultivation in European collections. 


Ostrich Fern. See Struthiopteris. 


Ostro’wskia. Named in honor of the Russian 
botanist, Ostrowski. Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. 
O. magnifica, the representative species, is 
a beautiful hardy herbaceous plant, introduced 
from the mountains of eastern Bokhara. 
It grows about four feet high, bearing large 
mauve-colored flowers, four to six inches 
across. It forms a deep-reaching tuberous 
_root about two feet Jong, after the fashion of 
Platycodon grandiflora. It flowered for the 
first time in Europe in 1687. 


O’strya. Hop Hornbeam, Iron Wood. From 
ostroyos, a scale; scaly catkins. Nat. Ord. 
Corylacee. : 

O. Virginica, the only native species, is a 
tree of moderate size, remarkable for the 
extreme hardness of its wood. It is of slow 
growth, forms a compact top, with small green 
leaves. The furrows of its bark areextremely 
fine, by which it is readily distinguished. 


Ossz’a. Named after Don Antonia de la Ossa, 
once director of the Botanic Gardens at 
Havana. Nat, Ord. Melastomacee. 

A genus of about forty species of shrubby 
plants, natives of tropical America. 0. fas- 
cicularis, probably the only species in cultiva- 
tion, is a very showy plant, with white flowers 
borne in many-flowered bunches. It was 
introduced from Jamaica in 1822, and is 
propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened 
shoots. 


Ossified. Becoming like bone; hard, brittle, 
and close in texture like a peach stone. 


Oswego Tea. See Monarda didyma. 


Osy’ris. From ozos,a branch; alluding to the 
numerous pliant branches. Nat. Ord. Santa- 
lacee. 


A small genus of green-house evergreen 
shrubs, natives of southern Europe, Africa, 
and the East Indies. O. alba, probably the 
only cultivated species, has small white 
jlowers borne in clusters on the branchlets, 
and is propagated by cuttings of the ripened 
shoots in heat. 


Otaheite Chestnut. 
carpus Edulis. 


Otaheite Myrtle. Securinega durissima. 


Otho’nna. Ragwort. From othone, linen; 
referring to the soft, downy clothing of the 
original plant. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

An extensive genus, the species of which 
are mostly coarse-growing green-house or 
frame annuals, perennials, and low shrubs. 
With but few exceptions the flowers are 
gellow. They are natives of the Cape of 
Good Hope, and the African shores of the 
Mediterranean. But fewof the species merit 
a place in the garden. 0. crassifolia, one 
of the Cape species, is a handsome and showy 
plant, of a trailing habit, with singularly 
glaucous and fleshy leaves, and handsome 
yellow flowers, opening only in the sunlight. 
It is particularly well adapted for planting 
under shrubs, or for baskets, vases, or rustic 
designs. It grows freely in a light soil, and 
ig increased by cuttings. 


A common name for Ino- 


OXA 


Othonno'psis. From Othonna, and opsis, like; 
in allusion to the resemblance which exists 
between the two genera. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of glabrous green-house shrubs, 
differing from the allied genera, Othonna and 
Senecio, in the disk being constantly sterile. 
O. cheirifolia (Wall-flower leaved), probably the 
only species in cultivation, is a very pretty, 
low-spreading evergreen plant with rich yellow 
flower-heads nearly two inches across. It 
wasintroduced from north Africa in 1752, and 
is increased by cuttings or division. Syn. 
Othonna cheirifolia. 

Otte’lia. From Otel, the native name in Mala- 
bar. Nat. Ord. Hydrocharidacee. 

A genus of stove or green-house aquatic 


‘| herbs, widely distributed over tropical and 


sub-tropical countries. Two species, one O. 
Indica, from the East Indies, with white, 
and the other O. ovalifolia, from Australia, 
with yellow flowers, are in cultivation and re- 
quire to be grownina cistern or pan of water. 
Syn. Damasonium. 


Ouri’sia. Named in honor of Governor Ouris, 
of the Falkland Islands, from whom Commer- 
son obtained the plant. Nat. Ord. Scrophular- 
iacee. 

A small genus of handsome green-house 
plants from South Americaand Australia. O. 
coccinea, is a very beautiful species with a 
short creeping stem, cordato-ovate crenate 
leaves, mostly radical; and an erect scape a 
foot or more in height, bearing a raceme of 
drooping crimson flowers arranged in opposite 
pairs. Some of the species are said to be 
hardy. Introduced in 1860. 


Ouvira/ndra. Lattice or Lace-leaf Plant. From 
ouvirandrano, the native name; signifying 
water-yam, the roots being eatable. Nat. Ord. 
Naidacea. 

A genus of aquatic plants, natives of Mada- 
gascar. They are popularly known as the 
Lattice or Lace-leaf Plants, from the singular 
appearance of the leaves, resembling open 
lattice-work, or apparently consisting of only 
a skeleton of nerves. The leaves grow in 
radiating clusters from the rhizome, and 
float just beneath the surface of the water, 
presenting a flat side tothe light. The plant 
is not only curious, but a valuable one to the 
natives of Madagascar, who collectits fleshy, 
farinaceous roots as an article of food. It 
grows on the margins of running streams in 
shallow water. Itis rare in collections, and 
is one of the most interesting plants for the 
aquarium. 

Oval. The same as Elliptic. 


Ovary. That part of the pistil which contains 
the ovules or seeds. 


Ovate. Egg-shaped. 


Ovoid, Ovoidal. A solid with an oval figure, or 
resembling an egg. 


Ovule. The young seeds of plants contained in 
the ovary. 


Oxali’dez. A tribe of Geraniacew. 


O’xalis. From ozys, acid; the leaves have an 
acid taste. Nat. Ord. Geraniacee. 

This genus comprises a great number of 
species, differing widely in their habits and 
manner of growth. Some are annuals, some 
herbaceous perennials, and some are green- 


294, HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


OXE 


house shrubs. Many have tuberous roots, 
others are bulbs. Some are tender, others per- 
fectly hardy. The flowers are always hand- 
some in form and beautiful in color. The 
leaves vary considerably, but they are most 
commonly trifoliate and slightly acid. Many of 
the species are grownin the green-house, one of 
the most useful being O. floribunda, which was 
introduced from Brazil in 1829. This very beau- 

- tiful species requires protection during winter. 
It has bright rose-colored flowers, which are 
produced in great abundance during nearly 
the whole year. There is a variety of this 
species with pure white flowers. Both are 
rapidly increased by division of the root. 
Of the bulbous species, O. Bowiei is decidedly 
‘the handsomest. The flowers are large and 
of a most brilliant rose color, and produced 
in the greatest profusion. This is generally 
cultivated as a green-house species; it will, 
however, endure our winters if planted in a 
rockery or in the border; and so tenacious is 
it of life that it will dispute possession with 
almost any other plant in the bed. This 
species was introduced from the Cape of Good 
Hope in 1824. O. tetraphylla, four leaved 
(syn. O. Deppei), and O. lasiandra (woolly- 
stamened) continue in bloom nearly all sum- 
mer and are very effective planted in groups in 
the herbaceous vorder or rockwork. The 
bulbs require to be taken up and kept from 
frost during winter. One of the most desir- 
able for conservatory decoration is O. lutea, 
another Cape species, with large terminal 
clusters of golden yellow flowers, on long 
slender scapes; there is a beautiful double 
variety of this species. O. Valdiviensis is a 
charming little hardy, annual species with 
bright yellow flowers; introduced from Chili 
in 1862. O. versicolor is still another beau- 
tiful species. It requires the sunlight to ex- 
pand its flowers; but they are generally 
thought to be more beaytiful when closed 
than when open. The colors are crimson, 
white, and a pale shade of yellow. It is 
rapidly increased by offsets. A. acetosella, 
our common Wood Sorrel, is a native of Great 
Britain, and by naturalization has become 
common throughout the States. All the 
species under cultivation are either from the 
Cape of Good Hope or South America, and all 
alike are of easy culture. 


Oxe’ra. From ozeros, sour; in allusion to the 
acrid taste. Nat. Ord. Verbenacea. 

A genus of about ten species of climbing 
shrubs, natives of New Caledonia. O. pul- 
chella, the only species yet in cultivation, is a 
very handsome, green-house climber, with 
large, yellowish-white flowers, two inches 
long, between funnel and bell-shaped, and is 
of easy culture; increased by cuttings. 

Ox-eye. See Heliopsis. 

Ox-eye Daisy. See Leucanthemum. 

Oxlip. Primula elatior. 

Oxya’nthus. From ozys, sharp, and anthos, a 
flower; referring to the sharp-toothed calyx 
and corolla. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

A genus of white-flowered evergreen shrubs 
from Sierra Leone, allied to Gardenia, and 
requiring the same treatment in cultivation 

’ and propagation. 

Oxyco’ccus. Cranberry. From ozys, sharp, 
and kokkos, a berry; sharp acid taste of the 
berries. Nat. Ord. Vacciniacee. 


OxY 


‘The Cranberry is a familiar trailing shrub, 
growing wild in swampy, sandy meadows and 
mossy bogs in the northern portions of both 
hemispheres, and produces a round, red, acid 
fruit. Our native species, O. macrocarpus, so 
common in theswamps of New England, and 
onthe korders of our inland lakes, as to form 
quite an article of commerce, is much the 
largest and finest species; the European 
Cranberry, O. palustris, being much smaller in 
its growth, and producing fruitinferior in size 
and quality. The Russian, 0. viridis, is alsoa 
medium-sized variety. Of O. macrocarpus, 
there are three varieties: the ‘ Bell-shaped,’ 
which is the largest and most valued, of a 
very dark, bright red color; the ‘Cherry,’ 
two kinds, largeand small; the large one the 
best, of around form, a fine, dark, red berry, 
nearly or quite equal to the Bell-shaped; and 
the Bugle Oval, or Egg-shaped, two kinds, 
large and small, not so highly colored as the 
Bell or Cherry, and not so much prized, but 
still a fine variety.”"—Downing. Cranberry 
culture, where the conditions are favorable, 
is very profitable; and as the subject. is 
receiving much attention, both in this 
country and in Europe, it may be of service 
to give a few facts in regard to the best 
methods of raising Cranberries successfully. 
The selection of land for the cultivation and 
growing of the plants is the first considera- 
tion; for, unless it is adapted totheir growth, 
it will be useless to plant them. The soil 
best adapted is low, moist land, suitably 
drained, so that the water will be from twelve 
to eighteen inches lower than the surface of 
the ground. They will grow on moderately 
damp soil that can be plowed or cultivated, so 
as to make it friable and soft, or on the 
borders of streams or ditches, as the plant 
draws its nourishment from air and water; 
light sandy soil or muck covered with two 
or three inches of sand is the best adapted to 
their culture. They will not do well on dry 
sand or clay. If planted on rich muck or: 
loam, they grow rank and strong, sometimes 
eight or ten feet, and cover the ground with a 
net of vines three or four inches thick. As 
the fruit grows on the end of the shoot, the 
rank growth throws out but few buds; but if 
sanded over, the shoots are of short growth, 
and throw out more and stronger fruit buds. 
There are large portions of land all over our 
country that is now of but little value, too 
wet or toocold for grass, that would grow 
large quantities of fruit, if properly prepared 
by draining and sanding. In preparing the 
ground, if it be wet and spongy, it should be 
well drained, so as to leave the water about 
ten or twelve inches below the surface. It 
can then be prepared by burning over and 
removing the top soil, carting it off for com- 
post, or burning when it is dry; by leveling 
the ground, and covering it with pure sand 
(free from seeds or weeds), two or three 
inches deep, to keep the surface loose, and to 
prevent foul grass from choking the plants. 
Some growers prefer to put on two or three 
inches of sand (on the ice), and after two 
years’ growth, to put on one or two inches 
more, which, we think, is an improvement. 
The sand should not be mixed with the soil, 
but placed in a layer of two inches over it; it 
will thus keep down all weeds. The roots of 
the Cranberry are very fine, and do not retain 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 295 


OXY 


their vitality; but the plant throws out new 
roots from the stem. In: putting out the 
young plants, make a hole four or five inches 
deep, with a stick or dibble, in which place 
the plant, and press the soil around it firmly 
with the foot. Leave an inch to an inch and 
a half of the young vine above ground. When 
planting, if practicable, water freely, to settle 
the sand around the plant; the stem will 
soon begin to grow. They are very tenacious 
of life, and if, when received, they are appar- 
ently dry, put them into water from five to 
six hours before planting; they will regain 
their freshness and be sure to grow. Where 
failures have occurred, it has been owing to 
their having been taken from the parcel and 
put outin adry soil. Another plan adopted 
by some growers, is to take the vines up 
without roots, often four or fivefeetin length, 
which they cut and sow in drills, or lay the 
vines down in atrench, and cover with soil, or 
with astick two inches wide and half an inch 
thick, crowd the vines down into the soil three 
or four inches deep. It will take eight to ten 
barrels of clean vines per acre. In this case 
they are not planted so deep, and are not so 
apt to live as when planted with adibble, as 
advised above, with the roots attached. They 
are usually sold in parcels of 100 each, and 
will pack more closely and cost much less 
than barreled vines, and are the only kind 
that can be forwarded by mail. Ten thousand 
of these will plant more ground than eight or 
ten barrels of vines. If placed two feet apart 
each way 10,000 will plant an acre; they can 
be cultivated with a cultivator or horse hoe, 
tokeep down grass and weeds; and after one 
or two years of cultivation they will take care 
of themselves, or it will only be necessary to 
pull out what little grass may grow. If wanted 
in small patches or in gardens, they can be 
planted a footapart, and will coverthe ground 
much sooner. Vines usually sold by the bar- 
rel have clinging to the roots earth that is 
full of the seeds of weeds, which are intro- 
duced into the soil, demanding much labor to 
keep the plants clean; it is therefore better 
to purchase clean vines. The Cranberry can 
be planted out at almost any season of the 
year when the ground is not frozen; in the 
fall from September until the ground freezes ; 
in spring, until July; in the South or West,’ 
from October to March. If the vines are 
received too late for planting, or if frozen, 
they can be coverea with earth or damp moss 
in a box, and placed in a cellar until they can 
be planted out, after being placed in water for 
afew hours. Overflowing or flooding is desir- 
able, if notindispensable to complete success. 
The water may remain on the vines until the 
10th of May in the latitude of N. Y., or until 
there is no danger from frost. It may cover 
the vines from one to two feet or more, and 
if it can be let on or off at will for a few hours 
during the season, it will prevent drought, 
and also destroy the worm, which is some- 
times very destructive. The water should 
not stand on them when in flower, as it would 
injure the pollen and prevent fruiting, or 
when the fruit is quite green. The best known 
and most extensively cultivated is the Bell, of 
which there are two or three varieties. The 
Cape Cod Bell is the best known, and has been 
more extensively cultivated than any other 
variety. The coloris a dark red, but it often 


OXY 


varies in color and shape on different soils, 
but its bearing and ripening qualities are the 
same, being of good size and medium early. 
The Bugle is an old variety, rather early, of 
medium size to large, a good keeper, color 
dark scarlet, and a medium bearer. The 
Cherry generally grows on wet soil or moist 
upland. Of this there are a number of 
varieties; but the one most commonly 
planted is of medium size, round shape, bright 
red color, a good bearer, but rather later 
than other varieties; itis a leading market 
sort. Another, called Mottled Bell pink on 
white ground, is a very handsome fruit, but 
late and little grown. Two new varieties 
have lately been introduced, which, by a num- 
ber of years’ cultivation, we think superior to 
the above in several particulars, being early 
and constant bearers when others fail, and in 
the future they are likely to become leading 
sorts. In some sections there would have 
been a short crop butfor these kinds. The 
Eaton’s Early Black Bell stands first. It 
ripens very early, is fully colored by the 5th 
of September in New England, is uniform in 
color and shape, of a very handsome dark red. 
color, almost black, of medium and uniform 
size, a great and constant bearer, a good 
keeper, and the vines hardy; and being early, 
it brings the highest price in market. The 
Mansfield Creeper was first discovered in a 
corn-field, and transplanted to a Cranberry 
bed. In its new position it was found to be 
entirely different in its growth and habit from 
all other varieties. It seemed to creep on 
the ground and take root at every joint, pro- 
ducing bearing shoots every two or three 
inches on the vine, and throwing out fruit 
buds fora fresh start another year. It is a 
few days later than the Eaton Bell. Bothare 
adapted to upland culture. It is of large size 
and a great bearer; the flesh is more tender, 
and not so acid; color dark scarlet on one 
side, the other side nearly white, and 
slightly mottled; shape roundish oval. Itisa 
fine keeper. A writer in the New Hampshire 
«‘ Journal of Agriculture” describes a plot of 
nearly three-fourths of an acre, completely 
covered with beds of. Cranberries, the 
vines ‘‘thickly matted and in a flourishing 
condition.” The grounds, which were natur- 
ally slightly moist, were prepared as for 
Strawberries, and then planted with Cran- 
berry vines. They were placed in rows or 
beds, in the same manner as Strawberry 
plants, and then served with a top dressing 
of meadow mud, which had been taken from 
its natural bed and exposed to the frosts of 
one winter, by which it was rendered very 
loose and friable. They were afterward culti- 
vated with the hoe until they had completely 
covered the ground, simply passing between 
the beds, pulling out such weeds and grass 
as might occasionally be seen growing among 
them, and killing the worms, if any were 
found on the plants. The proprietor suc- 
ceeded in obtaining a good crop, or an average 
of 160 bushels to the acre. The fruit was of 
excellent quality, and sold readily for one- 
third more than the common uncultivated 
Cranberry of the swamps in that vicinity. 
The above writer considers any soil that will 
produce a crop of Indian corn suitable for a 
Cranberry plot. In regard to the success of 
Mr. Bates in his method of culture, Mr. B. G. 


296 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


Oxy 


Boswell, of Philadelphia, gives the following 
testimony, viz.: ‘As the plant naturally 
grows in a very wet soil, it is generally sup- 
posed that it will not thrive in a dry soil, but 
this idea is erroneous. Mr. 8. Bates, of Mas- 
sachusetts, has grown the Cranberry on a 
dry soil for several years, with the utmost 
success. His method is to plow the land, 
spread on a quantity of swamp muck, and 
after harrowing the soil thoroughly, set out 
the plants in drills twenty inches apart, hoe- 
ing them the first season, after this no culti- 
vation is needed. By the above method the 
plants will cover the ground in three years.” 
It is hoped that the above details will prove 
ot service to those about to embark in the 
culture of this useful fruit. The Cranberry is 
also adapted to garden culture. Every family 
can have a garden patch. A moist but not 
clayey svil should beselected, and the ground 
prepared by plowing or spading, as for Straw- 
berries. The entire surface should be covered 
one or two inches with fine muck, or one or 
two inches of sand can be substituted. They 
can be planted one foot to eighteen inches 
apart, and four to six inchesin depth. They 
are also highly ornamental in pots, the fruit 
hanging on the vines until the flowers appear 
for the next crop. Experiments in New Eng- 
land indicate that the Cranberry can be culti- 
vated on upland, though generally with mod- 
erate success. On Long Island, however, 
there are Cranberry patches of five or six 
acres, on upland soil, that produce from 50 
to 100 bushels per acre, which is considered a 
satisfactory result, as manure is unnecessary, 
and the trouble of cultivating, gathering, and 
marketing the Cranberry is less than that 
required by the Strawberry or any of the small 
fruits. 


Oxyde’ndron. Sorrel-tree. From oys, sour, 
and dendron, a tree; in allusion to the foliage 
being sour to the taste. Nat. Ord. Hricacew. 

O. arboreum, the only species, is found in 
rich woods in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and south- 
ward, has deciduous leaves the size and 
shape of those of aPeach. It bearsits flowers 
in long one-sided racemes, clustered in an 
open panicle, terminating the branches of the 
season, and forms a tree from fifteen to forty 
feet high. 


Oxylo’bium. From oxys, sharp, and lobos, a 
pod; the seed-pods ending inapoint. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

Handsome _ spring-flowering green-house 
plants from New Holland. They should be 
occasionally stopped while young, to ensure 
dwarf, bushy specimens. The flowers are 
orange and yellow, are freely produced, and 
very pretty. They are increased by cuttings 
orfrom seed. Introduced in 1805. 


Oxype’talum. From ozys, sharp, and petalum, 
a petal; sharp pointed. 

A genus of Asclepiadacee, comprising about 
fifty species of perennial herbs or sub-shrubs, 
mostly natives of South America, with blue, 
white, or purplish flowers. O. c@ruleum, is 
a charming .climber, remarkable for the 
changes in color exhibited by the flower at 
various stages of its existence. When first 
open it is pale blue, with a slight tinge of 
green; then purplish, and when withered, 
Iilac. All are propagated by cuttings. Intro- 
duced in 1852. 


OZO 


Oxyra’mphis. From oxys, sharp pointed, and 
ramphos, a beak; referring to the beaked keel- 
petal. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

O. macrostyla, the only described species is 
avery pretty green-house plant, with showy 
purplish-crimson flowers. It was intro- 
duced in 1837, and is easily grown and propa- 
gated. 


Oxy’ria. Mountain Sorrel. 
the leaves are sour to the taste. 
Polygonacee. 

Low alpine perennials with round-kidney- 
form and long petioled leaves, chiefly from 
the root, obliquely truncate sheaths, and 
small greenish flowers clustered in panicled 
racemes on a slender scape. O. reniformis, a 
native of Britain and O. digyna, found in the 
alpine regions of the White Mountains, are 
sometimes cultivated and are interesting 
plants for the rock garden. 


Oxy’spora. From ozys, sharp, and spora, a 

seed; in allusion to the seeds being awned at 
both ends. Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. 
_ Asmall genus of very handsome, slender, 
erect, or almost scandent plants, natives of 
eastern Bengal, and the Malayan Archi- 
pelago. O. paniculata, the only cultivated 
species, has drooping panicles, often a foot 
long, of bright rose-colored flowers. It is of 
easy cultivation, and may be increased by 
cuttings. Introduced in 1826. 


From oys, acid; 
Nat. Ord. 


Oxy'tropis. From oxys, sharp, and tropis, a 
keel; the keel petal ends in asharp point. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
perennials, mostly natives of Siberia, a few 
are foundin Europe. They are nearly allied 
to Astragalus. 0. cyanea, from the Ural 
Mountains, is dense-growing plant with sil- 
very, pinnate leaves, of dwarf habit, produc- 
ing spikes about six inches high of bluish- 
purple flowers inJune. It isaslow growing 
plant, well adapted for the border, and can be 
readily increased from seeds. Introduced in 
1818. O. montana, an Austrian species, is of 
similar habit, with pendant spikes of dark 
purple flowers, which are succeeded by large 
inflated pous. 


Oxy’ura. Supposed to be from ozys, sharp, and 
oura, a trail; but the application is not very 
apparent. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

O. chrysanthemoides, the only species, is a 
hardy annual with yellow flowers, somewhat 
resembling the Chrysanthemum; it is a showy 
plant, and easy to grow. It is a native of 
California, and was introduced in 1834. This 
genus is now included under Layia, by some 
botanists. 


Oyster Plant. A common name for Salsify, 


which see. 
Oyster Plant. British. Mertensia maritima. 
Ozotha’mnus. From ozein, to smell, and 


thamnos, a shrub; alluding to the odor of the 
plant. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of nearly hardy shrubs, mostly 
natives of Australia. O. rosmarinifolius, has 
white flower heads, in dense corymbs, forming 
a large leafy panicle. It forms a handsome 
shrub and will prove hardy. south of Washing- 
ton. It is readily propagated by cuttings of 
the half ripe wood. . 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 297 


Pachi'ra. 


Te, 


PAC 


achide'/ndron. From pachys, thick. and 
dendron, atree. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

A genus of tree Aloes, increased from suck- 
ers, or young side shoots, when they are pro- 
duced; leaves taken off close from the stem, 
and laid to dry for a few days, then planted in 
dry soil, will produce young plants at the 
base. This genus is now included under 
Aloe by many botanists. 


The native name of the trees in 
Guiana. Nat. Ord. Malvacee. 

A genus of very handsome dense-foliaged 
trees, natives of tropical America, They are 
commonly known in cultivation as Carolineas, 
-but owing to their size, are seldom seen 
except in large collections. 


Pachyphy'tum. From pachys, thick, and phy- 
ton, a plant; referring to the fleshy leaves. 
Nat. Ord. Crassulacee. 

P. bracteosum is a green-house succulent, 
allied to Echeveria, and grown for its unique 
appearance. There are other species, but 
they are less ornamental than this. Included 
by some under Cotyledon. 


Pachyrhi’zus. From pachys, thick, and rhiza, 
a root; alluding to the thick, tuberous roots, 
of the plants. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of tall, twining plants, 
natives of the warmer parts of Asia, Africa 
and America. The flowers of P. angulatus are 
of a beautiful blue color, and are borne in 
long racemes. It is cultivated in the tropics 
for its large turnip-like, tuberous roots, 
which are eaten either raw or boiled. It was 
introduced in 1781, and is propagated by cut- 
tings or by seeds. 


Pachysa’ndra. MountainSpurge. From pachys, 
thick and aner, andros, a stamen; referring to 
the thickness of the stamens. Nat. Ord. 
Euphorbiacee. ; 

Asmall genus of hardy herbaceous plants 
of more botanical than horticultural interest. 
Of the two species, one, P. procumbens, is a 
native of this country, the other, P. termi- 
nalis, was introduced from Japan in 1882. 


Pachysto’ma. From pachys, thick, and stoma, 
a mouth; alluding to the thick lip. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidaceew. 

A genus of stove-house terrestrial Orchids, 
natives of the East Indies and the Malayan 
Archipelago and tropical Africa. P. Thomp- 
soniana, an African species, with large white 
flowers, shining as if varnished, is the most 
interesting of the genus and the most gener- 
ally cultivated. 


Paddy. A name for unhusked Rice. 


Peedero’ta. From paideros, a name applied by 
the ancients to a species of Acanthus. Nat. 
Ord. Scrophulariacea. : 

A genus comprising two species of dwarf 
hardy perennial herbs, inhabiting the moun- 
tains of central and eastern Europe. The 
yellow or blue flowers are disposed in dense 
terminal spikes. They are usually treated as 
annuals, and require a dry, airy situation, 
forming excellent plants for the rock-garden. 


Peo'nia. 


PHO 


Named after the Greek physician 
Peon, who is said to have employed it in 
medicine, and used it to cure Pluto of a 
wound inflicted by Hercules. -Nat. Ord. Ra- 
nunculacee. 

The Peonies common in our gardens are 
divided into two groups, viz., those which are 
allied to the Tree Peony (Peonia Moutan), 
and which.are all more or less shrubby, and 
the common herbaceous Peonies. The her- 
baceous Peonies are well-known ornaments 
of our gardens, where they are great favor- 
ites, from their showy flowers, their great 
hardiness, and their easy culture; all essen- 
tial qualities for a large garden, and for such 
only are they desirable. The roots of these 
plants aré composed of bundles of carrot-like 
tubers, which may be separated from each 
other to increase any particular species or 
variety; or the tubers of the common Peo- 
nies may be grafted with shoots of any choice 
kinds. The Tree or shrubby species are 
chiefly increased by grafting on the roots of 
the herbaceous sorts. Of the herbaceous spe- 
cies, P. officinalis, the old double crimson,was 
the first introduced into English gardens, 
having been brought from Switzerland in 
1548, where it is indigenous, as well as in 
many other parts of Europe and Asia. P. 
albiflora, the old double white, is a native of 
Siberia, and was introduced at about the 
same period. FP. éenuifolia, the Fern-leaved 
Peony, isa native of Russia, from whence it 
was introduced in 1765. The fine, Fern-like 
foliage of this species renders the plant a 
beautiful object independently of its brilliant 
flowers. There is a double variety of it. 
From a limited number of species, several 
hundred hybrids have been produced, many 
of which are very beautiful, but scarcely 
superior to the species, yet necessary to keep 
alive the interest in the genus. One or two 
herbaceous species have been foundin Oregon 
and California, but are inferior to the Euro- 
pean species. P. Moutan and its varieties are 
natives of China and Japan, principally on 
Mount Ho-an, where it is reported they grow 
to the height of ten feet. The native species 
is purple, but there are white, pink, pale pur- 
ple, and mottled varieties. Until the second 
half of this century only such sorts as had 
white, rose, salmon, and lilac-colored flowers 
were known; and we are indebted to Mr. 
Fortune for the introduction of his Chinese 
varieties, most of which have scarlet, violet, 
and magenta-colored flowers. Von Siebold, 
too, introduced a number of Japanese varie- 
ties, which however form a different race, and 
are mostly single or semi-double. Each year 
they increase in size and beauty, and soon 
become the most attractive features of the 
garden. They are the first of any of the 
varieties of Peonias to flower, and put forth 
their blooms early in May. Grown in pots 
they may be forced into flower during winter 
and are excellent subjects for conservatory 
decoration. Many beautiful varieties have of 
late years been produced from seed. The 
shrubby species were first introduced in 1794. 


298 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PHO 
Peo'ny. See Peonia. : 
Pagoda-tree. Chinese. A name given to 


Sophora Japonica, Plumieria acuminata, and 
Freus Indica. 


Paigle. An old name for the Cowslip. 


Painted. A term used in cases where colors 
. are arranged in streaks of unequal density. 


Painted Cup. See Castilleia. 
Paint Root. See Lachanthes. 


Palafo’xia. Named by Lagasca, in honor of 
Palafox, a Spanish general. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of rather coarse-growing herbaceous 
and shrubby perennials, with white, flesh- 
colored, or purple flowers, produced in rather 
loose paniculate or corymbose heads. P. 
Hookeriana, a native of Mexico is a pretty 
dwarf annual species, forming a dense tuft 
about one foot high. The flowers are pro- 
duced freely in loose clusters and are of a 
pleasing rosy-pink hue. Several of the species 
are common from Carolina to Texas. 


Palate. The mouth of a ringent, or gaping 
flower. 


Pala'va or Pala'via. In honor of A. Palau y 
Verdera, once professor of botany at Madrid. 
Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 

A small genus of Peruvian herbaceous 
annuals, producing small pink or purple flow- 
ers on long axillary stalks; rarely cultivated 
excepting in botanical collections. 


Palez. Membraneous scales resembling chaff. 
The inner scales of the flower in grasses are 
pales. 


Palestine Lily. Arum Palestinum. See Arum. 


Palicou’/rea. Named after Le Palicour, of 
Guiana. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

A large genus of tropical American shrubs 
of variable habit, with four-angled branches. 
They form very pretty shrubs, with variously 
colored (never blue) flowers. “Only a few spe- 
cies are in cultivation. Syn. Psychotria. 


Paliso’'ta. Named in honor of Palisot de Beau- 
vois, a French botanist and traveler. Nat. 
Ord. Commelinacee. 

A genus of perennial herbs, natives of 
Africa. P. bicolor has large bright green 
leaves, with broad disk of greenish-yellow, 
the margins being studded with stiff brownish 
hairs. It grows from one to two feet high, 
and is a very elegant ornamental-leaved plant. 
Introduced from Fernando Po in 1878, 


Paliu/rus. Christ’s Thorn. Name of a town in 
Africa. Nat. Ord. Rhamnacee. 

There are but two species in this genus, 
both hardy deciduous shrubs, natives of 
southern Europe and western Asia. They are 
handsome shrubs, well adapted for shrub- 
beries. The fruit of P. aculeatus is very sin- 
gular, appearing like a head with a broad- 
brimmed hat on, whence its French name 
Porte Chapeau. This is the plant that is sup- 
posed to have furnished the thorns used for 
plaiting the crown placed upon Christ’s head 
before His crucifixion. It has _ flexible 
branches, capable of being easily plaited ; and 
each leaf has two sharp spines at its base,one 
of which is straight and erect, and the other 
curved and bent downward so as to forma 
hook. There is some difference of opinion as 
to whether this is the plant that afforded the 


PAL 


“thorns,” or whether it was Zizyphus spina- 
Christi, for both of which the distinction has 
been claimed. It is commonly used for 
hedges in the East, and its seeds are consid- 
ered medicinal by Turkish doctors, and are 
also used as a dye. 

Palm. A general name for the plants belonging 
to the order Palmacew. Also popularly 
applied to Salix caprea when in flower. 


Palm. Australian Feather. The genus Ptycho- 


sperma. 

Bamboo. Raphia vinifera. 

Betel-nut. Areca Catechu. 

Bourbon. The genus Latania. 

Broom. Attalea funifera, and Thrynax argentea. 


Cabbage. Oreodoxa oleracea and Chamerops 
Palmetio. 
Cabbage. New Zealand. Cordyline Australis. 


Catechu. Areca Catechu. 

Cocoa-nut. Cocos nucifera. 

Cocoa-nut, Double or Sea. Lodoicea Seychel- 
larum. . 

Coquito. Jubw&a spectabilis. 

Date. Phoenix dactylifera. 

Doomor Doum. Hyphene thebaica. 

Dragon’s Blood. Calamus Draco. 

Fan. A name applied to any Palm which has 
fan-shaped leaves. 

Fan, European. Chamerops humilis. 

Fan, Jamaica. Sabal Blackburniana. 

Hemp. Chamerops excelsa. 

Ivory-nut. Phytelephas macrocarpa. 

Jaggery. Caryota urens. 

New Zealand. Areca Sapida. 

Norfolk Island. Kentia Baueri. 

Oil. Elis guineensis, and Cocos butyracea. 

Palmetto. Sabal (Chamerops) Palmeito. 

Palmyra. Borassus flabelliformis. 

Parlor. Aspidistra lurida. 

Peach. Gulielma speciosa. 

Pissiaba.  Attalea funifera, and Leopoldinia 
Piassaba. 

Raffia or Roffia. Raphia Rufia, and R. 
tedigera. 

Rattan. Calamus rotang, C. rudentum, and 
other species. 

Sago. Sagus levis, S. Rumphii, and Cycas 
circinalis. 

Talipot. Corypha umbraculifera. 

Thatch. Sabal Blackburniana. 

Loddy. Caryota urens. 

Umbrella. Kentia Canterburyana. 

Wax. Ceroxylon or Iriartea andicola. 

Wax of Brazil. Copernicia cerifera. . 

Wine, Brazilian. Mauritia vinifera. 


Palma’ceez. A large natural order pre-eminent 
in the whole world of Plants for the grandeur 
and beauty attained by many of the species. 
They are arborescent plants, with simple, 
rarely branched trunks, marked with the 
scars of the leaves, which are terminai, pin- 
nate, or fan-shaped, with plicate vernation 
and parallel simple veins, and often with 
spiny petioles. Natives of tropical regions 
chiefly, they impart to them much of their 
botanical features. The greater part of them 
have unbranched stems, which sometimes 
attain a height of a hundred feet, and send 
out clusters of large leaves, from the axils of 
which bunches of flowers proceed. Although 
the flowers are small, the inflorescence, taken 
collectively, very often has a most imposing 
aspect. Linneus called them the Princes of 
the Vegetable Kingdom, a designation which 


AND GENERAL 


“HORTICULTURE. 


299 


PAL 


s’ they well deserve. Martius estimates. the 
species at nearly six hundred, of which about 
one-sixth have fan-shaped leaves. They have 
been divided by him into various tribes, de- 

» pending chiefly on the nature of the ovary 
ovules and fruit; and sections are formed 


according as the leaves are pinnate or flabel- » 


The | 
‘properties of the plants of this order are - 


liform, and the stems spiny or not. 


quite various. In the countries in which 
they grow, they are used for supplying food 
and for forming habitations. The fruit of 
some is edible. Many supply oil, 


reticulum surrounding their leaves is some- 
times manufactured into brushes and brooms. 
These products also enter largely into com- 
merce, and are sources of very considerable 
wealth. The Palm of the Bible seems to be 
Phenix dactylifera, or Date Palm, the drupa- 
ceous fruit of which supplies food to many of 


the inhabitants of Arabia and Africa, and is — 


largely exported to different parts of the 
world, the United States receiving a large 
share. Cocos nucifera, the Cocoanut Palm, is 
one of the most useful of the family, supply- 
ing food, clothing, materials for houses, and 
utensils of various kinds, besides ropes and 
oil. The Cocoanuts form an important item 
of commerce, and are now “dessicated” or 
dried in very large quantities in New York 
and other places. The Palm Oil imported 
from the west coast of Africa is obtained by 
bruising the fruits of Elwis Guineensis and E. 
melanococca. The Betel Nut is the produce of 
Areca catechu, and from it an extract is pre- 
* pared of an astringent nature resembling 
Catechu. Fine Sago is said to be procured 
from Sagus levis and S. Rumphii, found in the 
eastern islands of the Indian Ocean. Sago, 
sugar, anda kind of Palm wine are procured 
from Caryota urens. The date sugar of Ben- 
gal is the produce of Phaniz sylvestris. Ce- 


roxylon or Iriartea andicola yields wax, which | 


forms a coating over its trunk. Copercinia 
cerifera ig another wax-producing Palm. Cal- 
amus Rotang is used as cane under the name 
of Rattan, and has a variety of uses in the 
mechanic arts. Calamus rudentum, the Cable 
Cane, a native of the East Indies, Cochin- 
China, and the Moluccas, grows sometimes to 
the length of five hundred feet. The fruit of 
Attalea funifera is known by the name of Co- 
quilla Nut, and its hard pericarp is used for 
ornamenting umbrella handles, etc. The 
spathe of Manicaria saccifera comes off in the 
form of a conical cap, and is used as a cover- 
ing for the head in the West Indies. Cha- 
merops humilis is the only European species 
of Palm. Hyphene Thebaica, the Doom Palm 
of Egypt, has a trunk which divides in a 
dichotomous manner; its pericarp is used as 
food, and has the taste of gingerbread. In 
the parched districts between the rivers 
Dande and Zenza, in tropical Africa, Wel- 
witsch came upon a Palm forest five leagues 
in length, which consisted exclusively of the 
crowded stems of a branched Palm belonging 
probably to Hyphene. Like most African 
Palms, it yields an excellent wine. Raphia 
‘has given the gardener his best tying ma- 
terial. Other examples might be added of the 
usefulness of this noble family of plants; but 


Wax, . 
starchy matter, and sugar, the last being fer- . 
mented so as to form an intoxicating drink. 
Their fibres are employed for ropes, and the | : 


PAN 


the above condensed view will probably suf- 
fice to give tne reader some proper concep- 
tion of the utility of a class of plants that are 
‘now largely used for ornamental and decora- 
tive purposes. Bentham and Hooker, in 
“Genera Plantarum,” recognize one hundred 
and thirty-two genera, and there are from 
eleven to twelve hundred species recorded, 
though a considerable number of these are 
not well known. 


Palma Christi. Ricinus communis. 


Palmate. Having five lobes, the mid-ribs of 
which meet in a common point, so that the 
whole bears some resemblance to the human 
hand. : 


Palmatifid. Cut half-way to the base in a 


Palmate manner. 


Palmetto. See Sabal Palmetto and Chamerops 
Palmetto. a 


Palmetto. Saw. Seranoa serrulata. 


Pa’lmia. Named after L. H. Palm, author of a 
work on ‘‘ The Climbing of Plants,” Stuttgart, 
1827. Nat. Ord. Convolvulaceew. 

P. bicolor, the only species, is a beautiful 
pubescent, twining plant, a native of tropical 
Asia and Africa. The flowers are white or 
pale yellow, with a dark purple centre. Prop- 
agated by seeds in spring. Syn. Convolvulus 
bicolor. 


Palm Oil. See Higis. 


Palm-veined. Having the main vein radiating 
from a common point. 


Palmyra Palm. See Borassus. 
Paludosus. See Palusiris. 


Palumbi’/na. Named from palumba, a dove. 
Nat Ord. Orchidacee. 

P. candida, the only species, is a beautiful 
little epiphytal Orchid from Mexico. It was 
formerly known as Oncidium candidum. The 
flowers, which are produced on delicate 
stems, are waxy white, with yellow centre. 
This plant succeeds well grown in a green- 
house, and is increased by division. 


Palustris. Growing in marshy places. 


Pampas Grass. See Gynerium. 
Pampas Rice. See Sorghum cernuum. 
Panama Hat Palm. See Carludovica. 


Pa’nax. Ginseng. From pan, all, and akos, 
remedy; referring to the stimulant drug 
Ginseng, to which miraculous virtue is as- 
cribed by the Chinese. Nat. Ord. Araliacew. 

A genus of glabrous, rarely tomentose trees 
or shrubs widely dispersed over Asia, tropical 

‘ Afriea, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and 
America. Many of the species, such as P. 
ornatum, P. dissectum, P. Victoriw, P. pluma- 
tun, etc., are cultivated as ornamental green- 
house plants; P. lepidum, a late introduction 
from Brazil, is a very distinct and ornamental 
plant of dense, compact habit, and deeply in- 
cised, spinosely-toothed leaves. They are all 
of free growth and may be propagated by cut- 
tings of the roots. They are often found in 
cultivation under the name of Aralia. 

The root of the P. Schinseng or Ginseng, is 
highly esteemed by Chinese physicians, who 
affirm that it is able to ward off or remove 
fatigue, to restore exhausted animal powers, 
to make old people young; in a word, to make | 
man immortal, if anything on earth can do so. 
At. Pekin it is said sometimes to have been 


300 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PAN 


worth its weight in gold. The genuine Man- 
churian Ginseng consists of a stem from 
which the leaves spring, of a centre root, and 
of two roots branching off at the same point 
from each side of the centre root; the stem 
somewhat resembles the head and neck; the 
side roots the shoulders and arms of a man; 
the main root represents the body, and a 
fork which the main root frequently forms, 
supplies the legs. The Chinese, with a not 
ungraceful feeling, believe that a plant which 
thus expands into the human form, amid 
thicket and jungles on which the foot of man 
never trod, must be intended to alleviate the 
sufferings of the human race. It is now so 
scarce that the collection of the wild root is 
prohibited by imperial edict. The roots of P. 
quinquefolium, a native species found in most 
of the United States, is collected and exported 
to China in large quantities, though it is not 
so highly valued as the indigenous plant. It 
is now being largely gathered by Chinamen in 
some of our western States, who sell it in 
large quantities to wholesale druggists for 
shipment to China, which we believe is the 
only market for it. It is always sold by 
weight, and is collected mostly by American- 
ized Chinese, who, to make it weigh well, 
often carefully drill holes in the largest roots 
into which they run melted lead, and cover it 
in so ingeniously that it can only be dis- 
covered by handling and weighing each root 
individually; so in this case, as well as in 
card playing: “ For ways that are dark, and 

- tricks that are vain, the heathen Chinee is 
peculiar.” 


Pancra’tium. From pan, all, and kratys, potent ; 
supposed medicinal qualities. Nat. Or 
Amaryllidacee. 

An extensive genus of half-hardy and green- 
house, lily-like, bulbous plants, with long 
strap-like leaves, mostly deciduous, a few 
only being persistent. The flowers are white 
or greenish-white, produced in an umbel on a 
solid scape about two feet high. The species 
are found in the south of Europe, north 
Africa, Syria, Arabia, and in several of the 
more southern of the United States. P. mar- 
itimum ig the Sea Daffodil, common in the 
sands on the coast of the Mediterranean. Its 
flowers are pure white and delightfully fra- 
grant. P. Carolinianum is common in salt 
marshes from South Carolina to Florida. 
Chapman, in his ‘‘ Southern Flora,” makes no 
distinction in the two species. There are 
several other species noticed in his Flora, but 
these are the best representatives of the 
genus. P. ovatum is a most showy species, 
bearing an umbel of fifteen to twenty-five 
pure white, sweet-scented flowers. It is an 
exceedingly attractive plant and can be had 
in bloom twice a year. FP. calathinum, a 
native of Brazil, with pure white fragrant 
flowers, placed under Hymenocallis by some 
botanists, is often found in cultivation as 
Ismene Knightii (see Ismene). They all require 
green-house treatment, and should be grown 
in light loam and leaf-mould, and allowed a 
season of rest. They are propagated by off- 
sets. 


Pandana’cez. A natural order of curious trees 
or bushes, sometimes with adventitious roots, 
long imbricated, amplexicaul leaves, usually 
with spiny margins and backs, and unisexual 


PAN 


or polygamous flowers, covering the whole 
spadix. They are mostly natives of the Ma- 
layan Archipelago, and Seychelles, a few being 
found in Asia, Africa, tropical Australia, 
and the West Indies. The species, numper- 
ing about eighty, have no great economic 
value, and are classed under two genera, 
Freycinetia and Pandanus. 


Pandanophy’llum. Derivation of name ob- 


secure. Nat. Ord. Cyperacee. 

P. humile, the only described species, is a 
very ornamental plant, having, as its name 
would imply, very much the appearance of 
the Pandanus. It is a native of Java, and has 
glossy, deep green, arching leaves, which are 
furnished with two secondary ribs, giving the 
surface of the foliage a peculiar channeled ap- 
pearance. The end of the leaf, which is from 
six to nine feet long, and about two inches 
broad, is suddenly narrowed down into a long 
thread-like termination. This is the only 
species under cultivation, though five or six 
others have been found. 


Pandanus. Screw Pine. From pandang, a 
word in the Malay language, signifying con- 
spicuous. Nat. Ord. Pandanacee. 

An extensive genus of exceedingly orna- 
mental, dwarf-growing trees, common in the 
East Indian Islands. The leaves are imbri- 
cated, and embrace the stem, bearing some 
resemblance to those of the Pine-apple. They 
are from three to five feet long, and are placed 
in three spiral rows round the extremities of 
the branches. The most remarkable peculi- 
arity of the Screw Pine is its singular method 
of propping itself in the soil, by means of 
aérial or adventitious roots, which are pro- 
jected from the sides of the trunk at an angle 
suited for its mechanical support. This is a 
beautiful provision for the exigencies of the 
plant, which acquires an enormous top weight 
by the accumulation of its thick, fleshy leaves, 
and would lose its balance but for its power 
of throwing down new roots when they are 
required. The flowers of P. odoratissimus 
yield a most delightful fragrance, for which it 
is largely cultivated in Japan. P. utilis, 
which best deserves the name of Screw Pine, 
is the species most frequently met in our 
green-houses, and is, perhaps, the most valu- 
able of any plant used in decoration, as it 
withstands gas, dust, and ill usage generally 
better than almost any known plant. It is 
the most useful in its native country, the 
Mauritius, where it is not only common, but 
is cultivated for the sake of its leaves, which 
are extensively used in the manufacture of 
the bags or sacks in which sugar is exported. 
They are increased by seed, or may be propa- 
gated by cuttings, the former being the 
method by which a stock is usually obtained 
in this country. There has lately been intro- 
duced into the green-house two very orna- 
mental kinds, P. Javanicus variegata and P. 
Veitchti, both with foliage striped green and 
white. As decorative plants they are exceed- 
ingly valuable, both for the green-house and 
parlor. They are increased by offshoots or 
suckers, which root rather slowly. The tem- 
perature in which they are propagated should 
not be less than 75°. 


Pandurate or Panduriform. The same as Fid- 
dle-shaped. 


Panic-Grass. See Panicum. 


. 


PAPAVER UMBROSUM. 


oe Mme 
PAPAVER BRACTEATUM. 


goo PANSIES (LYPES OF). 


PANICUM GELMANICUM (MILLET). 


SSRN i CES 
PAPAVER (TYPE OF LARGE FLOWERED POPPY). PANIOUM PLICATUM VARIEGATUM. 30x 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 301 


PAN : 


Panicle. A compound raceme. 


Pa/nicum. Panic Grass. From panicula, a 
panicle ; form of flowering. Nat. Ord. Gram- 
inacee. : : 

An extensive genus of grasses, mostly used 
as fodder plants. P. Germanicum is the well- 
known Hungarian Grass. PP. plicatum niveo- 
vittatum is a beautiful species for green-house 
culture, suitable for baskets and vases. Itis 
propagated freely by division, and will grow 
in almost any position given it. The elegant 
drooping variegated grass, known in cultiva- 
tion as P. variegutum, is, according to modern 
botanists, now named Oplismenus Burmanni 
variegatus, which see. The common Crab 
Grass, P. sanguinale, an annual species intro- 
duced from Europe and now thoroughly 


naturalized, though spoken of as a good | 


pasture grass in Tennessee and Mississippi, 
etc., is a great pest when it gets foot-hold on a 
lawn or grass plot, as it bends before the 
mowing machine,. and, of course, when 
allowed to seed, spreads more and more 
every year. Probably the best plan to get 
rid of it is to loosen it up with a sharp rake 
before itripens its seed, and use the scythe for 
afew times, cutting both ways so as to cut all 
the seeding stems, and in fall giving each 
spot a good scarifying with arake, sowing it 
over with lawn grass seed mixed with white 
clover, and finishing with a liberal dressing 
of a good lawn enricher. A year or two of 
this treatment will eradicate the pest. 


Pa’nsy. Violatricolor. The almost innumerable 
varieties of Pansies, embracing every color, 
from white to black, maroon, yellow, purple, 
blue, self-colored, and those with the most 
delicate markings, as well as the bold and 
showy faces of others, are all hybrids between 
the annual species, V. tricolor, a weed in 
English fields and gardens, and the perennial 
kinds, V. Altaica, from Tartary, V. grandiflora, 
a native of Switzerland, V. lutea, of Great 
Britain, V. Rothomagensis, of France, and V. 
pedata var. bicolor, of this country. The first 
attention paid to the cultivation of the Pansy, 
and that which resulted in making it a florist’s 

- flower, was given by Mary Bennet, who had a 
little flower-garden in the grounds of her 
father,the Earl of Tankerville, at Walton-upon- 
Thames, England. She had prepared a little 
bed, in which were placed all the varieties of 
Pansies which she accidentally discovered in 
her father’s garden. | Aided by the industry 
and zeal of the gardener, Mr. Richardson, 
several new varieties were raised from seed 
and transplanted to this little bed. From 
this small beginning in 1810 may be traced 
the rage which has since prevailed in the 
cultivation of this popular flower. The 
English, French, and German horticultural 
societies offered great inducements to the 
florist, in the way of premiums, for the best 
flowers, and as the race was free to all, the 
interest awakened was of a most lively 
character, one which every gardener of 
importance helped to keep alive. The result 
has been, the Pansy of to-day in contrast with 
the little V. pedata and V. tricolor, the parents, 
so common in our woods and roadsides. Our 
seedsmen and florists have been so much 
absorbed in watching the race for supremacy 
in the production of seed of this flower, that 
that they did not stop to consider whether 


Papaver. 


PAP 


we could compete, and were only anxious to 
know which country had merited the honor, 
in order to send to her for our supply. 
Our success in other things encouraged 
us to try this, and the first trial was 
sufficient to assure us what we have since 
proven, viz., that the very best Pansies 
grown in this country were from seed of 
our own growing. Pansies require to be 
grown in arich, moist loam, and protected as 
far as possible, from the midday sun, and 
from winds, and during the warmer summer 
weather should not be allowed toget dry. In 
England special varieties of Pansies are grown 
from cuttings for many years byname. In 
the climate of the United States this plan is 
hardly practicable, even if desirable, as the 
ravages of the Red Spider during the summer 
months on this plant virtually destroy it, and 
cause it always to be treated as a plant 
never to be carried over the second season 
after flowering. For this reason itis here 
raised only from seed. This is usually first 
sown in August, which gives plants large 
enough to be pricked away in cold frames 
during winter. Such plants give a_profuse 
and continuous bloom from March to June, or, 
if sown earlier than August—say July 1st— 
they will bloom from October throughout the 
entire winter and spring months, if grown in 
a temperature averaging 45° at night. For 
succession, for late spring and summer 
flowering, we find the best date to sow is the 
first week in January, and if carefully handled, 
by growing in a low temperature (average 
not to exceed 50° at night), they will begin to 
flower in April, and will continue to flower 
longer than those sown in August, which 
get exhausted by June, while the January 
crop flowers right through the hottest summer 
months. A numberof years ago a fine collec- 
tion of Double Pansies originated with us, 
but we failed to perpetuate them successfully 
by cuttings, and they were ultimately lost; 
but they had no merit except novelty, as they 


‘were far inferior in beauty to the .single 


kinds. 


From papa, pap, or thick milk; the 
juice of the poppy was formerly used in chil- 
dren’s food,to make them sleep. Nat. Ord. 
Papaveracee. 

An extensive genus of hardy, or half-hardy 
annual or perennial herbs, with a milky juice, 
widely distributed through Europe, Asia and 
Africa; one species is found in Australia. 
The flowers are red, violet, white or yellow, 
and are very showy and transient, many 
dropping the day theyexpand. Many exceed- 
ingly showy annual varieties are now in 
cultivation, and come true from seed, which 
only requires to be sown where desired, as 
early in the season as practicable. P. orientale, 
one of the showiest of hardy perennials intro- 
duced from Armenia in 1714, has large thistle- 
like leaves about a foot long, clothed with 
white bristly hairs. Its deep scarlet flowers, 
more than six inchesin diameter, have a dark 
purple spot at the base of each petal. Its 
variety, P. O. bracteatum, is nuch superior in 
size and attractiveness. This variety forms 
huge masses of handsome foliage, the flowers 
are carried on stiff stalks, with leafy bracts 
at intervals, and one well-developed bract 
under each flower, which is six to nine inches 


302 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PAP 


across, and brilliant scarlet. There are several 
other varieties all highly ornamental plants. 
P. nudicaule, the Iceland Poppy, a native of 
Siberia and the northern parts of America, 
has large, rich, yellow flowers on naked stems, 
and is a handsome plant for borders or rock- 
work. P. umbrosum is a strikingly brilliant 
hardy annual from the Caucasus, and there- 
fore perfectly hardy. The color of the flower 
is a dazzling scarlet with a jet-black blotch 
on the inner base of each petal, which is 
sometimes margined with ashy-gray. The 
varieties known as the Carnation, Picotee, and 
Ranunculus Poppies are double varieties of 
Papaver Rheas, the common Corn Poppy, and 
possess almost every shade of color except 
blue and yellow. They are also known as 
French and German Poppies, and are exceed- 
ingly showy. P. somniferum is a beautiful 
and most variable Poppy. It generally grows 
about two feetin height and varies in color 
from white to deep crimson. By selec- 
tion atype called the Pwony-flowered, with 
very double broad-petaled flowers of many 
colors, from pure white to deep crimson, varie- 
gated, etc., has been obtained, and is one of the 
most showy annuals for summer decoration. 
The original species, P. somniferum, is the 
plant especially cultivated in India, Persia, 
Asia Minor, Egypt, etc., for the production of 
Opium, which is the inspissated milky juice 
obtained by making incisions in the capsule. 
The seeds are destitute of any narcotic quality 
and may be eaten. White Oil or Oleum is 
manufactured from them in France, and they 
are sold as birds’ food, under the name of 
Maw. 


Papavera'ceze. A natural order consisting of 
herbs or shrubs, usually with milky or colored 
juice, having alternate, exstipulate leaves, 
and long, one-flowered peduncles. The species 
are chiefly European, but they are found 
pretty generally distributed over the world. 
The order possesses well-marked narcotic 
properties. Opium is the concrete milky 
juice procured from the unripe capsules of 
Papaver somniferum and its varieties. There 
are about twenty genera, as, Papaver, Esch- 
scholtzia, Argemone, Fumaria, and nearly one 
hundred and fifty species. 


Papaw Tree. See Asimina. 
Paper Mulberry. See Broussonetia papyrifera. 


Paper Narcissus. (See Narcissus Tazetta var. 
papyraceus.) This, like the Roman Hyacinth, 
Lily of the Valley and other bulbs, is largely 
forced for cut flowers in all the principal 
cities of the United States. The manner of 
doing this is exactly like that practiced with 
the Roman Hyacinth, which see, under Hya- 
cinth. zs 


Paper Plants. Few persons imagine how many 
different plants have of late years been util- 
ized in the manufacture of paper. Rags of 
course still furnish the bulk of our paper, but 
large quantities are also made of wood, straw, 
and Esparto-Grass Stipa (Macrocloa) tena- 
cissima, and Lygeum Spartium, and in various 
parts of the world successful experiments 
have been made with a multitude of materials 
that have not yet been brought into general 
use. In France paper has been manufactured 
out of leaves which are cut, pressed into 
blocks, and then steeped in lime-water to 


F PAP 


reduce them to pulp. In Ireland the Mallow, 
the Hop-vine, the Yellow Iris, and even the 
Red Clover have furnished paper pulp, and in 
Scotland the stems of the Hollyhock, Bracken, 
Flags and Rushes of several kinds, and even 
Peat have been utilized. Sea-weed and Tan 
have also been used in Europe and the East, 
Ramie Pine-apple fibre, Bamboo stalks, and 
the refuse of Sugar-cane. 


Paper Reed. See Papyrus. 
Paper Tree. Trophis aspera. 


Paphi’nia. From Paphia, a surname of Venus. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

The only species known, P. cristata, was 
formerly included in the genus Maxillaria, 
but on a revision of that genus was separated 
by Dr. Lindley, as above. It is a splendid 
plant, bearing richly-colored flowers, and is 
rather difficult to cultivate. The best manner 
of managing it is to pot it in a mixture, turfy 
peat and sphagnum moss, elevating it con- 
siderably above the rim of the pot, allowing 
it to stand in the warmest part of the hot- 
house, and being careful to avoid over-water- 
ing at any time. It delights in a high, muist 
temperature while growing, but should be 
kept nearly dry when at rest. The young 
shoots which spring from the base of the 
pseudo-bulbs are very impatient of stagnant 
moisture, and should therefore be kept clear 
of the surrounding surface. If is now inclu- 
ded by some botanists under Lycaste. 


Papiliona’cez. A sub-order of Leguminose, 
spread over the whole world, but principally 
inhabiting the north temperate Hemisphere. 
There are some two hundred and ninety-five 
genera, and about forty-seven hundred 
species. 

Papilionaceous. Having such acorolla as that 
of the Pea; butterfly-shaped flowers. 


Pappoose Root. The popular name of Caulo- 
phyllum. 


Pappus. Thistle-down. The down crowning 
the achenium of the Thistle, and other Com- 
posite represents the calyx, so the scales, 
teeth, chaff, as well as bristles, or whatever 
takes the place of the calyx in this family, 
are called pappus. 


Papyraceous. Ofa texture or the consistency 
of writing paper. 


Papy’rus. From the Syrian babeer, pronounced 
papeer, whence the Egyptian word papyrus, 
paper. Nat Ord. Cyperacee. 

A small species of aquatic plants, mostly 
inhabitants of tropical countries. P. anti- 
quorum, the Egyptian Paper Reed, isthe plant 
which yielded the substance used as paper by 
the ancient Egyptians. The underground 
root-stalks spread horizontally under the 
mud where the plant grows, continuing to 
throw up stems as they creep along. These 
stems are from eight to ten feet high, a por- 
tion of them being above the water. The 
largest portion of the stalk was chosen and 
was split down one side; the soft centre was 
removed, and the sheath, about eight inches 
in breadth, was pressed, polished, and rubbed 
with oil of Cedar to preserve it from decay.. 
Two sheets were then gummed, one upon the 
other, in such a way that the fibres of one run 
at right angles to those of the second, in 
order that sufficient consistency might be 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 303 


PAR 


obtained ; and then these doubled sheets were 
attached to one another to form rolls of any 
desired length. Papyrus was so generally 
used even in the later Roman period that 
Cassiodorus, says a recent writer in the Revue 
Horticole, wrote an epistle congratulating the 
whole human race upon the fact that the im- 
port duty laid upon it by Theodoric had been 
decreased. In the time of Xerxes an immense 
number of Papyrus cables were manufactured 
in Egypt for use in his fleets and in his bridge- 
building enterprises. The stems were like- 
wise used for ornamenting the Egyptian 
temples and crowning the statues of their 
gods. Itis usually cultivated as an aquatic, 
and may be grown in a pot of rich loam, if 
kept standing ina pan or tubof water. It 
forms a very prominent and interesting plant 
in an aquarium or a warm sheltered corner of 
the sub-tropical garden. Itis easily propa- 
gated by division of the creeping rhizomes. 
The stems of P. corymbosus, form the Indian 
matting, of which large quantities are impor- 
ted. This genus of sedges has been replaced 
under Cyperus, by Bentham and Hooker. 

Paraca/ryum. From para, beside, and karyon, 
a nut; in reference to the position of the nut- 
lets. Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. 

A genus of hardy biennial or perennial 
herbs, natives of southern Eurupe and central 
Asia. Several species of Cynoglossum and 
Omphalodes are now included under this 
genus. 

Paradisa Liliastrum. This is given as the cor- 
rect name of Anthericum Liliastrum. 

Paradise. Grains of. A common name applied 
to the seeds of Amomum Melegueta. 

Paradise Nut. The fruits of Bertholletia excelsa. 

Paraguay Tea. See Ilex Paraguariensis. 

Para Nuts or Brazil Nuts, are the fruits of 
Bertholletia excelsa. 

Parasite. A plant which obtains its nourish- 
ment directly from the juices of some other 
plant to which it is attached. 


Parasol. Chinese. Sterculia platanifolia. 
Parchment Bark. Pittosporum crassifolium. 


Parda’nthus. Blackberry Lily. From pardos, 
a leopard, and anthos, a flower; referring to 
the spotted flowers. Nat. Ord. fridacea. 

P. Chinensis, the only species, is a hand- 
some, hardy herbaceous plant, with orange- 
colored flowers, spotted with purple. It has 
branghing flower stems, and continues to pro- 
duce its lily-like flowers for several weeks. 
The seed-pods have the appearance of a 
Blackberry, whence the common name. The 
seeds will not drop for a long time after the 
branches have been cut, and, when dried, are 
useful to mix with grasses, in arranging dried 
bouquets. It was introduced originally from 
China and Japan, about 1825, but is now found 
naturalized on East Rock, New Haven, on Long 
Island, and many places southward. It is 
easily propagated by seeds or division of the 
roots in spring. 

Parenchyma. The soft cellular tissue of plants, 
like the green pulp of leaves. 


Pariera Brava. A name given to Cissampelos 
Pariera. 

Pariera Brava. White. A common name in 
Cayenne for Abuta rufescens. 


PAR 


Parietal. Growing to the walls or interior sur- 
faces of any ovary. 


Parina/rium. From Parinari, the native name 
of the plant in Brazil. Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

A genus of shrubs or trees, natives of 
Australia, the Pacific Islands, tropical Africa, 
Brazil, and Guiana, But few of the species 
are in cultivation. P. excelsum, the Guinea 
Plum, and P. macrophyllum, the Gingerbread 
Plum, are noble plants bearing large terminal 
bunches of flowers, but, owing to their size, 
they are seldom found in cultivation except 
in botanic gardens. 


Pari-pinnate. Equally or abruptly-pinnate. 


Paris. From par, equal; alluding to the regu- 
larity ofthe parts. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 
Herbaceous perennials with creeping rhi- 
zomes, natives of Europe and temperate and 
mountainous Asia. P. quadrifolia (Herb- 
Paris) sends up a simple stem a foot high, 
bearing at its summit four whorled, large 
oval, acute leaves, and a single terminal large 
green flower. The leaves and stem were 
formerly used in medicine, and the juice of 
the berry is considered poisonous. 


Paris Daisy. Chrysanthemum frutescens. 


Pari’‘tium. From pariti, the Malabar name of 
one of the species. Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 

P. elatum, the only species of this genus, is 
an evergreen tree found only in Cuba and 
Jamaica, where it is ealled Mountain Mahoe. 
It affords the beautiful lace-like inner bark 
called Cuba Bast, formerly only used for tying 
around bundles of Havana cigars, and once 
extensively used by nurserymen and gardeners 
for tying up trees and plants, more particu- 
larly in budding. It is not so valuable, how- 
ever, for this purpose as the more recently 
introduced tying material known as Raffa. 
This genus is now placed under Hibiscus, 
which see. 


Pa'rkia. Named in honor of Mungo Park, the 
celebrated African traveler. A small but 
widely spread genus of Leguminosae, found in 
Africa, India, Java, Surinam, and Brazil. P. 
Africana, the African Locust tree—Netta, or 
Nutta, of the negroes—is a large tree, bearing 
bi-globular heads of scarlet flowers at the end 
of long stalks, followed by clusters of flat, 
leathery pods, containing a number of seeds 
enveloped in a farinaceous pulp, from which 
an agreeable beverage is made. 


Parkinso/nia. Named in honor of John Parkin- 
’ gon, author of ‘‘Theatrum Botanicum,” pub- 
lished in 1629. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

An ornamental spiny shrub, common to 
Lower California and Mexico. It is grown in 
the West Indies for a hedge plant, and called 
Jerusalem thorn. 


Parlor Gardening. In parlor gardening, .or 
the keeping of plants in private rooms, one 
of the most essential things, for satisfaction 
to the owner, is to start with young, healthy 
plants, rather than old matured specimens. 
One of the most common errors in keeping 
plants in rooms is that of keeping the temper- 
ature too high. Very few plants suitable for 
the parlor grow well in a temperature of less 
than 50 degrees at night. To be sure, there are 
quite a number of plants grown in private 
rooms, that require a much higher temper- 
ature; but to have satisfactory results, the 


two divisions should be kept in separate 


304 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PAR 


rooms at the different temperatures, say 50 
degrees at night for the so-called green-house 
plants, and 65 degrees at night for the tropical 
or hot-house. A few of the best green-house 
plants suited for parlor culture, the average 
temperature at night being 50 degrees are as 
follows: Azaleas, Abutilons, Ageratums, 
Callas, Cinerarias, Carnations, Cyclamen, 
Camellias, Echeverias, Ferns (green-house 
and Climbing), Feverfews, Fuchsias, Ger- 
aniums (Pelargoniums), Hoyas (Wax Flow- 
er), Holland bulbs of all kinds, Ivies (Parlor 
and Hardy), Lobelias, Passifloras, Roses, etc. 
A limited list of the best suited tropical or hot- 
house plants for parlor culture, the temper- 


ature at night to average 65 degrees is as | 


follows: Allmandas, Begonias, Bouvardias, 
Caladiums, Cissus, Crotons, Coleus, Dracenas, 
Ferns (tropical), Heliotropes, Hibiscus, Poin- 
settia, Torenias, Tropeolums, Palms, ete. 
The instructions for propagating, watering, 
potting, killing of insects, soil, mulching, and 
all other operations given for culture of 
plants, will be found under these different 
‘heads, and will be found equally applicable to 
the culture of plants in rooms as in green- 
house or hot-house culture. Saucers in 
which to place the pots are sometimes a 
necessity in rooms to save the floors from 
getting wet; but care must be taken not to 
allow the water to stand for any length of 
time in the saucers. Plants in rooms during 
the winter months, when grown in a temper- 
ature of 50 degrees, will not usually require 
water more than twice a week, and in the 
temperature of 65 degrees perhaps thrice 
a week; but in no case water unless 
the lightness of the color of the soil on the 
top gives indications that the plant is dry, 
and then water sufficiently to go through the 
pots; those that seem less dry, water more 
sparingly, and those that are wet, give none 
whatever until they become dry, no matter 
how long the time may be. As plants grown 
in rooms have only one side to the light, it 
will conduce to the health and symmetry of the 
plant to turn it around at least once a week, 
so that each side will have alike proportion of 
light. 


Parmentie’ra. Named after A. Parmentier, a 
French writer on edible plants. Nat. Ord. 
Bignoniacee. 


P. cereifera, the only introduced species, has 
large white flowers, followed by waxy-yellow 
fruits two to three feet long, hanging down, 
and much resembling candles, hence the com- 
mon name ‘Candle Tree.” Introduced from 
Panama in 1866. 


Parna’ssia. Grass of Parnassus. Named after 
Mount Parnassus, where they were fabulously 
said to have first sprung. Nat. Ord. Saz- 
ifragacee. 

A genus of swampy, herbaceous perennials. 
Several of the species are common throughout 
the United States in marshy places. P. Carolin- 
iana, Grass of Parnassus, flowering from July 
till September, one of the most beautiful of the 
species, bears from the root several bright 
green,smooth, roundish leaves, heart-shaped at 
the base, among which rises to the height of 
about afoot a simple angular stem, terminating 
with a simple large flower of a creamy white 
color delicately veined with green. P. fimbri- 
ata, found from Colorado to California, and 


PAR 


northward to British America is even more 
attractive, as it has larger flowers, with 
peculiar fringe-like appendages to the petals. 
It has kidney-shaped root leaves, resembling 
those of P. asarifolia, another native species 
which bears similar white flowers, but with- 
out the singular fringes to the petals. P. pa- 
lustris, common on the shores of Lake Supe- 
rior and northward, is not so showy as the 
former, but is very beautiful, and is the only 
European species. 

Paro’chetus. From para, near, and ochetos, a 

brook; its habitat. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A small genus of prostrate herbaceous 
plants-widely distributed over the mountain- 
ous regions of tropical Asia, and in some 
portions of Africa. P. communis the Sham- 
rock Pea, the only cultivated species, is a 
trailing clover-like plant, with bright-green, 
slightly blotched leaves, growing freely dur- 
ing summer, and producing its solitary bright- 
blue flowers of amethyst tint, in autumn, 
admirably adapted to trail down the face of a 
rockery. Although it is considered a hardy 
perennial, yet it will occasionally get winter- 
killed; therefore, for the purpose for which 
it is adapted, a few plants should always be 
held in reserve to fill any vacancy there may 
be in spring. 

Parony’chia. Nail-wort. A genus of the Nat. 
Ord. JIllecebracew, containing about forty 
species of but little interest except P. serpyl- 
lifolia which makes a pretty covering for 
beds, or amongst taller growing plants, and 
is much used in carpet bedding. 


Parro'tia. Iron-tree. Named after F. Parrot, 
a German naturalist and traveler. Nat. Ord. 
Hamamelidacee. 

A small genus of hardy trees or shrubs, 
natives of northern Persia and the Caucasus. 
P. Persica, the only species yet in cultivation, 
is a very ornamental tree for the lawn; its 
yellowish flowers are not particularly showy, 
but its ovate-oblong deep green leaves are 
very striking when they assume their au- 
tumnal tints of orange and scarlet. It is 
closely allied to the Liquidambar, and is 
increased by seeds or by layers. Introduced 
from Persia in 1848. 

Parrot’s Bill. A popular name of Clianthus 
puniceus. 

Pa’/rrya. Named in honor of Capt. W. E. Parry, 
the Arctic navigator. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

A genus of hardy, dwarf pilose plants, all 
Arctic, or natives of the highest mount&ins of 
northern Asia. P. nudicaulis, with lilac flow- 
ers, P. integerrima, bright purple, and P. 
Artica, pale purple, are all beautiful plants for 
the rock-garden or rock-work. P. Arabidi- 
forum isa synonym of Newroloma or Arabis 
Arabidiflora. 


Parsley. Apium (Carwm) Petroselinum. ‘This 
well-known seasoning herb is a hardy bien- 
nial, a native of Sardinia, whence it was intro- 
duced into England in 1548. Its uses for 
culinary purposes, such as sauces, soups, and 
in garnishing various dishes, has become 
very general, and several varieties of it are 
offered by seedsmen. Among the ancient 
Greeks and Romans, Parsley always formed a 
part of their festive garlands, on account 
of retaining its color so long; and. Pliny 
states that, in his time, there was not a salad 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


305 


PAR 


or sauce presented at the table without it. 
The ancients supposed it absorbed the inebri- 
ating fumes of wine, and by that means pre- 
vented intoxication. Of the several varieties, 
the double curled-leaved is preferred for use, 
as being more ornamental than the common 
sort, of which it is nothing more than a 
variety, obtained and continued by careful 
selection. We have ourselves gathered, for 
botanical specimens, plants of Parsley from 
the ruined walls of Craigmiller and Crichton 
Castles, near Edinburgh, evidently the origi- 
nal species, as the leaves were perfectly plain, 
having no trace of the curl that makes it now 
so attractive for garnishing, showing that the 
warrior lords of these ancient battlements 
had not troubled themselves to make any 
advance in the ornamental qualities of this 
vegetable. Parsley isnow grown in immense 
quantities for spring and winter use, usually 
in cold frames, where it is sown in February 
or March, at the time the Lettuce is planted. 
It is sown between the rows of Lettuce, 
which is planted six inches apart. As the 
seed is slow to germinate, and grows slowly 
at that season of the year, the Lettuce crop 
is cut off before the Parsley gets large enough 
to be injured. It develops so as to cover the 
ground usually about June Ist, and is then 
cut off and marketed. It soon starts to grow, 
but is usually of little value until the late fall 
months. To get a late fall crop, it is cut off 
and thrown away by about September 15th, 
which gives a full and heavy crop of leaves 
by November. Itis then covered with sashes, 
which are raised up for ventilation in mild 
weather; and thus retarded, a full crop is 
easily obtained for the holidays, when it is in 
its greatest demand. Another plan is to sow 
Parsley in shallow boxes, say four inches 
deep, made of such width and length as will 
fit in under the front bench of the green- 
house stage; far enough under to get a fair 
proportion of light, say from fifteen to twenty 
inches. In this position it will grow finely, 
and, with a liberal use of liquid manure, can 
be cut four or five times during the winter in 
any green-house averaging 65°. For this pur- 
pose the seed can be sownin the boxes as late 
as August. 

Hamburg or Turnip-rooted Parsley is a 
variety grown only for the use of its fleshy 
roots, which are cooked and eaten like Pars- 
nips. The roots may be stored in winter 
until required for use. 

Neapolitan or Celery-leaved Parsley is 


sometimes grown for the use of the leaf- | 


stalks, which are blanched, and eaten like 
those of Celery. 


Parsley Fern. See Allosorus. 


Parsnip. Peucedanum sativum (syn. Pastinaca). 
The common garden Parsnip is a hardy bien- 
nial, a native of Great Britain and the south 
of Europe. It has also become naturalized 
- to a considerable extent in the United States. 
The leaves of the wild kind are hairy and dark 
green; in the cultivated Parsnip, smooth, and 
of a light, yellowish green. The Parsnip has 
long been cultivated as an esculent root. 
According to Pliny, they were held in such 
repute by the Emperor Tiberius that he had 
‘them annually brought to Rome from the 
banks of the Rhine, where they were then 
successfully cultivated. A deep, rich, loamy 


’ 


PAS 


soil, free from stones, is requisite for the 
favorable growth of the Parsnip; but when 
grown upon poor land, it loses much of the 
rank flavor which it acquires if cultivated in 
rich soils, and though not nearly so abun- 
dant, is far more sweet and agreeable. Pars- 
nip seed is almost useless at two years old, 
and fresh seed is even slow of germination, 
and is one of the seeds which should always 
be trodden in with the feet or firmly rolled 
after sowing. Sow in drills three inches aeep 
and twelve inches apart. In England the 
roots are used to make a domestic wine. 


Parso/nsia. In memory of James Parsons, 
M.D., a Scotch botanist. Nat. Ord. Apocy- 
nace. 

A genus of twining shrubs, natives of Aus- 
tralia, New Zealand, and tropical Asia. P. 
albifiora bears its fragrant white flowers in 
many-flowered panicles. But few of the spe- 
cies are in cultivation. 


Parterre. A French term used to denote a 
small enclosure or flower-garden, laid out in 
different sizes and shapes. 


Partial. Secondary; partial petiole, a division 
of a main leaf-stalk, or the stalk of a leaflet; 
partial peduncle, a oranch of a peduncle, ete. 


Partite. Divided into a number of segments, 
which extend almost as far as the base of the 
part to which they belong, as Tripartite, 
three-parted; Quadripartite, four-parted, ete. 

Partridge Berry. See Gaultheria and Mitchella. 

Partridge Pea. See Cassia chamecrista. 


Partridge Wood. The wood of certain South 
American and West Indian trees, one of 
which is Andira inermis. — 

Paspalum. From paspalos, one of the Greek 
names for Millet. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

P. dilitatum (syn. P. ovatum) aud P. platy- 
caule, sometimes called Louisiana Grass, 
natives of Virginia and southward, are men- 
tioned in-Dr. George Vasey’s report to the 
Department of Agriculture, 1887, as valuable 
forage grasses for the South, especially P. 
dilatatum, ‘‘ which has very strong roots, and 
grows in the longest drought almost as fast 
as when it rains.” 

Pasque Flower. See Anemone pulsatilla. 
Passeri/na. From passer, a sparrow, in allusion 
to the beaked seeds. Nat. Ord. Thymelacee. 

Agenus of heath-like shrubs, natives for 
the most part of the Cape of Good Hope. 
Several species are in cultivation. P. tinctoria 
is employed in dying wood yellow. Cuttings 
of the young wood root freely in sand. 


Passiflo‘ra. Passion Flower. From passio, suf- 
fering, and flos, a flower; referring to the fila- 
ments, or rays, and other parts, being likened 
to the circumstances of Christ’s crucifixion. 
Nat. Ord. Passifloracee. 

An extensive genus of hardy, half-hardy, 
and green-house climbers, mostly natives of 
tropical America, a few only being indigenous 
to Asia. The name was applied from the 
resemblance afforded by the parts of the plant 
to the instruments of our Lord’s Passion and 
its attendant circumstances: thus the three 
nails—two for the hands and one for the feet 
—are represented by the stigmas; the five 
anthers indicate the five wounds; the rays of 


glory, or, a3 some say, the crown of thorns, 


are represented by the rays of the ‘‘corona;” 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PAS 


the ten parts of the perianth represent the 
Apostles, two of them absent (Peter, who 
denied, and Judas, who betrayed our Lord:; 
and the wicked hands of His persecutors are 
seen in the digitate leaves of the plant, and 
the scourges in the tendrils. Had this genus 
been named by modern scientists, it is proba- 
ble their imagination would have taken a 
somewhat different direction. All the Passion 
Flowers are handsome, fast-growing and free- 
flowering plants. They are best adapted for 
large structures; in small houses close prun- 
ing becomes necessary, and the plants conse- 
quently cannot develop their true characters. 
The flowers are very beautiful in some 
species; in all, they are of singular form and 
very interesting. The deep red or scarlet 
P. racemosa (syn. P. princeps) and its many 
hybrids, P. Raddiana (syn. P. Kermesina), and 
others produce their flowers in long pendulous 
racemes and are unsurpassed for green-house 
decoration. P. quadrangularis, and its varie- 
gated-leaved variety, P. q. acubifolia, P. Decais- 
neana, P. alata, etc., have very. large sweet- 
scented flowers, the upper side of the calyx 
and petals deep crimson, and the rays varie- 
gated with purple, white, and crimson. P. 
cerulea and its white sweet-scented variety, 
Constance Elliott, as wellas the beautiful hybrid, 
forms P. c. Colvillei, P. c. racemosa, etc., are 
favorite sorts for covering arbors, trellises, 
etc., and are often used as drooping plants in 
large vases or hanging baskets. They are 
nearly hardy with us and with P. incarnata (the 
Maypops of the Southern States) are entirely 
so south of Washington. Beautifully golden- 
variegated varieties of the white, P. C. Con- 
stance Elliott and P. Pfordtit have been pro- 
dneed by Mr. John Spalding, of New London, 
Conn., by grafting them on the golden-spotted 
P. q. acubifolia. They are great acquisitions 
to our list of variegated climbers, and grow and 
flower as freely as the types. P. edulis is 
sometimes grown for its edible fruit which is 
purple when ripe, the pulp orange-colored and 
of a pleasant sub-acid taste with a flavor some- 
thing like an orange. Several other species 
produce edible fruits, which are greatly 
esteemed in their native countries. All of 
the species are easily increased by cuttings, 
except P. racemosa, and its hybrids, which 
grow much better when grafted on any of the 
free-growing sorts. 


Passiflora’cee. A natural order of herbs or 
shrubs, often climbing; natives chiefly of 
warm climates, but most numerous in South 
America, and the West Indies. Several 
species are of economic value, some of them 
having edible fruit. The order comprises 
nineteen genera, including Tacsonia, Passi- 
flora, and Carica, and upward of two hundred 
species. 


Passion Flower. See Passiflora. The name is 
also applied to the species of Tacsonia. 


Pastina’ca. Parsnip. From pastinum, a dibber ; 
referring to the shape of the root. Nat. Ord. 
Umbellifere. 

A genus of uninteresting plants with the 
exception of P. sativa, the Parsnip, which 
see. This genus is now included under 
Peucedanum. 


Patchouli Plant. The common name of Pogos- 
temon Patchouli, which see. 


PAU 


Patens, Patent. Spreading wide open, as petals 
from the calyx. 


Paterso/nia. Named after Col. William Pater- 
son, an excellent botanist. Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 
A small genus of green-house herbaceous 
perennials from New Holland, with purple, 
Iris-like flowers, very showy, but of so short 
duration that the plant is not worth cultivat- 
ing. 

Patience. Patience Dock, or Herb Patience. 
Rumex Patientia. The leaves were formerly 
much used in France and England, and to 
some extent in this country as a pot-herb, 
now almost entirely superseded by Spinach. 


Patri/nia. Named in honor of #. L. Patrin, a 
French traveler in Siberia. Nat. Ord. Valerian- 
acew. 

A genus of hardy perennial herbs, natives 
of central and eastern Asia. Their yellow 
flowers are borne in corymbose-paniculate 
cymes, well above the foliage. They will 
succeed in any light, rich soil, and may be in- 
creased by seeds. Generally cultivated under 
the name of Valeriana. 


Patulous. Moderately spreading. 
Pauciflorus. Few-flowered. 
Paulli‘nia. Named after Ch. Fr. Paullia, a 


Danish botanist. Nat. Ord. Sapindacee. 

An extensive genus of South American 
evergreen climbers, with divided compound 
leaves. P. thalictrifolia, bears clusters of pale 
pink flowers, but is cultivated more for its 
beautiful fern-like foliage, and forms a very 
beautiful climber for the warm green-house. 
It was introduced from Rio Janiero in 1871, 
and is easily increased by cuttings. 

The seeds of P. sorbilis is the Guarana of 
Brazil, of which the ‘‘ Treasury of Botany” 
says: “The Guarana is extensively used in 
Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica. and other parts 
of South America, as a nervous stimulant and 
restorative. The pounded seeds constitute 
Guarana. It is used both as a remedy for 
various diseases, and also as a material for 
making a most refreshing beverage. Notonly 
is the active principle of Guarana identical 
with Theine, but as far asis known, no other 
substance yields it so abundantly, the amount 
being 5.07 per cent., as against good Black 
Tea, which yields 2.13, and Coffee from .08 to 
1.00. The mode of using the Guarana is 
curious and interesting. It is carried in the 
pocket of almost every traveler, and with it 
the palate-bone or scale of a large fish, the 
rough surfaces of which form a rasp, upon 

‘ which the Guarana is grated ; and a few of the 
grains of the powder so formed are added to 
water, and drank as a substitute forTea. The 
effect is said to be very agreeable.” 


Paulo’wnia. Named after the hereditary Prin- 
cess of the Netherlands, daughter of the 
Emperor of Russia. Nat. Ord. Scrophulari- 
acee. 

P. imperialis comprises this genus. Itisa 
splendid hardy tree, both for foliage and 
flowers; in habit and general appearance re- 
sembling the Catalpa, though less hardy. 
The young shoots are liable to be killed by 
frost in this latitude, but if protected for one 
winter, they will not require further atten- 
tion, and its rapid growth afterwards will well 
repay for that little trouble, with a beautiful 
flowering shade tree. The flowers, which re- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 307 


PAU 


semble the Glozinia in shape, are blue when 
first expanded, gradually turning to bluish 
lilac, about two inches in length, and are pro- 
duced in terminal panicles or from seeds. 
The branches become very brittle with age, 
and are easily broken by strong winds; and 
this has been a great objection to its use as 
an ornamental tree for the lawn, for which it 
is otherwise admirably suited. Introduced 
from Japan in 1840, and propagated by root 
cuttings or by seeds. 


Pauperitious. Poor; having a starved appear- 
ance. 


Pave'tta. The name of one of the species in 
Malabar. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 

A small genus of green-house, white- 
flowered evergreens, allied to the Ixora, and 
requiring the same treatment. P. borbonica, 
a handsome species, is the one chiefly grown 
in our green-houses, 


Pavia. Buck-eye. Named in honor of Peter 
Paiv, a Dutch botanist. Nat. Ord. Sapin- 
dacew. 

A division of the genus 4sculus, includ- 
ing the dwarf smooth-fruited varieties. See 
Esculus. 


Pavo/nia. Named after Josef Pavon, M.D., a 
Spanish botanist, and traveler in Peru. Nat. 
Ord. Malvacee. 

A small genus of low-growing shrubs and 
herbaceous perennials, natives of South 
America. They are allied to the Mallow, and 
have showy scarlet flowers. The beautiful 
green-house species known as P. Makoyana, 
and P. Wyoti, are now placed under Goethea, 
which see. 7 


Paxto/nia. Named in honor of Sir Joseph 
Paxton, author of several works on botany 
and gardening... Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of Orchids now included 
under Spathoglottis. 


Pea. A common name for various members of 
the Nat. Ord. Papilionacee 


Pea. Angola. -Cajanus Indicus. 

Black-eyed. A West Indian name for Dolichos 
spherospermus. 

Black-rooted. Orobus niger. 

Butterfly. The popular name for Clitoria 
Mariana. 

Chick. See Cicer arietinum. The name was 
formerly written Cich or Ciche, sometimes 
Rammes Ciches. : 

Earth. Lathyrus amphicarpus. 

Earth-nut. Lathyrus tuberosus. 


Egyptian. Cicer arietinum. 
Everlasting. Lathyrus platyphyllus (syn. L. 
latifolius).. 


Field or Gray. Pisum sativum var.. arvense. 
Glory. See Clianthus Dampieri. 

Heart. Cardiospermum Halicacabum. 
Heath. Lathyrus macrorhizus. 

Hoary. The genus Tephrosia. 

Lord Anson’s. See Lathyrus Magellanicus. 
Milk. The genus Galactea. 

No-eye. Cajanus indicus flavus, which see. 
Orange. The small immature fruit of the- 
Curacoa Orange used for flavoring wines. 
Partridge. Heisteria coccinea and Cassia 

Chamecrista. 
Pigeon. Ervum Ervilia. 
Pigeon. Of the West Indies. 
dicus. 
Poison of Australia. 


Cajanus In- 


The genus Swainsonia. 


PEA 


Rosary. The seeds of Abrus precatorius. 


Sea-side. Lathyrus maritimus. 
Sensitive. A common name for Cassia nic- 
titans. 


Shamrock. Parochetus communis. 

Sugar. A name given to some varieties of 
Pisum sativum, which have tender edible 
pods. 

Sweet. Lathyrus odoratus. 

Tangier. Lathyrus Tingitanus. 

Wood. Lathyrus sylvestris, and Orobus sylva- 
ticus. 


Pea. Pisum sativum. The varieties of the com- 
mon Pea are numerous, and differ widely, 
some not growing more than one foot high, 
others growing ten to twelve. The difference 
in the seed contrasts as strangely, some being 
small, hard, and nearly tasteless, while others 
are large, rich, and luscious. The history of 
the Pea, like many of our most familiar gar- 
den vegetables, and even its native country, 
are involved in obscurity. It is generally 
supposed to be a native of the south of 
Europe, and to have been introduced into 
English gardens at a very early period. It is 
recorded in English history, that when the 
English forces were besieging a castle in 
Lothian, in the year 1299, their supply of pro- 
visions was exhausted, and their only resource 
wasin the Peas and Beans of the surrounding 
fields. This circumstance would warrant the 
belief that the Pea was one of the staple 
articles of produce for human food. The 
more delicate kinds, however, do not appear 
to have been cultivated until a much later 
period. Mention is made of Peas being 
brought from Holland in the time of Queen 
Elizabeth, that were ‘‘fit dainties for ladies, 
they came so far and cost so dear.” In the 
reign of Henry VIII., too, the Pea appears to 
have been somewhat of a rarity, as in the 
privy purse expenses of that king is an entry: 
‘¢Paied to a man in rewarde for bringing 
pescodds to the king’s grace, iiijs. viiid.” 
The varieties and sub-varieties of this vege- 
table are almost innumerable, and are being 
constantly brought forward. That there has 
been a steady improvement in the quality of 
the Pea, every one that has given its cultiva- 
tion the least attention must admit, and that 
we are indebted to the English gardeners and 
amateurs for these improvements, must also 
be admitted. Our own seedsmen are beginning 
to realize the fact, that itis discreditable to 
themselves and their country to be outdone, 
even in Peas, and have produced sone new 
varieties of superior merit. Peas forseed are 
now grown largely in New York State and 
Canada; previously they were nearly all im- 
ported. 


Peach. Persica vulgaris. Persia is credited 
with being the native country of the Peach, 
and to have disseminated it largely. Colu- 
mella says the Peach, when first brought into 
the Roman empire from Persia was poisonous, 
an opinion that has been questioned by other 
writers. It was early introduced into Greece, 
but at what period is uncertain. The Romans 
brought it direct from Persia during the reign 
of the Emperor Claudius. It was first men- 
tioned by Columella, and afterward described 
by Pliny. From the best information we can 
obtain, the natural fruit, or wild Peach, was 
much inferior to the first introduced into the 


308 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PEA 


United States in 1680. When, where, or by 
whom the improvements were made, is not 
even a matter of conjecture. What is posi- 
tively known of the Peach at the present day 
is, that the United States and China produce 
the finest in the world. English gardeners, 
on coming to the United States, are at a loss 
to understand, that while in latitudes here 
where the thermometer falls 15° below zero, 
orchards of Peach trees stand unprotected in 
the open field, while in England, where the 


thermometer rarely reaches zero, the Peach © 


must have the protection of a brick wall, or 


it fails to prove hardy. The reason is, that - 


our hotter, drier summer and fall months 
better ripen the young shoots than the colder 
and moister climate of Britain. The Peach 
tree is short-lived in most sections of this 
country, attaining. its best fruiting condition 
usually from six to ten years old. It prefers 
a light, warm soil, and is much benefited by 
an occasional dressing of wood ashes. In 
planting, the trees should be cut back severely, 
the main stem reduced about one third, and 
the side branches cut back to one bud. This 
lessens the demand upon the roots, and 
enables the remaining buds to push more 
vigorously. The heads should be kept low, 
the trunks not to exceed three feet in height, 
andas the fruit is produced on the wood of last 
season’s growth, the necessity for keeping up 
a good supply of annual shoots all over the 
‘tree is obvious. Regular spring pruning 
should therefore be attended to, the weak 
shoots being shortened one half, and the 
strong ones one third, care being taken to 
leave a sufficient supply of flower buds. 
This keeps the head round, full, and well fur- 
nished with bearing wood, reduces the chances 
of wind-falls to a minimum, and, if annually 
followed, will give them compact heads in- 
stead of open, straggling ones, the branches 
of which break down with the first full crop 
of fruit. In the Peach-growing districts the 
cultivators do not expect more than three 
crops in five years; and if they get two full 
crops in that time they are content, and ama- 
teurs should expect no more. When a crop 
sets at all there is usually more fruit than the 
tree can carry and ripen. No fruit needs 
severe thinning more than the Peach. In 
bearing seasons half or two-thirds of the 
Peaches which set may be removed with 
benefit to the rest. The fruit should be 
removed when about the size of Hazel-nuts. 
“Two maladies affect the Peach Tree, and, 
because they are little understood, have ren- 
dered this fine fruit tree comparatively short- 
lived, and of little value in some sections of 
the country. These are the Yellows and the 
Peach-borer. The former appears to be a 
constitutional disease, no external cause being 
assigned for it, and, as yet, there appears to 
be no remedy for it, but by exterminating, 
root and branch, every tree which is infected 
with it. The eggs which produce the borer 
are deposited in the soft portion of the bark 
just at the surface ofthe earth. Ifa quantity 
of leached ashes or common soil be heaped to 
’ the height of one foot around the trunk in 
May and suffered to remain until October, the 
borer will not attack it. Another simple 
remedy is, in spring, to wrap the stem in 
strong coarse or tar paper about a foot high, 
securely tying it and protecting the lower part 


PEA 


with earth.”—Downing’s Fruits and Fruit 
Trees of America. The distance the trees 
should. be set apart may be from ten to 
twelve feet. Among the favorite varieties 
for garden culture may be named the follow- 
ing, for the descriptions of which see nursery 
catalogues: Alexander, Hale’s Early, Yellow 
Rare-ripe, Early Louise, Crawford’s Early, 
George the Fourth, Early Silver, Large 
Early York, Coolidge’s Favorite, Haine’s 
Early, Stump of the World, Noblesse, Morris 
a Surpasse Melocoton, Crawford’s Late, 
ete. : 
The Double-Blossomed Peach is, when 
in full bloom, one of the gayest and 
most beautiful of fruit trees, and bloom- 
ing with its lovely companion the Double- 
Flowering Cherry, finds a place in all our 
pleasure-grounds and ornamental plantations. 
Its flowers ure of a lively red color, nearly 
full double, and so thickly disposed on the 
branches as to be very striking and showy. 
This sort is rendered more dwarf for shrub- 
beries by budding it upon the Mirabelle or 
the Cherry Plum stock. The fruit, which is 
sparingly produced, is roundish . oval, pale 
greenish-yellow, tinged with red, and is of 
indifferent flavor. The Crimson or Camellia- 
flowered, with large double flowers of a rich 
crimson hue, especially attractive and showy, 
the Carnation-flowered with flowers striped 
like a Carnation, the Variegated-flowered 
with flowers of different hues on the same 
tree, and the White-flowered with pure white 
very double flowers, are among the more 
recent introductions, and grouped with the 
older. varieties are very effective, and planted 
either singly or in groups produce most 
charming effects in the early spring. 
Peach Myrtle. A common name for Hypo- 
calymna robustum. 


Peach Palm. The popular name for Gulielma 


speciosa. 

Peacock Flower. The common name for Poin- 
ciana regia. 

Peacock Flower Fence. A common name for 
Adenanthera pavonina. 

Peacock Iris. See Vieusseuxia. Syn. Iris 
pavonia. : 

Peacock Treasure Flower. A name given to 
Gazunia pavonia. 


Pea Nut. See Arachis. 

Pear. Pyrus communis. The Pear, like the 
Apple, is indigenous to most parts of Europe. ° 
Historically speaking, itis not so ancient as 
the Apple. At-what period it became amelior- 
ated, or removed from its wild state, is un- 
known. In regard to its hardiness and longev- 
ity, it is greatly superior to the Apple or any 
other of our fruits. There are trees existing, 
and in bearing condition, over three hundred 
years old. The Romans cultivated thirty-six 
varieties in the days of Pliny; and Parkinson, 
in his Herbal (1629) speaks of sixty-four sorts 
in the London nurseries. The history of the 
cultivated Pear has never been written. It 
was at an early period common in Syria, 
Egypt, and Greece; whence it was imported 
into Italy,France,Germany, and Great Britain. 
Pear culture in France has been carried 
on to a most wonderful extent, thirty-six 
hundred varieties having been offered from 
_one nursery. The Pear, though not indigenous 


VY ap 


PEAR (SPECIMEN DWARF). 


x AINE 
PENNIGETUM LATIFOLIUM (GYMNOTHRIZ), 


PELARGONIUM ECHINATUM, 


PELARGONIUM (SHOW OR REGAL). PENOILLABIA (PEARL MILLET), 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 309 


PEA 


to the United States, grows here 1o the great- 
est perfection, both as regards quality and 
quantity. The leading horticulturists of the 
country having made a speciality of its cul- 
tivation, aided by congenial soil and climate, 
their efforts for the production of perfect fruit 
have been happily rewarded. The Seckel, the 
recognized standard of perfection wherever 
the Pear is grown, is of American origin, hav- 
ing originated on the farm of Mr. Seckel, 
about four miles from Philadelphia. The fol- 
Jowing extract from Downing’s “ Fruits and 
Fruit Trees of America” may prove interesting 
to many: ‘The precise origin of the Seckel 
Pear is unknown. The first pomologists of Eu- 
rope have pronounced thatitis entirely distinct 
from any European variety, and its affinity to 
the Rousselet, a well-known German Pear, 
leads to the supposition that the seeds of the 
latter Pear, having been brought here by some 
of the Gerinans settling near Philadelphia, 
by chance produced this superior seedling. 
However this may be, the following morceau 
of its history may be relied upon as authentic, 
it having been related by the late venerable 
Bishop White, whose tenacity of memory is 
well-known. About eighty years ago, when 
the Bishop was a lad, there was a well-known 
sportsman and cattle-dealer in Philadelphia, 
who was familiarly known as “‘ Dutch Jacob.” 
Every season, early in the autumn, on return- 
ing from his shooting excursions, Dutch Jacob 
regaled his neighbors with Pears of an un- 
usually delicious flavor, the secret of whose 
place of growth however, he would never 
satisfy their curiosity by divulging. At length 
the Holland Land Company, owning a consid- 
erable tract south of the city, disposed of it in 
parcels, and Dutch Jacob then secured the 
ground on which his favorite pear tree stood, 
a fine strip of land near the Delaware. Not 
long afterwards it became the farm of Mr. 
Seckel, who introduced this remarkable fruit 
to public notice and it réceived his name. 
* * * The original tree still exists (or did a 
few years ago), vigorous and fruitful. Speci- 
mens of its pears were quite lately exhibited 
at the annual shows of the Pennsylvania Hor- 
ticultural Society.” 

The Pear is a peculiar fruit in one respect, 
which should always be kept in mind, 
viz.: that most varieties are much finer 
in flavor if picked from the tree and ripened 
in the house, than if allowed to become fully 
matured on the tree. There are a few excep- 
tions to this rule, but they are very few; and 
on the other hand we know a great many varie- 
ties that are only second or third rate when 
ripened on the tree, but possess the highest 
and richest flavor if gathered at the proper 
time and allowed to mature in the house. 
This proper season is easily known, first, by 
the ripening of a few full grown, but worm- 
eaten specimens, which fall soonest from the 
tree; and secondly, by the change of color 
and the readiness of the stalk to part from its 
branch on gently raising the fruit. Pears 
are grown as dwarfs and standards; the 
former being planted from eight to ten feet 
apart, the latter from ten to fifteen feet. The 
dwarfs, budded on the quince stock, are 
mostly used for garden culture, as, from their 
habit, they are more suitable, besides having 
the invaluable quality of coming quicker into 
bearing. Time was when the adage went, 


PEA 


‘‘He that plants Pears, plants for his heirs; ” 
but this is now no more applicable to the Pear 
than to the Peach; for we can have fine crops 
of Pears budded on the Quince in three to 
five years from the time of planting. The 

- following varieties are recommended for cul- 
tivation on the Quince. All are hardy, vigor- 
ous and handsome growers, and bear well. 
(For descriptions, see nursery catalogues.) 
Bartlett, Brandywine, Margaret, Duchess 
d’Angouleme, Belle Lucrative, Doyenne Bous- 
sock, Beurre Hardy, Howell, Louise Bonne of 
Jersey, Beurre Superfin, Beurre d’Anjou, 
Easter Beurre, and Lawrence. In addition to 
the above the following well-known sorts will 
be found to succeed admirably, grown as 
standards. Clapp’s Favorite, Souvenir du 
Congres, Tyson, Beurre Bosc, Flemish Beauty, 
Hoosic, Seckel, Urbaniste, Beurre Clairgeau, 
Dana's Hovey, Winter Nelis, Josephine of 
Malines, etc. 

Pear, Avocado or Alligator. Persea gratis- 
sima. 

Pear. Prickly. See Opuntia. 

Pear. Strawberry. Cereus triangularis. 

Pearl Bush. The popular name of Exochorda 
grandiflora. 


Pearl Millet. Pencillaria spicata. This fodder 
plant has been largely grown during the past 
few years, and promises to be most valuable 
for that purpose, particularly in the Southern 
States. It is a tender plant; that is, being of 
tropical origin it will not grow until the soil 
and atmosphere are in the condition to grow 
Corn, Tomatoes, Melons, or such plants as 
require a high temperature for growth. Like 
all plants grown for fodder, the richer the soil 
the greater the product. We quote from our 
published article on the subjectin the ‘‘Ameri- 
ean Agriculturist,” November, 1878, the local- 
ity of the experiment being on our grounds in 
Jersey City, N. J. : ‘‘ Pearl Millet has been cul- 
tivated for some years as a forage plant in 
some of the Southern States, as ‘ African 
Cane,’ ‘Egyptian Millet,’ ‘Japan Millet,’ and 
in some places as ‘ Horse Millet,’ and ‘Cat-tail 
Millet.’ But little was known of it at the 
North before last year, and then only in such 
small quantities as to hardly allow of a fair 
trial. From what we saw of it in 1877, we 
determined to give it a thorough trial this 
season. A piece of good, strong, loamy ground 
was prepared as if for a Beet or Turnip crop, 
by manuring with stable manure at the rate 
of ten tons to the acre, plowing ten inches 
deep, and thoroughly harrowing. The Millet 
was then sown in drills eighteen inches apart, 
at the rate of eight quarts to the acre. We 
sowed on the 15th of May, about the date we 
sow corn, and in twelve days the plants were 
up so that a cultivator could be run between 
the rows, after which no further culture was 
necessary, for the growth became so rapid 
and luxuriant as to crowd down every weed 
that attempted to get a foothold. The first 
cutting was made July Ist, forty-five days 
after sowing. It was then seven feet high, 
covering the whole ground, and the crop, cut 
three inches above the ground, weighed, green, 
at the rate of thirty tons per acre; this, when 
dried, gave six and a half tons per acre, 
as hay. After cutting, a second growth 
started, and was cut August 15th, forty-five 


days from the time of the first cutting.- 


310 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PEA 


Its height was nine feet. It weighed this 
time at the rate of fifty-five tons to the acre, 
green, and eight tons dried. The third crop 
started as rapidly as the second, but the cool 
September nights lessened its tropical luxuri- 
ance, so that this crop, which was cut on 
October Ist, only weighed ten tons green, and 
one and a half tons dried. The growth was 
simply enormous, thus: First crop in forty- 
five days gave thirty tons green, or six and 
a half tons dry ; second crop in forty-five days, 
gave fifty-five tons green, or eight tons dry; 
third crop in forty-five days, gave ten tons 
green, or one and a half tons dry; the aggre- 
gate weight being ninety-five tons of green 
fodder in 135 days from the date of sowing, 
and sixteen tons when dried to hay. This 
exceeds the Clover meadows of Mid-Lothian, 
which, when irrigated by the sewage from the 
City of Edinburgh, and cut every four weeks, 
gave an aggregate of seventy-five tons of 
green Clover per acre. There is little doubt 
that Pearl Millet is equally as nutritious as 
Corn fodder, which it resembles even more 
than it does any of the other Millets. We found 
that all our horses and cattle ate it greedily, 
whether green or dry. If sowing in drill is 
not practicable, it may be sown broadcast, 
using double the quantity of seed, say sixteen 
quarts per acre. The ground should be 
smoothed by the harrow, and again lightly 
harrowed after sowing. If rolled after har- 
rowing, all the better. I know of no farm 
crop that will better repay high manuring, 
but, so great is its luxuriance, that it will pro- 
duce a better crop without manure than any 
other plant I know of. In those parts of the 
Southern States where hay cannot be raised, 
this is a substitute of the easiest culture; and 
being of tropical origin, it will luxuriate in 
their long hot summers. Even though our 
Northern seasons may be too short to mature 
the seeds, our experiments in New Jersey this 
summer show what abundant crops may be 
expected if similar conditions are secured. 
Pearl Millet as a fodder plant presents a new 
feature in our agriculture, and [ feel sure that 
within ten years we shall wonder how we 
ever got on without it. As we have had 
many inquiries as to the best manner of dry- 
ing Pearl Millet for ‘Hay,’ we would state 
that our crop was sown in a solid block, so 
that when cut it had to be removed from the 
land where it grew, tied in sheaves, and 
hung up on an extemporized rail fence. This 
plan, of course, would not answer when grown 
on a large scale, as the crop is so enormous 
that such an expedient for drying would be 
too expensive both for labor and rails, and as 
it is too heavy and succulent to be dried, like 
Timothy and Clover, on the ground where it 
is cut, it must be removed, for to attempt to 
dry it where it grows would destroy the 
second crop. Circumstances, of course, must 
in a great measure be the guide, but we would 
suggest that, when grown for the purpose of 
being dried, it be sown in beds, say twelve 
feet wide, with alleys six feet between, where 
it may be dried; this, of course, would bea 
loss of one-third of the land for the first crop, 
but it would be little or no loss of crop in the 
second, for the Millet would spread so as to 
fill up all the six feet of alley.” 


Pearl-Plant. Lithospermum officinale. 


PED 


Pearls of Spain. Muscari botryoides, var. 


album. 
Pearl Weed or Pearl Wort. See Sagina. 
Pearly Everlasting. See Antennaria. 


Pecan Nut (Carya oliveformis). 

The Pecan is cultivated quite extensively 
now in the Southern States, and it may be 
found growing on river-banks from Indiana to 
Texas. Although the tree is well known for 
its delicious nuts, which constitute an article 
of considerable commerce, it has not been 
cultivated systematically for profit until re- 
cently, except in a few localities in Texas and 
Mexico. The demand for Pecan-nuts both in 
this country and in Europe, far exceeds the 
supply, and owners of land in the South, bor- 
dering on river bottoms, would do well to 
plant it with the thin or paper shelled variety. 
In Florida there are many acres of low rich 
land, aptly called there ‘‘flat woods,” which 
it is almost impossible to drain, and which. as 
the trees do not seem to mind an overflow of 
water occasionally, would be just the place for 
Pecan groves. Land along the bayous and 
river-bottoms all over the Southern States, 
being comparatively cheap, owing to destruc- 
tive overflows of water, the prospect is that. 
much of this waste land will be taken up by 
Pecan-groves, which will well repay the 
planter in eight or ten years at most. Young 
groves planted some few years ago in alow 
flat-wood as an experiment, are now doing 
finely. As they increase in size and age their 
growth becomes rapid and their bearing in- 
creases, the crop nearly doubling itself every 
year or two. 

Pectinate. Pinnatifid, or pinnately dividedinto 
narrow and close divisions, like the teeth of a 
comb. 


Pe'ctis. From pecten, a comb; referring to the 
pappus. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A large genus of green-house or half-hardy 
annual or perennial herbs, natives of the 
warmer parts of America, from Brazil or 
Bolivia as far as Mexico. P. angustifolia is a 
charming annual, well suited for bedding pur- 
poses. It ranges in height from six to ten 
inches, and the flowers are of rich golden yel- 
low, and so freely produced as to form dense 


cushions. It was introduced to cultivation in 
1865. 
Pedalia’cez. A natural order of herbaceous. 


perennial, rarely annual plants, natives of 
tropical countries, principally Africa. The 
order is allied to Bignoniacew, but differs in 
the divisions of the seed pod and the wingless. 
seeds. The seeds of Sesamum indi and S. 
orientale yield an abundance of fixed oil of good 
quality, known as Sesamum or Gingile Oil. 
The young seed-pods of Martynia, the Unicorn 
plant, are used for pickling. Martynia, Unca- 
ria and Sesamum, are examples of the genera, 
which number about a dozen. 


Pedate. Resembling a bird’s foot; a modifica- 


tion of the palmate leaf, when its lower lobes 
are again divided and directed downwards, as. 
in Saxifraga pedatifida. 

Pedicel. The stalk of each particular flower in 
a cluster. : 

Pedicula'ris. From pediculus, a louse; the sup- 
posed effect on sheep eating it. Nat. Ord. 
Scrophulariacee. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 311 


PED 


A genus of plants popularly known as 
Louse-worts. P. sylvatica and P. palustris, 
indigenous to Great Britain, were formerly 
supposed to produce in sheep eating them the 
disease which gave name to the genus; but 
there is no good reason for such belief. Some 
of the species are beautiful little plants, with 
very regular, finely cut leaves. P. Canadensis, 
the Wood Betony, is a rather showy, native 
perennial, with spikes of greenish-yellow and 
purple tlowers, common in open woods and on 
banks, flowering from May till July. P. lan- 
ceolata is brighter in color, from one to three 
feet high, and is found in swamps from Con- 
necticut to Virginia and Wisconsin. It flowers 
during August and September. 


Pedilan’thus. From pedilon, a slipper, and 
- anthos, a flower. Nat. Ord. Huphorbiacee. 

A small genus of curious plants, resembling 
in habit and general appearance the Euphorbia, 
to mies genus they may be referred for culti- 
vation. 


Peduncle. A flower-stalk, whether of a single 
flower, or of a flower cluster. 


Peg-wood. A name applied to Cornus sanguinea, 
and Huonymus Huropeus. 

Pelargo/nium. Stork’s bill. From pelargos, a 
stork; referring to the beak-like formation of 
the seed-pod. Nat. Ord. Geraniacee. 

A very extensive genus of green-house ever- 
green-shrubs, and a limited number of bien- 
nials and annuals. They are mostly natives 
of the Cape of Good Hope; a few occur in 
Australia, one in the Canary Islands and one 
in Asia Minor. The Scarlet kinds are popu- 
larly called Geraniums, though very different 
from the genus of that name, when viewed in 
a botanical sense. The greater number of 
kinds cultivated in the green-house and garden 
are hybrids, which are produced with great 
facility inthis genus. The number of varieties 
already produced, embracing a great range of 
form and color, is truly astonishing, and every 
year adds tothe number new varieties in some 
respect superior to any before introduced. 
The improvements in the foliage even has 
been almost as marked as in the flower. We 
have now a Sufficient number of varieties with 
ornamental foliage to constitute a distinctive 
feature in the green-house, and which are use- 
ful to the florist in making up his bouquets, 
baskets, and ornamental designs. All this 
is due to the untiring zeal of the florist. We 
eannot follow up the history of the introduc- 
tion of these choice hybrids, but must be 
content with giving a brief account of the 
species to which the various classes belong. 
All the species noted are natives of the Cape 
of Good Hope, unless otherwise mentioned. 
The Fancy and Show Pelargoniums, strictly 
green-house varieties, and unsuitable for the 
border, are descendants of P. grandiflorum, 
introduced in 1794. One of the hybrids was 
called ‘‘Lady Washington,” which gave the 
whole class the popular name, ‘‘ Lady Wash- 
ington Geraniums.” Some division of this 
class also have the distinctive appellation of 
French Pelargoniums, probably because they 
had their origin with the French hybridists. 
As specimen plants for green-house or con- 
servatory decoration, these have decided 
merit. There are few cultivated plants that 
make a more beautiful display, when they 
receive the care and attention they need. P. 


PEL 


inquinans, Scarlet Pelargonium, is one of the 
parents of that large and important class now 
known as Bedding, Scarlet, or Zonal Gera- 
niums, and formerly very generally called Fish 
and Horseshoe Geraniums, and of which we 
now have an immense variety of double and 
single, embracing every shade of scarlet, 
crimson, rose, carmine, violet, white, ete. 
This species has a splendid habit, being dwarf 
and compact, the flowers are intense scarlet, 
of good form and substance; it has large reni- 
form, indistinctly zoned leaves, soft to the 
touch, and exhaling, when rubbed, an aromatic 
odor, which is unpleasant to most persons. 
P. zonale, Zonal Geranium, or Horseshoe 
Geranium, so-called from a dark, discolored 
zone on the surface of the leaf, is a smaller 
species than the preceding, and has the leaves 
more strongly marked. The petals of the 
flower are narrower, and of a deep carmine 
color. A variety of this, P. marginatum, is 
the well-known Silver-leaved Geranium. All 
the ‘“‘Tricolors,” such as Mrs. Pollock, Sunset, 
Golden Tricolor, etv., have originated from 
the above few species. It must not be sup- 
posed that all these beautiful colors, both in 
foliage and flower, have been produced hastily, 
or that they are in the true sense hybrids. 
Persistent cross fertilization of the many 
varieties, that has been carried on for the 
last thirty years, has given us the rare sorts 
enumerated in florists’ catalogues. We think 
it is not to be doubted, however, that some 
of the *“‘ Tricolors” are simply ‘‘Sports.” P. 
peltatum is the Ivy-leaved Geranium. Of this 
species there are two varieties that were 
introduced in 1701, and from these have 
sprung many beautiful sorts, which grow 
rapidly and flower freely. From their grace- 
ful, trailing habit they are useful for window 
gardening and rustic work. Many of the Ivy- 
leaved have handsome double flowers. Of 
the species, besides those noted above, we 
will briefly mention P. echinatum, introduced 
into England in 1797, but mostly lost sight of 
until recently, except in collections of old 
plants. It is, indeed, an entirely distinct spe- 
cies, and one of the best for general cultiva- 
tion for cut flowers. The foliage is covered 
with a white, silvery down; the lower petals 
of the flowers are pure white, and the upper 
ones marked or blotched with dark purple or 
maroon. In their habitat several variations 
in color appear, but are all of the same general 
character. P. capitatumis the popular Rose 
Geranium, which was introduced in 1690. P. 
quercifolium is the larger Oak-leaved Geranium, 
introduced in 1774. P. graveolens is the Lemon- 
scented Geranium; P. vitifolium is the Balm- 
scented Geranium, receiving its specific name 
from the resemblance of its leaves to those of 
the Vine; P. fragrans is the Nutmeg-scented 
Geranium, introduced in 1731; P. tomentosum 
is the Pennyroyal Geranium ; P. gratum is the 
Citron-scented Geranium; P. odorata is the 
Apple-scented Geranium. Between some of 
the above species hybrids have been produced, 
but we cannot trace them with any degree of 
sontidense, and therefore make no mention of 
em. 


Pelecy'phora. Hatchet Cactus. From pelaky- 


phoros, hatchet-bearing, referring to some 
fancied resemblance in the tubercles to a 
hatchet. Nat. Ord. Cactacee. 


312 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PEL 


P. Aselliformis, the only described species, 
has white and rose colored flowers, borne 
near the summit of the stem. It is very 
nearly allied to the Mammillarias, but in place 
of the spines of that genus it bears two rows 
of flat horny scales, which overlap like the 
tiles on aroof. It was introduced from Mex- 
ico in 1843. 


Pele’xia. From pelex, a helmet, referring to the 
shape of the back sepals. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
cee. ‘ 

A small genus of terrestrial orchids, natives 
of tropical America. The species are not very 
ornamental, and are seldom seen in cultiva- 
tion. 


Pelican-Flower. A common name for Aristo- 
lochia grandiflora. 


Pe'llea. An extensive genus of Ferns, both 
native and exotic, many of them very hand- 
some. FP. gracilis, and P. atropurpurea, are 
our best known native species. According to 
later authorities many of the species formerly 
placed under Platyloma, Allosorus, Pteris, etc., 
are now classed with this genus. As.consti- 
tuted at present it contains upwards of sixty 
species. 

Pellicle. A thin skin that envelopes certain 
seeds. 

Pellio’nia. Named after A. A. Pellion, an officer 
in Freycinet’s voyage round the world. Nat. 
Ord. Urticacee. 

A genus of stove-house plants, often creep- 
ing at the base ; natives of tropical and eastern 
Asia, as far as Japan and the Pacific Islands. 
P. Daveauana is by its pendant habit admir- 
ably adapted for basket-work for the green- 
house. The leaves much resemble Trades- 
cantia zebrina in shape, but are much more 
handsome. The centre of the leaves is light 
green, with abroad band around the margin of 
dark brown or chocolate. At first sight it 
would easily be mistaken for one of the fine- 
foliaged Begonias but it is quite distinct from 
that genus. Introduced from Cochin China in 
1880. 

Pellitory of Spain. See Anthemis. 

Pellitory of the Wall. Parietaria officinalis. 

Pelo’ria. An irregular flower, become irregular 
by @ monstrous development of complemen- 
tary irregularities (Prof. Asa Gray). 

Pelta/ndra. From pelte, a buckler, and aner, a 
man. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

P. Virginica, formerly called Arum Virgini- 
cum, is a common aquatic plant, in shallow 
waters, from New York southward. The 
root-stock contains a considerable amount 
of starch. 

Peltate. Target-shaped, shield-like; attached 
by the middle, as the leaf of Tropeolum. 

Peltatifid. When a peltate leaf is sub-divided. 

Pelviform. Shallowly cup-shaped; basin-like. 

Penang Lawyers. See Licuala. 

Pencil Flower. The genus Stylosanthes. 

Pendulous. Drooping; hanging down. 

Penicilla‘ria. From penicillus, a pencil ; in allu- 
sion to the spikes. Nat. Ord. Graminaceew. 

A genus of grasses now included under 
Pennisetum. 

Penicillate, Penicilliform. Resembling a 
camel’s-hair pencil; consisting of, or covered 


PEN 


with hairs, which are nearly parallel with each 
other. Sometimes marked with color, as if 
laid on in streaks with a camel’s-hair pencil. 


Penniform. Having the ribs of a leaf arranged 
in a pinnated leaf, but confluent at the point 
as in the Date Palm. 


Penninerved, Penniveined. Having main veins 
or ribs, running straight from the margins, at 
equal distances. 


Pennise/tum. From penna, a feather, and seta, 
a bristle; referring to the long feathered 
bristles of the flower spikes. Nat. Ord. 
Graminacee. 

A smail genus of grasses of no agricultural 
value, but affording one or two species that 
are highly prized in the ornamental garden, 
and for their uses as dried grasses in the 
various forms in which they are employed. 
One of the most beautiful species is Pennisetum 
longystylum, and for a low growing grass there 
is none more to be desired. The heads are 
cylindrical in form and their weight bends 
down their slender culms into every variety of 
the line of beauty; the glumes and pales are 
of delicate whiteness, and the styles so long 
and feathery that they resemble tassels of 
white chenille. It grows from two to. three 
feet high and forms a very handsome clump. 
P. latifolium (syn. Gymnothrix latifolium), 
introduced from Montevideo in 1869, is also 
a very ornamental perennial species, with 
beautiful nodding spikes. It, as well as P. 
longystylum, should be taken up at the approach 
of winter and placed under cover. 


Pennyroyal. The common name of Mentha 
Pennyroyal. American. The popular name of 
Hedeoma pulegeoides. 


Pennyroyal. Bastard. Trichostema dichoto- 
mum. 


Pennyroyal. False. Isanthus ceruleus. 
Pennyroyal. Tree. Satureja viminea. 


Pennywort.  Sibthorpea, bebe ie also Coty- 
ledon Umbilicus, and Linaria Cymbalaria. 


Pennywort. Marsh. Hydrocotyle vulgaris. 
Pennywort. Water. Hydrocotyle Americana. 


Pentade/sma. From pente, five, and desma, a 
bundle; the stamens are disposed in bundles 
of five. Nat. Ord. Guttifera. 

P. butryacea, the Butter and Tallow Tree 
of Sierra Leone, is a large tree, yielding in 
several parts, especially in the fruit, when cut, 
a yellow greasy juice, whence is derived its 
popular name. The leaves are large, leathery, 
beautifully marked with numerous parallel 
veins; the flowers large and handsome, soli- 
tary and terminal. The fruits are said to be 
edible. It was introduced in 1822 and may be 
propagated by cuttings of the ripened wood. 


Pentape’ra. From pente, five, and pera, a bag; 
referring to the five-celled ovary. P. sicula, 
the only described species, is a low, much- 
branched, Heath-like shrub, a native of 
Sicily, Cyprus, and Barca, distinguished 
from the true Heaths by its pentamerous 
flowers (which Sir Joseph Hooker points out 
is not a constant character), by its large 
sepals and pubescent ovary. The flowers are 
larger than those of the other European 
Heaths, and are pure white. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 313 


PEN 


Pentaptery’gium. From pente, five, and ptery- 
gion, asmall wing. Nat. Ord. Vacciniacee. 

A small genus of green-house shrubs,natives 

of the temperate Himalayas and the Khasia 
Mountains. The flowers are red, yellow, or 
white bedewed with red, rather large and 
showy. P. flavum, flowers yellow, margined 
with red; P. rugosum, flowers nearly white, 
beautifully marbled with purple or blood-red 
bands, and P. serpens, with bright red flowers, 
are the best known species, and are all neat 
and attractive plants. As they are naturally 
epiphytal in their habits, they can be grown 
in hanging-baskets or pots as desired, and 
are propagated by cuttings. 
Pentarha/phia. From penie, five, and raphis, a 
needle; referring to the form of the open 
calyx. A genus of Gesneracew, composed of 
shrubby or half-shrubby plants inhabiting the 
West India Islands, a few being also found in 
Central America. Several species with bright 
red, or scarlet flowers are in cultivation. For 
culture, etc., see Gesnera. 


PEP 


Gentianoides, which, though they possess a 
wide variation in color, lack the beautiful 
clear blue which we find in some of the spe- 
cies. Most of them grow well in alight loam. 
They should haye as dry a situation as the 
garden affords, as they suffer more from wet 
than cold, and are the better of the protection 
of acold frame during winter. Several of the 
Californian species, of late introduction, are 
very difficult to winter over in the border; 
being found in a coarse, sandy soil, and their 
period of rest being the dry season, they 
seem little inclined to adapt themselves to 
our climate. The beauty and profusion of 
the flowers will, however, pay for the protec- 
tion they may need against the elements. 
Many of the species will flower the first 
season from seed, if sown in the green-house, 
or on an early hot-bed, and once transplanted 
before being transferred to the open border. 
The following species are all desirable: P. 
azureus, P. barbatus, P. campanulatus, P. Cobea, 
P. diffusus, P. Fendleri, P. heterophyllus, P. 


Jaffrayanus, P. Murrayonus, P. procerus, P. 
Scouleri, etc. 


Peo/ny. See Pwonia. 
Pepero/mia. From piper, pepper, and omoios, 


Pe'ntas. From penie, five; referring to the 
number of petals and stamens. Nat. Ord. 
Rubiacee. 

P. carnea, the best known species, is a very 


handsome green-house plant with delicate 
flesh-colored flowers, copiously produced in 
dense corymbs or cymes. Itis valuable, not 
only for the richness of its flowers, but also 
for the lengthened period during which they 
are produced, and although it requires a hot- 
house to flower freely in winter, yet it may be 
kept in a green-house, and will then bloom 
from April till the following October. Propa- 
gated by cuttings of young shoots in sandy 
soil in the hot-bed or green-house in spring; 
the young plants will bloom freely during the 
summer. Introduced from South Africa in 
1842. : 


Pentla’ndia. Named after J. B. Pentland, an 
English consul-general in Peru. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

A small genus of very showy green-house 
bulbous plants from Peru. P. miniata, the 
most beautiful of the species, bears a solitary 
lanceolate leaf, appearing before the flowers, 
which are borne on a solid scape supporting 
an umbel of about half adozen drooping ver- 
milion colored flowers. They flower in early 
autumn, and should rest during winter, in 
the same manner as the Amaryllis. They 
were first introduced in 1836, and are propa- 
gated by offsets. This genus is included 
under Urceolina by some authors. 


Pentste’/mon. From pente, five, and stemon, a 
stamen; there are four perfect stamens and 
one imperfect. Nat. Ord. Serophulariacee. 
An extensive genus of hardy and half-hardy 
herbaceous plants. Several of the species are 
common from North Carolina to Florida. The 
more showy species, those usually cultivated, 
are natives of Texas, Oregon, Colorado, 
Rocky Mountains, etc., and Mexico. Those 
introduced into the garden are beautiful 
plants, growing from one to three feet high, 
with white, pink, scarlet, blue, or purple 
flowers, produced freely from April until 
October. Within the past few years great 
improvements have been made in the garden 
varieties or so-called hybrids of the Pent- 
stemon, by judicious selection of seminal 
varieties of P. Hartwegii, P. Cobewa, and P. 


Pepo. 


similar. Nat. Ord. Piperacee. 

An extensive genus of green-house ever- 
green and herbaceous ornamental-leaved 
plants, abundant in Central and South 
America, the Sandwich Islands, southern 
Africa, and the East Indies. The majority 
are small creeping plants with fleshy leaves, 
growing on trunks of trees, or on damp rocks; 
others are more erect, of a shrubby character, 
and are terrestrial in their habits. Several of 
the species have been introduced into the 
green-house for the sake of their foliage; 
prominent among them is P. maculosa, a dwarf- 
growing species, with inconspicuous flowers, 
but very beautiful foliage. This species is 
readily increased by leaf cuttings, treated in 
the same manner as Begonia Rex. Itisa 
native of St. Domingo. First introduced in 
1790. P. resedeflora, or Mignonette flowered, 
introduced from New Grenada in 1870, bears 
small, spire-like spikes of white flowers at the 
apex of pink stems, the lower portions of 
which are furnished with small velvety leaves. 
It is used for button-hole bouquets, and is 
suitable for florists’ work generally. -P. brevi- 
pes (syn. P. prostrata), introduced in 1880, has 
round, thick, fleshy leaves, variegated with 
light and dark shades of green, and a brown- 
ish tinge. They are borne on long slender 
stems, which appear to the best advantage 
when pendulous, grow rapidly, and may be 
readily increased by pegging small portions of 
the stem down on the soil. It is admirably 
adapted for basket culture, well-grown speci- 
mens furnishing beautiful drooping sprays 
four to five feet long. 


**A one-celled, many-seeded, inferior 
fruit, with parietal placentes, and a pulpy 
interior, as a Gourd.”—Lindley. 


Pepper. See Piper. 
Pepper. Bird. Capsicum baccatum. 
Pepper-bush. Sweet. 


A common name for 
Clethra alnifolia. ; 


Peppergrass. See Lepidium. 
Pepperidge. See Nyssa. 


314 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PEP 


Peppermint. Mentha piperita. 
Pepper-root. See Dentaria. 
Pepper Shrub. See Schinus. 


Pepper Vine. A popular name of Ampelopsis 
bipinnata. oe 


Pepper. White, is Piper nigrum with the black 
husks removed. 


Pepperwort. See Lepidiwm. 


Peppermint-Tree. A common name for several 
species of Eucalyptus. 


Perennials. Plants which last for several years 
are termed Perennials. This term is most 
generally applied to hardy herbaceous plants 
of this character, when it is necessary to dis- 
tinguish between those which are perennials, 
and those which are of only annual or biennial 
duration. For a selection of which, see ‘‘ Her- 
baceous Plants.” 


Perennis. Lasting from year to year. 


Pere’skia. Barbadoes Gooseberry. Named after 
Nicholas F. Pieresk, a French patron of botany. 
The generic name is sometimes written Pier- 
escia. Nat. Ord. Cactaceew. 

This genus consists of about a dozen species, 
and is allied to the Cactus. Some are tree- 
like and have woody stems, but they are 
mostly shrubs with fleshy stems, flat leaves, 
and round branches armed with tufts of 
spines, and bearing terminal solitary or clus- 
tered flowers, generally on short stalks. P. 

- aculeata is indigenous in the West Indies, 
where it is commonly known as the Barbadoes 
Gooseberry or Gooseberry Shrub. It grows 
about fifteen feet high, the stem armed with 
bundles of straight spines, and having trailing 
branches bearing oblong, elliptical leaves and 
clusters of beautiful white flowers, and yellow, 
eatable, and pleasant-tasted fruit, which is 
used in making preserves, in the same man- 
ner as the common garden Gooseberry is 
used. This species is an excellent subject to 
graft Epiphyllums, etc., on, and is much used 
for that purpose. P. Bleo is called Bleo by the 
natives of New Grenada, where it is indigen- 
ous. Itis ashrub growing eight or ten feet 
high, with rather soft, fleshy leaves, five or six 
inches long, of an elliptical form, sharp pointed 
at the top, and tapering to the base. It bears 
handsome rose-colored flowers, with ten 
petals in two series, the inner of which are 
the largest and deepest colored. The leaves 
are eaten as asalad in Panama. Propagated 
by cuttings. 

Perfect. Complete in all the usual parts. 


Perfoliate. When the two basal lobes of an 
amplexicaul leaf are united together, the leaf 
completely surrounding the stem, so that the 
stem seems to pass through the leaf, as in 
Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset). 

Perforate. Pierced with holes, or with trans- 
pareat dots resembling holes, as an Orange 
leaf. 


Pergula'ria. From pergula, trellis-work; refer- 
ring to its quick climbing growth. Nat. Ord. 
Asclepiadacee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
climbers, allied to Stephanotis. Some of the 
species are remarkable for their sweet-scented 
greenish white flowers. They are natives of 
the East Indies and Java, but are very little 
cultivated. : 


PER 


Perianth. The calyx and corolla combined; 
that is to say, when they look so much alike 
that they cannot be readily distinguished, as 
in a Hyacinth. 

Pericarp. The shell or rind of all fruits taken 
as a whole. When it separates into layers, 
each layer may have a different name, but the 
whole is still the pericarp. 


Pericladium. The sheathing base of aleaf when 
it expands and surrounds the supporting 
branch; the dilated, sheathing base of some 
petioles, especially among Umbellifers. 


Periclinium. The involucre of the flower-heads 
of Composites. 


Periderm, Peridermis. The outer cellular layer 
of bark below the epidermis. ‘ 


Perigynous. Growing upon some part which 
surrounds the ovary, usually the calyx, though 
sometimes the corolla is also included within 
the meaning. 


Peri/lla. Derivation of name unknown. 
Ord. Labiate. 

A small genus of hardy annuals, natives of 
China and East Indies. P. ocymoides crispa 
(syn. P. Nankinensis) has deep purple leaves, 
and at one time was much used as an orna- 
mental border plant, but from its somewhat 
weedy appearance and wonderful productive- 
ness, it has been pretty generally discarded. 

Periplo’ca. From periploke, an intertwining; 
referring to the habit of the plant. Nat. Ord. 
Asclepiadacee. 

A small genus of hardy deciduous and 
green-house evergreen twiners, inhabiting 
southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. P. Greca, 
an ornamental species, has long been 
known in cultivation, and is very common in 
the hedge-rows of southern Europe. It has 
purplish flowers, arranged in axillary clusters. 
The juice of this species is exceedingly 
poisonous, and is used in the East for 
destroying wolves. Propagated by layers or 
cuttings. 


Peri'ptera. From periptera, a shuttlecock; al- 
luding to the resemblance in the form of the 
flower. Nat. Ord. Malvacee. 

M. punicea is a pretty little shrub with 
crimson flowers, introduced from Spain in 
1814. It grows freely in a compost of loam 
aud peat, and is propagated by cuttings or 
seeds. 


Periste’ria. From peristera, a dove; in allusion 
to the dove-like appearance of the column. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of splendid terrestrial Or- 
chids. The best known and most beautiful of 
the species is P. elata, a native of Panama, 
where it is known as Hl Spirito Santo, the 
Holy Ghost Plant; the reason of this name is 
obvious on looking at the flower; the central 
member exhibits a column, which, with its 
summit and the projecting gland of the pollen 
masses, together with the erect wings, bears 
a very striking resemblance to the figure of a 
dove ; hence the English name of Dove Flower. 
Its flower stem rises from the base of the 
pseudo-bulbs, and attains a height of from 
four to six feet, its upper portion, for about 
one-third of the length, being covered with 
nearly round, very sweet-scented flowers, each 
about an inch and a half across, and of a 
creamy white, with small lilac specks on the 


Nat. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 315 


PER 


base of the lip. They should be grown in 
well-drained pots of light, rich, fibrous loam, 
with a liberal mixture of fine sand and broken 

“charcoal. They succeed well in an ordinary 
green-house, but are impatient of much water, 
particularly when at rest. They flower during 
the summer months, and remain in bloom 
several weeks. It is propagated by division, 
and was introduced in 1826. 


Peristro’phe. From peristrophe, turning round, 
in reference to the corolla, which is twisted 
so as to be upside down. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
thacee. 

A small genus of green-house herbaceous 
plants, natives of India, with small purple 
flowers produced in winter, and continuing in 
full beauty tor several weeks. P. angustifolia 
variegata, an ornamental plant, with foliage 
variegated with yellowish-white and green; it 
is a very useful plant in window gardening or 
rustic work, and is propagated readily by cut- 
tings. 

Peri/toma. From peritome, a cutting round 
about; referring to the base of the calyx. Nat. 
Ord. Capparidacee. 

A small genus of hardy annual herbs now 
included by Bentham and Hooker under 
Cleome. P. aurea is the only species of inter- 
est. 


Periwinkle. See Vinca. 


Perne’ttya. Named after Don Pernetty, author 
of ‘A Voyage to the Falkland Islands.” Nat. 
Ord. Ericacee. 

A genus of half-hardy evergreen, white 
flowering shrubs, natives'of Mexico and Peru. 
They are not sufficiently hardy to endure our 
winter without protection, and have no merits 
that entitle them to a place in the green-house. 


Perono’spora. A genus of minute Fungi, all 
growing in, or upon living plants. Thespecies 
that has done most harm and is most to be 
dreaded is the Potato disease Fungus, P. infes- 
tans, known also as Phytophthora infestans. 
There are many other species that attack 
various vegetables such as Parsley, Carrots, 
Turnips, Cabbages, Peas, Spinach, etc., and 
are frequently most injurious to these plants. 
As it is now well understood that these Fungi 
live inside the host-plants, and that it is 
impossible to destroy the parasite without 
destroying the plant, all efforts should be 
directed against the spread of the disease, 
since a cure of the diseased plant is practi- 
cally hopeless, All diseased plants are liable 
to communicate the disease to healthy plants 
and should, if possible, be burned, that being 
the only certain means of preventing the 
spread of the disease. 


Perse’a. Alligator or Avocado Pear. A name 
applied by Theophrastus to an Egyptian tree. 
Nat. Ord. Lauracee. 

The Alligator Pear, a native of the West 
Indies, grows upon a tree about the size of 
the Apple-tree. The tree has oblong, veiny 
leaves, and yellowish-green flowers. The fruit, 
which is the size of a large Pear, is considered 
by the natives one of the most delicious in the 
world, though strangers do not at first relish 
it. It contains a large quantity of firm pulp, 
possessing a buttery or marrow-like taste, 
and is therefore frequently called Vegetable 
Marrow or Midshipman’s Butter. It is usually 
eaten with spice, lime-juice, or pepper and 


PET 


salt. The trees cannot be induced to grow 
excepting in tropical or sub-tropical countries. 

Persian Powder. A valuable insecticide manu- 
factured from the flowers of Pyrethrum rosewm 
and other species. 


Pe’rsica. The Peach. So named from Persia, 
its supposed native country. Nat. Ord. 
Rosacee. 

A small genus now included by Bentham 
and Hooker under Prunus. P. vulgaris and 
its variety P. V. levis are well known and 
much esteemed fruits; for culture and descrip- 
tion of which, see Peach and Nectarine. 


Persica'ria. A common name for Polygonum 
Persicaria. 


Persimmon. See Diospyros Virginiana. 
Persimmon. Japanese. See Diospyros Kaki. 


Persistent. Remaining beyond the period 
when such parts commonly fall, as the leaves 
of evergreens, and the calyx, etc., of such 
flowers as remain during the growth of the 
fruit. 


Personate. Masked; a bilabiate corolla, with a 
projection or palate in the throat, as of the 
Snapdragon. 


Perso/onia. Namedafter C. H. Persoon, author 
“Synopsis Plantarum” and other botanical 
works. An extensive genus of Proteacew, com- 
prising some sixty species of green-house 
ornamental shrubs found in most parts of 
Australia. One species, P. Toro, a lofty tree, 
is found in New Zealand. A number of 
species are in cultivation, and are admir- 
able for large conservatories. They are 
propagated by cuttings of the ripened shoots. 


Pertuse. Having slits or holes. 

Peru. Balsam of. Myroxylon Peruiferum. 
Peru. Marvel of. See Mirabilis Jalapa. 
Peruvian Bark. See Cinchona. 


Peruvian Daffodil. A common name for Hymen- 
ocallis (Ismene) Calathina. 


Pes. The Latin for the foot or stalk; as in com- 
pounds, Brevipes, short-stalked; Longipes, 
long-stalked, etc. 


Pescato’rea. <A genus of Orchids now included 
under Zygopetalum. 


Petaloste’mon. Prairie Clover. From petalon, 
a petal, and stemon, a stamen, referring to the 
peculiar union of these organs in this genus. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of hardy or half-hardy perennial 
herbs closely allied to Dalea, natives of the 
southern United States. The flowers are rose- 
colored, purplish violet, or white. P. candidus, 
and P. violaceus are both good subjects for the 
herbaceous border. 


Petaloid. Similar to a petal in color and 
texture. 


Petals. The division of the corolla, or flower 
when they are not united to each other by 
their edges. 


Petasi'tes. From petasos, an umbrella; alluding 
to the size of the foliage. A genus of Com- 
posite, natives of Europe, Asia and North 
America. Many of the species formerly 
included under Tussilago, have now been 
referred to this genus. They are principally 
coarse-growing weeds though some of the 
species being very early flowering are worth 


, 


316 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PET 


cultivation. P. vulgaris is the Bog Rhubarb, 
_or Butter Bur. 


Petiole. The foot-stalk of a leaf. 


Petiole. Common. The first and principal 
leaf-stalk in compound leaves. s 


Petive'ria. Named after James Petiver, a dis- 
tinguished botanist of London, 1665-1718. Nat. 
Ord. Phytolacacee. 

P. Alliacea, or Guinea Hen Weed, the only 
cultivated species, is an ornamental, slender, 
erect green-house plant, with an onion-like 
smell. It is found from Mexico to Brazil, and 
is seldom seen in cultivation. 4 


Petre’a. Linneus dedicated this genus to 
Robert James, Lord Petre, a celebrated patron 
of botany, who died in 1742. Nat. Ord. Verben- 
ace. : 

A genus of twining shrubs or small trees, 
natives of Mexico and South America. P. 
volubilis and some of the other species are 
very beautiful flowering climbers. The flowers 
are large, of a deep violet color, and pro- 
duced in graceful racemes, and are increased 
by cuttings in spring. They were first intro- 
duced in 1834. 


Petrzeus, Petrosus. Growing in rocky or stony 
places. 


Petro’bium. From pefros, a rock, and bio, to 


live, alluding to the habitat of the species. 


Nat. Ord. Composite. 

P. arboreum, the only described species, is 
an ornamental green-house shrub with yellow 
flowers. Introduced from St. Helena in 1816, 
it succeeds well in sandy loam, and is readily 
increased by cuttings. 


Petroca'llis. From petros, a rock, and kalos, 
beautiful; the plant adorns the rocks on 
which it grows. Nat. Ord. Cruciferae. 

P. Pyrenaica, the only species, is a pretty 
little tufted plant, peculiar to Alpine places in 
the Pyrenees, and growing in dense patches, 
like many of the Sasifragas. The stems, an 
inch or two high, are densely clothed with 
wedge-shaped, lobed leaves, and terminate in 
a raceme of rather large, purplish flowers, 
which are followed by small, oval, swollen, 
two-celled seed-pods. It is a very interesting 
plant for a rockery, but must be given but lit- 
tle soil and the most complete drainage. Syn. 
Draba. 


Petroco’smea Sinensis. A new genus of (es- 
neracew, of which the present species is the 
only one so far described. It is a beautiful 
little plant with violet or blue flowers and 
resembling a Violet in habit. It was found 
by Dr. Henry (1888) growing on the surface of 
arock in the bottom of a small cave near 
Ichang (China) with the leaves closely pressed 
against the rock. 

Petro’phila. From petros, a rock, and phileo, 
to love; in allusion to the place of growth. 
Nat. Ord. Proteacee. ; 

A genus of about twenty-five species of 
green-house shrubs, natives of Australia, 
with white or yellow flowers in dense, termi- 
nal spikes or cones. They are seldom culti- 
vated except in large conservatories. 


Petroseli/num. A synonym for Apium Petroseli- 
“num, which see. 


Pettigree, or Pettigrue. 
_ Ruscus aculeatus. 


A common name for 


PET 


Pettiwhin. A popular name for Genista Anglica 
and Ononis arvensis. 


Petu’nga. Peetunga is the name of P. Roa 
burghii in Bengal. Nat. Ord. Rubiacew. 

A small genus of ornamental plant-stove 
shrubs, natives of eastern Bengal, the Malay 
Peninsula and the Indian Archipelago. P. 
Roxburghii, the only cultivated species, is a 
very ornamental plant, with white flowers; 
easily increased by cuttings in heat. 


Petu’nia. From pet, Brazilian name for 
tobacco, to which the Petunia is allied. Nat. 
Ord. Solanacee. 

A small genus of half-hardy herbaceous per- 
ennials, all natives of South America, and 
mostly confined to Brazil. Though coming 
from a tropical country, where they are 
strictly perennial, they may be grown as 
hardy annuals. In the whole range of what 
are called ‘bedding plants,” there is not an 
individual that can be said to exceed in gen- 
eral usefulness the Petunia. They are of the 
easiest culture, seeding themselves when 
once planted, growing in any soil that will 
sustain plant life, and producing the most 
showy flowers in the greatest profusion. 
Few, if any, plants have come so rapidly into 
popular favor, or have been so much improved 
by hybridization and cultivation. Only afew 
years ago they were comparatively unknown, 
and now there is not a garden, either large or 
small, where they are not grown ; nor are they 
confined to the garden, as the windows of the 
workshop and the humble tenement so cheer- 
ily testify. P. nyctaginifiora, the common 
White Petunia, was first introduced into Eng- 
land from Brazil in 1823. It was but little culti- 
vated, and only in the green-houses as a peren- 
nial, until1830. At this period P. violacea or P. 
Phenicia, as it is sometimes called, was intro- 
duced from Buenos Ayres by a Mr. Tweedie, 
a botanical collector, who.sent seeds of it to 
the Botanic Garden at Glasgow. It was soon 
found that it would propagate freely from 
seed, and in a short time it became widely 
disseminated. It was figured and sent out 
first as Salpiglossis integrifolia and Nierem- 
bergia Phenicia. From these two species all 
our garden varieties have been produced. To 
Isaac Buchanan, of New York, belongs the 
eredit of having first hybridized these species, 
the result being the magnificent blotched and 
striped varieties now so extensively culti- 
vated. His first effort was crowned with the 
most complete success, the hybrids being as 
perfectly and distinctly marked as any since 
produced. These were for a number of years 
offered in seedsmen’s catalogues as ‘ Bucha- 
nan’s Hybrids.” Many other splendid sorts 
have been produced in this country, and 
among them the ‘Fringed Petunia,” . from 
which the Germans have succeeded in getting 
a double variety, finely fringed. Many double 
varieties are now sent out each season, claim- 
ing special merit. They are well adapted for 
green-house culture, but for massing or ex- 
tended borders, the best marked single varie- 
ties are far superior, because they produce 
their flowers in greater abundance. Where a 
mass of any particular color is desired, it is 
better to strike cuttings of the favorite kinds 
in the fall. For the mixed border, the seeds 
may be sown where wanted to grow; or, if 
wanted to flower early, seed may be sown in 


PHALZNOPSIS SCHILLERIANA. 


316 PETUNIA (DOUBLE FRINGED). PETUNIA (LARGE FLOWERING, SINGLE). 


PHEDRANASSA CHLORACEA. 


PENTSTEMON. 


i? 
fee) 
f ROR 
y 
0 


Z TENSE (TIMOTHY GRASS). PHLOX DRUMMONDI (DOUBLE WHITE). 30 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 317 


PEU 


the green-house or in a hot-bed, and trans- 
planted into the border. If the soil is rich, 
the plants should be set three feet apart each 
way. A peculiarity of the blotched varieties, 
particularly among the double ones, is that, 
when propagated from cuttings for a few 
years, the tendency is to run back to the dark 
color, all white markings being obliterated. 
Plants from cuttings will flower from June 
ke after they have had several degrees of 
rost. 


Peuce’danum. The old Greek name used by 
Hippocrates. Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. 

A large genus of perennial, rarely annual, 
herbs, or shrubs, dispersed over the Northern 
Hemisphere, the Andes of tropical America, 
and tropical and southern Africa. The species 
are of little horticultural value. Pastinaca 
sativa, the Parsnip, is by some authors placed 
under this genus. 


Peu’mus. Said to be the native name in Chili. 
Nat. Ord. Monimiacee. : 

P. Boldus, the only described species, is a 
small evergreen, fragrant green-house shrub, 
bearing its terminal cymes of white flowers in 
May. The leaves are used in medicine, the 
fruit is edible, and the bark is used in tanning. 

Peyrou’sia. A synonym of Lapeyrousia, which 
see. 

Pfa'ffia. Named in honor of C. H. Pfaff, Profes- 
sor of Chemistry at Kiel, 1774-1852. Nat. Ord. 
Amaranthacee. 

A genus of erect, slender, plant-stove herbs, 
natives of Brazil. P. Gnaphaloides, the only 
introduced species, has white flowers, borne 
in dense spikes or heads. It is seldom met 
with in cultivation. Syn. Celosia. 


Pha’ca. Bastard Vetch. From phago, to eat; a 
naine adopted by Dioscorides. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

A genus of showy, hardy, herbaceous, per- 
ennial plants, suitable for the front of shrub- 
bery borders. Their flowers are of many 
shades of white, yellow, rose, or purple. The 
species are common throughout the States. 
This genus is now included by Bentham and 
Hooker under Astragalus. 


Phace’lia. From phakelos, a bundle; in refer- 
ence to the disposition of the flowers. Nat. 
Ord. Hydrophyllacee. 

Very curious plants, which produce their 
flowers in one-sided fascicles, which unroll 
themselves slowly The flowers are rather 
pretty in themselves, but are half-hidden by 
their bracts and coarse-growing leaves. Some 
of the species are perennials, and others bien- 
nial or annual. The Californian species are 
annuals with blue flowers, but the South 
American kinds are biennials or perennials 
with pink flowers. Syn. Cosmanthus. 


Pheedrana’ssa. Queen Lily. From phaidros, 
gay, and anassa, queen. Nat. Ord. Amarylli- 
dacee. 


A small genus of bulbs, natives of Peru and 
Quito. They are found at an elevation of 
9,000 feet above the sea, growing among the 
rocks, where there is not, seemingly, suffi- 
cient earth to sustain vegetable life. They are 
handsome, though not very showy plants. 
The flowers are about two inches long, in the 
form of a slender tube, of a light pea-green 
color, tipped with pink. The bulbs require a 
long season of rest after flowering, which is 


PHA 


usually in winter. They are easily grown in 
a cool green-house with the most ordinary 
care, and are increased by offsets. Intro- 
duced in 1844. 


Phzenoco’ma. From phaino, to shine, and kome, 
hair; referring to the color and nature of the 
involucre. Nat. Ord. Composite: 

P. prolifera, the only species, is an exceed- 
ingly handsome, small, hard-wooded, ever- 
green shrub, which has a most interesting and 
peculiar hoary appearance at all seasons of 
the year. The plant commences to produce 
its bright pink, everlasting blossoms when in 
a small state, and remains in full beauty for 
nearly three months. Itis a great favorite in 
Europe in all collections of hard-wooded 
plants, but, though many attempts have been 
made, we are not aware that it has been suc- 
cessfully imported to this country. It is a 
native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was 
introduced in 1789. Syn. Hlichrysum and 
Xeranthemum proliferum. 


Phzeno’gamous. A term applied to such plants 
as are visibly furnished with sexual organs. 


Phzenospe‘rma. From phaino, to shine, and 
sperma, a seed; alluding to the glistening 
seeds. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

P. globosum, introduced from China in 1874, is 
the only described species. It is a tall, hardy, 
ornaméntal grass, easily increased by seeds 
sown in spring. 


Phai'us. From phaios, shining; in allusion to 
the beauty of the original species. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

An interesting genus of Orchids, generally 
terrestrial natives of tropical Africa, Aus- 
tralia, the Pacific Islands, China and Japan. 
The species are free-flowering and are of easy 
management. They thrive best in a compost 
of turfy loam, leaf-mould and well rotted 
cow dung; plenty of heat and moisture are 
essential during the growing season, but in 
winter, or when at rest, they should be 
kept in a low temperature, such as that of 
the green-house, and while there should be 
nearly dry. In early spring re-pot them, 
and replace them in the hot-house, where 
they soon grow and ultimately flower. P. 
Wallichii, P. Bensone (syn. Thunia), P. albus 
(syn. Thunia) and P. grandifolius, are all desir- 
able species, and should be in every collection. 
The latter is often grown under the name of 
Bletia Tankervillie. See Orchids. 


Phalzno’psis. Moth Orchid. Sometimes 
called the East Indian Butterfly Orchid. 
From phalaina, a moth, and opsis, like; in 
allusion to the appearance of the flowers, 
which bear a striking resemblance to that 
insect; whence the common name. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

The various species of Phalenopsis are 
prized by growers as among the most beauti- 
ful of cultivated Orchids. The flowers, which 
are nearly circular in outline and about two 
inches and a half in diameter, vary from pure 
white to a beautiful rose-color, the central 
portion being marked with delicate streaks of 
crimson ; the sepals and petals are thick and 
leathery, and, as the name implies, a fancied 
resemblance may be traced between the flow- 
ers of this plant and a large white moth. In 
culture the species requires a very high tem- 
perature; it should be grown in the hottest 


318 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PHA 


part of the hot-house, with an abundant sup- 
ply of moisture, especially in the form of 
vapor, while in an active state; but at other 
times the quantity of each should be mod- 
erately reduced. In summer, when the plant 
is growing, the thermometer should range 
between 70° and 90°, when it will grow rap- 
idly, and consequently flower in perfection. 
It may be regarded as a very liberal bloomer. 
The genus consists of over twenty species, a 
number of which are of recent introduction. 
They are all natives of the islands of the 
Indian Archipelago, and the eastern provinces 
of India, and were first introduced in 1836. P. 
amabilis, P. Esmeralda, P. Luddemannia, P. 
Schilleriana, and P. Stuartiana, are well known 
and superior species. See Orchids. 


Phala’ngium. A synonym of Anthericum, St. 
Bruno’s Lily. 

Phalaris. Canary Grass. From phalaros, 
shining; referring to the shining seeds. Nat. 
Ord. Graminacee. 

A small genus of Grasses, mostly natives of 
Central Asia. P. Canariensis produces the 
Canary seed of commerce. Gardener’s Garters 
is a beautjful, variegated variety of P. arund- 
inacea very common in English gardens, and 
has been long introduced here. It is an 
excellent plant for shrubberies and is propa- 
gated by division. 

Phale’ria. From phalaros, 
alluding to the color of the flowers. 
Ord. Thymeleacee. 

A genus of green-house trees or shrubs, 
natives of Australia, the Malayan Archipelago 
and Ceylon. PP. laurifolia, the only species 
in cultivation, has beautiful white flowers, 
remarkable for their delicious Daphne-like 
fragrance. It was introduced from Ceylon in 
1869, and is propagated by seeds or cuttings. 

Phaloca'llis. From phalos, a cone, and kallos, 
beautiful; beautifully cone-crested. Nat. Ord. 
Tridacee. 

P. plumbea. the only known species, is a 
half-hardy Mexican bulb, producing singular 
lead colored flowers, tinged with yellow in the 
centre, about three inches across, lasting only 
afew hours. They expand before sunrise and 
elose before noon. This was formerly in- 
eluded in the genus Cypella, but was separated 
by Dean Herbert. It requires the same treat- 
ment and care as the Tigridia, and 1s in- 
creased by offsets. Introduced in 1837. 

Phanerogamous. The same as Phenogamous, 
which see. 

Pharbi'tis. One of the divisions of the genus 
Ipomea. 

Pha’'rus. From pharos, a covering; the leaves 
are used for thatching and other purposes. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of ornamental grasses natives of 
tropical America, from Brazil to Mexico, and 
Florida. P. latifolius, introduced from Jamaica 
in 1796, is a showy species requiring the same 
treatment as the stove species of Bambusa. 
A finely variegated form, P. I. vittatus, the 
foliage banded with white and flushed with 
rose, is in cultivation. 

Pha’seolus. Kidney Bean. From phaselus, a 
little boat; fancied resemblance of the pods. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

This genus contains a few ornamental 
plants, the remainder being agricultural or 


shining white; 
Nat. 


PHI 


culinary vegetables. Of the former, P. Cara- 
calla is the most remarkable, on account of its 
singularly twisted vexillum and keel, the 
appearance of which has induced the popular 
name, Snail Flower. It is a climber and may 
be grown out of doors in summer and in the 
green-house in winter. Itis propagated by 
cuttings and from seed. The ceed should be 
sown in spring in the green-house, with a 
slight bottom heat, and afterwards the plants 
may be placed in the borders of the house 
where they are to bloom, or they may be 
grown in pots. Its flowers are bluish lilac, 
and are valued by florists for their delicious 
fragrance and for their resemblance to Orchids. 
There are several other ornamental green- 
house kinds requiring the same treatment. 
P. lunatus is the origin of the well known Lima 
and Sieva pole Beans. A new dwarf variety 
of the latter, ‘‘Henderson’s Bush Lima,” has 
been lately introduced (1889), and will prove 
most acceptable to many. It grows about 
eighteen inches in height (thus doing away 
with the unsightly bean poles in the garden) 
and produces enormous crops that can be gath- 
ered as easily as the common garden Bush 
Beans. It is at least two weeks earlier than any 
of the climbing sorts ; the beans are of the size 
of the Sieva or Small Lima, and of that deli- 
cious quality that has made the Southern 
Limas so famous. Like all Limas it is very 
tender and should not be planted until end 
of May in the latitude of New York. South 
of Richmond, however, two crops a year 
may be readily obtained, the first crop 
ripening in time to allow of a second planting 
for the fall months. 

P. multiflorus, the common Scarlet Runner of 
our gardens, is a native of Mexico and South 
America. There is a variety with white flow- 
ers. They are very showy when in fiower, 
independent of their value as ‘‘ String Beans.” 
P. vulgaris, is our common Kidney or String- 
Bean, the origin of which is very uncertain. 


Pheasant’s Eye. A common name for Adonis 
estivalis, A. autumnalis; also for Dianthus plum- 
arius. 

Pheba/lium. From Phibale, a myrtle; alluding 
to the appearance of the species. Nat. Ord. 
Rutacee. 

A genus of nearly thirty species of green- 
house shrubs, natives of Australia and New 
Zealand. P. Billardieri, P. squamulosum, and 
one or two other species are in cultivation and 
are showy ornamental plants, growing freely 
in a compost of sandy peat and loam, and are 
increased by cuttings of the young wood. 


Phego’pteris. A genus of Ferns, now included 
under Polypoaium. 


Phe’llodendron. P. amurense, is a small hardy 
tree from northeastern Asia, commonly called 
Chinese Cork Tree. Itis a medium sized tree, 
pyramidal in form, and in general appearance 
not unlike the Ailantus. Its foliage is bright 
red in autumn, and remains very late on the 
tree. 


Philabe’rtia. Named in honor of J. C. Philibert, 
author of some works on elementary botany. 
Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacee. 

A genus of interesting climbing shrubby 
plants, natives of tropical and sub-tropical 
America. P. grandiflora, introduced from 
Buenos Ayres in 1836, has yellow and white 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 319 


PHI 


flowers, and is an interesting plant for the 
green-house or for planting out in summer. 


Philadelphia’cez. A natural order now in- 
cluded under Sazifragacee. 
Philade'lphus. Syringa or Mock Orange. An 


ancient name applied by Linneus ior no 
obvious reason. Nat. Ord. Sazifragacea. 

A genus of about twelve species of orna- 
mental shrubs, natives of central Europe and 
North America, Japan, and the Himalayan 
mountains, the flowers of which smell 
like those of the orange, and the leaves taste 
like Cucumbers. It is rather remarkable that 
one of the English names of these plantsis Sy- 
ringa, which is the botanieal name of the Lilac, 
to which they have not the slightest affinity. 
There are many species, some of which have 
very large and handsome flowers, and some 
bear flowers without any fragrance. They 
are all quite hardy, and may be propagated by 
seeds, layers, cuttings, or division. The 
species are common in the mountains of Vir- 
ginia and southward. 


Philage’ria Veitchii. A combination of parts of 
the generic names of the two parents. Nat. 
‘ Ord. Liliacew. 
A hybrid between Lapageria rosea and Phil- 
esia Busxifolia, raised by the Messrs. Veitch, of 
England. See Philesia. 


Phile’sia. From philesios, lovely. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 

P. Buzifolia isthe only species of this genus. 
It is adwarf shrub, native of the extreme 
southern part of South America, being found 
from Valdivia to the Straits of Magellan. It is 
an evergreen with small leaves, and large, 
bell-shaped, drooping flowers, of a beautiful 
bright red color. It is allied to Lapageria rosea, 
from the same region. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & 
Son, of Chelsea, Eng., succeeded in raising a 
hybrid between the two plants, which has 
been named Philageria Veitchit. It is proper 
to state that the plant is inferior, in point of 
beauty, to either parent. We do not know of 
its introduction to this country. It would do 
well out of doors in the Southern States, or in 
the green-house, north. 


Philesia’ceze. A natural order, now included 
under LDiliaceew. 


Philly’rea. Jasmine Box, Mock Privet. From 
Philyra, the old Greek name used by Theo- 
phrastus, for the Privet. Nat. Ord. Oleacee. 

A small genus of ornamental, compact-grow- 
ing, hardy, evergreen shrubs, natives of the 
Mediterranean region and the Orient. P. 
decora, better known under the name of P. 
Vilmoriniana, and P. laurifolia, the most 
hardy of the genus, is a strikingly handsome 
shrub, with bright-green, coriaceous leaves 
and axillary clusters of white flowers, which 
are followed in the autumn by Olive-shaped, 
reddish-purple fruit. It is a late introduction 
(1885) from the shores of the Black Sea, and in 
common with the rest of the genus, is most 
valuable for its adaptation to sea-side plant- 
ing, and it is specially recommended for plant- 
ing in cities, as smoke and dust do not affect 
it seriously. 

Philode’ndron. From phileo, to love, and den- 
dron, atree ; referring to the habit of the plants 
of this genus to overrun trees in the South 
American forests. Nat. Ord. Aroideaw. 


PHO 


A singular genus of South American tropical 
plants, mostly with scrambling stems, which 
attach themselves to the trunks of trees, 
whence the name of the genus. They are all 
green-house evergreen perennials, with large, 
irregular, singular leaves, and showy flowers, 
some of which are pure white, others white 
and bright rose. They were introduced in 
1835, and are propagated by cuttings of the 
side shoots, and from seeds. See Monstera. 


Phinz’a. An Anagram of Niphwa, to which this 
genus is closely allied. A genus of Gesnera- 
cee, comprising a few species of dwarf, villous 
stove-plants, with the habit of Niphwa (under 
which they have until recently been included), 
natives of Columbia. The flowers are white 
or pale lilac ; borne on axillary, umbellate 
peduncles. Introduced in 1845. 


Phlebo’dium. From phleps, a vein. 
Polypodiacee. 

A genus of net-veined Ferns, separated from 
Polypodium. P. aureum, typical of the genus, 
is a bold, glaucous-tinted Fern, with strong, 
rhizomes, which run upon the surface. Itis 
a handsome species, and will grow luxuriantly 
in a cool green-house. It is increased by 
division or from spores. The species have 
long been under cultivation. 


Phle’/um. Supposed to be the Greek name for 
Typha. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 
A small genus of grasses. P. pratense isthe 
well-known Timothy, or Herds Grass, of New 
England; it is also known as Cat’s-tail Grass. 


Nat. Ord. 


Phlogaca’nthus. From phloz, phlogos, flame, and 
acanthus, the type of this family ; in allusion to 
the long spike of yellow or flame-colored 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

A genus of East Indian green-house ever- 
green shrubs, allied to Justicia, and from 
which genus a few species have been sepa- 
rated. They are all ornamental winter-bloom- 
ing plants, with bright orange or yellow 
flowers. They are increased in the same 
manner as the Justicia, and require the same 
general treatment. 


Phlo’mis. Jerusalem Sage. 
name used by Dioscorides. 
ate. 

A genus of herbaceous perennial, and shrubby 
plants, ranking amongst the finest of hardy 
plants belonging to the Sage family. There 
are about a dozen species and varieties of the 
genus in cultivation, and amongst them a 
great diversity of size and habit. Some, such 
as P. fruticosa, are shrubs, others are noble 
herbaceous plants, while others, again, such 
as P. Armeniaca, are sufficiently alpine in 
character to allow of their being grown in the 
rock-garden. They are natives principally of 
the mountainous regions of temperate Asia 
and southern Europe; the shrubby species 
are increased by seeds or cuttings, and the 
herbaceous kinds by division. The most 
desirable of the shrubby species is P. fruti- 
cosa, with rich yellow flowers, very attractive 
during June, July and August. Of the her- 
baceous kinds the best is P. Herba-venti, rich 
purplish violet, P. purpurea, purple, P. 
tuberosa, purple, and P. Russeliana, and P. 
Samia, with yellow flowers. 


Phoraden'dron. From phor, a thief, and den- 
dron, a tree; because these plants steal their 


The old Greek 
Nat. Ord. Labi- 


320 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PHL 


food from the trees they grow upon. Nat. Ord. 
Loranthacee. 

A genus of shrubby plants with coriaceous 
greenish foliage and small, white, pulpy, one- 
seeded berries. P. flavescens, the American 
Mistletoe, found parasitic on various decid- 
uous-leaved trees from New Jersey to Illinois 
southward and westward, has in many 
instances proved destructive to the forest 
trees upon which it fastens: itself, more 
especially to the Elms, Hickories, and Wild 
Cherries. Though not so ornamental as the 
English Mistletoe, itis largely used as a sub- 
stitute for it during the holidays. 


Phlox. From phloxz, a flame; in reference to 
the brilliancy of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Pole- 
moniacee. 

This extensive and interesting genus is ex- 
clusively North American, and contains many 
of our most valuable hardy herbaceous peren- 
nials, and one invaluable hardy annual. What 
are commonly termed Perennial Phloxes are 
seedlings, varieties from P. paniculata, which 
is common from Pennsylvania to Illinois and 
southward. Of this speciesthere are several 
varieties, all of the same general character, 
producing immense terminal clusters of white, 
pink, purple, and crimson flowers. From 
this species and from P. maculata, a lower 
growing species, common in the Middle and 
Western States, have originated the many 
rare and beautiful varieties that are now 
attracting such universal attention. The 
hybridizing of this class has chiefly been done 
by Eurupean florists; a pleasant and profit- 
able work that should not have passed out of 
our own hands, and would not but for the too 
common error, that plants, as well as all other 
commodities, to be truly valuable, must be 
stamped with a foreign seal. It is claimed by 
some of the foreign horticulturists that the 
finer hybrids are crosses between the annual 
and perennial species, and the brilliant color 
so characteristic of them gives some credence 
to the assertion. Many of the species have 
long been cultivated, and regarded as the 
most valuable plants for the border. A few 
of the more valuable are worthy of special 
mention. P. subulata, Moss Pink or Ground 
Pink, is a beautiful dwarf-growing species, 
rarely exceeding six inchesin height, and grow- 
ing in dense tufts, and producing its pink, 
purple, or white flowers, which usually have 
a dark centre, in great profusion in early 
spring. This species is very common from 
New York to Michigan and southward. P. 
reptans, or stolonifera, is another dwarf species, 
of a rambling habit, with neat foliage and 
numerous clusters of bright crimson flowers. 
It is one of our most showy early spring flow- 
ering plants, blooming early in May. The 
flowers are nearly as large as the late, tall- 
growing species. P. divaricata, produces blu- 
ish-lilac flowers from April to June, and grows 
about the same height as the former species. 
This species is found in moist, rocky woods 
in the Middle States, north and west. P. 
pilosa grows about one foot high, and_pro- 
duces its lovely pink flowers in May and June. 
P. Drummondii, the only annual species, is a 
native of Texas, where it was discovered in 
1835 by Mr. Drummond, a botanical collector 
sent out by the Glasgow (Scotland) Botanical 
Society. The seeds of this were sent home, 
and soon after the discoverer fell a victim to 


PHd 


the fever in Cuba, and died. For this reason 
Sir W. J. Hooker named the plant Phlox 
Drummondii, that it might ‘serve as a fre- 
quent memento of its unfortunate discov- 
erer.” There can be no stronger proof of the 
value and beauty of this species than the 
extent to which itis grown. Each year new 
varieties are added to the list, and, thus far, 
each year shows a marked improvement over 
the past, both in size and color of the flower, 
and in their extraordinary markings and 
variations. The varieties now include white, 
pink, rose, purple, and scarlet colors, and a 
near approach to yellow. Some of the scar- 
lets have pure white eyes, and many of the 
others have the same distinctive marking. 
The only treatment required for this species 
is to sow the seed in early spring, where the 
plants are wanted to grow; and for perfection 
of flower the plants should be thinned out to 
one foot apart each way. They may also be 
started in the green-house or in a hot-bed, 
and pricked out in pots and boxes, and 
earlier flowers thus secured. The perennial 
species are increased by cuttings or by divis- 
ion of roots in spring. They should inno 
ease be allowed to stand undivided more than 
three years, and they produce larger and finer 
flowers if separated every spring. 


Pheeniceus. Deep red, with an admixture of 
scarlet or carmine. 
Phoenicopho’rium. 


From Phenix, date, and 
phoreo, to bear. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of rare and beautiful Palms, natives 
of the Seychelles Islands. P. Seychellarum, 
the only representative of the genus, was 
formerly called Stevensonia grandifolia. It is. 
a stemless species, from whose base spring 
numerous leaves with copper-colored stalks 
studded with black spines. The blade of the 
leaf is wedge-shaped, and of a bronzy hue. 
The young leaves are of a rich cinnamon- 
brown color. This Palm is nowcultivated for. 
decorative purposes, and is one of the hand- 
somest and most admired plants for that. 
purpose. Young plants are obtained from 
seed. 


Phenix. Date Palm. The Greek name of the 
Date. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

This genus, though not extensive, is one of 
the most interesting of the order. The spe- 
cies are chiefly confined to northern Africa. 
and tropical Asia. Some of the species are 
dwarf-growing, but they mostly attain the 
height of from fifty to sixty feet. ‘The Date 
Palm, P. dactylifera, is cultivated in immense 
quantities all over the northern parts of 
Africa, and more sparingly in western Asia 
and southern Europe; and in some of these 
countries its fruit, though only known by us 
as a preserved fruit, affords the principal 
food of a large proportion of the inhabitants, 
and likewise of the various domestic animals, 
dogs, horses, and camels being alike partial 
to it. The tree usually grows about sixty or 
eighty feet high, and lives to a great age, 
trees of from one to two hundred years old 
continuing to produce their annual crop of © 
Dates. The fruit, however, is not the only 
valuable part of this widely dispersed tree; 
for, as with the Cocoanut tree, nearly every 
part is applied to some useful purpose. The 
huts of the poorer classes are entirely con- 
structed of its leaves; the fibre surrounding 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 321 


PHO 


the bases of their stalks is used for making 
ropes and coarse cloth, the stalks themselves 
for crates, baskets, brooms, walking-sticks, 
etc., and the wood for building substantial 
houses; the heart of the young leaves is 
eaten as a vegetable; the sap affords an in- 
toxicating beverage, though to obtain it the 
tree is destroyed; and even the hard and 
apparently useless pits or seeds are ground 
into food for camels.” This tree is very inter- 
esting to botanists, because it was the first 
that drew their attention to the sexes of 
plants. It is a diccious tree, that is, the 
male flowers are on one plant and the female, 
or fruiting ones, on another. The male 
flowers are considerably larger than the 
female; and the latter, instead of stamens, 
have in the centre the rudiments of the 


Dates, about the size of small Peas. The [| 


two distinct sexes of the Date tree appear to 
have been known from the remotest antiquity, 
as they are noticed by all the ancients who 
describe the tree. Itis not a little remark- 
able that there is a difference in the fructifi- 
eation of the wild Date and the cultivated, 
though both are precisely the same species. 
Wild Dates impregnate themselves, but the 
cultivated ones do not without the assistance 
of art. Theophrastus and Pliny mention this 
fact; and in every plantation of Dates one 
part of the labor of the cultivator consists in 
collecting the flowers of the male Date, climb- 
ing to the top of the female with them, and 
dispersing the pollen on the germs of the 
Dates. So essential is this operation, that 
though the male and female trees are grown 
in the same plantation, the crop fails if it be 
not performed. These trees do not succeed 
well where the mean temperature falls below 
80°; hence, they require the warmest of our 
hot-houses. Young plants may be grown 
from the seeds taken from the Dates sold in 
the fruit stores. 


Pholido'ta. Rattlesnake Orchid. From pholis, 
a scale, and ous, otos, an ear; flowers arranged 
like an ear of wheat, with scaly bracts, as the 
tail of arattlesnake. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea. 

A small genus of East Indian epiphytal Or- 
chids, of easy culture, mainly requiring to be 
grown on blocks of wood or cork, in a warm, 
moist house. They must have frequent water- 
ings when growing. Flowers white, or white 
and brown, produced in imbricated and two- 
ranked drooping flower spikes. Propagated 
by division. 


Pho’rmium, Flax Lily, or New Zealand Flax. 
From phormos, a basket ; referring to the use 
made of the plant in its native country. Nat. 
Ord. Liliaceew. 

P. tenax is anative of New Zealand, where 
it is extensively used by the natives instead 
of Flax. This plant is handsome, has stiff, 
sword-shaped leaves, and orange-colored 
flowers, produced on strong spikes, alter- 
nately branched, and growing from ten to fif- 
teen feet above the leaves, making it an 
exceedingly handsome and curious plant for 
green-house culture. PP. tenax variegata, more 
recently introduced, is a very beautiful varie- 
gated-leaved variety, which makes a magnifi- 
cent plant for lawn decoration, or for the 
green-house and conservatory. It requires a 
light rich soil, and is propagated by division. 
Introduced in 1798. P. Cookianum (syn. P. Col- 


Phy'lica. 


PHY 


ensoi), of which there is also a beautifully 
variegated variety is like the above only 
neater and smaller in all its parts, Intro- 
duced in 1868. 


Photi/nia. From photeinos, shining; in refer“ 


ence to the leaves. Nat. Ord. Rosacew. 

P. serrulata, the Chinese Hawthorn, is a 
very beautiful evergreen shrub or low tree, 
formerly called Crategus glabra. It is nearly 
hardy, but thrives best when trained against 
a wall in a sheltered situation. The plants 
are propagated sometimes by cuttings of the 
ripened wood, but more frequently by graft- 
ing or inarching on some of the hardy kinds 
of Crategus. P. Japonica, the Japan Medlar, 
Japan Quince, or Loquat (better known in cul- 
tivation as Eriobotrya Japonica), bears showy 
white flowers in pendulous racemes, succeeded 
by large bunches of pale, orange-red, downy, 
edible fruit. The few species that constitute 
this genus are natives of northern India, 
China, and Japan, with one species from Cali- 
fornia. 


Phragmi'tes. Reed. From phragmos, a hedge; 


forming hedges. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

P. communis, the only species, is a tall- 
growing, reed-like plant, common in the 
swamps and marshes on the south side of 
Long Island, and in New Jersey, and extend- 
ing to Florida. The plumes are gathered in 
great quantities in the fall, and used with 
ornamental grasses for dried bouquets and 
decorations. 


Phry’ma. Lop-seed. A Linnean name of un- 


known meaning. P. Leptostachys, the only 
species, grows two to three feet high, with 
purplish or pale rose-colored flowers. It 
fiowers in July, and is common in woods and 
copses. 


Phyce'lla. A diminutive of phykos, red Alka- 


net; alluding to the color of the flowers. Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

A small genus of half-hardy bulbous plants, 
from the mountain regions of Mexico and 
South America. The several species have the 
same general character, the flowers being red 
or scarlet, marked with yellow, produced in 
early summer. They should be planted as 
early in spring as possible, in light, well- 
drained soil. After flowering, and as soon as 
they show signs of ripening, take up and 
store in the same manner as Hyacinths. They 
were introduced in 1825, and may be increased 
by offsets. Now included under Hippeastrum 
by some botanists. 


Phyge’lius. Cape Fig-wort. From phyga, flight, 


and helios, the sun; said to love shade. Nat. 
Ord. Scrophulariacew. 

N. capensis, the only species yet introduced, 
and a close ally of the Pentstemon, grows 
from eighteen to twenty-four inches high, and 
produces late in autumn tubular chocolate- 
crimson flowers in branching panicles. It 
was introduced in 1850, and may be increased 
by cuttings or by seeds. 


From phyllikos, leafy ; in allusion to 
the abundant evergreen foliage. Nat. Ord. 
Rhamnacee. 

Pretty little heath-like plants, natives .of 
the Cape of Good Hope, with narrow leaves, 
and little terminal heads of fragrant white 
flowers, which begin to appear in autumn, and 
continue during winter and early spring. 


322 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PHY 


They are generally grown in a green-house, 
and require the same treatment as the Cape 
Heaths. P. ericoides, the best known species, 
has been thoroughly naturalized, and covers 
large tracts of land about Lisbon, Portugal. 


Phylla’gathis. From phyllon, a leaf, and aga- 
theos, divine; referring to the beauty of the 
foliage. Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. 

P. rotundifolia is grown chiefly for its large, 
beautiful leaves, which are a rich, glossy, 
metallic green on the upper side, the under 
being bright red in color, with very prominent 
ribs. It was introduced from the Malayan 
Peninsula, and requires a moist, warm atmos- 
phere to grow it well. Itis propagated by 
leaf-cuttings. 


Phylla/nthus. From phyllon, a leaf, and anthos, 


a flower; the flowers are produced on the | 


edges of the leaves. Nat. Ord. Huphorbiacee. 
A large and very interesting genus of tropi- 
cal plants. The species include low, creeping 
annuals, and moderate-sized trees. They are 
remarkable for the neatness of the foliage and 
general aspect. Several species are frequently 
cultivated on account of the pretty, and at 
the same time, singular appearance of its leaf- 
less, leaf-like branches, covered over at the 
edges with multitudes of pink flowers. P. 
nivosus, and P. roseo-pictus, are very desirable 
shrubs for the stove-house; when well grown 
they have the appearance of a sheet of snow. 
They were introduced from the South-Sea 
Islands in 1873, and are propagated by root 
cuttings, or by cuttings of the ripened wood. 


Phylla'rthron. From phyllon, a leaf, and arth- 
ros, a joint; leaves supposed to be joined, or 
articulated on the leaf-stalks. Nat. Ord. 

~ Bignoniacee. 

A smali genus of shrubs or small trees, con- 
fined to the islands of eastern Africa, remark- 
able for their peculiar jointed leaves. The 
flowers are pink, and appear in terminal and 
axillary racemes, producing a fruit much used 
in jellies. They require the same treatment 
as the Bignonias, to which they are allied. 
Syn. Arthrophyllum. 


Phy’lis. From phyllon, a leaf; the beauty of 
the species is in its leaves. Nat. Ord. Rubi- 
acee. : 

P. nobla, Bastard Hare’s-ears, is an orna- 
mental shrub growing from two to three feet 
high, and producing axillary corymbs of green 
flowers in abundance. Itis anative of the 
Canary Islands and Madeira, andis propagated 
by cuttings. 

Phyl'oca'ctus. From phyllon, a leaf, and Cactus. 
Nat. Ord. Cactacea. 

Several species and varieties of this genus 
of Cactaceew are cultivated in hot-houses and 
green-houses for the sake of their fine white 
or crimson flowers, which are among the 
largest and most showy of the order. Some 
confusion exists in their nomenclature, owing 
to many of the species having formerly been 
referred to the genera Epiphyllum, and Cereus. 
They are, however, distinguished from the 
latter by their curious, flat, broad, leaf-like 
branches ; and from the former by their flowers 
being produced from the notches or inden- 
tures along the edges of the branches, instead 
of at the end, and having small, sepal-like 
segments scattered wide apart on the tube, 
and the numerous long petals variously ex- 


PHY 


panded, so as to form a rose-like funnel, 
or salver-shaped corolla, with the stamens 
attached to the orifice of the tube, the outer, 
ones being longer thanthe inner. The princi- 
pal species described by botanists are found 
in Mexico, Central America, and Brazil. P. 
Ackermanni, a native of Mexico, has flowers 
measuring as much as seven inches across, 
and of a rich scarlet color, like those of some 
varieties of Cereus speciosissimus, with broad, 
very sharp-pointed, slightly waved petals. Its 
stems are rounded at the base, and bear little 
tufts of short bristles, and its flat branches 
are from two to two and a half inches broad, 
and waved or deeply dented along the margin. 
P. anguliger is a West Mexican species, and is 
remarkable for having its flat branches deeply 
and sharply lobed, so as to resemble pinnately 
cut leaves, the lobes almost forming right- 
angled triangles; its flowers, which are large 
and fragrant, have brownish petals, and pure 
white inner ones. The branches and stems 
of P. Hookeri are flat, and deeply crenated; 
they grow from two to three feet high, and 
bear white, agreeably fragrant flowers on the 
margins of the stems. /P. Phyllanthus, often 
erroneously called the Night-blooming Cereus, 
bears large, creamy-white flowers, nine to 
twelve inches in length, opening at night and 
exhaling a peculiar odor. P. Phyllanthoides, 
resembling the latter, has much smaller 
flowers, the petals being colored rose and 
white in irregular streaks. It is a very 
beautiful species, and one of the most florif- 
erous of the family. Many other forms are 
well worthy of cultivation ; all the species are 
readily increased by cuttings, which should 
be allowed to dry a day or two after being 
taken off. 


Phylocla’dus. From phyllon, a leaf, and kla- 
dos, a branch; alluding to the phyllodia which 
are characteristic. A small genus of Conifera, 
consisting of trees, natives of Australia. New 
Zealand, and Borneo. The characters of the 
foliage and fruit serve to distinguish this genus 
from its near ally Dacrydiwm. P. rhomboidalis, 
the Celery-topped Pine, is in cultivation as an 
ornamental tree, as is also P. trichomanoides, 
the bark of which yields a red dye. 


Phylio’des. Flattened leaf-like petioles (with- 
out blades). A large number of the Australian 
Acacias bear no true leaves, but Phillodes, 
which perform the same functions. 


Phyllo’doce. From phyllon, a leaf, and dokein, 
to shine; in allusion to the shining leaves. 
Nat. Ord. Ericacee. 

A genus of small heath-like shrubs inhabit- 
ing the mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, 
and North America. Flowers, blue, pink, or 
purple, usually nodding on solitary or um- 
belled peduncles at the summit of the 
branches. Our native species, P. taxifolia, is 
found on the alpine summits of the mountains 
of New Hampshire, Maine, and northward. 


Phyllo‘ma. From phyllon, a leaf, and loma, a 
fringe; in reference to the colored edges of 
the leaves of the first discovered species. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small genus of green-house succulent 
plants, allied to Aloe. They grow well in 
sandy loam, and are readily increased b 
suckers. Syn. Lomatophyllum. eae 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 323 


PHY 


Phyllo’stachys. From phyllon, a leaf, and 
stachys, a spike; alluding to the branchlets 
being furnished with leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Graminacee. 

A genus of tree-like Chinese and Japanese 
grasses, with half-round stems, prominent 
lobes and leaf-bearing branchlets in fascicles 
or tufts. P. Nigra, produces the Whangee 
Canes, which, ‘‘although slender, are nearly 
solid, and appear to be generally used for 
such purposes as require great strength and 
toughness. Chairs, pipe-stems, and walking- 
sticks are often seen in England made from 
the culms of this species.” P. bambusoides 
grows from ten to twelve feet high, the 
yellow reed-like culms, being unarmed, very 
smooth above, and with very prominent nodes. 


Phyllo’ta. From phyllon, a leaf, and ous, otis, 
an ear; referring to the shape of the leaves. 
Nat. O1d. Leguminose. 

A genus of Australian shrubs, closely allied 
to Dillwynia and Aotus, and requiring the 
same general treatment. P. Philicoides with 
yellow flowers forming leafy heads or spikes 
is the only species in cultivation. Syns. P. 
aspera, P. comosa, and P. squarrosa. 


Phyllotz’/nium. A genus of Aroideaw, estab- 
lished on a New Grenadian species, formerly 
called Xanthosma. It resembles the Caladium, 
but differs in its persistent leaves, acrid, 
milky juice, and the absence of rudimentary 
organs. P. Lindeni has large hastate-oblong, 
deep green leaves; the mid-rib and the 
numerous well defined veins of which are clear 
ivory white. It isa most showy variegated 
plant for the warm green-house. Introduced 
from New Grenada in 1871. : 


Phyllo’xera. See Insects. 


Phy'llum. <A sepal. In Greek compound, a 
leaf, as Diphyllous; two-leaved, Triphyllous, 
three-leaved, ete. ; 

Phymato’des. A genus of Ferns, now included 
under Polypodium. 


Phy’salis. Ground Cherry, Strawberry Tomato. 
From physa, a bladder; alluding to the 
inflated calyx. Nat. Ord. Solanaceae. 

A genus of American, principally Mexican 
plants, several species of which are in culti- 
vation. P. Alkekengi is the Strawberry To- 
mato common in cultivated grounds and waste 
places, having become naturalized from 
Europe. P. Peruviana edulis, the Cape Goose- 
berry, a native of South America, is occasion- 
ally grown as a dessert fruit, some people 
liking its peculiar flavor. 


Physia/nthus. From physa, a bladder, and 
anthos, a flower; alluding to the corolla being 
inflated at the base. Nat. Ord. Asclepiada- 
cee. ; 

Asmall genus of green-house climbing plants, 
natives of Brazil and Buenos Ayres. P. albens 
bears immense quantities of pure white, fra- 
grant flowers, in axillary clusters, very much 
like a single Tuberose, which are much used 
in the formation of bouquets during the sum- 
mer months. Itis well adapted for covering 
trellises, or for any situation where a climber 
is required, and succeeds best in the warmest 
situation. It has large and handsome seed- 
vessels which look like oval gourds, and 
which, when opened, are found to contain the 
seeds, enveloped in a quantity of fine, silky 
substance, which looks like the cocoons of 


PHY 


silk-worms after the fine silk has been spun 
off. They are rapid growers, sometimes 
growing twenty feet in a summer. They 
require the protection of the green-house dur- 
ing winter. A wonderful peculiarity of this 
plantis its powerto trap insects. Forthis rea- 
son Professor George Thurber has well named 
it ‘‘The Cruel Plant,” and describes the trap 
contrivance thus: ‘*The anthers are so 
placed that their spreading cells form aseries 
of notches in a ring around the pistil. The 
insect, in putting its proboscis down for the 
honey, must pass it into one of these notches, 
and in attempting to withdraw it, the end is 
sure to get caught in a notch, boot-jack 
fashion, as it were, and the more the insect 
pulls, the more its trunk is drawn towards 
the point of the notch.” Thus caught, the 
insect starves to death; hence, the well- 
deserved name of ‘‘Cruel Plant.” It was 
introduced in 1830, and is propagated by cut- 
tings or by seeds. 


Physic-nut-tree. Curcas (Jatropha), purgans. 
Physi'dium. A synonym for Angelonia. 


Physochlai’/na. From physa, a bladder, and 
chlaina, an outer garment; alluding to the 
inflated calyx. Nat. Ord. Solanaceaw. = 

A small genus of hardy, erect, herbaceous 
perennials, natives of Central Asia. The 
three introduced species produce their very 
elegant flowers early in the season and are 
therefore desirable plants for the herbaceous 
border. They thrive in any light garden soil, 
and are increased by seed or by division. Syn. 
Hyoscyamus. 


Physoste’gia. From physa, a bladder, and 
stege, a covering; alluding to the calyx. Nat. 
Ord. Labiate. : 

A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
natives of North and South America. P. 
Virginiana, P. imbricata, and P. denticulata, are 
the most desirable species, and produce white, 
pink, purple, and red flowers, in terminal, 
leafless clusters. They are nearly allied to 
Dracocephalum, and require the same treat- 
‘ment. 


Physoste’lma. From physa, a bladder, and 
stelma, a girdle; alluding to the shape of 
corona scales. Nat. Ord. Asclepiadiacee. 

A small genus of plant-stove, climbing, 
glabrous shrubs, natives of the Malayan 
Archipelago. P. Wallichii, the only species in 
cultivation, has green and yellow flowers with. 
coriaceous, almost veinless leaves. It requires 
the same treatment as Hoya, to which genus 
it is closely allied. 


Physosti/gma. Ordeal Bean of Old Calabar. 
From physa, a bladder, and stigma; the 
bearded style is terminated by a_ large, 
oblique hood, covering the stigma. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

P. venenosum is a climbing plant, the seeds 
of which are extremely poisonous, and are 
employed by the natives of Old Calabar as an 
ordeal; persons suspected of witchcraft or 
other crime being compelled to eat them 
until they vomit or die—the former being 
regarded as a proof of innocence—the latter 
of guilt. 

Physu’'rus. From physa, a bladder, and oura, a 
tail. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A small genus of lovely little Orchids, 
both epiphytal and terrestrial, natives of 


324 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PHY 


South America. P. pictus, is one of the most 
delicately-beautiful objects which the re- 
searches of modern botanists have furnished 
to our collections. Its leaves are a rich, 
tender green, reticulated with numberless 
silvery-looking veins, of the most exquisite 
markings, having the appearance of a net- 
work of silver on a ground of bright green 
velvet. It requires the same treatment as 
Anectochilus, to which it is nearly allied. 


Phyte’lephas. Vegetable Ivory Nut. From 
phyton, a plant, and elephas, ivory; buttons 
and toys are made from the hard albumen of 
the nuts. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

P. macrocarpa, the Ivory Plant of South 
America, is the representative of a curious 
genus closely allied to the Palms, and having 
their habit; but they differ from them in 
having an indefinite number of stamens, and 
on that account are regarded by some bota- 
nists as the type of aseparate natural order, 
Phytelephantee. The separation, however, 
-has not yet been made. There are two 
species, similar in all respects, except in the 
size of the fruit, and both inhabit the same 
locality. P. macrocarpa, the large-seeded 
species, is a native of the northern parts of 
South America, and was known to botanists 
long before the nuts had a commercial value. 
It inhabits damp localities, such as valleys 
and banks of rivers, and is found not only on 
the coast regions, as at Darien, but also on 
mountains rising 3,000 feet above the level of 
the sea. It is generally found in detached 
groves, seldom intermixed with other trees. 
The trunk is always pulled down, partly 
by its own weight, and partly by its 
aérial roots, which it possesses in common 
with the Pandanus, to which itis allied. It 
thus forms a creeping stem, which is fre- 
quently twenty feet long, but is seldom 
higher than six feet. The top is crowned 
with from twelve to twenty leaves, from 
twelve to eighteen feetlong. The male and 
female flowers are on separate trees, and the 
trunk of the male plant is always more erect 
and taller than thatof the female. The flow- 
ers are produced in axillary clusters, and 
emit a powerful perfume. The fruit, a col- 
lection of six or seven drupes, forms clusters, 
which are as large as a man’s head, at first 
erect, but ultimately hanging down when the 
weight increases. A plant bears at one time 
from six toeight of these heads, each weigh- 
ing, when ripe, about twenty-five pounds. 
Each drupe contains from six to nine seeds or 
nuts. The seed at first contains a clear, 
insipid fluid, with which travelers allay their 
thirst; afterward this liquor becomes milky 
and sweet. When matured, it is almost as 
hard as ivory. These nuts are gathered in 
large quantities by the natives, and sold to 
traders, who are allowed on shore only suffi- 
ciently long to make their purchases, and are 
compelled to return to their vessels at 
night. 


Phyte’uma. Horned Rampion. Linneus 
adopted this name from Dioscorides; mean- 
ing unknown. Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. 

An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
plants, the majority of which are interesting 
aids in the embellishment of rock work or 
similar places, where they speedily extend 
themselves. They are mostly natives of the 


PIE 


temperate parts of Europe and Asia, and have 
long been under cultivation. Propagated by 
seeds or by division. 

Phytola’cca. Poke Weed, or Scoke-berry. 
From phyton, a plant, and lacca, lac; the crim- 
son color of the fruit. Nat. Ord. Phytolac- 
cacew. 

P. decandria, our common Virginia Poke 
Weed, is the type of the genus. At home it 
isarank weed. In Portugal it is said to be 
cultivated for the berries, the juice of which 
is used to color Port wine. The root has 
medical qualities. The young shoots in 
spring are often used by country people as a 
substitute for Asparagus. 


Phytolacca’cez. A natural order of under- 
shrubs or herbs, with alternate, entire, often 
dotted leaves, natives of America, Asia, and 
Africa. There is frequently much acridity in 
the plants of this order, and some of them 
act as irritant emetics, and purgatives. The 
order which was long confounded with 
Chenopodiacee, contains twenty known 
genera, including Phytolacca, and Rivinia, and 
about eighty species. 

Piassaba or Picaba Fiber. See Leopoldinia. 

Pi'cea. Silver Fir. From piz, pitch; the trees 
produce abundance of resin. Nat. Ord. Con- 
ufera. 

A genus of mostly hardy evergreen trees 
formerly included inthe genus Abies. The 
difference in the genera is very slight, con- 
sisting only in the shape of their cones, and 
the bracts not falling away from the axis at 
maturity, as in Abies. Asno two works on 
Conifere agree, and the genera Abies and 
Picea, are generally transposed, we follow the 
names generally accepted by nurserymen in 
this country and England. PP. pectinata, the 
Silver Fir, has rich green foliage, silvery 
underneath. It is a vigorous grower and 
stands pruning well. P. Cephalonica, bush- 
like when young, but eventually pyramidal, is 
a beautiful species, and generally hardy. P. 
jirma, the Japanese Silver Fir, is one of the 
most vigorous and hardy, and is a distinct 
and interesting species. P. Nordmanniana, 
introduced from the Crimea in 1848, is one 
of the most stately and symmetrical as well 
as effective of evergreen trees. It is of slow 
growth, with dark-green, massive foliage, 
silvery underneath; the contrast between its 
old and new growth being most charming. 
P. Pichta, the Siberian Silver Fir, has very 
dark green leaves, soft and rich to the touch. 
P. Pinsapo, is a very handsome densely- 
branched species, resembling P. Cephalonica, 
but not entirely hardy in this latitude. There 
are many other desirable species, such as, 
P. Veitchii, P. nobilis, P. amabilis, P. pec- 
tinata compacta, etc., for descriptions of which 
see nursery catalogues. 

Piceus. Black, changing to brownish black. 

Pickerel Weed. See Pontederia. 

Picotee. One of the florist’s varieties of Dian- 
thus Caryophyllus. See Dianthus. 

Picrorhi/za. From pikros, bitter, and rhiza, a 
root; in allusion to the bitterness of the root. 
Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. ‘ 

P. Kurrova is a hardy perennial plant, a 
native of the Himalayas, the thick root of 
which is used in Hindoo medicine. 

Pie'rcea. A synonym of Rivinia. 


PHILODENDRON. 


PHORMIUM TENAX VARIEGATUM. 


PHGNIX RUPICOLA. 


PHGNIX RECLINATA. 


PHYLLANTHUS ROSEO-PICTUS. 


334 


PINUS STROBUS (WHITE PINE), 


rie on 


ae = S 
PICEA PECTINATA (SILVEE FTIR). PILOOCEREUS SENILIS (OLD MAN CACTUS). 325 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. * 325 - 


PIE 


Pieris. A name applied to the Muses from their 
supposed abode at Pieria, in Thessaly. Nat. 
Ord. Ericacee. 

A genus of low-growing trees or shrubs. 
natives of the Himalayas, Japan, and north- 
western America. The flowers are white, 
rarely red, borne in terminal racemes very 
much resembling the Andromeda, from which 
genus they have been separated. P. Japonica 
elegantissima, is a very elegant shrub, its leaves 
being beautifully margined with white. Syn. 
Andromeda Japonica variegata. 


PIM 


common, is usually seen from one to two feet 
high, and rarely three, but in Mexico, its 
native country, it attains a height of from 
twenty to twenty-five feet, with a diameter of 
nine or ten inches, and its fluted character 
gives it somewhat the appearance of an archi- 
tectural column. The stem is divided into 
thirty or forty narrow furrows, with corre- 
sponding ridges, which are furnished at very 
short distances with tufts of white spines, 
surrounded by numerous long, flexible white 
hairs, resembling the gray hairs of an old 


Pigeon Berry. Phytolacca decandra. 
Pigeon Pea. See Cajanus Indicus. 


Pig-weed. The popular name of Chenopodium 
album. 


Pig-nut. A common name for the fruit of a 


man’s head; hence has arisen not only the 
common name of the plant, but also its scien- 
tific appellation. When young the stems are 
fleshy and succulent, but when they get old 
their tissue becomes filled with an extraordi- 
nary quantity of small sand-like grains, com- 


Piloce’reus. 


species of Hickory, Carya porcina. 


Pilea. From pileos, a cap ; alluding to the shape 
of one of the divisions of the perianth. Nat. 
Ord. Urticacee. 

An extensive genus of annual or perennial 
herbaceous plants, most of which may be de- 
scribed as mere weeds. P. microphylla, known 
as the Artillery Plant (syn. P. muscosa), 
is a native of the West Indies and is a 
useful, low-growing, mossy-looking plant, 
remarkable for the manner in which it dis- 
charges its pollen grains. When the flowers 
are ready to expand the least moisture 
causes the calyx to expand, and the pollen 
is thrown out with great force to the dis- 
tance of nearly a foot. By putting a plant 
when in flower quickly in a vessel of warm 
water, these discharges will be rapidly kept 
up for some minutes, a perfect representa- 
tion of miniature artillery, both in sound 
andsmoke. The plants are well adapted for 


baskets, stands, or rockeries, and are exten- ~ 


sively used for massing with Echeverias and 
other plants used in “carpet bedding.” PP. 
reticulata, P. herniarefolia, P. serpyllifolia, and 
other species, are used for hanging-baskets, 
vases, etc.; they all have the same peculiar- 
ities and are easily increased by cuttings. 
Pileus. The name given to the broad expanded 
part in Mushrooms and allied groups of the 
larger Fungi. 


Pili. Hairs. 


Piliferous, Tipped with, or bearing hairs. 
Pillwort. The common name of the genus 
Pilularia. 

Piloca'rpus. From pilos, a cap, and karpos, a 
fruit; referring to the shape of the berries. 
Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

A genus of shrubby green-house plants, 
natives of tropical America and the West 
Indies. P. pennatifolius, has purple flowers 
in crowded racemes eighteen inches long; it 
is one of the plants which furnishes the Jabo- 

-randi of commerce. They are propagated by 
cuttings of the ripened wood. 

From pilos, wool, and Cereus; 
alluding to the long hairs upon the spine 
cushions. Nat. Ord. Cactacew. 

The well-known Old Man Cactus, and a few 
allied species, have been separated under this 
name from the genus Cereus, but, as in other 
genera of Cactacee, the distinguishing charac- 
ters are scarcely of generic importance. All 
the species are natives of Mexico and tropical 
America. P. senilis, the Old Man Cactus, the 
one met in our green-houses, but by no means 


posed of oxalate of lime, not less than from 
sixty to eighty per cent. having been found in 
individual stems. This genus requires the 
same culture as other Cacti, and is increased 
in the same manner. 


Pilo/gyne suavis. A very beautiful climbing 


plant belonging to the Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

It is a rapid-growing plant, with small, 
glossy green leaves, rendering it desirable for 
covering verandas or trellises. It is also a 
splendid house plant. The flowers are yel- 
lowish-white, and quite fragrant. This plant 
was introduced into the United States about 
1875 from South Africa, by way of Germany, 
and is easily increased by cuttings. It is 
described in ‘¢ Nicholson’s Dictionary” under 
the name of Zehneria, and the correct name is 
given as Melothria punctata. 


Pilose. Covered with long, soft hairs. 
Pilot-weed. Silphium laciniatum. 
Pilula/ria. From pilula, a little ball or pill; 


alluding to the shape of the heads of the 
reproductive organs. Nat. Ord. Marsileacea. 

Asmall genus of aquatic plants found in 
temperate Europe and Asia, Australia and 
North America. They are often cultivated in 
aquaria. 


Pilu’mna. From pilos or pileos, a cap; shape of 


the flowers. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceew. 

A small genus of Peruvian epiphytal Or- 
chids. They have medium-sized flowers, of a 
white, or greenish-white color, which are pro- 
duced in spikes of from three to five. They 
are remarkable for their delicious fragrance. 
They succeed well in a cool house, and should 
be grown in leaf mould and sphagnum moss. 
They were introduced in 1843, and are 
increased by division. 


Pimelea. From pimele, fat; referring to the 


viscid matter on the leaves of some species. 
Nat. Ord. Thymelacee. 

An extensive genus of green-house ever- 
green shrubs, natives of Australia, Tasmania 
and New Zealand. They make handsome 
plants in English green-houses, and produce 
many terminal clusters of white, rose, or yel- 
low flowers of great beauty, but our hot, dry 
summers are not congenial to them. They 
were introduced in 1824, and are propagated 
by cuttings. 


Pime’nta. Allspice Tree. From pimento, the 


Spanish name. Nat. Ord. Myrtacee. 

P. vulgaris, the only species, is an extremely 
handsome tree, a native of South America 
and the West Indies, especially of the island 


326 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PIM 


of Jamaica, whence the berries or Pimento of 
commerce are exported in large quantities. 
This tree grows to the height of about thirty 
feet, with a smooth brown trunk and shining 
green leaves, resembling those of the Bay; 
the branches coming out on all sides, the 
trees are clothed in the most luxuriant 
foliage. The great profusion of white flowers 
contrasts pleasingly with the dark green 
leaves, the whole forming an object of vege- 
table beauty rarely surpassed; while the rich 
perfume which the flowers exhale renders an 
assemblage of these trees one of the most 
delicious plantations of even a tropical clime. 
The Pimento tree grows spontaneously in 
many parts of Jamaica, but abounds more 
particularly on the northern side of the 
island, in elevated spots near the coast. 
When a new plantation is to be formed, no 
regular planting or sowing takes place. Itis 
usual to appropriate a piece of land either in 
the neighborhood of a plantation already 
formed, or in a part of the woodlands where 
these trees are scattered in a native state. 
The land is then cleared of all wood except 
these trees, which are left standing, and the 
felled timber is allowed to remain, where it 
falls to decay. In the course of a year young 
Pimento plants are found springing up in all 
parts of the land. At the end of two years the 
land is thoroughly cleared, only those plants 
being left that promise a vigorous growth; 
these arrive at maturity in from five to seven 
years. Plantations are thus formed with 
apparently little trouble; this, however, can 
only be done in those parts where the tree is 
of spontaneous growth. This tree is purely 
achild of Nature, and seems to mock all the 
labors of man in his endeavors to extend or 
improve its growth; not one attempt in fifty 
to propagate the young plants or to raise 
them from the seed, in parts of the country 
where itis not found growing spontaneously, 
having succeeded. The berries have to be 
gathered very soon after the flowers fade; if 
left #6 ripen on the tree they lose their pun- 
gency, and become valueless. When picked 
they are spread out thinly on floors, exposed 
to the full heat of the sun, for about a week, 
or until fit for exportation. 


Pime/nto. The dried berries of the West Indian 
Eugenia Pimenta, and E. acris. 


Pimpernel. See Anagallis. 


Pina’cez. A natural order now included under 
Conifere. 


Pina’nga. A local Malayan name. 
Palmacee. ; 
A genus of stove-house Palms, usually low 
and slender-stemmed, natives of India and 
the Malayan Archipelago. They are very 
ornamental plants, and are closely allied to 
Seaforthia, and Areca, under which genera 
some of the species are placed by botanists. 
P. spectabilis, is a very choice and beautiful 
species, the dark green leaves, mottled with 
light green, and the nerves prominently 
raised on the upper surface, the under sur- 
face having a light silvery appearance. P. 
lepida, is another elegant-growing Palm, the 
young leaves having a brown-crimson tint, 
gradually changing as the foliage matures. 


Pincenecti'tia. Lindley says this is “a name 
under which some plants allied to Cordyline, 


Nat. Ord. 


PIN 


and Dasylirion, have been sent out by Belgian 
horticulturists. It is supposed to have arisen 
from the blunders of ignorant gardeners, who 
mistook the plant for a Freycinetia, but who 
wrote the name so badly that it was read as 
above.’ The species are described as a genus 
of Liliacew, under the name of Beaucarnia, 
which see. 


Pi‘nckneya. A genus of small trees, natives of 
the Southern States from Carolina to Florida, 
and belonging to the Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

P. pubens, the Bitter-bark Tree, is quite a 
handsome tree, with red downy, purplish- 
spotted flowers, and large, downy, ovate 
leaves, rendered still more conspicuous by 
reason of the large pink bracts underneath 
the inflorescence. 


Pincushion Flower. The genus Scabiosa. 


Pine-apple. See Ananassa. 


Pine-barren Beauty, or Little Pixie. Pyxidan- 
thera barbulata. 


Pine-tree. The popular name for Pinus; the 

name is also applied to several other genera. 

Aleppo or Jerusalem. Pinus Halepensis. 

Amboyna. Damarra orientalis. 

Austrian. Pinus Austriaca. 

Bhotan. Pinus excelsa. 

Black. Pinus Austriaca. 

Black, of New Zealand. Podocarpus ferruginea, 
and P. spicata. ¥ 

Brazilian. <Araucaria Braziliensis. 

Calabrian. Pinus Laricio. 

Californian Giant. Pinus Lambertiana. 

Celery-leaved, of New Zealand. Phyllocladus 


trichomanoides. 

Celery-leaved, of Tasmania. Phyllocladus 
rhomboidalis. 

Chili. <Araucaria imbricata. 


Chinese. Pinus Sinensis. 

Chinese Lace-bark. Pinus Bungeana. 

Cowrie or Kauri. Damarra Australis. 

Crimean. Pinus Pallasiana. 

Cluster. Pinus Pinaster. 

Cypress. Frenella verrucosa. 

Frankincense. Pinus Teda. 

Georgia. Pinus australis. 

Golden. Pinus Kaempferi. 

Hickory. Pinus Balfouriana. 

Highland. Pinus sylvestris, var. horizontalis. 

Hudson’s Bay. Pinus Banksiana. 

Italian Stone. Pinus Pinea. . 

Kauri or Cowrie. Damarra Australis. 

King. Abies Webbiana. 

Labrador or Banksian. Pinus Banksiana. 

Loblolly. Pinus Teda. 

Mahogany. Podocarpus Totara. 

Monterey. Pinus insignis. 

Moreton Bay. <Araucaria Cunninghami. 

Mountain. “Pinus Monticola and P. pumula. 

Nepal. Pinus Gerardiana. 

New Caledonian. Araucaria Cookii, and A. 
Rulei. 

New Jersey Scrub. Pinus inops. 

New Zealand. Dacridium cupressinum. 

Norfolk Island. Araucaria excelsa. 

Norway. Abies excelsa. 

“Norway,” of North America. Pinus resinosa. 

Nut. Pinus edulis and P. monophylla. 

Pitch. Pinus rigida. 

Pitch, of Georgia. Pinus australis. 

Red. Pinus resinosa and abies rubra. 

Red, of New Zealand. Dacrydium cupressinum. 

Screw. The genus Pandanus. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 327 


PIN 


Screw, Australian. Pandanus pedunculatus. 

Sea-side. Pinus maritima. 

Siberian. Pinus Cembra, var. Siberica. 

Snow or White Weymouth. Pinus Strobus, 
var. nivea. 

South African. Leucadendron argenteum. 

Southern. Pinus australis. 

Stone. Pinus Pinea. : 

Stone, Swiss. Pinus Cembra. 

Sugar. Pinus Lambertiana. 

Table-mountain. Pinus pungens. 

Umbrella. The genus Sciadopitys. 

Virginian. Pinus australis (P. palustris). 

Water. Glyptostrobus heterophyllus. 

Wax. The genus Damarra. 

Weymouth. Pinus Strobus. 

White. Pinus Strobus, and P. flexilis. 

Yellow. Pinus australis, P. mitis, and P. 
ponderosa. 


Pine-weed. Hypericum Sarothra. 


Pingui’cula. Butterwort. From pinguis, fat; 
referring to the greasiness of the leaves. 
Nat. Ord. Lentibulacew. 

Curious and beautiful little plants, very dif- 
ficult to keep in an artificial state, although 
some of them are indigenous. They are 
marsh plants, and refuse to exist out of their 
native position; but when seen in health, 
their beautiful white, yellow, lilac, or violet- 
colored flowers are the admiration of every 
beholder. P. Vallisneriefolia, a native of the 
mountains of Spain, differs from all others of 
the genus in its clustered habit of growth, a 
number of crowns being often massed to- 
gether in oneclump. The flowers are large, 
and of a soft purple or pale lilac-purple, with 
conspicuous white or pale centres. It requires 
very free drainage, continuous moisture, and 
a humid atmosphere in cultivation. The 
native species are common from New York to 
Florida. 

Pink. See Dianthus. 

Pink-root. See Spigelia. 

Pinnz. The primary divisions of a pinnated 
leaf—its leaflets. 

Pinnate. When simple leaflets are arranged on 
each side of a common petiole; a compound 
leaf. 

Pinnatifid. A leaf deeply cut into segments 
nearly to the midrib. 

Pinnules. The secondary divisions of a pinnate 
leaf. 

Pi/nus. Pine Tree. From pinos, a Greek word 
used by Theophrastus, to designate a Pine 
tree; and some authors derive it from the 
Celtic pin, or pyn, a mountain or rock; allud- 
ing to the habitat of the tree. Nat. Ord. Coni- 
ere. 
fi This genus is very extensive, and contains 
some of our most useful trees for economic 
purposes, besides a number of species of an 
ornamental character. The genus is confined 
solely to the northern hemisphere, and the 
more useful and gigantic to the United States. 
Pinus australis is the Yellow or Pitch Pine of 
the Southern States. This species seems to 
be especially assigned to dry, sandy soil, and 
it is found without interruption from Virginia 
to Florida, covering a tract of more than 
six hundred miles long from northeast to 
southwest, and more than one hundred 
miles broad from the sea toward the moun- 
tains of the Carolinas and Georgia. The aver- 


PIN 


age height of the trees is from sixty to seventy 
feet, with a diameter of from fifteen to eighteen 
inches. In Virginia, where this species first 
makes its appearance, it does not grow so 
large; but in Georgia and Florida it greatly 
exceeds these dimensions. -Besides the valu- 
able timber it affords, it also produces the 
pitch, tar, turpentine, and rosin of commerce. 
The leaves are about a foot long, of a beauti- 
ful brilliant green, and produced in bunches 
at the extremity of the branches. PP. inops is 
the Jersey or Scrub Pine, aspecies that grows 
from fifteen to forty feet high, with a diameter 
of from six to fifteen inches; its habit is strag- 
gling and rough. Its only useis for fuel. P. 
mitis, Yellow Pine, is a fine tree, growing from 
fifty to sixty feet high, furnishing a fine- 
grained, lasting timber, which is especially 
used for flooring. Common from New Jersey 
to Wisconsin and southward. P. pungens, 
Table Mountain Pine, is a large tree, with 
short, compact, pale green leaves, and re- 
sembles the European Pines. Its cones are 
borne in large clusters, and remain upon the 
trees for many years. It is valuable as a 
timber tree. It is found upon the Blue Ridge 
in Virginia and southward. P. rigida is com- 
monly known as Pitch Pine, and is common 
throughout the Middle and Northern States, 
frequently growing in swamps with the Red 
Cedar. Itis a species of medium growth, and 
of but little value. P. resinosa, or Red Pine, 
commonly and improperly called Norway 
Pine, is found in most of the Northern States. 
It is a tall-growing, erect, symmetrical tree, 
with light-green leaves and short cones. The 
wood is dark, compact, and much esteemed 
for its durability. P. edulis, the Edible Pine, 
or “Nut Pine” of California and New Mexico, 
is an interesting species, growing from fifty to 
sixty feet high, producing great quantities of 
thin-shelled seeds, about the size of Peas, 
very nutritious, and of a pleasant flavor. P. 

hyllus is another nut-bearing Pine, dis- 
covered by Col. Fremont in northern Cali- 
fornia, where it is extensively diffused over 
the mountains for a distance of about 600 
miles. In some places it makes considerable 
growth, but is usually a small, slow-growing 
tree, of but little value forits timber. P. teda, 
the Loblolly Pine of the Southern States, is a 
tree that grows from eighty to 100 feet high 
in the forests; in open grounds its trunk is 
low and branches spreading. This species 
immediately takes possession of and com- 
pletely covers lands that are thrown out of 
cultivation. P. Sabiniana, Sabine’s Pine, is 
one of the noblest California species, with a 
trunk 140 feet high, and is remarkable for its 
large, heavy cones, the scales of which are 
produced into long, recurved points. Its nut 
is large and edible. This tree occurs on the 
western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, and is 
one of the California White Pines. Its foliage 
is thin and of a very light green, which gives 
it a peculiar aspect, different from all the 
other Pines of that country. Its timber is 
very tough, and highly esteemed. P. Lam- 
bertiana is called Sugar Pine from the sweet- 
ness of its resinous juice, which exudes plenti- 
fully from this tree. This species was dis- 
covered by the intrepid Douglas, growing 
upon the most sterile, sandy plains, on the 
western slopes of the Rocky Mountains in 
California. He describes it as a tree of great 


328 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PIN 


size, attaining a height of 200 feet, and a cir- 
cumference of about sixty feet. Its branches 
are pendulous, and form an open, pyramidal 
head; the leaves are from four to five inches 
long; the cones pendulous from the extremi- 
ties of the branches, and, when ripe, about 
sixteen inches in length. The seeds are large, 
sweet, and nutritious, and form an important 
article of food to the Indians, who collect 
them. The most valuable and useful of the 
many species is P. Strobus, our common North 
American White Pine. Thisis a handsome, 
slender tree, growing from 100 to 200 feet 
high, and with a circumference of from three 
to twelve feet. This tree is diffused, though 
not uniformly, over a vast extent of country, 
from Maine westward to the Rocky Mountains. 
For economical purposes, its value is greater 
than all other timbers combined. There are 
many species cultivated for their beauty as 
ornamental trees for the lawn, and.they are 
entitled to more consideration than they have 
thus far received. They thrive well in a sandy 
or light loamy soil, and may be transplanted 
from the nursery rows with perfect safety. 
Numerous other species, grown mainly for 
lawn decoration, are given in nurserymen’s 
catalogues. 


Pinxter Flower. A local name of Azalea nudi- 
flora, common in the swamps of the Middle 
and New England States. 


Piper. Pepper. From pepto, to digest; refer- 
ring to the stimulating power. Nat. Ord. 
Piperacee. 


« P. nigrum yields the Pepper of commerce, 
a condiment that has been held in high esteem 
from the earliest times. Itis frequently men- 
tioned by Roman writers of the Augustin age, 
and it is related that in the fifth century 
Attila demanded, among other things, 3,000 
pounds of Pepper in ransom for the City of 
Rome. Pepper is cultivated in the East and 
West Indies, Sumatra, Java, etc., but that 
which comes from Malabar is held in the 
highest esteem. The Pepper-vine will, if left 
to itself, attain a height of twenty or more 
feet; but in cultivation it is found more con- 
venient not to allow it to exceed the height of 
twelve feet. The plants are placed at the 
base of trees that have rough or prickly barks, 
in order that they may more readily attach 
+hemselves to the trunk. In three years they 
produce their spikes of fruit, and continue to 
do so for some seven or eight years, after 
which time they become less productive. The 
fruit, when ripe, is of a red eolor. It is 
gathered before it is fully ripe, and spread on 
mats in the sun, when it loses its red color 
and becomes black and shriveled, as when 
offered in the market. This is Black Pepper. 
White Pepper is the same fruit, freed from its 
outer skin by maceration in water and subse- 
quent rubbing. P. trioicum, a nearly allied 
species to P. nigrum, yields also some little of 
the Pepper of commerce. There are several 
other species under cultivation, but all of the 
same general character. 

«© P, Betle furnishes the Betel-leaf of the 
southern Asiatics, in which they enclose a few 
slices of the Areca-nut and a little shell-lime ; 
this they chew to sweeten the breath and to 
keep off the pangs of hunger, and such is the 
immense consumption of this luxury in the 
East, that it nearly forms as extensive an 


PIS 


article of commerce as that of tobacco in the 
West.”—Paxton’s Bot. Dict. 


Pipera’ceze. A natural order of shrubs or herbs 
with articulated stems, and alternate, some- 
times whorled leaves. They are natives of 
the hottest portions of the globe, and occur 
commonly in South America and India. They 
have pungent, acrid, and aromatic properties ; 
some are narcotic and astringent. Among 
the most important products of the order are 
Pepper and Betel. There are about twenty 
genera and upwards of 600 species, Artanthe, 
Piper, and Peperomia, affording the best known 
examples. 

Pipe-Tree. See Syringa vulgaris. 

Pipe Vine. Aristolochia sipho. 

Pipe-wort. Hriocaulon septangulare. 

Pipsissewa. See Chimaphila. 

Pipta’nthus. From pipto, to fall, and anthos, a 
flower; the teeth of the calyx, as wellas the 
petals and stamens, very soon fall off. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

P. Nepalensis, the only described species, a 
native of the temperate Himalayas, forms a 
very handsome, hardy, or nearly hardy ever- 
green shrub, bearing its large yellow flowers 
in terminai bracteate racemes. It was intro- 
duced in 1821, and is propagated by cuttings 
of the ripened wood, or. by seeds. It is known 
also as Baptisia Nepalensis. 

Piptathe’rum. From pipto, to fall, and ather, 
anawn. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

P. multifiorum is a large perennial grass 
worth growing for its elegant feathery pani- 
cles, which are useful for arranging with cut 
flowers. It grows vigorously in any soil, and 
is perfectly hardy. 

Pique’ria. Named after A. Piqueria, a Spanish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of hardy shrubs, and annual or 
perennial herbs, mostly natives of Mexico and 
western South America. FP. latifolia, is an 
annual, with purplish flower-heads, known in 
cultivation as A geratum latifolium. BP. trinervia, 
a hardy herbaceous species, has white flowers 
disposed in loose, corymbose, many-flowered 
panicles. It is increased by division. 

Pisci/dia. Jamaica Dogwood. From piscis, a 
fish, and cedo, to kill; the leaves, twigs, and 
park are used to stupefy fish. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminosae. 

Asmall genus of evergreen, white-flowered 
trees, from the West Indies. All that is of 
interest in this genus is included in the deri- 
vation of the name. 

Piso’nia. Named in honor of Nillem Piso, of 
Amsterdam, an eminent physician and natur- 
alist. Nat. Ord. Nyctaginacee. 

A somewhat large genus of trees and shrubs, 
mostly natives of tropical America; a few 
being found in Asia, the Pacific and Mascarene 
Islands. A few of the species are in cultiva- 
tion, but are of little interest. 


Pistachio Nuts. See Pistacia. 


Pista’cia. Altered from Foustag, its Arabic 
name. Nat. Ord. Anacardiacee. 

A genus of ornamental deciduous trees, 
indigenous to Asia Minor, and which are 
particularly abundant in Syria. P. Lentiscus 
yields the Gum Mastic which is used by the 
Turks for chewing to sweeten the breath and 
strengthen the gums. In this country itis 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


329 


PIS 


used for varnishing pictures, and by dentists. 
P. Terebinthus, the Turpentine-tree, forms a 
very beautiful and desirable tree where it is 
hardy. It is deciduous, and grows in the 
south of Eurupe to the height of thirty feet. 
The red hue of the young leaves of thisspecies 
is exceedingly beautiful. The Chean or Cyprus 
turpentine is obtained from this tree, the 
liquid flowing from incisions made in the 
trunk soon becomes thick and tenacious, and 
ultimately hardens. P. vera, the Pistachia 
tree, which yields the eatable Pistachio-nuts, 
is a native of Western Asia, whence it has been 
introduced into, and is greatly cultivated in 
southern Europe. They are much used either 
dried like Almonds, or made into articles of 
confectionery. The species are rarely culti- 
vated except in botanical collections. 


Pi/stia. Name probably derived from pistos, 
watery, in reference to the habitat. Nat. Ord. 
Aroidew. 

A genus of tropicalaquatic plants. P. strati- 
otes is very common in the West Indies, where it 
is known as Water Lettuce. It propagates 
itself with great rapidity, and frequently com- 
pletely covers tropical ponds and water tanks 
with a coating of verdure, keeping the water 
beneath fresh and cool. Each plant sends out 
several runners, and upon the ends of these 
other similar plants are formed, which, 
again, send out runners until, in a short 
time, the surface of the water is covered. 
The flowers are very small, and borne in little 
spathes at the base of the leaves. The plant 
is well adapted for the aquarium. 


Pistil The female part of a flower, consisting 
of ovary, style, stigma, and ovules. 


Pi/sum. Pea. From pis, the Celtic for Pea, 
whence the Latin name pisum. A genus of 
diffuse or climbing annual plants, one of 
which, P. elatius, having pale red flowers, is 
a native of the Taurian Mountains, the other, 
P. sativum, the cultivated Pea, is naturalized 
in the Mediterranean region and Western 
Asia. For a description and history of this 
species see ‘‘Pea.” 

Pita. Agave Americana, and the allied species. 
Pita-fibre and Pita-thread are names for the 
fibre, called also Aloe-fibre, obtained from the 
leaves of the larger Agaves such as A. Ameri- 
cana and A. Mexicana. 


Pitca/irnia. In honor of William Pitcairn, a 
physician of London. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacee. 
‘A handsome genus of green-house her- 
baceous plants, remarkable for their long 
panicles of bright red flowers, and for their 
long, narrow, prickly, green leaves. They 
are natives of the West Indies and South 
America. They will grow freely in rich sandy 
loam, but require partial rest after having 
made their new growth previous to flowering. 
They are increased by division or from seed. 
Introduced in 1820. 


Pitch. The residuum obtained in the distillation 
of wood-tar from Pinus sylvestris and P. Pin- 
aster; the resin of Pine, extracted by fire and 
inspissation. It is commonly known as Black 
Pitch. 

Pitcher. A hollowed-out leaf, so called, as in 
Nepenthes, Sarracenia, etc. : 

Pitch of Amboyna. The resin of Dammara 

Australis. 


PLA 


Pitch. Burgundy. The purified resinous sap 
of Abies excelsa. 


Pitcher Plant. 
Australian or New Holland. 
cularis. 
Californian. Darlingtonia Californica. 
Pitcher-shaped. The same as Campanulate, 
but more contracted at the orifice, with an 
erect limb, as the corolla of the Vacciniums or 
many.of the Hricas. 


Pitch Pine. See Pinus. 


Pith. The central cellular part of a stem; the 
same as Medulla. 


Pith-hat Plant. ischynomene aspera. 
Pith-tree. Herminiera Elaphroxylon. 


Pithecolo’bium. Curl Brush Bean. From 
pithecos, an ape, and lobos, the Jobe of the 
ear; in allusion to the native name, Monkey’s 
earring. Nat. Ord. Leguminosa. 

A large genus of trees and shrubs natives of 
the tropical regions of the western hemi- 
sphere, tropical Asia, and Australia. P. dulce, 
a native of Mexico, produces cylindrical pods 
containing a sweet edible pulp which the 
Mexicans, who call the tree Guamuchil, boil 
and eat. The Spaniards introduced it into 
the Philippine Islands, whence it has been 
carried to India; and it is now planted along 
the lines of railway in the Madras Presidency 
where the fruitis known as Manilla Tamarinds. 
P. Saman yields edible pods, which, in Vene- 
zuela and Brazil are fed to the cattle, like the 
Carob pods of Europe. PP. pruinosum, intro- 
duced from Queensland in 1869 forms a beauti- 
ful green-house shrub, the white flowers with 
long exserted stamens growing in globular 
umbels from the axils of the upper leaves. 
The young branches, foliage, and inflorescence 
are covered with a rusty pubescence. The 
genus is closely allied to Inga, and the species 
require the same general treatment. 


Pitted. Having numerous small shallow de- 
pressions or excavations. 


Pittospora’ceze. A natural order of trees or 
shrubs, with simple, alternate, exstipulate 
leaves, and regular symmetrical white, blue, or 
yellow flowers, found chiefly in Australia. 
Many of them are resinous, and in some 
instances the berries are edible. Sollya, Pitio- 
sporum, and Billardiera are representative 
genera, of which there are nine, including 
eighty or more species. 

Pitto’sporum. From pitio, to tar or pitch, and 
sporos, seed; the seeds are covered with a 
resinous pulp. Nat. Ord. Pittosporacee. 

An extensive genus of half-hardy evergreen 
shrubs, natives of China, Australia, the Cana- 
ries, and the Cape of Good Hope. Most of 
the species have terminal clusters of white, 
fragrant flowers, and broadish, shining, dark 
green leaves, and they are all very ornamen- 
tal. They require the protection of a cellar 
or cool house during the winter. They were 
first introduced in 1789, and are propagated 
by cuttings. 

Pla'cea. Derivation of name unknown. Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidacew. 

P. ornata, the best known species, is a 
delicate bulb from Chili, producing on a 
slender scape, about six inches high, four to 
seven flowers, which are snow white on the 
outside, and striped with brilliant vermilion 


See Nepenthes, and Sarracenia. 
Cephalotus folli- 


330 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PLA 


lines within. It requires cool green-house 
treatment. While flowering, and until it 
shows symptoms of rest, it needs a warm and 
humid atmosphere, after which it can be put 
under a bench until January, when it should 
be re-potted and moderately watered, and it 
will flower in May. It was introduced in 
1840, and is propagated by offsets. 


Placenta. The place or part on which ovules 
originate. 


Placentiform. Quoit-shaped, or like a flat cake 
in form. 

Plagia’nthus. From plagios, oblique, and 
anthos, a flower; referring to the usually 
unequal-sided petals. Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 

A small genus of green-house or half-hardy 
shrubs, natives of southern Australia and 
New Zealand. P. Lyallii, is the most orna- 
mental species, and forms a handsome green- 
house plant, with drooping, axillary, white 
flowers. Itwasintroduced from New Zealand 
in 1871, and is easily increased by cuttings. 

Plagioli‘rion. From plagios, oblique, and 
lierion, a lily; in allusion to the shape of the 
perianth. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacea. 

P. Horsmanni, the only described species is 
a very pretty stove-house bulb, introduced 
from Columbia in 1883. Its pure white flow- 
ers are disposed ina ten to twelve flowered 
umbel, which though smaller than those of 
the Eucharis, to which it is closely allied, are 
quite showy and ornamental. 

Plagiolo'’bium. From plagios, transverse, and 
lobos, a pod; alluding to the shape of the pod. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of very beautiful green-house 
plants, now placed under Hovea, by many 
botanists. 

Plaited. Folded lengthwise, like the plaits of 
a closed fan. 


Plane. Flat, level. 


Plane’ra. Named in honor of Lf. J. Planer, a 
German botanist who published a “Flora of 
Erfurt” in 1788. Nat. Ord. Urticacee. 

A small genus of trees, natives of Asia and 
North America, closely allied tothe Elms. P. 
Richardi, the Zelkona tree, the wood of which 
is exceedingly hard, and takes a fine polish, 
forms a large and very ornamental tree in its 
native country, and has smooth bark, anda 
much branched crown, like an erect growing 
Beech. P. aquatica, the Planer Tree (syn. P. 
Gmelina), our only native species is found in 
the Southern States, and is a small tree, to 
which no particular value is attached. Either 
of the species can be grafted on the Elm. 


Planer Tree. See Planera aquatica. 
Plane Tree. See Platanus. 


Plane Tree, Scotch. A common name in Scot- 
lana for Acer Pseudo-platunus. 


Plantagina’ceze. A natural order of annual or 
perennial herbs, natives of the temperate 
regions of both hemispheres, especially in 
Europe and North America. Several of the 
species are employed in medicine. The order 
comprises only three genera, Bougueria, Lit- 
torella, and Plantago, and about two hundred 
species. 

Planta’go. Plantain. The old name of the 
genus, used by Pliny. Nat. Ord. Plantagin- 
ace. 


PLA 


P. lanceolata (Rib-grass), is sometimes sown 
with grasses as a condiment for sheep pasture 
or for a rabbit warren. P: major, the common 
Plantain of the door-yard, and grass-plots, is 
found near the abode of civilized man in all 
parts of the world. 


Plantain Tree. See Musa. 
Plantain. See Plantago. 


Plantain Lily. A popular name for the genus 
Funkia. 

Plantain. Water. The common name of Alisma 
Plantago, once regarded as a specific against 
Hydrophobia. 

Pla‘ntia. Named by Dr. Herbert in honor of 
Mr. Plant, azealous and industrious experi- 
mental cultivator and nurseryman at Cheadle, 
England, who raised some interesting hybrids 
among this race of plants. Nat. Ord. Iri . 

P. flava, the only species, is a beautiful 
yellow-flowering bulb from the Cape of Good 
Hope. It is a delicate growing plant, bearing 
numerous pretty little flowers on a slender 
scape about one foot high. It is propagated 
by offsets and requires the same treatment as 
the tender species of Jris. Introduced in 1842. 
This genus is now included with Hexagloitis 
by some botanists. 

Plant Lice. See Insects. 


Planting. This is an operation performed by 
the fingers, dibber, trowel, or by the spade. 
The condition of soil for planting should be 
similar to that for Sowing (which see). And 
here, too, as in sowing, the same necessity for 
moderately firming the soil to the roots is as 
important as in firming the soil over seeds, 
and, as advised in seed sowing, no better 
method can be used in firming the soil after 
planting than by the feet. In the driest 
weather in July hundreds of acres of Celery, 
Cabbage, ete., are planted by our market 
gardeners on newly plowed ground, without 
using a particle of water, by the system of 
firming the plants with the foot after planting. 
The planter sets the plant with the dibber, 
and on finishing the row, returns on it, press- 
ing the soil to each plant firmly with the side 
of his foot. This prevents the dry air pene- 
trating the loose soil, and plants so set will 
strike out new roots in thirty or forty hours, 
after which they are safe. The same rule 
should be adopted in setting out all plants, 
shrubs, trees, or anything else, particularly if 
the weather is hot and dry. Countless 
millions of plants are lost every season by 
want of the simple operation of firming the 
roots after planting. In setting out plants 
that have been growing in pots, there is 
perhaps not so much necessity, as the roots 
are not mutilated, and hence make a quicker 
start; still circumstances must be the 
guide in the operation; and if the soil is very 
dry and the weather warm, a moderate 
amount of pressure around the ball of earth 
will be necessary. Sometimes in setting out 
plants from pots, the ball is so hard as to pre- 
vent the inner roots getting easily to the 
surface; in such cases the ball should be 
crushed or beaten so as to render it partially 
loose, which greatly conduces to the growth of 
the plant. 

Planting. EvinoF Drep. More than half the 
losses in tree planting and fruit trees especially 
arise from their being planted too deep. No 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 331 


PLA 


tree should be planted deeper than it formerly 
grew, as its roots are stifled for the want of 
air, or starved by the poverty of the soil at the 
depth where they are placed. Itis much the 
better and more natural process, to plant 
the tree so that it shall, when the whole 
is complete, appear just as deep as before, but 
standing on a little mound two or three 
inches higher than the ground round about. 
This, when the mound settles, will leave it 
nearly on a level with the previous surface. 


Plant Protectors. This term is applicable to 
anything which acts, if only temporarily, to 
preserve plants from injury. Bast-mats, straw 
mats, hand lights, bell glasses, small movable 
frames, covered either with glass or water- 
proof protecting cloth, or waterproof fibre, 
may all be termed appliances for this purpose. 
This protecting cloth, while being no cheaper 
than ordinary grades of cotton cloth, has the 
advantage in being so prepared that it is mil- 
dew-proof, and will last from five to ten years, 
according to the care given it. It is made in 
yard widths and can be shaped for use accord- 
ing to circumstances. Probably the simplest 
plan is to tack it to a light frame three by 
six feet and use it just as sashes are used. 
Such ‘‘sashes,” made of protecting eloth, 
would cost not more than twenty cents each, 
while glass sashes cost (to say nothing of ex- 
pense in freighting) $2each. Besides, in the 
hands of inexperienced cultivators, the pro- 
tecting cloth is safest, for, if this covering is 
left on in the daytime when the sun is shining 
there is comparatively little rise of tempera- 
ture underneath it, while it is well known 
that if ventilation of frames covered by glass 
sashes is not carefully attended to, the crop 
beneath may be quickly ruined by the sun’s 
rays acting on the glass and raising the tem- 
perature. It can also be procured on galvan- 
ized iron folding frames, and is invaluable for 
the early forwarding of plants, protecting from 
frosts, insects, etc. It is also useful for cover- 
ing hot-bed frames in spring, in lieu of glass, 
after excessive freezing weather is over, and 
also for throwing over bedding plants at night, 
in fall, when there is danger of frost. By this 
means beds of Coleus, Achyranthes, and other 
plants may be retained in their beauty for 
weeks, after similar plants have been 
blackened and destroyed in unprotected beds 
by one night’s untimely frost. It is admirably 
adapted for the temporary green-houses, or 
structures now so much used to protect and 
flower Chrysanthemums in the fall. 


Plants in Rooms—ARE THEY INJURIOUS TO 


HEALTH? The question whether plants may 
be safely grown in living rooms is now settled 
by scientific men who show that, whatever 
deleterious gases may be given out by plants 
at night, they are so minute in quantity that 
no injury is ever done by their presence in the 
rooms and by being inhaled. Though we were 
glad to see the question disposed of by such 
authority, experience had already shown that 
no bad effects ever resulted from living in 
apartments where plants were grown. Our 
green-houses are one mass of foliage, and I 
much doubt if any healthier class of men can 
be found than those engaged in the care of 
plants. But timid persons may say that 
the deleterious gases are given out only at 
night, while our green-house operators are 


PLA 


only employed in daylight. Thisis only true 
in part. Our watchmen and men engaged in 
attending to fires at night make the warm 
green-houses their ‘sitting-room and their 
sleeping-room, and I have yet to hear of the 
first instance where the slightest injury 
resulted from this practice. Many of our 
medical practitioners run in old ruts. Some 
Solomon among them probably gave out this 
dogma a century ago; it was made the con- 
venient scapegoat of some other cause of 
sickness, and the rank and file have followed 
in his train. A belief in this error often 
consigns to the cellar, or to the cold winds of 
winter, the treasured floral pets of a house- 
hold. 


Plants for Shady Places. There are few plants 
that will flower in places from which sunshine 
is entirely excluded. Some plants will grow 
well enough, developing shoots and leaves, 
but flowers of nearly all kinds must have some 
sunshine. Of those that do well and flower 
when planted out in the open ground where 
sunlight only comes for two or three hours 
during the day, may be named the following: 
Calceolarias, Fuchsias, Lobelias, Herbaceous 
Phloxes, Pansies, Forget-me-nots, Lily of the 
Valley, and other herbaceous plants and 
shrubs whose native habitat is shady woods. 
A better effect, however, is produced in such 
situations by ornamental-leaved plants, such 
as Coleuses of all kinds, Amaranths, Achy- 
ranthes, Caladiums, Cannas, and other plants 
with highly-colored or ornamental leaves. 
With these may be combined the different 
styles of white or gray-leaved plants, such as 
Centaureas, Cinerarias, and Gnaphaliums, 
plants known under the general popular term 
of ‘‘ Dusty Millers.” This is just the situation 
also for many of the hardier Palms, Ficus, 
Crotons, or other exotic plants during the 
summer months, to recuperate from the 
effects of the winter’s confinement in the 
house or conservatory. For a shady door- 
yard in the city, nothing can surpass the 
white and blue Periwinkle (Vinca minor) or 
Creeping Charlie (Lysimachia nummularia) for 
agroundwork, relieved with clumps or groups 
of our various native or hardy Ferns, Plaintain 
Lilies the variegated Calla, or plants of a like 
nature. 


Plant Stove. The name generally given to a 
structure devoted to the cultivation of those 
plants that require a high temperature to 
grow them to perfection. As many of the 
inhabitants of the Plant Stove are grown for 
their beautifully colored foliage as well as for 
flowers, a structure that admits all the side 
light possible is requisite, thus securing to 
the plants a brighter coloring as well as a 
shorter jointed growth, and a more healthy 
development. Ventilation should be so ar- 
ranged that the air cannot, on entering, come 
in direct contact with the plants ; for prevent- 
ing this, itis better to place side ventilators 
in the walls near the pipes, and to only use 
others situated near the top when there is 
comparatively little difference between the 
internal and external temperatures. A slight 
shading is necessary during the summer 
months, which is best applied as described 
under ‘‘Shading.” As plenty of water and a 
moist atmosphere are necessary to their 
proper cultivation, the plants must therefore 


332 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PLA 


be well and carefully drained; cleanliness 
amongst plants and also pots is most import- 
ant, as a high temperature favors the multi- 
plication of insect pests. 


Plants, Unhealthy. Taz REMEDY. Whenever 
plants begin to drop their leaves, it is certain 
that their health has been injured. This may 
be due to over-potting, over-watering, over- 
heating, too much cold, or the application of 
such stimulants as guano, or to some other 
cause which has destroyed the fine root- 
lets by which the plant feeds, and induced 
disease that may lead to death. The case is 
not usually important enough to eall in a 
‘plant doctor,” so the amateur begins. to 
treat the patient, and the practice is, in all 
probability, not unlike that of some of our 
household physicians who apply a remedy 
that increases the disease. Having already 
destroyed the, so to speak, nutritive organs 
of the plant, the ‘‘stomach” is gorged with 
food by applying water, or with medicine by 
applying guano or some patent “plant food.” 
Now the remedy is nearly akin to what isa 
good one when the animal digestion is de- 
ranged—give it no more food until it re-acts. 


We must then, if the roots of the plant have. 
been injured from any of the above-named’ 


causes, let the soil in which it is potted 
become nearly dry; then remove the plant 
from the pot, take the ball of soil in which 
the roots have been enveloped, and crush it 
between the hands just enough to allow all 
the hard outer crust of the ball of earth to be 
shaken off; and then re-pot in rather dry soil, 
using a new flower-pot, or the old one, thor- 
oughly washing it, so that the moisture can 
freely evaporate through the pores. Be careful 
not to over-feed the sick plant. Let the pot be 
only large enough to admit of not more than an 
inch of soil between the pot and the ball, of 
roots. After re-potting, give it water enough 
to settle the soil, and do not apply any more 
until the plant has begun to grow, unless, in- 
deed, the atmosphere is so dry that the mois- 
ture has entirely evaporated from the soil, 
and then, of course, water must be given, or 
the patient may die from the opposite cause— 
starvation. The danger to be avoided is, in 
all probability, that which brought on the 
sickness, namely, saturation of the soil by too 
much water.’ Other causes may induce sick- 
ness in plants, such as an escape of.gas in the 
apartment, or smoke from a flue in the green- 
house; but in all cases, when the leaves fall 
from a plant, withhold water, and if there is 
reason to believe that the soil has been 
poisoned by gas, or soddened with moisture, 
shake it from the roots as before advised, and 
re-pot in a fresh flower-pot. 


Platana’cez. A small natural order of usually 
tall trees, of which two are natives of eastern 
Europe, and Asia, and the rest of North 
America. Platanus, the only genus of the 
order, comprises five or six species, valuable 
for their timber as well as for their ornamental 
appearance. 


Platanthe’ra. Native Orchids, now included in 
the genus Habenaria, which see. 


Pla’'tanus. Plane Tree, Button-wood, or Syca- 
more. From platys, broad or ample; in allu- 
sion to the spreading branches and shady 
foliage. Nat. Ord. Platanacee. 


PLA 


P. occidentalis is the well-known Button- 
wood tree, and is common throughout the 
United States east of the Rocky Mountains. 
P. orientalis, the Oriental or Common Plane, 
is a beautiful, large, spreading tree presenting 
a great variety of handsome forms, which 
differ chiefly in the shape and lobing of the 
leaves. The variety P. O. Acerifolia (maple- 
leaved) is the commonest in cultivation, fre- 
quently bearing the name of P. occidentalis 
from which it may readily be distinguished 
when in fruit, by the peduncles bearing more 
than one ball, and frequently many. P. racem- 
osa, a California species, is remarkable for 
its deeply five-lobed leaves, the under surface 
of which, even when they become old, is 
copiously clad with woolly hairs. This spe- 
cies furnishes a hard and durable timber, and 
is much less liable to warp than that of P. 
occidentalis. P. Wrightii, found on the banks. 
of rivers in the valleys of New Mexico, Arizona, 
and northern Mexico, forms a beautiful tree 
forty to sixty feet in height. The wood is 
light, soft, very Close-grained and compact. 
Some fine specimens of this genus are to be 
seen as street trees in Washington, D. C. 


Platyca’rpum. From platys, broad, and Karpos, 


a fruit; alluding to the shape of the capsule. 
Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

P. Orinocense, the only described species, 
introduced from Orinoco in 1813, is a tall 
tree with robust, opposite, terete branches. 
If the plants are kept rather dry in winter, it 
will tend to throw them into flower. 


Platyce’rium. Stag’s Horn Fern. From platys, 


broad, and keras, ahorn; referring to the form 
of the fronds. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee.' 

A very distinct and remarkable genus of 
Ferns, formerly grouped with Acrostichum, 
but now placed by themselves in a separate 
genus under the name of Platycerium, because 
they produce their sori in large amorphous 
patches, and not, as in the true Acrostichea, 
over the whole fertile portions. The species 
are few in number, chiefly Eastern or Austra- 
lian and for the most part tropical. ‘They 
have hetermorphous, coriaceous, laciniate, or 
lobate fronds, clothed with stellate hairs, and 
the fertile fronds are articulate. The broad 
fronds are traversed by several furcate ribs, 
between which there is a close network of finer 
buried veins. The large, shapeless masses 
of spore cases are attached to the plexus of 
crowded veins, and are quite naked. In P. 
biforme they occupy a separate scutiform lobe, 
but in the other species they are variously 
situated near the margin.” —Dr. Moore in Bot. 
Treas. P. alcicorne is the type of the genus, 
and was introduced in 1808. Itis best known 
under its common name of Stag’s Horn Fern, 
so called because of the striking resemblance 
of the fronds to the horns of a stag. This is 
the species commonly seen in our green- 
houses. It is a native of New South Wales, 
and was introduced in 1808. P. grande, a 
native of Moreton Bay, was introduced into 
Europe in 1828, but is still quite rare in the 
United States. It has broader and larger 
fronds than P. alcicorne, is a plant of altogether 
grander proportions. To this species has 
been given the name of Elk’s Horn Fern. Mr. 
F. W Burbidge, a well-known botanist and 
collector, in his recent book of travels in 
Borneo, etc. (‘The Garden of the Sun”) thus 


Le 


‘ WOW ) 
aN af oS 


Ny 


< 


SSeS = 


at 
if Hf 
Ny 


PLATYCODON GRANDIFLORUM, 


332 PHYSIANTHUS ALBENS (CRUEL PLANT), 


PLATYCERIUM ALCICORNE. 


POA PRATENSIS (KENTUCKY BLUE GRASS). 


4 W ‘ 
SAW AY GY 


. 
Be 
1 his 


fA 


‘, 


Re 6 
er ons € ey Whee 
4 Se WAS 


POA BEROTINA (FOWL MEADOW GRASS). 


IY, 


(RE ER VS 
Wis ife 
ey 

fx ip 4, <5" 

NV) Y val a 


ors 


AE 


= 


POA TRIVIALIS (ROUGH-STALEED MEADOW GRASB). POA AQUATICA (WATER MEADOW GRASS). 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. ~ 333 


PLA 


: speaks of the Elk’s Horn Fern: “I resided 
for some time in a house which had been 
occupied by Mr. Hugh Low, the garden and 
fruit orchard of which afforded me most 
delightful walks morning and evening. I 
never saw the Elk’s Horn Fern (Platycerium 
grande) so luxuriant anywhereas it was on the 
boles of some large Orange trees here. The 
barren fronds were broad, like the horns of 
the giant Irish elk, and the more slender 
fertile ones drooped on all sides from the base 
of the nest formed by the leafy expansions. I 
measured some ofthese fertile fronds, and 
found them fully seven feetin length. These 
splendid Ferns, and thechoicest of epiphytal 
Orchids, which had been planted among the 
branches of the trees, madea walk among them 
most enjoyable.” This species is still quite 
rare inthe United States. Another species, 
P. Aithiopicum, has been still more recently 
introduced, and is to be found in few collec- 
tions as yet. The fronds of this species are 
of still grander proportions than the preceding, 
and has received the common name of Moose 
Horn Fern. The above with P. Wallichii, 
are the best and most interesting of these 
grotesque Ferns. All these species are 
worthy of a place in any collection, however 
small. Itis supposed by many that they are 
difficult to grow; but this is not so. There 
are very few plants that will accommodate 
themselves to such varying conditions of heat, 
moisture and exposure. They are admirable 
room plants. They may be grown in pots in a 


porous soil composed of leaf-mold, sand, and | 


plenty of potsherds or pieces of charcoal; or, 
better still, they may be grown on cork ora 
piece of a tree log, two or three feet long and 
about a foot in diameter. They are propa- 
gated by division and by spores, the latter, 
however, being an uncertain method of propa- 
gation, except by an expert. 


Platyco’don. From platys, broad, and kodon, a 
bell; the: flowers are broad and bell shaped. 
Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. 

A genus: of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
with large white or purple flowers, natives of 
China'and Dahuria. The various varieties of P. 
grandiflora are most desirable plants for the 
herbaceous border. A new dwarf variety 
from Japan, P. Mariesi, is a distinct and most 
acceptable border plant. In the Northern 
States they should have a slight protection in 
winter. : 


Platycra'ter. From platys, broad, and krater, a 
bowl; alluding to the expanded calyx of the 
barren flowers. Nat Ord. Sazifragaceaw. 

P. arguta, the only representative of the 
genus, isahardy prostrate, or creeping shrub, 
with greenish-white, scattered flowers, much 
larger than those of Hydrangea. It was intro- 


duced from Japan in 1866, and is easily propa- — 


-gated by cuttings. 


Platylo'bium. Flat Pea. From platys, broad, 
and labos, a pod; in reference to the broad 
legumes. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of handsome evergreen 
shrubs from Tasmania and New Holland. 
Like other New Holland plants, these require 
alight sandy soil, well drained. They should 
be carefully watered, and have plenty of fresh 
air whenever it can be admitted. A shelf 
near to the glass, in the most airy part of the 
green-house in winter, and a shaded situation 


Platylo’phus, 


Platys. 


Platythe’ca 


Platysti'’gma. 


Platysty’lis. 


PLE 


out of doors in summer, will suit them.’ The 
slender branches of all the species require 
some support though they do not look well 
when trained to a regular trellis. It is, 
therefore, better to use slight sticks, where 
most wanted, allowing the points of the 
shoots to hangin a graceful, pendant manner. 
The prevailing color of the large pea-shaped 
flowers is orange, or yellow and red. 
The species are rarely met in collections, 
though deserving of general cultivation. They 
were introduced about 1800, and are propa- 
gated by cuttings or from seed. 


Platylo’ma. From platys, broad, and loma, a 


fringe. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of tropical Ferns, some of which 
are very beautiful. They require to be 
grown in a shaded house, warm and moist. 
This genus is included under Pellea by some 
botanists. 


From platys, broad, and lophos, 
a crest; the capsule is so much compressed 
at the apex, as to appear winged. Nat. Ord. 
Saxifragacee. 

P. trifoliata, White Alder, the only species 


. is a beautiful green-house evergreen tree 


with white flowers, disposed in long, axillary, 
many-flowered panicles. It is a native of the 
Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced in 
1820. Syn. Wienmannia. 


A term in Greek compounds, signify- 
ing broad; as Platyphyllus, broad-leaved. 


Platyste’mon. From platys, broad, and stemon, 


astamen. Nat. Ord. Papaveracea. 

Very handsome yellow-flowering annuals, 
quite hardy, of creeping habit, and free 
flowering. The seed should be sown in March, 
on a warm border, where the plants are 
required to bloom. The two species that 
compose this genus are natives of Cali- 
fornia and Siberia. 


Galioides. This is given in 
‘‘Nicholson’s Dictionary of Gardening ” as the 
correct name of Tetratheca or Tremandra 
verticillata. 


From platys, broad, and stigma, 
the female organ. Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. 

P. lineare, the only cultivated species, is a 
hardy annual, found in California in 1833. ‘It 
is a dwarf-growing and free-blooming plant. 
The flowers are yellow, and, from their pro- 
fusion, quite showy. It requires no more 
care than any other hardy annual. 


From platys, broad, and stylos, a 
style; in allusion to the dilated style. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. : 

A genus of very handsome herbaceous 
border plants, now included by many botanists 
under Lathyrus. 


Plectoco’mia. From plectos, plaited, and kome, 


leaves; probably from the leaves béing used 
in plaiting. 

A genus of Palmaceew, comprising some six 
species, allied to Calamus, and armed with 
recurved prickles. The leaves are large, pin- 
nate, furnished with long whip-like tails, beset 
on the under side with very strong spines. ‘P. 
Assamica, P., Andersoni, P. Himalayana, and 
P. elongata, are the best known species. They 
are handsome plants, distinct, and graceful, 
and are freely propagated by suckers. They 
are natives of the Malayan Archipelago and 


334 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PLE 


India. Handsome plants of easy culture, first 
introduced in 1840. 


Plectopo’/ma. A group of hybrid Gesneras, 
which some writers have constituted a distinct 
genus. They are a strong, erect-growing 
class, with but little to distinguish them from 
others of this interesting order. 

Plectran'thus. From plektron, a cock’s spur, 
and anthos, a flower; referring to the shape of 
the flower. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

Green-house shrubs and herbaceous plants, 
closely allied to Coleus. Natives of Africa, 
South America, and Asia. They all have 
purple flowers, produced in terminal and 
axillary racemes, but being of little beauty 
or interest, they are rarely cultivated, 

Plectri'tis. From plectron, a cock’s spur; in 
reference to the flowers being gibbous in front. 
Nat. Ord. Valerianacee. 

A genus of Californian and Chilian annuals, 
with pink flowers in dense capitate cymes. 
They require the same treatment as other 
hardy annuals. Syn. Valerianella. 


Plectro/nia. From plectron, a cock’s spur; in 
allusion to the large spines which are to be 
found on some of the species. Nat. Ord. 
Rubiacee. 

A large genus of ornamental trees or shrubs, 
sometimes climbing, natives of tropical Asia, 
Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands. 
Few of the species have been introduced, and 
are of but little interest, horticulturally. Syns. 
Canthium, Mitrastigma, Phallaria, etc. 

Plee’a. Named after pleias, the seven stars; in 
reference to the disposition of the flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

P. tenuifolia, the only species, is a hardy 
perennial plant with knotted-rush-like stems 
or rhizomes and greenish-white flowers. It is 
anative of the Southern United States, and is 
increased freely by seeds. 

Ple’‘ione. A mythological name. 
Orchidacee. 

A small genus of dwarf epiphytal Orchids, 
formerly classed with Calogyne. They are 
found growing in high altitudes in the moun- 
tains of northern and northeastern India. 
They are remarkable for their dwarf habit 
and richly-colored flowers. The flowers are 
produced in autumn or early winter, after a 
period of rest, and immediately. precede the 
new growth. They are of easy culture, 
requiring a house of moderate temperature, 
and alternate seasons of growth and rest. 
Propagated by division. Introduced in 1864. 


Plenus. Pleno. Double, as in double flowers. 


Pleope’ltis. From pleos, full, and pelte, a shield; 
referring to the covering of the spores or 
seed-cases. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

An interesting genus of tropical ferns in- 
habiting some portions of South America and 
the South Pacific Islands. P. Xiphias is a 
beautiful plant for the green-house. It is of 
considerable size, and well furnished with 
sori; firm, but not leathery in texture, and 
arched and somewhat undulated at the edge, 
which is otherwise entire; the venation is 
strongly marked and closely reticulated. This 
genus is now included under Polypodium by 
some botanists. 

Plero’ma. From pleroma, fullness ; referring 
to the cells of the seed-vessel. Nat. Ord. 
Melastomacee. 


Nat. Ord. 


PLO 


A small genus of handsome green-house 
evergreen shrubs from Brazil. They are free 
flowering and of easy culture. A rich soil and 
liberal watering during the summer are essen- 
tial, that the new growth may be strong ; they 
will then produce their clusters of purple 
flowers freely in autumn and winter.. P. ele- 
gans is one of the best known species, and 
bears beautiful flowers of a rich purple color. 
P. macranthum floribundum is also a very free 

owering species, producing its large violet- 
blue flowers in great profusion on quite young 
plants. They were first introduced in 1821, 
and are increased by cuttings. 


Pleurisy Root. A popular name of Asclepias 
tuberosa, from its supposed medicinal quali- 
ties. 

Pleuro’gyne. From pleuron, a side, and gyne, 
the female organ; referring to the stigmas 
issuing from the side of the seed-vessel. Nat. 
Ord. Gentianacee. 

P. rotata, the only cultivated species, is a 
low growing hardy annual from Siberia. 


Pleurope’talum. From pleuron, a side, and 
petalon, a petal; in allusion to the shape of 
the corolla. Nat. Ord. Amaranthacee. 

A small genus of slightly-branched glabrous 
shrubs, natives of Mexico, Ecuador and the 
Galapagos Islands. P. Costaricense, the only 
species yet introduced, is a small evergreen 
shrub with green branches. It was introduced 
from Central America in 1883, but is rarely 
found in cultivation. 


Pleurotha'llis. From pleuron, a side, and thallo, 
to flower; in allusion to the one-sided dispo- 
sition of the flowers of some of the species. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidaceaw. 

This is one of the most extensive genus of 
Orchids, comprising nearly three hundred 
species, all epiphytes, and natives of the West 
Indies and South America. Though interest- 
ing botanically, only a few species, such as P. 
ornata, P. scapha, P. tridentata, and P. Barber- 
iana, have sufficient merit to warrant their 
introduction into the Orchid house. 


Plicate. Plaited or folded together lengthwise, 
like a closed fan. 


Plo’cama. From plocamos, bent hairs; alluding 
tothe pendulous branches. Nat. Ord. Rubi- 
- acew. 

P. pendula, the only described species, is an 
erect shrub with very slender, pendulous 
branches. The flowers are white, small and 
terminal. It was introduced from the Canary 
Islands in 1772, and is readily increased by 
cuttings. 


Plocoste’mma. From _ plokos, curled, and 
stemma, a crown; referring to the crown of 
the stamens. Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
twiners, allied to Hoya, and requiring the 
same general treatment. They inhabit the 
forests of Borneo and Java. Introduced in 
1858. 


Ploughman’s Spikenard. 
folia. 


Plowing. Many gardeners yet ignore the plow 
in the garden, even where it is perfectly prac- 
ticable to use it. We have used the plowand 
harrow for pulverizing on every foot that it 
was possible to use them in, in all our opera- 
tions in the ground, whether for fruit, flow- 


Baccharis halimi- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 336 


Plum. 


PLU 


ers or vegetables, for the past thirty years, 
and feel convinced that their use for that pur- 
pose is far better than the spade or digging 
fork, besides the immense saving in labor. 


The well-known Prunus domestica, 
and its varieties, from which the Plums 
of our gardens have originated, are found 
throughout Asia and southern Europe. The 
early history of the cultivated varieties is 
quite obscure. They were introduced into 
England from France early in the fifteenth 
century. Both the French and the English 
horticulturists have given this fruit con- 
siderable attention. New York has the credit, 
however, of having produced the greatest 
number of excellent varieties. Downing says: 
“That the soil and climate of the Middle 
States are admirably suited to this fruit is 
sufficiently proved by the almost spontaneous 
production of such varieties as theWashington, 
Jefferson, Lawrence’s Favorite, etc.; sorts 
which equal or surpass in beauty or flavor the 
most celebrated Plums of France or England.” 
There are several species indigenous to this 
country, some of which are of fair flavor, and 
are now being cultivated by some of our 
nurserymen. Chickasaw Plum, Prunus Chic- 
asa, isa native of Maryland and southwest- 
ward to Texas, where it is known as the Dwart 
Texas Plum. The Beach Plum, P. mari- 
tima, is a low, straggling tree or shrub, 
from two to five feet high. The fruitis nearly 
round, red or purple, and covered with bloom. 
It is common in sandy places on the sea-coast 
from Maine to Virginia, and seldom ripens well 
elsewhere. _The Wild Red or Yellow Plum is 
P. Americana.. This species grows from ten 
to twenty feet high, and is common in hedge- 
rows from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The 
fruit is pleasant-tasted, but has a tough skin. 
It ripens in July and August. The great 
difficulty in the cultivation of the finer varie- 
ties of Plum is the Curculio, which punctures 
the fruit in the green state, and lays its eggs, 
which, by the time the fruit is ripe, develops 
to the larve state, completely destroying the 
fruit. The only effectual remedy thus far is 
that so strongly recommended and practiced 
years ago by Mr. John J. Thomas, and 
Dr. Trimble, and so successfully practiced 
by Ellwanger and Barry, in their extensive 
Plum Orchard—to spread sheets under the 
trees and jar the branches so as to shake off 
the insect. This, to be effective, must be 
begun just after the fruit has formed, and 


POA 

E. Indian. Flacourtia cataphracta, and F, 

Ramonchi. 
Gingerbread. Parinarium macrophyllum. 
Green-gage. Prunus Claudiana. 
Ground. Astragalus caryocarpus. 
Hog. Various species of Spondias, etc. 
Jamaica. Spondias lutea. 
Japanese. Prunus Sinensis. 
Mountain. Ximenia Americana. 
Myrobalan. A variety of Prunus domestica. 
Myrobella. Prunus Myrobalana. 
Natal. Arduina grandiflora. 
Orleans. <A variety of Prunus domestica. 
Pigeon. Coccoloba Floridana. 
Queensland. The genus Owenia, 
Sand. Prunus maritima. 
Sapodilla or Sapotilla. Achras Sapota. 
Sugar. Malpighia saccharina. 
Tamarind. Dialium Indicum. 
Weeping. Prunus cerasifera. 
Wild, British. Prunus communis. 


Wild, of the Cape of Good Hope. Pappea 
Capensis. 

Wild-Goose: An improved variety of Prunus 
Chicasa. 


Plumbagina’cez. A natural order of shrubs 


or herbaceous plants, found chiefly on the 
sea-shores or salt marshes in temperate 
regions. The flowers are blue, violet, pink, 
yellow or white, and some of the species 
possess tonic and astringent properties. 
Eight genera, including Armeria, Statice, and 
Plumbago, and over two hundred species con- 
stitute the order. 


Plumba’go. Leadwort. From plumbum, lead. 


Some species were formerly said to cure Lead 
disease. Nat. Ord. Plumbaginacee. 

A genus consisting of green-house ever- 
greens and hardy herbaceous plants, natives 
of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Three of the 
spécies are well worth growing in the green- 
house. P. Capensis, with lavender-blue 
flowers, P. rosea, with rose-colored flowers, 
and P. alba, with white flowers. Each will 
grow well with ordinary treatment. The 
former is a valuable plant, as it produces its 
large panicles of lavender flowers nearly the 
whole winter. P. Larpente, has deep azure- 
blue flowers, flowering from August to 
November, and is perfectly hardy. The name 
of this species is now given by some as Valo- 
radia, and by others, Ceratostigma Plumbagin- 
oides. They were first introduced in 1818, 
and are easily propagated by cuttings of the 
roots, or shoots, and by division. 


continued at least once a week for thirty or 


forty days. See Curculio. sees aa Australian. Asrotricha ptero- 
sige cies Waa relia or far hg Plume-Grass. Gynerium argenteum. 
ie. Hee ane , _Plume-Nutmeg. Atherosperma moschata. 


Plume-Thistle. The genus Cirsium, and Cnicus; 
also Carduus lanceolata. 


Plume-Thistle, yellow. Cnicus Acarna. 
Plumose. Feathery, resembling feathers. 


Plumule. The bud of seed; the youngest bud 
ina piant; the bud or growing point of the 


Beach. Prunus maritima. 
Californian Wild. Prunus subcordata. 
Canada. Prunus Americana. 
Carolina. Prunus Caroliniana. 
Ceylon. Flacourtia sapida. 
Cherry. Prunus Myrobalana. 
Chicasaw. Prunus Chicasa. 
Cocoa. Chrysobalanus Icaco. embryo. 
Damson. Prunus domestica var. damascena. Poa. Meadow Grass. From poa, signifying 
Date, American. Diospyros Virginiana. grass or herbage. Nat. Ord. Graminacea. 
Date, Chinese. Diospyrus Kakt. An extensive genus of grasses, containing 
Date, European. Diospyrus Lotus. some that are valuable for hay and pasture. 
Double-flowered,. Chinese. Prunus Sinensis P. pratensis is the well-known Kentucky Blue 
jl. pl. Grass, introduced from Europe, and now 


336 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


POC 


thoroughly naturalized. P. arachnifera, Texas 
Blue Grass, is an invaluable hardy winter 
Grass for the south, and the longest, driest 
and hottest summer fails toinjure it. Itmakes 
as good sod as the Kentucky Blue Grass (P. 
pratensis), and if sown together (not too deep) 
the seeds of the two varieties generally come 
up together after the same shower, forit takes 
a wet, damp, drizzly spell to start it. It can 
be cultivated, both from seed and sets, and 
may be planted either in the fall or spring. 
P. serotina, the Fowl Meadow Grass or False 
Red Top, and P. aquatica, the Water Meadow 
Grass, are both very valuable grasses, more 
especially for damp meadows, low ‘banks of 
streams, etc. They grow luxuriantly in such 
situations, and furnish an immense quantity 
of herbage, which may be cut several times 
a season if desired. They are also excellent 
grasses for pasturage. P. annua is one of 
the worst weeds of English gardens. 


Poculiform. Resembling a drinking-cup or 
goblet in shape. 


Pod. The capsule or seed-case of leguminous 
and cruciferous plants, those of the former 
(Peas, Beans, etc.) being called legumes, and 
those of the latter (Cabbage, Turnip, etc.) 
siliques and silicules. 

Pod Fern. See Ellobocarpus. 

Poda'nthes. From pous, podos, a foot, and 
anthos, a flower; alluding to the flowers being 

_ borne on long pedicels. Nat. Ord. Asclepia- 
dacee. 

A genus comprising about eight_species of 
shrubby plants closely allied to Stapelia, all 
natives of South Africa. They are but little 
cultivated. 


Podium, Podos. In Greek compounds, signify- 
ing a stalk, stipe, ete., as Podocephalus, 
stalked-headed; Leptopodus, slender-stalked. 

Podoca'rpus. Japan Yew. From pous, a foot, 
and karpos, afruit; the fruits are foot-stalked. 
Nat. Ord. Conifere. 

A genus of hardy and half-hardy evergreen 
trees and shrubs, indigenous in China, the 
East Indies, and New Zealand. P. Japonica 
is an upright-growing shrub, with dark, shin- 
ing, green leaves, luxuriant in its growth, and 
in form resembling the Irish Yew. P. cupres- 
sina is noted as one of the best timber trees 
of Java; while P. totara, a New Zealand spe- 
cies, having a light, durable wood, has been 
frequently the subject of contention and strife 
among the natives; its bark is made use of 
for roofing purposes, and its fruits are eaten. 
Several species have been introduced into 
conservatories, and one or two Japanese or 
Chinese varieties are sufficiently hardy to 
stand out of doors, if slightly protected. 


Podola'sia. From pous, podos, a foot, and 
Lasia; from which genus it differs in having a 
long stipe to the spadix. Nat. Ord. Aroidew. 

P. stipitata, the only introduced species, is 
a slender plant-stove perennial, with a short, 
erect caudex, and sagittate or hastate leaves, 
with elongated, narrow, acuminate lobes. It 
was introduced from Borneo in 1882, and is 
easily increased by division. 

Podo'lepis. From pous, podos, a foot, and lepis, 
a scale ; flower-stalk covered with scales. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

Very pretty Australian plants. They are 
all nearly hardy. The perennials are in- 


POG 


creased by dividing the root, and the annuals 
(P. gracilis, etc.) by sowing in the green-house 
or on a hot-bed in February or March, and 
transplanting into the open border in May. 

Podolo’bium. From pous, podos, a foot, and. 
lobos, a pod; the seed-pod stands on a foot- 
stalk within the calyx. Nat. Ord. Legumin- 
ose. ‘ 

A small genus of New Holland evergreen 
shrubs, with handsome red and yellow flowers. . 
Ordinary green-house treatment will grow 
them successfully. They were introduced in 
1822, and are best grown from seed. This 
genus is now included by some botanists 
under Oxylobium. 


Podophy’llum. Duck’s Foot. Abridged From 
Anapodophyllum, a word signifying a duck’s 
foot; the leaves bear some resemblance to 
that; whence the English name, Duck’s Foot. 
Nat. Ord. Berberidacew. 

This is a small genus of hardy herbaceous 
plants, with thick, creeping root-stocks, which 
send up in spring a stem bearing two leaves, 
with a solitary flower between them. P. pelta- 
tum, a native species, is common in moist, 
shady woods, and is distinguished by the 
stamens being double the number of the pet- 
als. Its leaves are from five to nine-lobed; 
its flowers large, white, and nodding; and its 
fruit egg-shaped and yellowish, somewhat 
resembling a small lemon, and hence some- 
times called Wild Lemon, but more generally 
May Apple, or Mandrake. Its foliage is nar- 
cotic and poisonous, but the acid pulp of the 
fruit is eatable, though of a mawkish flavor. 
The roots possess active medical properties, 
highly esteemed by the Eclectic practitioners. 


Podo’pterus. From yous, podos, a foot, and 
pteris, a wing; in allusion to the outer peri- 
anth segments being winged. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
gonacee. 

P. Mexicanus, the only species, is a hand- 
some green-house shrub, with flexuous 
branches, spiny at the tips. It grows freely 
in a compost of loam and peat, and is 
increased readily by cuttings of the young 
wood. 


Podosti’gma. From pous, podos, a foot, and 
stigma; alluding to the stalked stigma. Nat. 
Ord. Asclepiadacee. 

P. pubescens, the only species, a native of 
the Southern States from Florida to North 
Carolina, is a low pubescent perennial herb, 
of but little horticultural interest. 


Podothe’ca. From pous, podos, a foot, and 
theke, a cell or capsule; alluding to the stalk 
of the fruit. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

‘A genus of Australian hardy annuals of no 
great beauty; easily raised from seed. Syn. 
Podosperma. 

Poet's Narcissus. 
cissus Poeticus. 

Pogo’gyne. From pogon, @ beard, and gyne, the 
female organ; the style is bearded. Nat. Ord. 
Labiate. - 

P. multiflora, the only known species, is a 
hardy annual. Itis a native of California, and 
was introduced in 1836. The flowers are lilac, 
and produced in great numbers. It thrives 
with the simplest garden culture. 

Po’gon. A beard. This word is used in Greek 
compounds, and denotes. any collection of 
long hairs. 


The popular name of Nar- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 337 


POG 


Pogo’nia. From pogon, a beard; alluding to the 
fringed lip of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Orchi- 
dacee. 

A small genus of terrestrial Orchids, com- 
mon both in temperate and tropical regions. 
They are small plants, with drooping flowers, 
on slender pedicels, of a purple or greenish- 
yellow color. Several of the species are found 
from New York southward. 


Pogo/nopus. From pogon, a beard, and pous, a | 


food; in allusion to the shape of the flower. 
Nat. Ord. Rubiacea. 

A small genus of trees and shrubs, natives 
of tropical America. P. Caracasensis, the 
only cultivated species, has showy bright 
pink flowers, borne in terminal-branched pani- 
cles. It was introduced to cultivation in 1855, 
and is propagated by cuttings. 


Pogoste/mon. From pogon, a beard, and ste- 
mon, a stamen; the stamen filaments being 
hairy. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of tall herbs, found principally in 
India and Ceylon. The species are of but lit- 
tle interest except P. Patchouli, which has 
dense spikes of white flowers, tinged with 
purple, and which affords the celebrated 
Patchouli perfume, or Pucha-pat of the Hin- 
doos. The odor is very peculiar, and even 
disagreeable to many, but in India it is one of 
the most common perfumes found in the 
bazaars. 


Poincia’na. Flower Fence. Named after M. de 
Poinci, once Governor of the Antilles. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

Asmall genus of very beautiful green-house 
evergreen shrubs, natives of South America 
and the East Indies. P. pulcherrima, the Bar- 
badoes Flower Fence, is a really beautiful 
object when well grown, as is also P. regia, 
the former having large red and yellow flow- 
ers, and the latter rich crimson. They flower 
freely if grown in pots and plunged in a warm, 
sunny spot, during the summer season, care 
being taken to syringe freely to keep down 
red spider. They were first introduced in 
1788, and are propagated by seeds or from 
cuttings of the half-ripened wood. 


Poinse’ttia. Named in honor of Joel R. Poin- 
sette, American minister to Mexico, who dis- 
covered the plant in Mexico in 1828. Nat. 
Ord. Euphorbiacee. 

A small genus of evergreen shrubs from 
Mexico, producing large terminal bracts of 
fiery scarlet leaves from December until 
February ; they give the plant a most splendid 
appearance. There is a variety with white 
bracts, but it is inferior to the species. Poin- 
settia pulcherrima plenissima, anew and double 
variety of recent introduction, is a magnifi- 
cent plant, remarkable for the distinct charac- 
ter of its floral bracts, the size of the heads in 
which they are produced, and their marvelous 
brilliancy of color. Instead of the bracts 
being borne in a single head and spreading 
out as in the old form, in the new double 
kind they are gathered into clusters, which 
fill up the centre, so that the whole: inflo- 
rescence is full and rosette-like in form. The 
double variety was discovered by Mr. Roezl in 
Mexico, and was bought by Mr. Isaac 
Buchanan, of New York, who sold it to: an 

English florist, by whom it was distributed. 


POT 


This plant is of the easiest culture. After 
flowering cut back to within two buds of the 
old wood, take up the plants, and put them in 
a convenient place under a bench, and cover 
the roots with sand or earth, and keep dry. 
Let them remain until it is time to plant out 
ordinary bedding plants, when they should be 
put out in the open air, and planted in boxes 
six inches deep (say six plants in each box), a 
foot or so apart, giving them good rich soil. 
They should be taken into the house before 
the nights begin to get cool. In the latitude 
of New York they should be housed by the 
middle of September. They may be grown to 
flower in these boxes by giving them plenty of 
manure water; although, if wanted in large 
quantity, it is best to place the boxes on a 
green-house bench, knock off the sides and 
ends of the boxes, and fill up to the level 
between with soil. After the plants have 
become thus established, an occasional water- 
ing with liquid manure will add greatly to 
their growth. At no time should the tem- 
perature in the house fall below 50° at night 
or 70° during the day. To propagate, allow 
the cuttings to dry a day or two after they are 
taken from the plants; then cut them into 
pieces of two or three buds each, and insert 
them in an ordinary propagating bench. Pot 
off as soon as they are rooted, and grow on 
until the weather will permit of their being 
put out of doors, when they may be given the 
same care as the older plants. With this 
treatment the plants will usually be done 
flowering by New Year’s, and may be taken 
up to make room for other plants. This genus 
is now by many botanists reunited with 

_ Euphorbia. 

Poison. Arrow. The juice of Huphorbia hepta- 
gona, E. virosa,and LE. cereiformis,in Africa, 
and of H. cotinifolia, in Brazil. Also the Nou- 
rali or Caruna poison, derived from Strychnos 
toxifera, by the savages of Guiana, and the 
Tschittich poison, prepared by the Javanese 
from Strychnos Tieuté. Also the poisonous 
juice of Hippomane Mancinella. ; 


Poison-Bay. See Iiliceum. 


Poison-Berry. A name given to several species 
of Cestrum. 


Poison-Bulb. Asiatic. Crinum Asiaticum. 
| Poison-Bulb. Cape. See Buphane. 


Poison-Dogwood or Poison-Sumach. 
Rhus venenata. 


Poison-Hemlock. See Coniwm. 


Poison-Ivy or Poison-Oak. See Rhus toxico- 
dendron. 

Poison-Oak. Californian. Rhus diversiloba.. 

Poison-Plant. Vincetoxicum officinale. 

Poison-Tree. Jamaica. Rhus arborea. 

Poisonous Plants. Of the 100,000 known flower- 
ing plants it is stated that 10,000 may be con- 
sidered as deleterious, all being more or less 
energetic in their action, and of these, probably 
fifty are deadly. Itisasingular, but generally 
understood fact, that all plants having green 
flowers are poisonous, either in their leaves, 
stems, seeds, or roots. The famous Upas 
Tree of Java does not affect the atmosphere 
as is commonly supposed, but its juice is the 
part which does the harm. Large tracts.of 
land in Java are barren owing to certain 


See 


338 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


POI 


poisonous vapors rising out of the earth, and 
the early Dutch settlers attributed the barren- 
ness to the influence of the Upas Tree. The 
Manchineel, a plant of the West Indies, gives 
off a vapor which is poisonous, and in conse- 
quence it is never found in cultivation. The 

*Dumb Cane, also of the West Indies, is very 
energetic in action, and will produce lockjaw 
on being applied to the lips. Many other 
plants such as Aconitum napellus, Atropa Bella- 
donna, Veratrum viride, Paris rifolia, 
Ricinus communis, Manihot utilissima, Rhus 
Toxicodendron, R. venenata, and many others 
are poisonous. These dangerous qualities 
are generally mentioned in this work. 


Poi’vrea. Named after M. Poivre, a French 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Combretacee. 
A small genus of green-house evergreen 
‘ climbers of great beauty, The flowers are 
white or scarlet, produced in terminal or axil- 
lary panicles. They are natives of Africa and 
the East Indies, and they require the warmer 
part of the green-house and a humid atmos- 
phere. They were first introduced in 1820, 
and are propagated by cuttings. This genus 
is included by Bentham and Hooker under 
Combretum. 


Poke. Indian. See Veratrum viride. 


Poke-Root. A common name for Veratrum 
vird 


Poke Weed. Virginian. 
candra. 


Polani’/sia. From polys, many, and anisos, 
unequal; many stamens of unequal lengths. 
Nat. Ord. Capparidacee. 

A genus of hardy, free-flowering annuals, 
allied to Cleome, chiefly natives of the East 
Indies. P. graveolens is common in the New 
England States. None of the species has suf- 
ficient beauty to warrant its introduction into 
the flower border. 


Polar Plant. Silphium laciniatum. 


Polemonia'cez. A natural order of erect or 
twining plants, found chiefly in temperate 
countries, and abounding in northwestern 
America. Most of them have showy flowers. 
Phlox, Cobea, Gilia, and Polemonium, are exam- 
ples of the genera, of which about ten are 
known, comprising upwards of one hundred 
species. 

Polemo’/nium. Greek Valerian. From polemos, 
war; Pliny says this plant gained its name 
from having caused a war between two kings, 
each of whom claimed the honor of having 
first discovered its virtues. Nat. Ord. Pole- 
moniacee. 

An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
perennials. They are well-known border 
plants, that have long been under cultivation. 
Flowers are mostly blue and white, produced 
in large terminal heads. The species are 
common throughout the Northern States and 
northern Europe. P. cewruleum, derives its 
common name of Jacob’s Ladder from its beau- 
tiful pinnately-cleft leaves. It is found in 
moist places throughout New York and New 
Jersey, and is a favorite border plant. P. 
confertum is alate addition to the cultivated 
kinds from the Rocky Mountains, and is one 
of the finest of the genus. The color is a deep 
blue, very attractive, and the plant is quite 
distinct from any other. It requires plenty 
of moisture in summer, and is perfectly 


See Phytolacca de- 


POL 


hardy. All the species are propagated readily 
by division, or from seed, which should be 
sown in June to flower the coming season. 

Polia/nthes. The Tuberose. From poly, many, 
and anthos, a flower; an abundance of flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacea. 

This interesting genus is composed of two 
species, both properly green-house evergreen 
perennials. One of the species, P. gracilis. a 
native of Brazil, with pale yellow flowers, is 
but little known, and has but little merit. 
The well-known species, P. tuberosa, is a na- 
tive of the East Indies, from whence it was 
introduced early in the sixteenth century. 
The first account given of the Tuberose is in 
L’Ecluse’s ‘‘ History of Plants,” where it ap- 
pears that it was brought from the East 
Indies by Father Theophilus Minuti, a Catho- 
lic missionary, about the year 1530, who grew 
it at Boisgencier, near Toulon. Bernard Pal- 
udanus, a distinguished physician at Rome, 
grew it in 1594, having obtained the roots 
from the priests, who had, previous to that 
date, refused all applications for it. This 
was the single kind. The same, with varie- 
gated foliage is mentioned at nearly as early 
adate. Parkinson, in that rare old book, his 
‘Garden of Pleasant Flowers,” published in 
1629, gives a description of it by its then 
known name. which should not be lost. We 
quote in full, as itis quite as amusing as in- 
structive: ‘“‘Hyacinthus Indicus major tuberosa 
radice, ‘the Greater Indian knobbed Jacinth.’ 
I have thought fittest to begin with this Ja- 
cinth [Hyacinth], both because it is the great- 
est and highest, and also because the flowers 
herof are in some likenesse neare unto a Daf- 
fodille, although his roote be tuberous, and 
not bulbous, as the rest are. This Indian 
Jacinth hath a thicke knobbed roote (yet 
formed into several heads, somewhat like 
unto bulbous roots), with many thick fibres 
at the bottom of them; from the divers heads 
of this roote arise divers strong and very tall 
stalkes, beset with divers faire, long and 
broad leaves, joyned at the bottome close 
unto the stalk, where they are greatest, and 
smaller to the very end, and those that grow 
higher to the toppe, being smaller and smaller. 
The toppes of the stalkes are garnished with 
many faire, large, white flowers, each wherof 
is composed of six leaves, lying spread open 
as the flowers of the white Daffodille, with 
some short threads in the middle, and of a 
very sweet scent, or rather strong and 
headee.” The double-flowering Tuberose was 
obtained from seed by Mons. Le Cour, of 
Leyden, in Holland (date unknown), who for 
many years would not, under any circum- 
stances, part with a root, even after propa- 
gating in such quantities as to give him a 
surplus. He would cause every tuber to be 
cut in pieces and destroyed, in order to have 
the monopoly, and to be the only possessor of 
the flower in the world. The recently intro- 
duced variety, known as the Pearl, is a sport, 
having originated on the grounds of Mr. John 
Henderson, of Flushing, L. I. Its strong 
habit of growth and dark, heavy foliage at- 
tracted Mr. Henderson’s attention, causing 
him to give it every chance for perfect devel- 
opment. The result was a variety far supe- 
rior to the parent, both in size and number.of 
flowers, with a marked superiority in habit of 
growth, the flower-stalks not being so tall by 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


339, 


POL 


nearly a foot as the original, a feature making 
it invaluable for green-house culture. The 
Tuberose delights in a strong, rich soil, deep 
and moist. Manure, heat and water are essen- 
tial to its perfect development. For cultiva- 
tion in the open border, the bulbs should be 
planted about the first of June, covering the 
tuber about one inch with light, fine soil. No 
other care is needed than that usually given 
garden plants. The only care required is in 
the selection of the bulbs, which, if kept 
moist and cool during the winter, are liable 
to rot away in the centre, rendering them 
worthless for flowering. Perfect tubers will 
always be green at the top, or at least suffi- 
ciently so to show signs of life; and in choos- 
ing, all others should be rejected. Forcing 
the Tuberose, so as to have the flowers from 
January to March, is an exceedingly difficult 
operation, and is now but little attempted 
here. The plant being of tropical origin, to 
have it at all times in a growing state requires 
a high temperature—not less than an average 
of 80°; consequently, few ordinarily-heated 
green-houses or private sitting-rooms are at a 
temperature high enough to insure the con- 
tinued and uninterrupted growth necessary 
to the production of flowers in the dark winter 
months. It is, however, comparatively easily 
forced so as to produce flowers during April, 
May and June, and again, by retarding the 
bulbs, during November and December. By 
the first method the bulbs are, about the first 
of January, placed closely together in boxes 
three inches deep, having two inches or so of 
damp moss in the bottom. These boxes are 
placed in some warm spot, where the temper- 
ature will average 75°. If for green-house 
culture, the best place is on the hot water 
pipes. In about four or five weeks the Tube- 
roses will have rooted all through the moss, 
and they should then be potted in four or five 
inch pots, or planted in a bench of soil four or 
five inches deep, and kept in a temperature at 
no time less than 75°, and flowers will be had 
in abundance in April. For succession crops, 
place the dry bulbs in moss, at intervals. of 
three or four weeks. The last crops will usu- 
ally be the best, as by May and June the tem- 
perature will have increased, and less artificial 
heat will be required. If flowers are wanted 
during November and December, the retard- 
ing process alluded to is resorted to. This is 
done by selecting such bulbs as are wanted 
(care being taken to use only such as are 
sound and firm), and placing them in some 
cool, dry place until the middle of August, 
when the first crop may be planted, either in 
pots or in a bench of the green-house, as 
described above for the spring crop. This 
planting will produce a crop by November. 
For the succession crop for December, plant- 
ing must be delayed until the middle of Sep- 
tember. The same high temperature is indis- 
pensable as in the spring crop, namely, an 
average of 75°. The variety best for foreing 
is the ‘‘ Pearl.” which grows only about half 
the height and has flowers nearly twice the 
diameter of the old sort; but for planting in 
the open ground in the ordinary way, when 
the flowers are only wanted for fall, the com- 
mon double variety is the best; as, being less 
full, the flowers open better under the often 
unfavorably dry atmosphere that we have in 
October. Tuberoses, are often forwarded, so 


Polya’nthus. 


POL 


as to be got in flower in the earlier fall 
months, in sections of the country where the 
season is too short. This is done exactly in 
the way recommended for the spring forcing— 
by starting the bulbs in damp moss; but for 
this purpose the dry bulbs should not be 
placed in the moss until the middle of May. 
By the middle of June when the weather has 
become warm, and they are set out, they will 
start to grow at once, and will in this way 
flower from three to four weeks earlier than 
if the dry bulb had been put in the open 
ground, cold as it isin most of the Northern 
States in May. Of course it will be under- 
stood that when the dry bulbs are placed in 
the moss to start it must be in a green-house, 
or in some place where the thermometer will 
average 75° or 80°, or they will not start at 
all, or, at least, very feebly. It will thus be 
seen, from the foregoing remarks, that it will 
be utterly useless to attempt to grow Tube- 
roses at any season unless in a tropical tem- 
perature, which at no time should be less than 
75°. Many growers of this flower have been 
sadly disappointed in the results, their flowers 
coming single instead of double, and they 
naturally ask the cause. We can only say, 
there is a tendency in all sports and hybrids 
to return to the original or type, and this 
plant is no exception to the rule. The condi- 
tions of growth may have much to do with it. . 
We have known large stocks that were wholly 
double one year to come nearly all single the 
next. We cannot satisfactorily account for 
it, and only know that the annoyance is com-: 
mon in every place where they are grown. 
From a very close observation, we believe 
much is due to poor cultivation, and the best 
remedy is to be found in giving them a very 
rich soil and good cultivation. Like many 
other plants, we have found they do best 
when given a rotation of soil. The beautiful 
variegated variety before mentioned, its leaves 
beautifully striped white and green, is in cul- 
tivation, and is an excellent plant for groups 
in the mixed border, and more especially as 
forming a distinct variegated row in a ribbon 
border in contrast with Coleus, etc. 


Politus. Having a polished appearance, as the 
coat or shell of many seeds. 


Pollen. The powdery or other matter usually 
contained in the cells of an anther, by whose 
action on the stigma the fertilization of the 
ovules is accomplished. POLLEN CELLS are 
the cavities of an anther, in which the pollen 
is formed; POLLEN GRAINS, or granules, the 
separate particles of pollen, and PoLLEN 
TUBES, membraneous tubes emitted hy pollen, 
and conducting the fluid which the pollen 
secretes down the style. 


Pollinia. Pollen-masses. 


Pollination. A term used to designate the dust- 
ing of the stigma of a flower with the pollen- 
grains, as distinguished from fertilization 
or the action of the pollen upon the ovule, 
which gives rise to the development of the 
seed containing an embryo. 


Poly. In Greek compounds signifying numér- 


ous. 


An umbellate-flowered variety of 
Primula vulgaris, probably derived from: a 
cross between the Primrose and Cowslip; 
cultivated as a garden or florist’s flower. 


340 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


POL 


Polya’nthus Narcissus. See Narcissus. 


Polybo'trya. From poly, many, and botrys, a 
raceme ; the appearance of the fertile or seed- 
bearing frond. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

An extensive genus of tropical Ferns, some 

of which are very ornamental, and all requir- 

- ing green-house treatment. They are mostly 

natives of the West Indies, whence they 

were first introduced in 1823, and are propa- 

gated by division or by spores. By some 

botanists, this genus is now included, under 
Acrostichum. 


Polycaly’mna. From poly, many, and kalymna, 
a covering ; in allusion to the numerous series 
of involucral bracts. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

P. Stuartii, the only species, is a very singu- 
lar low-growing plant with flat, roundish, 
white’ flower heads, an inch or more in diam- 
eter. It is anative of Australia. Bentham 
and Hooker include this plant under Myrio- 
cephalus. 


Poly’gala. Milkwort. From poly, much, and 
gala, milk; reputed effects of the plant on 
cattle that feed uponit. Nat. Ord. Polygalacee. 

An extensive genus of hardy annuals, herba- 
ceous perennials, and green-house perennials, 
found inhabiting nearly all countries. P. 
Myrtifolia grandiflora (syn. P. Dalmasiana), 
and P. oppositifolia, are valuable spring-flow- 
ering green-house shrubs, while P. vulgaris 
and its varieties, and our native P. paucifolia 
are beautiful subjects for the rock-garden. 
P. Senega, Seneca Snake Root, is a species 
common in the Middle and Western States, 
and has considerable reputation for its medic- 
inal properties. 

Polygala’cez. A natural order of shrubs or 
herbs, occasionally twining, found in all 
quarters of the globe. The flowers have a 
resemblance to Papilionacee, from which they 
are distinguished by the odd petal being 
inferior, and the sepal superior. They are 
generally bitter, and their roots yield a milky 
juice. Polygala, Monnina, and Trigonia, are 
examples of the genera, of which there are 

' about fifteen, and about four hundred species. 


Poly’gamous. Having on the same plant some 
-: flowers that are male, others that are female, 
and others hermaphrodite or perfect. 


Polygona’cez. A natural order of herbaceous, 
rarely shrubby plants, found in almost all 
parts of the world, more especially in the 
temperate region of the Northern Hemisphere. 
Fagopyrum esculentum (Buckwheat), and Rheum 
officinale (Rhubarb), are both important eco- 
nomic plants of the order, which contains 
thirty genera, and about six hundred species. 


Polygona’'tum. Solomon’s Seal. From poly, 
many, and gonu, a joint or knee; referring to 
the numerous joints of the stem. Nat. Ord. 
Liliaceae. 

A small genus of very handsome, hardy 
herbaceous plants, of easy culture and grace- 
ful habit, not often seen in the borders, but 
deserving a place in every collection of hardy 
plants. P. multi , a native of Great 
Britain, grows from two to three feet high, 
and has a stout stem, the lower part bare of 
leaves; the upper gracefully recurves, and 
produces from the axils of its broad leaves 

’ numerous green and white flowers, in clusters 
of two to four. P. giganteum, a native of the 
Western States, is a species of similar habit, 


POL 


but with smaller flowers. They thrive well in 
almost any soil or situation, but prefer one 
that is shady and moist. They are readily 
increased by root division, or from seeds. 


Polycarpez’a. From poly, many, and karpos, a 
fruit; alluding to the numerous seeds. Nat. 
Ord. Illecebracee. 

A genus of annual or perennial plants, 
natives of tropical and sub-tropical regions, 
one being widely dispersed over tropical 
America. The species are of easy culture, 
but are not much known to cultivation. 


Poly’gonum. From poly, many, and gonu, a 
joint or knee ; referring to the numerous joints 
of the stem. Nat. Ord. Polygonacee. 

A very extensive and widely-distributed 
genus of hardy plants, many of which 
may be properly classed as weeds. P. hydro- 
piper is our weli-known Smart Weed. P. 
orientale is the Ragged Sailor or Prince’s 
Feather of the old gardens, which has escaped 
from the garden in some places and estab- 
lished itself in the fields. P. cuspidatum (syn. 
P. Sieboldii) and P. sachalinense, both hardy 
perennial sorts, are very ornamental, especially 
when grown as isolated specimens. P. fili- 
forme variegata, is also a favorite hardy sort, 
its large, drooping, oblong leaves being finely 
splashed or marbled with pale green and 
yellow. Itis a comparatively late introduc- 
tion from Japan. P. amplexicaule var. oxyphyl- 
lum, happily named the ‘“ East Indian Moun- 
tain Fleece,” a native of the Himalayas, intro- 
duced about 1879, forms a beautiful spreading 
bush about three feet high, with cordate, 
lanceolate leaves, and very numerous small 
white flowers arranged in axillary and termi- 
nal panicled racemes. The beautiful little 
drooping basket plant known as P. complexum, 
is now placed under Muehlenbeckia, which 
see. P. capitatum is a charming little annual 
of a spreading habit, with oval grayish-green 
leaves, with a dark blotch in the centre of 
each, and numerous globose heads of pink 
flowers. P. alpinum, a native of the Swiss 
Alps, grows three to four feet high, with an 
abundance of pure white flowers, very ser- 
viceable when quantities of cut flowers are in 
request. Several other species are in cultiva- 
tion and are much esteemed for their hardi- 
ness, graceful habit, and general useful quali- 
ties. Propagated by division or by seeds. 


Poly’mnia. A genus of Composite, comprising 
about a dozen species of rather coarse look- 
ing plants with yellow flowers, natives of 
America. Several of the species are much 
used for sub-tropical gardening in England. 
P. edulis is cultivated in the Andean region 
for the sake of its edible tubers. 


Polymo’rphous. Where a part of, or an entire 
species, is subject to considerable diversity 
of form ; assuming various forms. 


Polype’talous. Having many separate or dis- 
tinct petals. 
Polypodia’cez. A natural order of Ferns 


comprising nearly all that are known, the 
other orders, Marattiacee and Ophioglossacee, 
being of very limited extent. Their chief 
distinguishing peculiarity consists in the 
presence of an elastic jointed ring nearly sur- 
rounding the spore-cases, hence called Annu- 
late Ferns, while the other two families, 


PODOLEPIS GRACILIS. 


340 POLYGONUM AMPLEXICAULE, VAR, OXYPHYLLUM (MOUNTAIN FLEEOE), POLYGONATUM, 


POTENTILLA (DOUBLE). 


POTHOS AUREA. 


POLYSTICHUM ARISTATUM VARIEGATUM. 


PL. 


PORTULACA GRANDIFLORA FL. 


PORTULACA (SINGLE). 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE, 341 


POL 


Marattiacee, etc., in which the ring is abso- 
lutely wanting, are called Exannulate. 


Polypo’dium. Polypody. From poly, many, 
and pous, a foot; referring to its numerous 
root-like feet. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A very extensive and interesting genus 
containing many hardy and robust growing 
native species, as well as the most delicate 
and choice of the cultivated Ferns. It in- 
eludes plants of two different modes of 
growth, each series comprising a number 
of species of different kinds of venation, 
and from all climates. The sori is round, 
rarely oblong, and is borne on the back 
of the lobes of the frond. The following 
may be selected as among the best known and 
most largely cultivated of the green-house 
sorts. P. angustatum, P. argutum, P. aureum 
yee Phiebodium aureum), P. Billardieri, P. 

rownit, P. Catharine, P. crenatum (syn. 
Goniophlebium), P. Cyatheafolium, P. decurrens, 
P.dilitatum, P. Fraxinifolium, P. glaucophyllum, 
P. Henchmanni, P. Juglandifolium, P. lingua 
syn. Niphobolus), P. lucidum, P. macrodon, 

. morbillosum, P. Paradisee, P. pectinatum, P. 
plumosum, P. Phyllitidis, P. subauriculatum, P. 
vacciniifolium, and many others. Of the hardy 
species the following will be found most use- 
ful for the Fernery or rock-garden, especially 
as some of them are evergreen. FP. achrosti- 
choides, P. alpestre (a species much resemb- 
ling the Lady-Fern, Asplenium Filix-Famina), 
P.Californicum, P. Dryopteris, P. Phegopteris, P. 
trichodes (syn. Lastrea tenericaulis), and P. 
vulgare, with its many elegant varieties, P. 
v. cambricum, P. v. elegantissimum, etc. This 
genus has been so divided up by various bot- 
anists that it is hard to tell under which 
genera to find the various species. The fol- 
lowing genera, with some others. are now by 
many botanists included under Polypodium, 
Aglaomorpha, Campyloneuron, Cryptosorus, 
Dictymia, Dictyopteris, Drynaria, Goniophle- 
bium, Goniopteris, Lepicystis, Microgramme, 
Niphobolus, Phegopteris, Phlebodium, Phy- 
matodes, Pleopeltis, Pseudathyrium, etc. 
The various species require good drainage 
and plenty of water while growing, with a 
temperature proportionate to that of the 
country from which they have been intro- 
duced. They are all easily increased by 
division, or from spores. 


Polypody. See Polypodium. 


Polypo’gon. Beard Grass. From poly, many, 
and pogon, a beard. Nat. Ord Graminacee. 
A small genus of handsome grasses, 
sparingly met in the older settled parts of 
this country, having become naturalized from 
Europe. They have no agricultural value. 


Polyse’palous. Having many separate sepals. 


Polysta’chya. From poly, many, and stachys, a 
spike; alluding to the inflorescence of some 
of the species. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A genus of ahout forty species of epiphytal 
Orchids, natives of Africa, India, the Malayan 
Archipelago, and tropical America. This is 
an interesting genus much resembling, and 
requiring the same treatment as Burlingtonia. 
P. bracteosa, P. hypocrita, and P. rufinula, are 
the best known and most desirable species. 
Poly’stichum. From poly, many, and stichus, a 
row; numerous rows of spore cases. Nat. 
Ord. Polypodiacee. 


PON 


’ A genus of Ferns, formerly included in 
Aspidium, and requiring the same general 
treatment. 

Poly’xena. Named after Polyxena, the daugh- 
ter of Priam. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A genus of South African bulbous plants, 
now included by some as a section of Mas- 
sonia. P. odorata, and P. pygme@a, the only 
species of interest, have small white, deli- 
ciously, sweet-scented, Hyacinth-like flowers 
in dense corymbs. They are cultivated more 
for curiosity than for their beauty. 


Poma'ceee. A natural order included under 
Rosacee 
Pomade'rris. From poma, a lid, and derris, a 
skin; alluding to the membraneous covering 
of the capsule. Nat. Ord. Rhamnacee. nF 
A genus of erect, branching, woolly shrubs, 
natives of Australia and New Zealand, with 
star-like ‘hairs and alternate, entire, or tooth- 
ed leaves. Several species are in cultivation, 
producing a. profusion of small yellowish- 
brown or whitish flowers. M. apetala, forms 
a small tree, and yields a close-grained wood, 
called Cooper’s wood, and Victorian Hazel. 


Poma’'ria.” Named after Pomar, a Spanish phy- 
_ Sician. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of green-house shrubs, mostly 
South American. P. glandulosa, with yellow 
flowers in axillary racemes, is the only intro- 
duced species. This genus is now included 
by Bentham and Hooker under Caesalpinia. 


Po/max. From poma, an operculum or lid; 
referring to the operculum of the fruit. Nat. 
Ord. Rubiacew. — : 

P. umbellata, introduced from Australia in 
1826, is an interesting green-house shrub, 
with greenish white flowers. It is often 
found in cultivation under the name of P. 
hirta, or Opercularia umbellata. 

Pome. A fleshy, many-celled fruit, as an Apple. 

Pomegranate. See Punica granatum. 

Pond Lily. See Nymphaea. 

Pond Weed. The genus Potamogeton. 

Ponga’mia. Pongam is the Malabar name of 
P. glabra. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

. glabra, the only described species, is an 
evergreen, green-house shrub with white 
flowers, which have a showy red calyx, and 
are borne in loose axillary racemes, three to 
five inches long. From the seeds of this tree 
an oil called Kurungi or Poonga Oil, is ex- 
tracted in India, which is largely used by the 
poor classes for hurning. 

Pontede'ria. Pickerel Weed. Named after J. 
Pontedera, Professor of Botany at Padua. 
Nat. Ord. Pontederiacew. 

A genus of native aquatic plants, common 
in the borders of ponds or creeks. P. cordata, 
our common Pickerel Weed, is a beautiful 
plant, with arrow-shaped leaves, producing, 
in July, long spikes of intense blue flowers. 
This species can be grown easily in tubs on 
the lawn, in the same manner as the common 
Water Lily (Nymphea odorata). This genus is 
now placed under Hichhornea, by some 
authors. 


Pontederia'cez. A small natural order of erect 
or floating aquatic herbs, mostly natives of 
America. It comprises four genera, Hich- 
hornea, Heteranthera, Monochoria, and Ponte- 
deria, and over thirty species. 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PON 


Ponthei’va. Named in honor of M. de Ponthieu, 
a French West India merchant who sent a 
number of plants to Sir Joseph Banks. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidaceaw. ; 

A curious genus of stove-house terrestrial 
Orchids, with tufted roots, dispersed over the 
warmer parts of America, from the southern 
United States as far as Brazil. They are but 
little cultivated and require to be kept dry 
when not in a growing state. 

Poor-Man’s Weather-Glass. 
sis. 

Pop Corn. A variety of Zea Mays. 

Pope's Head. A common name for Melocactus 
communis. 


Pobre The common name of the genus Popu- 
Us. 

Athenian. Populus greca. 

Berry-bearing. Populus molinifera. 

Black. Populus nigra. 

Californian. Populus trichocarpa, and P. Fre- 

montii. : 
Carolina. Populus molinifera. 
Downy. Populus heterophylla. 


Anagallis arven- 


Gray. Populus alba, var. canescens. 
Lombardy. Populus fastigiata. 


Ontario. Populus balsamifera, var. candicans. 

Queensland. Carumbium populifolium. 

Rocky Mountain. Populus angustifolia. 

Soft or Paper. Populus grandidentata. 

Western. Liriodendron Tulipiferum. 

White. Populus alba. 

Willow-leaved. Populus nigra, var. Salici- 
folia. 

Yellow. Liriodendron Tulipiferum. 

Poppy. The popular name of the genus Papa- 

ver. 

Alpine. Papaver alpinum. 

Blue Himalayan. Meconopsis aculeata. 

Blue. Wallich’s. Meconopsis Wallichii. 

Californian. Platystemon Californicus, and the 
genus Eschscholizia. 

Carnation. A variety of Papaver somniferum. 

Catheart’s. Cathcartia villosa. 

Caucasian. Scarlet. Papaver wmbrosum. 

Celandine. Stylophorum diphyllum. 

Corn. Papaver Rheas. 

‘«Frothy.” Silene inflata. 

Golden. Papaver croceum. 

Horned. Glaucium luteum. 

Iceland. A variety of Papaver nudicaule, 

Mexican or Prickly. Argemone Mexicana. 

Opium. Papaver somniferum. 

Oriental. Papaver orientale. 

Peony. A variety of Papaver somniferum. 

Plume. The genus Bocconia. 

Sea Side. Glaucium luteum. 

Tree. Dendromecon rigidum. 

Welsh. Meconopsis Cambrica. 

Yellow Arctic. Papaver Nudicaule. 

Poppy-Mallow. The genus Callirrhoe. 


Po’pulus. Poplar. Some derive the word Pop- 
ulus from paipallo, to vibrate or shake; 
others suppose it obtained its name from be- 
ing used in ancient times to decorate the 
public places in Rome, where it was called 
Arbor Populi, or the tree of the people. Nat. 
Ord. Salicacee. 

A genus of deciduous trees that attain a 
considerable height, natives of temperate 
climates of both hemispheres. They are 
mostly of rapid growth, furnishing timber of 
a soft, inferior quality. Among the best 


POR 


known and most commonly grown for orna- 
mental and shade trees are P. fastigiata, the 
Lombardy Poplar; P. tremuloides, American 
Aspen; and P. balsaminifera candicans, Balm 
of Gilead. Of this species there is a very old 
specimen at Newburgh, N. Y., supposed to be 
one of the largest in the United States. It is 
a tree of magnificent proportions. Itis over 
one hundred years old, and the trunk is 
nearly ten feet in diameter. Itis one of the 
attractions of that city. The Cotton Wood of 
the Middle and Southern States is P. molini- 
Sera; the California Cotton-wood is the com- 
mon name of P. Fremontii. 


Pora’na. Said to be the native name in the 
East Indies. Nat. Ord. Convolvulacee. 

A genus of twining, slender shrubs or 
annuals, natives of the East Indies, the Ma- 
layan Archipelago, and Australia. Of P. 
racemosa, introduced from India, in 1823, C. 
B. Clarke says: ‘‘This is the ‘Snow-creeper’ 
of the English, one of the most beautiful of 
Indian plants, the masses of dazzling white 
flowers resembling snow-patches in the 
jungle.” Syn. Dinetus. 

Poranthe’ra. From poros, a pore or opening, 
and anthera, an anther; the anthers open by 
pores. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae. 

A genus of ornamental green-house Aus- 
tralian plants, only one of which, P. ericifolia, 
is yet in cultivation. Its numerous white 
flowers are borne in pedunculate racemes, 
forming a dense, terminal, leafy corymb. It 
was introduced in 1824, and is increased by 
seeds. 


Pores. Apertures in the cuticle, through which 
transpiration takes place, or apertures in the 
anthers through which the pollen is ejected. 


Porlie’ria, Named after Andrew de Porlier,a 

Spanish botanist. Nat. Ord. Zygophyllacee. 
A small genus of rigid shrubs with spread- 

ing woody branches, natives of Texas, Mexico, 
and South America. P. hygrometrica, the only 
introduced species, is a most curious, as well 
as ornamental shrub, the leaves of which 
remain open in serene weather, and contract 
before rain. It was introduced from Peru in 
1820, and is propagated by cuttings. 

Porophyllus. Having porous leaves. 

Porphyreus. Of a warm reddish color. 

Po'rtea. A genus formed to include afew spe- 
cies of Bromeliacee, formerly placed under 
Billbergia and 4ichmea. : 


Portenschla'gia. This genus is now included 
with Eleodendron. 


Portla/ndia. Named after a Duchess of Port- 
land, a distinguished patroness of botany. 
Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
shrubs, natives of the West Indies and Brazil. 
They are rarely met in our green-houses, 
which is to be regretted, as their flowers are 
splendid; they are long, pure white, trumpet- 
shaped, borne in axillary clusters of from two 
to four each. P. platantha, with pure white 
flowers, introduced from Brazil in 1849, is of 
dwarf habit, and isnearly aconstant bloomer. 
They all require a warm house, and are pro- 
pagated by cuttings of young wood. Several 


. other species with scarlet or white flowers 


are in cultivation. 
Portugal Laurel. Cerasus Lusitanica. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 343 


POR 


Portugal Quince. Cydonia vulgaris Lusitanica. 

Portula’ca. From porto, to carry, and lac, milk; 
the juicy nature of the plants. Nat. Ord. 
Portulacacee. : 

An extensive genus of hardy annuals, 
mostly natives of South America. Many of 
them are exceedingly showy and useful plants 
for the border. The genus also contains some 
of our most troublesome weeds, among which 
is P. oleracea, common Purslane. P. grandi- 
flora is the parent of our many garden 
varieties. It is a native of Chili, from whence 
it was introduced in 1827. -The double varie- 
ties are of German origin. We quote from 
‘‘Hovey’s Magazine” an excellent article on 
this plant: ‘‘The double varieties are, in 
fact, charming objects, and may well claim a 
prominent place among the novel things of 
recent introduction. The flowers are perfectly 

. double, about the size of a silver dollar, anda 
bed of them in full bloom presents a gay ap- 
pearance, not unlike that of the beautiful 
Ranunculuses, or the little Burgundy Rose, 
so that the Germans call them ‘ Portulaca 
Roses.’ The Portulacas need a warm and 
rather light soil and a dryish situation to 
flower well. They need not be planted early, 
unless in a frame or hot-bed, as the seed will 
not grow freely tillthe ground is warm. About 
the middle of June the plants begin to appear 
in the open ground, and grow with great 
rapidity, soon covering a large bed, and mak- 
ing a dazzling display, with their many-hued 
flowers, from July to frost. The seeds saved 
from double varieties, like all other double 
flowers, cannot be relied upon with certainty 
to produce all double flowers, but the largest 
part of them will be double, and the single 
sorts may be pulled up and thrown away or 
transplanted, unless it is desired to retain 
them in the same bed with the double kinds.” 


Portulaca’cez. A natural order of more or less 
succulent herbs or shrubs, found in various 
parts of the world, chiefly, however, in South 
America and at the Cape of Good Hope, and 
generally in dry, parched places. _The order 
contains eighteen genera, of which Portulaca, 
Calandrina, Claytonia, and Talinum, are ex- 
amples, and about one hundred and fifty spe- 
cies. 

Portulaca’ria. So named from its resemblance 
to Portulaca. Nat. Ord. Portulacacea. 

P. Afra, the Purslane-tree, introduced from 
Africa in 1732, is a green-house evergreen 
shrub, with small, pink flowers and opposite, 
obovate, fleshy leaves. Young cuttings taken 
off and dried for a few days, and then potted, 
will root freely. 


Posoque'ria. Aymara posoqueri is the name of 
P. longiflora among the natives of Guiana. 
Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 

A small genus of shrubs or low-growing 
trees, natives of the West Indies and Guiana. 
They are remarkable for their very long, white, 
hanging flowers, the corolla of which is funnel- 
shaped, with a very long tube, a hairy throat, 
and a five-parted limb. One or two of the 
species are to be found in collections of rare 
plants. P. revoluta is one of the best, and 
should be grown in the hot-house. P. longi- 
flora, with white flowers six inches long, 
borne in corymbs six to twelve flowered, is 
also a very showy variety, and is not so often 
met with as it deserves. They were first in- 


POT 


troduced about 1820, and are easily increased 
by cuttings. 7 


Potamoge’ton. Pond Weed. A large genus of 


submersed or partially floating aquatics ; over 
twenty of which are natives of this country. 
They are of no horticultural value. 


Potato. Solanum tuberosum. The early history 


of this important plant, as well as the various 
stages of its development from a tuber not 
much larger than a marble, watery and com- 
paratively taSteless, to the present great 
staple of food, is very obscure. The most 
accurate and concise account we find in the 
“Treasury of Botany,” written by Mr. W. B. 
Booth, from which we quote: ‘‘The native 
country of the Potato, and the date of its in- 
troduction into Britain, have been subjects of 
much discussion. There can be no doubt of 
its being indigenous in many parts of South 
America, plants in a wild state having been 
found on the Peruvian coast, as wellas on the 
sterile mountains of Central Chili and Buenos 
Ayres. The Spaniards are believed to have 
first brought it to Europe from Quito, in the 
early part of the sixteenth century. It after- 
ward found its way into Italy, and from 
thence it was carried into Mons, in Belgium, 
by one of the attendants of the Pope’s legate. 
In 1598 it was sent from Mons to the cele- 
brated botanist Clusius at Vienna, who states 
that in a short time it spread rapidly through- 
out Germany. The first Potatoes that 
reached this country (England) were brought 
from Virginia by the colonists sent out by 
Sir Walter Raleigh in A. D. 1584, and who 
returned in 1586. They were planted on Sir 
Walter’s estate near Cork, and were used for 
food in Ireland long before they were even 
known or cultivated in England. Gerarde 
had a plant in his garden at Holborn, and has 
given a figure of it in his Herbal, published in 
1597, under the name of Batata Virginiana. 
He recommends the roots to be eaten as a 
delicate dish, and not as common food. In 
the times of James the First they were so 
rare as to cost two shillings (sterling) a 
pound, and are mentioned in 1619 among the 
articles provided for the royal household. In 
1633, when their valuable properties had be- 
come more generally known, they were 
deemed worthy of notice by the Royal Society, 
which took measures to encourage their cul- 
tivation with a view of preventing famine; 
but it was not until nearly a century after the 
above date that they were grown to any 
extent in England. In 1725 they were intro- 
duced into Scotland, and cultivated with 
much success, first in gardens and afterward 
(about 1760), when they had become more 
plentiful, in the open fields. Since that 
period the prejudices which so long existed 
against their use, both in England and Scot- 
land, have gradually vanished, and for many 
years past the Potato crop has been regarded 
as a most valuable addition to the staple 
commodities of life, only second in importance 
to the cereals.” There are six tuber-bearing 
Solanums out of the total of seven hundred, 
which Bentham and Hooker estimate as dis- 
tinct species. Mr. Baker's investigations in 
England, however, led him to believe that 
‘‘all the numerous varieties had originated 
from S. tuberosum. * * As far as 
climate is concerned it cannot be doubted 
that S. Magelia (or the Darwin potato as we 


344 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


POT 


might suitably christen it in English) would 
be better fitted to succeed in England and 
Ireland than S. tuberosum, a plant of a 
comparatively dry climate. We have indis- 
putable testimony that S. Maglia and S. Com- 
mersoni, yield readily an abundant supply of 
eatable Potatoes. What I would suggest is, 
that these should be brought into the econom- 
ic arena, and thoroughly tested as to their 
economic value, both as distinct types, and 
when hybridized with the inhumerable tuber- 
osum forms.”—J. G. Baker, in Linn-Soc. 
Journal of Botany, Vol. XX. The Sweet 
Potato is the root of Batatas edulis, of the 
Nat. Ord. Convolvulaceew, and its history is 
quite as obscure as that of the common 
Potato. The first mention of it is said to be 
by an author named Pigafetta, who went to 
Brazil in 1519, and found it in use as an 
article of food by the Indians. It was soon 
afterward introduced into Spain, where it has 
been extensively cultivated ever since. Of 
this species there are several varieties indi- 
genous to both the East and West Indies and 
South America. The Sweet Potato is exten- 
sively grown in the United States, especially 
in the Southern States. 


Potato Oat. The popular name of Avena 
nuda. 


Potato Onion. See Onion. 
Potato, Sweet. See Potato. 


Potato Vine. Wild. A common name for 
Ipomea pandurata. 


Potenti/lla. Cinquefoil, Five Finger. From 
potens, powerful; supposed medicinal quality 
of some of the species. Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

This is a large genus of very desirable hardy 
herbaceous plants, and it is somewhat re- 
markable, when their number (upward of one 
hundred and thirty species and varieties) 
and their ornamental character are considered, 
that so few of them are met with in gardens. 
The most important, however, are the fine 
hybrid varieties that have been obtained of 
late years by hybridizing a few of the showy 
Himalayan species, such as P. insignis and P. 
atrosanguinea. These two species, the former 
with clear yellow and the latter with deep, 
velvety-crimson flowers are well worth grow- 
ing, as is also the beautiful rosy-pink P. 
colorata, a plant that flowers throughout the 
summer. ‘The double-flowered kinds are 
most showy, and they possess the additional 
advantage of lasting in perfection a longer 
time than the single sorts, both on the plants 
and in the cut state. Among the dwarf 
alpine species there are some very beautiful 
plants that are indispensable to the rock- 
garden. P. alba, P. alpestris, P. ambigua, P. 
calabra, P. nitida, and P. Pyrenaica, are 
excellent species for this purpose. They 
grow without trouble in any tolerably good 
soil, and produce their scarlet, orange, yel- 
low, crimson, and rose-colored double and 
single flowers in great abundance. The 
species are common to both hemispheres, 
and are propagated readily from seeds or by 
division. They were first introduced in 
1680. 


Pote’rium. Burnet. Name from poterium, a 
drinking cup, as its herbage, which has much 
the flavor of Cucumber, was employed in the 


POT 


old English drink known as “cool tankard.” 
Nat. Ord. Rasaceew. ’ 

P. sanguisorba, the only cultivated spécies, is 
a hardy perennial, indigenous to the dry, 
chalky hills of Great Britain. It grows from a 
few inches to two feet high, according to the 
situation. In some parts of England it forms 
much of the turf, which is considered excel- 
lent pasturage for sheep; it was formerly 
extensively cultivated as a fodder plant, but 
itis now but very little grown in that way. 
It is now used occasionally as a salad plant, 
the leaves having somewhat the taste and 
smell of Cucumbers. A variety known as 
Great Burnet, very similar in form, but some- 
what larger, and with oval heads of purple 
flowers, is cultivated to a considerable extent 
in Germany for fodder, but it does not find 
much favor where clover will grow. 


Po'thos. From Pothos, the name of a species 
in Ceylon. Nat. Ord. Aroideaw. 

A genus of climbing shrubs, natives of India, 
China, and New Holland. They are epiphytal 
and have cord-like stems, sending out false 
roots here and there, and attaching them- 
selves to trees. A few of the species have 
very handsome foliage, and are grown in the 
green-house for the sake of theirleaves. The 
beautiful variegated species known in culti- 
vation as P. aurea, and P. argyrea, are now 
placed under Scindapsus. The leaves of P. 
palmata are three feet long, and the foot-stalks 
four, They were first introduced in 1790, and 
are increased by cuttings. 

Pot Marigold. See Calendula. 


Pottery Tree. A common name applied to 
Moquilea utilis. 

Potting. The first operation of potting is when 
the rooted cutting is transferred from the 
cutting bed, or the seedling from the seed 
box to the pot. 

Almost without exception, cuttings or seed- 
lings should be placed in pots not exceeding two 
anda half inches in diameter. We, in ourown 
practice, invariably use pots two and a quarter 
inches in diameter at the top, and of the same 
depth. Rooted cuttings do much better in 
the smaller size, for the reason that the small 
amount of soil in the 214-inch pot allows the 
moisture to pass off quickly, and thus prevents 
the soil from becoming sodden for want of 
air, which would be the case if the cutting had 
been potted ina3or 4-inch pot, as amateur 
gardeners sometimes do. The potting of 
cuttings is very simple, and in commercial 
gardens is performed with great rapidity, 
average workmen doing 300 plants per hour. 
One of our workmen obtained almost national 
fame in this operation, as he had repeatedly 
potted 10,000 plants in ten hours, his average 
being 6,000 perday. The pot is filled to the 
level with soil, aspace made with the finger 
in the centre of the soil of sufficient size to 
admit the root, which is placed in the opening 
thus made; the soil is closed in again by 
pressing with the thumbs close to the neck of 
the cutting, which firms the soil around the 
root. But when plants are required to be grown 
as specimens, or of larger size, they must be 
repotted at intervals, as the condition of their 
growth demands. For example, to grow a 
Geranium of a height of three feet and three 
feet in diameter, a pot of at least eight inches 
across at top, and eight inches in depth, would 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 345 


POT 


be necessary, but it would not do to move 
from the 214-inch cutting pot to this size at 
once; three or four different shifts are neces- 
sary. These shifts should be made, as a 
general thing, not greater than from a 2\4-inch 
size to a 3-inch, and so on. 

The time to shift a plant from a smaller to a 
larger pot is known by the roots beginning 
to show around the outer surface of the ball. 
It is not necessary to shift when the first 
roots touch the side of the pot; let them curl 
pretty well around the ball, but they must not 
be allowed to remain long enough to become 
hard or woody. They must be of that condi- 


tion which we call ‘* working roots,” a condi- . 


tion not very easy to describe, unless to say 
that the appearance of such roots is white, 
soft, and succulent. In most cases the 
slightest tap on the edge of the pot is sufficient 
to turn out the ball of earth. Soil, in depth 
according to the size of the plant, should be 
placed in the bottom of the pot, the ball 
placed in the centre, and the soil packed 
moderately firm in the space, either by the 
fingers or by a stick made of suitable size for 
the purpose. When plants are first potted off, 
or shifted, they should be stood with the pots 
touching each other, if the diameter of the 
plant is less than that of the pot; but, as they 
begin to develop growth, the plants should be 
spread an inch or so apart to admit air between 
the pots; this greatly strengthens the plants, 
and inclines them to a stocky growth. Though 
we, in our own practice, use drainage in few 
kinds of plants except Roses, yet it is perhaps 
safer to the unpracticed cultivator to use it. 
See Drainage. 

The amateur is warned against the common 
practice of placing plants in too large pots. 
As a general thing, when plants are received 
from the florist they are without pots, and are 
usually in a condition requiring them to be 
shifted into a pot larger than they have been 
growing in. For example, if they have been 
grown in a pot of three inches diameter, place 
them in one a size larger, or four inches in 
diameter; if they were in four-inch pots, give 
them one five or six inches across, and so on. 
Florists, as a rule, do not practice crocking 
or draining pots until the pots get to a size 
over four inches, and not often then, because, 
having pots of all sizes on hand, they do not 
need to give plants any larger shift than nec- 
essary, and hence there is less need for 
drainage; but often the amateur has to 
change a plant that has been grown in a pot 
of three inches diameter into one of six 
inches, and then it is necessary to fill up one- 
third of this too large pot with broken 
pots, charcoal, or some such material, to 
drain off the surplus moisture that would 
otherwise be injurious, in consequence of the 
pot being too large for the plant; but if the 
pot into which it is shifted is properly ad- 
justed to the wants of the plant, the putting 
in of crocks for drainage may be dispensed 
with. The need of a larger pot is shown by 
the earth becoming so filled with roots that 
they will cover the outside of the ball; but 
shifting into a larger pot should be done while 
the roots are yet white. If left until the roots 
get thoroughly matted, brown and hard, it is 
too late, and the future growth will be seri- 
ously retarded. If the plant has been allowed 

, to reach this condition, which we call ‘ pot 


Pounce. 


Pourthiz’a. 


PRA 


bound,” it is best to lay the ball of roots on 
one hand and slap it smartly, so as to loosen 
it. By this treatment the new fibres strike 
out more readily from the hard roots than if 
left with the ball still compact. After shifting 
a plant give it one good watering, so that the 
soil will be thoroughly soaked to the bottom 
of the pot, but after that keep rather dry 
until there are indications of new growth. 
When it is inconvenient to shift winter-flow- 
ering plants into larger pots, they will be 
greatly benefited by stirring up the soil on 
the surface of the pots to a depth of an inch 
or so, or down to where the young roots ap- 
pear, taking care not to disturb these too 
much. Throw away the old soil and replace 
by rich, fresh soil, in which one-twentieth 
part may be bone-dust. This is called ‘‘ top- 
dressing.” See ‘‘Winter-Flowering Plants.” 


Pouch. A littlesack or bag at the base of some 


sepals and petals; the term is also applied to 
a sillicle or short-pod, as of the Shepherd’s 
Purse. 


The powdered gum resin procured 
from Juniperus communis. 


Pourou’ma. The native name in Guiana. Nat. 


Ord. Urticacee. 

A genus of about thirty species of trees, 
natives of tropical South America. P. edulis, 
the only species of interest, has leaves green 
above and bluish-white beneath, as large as 
those of Wigandia imperialis, and is an excel- 
lent plant for sub-tropical decoration. The 
fruit, which is produced in clusters like 
Hazel-nuts, is much esteemed by the natives 
of Columbia. Thegenus is closely related to 
Artocarpus. 


Pourre’tia. In honor of Abbé Pourret, a French 


botanist and traveller in Spain. Nat. Ord. 
Bromeliacee. 

A genus of ornamental green-house plants, 
differing but little from Billbergia, and requir- 
ing thesame management. All the species 
are natives of South America, and are pro- 


pagated by suckers. Syn. Dyckia. 


Named in memory of the French 
missionary Pourthié, massacred in the Corea 
in 1866. Nat.Ord. Rosaceae. 

A genus established by Decaisne for a 
number of plants peculiar to the Himalayas, 
China, and Japan, long confounded with the 
allied genus Photina, which they resemble in 
general appearance. FP. arguta, a native of 
the Himalayas from Sikkim to the Kashya 
Hills and to Burmah, is a graceful hardy shrub 
with slender spreading branches and lanceo- 
late, or elliptical,-opposite leaves, pointed at 
both ends, finely and sharply serrate, covered, 
when young, with short scattered white hairs, 
but becoming perfectly glabrous at maturity. 
The flowers are pure white, borne in flat, few- 
flowered, cyme-like corymbs followed by small, 
globose, one or two seeded pomes. The 
divergent habit of the branches and flower- 
bearing, lateral branchlets, give to this plant 
a peculiar and striking appearance. It 
flowered for the first time in this country in 
the Arnold Arboretum this season (1889). 


Poverty Grass. See Aristida. 
Precox. Early; appearing or flowering earlier 


than other allied species. 


Preemorse. Ending abruptly as if bitten off. 


(346 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PRA 


The genus Petalostemon. 
Belonging to or growing in mea- 


Prairie Clover. 
Pratensis. 
dows. 


Pra'tia. Named after M. Prat-Bernon, a French 
naval officer. Asmall genus of Campanulacea, 
consisting of little creeping herbaceous plants 
growing usually in marshy places, natives of 
the southern part of South America, Australia, 
New Zealand, and India. P. angulata, intro- 
duced from New Zealand in 1879, is an 
extremely pretty little creeper for rockwork. 
P. repens, from the Falkland Islands, is also 
well adapted for a like situation. 


Pre’mna. 
in allusion to the low stems of most of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Verbenacee. 

A genus of over thirty species of tropical 
shrubs or trees. Few of the species are in 
cultivation. 


Prena’nthes. From prenes, drooping, and 
anthos, a flower; on accountof the drooping 
flower-heads. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus now restricted to a few European 
and Asiatic herbs. P. purpurea, the only 
species of interest common in mountainous 
or hilly woods in central and southern Europe, 
is a tall erect herb, with oblong-lanceolate, 
stem-clasping leaves, and a large, loose, ter- 
minal panicle of elegantly drooping purple 
flower-heads. It may be increased by seeds 
or by division. 

‘Prepu’sa. From the Greek word, prepo, which 
means ‘‘I am handsome;” on account of the 
beauty of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Gentianacew. 

A small genus of erect, slightly-branched 
green-house plants, natives of Brazil. P. 
Hookeriana, the only species yet in cultivation, 
has beautiful large, white and crimson flowers, 
and opposite, slightly fleshy leaves. It was 
introduced in 1839, and is increased by seeds 
or by cuttings of the young shoots. 


Presco’ttia. Named after John D. Prescott, a 
botanist of St. Petersburg. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
acew. 

A genus of terrestrial Orchids, natives of 

tropical America. Only a few species are in 

cultivation ; they are more interesting botani- 
cally than they are beautiful. 


Pre’slia. Named in honor of C. B. and I. 8. 
Presl, of Prague, authors of ‘ Flora Sicula” 
and other works. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

P. cervina, the only species, is a hardy, 
prostrate, perennial herb, with pale, purplish 
flowers, allied to Mentha. It is a native of the 
western Mediterranean region, is of easy 
culture in any soil, and may be rapidly in- 
creased by division. : 

Presto/nia. Named in honor of C. Preston, 
M. D., a correspondent of Ray. Nat. Ord. 
Apocynacee. 

A genus of tall climbing or twining shrubby 
plants, natives of tropical America. P. venosa 
has yellowish-green flowers, pale in the centre, 
and produced in drooping racemes. Itis per- 
haps the only species in cultivation, and 
forms a pretty specimen when trained upon 


pillars or on a balloon-trellis. Syn. Echites 
nutans. 
Pretty Face. Calliprora (Brodica) lutea. 


Pricking off. This is a term used by gardeners 
for the process of transplanting small seerl- 
lings as soon as they are fit to handle, and 


From premnon, the stump of a tree, | 


PRI 


replanting them closely together, preparatory 
to being planted in pots or in the open ground. 
It is distinguished from planting proper, inas- 
much as the ‘ pricking off” process is always 
preparatory to the final planting. For ex- 
ample, when Tomatoes come up thickly in the 
seed bed, they must be pricked off at a 
distance of an inch or so apart in a hot-bed, 
again to be planted, either wider or in the 
open air. If this is not done as soon as they 
are fit to handle, the plants will spindle and 
get weak, and often will die off altogether 
from damping. 

Prickles. Sharp elevations of the bark, coming 
off with it, as of the Rose. 


Prickly Ash. See Xanthoxylon Fraxineum. 
Prickly Cedar. Cyathodes Oxycedrus. 
Prickly Comfrey. See Symphytum. 

Prickly Pear. See Opuntia. 

Prickly Poppy. See Argemone. 

Pride of Barbadoes. Cesalpina pulcherrima. 
Pride of Columbia. Phlox speciosa. 

Pride of India or China. Melia Azedarach, 
Pride-weed. Lrigeron Canadensis. 


Prie'stleya. Named in honor of the celebrated 
Dr. Priestly. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of handsome Cape plants, with bril- 
liant yellow flowers. They grow best in very 
sandy loam, which must be well drained. 
The necessary water must be given cautiously 
at all times, especially in winter, when great 
care must be taken to keep the leaves dry, for 
if wetted then they die off, and thus weaken 
the plant. The ornamental character of the 
genus is sufficiently great, however, to deserve 
all the necessary attention. Propagated by 
ne: of well-ripened wood. Introduced in 
1800. 


Prim. One of the common names of Ligustrum. 


Primrose. Primula, especially the popular name 
of Primula vulgaris. 


Primrose. Birds-eye. 
Primrose. Cape. 
Primrose. 
prenitens. 
Primrose. Evening. -4nothera biennis. 


Primula. Primrose. From primus, the first; in 
allusion to the early flowering of the plants. 
Nat. Ord. Primulacee. 

This extensive genus includes three of the 
most popular and beautiful of florist’s flowers, 
viz., the Awricula, the Polyanthus, and the 
Primrose. Of each, there are almost innumer- 
able varieties. The Auricula, Primula Auricula, 
is a native of the Alps of Switzerland, and the 
mountainous countries adjoining, whence it 
was called, when first introduced in 1596, the 
Mountain or French Cowslip. It was also 
called Bear’s Ear-or Oricola, whence the 
modern name of Auricula. Parkinson, in 1629, 
enumerates twenty varieties, which he says 
were the best, though ‘‘many other varieties 
were to be found with those who are curious 
conservers of these delights of nature.” The 
alpine Auriculas, though hardy in Britain, will 
not, however, endure the rigor of our winters 
without protection, and as much care is 
needed to protect them against the sun as the 
cold. Notwithstanding this they may be 
grown easily in pots or planted outin cold 


Primula farinosa. 


See Streptocarpus. 


Chinese. P. Sinensig. Syn. P. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 347 


PRI 


frames or in acold green-house in the same 
manner as Pansies, in order that they may be 
better protected from storms, that destroy 
' the powdery bloom upon the surface of 
the flower, its: greatest feature of beauty, 
and also to enhance its commercial value. 
The Auricula is propagated by division 
of the root, or by cutting off slips with a por- 
tion of the root attached; but a still better 
plan is to sow seed in March, which make 
fine flowering plants the next season. We use 
this method exclusively. The common Prim- 
rose, P. vulgaris (syn. P. acaulis),which grows 
wild and abundantly in Britain and on the con- 
tinent of Europe, has been a favorite with 
American planters for generations, and may be 
found taking care of itself in old-fashioned 
gardens for years, especially north of Massa- 
chusetts where it is protected by heavy snows 
all winter. F. L. Temple, of Cambridge, 
Mass., in a communication to ‘‘Garden and 
Forest,” 1888, says: ‘I never knew it, how- 
ever, to establish itself outside of the rich soil 
and limited space of the garden where it was 
given a place by man, until the past season, 
when I wasshown a locality in Massachusetts 
where it took possession of a piece of pasture 
along the sides of a brook, and among scat- 
tered clumps of the Barberry and other shrubs. 
In this heavy, clayey soil it was perfectly at 
home, and thousands of vigorous plants were 
disputing successfully with grasses and weeds 
for a chance to live. This spot, in spring, 
when these beautiful blossoms are like a 
brilliant carpet of crimson and yellow, cover- 
ing many square rods with their bloom, and 
peeping out of the half-shaded nooks among 
the wild undergrowth, is a sight to be long 
remembered by anyone who knows and loves 
this old Primrose. This is the only case, as 
far as I know, in which the English Primrose 
has become really established and capable of 
propagating itself permanently so far north, 
and it is hoped that this hardy strain of these 
wholly delightful blossoms may hereafter pro- 
vide us with a race of these Primroses which 
will be really hardy throughout a considerable 
part of the Northern States.” The Polyanthus, 
probably derived from a cross between the 
Primrose and the Cowslip, P. officinalis (syn. 
P. veris) has been in cultivation for many 
years, and is one of the most popular of 
Florists’ flowers, especially in Britain. There 
are a great number of varieties from light 
yellow or straw color to deep maroon, with 
an endless variety of shades and markings. 
The section known as the ‘‘Gold-laced”’ is, 
however, the most admired, the flowers of 
which are distinguished by a clear even 
margin or lacing of gold, then a ground or 
body-color, similarly well defined, with a 
stripe passing through the centre of each 
division to the eye. The pip, as a single flower 
is termed, should be large, flat and round, 
with the exception of five or six small divi- 
sions on the margin. Besides these varieties 
there are others designated respectively, 
‘“‘Fancy” and ‘‘Hose in Hose.” Fancy 
varieties are of various hue, the plants being 
of vigorous habit; and some of the Hose in 
Hose sorts are curious and very uncommon. 
P. obconica, a species introduced from central 
China in 1882 with pale lilac, almost white 
flowers, is a much admired species for spring 
and éarly summer flowering. Unfortunately 


PRI 


its leaves and flowers have, to some persons, 
poisonous properties similar to those of the 
Poison Ivy, and persons susceptible to plant 
poisons should handle it with caution. Many 
new and distinct species, among them several 
absolutely different from anything previously 
known, have of late years been introduced 
from the Himalayas, China and Japan, but 
which have not yet been cultivated enough to 
show if they are suited to our climate or not. 
P. Sinensis (syn. prenitens), and its varie- 
ties, are extensively grown as plants for 
pot-culture for the sitting-room or the 
green-house, as well as for use in winter 
for cut-flowers. To get strong plants it 
is best to sow the seeds about March or 
April; the English plan of sowing in July or 
August will not answer well in our hot, dry 
climate. The seed should be sown in shallow 
boxes, which may be two inches orsoin depth; 
the soil used may be good friable loam, which 
should be sifted fine and pressed down nicely 
with a smooth board, so that it is perfectly 
level; on this smooth level surface of soil 
sow the seeds thickly, and press them down 
into the soil, which will sink them level with 
the smooth surface. Next take sphagnum 
moss (dry refuse hops or leaf mould will also 
do, but moss is best) and rub it through a 
sieve as fine as a mosquito-wire, and sift this 
pulverized moss over the seed just thick 
enough to cover the seeds up, which will be 
something about the one-sixteenth part of an 
inch. This covering is light, and, at the same 
time, its spongy character keeps the seeds in 
the necessary condition of moisture for ger- 
mination. We have found that this method 


-for the sprouting of all seeds that are diffi- 


cult of germination is excellent, so that if the 
seeds have any vitality whatever, germina- 
tion is certain. After the Primulas have 
started to a full development of the seed leaf, 
they are ‘‘pricked off” in the same sort of 
shallow box that the seeds were started in, at 
a distance of half an inch or so apart. If this 
is not promptly done there is great danger of 
the young plants being attacked by a species 
of fungus, which is quickly fatal. In from 
four to six weeks after the young Primulas 
have been growing in these boxes. they will 
‘be of sufficient size to be placed in two anda 
half inch pots; and by about this time the 
weather will have become warm, and the 
plants should be placed in the coolest place 
to be obtained with partial shade. If the 
plants will remain without shifting until Sep- 
tember, do not shift them, as our experience 
has shown that they keep best through the 
hot summer months if rather cramped for 
potroom. As soon as cool weather comes in 
fallthey begin to grow rapidly, and if judi- 
ciously shifted into larger pots as the balls be- 
come filled with roots, they will make beauti- 
ful plants from twelve to eighteen inches in 
diameter, which will flower in profusion from 
November to May. Although the double 
varieties are also raised from seed, yet, like 
nearly all double flowers, quite a proportion 
of the seed saved from double flowers will 
come single; and though many fine double 
flowers are thus produced, yet exact types 
can never be depended on from seed, so that, 
as arule, the double kinds, particularly the 
Double White, which is the kind most valued 
for winter flowers, are grown exclusively from 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PRI 


-euttings or by division. This variety has a 
tendency to break into from six to twelve 
crowns or shoots, and the simplest way to 
divide these up is to fill up to the lower leaves 
with moss, which quickly induces the crowns 
or shoots to root into it, and when thus well- 
rooted, the plant is pulled apart and each 
shoot or crown separately potted. This moss- 
ing process for division may be done at any 
season, but itis safest during the spring or 
fall months: say during April and May in 
spring, or September and October in the fall. 
As the Primrose is at all times impatient of 
heat and disturbance of the roots, this divis- 
ion of the plant had better be avoided during 
hot weather. The first Double White Prim- 
rose was originated by John Henderson, now 
of Flushing, L. I., but of London in 1836, 
when the Double White was raised. Mr. 
Henderson has furnished us the following 
brief but interesting particulars in regard to 
its origin: ‘‘Iraised the Double White Chi- 
nese Primrose in 1836, and exhibited it at the 
Horticultural Society of London in January, 
1837, and was awarded the Silver Banksian 
Medal forit. It was raised in this way: In 
the winter of 1835-6 we had a fine strain of 
fimbriated Primulas; and in order to preserve 
the true stock, I selected the finest, and placed 
them on a shelf near the glass, and during 
the flowering season constantly impregnated 
the flowers. The seeds were sown in June, 
and among the seedlings were about eighteen 
plants that came with double flowers, both 
purple and white, some plain-edged, others 
fimbriated. The one selected as the best is 
that still in cultivation, and known as the 
Double White.” A double purple, in the same 
style as the white, was also raised by Mr. 
Henderson, and is still grown. The Japan 
Primrose, Primula Japonica, is a noble species 
of recent introduction, bearing flowers of a 
deep crimson rose, arranged in from three to 
six whorls of many flowers each, on a strong, 
straight stem from one to two feet high. 
This plant is a favorite in England, but is 
worthless in our dry, hot climate. Of the 
genus Primula this country furnishes but 
few species, and they are of little interest to 
its flora. Dr. C. C. Parry found a beautiful 
low-growing species in the Rocky Mountains, 
with purple and yellow flowers. It finds its 
home in very high latitudes, where it is con- 
stantly watered from the melting snow. From 
this peculiarity it cannot be successfully 
grown in our houses or borders. There are 
many other species included in this genus, 
mostly interesting, but not of special import- 
ance. We only add Primula veris, the com- 
mon English Cowslip, and P. elatior, the com- 
mon Ox-lip. 


Primula’cez. A natural order of herbaceous 
plants generally with a perennial rhizome, 
natives chiefly of temperate and cold regions 
in the Northern Hemisphere; in the tropics 
occupying lofty situations. The species are 
more remarkable for their beauty than for the 
little economic value they possess. Primula, 
Androsace, Glaux, and Cyclamen, occur amongst 
the genera, which are over thirty in number 
and comprise nearly two hundred and fifty 
species. 


Princeps. Chief, principal. 


Prince’s Feather. 


Prio/nium. From 


Prismatic. 


Prismatoca’rpus. 


Pritcha’rdia. A commemorative name. 


PRO 


Amaranthus hypochondria- 
cus, also a common name for Polygonum orien- 
tale. 


Pri‘nos. Winter Berry. The ancient name of 


the Holly, which some of the species resem- 
ble. Nat. Ord. Aquifoliacee. 

Very handsome berry-bearing, hardy, decid- 
uous shrubs, common from Maine to Virginia 
and southward. P. verticillata, is the Black 
Alder or Winter Berry. It is covered with 
glossy red berries during most of the winter. 
P. levigata, is the Smooth Winter Berry. The 
fruit is larger than in the preceding, and rip- 
ens earlier in the fall; but the berries are of 
the same glossy red. These two species are 
beautiful plants, especially in the winter, and 
are worthy of a place in the shrubbery or on 
the lawn. They are used in the winter for 
decorative purposes. P. glabra is the Ink 
Berry, the fruit of which is black. It is a less 
desirable plant than the species named above. 
Professor Gray has placed these plants in the 
genus Ilex. 


prionion, a small saw; allud- 
ing to the serrated leaves. Nat. Ord. Junca- 


CE. 

P. Palmita, Palmiet, the native name, is a 
very remarkable rush, found on the banks of 
rivers in South Africa. It often increases to 
such an extent as to choke the rivers in which 
it grows, and produces a network of strong, 
black fibre, suitable for brush making; the 
leaves themselves are useful for plaiting and 
thatching. 

Prism-shaped ; having several lon- 
gitudinal angles and intermediate flat faces, 
as the calyx of Frankenia pulverulenta. 

From prisma, prismatos, a 
prism, and karpos, a fruit; alluding to the 
long prismatic form of the fruit. Nat. Ord. 
Campanulacee. 

A genus of green-house or hardy perennial 
herbs or shrubs, natives of South Africa. P. 
nitidus, the best known species, has white 
flowers, two to four in a cluster, towards the 
top of the branches. Better known in culti- 
vation under the’ name of Campanula prisma- 
tocarpus. 


Nat. 
Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of Palms inhabiting California 
and the Sandwich Islands. The best known 
is P. Pacifica, a spineless tree with fan-shaped, 
deeply-cut leaves, covered with white down 
when young. The fruit of this Palm is de- 
scribed as almost like a black-heart Cherry. 
The leaves are used as fans and umbrellas by 
the chiefs, who are alone permitted to use 
them. In ashower of rain the leaves are so 
worn on the back of the head as to send 
the water behind the wearer. Some of the 
species are under cultivation. P. filifera, is 
now called Washingtonia filifera, which see. 

Pri‘va. A name of unknownmeaning, given by 
Adanson. Nat. Ord. Verbenacee. 

A genus of erect perennial herbs, with a 
woody or tuberous rhizome; widely distrib- 
uted through tropical America, Africa and 
India. P. levis, introduced from the Argen- 
tine Republic in 1833, is the only species of 
interest, but it is not much cultivated. 


Privet. See Ligustrum. 
Proboscideus. Trumpet-like; proboscis-like. 


PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBBIATA. 


PRIMULA JAPONICA. 


PRIMULA SINENSIS FILICIFOLIA, 


PROPAGATING BY LAYERING. 


PRIMULA SINENSIS FL. PL. 


PROPAGATION (SAUCER) 


PRIMULA AURICULA. 


PRIMULA SINENBIS SEMI-PLENA. 


349 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 349 


PRO 


Procerus, Very tall. 


Process, A term applied to any projection from 
the surface or edge of a body, whether natural 
or monstrous. 

Procession Flower. 
gala vulgaris, 

Pro’ckia. A commemorative name. 
Liliaceew. 

A genus of two or three described species, 
probably all varieties of P. crucis, a beautiful 
yellow-flowered, very fragrant plant, introduc- 
ed from the West Indies in 1825. It requires 
warm green-house treatment, and is propa- 
gated by cuttings of the half ripened shoots. 


Procle/sia. Commemorative of Procles, king of 
Sparta. Nat. Ord. Vacciniacea. 

A genus of handsome evergreen shrubs or 
small trees, natives of the mountains of trop- 
ical America. P. acuminata, with bright red 
flowers, covered when in bud by scarlet 
bracts, and P. cordifolia, with bright red flow- 
ers, white on the margins, are the two best 
known species, and were introduced from New 
Grenada in 1865. They are sometimes found 
in cultivation under the name of Thibaudia, 
but Bentham and Hooker now place this 

' genus under Cavendishia. 


Procumbent. Lying flat upon the ground. 


Proliferous. A plant is said to be proliferous 
when it forms young plants in abundance 
about its roots; also when buds are formed 
along the edges of the leaves or otherwise. 


Promene’a. Derivation of name unknown. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of low-growing, very pretty 
Orchids from Brazil, formerly classed with 
Mawillaria. They are usually grown as curi- 
osities rather than for show; their height 
rarely exceeds three inches. 


Pronay’a. Named after M. Pronay, a French 
naturalist. Nat. Ord. Pittosporacee. 

A genus of green-house evergreen climbers 
from Swan River. P. elegans, thé best known 
species, is a showy plant with terminal clus- 
ters of pale lilac flowers. It has the habit of 
Sollya, to which it is nearly allied, but is in- 
ferior in beauty. It was introduced in 1837, 
and is: propagated by cuttings. Syn. Spiran- 
thera Frasert. 

Prone. Lying flat, particularly face down- 
wards. 

Propagation by Seeds. The most natural way 
of increasing plants is by seeds; and when- 
ever it is practicable to do so, it is preferable 
to all others, so that in ourown practice, any 
plant of which we can procure the seed, we 
rarely increase in any other way, unless, of 
course, in cases where particular varieties are 
wanted that we know will not reproduce 
themselves from seed, so as to be certain of 
color or form; but in all cases where seed 
taken from a variety or species will reproduce 
itself exactly, or in cases where a general 
variety is wanted, the propagation by seed is 
invariably practiced. As propagation by 
seeds refers more usually to ornamental 
plants cultivated under glass, we will briefly re- 
late our own practice, which we have greatly 
improved during the past few years, and in 
which we have obtained almost unfailing sat- 
‘isfactory results. We have found that seeds 
sown in shallow boxes, from one and a half to 


A popular name for Poly- 


Nat.Ord. 


PRO 


two inches deep, can be given a far more uni- 
form degree of moisture than when sown in 
earthern flower-pots or earthen seed-pans 
made especially for that purpose. These boxes 
are made from the ordinary soap box, from 
four to five being made from each, with the 
bottom boards so put on as to allow free 
escape of moisture, though, of course, not so 
wide apart as to allow the soil to wash 
through. If wanted in large quantities the 
boxes in which sheet tin is imported is ex- 
actly what is wanted. These boxes are filled 
with finely sifted soil, such as has been run 
through a sieve, as fine as mosquito netting. 
This surface is then made perfectly level and 
smooth, and the seeds sown on it! as evenly 
as possible, and in thickness corresponding 
to the variety sowed, though it must be here 
remembered thatin ‘union there is strength,” 
and that, if sown too thin, weak seeds may 
fail to press up the soil if isolated too much. 
After the seeds are sown, and before they are 
covered, they are pressed down by a smooth 
board into the soil, so that the surface is 
again smooth and level. 

The seed box is now ready for its covering. 
For the past year we have used finely-sifted 
Moss (Spaghnum) exclusively for covering. 
To prepare this it is rubbed through a mos- 
quito wire sieve when dry, and sifted over the 
seed only thick enough to cover it, usually 
about one-sixteenth part of an inch. In the 
absence of Moss, dry refuse hops, cocoanut 
fibre or leaves will answer, prepared in the 
same manner, the great object being to use a 
material light in weight, having non-conduct- 
ing properties, and that will thus hold the 
moisture uniformly. Of all these, we think 
Moss the best, and now use nothing else as its 
sponge-like character keeps just the right 
degree of moisture wanted. These seed boxes 
should be placed in the open sunlight, in the 
windows of the dwelling room, in the hot-bed 
or green-house, and never shaded, in a tem- 
perature running from 55 degrees to 65 de- 
grees at night, with 10 degrees higher during 
the day; and if a proper degree of moisture 
is applied, say a slight sprinkling once a 
week, if there is life in the seed, germination 
is certain. As soon as the seeds are grown 
so as to attain the first true leaves (that is, 
the first leaves that show after the seed- 
leaves), they must be ‘ pricked off ”(which see) 
earefully in soft, light soil, similar to that 
used for the seeds, at from one to two inches 
apart, according to the kind. This will not 
only prevent them from damping off, as many 
of them are very apt to do, but they will be 
much stronger and suffer less when put into 
flower pots or replanted in the open ground. 
We prefer to replant the seedlings in the 
shallow boxes already described. And here 
we again find that if the soil is mixed with 
half its bulk of sifted Sphagnum we get a far 
better development of fibrous roots. They 
are more portable thus than if planted again 
in the soil of the hot-bed or bench of the 
green-house, though, of course, after planting 
in the boxes these are put again in the hot- 
bed or green-house. After the seedlings have 
been planted in these boxes, lightly water 
them and shade for two or three days. 

To such as have not the convenience of a 
hot-bed or green-house, vegetable or flower 
seeds may be sown in the shallow boxes 


350 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PRO 


above mentioned, and placed in the window 
of a south or east room, where the thermom- 
eter does not average less than sixty-five 
degrees. Success would be more complete, 
however, if panes of glass were placed over 
the seeds, resting on the edge of the box an 
inch or so from the soil. ‘This would prevent 
evaporation, and render watering less neces- 

_ sary. 

PROPAGATION OF PLANTS BY CUTTINGS. AS now 
understood, this is a simple matter. Formerly 
no operation in horticulture was more be- 
fogged by ignorant pretenders, who, in writ- 
ing or speaking on the subject, so warped the 
operation with troublesome conditions as to 
discourage, not only amateurs in horticulture, 
Lt inexperienced professional gardeners as 
well. 

One of the first necessary conditions in the 
propagation of plants by cuttings is, that the 
plant from which the cutting or slip is taken 
must bein vigorous health. If weak or tainted 
by disease, failure is almost certain to result. 
Tf, for example, we wish to root cuttings of 
‘green-house or bedding plants, such as Bou- 
vardias, Chrysanthemums, Fuchsias, Geran- 
iums, Heliotropes, Salvias, Verbenas, etc., 
one of the best guides to the proper condition 
is when the cutting breaks or snaps clean off 
instead of bending or kneeing; if it snaps off 
so as to break, then itis in the condition to 
root freely; ifit bends it is too old and though 
it will root, it will root much slower, and make 
a weaker plant than the slip that snaps off on 
being bent. With exceptions so few, and 
those of so little importance that it is hardly 
worth while to allude tothem, cuttings of all 
kinds root freely from slips taken trom the 
young wood, that is, the succulent growth, 
before it gets hardened, and when in the con- 
dition indicated by the “snapping test,” as it 
is called. We believe we were the first to call 
attention to this valuable test of the condition 
of the cutting (snapping) in our work, ‘ Prac- 
tical Floriculture,” first published in 1868. A 
very general idea is current, that cuttings 
must be cut at or below an eyeor joint. The 
practice of this system leads undoubtedly to 
many cases of failure; not that the cutting at 
or below a joint either hinders or assists the 
formation of roots, but from the fact that, 
when a slip is cut at a joint, the shoot often 
has become too hard at that point, while half 
an inch higher up or above the joint, the 
proper condition will be found. We know 
that it will root even when in the too hard 
condition, but the roots emitted will be hard 
and slender, and, as a consequence, will not 
be likely to make a plant of the same vigor as 
that made from the cutting in the proper 
state; besides, as the hard cutting takes 
double the time to root, its chances of damp- 
ing off from unfavorable atmospheric con- 
ditions are thus increased. With these in- 
structions for the proper state of the cutting, 
we now proceed to describe the medium 
wherein it is to be placed, and the conditions 
of temperature, moisture, etc. If these are 
strictly followed, failure is an impossibilty; 
for the laws governing the rooting of aslip 
are as certain as those governing the germi- 
nation of aseed. In our own practice, when 
these conditions are strictly followed, failure 
is unknown. 

The most proper condition of temperature 


PRO 


to root cuttings of the great majority of green- 
house and bedding plants is sixty-five degrees 
of bottom heat, indicated by a thermometer 
plunged in the sand of the bench, and an 
atmospheric temperature of fifteen degrees 
less. A range of ten degrees may be allowed, 
that is, five degrees lower or five degrees 
higher, but the nearer the heat of the sand 
can be kept to sixty-five degrees, and that of 
the rest of the house to fifty degrees, the 
more perfect the success will be. 

Sand is the best medium in which to place 
cuttings; color or texture is of no special 
importance. What we use is the ordinary sand 
used by builders; this is laid on the hot-bed 
or bench of the green-house to the depth of 
about three inches and firmly packed down. 
When ‘ bottom heat” is wanted, the flue or 
pipes under the bench of the green-house are 
boarded in so that the heat strikes the bottom 
of the bench, thus raising the temperature in 
the sand. 

From the time the cuttings are inserted in 
the sand until they are rooted, they should 
never be allowed to get dry; infact, our prac- 
tice is to keep the sand soaked with water, the 
cutting bench being watered copiously every 
morning, and often, when the atmosphere is 
dry, again inthe evening. Kept thus satur- 
ated, there is less chance of the cutting getting 
wilted, either by heat from the sun or from fire 
heat; forif a cutting once gets wilted, its 
juices are expended, and it becomes ih the 
condition of a hard cutting, in the condition in 
which, when bent, it will not snap nor break, 
which has already been described. To avoid 
this wilting or flagging of the cutting, every 
means that will suggest itself to the propa- 
gatoristo be used. Our practice is to shade 
and ventilate in the propagating house or hot- 
bed just as soon in the forenoon as the action 
of the sun’s rays on the glass raises the tem- 
perature of the house to sixty-five degrees or 
seventy degrees. This practice of ventilating 
the propagating house or hot-bed is, we are 
aware, notin very common use; many con- 
tending that the place where the propagating 
is done should at all times be kept close. We 
have tried both methods long enough and 
extensively enough to satisfy us beyond all 
question, that ventilating and propagating 
at a low temperature is capable of producing 
a larger number of plants during the season 
than at a high temperature and ina close 
atmosphere. There need be no failures; and 
it has the important advantage of producing 
a healthy stock, which the close or high tem- 
perature system would fail to do in the case 
of many plants. We have often heard propa- 
gators boasting of rooting cuttings jin five 
days. We are well aware that this may be 
done, but we are also aware that it is often 
done in damp and cloudy weather at the risk 
of the whole crop, and it must be done ata 
high temperature, which at all times causes 
the plants to draw up slender, and thus impairs 
their vigor. 

Permitting a moderate circulation of air in 
the propagating house tends to prevent the 
germination of that spider-web-like substance 
which, for want of a better term, is known 
among gardeners as the ‘‘fungus of the cut- 
ting bench.”” Everyone who has had any ex- 
perience in propagating, knows the baneful 
effects of this; how that, in one night, it will 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 351 


PRO 


often sweep off thousands of cuttings that a 
few hours before were in healthful vigor. But 
this dangerous enemy of the propagator re- 
quires, liké vegetation of higher grades, con- 
ditions suitable to its development, which 
evidently are acalm atmosphere and a tem- 
perature above fifty-five or sixty degrees. 
Hence, to avoid this pest, we make every 
effort by shading, airing, and regulation of 
fire heat, to keep the atmosphere of the house 
so that it shall not exceed sixty degrees. 
This, of course, is not practicable when the 
outside temperature in the shade is above 
sixty degrees; but the temperature can be 
reduced considerably by dashing water on the 
pathways and other parts of the house. It is 
rarely, however, that the outside temperature 
ever exceeds sixty degrees in the shade for 
any length of time in the district of New 
York, before the middle of May, and all propa- 
gating had better be finished previous to 
that time, unless of tropical plants. In the 
fall months, about the middle of September, 
operations in propagating may again begin. 

The temperature is prevented from rising 
in the house in various ways, some using 
canvas, or bast-mats, or painting the glass 
with lime or whitewash. We find the best 
and most convenient shading to be that 
formed by flexible screens made of common 
lath, planed and attached together like 
Venetian blinds, the laths being ar inch or so 
apart; these can be quickly rolled or unrolled, 
and give an ever-varying modified shade, suffi- 
ciently cooling to the house, yet not darken- 
ing the cutting enough to impair its vigor. 
These are not unrolled in the morning until 
the temperature inside indicates it to be nec- 
essary, and are rolled up in the afternoon as 
scon as the sun ceases to shine on the glass, 
for it is of the utmost importance that the 
euttings receive as much light as they will 
bear without becoming wilted. The time 
required by cuttings to root varies from eight 
to twenty days, according to the variety, con- 
dition of the cutting, and temperature. Ver- 
benas, Fuchsias, or Heliotropes, put in proper 
condition, and kept without ever being allowed 
to wilt, will root, in an average bottom heat 
of sixty-five degrees, in eight days, while 
Roses, Pelargoniums, or Petunias will take at 
least double that time under the same condi- 
tions. 

It is best to pot-off the cuttings at once 
when rooted, no matter how small the roots 
may be; half an inch is a much better length 
for them to be when potted than two inches, 
and the operation is much quicker performed 
when the roots are short than when long. But 
the main evils of delaying the potting-off of 
cuttings are, that when left too long the cut- 
tings grow up weak and spindling, the roots 
become hard, and do not take as quickly to 
the pot. The same care is required in shad- 
ing and watering after potting, nearly, as in 
the cutting: bench; for no matter how care- 
fully taken up, in the operation of potting the 
delicate roots get less or more injured and 
until they begin to emit roots are as nearly 
liable to wilt as the unrooted cuttings. Cuttings 
should always be placed in small pots, the 
best size being from two to two and a half 
inches wide and deep; if placed in larger pots 
the soil dries out too slowly, and the tender 
- root, imbedded too long in a mass of wet soil, 


PRO 


rots and the plant dies. Though we gener- 
ally prefer soil to be unsifted in potting large 
plants, yet for newly potted cuttings it is 
better to be sifted fine, not only that it is 
more congenial thus to the young roots, but 
also that the operation is quicker done with 
finely-sifted soil. After potting, the cuttings 
are placed on benches covered with an inch or 
so of sand, watered freely with a fine rose 
watering pot, and shaded for four or five 
days; by that time they will have begun to 
root, when no further shading is necessary. 
These methods of propagating by cuttings are 
such as are now practiced by commercial 
florists, but for amateurs in horticulture, or 
gardeners who have charge of private green- 
houses, there is usually no necessity for a 
regular propagating house, unless the require- 
ments for plants are unusually large, as the 

“Saucer System” of Propagation will 
answer every purpose, and itis the safest of 
all methods in inexperienced hands. We 
were, we believe, the first to introduce this 
system some twenty years ago, and here 
repeat the directions first given in one of the 
horticultural journals at that time. ‘‘Com- 
mon saucers.or plates are used to hold the 
sand in which the cuttings are placed. This 
sand is put in to the depth of an inch or so, 
and the cuttings inserted in it close enough 
to touch each other. The sand is then 
watered until it becomes in the condition of 
mud, and placed on the shelf of the green- 
house, or on the window sill of the sitting- 
room or parlor, fully exposed to the sun, and 
never shaded. But one condition is essential 
to success; until the cuttings become rooted 
the sand must be kept continually saturated, and 
kept in the condition of mud; if once allowed to 
dry up, exposed to the sun as they ‘are, the 
cuttings will quickly wilt, and the whole 
operation will be defeated. The rules previ- 
ously laid down for the proper condition of 
the cuttings are the same in this case, and 
those for the temperature nearly so; although, 
by the saucer system, a higher temperature 
can be maintained without injury, as the cut- 
tings are in reality placed in water, and will: 
not droop at the same temperature as if the 
sand was kept in the regular condition .of 
moisture maintained in the propagating bench. 
Still, the detached slip, until rooted, will not 
endure a continuation of excessive heat, so 
that we advise, as we doin the regular method 
of propagating, that the attempt should not be 
made to root cuttings in this way, in this 
latitude, in the months of June, July, or 
August, unless with plants of a tropical 
nature. When the cuttings are rooted, they 
should be potted in small pots, and treated 
carefully by shading and watering for afew 
days, as previously directed. 

PROPAGATION BY WATER. This is an old 
way of rooting cuttings and is a very simple 
and satisfactory way for amateurs to root 
many plants they may find difficult by any 
other process.. The cuttings should be of 
well matured growth and about six joints or 
eyes long, two or three of which should be 
kept in the water which should be kept fresh 
and clean. The cuttings should show signs 
of callusing in from two to three weeks and 
should be well rooted in two or three weeks 
more, when they should be removed and pot- 
ted off as ordinary cuttings, care being taken, 


352 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK: OF PLANTS 


PRO 


-. however, to water and shade them well for a 
few days. The following plants will produce 
roots freely by this system: Ficus elastica, 
Neriums, Camellias,Crotons, Draceenas, Nepen- 
thes, and many others. 

PROPAGATION BY LAYERING. Although lay- 
ering may be done with the ripened wood of 
vines or shrubs of the growth of the previous 
season, yet it is preferable to use the shoots 
of the present year in its half green state; for 
example, a Rose or flowering shrub is pruned 
in the usual way in spring; by June or July it 
will have made strong shoots, one, two or 
three feet in length from or near the base of 
the plant. Take the shoot then in the left 
hand (after having stripped it of its leaves 
for a few inches on each side of where it is to 
be cut), keep the fingers under the shoot, and 
make a clean cut on the upper part, an inch or 
so in length, and to about half the thickness 
of the shoot, then slightly twist the ‘‘ tongue” 
or cut part to one side. Having opened ashallow 
trench, fasten the branch down with a hook- 
peg, and cover with earth. It isa good plan to 
place a flat stone over the layer to prevent the 
soil from drying out. This plan of cutting the 
shoot on the upper side we have never seen in 
illustration showing the manner of layering, 
it being usually either on the side or under; 
but we have found in practice that itis much 
the safest plan, as the ‘‘tongue,” when cut 
on the top part of the shoot, has far less 
chance to be broken off. 

PROPAGATION BY LAYERING In Pots is the 
process of layering shoots or runners of 
plants in pots, so that, when the root forms 
in the pot, the plant can be detached without 
injury to it, as the roots are confined exclus- 
ively to the soil in the pot. Layering plants 
in pots can be done with Roses, vines or 
shrubs of any kind, with always more certainty 
of making a plant quicker than by the ordin- 
ary way of layering the shoot in the soil. This 
system of propagating Strawberries has been 
largely practiced during the past ten years in 
the United States, and is now a favorite 
method. For details, see Strawberry. 

PROPAGATION BY LAYERING IN THE AIR. 
About twenty years ago we, published a 
method of propagating Geraniums, that we 
believed originated with us, and which we 
called, for want of a better term, ‘‘ Layering 
in the Air.” It consists in tonguing the shoots 
to be used as a cutting half through with a 
knife, as in the ordinary layering: the shoots 
so treated formed granulations, or ‘‘ callus,” 
on the cut surface, and was in a condition to 
form roots immediately on being detached 
and put into the earth. A year or two ago we 
bethought ourselves of our long forgotten plan 
of “layering in the air,” but this time we im- 
proved upon the former way of doing it. 
Instead of tonguing the shoot ta be used for 
a cutting, as before, it was merely snapped 
short off at a point where the condition of the 
shoot or slip would make it hang on to the 
plant by the merest shred or bark. Slight as 
this strip of bark is, it is sufficient to sustain 
the cutting, without any material injury 
from wilting until it forms the “callus,” 
or granulated condition, which precedes 
the formation of roots. The cutting, or 
slip may be detached in from ten to twelve 
days after it had been broken in the manner 
described, and then potted in two or three 


PRO 


inch pots. If watered and shaded rather less 
than required by ordinary cuttings, it will 
form roots in ten or twelve days more, and 
not more than two per cent. will fail. Plante 
of the Tricolor Geraniums, which all know are 
difficult to root under the ordinary modes of 
propagation, particularly in hot weather, do 
excellently by this plan. 

The advantage of this method is not only that 
the slips root with far greater facility, but the 
injury to the stock or mother plants is far less 
than if the slips had been cut clean off instead 
of being only partly detached. Many other 
plants can be thus propagated with safety, 
notably Begonias, Petunias, Poinsettias, and 
such plants, the cuttings of which have a 
tendency to damp in hot weather. 

PROPAGATION BY LHAVES. Many plants are 
increased rapidly by this system ; young plants 
appearing on the mid-ribs, and along the edges. 
The leaves which are intended for this purpose 
should be fully grown, and what florists term, 
well hardened ; place the leaf on clean sand and 
peg it down, placing a little sand on the 
top of the leaf; numerous young plants will 
spring up in the course of three to four weeks, 
when they can be taken off separately and 
potted. Another mode of increasing plants by 
leaves is to cut the leaf in triangular pieces 
with a rib or two of the leaf included, and 
place in sand as you would a cutting. The 
following plants are easily propagated in this 
manner: Gloxinias, Sedums, Cactus, Hoyas, 
Begonias, and many others, which have simi- 
lar leaves to the above. 

PROPAGATION BY Root CurTines. A num- 
ber of plants can be more easily and quickly 
increased in this manner than by cuttings 
or even seeds. The stronger roots are cut 
into pieces, from half an inch to an inch long, 
and are generally sown in boxes or pots and 
covered slightly with soil. They form young 
plants in a very short time, and are potted-off 
in the usual manner. Bouvardias, Phyllanthus, 
Clerodendrons, Aralias, etc., are often propa- 
gated in this way. Many hardy shrubs and 
trees such as Pyrus Japonica, Ailantus, Pau- 
lownia, as well as a number of hardy herba- 
ceous plants, as Helianthus multiflorus, Eu- 
phorbia corollata, etc., are increased in this 
manner, mention of which is generally made 
under their respective names. 

Propendent. Hanging forward, and downward. 

Prophet Flower. Arnebia echioides. 

Prosa’rtes. From prosartao, to hang from; in 
allusion to the pendent ovules or flowers. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small genus of hardy native plants, with 
yellow, drooping flowers, common in moist, 
rich woods, from New York, west and south. 

Proserpina’ca. Mermaid Weed. From proserpo, 
to creep; alluding to the creeping habit of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Haloragacee. 

A genus of two species of hardy aquatic 
plants, natives of North America, and the West 
Indies. They are sometimes cultivated in 
ponds and are useful plants for the aquarium. 


Proso’pis. From prosopis, a mask; but why 
applied is unknown. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 
A genus of trees or shrubs often armed 
with hooked prickles, widely dispersed 
through tropical and sub-tropical regions. P. 
siliquastrum, introduced from Chili in 1829, is 
the species most generally found in cultiva- 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 353 


PRO 


.tion. Itis hardy in the Southern States, and 
is propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened 
‘wood. P. pubescens, the Screw Bean or Tor- 
nillo, and P. juliflora, the Mesquit, Algaroba, 
or Honey-pod of the South, are both found in 
Texas, west through New Mexico, and Arizona, 
to the western foot-hills of the San Bernar- 
dino Mountains, California. The wood of the 
latter is very heavy, hard, and close-grained, 
and being almost indestructible in contact 
with the soil, is notwithstanding its crooked 
timber, much used for railroad ties, and ex- 
clusively for the beams and under-pinnings of 
the adobe houses of New Mexico, etc., and 
for posts, fencing, etc. A gum resembling 
gum arabic is yielded by this species, the 
unripe and pulpy pods, rich in grape sugar, 
oo eels furnishing valuable and important 
odder. 


Prostanthe’ra. Australian Mint-bush, or Mint- 
tree. From prostheke, appendage, and anthera, 
anther; connections of the anthers are 
spurred. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

Green-house, evergreen shrubs from New 
Holland, remarkable for the strong odor they 
emit. Their flowers are produced in terminal 
racemes, but are not of very great beauty. 
P. rotundifolia has long been under culti- 
vation, quite as much for rarity as for beauty. 
Propagated by seeds or from cuttings. 


Pro'tea. From Proteus, the versatile sea-god; 
in allusion to the diversity of the species. Nat. 
Ord. Proteacece. 

A large genus of shrubs or trees almost 
all natives of South Africa. They are still 
met with in large collections, and are valued 
for the diversity of their foliage, and the 
peculiarity of their bottle-brush-like flowers. 


Protea’ceze. A natural order of shrubs or 


small trees, natives principally of Australia, 
and the Cape of Good Hope. They present 
great diversity of appearance, and are culti- 
vated for their handsome habit and the pecu- 
liarity of their flowers. The wood of some of 
the Australian species is valuable for cabinet- 
making. The order comprises forty-nine 
genera, and about nine hundred and fifty 
species; well known examples are Protea, 
Hakea, Grevillea, and Banksia. 


Prothallus. A term intended to indicate the 


first results of the germination of the spores 
in the higher Cryptogams. 

Protoplasm. The matter which is deposited 
over the inside walls of a cell, subsequent to 
the formation of the cell itself. 

Prou’'stia. Named after Proust, a Spanish 
chemist. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A small genus of erect, or twining, warm- 
green-house plants, natives of South America 
and Mexico. P. pyrifolia, a very desirable 
green-house climber, has white flower-heads 
with round, cordate or oval leaves, densely 
tomentose beneath. It was introduced from 
Chili in 1865, and is increased by cuttings of 
the half-ripened wood. 

Pruinose. Covered with glittering particles, 
as if frosted over. . 
Prune'lla. Self-heal. Altered from Brunella; 
derived from the German braune, a disease of 
the throat, for which this plant was a reputed 
remedy. Nat. Ord. Labiata. 

A small genus of low-growing plants, com- 
moneverywhere. P. vulgaris which has become 


PRU 


naturalized from Europe, and is common on 
roadsides, grows about six inches high, and 
has pale-purple flowers. P. grandiflora is a 
handsome and vigorous plant, readily distin- 
guished by its large flowers. There is a white 
as well as a purple variety, both handsome 
plants that thrive in almost any ground, but 
prefer a shaded position. P. Pyrenaica is a 
still larger species, with beautiful violet-pur- 
ple flowers. , 


Prunes, The dried fruit of certain varieties of 
the Plum. : 


Pruning. In pruning we remove some part 
of atree, shrub, or other plant, either stem, 
branches, or roots, with a view to repress 
growth in one direction, and direct the 
course of the sap for the benefit of that which 
remains. It is often quite as necessary to 
prune trees and shrubs cultivated for their 
flowers and foliage as those grown solely for 
their fruit, and whether it is performed upon 
a branch six inches through, or upon a shoot 
so tender as to be cut by the thumb nail, the 
object is essentially the same. The opera- 
tion, though very simple, is one which the 
amateur often fears to undertake ; and having 
no confidence in his own ability, he often 
employs some jobbing gardener, who has no 
fears on this or any other gardening matter. 
Pruning is done for various ends, and unless 
one has a definite reason for doing it, he had 
better leave it undone. Many have an idea 
that pruning must, for some reason, be done 
every year, just as it used to be thought 
necessary for people to be bled every spring, 
whether well or ill. We prune to control the 
shape of a tree or shrub, and by directing the 
growth from one part to another, obtain a 
symmetrical form, especially in fruit trees, 
where itis desirable that the weight of fruit 
be equally distributed. In some trees, where 
the fruit is borne only on the wood of the 
previous season, the bearing portions are 
each year removed further and further from 
the body of the tree. Insuch casesa shorten- 
ing of the growth each year will cause the 
formation of a compact head instead of the 
loose straggling limbs that result when this 
is omitted. We prune to renew the vigor of 
a plant. The inexperienced cannot under- 
stand how cutting away a third, a half, or 
even more of a plant can improve it in vigor 
and fruitfulness, or abundance and size of 
flowers. Let us suppose that astem which 
grew last year has twenty buds upon it. If 
this is allowed to take its own course in the 
spring, a few of the upper buds will push 
with great vigor, and form strong shoots; 
while those below will make gradually weaker 
shoots, and for probably the lower third of 
the stem the buds will not start atall. In 
fruit trees, as arule, the most vigorous growth 
is atthe top. The buds there, were the last 
formed in the previous summer, are the most 
excitable, and the soonest to grow the next 
spring, and getting the start of those below 
them, they draw the nourishment to them- 
selves and starve the others. If, instead of 
allowing this stem to grow at will in this 
manner, it had been, before any of the buds 
had started, cut back so as to leave only a few 
of the lower ones, those having an abundance 
of nutriment would push forth with great 
vigor and be nearly equal in size, while the 


354 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PRU 


flowers or fruit borne upon them would be 
greatly superior to those upon the unpruined 
stem. Any one can readily be convinced of 
the utility of pruning by taking two rose 
bushes of equal size, leaving one without any 
pruning to take care of itself, and each spring 
cutting the other back severely, pruning 
away one-third or one-half of the wood that 
was formed the previous season. The result 
at the end of two years will be very striking. 
No general rule can be given for pruning. 
The amateur should use his eyes, and notice 
the habit of growth of his trees and shrubs. 
He will find that many, like the Rose, produce 
their flowers upon the new wood of the pres- 
ent season, and that such plants are greatly 
benefited by cutting back more or less each 
spring. But there are other plants for which 
this treatment will notanswer. If we examine 
a Horse-chestnut tree, or a Lilac bush, and 
many other, we shall find that the flowers 
come from the large buds that are formed on 
the end of last season’s growth, and to cut 
back such plants would be to remove all the 
flower buds. With shrubs of this kind, all 
that need be done is to thin out the branches 
where they are too crowded. These examples 
will warn the novice against indiscriminate 
pruning; and unless, as he stands before his 
shrub or tree, knife in hand, he knows why 
he is to prune, and how, let him put his knife 


in his pocket, and give the plant the benefit | 


ofthedoubt. While, under the different fruits, 
we can give directions for the particular 
pruning required by each, the proper method 
of treating a miscellaneous collection of orna- 
mental shrubs and trees can only be learned 
by observation. 

The term pruning is generally applied to the 
cutting away, in whole or in part, of the 
ripened wood; but much pruning may be 
done by the use of the thumb and finger. 
This is termed pinching, and is practiced upon 
young shoots at the growing season, while 
they are yet soft. This most useful form of 
pruning allows us to control the form of a 
plant with the greatest ease, and is applied 
not only to soft-wooded plants, but to trees 
and shrubs, and may be so performed on these 
as to render nearly, if not quite, all pruning 
of ripened wood unnecessary. When soft- 
wooded plants, such as Chrysanthemums, 
Geraniums, or Coleus, are planted out or 
grown in pots, and left to themselves, most 
kinds will grow tall and straggling; but if 
judiciously ‘‘pinched back,” as it is called 
(that is, the top of the strongest shoots 
pinched out), the plants can be shaped into a 
bushy, rounded form at will. Ifa vigorous 
shoot has its end or “ growing point ” pinched 
out it will cease to elongate, but will throw 
out branches below, the growth of which may 
be controlled in the same manner. The 
Blackberry illustrates the utility of this kind 
of pruning. The rampant growing shoot 
which springs up from the root will, if left to 
itself, make a long cane six or eight feet high, 
and with a very few branches near the top. 
If, when this shoot has reached four, or at 
most five feet, its end be pinched off, it will 
then throw out numerous branches; and if the 
upper branches, when they reach the length 
of eighteen inches, be ‘‘stopped” (as it is 
called), in a similar manner, by pinching, the 
growth will be directed to the lower ones, and 


PRU 


by the end of the season, instead of a long 
unmanageable wand, there will be a well- 
branched bush, which will bear its fruit all 
within reach. The grower of plants in pots 
is usually afraid to remove even a single inch 
of the stem, and the result is usually a lot of 
“leggy” specimens not worth the care that 
is otherwise bestowed upon them. Plants 
may be prevented from ever reaching this 
condition, if their growth be properly con- 
trolled by pinching; but if they have once 
reached it, they should be cut back severely, 
and a compact, bushy form obtained from 
the new shoots which will soon start. I 
may state here, however, that if it becomes 
necessary to cut back a plant in full leaf, care 
must be taken to withhold water untilit again 
throws out shoots below, for the reason that, 
being robbed of the foliage and shoots that 
elaborated the top, an excess of moisture given 
to the roots, which have now no work to do, 
will gorge and destroy them. 

When judiciously pruned, a shrub or tree 
can be kept at almost any size, or changed to 
almost any form; and, besides this, a tree or 
shrub can be made much more productive of 
fruit or flowers. On the other hand, improper 
pruning will not only weaken the vigor of a 
plant, but may destroy all its beauty of out- 
line, and at the same time hinder the produc- 
tion of flowers and fruit. 

If we prune for the purpose of increasing 
the flowers of a shrub or tree, we must prune 
different species and varieties at different 
seasous of the year; but surplus wood and 
suckers can always be thinned out during the 
summer season, and wounds which are cut 
clean in midsummer will heal more quickly 
than those made in frosty weather. Maples, 
Birches, Yellow-woods, and many other trees 
bleed copiously when their branches are cut 
in the spring, but they heal over more quickly 
if pruned while in full leaf. Again, shrubs 
which bloom on wood made the previous year, 
of which the early Spireas, Forsythias, Honey- 
suckles, Viburnums, Syringas, Philadelphus, 
and Deutzias, are examples, should receive 
their chief pruning soon after the flowers 
have fallen. This will encourage a growth of 
young wood with flower-buds for the following 
year. Of course, when these shrubs are cut 
back in early spring before flowering, the 
flower-buds are sacrificed. On the other 
hand, shrubs like Hydrangea paniculata, Des- 
modium penduliflorum, Hibiscus Syriacus, and 
others, which flower on the new growth, 
bloom more abundantly when cut back 
severely in early spring. But even in this 
case the surplus wood should be thinned out 
during the summer. 

With anything like an extensive collection 
of shrubs constant attention must be given to 
pruning during the whole growing season, 
and this is especially true where coarse-grow- 
ing shrubs and those of delicate habit are 
plantedtogether. If this is neglected the less 
robust plants will soon be smothered out by 
their vigorous neighbors. Many shrubs are 
pruned too much. If a healthy young plant 
is carefully pruned at the outset, allowed 
plenty of room, with all the cross branches 
cutaway to admitlight and air, and all the old 
flowering wood shortened in after bloom and 
the over-strong shoots stopped, at midsum- 
mer, it will not only retain all it} natural 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


355 


PRU 


beauty, but this beauty will be increased, and 
it will be full of flowers the next year. After 
the branches of large shrubs have been 
thinned out, stronger shoots should be 
pinched back with the thumb and finger, for 
this will hasten the growth of flowering-buds. 
Many trees and shrubs can be made to pro- 
duce flowers and fruit at asmaller size than 
if they were leftto themselves or pruned only 
in the winter or spring. This summer pinch- 
ing also helps to ripen up the wood, and leaves 
it in good condition to withstand the cold. 
Apples, Peaches, Plums, Filberts, and many 
other trees can be made to bear when quite 
smallif the new growth is stopped once or 
twice inthe summer. While trees are grow- 
ing vigorously the flower-buds do not form 
well, but by this summer pinching the flow of 
the sap is checked and the buds are developed. 

As to the time of pruning, about which there 
has been much discussion, it may be done on 
small stems at any time after the fall of the 
leaf, before the growth starts in the spring; 
but for the removal of large branches, late in 
winter is regarded as the best time. Itisa 
popular idea that trees should not be pruned 
in excessively cold weather, a very sensible 
belief, as affecting the comfort of the pruner; 
but rest assured, it in no way adds to the 
discomfort of the tree, either present or pro- 
spective. Another popular fallacy is that 
Grape Vines and similar vigorous plants are 
injured by loss of sap by being pruned late in 
spring. We have repeatedly pruned vines 
when the sap run from them in streams, with- 
out any apparent injury, though of course it 
might be better to prune before the sap 
begins to run. 


Pruno’psis Lindleyi. A synonym of Prunus 
trilobata. 


Prunus. The ancient Latin name of the Plum. 
Nat. Ord. Rosacea. 

This genus, as arranged by Bentham and 
Hooker, includes the Plum, Cherry, Almond, 
etc., but which, for easy reference, we have 
described separately. The species are ever- 
green or deciduous, hardy trees, or shrubs, 
mostly natives of the temperate regions of 
the Northern Hemisphere, a few being found 
in tropical America and Asia. They may be 
increased readily by seeds, and the many va- 
rieties now in cultivation, by budding or graft- 
ing. P. cerasifera is well adapted for hedges, 
as is also the Black-thorn or Sloe. 

The Myrobalan Plum is one of the plants 
which has most puzzled botanists, as, al- 
though it has been in cultivation for cen- 
turies, it is nowhere known in a wild state. 
It is probably a variety or form of the com- 
mon Plum (P. domestica). It is rarely seen in 
our gardens, although now that the purple- 
leaved Persian variety, P. Pissardi, is so 
generally grown, one form of it atleast will 
be in cultivation. The latter variety is a 
most ornamental sort, and is exceedingly 
effective when planted with light-colored, or 
yellow-leaved shrubs. The green-leaved 
plant is far the handsomer of the two, how- 
ever, when the trees are in bloom, as the 
leaves, which are about half-grown when the 
flowers are fully expanded, make a charming 
and effective setting for them, and afford 
what most fruit-trees lack when in flower 
-—a contrast of colors. The fruit is small, 


PSE 


depressed-globular, scarlet or yellow, and of 
little value except for the handsome appear- 
ance which it presents as: it hangs upon the 
branches. The Myrobalan is one of the best 
early flowering trees to plant in a small gar- 
den or on alawn; it is, moreover, less liable 
to be injured by borers than the purple- 
leaved Prunus Pissardi. 

The double-flowered variety of P. sinensis, is 
a very desirable and early-flowering shrub, as 
is also its congener, P. trilobata. 


Prurient. Stinging; causing an itching sensa- 
tion. 


Psa'/mma. From psammos, sand; alluding to 
the use to which the species are put. Nat. 
Ord. Graminacee. 

Asmall genus of hardy grasses. P. arenaria 
has strong perennial creeping root-stocks, 
and is often planted on the sea-coast to pre- 
~vent the sand being removed by wind or 
tides. 


Psammi'sia. Named after Psammis, a king 

of Egypt, B. C. 376. Nat. Ord. Vacciniacew. 

A genus of shrubs, sometimes epiphytal, 
natives of South America. The flowers are 
large, frequently scarlet, and disposed in 
axillary racemes or corymbs. Most authors 
consider the species of this genus to form part 
of the genus Thibaudia. 

Pseudo-bulb. A stem having the appearance df 
a bulb, but not its structure; seen in the 
thickened, above-ground stem of many Or- 
chids. 


_Pseu’dodraco/ntium. From pseudo, false, and 


Dracontium ; in allusion to its resemblance to 
that plant. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 


‘¢ A small genus of tropical tuberous herbs, 


natives of Cochin China. P. Lacowrii, intro- 
duced in 1879, has trisected leaves, the seg- 
ments being cut or pinnate, spotted and 
mottled with yellow. Syn. Amorphophallus 
Lacourit. 

Pseu’dola’rix. False or Chinese Larch ; Golden 
Larch. From pseudo, false, and Larix, the 
Larch, which it resembles. Nat. Ord. Coni- 
Sera. 

P. Kempferi, the only species, is a noble, 
hardy tree, introduced from China in 1777. 
It forms a beautiful ornamental tree, the 
leaves being light-green when young, but 
becoming golden-yellow in autumn. It is 
distinguished from the Larch by the cones 
having deciduous scales with divergent points. 
Syn. Larix Kempferi. 

Pseu/dopa’nax. A small genus of Araliacee, 
represented bya few New Zealand and Chilian 
species of shrubby habit, with digitate or sim- 
ple leaves, grown for their ornamental char- 
acter. P. crassifolium, is known in cultivation 
as Aralia crassifolium, and the well-known 
Aralia trifoliata, is now called P. Lessonit. 


Pseu'dotsu’ga. From pseudo, false, and Tsuga, 
the Japanese name, Nat. Ord. Conifer. 

P. Douglasti, the Red Fir, Yellow Fir, Ore- 
gon Pine, and Douglas Fir, is the most gener- 
ally distributed and valuable timber tree of 
the Pacific region, growing from the sea-level 
to an elevation in Colorado of nearly 10,000 
feet, often forming extensive forests, almost 
to the exclusion of other species, and reaching 
in western Oregon and Washington Territory 
its greatest development and value. The 
wood is hard, strong, durable, and hard to 


356 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PSI 


* work, varying greatly with age and conditions 
of growth in density and quality. The bark 
is valuable in tanning leather. A large num- 
ber of sports, forms, or seedling variations are 
grown under distinctive names. 


Psi/dium. Guava. Derived from psidion, the 
Greek name of Pomegranate. Nat. Ord. Myr- 
tacew. 

An extensive genus of low-growing ever- 
green trees, confined chiefly to the West In- 
dies and South America. ‘They are much es- 
teemed for their fruit. P. Guaiava, produces 
the well-known Guava fruits, so largely em- 
ployed in the preparation of jellies, a staple 
article of West Indian commerce. The fruit 
is small, yellow, not unlike an Orleans Plum. 
It is juicy, and in flavor somewhat resembles 
a Strawberry. P. Cattleyanum, the Purple 
Guava, though originally brought to Europe 
from China, is most probably a native of Bra- 
zil. The fruits, which are produced in great 
abundance, and are readily distinguished 
from the common Guavas by their deep, 
claret-colored, pitted rind, are filled with a 
juicy, pale flesh of a very agreeable acid- 
sweet flavor. 


Psilosa’nthus. 


Psilo‘tum. From psilos, naked; the plants are 
almost destitute of leaves. Nat. Ord. Lyco- 
podiacee. 

A genus of Club-mosses, containing numer- 
ous forms, reducible, however, to two species. 
P. triquetrum grows on the trunks of trees in 
tropical or equable climates, and extends 
through Brazil and Central America to the 
southern United States. It bears cultivation 
well, and is not uncommon in green-houses. 
The spores burst when placed in water, and 
emit a cloud of microscopic particles. 


A synonym of Liatris. 


Psora’lea. From psoraleos, warted or scurfy;in | 


reference to the plants being for the most 
part sprinkled all over, or roughened with 
glandular dots or wart-like points. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

A large genus consisting of nearly one 
hundred species of annual and perennial 
herbs, and shrubs, found in great abundance 
at the Cape of Good Hope and America, more 
sparingly in Asia, northern Africa and Aus- 
tralia. The leaves of P. glandulosa, are used 
in Chili as a substitute for tea, under the 
name of ‘Jesuits’ Tea.” P. esculenta, is a 
native of Wisconsin, Missouri, and other 
parts of the Northwest, where its tuberous 
roots, known as Indian or Prairie Turnips 
(Pomme Blanche, and Pomme de Prairie, of 
the Voyageurs), form part of the food of the 
indigenous population. It is a roughish, hairy 
plant, with roundish heads of blue flowers. 
Some of the Cape species are shrubs, and are 
in cultivation in green-houses. 


Psycho’tria. From psyche, life; referring to 
the powerful medicinal qualities possessed by 
several of the species. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 

A large genus comprising about five hun- 
red species of shrubs or small trees, erect, 
climbing, or twining, found in tropical coun- 
tries, especially in America. The flowers are 
generally unattractive, but P. Jasminoides, 
known better as Gloneria, forms a beautiful 
green-house plant, covered, when in bloom, 
with terminal, corymbose panicles of snowy- 
white tubular flowers. P. Chontalensis, and P. 


PTE 
cyanococca, are both very ornamental green- 
house plants, bearing clusters of deep blue 
berries (often thirty to sixty on a bunch), very 
useful as decorative plants in winter. They 
are both natives of Nicaragua, introduced in 
1870, and are propagated by cuttings or seeds. 


Pta/‘rmica. A genus now included under 
Achillea. 
Pte'lea. Shrubby Trefoil. Hop-tree. The 


Greek name of the Elm, here applied to a 
genus with similar fruit. Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

P. trifoliata, our native species, is a small 
tree, ten to fifteen feet high, with trifoliate 
leaves, and clustered greenish flowers, fol- 
lowed by curious winged seed-vessels. The 
leaves and fruit, when bruised, emit a strong 
odor of hops, whence the popular name. 
When properly trained, this species makes a 
very interesting lawn-tree. - 


Pteli‘'dium. So named by Thomas from its 
similarity to Ptelea. Nat. Ord. Celastracee. 
P. ovatum, the only described species, is an 
ornamental green-house shrub, with opposite, 
coriaceous, ovate leaves and terminal cymes 
of light-green flowers. It was introduced 
from Madagascar in 1818, and is propagated 
by cuttings of the ripened wood. 


Pteridology. That branch of botany which 
relates to the study of Ferns. 


Pte/ris. Brake. From pieron, a wing; the 
shape of the fronds or leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Polypodiacee. 


A very extensive genus of Ferns, widely 
distributed over the temperate and tropical 
regions, and differing as widely in character. 
Many of the species are highly valued for 
green-house and house decoration, as well as 
for cutting to use with cut flowers. P. serru- 
lata and its crested varieties; P. cretica, and 
especially its variegated form, P. c. albo-lineata, 
P. tremula, P. scaberula, P. arguta, and many 
others, are all invaluable to the florist, and 
are grown in immense numbers near all our 
large cities. P. quadriaurita, var. argyraa, 
forms a noble specimen and is one of the most 
valued Ferns for green-house decoration. P. 
aspericaulis, var. tricolor, is a very attractive 
sort, but requiring more heat and moisture 
than many other kinds, is seldom seen in 
good form. FP. aquilina, is the common Brake 
or Bracken. 

Pteroca’rpus. From pteron, a wing and karpos, 
a fruit; the pods are girded by a broad wing. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of trees inhabiting the tropical 
parts of Asia, Africa, and America. They bear 
generally loose panicles of yellow flowers, 
rarely violet or white, and are often very 
showy. The genus comprises about fifteen 
species, of which a few are in cultivation. 
Gum Kino is obtained from various trees of 
this genus. P. Indicus, furnishes the Burmese 
Rosewood, and P. santalinus, yields the deep 
red dye-wood known as Red Saunders, large 
quantities of which are annually exported 
from India. 

Pteroca'rya. From pteron, a wing, and caryon, 
anut; winged fruit. Nat. Ord. Juglandaceaw. 

A small genus of very ornamental, low- 
growing trees, inhabiting China, Japan and 
the Caucasus. P. Caucasica, has pinnate leaves, 
and small flowers, which are borne in catkins, 
and are succeeded by winged seed-vessels. In 


356 


PRUNUS PISSARDI. 


PTERIS ARGYRHA. 


PHLOXES (GROUP OF HARDY PERENNIAL), 


POLEMONIUM C@RULEUM., PSsIDIUM (@uava), PYRETHRUM SELAGINOIDES. 


Se 


QUAMOCLIT (CYPRESS VINE), PYRETHRUM PARTHENIFOLIUM AUREUM. 


d) 


my \\ 

ng FP i iy 
ol ut 

z q 


PBRUNELLA GRANDIFLOBA, PUNICA GRANATUM (POMEGRANATE). PYRETHRUM CINERARIZFOLIUM 
357 


LTT 
mil 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 357 


PTE 


this climate, in low situations and in rich soil, 
it does not sufficiently ripen its wood to with- 
stand the frosts, and the tips of the branches 
are often injured in winter. 


Pteroce’phalus. From pteron, a wing, and 
kephale, a head; in allusion to the receptacle 
of the flowers being villous. Nat Ord. Dip- 
sacacee. 

A genus of desirable hardy annual and per- 
ennial plants, founded on Scabiosa plumosa, 
and some others from the Mediterranean 
region. P. Parnassi, a native of Greece, is a 
Scabious-like plant of dwarf, compact growth, 
forming a dense rounded mass of heavy 
foliage in summer, with mauve-colored 
flower-heads. It is a most desirable plant for 
the ordinary border or for the rock-garden. 
The annual species merely require sowing in 
‘the open border. Syns. Scabiosa and Cepha- 
laria. 

Pterodi’scus. From pteron, a wing, and discus, 
a disk; referring to the broad wings of the 
disk of the fruit. Nat. Ord. Pedaliacee. 

P. speciosus, the only cultivated species, is 
a very handsome herbaceous, green-house 
plant, with tuberous roots-and a thick succu- 
lent stem; a native of South Africa. Its flow- 
ers, which are of a beautiful lilac or reddish 
color, are large, with a funnel-shaped tube 
and a spreading five-lobed limb. Introduced 
in 1848; propagated by seeds or by dividing 
the plant in spring. 

Pterolo’bium. From pteron, a wing, and lobos, 
apod. The pods are winged at the extrem- 
ity. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 


A genus of tall, climbing shrubs, armed. 


with recurved prickles, natives of tropical 
Asia, Africa, and America. P. Indicum, the 
only species yet introduced, requires culture 
similar to a Cesalpinia, but is not often found 
in cultivation. 


Pterolo’ma. A genus now included under Des- 
modium. 


Pteroneu’ron. From pteron, a wing, and neuron, 
anerve; referring to the winged placentas. 
Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

A small genus of rock-plants now included 
by many, under Cardamine. 


Pterophy'llus. A synonym of Ginkgo, the 
Maiden-hair Tree. 


Ptero’stylis. From pteron, a wing, and stylis, a 
column; alluding to the broadly winged col- 
umn. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A genus of terrestrial Orchids with small 
underground tubers, natives of New Zealand 
and Australia. A few species are in cultiva- 
tion, but they are grown more for curiosity 
than for their beauty. 


Pterosty’rax. The name applied to a Japanese 
shrub constituting a genus of Styracacee. It 
forms a medium-sized shrub or low tree, cov- 
ered with stellate hairs; the leaves are ovate, 
large and sharply serrated, and the creamy- 
white fragrant flowers are borne in axillary or 
terminal pendent clusters or panicles. It is 
a late introduction from Japan (1875), and is 
a valuable acquisition to our hardy shrubs. 


Ptilo’meris. From ptilon, a feather, and meris, 
a part; alluding to the fringed, chaffy scales 
of some of the species. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Asmall genus of hardy plants, natives of 
California. P. coronaria, the only species of 


PUL 


interest, has yellow flower heads, peduneulate 
at the ends of the branches, and grows well 
treated as other hardy annuals. 


Ptychospe/rma. Derivation of name not given. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of elegant Palms with pinnate 
leaves, natives of the eastern Archipelago. 
P. Seemani is a very beautiful dwarf Palm, 
well adapted for table and general decorative 
purposes. The leaves somewhat resemble 
those of the Caryota in appearance, and are of 
a bright green color. This Palm never attains 
large dimensions; the stem, when fully de- 
veloped, is about an inch in diameter, and is 
used, on account of its strength and straight- 
ness, for spears by the natives of New Guinea, 
from whence it was received. Propagated by 
seed. Seaforthia elegans, is by some included 
in this genus under the name of P. Cunning- 


hamiana. 
Pube’rulous. Minutely pubescent. 
Pubescent. Softly downy, or hairy. 
Pucci/nia. Named after an Italian botanist, 
Puccini. 


A large genus of parasitic Fungi, the species 
of which are more or less destructive to the 
mother-plant, unless where they tend to re- 
press over-luxuriance. P. graminis, which 
oceurs in almost every part of the world on 
grasses, and especially on cereals, is the com- 
mon wheat mildew, one of the most formida- 
ble diseases of wheat, and one for which no 
remedy has yet been found. Were it even 
possible to devise any plan which might de- 
stroy every particle of wheat mildew, there 
would still be a supply in the fields from the 
wild grasses. There are many other species 
which are very destructive when they get a 
foothold, as those that attack the Barberry, 
Gooseberry, Strawberry, Mint, etc. P. Mal- 
vaceum nearly extirpated the Hollyhock in 
many districts not many years ago, and it is 
still a pestin many sections. Other species 
attack the Onion, Carnation, Currant, Gentian, 
and many other plants for which there ap- 
pears to be no remedy but the destruction of 
the diseased plants. 


Puccoon, Hairy. Lithospermum hirtum. 


Pucra’ria. Named in honor of M. M. N. Pucrari, 
a professor of botany at Copenhagen. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of climbing herbs or sub-shrubs, 
natives of tropical Asia and Japan. Only three 
species have been introduced, of which P. 
Thunbergiana,is the most interesting. A starch, 
largely used by the Chinese and Japanese, is 
obtained from the roots; and a fibre, used for 
textile purposes, from the stems. 


Pudding Berries. The edible fruits of Cornus 
Canadensis. 
Pullus. Dusky-brown, or blackish colored. 


Pulmona’ria. Lungwort. So named from the 
supposed medicinal properties in diseases of 
the lungs. Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. 

An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous per- 
ennials, common in the temperate regions of 
both hemispheres. They are showy border 
plants, with flowers of various shades of blue. 
They grow freely in any good rich soil, and 
are increased by seeds or root division. P. ° 
Virginica is now placed under Mertensia, 
which see. 


358 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PUL 


Pulsati’lla. See Anemone Pulsatilla. 


Pulse. A common name for the seeds of many 
cultivated Leguminosw, such as Peas, Beans, 
etc. 


Pultenz’a. Named after W. Pulteney, M.D., a 
botanical author. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of green-house, yellow-flowered, 
evergreen shrubs from New Holland. Of the 
fifty or sixty species that make up this genus, 
but two or three have been introduced into the 
green-house, and these are only to be found 
in the more extensive collections. 


Pulverulent, Pulverulentus. Appearing as cov- 
ered with a powdery substance. 


Pulvinate. Cushion-shaped. 


Pulvinus. A cushion. The term is applied to 
an enlargement or swelling at the base of a 
leaf, or at the apex of a petiole. 


Pumilus. Short, dense, or close-growing, as 
compared with other species of the same 
genus or family. 


Pumpkin. Cucurbita Pepo. A species of gourd, 
but when, where, or how, our present varieties 
originated is past finding out. Three hun- 
dred years ago they were made into pies by 
cutting a hole in the side, extracting the seeds 
and filaments, stuffing the cavity with apples 
and spices, and baking the whole. See Squash. 


Punctate. Dotted. 


Pungent. Terminating gradually in a sharp, 
rigid point, as in the lobes of a Holly leaf. 


Pungent. Very hard and sharp pointed ; prickly 
pointed. 


Pu’/nica. Pomegranate. From punicus, of 
** Carthage,” near which city it is said to have 
been first found; or from puniceus, scarlet; 
referring to the color of the flowers. Owing 
to the singular structure of its fruit this 
genus, which contains only one species, P. 
Granatum, was by some botanists formed into 
a separate order, Granatee. It was after- 
wards placed in Myrtacee, but Bentham and 
Hooker consider it allied to Lythracee. PP. 
granatum, the Pomegranate, is a very hand- 
some deciduous shrub or low-growing tree, a 
native of northern Africa and Western Asia. 
It thrives remarkably well in the Southern 
States, where it is extensively grown for 
ornamental purposes. In the Middle and 
Northern States it is grown in pots and tubs, 
and used in summer for ornamenting the 
border orlawn. There are several varieties, 
the double-flowered scarlet being the most 
desirable. P. nana, a dwarf double-flowered 
variety, is a favorite green-house plant, suit- 
able for lawn decoration during summer, 
requiring the protection of a cool house or 
cellar during the winter. This species isa 
native of the East Indies, from whence it was 
introduced into England in 1723. It has since 
become naturalized in the West Indies and the 
Southern States. The fruit of the Pome- 
granate has been highly esteemed for its 
quality and form from the earliest ages. It 
was one of the most conspicuous ornaments 
directed to be used in the construction of 
Solomon’s Temple, and is frequently men- 
tioned in the Bible. All the varieties are of 
easy culture, and are readily propagated 
from cuttings of the young wood. 


Puniceus. Pure red. 


. 


PUY 


Purification Flower. A common name for Ga- 
lanthus nivalis. 


Purple Cone Flower. See Echinacec. 


Purple Fringe. A common name for Rhus 
Cotinus. 

Purple Wreath. Peirea volubilis. 

Purpurascens. Having a purplish color. . 

Pu’rshia. Named after Frederick Pursh, author 
of ‘‘Flora Americe Septentrionalis” (1817). 
Nat. Ord. Rosaceae. 

P. tridentata, the only species is a much- 
branched, hardy, evergreen shrub with scaly 
buds, and nearly sessile yellow flowers. Itis 
a native of Oregon, and is increased by cut- 
tings of the young shoots. Syns. Kunzia, and 
Tigarea. ae 

Purslane. The popular name of the genus 

Portulaca. 

Common Garden. Portulaca oleracea. 

Milk. Huphorbia maculata. 

Rock. Calandrina umbellata. 

Sea. Arenaria peploides, and Atriplex portula- 
cotdes. 

Sea, American. Sesuviwm Portulacastrum. 

Siberian. Claytonia Sibirica. 

Water. Peplis portula, Isnardia palustris, and 

Ludwigia palustris. 

Winter. Claytonia perfoliata. 
Purslane Tree. Portulacaria afra. 


Puschki/nia. Named after Count M. Puschkin, 
a Russian botanist. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 
P. scilloides, the best known species, is 
a beautiful little bulbous plant, with light 
purple flowers, like a small-flowered Scilla, 
as its specific name indicates. The leaves 
grow from the bulb, and stand erect round 
the steni, as though protecting the flower. 
It is a native of Russia, and perfectly hardy, 
and is propagated by offsets. Introduced 
in 1819. 
Pusillus. Very small; weak and slender. 


Pustular, Pustulate. Covered with glandular 
excrescences, like blisters. 

Puto’ria. From putor,a strong smell; in allu- 
sion to the smell of the leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Rubiacee. 

A small genus of dwarf branching shrubs, 
natives of the Mediterranean region. P. Cala- 
brica, the only species in cultivation, is a very 
pretty plant with red flowers in terminal 
clusters. It thrives best in a gravelly or 
sandy soil, and is propagated by division. 

Putty-root. See Aplectrum. 


Pu’/ya. Nativename. This genus is the same 
as Pourretia. Puya has been substituted for 
Pourretia, as being the older name. Nat. Ord. 
Bromeliacee. 

A genus of green-house herbaceous peren- 
nials and epiphytes, with spikes of white and 
yellow flowers, like the Pitcairnia, which they 
resemble. They are natives of Mexico and 
South America. P. heterophylla, isa very pretty 
and curious plant, bearing two distinct kinds 
of leaves : one with tough, broad, horny kinds 
of leaves, which overlie each other, forming a 
kind of bulb, extended into narrow, serrated 
processes about two inches long; the others, 
which are last formed, are thin, bright green, 
and lanceolate, more than eighteen inches 
long. A more recent introduction, P. grandi- 
flora, is also a fine plant, and all are interesting. 
P. Whytei, has flowers of a peculiar metallic 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 359 


PYC 


greenish-blue color, with bright orange an- 
thers disposed in a large pyramidal panicle on 
atallscape. P. Altensteinii is a favorite green- 
house species, its pure white flowers, contrast- 
ing well with the bright scarlet scape and 
bracts. Many species of this genus are now 
placed under Pitcairnia. They thrive in a 
compost of peat and loam, and are easily pro- 
pagated by suckers, which are generally freely 
produced. 


Pycna’nthemum. The generic name for the 
native Mountain Mint, or Basil, of which there 
are ten species, found from Virginia and New 
York to Illinois, and westward. 


Pycno’stachys. From pyknos, dense, and 
stachys, a spike; referring to the dense flower 
spikes. 

A genus of Labiate, peculiar to tropical and 
sub-tropical Africa, and consisting of erect 
growing annual or perennial herbs. Several 
of the species have been introduced to culti- 
vation, the most showy and desirable of which 
is P. Urticifolia. It was introduced from the 
Shire valley in 1862, and has large dense 
spikes of rich mazarine blue flowers. 
Py'knos. This term, used in Greek com- 
pounds, signifies thick, close, dense, compact, 
hence Pycnocephalus, thick-headed, or close- 
headed; applied to very compact kinds of 
inflorescence. 

Pyraca’ntha, See Crategus Pyracantha. 
Pyramidal. Pyramid-shaped, more frequently 
used, however, to denote conical, as the 
prickles of some roses, the root of the carrot, 
and the heads of many trees. 

Pyre'thrum. Feverfew. From pyr, fire; the 
roots are hot to the taste. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

Agenus of very interesting plants, mostly 
hardy herbaceous perennials, which only 
require planting in the open border and the 
usual treatment of perennial plants. P. 
Parthenium, is the well-known Feverfew, and 
is common throughout Europe and the 
Caucasus. The double-flowered form is a 
very showy and useful plant, flowering all the 
season and is a general favorite. P. Partheni- 
folium aurewm, called Golden Feather, is now 
also common in every garden, and is largely 
used for edgings, ribbon borders, carpet bed- 
ding, etc., a variety called laciniatum, being 
very distinct from the older kind. The most im- 
portant, however, of the numerous genera is 
tho Caucasian, P. rosewm, which has yielded 
the innumerable varieties, both single and 
double, that have now become such popular 
border flowers. They are extremely showy, 
easy to grow, hardy, and invaluable as cut 
flowers during several months in summer 
and autumn. If cut down after flower- 
ing in June they flower again freely in Sep- 
tember. By judicious crossing, the color of 
the blossoms is continually becoming more 
varied, ranging from white, white with yellow 
centre, yellow, and lilac, to rose, carmine, and 
erimson. This species is also important as 
being the basis of the Persian Insect Powder, 
the best grade of which is imported from the 
Caucasus, and is manufactured from the dried 
flowers only. It is also cultivated in Cali- 
‘fornia and when dried and ground, is known 
in commerce as ‘ Buhack.” P. Tchichatchewi, 
called the Turfing Daisy, is chiefly remarkable 
for its power of sustaining drought, its foliage 


Pyrola’cez. 


Pyrula’ria. 


Py’rus. Pear. Also Apple, which see. 


PYR 


retaining its verdure even in dry weather, 
and when planted on dry banks or slopes. 
Being of dwarf, creeping habit of growth, it 
quickly forms a carpet of green which needs 
no attention beyond that of removing the 
flower stems, which, though not devoid of 
interest may yet in some situations interfere 
with the utility of the plant. This species has 
been recommended as a substitute for lawns 
in hot, dry situations where grass will not 
survive. PP. uliginosum, is one of the noblest 
of all tall growing herbaceous plants, forming 
dense tufts, five to seven feet in height, ter- 
minated by lax clusters of pure white 
flowers, each about twice the size of those of 
the Ox-eye Daisy. ‘They are all easily propa- 
gated by division or by seed, which should be 
sown in May or June to flower the following 
season. 


Pyriform. Pear-shaped. 
Pyro'la, 


Wintergreen. Shin-leaf. Name a 
diminutive of Pyrus, the Pear-tree, from the 
resemblance of the leaves to those of the Pear. 
Nat. Ord. Hricacee. 

A genus of low, smooth, perennial, her- 
bazeous herbs, with running subterranean 
shoots, bearing a cluster of rounded and 
petioled root-leaves, and a simple raceme of 
nodding flowers, on an upright more or less 
scaly bracted scape; natives of Britain, north 
and central Asia, and North America. Several 
of our native varieties are very pretty and 
sweet scented, and well worth cultivating. 


A natural order now included 
under Hricacee. 


Pyroli‘rion. Flame Lily. From pyr, fire, and 


lirion, a lily; alluding to the color and form 
of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacew. 

A small genus of rare and beautiful Peruvian 

bulbs allied to Zephyranthes. The flowers 
are orange and yellow, produced in July and 
August, before the leaves appear. They can 
be grown in the open, border. The bulbs 
require to be kept dry and warm during the 
winter, and are increased by offsets. If grown 
in potsin the green-house, they must have 
rest from December until April. Introduced 
into England in 1833. 
A diminutive from Pyrus, the 
Pear; -in allusion to the form of the fruit, 
which, in the original species, is like a small 
Pear. Nat. Ord. Santolacee. 

A genus of two species of deciduous trees 
or shrubs, one North American, the other 
Himalayan.  P. oleifera, the Buffalo, Elk, or 
Oil-nut, is found in rich woods in the moun- 
tains of Pennsylvania and southward through 
the Alleghanies. The whole plant, and 
especially the fruit is imbued with an acrid 
oil. 

From 
peren, the Celtic word for Pear. Nat. Ord. 
Rosaceae. 

The different kinds of Crabs and Pears are 
very ornamental flowering plants, indepen- 
dent of the value of the fruit of some of the 
species. The ornamental kinds are all low 
trees, admirably adapted for the lawn or the 
shrubbery, and are all of easy culture. They 
are propagated by grafting the finer on the 
more common kinds. To thrive and look 
well, however, they require an airy situation, 
and not to be crowded among other trees. 
Among the kinds most worthy of notice are 


360 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


PYR 


the following: Pyrus spectabilis, the Chinese 
Crab or Garland-flowering Wild Apple, pro- 
ducing the most showy flowers of the whole 
genus in May, and as hardy as the common 
Crab or Wild Pear. _P. coronaria, the Sweet- 
scented Crab, with large and beautiful pink 
blossoms is highly fragrant, as is the first. 
P. coronaria angustifolia, the narrow-leaved 
Sweet-scented Crab, has flowers as beautiful 
as the former, and its leaves are sub-ever- 
green. This and the two preceding kinds 
have the fruit green when ripe, and fragrant, 
but it is hardly-edible. Pyrus baccata, and 
P. prunifolia, two kinds of Siberian Crab, 
have very showy flowers, and small red or 
yellow fruit. These are the principal orna- 
mental species of the Crab or Apple kind, 
unless we except one, the Moscow or Trans- 
parent Crab, Pyrus Astracanica, which has 
fruit almost as large as a Golden Pippin, and 
wax-like when ripe. The Crab, though com- 
monly cultivated for its fruit, as useful for 
the table, well deserves a place on the lawn 
as an ornamental plant, from the extraordinary 
beauty of the fruit, and it is sometimes used 
for that purpose. The ornamental Pears are 
the following: P. salvifolia, which has woolly 
leaves like those of the Sage, and like all the 
Pears. white flowers; this peculiarity, inde- 
pendently of other marks, distinguishing 
them from the Apples, which have reddish 
flowers. P. amygdaleformia, is another orna- 
mental species, which has silvery-white leaves, 
and fruit shaped like that of the Almond; and 
to these may be added P. elewagnifolia, which 
has long, narrow, white leaves like those of 
the Eleaguus ; P. salicifolia, with long, narrow, 
silky leaves, like those of the Willow; and P. 
nivalis, which has round leaves of a snowy 
whiteness. All these species have small 
green fruit not good to eat, but the trees are 
very ornamental from their shape and the 
singular color of their foliage. The following 
kinds of Pyrus belong to the section Aria: P. 
Aria, and its varieties, P. a. a tifolia, and 
P. a. cretica, the White Beam Tree, are valued 
for the beauty of their leaves, which are 
green above and white beneath, and for the 
bright scarlet fruit which they produce in 
great abundance. P. vestita, the Nepal White 
Beam Tree, is arare and beautiful object, as 
its leaves, which are clothed with a thick 
white wool beneath, are of a large size, and 
change in autumn to a most beautiful pale 
yellow. Other ornamental species of Pyrus 
are as follows: P. variolosa, remarkable for 
the varying forms of its foliage, which is 
sometimes pinnate, like that of the Mountain 
Ash, and sometimes deeply lobed and cut, like 
that of the Hawthorn, or entire and cordate 
and pointed like that of the Pear. It issome- 
what tender, and thrives best in a sheltered 
situation, or against a wall. P. torminalis, 
the Griping Wild Service Tree, is remarkable 
for the beautiful form of its leaves, which, 
however, are unfortunately very apt to be 
eaten, by insects. The buds are large, of a 
beautiful green, and very ornamental in the 
winter season. Pyrus aria, the Moun- 
tain Ash, is a well-known small tree, beautiful 
poth when in flower and in fruit, and worth 
cultivating for its foliage alone. Pyrus Ameri- 
cana, the American Mountain Ash resembles 
the common kind, but has. larger leaves and 
smaller fruit, although it is of a much deeper 


PYX 


red. Pyrus sorbus, the common Service Tree, 
has foliage like that of the Mountain Ash, but 
larger; and the fruit resembles that of the 
common Pear but much smaller, and not 
ornamental, though it is eatable. Pyrus 
spuria, a native of Kamschatka, has leaves 
like the Elder, and small black fruit; the 
leaves of this species change in autumn to an 
intensely deep purple, almost black. There 
is a pendulous variety, P. s. pendula, which is 
one of the most ornamental of drooping-bran- 
ched small trees; and as neither the variety 
nor the species exceeds twelve or fifteen feet 
in height, they are admirably adapted for 
small gardens. The following kinds of Pyrus 
are shrubs, and very ornamental, both for 
their fruit and flowers: P. Maulei, introduced 
from Japan 1874, is one of the most beautiful 
of recently introduced shrubs. English. 
papers compare it with Cydonia (Pyrus) Jap- 
onica, which the flower does to some extent 
resemble in form, though not quite so bright 
a red asin the type of that species. In foliage 
and habit it is more like the Crategus Pyra- 
cantha, and like it, has a disposition to be 
evergreen. Its golden-yellow fruit, which 
are produced in great abundance, are. agree- 
ably perfumed and make an excellent conserve. 
P. Arbutifolia,has white flowers and black fruit, 
and the leaves of this become of a beautiful 
red in autumn; there are six or eight varieties 
commonly treated as species. All the plants 
belonging to the genus Pyrus are quite hardy, 
and may all be raised from seeds, or grafted 
on the Wild Crab, or Wild Pear, or on the 
Hawthorn, which, though belonging to the 
genus Crataegus, is very nearly allied to Pyrus. 
The most beautiful of all our scarlet-flowering 
shrubs, now known as Cydonia Japonica, was 
formerly classed in the genus Pyrus. Of this 
species there is also a white variety. The 
scarlet variety of Cydonia Japonica, makes a 
most beautiful hedge plant, looking at a dis- 
tance like a line of fire. 


Pythonium. From python, a serpent, on 
account of the form of the spadix. Nat. Ord. 
Aroidee. 

A genus of plant-stove, herbaceous plants, 
with globular, fleshy root stocks; closely 
allied to Caladium. One species, C. Wallichia- 
num, best known under the name of Arum 
bulbiferum, is remarkable for the presence of 
little bulb-like buds on the leaves, just at the 
junction of the stalk with the blade of the 
leaf. These bulbs become detached and thus 
serve to perpetuate the species. This plant 
has been described under the name of Thom- 
sonia. 


Pyxidanthe'ra. From pysis, pyxidos, a box, 
and anthera, an anther ; the anther opening as 
ifby alid. Nat. Ord. Diapensiacee. 

P. barbulata, Pine-barren Beauty, or Little 
Pixie, isa small, prostrate, creeping evergreen, 
not over two inches in height. It is fairly 
covered in early spring with its beautiful 
white or pinkish flowers, forming a remark- 
ably pretty little plant for the rock garden, or 
any similar situation. It is very common in 
the Sandy Pine barrens of New Jersey and 
southward. 


Pyxis, Pyxidium. A pod opening round hori- 
zontally by a lid, as in Hyoscyamus, or Ana- 
gallis. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 361 


Q. 


QUA 


uadri. A term of Latin origin, signifying 

four times, as Quadrangular, four-angled ; 
Quadrifoliate, four-leaved; Quadrifid, four- 
cleft. 


Quakers and Shakers, 
Briza media. 


Quaking Grass. The common name of Briza 
maxima, etc., which see. 


Quamash. See Camassia esculenta. 


Qua’moclit. Cypress Vine. From kyamos, a 
Kidney Bean, and klitos, dwarf; the species of 
this genus resembles the Kidney Bean in 
their climbing stems, but are less tall. Nat. 
Ord. Convolvulacee. 

A somewhat extensive genus of half-hardy 
climbing annuals and green-house perennials. 
me perhaps better known as Ipomea 

amoclit, is the beautiful Cypress Vine of 
our gardens. Of this species there are three 
varieties, with scarlet, white, and rose-colored 
flowers, allnatives of the East Indies. The spe- 
cies are quite common in the Southern States, 
having escaped from the gardens into the 
fields and hedgerows. These beautiful annu- 
als are not as much grown north of New York 
as they should be, the difficulty having been 
.to get them started sufficiently early for a sat- 
isfactory season of flowering. By sowing the 
seeds in pots, in the house or in a hot-bed, 
early in April, they will come forward early, 
and may be turned out into the open border, 
when all danger from frost is past. The 
plants thus started will grow twenty feet 
high in a season, and be completely covered 
with flowers for at least three months. The 
seed may be sown where wanted to grow. If 
the ground is made fine and rich, and the 
seeds soaked in hot water before being sown, 
there will be no difficulty in getting a very 
fine display, though not of as long duration as 
if started in pots. Q. coccinea, is the small- 
flowered, heart-shaped-leaved Ipomoea, or 
Star Ipomea (see Ipomea), a very tree-flower- 
ing species from the East Indies. It is per- 
fectly hardy, and difficult to exterminate 
when once planted. This genus is included 
under Ipom@a, by some botanists. 


Qua’ssia. Linnseus applied this name to a tree 
of Surinam in honor of a negro slave Quassi, 
who used its bark as a remedy for fever, and 
enjoyed such a reputation among the natives 
as to be almost worshiped by some, and _sus- 
pected of magic by others. Nat. Ord. Sima- 
rubacee. 

Q. amara, the only known species, is a very 
ornamental, low-growing tree, native of Gui- 
ana. It produces long, upright racemes of 
bright scarlet flowers, the petals of which are 
curiously twisted together. They flower 
freely if in a green-house with plenty of heat; 
their size, however, will not warrant their 
general introduction. The wood is intensely 
bitter, and the extract is used as a substitute 
for hops in making beer. Drinking cups are 
made from the wood, for the onic quality 
it is supposed to impart to the water if 
allowed to stand in them a short time before 


Acommon name for 


QUE 


drinking. The wood of this tree is the Quas- 
sia of commerce. 


Quebec Oak. Quercus alba. 
Queen Lily. See Phedranassa. 


Queen of the Meadow. See Spirea Ulmaria, 
and S. Salicifolia. 


Queen of the Prairies. Spiraea lobata. 
Queensland Plum. See Davidsonia. 
Que’rcitron. See Quercus tinctoria. 


Que’rcus. The Oak. From the Celtic quer, 
fine, and cuez, a tree; others derive it from 
the Greek word choiros, a pig; because those 
animals feed on the acorns. Nat. Ord. Cupu- 
lifera. 

An extensive genus of well-known trees, 
comprising about one hundred and fifty spe- 
cies, chiefly confined to the northern regions 
of the globe, being rarely met in the southern 
hemisphere. They are mostly trees of large 
size; a few only may be considered: shrubs. 
A number of the species are evergreen, one of 
the most valuable of the class being Q. virens, 
or Live Oak, which grows from Virginia 
southward, and the value of the timber 
increases, because of its quality, the further 
south it is found. @. alba, White Oak; Q. 
tinctoria, the Quercitron, Black, Dyer’s, or yel- 
low-barked Oak, and Q. Prinus, the Chestnut 
Oak, furnish the most valuable timber for the 
mechanic arts. The Washington Oak, at 
Fishkill-on-Hudson, is of the latter species, 
and is one of the historical old trees of this 
country, of which the ‘“‘Garden and Forest,” 
December, 1888, says: 

“‘Washington’s headquarters remained on 
the west bank of the Hudson, between New- 
burgh and New Windsor, from the spring of 
1782 to August 18th, 1783; and during this 
time he crossed the river frequently for the 
purpose of visiting the troops in camp upon 
Fishkill Plain, near the village of that name. 
The most convenient landing-place on the 
east bank was upon a long, low point of land 
formed to the north of the mouth of Fishkill 
Creek, known as ‘Presquw’ile,’ and here, 
according to the tradition of the locality, 
under two large Oak trees, Washington 
always mounted and dismounted from his 
horse as he started and returned from the 
camp. ‘ 

‘“‘One of these trees alone remains; its 
companion was blown to the ground on the 
10th of August, 1881. The story of Washing- 
ton’s connection with these two Oaks seems 
to be abundantly substantiated. The Com- 
mander-in-Chief was often accompanied on 
these excursions from his headquarters to 
the camp at Fishkill by his Adjutant-General, 
William Denning, whose son, also William 
Denning, at that time fourteen years of age, 
was sometimes allowed to join the party. 
The impressions made upon the boy by the 
incidents of this period were not effaced; and 
many years later, in 1822, after a life of travel 
and adventure, he returned to the Hudson 
and purchased from a member of the Ver- 
plank family the point of land, and the old 


362 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


QUI 


Oaks, still associated in his mind with the 
Commander-in-Chief of the American Army 
and the first President of the United States. 
The daughter of the second William Denning, 
to whom we are indebted for these facts, still 
inhabits the old mansion built on ‘ Presqwile’ 
in 1813; and her life and that of her father 
span the years which separate us from the 
days of Washington and the Colonial Army. 

“The tree is still healthy and vigorous, and 
standing directly at the top of the low river 
bank. The trunk girths, at the present time, 
twenty-one feet, and, judging from the age of 
its companion, which was blown down seven 
years ago, eight or ten centuries may have 
passed since the acorn from which it sprang 
fell to the ground.” 

Q. macrocarpa, the Over-cup White Oak, 
and @. coccinea, the Scarlet Oak, are the most 
beautiful for shade trees. @. ilicifolia, is the 
common Scrub Oak, that rarely attains a 
height of eight feet. @Q. infectoria, a native of 
the Levant, is a very common species, the 
branches of which are liable to be stung by 
insects, causing the formation of the Gall 
Nuts of commerce. All the species are invalu- 
able for timber or fuel, excepting the low- 
growing kinds. The bark of all the species con- 
tains large quanties of tannin, which gives it 
a value exceeding that of the timber. Q. suber, 
Cork Oak, a native of southern Europe and 
northern Africa, furnishes the Cork of com- 
merce. The outer layers of bark in this tree 
increase annually, and after eight or nine 
years fall off; but for commercial purposes 
they are removed one or two years pre- 
viously. The bark of the tree is removed by 
incisions round the top and bottom of the 
tree, and by a long one connecting these two, 
which allows the bark to be stripped off. 
This is effected when the bark is most firmly 
attached to the wood, in order that the inner- 
most layers of bark may not be injured, nor 
the health of the tree impaired, more than is 
necessary. The trees furnish a crop of bark 
once in eight or nine years. 


Quilla’ja. From the Chilian name Quillat. A 
sma!l genus of South American trees, belong- 
ing to the Nat. Ord. Rosacew, remarkable for 
possessing soap-like qualities. 

The bark of Q. saponaria, which is a tree 
from fifty to sixty feet high, is rough and 
dark-colored externally, but inside consists of 
numerous whitish layers, which contain a 


RAD 


large quantity of carbonate of lime and other 
mineral matters. It is also rich in a vegeta- 
ble soap-principle, called Saponine, and there- 
fore much used as a substitute for Soap. 

Quinate. Arranged in fives. 

Quince. See Cydonia. 

Quince. Bengal. gle marmelos. 


Quinine Plants. The principal plants produc- 
ing the Quinine-bark of commerce are several 
species of Cinchona, the principal of which 
are the Yellow bark, C. Calisaya; the Gray or 
Huanuco bark, C. micrantha, and C. nitida; the 
Loxa or Crown-bark, the. produce of C. Con- 
daminea (syn. C. officinalis), and the Red bark 
furnished by C. succirubra. 


Quin'tinia. Named for La Quintinie, a French 
writer on horticulture. Nat. Ord. Sazifra- 
gacee. 

A small genus of shrubs or small trees, 
natives of New Zealand and southern Aus- 
tralia. The genus is closely allied to Hscal- 
lonia, and the species are seldom found in 
cultivation. 

Quinsy-Berry. The fruit of Ribes nigrum. 

Quisqu’alis. From quis, who, and qualis, what 
kind; referring to the fact that when the 
genus was named it was uncertain to what 
class or order it belonged. Nat. Ord. Combre- 
tacee. 

A genus of plants indigenous to tropical 
and sub-tropical Asia and Africa, and consist- 
ing of climbing shrubs, with opposite, rarely 
alternate leaves, and axillary or terminal 
spikes of flowers. These are very fine plants 
for the hot-house or a warm green-house, and 
are great favorites with those who grow them. 
Q. Indica, Q. glabra, and Q. Sinensis, are among 
the best, bearing brilliant red, orange red, 
and rose-colored flowers. Propagated from 
cuttings of young wood. First introduced 
into England in 1815. 

Quitch, or Quick Grass. 
for an intolerable pest. 

Quiver Tree. 
toma. 

Quivi'sia. Bois de Quivi is the name given in 
the Isle of France. Nat. Ord. Meliacee. 

A genus of trees and shrubs, natives of 
Mauritius, Bourbon and Madagascar. @ 
heterophylla, the only species yet introduced, 
has white flowers borne in axillary clusters, 
but is of little horticultural interest. 


The common name 
See Triticum. 


A common name for Aloe dicho- 


R. 


Re Berry. Shepherdia argentea. 

abbit Foot. Trifoliwm arvense. 

Rabbit Root. Aralia nudicaulis. 

Raccoon Berry. Podophyllum Peltatum. 

Race. A term applied to varieties of plants as 
distinguished from species, when they can be 
perpetuated by seed through a series of gen- 
erations, when they become permanent varie- 
ties. The Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, 
ete., are distinct races, which have sprung 
from the species Brassica oleracea. 


Raceme. An inflorescence in which the flowers 
are arranged singly on distinct pedicles along 
acommon axis; aspike with stalked flowers, 
as the Laburnum. 

Racemose. Flowering in a raceme. 


Rachis. The axis or central stem of an inflor- 
escence, or of a compound leaf. 

Radial. Growing on the circumference of acircle. 

Radiate. Diverging from a common centre, 


like rays, as the arms of an umbel, or the ligu- 
late florets of any composite. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


363 


ee ee 


. 


RAD 


Radical. 
crown, 


Springing from the root, or from its 


Radicans. 


Radicle. The first root of a plant, rudimentary 
in the embryo. 


Radicose. Having a large root. 


Radish. The well-known esculent root of Ra- 
phanus sativus (which see). The common gar- 
den Radish is a hardy annual, entirely un- 
known in its native state. It is usually 
credited to China. It has long been held in 
high esteem, and before the Christian era a 
volume was written on this plantalone. The 
ancient Greeks, in offering their oblations to 
Apollo, presented Turnips in lead, Beets in 
silver, and Radishes in vessels of beaten gold. 
Pliny observes that Radishes grow best in 
saline soils, or when they are watered with 
salt water; and hence, he says, the Radishes 
of Egypt are better than any in the world, on 
account of their being supplied with nitre ; 
modern experience, however, does not allow 
us to endorse this. He gives some account of 
the kinds grown at Rome in his day, one of 
which he describes as being so clear and 
transparent that one might see through the 
roots. The Radish was introduced into Eng- 
land during the sixteenth century. Four 
kinds were cultivated by Gerarde in the latter 
part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Since 
that time many new varieties have been in- 
troduced and disseminated by European 
seedsmen and gardeners. The seed is exten- 
sively grown in France and Germany, and to 
those countries we are indebted for our sup- 
ply more than to any other. For a seed crop 
the plants are taken from a seed-bed -and 
transplanted when quite small, an operation 
that can only be carried on profitably where 
labor is very cheap, When ripe, the plants 
are cut to the ground and stacked, and 
allowed to remain so a year before they are 
threshed. Ifthis care is not observed, and 
the seed threshed out soon after ripening, it 
will invariably become heated and spoiled, 
and this is the chief cause of failure in the 
germination of the seed. The seed retains its 
vitality a number of years. The varieties of 
Radish now most prized are: French Break- 
fast, Early Round Dark Red, Early Scarlet 
Turnip, Wood’s Early Frame, White-tipped 
Scarlet Turnip, and for winter the Rose Chi- 
nese. MRadishes are largely grown in the 
Southern States to be shipped north, as it isa 
vegetable probably more than any other 
grown, that is appreciated for its earliness. 
Immense quantities are raised under glass in 
green-houses, hot-beds, and cold-frames in the 
vicinity of all large cities. It is estimated 
that upward of twenty acres are raised under 
glass in the vicinity of New York. A light, 
rather sandy soil, well enriched with short 
stable manure, suits them best. Under glass 
the temperature should not exceed 60° at 
night, with ten to fifteen degrees higher dur- 
ing the day. The variety most used for forc- 
ing is the Round Dark Red. 


Radish. Horse. Cochlearia Armoracia. 
Sea. Raphanus maritimus. 
Rat-Tail. See Raphanus caudatus. 
Water. Nasturtium amphibium. 
Wild. Raphanus Raphanistrum. 


Rooting from the stem or leaves, 


RAK 


Radius. The circumference or outer side of 
the circle formed by umbels or heads, or other 
such parts. : 

Radix. The root; that part which is the de- 
velopment of the radicle. 


Raffia, or Roffia. See Raphia. 


Raffle’sia. Patma-wort. Named after Sir 
Stamford Raffles, who discovered the plant in 
the interior of Sumatra, where it is called 
Ambun-Ambun. Nat. Ord. Raffesiacee. 

The typical genus of a wonderful order of 
parasitical plants resembling some species of 
Fungi in general appearance, but which, ac- 
cording to the authority of the celebrated 
English botanist, Robert Brown, is a true 
flower, having stamens in one plant and pis- 
tils in another. R. Arnoldi was found in the 
Island of Sumatra about sixty years ago, and 
was then, as itis now, considered to be one 
of the greatest wonders of the Vegetable 
Kingdom. It consists of five fleshy lobes or 
petals, each three feet across, of a spotted or 
mottled red color, the centre forming a cup- 
like dish, capable of holding six quarts of 
water. It has the offensive odor of some 
species of Fungi, and was first supposed to 
belong to that order from this fact, and its 
general resemblance to the Fungus class. 


Ra‘fnia. Named in honor of C. G. Rafn, a Dan- 
ish botanist, who wrote a flora of Denmark 
in 1796. Nat. Ord. Leguminosa. 

A genus of glaucous, often glabrous, shrubs, 
natives of South Africa. They all have yellow 
flowers in short terminal racemes. A few 
species, much resembling some of the Croto- 
larias, are in cultivation, and are propagated 
by cuttings of the firm side shoots, or by 
seeds. 

Ragged Robin. Lychnis Flos-cuculi. 

Ragged Sailor. See Polygonum. 

Ragweed. Ambrosia trifida. 

Ragwort. See Othonna, and Senecio Jacobea. 

Rain-berry. Rhamnus catharticus. 


Rainbow Flower. A popular name for the 
genus Iris. — 


Rainbow Plant. A name given to Alternanthera 
paronychioides major. 

Raisin-Tree. Japanese. A common name for 
Hovenia dulcis, and Ribes rubrum. ‘ 


Rake. This is the implement usually used for 
leveling the soil after digging, or in cleaning 
up walks, etc., but for many years we have 
found the steel rake, of a size suitable to the 
work to be done, to be the most effective tool 
used in our grounds for the prevention of 
weeds. 

Nearly all our first ‘‘hoeing” is done by 
these rakes; that is, the ground, in from 
_ three to four days after planting or sowing, is 
raked over, thus destroying the weeds just as 
they begin to germinate and before they ap- 
pear on the surface. In from five to ten days, 
according to the state of the weather, the 
ground is again gone over with the rakes. 
We are no believers in deep hoeing in newly- 
planted ground; it is only when plants begin 
to grow, and when the soil gets hard, that 
deep hoeing is beneficial. By the use of the 
steel rake in this manner, three times as much 
work can be done as by the hoe. It cannot 
be used, of course, if the weeds are up, but if 


364 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


RAM 


it is thus used before the weeds appear on the 
surface, one man will do more than six will if 
delay has been made until the weeds have to 
be cut down by the hoe. 

Ramee or Ramie. See Baehmeria. 


Rame'nta. Thin, chaffy scales with which the 
stems of some plants, especially Ferns, are 
covered. 


Ramification. Sub-divisions of roots, branches, 
leaves, or panicles. 


Ramiflorous. Flowering on the branches. 


Ramo’ndia. Named after L. Raymond, a French 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Gesneracea. 

R. Pyrenaica, the best known species, is a 
very pretty little perennial, growing only 
three to four inches high, with the flower- 
stalks springing from a dense mass of rough, 
dark green leaves. The general habit of 
growth of the plant very much resembles 
that of a Primrose. It is quite hardy, and 
admirably adapted for rock-work; but it will 
grow in the border, where it is not too warm 
and dry. It begins to flower in May, and 
continues in bloom nearly the whole summer. 
It is a native of the Pyrenees, whence it was 
introduced about 1600. Parkinson describes 
it as the ‘‘Blew Beares Eares with Borage 
leaves.” The flowers, however, are not blue, 
but pale lilac; propagated by root division, or 
from seed. 

Ramose. Divided into many branches. 

Rampion (Campanula Rapunculus). A hardy 
biennial, the fleshy roots of which are used 
in salads, either boiled or in a raw state. The 
leaves are also blanched and used in winter 
salads. Itis very little cultivated. 


Ram’s Head. A popular name for Cypripedium 
arietinum. 

Ramstead. One of the common names of Lin- 
aria vulgaris. 

Ramulose. Bearing many small twigs, orsmall 
branches. 


Ra/ndia. Named after J. Rand, a London bot- 
anist. Nat. Ord. Rubiacew. 

A small genus of green-house evergreen 
shrubs, natives of the East Indies, and allied 
to Gardenia. They are rarely grown as flow- 
ering or ornamental plants. The powdered 
root of some of the species is sold as Indian 
Cockle, and is used to intoxicate or stupefy 
fish, which permits their easy capture. 

Ranuncula’cez. A large natural order of her- 
baceous herbs, rarely shrubs or climbers, 
with radical or alternate leaves, very fre- 
quently much cut or divided. The species 
are numerous in Europe and northern Asia, 
and less so in North America. There arealso 
afew found in the temperate regions of the 
southern hemisphere. Throughout the order 
there is a tendency to an acrid, caustic and 
more or less poisonous principle, volatile in 
the foliage but virulent in the roots. The 
narcotic and poisonous qualities of the Aco- 
nites are well known. There are about forty 
genera, and upwards of twelve hundred spe- 
cies. The well-known garden plants, Aconi- 
tum, Clematis, Anemone, Peonia, and Ranun- 
culus are good examples. 

Ranv’nculus. Buttercup, Golden Cup, King’s 
Cup, and Crowfoot. From rana, a frog; many 
of the species inhabit marshy places fre- 
quented by frogs. Nat. Ord. Ranunculacee. 


RAP 


The species may be divided into two kinds: 
border flowers and florists’ flowers. The lat- 
ter consist of some hundreds of the varieties 
obtained from the species Ranunculus Asiati- 
cus, a native of the Levant, with tuberous 
roots, which is rather too tender to endure 
the winter in the open air without some kind 
of protection. The wild plant grows natural- 
ly in Persia, in meadows which are moist dur- 
ing winter andin the growing season, but dry 
during a great part of summer. The usual 
season for planting the Ranunculus is trom 
September to November. The roots may be 
placed about four inches apart each way, cov- 
ered with two inches of soil, and protected by 
straw, mats, or other material, during severe 
frosts. The plants will come into flower in 
June, and when the leaves wither the roots 
may be taken up, dried in the shade, and pre- 
served in a dry place till they are wanted for 
replanting. As the plant seeds freely, even 
when semi-double, new sorts without end 
may be raised from seed, which may be sown 
in pots or flat pans as soon as it is gathered, 
and placed in a cold frame. The common 
mode, however, of propagating the Ranuncu- 
lus is by separating the offsets from the larger 
‘roots. Several of the species are weeds with 
us, and common in moist pastures, having 
been introduced from Europe at an early day. 
They have become extensively naturalized, so 
much so as to be a nuisance to farmers in 
some places, and are popularly known as 
Buttercups. R. acris flore-pleno, the Yellow 
Bachelor’s Buttons, is a profuse flowerer, the 
blossoms being in button-like rosettes, and 
Buttercup yellow in color. The double vari- 
ety of R. Aconitifolius, is known in Britain as 
“‘ Fair Maids of France” and “ Fair Maids of 
Kent,” and, with the foregoing species, is an 
excellent and ornamental border plant, flour- 
ishing best in a deep, moist loam. R. am- 
plexicaulis, is a most beautiful herbaceous 
plant, growing about a foot high, with glau- 
cous-gray foliage, and pure white blossoms an 
inch or more across, with bright yellow cen- 
tres. It also grows best in a deep, moist 
loam, and is the better for the protection of 
a cold frame during winter. 

Rape. Brassica napus. A hardy biennial some- 
times grown in gardens as a salad plant. 


Rapha’nus. Radish. From ra, quickly, and 
phainomai, to appear; alluding to the quick 
germination of the seeds. Nat. Ord. Cruci- 
fere. 

Avery useful and widely grown genus of 
plants, including the well-known Radish of 
the garden. R. caudatus, the Rat-tail Radish, 
said to be a native of Java, is commonly culti- 
vated in the West Indies for its edible pods. 
For culture, etc., see Radish. 


Ra'phia. From the native name of the Mada- 
gascar species. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

The species forming the genus of Palms are 
confined to three very limited but widely 
separated localities; one, R. tedigera, being 
found only on the banks of the Lower Amazon 
and Para Rivers in Brazil ; another, R. vinifera, 
on the west coast of Africa; while the third, 
R. Ruffia, is only known as a cultivated plant 
in Madagascar and the neighboring islands. 
All three inhabit low, swampy lands in the 
vicinity of the sea or river banks, within the 
influence of the tides. They have stout, un- 


TYPES OF RADISHES. 


EARLY WHITF TIPPED 
WHITE TUBNIP. BOARLET.ECRNIE: SCARLET TURNIP, 


ROSE CHINA WINTER. OHARTIER WHITE STRASBURG. RED ROCKET. 


oe 


=. 
- OLIVE SCARLET. OLIVE WHITE. FRENCH BREAKFAST, 


RIBFS (GOOSEBERRY). 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


365 


RAS 


armed, ringed trunks of no great height, and 
bear gigantic, pinnate, spiny leaves, often 
fifty or more feet in length, and erect, so that 
the entire trees are sometimes sixty or seventy 
feet high. The flower spikes are also of large 
size and much branched, hanging down from 
among the leaves, and measuring as much 
as six feet in length, the branches being 
arranged in two opposite rows, and the ulti- 
mate ones bearing the flowers resembling flat- 
tened catkins. _ Both sexes are borne on the 
same spike. The fruit spikes sometimes 
weigh as much as two or three hundred 
pounds, and beara large number of one-seeded 
fruits rather larger than eggs, covered with 
shining, bony, overlapping scales. These 
Palms furnish material for a great variety of 
useful purposes, such as the manufacture of 
baskets, boxes, mats, rope, bags, etc., besides 
thatch for houses and other uses. While one 
(R. vinifera) produces Palm wine in abundance, 
another (R. Ruffia) has furnished the gardener 
with his best tying material. This species 
was introduced from Madagascar into England 
as long ago as 1820, but it has only been within 
the past ten years that its great value asa 
fibre-producing plant has been known outside 
ofits native home. Raffa, as a tying material 
for plants, either in the green-house or the 
garden, supersedes Cuba bast and Russia 
matting to such an extent that these fibres 
are now rarely used for this purpose. It may 
be added here, that Dr. Von Martius, the 
great authority on Palmaceous plants, re- 
moved the above mentioned three species 
from Sagus, and placed them together under 
the generic name Raphia. Sagus Ruffia, and 
Raphia Ruffia, are therefore one and the same 
plant. These Palms require a high, moist 
temperature for perfect development. Propa- 
gated by seeds. 

Raspberry. See Rubus. 

Raspberry-jam Tree. The Acacia acuminata, 
of western Australia, from which is obtained 
a hard, heavy wood, with an odor resembling 
Raspberry-jam. 

Rattan Cane. A common name for Calamus 
Draco, and other species. 

Rattan Palm. See Rhapis. 


Rattle. Red. A common name for Pedicularis 
sylvatica. 
Rattle. Yellow. Rhinanthus Crista-galli. 


Rattlesnake Grass. Glyceria Canadensis. 
Rattlesnake Orchid. See Pholidota. 


Rattlesnake Plantain. A local name for Good- 
yera pubescens. 


Rattlesnake Root. Nabalus albus. 


Rattlesnake’s Master. Hryngiwm Yuccefolium ; 
also a local name for Liatris scariosa and L. 
squarrosa. 


Rattlesnake Weed. Hieracitwm venosum. 


Ravena'la. Said to be the native name of the 
plant in Madagascar. Nat. Ord. Scitaminea. 
A genus comprising two splendid orna- 
mental stove plants very much resembling 
the Musa. One is a native of northern Brazil 
and Guiana, the other, R. Madagascariensis, 
as the name implies, of Madagascar. This 
noble plant is called by the French the 
*‘Traveller’s Tree” on account of the water 
which is stored up in the large cup-like 


REG 


sheaths, and which is sought for by travelers 
to allay their thirst. The seeds are edible, 
and the blue pulpy aril surrounding them 
yields an essential oil. Syn. Urania speciosa. 


Ravene'’a Hildebrandtii. The only described 
species is a neat, slender Palm, nearly allied to 
Hyophorbe. It is a native of the Comoro 
Islands, whence it was introduced in 1878. 
It is a very graceful, ornamental species, in 
habit like some of the Chamedoreas. 


Ray. Parts diverging in a circle from a central 
point. The outer flowers, when differently 
formed from the inner in umbels. 


Ray Grass or Rye Grass. Lolium perenne. 


Receptacle. That part of the fructification 
which supports the other parts. 


Reclinate. Turned or curved downwards so 
that the upper part rests on the ground or 
some other object, as the branchés of many 
trees. 


Recurved. Bent, but not rolled, backwards or 
outwards. 


Red Bay. Laurus Carolinensis. 

Red Bud. Cercis Canadensis. 

Red Cedar. Sée Juniperus Virginiana. 
Red Gum Tree. Hucalyptus resiniflora. 
Red-Hot Poker. See Tritoma. 

Red Lac. Rhus succedanea. 


Red Root or Blood Root. Popular names for 
the fleshy rhizomes of Sanguinaria Canadensis. 
See also Ceanothus, and Lacnanthes. 


Red Spider. See Insects. 


Red Top. The common name of Agrostis vul- 
garis, which see. 


Red Wood. An East Indian dye-wood, the 
produce of Pterocarpus santalinus, which see. 


Reed. See Phragmites and Arundo. 


Reed. Indian, or Indian Shot. Common names 
for Canna Indica. 


Reed-mace. Typha latifolia. 


Reeve’sia. Named for John Reeves, F. L. S., of 
Canton, a zealous botanist. Nat. Ord. Ster- 
culiacee. 

A genus of green-house trees, natives of 
Eastern Asia. R. thyrsoidea, the only intro- 
duced species, is a very handsome tree with 
white or cream-colored flowers and alternate, 
brvadly-lanceolate leaves. Introduced from 
China in 1826. 


Reflexed. Abruptly bent outwards, or back- 
wards. 


Refracted. Bent suddenly, so as to appear 
broken at the bend. 


Rege'lia. Named after Dr. E. Regel, Superin- 
tendent of the Botanic Gardens at St. Peters- 
burgh. Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 

A genus of green-house shrubs, with the 
habit of Beaufortia, natives of western 
Australia. WR. ciliata, the only introduced 
species, forms a handsome spreading, more or 
less pubescent or hairy shrub, with bright red 
flowers in smalldense globular heads. Propa- 
gated by cuttings of the half-ripened shoots. 
Introduced in 1874. 


Regular. Uniform and symmetrical in shape of 
structure. 


366 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


REH 


Rehma’nnia. Named in honor of Joseph Reh- 
mann, a physician of St. Petersburgh, 1779- 
1831. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A genus of two species of hardy perennial 
plants, natives of China and Japan. R. Chin- 
ensis is a very handsome, dwarf-growing plant, 
producing in summer large tubular flowers of 
a purplish color striped with a darker hue. It 
succeeds best planted in a moist, shady border, 
and requires to be wintered under glass. It 
is increased by cuttings. Syn. R. glutinosa. 

Rei/dia. Anhonorary name. Nat. Ord. Huphor- 
biacee. 

A genus of about a dozen species of green- 
house shrubs, allied to Phyllanthus, and by 
some authors included under that genus. 
They are small bushes, having slender twigs 
furnished with numerous small, entire leaves, 
bearing in their axils, either singly or in 
clusters, small greenish or whitish flowers 
tipped with pink. Some of the species are 
very pretty, though not considered useful 
flowering plants. They are mostly natives of 
the East Indies. They were first introduced 
in 1864, and are propagated by root cuttings. 

Reindeer Moss. See Lichen. 


Reine’ckea. Named in honor of J. Reinecke, a 
successful cultivator of tropical plants. Nat. 
Ord. Liliacee. 

R. carnea, formerly called Sanseviera carnea, 
the only known species, isa very pretty, hardy, 
herbaceous perennial inhabiting the marshy 
districts of Japan. It has grassy leaves six 
inches to a foot long, from the midst of which 
arises a flower stalk three or four feet high, 
bearing a number of rose-colored, or purple, 
fragrant flowers, each seated in the axil of a 
bract. The plants are well adapted for the 
aquarium or margins of fountains. A beauti- 
ful variegated variety is in cultivation, but 
requires to be pot-bound, or grown in poor 
sandy soil, or lime-rubbish, to retain its varie- 
gation. Propagated by offsets. 


Rein Orchis. See Habenaria. 


Reinwa'rdtia. Named after K. G. K. Rein- 
wardt, once director of the Botanic Garden at 
Leyden. Nat. Ord. Linacew. 

A genus found in the mountain regions of 
India, consisting of three species which were 
formerly included under Linum, but from 
which they differ botanically. &. triginum 
(syn. Linum) is an erect branching, deciduous- 
leaved bush cultivated for its handsome yellow 
flowers, which are nearly one and a half inches 
across and are all the more highly prized that 
they are produced freely in winter. Easily 
propagated by cuttings or pieces of the creep- 
ing root. R. tetraginwmis a later introduction 
from the mountains of India. It has alternate, 
deep green leaves, its beautiful yellow and 
orange flowers being borne five or six ata 
time on each branch, in terminal or axillary 
racemes. It is an excellent free-flowering 
winter green-house plant. 


Rena’nthera. From ren, a kidney, and anthera, 
an anther or pollen-bag; in allusion to the- 
kidney or reniform shape of the anthers or 
pollen masses. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, mostly 
rare, and exceedingly beautiful. R. Lowtiis a 
remarkable species, a native of Borneo. This 
species grows to a great height, and has leaves 
from two to three feet long, with pendulous 


RET 


flower stems ten or twelve feet in length, 
clothed with numerous large, conspicuous 
flowers, resembling some large insect. It is 
allied to Vanda, and requires to be grown ina 
high, moist temperature. Introduced in 1843. 


Reniform. Kidney-shaped in outline. 
Repens. Creeping. 
Replicate. Folded backwards. 


Rescue Grass. Bromus Schrederi. A valuable 
forage grass, thriving in any soil, but prefer- 
ring that which is wet or moist. 

Rese’da. Mignonette. From resedo, to calm 
or appease. The Latins considered its appli- 
cation useful in external bruises. Nat. Ord. 
Resedacew. For description of this genus see 
Mignonette. ‘ 

Reseda’cez. A natural order of annual or per- 
ennial herbs, with alternate, entire, or pin- 
nately-divided leaves, and minute gland-like 
stipules. They are natives chiefly of Europe, 
northern Africa and Western Asia, but a very 
few occur in southern Africa and northwest 
America. R. luteola, the wild yellow-weed, 
or Dyer’s-weed, was formerly in great demand, 
affording, as it does, a beautiful yellow dye. 
The order contains about six genera and 
thirty species. 

Resin Plant. Acommon name for Bursera 
acuminata, and B. gummifera, Dammara Aus- 
tralis, Guiacum officinale, etc. 

Restharrow. See Ononis. 


Restia’ceze. A natural order of perennial herbs, 
with horizontal or creeping rhizomes, mostly 
natives of Australia and southern Africa. The 
order comprises twenty genera and about 230 
species, few of which are of any horticultural 
value. Restio and Willdenowia are the best 
known examples. 

Re’stio. From restis, cord; alluding to the use 
of the plants in South Africa. The grass-like 
plants of this genus are used as cord at the 
Cape of Good Hope. The species are only of 
botanical interest. 

Restre/pia. Named in honor of Joseph E. 
Restrep, a naturalist who traveled in South 
America. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A small genus of epiphytal Orchids from 
Central America. They are very pretty little 
plants, with curious, many-colored flowers. 
They are of easy culture inacool house. They 
all flower freely in summer, and should be 
grown in pots in leaf mould and sphagnum 
moss. ‘They were first introduced in 1843, 
and are propagated by division. 

Resupinate. Inverted in position, appearing 
as if upside down. 

Resurrection Plant. A popular name given to 
Anastatica Hierochuntina and Selaginella lepi- 
dophylla. 

Reticulate. Resembling net-work. 

Retino’spora. Japan Cypress. From retine, 
resin, and spora, spore or seed. Nat. Ord. 
Conifere. 

A genus of very beautiful, hardy evergreens, 
mostly dwarf and compact, particularly 
adapted for lawn decoration. They are 
closely allied to Cupressus, and are propagated 
in the same manner. The Japanese Retino- 
sporas are among the most beautiful of small 
evergreen trees. They are fine subjects for the 
lawn, are hardy in the latitude of New York, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 367 


RET 


and make very pretty hedges, especially R. 
obtusa aurea. They are worthy of being largely 
planted. Introduced in 1864. This genus is 
placed by some botanists under Chamecyparis. 


Retuse. Terminating in a round end. 


Revolute. Rolled back; as certain tendrils, 
and the sides and ends of some leaves. 


Rhamna’cez. A natural order of trees or 
shrubs, inhabiting warm and tropical regions. 
The branches are often thorny or prickly, 
with the flowers in axillary or terminal clus- 
ters, cymes or panicles. The most useful 
genera, from an economic point of view, are 
Rhamnus, and Zizyphus, the species of which 
yield_medicinal juices. Rhamnus davuricus, 
and R. tinctorius, yield the famous Green In- 
digo, the Lo-Kao of China, quantities of which 
have been imported into Lyons and used for 
dyeing silks, the shades of green imparted by 
it being exceedingly beautiful. The order 
consists of about forty genera and over four 
hundred species. Well-known examples are 
Rhamnus, Ceanothus, Cobletia, Phylica, and 
Hovenia. 


Rha’mnus. Buckthorn. From rham, a Celtic 
word signifying a tuft of branches. Nat. Ord. 
Rhamnacee. 

An extensive genus of hardy deciduous and 
green-house evergreen shrubs, the more use- 
ful and common being A. catharticus, common 
in Great Britain, where it is much grown asa 
hedge plant. The fruit of this species was 
formerly in great demand for its medicinal 
properties. The Alder Buckthorn, R. Fran- 
gula, affords a coloring matter, and the most 
important commercial product of the genus is 
the dyeing material used by calico printers, 
and known as Yellow-berries, or Persian Ber- 
ries, considerable quantities of which are an- 
nually imported from Asiatic Turkey and 
Persia. Although usually ascribed to R. in- 
Jfectorius, they are probably collected indis- 
criminately from several species, the unripe 
fruits alone being gathered. &. Caroliniana, 
(Indian Cherry) forms small bushes, which in 
summer are covered all over with small 
greenish flowers, unripe and ripe small, but 
very ornamental, red and black fruit in im- 
mense profusion. R. crocea, is widely dis- 
tributed on the Pacific coast, from the valley 
of the Upper Sacramento to Arizona. It most 
frequently occurs as a low, spreading bush, 
five to ten feet high, though in some localities 
it becomes quite arborescent, with a trunk 
ten inches in diameter. MR. insularis, of 
Greene, is thought by Professor Sargent to 
be a variety of this species, and which he 
proposes to call R. crocea, var. insularis.. It 
is one of the Mexican species, and is found in 
the Santa Barbara and Cedar Islands, off the 
Californian coast, and also on the mainland 
(Santa Cruz Mountains). It bears black, bilo- 
cular fruit, and is a much larger plant in every 
way. More information than now exists, 
pased upon field observation upon the differ- 
ent California species of Rhamnus, is very 
desirable. Proper limitations of the different 
species and varieties are still doubtful, and 
really nothing is known of the life histories of 
these plants. 


Rhaphido’phora. From raphidos, aneedle, and 
phero, to bear; alluding to the needle-like 


Rhe’um, 


RHE 


hairs which abound in all parts of the plants. 
Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A large genus of climbing stove-house 
shrubs, with very large rooting branches, 
natives of tropical Asia, the Malayan Archi- 
pelago and the Pacific Islands. A few species 
are cultivated in plant-stoves to cover walls 
or dead stems of trees, but they are rather 
coarse, except in large collections. 


Rhapidophy’lum. From rhapis, a needle, and 


phyllon, a leaf; in reference to its resemblance 
to the genus Rhapis, both producing suckers 
freely—a character by no means common in 
the Palm family. 

R. Hystrix (Blue Palmetto), a low-growing 
species with a short erect or creeping trunk, 
is a native of the Southern States, and is 
known in cultivation as Chamerops Hystriz. 


Rhaphio'lepis. Indian Hawthorn. From rhapis, 


aneedle, and lepis, a scale; alluding to the 
subulate bracts. Erroneously spelled Raphio- 
lepis. Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

A genus of evergreen shrubs found in China 
and Japan. They are nearly allied to Crategus, 
from which they are distinguished by their 
flowers being produced in panicles instead of 
clusters. R. Indicaand its varieties are nearly 
smooth evergreen shrubs, with short terminal 
panicles of white or pink-tinted flowers of the 
size of those of the Hawthorn. They have 
been introduced into the green-house. R. 
Japonica, is a beautiful large-leaved species, 
forming a bush from six to ten feet high, and 
commonly cultivated by the Japanese, who 
plant it either with Azaleas and other bushes, 
or singly, as it forms a beautiful object when 
covered with its numerous bouquets of dark 
crimson flowers. Hardy in the vicinity of 
New York with slight protection. They are 
propagated by seed. First introduced in 1664. 


Rha'pis. From rhapis, a needle; referring to 


the needle-like segments of the leaves. Nat. 
Ord. Palmacee. 

A small genus of Palms, closely allied to 
Chamerops. They are nearly all natives of 
Eastern Asia, and mostly of dwarf habit and 
slender growth. One of the species, R. flabel- 
liformis, is popularly known as Rattan Palm, 
and furnishes the walking canes so common 
onthe streets. BR. hwmilus, is a rare and beau- 
tiful species, not often seen in collections, 
and is propagated by suckers. First intro- 
duced in 1765. 


Rhapo’nticum. From Rha, the old Greek name 


for Rhubarb, and Ponticus, of Pontus. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. ‘ 

A genus of annual or perennial herbs, one 
or two of which are cultivated in full collec- 
tions of hardy herbaceous plants. R. cyna- 
roides, a species introduced from the Pyrenees, 
growing three or more feet in height, has a 
stout stem and large leaves, covered under- 
neath with silvery down. JR. pulchrum, 
is another very showy species from the Cau- 
casus. They are suitable plants for borders, 
the margins of groups, or for isolation, and 
are easily increased by division. 


Rhea. A name given to Behmeria nivea, and B. 


utilis. 

Rhubarb. From Rha, the Russian 

name of the river Volga, near which the Rhu- 

barb was found. Nat. Ord. Polygonacee. 
Some of the species of this well-known genus 


368 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


RHE 


have been cultivated from the earliest ages 
for the medicinal properties they possess. 
Dioscorides, who was physician to Antony and 
Cleopatra, wrote on its qualities, and recom- 
mended it for use. The Turkish Rhubarb, so 
largely employed in medicine, is the root of 
R. palmatum, a native of Chima, and is sent to 
Eurvupe through Russia, by the way of Kiachta. 
It was formerly imported from Natolia, whence 
the name Turkey Rhubarb. The Turks get the 
credit of producing this important article of 
commerce, when, in reality, it only passes 
through their country. An inferior article 
used in the adulteration of this drug is grown 
throughout southern Europe. The Rhubarb 
of our gardens is a hybrid of &. Rhaponticum, 
a native of Asia, but of what particular part 
is not Known, nor the time of its introduction. 
It was first cultivated in England by Dr. 
Fothergill in 1778, but did not come into 
general use as a culinary vegetable until 
several years later. Asa market crop it has 
only been cultivated about fifty years. Many 
varieties have been introduced, for which we 
are chiefly indebted to the British gardeners. 
Some of the varieties, under high cultivation, 
produce enormous leaf-stems; the size, how- 
ever, is largely at the expense of quality. The 
roots of R. palmatum, and R. officinale, furnish 
the Rhubarb of commerce, and R. Rhaponti- 
cum is also cultivated extensively for medici- 
nal purposes. Several of the species are very 
handsome, both in their foliage and inflores- 
cence; notably R. nobile, a comparatively 
recent introduction from the Himalayas, and 
one that is highly prized as adecorative plant. 
The radical leaves are large and glossy, bright- 
green in color, with red stems and nerves. 
The chief beauty, however, is in the bracts or 
stipules on the flower stems; these are of a 
delicate straw color, shining, semi-transpar- 
ent, concave and imbricating, so as to entirely 
conceal the greenish flowers, the upper bracts 
being delicately edged with pink. Dr. Hooker, 
speaking of this Sikkim species as he saw it 
growing wild, says that it has such a singular 
and showy appearance, that its introduction 
into cultivation is greatly to be desired. He 
thus describes the plant: ‘‘ The individual 
plants of R. nobile, are upward of a yard high, 
and form conical towers of the most delicate 
straw-colored, shining, semi-transparent, con- 
cave, imbricating bracts, the upper of which 
have pink edges; the large, bright, glossy, 
shining green radical leaves, with red petioles 
and nerves, forming a broad base to the whole. 
On turning up the bracts, the beautiful mem- 
braneous, fragile pink stipules are seen like 
red tissue paper, and within these again the 
short-branched panicles of insignificant green 
flowers. The root is very long, often many 
feet, and winds among the rocks; it is as thick 
as the arm, and bright yellow inside. After 
flowering, the stem lengthens, the bracts 
separate one from another, become coarse, 
red brown, withered and torn; finally, as the 
fruit ripens they fall away, leaving a ragged- 
looking stem, covered with panicles of deep 
brown, pendulous fruits. In the winter these 
naked black stems, projecting from the beet- 
ling cliffs, or towering above the snow, are in 
dismal keeping with the surrounding desola- 
tion of the season. The natives, it is said, 
eat the pleasantly acid stems, and call them 
Chuka.” 


RHE 


RHUBARB is a plant found in every well 
appointed garden. It is of the easiest cul- 
ture, and will grow in open sunshine or 
partial shade; but for its best development a 
deep, rich, well-drained soil in open sunshine 
is indispensable. When wanted for private 
use a couple of dozen plants, which can be 
procured cheaply from almost any nursery- 
man, is the best way to get a supply; but 
when wanted in quantity for market purposes, 
the cheapest way is to sow the seed in March 
or April in well-prepared and richly manured 
land in rows four feet apart. When the plants 
come up so as to have covered the ground, 
thin them out to two or three inches apart; 
and again later in the season, say by August, to 
two feet apart, so that they will nowstand two 
feet between the plants and four feet between 
the rows. The last thinnings, if needed, may 
be used for making permanent plantations. 
Another plan of raising Rhubarb from seed is 
as follows: About the middle of March sow 
the seeds thickly in a cold pit or frame, in 
light, fibrous soil, such as leaf mould, so that 
the young plants will make fibres freely, and 
thus be easily transplanted. One pound of 
seed will be enough to sow six 3x6 sashes, and 
will give about one thousand plants. In four 
or five weeks after sowing, the plants will be fit 
for transplanting, which may be done inrichly- 
prepared beds of six rows each, at a distance 
of one foot each way. By fall they will have 
made fine, well-ripened roots, which may be 
thinned out either in the fall or spring, leaving 
the plants that stand at four feet between the 
plants and six feet between the rows. The 
plants that have not been moved will give a 
partial crop the next year, or in about fifteen 
or sixteen months after the seed was sown. 
The roots lifted out as thinnings should be 
planted, either in the fall or spring, for a per- 
manent crop, at the same distances apart; 
but, having been disturbed, they will make a 
weaker growth, and no crop should be taken 
the first year of planting, as removing the 
leaves of course weakens the newly-planted 
root, which has not yet vigor enough to en- 
dure it. The second year after planting, how- 
ever, a full crop will be obtained, if the ground 
has been in a proper, well pulverized and 
enriched condition. The most profitable and 
simple part of Rhubarb growing is by forcing, 
after asupply of large roots has been obtained ; 
and if forcing is to be continued, a succession 
of such supply should always be on hand, as 
the roots, after forcing, are worthless. All 
that is necessary in forcing Rhubarb is to take 
the large three or four-year-old roots from the 
open field, which, if well-grown, will be from 
fifteen to twenty inches in diameter, and 
pack them upright as closely as they can be 
wedged together (with light soil shaken in to 
fill the interstices between the roots) under 
the stage or benches of the green-house, or 
in a warm cellar, or, in fact, in any place 
where there is a growing temperature; say 
an average of sixty degrees. But little water 
is needed, and none until the Rhubarb shows 
signs of healthy growth. There is no necessity 
for light ; in fact, the stems being blanched by 
being grown in the dark, are much more 
tender than when grown in the light and air 
of the open garden, and are therefore more 
valuable, besides being forced at a season 
(from January to April) when they are not 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 369 


RHE 


obtainable in the open ground in the Northern 
States. Many of our market gardeners and 
florists, who, once having a supply of Rhubarb 
roots, pack them under the benches of the 
green-house, where vegetable or flowering 
plants are grown, realize nearly as much 
profit from the space under the stage (usually 
useless) as on it. It is also forwarded in 
another way by those who have no green- 
house. The roots are taken up in the fall and 
packed closely together, as is done in fore- 
ing, in what is known as a cold pit or 
frame, which is covered with leaves thick 
enough to keep out the frost. By March 1st 
the leaves are all removed, except two or 
three inches, when sashes are put on the 
frame or pit. By this forwarding process 
Rhubarb may be had from three to four weeks 
earlier than that grown out of doors. We 
have in this article recommended raising Rhu- 
barb from seed, as it is the cheapest and 
quickest way; and experience has shown us 
that the varieties raised from seeds of either the 
““St. Martin’s,” ‘‘ Victoria” or ‘Linnsus,” 
come true enough to the originals for all 
practical purposes. Those, however, who are 
particular to have these kinds exactly correct, 
can obtain them by division. 


Rheumatism Root. See Jeffersonia. 


Rhe’xia. Deer Grass, Meadow Beauty. From 
rhexis, a rupture ; from its astringent qualities 
itis supposed to cure ruptures. Nat. Ord. 
Melastomacee. 

A small genus of very pretty hardy herba- 
eeous perennials, common in sandy swamps 
from New York west and south. The flowers 
are bright pink, large and showy. The plants 
do not grow above six inches to one foot in 
height, but, from their branching habit, com- 
pletely cover the ground with foliage and 
flowers. 


Rhinaca’/nthus. From rhis, rhinos, the nose, 
and Acanthus; alluding to the curious shape 
of the Acanthus-like corolla. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
thacee. 

A small genus of dwarf shrubs, natives of 
Africa, Madagascar, the East Indies, and the 
Malayan Archipelago. R. communis, the best 
known species, forms a neat bush bearing 
panicles of white flowers and oblong lanceo- 
late leaves. It is sometimes cultivated under 
the name of Justicia nasuta. 


Rhina’nthus. Yellow Rattle. From rhis, rhinos, 
the nose, and anthos, a flower ; alluding to the 
form of the corolla. Nat. Ord. Scrophulari- 
acee. 

A genus of hardy annuals, natives of Europe, 
northern Asia, and North America. They are 
interesting only as growing generally in poor 
wet land, and as being more or less parasitical 
on the roots of grasses. R. Crista-galli is one 
of our rare native plants, being found only on 
the White Mountains, the alpine regions of 
the Rocky Mountains, and the shores of Lake 
Superior, and northward. It has also been 
found at Plymouth, Mass., and in meadows 
near East Haven, Conn., probably introduced 
in both localities. 


Rhinope’talum. From rhis, rhinos, a nose, and 
petalon, a petal; base of the upper sepal. Nat. 
Ord. Liliacee. 

R. Karelini, the only known species, is a 
small bulbous plant from the Ural Mountains. 


RHI 


Its flowers are pale pink, spotted, somewhat 
resembling the Fritillaria, though inferior in 
beauty to the majority of its allies. It grows 
freely if cultivated in the same manner as the 
Lily, and is propagated by offsets. It was 
introduced in 1834. : 


Rhipido'pteris. From rhipis, a fan, and pteris, 


a fern; referring to the formation of the 
fronds. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A small genus of Ferns allied to Polybotrya, 
but differing in habit. The species are curi- 
ous little creeping plants, with small fronds 
from one to three inches high. They are con- 
fined to the West Indies and South America. 
They are grown in the hot-house. 


Rhipo’/gonum. From rhips, a rod, and gonu, a 


knee or joint; in allusion to the jointed 
stalk. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

Ornamental green-house evergreen climbers 
from New Holland. The flowers are white, 
disposed in axillary clusters, not unlike Myr- 
siphyllum. R. album, was introduced in 1820, 
and is propegated by cutting. 


Rhip’salis. Coral Cactus. From rhips, a wil- 


low branch ; referring to the flexible branches. 
Nat. Ord. Cactacew. 

Very curious succulent plants, which are 
natives of South America and the West In- 
dies. As the Opuntias may be said to be all 
leaves, and the different kinds of tree Cereus 
all stem, so the Rhipsalis may be said ‘to be 
all branches; for the whole plant consists of 
a series of short, round, articulated branches, 
spreading in all directions. The flowers of 
this genus differ trom those of Cacti gener- 
ally, in being small and not very handsome; 
they are generally pale yellow. They are 
propagated by cuttings, and require the same 
soil and treatment as other Cactaceous plants. 
The species are all natives of the West Indies 
and South America. Introduced in 1818. 


Rhizome. A prostrate, more or less subterra- 


nean stem, producing roots and leafy shoots. 


Rhizo’phora. Mangrove. From rhiza, a root, 


and phoreo, to bear; the branches send down 
roots like the Banyan Tree. Nat. Ord. Rhi- 
horace. 

The best known species of this genus is a 
large tree inhabiting the muddy swampsclose 
to the sea-shore in tropical climates. Its in- 
teresting character is thus described by Dr. 
Hamilton: ‘‘In the economy of Nature the 
Mangrove performs a most important part, 
wresting annually fresh portions of the land 
from the dominion of the ocean, and adding 
them to the domain of man. This is effected 
in a twofold manneg; by the progressive ad- 
vance of their roots, and by the aérial germi- 
nation of their seeds, which do not leave their 
lofty position till they have assumed the form 
of actual trees, and drop into the water with 
their roots ready prepared to take possession 
of the mud, in advance of their parent stems. 
The progression by means of the roots is 
effected by fresh roots, which issue from the 
trunk at some distance above the surface of 
the water, and arching down, penetrate the 
mud, establishing themselves as the pioneers 
of fresh invasions of the retiring element. In 
this manner the plants, after their descent 
from the parent trees, continue during their 
early years to advance steadily forward, till: 
they have obtained a height of about fifteen 


370 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


RHI 


feet, and gained a position considerably in 
advance of their parent trunks. After this, 
fewer additions are made to the roots, but 
the head begins to expand in every direction, 
spreading its branches on all sides. These 
branches, in their turn, send down long, slen- 
der roots, like those of the Banyan Tree 
(Ficus Indica), which, rapidly elongating, de- 
scend from all heights, and reaching the 
water, penetrate the mud, becoming in time, 
independent trees. Thus a complicated laby- 
rinth is at length formed.” The fruit of the 
species is edible, and its fermented juice is 
made into a light wine. In Borneo a coarse, 
bitter salt is extracted from their aérial roots. 


Rhizophora’cez. A natural order of tropical 
trees or shrubs, with opposite, entire leaves 
and axillary flowers, closely allied to Combre- 
tacee and Lythracee. The order contains 
about fourteen genera, the chief of which are 
Halopetalum and Rhizophora. 

Rhoda’nthe. 
a flower ; in allusion to the color of the flower- 
heads. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A very beautiful genus of half-hardy an- 
nuals found in western Australia. R. Man- 
glesii and its varieties have white, rose, crim- 
son, and purple flowers. These plants are 
admirably adapted for the border in summer, 
or the conservatory or green-house in winter, 
as they come into flower early, and continue 
for a long time. The flowers, if gathered 
when young and dried in the shade, will re- 
tain their beauty during the winter, making 
them valuable for bouquets of dried flowers. 
For perfection of growth in the border, the 
seed should be sown in March in the green- 
house or a hot-bed, and carefully grown on in 
small pots until all danger from frosts is past, 
when they may be turned out into the open 
border. For winter flowering the seed should 
be sown in August or September. Introduced 
by Capt. Mangles in 1832. 


Rho’dea. See Rohdea. 


Rhodio'la. From rhodon, a rose. 
Crassulacee. 
A genus of succulent plants, separated from 
Sedum, on account of their bearing fertile and 
barren flowers on distinct plants. 


Rhodochi'ton. A genus of Scrophulariacee, 
differing but little from Lophospermum, the 
calyx being less divided and the corolla not 
so open. 

R. volubile, is an interesting and useful 
climber either for the green-house or for sum- 
mer decoration in the flower-garden. It can 
be increased by cuttings or seeds. Introduced 
from Mexico in 1833. 


Rhodode’ndron. Rose Bay. From rhodon, a 
rose, and dendron, a tree. Nat. Ord. Hricacee. 
A genus of well-known evergreen shrubs 
and low-growing trees, remarkable for their 
beautiful flowers and thick, luxuriant, glossy 
foliage. The species are widely diffused, be- 
ing indigenous to the United States, Europe, 
Asia, and the Indies. Some of thespecies are 
perfectly hardy, and others require the pro- 
tection of the green-house. Of our native 
species R. maximum (Great Laurel), common 
from Maine to Ohio, is a tall-growing shrub, 
with leaves from four to ten inches long, very 
thick and glossy. The flowers are a light 
rose color, nearly white, with greenish throat, 


Nat. Ord. 


From rhodon, a rose, and anthos, ' 


RHO 


and spotted with yellow or light red. R. 
Catawbiense, common on the Alleghanies from 
Pennsylvania southward, is perfectly hardy, 
and flowers most profusely. Itseldom grows 
above four feet high, but forms a symmetri- 
cal shrub, exceedingly ornamental for a lawn 
plant. This species is the parent of all our 
hardy varieties, having been hybridized with 
the Nepal species, R. arboreum. From this 
cross there has been raised a great number of 
beautiful kinds, most of which are hardy in 
the latitude of New York. The varieties in- 
clude colors from nearly pure white to dark 
crimson. All the hardy sorts are of easy cul- 
ture, growing freely in almost any loamy soil, 
but they prefer a moist situation, protected 
from cold winter winds. When first planted 
they should be mulched with any convenient 
material that will prevent evaporation and 
keep the roots moist and cool. Several fine 
species have been introduced from the Hima- 
layas, a few of them bearing but little resem- 
blance to the common Rhododendron, one be- 
ing aclimber. The plants are propagated by 
seeds, cuttings, layers, or by grafting. Azalea, 
and Rhodora, are included in this genus by 
Bentham and Hooker. 


Rhodole‘ia. From rhodon, a rose; alluding to 
the color of the flowers. Nat. Ord. Hamameli- 
dacee. 

R. Championi is a beautiful green-house 
shrub, rivalling the Camellia, but of a very 
curious structure. It forms a small, ever- 
green tree, but would probably blossom freely 
asashrub. The leaves are alternate, elliptic- 
ovate, bright green above, glaucous beneath. 
The flower-heads grow at the ends of the 
branches, and are two inches and a half in 
diameter, of a beautiful rose color, enclosing 
a large number of stamens. These heads 
usually consist of five flowers. It is a native 
of China, growing in the woods about Hong 
Kong. Introduced in 1850. 

Rhodomy’rtus. From rhodon, a rose, and 
myrtos, myrtle ; in allusion to the rose-colored 
flowers, and its alliance to the Myrtle. 

A genus of Myrtacee, containing a few spe- 
cies of trees or shrubs, natives of Eastern 
Australia, tropical Asia, and the Indian Archi- 
pelago. R. tomentosa, the only cultivated 
species, known as the Hill Gooseberry, and 
Indian Hill Guava, has ovate-velvety leaves, 
downy beneath, and beautiful rose-colored 
flowers. Introduced from China in 1776, under 
the name of Myrtus tomentosa. 

Rhodo'ra. From rhodon, a rose; alluding to 
the color of the showy flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Ericacee. 

R. Canadensis, the only species, is a hand- 
some, low-growing shrub, with oblong, de- 
ciduous leaves, whitish and downy under- 
neath; the showy, rose-purple, rarely white 
flowers appearing rather earlier -than the 
leaves. It is a native of cold woods and 
swamps, New England to Pennsylvania, and 
northward on the mountains. Included by 
Bentham and Hooker under Rhododendron. 


Rhodotha’mnus. From rhodon, a rose, and 
thamnos, a shoot or branch. Nat. Ord. Hrv-- 
_cacee. 

This genus consists of a solitary species, 
found in the Alps of Europe, and long known 
as Rhododendron Chamecistus. It is a pretty, 
dwarf, almost prostrate, evergreen shrub, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 371 


RHO 


with small oblong leaves, toothed and fringed 
on the margin, and solitary pale purple flow- 
ers, produced in May or June. 

Rhodoty’pus. From rhodon, a rose, and typos, 
type. Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

R. kerrioides, the only species at present 
known, is a slender-branching, hardy, ever- 
green shrub, remarkable for its large, termi- 
nal, pure white flowers, resembling those of 
an Althea, but smaller. Itis well adapted for 
the lawn, contrasting finely with the Wei- 
gelia and other hardy ornamental shrubs. 


Introduced from Japan in 1886. Increased 


readily by cuttings or layers. 


Rhoeo discolor. Thisis given in ‘‘Nicholson’s 
Dictionary of Gardening” as the correct 
name of Tradescantia discolor. 


Rhomboid. Approaching a Rhomb in shape; 
applied generally to leaves or petals. 


Rhopa'la. From Roupala, the Guianan name. 
Nat. Ord. Proteaceae. 

A genus of South American trees or large 
shrubs, having simple or pinnate coarse 
leaves, conspicuous for their terminal or axil- 
lary racemes of yellow flowers, which are 
often covered with a rich brownish wool. A 
number of the species are under cultivation 
in the green-houses, but chiefly in botanical 
collections. 


Rhopalo'stylis. From rhopalon, a club, and 
stulos, a pillar; alluding to the club-shaped 
spadix. A genus of two species of Palms, 
known in cultivation as Areca Baueri and 
Areca (Kentia) sapida. 


Rhubarb. See Rheum. 


Rhus. Sumach. Derived from rous in Greek, 
which is from rhudd, a Celtic word signifying 
red; alluding to the color of the fruit, and 
also of the leaves of some species in autumn. 
Nat. Ord. Anacardiacee. 

An extensive genus of deciduous shrubs, 
natives of the United States, Europe, and 
Asia. They are all interesting from the beau- 
tiful colors their leaves assume in dying off 
inautumn. R. Toxicodendron, and its varieties, 
commonly called Poison Ivy or Poison Oak, are 
about as dangerous as the fabulous Upas Tree 
of Java. There is, however, a singular fact 
connected with this plant that makes it dis- 
tinctive; some persons can handle it with 
impunity, while others, from the slightest 
touch, or even from the wind blowing over 
the plant, will have their arms, face and 
bodies fearfully and painfully swollen by it. 
The same is true, though in a less degree, 
when the leaves of Celery or Parsnip are 
touched by the arms or face when damp. R. 
venenata or Poison Elder, has so virulent a sap 
that it is said to occasion fever and inflamma- 
tion in those who cut it down. One of the 
most beautiful species is R. cotinus, Mist or 
Smoke Tree, a native of the south of Europe. 
It is remarkable for its feathery inflorescence. 
This species also yields the yellow dye-wood 
called young Fustic. R. vernicifera, a Japan 
species, is a small tree, and yields the famous 
Lacquer so extensively employed by the 
Japanese for lacquering various articles. of 
furniture and small ware. It exudes from 
wounds made in the tree, and is at first milky 
white, but becomes darker, and ultimately 
black on being exposed to the air. Nothing is 
known respecting the mode of preparing it; 


RIB 


that is kept a profound secret, as one of their 
sources of wealth. AR. typhina, the Stag-horn 
Sumach; R. copallina, the Dwarf Sumach, and 
R. glabra, generally called the Smooth 
Sumach, are all handsome smali trees or 
shrubs, exceedingly useful and valuable in 
ornamental planting when grown in a mass 
and kept compact by occasional shortening-in 
of the more vigorous upright branches. They 
can be planted also with admirable effect as 
single specimens upon the lawn, and from the 
habit common to all the Sumachs, of spread- 
ing rapidly from underground shoots, they 
are excellent plants for clothing rocky banks, 
railroad cuts, and other rough places, where 
it is desirable to hold the soil from washing, 
and to shade the ground. There is a variety 
of RK. glabra (var. laciniata), with deeply 
incised leaflets, discovered many years ago in 
Chester County, Pennsylvania, which is often 
seen in our gardens, parks, etc. The various 
species can be increased from seed, but asup- 
ply of young plants can be much more readily. 
obtained by cutting up pieces of the stout 
roots into pieces two or three inches in length 
and planting them in nursery rows. Vigorous 
young plants of a size fit for permanent plant- 
ing can be obtained by this method in a year. 


Rhyncho’sia. From rhynchos, a beak; the keel 
of the flower is beaked. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

An extensive genus of herbs and under- 
shrubs, mostly of a twining habit. They are 
natives of the West Indies, Mexico, South 
America, and India, and are plants of but 
little beauty. R. precatoria has pretty little 
half-black and half-scarlet or yellow shining 
seeds, which the Mexicans string into neck- 
laces and rosaries. 


Rhynchospe’rmum. From rhynchos, a beak, 
and sperma, aseed. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 
R. jasminoides is a very beautiful, free- 
flowering and sweet-scented green-house 
climber, a native of India, China, and Japan. 
In habit it resembles the Jasmine, as its spe- 
cific name implies. It is a rapid grower, 
requiring only ordinary green-house culture. 
A variety with variegated foliage is very orna- 


mental. It was introduced in 1846, and is 
propagated by cuttings. Syn. Trachelosper- 
mum. 


Rib. The principal vein or nervure which pro- 
ceeds from the petiole into a leaf; also any 
firm longitudinal elevation. 


Ribbon Flower. Cape. Spatalanthus speciosus. 
Ribbon Grass. Phalaris arundinacea picta. 
Ribbon Tree. Plagianthus betulinus. 


Ri’bes. Currant, Gooseberry. From Ribas, 
the name of an acid plant mentioned by the 
Arabian physicians, and which is known to be 
Rheum ribes. Nat. Ord. Savifragaceaw. 

Our garden varieties of Currants have all 
originated from R. rubrum, a native of north- 
ern Europe ; aud the same species is also indig- 
enous to the swamps of New Hampshire, 
north, and west to Wisconsin. The berries of 
this shrub are uniformly red in their wild 
state. The white, bronze, and other varieties, 
have been produced under cultivation. To 
the Dutch we are indebted for the first 
endeavors to improve this fruit by cultiva- 
tion, the nurserymen of other nations having 
paid but little, if any, attention to this branch 


372 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS / 


RIB 


of fruit-culture. At what date any of our 
choice varieties were produced we are unable 
to state; but little improvement was made, 
however, previous to the nineteenth century, 
though the Dutch cultivated a white Currant 
in 1729. The Black Currant, R. nigrum, is a 
native of most parts of Europe, and abounds 
in the woods of Russia and Siberia. Cultiva- 
tion has added but little to its quality; its 
taste is peculiar, and to most persons disa- 
greeable. It is used chiefly for jellies. 
BR. aureum, the Buffalo or Missouri Currant, 
is an ornamental shrub, remarkable for 
the spicy fragrance of its yellow blossoms 
in early spring. It is widely cultivated, and 
would be one of the most desirable shrubs 
were it not for its tendency to sucker and 
spread itself beyond bounds. R. sanguineum, is 
another ornamental variety, with rich crim- 
son flowers, the plant growing to a height of 
eight or ten feet. The Gooseberry, R.Grossu- 
laria, is a native of the United States, from 
Virginia northward, and west to Wisconsin, 
and also of northern Europe. From this spe- 
cies most of our garden varieties have origi- 
nated. The natural fruit is small, and has 
less flavor than the cultivated sorts. The 
English have made great improvements in the 
Gooseberry. Their favorite sorts are not 
adapted to this climate, however, owing to 
their tendency to mildew. An exception to 
this, however, is found in Paterson, N. J., 
where some English mechanics grow them in 
great perfection. PP. hirtellumis a smooth- 
fruited species, common in moist grounds 
from New England to Illinois. Under culti- 
vation this species has been greatly im- 
proved, and its varieties are now generally 
grown in our gardens. There are several spe- 
eies with rough or prickly fruit, common 
throughout the Northern States; they are, 
however, of little value for their fruit. 


Rib Grass. The common name of Plantago 
lanceolata. 
Rice. The common name of Oryza sativa. 


Rice. Canada or Indian. Zizania aquatica. 

Rice Flower. The genus Pimelia. 

Rice-paper Plant. Chinese, Aralia or Fatsia 
papyrifera. 

Rice-paper Plant. Malay. See Scevola. 

Rice. Water or Wild. Zizania aquatica. 

Richa’'rdia. Calla, Egyptian Lily, Lily of the 
Nile. Named after L. C. Richard, an eminent 
French botanist. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

Calla, the popular name of this genus, was 
given to it by Pliny. There are but five 
species, all natives of Africa. The Calla, or 
Richardia Africana, or AEthiopica is a native 
of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced 
into England in 1731. It is a well-known 
plant of easy culture; the only particular 
attention it requires is constant watering, 
and as warm aroom as can conveniently be 
givenit. The Calla is largely grown for win- 
ter flowers, and is of the easiest culture. 
Although it will grow and flower during the 
entire season without resting, if sufficiently 
fed, by being re-potted, yet it is more profita- 
ble to dry it partially off, say from June Ist tuo 
October Ist. This is best done by placing the 
pots on their sides, so as to prevent the rains 
from wetting the soil, and covering them 
slightly with hay or moss, so as to keep the 


RIC 


sun from drying the roots too much; or, if a 
position of partial shade can be had, there will 
be no need of covering the pots. The roots. 
thus rested will flower more abundantly and. 
produce fewer leaves, and thus twice the 
number of ilowers may be obtained from the 
same space. Itis not well to give the Calla. 
too much pot room, else too much foliage is. 
produced. We have found the best method 
to be not to use too large pots, and to use: 
liquid manure freely. ,When an excess of 
leaves occurs, cut them off freely, withholding 
water somewhat for a week or so after cutting 
the leaves off. By this method the plants can 
be grown closely together, and a larger crop. 
of flowers obtained from the same space. The 
Calla is one of the best of winter-flowering 
plants for room culture, needing little care 
beyond abundant water and an occasional. 
syringing or washing of the leaves to keep 
them free from dust. The summer treatment. 
and re-potting will be the same as recom- 
mended above. Itis also a good plant for a 
large aquarium. R. hastata, the Yellow Calla, 
introduced in 1859, is very similar to the 
above both in leaves and growth, but the 
flowers are of a greenish-yellow color. R. 
albo-maculata, a spevies with beautifully varie-. 
gated or spotted foliage, makes a showy 
plant. The flowers are smaller than the 
Calla, and white, with purple throat. It 
comes into flower in June, making it valuable 
for a succession. It is also desirable in a. 
collection of plants with variegated foliage. 
The so-called Crimson and Black Callas are 
species of Arum (which see). The species. 
are all propagated by offsets, which should 
be taken off when the plant is at rest, and 
grown on in small pots for one season. 


Richardso’nia. Named in honor of R. Richard- 
son, an English botanist, who published a 
work on horticulture in 1699. Nat. Ord. 
Rubiacee. 

R. Scabra, the Mexican Coca-plant, has. 
been employed in medicine under the name 
of White Ipecacuanha. The genus contains 
five or six species, probably none of which 
are in cultivation. : 


Rici/nus. Castor Oil Plant. From ricinus, a. 
tick; resemblance in the seeds. Nat Ord. 
Euphorbiacee. 

A monotypic genus of tall-growing, half-. 
hardy annuals, natives of Africa and the East 
Indies. R. communis, the seeds of which 
yield Castor Oil, is a native of India, but is 
now extensively cultivated in the warmer: 
regions of the globe. It is largely grown in 
southern Illinois and Missouri much in the 
same manner as Indian Corn. The produce 
of seed per acre is about twenty bushels. It. 
is estimated that those States alone produce 
annually half a million gallons of oil. The 
pomace is used as a manure. There are a. 
number of varieties grown in the garden, dif- 
fering but little in general appearance, but. 
varying in color and size. Some of them, as. 
Cambogiensis, Gibsoni, Sanguineus, etzv., 
have bronzy-purplish leaves, and are exceed-- 
ingly showy as a centre plant in a sub-tropical 
bed, the outer circles to be of Cannas in vari- 
ety, or Caladium esculentum. The plants are 
easily grown from seeds, which should be. 
started in small pots in the green-house about 
the first of March, and turned out as soon as. 


372. RICHAEDIA ZTHIOPICA. RICINUS CAMBOGIENSIS, 


ROMNEYA COULTERL ROSE (WM. FRANCIS BENNETT), 


HOSE (AMERICAN BEAUTY), ROSE (“LITTLE GEM" MOBS). 373 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


373 


RIG 


es Gauger from frost is past. Introduced in 
48, 


Rigide’lla. From rigidus, stiff; in allusion to 
the stiffness of the flower stalk when support- 
ing the seed-vessels. Nat. Ord. Iridacew. 

A-small but very beautiful genus of plants, 
natives of Mexico. FR. flammea, is one of the 
most interesting species. It grows from three 
to five feet high, with very broad and curi- 
ously plicate leaves, which look as though 
they had been regularly plaited artificially. 
The flowers are numerous, of a bright flame 
color, all issuing from one spathe, and open- 
ing only one atatime. ‘The plant is of easy 
culture, requiring in all respects the same 
treatment as the Tigridia. Introduced into 
Britain in 1838. 


Ringed. Surrounded by elevated or depressed 
circular lines or bands, as the roots or stems 
of some plants, the cups of several species of 
Quercus, etc. 


Ringent. Gaping, like the mouth of a bilabiate 
corolla, as Antirrhinum. 


Riparious. Growing on the banks of rivers or 
lakes. 


Ripo’gonum. See Rhipogonum. 


Ri’vea. Named after A. de la Rive, a botanist 
of Geneva. Nat. Ord. Convolvulacee. 

Very beautiful green-house evergreen twin- 
ers, allied to Ipoma@a,. natives of the East 
Indies. The ease with which the many an- 
nuals of this natural order are grown causes 
the more tender kinds to be neglected, or lost 
sight of altogether. R. hypocrateriformis 
(salver-shaped), the Midnapore Creeper, has 
large, pure white flowers, expanding at sunset, 
with a fragrance resembling that of the finest 
cloves. Don says this species is the prince of 
convolvulaceous plants. 


Rivi‘na. Named after A. Q. Rivinus, a botanist 
of Saxony. Nat. Ord. Phytolaccacee. 
Green-house evergreen shrubs, natives of 
South America and the West Indies. R. 
humilis is commonly grown in green-houses 
for its beautiful racemes of little bright scar- 
let berries. Itis called in the West Indies 
Rouge Plant, the juice of the berries being 
used as a cosmetic. R. rivularis, is a stronger- 
growing plant than the above, but in other 
respects is much the same. Propagated by 
seeds or from cuttings. Introduced in 1804. 
Syn. -Piercea. 


Roast-beef Plant. 
fatidissima. 


Robi’/nia. Locust Tree. Honey Bean. Named 
in honor of Jean Robin, a French botanist, 
once herbalist to Henry IV. of France. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

R. Pseudacacia, False Acacia, is the com- 
mon Yellow Locust, indigenous to the Middle 
and Southern States. It isextensively grown 
in many parts of the country for the valuable 
timber it furnishes, as being the most durable 
of all wood for posts, or where it comes in 
contact with the earth. It is one of our most 
valuable lumber trees, and is largely used for 
various mechanical purposes. HR. hispida, or 
Rose Acacia, is a handsome shrub, with long 
racemes of beautiful rose-colored flowers 
without fragrance; a marked contrast to the 

. foregoing species. It is anative of the South- 


A common name for Iris 


ROC 


ern States, from Virginia s »uthward; is com- 
monly cultivated with ornamental shrubs. 


Rocambole. (Allium Scorodoprasum). A hardy 
perennial, cultivated for the use of its bulbs in 
a somewhat similar way to those of Garlic. 
Increase is effected by dividing the bulbs, 
which form annually, at the root, and also on 
the top of the stems. 


Ro’chea. Named after M. de la Roche, a botan- 
ical writer. Nat. Ord. Crassulacee. 

A genus of green-house evergreen succu- 
lents, allied to Crassula, and requiring the 
same general treatment They are natives of 
the Cape of Good Hope. Several of the spe- 
cies are under cultivation, their singular 
leaves and bright flowers making them attrac- 
tive specimens. FR. falcata, one of the best, 
is propagated by cuttings. Kalosanthes (Cras- 
sula) coccinea is placed under this order by 
several authorities. 


Rock Beauty. A common name for Draba 
Pyrenaica. 


Rock-Cress. See Arabis. 

Rocket. See Hesperis. 

Rocket. Candytuft. Iberis coronaria. 
Rocket. Dyer’s. Reseda tuteola. 
Rocket. Larkspur. Delphinium ajacis. 
Rock Lychnis. See Viscaria. 

Rock Rose. See Cistus. 


Rock Gardens. These may be looked upon as 
comparatively modern institutions, while 
Rockeries are of ancient date. The latter are 
excellent in their way, but depend much on 
the nature of the material at the command of 
the operator, and on being constructed in 
such a manner as to produce a landscape 
effect. Although in Rock Gardens the ar- 
rangement and formal distribution of. the 
plants are specially to be considered, it is, 
however, unnecessary that artistic effect 
should be altogether ignored, for it is quite 
possible to have a graceful arrangement with- 
out sacrificing the individual health and habit 
of the plants. Many of the best and rarest 
species will not succeed as well elsewhere as 
they do among the crevices on an elevated 
and well-drained piece of rock-garden, which, 
in addition, affords a situation for an endless 
variety of hardy and half-hardy plants. : 

The late Mr. Hanson, after trying many 
locations and aspects, found he could grow 
many of the rarer Lilies to the bést advantage 
when planted close by large stones in his 
rock-garden, which, indeed, he made specially 
for them. 

There are few gardens where something ot 
this sort might not be constructed and ren- 
dered attractive, especially in localities where 
stones are plentiful. It may be introduced 
for various reasons, such as hiding any un- 
sightly object of limited height, or for giving 
diversity to an otherwise flat and uninterest- 
ing scene, or for giving a reason for a curved 
line—for there should be no deviation from a 
straight line in the garden unless for cause. 
It may also be successfully formed where the 
surface is generally flat by digging a deep 
cutting of an irregular outline through a 
piece of ground, and utilizing the soil thus 
obtained as mounds of uneven heights along 
the upper parts on either side, whereon dwarf 


874 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ROC 


trees, shrubs and evergreens may be planted 
as a background, and for affording shelter. 
The stones should be arranged to form cavi- 
ties of irregular size and shape, for the ac- 
commodation of various plants from the sides 
of a walk made in the centre of the cutting, 
up the gradual slope until the shrubs or back- 
ground is reached. Formality must be 
avoided as much as possible in the arrange- 
ment, and the stones should be deeply im- 
bedded in order to hold them firmly. 

The rock-gardens at the Kew Botanic Gar- 
dens (London), and at the Botanic Gardens at 
Edinburgh (Scotland), are probably as fine ex- 
amples as are to be found anywhere; the lat- 
ter containing upwards of five thousand com- 
partments, of which over three thousand are 
filled with various species and varieties of 
alpine and dwarf herbaceous plants, besides 
numerous dwarf shrubby kinds from all tem- 
perate parts of the globe. The remainder 
with free-flowering duplicates, placed at uni- 
form distances to please the eye of those 
whose taste is more for color, but even to the 
botanical cultivator such free-flowering dupli- 
cate masses cannot failto be otherwise than 
extremely interesting. All the irregular in- 
terstices between the plant compartments are 
filled with bulbous plants such as species of 
Tritelia, Calliprora, Calochortus, Cyclobothra, 
Cyclamen, Sisyrinchium grandiflorum, etc., and 
among them nothing more pleasing than Iris 
reticulata, which flowers abundantly in such 
situations. Many of the larger compartments 
are filled with spring-flowering bulbous plants, 
such as the common and Crimean Snow-drop, 
varieties of Scilla, Puschkinia, Grape Hya- 
cinth, vernal Snow-flake, Bulbocodium, dwarf 
Narcissus, etc. After the spring bulbs are 
done blooming and cut down, a little good 
soil is placed on the surface and the spaces 
are filled with dwarf annuals and shallow- 
rooted-summer-flowering herbaceous plants, 
such as Leptosiphons, Clintonias, Gilias, Mes- 
embryanthemums, Holosteum umbellatum, Myo- 
surus minnus, Linaria alpina, Papaver alpi- 
num, dwarf Lobelias, etc. Such plants are all 
removed as soon as injured by frost, and the 
surface again covered with a little fresh soil, 
to protect the seeds of the annuals used. 
Large divisions are also appropriated for 
aselection of monocotyledonous plants, ex- 
clusive of bulbs, such as the dwarf and her- 
baceous species of Jris and Yucca, also species 
of Cordyline, Sparazis, Helonias, Ophiopogon, 
Trillium, terrestrial Orchids, Convallaria, Uvu- 
laria, Narthecium, Tofeldia, Acorus, rare species 
of alpine Carex, etc. 

Every plant is distinctly labeled with its 
botanical name and native country; often 
with its popular name or other interesting 
peculiarity, rendering it at all seasons one of 
the most delightful as well as instructive por- 
tions of the whole botanic garden. Every one 
who has seen these rock-plants at the Botanic 
Gardens of Kew (London), or at Edin- 
burgh, is charmed with the effect. In 
the rock garden at Edinburgh over three thou- 
sand species of plants have been grown, a list 
of nearly fifteen hundred of which was pub- 
lished by the curator of the gardens in the 
transactions of the Botanical. Society for 
1887-88, as having flowered during 1887; and 
being not mere botanical curiosities, but well 
selected species of plants suitable for rock- 


ROD 


gardens, is just such a list as intending plant- 
ers would do well to inspect. 

While destitute yet of a botanic garden 
worthy of the name in America, yet there are 
grand opportunities for such collections in 
many of our public parks here, which would 
certainly be as interesting as the unvarying 


masses of color from Coleus and other bed- | 


ding plants. We saw some very fine rock- 
work, exceedingly well planted, in the Boston 
Public Gardens in 1888, which seemed more 
attractive to the public than anything else in 
these very well planted grounds. 


Rock-work. Often, on cleaning up after the 
formation of new grounds, masses of rock and 
stumps are present, which are often difficult 
materials to get rid of; such may be arranged 
in natural-looking mounds or screens for wind- 
breaks, which, when the interstices are filled 
in with soil and planted with bright-leaved or 
bright-flowering plants, can be made most 
attractive; or in locations where rocks exist 
in their natural condition, they can be made 
highly interesting and ornamental by setting 
out plants of a drooping or creeping habit to 
overhang among them. The rocky caves in 
the grounds of the National Soldiers’ Home, 
at Dayton, Ohio, have been so utilized both 
inside and out, and are one of the most attrac- 
tive objects of that grandly kept place. Purely 
artificial ‘‘rock-work ” may be made by clink~- 
ers from iron or other furnaces being dipped in 
water-lime or cement, which gives a pleasing 
drab-color to their grotesque shapes. These 
are used in building the “ rock-work” to the 
shape and dimensions wanted, care being 
taken, that, in forming the upper courses, 
cavities eight or twelve inches deep and wide 
be left to be filled with soil in which to grow 
the plants. For this style of rock-work, in 
addition to the many plants grown for their 
pleasing or distinct foliage, bright colors 
may be used to a considerable extent ‘to 
contrast with the ground-work, such as 
bright-colored Verbenas, Coleus, Lobelias, 
Rose-colored Geraniums, Golden Moneywort, 
and many other similar plants can be used 
with effect. A rockery so formed and planted 
even without having any pretensions to 
being natural, is always an attractive and 
interesting object, more especially if placed 
out of view of formal surroundings of any 
kind. See Rock-garden. 


Rodrigue’zia. Named after EH. Rodriguez, a 
Spanish physician and botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 


Epiphytal Orchids, natives of South America. 
There is but one species generally cultivated, 
R. secunda, which has flower spikes from six 
to nine inches long, with carmine red flowers 
arranged on oneside. It blooms freely in the 
autumn and winter months, requiring the 
same care given the Cattleya. Introduced in 
1820. This genus is closely allied to Burling- 
tonia. 


Rods. Boning or Borning. This name is 
given to instruments used in leveling ground, 
or for determining heights in making a uni- 
form incline. They are indispensable when 
laying out walks or edges, leveling sod, 
and other operations of alike nature. Three 
are generally used, and are made of equal 
length, about three and a half or four feet 
long, provided with cross-pieces, which should 


er 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 375 


ROE 


be fixed in the centre and at exact right 
angles. Before using them it is necessary 
that two points should be fixed, preferably 
at the extreme ends of the ground to be 
leveled. If level pegs are inserted at these 
points, and two of the three rods allowed 
to rest on them, as many intermediate pegs 
mnay be inserted as are thought necessary. 
This is done by a third person with the other 
rod, who drives the pegs in as he is directed 
from one of the ends. The tops of the pegs, 
if the leveling is properly done, should then 
show all the inequalities in the soil for the 
guidance of the workmen. As the light is 
found most deceiving at a distance, one of the 
rods is sometimes made an inch longer than 
the others, and a small hole pierced through 
the cross-piece, by using which many may be 
able to work more correctly than if all the 
rods were of equal length. 


Roe'lla. African Hare-bell. In honor of Wil- 
liam Roell, Professor of Anatomy at Amster- 
dam. Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. 

A genus of greenhouse shrubs or spreading 
herbs, natives of South Africa; they have 
generally blue flowers, which have somewhat 
of the dazzling glossy hue of Venus’s Looking 
Glass. The shrubby kinds are of low growth, 
and rather ditficult to propagate; but the 
annual species are of very easy culture, and 
only require the usual treatment of half- 
hardy annuals. 


Reeme’ria. Purple Horned-Poppy. In honor 
of John James Remer, professor of botany at 
Landshut, and author of several botanical 
works. Nat. Ord. Papaveraceew. 

R. hybrida, the violet-flowered Horned- 
Poppy or Wind Rose, the best known species, 
is a very beautiful purple, annual flower; but, 
unfortunately, its beauty is so very short-lived 
that it is difficult to find a perfect flower, as 
one or two of its petals drop almost as soon 
as the flower expands. It is quite hardy, and 
only requires to have its seeds sown in the 
open border in April. 


Roe’zlia. Named in honor of Roezl, a well- 
known collector who travelled in Central 
America, Mexico, etc. Nat. Ord. Melastom- 


COB. 
R. Granadensis, the only species yet intro- 
duced, is an erect plant-stove shrub, with 
carmine-purple flowers, and opposite, ovate- 
lanceolate, hairy leaves. It was introduced in 
1872, and is easily increased by cuttings. 


Roffia. See Raphia. 


Rogie’ra. In honor of M. Charles Rogier, a Bel- 
gian statesman. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

A small genus of evergreen shrubs from 
Central America, allied to Rondeletia. Inf 
general appearance they resemble the Laurus- 
tinus. They are very pretty green-house 
plants with bright pink flowers, and are 
easily increased by cuttings. 

Ro’/hdea. In honor of M. Rohde. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. . 

R. Japonica is the only known species of 
this genus. Itis a green-house, herbaceous, 
nearly aquatic plant, and a very interesting 
one for the green-house, having dark-green 
foliage and spikes of creamy white flowers, 
which are succeeded by spikes of showy fruit. 
There are three variegated varieties of this 
plant, all of which are most showy green-house 


ROM 


plants, and are well worthy of cultivation. 
Syn. Orontium Japonicum. 


Rollers and Rolling. The importance of, and 
the benefit derived from, using a roller on the 
lawn, especially in spring, is not fully appreci- 
ated. Freezing and thawing during winter 
causes the ground to heave and become un- 
even, and if it is not pressed back firmly with 
a roller, before hot weather, the grass is apt 
to be injured, or even killed in spots, besides 
leaving the surface very uneven for the 
mower. They are also useful for pulverizing 
the soilin the garden if it gets very dry and 
hard, as well as for firming in seeds such as 
Onions, Turnips, etc., that are generally 
sown in large breadths, and where they can 
be used to advantage. They are also requisite 
in every well-kept garden for keeping the 
walks firm and in good condition. They are, 
moreover, indispensable on the farm, both for 
firming the pasture in early spring, and com- 
pacting'the earth round newly sown seeds, 
etc. We quote from our work, ‘‘How the 
Farm Pays,” page 46. ‘While you, as a 
gardener, advocate the use of the feet to 
firm the soil, in sowing and planting, I, 
as a farmer, advocate the use of the roller. 
The object in both is the same; and I am 
satisfied beyond any shadow of a doubt, 
that millions and millions of dollars are 
annually lost to the farming community, 
through a want of the knowledge of the vast 
importance of firming the soil over the seed. 
This is particularly the case with Buckwheat, 
Turnips and other crops that are sown from 
the month of July until September, as at such 
seasons we very often have long-continued 
droughts, and the soil is like a hot ash-heap, 
and to expect germination from small seeds 
when sown in such soils, without being firmed 
against the entrance of the hot air, is just 
about as useless asif we threw them in the 
fire.” 


Roman Hyacinth. See Hyacinth. 


Romanzo’ffia. Named in honor of Count Rom- 
anzov, a Russian nobleman, who was a patron 
of scientific studies. Nat. Ord. Hydrophyl- 
lacee. : 

A genus of only two species of dwarf her- 
baceous perennials, having much the appear- 
ance of Saxifrages, natives of the sub-arctie 
regions of eastern Asia and western America. 
R. Sitchensis, the Sitka Water Leaf, the only 
species yet introduced, is a dwarf plant with 
reniform leaves, and white flowers; it is an 
excellent piant for the rock-garden. 


Rome’ria. A synonym of Raemeria, which see. 


Ro/mneya. The Californian Tree Poppy. 
Named after The Rev. T. Romney Robinson, 
an astronomer, of Armagh. Nat. Ord. Pap- 
averacee. 

R. Coulteri, the only species, is a very 
showy, tall, glabrous, herbaceous perennial, 
with large white flowers terminating the 
branches. It is increased by seeds in spring, 
and requires protection in winter. A native 
“ao introduced to cultivation in 


Romule’a, Commemorative of Romulus, the 
founder of Rome. Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 
A genus of very pretty hardy or green-house 
bulbs, removed from Trichonema. They are 
natives of western Europe, the Mediterranean 


376 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


RON 


region, and South and West Africa. They 
require the protection of a frame, and are 
increased by offsets. 


Rondele'tia. In honor of William Rondelet, 
M. D., a famous natural historian of Mont- 
pellier. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 

Beautiful hot-house plants, with white, yel- 
low, or reddish flowers, natives of the East and 
West Indies. R. odorata (syn. R. speciosa), 
the most common species, has terminal 
corymbs of scarlet flowers greatly resembling 
those of Ivora coccinea. The flowers are pro- 
duced in great abundance. One of the best 
known in our collections is R. amena, bearing 
beautiful pink flowers freely. They are propa- 
gated by cuttings, and were first introduced 
in 1752. 

Roof-Fpil. A name suggested by Ruskin for 
the House-leek, Sempervivum tectorum. 


Root Cuttings. See ‘Propagation by Root 
Cuttings.” , 

Rosa. Rose. From the Celtic rhod, red, the 
prevailing color of the flowers. Nat. Ord. 
Rosacee. ; 

We find mention of the Rose in the earliest 
writings, both sacred and profane. So invaria- 
bly have the writers seemingly been intoxi- 
cated with its beauty that they have entirely 
forgotten or ignored its early history and cul- 
ture, leaving us in profound ignorance as to 
the origin of some of our most highly-prized 
species or varieties. It was undoubtedly very 
generally esteemed, and used for ornamen- 
tation on both public and private occasions. 
As an instance, it may be mentioned that the 
Romans put it to a very significant use at 
some of their private feasts or dinners. A 
Rose was placed over the principal door, and 
he who passed under it silently~bound him- 
self not to reveal anything that was said or 
done within; hence arose the saying, sub-rosa, 
under the Rose; and even now to tell a friend 
anything sub-rosa, implies that he shall not 
reveal it. The limit of this work will allow 
but a brief history and description of the 
various classes. The species, numbering up- 
wards of one hundred, are found disseminated 
throughout America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. 
Australia, so prolific in rare and beautiful 


flowers, has not as yet contributed a single 


species, while Siberia, Iceland, Greenland, and 
Kamtschatka are fairly represented. China, 
Persia, and India have furnished some of the 
finest species. From all this material, culti- 
vators have created varieties almost innumer- 
able. From R. spinosissima, the type of those 
indigenous to Great Britain, nearly three hun- 
dred varieties have sprung, which are known 
as Scotch Roses, though these are not as 
much valued as many other classes. The 
Cabbage or Provence Rose (R. centifolia) is one 
of the best known and oldest of the family. It 
is a native of Eastern Caucasus, and is sup- 
posed to be the hundred-leaved Rose of Pliny. 
It was introduced into the British Gardens in 
1596. More than a hundred fine hybrid varie- 
ties had been produced by the French 
and English gardeners between this and R. 
Gallica, which are known under the general 
name of Provence Roses. They are all very 
beautiful and fragrant, and all distinguished 
by their close, cabbage-like form, the curving 
inward of their petals, and their slender foot- 
stalks, which give a peculiarly graceful and 


ROS 


drooping appearance to the fully developed 
flowers. The Unique Provence is claimed to 
be of English origin, having been observed 
for the first time in 1777, growing in a cottage 
garden. It was probably one of those auci- 
dental variations of flowers commonly 
termed ‘‘sports,” which sometimes take place 
in plants, one branch, shoot, or sucker pro- 
ducing striped or variegated flowers, while the 
original remains self-colored. The Unique 
Provence is pure white, of full size, globular 
form, and exceedingly fragrant. From this 
the Striped Provence is said to have been a 
sport. Its flowers are white, striped with 

deep rose. It is by no means constant, as 
some of the flowers will be wholly pink, others 
pure white, the two being frequently met with 
on the same branch. The Moss Rose (R. 

centifolia muscosa), the history of which is un- 
known, has by common consent been con- 
sidered an accidental sport from the Provence 
Rose. This theory is strengthened by the 
fact that plants produced by the seed of the 
Moss Rose do not always show moss, probably 
not more than one in three doing so; those 

that do not, possess all the characteristics of 
the Cabbage or Provence Rose. The earliest 

history we have of it is, that it was sent to 

England from Holland in 1596, since which 

time many new kinds have been produced 

from seed and from sports of the original. 

The Crested Moss (R. cristata) is a sport 

accidentally found growing out of an old wall 

at Friburg, in Switzerland. This class, like 

the Provence, requires the highest cultivation ; 

a deep, strong, rich loam is required for the 

perfection of these more than any other class 

of Roses. The French (R. Gallica) is indige- 

nous to the hedges of France and Italy. It is 

credited with being the RA. Millesiana of Pliny, 

and is among the earliest cultivated garden . 
Roses. This section contains a large number 
of our variegated varieties, all having their 
parentage in R. Gallica versicolor. This family 

is very extensive, and unsurpassed for per- 
fection of form or richness of color. They are 

compact, erect-growing plants, producing 
large, open, flat flowers, borne on stiff, erect 
flower-stalks, thus forming a marked contrast. 
to the Cabbage Rose. Of this there are prob- 
ably two hundred varieties. They are exten- 
sively grown in the neighborhood of Paris for 
the purpose of making the Attar of Roses. 

The Hybrid Provence Roses (R. centifolia 
hybrida) are hybrids between the French and 
Provence Rose. Nearly all the varieties are 
remarkable for their large, well-formed and 
very fragrant flowers. They are mostly vigo- 
rous growers, requiring but little care in 
cultivation. The Hybrid China Rose (R. 
Indica hybrida) owes its origin to the Bour- 
bon, China, and Tea-scented Noisette, crossed 
with the French, Provence, and other sum- 
mer Roses, and also to the latter crossed 
with theformer. The varieties first obtained 
from this crossing arose from accident, the 
effect of which was a systematic effort that 
resulted in producing some magnificent 
Roses. Mr. Rivers, a celebrated rosarian, in 
speaking of these hybrids, remarks: ‘They 
give a long continuance of bloom, but never 
put forth secondary or autumnal flowers. 
This is a most peculiarly distinguished trait, 
and an interesting fact. Impregnate a Bour- 
bon, China, or Noisette Rose, all abundant 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 377 


ROS 


bloomers, with the farina of a French or 
Provence Rose, and you entirely take away 
the tendency of autumnal blooming in their 
offspring.” The plants of this section are 
of very vigorous habit, and the flowers com- 
bine all the properties desired in the Rose, 
viz., size, form, fullness, and exquisite color- 
ing. The Hybrid Bourbon (R. Borboniana 
hybrida) owes its origin to the Bourbon 
Rose, which is itself a hybrid. There is some 
uncertainty about the crossing; it is sup- 
posed to have been R. Indica and R. Damas- 
cena. They are a very beautiful class of Roses, 
large and rather flat, with rich, velvet-like 
petals, much darker inside than on the outside 
of the flower. They flower moderately well 
in autumn. The original species of the White 
Rose (Rosa alba) is a native of the central 
part of Europe, and was introduced into 
Great Britain in 1597. The flowers are small; 
the colors are white, blush, flesh and pink. 
They are readily distinguished from all other 
Roses by a glaucous appearance of the foliage, 
which appears as if covered with a grayish, 
impalpable powder, and by the shoots being 
almost spineless. They are perfectly hardy, 
and of easy cultivation. A type of this class 
is finely represented by the well-known variety 
Madame Plantier. The original species of the 
Damask Rose (R. Damascena}, is a native 
of Syria, and was introduced into Europe in 
1573. It is now, as formerly, largely culti- 
vated in the gardens of Damascus for the 
purpose of making Rose-water, Attar of Roses, 
etc. Nearly all the Perpetual Roses, now so 
much sought after, owe their origin to the 
older members of this family, which may 
readily be distinguished from other Roses 
by their rough spiny shoots and leather-like 
leaves. They are allofrobust habit, and have 
large, well-formed flowers. The Sweet Brier 
(R. rubiginosa) is indigenous to many parts of 
Great Britain in its native or single state; 
it has become naturalized in many parts of 
the United States. Not content with the 
delightful fragrance of the foliage, art has 
added several varieties with double bright 
-rose-colored and crimson flowers. The best 
of them is Celestial Sweet Brier, with flowers 
very double and fragrant. The Austrian 
Brier (A. lutea) is a native of the North of 
Italy. Its stems are spiny, and of a reddish- 
brown color;.it has a straggling habit of 
growth, leaves quite small, and flowers of cop- 
per and yellow color. From this species has 
sprung the Persian Yellow, which is said to 
have originated in Persia, hence its name; 
also the Harrison Rose, a variety that origi- 
nated in this country. These two are as yet 
the best hardy yellow Roses that have 
been produced. The Double Yellow Rose (R. 
sulphurea) is very beautiful in warm climates; 
but the flowers are produced with so much 
difficulty that it is rarely met with. The 
origin of this Rose is unknown. It is rarely 
seen in collections. The Alpine or Mountain 
Rose of the south of France and the Alps, is 
the type from which the Boursault Rose (R. 
Alpina), a very distinct family of Roses, 
sprung. It was originated by M. Boursault, of 
Paris, in whose honor it was named, and 
is remarkable for the abundance of flowers 
it produces. It is perfectly hardy, and 
well adapted for covering walls or trellises. 
The Banksian Rose (A. Banksiana), a native 


ROS 


of China, was introduced in 1807, and was 
named in compliment tu Lady Banks. ‘lhere 
are several varieties, producing immense 
clusters of white or yellow-colored flowers. 
The plant is a rapid climber, beautiful in 
foliage and graceful in habit. As it is an 
annual flowering species, and too tender 
to stand the severity of our winters, even if 
protected, it does not meet with favor among 
our Rose-growers. The original of the Many- 
flowered Rose (R. multiflora) was introduced 
in 1804 from Japan by the celebrated botan- 
ist Thunberg. Growers in France and Italy 
have since then originated sevéral varie- 
ties, of which R. Grevillet is a fair represen- 
tative. They are annual bloomers, but too 
tender to live out without protection north of 
Virginia. The prairie Rose, R. setgera (syn. 
R. rubrifolia fenestralis), is of American ori- 
gin, the type being the single-flowering 
Climbing Rose of the Prairies, from which 
have originated several double-flowering sorts, 
the best known of which are the Queen of the 
Prairies and the Gem of the Prairies. The flow- 
ers are light crimson, sometimes striped with 
white. Though wholly devoid of fragrance, 
they well deserve a place in every collec- 
tion. They are perfectly hardy, of the easi- 
est culture, and flower with great profusion. 
The origin of the Hybrid Climbing Roses is 
entirely unknown,and they present traces of so 
many sections that conjecture on this point is 
useless. Their hardiness in this climate has 
not been tested sufficiently to warrant an opin- 
ionasto their usefulness here. The Evergreen 
Rose (R. sempervirens) is of Italian origin, 
though the French have produced many of the 
varieties. In our Northern States it could 
searcely be called an ‘‘evergreen;” at the 
South it could. The varieties are among the 
most valuable of Climbing Roses, being free 
growers, perfectly hardy, and producing 
immense clusters in a variety of colors. 
The origin of the Ayrshire Rose (R. arvensis 
var. scandens), like that of many others, is un- 
known, though it is generally credited to Scot- 
land. There are a number of varieties, all 
rapid growers, of easy culture, and well 
adapted for covering large trellises or arbors. 
The colors are white, rose, blush, etc. ; unfor- 
tunately they are rather tender for this vicin- 
ity. The class known as the Hybrid Perpet- 
ual or Remontant Rose, has distanced all 
others. In it we have beauty of form, 
fragrance, depth and variety of color, united 
with a constitution so vigorous as to endure 
the severity of our Northern winters. They 
have been produced by crossing the Hybrid 
China Roses with different varieties of Chinas 
and Bourbons, and, to a limited extent, with 
the Teas. This crossing has resulted in 
imparting to the more hardy Roses, to some 
extent, the blooming qualities of the tender 
sorts without impairing the vigor of the 
former. It is a mistake to suppose that 
all Roses in this class are perpetual bloom- 
ers, as their name would imply. They are, 
without question, the most valuable for 
their abundance of bloom in June, and most 
of them will give an occasional flower dur- 
ing the summer, and in favorable seasons, 
a fair show in autumn; but to expect con- 
tinuous bloom, as the Chinas and the Teas 
afford, would be asad disappointment. As a 
class they are nearly all hardy in the Northern 


378 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ROS 


States, and of easy culture, well adapted to be 
grown either as dwarfs or standards, and can 
with the greatest certainty be forced into 
bloom during winter and spring. Of the Gen- 
eral Jacqueminot alone, which is a well-known 
representative of this class, probably ten acres 
of green-house surface are used for forcing 
the flowers for winter for the city of 
New York alone, and in nearly like pro- 
portions all over the Union. The parent- 
age of the Damask Perpetual family is diffi- 
cult to trace. It is generally credited in a 
great measure to the old white and red 
Monthly Roses. There is no authority for 
this supposition, and no hint even as to the 
other Roses with which they were crossed. 
They are perfectly hardy, exceedingly fra- 
grant, and free flowering. The Perpetual 
Scotch (R. spinosissima) are hybrids. supposed 
to have been produced by crossing the Scotch 
Roses with the Damask Perpetuals. But little 
success has attended hybridizing these fami- 
lies, as there are but one or two varieties 
worth cultivating. The Bourbon or Isle de 
Bourbon Roses (R. Borboniana) are remarkable 
for their autumnal flowering, as they do not 
flower well until the first of September, after 
which they are in continuous bloom until 
checked by heavy frosts. They derive their 
name from the Isle de Bourbon, where they 
originated. The type of the race is said to have 
been an accidental seedling from a quantity 
that were planted for a hedge by one M. 
Peirchon, an inhahitant of the island. From 
many of its characteristics it is a supposed 
cross between the common China and one of 
the old Damask Perpetuals known as the Red 
Four-season Rose. The first plant was intro- 
duced into France in 1822, and at once attract- 
ed the attention of the leading Rose-growers 
at Paris, who commenced its cultivation exten- 
sively. Its tendency to vary was such, that 
within a short time a large number of seminal 
varieties were produced, from which some of 
our most desirable Roses have originated. 
Souvenir de la Malmaison, a light blush color 
(introduced about 1840), that has yet no equal 
as an autumnal flowering Rose, and the 
well-known Hermosa, pink, belong to this 
elass. The Bourbons are distinguished for 
their fine foliage, compact habit of growth, 
and for the profusion and long-continuance of 
their blooming. They require a dry soil, only 
moderately rich. They are not perfectly 
hardy north of Washington, unless under very 
favorable circumstances. Of the perpetual 
Moss (R. centifolia) class, there are but few 
entitled to the name, and those only in the 
sense in which the Hybrid Perpetuals are; 
that is with grains of allowance, which 
will be cheerfully granted for the pleasure 
a Moss Rose in autumn affords. This sec- 
tion is a cross between the old Moss and 
some of the autumn-blooming varieties. The 
continuous, or rather second-flowering, has 
been produced at some sacrifice of the moss. 
As aclass they are poor growers, requiring a 
strong, deep, rich soil. A well-known type of 
this class is James Veitch, deep crimson. 
The Musk Rose (R. moschata) is one of the 
oldest Roses in cultivation. The original is a 
native of Madeira, Persia, and the north of 
Africa. The plants are rapid growers and 
profuse bloomers, in_ habit resembling the 
Noisette, requiring the same protection in 


’ 


ROS 


winter, and the same treatment in growing. 
They are late in flowering, not coming into 
bloom until about the first of September. 
They receive their name from the fact of their 
having a peculiar musk-like scent. They are 
not very hardy in most Rose-growing countries 
and, consequently, have received but little 
attention from growers. The China Rose 
(R. Indica) and the Crimson China Rose (R. 
semperflorens) are so nearly allied that their 
history, description, and treatment are the 
same. They are both natives of China, and 
were first introduced into Europe in 1789. The 
two species are the parents from whicha rather 
extensive and interesting family of Roses have 
sprung. They are of comparatively small 
growth, which is a distinctive feature in all 
their progeny. They are very generally known 
as Bengal Roses. In our climate they are not 
sufficiently hardy north of Washington to en- 
dure the winters without the most careful pro- 
tection. As garden roses they are very desir- 
able, being abundant and continuous bluomers; 
but for cut flowers they cannot be highly re- 
commended, although the deep crimson color 
of some of the varieties, as Douglas, for 
example, makes them grown to a considerable 
extent, even though the buds are small. The 
Tea-scented China Rose (R. Indica odorata), 
the type of this section, is a native of China, 
introduced into England in 1810, and, with 
the Yellow China or Tea-scented Rose previ- 
ously introduced into France, became the 
parents of the best known and most exten 

sively cultivated class in this country. They 
range through all the shades of yellow, 
orange, white, blush, pink, purple, and crim- 
son, and have nearly all a marked tea fra- 
grance. From the hundreds of varieties that 
have been produced it is difficult to determine 
the varieties: that can be named as best. 
Those we name under the head of ‘* Winter 
Culture of the Rose,” are, perhaps, the best 
at the date of writing. Until 1877, no true 
striped Rose had been known to exist; but in 
that year a sport from the crimson-colored 
Bon Silene came distinctly striped crimson 
and white, and has continued to hold to this 
peculiar and beautiful form. It has been ap- 
propriately named the ‘‘ American Banner,” 
and created quite a sensation in Europe 
from its decided novelty of coloring. The 
whole class of Teas are the most tender 
of the great Rose family. There is no sure 
protection for them in the open border 
without more trouble and expense than the 
plants would be worth in spring time. Most 
amateurs have very sensibly given up ‘‘ pro- 
tecting” this class of Roses, and have found 
the more sure, easy, and inexpensive way to 
get Tea Roses is to procure young plants in 
spring, not more than four inches high, 
grown inthumb-pots; these, if planted in a 
good, strong, rich soil, will produce more 
flowers during the summer and autumn 
months than double their number of old 
plants ‘‘kept over.” At the present writing 
we have of the many varieties of Teas several 
thousands; plants that, when put out in 
April, could not be seen half-way across the 
nursery rows, but which are now (October) 
averaging two Roses a day from each plant, 
and have been for the past two months. For 
out-of-door culture, treat Tea and all other 
tender Roses the same as any bedding plant; 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 379 


ROS 


that is, to depend upon young plants for the 
. Season’s flowering. Tea Roses can be pre- 
served without difficulty through the winter 
by taking up, potting, or ‘“‘heeling” in a box 
of earth, and keeping them in a cool, dry 
cellar, where the thermometer will not fall 
below 25°. When planted out in spring they 
should be well cut back, and if carefully 
planted in a rich soil, they will be nearly as 
good as young plants. In California, and 
nearly all States south of Richmond, the Tea 
Rose requires no winter protection, and is 
there seen in the greatest perfection. The 
Macartney Rose (R. bracteata), a native of 
China, introduced into England in 1795 by 
Lord Macartney, from whom it took its 
name, is a climbing evergreen Rose. Like 
most of the Chinese Roses, it is not hardy, 
and its value for winter flowering is not 
sufficient to warrant growing it under glass. 
The Miniature Rose (R. Lawrenciana), is a 
native of China, and was formerly consid- 
ered by botanists to be a distinct spe- 
cies. Mr. Rivers, of England, whose knowl- 
edge of the Rose is second to no one’s, says 
it is but a dwarf variety of the common China 
Rose, like the Rose de Meaux or Pompon, 
which is a dwarf variety of R. centifolia. 
‘Many plants,” he remarks, ‘‘ that have been 
long under cultivation have a tendency to 
produce from seed these pigmy likenesses of 
themselves.” If there is any value in this 
class, it is as a curiosity for pot culture. The 
Cherokee Rose (fR. levigata or R. Sinica) is a 
large-flowered single variety, a native of 
China. In the Southern States, where it has 
become naturalized, it is held in high esteem 
for the graceful habit of the plant, with its 
vivid green, glossy leaves. The flowers are 
of the purest waxy white, and are produced in 
the greatest abundance. It is often used for 
hedges, and for this purpose few plants could 
be better adapted. The type of the Noisette 
group of Roses (R. Noisettiana) is a cross be- 
tween the Musk Rose and the common China 
Rose. It was produced by M. Noisette, a 
French gardener, of Charlestown, South Caro- 
lina, in 1817. The seed was from the Musk 
Rose, and the plant partakes of its nature in 
its vigorous growth, and, to a limited extent, 
its fragrance, together with its habit of bloom- 
ing in clusters; in all other respects it is en- 
tirely dissimilar from either parent. From 
this hybrid, some of our most useful and 
beautiful half-hardy Roses have originated, 
embracing several green-house varieties, the 
most superb of which is the Lamarque (white). 
This group contains some of quite dwarf 
habit; all are noted for producing their flow- 
ers in large clusters; this is particularly the 
case with the Washington, Fellenbergh and 
Aimée Vibert. The Maréchal Neil Rose of 
this section is, like the General Jacqueminot, 
most extensively forced under glass for its 
buds; probably three acres of glass surface 
are used for it in the vicinity of New York 
City, but it is now superseded by some of the 
yellow ‘‘ Teas” which, though not quite equal 
to it in quality, flower continuously. Though 
not hardy north, nothing can exceed the beauty 
of many of this class of Roses in some of the 
Southern States, where the thermometer does 
not fall below 20°. The finest of all these is 
probably the old ‘‘ Cloth of Gold,” now rarely 
met with true, Solfaterre being often sold for 


ROS 


it. Mad. Caroline Kuster, Celine Forrestier, | 
Triumph de Rennes, W. A. Richardson, and 
Gloire de Dijon, all yellow Roses belonging to 
this section, are of healthy habit and easy of 
cultivation. The Polyantha Remontant Rose 
(R. Polyantha) was brought from Japan by 
Robert Fortune about the year 1865, and is 
distinguished from all others by its panicled 
blooms. This peculiarity is not retained, how- 
ever, when crossed with other Roses, at least 
in most of the varieties which have been 
claimed to be seedlings from it. Several va- 
rieties evidently crossed with a variety of 
R. Indica, have been produced and are very 
free flowering, highly scented, and most use- 
ful sorts, especially for bedding purposes, as 
they form a mass of bloom during the entire 
season. They are hardy in this latitude with 
slight protection, and are now largely used 
for borders to rosaries, cemetery plots, ete. 
The Hybrid Tea Rose (Rosa Indica odorata 
hybrida) is a group produced from crossing 
Teas with Hybrid Perpetuals. ‘‘ La France” 
raised by Guillot fils, in 1867, from a Tea Rose, 
with a perfume peculiar to itself, a most con- 
stant bloomer and the sweetest of all Roses, 
was about the first variety sent out. In 1879, 
Mr. Henry Bennett (England), followed with 
his celebrated ‘‘ pedigree” Roses, since which 
time there have been many notable additions 
to the class, which, on account of its novelty 
and usefulness, will in a few years very likely 
prove a more popular elass than even the 
Hybrid Perpetuals. Standard Roses are pro- 
duced by budding any desired variety on 
the common Dog Brier, or Manetti stock, 
the strongest growers known; consequently 
they give to the Rose the greatest amount 
of nourishment. In a moist, cool atmos- 
phere, like that of England, Roses are grown 
in perfection upon standard, half-standard 
or dwarf stocks. In this country the dry, 
hot winds and scorching sun of summer, or 
the cold winds of winter, will destroy the 
vitality of the stock (particularly if on high 
standards), and they rarely live more than 
three or four years, and in no case will they 
produce such Roses in this country as in 
England or France, except in particularly 
favorable situations, such as a north aspect 
in our city gardens. We have known them in 
such positions to do exceedingly well, espec- 
ially when the stem of the plant had been 
wrapped around with moss or straw to pro- 
tect it against the summer sun. Where 
grown in the greatest perfection in England, 
stocks are selected that are the best adapted 
to the soil and situation in which they are to 
grow; these are planted about the first of 
November, and the highest cultivation possi- 
bleis given them. Inthe following July they are 
pbudded with the most vigorous buds that can be 
had from plants put out the previous year ez- 
pressly forthe buds. In the following November 
they cut the shoots back to five or six inches, 
and in the following spring cut back to one or 
two buds, which will give the flowering shoots. 


‘For exhibition purposes but one bloom is 


allowed on each shoot, and that will be the 
perfect flower; and it is from such flowers, 
shown at the London exhibitions, that our 
American travelers give their orders, often 
paving enormous prices for Roses that, when 
grown under ordinary treatment here, never 
fail to disappoint. Were the English ama- 


380 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ROS 


teurs to take their ‘“‘standards” from nursery 
rows and keep them out of the ground for 
nearly two months, as is the case with us, 
and then give them but indifferent treatment, 
we doubt if their favorable climate would give 
them a Rose that would be recognized by 
those who have only grown them properly. 
R. rugosa, a Japanese species, first sent to 
this country by Commodore Perry, in 1855, is 
one of the handsomest hardy shrubs in culti- 
vation. It forms a sturdy bush from four to 
five feet high, covered with large, dark green, 
pinnate, glossy foliage, and producing ter- 
minal clusters of ten to twenty flowers, three 
inches in diameter, of a bright rosy crimson 
color, and very fragrant. It continues in 
flower the whole summer, making a very at- 
tractive object. Ifit never produced a flower 
it would still be entitled to a prominent place 
on the lawn forthe beauty of its foliage, which 
scarcely resembles that of the Rose, but is 
very heavy, rich, and shining, remaining on 
until late in Autumn. Itis now well-known; 
both its rosy crimson and white varieties are 
found in all good collections; and its large 
handsome fruit is most showy during the 
autumn months. 


. 


CULTURE OF THE ROSE. 


WINTER Forcinc.—The intense interest 
now so generally taken in the culture of the 
Rose, not only for outside decoration, but for 
the production of Rose buds in winter, in- 
duces us to depart from the general rule 
adopted in this work, and give a full and 
detailed account of the methods of cultivation 
practiced in the vicinity of New York City, 
which is believed to be unequalled in-any 
other part of the world, particularly in the 
methods in use for the winter forcing of the 
Rose. For this purpose, strong, healthy cut- 
tings are put in to root any time from Septem- 
ber to February. We keep the sand in our 
cutting benches about 65° or 70°, with the 
temperature of the house 10° less. Rose cut- 
tings, under these conditions, will root in 
from twenty to twenty-five days, and are then 
potted in any good soil in two and a half inch 
pots, and placedin a green-house having 
a night temperature of about 50°, with 10° to 
15° more inthe daytime. The young Roses are 
regularly shifted into larger pots as soon as 
the ‘‘ball,” gets filled with roots, great care 
being taken that the plants at no time get 
pot-bound. Syringing is done once a day to 
keep down red spider, and fumigating by 
burning tobacco stems to kill the Aphis or 
Green Fly must be done twice a week. With 
such attention, plants which were put in as 
cuttings at the season named above, by the 
middle of July will be from one and a half to 
two feet in height, with roots enough to filla 
six-inch pot. Now, if intended to be grown in 
pots, the shifting into larger pots should be 
continued whenever the ball gets filled with 
roots (which is usually in about five or six 
weeks after every shift), until the Ist of 
October, when they will have reached a size 
requiring a pot of eight or nine inches in 
diameter. They are then in condition for 
winter forcing, no further shifting being 
required. But if they are wanted to be plan- 
ted out on benches, or in solid beds of soil, 
the planting should be made from the pots 
from the 15th of May to the 15th of August. 


ROS 


There is quite a difference of opinion as to 
whether the Roses can be best grown in solid 
beds or raised benches. We believe that it 
really makes but little difference, as we find 
them grown with nearly equal success by both 
methods where the drainage is perfect, al- 
though the method mainly in use in the 
vicinity of New York (where, at present writ- 
ing, Roses are probably grown better than 
anywhere else in the country) is the raised 
bench system. The green-houses used are 
about twenty feet wide, and are what is known 
as three-quarter span: that is, three-quarters 
of the glass roof slopes to the south at an 
angle of about thirty degrees, while the other 
quarter slopes north at an angle of twenty 
degrees, giving a base space for the benches 
on which the Roses are to be planted, taking 
out the walks, of about fifteen feet. The 
benches may be either a level platform, or 
divided into four or five platforms about three 
feet wide, or so as to be about equal distances 
from the glass; the bottom of the benches 
may be from three to five feet from the glass, 
as desired. There is no necessity for bottom 
heat for Roses, so that it is best to have the 
pipes for heating run under the front and 
back benches of the Rose house, with none 
under the middle benches. The soil in which 
the Roses are to be grown should not be more 
than four to five inches deep, the boards so 
arranged as to allow free drainage for the 
water ; we use boards three inches wide. The 
soil is that made from sods cut three or four 
inches deep from any good, loamy, pasture 
land, well chopped up, to which is added one- 
fourth of well-rotted cow manure, together 
with about one-thirtieth of this bulk of pure 
broken bones and bone dust. Itis perhaps 
best to let the sod be well rotted before being 
used, although, if not convenient, it will do 
fresh, if well chopped up. The distance for 
Roses such as we describe (those that have 
been grown in six-inch pots, and average 
twenty inches high) should be one foot each 
way, so as to get the full benefit of acrop. It 
is true that, if planted twice that distance, 
they would be thick enough before spring; 
but they would not fill up sufficiently until 
the middle of January if planted much wider 
than one foot. The temperature at which 
Roses are grown in winter is an average of 
50° to 55° at night, with 10° to 15° higher 
during the day. Watering is a matter of the 
first importance and requires some experi- 
ence to know what is the proper condition. 
As a guide, whenever the soil shows indica- 
tions of being dry on the top, a thorough 
watering should be given, sufficient to com- 
pletely saturate the soil. Such a watering 
will not usually be required more than once in 
two weeks. Syringing in clear weather should 
be done once a day, sufficient only to moisten 
the foliage. If done heavily it would keep 
the soil too wet. Fumigating with tobacco 
for the suppression of the Aphis (Green Fly) 
should be done twice a week, but in winter, 
while the flowers are being cut, strew tobacco 
stems on the pathways, or place them in the 
evaporating pans on the pipes to keep up a 
flavor of tobacco in the house, which acts as 
a preventative. The varieties grown are 
changing every season, and no list we can 
give to-day is likely to remain as the best ten 
years hence. The favorite Tea Roses now 


380 


ROSE (THE ‘‘ DINSM 


ROSE (MME. DE WATTEVILLE). 


ROSE (STANDARD). 


ROSE (PAPA GONTIER). 


RUBUS (DEWBERKY, LUCRETIA), 


RUBUS (BLACKBERRY, EARLY HARVEST), 


RUBUS (BLACK RASPBERRY, TYLER), RUBUS (RASPBERRY, THE HANSELL), 38x 
e 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


381 


‘Perle des Jardins, is a type. 


ROS 


grown for winter are Perle des Jardins (yellow), 
Niphetos (white), Catharine Mermet (rose), 
Bride (white), Papa Gontier (crimson), La 
France (light rose), American Beauty (light 
crimson), Souvenir de Wooton (crimson), 


“Madame de Watteville (carmine and white), 


and Sunset (orange). There are still a number 
of the older sorts, such as Safrano, Douglas, 
and Isabella, Sprunt, yet grown; but they 
are fast giving way to what is known as 
«‘fancy’”’ Roses, of which the yellow variety, 
Of Climbing 
Roses, which are grown on the rafters of 
the green-house, Maréchal Neil (yellow), 
Lamarque (white), James Sprunt (crimson), 
Gloire de Dijon (salmon yellow), and Red 
Gloire de Dijon (carmine), are the best. 
Another class of Roses, the Hybrid Per- 
petuals, particularly the variety known as 
General Jacqueminot, are now grown in im- 
mense quantities. 

HYBRID PERPETUALS.—To get the Hybrid 
Perpetual and the Hybrid Tea classes early 
(say during January) requires special skill and 
care, but well repays it, as this class of Roses 
now brings an average of $35 per hundred buds 
at wholesale, from the 15th of December to 
January 15th. The method found to beneces- 
sary is to grow these Roses on in pots, exactly 
as recommended for the Evergreen or Tea 
Roses, except that, as they have a tendency 
to grow tall, the centre should be pinched out 
of the leading shoots, so that from five to six 
shoots run up, and thus not only make the 
plant bushy, but, what is of more importance, 
these slimmer shoots are less pithy and ripen 
off harder, thus ensuring with more certainty 
a greater production of buds. The plants, if 
started from cuttings any time from Septem- 
ber to January, which is the season we prefer 
to root them in, will, if properly grown, by 
August Ist (or at less than one year old) have 
filled a seven or eight inch pot with roots. 
Now is the critical point. The plants must 
be ripened off and rested if a crop of buds is 
wanted by January and February ; soto do that 
at a season as early as the Ist of September, 
the plants must be gradually dried off sufficient 
to make them drop their leaves, though not 
to so violently wilt them as to shrivel the 
shoots. This we find easiest done by laying 
the plants on their sides so as to prevent them 
being soaked with the rain, which would start 
them to grow and prevent the early ripening 
of the shoots. A rest of two months is neces- 


_ sary, so that the plants begun to be dried 


off by the 1st of August may be started slowly 
by the 1st of October, and those begun to be 
dried off by the ist of September may be 
started, also at as low a temperature as possi- 
ble, by the 1st of November. The kinds most 
used are Magna Charta, Genl. Jacqueminot, 
Ulrich Bruner, Annade Diesbach, Paul Neyron, 
and others of that class. Immense quan- 
tities of Roses of this class are now grown in 
solid beds. These beds require no special prep- 
aration where the soilis naturally good, and 
the natural drainage perfect, but where this is 
not the case, the same compost recommended 
for Tea Roses will answer, only using a greater 
depth, from nine to twelve inches, over a well- 
drained bottom. Hybrid Perpetual Roses, 
planted out in solid beds, cannot be had so 
early as when grown in pots, as, when thus 
grown, they cannot well be given the rest 


ROS 


necessary for early forcing; as a rule, in this 
district, they are rarely in market before 
February, and from then they are brought in, 
in succession crops, until the Roses from out- 
doors inJunecome in. The distance at which 
they are planted is usually from fifteen to 
eighteen inches each way. We may here state, 
that many failures have resulted in the 
attempt to grow the Hybrid Tea Roses with- 
out resting, notably the Duchess of Edinburgh 
Rose, which was sent out from England some 
five or six years ago as a “Crimson Tea.” 
The misleading name of ‘‘ Tea” induced hun- 
dreds of florists to attempt its growth under 
the same conditions as the Safrano or Bon 
Silene class, and the consequence was in every 
case almost complete failure. This type evi- 
dently partakes more of the Hybrid Perpetual 
than of the Tea class, and as they are hardy 
and deciduous, refuse to bloom in midwinter 
unless given the rest that their nature de- 
mands. 

MiLpEW.—Roses, when grown under glass 
with proper attention to temperature and 
moisture, are not usually attacked by Mil- 
dew; but as a preventative it is well to 
paint the hot-water pipes once every two 
or three weeks with a mixture of sulphur 
and linseed vil, or sulphur and guano, made 
of the consistency of whitewash; the guano 
is merely to make the sulphur stick better to 
the pipes. The fumes of sulphur, as radiated 
by the heated pipes, is a never-failing means 
of destroying the germs of mildew, or any 
other fungoid growth, and also holdsin check, 
to some extent, the Red Spider insect, often 
so troublesome to the Rose. (See Mildew.) 

Rost Bue.—For the Rose Bug, so destruc- 
tive to success in Rose growing under glass, 
there seems no remedy except the slow and 
unsatisfactory one of catching and killing the 
insect so soon as it is seen on the leaves. It 
is not easily observed, as it gets under the 
leaves and close to the shoots of the plants. 
Its presence is known by the bitten leaves 
showing where it is feeding; but even with 
the greatest diligence, enough will usually 
escape to deposit their eggs in the soil, which, 
when hatched out to the grub or pupa state, 
rapidly begin the work of destruction by feed- 
ing on the roots. In this stage all attemptsto 
destroy them have thus far, we believe, failed. 
The only safety when the Rose Bug is known 
to be present in sufficient numbers to injure, 
is to throw out the plants and start with 
young ones. We have for two years past 
adopted this plan exclusively, growing the 
plants only one year -old from cuttings rooted 
during the fall or winter months, and have 
since then had no trouble whatever from the 
ravages of this insect. | We know, of course, 
that there are many Rose houses that are 
even nine to ten years old that never fail to 
produce abundant crops, particularly such as 
Maréchal Neil and other climbers; but in such 


» eases it seems to be that the Roses planted 


either had escaped the visitation of the Rose 
Bug altogether, or had got so deeply and 
strongly rooted before being attacked that 
they could not injure the plants. 
SHADING.—There is some difference of 
opinion as to the propriety of shading Rose 
houses during the hot summer months. We 
believe that a slight shading is beneficial, and 
for that purpose use naphtha mixed with a 


382 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ROS 


little white lead, just enough to give it the 
appearance of thin milk. This we throw on 
the outside of the glass with asyringe. It 
costs only about twenty-five cents for every 
thousand square feet. This shading is the 
best we have ever used; it is just enough to 
take the glare of sunlight off, without much 
lessening the light; and though it will hold 
on tenaciously during the summer, is easily 
rubbed off in fall. 

GARDEN CULTURE OF THE RosE.—But little 
need be said on this branch of the subject, all 
that is wanted being a deep, rich soil, in an 
unshaded position. For the dry climate of 
the United States a class of Roses should be 
grown very different from those grown in 
England. ‘There the ‘“ Remontants” or ‘“ Hy- 
brid Perpetuals,” in their humid atmosphere, 
with few exceptions, flower nearly as freely as 
the ‘“‘Monthly ” Roses do here; but with us 
experience has shown that, after the first 
bloom in June, no full crop of flowers is again 
obtained, unless with the comparatively new 
class known as the Hybrid Teas, of which 
“La France, Dinsmore, and Duchess of 
Edinburgh” are types; so that, when a con- 
tinued bloom of Roses is desired during the 
entire summer and fall months, the class 
known as monthly (embracing Tea, Bourbon, 
Bengal, and Noisette) are the best. True, 
these varieties are not usually hardy, unless 
in that portion of the country where the ther- 
mometer never gets 20° below the freezing 
point; but they can be saved through the 
winter in almost any section if pegged downand 
covered up with five or six inches of leaves 
or rough litter. This covering, however, 
should not be done until quite hard frost 
comes; in New York about the first week in 
December. If done sooner, there is danger, 
if the season is mild (as it usually is here 
until December 1st), that the shoots may be 
smothered and decay by a too early covering. 
This same rule we adopt in covering Grape 
Vines, Clematis, Raspberries, Strawberries, 
or, in fact, any other plant or shrub that we 
believe to be benefited by winter protection, as 
we have never yet seen injury done to half- 
hardy plants by frost previous to that date. In 
this matter of covering, the amateur in garden- 
ing often errs, first from his anxiety to protect 
his plants before there is danger in the fall; 
and next, in his enthusiasm in Spring, he is 
deceived by some warm day in March to un- 
cover what is not safe until April. 


Rosacee. A large natural order of herbs or 
shrubs, very rarely trees, chiefly abundant in 
temperate regions, extending into the Arctic 
Zone, as well as ascending to the highest ele- 
vations, and more sparingly dispersed within 
the tropics. Bentham and Hooker, in the 
«Genera Plantarum,” have divided up this 
extensive and important order into ten tribes, 
seveial of which are regarded by some other 
writers as distinct orders. Many beautiful 
flowers are included in Rosacew, the Rose, of 
course, taking the lead. The principal fruits 
furnished are the Almond, Apricot, Apple, 
Blackberry, Cherry, Peach, Pear, Plum, Quince, 
Raspberry and Strawberry. Rose water is ob- 

_tained by distillation from the petals of R. 
centifolia, Damascena, moschata, etc., as is also 
the Attar of Roses by maceration in oil of 
Sesamum. The bark of Moguila wtilis, the 


Rose Acacia. 
Rose Apple. 
Rose Bay. See Rhododendron and Nerium. 
Rose Campion. See Lychnis coronaria. 

Rose Elder. 


ROS 


Pottery-tree of the Amazon, contains such an 
amount of silica that, when powdered and 
mixed with clay, it is employed in making 
pottery by the natives of Para. The order 
contains about seventy genera, of which Cra- 
tegus, Prunus, Potentilla, Rosa, Rubus, and 
Spirea are good examples, and one thousand 
or more species. 


Rosary Plant. See Abrus precatorius. 
Rosary Plant, Mexican. Rahyncosia precatoria. 


Rose. The genus Rosa, the name is also ap- 
plied to other flowers, as Rose Geranium, 
Christmas Rose, etc. 

Alpine. Rhododendron ferrugineum, R. hirsu- 
tum, etc. 

Ash-leaved. Rosa fraxinifolia. 

Australian, Native. Boronia serrulata. 

Austrian Brier. Rosa lutea, var. punicea. 


Ayrshire. Rosa arvensis, var. scandens. 
Bengal. Rosa Bengalensis. 
Boursalt. Rosa Boursalti. 
Bramble. Rosa polyantha. 


Bramble-leaved. Rosa rubifolia. 

Bridal. Rubus rosefolius, var. coronarius. 

Cabbage. Rosa centifolia. 

Cherokee. Rosa levigata. 

China, or Monthly. Rosa indica. 

Christmas. Helleborus niger. 

Cinnamon. Rosa cinnamomea. 

Damask. Rosa Damascena. 

Evergreen. Rosa sempervirens. 

Fairy. Rosa Lawrenceana. 

French. Rosa Gallica. 

Green-flowered. Rosa viridiflora. 

Guelder. Viburnum Opulus. 

at ae An American seedling from Rosa 
uted. 

Holly. The genus Helianthemum. 

Hundred-leaved. Rosa centifolia. 

Jamaica. The genus Meriania. Also applied 
to Blakea trinervis. 

Japanese. Rosa Yvara, and the genus Ca- 
mellia. 

«Juno’s.” A name given to Lilium candidum. 

Lady Banks’s. Rosa Banksia. 

Lenten. The species of Helleborus which 
bloom in Lent. 

Macartney. Rosa bracteata. 

Moss. Rosa centifolia, var. muscosa. 

Mountain of the West Indies. <Antigonon 
leptopus. 

Prairie. Rosa setigera. 

Scotch. Rosa spinosissima. 

Seven Sisters. Rosa Grevillet. 

South Sea of Jamaica. Neriwm Oleander. 

Sun. The genus Helianthemum. 

Sweet Brier. Rosa rubiginosa. 

ae or Tea-scented. A variety of Rosa In- 

ca. 

“Vinegar,” of Germany. Peonia officinalis. 

West Indian Mountain. Brownea Rosa. 

Wind. Papaver Rhewas and Remeria hybrida. 

Yellow Persian. Probably a seedling from 
R. lutea, introduced from Persia by H. 
Willock, in 1830. 

York and Lancaster. 
ety of R. Damascena. 


See Robinia hispida. 
See Hugenia Jambos. 


Rosa versicolor, a vari- 


See Viburnum Opulus. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


383 


ROS 


Rose Geranium. See Pelargonium. 
Rose Mallow. Hibiscus coccineus. 
Rosemary. See Rosmarinus. 

Rose of Heaven. Lychnis cceli-rosea. 
Rose of Jericho. See Anastatica. 
Rose of Sharon. Hibiscus Syrancus. 
Rose Root. Sedum Rhodiola. 


Rosewood. A valuable South American tim- 
ber, produced from several species of Dalber- 
gia. The finest quality is from Rio Janeiro, 
the product of D. nigra, which see. 


Rosin Plant, or Rosin Weed. See Silphium. 


Rosmari’/nus. Rosemary. From ros, dew, and 
marinus, of the sea; on account of its mari- 
time habitat. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

The Rosemary is a half-hardy, low-growing 
evergreen, a native of the south of Europe. It 
has long been cultivated and valued for the 
essential oil it yields. The whole plant is 
aromatic, but the flowers, which are pale 
blue, are chiefly used in distillation for the 
oil, which is the principal ingredient of Hun- 
gary Water and Eau de Cologne. There are 
several varieties under cultivation in the gar- 
dens, R. officinalis being the more common 
species. Propagated by cuttings. 

Rostellum. A narrow extension of the upper 
edge of the stigma of certain Orchids. 


Rostrate. Terminating gradually in a long, 
straight, hard point, like the pod of a Radish. 


Rosulate. Collected in a rosette. 
Rotate. Resembling a wheel. 


Rotation of Crops. All observing cultivators 
soon discover, that no matter how fertile a 
soil may be, the same kind of crop cannot be 
grown so well on it successively as if it were 
alternated with a crop of an entirely different 
character. No satisfactory reason can be 
assigned for this that we know of, unless in 
the familiar case of the Cabbage crop. We 
find that if Cabbages on most soils are grown 
two years in succession, the crop will be 
affected by the disease known as ‘Club 
Root” (which see); but in this particular in- 
stance we get at a tangible cause. A great 
many theories have been assigned why the 
same crops deteriorate by being grown suc- 
cessively on the same soil, but they have been 
far from satisfactory, and in no case that we 
know of, unless in the case of the Cabbage, or 
Brassica tribe, have they led to any beneficial 
practical results. The following general rules 
have been laid down as a guide: 

First. Plants of-the same natural order 
should not be planted to succeed each other. 
Second. Crops which for a number of years 
occupy the ground, such as Strawberries, 
Rhubarb, or Asparagus, should be succeeded 
by annual crops, such as Cabbages, Lettuce, 
or Radishes. Third. Crops grown for their 
heads, such as Cabbage, Cauliflower, or Let- 
tuce, should be succeeded by plants grown 
for their roots, such as Parsnips, Carrots, or 
Beets. Itis not always practicable to vary 
crops according to rules, nor should such 
rules be taken as arbitrary, but only as a 
guide. When vegetables or fruits are grown 

‘for market, the necessities of the cultivator 
compel usually double crops of the land each 
season, and that, with heavy manuring and 
deep cultivation, seems to do away, to a con- 


4 ROX 


siderable extent, with any need for systematic 
rotation, which would often be found to be 
impracticable. As has been previously said, 
the crops of all others that we find most ben- 
efited by change are the Cabbage tribe, to- 
gether with the allied families of Turnip, 
Radish, etc.; while, on the other hand, 
Onions never seem to be injured by succes- 
sive plantings on the same soil. When space 
is limited, or when it is not convenient to 
rotate crops, the next best thing is deep cul- 
ture, by trenching or sub-soiling (which see). 

. The same method holds good for farm as well 
as for garden crops. It is not advisable to 
follow such crops as wheat or corn year after 
year on the same land; wheat particularly 
being a great feeder, the land would soon be- 
come exhausted. Another reason is—and it 
is true of a great many other crops—that 
when one of the same kind is continuously 
sown, there is far more danger of injury by 
insects or blight, as it seems to be a law of 
nature that special plants are subject to the 
ravages of special insects or diseases, and the 
best way to get relief from their attacks is to 
change the crop as radically as possible ; thus 
a grain crop might be followed by one of Po- 
tatoes, Mangels, Peas, or Beans; this in turn 
by grass, if used, or by a change from one or 
other of the foregoing to Celery, Onions, or 
Cabbages. Carrots, Parsnips, or other mem- 
bers of that order should never follow each 
other; but if similar crops have of necessity 
to succeed each other, the ground should be 
deeply. plowed and well manuréd between the 
crops. : 

Rotund. Rounded in outline; usually applied 
to bodies which are not round themselves, 
but only at their ends. 


Rouge Plant. See Rivina humilis. 


Roupa'la. Said tobe the native name in Guiana. 
See Rhopala. 


Roupe’llia. Named in honor of Charles Roupell, 
a distinguished botanist of South Carolina. 
Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

This is the far-famed Cream-fruit tree of 
Sierra Leone, a remarkable and showy green- 
house climber. In its native home it is a 
most beautiful and fragrant plant, but under 
artificial cultivation its pure white flowers are 
of cream color, and it is in all respects infe- 
rior to the flattering accounts given by its 
discoverer, and not worth the care and atten- 
tion required to grow it. 


Rowan-Tree. A popular name for Pyrus Aucu- 
paria. 

Roxbu'rghia. Named after Dr. Roxburgh, once 
director of the Botanic Garden, Calcutta. Nat. 
Ord. Roxburghiacee. 

A genus of evergreen, twining or half 
shrubby plants, natives of India and tropical 
Australia, with broad, shining leaves, and 
peculiar green flowers which are produced 
singly and in small clusters on short, axillary 
peduncles; they are large and handsome, but 
very fetid, and this disagreeable feature 
prevents their introduction into choice collec- 
tions of hot-house plants. 


Roxburghia'ceze. A natural order of twining 
or erect, half-shrubby plants, natives of tropi- 
cal Australia, India, and the Indian Archi- 
pelago. The thick, tuberous roots of some of 
the species are, after a previous preparation 


384 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


ROY 


with lime-water, candied inIndia. The order 
contains about eight species and four genera, 
all tall twiners, with broad leaves. 


Royal Bay. Laurus nobilis. 
Royal Fern. See Osmunda regalis. 
Royal Palm. See Oreodoza regia. 


Roy’dsia. Named in honor of Sir John Royds, 
of Bengal. Nat. Ord. Capparidacee. 

A small genus of shrubby plants, with small 
yellow, very fragrant flowers, natives of the 
East Indies and the Philippine Islands. RB. 
suaveolens, the only species yet introduced, 
though forming a rather rambling bush, is 
worth cultivating for its delicious fragrance. 
It een increased by cuttings of the young 
wood. 


Roye’na. A name given by Linneus in honor of 
Adrian von Royen, Professor of Botany at Ley- 
den. Nat. Ord. Ebenacee. 

A genus of tropical shrubs or low-growing 
trees, some of which are cultivated in the 
green-house for their beautiful white flowers 
and glossy foliage. The wood of the.species 
is of the nature of ebony, but not of sufficient 
size to make it valuable. 


Rubber Plant. East Indian. The popular name 
for Ficus elastica. 

Rubber Tree. African. 
Landolphia. : 

Rubescent. Reddish, turning red. 


Ru’/bia. Madder. From ruber, red; the color 
of the roots. Nat. Ord. Rubiacew. 

The perennial species, which are not re- 
markable for their beauty, are quite hardy. 
There are also some half-hardy shrubs, which 
are worth cultivating in a green-house for 
their flowers, which are generally yellow. A 
red dyeis derived from the roots of all the 
species, but principally from those of R. tinc- 
torium, which is cultivated as a field-plant in 
the south of Europe. 


Rubia’cez. A large and important natural or- 
der, including Cinchonacee and Galiacew as 
sub-orders. The latter represents the order 
in temperate climes, while the former (Cincho- 
nacee) constitutes one twenty-seventh of the 
flowering plants of tropical and sub-tropical 
regions. 
order may be mentioned, Coffee, Quinine, 
Ipecacuanha, White Gambier, etc. Madder, 
a valuable dye, may also be mentioned. The 
order comprises about three hundred and 
forty genera, and nearly four thousand spe- 
cies. Bouwvardia, Gardenia, Cinchona, Ronde- 
letia, and Izora, are well-known examples. 


Rubicund. Blushing; turning rosy-red. 
Rubiginose. Brownish rusty-red. 


Ru’bus. Bramble, Raspberry, Blackberry. 
From the Celtic word rub, red; in reference to 
the color of the fruit of some of the species. 
Nat. Ord. Rosacee. 

The species are mostly shrubs, trailing or 
erect, with prickly stems, bearing edible 
fruit. The plants of this family, growing in 
all situations and almostevery kind of soil, 
vary greatly, and are consequently very per- 
plexing to the botanist; and so little are 
authors agreed as to which are species 
and which merely varieties, that while Ben- 
tham reckons only five species, Babington 
enumerates forty-five. Itis this tendency to 


The popular name for 


Among the valuable products of the . 


RUB 


vary, however, that has given us many of the 
most esteemed kinds of Blackberries, etc., 
found in American gardens. The English 
garden varieties of the Raspberry have all 
originated from R. Ideus, a native of Europe 
,and Mount Ida in Crete, whence its specific 
name. The fruit of this species is red. Cul- 
tivators, however, have obtained varieties 
with crimson, brown, yellow, and nearly 
white fruit. The Red Antwerp and the 
White Antwerp (but which is pale yellow) 
have been long and favorably known, both in 
England and the United States; but they do 
not survive the winter without protection in 
our Northern States, and for that reason are 
little grown at the North. There are now 
a large number of varieties raised from our 
native species that possess qualities of good- 
ness and hardiness that entitle them to uni- 
versal cultivation, though they are inferior 
in quality to the foreign kinds. Brincklé’s 
Orange is an American seedling raised by the 
late Dr. Brincklé, of Philadelphia. Itis, how- 
ever, of foreign parentagé, and consequently 
tender, but the highest flavored of all Rasp- 
berries. The wild Red Raspberry, BR. stri- 
gosus, common in hedges and on the hillsides 
throughout the Middle and New England 
States, closely resembles the European spe- 
cies. Its fruit is tender and somewhat 
watery, but the flavor is fine. Some excellent 
varieties of this species are under cultivation. 
The Black Raspberry, commonly known as the 
Black Cap or Thimbleberry, is R. occidentalis, 
a species that is confined wholly to America. 
It is most common from Virginia north and 
westward. This species and its varieties 
bear a pleasant tasted fruit in the greatest 
abundance with very little care. They are 
the least troublesome of all Raspberries to 
grow, inasmuch as they increase themselves 
from the tips or ends of the shoots, and pro- 
duce no suckers. There are several varieties 
of the Black Caps that bear reddish-crimson 
fruit. A number of hybrid Raspberries have 
been recently introduced, partaking some- 
what of the Black Cap characteristics, par- 
ticularly the peculiarity of rooting from the 
tips of the green shoots; and among these 
the most striking is the Caroline, which is 
propagated from suckers as well as from the 
tips of the shoots, plainly showing its hybrid 
character. It has been said by those unac- 
quainted with its origin that it is a hybrid 
between Brincklé’s Orange and the Catawissa ; 
but the originator disclaims any such origin, 
and the plant itself and its fruit show that the 
Catawissa was not one ofits parents. It was 
raised in 1877 by S. P. Carpenter, of New Ro- 
chelle, Westchester county, N. Y., and is a 
natural cross between Brincklé’s Orange (the 
seed parent) and the Yellow Cap, a variety of 
R. occidentalis. The plant is thoroughly 
hardy, a strong grower, and wonderfully pro- 
ductive. The fruit, when ripe, is a fine 
salmon color, tender, and of excellent quality, 
though not equal to the Brincklé. Another 
of 8. P. Carpenter’s seedlings is the well- 
known New Rochelle, a seedling of the Cata- 
wissa. Itis hardy, very productive, and of 
good quality, being slightly acid. Another 
Westchester County seedling is the Cuthbert, 
newly introduced, and which at this time 
promises to become a leading market variety, 
being hardy, productive, and of fine quality, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 385 


RUB 


and the fruit firm enough to bear long car- 
riage. The Gregg, another recent introduc- 
tion of the Black Cap division was raised in 
Ohio in 1876, ig a very fine large fruit, and 
has already taken its place as the best of its 
class as a market berry. The Mammoth 
Cluster, Clarke, Tyler, Marlboro, Rancocas, 
Hansell, and many others are more or less 
grown, but need not be specially noted here. 
The Blackberry, of which there are several 
native species, is now largely grown for 
market, and is a profitable crop. Until the 
appearance of the New Rochelle Blackberry 
(sometimes called Lawton) our markets were 
supplied with Blackberries from the woods. 
R. villosus, the High Blackberry, is the com- 
mon Blackberry of the country, being found 
almost everywhere. It is given to variation, 
and is the parent of nearly all the varieties 
now under cultivation. The first of these was 
the New Rochelle, discovered by Mr. Secor 
growing in a hedge at New Rochelle, 
Westchester County, New York. It is 
an interesting fact, as showing the estima- 
tion in which improved Blaekberries were 
held at that time, that Mr. Secor grew the 
plants in his garden for about nine years 
without being able to prevail upon his neigh- 
bors to accept a plant as a gift, when at last 
Mr. Lawton, a shrewd lawyer, took hold of it, 
exhibited the fruit in New York, got up a sen- 
sation, and finally made a little fortune 
out of the sale of the plants. Hundreds of 
acres of it are in cultivation. It is a large, 
handsome and excellent fruit, but the plants 
are at times injured in the winter at the 
North. Some years later a clergyman of 
New Jersey discovered another variety of R. 
villosus growing in the edge of the woods on 
the Kittatinny Mountains, removed it to his 
garden and increased it largely. This was 
placed in the hands of E. Williams, of Mont- 
clair, N. J., who sent it out, and the public 
were thus put in possession of the famous 
Kittatinny which still remains the best fruit 
of its class. The Wilson is an earlier berry 
than either of the preceding, but not equal to 
them in quality. The Snyder is an early kind, 
immensely productive, and perfectly hardy in 
all parts of the country. The fruit is smaller 
than the Kittatinny, but is very sweet and 
ripe as soon as colored, which is not true of 
those above named. Many other sorts are in 
cultivation, for names and descriptions of 
which see nurserymen’s catalogues. R. 
Canadensis, the Running Blackberry, is popu- 
larly known as the Dewberry. The fruit is 
of an excellent quality, and ripens about two 
weeks earlier than most of the preceding spe- 
cies. A variety called the Lucretia bears 
large and handsome fruit, and is valuable as 
coming between the Raspberry and Black- 
berry. It is also very valuable in the South- 
ern States, where the tall-growing varieties do 
notsucceed. #.cuneifolius, or Sand Blackberry, 
is one of the more common species, growing 
from two to three feet high, and ripening an 
abundance of well-flavored fruit in August. 
This species is common in sandy woods in 
- gouthern New York and southward. R. Cha- 
memorus, Cloudberry, is a species with large 
orange-red fruit, found growing on the White 
Mountains and similar elevations in the 
Northern and Eastern States. This species, 
or something very near it, is also abundant in 


RUI 


Lapland, where the fruit is held in high es- 
teem. There are several other species, with- 
out, however, any special distinctive features. 
Propagated by root cuttings, tips of the 
shoots or suckers, according to the kind. 

Rudbe’ckia. Conve Flower. Named in honor 
of Professors Rudbeck, father and son, prede- 
cessors of Linneus at Upsal. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
growing from two to seven feet high, with 
numerous showy flower-heads of bright yel- 
low, with a black disk in the centre. They 
are natives of the Western States, and are be- 
coming common in our meadows, having been 
introduced by the seed being mixed with the 
various grass seeds coming from the West, 
principally from Kentucky. This genus ac- 
quired an enviable reputation in Europe as an 
ornamental flowering plant, and the seed was 
distributed by the Department of Agriculture 
at Washington, through the members of Con- 
gress, to several of the States that had passed 
ae ae laws against the dissemination of 
‘¢ weeds.” 


Ru’/dgea. Commemorative of M. F. Rudge, an 
English botanist. Nat. Ord. Rubiacew. 

A genus of green-house shrubs or low-grow- 
ing trees, with dense terminal panicles of 
white flowers, natives of Brazil. R. macro- 
phylia is occasionally seen in the green-house. 
It is also known as R. leucocephala. 

Rudimentary. In an incomplete condition. 
Rudo/lphia. Named after W. Rudolph, a Prus- 
sian botanist. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of very beautiful green-house 
evergreen twiners, from Mexico and the West 
Indies. The genus is allied to Hrythrina, and 
is remarkable for its brilliant scarlet flowers, 
produced in axillary racemes. Propagated 
by cuttings or from seeds. 

Rue. See Ruta. 


Rue. Goat’s. A common name for Galega 


officinalis. ’ 
Rue. Wall. The popular name of: Asplenium 
Ruta-muraria. 


Rue’llia. In honor of John Ruelle, of Soissons, 
botanist and physican to Francis I. Nat. 
Ord. Acanthacee. : , 

Herbaceous green-house plants with pretty 
tube-shaped blue flowers. Some of the spe- 
cies require a hot-house, and others a green- 
house; but they should all be grown in light, 
rich soil. R. macrantha is getting quite com- 
mon as a window plant. Certainly, one more 
worthy it would be hard to find; its large, 
trumpet-shaped, rosy flowers are produced 
for a month or two in succession. They are 
natives of South America and the East Indies, 
and are propagated by cuttings. By many 
botanists, Dipteracanthus is included in this 
genus. 


Rufous. Pale red, mixed with brown. 


Ruga. A wrinkle; hence, Rugose, covered with 
wrinkles. 

Rui’zia. Named in honor of Don H. Ruiz, 
author, in conjunction with Pavon, of ‘‘ Flores 
Peruviane et Chilensis,’” Nat. Ord. Sterculi- 
acew. 

A genus of ornamental shrubs, natives of 
Bourbon. Twospecies, R. lobata, and R. vari- 
abilis, both with reddish flowers, are in culti- 


386 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


RUM 


vation, and are worthy of a place in every 
a collection. Propagated by cuttings in 
eat. 


Ru’mex. Dock, Sorrel. From rwmo, to suck; 
in allusion to the practice among the Romans 
of sucking the leaves toallay thirst. Nat. Ord. 
Polygonacee. 

Most of the species are common weeds. 
The leaves of R. acetosa are sometimes used 
as a pot-herb, or ‘‘ greens.” R. acetosella is a 
small-growing species, well known for its 
acidity, and popularly called Sorrel. It is 
justly regarded as a nuisance. R. scutatus, 
the Buckler-shaped or French Sorrel, is a 
hardy perennial, a native of France and Italy. 
It is considered of great importance in French 
cookery, and is both agreeable to eat and 
very wholesome, although but little valued in 
this country, except at some of the most 
fashionable tables. It is extensively culti- 
vated on the continent, and in the markets of 
Paris is nearly as abundant as Peas are in 
ours. It abounds in oxalic acid, and is re- 
garded as a powerful anti-scorbutic. 


Rumfo’rdia. The only species of this genus, 
R. floribunda, is a handsome, opposite-leaved 
Mexican bush of the Composite family, differ- 
ing from Heliopsis chiefly in habit. ‘The whole 
plant is smooth, and the erect stems, furnished 
with ample, glossy leaves, terminate in a pan- 
icle of very numerous bright-yellow flower- 
heads, each about an inch across, and inter- 
spersed with oblong bracts. Propagated by 
division or by seeds. 


Runcinate. Curved in a direction from the 
apex to the base, as the leaf of the Dandelion. 


Runner. A prostrate, slender stem, rooting at 
its extremity or elsewhere, as in the Straw- 
berry. 5 

Running Blackberry. See Rubus. 

Running Cedar. Lycopodium dendroideum. 

Rupestris. Rupicola. Growing on rocks or 
in rocky places. 

Ru’scus. ‘Formerly Bruscus. Butcher’s Broom. 
From bruscus, derived from the Celtic beus, 
box, and kelen, holly; Box Holly or Butcher’s 
Broom. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

Very curious evergreen shrubs, most of 
which-bear their flowers and fruit on their 
leaf-like branches. All the species prefer 
shady situations under.the drip of trees, 
where but few other plants will grow; and 
they are all readily increased by suckers from 
their roots, which they throw up in abun- 
dance. They are natives of Europe and the 
whole Mediterranean region from Madeira to 
the Caucasus. A. racemosus is sometimes 
ealled the Alexandrian Laurel. 

Rush. See Juncus. 

Rush. Flowering. See Butomus. 

Rush-Lily. The genus Sisyrinchium. 

Russe'lia. Named in honor of Dr. Alexander 
Russel, author of a Natural History of Aleppo. 
Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacea. 

A genus of small shrubs and herbaceous 
plants from Mexico and the Antilles. R. 
juncea, a very pretty species, with bright 
scarlet flowers, produced in axillary corymbs, 
is a plant of slender habit, and well adapted 


for basket work. It was introduced from 


Mexico in 1833, and is propagated by cuttings. 


RUS 


Russian Mats. An article of commerce manu- 
factured from the inner bark of the Lime 
tree (Tilia), formerly much used for protevt- 
ing frames, tying purposes, ete. 

Rust. This term is used fora destructive form 
of disease affecting many widely different 
kinds of plants. It is known by the dry, 
shriveled, or curly appearance of the foliage, 
the leaves being less or more discolored with 
blackish blotches or spots. It is not always 
easy to determine the cause, but we think it 
is safe to say that in many plants it is owing 
to a weakened condition of the plant that in- 
vites the attacks of parasites, causing the 
*¢rust.” This we have proved to be the case 
so often in our practice that we now no longer 
doubt on the subject. 

We find, for example, if we leave such plants 
as Heliotropes, Verbenas, Lantanas, Pelar- 
goniums, or other plants subject to the dis- 
ease known as “ black rust,” so that they be- 
come enfeebled for want of pot room, they 
are almost certain to be affected. A few 
years ago we tried an experiment on one hun- 
dred each of Heliotrope and Verbena plants 
(that were in fine, healthy condition, growing 
in two-inch pots), of shifting one-half of each 
lot into three-inch pots, the other half being 
allowed to remain unshifted. The shifted 
plants grew vigorously, and in six weeks were 
twice the size 6f the others, and in fine, vigo- 
rous health; while those unshifted, becoming 
impoverished for want of new soil, were 
stunted, and nearly all became affected by 
“black rust.” 

The examination of the diseased leaves by 
a powerful microscope revealed numbers of 
crab-like mites feeding on the leaves, while 
on healthy leaves of the same plant not a par- 
asite could be found. The inference then is, 
that the weakened condition of the plant 
made it a congenial soil for the deposit of the 
germ of this parasitical insect. Another kind 
of ‘‘rust,” evidently distinct from the preced- 
ing, is now one of the most serious obstacles 
in the forcing of Lettuce under glass, whole 
crops being utterly destroyed by it. Weare 

inclined to believe that the Lettuce rust is 
the work of a vegetable parasite, as a micro- 
scopic examination of the diseased leaves 
shows a fungoid structure very similar to 
Rose mildew. The only remedy we can ad- 
vise in this case is to work with young plants 
on fresh soil as far as practicable. The usual 
method of obtaining Lettuce plants for forc- 
ing is to use plants sown or planted in cold 
frames in fall for all the plantings during the 
entire winter; but we have found that such 
plants are more liable to the disease than 
those sown later; and now the most success- 
ful growers of Lettuce for winter use only the 
cold-frame (fall-sown plants) for their first 
crop, which is usually ready at Christmas, 
while for the succession crops, new sowings 
are made about six weeks before the plants are 
needed, it being found that these fresh young 
plants are less liable to the rust than the 
others. 


Rustic Work. This term is applied to all or- 


naments or erections made of gnarled and 
twisted branches or roots, undressed timber, 
or other similar materials, as nearly as possi- 
ble in their natural state. Its construction 
requires natural aptitude and good taste, and 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 387 


RUT 


the best examples are those that show the 
least the mark of the workman’s tools. Its 
disposition also is a matter of good taste, few 
suitable positions for it being found on the 
lawn or in the highly-kept flower garden near 
the house, but for the most part in nooks and 
corners of shrubberies, etc. Rustic fences, 
bridges and gates are often used in situations 
eut off from the more cultivated grounds, or 
as an introduction to the borders of woods or 
the rock-garden. A few rustic arches at in- 
tervals, covered with Honeysuckles, Roses, 
Clematis, Jasmine, etc., forming a vista at 
the end of which is arustic summer-house, its 
porch and veranda covered with Clematis and 
other climbers, are most fitting accompani- 

“ments to the rock-garden, and add greatly to 
its appearance and attractiveness. 

In places where there is a large expanse of 
lawn, with glades of turf and spreading trees 
and masses of shrubbery, rustic beds, formed 
like baskets, vases, or pyramids, are pretty 
objects if placed with judgment, and are very 
effective if associated with Ampelopsis, Ivy 
or Ferns. Rustic chairs are, as a rule, more 
picturesque than useful, and should be used 
only when apparently needed. 


Ru’ta. Rue. From the Greek Rute, from ruo, 


to flow; probably some reputed medicinal: 


qualities of the plant. Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

A genus of about forty species of hardy or 
half-hardy strong-smelling perennial herbs or 
shrubs, natives of western and central Asia 
and southern Europe. Few of the species are 
of any horticultural value. R. graveolens is 
a well-known glaucous-leaved plant, having 
a very unpleasant smell and a bitter taste. 
The leaves are nearly blue, and from their 
peculiar color sometimes produce a good 
effect in a shrubbery. The flowers are yel- 
lowish. 


Ruta Baga. The Swedish Turnip. Brassica 
campesiris, var. Ruta Baga. See Turnip. 


Ruta’/cez. A large order of trees, shrubs, or 
rarely herbs, always more or less marked 
with glandular dots, especially on the foliage, 
and often strongly seented. In its geograph- 
ical range, the order extends over the tropi- 
cal, sub-tropical and temperate regions of the 
globe, it is, however, scarce in tropical Africa 
and disappears entirely in cold climates and 
at great elevations. Citrus (sub-order Auran- 


SAB 


tiew) is the most celebrated genus on account 
of its fruits, Orange, Lemon, Lime, etc., from 
the flowers of which a volatile oil is obtained, 
which is the basis of Eau de Cologne. The 
berries of some other genera from China and 
Japan are edible. Ruta graveolens is grown 
in most gardens and is remarkable for its 
strong smell and acrid taste. The order con- 
sists of about eighty genera, including many 
well-known flowering plants, such as Correa, 
Crowea, Citrus, Diosma, Choysia, etc., and 
over six hundred species. 


Rutilans. Deep red, with a metallic lustre. 


Ruy’schia. Named in honor of Fred. Ruysch, 
once Professor of Botany at Amsterdam. 
Nat. Ord. Marcgraaviacew. 

A genus of about eight species of -tropical 
American epiphytal or climbing shrubs, which 
have thick, quite entire leaves, and terminal, 
very often long, racemes of flowers. R. Clu- 
siefolia, the only introduced species, is an in- 
teresting and desirable plant-stove, shrubby 
plant, with alternate, thick, shining leaves and 
long, many-flowered, terminal racemes, of pur- 
ple flowers with scarlet bracts, dotted with red. 
It was introduced from the Caribbee Islands in 
1823, and is increased by cuttings of the ripen- 
ed wood. 


Rya’nia. Named after John Ryan, M.D., a 
correspondent of Vahl. Nat. Ord. Bixinacea. 
A genus of stellately pubescent trees, na- 
tives of tropical America. R. speciosa, the 
only introduced species, forms a beautiful 
tree with large, showy, cream-colored flowers. 
It is increased by cuttings of the ripened wood, 
an was introduced from the West Indies in 


Rye. See Secale. 

Rye Grass. The common name for Lolium 
perenne. 

Rye, Wild. The genus Elymus. 

Rysso’pterys. From ryssos, wrinkled, and 


pteris, a wing; alluding to the form of the 
wing of the fruit. Nat. Ord. Malpighiacea. 

A genus of slender, twining, stove or green- 
house plants, natives.of the Indian Archipel- 
agoand Australia. P. microstema, the only spe- 
cies yet introduced. is an interesting climber, 
introduced from Java in 1820. 


S. 


ea ade Derivation of name unknown; sup- 
posed to be the South American name of 
one of the species. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 
This interesting genus of Palms has three 
species common to the marshy districts of the 
southern coast, from North Carolina to Flor- 
ida, which are popularly known as the Pal- 
metto, the emblem on the seal of South Caro- 
lina. The most conspicuous of the species is 
S. Palmetto, indigenous to North Carolina and 
southward. It attains a height of fifty feet, 
with a diameter of twelve to fifteen inches. 


The timber is said to be valuable in ship- 
building, being indestructible in salt water, 
and not liable to the attack of the ship-worm. 
The leaves are from five to six feet long and 
are used in the manufacture of hats (Palm 
leaf), baskets and mats, and various other 
purposes of domestic economy, This species 
is also called Cabbage Palm, the young, unex- 
panded leaves constituting one of the most 
delicious vegetables of the table. The Saw 
Palmetto is S. serrulata (syn. Serenoa serru- 
lata), and the Dwarf Palmettois §. Adansonii. 


388 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SAB 


The Blue Palmetto belongs to the genus 
Chamerops, C. hystriz, also common on the 
southern coast. 8S. Blackburniana, the Fan 
or Thatch Palm, a native of the Bermudas, is 
admirably suited for a window plant when 
small, or for lawn decoration in summer. 


Sabba’tia. Named in honor of L. Sabbati, a 
celebrated Italian botanist. Nat. Ord. Genti- 
anacee. 

A genus of native hardy annuals and bien- 
nials, some of which, though rather coarse- 
growing, are quite ornamental plants, suitable 
for the border. The flowers are purple, rose, 
white, red and yellow. SS. campestris, a native 
of Texas, with rose and yellow flowers, is a 
desirable border plant. S. angularis is held 
in high esteem as atonic medicine. S. chlo- 
roides, with deep rose-colored flowers borne on 
loose panicles, found by the borders of brak- 
ish ponds and on salt meadows along the 
coast from Massachusetts to Virginia south- 
ward, is one of our handsomest native plants. 
The only means of propagation is by seed, 
which should be sown as soon as ripe and 
wintered over in a cold frame like Pansies. 


Sabice’a. Sabisabi is the name of S. aspera in 
Guiana. Nat. Ord. Rubiacee. 

A genus of plant-stove, twining’ shrubs, 
often tomentose; natives of tropical America, 
Africa and Madagascar. Only two species, 
S. aspera and S hirta, have been introduced, 
and are seldom found outside of botanical 
collections. 


Sabi’nea. Named in honor of Joseph Sabine, 
once Secretary of the Horticultural Society of 
London. 

A genus of Leguminose, embracing three 
West Indian shrubs, having unequally pin- 
nate leaves, somewhat like those of Robinia, 
and pink pea flowers as large as those of 
that plant, disposed in axillary fascicles of 
two to four flowers. Propagated by cuttings 
in heat. 


Saccate, Sacciform. Sac-shaped; in the form 
of a bag. 


Saccha’rum. Sugar Cane. From soukar, its 
Arabic name. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of strong- growing, reed-like 
grasses, indigenous’ to South America and 
the East and West Indies. The most import- 
ant species is Saccharum officinarum, a native 
of India, the Sugar Cane of commerce. We 
have but little knowledge of the Sugar Cane 
previous to the thirteenth century. Hum- 
boldt tells us it was cultivated in China in 
the remotest times, and that, under the name 
of honey, it was known to the Greeks and 
Romans, though they never cultivated it as 
an article of luxury. It is supposed that 
Theophrastus alludes to it when he says that, 
besides being produced from bees, honey, or 
sweet juice, is also the product of canes. 
The Sugar Cane, however, seems to have 
been early cultivated in China and India, and 
from the latter region it was introduced into 
Europe. Before the discovery of the West 
Indies in 1492, or of the East Indies in 1497, 
sugar was manufactured from the Sugar Cane 
in considerable quantities in the islands of 
Sicily, Crete, Rhodes and Cyprus. Soon 
after the discoveries of Columbus, planta- 
tions were established in the West Indies 
and Brazil, and in the Southern States im- 


SAC 


mediately after their settlement. The plant 
was first cultivated on the banks of the Mis- 
sissippi about the year 1751, when some 
Jesuits brought it from St. Domingo. These 
Jesuits settled just above the present site 
of New Orleans. In 1758 the first sugar-mill 
was built near that locality by M. Dubreuil 
on his sugar plantation. That’ was the 
commencement of one of the largest and 
most profitable of American industries. 
The cane is always propagated from cut- 
tings. Bentham, in his ‘Flora of Hong 
Kong,” page 420, states ‘‘that we have no 
authentic record of any really wild station 
for the common Sugar Cane. Further than 
this, in common with many plants that have 
been for a long time under cultivation and 
reproduced solely by means of buds and 
suckers, the Sugar Cane so rarely produces 
mature fruits, that no one, so far as we are 
aware, hasseenthem. Certainly in the rich 
Herbarium at Kew there are no seed-bearing 
specimens. In botanical works the subject 
is often referred to, but apparently only to 
re-state the fact that botanists, like McFad- 
yen in the West Indies and Roxburgh in 
India, have never seen the seeds of the Sugar 
Cane.”—Hooker’s Botanical Miscellany, 1830, 
vol. i., page 95. Professor H. Harrison, Gov- 
ernment Inspector, Barbadoes, however, un- 
der date September 17th, 1888, states that 
seedling Sugar Canes had been found at Bar- 
padoes, and that plants were in the course of 
being raised at the botanical station there. 
He, feeling satisfied that these were self- 
sown, had them transplanted and carefully 
cultivated, and amongst them appear to be 
at least five or six different sorts. He further 
states: ‘‘I have never heard of the Bourbon 
Cane producing fertile arrows; in all the 
alleged cases of fertility, the arrows were 
either those of the purple or white transpar- 
ent varieties, which are prone to variation. I 
shall again attempt this year to obtain the 
same result. Of course, if we can establish 
the fact of the Cane occasionally and under 
favorable conditions producing fertile seed, 
it will open up an important field of investi- 
gation.” From cuttings the plants come to 
maturity in about two months, and a planta- 
tion well cared for and properly manured will 
last a number of years. The successful 
planter makes plantings nearly every year 
for a constant succession. For planting, the 
ground is prepared and marked out the same 
as for corn, with rows about four feet apart, 
and the plants two feet apart in the rows. In 
cultivation, the plow and cultivator are al- 
most wholly used in place of the hoe, as for- 
merly was the custom. SS. Zgypticum is a 
vigorous perennial grass, forming ample 
tufts of reed-like, downy stems, six to ten 
feet high, and clothed with very graceful 
foliage. It is well adapted for ornament- 
ing the margins of pieces of water, the 
slopes and other parts of pleasure-grounds, 
etc. It is a native of North Africa, re- 
quiring protection in winter, and is easily 
and quickly multiplied by division in spring. 
S. Maddeni is a quick-growing, hardy peren- 
nial, attaining a height of about five feet. It 
has handsome foliage, and is well worthy of 
culture for associating with other large-grow- 
ing grasses. 


' Saccola/bium. From saccus, a bag, and labium, 


BABBATIA CAMPESTRIS. 


SALISBURIA ADIANTIFOLIA. SABAL BLACKBURNIANA, 


388 RUSSELIA JUNCEA. BALVIA CARDUAOCEA, SANVITALIA PROCUMBENS FL, PL, 


SALPIGLOSSIS, 


BALVIA OFFICINALIS (SAGE), 


BALVIA SPLENDENS, 


SATUREIA (SAVORY), 


389 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 389 


SAC 


alip; in allusion to the bagged labellum of 
all the species. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

An extensive genus of epiphytal Orchids, 
chiefly natives of India. The ‘‘ Orchid-Grow- 
er’s Manual” says: “This genus contains 
some of the finest Orchids in cultivation. 
They are very compact in their growth, and 
are furnished with long, thick and pendant 
evergreen foliage. From the axils of the 
leaves their long, graceful racemes of flow- 
ers, which measure from one to two feet in 
length, are produced. Their habit of growth 
is the same as that of the Aérides, and they 
require the same treatment, except that they 
are grown in baskets suspended near the 
roof, so they may receive all the light possi- 
ble, and not too much shade, only enough to 
preserve their foliage from being injured. 
The various species of this genus mostly in- 
habit the hottest parts of India, and are found 
growing on the branches of trees. They are 
propagated in the same manner as the 

érides.” 

Sacred Bean of the Egyptians. In books the 
plant called by this name is generally said to 
be Nelumbium speciosum, but recent researches 
have proved it to be Nymphea Lotus.—Nichol- 
son’s Dict. 

Sacred Bean, or Sacred Lotus. See Nelum- 
bium. 

Sack-Tree. Antiaris (Lepurandra) saccidora, 
the bark of which is formed into natural 
sacks, in India, and used for carrying rice. 

Saddle-Tree. A common name for Lirioden- 
dron Tulipiferum. 

Sadle'ria. Named after Joseph Sadler, Profes- 
sor of Botany at Pesth. Nat. Ord. Filices. 

A genus of arborescent tree-ferns, compris- 
ing three or four reputed species, all from 
the Sandwich Islands. 8S. Cyatheoides, the 
only introduced species, is a beautiful plant, 
combining the habit of a small Cyathea, with 
the fructification of a Blechnum. 

Sad-Tree. See Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. 

Safflower. See Carthamnus tinctorius. 

Saffron. A commercial name for the dried stig- 
mas of Crocus sativus, an autumn flowering 
species with purplish-blue flowers appearing 
in October, the leaves of which continue to 
grow all winter. 

Saffron-colored. Deep orange colored, with a 
dash of brown. 

Saffron. Meadow. Colchicum autumnale. 

Saffron Thistle. The common name of Car- 
thamnus tinctorius. 

Sage. See Salvia; also specially applied to the 
culinary herb, Salvia officinalis. 

Sage-Bush or Sage Brush. A name applied 
to various species of Artemisia,“which see. 

Sage. Jerusalem. See Phlomis fruticosa. 

Sage-Rose. An old name for the genus Cistus. 

Sage’nia. From sagu, the Malay name of some 
Palms, which this genus resembles in minia- 
ture. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of coarse-growing, Aspidium-like 
ferns, inhabiting the tropical parts of both 
worlds. S. macrophylla, a native of the West 
Indies, is ffequently grown in the green-house, 
and, like several of the cultivated species, was 
formerly known as Aspidium, Syn. Nephro- 
di : 


SAG 


Sagi/na. Pearl-weed or Pearl-wort. A genus 
of Caryophyllacew, consisting of small, tufted 
annual or perennial plants of but little inter- 
est, with the exception of S. pilifera, which is 
hardy and evergreen, suitable in some situa- 
tions as a substitute for grass. S. pilifera 
aurea, a variety with golden-yellow foliage, is 
a good dwarf plant for carpet-bedding. This 
species is commonly grown under the name of 
Spergula pilifera. 

Sagitta’/ria. Arrow-head. From sagitta, an ar- 
row; the leaves of some species resemble an 
arrow-head. Nat. Ord. Alismucea. 

A genus of handsome green-house and hardy 
aquatics with white flowers. Several of the 
species are common to our marshes from 
Maine to Florida. They make beautiful plants 
for the aquarium or any situation where they 
can have an abundant supply of water. Some 
of the more tender varieties have been intro- 
duced into the green-house, though rarely. 


Sagittate. Shaped like an arrow-head. 


Sago. A granulated form of starch, obtained 
from the pith of the trunk of Sagus levis and 
Sagus Rumphii in Singapore, the former fur- 
nishing most of the Sago sent to Europe. In 
India it is obtained from Phenix farinifera, 
in Java from Corypha Gebanga, and it is also 
produced by Caryota urens, and several other 
Palms and Cycads. 


Sago. Portland. A kind of arrow-root, manu- 
factured from the corms of Arwm maculatum 
in the Island of Portland, Britain. 


Sago Palm. See Cycas revoluta. 


Sagrez’a. Named in honor of Raymond de la 
Sagra, once director of the botanical gardens 
at Havana. Nat. Ord. Melastomacee. ; 

A genus of over twenty-five species of stove- 
house shrubs, natives of equatorial America. 
Three or four species are in cultivation, but 
are seldom found outside of botanical collec- 
tions. 


Sague’rus. Derivation of name not given. Nat. 
Ord. Palmacee. 

A small genus of Palms, almost entirely 
confined to the Eastern Archipelago. Of the 
five known species, three form handsome trees 
thirty or forty feet high; the other two sel- 
dom exceed ten feet. S. saccharifer, the Areng, 
is a very common palm in the Indian Islands, 
and on account of the variety of its products 
is of great value to the natives. The black, 
horse-hair-like fibre surrounding its leaf- 
stalks, called Gomuti by the Malays, is con- 
verted into cordage, and is also used in the 
manufacture of brushes and various orna- 
ments. The tree also yields an inferior arti- 
cle of sago, also large quantities of toddy, or 
palm wine, and sugar. When young it is a 
very handsome green-house plant. Syn. Ar- 
enga. 

Sa/gus. From Sagu, the Malay name of various 
Palms. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of very beautiful, tall-growing 
Palms, natives of India and Madagascar. The 
species furnish a large portion of the Sago of 
commerce, which is prepared from the soft 
inner portion of the trunk. It is obtained by 
cutting the trunk into pieces about two feet 
long, the pieces being then split in half and 
the soft substance scooped out and pounded 
in water till the starchy matter separates, 


390 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SAI 


when it is drained off with the water, allowed 
to settle, and afterward purified by washing. 
These trees produce their flower-spikes when 
about fifteen years old, and the fruit is nearly 
three years in ripening, after which they die. 
In order to procure the greatest quantity of 
Sago, the trees must be cut down immediately 
after the flower-spike makes its appearance. 
Introduced in 1800. Syn. Metrozylon. 


Sailor Plant. A name applied to Sazifraga sar- 
mentosa. 


Sainfoin or Saintfoin. 

St. Agnes’ Flower. LErinosma or Leucojum. 

St. Andrew’s Cross. Ascyrum Crua-Andrea. 

St. Catherine’s Flower. Nigella Damascena. 

St. Christopher’s Herb. Osmunda regalis and 
Actea spicata. 

St. James’s Wort. Senecio Jacobea. 

St. John’s Bread. See Ceratonia Siliqua. 

St. John’s Wort. See Hypericum. 

St. Joseph's Lily. Liliwm candidum. 

St. Martin’s Flower. Alstremeria pulchra. 

St. Patrick’s Cabbage. Sazifraga umbrosa. 


St. Peter's Wort. Aname applied to Ascyrum 
Stans and the genus Symphoricarpus. 


St. Thomas’ Tree. See Bauhinia tomentosa. 


Sala’cia. From Salacia, in heathen mythology, 
the wife of Neptune. Nat. Ord. Celastracee. 
A genus of about sixty species of stove- 
house plants, natives principally of India and 
the Eastern Archipelago. S. dulcis bears a 
globular fruit about the size of a crab-apple, 
yellowish in color, sweet and juicy, and 
ane to Dr Spruce) much eaten by the 
ndians on the Rio Negro, who call it Waia- 
tuma. S. pyriformis also affords a sweet-tasted 
fruit about the size of abergamot Pear. The 
majority of the species are of no great beauty, 
and are only worth growing in botanical 
collections. 


Salica’cez. A natural order of trees or shrubs 
with alternate leaves; natives chiefly of the 
northern temperate and the frigid regions, a 
few being found in South America and South 
Africa. The only two genera, Salix and Pop- 
ulus, contribute some ornamental subjects to 
our gardens. The number of species inthe 
order is estimated by various authors at 
between two and three hundred. 


Salico’rnia. Glasswort. From sal, salt, and 
cornu, a horn; alluding to the economic prod- 
ucts, and the horn-like branches of the plants. 
Nat. Ord. Chenopodiacee. 

A genus of succulent plants common to salt 
marshes in various parts of the globe. They 
grow from six to ten inches high, and are 
much branched and jointed. The various 
species of this genus grow abundantly on the 
coasts of northern Africa and southern 
Europe, and yield large quantities of soda 
which is employed in making both soap and 
glass. From its use in the latter the genus 
derives its common English name, Glasswort. 
The genus is represented in this country by 
several species, the more common being 8S. 
herbacea, which is considerably used when 
young for pickling. On the New England 
coast itis known by the name Samphire. 


See Onobrychis sativa. 


SAL 


Salisbu’ria. Maiden-hair Tree. In honor of 
Richard A. Salisbury, a distinguished English 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Conifere. 3 

This very remarkable tree was formerly 
called Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgo being its name in 
Japan. The only species that has been 
described, and is to be found in collections of 
ornamental trees, is S. adiantifolia, the leaves 
resembling in form those of the Maiden-hair 
Fern, the botanical name of whichis Adiantum. 
This is one of the most beautiful and peculiar 
of all hardy exotic trees, and one so entirely 
different in habit and foliage from all others 
belonging to this order, that, were it not for 
the flowers and fruit, it would have been 
difficult to find its proper position in the veg- 
etable kingdom. Without regard to its botan- 
ical position, it is beyond question one of the 
most beautiful trees under cultivation. It 
attains a height of eighty feet, and has a 
straight trunk with a pyramidal head. This 
tree is a native of China and Japan, and was 
introduced into England in 1754. It is not 
yet as common in this country as it should 
be, on account of its price and scarcity, but is 
now being more largely propagated and 
planted. There is a fine specimen on Mr. 
Manice’s place at Queens, L. I., fully fifty feet 
high, with a full, symmetrical head. There is 
also a noble specimen on the old Downing 
place at Newburgh, supposed to be the largest 
in the States. It is propagated in this country 
by layers, or by imported seeds. The fruit is 
common in Japan, and is highly esteemed for 
its astringent properties and for the reputa- 
tion it has of promoting digestion. 

From an interesting notice of this remark- 
able tree in the ‘‘ Philadelphia Ledger,” August 
29, 1889, remarking on its fruiting for the first 
time in that city, in the grounds of Mr. Charles 
J. Wister, Germantown, and communicated to 
us by Mr. A. Garman, of Philadelphia, we 
make the following extracts: 

“« The tree itself has a very remarkable his- 
tory. Itis asserted by eminent horticulturists 
that it has been found wild nowhere on the 
earth, but is cultivated largely both in China 
and Japan, where it is usually found near the 
temples and similar religious structures. 

“The first specimen received in this country 
was presented by William Hamilton, the for- 
mer owner of the beautiful grounds—in which 
the celebrated explorer, Pursh, was gardener— 
which is now known as Woodlands Cemetery. 
This particular tree is still regarded as one of 
Philadelphia’s arboreal treasures, and tree 
lovers from distant parts of the globe, when 
in this city, journey tothe cemetery expressly 
to see this magnificent specimen. 

«* When the original tree that was imported 
from Japan flowered it was found to have male 
flowers only, and consequently all trees 
propagated by cuttings were male aiso. The 
tree in Woodlands is a male tree. It has 
only been comparatively a few years since 
seeds have been introduced from China or 
Japan, and among these young seedlings, 
plants with female flowers were found. This 
tree of Mr. Wister’s happens to be female, 
and now that it has come of age it produces 
fruit. Numerous seedling trees have been 
distributed over different parts of the United 
States, and it is expected that others will reach 
the fruiting stage before ere years. There 
is a magnificent avenue of Ginkgo trees on 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 391 


SAL 


the grounds of the Agricultural Department 
at Washington, the trees having been sent 
there from Pennsylvania nurseries. It is not 
known, however, that even the National 
Government has been favored with fruit 
ahead of Mr. Charles J. Wister. 

. The fruit itself is about the size of a large 
cherry, and is of a greenish-yellow color when 
ripe. Like the cherry, it has a fleshy pulp with 
a single stone or seed in the interior. To 
most persons the odor of the fruit is very 
disagreeable, but the fruit plays a very 
important part in Chinese gastronomic art. 
The grand dinners of the Chinese usually last 
all day, and every help to digestion is needed 
in order that the guests may experience the 
fullest enjoyment. The fruit of the Ginkgo is 
the chief element in promoting this desir- 
able result. They are first slightly roasted, 
and then placed in small plates by the side of 
the guests, who every now and then take one 
between courses, as an American or an 
Englishman would an olive. Mr. Wister 
states that the odor of the fruit of his tree is 


very disagreeable, and those who have hand- | 


led the fruit can scarcely credit its use as 
described by the Celestials. 

‘“The palesontologists and evolutionists are 
also much interested ‘in the Ginkgo. Al- 
though, as already stated, no wild localities 
are known where the trees grow, it has been 
discovered by its fossil remains to have been 
once widely scattered over the face of the 
globe. It is probable that it isonly through 
its having commended itself by its beauty 
and other good qualities to the Chinese and 
Japanese gardeners, that it has been able to 
survive those geological cataclysms under 
which the old race has been cleared away 
from the surface of the earth. It is classed 


with the coniferous trees, notwithstanding its . 


fern-like foliage, its closest relation being the 
yew family ; butas there is nothing very closely 
resembling it, the paleontologists believe that 
an immense number of what have come to be 
called missing links must have been wholly 
swept away.” 

Sa/lix. Willow. From the celtic, sal, near, and 
lis, water; in allusion to its place of growth. 
Nat. Ord. Salicacee. 

The Willow is a large and varied genus of 
deciduous trees and low-growing shrubs. 
Some are timber trees, that attain a height of 
eighty feet, with a diameter of trunk from 
four to six feet. One of the species, S. her- 
bacea, creeps so near the ground that it forms 
on the Swiss mountains a kind of turf, not 
rising more than an inch in height. The genus 
consists of upwards of two hundred species, 
but few of which claim special notice. The 
Weeping Willow is S. Babylonica, a native of 
the Levant. The Osier or Basket Willow is S. 
viminalis, common throughout Europe. S. 
laurifolia is a low-growing tree or shrub with 
broad glossy foliage, and is a fine subject for 
the lawn. All the species grow rapidly in 
moist places. They are freely propagated 
from cuttings, every one rapidly making a 
rooted plant when well firmed in the soil. In 
this manner the Osier Willow is often grown 
on the banks of rivers and streams to prevent 
the washing away of the banks. The Colt 
place, near Hartford, is protected in this way, 
and a willow-ware factory has been estab- 
lished in connection with it. The cuttings 


SAL 


may be twelve to eighteen inches long, 
inserted half their depth in the soil at a foot 
or so apart each way. 


Sa'llow. A common name for Saliz cinerea, S. 
Caprea, and the allied species, which are not 
flexible like the Osier but furnish the best 
charcoal for gunpowder. 

Sa’Imea. Named in honor of Prince Charles of 
Salm-Dyck in Holland, an enthusiastic culti- 
vator of plants. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of about a dozen species of trailing, 
somewhat shrubby plants, peculiar to trop- 
ical America and occurring most commonly in 
the West Indies. Two species, S. hirsuta 
and §S. scandens, both very pretty plants 
with white flowers, are in cultivation, and are 
readily increased by cuttings. 

Salmon-Berry. A common name for Rubus spec- 
tabilis. 

Salpi/chroa. From Salpinz, a tube, and chroos, 
skin; alluding to the form and texture of the 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Solanacee. 

A genus of green-house shrubs, natives 
principally of the Andes of South America. 
S. glandulosa, the only introduced species, 
has yellow flowers with entire, long-petioled 
leaves. It forms an erect, much branched 
shrub about two feet high; it was introduced 
from Chili in 1844, and is increased by seeds 
or cuttings. 


Salpiglo’ssis. From salpinz, a tube, and glossa, 
a tongue; alluding to the tongue-like style in 
the mouth of the corolla. Nat. Ord. Scrophu- 
lariacew. : 

Very beautiful, half-hardy, annual plants, 
natives of Chili. The seeds should be sown 
in February on a slight hot-bed, or in the 
green-house, and the young plants planted 
out in May. When grown in pots it should 
be frequently shifted, always into a pot only 
a little larger than the previous one, so as 
to make the plant bushy. It varies very 
much according to the soil and situation in 
which it is grown; and if kept through the 
winter in a green-house, it will become partly 
woody. There are many different kinds, some 
of which are made species by some botanists, 
but which are now generally allowed to be 
only varieties. Many gardeners sow the seeds 
in autumn, and keep the plants in frames all 
the winter, that they may flower early in 
spring. They flower freely in autumn, if the 
seed is sown about May where it is to grow. 
Introduced in 1824. 


Sa'lsify. Oyster plant. See Tragopogon porri- 
folius. The cultivation is the same as for Car- 
rot or Parsnip. 3 

Salsola. Salt-wort. A genus of Chenopodiaceae, 
the ashes of which, under the name of Barilla, 
were formerly much used in the manufacture 
of glass, soap, etc. 

Salt-bush. Australian. 
and other species. 

Salt Tree. See Halimedendron. 

Salt-wort. Black. Glaux maritima. 

Salt-wort. Prickly. Salsola Kali. 


Salvado’ra. Named after J. Salvador, a Spanish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Salvadoracee. 

An unusual amount of interest is attached 
to this genus on account of one of the species 
belong ng to it being supposed to be the Mus- 
tard Tree of Scripture. The five described 


Atriplex halimoides 


392 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SAL 


species are shrubs or small trees, and have a 
geographical range extending from central 
Africa, Abyssinia and Egypt through south- 
western Asia to India and Ceylon. ‘‘ The iden- 
tification of plants mentioned in the Bible is 
a task of great difficulty, and in almost all 
instances the results of the most learned 
investigations, whether by biblical commen- 
tators or by botanists, is unsatisfactory and 
open to doubt. In our English version of the 
Bible the names of plants have been made to 
agree with those now in use, and the obvious 
inference among the unlearned is that the 
plants are the same. The researches of 
botanists, however, have shown that the 
Tares, the Aloes, the Hyssop, and other Scrip- 
tural plants differ widely from those so called 
at the present day; and some writers have 
therefore thought it probable that the same 
is the case with the Mustard spoken of in the 
Gospels, the seed of which St. Matthew says 
is the least of all seeds; but when it is grown 
it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh 
a tree, so that the birds of the air come and 
lodge in the branches thereof. It is obvious 
that this description does not agree with the 
common Mustard (Sinapis) as seen in this 
country, and consequently the assertion that 
the Scriptural plant belonged to a totally 
different genus has been readily believed. 
During their travelin the Holy Land, Captains 
Irby and Mangles met with a small tree (ascer- 
tained by Professor Don to be a Salvadora) 
with asmall, pungent, Mustard-like fruit, and 
they thought it might probably be the tree 
referred to by Christ. This supposition was 
afterwards strengthened by Dr. Royle, who 
found that the trees in question bore the same 
Arabic name (Khardal) as the common Mus- 
tard, and that it was commonly regarded in 
Syria as the Mustard-tree of Scripture, though 
itis to be observed that the Sinapis grows 
to a much greater size in Syria than with us, 
and is frequently seen as high as twelve or 
fifteen feet, so that the birds might easily 
lodge in its branches. The species of Salva- 
dora growing in Syria is said by both Don and 
Koyle to be S. Persica, but that is a plant of 
small size, notatree. 3S. indica, however, a 
common Indian and Cingalese species, grows 
to a considerable height, and is probably the 
one meant.”—Treas. of Botany. 


Salvadora’cez. A small natural order of dwarf 
trees or shrubs, natives mostly of Western 
Asia, Africa, and the Mascarene Islands, very 
closely allied to Oleacew. Only three genera, 
Salvadora, Monetia and Dobera, have as yet 
been referred to this order. 


Sa'lvia. Sage. From salvo, to save; in allusion 
to the healing qualities of the Sage. Nat. 
Ord. Labiate. 

This extensive genus is composed of hand- 
some flowering plants, some of which are 
hardy and herbaceous, while others are ten- 
der and assume a half shrubby character. 
They are particularly useful for filling large 
beds in the flower garden through the sum- 
mer, where such kinds as 8. patens, blue; S. 
splendens, scarlet, and S. fulgena, red, are very 
showy. S. splendens is a native of Mexico, 
introduced in 1822, and is one of the best for 
garden decoration. Of S. splendens, within 
the past few years we have had many singu- 
lar and beautiful varieties, one being pure 


SAM 


white, another scarlet and white striped, and 
still later a distinct crimson color. There 
are also several beautiful species that at one 
time were grown in the green-house for 
the sake of their flowers in winter, but are not 
much valued now for that purpose. S. offici- 
nalis is the common Garden Sage. There is 
a very pretty variegated variety of this, 
grown in the border as an ornamental plant. 
The hardy perennial species are few compared 
with the large number of half-hardy species 
in cultivation. One of the handsomest of 
these is S. pratensis, a British species, with 
flowers of rich blue color. There are also 
white and red varieties. S. sylvestris is a still 
handsomer species, with long spikes of very 
showy deep purple flowers. The well-known 
S. Sclarea, and the variety S. S. bracteata, 
make noble plants in a mixed border, and so 
does S. Forskohlei, a species similar in habit 
and color of flowers to the preceding. 8S. 
hians, introduced from Cashmere in 1830, has 
flowers of a beautiful blue color, and is the 
finest of all. It is, however, rarely seen in 
cultivation. The Silvery Clary (S. argentea) is 
also an excellent border plant. It has silvery 
leaves from six to twelve inches long, very 
showy and ornamental. The various species 
are propagated by seeds, cuttings or division. 


Salvi’nia. Named in honor of Antonio Maria 
Salvini, a Greek professor at Florence. Nat. 
Ord. Marsiliacee. 

S. natans, probably the only species, is a 
hardy aquatic plant found floating on still 
water (like the Lemna) in many parts of the 
Northern Hemisphere and in tropical and 
South America. ‘‘ This pretty little floating 
aquatic, which, like Azolla, is suitable for a 
stove, green-house, or in-door aquarium, is 
easily managed in summer time, simply requir- 
ing to be let alone, and have its water changed, 
if necessary; but in the winter it is often lost 
through a want of knowledge of its life his- 
tory. The mature plant floats on the water, 
and has no true roots, though the row of 
divided leaves on the under side of the stem 
look like roots at first sight, and assume their 
functions. Among these the spore capsules 
are developed, and from them the plant must 
be grown annually, as the old plants die in 
the winter. The best way to preserve the 
spores is to half fill a broad pan with sandy 
loam, and then fill up with water; when the 
water has cleared, place a number of plants 
upon it and stand the pan in a cold green- 
house. In the winter the plants will all die, 
but the spores will remain in the loam, which 
must not be allowed to become dry, and the 
next spring they will reproduce the plant.”— 
N. E: Brown. 


Sa/mara. A wing-fruit or key,as the Maple, 
Ash or Elm. 


Sambu’cus. Eider. From sambuca, a musical 
instrument, which is supposed to have been 
made of Elder-wood. Nat. Ord. Caprifoliaceew. 

The common Elder of our hedgerows is S. 
Canadensis, and it may be considered typical 
of the order. Few of the species are consid- 
ered of much:value, though S. Canadensis is 
used to some extent to make a domestic wine. 
The most ornamental of the species is S. 
pubens, which has large, loose panicles of 
bright scarlet berries. This species is occa- 
sionally found in moist high grounds from 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


393 


Sambul Plant. 


Sa’/molus. 


Samphire. 


Sa’/myda. 


SAM 


New York southward. It is very abundant 
and beautiful on the slopes of the Alleghany 
Mountains. The Golden Elder, S. nigra aurea, 
Is an excellent ornamental plant for shrub- 
beries or lawns, its bright golden foliage ren- 
dering it very picturesque and effective. If 
the young shoots are regularly pinched back, 
the plants may be kept dwarf and of a fine 
golden color all summer. 


A common name for Ferula 
Sambul. 


A genus of Primulacew, consisting 
of small marsh plants with white flowers. 3. 
Valerandi, the Brook-weed, or Water Pimper- 
nel, is remarkable only for its wide geo- 
graphical range, there being scarcely any 
country in which it does not abound where 
the soil is wet and gravelly. S..littoralis, a 
native of New Zealand, is a pretty trailing 
plant, with long, slender stems, furnished 
with small evergreen foliage, and in summer 
with numerous pink blossoms. It is a most 
desirable hardy plant for a moist spot in the 
rock-garden, as it delights in plenty of mois- 
ture at the roots; it is still rare in cultivation. 


Crithmum maritimum, the aromatic, 
saline, fleshy leaves of which are used in 
pickles. See also Salicornia. 


The Greek name of the Birch; ap- 
plied to this genus because of its resemblance. 
Nat. Ord. Samydaceew. 

A small genus of stove-house, evergreen 
shrubs, natives of the West Indies, and typi- 
eal of the Nat. Ord. Samydacee, which con- 
tains some seventeen genera, few of which 
are in cultivation. S. ylabrata and S. serru- 
lata, with campanulate, white flowers, are 
ornamental plants, succeeding best in a com- 
post of loam and peat, and are readily in- 
creased by cuttings. 


Sanche’sia. Named in honor of Josef Sanchez, 


Professor of Botany at Cadiz. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
thacee. 

A small genus of evergreen, green-house 
shrubs, from Bolivia. There are eight de- 
scribed species, natives of Peru, Colombia 
and Brazil. S. nobilis variegata, the only one 
introduced to any extent into our green- 


_houses, isa very beautiful, free-growing plant. 


The leaves are large, oblong, deep green and 
boldly striped with rich golden yellow. The 
flowers are clear yellow, issuing from crimson 
bracts. It requires to be grown in a warm, 
moist house, in light, rich soil, and is readily 
increased from cuttings. Syn. Ancylogyne. 


Sandal-wood. See Santalum. 


Sandarach Gum-tree. 


Sandbox-tree. 


Sanderso/nia. 
Honorary Secretary of the Horticultural So- 


Sand Myrtle. 
Sand Verbena. 
Sand-wort. 


A common name for 
Callitris quadrivalvis. 


See Hura. 
Named after John Sanderson, 


ciety of Natal. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A pretty monotypic genus found in Natal, 
consisting of an erect-growing, tuberous-root- 
ed herb, with simple leafy stems and nodding 
orange-colored flowers, on solitary slender 
pedicles. Propagation is effected by seeds or 
offsets. Introduced in 1852. 


Leiophyllum buxifolium. 
Abronia umbellata. 
See Arenaria. 


Sanguine, Sanguineus. 


SAN 


Sanguinaria. Blood-root. From sanguis, blood ; 


all the parts of the plant yield a red juice when 
cut or broken. Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. 

The only described species of this genus is 
S. Canadensis, popularly known as Blood-root. 
Itisa beautiful, hardy, herbaceous plant, found 
in the woods throughout the United States. 
Its. flowers are pure white, borne singly on a 
slender stem about six inches high. It is one 
of the earliest and most attractive of our na- 
tive Wild Flowers, and can be easily trans- 
ferred to the flower-garden. As the petals are 
greatly increased in size and number by good 
cultivation, it should be planted in rich soil 
and partial shade. 


Dull red passing into 
brownish-black. 


Sanguiso'rba. A genus of herbaceous plants of 


the Nat. Ord. Rosacew, of which several spe- 
cies are in cultivation. S. officinalis, or Bur- 
net, received its name from its supposed vul- 
nerary qualities. S. Canadensis resembles the 
above but bears its flowers, rendered con- 
spicuous by their white anthers in long cylin- 
drical spikes. 


Sani/cula. Sanicle, Black Snake-root. From 


sano, to heal; supposed healing effects of 
Sanicula Europea. Nat. Ord. Umbellifere. . 

A genus of weeds of no special interest be- 
yond their supposed medicinal qualities. 


Sansevie’ra. Bow-string Hemp. In honor of 


M. Sansevier, a Swedish botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 

A very singular genus of plants, found 
chiefly in Africa and the East Indies. They 
are stemless perennial plants, throwing out 
runners, and having only root-leaves, which 
are thick, fibrous and fleshy, and usually 
sword or lance-shaped, from two to three feet 
long, and from two to four inches wide. When 
young they are marked with pale-colored 
cross-bands, but ultimately a uniform shining 
green. S. Zeylanica is the species most grown 
in the green-house, the markings being more 
distinct and positive. The natives call the 
plant Bow-string Hemp, because of the strong 
and fine quality of the fibre it yields, and 
which is used in the manufacture of cordage 
and fine string. They are propagated by di- 
vision, and should be grown in strong heat, 
with plenty of moisture. Introduced in 1731. 


Santala/cez. A natural order of trees, or more 


frequently shrubs or herbs, often parasitical 
on roots, with alternate, rarely opposite, en- 
tire leaves, and small green flowers in termi- 
nal or lateral cymes or spikes. The species 
are dispersed over tropical and temperate re- 
gions, but are most abundant in the Old 
World; they are distributed into about twen- 
ty genera and nearly two hundred species. 


San’talum. Sandal-wood. From its Persian 


name, sandul, signifying useful. Nat. Ord. 
Santalacee. 

The species of this genus are trees or 
shrubs, natives of Asia, Australia and the 
Pacific Islands. The flowers of S. album, the 
true Sandal-wood, are small, and are produced 
in spikes or racemes; but the chief value of 
the plant consists in the fragrance of the 
wood, which is so great that the wood is 
burned for incense, and is said to be destruc- 
tive to all noxious insects. The same species 


394 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS | 


SAN 


grown under glass with artificial heat, has 
very little of the fragrance for which the spe- 
cies is remarkable. 


Santoli‘na. Lavender Cotton. From sanctus, 
holy, and linum, flax ; in allusion to its medic- 
inal qualities. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of dwarf evergreen shrubs, natives 
of the south of Europe. S. Chamecyparissus, 
var. incana, is a valuable bedding plant and 
particularly useful in ribbon borders. Its 
slender, twig-like growths and knotty leaves 
are densely covered with silvery tomentum, 
contrasting finely with plants of dark foliage. 
It is readily increased by cuttings. 


Sanvita’lia. Named after the Sanvitale Family, 
of Parma. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

. S. procumbens is a beautiful little Mexican 
annual, well adapted from its dwarf and com- 
pact habit of growth for covering a bed ina 
flower-garden. The flowers are large in pro- 
portion to the size of the plant and are of a 
rich brown andyellowcolor. Itis quite hardy, 
and only requires sowing in March or April in 
the open border. Introduced in 1798. 


Sapinda’cez. A large natural order of trees or 
shrubs, sometimes climbing, and very rarely 
almost herbaceous, dispersed over the whole 
globe, but more numerous in tropical regions. 
There are over seventy genera distributed into 
five tribes, or sub-orders, as follows: Sapin- 
dew, Acerinew, Dodonwe, Melianthee and Sta- 
phylee; comprising six to seven hundred 
species. Several produce edible fruits and 
others furnish timber. Well-known genera 
are Acer, Cardiospermum, Paullinia, Alsculus, 
Melianthus, Cupania, etc. 


Sapi/ndus. The typical genus of Sapindacea, 
consisting of trees and shrubs, found in both 
hemispheres, mostly within the limits of the 
tropics. The species are of botanical and 
economic interest only, the fruits of several 
being used in the tropics as a substitute for 
soap, their outer covering or shell containing 
asaponaceous principle in sufficient abundance 
to produce a lather with water. Their exces- 
sively hard, round, black seeds are used for 
making rosaries, bracelets, buttons, etc., and 
a medicinal oil is extracted in India from those 
of S. emarginata. 


Sapodi'lla or Sapotilla Plum. Sapota Achras. 
The West Indian Sapodilla-wood yielded by 
this tree is a fancy wood used for furniture. 


Sapona'ria. Soapwort. Bouncing Bet. From 
sapo, soap; the bruised leaves of S. officinalis 
form alather-like soap when agitated in water. 
Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacea. 

A genus of hardy annuals and herbaceous 
perennials, mostly natives of Europe. One 
species, S. ocymoides deserves for its neat 
habit, and the profusion with which it bears 
its pretty pink flowers in summer, to be culti- 
vated in every garden. It is a trailing plant, 
and therefore suitable for rock-work, the front 
of the borders or for small beds; and being 
at the same time quite hardy, and not partic- 
ular as to soil or situation, it is well adapted 
for suburban gardens. The double variety of 
S. officinalis is also a showy plant of the easi- 
est management, and continues to produce 
its numerous flesh-colored flowers from June 
to November. This species has become nat- 
uralized, until, notwithstanding its beauty, it 


SAR 


has in some places become troublesome as a 
weed. 


Sapo'ta.  Bully-tree. Sapodilla or Sapotilla 
Plum; the native name. Nat. Ord. Sapotacew. 
S. Achras is a native of the West Indies and 
Central America, where it forms a tree from 
ten to fifty feet in height. It produces a very 
luscious fruit resembling an apple in shape; 
much esteemed in the West Indies, but those 
that have ripened in cultivation have been 
little esteemed. The bark and seeds have 
medicinal properties. Syn. Achras Sapota. 


Sapota’cez. A natural order of trees and 
shrubs, chiefly tropical or sub-tropical, with 
the juice frequently milky, and alternate, un- 
divided, coriaceous leaves. ‘‘ Several species 
are useful to man. The fruits of Lucuma 
mammosa, (the Marmalade of the West Indies) 
are a very agreeable food, as are those of 
Sapota Achras, and various species of Chryso- 
phyllum which are much sought after in the 
Antilles; those of Bassia and Imbricaria are 
also edible. Other genera, both Asiatic and 
African (Sideroxylon, Argania, etc.), are em- 
ployed for building purposes on account of the 
hardness of the wood, whence the name Iron- 
wood. There are over twenty generain the or- 
der and over three hundred species; the follow- 
ing are good examples: Chrysophyllum, Ison- 
andra, a, Bumelia and Mimusops.”—Le 
Maoit and Decaisne. 

Sapucaya Nut. See Lecythis. 


Sap Wood. The new wood of an exogenous 
stem. 


Sara’ca. Said to be from Sarac, the native 
name. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of shrubs or trees, natives of 
tropical America. The species are but little 
known and are generally included under 
Jonesia. 


Sara/cha. Named in honor of Isidore Saracha, 
a Benedictine Monk, who sent many rare 
plants to the Royal Gardens at Madrid. Nat. 
Ord. Solanaceae. 

A genus of hardy or green-house herbs, 
natives of western America from Bolivia to 
Mexico. S. Stapelioides and S. wmbellata are 
hardy annuals, with yellow or cream-colored 
flowers, thriving in ordinary garden soil from 
seeds sown in the open border. 


Sarca’nthus. From sarz, flesh, and anthos, a 
flower; in allusion to the fleshiness of the 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A genus of epiphytal Orchids, natives of 
China and the East Indies. The flowers are 
mostly small but rather showy. S. erinaceus 
is a beautiful species with pink and white 
flowers, the lip with purple markings pro- 
duced freely on drooping spikes. There 
are several species under cultivation. They 
succeed best when grown in wooden baskets 
with sphagnum moss, and require plenty 
of heat and copious waterings. During the 
season of rest they may be kept in a cool house 
and given but very little water. 


Sarcoca’pnus. . From sarz, sarchos, flesh, and 
Kapnos, the Greek name for Fumitory; in 
allusion to the fleshy leaves. Nat. Ord. Pa- 
pavaracee. 

A small genus of hardy, dwarf, tufted pe- 
rennials, natives of the Spanish Peninsula and 
North Africa. S. eneaphylla, the only species 
introduced, has yellow flowers marked with 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


395 


SAR 


purplish streaks, borne in short racemes. It 
thrives readily in the open border, and is a 
good subject for the rock-garden. It may be 
readily increased by seeds or by cuttings. - 


Sarcocarp. The fleshy or succulent portion of 
a stone-fruit. 


Sarcocau'lon. From sarz, flesh, and caulon, a 
stem ; alluding to the fleshy stems. Nat. Ord. 
Gerariacee. 

A genus of branching, succulent, green- 
house plants, armed with spines formed out 
of the persistent and hardened petioles; 
natives of South Africa. The flowers are 
purple, borne on axillary, short-stemmed pe- 
duncles. They are readily increased by cuttings 
of the young shoots or by root cuttings; first 
introduced in 1790. 


Sarcoce’phalus. Guinea Peach. From sara, 
flesh, and kephale, a head; alluding to the 
fleshy heads of fruit. Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae. 

A genus of stove-house trees or shrubs, 
sometimes climbing natives of tropical Asia, 
Africa and Australia. S. esculentus is an inter- 
esting climbing shrub, seldom seen in collec- 
tions, bearing pinkish flowers, in short ter- 
minal heads, followed by edible fruit about 
the size of a Peach. It is called the Guinea, 
Negro, or Sierra Leone Peach, and may be 
increased by cuttings. S. cordatus, introduced 
from Australia in 1820, forms a handsome 
shrub, with broadly ovate or obtuse leaves, 
softly pubescent beneath and four to ten 
inches long. Syn. Nauclea. 


Sarcochi’lus. From sears, flesh, and cheilos, a 
lip; in allusion to the fleshy lip or labellum. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A genus of small epiphytal Orchids from 
Australia and the East Indies. The flowers 
are white or white and yellow. The species 
are not usually found in collections. 


Sarcoco’cca. From sarz, flesh, and kokkos; 
alluding to the fleshy fruits. Nat. Ord. 
horbiacee. 


A small genus of green-house, glabrous 
shrubs, natives of the East Indies, and the 
Malayan Archipelago. S. saligna, the best 
known species, has pale yellow flowers and 
small ovoid or globose fruits. It is some- 
times cultivated under the name of S. pruni- 
formis. 

Sarcolo’bus. From sarz, flesh, and lobos, a 
pod ; alluding to the fleshy seed vessels. Nat. 
Ord. Asclepiadacew. 

A small genus of stove-twining shrubs, 
natives of India and the Malayan Archipelago. 
The species are seldom found in cultivation. 


Sarcopo’dium. A small genus of Orchids, now 
included by Bentham and Hooker in Bulbo- 
phyllum and Dendrobium. 


Garcoste’mma. From sarz, flesh, and stemma, 
a crown; the leaflets of the inner corona are 
fleshy. Nat Ord. Asclepecnacee. 

A genus of climbing or decumbent, leafless 
shrubs, with slightly fleshy branches, natives 
of tropical and sub-tropical Asia, Africa and 
Australia. S. Brunonianum, the best known 
species, introduced from India in 1872, has 
bright yellow flowers, and forms quite an 
ornamental plant-stove climber. Syn. Cynan- 
chum. 

Sarmentose. Producing longrunnerslike those 
of the Strawberry. 


SAS 


Sarmie/nta. Named after Mart. Sarmiento, a 
Spanish botanist. Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 

S. repens, the only known representative of 
this genus, is a dwarf-trailing Chilian herb, 
very beautiful, and suitable for growing in 
baskets. It has fleshy, oblong leaves, about 
an inch long, and numerous drooping, tubular, 
axillary flowers of a light scarlet color. It. 
requires abundance of water, shade from 
bright sunshine, and a light position in a 
moist, cool green-house, Introduced in 1862. 


Sarrace’nia. Side-saddle Flower, American 
Pitcher Plant, Trumpet Leaf. Named in 
honor of Dr. Sarrasin, a French physician at 
Quebec, who sent the first species to Europe. 
Nat. Ord. Sarraceniacee. 

A small genus of curious and interesting 
plants common in boggy situations from 
Maine to Florida. S.p ea is found in 
great numbers throughout the New England 
States, New York and New Jersey. S. flava, 
S. Drummondii and S. rubra, etc., being con- 
fined to the Southern States. They have their 
leaves folded spirally, in the manner of the 
Pitcher Plant, Nepenthes. They are of various 
heights, some being from four to six inches 
high, while others are nearly or quite two 
feet. They have no proper leaf stems, but the 
foot stalk is lengthened in some cases so as to 
serve the same end. The flower scape is in 
all the species longer than the leaves; the 
flowers are globose, nodding; colors purple, 
red or yellow. The curious leaves of these 
plants are often partly filled with water and 
drowned insects, which has given them a 
reputation for usefulness that is to be taken 
with some grains of allowance. The same 
may be said of the medicinal properties 
claimed for them. By crossing, many valua- 
ble and beautiful hybrids have been raised 
and are now in cultivation. 


Sarracenia/cee. A small natural order of 
curious perennial herbs, natives of spongy, 
turfy bogs in this country, remarkable for 
their pitcher-shaped radical leaves. There 
are only three small genera known—Sarra- 
cenia, Darlingtonia and Heliamphora. The 
curious New Holland Pitcher-plant (Cephalotis) 
belongs to the Nat. Ord. Sawifragacee. 


Sarsapari'lla. A name applied to the roots of 
several plants, more especially to those of 
several species of Smilax, chiefly imported 
frofh South America and Mexico, and em- 
ployed in medicine. 


Sarsapari’lla, False. See Aralia nudicaulis. 


Sa’ssafras. The name is said to be a corrup- 
tion of the Spanish word for Sazifrage. Nat. 
Ord. Lauraceew. 

S. officinale, the only known species, is com- 
mon throughout the United States. In the 
more northern parts the tree is small, the 
diameter rarely exceeding eight inches; but 
in the Southern.States it attains a height of 
fifty feet, with a trunk more than two feet in 
diameter. The Sassafras is well known by its 
aromatic, spicy bark, which has stimulant 
and sudorific properties, and is extensively 
used in medicine and confectionery. The 
leaves are also used in the manufacture of 
‘‘ Home-made beer,” and also in some sec- 
tions as a seasoning in sauces, while their 
mucilaginous properties render them useful 
in thickening soups. 


396 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SAS 


Sa’/ssafras Laurel or Californian Laurel. 
Oreodaphne. 

Sa'ssafras. Swamp. 
Magnolia glauca. 

Sashes. A term most generally used for glazed 
frames, which open for ventilation in a green- 
house, or are used on pits or cold-frames, 
etc., where they may be kept on or pulled off 
as considered requisite. These latter are 
called movable Sashes, and are generally 
used six feet long by three feet wide. In 
houses of modern construction, most venti- 
lating Sashes are placed along the whole of 
the roof on the south side, hinging them so 
that they are made to open at the ridge-pole 
by means of iron gearing and levers, and 
which cost from fifty to sixty cents per run- 
ning foot. 

Satin Flower. Sisyrinchiwm Californicum. 

Satin-leaf. Heuchera hispida and H. Americana. 


“‘Satin-leaves.”. The dried seed-vessels of 
Innaria biennis. 

Satin-wood. A beautiful veneering wood of 
India, obtained from Chloroxylon Swietenia, 
which see. 


See 


A common name for 


Sativus. Cultivated. 

Sature’ia. Savory. From Ssattar, the Arabic 
name for all labiate plants. Nat. Ord. La- 
biate. 


The Summer Savory, S. hortensis, is a hardy 
annual, a native of the south of Europe, and 
has been well-known in the kitchen garden 
for the last three hundred years. Having 
escaped from the garden, it has become 
naturalized in many parts of this country, 
especially in Ohio and Illinois. The Winter 
Savory, S. montana, is a hardy evergreen 
shrub, growing about a foot high, and very 
branching. It is a native of the south of 
France, is easily cultivated, and has all the 
essential properties of the Summer Savory. 
Grown from seeds, like Thyme and Sage, or 
‘other herbs. 

Saty’rium. Supposed to be from satyrus, a 
satyr. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

Terrestrial orchidaceous plants from the 
Cape of Good Hope. The leaves are very 
curious from the flat manner in which they 
spread themselves on the surface of the pot; 
and the flowers, which are generally yellow, 
are very handsome. They should be grown 
in very sandy loam or leaf mould, and\kept 
in a green-house, as they are very apt to damp 
off, if over-watered. Propagated by division. 


Saunde'’rsia. Named after W. W. Saunders, an 
ardent English collector and cultivator of 
rare and curious plants, 1809-1879. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

S. mirabilis, the only species, is a stove- 
house epiphytal orchid from Brazil. It has 
medium-sized, greenish-white flowers, flushed 
with yellow and purple. The stem or pseudo- 
bulb is very short, and is one-leaved. The 
species is cultivated more as a botanical curi- 
osity than for its beauty. : 


Saurau'ja. Named after Sauraujo, a Portu- 
guese botanist. Nat. Ord. Dilleniacea. 

A small genus of tropical trees and shrubs 
that have given the botanist considerable 
trouble in their classification, it having been 
placed in several different orders. SS. lanceo- 
lata is a stout, free-growing plant, with large, 


SAW 


alternate, bright green leaves, which are ob- 
lanceolate in outline, and are marked regu- 
larly by numerous depressed veins curving 
outwards from the mid-rib towards the mar- 
gin, which is armed by small, stiff, spiny 
teeth. The leaves have an elegant appear- 
ance, on account of their cheerful green color 
and their conspicuous parallel divergent ven- 
ation. The flowers are white, disposed in 
panicles of several together upon stalks grow- 
ing from the angles of the leaves. 


Sauro’/matum. From saura, a lizard, alluding 
to the speckled interior of the spathe. Nat. 
Ord. Aroidee. 

A small genus of tuberous-rooted, herba- 
ceous, perennial, stove-house plants, natives of 
tropical Asia and Africa. S. guttatum, S. ven- 
“ and a few other species are in cultiva- 

ion. 

Sau’ropus. From sawros, a lizard, and pous, a 
foot; the application is not apparent. Nat. 
Ord. Huphorbiacee. 

A genus of plant-stove shrubs, with the 
habit of Phyllanthus, natives of the East In- 
dies and the Malayan Archipelago. S. albi- 
cans Gardnerianus has oblong, ovate leaves, 
acuminate at the apex, small, deep green, 
with a grayish central blotch. The branches 
are green, slender‘and angular. It was in- 
troduced from Ceylon in 1861, and is propa- 
gated by cuttings of the half-ripened wood or 
by root-cuttings. 

Sauru'rus. Lizard’s Tail. A small genus of 
hardy, aquatic, perennial herbs, which gives 
its name to the small Nat. Ord. Suururacee. 

S. cernuwus, common in our marshes and 
swamps, has white flowers, in a dense spike, 
nodding at the end. Other species, similar in 
general appearance, have been introduced to 
cultivation from Eastern Asia. Increased by 
seeds or division. 


Saussu'rea. Saw-wort. Named after the Swiss 
philosopher, De Saussure, 1740-99, who pos- 
sessed a considerable knowledge of botany. 

A genus of herbaceous alpine plants, be- 
longing to Nat. Ord. Composite, and compris- 
ing about sixty species, with white tomentose 
leaves and crowded tufts of rather large 
purple flowers. The species are not very or- 
namental and therefore not much in culti- 
vation. 


Sauvage’sia. Named after F. B. de Sauvages, 
Professor of Botany at Montpellier, 1706-1767. 
Nat. Ord. Violariacee. 

A genus of about ten species of herbs or 
sub-shrubs, all natives of tropical America, 
S. erecta, the Iron Shrub or St. Martin’s Herb, 
is a charming little tender annual, with pink 
or purple-red flowers, introduced from Mexico 
in 1824, 

Savannah Flower. A name applied to Echites 
suberecta and other species. 

Savin. Juniperus sabina. 

Savory. See Satureia. 

Savoy Cabbage. See Cabbage. 

Savoy Spinach. See Spinacia. 

Sawdust. This is occasionally used as a ma- 
nure and sometimes as a mulch, or for pro- 
tecting tender bulbs, etc., in winter. Its 
manurial value is considerably greater when 
it is well decayed, but more so when it is 
used as an absorbent of liquid manures in 


SCABIOSA (DWARF DOUBLE), 


SCABIOSA (TALL). 


SOHIZANTHUS, 


396 SAXIFRAGA SARMENTOSA, 


my, lye f 
UN Ves =? 


F 


9 
a Wie 


SCILLA HYACINTHOIDES. 


SCILLA PERUVIANA. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 397 


Sazatilis. 


SAW 


stables, or other liquids containing ammonia, 
and made up into a compost with farm-yard 
manure, earth, or other materials before ap- 
plication. 


Saw-wort. A common name for certain spe- 
cies of Saussurea and Serratula, 


Growing on rocks or stones. 


Saxego'thea. This genus of Conifere takes its 
name from a German title of the late Prince 
Consort, of England. 8. Conspicua, the only 
species, is a native of Patagonia, where it 
forms a small tree, having the appearance of 
a Yew, though its botanical relationship is 
with the Juniper. Introduced in 1846. 


Saxi/fraga. Saxifrage. From sarum, a stone, 
and frango, to break; its reputed medicinal 
qualities in calculus. Nat. Ord. Sazifra- 
gacee. 

In this very extensive genus, numbering 
more than a hundred and fifty species, we 
have some very beautiful, hardy perennials, 
admirably suited for rock-work or any rough 
borders where it is difficult to make most 
plants grow. Unfortunately, many of the most 
beautiful and desirable species for the rock- 
garden are not suited for this climate and 
refuse to stand our hot, dry summers. The 
large, leathery-leaved group, of which the Si- 
berian S. crassifolia is the best known, thrives 
well, especially if slightly protectedin winter. 
S. cordifolia, with large trusses of rose-colored 
flowers and glossy leaves, much resembles it. 
S. peltata, a gigantic species of the Sierra 
Nevada, bears its large corymbs of pale pink 
flowers on tall stalks above the huge, shield- 
like leaves. Two varieties of this species 
oceur, one found at an elevation of six to 
seven thousand feet, the other growing in and 
along streams through the lower and warmer 
portions of California. The former is evi- 
dently much hardfer, and also more effective, 
its leaves, in its native habitat, often attaining 
a diameter of from three to four feet. ¢ 
Cotyledon pyramidalis, known as the pyramidal 
Saxifrage, is a great favorite with the London 
market florists. It belongs to that large sec- 
tion having fleshy-incrusted leaves, arranged 
in symmetrical rosettes, and bears a flower- 
spike sixteen to twenty-four inches high, 
covered with thousands of white flowers 
about half an inch across, remaining in per- 
fection for several weeks. It is a great 
favorite and is much used for window-boxes, 
rustic stands, etc., and is rapidly increased by 
offsets. S. sarmentosa, a native of China, isa 
desirable plant for hanging baskets or other 
rustic designs. Itis a pretty plant when in 
flower and is popularly known as Strawberry 
Geranium, Beef-steak Plant, and several other 
local names without much significance. S. 
sarmentosa tricolor, a variety introduced in 
1870, has beautiful variegated white and rose- 
colored markings on the leaves, but is apt to 
run back to the original species. There are 
several very pretty species of Saxifraga in our 
woods and waste places, possessing more 
real beauty than some more songht after. All 
the species grow with very little care and 
attention, requiring only a sandy, moist, and 
shady situation. Propagated from runners 
and division. 


Saxifraga’cez. A natural order of trees, shrubs, 
or herbs of variable habit, natives gener- 


Scabio’sa. 


SCA 


ally of temperate and frigid regions. Many 
of the species are of great beauty, though their 
useful properties are unimportant. The 
limits of the order are as yet far from settled. 
Hooker and Bentham divide it into six 
tribes or sub-genera—Cunoniew, Escalloniee, 
Francoew, Hydrangew, Ribesiew, and Sazi- 
fragew proper. It includes about seventy- 
five genera, and over five hundred species. 
Good examples are Astilbe, Chrysosplenium, 
Hydrangea, Heuchera, Escallonia, Ribes, and 
Sazifraga. 


Saxifrage. The genus Sazifraga, which see. 
Saxifrage. Burnet. Pimpenella Sasxifraga. 
Saxifrage. Golden. The genus Chrysosplenium. 
Saxifrage. Meadow. Sazifraga granulata, and 


Silaus pratensis. 
Scabious, Mourning Bride. From 
scabies, the itch; the common kind is said to 
cure that disorder. Nat. Ord. Dipsacacee. 
Asmall genus of hardy, annual and herbace- 
ous perennials, mostly natives of Europe and 
the East Indies. S. atropurpurea, is the well- 
known Mourning Bride. All the species 
grow freely in the garden, and are grown from 
seeds sown in early spring. The German 
florists have succeeded in raising some dwarf 
varieties, with very handsome double flowers, 
in a variety of colors, from nearly pure white 
to dark purple maroon. It is a useful plant 
for summer flowers. 


Scabious. The genus Scabiosa. 


Blue. Scabiosa succisa. 

Caucasian. Scabiosa Caucasica. 
Devil’s Bit. Scabiosa succisa. 

Field. Scabiosa arvensis. 

Mt. Parnassus. Pterocephalus Parnassi. 
Sheep’s Bit. Jassione montana. 

Sweet. Scabiosa atropurpurea. 


Scabrous. Rough with little asperities. 
Sce'vola. From Sceva, the left hand; allud- 


ing to the form of the corolla. Nat. Ord. 
Goodeniacew. 

The greater number of the species of this 
extensive genus are peculiar to Australia and 
the Sandwich Islands. Two, however, are 
found growing on the sea shores of tropical 
Asia, western Africa, from Senegal to the 
Cape of Good Hope, Mauritius and Madagas- 
car, the West Indies, Mexico and the Pacific 
Islands. S. Lobelia (called also S. Kenigit 
and S. Taccada), the Malay Rice-paper Plant, 
one of the widely dispersed species, is an 
erect shrub from two to five feet high, with a 
thick, succulent stem, full of pith when young, 
but ultimately becoming hard and woody. 
The pith of the young stems is beautifully: 
fine and white, and resembles that of the Rice- 
paper Plant, with which it has been con-' 
founded ; but it is seldom obtainable in pieces 
exceeding three-quarters of an inch in thick- 
ness. It is much used by the Malays and 
Siamese for making artificial flowers, small 
figures, and other articles used as decorations 
at feasts and festivals. ‘ 


Scalariform. Ladder-shaped; the namo of the 


tubes of vascular tissue found in ferns. 


Scale Insects. See Insects. 
Scales, 


Small, rudimentary, close-pressed 
leaves, resembling minute scales. 


Seallion. A common name for Allium Ascaloni. 


cum Majus. The term is also applied to all 


398 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SCA 


Onions that do not bulb, but form long necks, 
like Leeks. 


Scammony Plant. A cathartic gum resin ob- 
tained from the root of Convolvulus Scam- 
monia. 


Scandens. Climbing, but not twisting. 


Scape. A stem rising from the crown of a 
root, and bearing nothing but flowers. 


Scapiform, Scapose. Resembling a scape. 
Scarborough Lily. See Vallota purpurea. 
Scariose. Membraneous and dry. 

Scarlet Geranium. Sce Pelargonium. 
Scarlet Oak. See Quercus. 

Scarlet Painted Cup. Castelleja indivisa. 
Scarlet Runner. See Phaseolus multiflorus. 


Scarred. Marked by the scars left by bodies 
that have fallen off. The stem, for instance, 
is scarred at the points whence leaves have 
fallen. 


Scattered. Dispersed; used in opposition to 
whorled, opposite, ternate, or similar terms. 


Sceptra’nthes. From Skeptron, a sceptre, and 

’ anthos, a flower. An ornamental plant from 
Texas, with whitish-pink flowers, of the Nat. 
Ord. Amaryllidacer. for the culture and prop- 
agation of which see Zephyranthes. 


Sceptre-Flower. The popular name of Sceptr- 
anthes Drummondi. 


Schaue'ria. Named after J. R. Shauer, 1813-48, 
Professor at Griefswald. Nat. Ord. Acantha- 
cee. 

A genus of glabrous or pubescent herbs, or 
sub-shrubs, natives of Brazil. S. Calycotricha 
and S. flavicoma, the only two species in culti- 
vation, have large terminal thyrses of beauti- 
ful yellow flowers, and have been long known 
in cultivation as Justicia, which see for cul- 
ture. 


Schee’lea. Namedin honor of Scheele, a Ger- 
man chemist. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus of Palms, natives of tropical 
America, requiring to be grown in the plant- 
stove. Several species are in cultivation, the 
best known of which, S. unguis, is an excel- 
lent plant for table decoration in a young 
state, or for the conservatory when older. It 
is increased by imported seeds. 


Schi’ma. Said to be the Arabic name. 
Ord. Ternstremiacee. 

A small genus of trees or shrubs, natives of 
tropical Asia and the Indian Archipelago. S. 
Noronhe, the only species yet introduced, is 
a compact growing shrub, with showy white 
flowers, clustered in a short racerne. It 
thrives well in peaty soil, and is propagated 
by cuttings. Introduced in 1849. 


Schi/nus. From Schinos, the Greek name of 
the Mastic-tree; a resinous juice exudes 
from the tree similar to mastic. Nat. Ord. 
Anacardiacew. 

A small genus of tender and half-hardy fra- 
grant shrubs from South America. The flow- 
ers are small, white, in terminal or axillary 
clusters or panicles. 
the species are so filled with a resinous fluid 
that the least degree of unusual repletion of 
the tissue causes it to be discharged; thus 
some of them fill the air with fragrance after 
rain, and S.molle, and some others, exp el their 
resin with such violence, when immersed in 


Nat. 


‘“« The leaves of some of 


SCH 


water, as to have the appearance of spontane- 
ous motion in consequence of the recoil.” This 
species is popularly known as the Pepper 
shrub, and is a very desirable plant where it 
will stand uninjured through the winter. 


Schismatoglo’'ttis. A genus of Aroidea, closely 
allied to Dieffenbachia, and requiring the same 
treatment. 

S. longispatha, a recent introduction from 
Borneo, is a very pretty dwart, neat-habited 
plant. Its short, erect stems grow in _ tufts, 
spreading by short rhizomes, and are 
furnished with obliquely ovate leaves some 
four inches long, of a lightish green color, 
marked with a feathered central band of 
silvery gray, through which runs the dis- 
tinct green mid-rib. The inflorescence is 
curious in structure, the most conspicuous 
parts being the small yellowish-green 
spadices. SS. crispata is also a recent intro- 
duction from Borneo (1881). These, in com- 
mon with the other species, some ten or more 
in number, are admirable decorative plants. 


Schivere’ckia. Named after A. Schivereck, a 
Russian botanist. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

S. podolica, the only species, is a pretty 
little hardy, herbaceous plant, allied to Alys- 
sum, with which genus it is included by some 
botanists. Itisanative of Russia, and has 
rosettes of notched whitish leaves, undulated 
at the margin, and produces corymbs of white 
flowers in early spring. Propagation by di- 
vision or from seeds. 

Schizz/a. From schizo, to cut or split; appear- 
ance of the fan-like spikes. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
podiacee. 

A small genus of ornamental Ferns, mostly 
inhabiting the East and West Indies and 
South America. They are curious‘and inter- 
esting plants, distinguished by their linear, 
simple, or flabellate fronds and paniculate — 
fructification, borne upon the apex of the 
segments, forming a beautiful crest to the 
frond. They require.a warm house, liberal 
watering. and a moist atmosphere for their 
perfect development. S. pusilla, a native 
species, is found sparingly in the marshy pine 
barrens of New Jersey. 

Schiza’ndra. From schizo, to cut or split, and 
aner, andros, a male; the stamens are split. 
Nat. Ord. Magnoliaree (Tribe Schizandree). 

Of the six species that comprise this genus 
one is a native of the Southern States, the rest 
are found in tropical or Eastern Asia. S. Chi- 
nensis, introduced from Northern China in 
1860, is a handsome climbing shrub, with 
bright rose-carmine flowers, succeeded by 
bright scarlet berries, which are persistent 
during the greater part of the winter. 8S. coc- 
cinea, our native species, is a tall-climbing 
shrub, with alternate, oblong. membrana- 
ceous, deciduous leaves, and small crimson 
flowers on long peduncles, found in shady 
woods from Florida to North Carolina and 
westward. The beautiful, silvery-foliaged 
stove-house climber, Sphwrostema marmora- 
tum, is now included under this genus by some 
authors as S. marmorata. 

Schiza’nthus, Buttorfly or Fringe Flower. 
From schizo, to cut or split, and anthos, a 
flower; in allusion to the irregularly divided 
corolla. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

Agenus of very beautiful, half-hardy, annual 
flowers, which may be sown either in autumn 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 399 


SCH 

or spring. If wanted to flower in spring, the 
seed should be sown in August or September 
as soon as it is ripe, in light, rich mould; and 
the young plants should be kept in well-drain- 
ed pots in a frame or green-house during 
winter. When the seeds are sown in spring, 
it should be on a hot-bed or in the green- 
house, and the young plants should be re- 
moved into the open air in May, when they 
will flower in autumn. The plants are much 
larger in the open ground, and the flowers are 
finer, if the soil be sufficiently rich and light; 
but care should be taken to plant them in a 
sheltered situation, or to tie them to stakes, 
as the stems are very brittle and liable to be 
broken off by high winds. The principal 
kinds of Schizanthus are S. pinnatus, with 
its varieties, all of which have purplish 
flowers; S. retusus, with scarlet and yellow 
flowers, and S. Priestii, with white and yellow 
flowers. Of these, S. pinnatus, and its allied 
species or variety, S. porrigens, are the hard- 
iest. The genusis confined to South Amer- 
ica, and are mostly found in Chili. Intro- 
duced in 1822. 


Schizolo’/bium. From. schizo, to cut or split, 
and lobos, a pod; probably alluding to the 
opening of the pod. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A small genus of tall, evergreen plants, na- 
tives of Brazil and Panama. S. excelsum, the 
only introduced species, bears long peduncles 
of bright yellow flowers, and large divided 
leaves, white beneath and golden-pilose on 
the middle nerve, the common petioles of 
which are often two feet long. It was intro- 
duced from Brazil in 1874, and is propagated 
by cuttings of the half-ripened shoots. 


Schizome’ria. From schizo, to cut, and meris, 
a part: alluding to the cut petals. Nat. Ord. 
Saxifragacee. 

S. ovata, the only described species, is an 
ornamental, evergreen plant, with small white 
flowers in terminal cymes, introduced from 
Australia in 1825. It thrives best in a com- 
post of sandy peat and loam, and is increased 
by cuttings. 

Schizope’talon. From schizo, to cut, and peta- 
lon, a petal; the petals are cut. Nat. Ord. 
Cruciferae. 

An annual flower, with curiously cut petals, 
and a strong tap-root. S. Walkeri, the only 
species in cultivation, grows about one foot 
high and bears on slender stems numerous 
white, almond-scented blossoms, which are 
elegantly fringed at the edges. As it does not 
pear transplanting well, it should be sown 
where it is to remain, in the open border, in 
May. It was introduced from Chili in 1821. 
Schizopkra’gma. Climbing Hydrangea. From 
schizo, to cut, and phragma, an inclosure or 
wall; the portions of the wall between the ribs 
of the fruit fall away when it is ripe. Nat. 
Ord. Sazxifragacew. re 

S. Hydrangeoides is a hardy, climbing shrub, 
introduced from Japan by Thomas Hogg. It 
is a handsome, rapid-growing plant, with 
almost allthe characteristics of the Hydrangea, 
having similar white flowers as in the shrub- 
by species. It clings with tenacity to any 
tree or building by which it may be planted, 
and attains a height of fifty feet. It remains 
a long time in flower, making it a conspicuous 
and desirable plant. It is perfectly hardy, 
and is rapidly increased by cuttings or by 


SCH 


seeds, which, however, have as yet to be pro- 
cured from its native country, Japan. 


Schizo’stylis, Crimson Flag, Kaffir Lily. From 


schizo, to cut, and stylos, a style; the style is 
divided into three long filiform branches. 
Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

S. coccinea, the best known species, is a 
very pretty, half-hardy, Cape bulb, belonging 
to the Gladiolus family. The leaves are neat 
and glossy, and the flowers are rosy-scarlet, 
produced in December. Many efforts have 
been made to bring this bulb into flower in 
summer or autumn, which would make it one 
of the most popular of the natural order to 
which it belongs. Every effort has, however, 
failed, and it must, consequently, be flowered 
in the green-house. It was introduced in 1846, 
and is rapidly increased by offsets. 


Schli‘mmia. In honor of M. Schlimm, one of 


M. Linden’s plant collectors, who discovered 
the plant. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

S. jasminodora, is an epiphytal Orchid, in- 
troduced from Central America in 1852, re- 
markable for its extreme fragrance. Its 
flowers are pure white, borne on flower-stalks 
about afoot high. It requires to be grown in 
a warm house. 


Schlumberge’ria. Named in honor of F. Slum- 


berger, a Belgian horticulturist. Nat. Ord. 
Bromeliacee. 

A South American genus of two or three 
species of stove-house, perennial plants, re- 
moved from Tillandsia and Massangea. 8S. 
Morreniana, is a noble plant with gracefully 
recurving green leaves, three feet long, mark- 
ed with numerous darker green, transverse 
lines above, and with reddish lines beneath. 
It was introduced from the Andes of Peru in 
1883, and requires the same treatment as Til- 
landsia. Syn. Anoplophytum. 


Schmide'lia. Named in honor of C. C. Schmidel, 


a Professor of Botany at Erlangen. Nat. Ord. 
Sapindacee. 

A large genus of shrubs or small trees, prin- 
cipally natives of tropical America. Several 
species have been introduced, but, as they 
have no horticultural value, they are probably 
lost to cultivation. 


Schee/nia. Named in honor of Dr. Schan, a 


botanist. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

S. Cassiniana, the sole representative of the 
genus, is very closely allied to Helichrysum, 
requiring the same general treatment. It 
has bright yellow flowers, borne in a loose ter- 
minal corymb, and was introduced from Aus- 
tralia in 1845. 


Schombuw'rgkia. Named after Sir Robert H. 


Schomburgk, a zealous naturalist and a tray- 
eler in British Guiana on account of the Royal 
Geographical Soviety. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A very handsome genus of epiphytal Orchids, 
with large pseudo-bulbs, and strong, leathery 
leaves. The flower-spikes are produced from 
the apex of the pseudo-bulbs, and are from 
three to four feet in length, bearing large, 
rich-colored flowers of singular form. The 
plants should be attached to a piece of cork 
and suspended from the roof of the hot-house.- 
They require a warm, moist atmosphere in the 
growing season, and avery dry one when at 
rest. There are but afew species in this genus, 
the most desirable being S. tibicinus, the Cow- 
horn Orchid, from Honduras, and S. Lyonsi, 


400 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SCH 


which has been called the prettiest of the 
genus, and which succeeds either in a basket 
or on a block. It was introduced from 
Jamaica in 1863. 


Scho’tia. Kaffir Bean-tree. Named in honor 
of Richard Van der Schot, a traveling compan- 
ion and friend of Jacquin. 

A genus of Leguminose, comprising four 
species of shrubs, or small trees, confined to 
southern and sub-tropical Africa. S. tama- 
rindifolia (speciosa) forms a scrubby bush 
eight to ten feet high, having pinnate leaves 
and terminal panicles of deep crimson blos- 
soms. According to Dr. Atherstone, the 
beans from the pods of this plant are roasted 
and eaten in the Albany districts, where they 
are called Boerboom, and the powerfully 
astringent bark is used medicinally, as wellas 
in tanning. The species are all very hand- 
some when in bloom. 


Schou'ia. Named in honor of J. F. Schouw, a 
celebrated Danish botanist. Nat. Ord. Cruci- 
Sere. 

A genus of tall, branched, highly glabrous 
herbs, natives of Arabia. SS. Arabica is a 
very pretty annual with rosy-purplish flowers, 
thriving well if sown in light sandy soil in the 
open border in May. 


Schra’dera. Named in honor of H. A. Schrader, 
a German botanist, 1767-1836. Nat. Ord. Ru- 
biacee. 

A genus of glabrous shrubs, with thick- 
rooting branches, natives of Brazil, Guiana 
and the West Indies. S. cephalotes, the only 
species introduced, produces its white flowers 
in compact, globose, terminal heads, and 
thrives best in a compost of sandy peat and 
loam. It was introduced from Jamaica in 1820, 
and is propagated by cuttings in heat. Syns. 
Fuchsia (of Schwartz) and Urceolaria. 

Schra/nkia. Sensitive Brier. In honor of Fran- 
cis Paula von Schrank, a famous German botan- 
ist, and author of many botanical works. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of green-house, herbaceous 
perennials, common from Virginia southward. 
The flowers are small, and not unlike those of 
the Mimosa. These plants are very interesting 
on account of their leaves, which, like those of 
the Sensitive Plant, fall at the slightest touch. 
A few of the species are under cultivation in 
botanical . collections. 


Schube'rtia. Named after M. Schubert, a Pol- 
ish botanist. Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacee. 

A small genus of hairy, milky, twining 
shrubs from South America, closely allied to 
Physianthus. The leaves are opposite, and 
the flowers, produced in handsome umbels, are 
cream-colored and white. They are funnel- 
shaped, large and fleshy, and remarkable for 
their fragrance. They require to be grown in 
a warm house, in well-drained pots, and are 
propagated by cuttings. 

Sciado’calyzx. Derivation of name not given. 
Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 

S. Warscewiczii, the only known species, 
was formerly known as Gesnera Regeliana. It 
ig a very ornamental, green-house plant, a 
native of New Grenada, and conspicuous for 
its bright pinkish-scarlet flowers, which are 
produced freely during the winter. Like all 
the plants of this natural order, it requires a 
warm house, plenty of moisture, and partial 


SCI 


shade to grow it to perfection. Itis increased 
by cuttings or fromseeds. This genus is now 
placed by some authorities under Isoloma. 


Sciadophy’llum. From skiados, a shade or can- 
opy, and phyllon, a leaf; the leaves are large 
and consequently afford much shade. Nat. 
Ord. Araliacee. 

A genus of trees or shrubs, natives of tropi- 
eal America and Asia. They are worthy of 
cultivation on account of their fine foliage. 
Increased readily by cuttings in heat, or by 
root cuttings. Syn. Actinophyllum. 


Sciado’pitys. Umbrella Pine. From Skyas, 
a parasol, and pitys, a Fir-tree; referring to 
the spreading whorls of the leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Conifera. 

A singular genus of Conifere peculiar to 
Japan, and closely allied to the Sequoia. S. 
verticillata, a recently introduced species, has 
been cultivated from time immemorial by the 
Japanese around their temples. The trunk is 
erect, from a hundred to a hundred and fifty 
feet high, and of pyramidal habit; the 
branches verticillate,the leaves are from two 
to four inches long, and about a sixth of an 
inch broad, in whorled clusters, which gives 
it a very singular and beautiful appearance. 

Scilla. Squill. From skyllo, to injure; the 
bulbs of some of the species are said to be 
poisonous. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

An extensive genus of very pretty bulbous 
plants, nearly all of which are hardy, and 
very desirable on account of their early habit 
of flowering. They should be planted in Oc- 
tober, either in the open ground or in pots. 
They prefer a light, rich soil. Among the 
more desirable species are S. campanulata 
(syn. S. Hispanica), anative of Spain, with beau- 
tiful blue flowers, of which there are varieties 
with white and pink flowers; S. amena, with 
blue flowers, from the Levant, a very early 
flowering species; S. bifolia, with red, blue, or 
white flowers, and S. Sibirica, with intense 
blue flowers, ‘“‘ a minute gem among the flow- 
ers of earliest spring, so beautiful that no 
rock-work, rock-garden, or garden of any 
kind can be complete without its striking and 
peculiar shade of porcelain blue, which quite 
distinguishes it from the other species. It 
may be used with good effect as an edging to 
beds of spring flowers, or to paths in the 
rock-garden.” S. nutans, the Blue Bell, Hare 
Bell, or Wild Hyacinth, with biue, purple, 
white, or pink flowers, is another beautiful 
and deservedly admired species. These are 
all beautiful plants, and well adapted to the 
open border. They come into flower with the 
Crocus, and continue in bloom much longer. 
They may remain undisturbed where planted 
for a number of years, as crowding from their 
natural increase does not seem to injure 
them. S. Peruviana is one of the best for 
pot culture. It is a native of Italy and Spain, 
and not of Peru, as is generally supposed, 
and as its name would imply. Its flowers are 
dark-blue, produced in long racemes. S. cili- 
aris, is also desirable for growing in pots. The 
last two are not hardy. All the species are 
well worth a place in the garden or green- 
house, and are propagated by offsets. 

Scinda’psus. From skindapsos, an ivy-like 
climber. Nat. Ord. Aroidew. — 

A genus of climbing, herbaceous plants, na- 
tives of tropical Asia, the Indian Archipelago, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 401 


SCI 


New Guinea, and the Fiji Islands. They 
have perforated or pinnated leaves on long, 
channeled stalks. The species are cultivated 
in their native countries tor their fruit, which 
is considered to have powerful medicinal 
properties. Several of the species are to be 
found in collections of plants with ornamental 
foliage. S. aryreus, a comparatively late in- 
troduction from the East Indies, has ovate, 
acuminate leaves, very silvery and glossy on 
the surface. It is an excellent subject for 
covering bare walls in the plant-stove, the 
trunks of tree Ferns, etc. They are all prop- 
agated by cuttings, and are mostly known 
under the name Pothos. Syns. Pythos, and 
Raphidophora. 


Scion or Cion. A cutting or twig intended for 
a graft. 


Scirpus. Club Grass or Rush. From the 
Celtic, cirs, Rushes. Nat. Ord. Cyperacea. 
An extensive genus of sedge grasses having 
a wide geographical range. Some of the spe- 
cies furnish considerable pasture for cattle in 
the salt marshes of Europe, as well as this 
country. S. tuberosa, is grown in China for 
its esculent roots. S. Holoschenus variegatus, 
is a very ornamental hardy species, the erect 
terete stems being banded with alternate 
zones of white and green. S. Tabernemontani 
zebrina, the Banded Rush, is a beautifully 
variegated species introduced by Mr. Thomas 


Hogg from Japan. It isa plant of singular’ 


beauty, the variegation, like that of Eulalia 
zebrina, instead of running lengthwise, runs at 
right angles to the stem; or, in other words, 
the variegation is horizontal instead of vertical. 
A group of the stems suggests that of a clus- 
ter of porcupine quills. S. pungens is com- 
mon throughout the United States in swampy 
meadows and muddy margins of rivers, and is 
the species chiefly used in this country in 
making the seats of rush-bottomed chairs. S. 
lacustris, the Bulrush, is extensively used 
for the same and similar purposes in most 
parts of Europe. S. riparius, is now the 
recognized name of Isolepis gracilis, a favorite 
-plant for basket work and green-house deco- 
ration. 


Scitami/nez. A large natural order of peren- 
nial herbs, almost entirely tropical, including 
many plants of considerable size, and all re- 
markable for their leaves, which are often 
large, the petiole usually forming a sheath, 
the blade being sessile or petiolate above the 
sheath. Arrow-root and Ginger are derived 
from the rhizomes of Maranta arundinacea and 
Zingiber officinalis, respectively. The fruits 
of Amomum, called Cardamons, are esteemed 
for their stomachic qualities. The well- 
known Plantain and Banana, Musa. sapientum 
and M. paradisiaca, also belong to this genus, 
with several other species of great economic 
value. Bentham and Hooker regard Can- 
nee, Marantee, Musew, and Zingiberee as 
tribes of Scitaminee. Alpinia, Canna, Carcuma, 
Maranta, and Musa are good representatives 
of the order. 


Sclarea. A genus now included under Salvia 
as S. Sclarea. 


Sclerotha’/mnus. From skleros, hard, and tham- 
nos, a.shrub; alluding to the rigid aspect of 
the bush. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 


sco 


S. microphyllus, the only described species, 
is a small, much-branched, wiry-stemmed, 
evergreen, ornamental shrub from western 
Australia, closely allied to Pultenwa. The 
specific name, microphyllus, alludes to the 
minute heath-like leaves, which are closely 
set and bear in their axils the solitary pale- 
yellow flowers. It is now placed by Bentham 
and Hooker with Hutazia, under the name of 
E. Empetrifolia. 


Scobiform. Resembling Sawdust. 


Scoke Berry. A common name for Phytolacca 
decandra. 


Scolope/ndrium. Hart’s Tongue. From Scolo- 
pendria, a centipede; the appearance of the 
seed or spore-cases. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A small genus of interesting green-house or 
hardy Ferns, found generally in temperate and 
tropical regions. S. vulgare, the common 
Hart’s Tongue, Burnt-weed, Christ’s-hair, etc., 
has flaccid, bright green fronds, six to eighteen 
inches long, with undulated margins. Many 
varieties of this, one of the most common of 
British Ferns, are in cultivation, and present a 
wonderful series of variations from the 
normal state of the plant. This species is 
occasionally found in central New York and 
some other localities in this country, but it is 
quite rare. The well-known Walking Fern, 
Camptosorus rhizophyllum, is placed under 
this genus by some botanists. They are gen- 
erally found on shady limestone rocks or 
cliffs, and, when cultivated, require a moist, 
somewhat shaded situation. Many of the 
varieties make interesting pot-plants. 


Sco/lymus. Golden Thistle. From skolos, a 
thorn; the plants are spiny. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of hardy, herbaceous plants, com- 
mon in the south of Europe. S. Hispanicus, 
the Spanish Oyster-Plant, has simple fusiform 
roots, soft and sweet like Scorzonera, and are 
by many highly esteemed asa »egetable. The 
leaves and stalks also aboun. with a milky 
juice, and the people of Salamanca eat it in 
the same manner as Cardoons. The flowers 
are used to adulterate saffron. 


Scopo’lia. Named in honor of John A. Scopoli, 
Professor of Natural History at Pavia, 1732- 
1788. Nat. Ord. Solanacee. 

A genus of spiny shrubs and trees, natives 
of tropical Asia, Australia, Japan and Russia. 
S. carniolica, and S. lurida, are desirable 
hardy plants on account of their pretty red, 
yellow and purplish flowers being produced 
early in spring. They are interesting and 
curious plants, and are increased by division 
of the roots. 


Scorpion Grass. A popular name for the 
Myosotis. 

Scorpion Plant. Renanthera arachnitis, and 
Genista Scorpius. 


Scorpion Senna. Coronilla Emerus. 


Scorpiu'rus. Caterpillars. From scorpios, a 
scorpion, and owra, a tail; alluding to the 
twisted form of the legumes. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

A small genus of very curious, half-hardy 
annuals, natives of the Mediterranean regions. 
The flowers are yellow, pea-shaped; the pods 
have a fancied resemblance to caterpillars, 


whence their common name. The pods are 


402 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SCO 


sometimes used to garnish dishes of salads or 
meats. They may be cultivated in the same 
manner as Radishes. 


Scorpoid, or Scorpoidal. Curved or circinate 
at the end, like the tail of a scorpion; as the 
flower of the Heliotrope. 


Scorzone’ra. Viper’s Grass. From scurzon, a 
viper ; supposed remedy for the bite of a viper. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Handsome, hardy perennials, with purple, 
pink, or yellow flowers. They are indigenous 
in the south of Europe and temperate parts of 
Asia. One of the species, S. Hispanica, is 
grown to some extent as a garden vegetable 
under the name of Black Oyster Plant. 
Though a perennial, it should be treated like 
an annual or biennial, and grown in the same 
manner as Salsify or Carrots, only the seed 
should not be sown so early (in the latitude 
of New York, in the middle of May), as the 
plants have a tendency to ‘‘run up”’ to seed, 
which renders the roots unfit for use. There 
are other species under cultivation in their 
native countries as articles of food, and held 
in high esteem. ° 


Scota’nthus. A genus of Cucurbitacee, con- 
sisting of three or four Asiatic herbs, which 
are procumbent, and have a musky odor. 
The leaves are roundish, kidney-shaped; 
flowers large and white, and are succeeded by 
small,red, berry-like, ribbed fruit. Some of 
the species are grown as ornamental climbers. 

Scotch Broom. A popular name of Cytisus 
Scoparius. 

Scotch Fir. See Pinus sylvestris. 

Scotch Kale. See Borecole. 


Scotch Primrose. A common name for Prim- 
ula Scotica. 

Scotch Thistle. The species originally in- 
tended as the national emblem of Scotland 
has been the subject of much discussion. Dr. 
George Johnston, in his ‘‘ Botany of the East- 
ern Border,” as the result of his inquiries, 
discards the tale of the bare-footed Dane 
treading on the Thistle, crying out, and thus 
alarming the sleeping Scottish Army (see 
Onopordon); the historical evidence being 
that the Thistle was first used as the badge 
of Scotland by James IV., on the occasion of 
his marriage with Margaret Tudor, daughter 
of the English King Henry VII. James V., 
placed it on his coins (1514-1542), and it is also 
represented on those of James VI. (1599). 
Dr. Johnston thus sums up his views on the 
subject: ‘This evidence (from history, and the 
Thistle, as depicted on the coins) seems very 
much to invalidate the claims of the Onopor- 
don, but to greatly strengthen our belief that 
Carduus (Silybum) Marianus was the chosen 
emblem of the national pride and character, 
although it must be admitted that the re- 
semblance between the plant and the picture 

- of the artist is somewhat postulatory. The 
bold motto, ‘Nemo me impune lacessit’ was 
the addition of James VI., and C. Marianus 
is almost the only species that would suggest 
it; but I suspect that the reason for the 
preference of C. Marianus, ‘the Holy Thistle,’ 
‘Our Lady’s Thistle,’ was the fact of its dedi- 
eation to the mother of our Saviour, a drop 

- of whose milk (it is said), having fallen on the 
leaves, imprinted the accident on those white 
veins which so remarkably distinguish them. 


Screens. 


SCR 


This period was rife in these religious associa- 
tions and adoptions.” 

Dr. Johnston was also informed by an old 
mason, that initiated gardeners well under- 
stood the ‘‘ Milk or Holy Thistle” to be the 
true plant, and they usually, at their proces- 
sions, stuck the heads of the latter on the 
strong spines of the Onopordon. Professor 
Balfour states that it is found naturalized 
about the ruins of old castles in whuse 
gardens it was formerly cultivated. 

Mr. J. Smith, ex-Curator of Kew Gardens, 
England, some years ago in reply to an inquiry, 
wrote as follows: ‘“‘In preparing ‘Domestic 
Botany’ for the press, I deemed it necessary 
to apply to the Professor of Scottish History 
in the University of Edinburgh, who said: 
‘There was nothing in Scottish history to 
support the legend of the Dane and the 
Thistle ;’ and, with regard to Onopordon Acan- 
thium, although it has been naturalized, it is 
nevertheless rare in Scotland. It is generally 
cultivated as a curiosity in gardens, where it 
grows six to eight feet in height, and its 
numerous hoary branches, terminated by 
heads of lilac flowers, make it a plant of 
special note. Cnicus acaulis, which name it 
has obtained by its flower-heads growing 
close to the ground, is also known to meas 
the ‘Scotch Thistle,’ and, having sharp spines, 
it would readily make those who trod upon . 


it, not well shod, cry out, as is said to have +~ 


been done by the Danish soldiers.” 

Mr. Dovaston, in a communication to 
*‘Leighton’s Flora of Shropshire,” states that 
in a tour of Scotland he asked many persons 
what was the Scotch Thistle? and found 
almost as many different opinions, and thus 
sums up the matter: ‘For our own part, we 
do not believe that any particular species of 
the plant was meant, the leading idea being 
the self-defending power of the Thistle, as 
emblematical of the determination of Scotland, 
though poor, to submit to no injury or 
offence without retaliation.” 


Sco’'ttia. Named in honor of R. Scott, M. D., 
once Professor of Botany in Dublin. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. ; 

The only described species, S.dentata and 
S. angustifolia, are branching, diffuse bushes, 
with slender stems and opposite, heart- 
shaped, toothed leaves. The flowers are 
brick-red, tinged with green, and nearly an 
inch long, sessile and solitary in the leaf axils. 
This genus is now included by Bentham and 
Hooker under Bossiea. 


Fast growing trees, when planted in 
a belt or shrubbery, to afford shelter from an 
unfavorable or exposed quarter, are termed a 
Screen. Gardens on the sea-coast invariably 
require shelter from the wind and salt spray, 
and this is generally provided for by planting 
a belt of trees or shrubs that succeed in such 
a situation (see Sea-side Trees and Plants). 
The term also denotes any thing grown or 
erected to hide an unsightly or undesirable 
object from any particular point, such as from 
the windows of the house or the principal 
walks of the gardens or grounds. is may 
be done effectually by groups of various ever- 
green trees and shrubs, to break up the uni- 
formity, or, if only to a moderate height, by 
lattice or rustic-work, with various creepers 
or climbing plants trained upon it. Special 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 403 


SCR 


preparations, however. have generally to be 
made to suit peculiar local requirements as to 
their designs and location. 

Screw Pine. See Pandanus utilis. 


Screw Tree. A popular name for Helicteres 
Isora, a native of India, Australia, etc., and 
so called from the screw-shaped carpels. 

peroulenatee Pitted; excavated into shallow 
pits. 

Scrophula'ria. So named by Linneus, from its 
supposed use in the cure of scrofula. Nat. 
Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A large genus of mostly hardy, annual, bi- 
ennial or perennial plants, broadly dispersed 
over the extra-tropical regions of the north- 
ern hemisphere. None of the species are of 
any horticultural interest. 


Scrophularia’cez. A large, natural order of 
herbs, or rarely shrubs, found in all climates, 
but mostly in temperate regions. The order 
is a most interesting and important one, con- 
tributing as it does so many beautiful plants 
to our gardens. Many of the genera are of 
medicinal value, chief amongst which is the 
Digitalis. According to Bentham and Hooker, 
who have divided the order into twelve tribes 
or sub-orders, it embraces one hundred and 
fifty-seven genera, and nearly nineteen hun- 
dred species. The following are well-known 
examples: Antirrhinum, Digitalis, Mimulus, 
Gerardia, Euphrasia, Calceolaria and Pentste- 
mon. 


Scrotiform. Pouch-like. 

Scrub Oak. See Quercus. 

Scurfy Pea. The common name at the Cape 
of Good Hope for the genus Psoralea. 

.Scurvy Grass. The popular name for Coch- 
learia officinalis. 

Scutate, Scutiform. Having the form of a 
small round buckler. 


Scutch Grass. See Cynodon. 


Scutella’ria, Skull-cap. From scutella, a little 
saucer; alluding to the form of the calyx. 
Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

An extensive genus of herbaceous peren- 
nials, many of which are indigenous to, and 
common throughout the United States. A 
few of the species are suitable for edgings to 
flower-beds. The hardy kinds have their 
flowers for the most part blue, and are quite 
showy. Among the tender or green-house 
species, S. Mocciana is bright scarlet and ex- 
ceedingly handsome, though often affected 
with rust. S. pulchella, another green-house 
variety, is crimson. Propagated by cuttings. 

Scutelliform. Platter-shaped. 

Scutica’ria. From scutica, a whip; leaves round 
as awhipcord. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

S. Steelii, one of the best known species of 
this genus, is an epiphytal Orchid from Dem- 
erara, with long, thong-like, pendulous leaves, 
and large, solitary, dingy-yellow, purple-spot- 
ted flowers which grow on very short stalks. 
There are a few other species of the same 
general character, but which are rarely culti- 
vated. 

‘Seypha’nthus. Cup Flower. From scyphos, a 
cup, and anthos, a flower; in reference to the 
shape of the flower. Nat. Ord. Loasacee. 

A small gerus of Chilian and Peruvian 
plants, allied to Loasa, but entirely devoid of 


SEA 


the stinging properties of that genus. S. vo- 
lubilis, introduced from Chili in 1824, but lost 
to cultivation until its re-introduction in 1880, 
has large cup-shaped flowers of a beautiful 
lively yellow tint. It is a very free-growing, 
annual climber, well adapted for covering 
trellis work, screens, etc., having also the ad- 
vantage of giving variety to those generally 
grown. This plantis also known as Grammato- 
carpus volubilis and S. grandiflorus. 


Sea Bean. See Hntada, and Ormosia. 

Sea Beet. A common name for Beta maritima. 
Sea Buckthorn. See Hippophe rhamnoides. 
Sea Cotton Weed. Diotis maritima. 

Sea Daffodil. See Pancratium. 

Sea Eryngo. See Eryngium maritimum. 
Seafo’rthia. Named after Francis Lord Seaforth, 


a patron of botany. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

S. elegans, the only known species, is a na- 
tive of Australia, and one of the most beauti- 
ful of the Palm family. The plant attains a 
height of thirty feet, with leaves from two to 
ten feet in length. ‘‘ The whole plant is per- 
fectly smooth, leaves drooping and feather- 
like, and is one of the finest subjects in culti- 
vation for the conservatory, green-house, or 
sub-tropical garden. It may be placed in the 
open air from the first of June until the first 
of October.’”’ It can be kept in the conserva- 
tory or ordinary green-house during winter, 
and is of rapid growth. Plants one year from 
seed, when well grown, attain a height of three 
feet, and are propagated by seeds only. Known 
also as Ptychosperma Cunninghamiana. Intro- 
duced in 1822. 8. coronaia, S. Kuhlii and 
S. malaiana are garden names for Pinanga 
coronata, P. Kuhlit and P. malaiana, respect- 
ively. 


Sea Heath. See Frankenia. 

Sea Holly. See Eryngium. 

Sea Island Cotton. See Gossypium. 
Sea-Kale. Crambe maritima. Sea-Kale is only 


cultivated as yet in the United States by pri- 
vate gentlemen employing gardeners, and is 
very rarely seen in our markets. Still, there 
is no reason why it may not be cultivated here 
equally as well as in Europe, as it grows quite 
as freely during our summer months here as 
there; and, being perfectly hardy, it can be 
got into condition to blanch—which is the 
only way in which it is used—the first season, 
if the following plain directions are strictly 
followed: Prepare the ground exactly as if 
for a Cabbage or Cauliflower crop, for itis a 
plant of the same family, and requires very 
similar treatment. As early as the ground is 
dry enough to work in spring, after having 
well leveled and raked the soil, strike out 
lines three feet apart, and of any length re- 
quired, and at these lines draw shallow drills, 
two or three inches deep. In these drills sow 
the Sea-Kale seed about as thick as Turnip, 
seed; say one ounce to every hundred and 
tifty feet of drill. After sowing, and before 
covering, tread the seed in the drill with the 
foot, and then cover and level with the rake. 
After the plants are up and show the rough 
leaf, thin out to eight or nine inches apart, 
and keep cultivating, so as to encourage the 
best growth possible during the summer. The 
plants will have completed their growth by 
November. when the leaves will begin to 


404 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SEA 


wither and dry off, as Rhubarb or Asparagus 
does. When the leaves have become com- 
pletely dried, it is well to cover with two or 
three inches of leaves, to prevent their being 
frozen hard. About the first of December or 
first of January, the blanching or forcing pro- 
cess may be begun. To do this, horse manure 
and leaves must be got together in quantities 
sufficient to heat, and enough to cover the 
Sea-Kale to be forced, to a depth of three or 
four feet; but, preparatory to placing this 
hot-bed over them, boxes one foot wide and 
one and a half to two feet high should be 
placed along the rows of the Sea-Kale, so that 
the manure is kept off them. Into these 
boxes the tender white shoots of the Sea-Kale 
will be forced up and protected from the 
manure; or, if the expense of boxes is not 
advisable, strong bush stakes, such as are 
used for staking Peas, may be used; in fact, 
anything that is strong enough to prevent the 
hot-bed pressing against and impeding the 
growth of the plants. The hot-bed of three 
or four feet high, placed over the Sea-Kale 
beds in December or January, will produce 
the Sea-Kale in the proper blanched condition 
in from ten to twelve weeks. If not wanted 
early, it may be blanched by covering with 
boxes, inverted flower-pots, leaves, or any- 
thing that will exclude the light, placed over 
the plants in spring at the time they start to 
grow. Itis also easily forced during winter 
in the green-house or in houses devoted to the 
forcing of vegetables, etc. (see Crambe and 
‘Forcing Fruits, Vegetables,” etc.). The 
young shoots, when cooked, have a flavor 
something between Asparagus and Cauli- 
flower, and in England they are much pre- 
ferred to either. 


Sea Lavender. A popular name for various 
species of Statice. - 


Sea-Leaf. Bryophyllum calycinum. 

Seal-Flower. A common name of Dicentra 
8pectabilis. : 

Sea Milkwort. See Glauz maritima. 

Sea Pink. Armeria maritima. 

Sea Purslane. See Purslane. 

Sea Reed. Psamma arenaria. 

Sea-Side Oat. The genus Uniola. 


Sea-Side Poppy. A common name for Glaw 
cium flavum. 


Sea-Side Trees and Plants. As seaside resi- 
dences are now so numerous, and most of 
them have a garden and pleasure-ground 
attached, it may be of service to notice some of 
the trees and shrubs best suited for protect- 
ing and rendering them attractive. Grigor, in 
his ‘‘Arboriculture,” says: ‘‘ The best shelter- 
ing nurses amongst deciduous trees are the 
Sallow, Alder, Osier and Birch, and among 
evergreens the Scotch Pine; but as these 
‘‘nurses,” as they are termed, would be 
gladly accepted in many instances as perma- 
nent occupants, I would earnestly recommend 
them as particularly fitted for such situa- 
tions.” In addition to these, the following 
will be found of excellent service: Tamarix 
Gallica, a most hardy and valuable plant for 
forming screens; Beech, Hornbeam, Ailantus, 
several of our native Thorns (Crataegus), 
Hazels, Altheas, the Sea Buckthorn (Hippo- 
phe), the Groundsel Tree (Baccharis), the 


SEC 


Witch or Wych Hazel (Hamemalis), Norway 
and other Maples, the Californian and Eu- 
1opean Privet (Ligustrum), the Box Thorn 
a Europeum) Myrica, various Elms, 
illows and Oaks, White Poplar, Pyrus aucu- 
paria, and other species. the Black Haw 
(Viburnum prunifoliwm), Elder, etc. Many 
shrubs, such as Weigelias, Ghent Azaleas, 
Berberis, Mahonia, Ceanothus, Japan Quince, 
Forsythia, the Oak-leaved Hydrangea (Hy- 
drangea quercifolia), etc., will be found very 
serviceable, especially if partially sheltered. 
Of evergreens the most useful are the White 
Spruce (Abies alba), Red Cedar, White, Aus- 
trian and Scotch Pines, Pinus Cembra, Rho- 
dodendrons, Arbor-vites, and Retinosporas. 


Sea Star-wort. A common name for Aster 
Tripolium. 

Sea Thrift. Statice Limonium. 

Sea Weed. A general name for the marine 
Algae. 

Sea Weed. Glazier’s. Zostera Mediterranea. 

Sea Weed. Gulf. Sargassum bacciferum. 


Sebz’a. Named afcer Albert Seba, 1665-1736, a 
botanical author of Amsterdam. 

A genus of Gentianacee, natives of the Cape 
of Good Hope and of New South Wales. They 
are erect annual herbs, with numerous whit- 
ish or yellow flowers, borne generally in 
branching corymbose cymes. The species in 
cultivation are elegant plants, and can be 
easily raised from seed in a green-house or 
hot-bed, and planted out for summer bloom- 
ing. 

Seca’le. Rye. An ancient name, said to be 
derived from seco, to cut. Nat. Ord. Grami- 
nacee. 

A genus of grasses allied to Wheat and Bar- 
ley. S. cereale is the well-known grain, Rye. 
Its native country, as in the case of the other 
most important cereals, is somewhat doubtful, 
but it is .said to be found wild in the desert 
region near the Caspian Sea and on the high- 
est mountains of the Crimea. It has long 
been cultivated as a cereal plant in Europe 
and Asia, and it is of considerable importance 
in the grain markets of this country. Its cul- 
tivation does not extend as far north as that 
of Barley, but it grows in regions too cold for 
Wheat, and on soils too poor and sandy for 
any other grain. It will, however, thrive well 
in a very hot climate, always succeeding best 
in alight sandy soil. Of this species there 
are two prominent varieties, known to farm- 
ers as Winter and Spring Rye: the difference 
is due to cultivation mainly. The variety 
most commonly cultivated is known as Win- 
ter Rye; and this is to be preferred, whether 
it is sown for grain or the straw. Its charac- 
ters as a variety are so little fixed that it may 
be sown at. almost any season of the year, 
with the hope of getting a crop in the proper 
season for it, either of grain or green fodder. 
1t is far less sensitive than Wheat to the cold 
of winter, while its vegetation is more rapid, 
so that in high northern latitudes it is often a 
more important crop. 


Secamo’ne. Altered from Squamona, the Ara- 
bic name of S. Agyptica. Nat. Ord. Asclepia- 
dacee. 

A genus containing nearly thirty species of 
climbing or decumbent shrubs, natives of 
South Africa, India and Australia. Three 


SCYPANTHUS ELEGANS 


SEDUM CARNEUM VARIEGATUM. 


BEDUM C@RULEUM. 


SEDUM SIEBOLDI. SESBANIA MACROCARPA, 


SEAFORTHIA ELEGANS. 


404 


Sey SS 


~ 30¥, 


Me WY Oh Me Ve, 
ate WE SY a8 QA Og 


SEED BOXES. NO. 3.—SHOWS THE PLANTS TRANSPLANTED, 
NO. 1.—SHOWING SEED AS JUSI SOWN IN NO. 2.—SHOWS SEEDS, SUCH AS PANSIES, THE SAME SHALLOW BOXES BEING 
SHALLOW BOXES (2 INCHES DEEP). 3 OR 4 WEEKS AFTER SOWING. USED IN EACH CASE. 


AZANIA PM 
aac tere 


SEED-TESTING GREENHOUSE 405 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 405 


SEC 


species have been introduced, but are proba- 
bly lost to cultivation. Some of the species 
contain an acrid principle, which makes them 
useful as medicines. Smyrna Scammony is 
obtained from an Egyptian species. 


Se’cateur. Small hand-pruning shears, for- 
merly used exclusively in France, but now 
manufactured here and in general use. They 
can be used much more expeditiously and to 
better advantage than a pruning knife for 
shortening strong shoots on trees, pruning 
roses, shrubs, ete. 


Se’/chium. Choko. From sekiso, to fatten; the 
fruit serves to fatten hogs in the mountains 
and inland parts of Jamaica, where the plant 
is much cultivated. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

S. edule, the type of this genus, is an 
annual, a native of the West Indies, where it 
is extensively grown for its fruit, which is 
considered extremely wholesome, and is com- 
monly used as an article of food by all classes. 
The plant is climbing, supporting itself by 
tendrils. The fruit is about four inches 
long, in substance between succulent and 
fleshy, and is exceedingly nutritious. Besides 
its utility as food for man, it is much used for 
fattening animals. The roots are large and 
in substance resemble the Yam; they are 
also used as an article of food. 


Secretion. Any organic but unorganized sub- 
stance produced in the interior of plants. 


Section. A term generally applied in classifi- 
cation to a division in the arrangement of 
species, genera, or other groups. 


Secund. Having all the flowers, leaves, or 
other organs, turned to one side. 


Securida’ca. From securis, a hatchet; alluding 
to the form of the wing at the end of the pod. 
Nat. Ord. Polygalacee. 

A genus of trailing shrubs, mostly natives 
of tropical America, Asia and Africa. The 
fruits,which are remarkable in the family, are 
very much like one of the two-winged carpels 
which make up the fruit of a Maple. The 
Buaze Fibre-plant, S. longipedunculata, spoken 
of by Dr. Livingston in his ‘‘ Travels,” belongs 
here, and has been described and figured in 
the botany of ‘‘Peters’ Travels in Mozam- 
bique” by Dr. Klotzsch, under the name of 
Lophostylis pallida. The fibre resembles flax, 
and some of it brought home by Dr. Living- 
ston, when tested, was pronounced equal to 
flax, worth $250 to $300 per ton. Many of the 
South American species ramble to a great 
height over other trees, and are beautiful 
objects when in flower. 


Securi’gera. From securis, a hatchet, and gero, 
to bear; referring to the shape of the pods. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

S. Coronilla, Axe-weed or Hatchet Vetch, 
the only species, is a native of the south of 
Europe. It is a hardy annual, bearing pedun- 
cles of nodding yellow flowers, and is of easy 
cultivation, only requiring to be sown in the 
the open border in spring. 


Securi/nega. From securis, a hatchet, and 
nega, to refuse; in reference to the extreme 
hardness of the wood. Nat. Ord. Huphor- 
biacew. 

A genus of about eight species, only one of 
which calls for notice here. S. durissima, the 
Otaheite Myrtle, the ‘‘ Bois dur” of the colo- 
nists, was introduced from Mauritius in 1793. 


SEE 


Noted principally for its exceedingly hard 
wood, it is seldom found outside of a botanic 
garden, and is readily propagated by cuttings 
of the half-ripened wood. 


Sedges. A common name for the Cyperacee, of 


which Carex is the principal genus. 


Sedum. Stonecrop. From sedere, to sit; the 


plants are found growing upon stones, rocks, 
walls and roofs of houses. Nat. Ord. Crassu- 
lacee. 

A very extensive genus of succulent, annual, 
hardy, herbaceous, perennial and evergreen 
plants, common to almost every country and 
climate. The hardy species of this genus are 
well adapted for ornamenting rock-work, 
Some of the species are remarkable for their 
variegated foliage, of which S. Sieboldi varie- 
gatum is one of the prettiest. It grows about 
one foot high, the leaves being blotched with 
yellow. Itis hardy, and isa variety of S. Sie- 
boldi, a native of Japan. There are a number 
of beautiful species indigenous to this coun- 
try. All the species are of the easiest culture, 
and may be grown from cuttings put in the 
place where they are to grow, or by division. 
Nearly all the species are worthy of a place in 
the garden. SS. Telephium is the common 
Live-forever of our gardens, a native of 
Europe, but has escaped from cultivation and 
become naturalized in many localities. Most 
of the species are, from their succulent char- 
acter and resisting drought, well adapted for 
vases, or for covering rough walls or rocks. 
S. acre, a beautiful yellow-flowered variety, is 
a well-known type of the genus, and its 
variety S. acre variegatum is even more beau- 
tiful. S.albida has beautiful white flowers 
early in spring. Propagated by cuttings or 
division. 


Seed Boxes. See ‘Propagation by Seeds.” 


Seed Drill. This is the implement used in 
sowing field crops of Onions, Carrots, Tur- 


nips, etc. It can be adjusted so as to sow all 
sizes of seeds. To use the seed drill success- 
fully, the ground must be soft and smooth. 
It is never safe to use itin harsh, clayey or 
stony soils. ‘By its use only about one-fourth 
the quantity of seed is required than when 
sown by hand; and the plants coming up in 
less numbers, they are easier thinned out. It 
is rarely used in small gardens. 


Seeds. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE 


LocALITIES WHERE THEY ARE GROWN IN THE 
Unitep States. The subjoined article from 
the Report of the Department of Agriculture 
at Washington for 1878 was written by us in 
that year, and we believe it will be found to 
be of sufficient interest and importance to 
warrant a place here. Itis entitled, ‘* Locanr- 
TIES BEST SUITED FOR MATURING SEED,” and 
is as follows: 

Seed-growing is now getting to be one of 
the industries of the United States, as it has 
long been of Europe. Our great variety of 
latitude, soil and climate is such that in many 
things we are now supplying Europe with 
that which a few years ago we imported; and 
I think it is safe to predict that in a majority 
of the seeds of the garden the balance of trade 
will ultimately be in our favor, as it is now 
with a majority of the seeds of the farm. I 
say a majority, for as seed-growing is a mat- 
ter of latitude, there always will be some 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SEE 


kinds that will attain perfection better in 
Europe than America, particularly such seeds 
as require a low temperature for perfect 
development. Hence, whenever a full variety 
of seeds is attempted to be grown in any one 
district, either here or in Europe, some crops 
will be a complete failure and many partially 
so, for we might as well attempt to “ accli- 
matize” the white bear of Iceland to the 
jungles of Africa, or the Bengal tiger to the 
forests of Norway, as to perfectly develop 
the seed of Oats in our Southern States, or 
the seed of Maize in northern Europe. Still, 
we find these attempts are made, and will be 
made by inexperienced cultivators of seeds, 
resulting not only in ultimate failure to the 
grower, but also seriously injuring those to 
whom such undeveloped seeds are sold. When 
seeds are grown in a latitude unsuited to 
their development, they will invariably per- 
petuate weak progeny. A marked case in 
point is the Oat, a grain requiring a low tem- 
perature for perfect development; hence the 
superiority of the Scotch or Tish Oats over 
those grown in the hot and dry summers of 
the United States. The average weight per 
bushel of Scotch Oats may be given as forty- 
four pounds, while the average of Oats grown 
in the United States is about thirty-two 
pounds per bushel; yet we find that Scotch 
Oats weighing forty-four pounds per bushel, 
when sown in the Middle States under favor- 
able conditions, deteriorate to forty pounds 
per bushel during the first season from the 
imported seed; that product being again 
sown, they still further deteriorate to thirty- 
five or thirty-six pounds per bushel, which 
again being sown the third year, falls down 
to the normal condition of the American Oats, 
say thirty or thirty-two pounds per bushel. 
These facts suggest the query whether it 
would not pay our farmers to import their 
seed Oats in order to get this improved 
quality. In my opinion there is no other way 
to do it; for no matter how carefully the 
selection of seeds is made, deterioration will 
take place when the crop is grown under cir- 
cumstances uncongenial to it. A lifetime 
spent in the practical study of horticulture, 
which is close akin to agriculture, has forced 
me tothe conclusion that there is no such 
. thing as acclimatization of plants. The Maize 
of the American continent resists all attempts 
to bring the crop to full maturity in the cli- 
mate of Great Britain, while the Oat (Avena 
sativa) gives comparatively abortive results 
when grown in our semi-tropical summers. 
Hundreds of instances in families of plants 
grown for their fruits, flowers, or seeds, could 
be given to show that, whenever any attempt 
is made to change characteristics incident to 
their natural origin, no perceptible advance is 
ever made. We all know that in attempts to 
acclimatize the Fig, the Olive, and the Orange 
tree in the open airin any locality where the 
thermometer falls below zero, the complete 
destruction of the trees would be the result, 
unless artificially protected. This result is 
marked and complete, and is universally 
known, even to such as have not made these 
matters a special study. But every cultivator 
of large experience knows that the same rule 
runs through all grades of vegetation, and 
that the hardening or acclimatizing of plants 
has not advanced, as far as the records go. 


' 


SEE 


We remember when the Chinese Wistaria was 
grown only in our green-houses; now it is 
seen everywhere as a hardy vine; but it was 
in ignorance of its hardy nature that it was 
ever protected, for it was equally as “hardy” 
the day of its first introduction as it is to-day. 
The garden and farm seeds in general use in 
the United States, I have said, are mainly 
grown here, though some are better grown 
in other countries. I will briefly state the 
localities so far found to be best suited to the 
greatest development of the different kinds, 
and the sources from which seedsmen draw 
their supplies. I am indebted for much 
information on this subject to Mr William 
Meggat, seed-grower, of Hartford, Conn., who 
has given this subject special study for the 
past twenty years. 

ASPARAGUS is grown in New Jersey, on 
Long Island, and in other portions of New 
York, and probably other parts of the North- 
ern and Middle States. 

BEETS are grown in Central New York, 
Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The Mangel 
and Sugar Beets are as yet mostly imported. 

Brans (Bush) are mostly grown in New 
York State, though Michigan, Wisconsin and 
Pennsylvania are beginning to grow consider- 
able quantities. 

Beans (Pole) are grown in Connecticut, 
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and 
Delaware, and States further south. 

The CaBBAGE, one of our most important 
erops, gives its best development near the 
sea-coast. That grown on rich soils inland is 
never so satisfactory. Hence our market 
gardeners and farmers in the vicinity of New 
York, from experience dearly bought, prefer 
their Cabbage seed for an early crop to be 
always grown on the easterly side of Long 
Island, on the Atlantic coast, to that from any 
other source. There is considerable grown in 
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut and 
Rhode Island, but such has never come to be 
held in any favor by our market gardeners in 
the vicinity of New York, who, perhaps, are 
as critical in such matters as anywhere in the 
world. But little Cabbage seed is now im- 
ported, though it is sold much cheaper in 
Europe than here; but the crop is too impor- 
tant to risk any consideration of price, for we 
find that what are grown as the favorite 
varieties in Europe are not to be compared, 
for our purpose, with those we have ourselves 
originated here. 

CAULIFLOWER SEED is all imported from 
Europe. All attempts that we have made to 
grow the seed here have proved nearly abort- 
ive. It requires a cool and rather moist 
climate, and even under the best conditions 
seeds sparingly. It has recently been tried in 
California, but, so far, with only partial success, 

CELERY is another important crop of which 
the seed is raised almost exclusively here; at 
least that in use among commercial garden- 
ers, many of them growing a few pounds for 
their own use annually at five times the cost 
they could buy imported seed for; the danger 
being so great of getting a spurious sort that 
they prefer doing so rather than run the risk. 
Now, however, as the varieties best suited 
for our climate become known, it is largely 
grown by our regular seed-growers in New 
York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New 
Jersey. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 407 


SEE 


CUCUMBERS are now grown entirely here, 
except a few of the fancy sorts. The best 
seed is grown on the maiden soil of the prai- 
ries ; and though still grown to some extent in 
Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and 
New York; [Illinois and Michigan will, in all 
probability, eventually be the section used to 
grow all species of the so-called ‘‘ vine” 
family of vegetables. 

The Carrot is grown almost exclusively in 
the States of New York, Rhode Island, Massa- 
chusetts and Connecticut. 

The Ecc-PuantT as yet, is mainly grown in 
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and 
Maryland, but, being a plant of tropical origin, 
the seeds, no doubt, would be better matured 
if grown further south, 

The ENDIVE is all imported from Germany 
and France. 

The LEEK is partly grown here in the East- 
ern and Middle States, though some is also 
imported. The American grown is found to 
have the greater vitality. ze 

LETTUCE, when grown in the Atlantic States, 
matures best in the vicinity of our large 
Jakes, in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin and 
Illinois. California, however, is better fitted 
for seeding Lettuce than any of the Atlantic 
States, and large quantities are already being 
grown there. Quantities are yet imported, 
but in this case, as in the case of Cabbage and 
Celery, market gardeners rarely risk imported 
Lettuce until first proving the variety to be 
correct. 

Merton (Nutmeg) is grown the same as the 
Cucumber. 

MELON (Water) is grown the same as the 
Cucumber, though rather more of it is grown 
in States farther south. 

Oxra is of tropical origin, and the seed is 
best grown in the Southern States. 

Onton is one of the most important of all 
our vegetable crops grown from seed, and as 
it rapidly loses its vitality, being of little value 
the second year, it is now almost entirely 
grown here. The seed from which to grow 
Onions of a marketable size is raised mainly 
in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island 
and Michigan; while that raised from which 
to grow Onion sets is mostly grown in Penn- 
sylvania and New Jersey. California has be- 
gun to grow Onion seed to some extent, but 
as the quality of the seed greatly determines 
the weight of the crop, confidence is not yet 
fully established in the seed grown there. 

PaRsLEY is nearly all imported, as the 
plant is not quite hardy enough to stand our 
northern winters, while the hot summer of 
our Southern States is against its maturing 
there. 

The Parsnip is grown mainly in Pennsyl- 
vania, New York, Connecticut and Rhode 
Island. 

Pras, a most important crop, are mainly 
grown in Canada and in New York State, on 
the immediate line of Lake Ontario. A few 
of the newer sorts are imported from Britain, 
but the great bulk used are grown as stated 
above. ; 

PEPPER is grown mainly in New Jersey, 


Pennsylvania and New York, but may be 


grown almost anywhere. 
RapisH is nearly all imported, or should 
be; for when grown in this climate, like Oats, 


.it degenerates very fast. 


SEE 


SALSIFY can be grown anywhere where 
Lettuce is grown, but as there is no danger of 
mixing varieties, it is cheaper to import it 
from France. 

SprnacH is nearly all imported from Eng- 
land, France, or Germany, as it cannot be so 
profitably grown here, for the same reason 
that we cannot profitably grow Parsley, main- 
ly because our winters in the north are often 
such as to kill off the plants, while in the 
southern section the summers are too hot for 
maturing the seed. 

Tosacco is grown in Virginia, Connecticut 
and Kentucky in the United States, and in 
Cuba and other tropical latitudes. It is some- 
times believed to be a peculiarity of Tobacco 
that location changes the character of the 
variety. This we are inclined to doubt, and 
believe thatthe varieties grown in Cuba, Con- 
necticut and Virginia, are botanically distinct, 
and are such as have been selected as the 
kinds best suited to the sections in which they 
are grown. 

Tomato seeds are mostly grown in New 
Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan and Illinois; 
but they may be grown with nearly the same 
success in almost all the States of the Union. 

TuRNIP seeds are grown in Pennsylvania, 
Rhode Island, Connecticut and Michigan. A 
little is grown in Virginia and Maryland, but 
it is less popular than that grown farther 
north; not much is now imported. 

PEARL Minuet is now creating a wide- 
spread interest. As the plant is tender, we 
are inclined to think the seeds will be grown 
exclusively in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas 
and other Southern States, as a long season 
and high temperature are necessary to fully 
mature the seed, though the plant as a fodder- 
plant does well in any section where Maize 
will grow. We find that under the most 
favorable conditions the seed does not ripen 
with us in New Jersey. 

Hungarian Minuet or Hungarian Grass 
is entirely different from Pearl Millet, bearing 
mo resemblance to it. The plant is hardy. 
Seeds are grown in New York, New Jersey 
and in many of the Western States. 

TimMoTHY Grass is grown largely in Illinois, 
Wisconsin and New York. : 

Buus Grass is grown in Kentucky, Ohio, 
and other Western States. 

Rep Top is grown in New Jersey, Ken- 
tucky, Ohio and Rhode Island. 

ORCHARD GRAss is grown in Kentucky, 
Ohio and the Western States. 

RED CLOVER is grown in Michigan, New 
York, Ohio, ete. Ke 

WHITE CLOVER is grown in Wisconsin, Illi- 
nois and Ohio, but the greater portion of it 
is yet imported from Germany and France. 

LuUcERNE or ALFALFA is grown in Cali- 
fornia mainly. - 

These localities are now the principal ones 
where seeds of commerce are grown; but 
every year, to some extent, these latitudes 
are changing, as we find that other latitudes 
are better suited for special kinds. For ex- 
ample, the long, dry seasons of California are 
found to mature many kinds of seeds far 
better than any section yet tried in the Atlan- 
tic States, particularly so in many of the more 
delicate kinds of flower seeds, that are yet 
nearly exclusively grown in Germany and 
France, and sold to us at rates of many times 


408 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SEE 


their weight in gold. Tens of thousands of 
acres are devoted to the raising of flower 
seeds in southern Europe, which could proba- 
bly be far better done in California; but the 
industry must be one of slow growth, for 
seeds are different from nearly all other mer- 
cantile commodities, inasmuch as no exami- 
nation can certainly tell whether or not seed 
will germinate, or, if it does germinate, can 
it be known whether itis the variety specified 
until it matures; hence seed merchants dare 
not purchase from the growers until not only 
their honesty, but, what is of equal impor- 
tance, their knowledge of the business in which 
they are engaged is assured. 


Seed-sowing. See ‘Propagation by Seeds.” 


Seema’nnia. Named after Berthold Seemann, 
a botanist and traveler, 1825-1871. Nat. Ord. 
Gesneracee. 

S. sylvatica, the only described species, is a 
pubescent, stove-house, perennial plant, with 
a creeping rhizome, closely allied to <Achi- 
menes and Isoloma. It bears bright scarlet 
flowers on solitary axillary pedicels, and 
requires the same treatment as Gesnera. It 
was introduced from Peru in 1875. 


Segar Plant. See Cuphea platycentra. 

Segment. One of the divisions into which a 
leaf or other flat organ may be cut. 

meee. A common name for Calochortus Nut- 
tallit. 

Segregate. Separated from each other. 


Selagina’cez. A natural order of small shrubs, 
or annual or perennial herbs, with alternate 
leaves, and blue, white, or rarely yellow flow- 
ers, in terminal heads or spikes, closely 
allied to Verbenacee. There are about a 
dozen -genera, of which Globularia is Euro- 
pean, Gymandra from temperate or northern 
Asia and northwestern America, and all the 
pag including Selago itself, from southern 

rica, 


Selagine’lla. A diminutive of Selago, an an- 
cient name of a Lycopodium, from which 
this genus has been separated. Nat. Ord. 
Lycopodiacee. 

A genus of Club Mosses, formerly included 
in the genus Lycopodium, and differing only 
by their two-ranked stems and the form of 
the fruit. Many of the species are very beau- 
tiful, and are favorite plants for the fern- 
house or Wardian case. S. lepidophylla has 
the fronds curiously curled in and contracted 
when dry, so as to form a ball somewhat like 
the Rose of Jericho, but expands again when 
moistened. It is commonly called the Resur- 
rection Plant and is found from Texas to 
Peru. 3S. serpens (syn. mutabilis) has the re- 
markable property of changing its color dur- 
ing the day; in the morning it is a bright 
green, but as the day advances it gradually 
becomes pale, and at night resumes its 
deeper tint. S. Kraussiana is a _ well- 
known species most useful for decorative 
purposes, and is now used in large quanti- 
ties by florists as a ground-work for elab- 
orate designs of cut flowers, dinner-table 
decoration, ete. 8S. wncinata (better known 
as S. cesia) has a beautiful metallic lustre, 
resembling the tints of a Peacock’s feathers. 
S. Wildenovii (syn. S. cwsia arborea) has the 
same beautiful shades of color as the preced- 
ing, but is a climbing plant of grand propor- 


Semeca’rpus. 


SEM 
tions. These two should be grown in a hot- 
house. The nature of all demands a moist 


atmosphere and partial shade. S. atroviridis, 
S. Braunti, S. caulescens, S. cuspidata, S. 
erythropus, S. Galeotti, S. hematodes, S. levi- 
gata, S. Martensii, S. Poulteri, S. Wallichii, 
and a number of other species are well- 
known green-house or plant-stove decorative 
plants, and are indispensable in every collec- 
tion. All the species are readily increased by 
cuttings, which strike root readily. 

Sela’go. From the Celtic sel, sight, and jach, 
salutary; supposed medicinal qualities. Nat. 
Ord. Selaginacee. 

A very pretty genus of low-growing, hardy, 
green-house shrubs from the Cape of Good 
Hope, with beautiful spikes of rose-colored, 
yellow, violet, or white flowers. They require 
but little care or attention, flowering freely 
in early summer, and are propagated by cut- 
tings. 

Sele'‘nia. Probably from Selene, the moon; 
connection not obvious. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

A small genus of annual herbs, natives of 
Texas and Arkansas. S. aurea has the habit 
of Brassica, the stem three-edged, the leaves 
pinnatifid, and the flowers golden yellow, in 
terminal racemes. Itis well worthy of culti- 
vation, both for the color and odor of the 
flowers, as wellasfor the considerable time 
it remains in blossom. It requires similar 
treatment to other hardy annuals. 


Selenipe’dium. South American Lady’s Slip- 


per. From selenis, a little crescent, and pe- 
dion, a slipper; in allusion to the crescentic, 
slipper-shaped labellum. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
acee, 

A genus of terrestrial Orchids, differing 
from Cypripedium in having a three-celled 
and three-furrowed, or three-lobed, ovary. 
They have been introduced chiefly from the 
mountainous parts of South America, and 
require the same general treatment as Cypri- 
pediums, from which genus they have been 
removed by Reichenbach. 


Self-heal. See Prunella. 


Seli/num. From Selinon, the Greek name for 
Parsley; applied to this genus on account of 
the resemblance in the leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Umbellifera. 

A genus of about twenty-five species of 
mostly hardy perennial plants, natives of the 
Northern Hemisphere. The species are of 
little horticultural interest. 


Marking Nut-tree. From seme- 
tion, a mark, and karpos, fruit; the black, 
acrid juice of the nut is used by the natives 
for marking cotton cloths. Nat. Ord. Anacar- 
diacee. 

A small genus of East Indian evergreen 
trees, the unripe fruit of which is employed | 
in making a kind of ink. The hard shell of 
the fruit contains a corrosive juice, which is 
employed externally by the natives for sprains 
and rheumatic affections. When dry it forms 
a black varnish, much used in India, and, 
among other purposes, it is employed, mixed 
with pitch and tar, in the calking of ships. 
The seeds, called Malacca Beans or Marsh 
Nuts, are eaten, and are said to stimulate the 
mental powers and especially the memory. 


Semeia’/ndra, From semeion, a mark, signal, 
an aner, andros, a male; in allusion to the 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 409 


SEM 


conspicuous shape of one of the stamens. 
Nat. Ord. Onogracee. 

A small genus of slender, pubescent, green- 
house shrubs, inhabiting the mountains of 
Mexico. One of the species, S. grandiflora, 
has been introduced, and forms a handsome 
plant, requiring culture similar to the Fuch- 
sia. It has large, handsome, showy, scarlet 
flowers, in axillary peduncles; the leaves are 
ovate, or ovate-lanceolate, tapering below, 
and acuminate at the apex. It was intro- 
duced from Mexico in 1853 and is increased 
readily by cuttings. 

Se’mele. The name of the mother of Bacchus, 
after whom the genus was named. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. 

S. androgyna, the only described species, 
is a climbing shrub with scale-like leaves, 
with cladodia (branches taking the form of 
leaves), from the side of which the flowers are 
produced. Itthrivesin any rich soil and is 
increased by division of the roots. It was in- 
troduced from the Canary Islands in 1713. 
Syn. Ruscus androgynus. 


Semi. Thisterm, used in Latin compounds, 
signifies half; as semi-amplexicaul, half-stem- 
clasping; semi-hastate, hastate on one side 
only, etc. 

Sempervirens. Evergreen. 


Sempervi'vum. Houseleek. From semper 
vivo, to live forever; referring to the tenacity 
of life of these plants. Nat. Ord. Crassulacew. 

A genus of shrubby, herbaceous, succulent 
plants, inhabiting the mountains of central 
and southern Europe, Madeira, Asia Minor, 
Abyssinia and the western Himalayas, but 
the most beautiful of which are natives of the 
Canary Islands. The tender kinds are inter- 
esting plants, and deserve a place in the 
green-house. Many of the hardy kinds are 
exceedingly pretty when in flower, and some 
become beautifully tinted in winter when 
fully exposed to the weather, as they always 
should be, for they are impatient of covering 
of any kind. They require very little water, 
except when about to flower; and they are 
propagated by cuttings, which must be laid 
to dry for some days before they are planted. 
They are very suitable for rock-work, and are 
occasionally used for ‘‘carpet bedding.” 
Young plants are also frequently produced by 
suckers from the old ones. 


Seneca Snake root. See Polygala. 


Seneci'llis. A genus of Composite, now in- 
eluded under Senecio. The plant usually cul- 
tivated as S. glauca, is Ligularia macrophylla, 
which greatly resembles the former but has 
a different pappus. : 


Sene’cio. Groundsel. Ragweed. From senex, 
an old man; the receptacle is naked and re- 
sembles a bald head. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

This is a large genus, some of which are of 
an ornamental character, comprising, accord- 
ing to Bentham and Hooker, nearly nine hun- 
dred species of annuals, perennials or shrubs, 
dispersed over the whole globe, but most 
numerous in temperate regions. S. elegans, 
a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was in- 
troduced about 1700, and has long been a 
favorite in gardens under the name of 
Jacobea. It is properly an annual, though 
easily kept as a perennial, and made to assume 
almost a shrubby appearance. There are sev- 


SEQ 


eral varieties of the species, as the double 
white, double purple, or double red, all of 
which are pretty, and useful for their long- 
continued flowering. S. pulcher, introduced 
from Uruguay in 1872, is a pretty, cobwebby, 
tomentose, perennial plant, having large, 
showy, purple flower-heads with a yellow 
disc. It is increased readily by root cuttings. 
S. vulgaris, the Groundsel of British gardens, 
is there, one of the most troublesome weeds. 
It has been introduced here by seeds in the 
soil of imported plants, but, fortunately, does 
not increase freely with us. There are sev- 
eral species indigenous to this country, all 
mere weeds. 


Senna. The leaves of Cassia acutifolia, C. an- 


gustifolia and other allied species. 


Senna. Bladder. ‘The genus Colutea. 

Senna. Scorpion. Coronilla Emerus. 
Sensitive Briar. See Schrankia uncinata. 
Sensitive Fern. See Onoclea sensibilis. 
Sensitive Plant. See Mimosa pudica. 
Sensitive Plant. Wild. Cassia nictitans. 
Sepal. One of the parts or divisions of the 


Calyx or outermost whorl of a flower. 


Septa. The partitions which divide the interior 


parts of a fruit. 


Se’ptas. From septem, seven; the number 


seven prevailing in the fructification. Nat. 
Ord. Crassulacee. 

A genus often united with Crassula, and 
containing two species from the Cape of Good 
Hope, having the habit of some species of 
Saxifraga. They are herbaceous, and have 
tuberous roots, simple stems, opposite or 
verticillate leaves, and white, almost umbel- 
late, flowers. They are readily increased by 
division of the tubers and should be kept 
rather dry while dormant. 


Septum. A partition. 
Sequoi’a. The generic name is a supposed 


modification of See-qua-yah, the name of a 
celebrated Cherokee chief. Nat. Ord. Coni- 
fere. : 

The two species that at present constitute 
this genus are gigantic evergreen trees, na- 
tives of California. S. gigantea is the far- 
famed Mammoth Tree, which was discovered- 
by an American hunting party in the Sierra 
Nevada, Upper California, in 1850. The so- 
called Mammoth Grove is in Calaveras. This 
was the first discovery; and, though found in 
various parts, none have attained the height 
of those the astonished hunters first beheld. 
“The tallest tree of the Mammoth Grove, 
stripped of its bark for the purpose of exhi- 
bition, was 337 feet high, and at the base was 
90 feet in circumference. The greatest di- 
mensions seem to have been attained by a 
tree which was found broken at a height of 
300 feet, and which measured at that place 
eighteen feet in diameter. Considering it was 
one hundred and twelve feet in circumference 
at the base, and tapered regularly to the point 
where broken, it is calculated to have been, 
when in the fullness of its growth, four hun- 
dred and fifty feet high. By actual counting 
of the concentric rings, this tree was found to 
have been 1,100 years old.” 8S. sempervirens 
is the Redwood of the timber trade, and ex- 
tends from Upper California to Nutka Sound. 
Itattains gigantic dimensions, being frequently 


410 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SER 


more than three hundred feet high, and im- 
parts to the woods a peculiar character; as 
Douglas said, ‘‘Something that plainly shows 
we are not in Europe.” This species fur- 
nishes most of the lumber used in house- 
building, cabinet work, and for various other 
work in which pine is employed east of the 
Rocky Mountains. These trees have been 
introduced into our nurseries, and are found 
to be hardy around New York, though no such 
extraordinary dimensions are ever likely to 
be obtained as in their native habitat. Syn. 
Wellingtonia. 


Sera’pias. Name derived from the Egyptian 
God, Serapis. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A small genus of hardy terrestrial Orchids, 
natives of the Mediterranean region. There 
are five or six species, all very interesting 
plants, and generally included in all collec- 
tions of hardy Orchids. 


Sereno’a. Saw Palmetto. Named in honor of 
Sereno Watson, of Cambridge, Mass., a distin- 
guished botanist. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

S. serrulata, the only species, is a dwarf, 
unarmed tufted Palm, a native of the Southern 
States, and closely allied to Sabal. It is a 
very handsome species either for the green- 
house or for summer decoration. Syn. Sabal 
serrulata. 


Serial or Seriate. Disposed in rows or series. 


-Sericeus. Silky; covered with close, soft, 
straight pubescence. 
Serico’graphis. From serikos, silk, and grapho, 
to write. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

This genus consists of a few species of 
under-shrubs and herbaceous evergreens. S. 
Ghiesbreghtiana is a handsome winter-flower- 
ing plant, requiring the same treatment as 
the Ruellia. This genus is now included un- 
der Jacobinia by some authors. 


Seri/nga. A popular name for the Philadelphus 
or Mock Orange. 


Seri/ngia. Named in honor of N. C. Seringe, 
' Director of the Botanical Garden at Lyons, 
1776-1858. Nat. Ord. Sterculiaceae. 

S. platyphylla, the only described species, is 
an interesting, green-house, evergreen shrub, 
with white flowers in dense terminal cymes. 
The branches are loosely whitish or rusty 
tomentose. It was introduced from Australia 
in 1822, and is propagated by cuttings of the 
young wood. Syn. Lasiopetalum arborescens. 


Seri’ssa. A name altered from the old Greek 
Seris, used by Dioscorides. Nat. Ord. Rubia- 
cee. 


S. feetida, the only species, is a pretty, green- 
house, branched shrub, with white axillary 
or terminal flowers. There is a variety with 
double flowers (a rare occurrence in this or- 
der), and another with gold-margined leaves. 
Propagated by cuttings. A native of India, 
China, Japan, etc.; sometimes cultivated un- 
der the name of Lycium Japonicum. 


Serotinus. Comparatively late. 
Serpent’s Beard. Ophiopogon Japonicus. 


Serpent Withe. A common name for Aristo- 


lochia odoratissima. 

Serradilla. The common name for Ornithopus 
sativus, which see. — 

Serrate. Having sharp, straight-edged teeth, 
pointing to the apex. When these teeth are 


Sesba’nia. 


SES 


themselves serrate, they are bi-serrate or 
duplicato-serrate. F 

Serra’/tula. Saw-wort. From serrula, a little 
saw; alluding to the serrated foliage. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

A large genus of hardy, perennial herbs, na- 
tives of Europe, North Africa and Asia, all 
more or less of a Thistle-like aspect and not 
suitable for general culture. 


Serrulate. Serrate, with very small or fine 
teeth. 
Serru’ria. Named in honor of Dr. James Serru- 


rier, Professor of Botany at Utrecht. Nat. 
Ord. Proteaceae. 

A genus of desirable, densely leafy shrubs 
peculiar to South Africa. Of this showy and 
desirable genus over fifty species have been 
described, nearly half of which are in cultiva- 
tion. They are closely allied to Protea and 
require the same general treatment. 


Service Berry. Sce Amelanchier. 


Service Tree. See Pyrus. 


Se/samum. Bene Plant. From Sesamon, the 
old Greek name used by Hippocrates. Nat. 
Ord. Pedatiacee. 

S. orientale, a native of the East Indies, is 
the Bene Plant of our gardens and of domestic 
medicine, being used with excellent results in 
severe cases of dysentery. It is now grown for 
that purpose in the vicinity of New York and 
other large cities. A dozen leaves put ina 
tumbler of water quickly give out a mucilagi- 
nous, starch-like substance, in which condi- 
tion it can be freely used. Cultivation, the 
same as for other tender annuals; that is, by 
sowing in March in a hot-bed, if wanted early, 
or in the open border in May for general crop. 
It is a tender annual, with flowers of a whitish 
color, shaped somewhat like those of the 
Foxglove, and produced in loose terminal 
spikes. In the Southern States and in Africa 
this species was, and is yet to some extent, 
considerably grown for the oil, called Gingelly 
Oil, the seed yields, which oil will keep many 
years without acquiring any rancid taste or 
smell. When first made itis quite heating 
and is used as astimulant; but, after two or 
three years, it becomes quite mild, and is used 
as a salad oil. The seeds are also used by 

_ the negroes for food, which they prepare. in 
various ways. In Japan the oil is used as we 
use butter in cooking. 

From sesban, the Arabic name of 
S. Atgyptiaca. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A small genus of interesting tropical and 
sub-tropical annuals, biennials and shrubs, 
producing fine flowers, mostly yellow, the 
entire summer. A. macrocarpa, a native of 
Louisiana, is one of the most showy species, 
and useful for very dry, warm situations. ° 

Se’seli. Meadow Saxifrage. The Greek name 
of an umbelliferous plant. Nat.-Ord. Umbel- 
lifere. 

A genus of about forty species, nearly all 
natives of the north temperate regions. 
gummiferum, the only species worthy of atten- 
tion, is a handsome silvery plant with elegantly 
divided leaves of a peculiarly pleasing glaucous 
or almost silvery tone. Itis a biennial, and 
thrives best on a dry, sunny bank, or raised 
border. It was introduced to cultivation from 
ee in 1804, and is readily increased by 
seeds. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 411 


SES 


Sesqui. A prefix, which, used in Latin com- 
pounds, signifies one and a half, as Sesqui- 
pedalis, one and a half feet. 


Sessile. Sitting close upon the body that sup- 
ports it without any sensible stalk. 


Sesu’vium. A small genus of Ficoidew, inter- 
esting principally as containing the Samphire 
or Seaside Purslane of the West Indies (S. 
Portulacastrum), which, with S. repens, both 
found on the sea-shores, are edible and are 
used as pot herbs, though-they have rather a 
salt taste. One or two of the species are in 
cultivation. 


Seta. A bristle of any kind; a bristle tipped 
with a gland; a slender prickle. 


Seta'ria. Bristly Fox-tail Grass. From seta, a 
bristle ; the involucrum is bristly. Nat. Ord. 
Graminacee. 

An extensive genus of grasses, mostly annu- 
als and of but little interest. 

Setigerous. Bearing bristles. 

Setose. Bristly; covered with stiff hairs. 

Seville Orange or Bitter Orange. Citrus vul- 
garis. 

Seyme’ria. Named for Henry Seymer, an Eng- 
lish naturalist. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A genus of annual or perennial herbs, natives 
principally of northwest America. 8S. pec- 
tinata and S. tenuifolia, both native annual 
species, are in cultivation, and are very pretty 
plants when in flower. : 

Shad-Bush. See Amelanchier. 

Shaddock. Citrus decumana, 

Shading. In this latitude, where the sun’s 
rays are so powerful, shading is imperative 
for nearly all plants grown under glass dur- 
ing the hot and often dry and sultry summer 
months. More particularly is this the case 
with stove and green-house plants, very few 
of which can be successfully grown under 
glass without more or less shade. As a per- 
manent shading has the effect of weakening 
the plants, because they do not get sufficient 
light in dull weather, a system of fixing 
thin blinds to rollers which may be drawn up 
in dull weather is, perhaps, the best method. 


A great variety of material is procurable for. 


this purpose, and, for a small “lean-to” or 
span-roofed house, a screen of light canvas, 
muslin, or “protecting cloth” (which see), 
arranged on the outside, so that it may be 
wound up on a roller when not wanted, will 
answer, and if it be desired to keep the 
house as cool as possible, this should be so con- 
trived that there will be a space of six inches 
or so between that and the glass. But upon 
a large house, or one with a curvilinear roof, 
this is not so manageable, and we find the 
best method is to spatter the glass outside 
with a preparation of naphtha and white lead 
made so thin as to resemble skimmed milk. 
This can be puton by a syringe at a cost of 
not over twenty-five cents for every thousand 
square feet of glass. When first done it 
should be spattered very thinly, merely to 
break the strong glare of the sun, just about 
’ thick enough to cover half the surface. As 
the season advances, the spattering should 
be repeated to increase the shade. Roses, 


Bouvardias, Smilax, Poinsettias, Primulas, © 


etc., however, do not require more of the ma- 
terial at any time than just to cover the glass. 


SHA 


Frames, small green-house, etc., are easily 
shaded by means of a lattice made of common 
laths. Strips of inch stuff, an inch and a half 
or two inches wide, are used for the sides of 
the lattice, and laths are nailed across as far 
apart as their own width. One lath being 
nailed on, another is laid down to mark the 
distance, the third one put down and nailed, 
and the second lath is moved along to mark 
the distance for the fourth, and soon. With 
a screen of this kind there is abundant light, 
but the sun does not shine long at a time on 
one spot, and the plants have a constantly 
changing sun and shade. This lath screen 
may be used for shading plants in the open 
ground, if supported at a proper height above 
them. In a propagating house, where it is 
necessary, as it often is, to shade cuttings, a 
lattice laid upon the outside of the glass an- 
swers a good purpose. The laths are some- 
times tied together with strong twine, the 
cord answering the place of slats, and serv- 
ing as a warp with which the laths are woven ; 
the advantage of a screen of this kind being 
that it can be rolled up. Another and excel- 
lent screen to shade is to make frames three 
by six feet of the ‘‘ Protecting Cloth ” already 
alluded to. Plants kept in windows during 
summer months will, if in a sunny exposure, 
require some kind of a shade, and, if the one 
provided to keep the sun from the room shuts 
out too much light, or excludes air as well as 
sun, something must be provided which will 
give protection during the heat of the day, 
and still allow sufficient light and an abund- 
ant circulation of air. Any one with ingenu- 
ity can arrange a screen of white cotton cloth 
to answer the purpose. 


Shallot. Allium Ascalonicum. The Shallot or 
Eschalot is a native of Palestine, especially 
near the once famous city of Ascalon, whence 
its specific name. It was first introduced 
into England in 1548, and has ever since been 
cultivated to a considerable extent, and used 
in the same manner as the Onion. Itis highly 
esteemed for pickles. Several varieties have 
been noticed; the only difference, however, 
seems to be in the size, which may properly 
be attributed to the cultivation, as it is 
largely upon this that the size depends. 
Shallots are grown to a considerable extent 
in the vicinity of New York. The bulbs are 
planted one foot between the lines and six 
inches between the plants, in October, and 
are marketed in the green state the following 
May. From the early maturing of the crop, 
they are always very profitable, though grown 
to a much less extent than Onions. Increased 
only by division. 


Shamrock. The national flower or symbol of 
Ireland. So accepted because, according to 
tradition, St. Patrick used it to illustrate his 
teaching of the doctrine of the Trinity to the 
natives. Like the Scotch Thistle, antiqua- 
rians are in doubt as to the true Shamrock. 
Many think it is the Trifolium repens or com- 
mon White Clover; others that it is the small 
yellow Clover, Trifolium minus; while num- 
bers declare, and with much probability, that 
it is not a clover at all, but the common Wood 
Sorrel, Oxalis Acetosella. ‘English writers 
mention it as having been used as food in 
Ireland after the devastation caused by ‘the 
wars of the sixteenth century. By. persons 


412 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SHA 


imperfectly acquainted with the Irish lan- 
guage, the word shamsog might easily be con- 
founded with the name Shamrock, if they 
judged by the eye, as S and K have nearly the 
same form in the Ivish alphabet. Clearly, 
then, Shamrock, or, to give it its true orthog- 
raphy, Seamarog (Trifolium minus) could 
never have been used for Wood Sorrel, except 
through ignorance, as Seamar is the generic 
name of all the species of Trifolium, and 
could never have been applied to so utterly 
different a plant as Oxalis acetosella.” Others, 
however, argue thatin the days of St. Patrick 
Ireland was very thickly wooded, and that as 
his meetings would, in all probability, be held 
in their shelter, where the Ozalis is so very 
plentiful as to be in many places the only 
covering, it would be most readily used by 
St. Patrick to illustrate his subject. Mr. 
Mackay, in ‘‘ Flora Hibernica,” says, ‘‘ that old 
authors said it was a sour, indigenous plant, 
showing itself on St. Patrick’s day, and that 
it was eaten.” He therefore concludes that 
it was not Trifolium repens but undoubtedly 
Oxalis Acetosella. We understand that nowa- 
days any species of Clover with a tripartite 
leaf is used indiscriminately, Trifoliwm fili- 
forme and Medicago lupulina being worn with 
other species in Dublin on St. Patrick’s day. 

Shamrock Pea. A name given to Parochetus 
communis. 


Sheath. A part which is rolled round a stem 
or other body, as the lower part of the leaf 
that surrounds the stem. 

Sheep Berry. Viburnum Lentago. 

Sheep Laurel. See Kalmia angustifolia. 

Sheep's Scabious. See Jasione. 

Sheep’s Sorrel. Rumezx acetosella. 


Sheffe’ldia repens, is a little New Zealand 
ereeping plant of the Nat. Ord. Primulacea, 
with small, slender stems and small leaves. 
It is perfectly hardy, producing tiny white 
flowers in summer, and is an interesting plant 
for the rock-work or rock-garden. 

Shell-bark Hickory. See Carya. 

Shell-Flower. See Chelone. 

Shell-Flower. Mexican. Tigridia conchiflora. 

Shephe’rdia. Named after the late John Shep- 
herd, Curator of the Botanic Garden of Liver- 
pool. Nat. Ord. Elwagnacew. 

A small genus of native shrubs or low- 
growing trees common on the banks of the 
Missouri River. They are favorite plants for 
shrubbery or lawn decoration, on account of 
their blooming very early in spring and their 
fine appearance in autumn, when their 
branches are thickly clad with rich clusters of 
erimson berries, resembling somewhat, in 
color and size, the common red Currant. 
They are popularly known as the Buffalo- 
berry, Rabbit-berry, and sometimes as Beef- 
suet trees. Syn. Hlwagnus. 

Shepherd's Club, or Shepherd's Flannel. Pop- 
ular names for Verbascum Thapsus. 

Shepherd's Knot. Tormentilla officinalis. 

Shepherd’s Purse. Capsella Bursa-pastoris, one 
of our most common weeds. Introduced from 
Europe. 

Shield Fern. See Aspidiwm 

Shield Flower. The popular name for Aspit- 
distra. 


4 


SHR 


Shield Shaped. Round or oval and flat, with 
stalk attached to the lower surface. 


Shin-leaf. The popular name of Pyrola, elliptica. 


Shittim Wood. Supposed to be the timber of 
Acacia nilotica. 


Shoeblack Plant or Shoe Tree. 
name for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. 


Shooting Star. A western name for the Dode- 
catheon Meadia, which see. 


Shoots. Blind. A name given to such shoots 
as do not flower, but which are often utilized 
for cuttings, as in Roses, Oarnations, etc. 


Sho’rtia. A genus placed by Professor Asa 
Gray in the sub-order Galacinew, of the Nat. 
Ord. Diapensiacew. It differs very slightly 
botanically from Galax. S. galacifolia is in- 
teresting, not only as being one of our rarest 
native plants, but on account of Professor 
Gray’s persistent endeavors to re-discover it. 
When he was in Europe in 1839, while exam- 
ining the herbarium of the elder Michaux, 
collected in 1788 and preserved in the Museum 
at Paris, he found an unnamed specimen of a 
plant with the habit of Pyrola and the foliage 
of Galax, of which only the leaves and a single 
fruit were preserved, and which had been 
collected, the label said, in the ‘‘Hautes mon- 
tagnes de Carolinie.” Two years later, having 
in vain searched for Michaux’s plant, he ven- 
tured to describe it upon the strength of the 
scanty material already mentioned, dedicat- 
ing it to Dr. C. W. Short, the author of a cat- 
alogue of the plants of Kentucky. Attention 
having thus been drawn to it, diligent search 
was made by eager botanists through all the 
mountainous region to which Michaux’s label 
assigned the plant, but without success, until 
in May, 1877, it was re-discovered by Mr. G. 
Hyams on the banks of the Catawba River, 
near the town of Marion, at a considerable 
distance from the original station. These new 
specimens, gathered when the plant was in 
flower, confirmed at once Professor Gray’s 
original ideas of the proper relationship of 
his genus, and enabled him to complete its 
characters and remodel the family to which it 
belonged. Its nearest allies are Galax aphyilla, 
a beautiful evergreen herb with tall, erect 
racemes of pure white flowers, found on the 
southern slopes of the western Alleghanies, 
and the beautiful little Pizidanthera barbulata, 
of the New Jersey pine-barrens. 


Showy Orchis. See Orchis. 


Shrub. A woody plant which does not form a 
true trunk like a tree, but has several stems 
rising from the roots. 


Shrubberies. This term is usually applied to 
a plantation of shrubs, which are generally 
arranged and planted with a view to produc- 
ing an effect throughout the summer, but, by 
making a-suitable selection and arranging 
with judgment, they may be rendered attract- 
ive, either in the flower or foliage, through- 
out the whole year. As a boundary or 
screen, dividing cultivated from wild grounds, 
or as a background for a mixed border in a 
flower garden, evergreen shrubs are unsur- 
passed. A large number of subjects, both 
evergreen and deciduous, may be planted ina 
mixed shrubbery, though forest-trees should 
not be admitted, or, if they are, merely with 
a view to their subsequent removal. The 


A common 


SHORTIA GALACIFOLIA. 


SELAGINELLA LEPIDOPHYLLA (RESURRECTION PLANT). 


SENECIO MACROGLOSSUS (GERMAN IVY). 


412 SENECIO PULCHER. 


SILENE PENDULA VARIEGATA. 


SKIMMIA JAPONICA. 


— 


SOLANUM MARGINATUM. 


SOLANUM ROBUSTUM, 


433 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


413 


SHR 


front line should be restricted to those 
plants that habitually remain compact and 
do not grow tall, while the back part may be 
filled with such specimens as are of an oppo- 
site description. Overcrowding is especially 
to be avoided, but in planting a new shrub- 
bery a large number of duplicates may be 
inserted, which should he transplanted in a 
year or two, as the permanent specimens re- 
quire additional space. Constant attention, 
by judicious pruning, is necessary to prevent 
strong-growing plants from overgrowing and 
crowding their neighbors. Summer pruning 
is of great assistance here; all those shrubs 
that flower on the wood made the previous 
year, such as Forsythias, Spireas, Deutzias, 


Weigelias, etc., ought to be pruned back im- | 


mediately after flowering; the young wood 
thus produced will develop for the succeeding 
year, and the plant will not be materially en- 
larged in comparison with an unpruned speci- 
men. Many ornamental evergreen shrubs, 
grown principally for their foliage, may be 
pruned more or less extensively, according to 
the position they occupy or the purpose for 
which they are grown. Pruning should 
always be done, where practicable, with a 
knife, or pruning shears, thus leaving the 
subject in good shape without cutting the 
foliage or injuring the branches that are left. 
Clipping with shears is inadmissible, except 
where the shrubs are planted for a hedge, a 
purpose for which Altheas, Privet, Lilacs, 
Osage, Orange, ete., are often employed. 

Shrubby Trefoil. See Ptelea. 

Siberian Crab. See Pyrus prunifolia. 

Siberian Pea-Tree. See Caragana. 


Sibtho’rpia. Named after Dr. Humphrey Sib- 
thorp, formerly Professor of Botany at Oxford. 
Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A genus of trailing, herbaceous plants, na- 
tives of South America, Europe and Africa. 
A few of the species are under cultivation. 
S. Huropea is a very pretty low-growing spe- 
cies, with yellow flowers and dark green 
foliage. It is a good plant for the shady bor- 
der or for potculture. The pot being sus- 
pended, it will droop all around it to a distance 
of three feet. There is a beautiful variety 
with variegated foliage, but it is more diffi- 
cult to grow. Disandra prostrata is placed 
under this genus by some botanists, under 
the name of S. peregrina. 

Sickle-pod. The popular name of Arabis Cana- 


densis 
Sickle-wort. A common name for Prunella 
vulgaris. 
Si'cyos. Star Cucumber. An old Greek name 
forthe Cucumber. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

A genus of nearly a dozen half-hardy, climb- 
ing, annual herbs, natives of the warmer parts 
of America, the Pacific Islands and Australia. 
S. angulata, commonly called Wild Cucumber, 
is common on river banks, and is a weed in 
waste places and damp yards. 


Si’/da. Indian Mallow. An extensive genus of 
Malvaceew, comprising herbs and shrubs, na- 
tives of the tropical and sub-tropical zones 
both of the Eastern and Western Hemi- 
spheres. Many of the species are used medici- 
nally, and the bark of several contains an 
abundance of fibrous tissue, available for 
cordage, etc. The Chinese cultivate S. tilie- 


SIL 


folia for the sake of its fibre. which they pre- 
fer to hemp. Many species, formerly included 
here, are now classed under Abutilon, which 


see. 


Sida'lcea. From Sida and Alkea, an ancient 


Greek name for some Malva; alluding to the 
appearance and alliances of the plants. Nat. 
Ord. Malvacee. ‘ 

A genus of hardy, mostly perennial herbs, 
with the habit of Malva or Althea, natives of 
western North America. They are coarse- 
growing plants, and only S. malveflora, S. 
Oregana and S. acerifolia ave in cultivation. 


Sideri'tis. Iron-wort. From sideros, iron; so 


named on account of a supposed property of 
healing flesh wounds inflicted by iron. Nat. 
Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of nearly fifty species of hardy or 
half-hardy, often woolly, herbs or shrubs, na- 
tives of the Mediterranean region and the 
Canary Islands. Many of the species are use- 
ful for ornamenting the rock-garden or rock- 
work. 


Sidero’xyion. From sideros, iron, and zylon, 


wood; alluding to the very hard wood fur- 
nished by the various species. Nat. Ord. Sa- 
potacee. 

A genus of nearly sixty species of stove or 
green-house shrubs, natives of Africa, Aus- 
tralia and New Zealand. The fruits of S. 
dulcificum have a very sweet taste, and are 
known, with others in western Africa, under 
the name of Miraculous Berry. The various 
species introduced are of little horticultural 
value. 


Side-saddle Flower. See Sarracenia. 
Sieve'rsia. Named after M. Sievers, a Russian 


botanical collector. Nat. Ord. Rosacew. 

A small genus of hardy, herbaceous peren- 
nials, closely allied to Geum. The species 
from Austria and Switzerland have large yel- 
low, solitary flowers and are quité handsome. 
They are propagated by division. 


Sigmoid. Somewhat resembling in form the 


letter 8. 


Silene. Catchfly. From sialon, saliva; in al- 


lusion to the viscid moisture on the stalks of 
many cf the species, by which the smaller 
kinds of flies a entrapped; and hence the 
common name of the genus, Catchfly. 
Ord. Caryophyllacee. . ei 

A very large genus, mostly natives of south- 
ern Europe, North Africa and extra tropical 
Asia, containing many plants of much beauty. 
It numbers above a hundred and fifty species, 
which are chiefly hardy, herbaceous plants, or 
annuals of the same character. The latter, 
however, contain many which are mere weeds. 
Red, of various shades, is the prevailing color 
of the flowers, though both white and purple 
are found in it. 8. viscosa is a popular bi- 
ennial, frequently grown for the backs of large 
borders, and the old Lobel’s Catchfly (S. ar- 
meria) is still occasionally met with. 9, 
Schafta combines every good quality to be 
desired in border flowers, being hardy, herba- 
ceous, trailing closely to the ground, and 
bearing a profusion of crimson red flowers. 
It is easy to grow either as a pot plant or in 
the open ground, and will, doubtless, occupy 
& prominent place when better known. The 
shrubby species of this genus are easily in- 
creased by cuttings ; and, though hardy enough 


414 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SIL 


co resist almost any amount of frost, they are 
sometimes injured by excessive wet, and for 
this reason afew should be potted and kept 
in a cold frame. Such of the annuals as are 
worth cultivating need only to be sown where 
they are to flower. Several species are com- 
mon throughout the United States, but they 
are of less importance than those from south- 
i pat and Africa. First introduced in 


Siliqua. The long tapering pod of Crucifere. 
Silk Cotton-tree. See Bombaz. 
Silk Oak. See Grevillea. 


Silk Tree. Acacia Julibrissin, a native of the 
Levant. 


Silk-Vine. Periploca greca. 
Silk Weed. Asclepias cornuti. 


Si/Iphium. Rosin Plant, Rosin Weed, Compass 
Plant. From silphion, the Greek name applied 
to an Asafcetida plant. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A small genus of strong-growing,herbaceous, 
perennial plants, common in the Western and 
Southern States. 8S. laciniatum is said to pre- 
sent its leaves exactly north and south, which 
gives it the name of Compass Plant. The 
leaves and stems of some of the species exude 
a large amount of rosin, whence the common 
name Rosin Weed. All the species are of far 
more interest to the botanist than the florist. 

Silver Balm. See Melissa. 

Silver Bell Tree. See Halesia. 


Silver Berry. Missouri. The fruit of Shep- 
herdia argentea. 


Silver Bush. Anthyllis Barba-Jovis. 
Silver Fern. See Cheilanthes. 


Silver Fir. The popular name for Abies pecti- 
nata. 


Silver Tree. Cape. Leucadendron argenteum. 


Silver Weed. Potentilla anserina. See also Im- 
patiens. 

Sily’bum. Milk Thistle. An old Greek name 
applied by Dioscorides to some Thistle-like 
plants. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

S. Marianum, the only species, isa glabrous, 
erect, biennial herb, included by some botan- 
ists under Carduus. ‘‘The specific name, 
Marianum, was given to this plant to preserve 
the legend that the white stain on the leaves 
was caused by the falling on the plant of adrop 
of the Virgin Mary’s milk,”—Lindley. It was 
formerly cultivated, the young leaves being 
used as a spring salad, the root boiled as a pot- 
herb, and the heads treated like the heads of 
the Artichoke. It grows wild in waste places 
in many parts of Britain, and still retains its 
place in old-fashioned gardens. See Carduus 
and Scotch Thistle. 


Sima’ba. The native name in Guiana of one of 
the species. Nat. Ord. Simarubacew. 

A genus of trees and shrubs, natives of 
tropical America. Three species have been in- 
troduced, but S. Cedron, the Cedron Tree, is 
probably the only species incultivation. It is 
@ small tree, a native of New Grenada, and 
bears large panicles of flowers, often three to 

four feet long, succeeded by fruit about the 
size of aswan’segg. It is remarkable for the 
febrifugal properties of its seeds, which have 
also been from time immemorial reputed, 
in its native place, as a remedy for snake bites. 


SIP 


Every part of the plant, but especially its 
seed, is intensely bitter. 

Simaro’uba, Sometimes spelled Simaruba. The 
Carib name of S. amara. Nat. Ord. Simaru- 
bacece. 

A small genus of evergreen trees, natives of 
eastern and tropical America. Probably the 
only cultivated species is S. amara (the 
Mountain Damson), which yields the drug 
known as Simaruba Bark, which is, strictly 
speaking, the rind of the root, and is em- 
ployed as a bitter tonic in diarrhea and 
dysentery. 

Simaruba’cez. A natural order of trees’ or 
shrubs, remarkable for the bitter taste of 
their bark. They are natives of hot countries, 
a very few only being found without the 
tropics. Thirty genera are referred to this 
order, which is closely allied to Rutacee. 
Quassia, Ailantus, Brucea and Cneorum are 
good examples. 

Simmo/ndsia. Named in memory of 7. W. Sim- 
monds, a botanist and explorer, 1805. Nat. 
Ord. Euphorbiaceew. 

S. Californica, the only described species, is 
a small, hardy, evergreen, much branched 
shrub from California. It is seldom found in 
cultivation. Syn. Bocchia. 

Simple. Consisting of not more than one 
distinct part. 

Sina’pis. Mustard. From the Celtic nap, a 
designation applied to all plants resembling 
the Cabbage or Turnip. Nat. Ord. Crucifere. 

A genus of hardy, yellow-flowered annuals. 
S. nigra is the common Black Mustard, and S. 
alba the White Mustard of commerce, both 
natives of Europe and most common on the 
shores of the Mediterranean. The former 
yields a greater portion of the Mustard in 
general use. Both species are extensively 
grown in England as field crops, and also in 
many other parts of Europe. These species 
are commonin fields and waste places in 
this country, having escaped from the 
garden and become naturalized. There are 
several other species, but they are all of the 
same general character. S. nigra, which 
grows ten or twelve feet high in Palestine, is 
regarded by some as the ‘“‘ Mustard of Scrip- 
ture” in preference to Salvadora. 


Sinni/ngia. Named in honor of William Sinning, 
Gardener to the University of Bonn on the 
Rhine. A genus of some sixteen species of 
very pretty dwarf, pubescent herbs, natives of 
Brazil, and closely allied to Gloxinia, which 
genus they closely resemble, and require 
similar treatment for their culture. 


Sinistrorse. Turned or directed to the left. 


Sinuate. Strongly wavy; with the margin 
alternately bowed inward and outward. 


Sinus. A recess or bay; the re-entering angles 
between two lobes or projections. 


Siphoca’mpylos. From siphon, a tube, and 
kampylos, curved; in allusion to the curved 
shape of the flower. Nat. Ord. Campanula- 
cee. 

An extensive genus of handsome, low-grow- 
ing, evergreen shrubs, natives of South 
America. The flowers are mostly tubular, 
scarlet or yellow, solitary on axillary stalks 
or in dense racemes or clusters. Several of 
the species are Cultivated for their showy 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. . 415 


SIP 


flowers, among which is S. bicolor (syn. Lo- 
belia laxiflora angustifolia), a well-known 
species. They are propagated by cuttings. 
Introduced in 1842. 


Sipho’nia. From siphon, a tube or pipe; the 
use made of the exudation, which constitutes 
India Rubber. ‘Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae. 

S. Brasilienis, an evergreen tree indige- 
nous to tropical South America, is the most 
remarkable species of the genus. It is to 
this tree that we are indebted for the greater 
part of our supply of Caoutchouc or India 
Rubber. It is a native of French Guiana, and 
attains a height of seventy-five feet, rarely a 
hundred. The mode in which the rubber is 
obtained by the natives, is by making incis- 
ions through the bark of the lower part of the 
trunk of the tree, from which the sap, which 
is a fluid rosin, issues in great abundance, ap- 
pearing of a milky whitevess as it flows into 
the vessel prepared to receive it. On expos- 
ure to the air, this milky juice gradually 
thickens into a soft, reddish, elastic rosin. 
This substance is poured into a mould, in 
small quantities at first, and is then exposed 
to a dense smoke, produced by the burning of 
_nuts from several of the Palms, until it is 
sufficiently hard to bear another coat, when 
the process is repeated, until the mass is of 
a convenient size to handle for shipment. 
There are several other species of this genus 
that yield large quantities of rubber, com- 
mon from Central America to Brazil. The 
first discovery of this valuable tree and its 
uses was made by M. de la Condamine in 
1736, but it is only within the last fifty years 
that it has become an important article of 
commerce. Ficus elastica also produces the 
India Rubber of commerce, and is the best 
known of the rubber-producing trees, in con- 
sequence of being largely grown under glass 
for ornamental purposes (syn. Hevea). 


Sisy’mbrium. Hedge Mustard. Nat. Ord. Cru- 
cifere. 

A genus of hardy annual or biennial herbs 
of but little interest. It comprises some 
eighty species, natives chiefly of the temper- 
ate and cold regions of the Northern Hemi- 
sphere. S. millefolium, a perennial species, 
has elegant feathery foliage of a whitish 
color, and small yellow flowers. It grows 
well in any light soil. 


Sisyri/nchium. Rush Lily, Satin Flower. Blue- 
eyed Grass. From sys, a pig, and rynchos, a 
snout; so called on account of the fondness 
that swine have for the roots. Nat. Ord. 
Tridacee. 

A large genus of hardy, or half-hardy, per- 
ennial plants with fibrous roots; natives of 
tropical and North America. 8S. grandiflorum 
and its variety, S. g. album, is a beautiful per- 
ennial species that flowers early in spring, 
and is the only one worthy of general culture. 
The foliage is narrow and grass-like; the 
flowers, which are produced on slender stems 
six to twelve inches high, are bell-shaped and 
drooping, of a rich, deep purple in the typi- 
cal plant, and of a pure, transparent white- 
ness in the variety. They form charming 
groups in the rock-garden in light, peaty or 
sandy soil in warm positions. They may be 
increased by careful division in fall, and are 
the better of some protection during winter. 
S. Bermudiana or Blue-eyed Grass, our na- 


SKI 


tive species, is very common in damp, cool 
eulows traghout the United States. The 
flowers ure small; of a delicate blue, turning 
to purplish, and the plant, when out of flower, 
resembles a tuft of low-growing, coarse grass. 


Sitolo’bium. A small genus of Ferns now in- 
cluded under Dicksonia, by many authorities. 


Si'‘um. Skirret. From the Celtic Siw, water, 
the habitat of most of the species. Nat. Ord. 
Umbellifere. . 

S. sisarum, the only useful and cultivated 
species, is a handsome perennial plant, indig- 
enous to China and Japan, is popularly known 
as Skirret, and to some extent used as a vege- 
table. The roots, which are the parts used, 
are composed of several prongs, about the 
thickness of a finger, joined together at the 
top; these are boiled and afterwards served 
in the same way as those of Salsify and Scor- 
zonera. The plants are best grown from 
seed, and require a wet soil to succeed well. 
This species is placed by Hooker and Ben- 
tham under Pimpinella, but is best known as 
above. 


Ski'‘mmia. From Skimmi, a Japanese word 
signifying a hurtful fruit. Nat. Ord. Rutacea. 
A genus of half-hardy, evergreen shrubs, 

natives of Japan and northern India. The 

species known as S. Japonica is a pretty, 

dwarf-growing, holly-like shrub, with dark, 

shining, evergreen, entire, flat leaves, and 
clusters of bright red berries, which give the 

plant a' very handsome appearance. Dr. 

Masters (‘‘Gardener’s Chronicle,” April, 1889), 

after studying up the various Skimmias grown 
in English gardens, finds that much confu- 
sion has existed among botanists and culti- 
vators about these plants, and that the plant 
universally known as S. Japonica is not that 
species at all, and that it is not even known 
to belong to Japan, but that the plant de- 
scribed as S. oblata is the true S. Japonica 
of Thunberg and of Siebold and Zuccarini, 
or rather the female of that species, in which 
male and female flowers are separated on dif- 
ferent individuals. The S. Japonica of gar- 
dens, so considered by Lindley, with whom 
all this confusion originated, and afterward 
by Sir W. Hooker, when it was first intro- 
duced by Fortune from China, in 1849, Dr. 
Masters now first properly distinguishes 
under the new name of S. Fortunei. This is 
the common species in cultivation. Dr. 
Masters calls attention to the interesting 
facts that this plant is not represented by 
wild specimens in herbaria, and that its Chi- 
nese origin rests upon Fortune’s own state- 
ments with regard to it, which he says have 
been generally overlooked, although pub- 
lished in the “Gardener’s Chronicle” for 1852,p.. 
739, from which it appears that Fortune found 
this plant in a nursery-garden at Shanghai, to 
which he was told it had been brought from a 
high mountain in the interior called « Nang 
Shang.” It is certainly both interesting and 
curious that nothing more definite is known 
of the origin of a plant which has become one 
of the most popular and universally used 
evergreen shrubs of English gardens. §, 

Foremani is a new form just introduced (1889) 
by the raiser for whom itis named. I¢ is de- 
rived from S. oblata, fertilized with the pollen 
of 8S. Sragrans. It is free-growing, and when 
covered with its bright scarlet fruits is 


416 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SKI 


exceedingly ornamental. They are valuable 
hardy shrubs south of Washington. 


Skirret. See Sium. : 
Skoke Berry. A local name for Phytolacca de- 


SOF 


Smut, A Fungus which grows among the tissues 
of the stamens, ovaries, and leaves of various 
plants, but which especially infests Corn, 
Wheat, Barley, Oats and other plants of the 


candra. same natural order. one the Fungi 
j 5 developing .and growing within the host- 
Skullcap. See Scutellaria. plants, no remedies can be employed that will 
Skunk Cabbage. See Symplocarpus fatidus. not kill the plant also; the affected plant 


should therefore be rooted up and burned to 


Sleep-at-noon. See Tragopogon pratensis. 
P ad prevent the spread of the disease. 


Slender Grass. See Leptochloa. 


Sijpperwert. Gee Caleta, Snail Flower. Bee Phaseolus Caracalla. ; 
Cine: A cane nadiet ssi ae cece Snail Plant. Medicago scutellata and M. helix, 
; Prunus spinosa. the pods of which are called Snails froin their 
Slugs. See Insects. resemblance to those mollusks. 
Smaragdinus. Grass green. Snake Cucumber. See Trichosanthes. 


Smart Weed. See Polygonum. 


Smeathma’nnia. In honor of Smeathman, a 
naturalist, who traveled in Africa, and col- 
lected many botanical specimens. Nat. Ord. 
Passifloracee. 

Asmall genus of white-flowered green-house 
evergreen shrubs from Sierra Leone. Like 
all this natural order, the flowers are quite as 


remarkable for singularity of form as for 


beauty. This genus, unlike any others of the 
order, are upright shrubs instead of twining 
plants. They require a warm house, and to 
be well cut back to force into flower. Propa- 
gated by cuttings. Introduced in 1823. 


Smilaci’/na. False Solomon’s Seal. From smile, 
a scraper; alluding to the roughness of the 
stems. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A small genus of hardy herbaceous plants, 
with terminal racemes of small white flowers. 
They are common in moist woods in the North- 
ern and Western States. SS. bifolia (syn. 
Maianthemum bifolium) is a beautiful little 
plant, about six inches high, and is popularly 

_ known in the New England States as Wild 
Lily of the Valley. All the species are worthy 
a place in the garden for their long bunches 
of beautiful, light-red, purple-speckled berries, 
which remain untillate in autumn. Propa- 
gated from seed or root division. Syn. Sigil- 
laria, Medora, etc. 


Smilax. Green Brier, Cat Brier. From smile, 
a scraper; the stems are rough from prickles. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

The many species of this genus are coarse- 
growing, troublesome, hardy climbers, justly 
regarded as pests by farmers and gardeners. 
The common Cat Brier of our hedgerows and 
woods, a prominent member of this family, 
has its reputation too well established to need 
further description. The genus includes some 
species celebrated for their medicinal proper- 
ties. 8S. officinalis, a native of Columbia, 
Guatemala and Lima, furnishes the drug 
known as Sarsaparilla; besides this, there are 
several other species, the roots of which are 
sold asSarsaparilla. S. medicais the Mexican 
Sarsaparilla and S. papyracea is the Brazilian 
Sarsaparilla. S. China has esculent roots, 
which are eaten by the Chinese and also used 
in the manufacture of domestic beer. The 
roots of several species of the Aralia are used 
in the adulteration of Sarsaparilla. ‘‘Smilax,” 
popularly known as such, is the plant so ex- 
tensively grown for festooning, and is des- 
eribed under its proper name, Myrsiphyllum, 
which see. 


Smoke Tree. See Rhus Cotinus. 


Snake Root. Black. A common name for Actea 
racemosa and Sanicula racemosa. 
Button. Various species of Liatris. 
Canadian. Asarwm Canadense. 
Seneca. Polygala Senega. 


Snake Root. Virginian. Aristolochia serpen- 
taria. 

Snake Root. White. See Hupatorium agera- 
toides. . 


Snake’s-beard, The genus Ophiopogon. 

Snake’s-head. Fritillaria meleagris, also a local 
name applied to Chelone. 

Snake’s-mouth. Pogonia Ophioglossoides. 

Snake-weed. Polygonum bistorta. 

Snake-wood. See Brosimum. 

Snapdragon. See Antirrhinum. 

Sneezeweed. See Heleni t le. 

Sneezewort. Achillea Ptavmica. 

Snow-ball. Wild. Ceanothus Americanus. 

Snowball Tree. See Viburnum opulus. 

Snowberry. See Symphoricarpus. 

Snow-bush. California. Ceanothus cordulatus. 

Snow Creeper. East Indian. See Porana. 

Snow-cups. Water. Ranunculus aquatilis. 

Snowdrop. Crimean. Galanthus plicatus. 

Snowdrop. Summer. Leucojum estivum. 

Snowdrop. See Galanthus nivalia. 

Snowdrop Tree. See Halesia. 


Snow-flake. Autumn. Leucojum autumnale. 
Spring. Leucojum vernum. 
Summer. Leucojum estivum. 
Winter. Leucojum hyemale. 


Snowflake. The genus Leucojum. 

Snowflake Flower. See Styrax Japonica. 
Snowflower. Chionanthus Virginica. 
Snow-flower. Japanese. Deutzia gracilis. 
Snow Glory. Chionodoxa Lucilie. 

Snow in Summer. Cerastiwm tomentosum. 
Snow on the Mountain. LHuphorbia variegata. 
Soapwort. The genus Saponaria. 

Soap Bark Tree. Quillaja Saponaria. 

Soap Berry Tree. Sapindus Saponaria. 


Soap Bulb. A common name for Chlorogalum 
Pomeridianum. 


Soap-Root. Egyptian. Vaccaria vulgaris. 


Soboliferous. Bearing vigorous, lithe shoots 
from near the ground. 


Soft Grass. A common name for Holcus mollis, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 417 


SOB 


Sobra'lia. Named after Don F. M. Sobral, a 
Spanish botanist. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

The flowers of the principal species (S. ma- 
crantha) are gorgeously colored, of a rich rosy 
purple and the most intense crimson, and 
they are at the same time of large size. 
All the species belong to the class of terres- 
trial Orchids, being found on the margins of 
streams, growing like our reeds, in the alluvial 
deposit common to such places. This habit 
requires to be imitated in cultivation, and it 
is therefore best to pot them in very sandy 
loam, and either to place the pot for afew 
inches of its depth in a saucer of water, or to 
supply the roots by some other means abun- 
dantly with water while they are in an active 
state. The flowers are produced near the apex 
ot the long, reed-like stems, and in the species 
mentioned are produced in daily succession, 
each one lasting a day, when it has been ob- 
served necessary to remove the decaying flower 
as soon as its beauty is past, or it rots, and con- 
sequently spoils the next in succession. Being 
natives of the milder parts of Guatemala, they 
do not require a very high temperature at any 
time, the ordinary one of a green-house being 
sufficient in summer, and from 45° to 50° in 
winter, when the plants should be kept nearly 
dry. There are three other species known, 
S. decora, S. liliastrum aud S. sessilis, all of 
them beautiful, but far surpassed by the first 
mentioned. They areall natives of Central and 
South America and were introduced in 1836. 


Soil. A good soil is the base of success in all 
operations of the garden What the proper- 
ties of a good soil are is not very easy to con- 
vey in writing, as quality is not always con- 
fined to a particular color or texture, though 
the practical horticulturist can nearly always 
tell, by turning up with a spade, the relative 
qualities of asoil. If selection can be made 
for general purposes, a rather dark-colored 
soil should be chosen, neither too sandy nor 
too clayey, and as deep as can be found, but 
not less than ten inches, or the chances are 
that it will not be of first quality. It should 
overlay a sandy loam of yellowish color, 
through which water will pass freely. The 
condition of the subsoil is of the first impor- 
tance in choosing soil. Sandy loam we believe 
to be the best; next to that a porous gravel, 
and the least to be desired is a stiff, blue clay. 
Land having a clay subsoil is always later in 
maturing crops than one having a sandy or 
gravelly subsoil ; and, if the land is at all level, 
draining is indispensable at every fifteen or 
twenty feet, or no satisfaction can be had in 
culture. It is acommon belief that poor land 
can be brought up by cultivation. A portion 
of the land used by us has the blue clay sub- 
soil above referred to, and, although in the 
past twenty years we have expended large 
sums in draining, subsoiling, and manuring, 
we have failed to get it into the condition of 
other portions of our grounds having the 
proper subsoil, and do not think that any cult- 
ure would bring it into as good shape. 

The soil for potting plants in is often a 
matter causing great anxiety to the amateur 
florist, many of the books giving advice on the 
subject insisting that special kinds are indis- 
pensable for differentfamilies of plants. Weare 
glad to tell our readers that in our own estab- 
lishment, where upward of two millions of 


SOL 


plants are now grown annually in pots, we do 
not find it necessary to make these nice dis- 
tinctions. The great bulk of the soil we use 
in potting is composed of sods cut about three 
inches deep from any good sod land, preferring 
such as is known as sandy loam. The sods 
are heaped up in alternate layers of one-fourth 
of thoroughly rotted horse or cow manure or 
rotted refuse hops from breweries, when such 
are obtainable. Either of these three manures 
will do, separately or mixed together, as con- 
venient. This compost is better to stand six 
or eight months, but often our necessities 
compel us to use it much sooner, which makes 
no material difference, provided itis ata season 
of the year when the sod will rot. The man- 
ure and sods are thoroughly mixed and chopped 
up, and for the smaller plants is run through 
a fine sieve. : 

Peat, so much insisted on as a necessity 
for Azaleas, Ferns and other fine-rooted 
plants, we rarely use, substituting instead 
either mould formed from thoroughly rotted 
refuse hops, or dried Moss eet ay run 
through a fine sieve ; either of these, mixed in 
about equal parts with our sod mould, we 
use instead of peat for all thread-like rooting 
plants. Besides, true peat is rarely to be 
found in this country, and is well replaced by 
leaf mould, if necessary. 


Soil for Seeds. See ‘‘ Propagation by Seeds.” 


Soil. Importance of firming. See ‘Sowing, 
use of the feet in.” 


So'ja. From sooja, the name of a sauce made 
from the seeds in Japan. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

S. hispida is a climbing annual plant, allied 
to Dolichos. It is much cultivated in tropical 
Asia on account of its beans, which are used 
for preparing a well-known brown and slight- 
ly salt sauce (Soy) used both in Asia and 
Europe for flavoring certain dishes, especially 
beef, and supposed to favor digestion. Of 
late it has been, to some extent, cultivated as 
an oil plant. 


Solana’ceze. A large natural order of erect or 
climbing shrubs or herbs, natives of all tropi- 
cal countries, but more especially of America; 
a few are also found in more temperate cli- 
mates. Many are remarkable for their strong 
narcotic, poisonous qualities. The most use- 
ful of all to man is the Potato (Solanum tuber- 
osum); Tobacco (Nicotiana) is also a very 
important article of commerce. The Tomato 
(Lycopersicum) is very largely cultivated, as 
is also the Egg Plant (Solanwm Melongena). 
Belladonna, Henbane and Stramonium are 
used largely in medicine. There are about 
sixty genera, the most important of which 
are Capsicum, Nicotiana, Physalis, Datura, 
Hyoscyamus, Solanum, Petunia, etc. 


Sola’ndra. Named after.Dr. Solander, a Swede, 
companion of Sir Joseph Banks in his voyage 
around the world and collector of the botani- 
cal notes made during the expedition. They 
are preserved in the British Museum and ex- 
hibit deep learning and great research. Nat. 
oe Solanacee. 

genus of coarse-growing, green-ho 
evergreen shrubs and aliinbors’ metivee “OR 
tropical America and the East Indies. The 
flowers are large and trumpet-shaped, like 
the Datura, to which they are allied, They 


418 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SOL 


grow readily in the green-house, and make 


showy plants, the objection to them being _ 


that they are coarse. They are increased 
readily from cuttings. Introduced in 1820. 


Sola’/num. Nightshade. The derivation of this 
word is quite uncertain; some derive it from 
Sol, the sun; others say it is Sulanum, from 
sus, being serviceable in the disorders of 
swine; and others assert that it is from solor, 
to comfort, referring to its soothing, narcotic 
effects. Nat. Ord. Solanacee. 

This very extensive genus is composed of a 
great number of varied forms, from that of 
a tropical tree to the creeping, indigenous 
weed; it also includes plants which produce 
valuable articles of food, as well as several 
species whose active properties are danger- 
ously poisonous. The most important spe- 
cies in the genus is S. tuberosum, which is 
described at length under its more familiar 
name, Potato (which see). S. melongena, or 
Egg Plant of our gardens, ‘‘ Aubergine” of 
the French, is a valued article of food in its 
season, and the berries of several other spe- 
cies are edible. S. Dulcamara, with oval red 
berries, and S. nigrum, with globular black 
berries, are the Bittersweet and common 
Nightshade of our hedges and roadsides, the 
fruits of‘which are poisonous. Several of the 
species are desirable for ornamental purposes. 
S. Jasminoides is «a valuable green-house 
climber, producing, with but little trouble, 
an immense number of axillary clusters of 
pure white flowers nearly all season. It is a 
rapid grower, and suitable to train on a back 
wall or on pillars or rafters. S. Capsicastrum, 
S. Pseudo-capsicum, S. ciliatum, S. Hendersonii, 
and others are popular plants for green-house 
or house decoration when covered with their 
bright colored berries. S. marginatum, S. 
Warscewiczit and S. robustum are very showy 
large-leaved plants, and are valuable for sub- 
tropical decoration. A large number of other 
species have been introduced, and many of 
them are useful on account of their ornamen- 
tal appearance. The annuals, and a large 
number of the other species, may be readily 
raised from seeds. Those which bear tubers 
may be readily increased thereby, and the 
stove and green-house shrubby sorts may 
generally be propagated from cuttings. Out 
of twenty tuber-bearing species which have 
been named, J. G. Baker, in the ‘‘Journal of 
the Linnean Society,” vol. xx., is of opinion 
‘that: six, viz., S. tuberosum, S. Maglia, S. 
Commersoni, S. cardiophyllum, S. Jamesit and 
S. oxycarpum, possess a fair claim to be con- 
sidered as distinct species in a broad sense.” 


Sola'ria. Named in honor of Francisci de Borja 
Solar, an eminent Chilian mathematician. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

S. Miersioides, the only species introduced, 
is a remarkable, green-house, bulbous plant, 
with small green flowers, introduced from 
Chili in 1871. It is seldom found in cultiva- 
tion except in botanical collections, and is 
increased by seeds or offsets. 


Soldane'lla. A diminutive of solidus, a shil- 
ling; shape of the leaves. Nat. Ord. Primu- 
lace 


A small genus of beautiful little alpine 
plants, very suitable for rock-work. They 
are half-hardy, herbaceous perennials, with 
purple or blue flowers, natives of Switzerland. 


SON 


They will not stand the hot, dry weather of 
this country unless great care is taken to 
keep them shaded from the mid-day sun, and 
they must not be allowed to get dry. Propa- 
gated by division or from seeds. 


So'lea. Green Violet. In honor of W. Sole, 
author of an essay on the genus Mentha. Nat. 
Ord. Violacee. 

S. concolor, the only known species, is com- 
mon in woods from New York southward. 
Syn. Ionidium. 


Soleno’phora. From solen, a tube, and phwrein, 
to bear; in allusion to the tubular form of 
the corolla. Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 

A small genus of plant-stove, evergreen, 
pubescent shrubs, natives of Mexico. S. 
coccinea forms a neat plant, bearing showy, 
bright scarlet flowers in the axils of the 
leaves. S.EHndlicheriana is a handsome plant 
with flowers of a bright orange color marked 
with purple, and large, broadly-elliptic, heavy 
leaves, a foot or more long, borne on long 
petioles. They require the same treatment 
as Gloxinia. Syn. Arctocalyz. 

Solida’go. Golden Rod. From solidare, to 
unite; alluding to its supposed healing prop- 
erties. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A very extensive genus of hardy, herba- 
ceous perennials, indigenous to and com- 
mon throughout the United States, only one 
species being found in Asia or Europe. The 
beauty of the plant would warrant its cultiva- 
tion, had not Nature’s hand rendered it en- 
tirely unnecessary. 

So'llya. Named in honor of Richard Horsman 
Solly, a vegetable physiologist and anatomist. 
Nat. Ord. Pittosporacee. 

A small genus of slender, twining, ever- 
green shrubs of much beauty. Their leaves 
are narrow, quite smooth, of a deep, glossy 
green on the upper surface, and paler be- 
neath. The flowers are deep blue, and pro- 
duced in terminal cymes or clusters of from 
six to ten flowers each. Though properly 
green-house plants, they are well adapted for 
summer flowering in the open border. S. 
heterophylla, typical of the genus, is a native 
of the Swan River country, where all the 
species are found. It was discovered by Mr. 
Drummond, and sent to England in 1836. It 
is increased either by cuttings or from seed, 
the latter being preferable. All the species 
are hardy from Virginia southward. 


Solomon's Seal. See Polygonatum multifiorum. 
Solomon's Seal. False. See Smilacina. 


So/nchus. Sow Thistle. From somphos, hol- 
low; the stems are hollow. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

The more common species of this genus are 
coarse, roadside weeds, naturalized from Eu- 
rope. One or two species with yellow flow- 
ers, from the Madeira and Canary Isles, are 
very ornamental. They are, however, rarely 
cultivated. 


Soneri/la. From Sootli-Soneri-ila, the Khassee 
name of one of the species. Nat. Ord. Melas- 
tomacee. 

A very extensive genus of East Indian 
plants, remarkable in the order for having all 
the several parts of their flowers in whorls of 
three, or trimerous, as it is technically called. 
The plants are mostly herbaceous, though 
sometimes sub-shrubby, and of variable habit; 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


419 


SON 


some with and others without stems; some 
glabrous and others hirsute; and some with 
different kinds of leaves on the same plant. 
Their flowers are mostly purple or violet, borne 
on a scaphoid or boat-like raceme. Some of 
the hot-house species are beautiful plants. 8S. 
Hendersoni and its varieties, and S. margart- 
tacea, with their handsomely marked foliage, 
are the most desirable. They require a warm, 
moist atmosphere to succeed well, and grow 
best in a soil composed chiefly of leaf mould 
eo Propagated by cuttings and from 
seeds. 


Sonnera’tia. "Named in honor of Pierre Son- 
nerat, a botanical traveler and collector. 
Nat. Ord. Myrtacea. 

A genus of very glabrous shrubs or small 
trees inhabiting the coast regions of India 
and the islands of the Eastern Archipelago. 
All the species have opposite, entire leaves, 
without dots, and large, usually solitary, ter- 
minal flowers. Dr. McClelland, in his ‘ Re- 
port on the Teak Forests of Peru,” states 
that the Kambala, S. apetala, is found 
throughout the Sunderbunds at the mouth 
of the Ganges, and as far south as Rangoon, 
and that its strong, hard,.close-grained wood 
is used at Calcutta for making packing-cases 
for beer and wine. Several ornamental spe- 
cies have been introduced, and are propagated 
by seeds, which ripen freely, or by cuttings. 


Sopho’ra. Altered from sophera, the Arabic 
name of a leguminous tree. Nat. Ord. Legu- 
minosex. 

A genus of deciduous trees, hardy herba- 
ceous plants, and green house evergreens. 
Sophora Japonica, the Chinese or Japan- 
ese Pagoda Tree, is a medium-sized tree, 
grows freely, and produces its large bunches 
of cream-colored flowers in August and Sep- 
tember. The drooping Sophora, however, 
though only considered a variety of the 
tree, is very distinct. It is a trailing shrub, 
sending out shoots six feet or eight feet long 
in a single season; and when it is grafted on 
a stock of S. Japonica, ten or twelve feet 
high, these long, sweeping shoots, the bark 
of which is a bright green, have a peculiarly 
graceful appearance. The Sophora will grow 
in any soil, but a poor one suits it better 
than arich one; its leaves seldom drop, even 
in the driest seasons. 

Sophroni’tis. From sophrona, modest; refer- 
ring to the pretty little flowers of the original 
species. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

Pretty little epiphytes, having a creeping 
stem, which should be attached to a block of 
wood, on which the root soon securely fastens 
itself. The leaves are sessile and compara- 
tively small, while the flowers, especially 
those of S. grandifiora, are large and very 
handsome, of a rich orange-red, marked with 
darker bars. The plants should have the 
treatment of the smaller kinds of Cattleya, and 
are well deserving the attention of culti- 
vators. The various species included in this 
genus are natives of Brazil, and were first 
introduced in 1827. 

So/rbus. The generic name given by Linnzus to 
the Mountain Ash, or Rowan-tree, the culti- 
vated Service-tree, and a few others, which, 
by their pinnate leaves more than anything 
else, appear to differ from Pyrus. Modern 
botanists now refer them to Pyrus, which see. 


SOR 


Sorghum. From Sorghi, its Indian name. Nat. 


Ord. Graminacee. . 
A genus of strong-growing, reed-like 
grasses, chiefly represented in this country 
by S. saccharatum, our well-known Broom 
Corn, a native of India, from whence it was 
introduced into Europe in 1759. The intro- 
duction of Broom Corn into this country as 
an agricultural product is attributed to Dr. 
Franklin. He is said to have accidentally 
seen an imported whisk of corn in the posses- 
sion of a lady of Philadelphia, and while ex- 
amining it as a curiosity, found a seed, which 
he planted, and from that single seed has 
sprung this important article of agriculture 
and manufacture in the United States. This 
species is grown almost exclusively for the 
manufacture of brooms; the seed is, however, 
valued highly for feeding to sheep, cattle and 
fowls. The seed crop is a precarious one, 
often completely failing, being injured by the 
frost before it is ripe. The crop is usually 
harvested before the seed is fairly ripe; hence 
there is considerable loss in that way. The 
seed crop is, however, only a secondary mat- 
ter, and the profit that accrues from the seed 
is regarded an extra dividend on the profits 
of the farm. S. sucre is the Chinese Sugar 
Cane, or Imphee, a species introduced into the 
United States from France in 1856, and dis- 
tributed by the Patent Office Department at 
Washington, but more extensively by an en- 
terprising publisher in New York as apremium 
to his subscribers throughout the United 
States, for the purpose of growing the plant 
for the manufacture of sugar in our Northern 
States, which its advocates said could be done 
more profitably than sugar was produced at 
the South from the ordinary cane. The Abo- 
litionists at the North, who could not consci- 
entiously use the products of slave labor, 
were particularly active in introducing Sor- 
ghum, and were greatly disappointed when 
they found that the labor of the slave was not 
to be lessened by the withdrawal from the 
South of one of its most profitable industries. 
S. vulgare, another species, is the grand Millet 
of Arabia, known here as Durraor Doura, and 
which has been introduced into the United 
States, southern Europe, China and the West 
Indies, where it is extensively grown and much 
esteemed as food for laborers, and is called in 
the latter country Negro Guinea Corn. It is 
also grown extensively as a forage plant. 8. 
halapense, a handsome species from southern 
Europe, northern Africa, Syria, etc., is most 
attractive when in flower at the end of sum- 
mer, the inflorescence consisting of a dense 
panicle of purplish, awned flowers. It is a 
most suitable plant for groups or isolated 
specimens. It is now naturalized in some of 
the Southern States where it is known as 
Guinea Grass, Cuba Grass, and more gener- 
ally as Johnson Grass, which see. S. cer- 
nuum is also grown there, and is known as 
Drooping Sorghum and Pampas Rice. All 
the species are grown in the same manner as 
our common field corn. The cultivation of 
Sorghum for the production of sugar and 
syrup has received a good deal of attention 
within a few years past, and many experiments 
have been made, and continue to be made 
with various kinds of Sorghum, to ascertain 
not only their adaptability to particular soils 
and localities, but their sugar-producing 


420 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SOR 


capacity. The ‘ Report of the Department of 
Agriculture” for 1879, contains a very in- 
teresting and instructive report from the 
chemist of the department, giving the results 
not only of the yield per acre of the four lead- 
ing kinds of Sorghum, as grown on the ex- 
perimental grounds, but also the quantity of 
sugar and syrup extracted from each kind. 
The report is accompanied by many very use- 
ful'tables. Believing the matter of this 
report to be valuable to those interested in 
the culture of Sorghum, we have condensed a 
portion of it, and herewith present it: Dur- 
ing the past season (1879) there have been 
made several series of investigations for the 
purpose of determining the development of 
sugar in the juices of several varieties of Sor- 
ghum, Maize and Pearl Millet. These inves- 
tigations appear to demonstrate that there 
exists little difference between the various 
kinds of Sorghum as sugar-producing plants ; 
and, what is quite a surprising result, each of 
them is, at a certain period of its develop- 
ment, nearly, if not quite, as rich in sugar as 
the very best of Sugar-cane. It is a matter, 
also, of extreme practical importance that this 
maximum content of sugar is maintained for 
along period, and affords sufficient time to 
work up a large crop. Another result of 
these investigations has been to satisfactorily 
explain the cause of repeated failure in the 
production of sugar during the past quarter 
of a century, and to give the Assurance that, 
in the future, such failure need not attend 
this industry. For the purpose of making 
clear the above points, the results obtained in 
the laboratory and in out-of-door experiments 
are appended. The varieties of Sorghum 
grown and subjected to continuous investi- 
gation during the season were Early Amber, 
White Liberian, Chinese and Honduras, and 
the Pearl Millet. Besides the above there 
were made very many examinations of other 
specimens of Sorghums and Corn-stalks; all 
the results of which only confirmed the gen- 
eral principles above stated, viz., the prac- 
tical equality and great value of every variety 
of this plant. The Early Amber Sorghum is 
the favorite variety with planters in Minne- 
sota and the Northwest. What is now called 
the Minnesota Early Amber Cane is claimed 
as an improvement upon the Early Amber 
varieties grown formerly in different parts of 
Minnesota, by Hon. Seth M. Kenny and Mr. 
Cc. F. Miller, of that State. Acting on the 
theory that cane in a high latitude will degen- 
erate if grown continuously from its own 
seed, these gentlemen selected the finest spec- 
imens of seed from their own crops and sent 
them to a southern latitude to be grown. The 
seed product of this southern growth was 
returned to Minnesota. By this alternation 
of seed, and by other intelligent processes of 
culture, they have succeeded in establishing 
a new and permanent variety, which they 
claim to be more productive in weight of cane 
and to contain a higher per cent. of saccha- 
rine matter than any other grown in that 
State. This claim needs to be substantiated 
by more careful and extended observations 
before it can be said to be fully established. 
Messrs. Kenny and Miller describe the Early 
Amber Cane as presenting “the characteristics 
of both Sorgho and Imphee.” By Sorgho they 
mean the Chinese Sorgho, and by Imphee the 


SOR 


white Liberian and its ‘kindred African varie- 
ties. The Early Amber receives its name 
from its early ripening and from the bright 
amber color which characterizes its syrup 
when properly made. The Early Amber Cane 
on the department grounds did not grow quite 
so tall as the White Liberian. Its seed-heads 
were of moderate fullness and of very dark 
color. The Chinese Sorghum grew on the 
department grounds to about the same height 
as the Early Amber. Its seed-heads are 
fuller and more compact, and somewhat re- 
semble a head of Sumac; hence the synonym, 
“Sumac Cane.” It is also known as ‘“‘ Chinese 
Cane.” The White Liberian Sorghum is 
rather taller than the Early Amber. The 


‘stalk curves at the top, leaving the head pen- 


dant; hence the synonym, ‘‘ Gooseneck.’’ The 
seed-heads are shorter, more compact and of 
lighter color than the Early Amber. The 
Honduras Sorghum grows about one-half 
taller than either of the above varieties. Its 
seed-top is reddish-brown and_ spreading; 
hence the synonym, ‘“‘Sprangle Top.” It is 
also called ‘‘ Mastodon,” and ‘‘ Honey Cane.” 
The results of an analysis of each of the 
plants in the successive stages of develop- 
ment show that the amount of glucose (or un- 
crystallizable sugar) diminishes, and the 
amount of sucrose (or true cane sugar) in- 
creases. It may also be observed that the 
plants differ widely in the date when the 
sucrose is at its maximum, but are alike in 
this, that this maximum is attained at about 
the same degree of development of the plant, 
viz., at full maturity, as indicated by the hard, 
dry seed, and the appearance of offshoots 
from the upper joints of the stalk. It may 
also be observed that the heavy frost of Octo- 
ber 24, which was sufficient to produce one- 
half inch of ice, did not cause any marked 
diminution of sugar. For the purpose of com- 
parison, analyses were made of three varieties 
of Sugar-cane received from Louisiana, which 
arrived in excellent condition, and doubtless 
fairly represented the average character of 
this famous sugar-plant. It will be under- 
stood that the results are to be taken asa 
whole, since it was practically impossible to 
secure in each case specimen stalks for exam- 
ination in the laboratory, the development of 
which in every case corresponded to the date 
when the plant was cut, and, therefore, it 
doubtless happened that plants taken from 
the same row upon September 15, for exam- 
ple, were in reality no further developed than 
those selected a week earlier; but, taken as a 
whole, the several series of the analyses are 
convincing, as showing the rate and progress 
of development of saccharine matter in the 
plant. The analyses of the several Sorghums 
under date of October 29, were made after 
they had been subjected to a very hard frost, 
sufficient to have formed ice one-half inch in 
thickness, and this cold weather continued 
for four days before this examination was 
made. There appeared to be no diminution 
of sucrose in either of the stalks examined, 
and no increase of glucose, as the result of 
this freezing and continued exposure to a low 
temperature. An examination was made on 
the 8th of November, after a few days of warm 
weather had followed this cold spell, and the 
influence of this subsequent thaw was notice- 
able in the diminution of sucrose and the in- 


rll! 
i a 
| 


GOLANUM WARSCEWICZH. 


SORGHUM VULGARE 
(YELLOW BRANCHING DHOURA). 


SS [ — 


= 3 Sf 
SORGHUM (EARLY AMBER), 


420 SORGHUM HALAPENBE (JOHNSON GRASS). 


‘SPIRZA FILIPENDULA FL PL, 


SPIRZA ASTILBOIDES. 


421 


SPIRZA VAN HOUTTEIL 


BPARAXIS. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 421 


SOR 


crease of glucose'in each specimen examined. 
From this it would appear that the effect of 
cold, even protracted, is not injurious to the 
quality of the canes, but that they should be 
speedily worked up after freezing and before 
they have again thawed out. This isa matter 
of such practical importance that some exper- 
iments should be made to learn whether the 
syrup prepared from the juice of frozen cane, 
differs from that prepared from cane not 
frozen, but in other respects of like quality. 
The Early Amber, Chinese, Liberian and 
Honduras Sorghums and the Pearl Millet ex- 
amined, mentioned as having been grown 
upon the department grounds, were al! planted 
the same day, May 15, 1879. The relative 
weights of the different kinds of Sorghum 
experimented upon are as follows: 


Since these were all grown side by side, and 
upon land presumably of equal fertility, it 
will afford the data for calculating the rela- 
tive amount of each variety-to be grown per 
acre. For more clearly presenting the facts 
developed by the examination of the four 
kinds of Sorghum, it may be observed that 
the Early Amber and Liberian correspond in 
their development, being almost identical, 
and yet clearly distinct varieties. It may 
also be stated, that while these two varieties 
attain a content of sugar in their juices equal 
to the average content in the juice of Sugar- 
cane by the middle of August, the Chinese 
does not reach this condition until the last of 
September, while the Honduras does not 
reach this point until the middle of October. 
After having attained approximately the max- 
imum content of sugar, this condition is 
maintained for a long period, affording ample 
time to work up the crop. It is doubtless 
true that, had the season been longer, it 


would have been found that the Chinese and |. 


Honduras, having once attained this full de- 
velopment, of sugar, would also have retained 
it; but the heavy frosts and subsequent warm 
weather, which happened about November 
24th, caused a rapid diminution of sucrose in 
each variety, and a corresponding increase of 
glucose. The converse of what is found true 
of the sucrose is true as to the development 
of the glucose, and a minimum quantity, once 
attained, is continued a long time, and this 
minimum is quite as low as the average 
amount found present in the sugar-canes. It 
is obvious that the results are not to be taken 
as entirely exact, but the general fact is, with- 
out doubt, true. An average of all the exam- 
inations made of these four Sorghums during 
the periods when they were suitable for cut- 
tings, gives the following results: Early Am- 
ber, from August 13th to October 29th inclu- 
sive, fifteen analyses, extending over sevcnty- 
eight days, 14.6 per cent. sucrose. Liberian, 
from August 13th to October 29th inclusive, 
thirteen analyses, extending over seventy- 
eight days, 13.8 per cent. sucrose. Chinese. 
from September 13th to October 29th inclu- 
sive, seven analyses, extending over forty-six 
days, 13.8 per cent. sucrose. Honduras, from 
October 14th to October 29th inclusive, three 
analyses, extending over sixteen days, 14.6 


SOR 


per cent. sucrose. Besides the investigations 
above mentioned, there have been made 
thirty-five experiments in making sugar from 
Corn-stalks, Sorghums, Pearl Millet, etc., in 
all of which there have been used over twenty- 
three tons of stalks. The result of these 
experiments has been to fully confirm all the 
experiments not only of the previous year, 
but also to help towards the solution of cer- 
tain questions of the highest practical impor- 
tance. In every case it has been found that 
the quality of the syrup obtained has been 
precisely such as the previous analysis in the 
laboratory of the juice used made probable. 
An average of the nine best syrups obtained 
showed a percentage of Cane sugar present 
equal to 92.7 of the amount originally present 
in the juice, while an average of the nine 
poorest (i. e., containing the lowest percentage 
of Cane sugar) showed a percentage of Cane 
sugar present equal to 90.1 of the amount 
present inf the juice. This must not be under- 
stood to mean that there has been no loss of 
sugar in the process of manufacture, as such 
conclusion would be quite erroneous. An ex- 
periment was also made to determine whether 
splitting the canes before they were passed 
through the mill would increase the percent- 
age of juice obtained from the stalks. One 
hundred pounds of butt ends of Honduras 
Sorghum were split lengthwise, and then 
passed through the mill. Another parcel of 
one hundred pounds of butts of the same 
variety of Sorghum, equal in all respects to 
the previous lot, was passed through the mill 
without splitting them. The results obtained 
were as follows: Percentage of juice obtained 
from split stalks, 54 per cent.; percentage of 
juice obtained from unsplit stalks, 57 per 
cent. ; from which it would appear that in this 
cease at least the previous splitting of the 
stalks occasioned an appreciable loss in juice. 
A few of the experiments made give a reason- 
able basis for estimating the probable yield 
of syrup and sugar to the acre; and, there- 
fore, an approximate estimate of the cost of 
producing sugar. Belowis a tabulated result 
of a few of the experiments from stalks grown 
upon the grounds of the department. These 
stalks were grown in rows three feet apart 
and in drills, and although a good crop, there 
is no doubt but that, upon good land, the esti- 
mated yield to the acre could be obtained : 


a ; | 3 i 
4 Big |e# 
o 

$6 as| — 20a 

Qn 3 5 Be 
Varieties. a pian see.) 

og 8 aQ 43 ~O 

EP 1c) ae | ca 

o 
5m E aS Ee 
A. ma |a 7) 


Chinese Sorghum.... 
Liberian Sorghum... 
Early Amber Sorghum.... 
Honduras Sorghum....... 66,1651 3,652 | 5,168 | 7,637 
Pearl Millet.. ......... -| 65,000 | 1,846 | 3,128 | 4,865 
Biel COMM in eevevens ven eee 27,240 | 1,166 |...... 1,807 


The first and second columns give the re- 
sults actually secured, but the several juices 
were not in their best condition. The third 
column is the amount of syrup the same 
weight of stalks would have yielded had they 
been cut at the proper time. The juice ob- 
tained frcm the stalks by the imperfect means 


422 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SOR 


at command of the department was little more 
than half the amount present in the stalks. 
The fourth column represents the results 
attainable by the use of a mill that would 
give 70 per cent. of juice from the stalks, a 
_ result which is possible, and which is claimed 
by manufacturers of mills. There is no doubt 
that, when the present industry shall have 
secured the employment of the capital and 
scientific ability which have developed the 
beet-sugar industry, even these results, which 
may appear extravagant to many, will be 
assured.” There is much more of this report, 
but so intimately connected with large tabu- 
lar statements that the two could not be sep- 
arated, and the tables are too large to be 
transferred to these colums. We therefore 
suggest to all engaged in the cultivation of 
Sorghum to procure this report. It will be of 
great assistance to them in helping to deter- 
mine many points relating to culture and the 
manufacture of syrup and sugar. - 


Sori. The name given to the patches of spore 
cases found on Ferns. : 


Sorrel. See Rumexz. 


Sorrel Tree. Oxydendron (Andromeda) arbo- 
reum. 


SorreL Wood. See Ozalis Acetosella. 


Sorrowful Tree. A common name for Nyctan- 
thes arbor-tristis. 


Soula’ngia. In honor of Soulange Bodin, an 
eminent nurseryman near Paris. Nat. Ord. 
Rhamnacee. 

A name proposed by Brogniart to separate 
some species of Phillica as a distinct genus, 
but the characters given have not proved suf- 
ficiently constant for its adoption. 


Sour Gourd. A common name for Adansonia 
digitata. : 

SourGum Tree. See Nyssa. 

Sour Sop or Custard Apple. See Anona. 


South African Yellow Wood. Podo carpus 
elongata. 


Southernwood. Art ia Abrot This 
is an old, well-known plant, found in almost 
every garden. It is grown for its medicinal 
properties, which are somewhat similar to 
wormwood. It may be easily propagated from 
cuttings, which root very readily in early 
summer and grow in any ordinary garden 
soil. 


Sow-bread. “See Cyclamen Europeum. 
Sow-thistle. See Sonchus. 


Sowerbz’a.- Named in honor of J. E. Sowerby, 

an eminent botanical artist. Nat. Ord. Li- 
liacee. 

A small genus of green-house, tufted, peren- 
nial plants with fibrous roots, natives of 
Australia. S. juncea and S. laxifolia are in 
cultivation, but are only of botanical interest. 


Sowing. Is one of the operations of the gar- 
den that it is easy to give instructions in; and 
if they are carefully followed, there need 
never be failure. One of the most important 
things is the condition of the soil, which 
should be as thoroughly broken up and pul- 
verized by plowing and harrowing, digging or 
raking, as its nature will admit, care being 


SOW 


taken that it is worked when in that state, that 
is, neither too dry nor too wet. If too dry, 
particularly if the soil is of a clayey nature, it 
cannot well be got in the proper friable condi- 
tion without an unusual amount of labor; 
and, on the other hand, if too wet, it clogsand 
bakes, and becomes so hard that the air can- 
not penetrate, leaving it in a condition from 
which good results cannot be obtained. We 
have seen stiff, clayey land that has shown 
bad results for years after, by being plowed 
and harrowed while too wet. Another condi- 
tion of the soil, before sowing seeds, is to 
have the surface as smooth and level as possi- 
ble. Seeds can either be sown broadcast or in 
drills, and for all garden operations the sow- 
ing is mostly done in drills. If sowing such 
vegetables as Parsnips, Onions, Beets or Car- 
rots is to be done on a large scale, the use of 
the Seed Drill (which see) will save seed and 
labor; but if for ordinary garden use, it had 
better be done by hand. If only a small quan- 
tity is wanted, the drills can be made witha 
hoe; but if larger, a simple implement known 
as a Marker (which see) had better be used. 
It is often given as a rule, that seeds should 
be covered with soil only as deepas theirown 
bulk; but this rule can hardly be followed in 
our dry climate, as many kinds would dry up 
or shrivel with such a slight covering. Asan 
example, Onion or Carrot seed should be cov- 
ered from a half inch to an inch, while Beans 
or Peas should be covered from two to three 
inches. For the sowing of Flower seeds, see 
“Propagation of Plants by Seeds.” But the 
most important matter of all in sowing seeds 
in the open ground is, that they be properly 
firmed in the soil. A simple way is to tread 
the rows, after the seed is sown, with the feet. 
This is detailed fully below. 

THE USE OF THE FEET IN PLANTING AND 
Sowtne. The following article was read by us 
before the ‘Association of American Nur- 
serymen,” at Chicago, in 1883. As itis a mat- 
ter of such vital importance, we make no 
apology for its introduction : 

It may be useless to throw out any sugges- 
tions in relation to horticultural operations to 
such a body of practical men as is now before 
me. Yet I candidly admit that, although I 
have been extensively engaged in gardening 
operations for over a quarter of a century, I 
did not fully realize, until a few years ago, the 
full importance of how indispensable it was to 
use the feet in the operations of sowing and 
planting. 

For some years past I have, in writing on 
gardening matters, insisted upon the great 
importance of ‘‘firming” the soil over the 
seeds after sowing, especially when the soil 
is dry, or likely to become so. I know of no 
operation of more importance in either the 
farm or garden, and I trust that what I am 
about to say will be read and remembered by 
every one not yet aware of the vast impor- 
tance of the practice. I say ‘“‘ vast impor- 
tance,” for the loss to the agricultural and 
horticultural community, from the habit of 
loosely sowing seeds or planting plants in hot 
and dry soils, is of a magnitude which few will 
believe, until they have witnessed it; and itis 
a loss all the more to be regretted, when we 
know that by ‘‘firming” the soil around the 
seed or plant, there is, in most cases, a cer- 
tain preventive. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 423 


SOW 


Particularly in the sowing of seeds, I con- 
sider the matter of such vast importance, that 
it cannot be too often or too strongly told; for 
the loss to the agricultural and horticultural 
community, by the neglect of the simple 
operation of firming the soil around the seed, 
must amount to many millions annually. For 
the mischief done is not confined only to the 
less important garden operations, but even 
Corn, Cotton, Wheat, Turnips, and other 
important crops of the farm often fail, in hot 
and dry soils, by being sown without being 
firmed sufficien.ly to prevent the dry air 
shriveling or drying the seeds. Of course, 
the use of the feet is impracticable in firming 
seeds on the farm, but a heavy roller, applied 
after sowing, is an absolute necessity under 
certain conditions of the soil, to insure per- 
fect germination. From the middle of April 
to nearly the end of May of this year, in many 
sections of the country, there was little or no 
rain. Such was particularly the case in the 
vicinity of New York City, where we have 
hundreds of market gardeners, who cultivate 
thousands of acres of Cabbage, Cauliflower 
and Celery, but the ‘‘dry spring” has played 
sad havoc with their seed-beds. Celery is not 
one-fourth of a crop, and Cabbage and Cauli- 
flower hardly half, and this failure is due to 
no other cause than that they persist in sow- 
ing their seeds without ever taking the pre- 
caution to firm the soil by rolling. 

We sow annually about four acres of Celery, 
Cabbage, and Cauliflower plants, which pro- 
duce probably five millions in number, and 
which we never fail to sell mostly in our 
immediate neighborhood, to the market gar- 
deners, who have, many of them, even better 
facilities than we have for raising these 
plants, if they would only do as we do, firm 
the seed after sowing, which is done thus: 

After plowing, harrowing, and leveling the 
land smoothly, lines are drawn by the 
“marker,” which makes a furrow, about two 
inches deep and a foot apart; after the man 
who sows the seed follows another, who, with 


the ball of the right foot, presses down his | 


full weight on every inch of soil in the drill 
where the seed has been sown; the rows are 
then lightly leveled longitudinally with the 
rake, alight roller is passed over them, and 
the operation is done. 

By this method our crop has never once 
failed, and what is true of Celery and Cabbage 
seed is nearly true of all other seeds requiring 
to be sown during the late spring or summer 
months. 

On July 2d of 1874, as an experiment, I sow- 
ed twelve rows of Sweet Corn and twelve rows 
of Beets, treading in, after sowing, every 
alternate row of each. In both cases, those 
trod in came up in four days, while those un- 
firmed remained twelve days before starting, 
and would not then have germinated had not 
rain fallen, for the soil was dry as dust when 
the seed were sown. 

The result was, that the seeds that had been 
trodden in grew freely from the start and 
matured their crops to a marketable condition 
by fall; while the rows unfirmed did not 
mature, as they were not only eight days later 
in germinating, but the plants were also, to 
to some extent, enfeebled by being partially 
dried in the loose, dry soil. 

This experiment was a most useful one, for 


SOW 


it proved that a Corn crop, sown in the 
vicinity of New York as late ag July 2d, could 
be made to produce “‘ roasting ears” in Octo- 
ber, when they never fail to sell freely at high 
rates, but the crop would not mature unless 
the seed germinated at once, and which would 
never be certain at that dry and hot season, 
unless by this method. 

The same season, in August, I treated seeds 
of Turnip and Spinach in the same way. 
Those trod in germinated at once and made 
an excellent crop, while those unfirmed germi- 
nated feebly, and were eventually nearly all 
burned out by a continuance of dry, hot air 
penetrating through the luvose soil to the ten- 
der rootlets. 

Of course, this rule of treading in or firming 
seeds after sowing must not be blindly fol- 
lowed. Very early in spring or late in fall, 
when the soilis damp and there is no danger 
from heated, dry air, there is no necessity for 
doing so, or even at other'seasons the soil 
may be in a suitable condition to sow, and yet 
be too damp to be trodden upon or rolled. 
In such cases these operations may not be 
necessary at all, for, if rainy weather ensue, 
the seeds will germinate of course; but if 
there is any likelihood of continued drought, 
the treading or rolling may be done a week or 
so after sowing, if itis at such a season that 
there is reason to believe the seed may suffer 
from the dry, hot air. 

Another very important advantage gain- 
ed by treading in the seeds is, that when we 
have crops of Beets, Celery, Turnips, Spinach, 
or anything else that is sown in rows, the 
seeds to form the crop come up at once; 
while the seeds of the weeds, that are just as 
liable to perish by the heat as are those of the 
crop, are retarded. Such of the weed seeds 
as lie in the space between the rows when the 
soil is loose, will not germinate as quickly as 
those of the crop sown; and hence we can cul- 
tivate between the rows before the weeds ger- 
minate at all. 

Now, if firming the soil around seed to pro- 
tect it from the influence of a dry and hot 
atmosphere is a necessity, it is obvious that 
it is even more so in the case of plants whose 
rootlets are even more sensitive to such in- 
fluence than the dormant seed. 

Experienced professional horticulturists, 
however, are less likely to neglect this than 
to neglect in the case of seeds, for the dam- 
age from such neglect is easier to be seen, and 
hence better understood by the practical 
nurseryman; but with the inexperienced 
amateur the case is different. When he re- 
ceives his package of trees or plants from the 
nurseryman, he handles them as if they were 
glass; every broken twig or root calls forth a 
complaint, and he proceeds to plant them, 
gingerly straightening out each root and sift- 
ing the soil around them, but he would no 
more stamp down that soil than he would 
stamp on the soil of his mother’s grave. So 
the plant, in nine cases out of ten, is left loose 
and waggling; the dry air penetrates through 
the soil to its roots; the winds shake it; it 
shrivels up and fails to grow; and then come 
the anathemas on the head of the unfortunate 
nurseryman, who is charged with selling him 
dead trees or plants. 

About a month ago I sent a package of a 
dozen Roses by mail to a lady in Savannah. 


424 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SOY 


She wrote me a woeful story last week, saying 
that, though the Roses had arrived seemingly 
all right, they had all died but one, and what 
was very singular, she said, the one that lived 
was the one that Mr. Jones had stepped on, 
and which she had thought sure was crushed 
to death, for Mr. Jones weighs two hundred 
pounds. Now, thoughI do not advise any 
gentleman of two hundred pounds putting 
his brogan on the top of a tender Rose plant 
as a practice conducive to its health, yet, if 
Mrs. Jones could have allowed her weighty 
lord to press the soil again-t the root of each 
of her dozen Roses, I much doubt if she 
would now have to mourn their loss. 

It has often been a wonder to many of us, 
who have been workers in the soil for a gene- 
ration, how some of the simplest methods of 
culture have not been practiced until we were 
nearly done with life’s work. 

There are few of us but have had such ex- 
perience ; personally, I must say that I never 
pass through a year but I am confounded to 
find that some operation can not only be 
quicker done but better done than we have 
been in the habit of doing it. 

These improvements loom up from various 
causes, but mainly from suggestions thrown 
out by our employees in charge of special de- 
partments, a system which we do all in our 
power to encourage. 

As a proof of the value of such improve- 
ments which have led tu simplifying our oper- 
ations, I will state the fact, that though my 
area of green-house surface is now more than 
double that which it was in 1870, and the land 
used in our florist’s business one-third more, 
yet the number of hands employed is less now 
than in 1870, and yet, at the same time, the 
quality of our stock is infinitely better now 
than then. 

Whether it is the higher price of labor in 
this country, that forces us into labor-saving 
expedients, or the interchange of opinions 
from the greater number of nationalities cen- 
treing here, that gives us broader views of 
culture, I am not prepared to state; but thit 


America is now selling nearly all the products | 


of the green-house, garden, nursery, and farm, 
lower than is done in Europe, admits of no 
question; and if my homely suggestions in 
this matter of firming the soil around newly- 
planted seeds or plants will in any degree 
assist us in still holding to the front, I shall 
be gratified. 

Soymi/dia febrifuga. The Rohuna of Hin- 
dostan is the only species of a genus of 
Meliacew, peculiar to the East Indies. It 
forms a tall tree with wood resembling 
mahogany, and a very bitter astringent bark. 
On the Coromandel coast of India, it is known 
as the Red-wood Tree. 

Spadix. A succulent spike bearing many ses- 
sile, closely placed flowers; a spike inclosed 
in a spathe. 

Spanish Bayonet or Spanish Dagger. A popu- 
Jar name for Yucca aloifolia, aud other species. 

Spanish Blue-Bell, or Squill. Scilla Hispanica. 

Spanish Broom. See Spartium junceum. 

Spanish Chestnut. Castanea sativa. 

Spanish Lily. See Hymenocallis. 

Spanish Oak. Quercus falcata. 

Spanish Oyster Plant. See Scolymus Hispanicus. 


SPA 


Spara’xis. From sparossa, to tear; alluding to 
the lacerated spathes. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 
This genus is fast rising in the estimation 
of both the florist and the gardener. Varie- 
ties, very pleasing in color, are annually 
raisedin Europe. It is adwarf, bulbous fam- 
ily of plants from the Cape of Good Hope, pro- 
ducing flowers, many of them exceeding two 
inches across, exceedingly rich and beauti- 
ful in their coloring, being blotched, spotted, 
flaked and varied with pure white, yellow, 
orange, red, purple and violet, in almost 
every possible manner. They are more com- 
pact and dwarf than the Ixia, few of them 
attaining a greater height than six to twelve 
inches, and they succeed best planted ina 
frame where they can havea slight protection 
during winter. They succeed well also grown 
in pots in a cool green-house. The bulbs 
should be potted in September, and kept 
under a bench until they begin to grow, when 
they should be given light and water. Three 
or four bulbs may be put into a five-inch pot 
with good effect. They were first introduced 
in 1811, and are rapidly increased by offsets or 
by seeds. 


Sparga’nium. Bur Reed. From sparganon, a 
fillet; because of the ribbon-like leaves. Nat. 
Ord. Typhaceew. 

A genus of marsh plants, of which the Bur 
Reed is typical, found in almost every part of 
the world. The root of S. ramosum and of 
S. simplex was formerly used medicinally under 
the name of Radix sparganii, and was sup- 
posed to cure snake bites. The stem has 
been used for making paper. 


Sparma’nnia. In honor of Dr. A. Sparmamn, a 
Swedish botanist, who accompanied Captain 
Cook in his second voyage around the world. 
Nat. Ord. Tiliacee. 

S. Africana, African Hemp, the only de- 
scribed species of this genus, is a very beauti- 
ful, evergreen, green-house shrub, introduced 
into Europe from the Cape of Good Hope in 
1790. It is a shrub from six to twelve feet 
high, with long-stalked, heart-shaped leaves, 
and clothed with soft, downy and pretty 
white flowers in umbels. S. A. flore-pleno, is 
a handsome double flowered variety. They 
are old favorites in the green-house, and are 
propagated by cuttings. 

Sparrow Grass. A corruption of Asparagus. 

Sparrows. Of late years the Sparrow has be- 
come a bone of contention with farmers and 
gardeners, many contending that they were 
more harmful than useful, driving away by 
their numbers and pugnacity the many insec- 
tivorous birds, as the Robin, Oriole, ete., 
which must feed on insects or starve, and even 
urging a war of extermination against them. 
In England strenuous efforts have for many 
years been made to limit their number by 
shooting the birds, removing the eggs and 
nests where accessible, and even, in some sec- 
tions, by putting a price on their heads. Be 
this as it may, many of us can remember the 
disgusting Measuring-worm that festooned 
the shade trees in New York, Brooklyn, and 
other cities, some twenty-five yearsago. These 
decreased in proportion as the Sparrows in- 
creased, and the trees in our parks and streets 
are now almost clear of their ravages. The 
same is true of the Rose Slug. Before the 


Sparrow got so plentiful in our neighborhood 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 425 


SPA 


we were obliged to employ a number of boys 
for weeks during the summer to shake off and 
kill the Ruse Slug, but now, hardly one of 
these pests is seen. An examination of the 
crop of a Sparrow killed in July showed that 
it contained Rose Slugs, Green Fly, and the 
seeds of Chickweed and other plants, proving 
beyond question the fact that they are pro- 
miscuous feeders. 


Sparti/na. Cord Grass. From spartine, a cord 
made from broom. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

An extensive genus of perennial grasses, 
common throughout North America, and some 
parts of Europe. They chiefly inhabit wet or 
marshy places. Some of the species furnish 
a valuable fibre. 


Spa'rtium. Spanish Broom. From sparton, 
cordage; alluding to the flexible shoots. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 

A small genus of hardy, deciduous shrubs, 
inhabiting a greater portion of the Mediter- 
ranean region. Some of the species have 
been cultivated in the English gardens for 
more than three hundred years. The growth 
is like that of the common broom, but the 
green polished twigs are terete and rush-like 
instead of angular. The handsome yellow 
pea-flowers, arranged in racemes at the ends 
of the twigs, are highly perfumed and very 
attractive to bees. A double-flowered variety 
isin cultivation. A number of thespecies are 
now referred to Genista and Cytisus. 


Spatala’/nthus. From spatalos, delicate, and 
anthos, a flower. Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 

A very rare and beautiful Cape bulb, allied to 
Trichonema. There is but one species known, 
and that is rare in its own country. The 
flowers are red with a yellow and black star in 
the centre. It may be grown in a frame, 
or in pots in the green-house, requiring the 
same culture as the Ivia. It was introduced 
in 1825, and is propagated by offsets. This 
genus is now included under Romulea by 
many botanists. 


Spatha’/ntheum, From spathe, a spathe, and 
anthos, a flower; the flowers are seated on the 
midrib ofthe spathe. Nat. Ord. Aroideew. 

Asmall genus of tuberous-rooted perennials, 
found in Africa and South America. S. het- 
erandrum, the only species in cultivation, is a 
very singular plant producing a solitary, bright- 
green, fleshy, deeply pinnatifid leaf, one foot 
long on a petiole two feet long. It was intro- 
duced from Africa in 1876, and is propagated 
by division of the tubers or by offsets. 


Spathe. A broad sheathing leaf enclosing 
flowers arranged on a spadix,,and guarding 
them while young, as in most Palms, Arums, 
etc. 
Spathe'lia. A genus of Simarubacee, compris- 
ing three species of tall and showy evergreen 
trees, natives of the West Indies. S. Simplez, 
the May Pole, Mountain Green, or Mountain 
Pride of the West. Indies, has a tall, slender 
stem, resembling that of a Palm, with red flow- 
ers in panicles several feet long. It is the 
only species introduced to cultivation, and is 
propagated by cuttings. 
Spathiphy'llum. From spathe, a spathe, and 
phyllon, aleaf; alluding to the leaf-like spathe. 
Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A genus comprising over twenty species of 
stemless herbs, with sheathing, saggitate, 


SPE 


entire leaves, natives of tropical America. 
Some of the smaller species such as S. candi- 
dum, S. Patini and S. floribundum are useful 
for decorative purposes, and form a very 
effective contrast with Anthuriums, etc. They 
require a moist atmosphere and an abun- 
dance of water, and are increased by division 
of the root-stock. 


Spatho’dea. From spathe, aspathe ; in reference 
to the form of the calyx. Nat. Ord. Bigno- 
niacee. 

A genus of very showy plants natives of 
the East Indies, western Africa, Trinidad, 
ete. They are closely allied to Bignonia and 
require the same treatment as the stove- 
house species of that genus. 


Spathoglo’ttis. From spathe, a spathe, and 
glottis, a tongue. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of terrestrial Orchids, alliedto 
Bletia, natives of the East Indies, southern 
China, the Malayan Archipelago and Aus- 
tralia. They have generally yellow flowers, 
many of the lately introduced species as S. 
Viellardii, S. Lobbii, S. Pacifica, etc., being 
very interesting and desirable Orchids. 


Spa'thulate. Oblong; with the lower end very 
much attenuated, so that the whole resembles 
a druggist’s spatula. 

Spatter Dock. A common name for Nuphar 
advena. 


Spawn. Mushroom. The vegetative part of a 
Mushroom represented by the delicate white 
down and strings or threads (mycelium) 
growing among masses of decaying stable 
manure, horse droppings, etc. In artificially 
prepared spawn, the mycelium grows in firm 
brick-shaped or loose masses, penetrating 
into all parts of these, and filling them with 
the white cells of which itis composed. Ifkept 
dry, Mushroom spawn will keep good for years. 
In England and France the preparation of 
Mushroom spawn is quite a large industry, 
large quantities being exported every year in 
addition to the home consumption. Many 
attempts have been made to prepare the 
spawn of truffles, but they have as yet been 
unsuccessful. The introduction of the spawn 
of valuable varieties, will, we have no doubt, 
some day, cause a considerable change in the 
produce of a Mushroom bed. See Mushroom. 

Spear Grass. Various species of Agrostis. 

Spear Grass. New Zealand. See Aciphylla. 

Spearmint. See Mentha viridis. : 

Spearwort. Ranunculus lingua. 

Species. ‘‘ A species comprises all the individ- 
ual plants which resemble each other suffi- 
ciently to make us conclude that they are all, or 
may have been all, deseended from a common 
parent. These individuals may often differ 
from each other in many striking particulars, 
such as the color of the flower, size of the leaf, 
etc., but these particulars are such as experi- 
ence teaches us are liable to vary in the seed- 
lings raised from one individual.”—Bentham. 


Specula’ria. From the ancient name Speculum 
Veneris, or Venus’s Looking-Glass. Nat. Ord. 
Campanulacee. 

A small genus of hardy annuals, formerly 
included in Campanula. 8S. speculwm is a dis- 
tinct and pretty species, with purplish-lilac 
flowers, varying to rose-colored and white. 
They are among the many old garden favorites 


426 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SPE 


now rarely met, though deserving a place in 
the border. They grow readily from seed, 
and a succession of sowing will keep up a con- 
tinuance of bloom during the whole summer. 
One of the species, S. perfoliata, is a native of 
this country; the others are from central and 
southern Europe. 
Speedwell. See Veronica. 


Spergula pilifera. A synonym for Sagina pil- 
vera, which see. 

Spha’cele. From sphakos, the Greek name of 
Sage, which these plants resemble in foliage. 
Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of green-house shrubby plants, 
natives of western America, from Brazil and 
Chili to California. A few species have been 
introduced, but are seldom found in cultiva- 
tion. 8S. Lindleyi, which has ovate, cordate 
leaves, woolly beneath, issometimes cultivated 
under the name of Stachys Salvia. 


Sphera'lcea. Globe Mallow. From sphaira, a 
globe, and Alcea, Marsh-mallow, the carpels 
are disposed in a round head. A genus of 
green-house or hardy shrubs or herbs resem- 
bling Malva in habit, natives of the warm 
regions of America and the Cape of Good 
Hope. They are readily increased by cuttings 
of the young wood; S. abutiloides, S. angusti- 
folia, S. umbellata, etc., are often cultivated 
under the name of Malva. , 

Sphero’gyne. From spharia, a globe, and gyne, 
afemale. Nat. Ord. Melastomacea. 

This genus is remarkable for the color of its 
foliage. S. latifolia has large, broad, and flat 
leaves, deep green on top, the under side cin- 
namon brown, the leaves and stem being very 
hairy; it makes a magnificent specimen 
plant. A few other species are to be found in 
choice collections of ornamental-leaved plants. 
They are natives of tropical America, and are 
propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1864. 
This genus is now included under Tococa by 
many botanists. 


Spheroste’ma. From sphairo, a globe, and 
stemma, a crown; in allusion to the arrange- 
ment of the stamens. Nat. Ord. Schizand- 
racee. 

A name under which the Asiatic species of 
Schizandra have been distinguished as a 
genus; now included by many botanists un- 
der Schizandra, which see. 

Spha/gnum. A name given by Pliny for some 
kind of Moss. A genus of Mosses found in all 
temperate countries, and exceedingly common 
in our swamps and bogs. It is an excellent 
material for packing plants in, being extremely 
retentive of moisture, and yet contains so 
much astringency as to check decay. It is 
also used for potting orchidaceous and some 
other plants. This material has been long 
used in the packing of plants by both florists 
and nurserymen and in various other opera- 
tions connected with Horticulture. In our uses 
of Sphagnum we have found another method 
of using it, the value of which will be apparent 
to those who have had experience in raising 
seeds under glass. Our method is as follows: 
In preparing the soil for seeds we get it as 
fine and rich as possible, passing it through a 
very fine sieve. This soilis placed in boxes 
only two or three inches deep, and it is then 
made perfectly level and as smooth as possible; 
on this smooth surface of soil the seeds are 


SPI 


sown, and then pressed down into the soil 
with a smooth board. The seed being thus 
sunk just to the surface of the soil, we now 
sift dry Sphagnum, that has been run through 
a wire mosquito net, over the seed, just thick 
enough to well cover it. This Moss formsa 
light, spongy covering, and affords just the 
best condition needed for germination; and 
we have found that any seeds having any 
vitality in them are certain to germinate by 
this method. The German Peat Moss, now 
largely used as an absorbent for liquid manure, 
etc., in stables, is simply the decayed Sphag. 
num of the swamps from which the water has 
been thoroughly expressed. When its great 
value as a deodorizer and absorbent becomes 
known, the large deposits of it in this country 
will doubtless become utilized. See ‘‘Man- 
ures—Absorbents for.” = 


Sphena’ndra. From sphen, a wedge, and and- 
ros, an anther; alluding to the shape of the 
anthers. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

S. viscosa, the only species is a viscous-pu- 
bescent, annual or perennial herb, with pretty 
violet flowers. It is a native of South Africa, 
and is increased by seeds. Known in culti- 
vation under the name of Buchnera viscosa. 


Sphenode’sma. From sphen, a wedge, and 
desme, asmall bundle; alluding to the form 
of the inflorescence. Nat. Ord. Verbenacea. 

A genus of climbing shrubs, natives of 
India and the Malayan Archipelago. S. pent- 
andra, the only species introduced, bears 
flowers six in a head, with a purple corolla 
and a white, very hairy, throat. It was intro- 
duced from India in 1823, and is increased by 
cuttings. 

Spheno’gyne. From sphen, a wedge, and gyne, 
afemale. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of hardy annuals and green-house, 
evergreen perennials, mostly natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope. They have large, spread- 
ing, rayed flower-heads, of an orange color 
barred with black. S. speciosa is a showy an- 
nual, a native of South America, and resem- 
bles the Anthemis. It will succeed if sown in 
the open border in spring, but is much earlier 
and better if treated as a half-hardy annual 
and sown in early spring in heat. This genus- 
is now included under Ursina by many bot- 
anists. 

Spicate. Having, or resembling a spike. 

Spice Bush. See Lindera (Laurus) Benzoin. 

Spice Tree. Oreodaphme Californica. 

Spider Flower. A common name for Cleome. 

Spider Orchis. Orchis aranifera. 

Spider. Red. See Insects. 

Spider-wort. See Tradescantia. 

Blue. Commelina celestis. 

Branched. Anthericum Liliago. 
Dwarf. Tradescantia pilosa. 

Great Savoy. Anthericum Liliastrum. 
Mountain. Lloydia serotina. 

Spige/lia. Worm Grass. Named after Adrian 
Spigelius, a botanist at Padua. Nat. Ord. 
Loganiacee. 

An extensive genus of half-hardy annuals 
and herbaceous perennials, some of which are 
ornamental border plants. The Pink Root, 
Worm Grass, or Indian Pink, is S. Marilan- 
dica, common in Pennsylvania and southward. 
It is a desirable plant for the rock-work or 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 427 


SPI 


rock-garden and is well known for its medici- 
nal properties. 


Spignel. A common name for Meum Athamanti- 
cum. 
Spike. A long, simple axis, with many sessile 


flowers. A compound spikeis a collection of 
spikes arranged in a racemose manner. 


Spike Grass. See Brizopyrum spicatum. 


Spikelet. A secondary spike; the term is 
especially applied to the small terminal col- 
lection of florets in grasses. 


Spikenard. See Aralia racemosa. 
Cretan. Valeriana Phu. 
False. Smilacina racemosa. 
Mountain. Valeriana tuberosa. 
‘Ploughman’s. Conyza squarrosa and the genus 
Baccharis, 
West Indian. Hyptis suaveolens. 


Spinach. Common Garden. See Spinacia. 
Cuban. Claytonia Cubensis. 

East Indian. Basella alba, and B. rubra. 

New Zealand. See Tetragonia expansa. 

Strawberry. Blitwm capitatum. 

Wild. A common name for Chenopodium 
~ Bonus-Henricus. 

Spina’cia. From spina, a prickle; in allusion 
to the prickly processes of the seeds. Nat. 
Ord. Chenopodiacee. 

The common Spinach is a hardy annual, and 
supposed to be a native of Western Asia, from 
the fact that inthe early works of the Arabian 
physicians this plant is mentioned in connec- 
tion with its medical properties, without the 
slightest allusion to its uses as a vegetable. 
Spain is supposed to have been the first Euro- 
pean country into which it was introduced ; for 
many of the old botanists call it Olus Hispani- 
cum, and some of the old writers call it His- 
panach or Spanish Plant. Beckmann, who 
wrote about 1790, says the first notice of its 
being used as a vegetable was in 1351, in a list 
of the different vegetables consumed on fast 
days by the monks. Turner, who wrote in Eng- 
land in 1538, mentions its beingin common cul- 
tivation, and prepared for the table in precisely 
the same manner asitis at present. Spinach 
is an annual plant, having large and succulent 
leaves; the flower-stems rise to the height of 
two or three feet. The male and female flow- 
ers grow on different plants, the female yield- 
ing the seed. The former are produced in 
long terminal spikes, and the latter in close 
clusters at the joints of the stem or axils of 
the leaves or branches. S. oleracea is the only 
known species,and from this the several garden 
varieties have been obtained. The smooth 
Round Leaf is the variety mostly grown for 
market; the Prickly Leaved is more hardy, 
and is, therefore, the kind which used to be 
sown in the fall for a first early spring crop, 
until the variety known as the Savoy Spinach 
was introduced in 1875. This has a crumpled 
leaf resembling Savoy Cabbage, and is now 
extensively cultivated, particularly as a fall or 
winter sort, as it has proved hardier than any 
of the others, and produces a greater weight 
of crop. It has the fault, however, of running 
up sooner to seed than the Round Leaved, and, 
for that reason, is not so good to sow in spring. 
The variety known as ‘‘Thick-leaved” is one 
of the best market sorts. It produces a large, 
thick, strong, green leaf somewhat crumpled, 
and possesses the valuable quality of standing 


SPI 


a long time before running to seed. This 
variety is equally good for spring or fall. 
The “Long Standing” is another variety that 
possesses the peculiarity of standing a long 
time before running to seed, but in all other 
respects, itis very similar to the well-known 
«‘Round Leaf.” Another variety, the ‘‘ Large 
Round-leaved Viroflay” is a heavy growing 
sort, much resembling the ‘‘ Thick-leaved.” 
It is a good cropper and hardy. 

Spinach in the latitude of New York should 
be sown from the fifth to the fifteenth of Sep- 
tember, in rows twelve to fifteen inches apart. 
It is important with this, as with most other 
seeds, to firm the soil by treading on the rows 
with the feet, or using a heavy roller after 
sowing, as otherwise, if the weather is dry, 
the seed may be shriveled, so that it will not 
germinate if loosely covered. In all sections 
of the country where the thermometer falls 
below zero, and where there is not a certainty 
of snow for a covering, the Spinach should be 
covered up on the approach of severe weather 
(which is usually about the middle of Decem- 
ber) with hay, straw, or leaves, to the depth 
of two or three inches, which covering should 
be allowed to remain until the Spinach begins 
to show green through it in the spring. 


Spindle-shaped. Tapering to each end. like a 


Radish. 

Spindle Tree. The genus Huonymus. 

Spine. A stiff, sharp-pointed body, consisting 
of woody tissue covered with cellular tissue ; 
a thorn. 

Spinescent. Terminating in a sharp point or 
spine. 

Spinose. Furnished with spines; of a spiny 
character. 

Spire’a. From speirao, to become spiral; in 


allusion to the flexile branches being suitable 
for twisting into garlands. Nat. Ord. Ros- 
wee. 

A genus of over fifty species of deciduous, 
hardy shrubs or herbaceous perennials, broadly 
dispersed over the temperate regions of the 
northern hemisphere. Many of the shrubby 
species, with white or pink flowers, make 
beautiful plants for the lawn or shrubbery, as 
they grow inalmost any situation, and continue 
along timein bloom. Several of our native 
species, as S. opulifolia (Nine Bark) and its 
golden-leaved variety, S.o. aurea, S. salicifolia 
and S. tomentosa, are very handsome, and the 
various species introduced from China, Japan, 
etc., are exceedingly ornamental and useful 
as decorative plants. To assist those who 
wish a continuance of bloom we give alist of 
the most desirable species in the order of their 
blooming, from May to the middle of August: 
(1) S. prunifolia fi. pl., S. Thunbergii, S. Nicon- 
derti;. (2) S. crategifolia, S. lanceolata and its 
varieties, S. trilobata. S. van Houttei; (3) S. 
opulifolia aurea, S. crenata, S. Fontenaysii, S. 
salicifolia, S. sorbifolia, S. Billardi; (4) S. 
cana, S. ariefolia, S. Japonica var. Bumalda, 
and the various varieties of S. callosa. Of the 
herbaceous species, S. lobata (Queen of the 
Prairies), one of the most stately of all the 
herbaceots Spireas, is common in meadows 
in Pennsylvania and south and westward. 
The flowers are very handsome, of a deep 
peach-color, produced inclustered panicles on 
long, naked peduncles. It is greatly improved 


428 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SPI 


by garden cultivation. There are many who 
think it finer than S. palmata, a species from 
Japan, and not so recent as some think it is. 
S. aruncus, the Goat’s Beard, is a very showy 
species found in rich woods on the Catskill and 
Alleghany Mountains and westward. S. astil- 
boides is an exceedingly elegant species intro- 
duced from Japan in 1880. It differs from S. 
aruncus in its compact habit, smaller leaves, 
and shorter spikes of flowers, which are of a 
pure white, those of S. aruncus being greenish 
or creamy colored. It is perfectly hardy and 
may be grown to perfection in any ordinary 
_ border of deeply tilled soil. S. ulmaria, with 
white flowers, is the Meadow Sweet, a native 
of Britain. 8S. filipendula, also white, and a 
native of Britain, isknown as Drop Wort. S. 
Japonica, sometimes called Astilbe and Hoteia 
Japonica, and Astilba barbata, though best 
known here as Spirea Japonica, is the most 
useful of the genus. It belongs to the herba- 
ceous division, forms a most beautiful, hardy, 
border plant, about two feet in height, with 
branching spikes of pure white, feather-like 
flowers. This species is most extensively 
forced for winter flowers, and is one of the 
plants most used for decoration at the Easter 
holidays. Although it can be grown nearly 
as well here asin Europe, still, at present the 
demand for it is so great that our home-grown 
stock has been altogether insufficient to meet 
the demand, and probably 100,000-roots are 
annually imported from England, Holland and 
Germany. The roots best suited for pot 
eulture are those having a diameter of from 
five to six inches. These are potted in five 
and six-inch pots in fall, and covered up so 
that they do not freeze, but yet have no arti- 
ficial heat. A dry, sheltered spot against a 
south fence or wallis best; then, covered with 
ten or twelve inches of leaves, they can be got at 
at any time during winter, and should be taken 


into a cool house—say an average of 45° at’ 


night—and watered sparingly until free indica- 
tions of growth areshown. When well rooted, 
and the flower stems begin to show, they will 
stand a higher ‘temperature, but at no time 
should it be higher than 55° at night, if the 
best development of flowerisdesired. It is not 
very easy to say what time it takes the plant 
to be at its best flowering from the time it is 
placed in the green-house; hence it is best to 
havethem come ininsuccession. Atan average 
of 50° at night and ten degrees higher during 
the day, from fourtoten weeks will be required 
to get the plant in full development of bloom. 
A beautifully variegated-leaved variety of 
S. Japonica was introduced into the United 
States about 1865, from Japan, but it did 
not take kindly to our hot and dry climate, 
and has now nearly disappeared; but we 
believe, in the more congenial atmosphere of 
Britain, it makes a beautiful plant, as, added 
to its fine variegation, the flower spikes are 
more dense and compact than in the plain- 
leaved species. Another Spireea, sent to the 
United States some ten years ago from London 
as S. palmata, is now well known, more from 
the fact of its being sent out as new, and ata 
very high price, than as being of any special 
merit in itself. The facts of the case are, that 
S. palmata had been introduced into England 
as early as 1822, and was to be found in every 
herbaceous plant collection in Britain, of any 
note. Some one had probably again found it 


; SPI 


in its native habitat, had not known of its 
long introduction, offered it as a new plant to 
some not over-scrupulous or not too well-post- 
ed nurseryman in London, and out it came 
on us at the modest price of half a guinea 
apiece, and sickly little morsels at that, while 
the same plant was offered with the same name 
in half-a-dozen catalogues at one-twentieth 
the price. We never yet have been able to 
understand this error, if error it was, as it 
was virtually endorsed by a score of the lead- 
ing nurserymen in England, by their offering 
it as new in their catalogues, besides being 
described and lauded in several of the leading 
horticultural and botanical magazines in Eu- 
rope, as well as in this country. Evidently 
the botanist (?) who collected it was a tyro at 
his work, or he would have known enough to 
look up the: genus, so as not to stumble on 
some old name for his new-found bantling; 
but this he evidently did not do; for, if he had 
looked up Loudon’s Encyclopeedia of Plants, 
or any other of the more recent works, he 
would have seen that S. palmata was intro- 
duced in 1822; and if he had carried his inves- 
tigations further, he would have found that 
his S. palmata was identical with that of 1822. 
Our excuse for treating this matter at length 
is, that many are not yet aware of the true 
state of the case, and continue to import S. 
palmata as a comparatively new plant, and yet 
at ahigh price. We may state further, that 
all the plants of this division of the genus 
are unsuited to our hot, dry climate, unless 
planted in partial shade. 


Spiral. Twisted like a screw. 


Spiranthe’ra. From speira, a spiral, and an- 
thera, an anther; alluding to the spiral an- 
thers. Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

S. odoratissima, the only described species, 
is a very handsome flowering, sweet-scented, 
glabrous, evergreen shrub, introduced from 
Brazil in 1823. It succeeds well in a compost 
of peat and loam, and is propagated by cut- 
tings of the half-ripened wood. 


Spira/nthes. Lady’s Tresses. From speira, a 
spiral, and anthos, a flower; in allusion to the 
spiral manner in which the flowers are ar- 
ranged. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A genus of terrestrial Orchids, numbering 
about fifty species. Some require green- 
house treatment, and others are perfectly 
hardy, herbaceous plants. All the species are 
very pretty, but not of sufficient merit to 
warrant their introduction into the green- 
house. Of the hardy species, several are in- 
digenous in the Middle States, three or four 
being found on Long Island. The flowers 
are small and white, produced on a spirally- 
twisted spike, by which the genus is easily 
recognized. S. cernua, a pretty, native spe- 
cies, is very variable in size, foliage, etc. ; the 
common form, with pure white, sweet-scented 
flowers, is common in wet places in Septem- 
ber and October. . 

Spire Lily. A common name for Hyacinthus 
(Galtonia) candicans. 

Spirone’ma. From speira, spiral, and nema, a 
filament; alluding to the spirally-twisted 
bundles of vessels containing the filaments. 
Nat. Ord. Commelinacee. 

S. fragrans, the only species described, is a 
robust growing perennial herb, more curious 


ty 
a 
Q 

GS 


SPHEROGYNE. 


SPIREA PALMATA, 


STATICE ELATA, STATICE SPICATA, 


STATICE SUWOROWI, 


STATICE PYRAMIDALIS. 


STEPHANOTIS FLORIBUNDA. 


STANHOPEA, 
SPINACH (SAVOY-LEAVED). 


STIPA PENNATA. 429 


SPINACIA (SPINACH). 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 429 


SPL 


than handsome, with large, oblong-lanceolate 
leaves and erect, leafless, almost rush-like, 
flowering stems, having the small, fragrant 
flowers clustered along the rigid branches in 
the axils of chaffy scales. It is a native of 
Mexico, introduced to cultivation in 1839. 


Spleenwort. See Asplenium. 


Spo’/ndias. Hog Plum. The Greek name for 
akind of plum; the fruit resembles a plum. 
Nat. Ord. Anacardiacew. 

A genus of evergreen trees common in the 
tropics of both hemispheres, chiefly interest- 
ing for their fruits. S. lutea yields an eat- 
able fruit, called Hog Plum in the West In- 
dies. The taste is said to be peculiar and 
not very agreeable to strangers. They are 
chiefly used to fatten swine. S. dulcis, a na- 
tive of the Society Islands, yields a fruit the 
flavor of which is compared to that of the 
Pineapple. The flower buds of S. Mombin are 
used as a Sweetmeat with sugar. Several of 
the species are esteemed for their medicinal 
properties, and one or two are cultivated as 
ornamental plants. 


Sponge Gourd. See Luffa. 
Sponge Tree. Acacia Farnesiana, 
Sponge Wood. Aischynomene aspera. 


Spongiole, Spongelet. A term used to denote 
the young, tender extremity of a root, by 
which it was generally supposed fluid food is 
absorbed from the earth. It is now under- 
stood that the root-hairs, and not the tips of 
the roots, absorb the fluid nourishment that 
plants take in from the soil. 


Spoon Flower. The genus Labisia. 

Spoon Wood. A local name for Kalmia lati- 
folia. 

Spoon-wort. The genus Cochlearia. 


Sporangium and Sporange. From spora, a 
seed, and aggeion, a vessel; the latter word is 
sounded as if spelled angeion. Terms used 
to denote the small vessels or cases in which 
the spores of Ferns are produced on the backs 
of the fronds, in the little brown dots called 
sori. 

Spore, Sporule. The reproductive body in 
eryptogamous plants, analogous to the seed 
of phenogamous plants. 


Spore Case. The immediate covering of the 
spores of cryptogams. 


Sport. A bud or seed variation. 
Spotted Cowbane. See Cicuta maculata. 


Spotted Wintergreen. See Chimaphila macu- 
lata. 

Spra’guea. Named after Isaac Sprague, an 
American botanical draughtsman. Nat. Ord. 
Portulacacee. 

S. umbellata, the only species, is a beautiful 
little annual, or biennial, according to the 
treatment given it; from California, allied to 
Claytonia. The leaves are all radical, and 
somewhat succulent; the flowers are densely 
imbricate in spikes, several of which form a 
dense umbel on a leafless scape, the large 
sepals giving it an elegant and singular 
aspect. Itis readily grown from seed. In- 
troduced 1859. 


Spreading. Having a gradually outward di- 
rection, as petals from the ovary. 


SQU 


Spreke'lia. Named after Dr. Sprekel, a Ger- 
man botanist. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

S. formosissima, commonly known as 
Amaryllis formosissima, or Jacobean Lily, 
the only described species of this genus, is 
a bulbous plant, with splendid dark scarlet 
flowers. It is called Jacobsean on account of 
the brilliant scarlet of its flowers, which the 
Spaniards in Peru thought resembled the 
scarlet swords worn by the knights of the or- 
der of St. James (Jacobeus). These bulbs 
succeed well planted in the open border in 
May. They produce their flowers in June, 
and the bulbs ripen off by fall, when they 
should be taken up and dried with the tops 
on, and stored in a dry room free from frost, 
until time for planting out again. They are 
desirable for pot culture, or for growing in 
glasses like Hyacinths, requiring the same 
culture, and are increased: by offsets. They 
are natives of Guatemala, and were intro- 
duced in 1658. 

Spring Beauty. A local name for Claytonia, 
which see. 

Spring Bell. A common name for Sisyrin- 
chium grandifiorum. 

Spring Snowflake. See Leucojum vernum. 


Spruce. The popular name of the genus Abies, 
which see. 

Spru’cea, Named after Mr. Spruce, who dis- 
covered the plant on the shores of the Ama- 
zon, near the mouth of the Rio Negro. Nat. 
Ord. Rubiacee. : 

A handsome, tall, bushy shrub, bearing large, 
yellowish, cream-colored flowers, in dense 
terminal panicles, with a fine scent of vanilla. 
It is seldom found in cultivation. 

Spur. A hollow tubular extension of some part 
of a flower, usually nectariferous; as in the 
calyx of the Larkspur and the corolla of the 
Violet. 

Spurge. The genus Euphorbia. 

Spurge Laurel. Daphne Laureola. 

Spurge Nettle. A common name for Jatropha 
urens. 

Spurge Olive. A popular name for Daphne 
Mezereum. ; 

Spurred Butterfly Pea. See Centrosema. 

Spurred Gentian. Halenia deflexa. 

Spurrey. The genus Sperguta. 

Squamate,- Squamose. Scaly; covered with 
small, scale-like leaves. 

Squarrose. When bodies are rough with 
spreading and projecting processes. Imbri- 
cated bracts, scales, or leaves are said to be 
Squarrose when their tips are pointed and 
very spreading or recurved. 

Squash. (Cucurbita melopepo.) The history of 
the Squash is more obscure than that of any 
other vegetable of equal importance in the 
garden. It was found in cultivation by the 
Indians on the Island of Nantucket by the 
earliest settlers; there was, however, but one 
kind, the small, warted Pumpkin. From this 
peculiar variety the common Field Pumpkin 
is supposed to have originated. Several vari- 
eties have been introduced from South Amer- 
ica, and among them the Mammoth Squash 
from Valparaiso, the seed of which was sent 
here by Commodore Perry. Several other of 
our best sorts have been received from there 


430 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


8QU 


and the West Indies; their parentage, how- 
ever, is entirely unknown. A large number 
of varieties are grown under distinctive 
names, many of which are cross-breeds. The 
popular summer varieties are White and Yel- 
low Bush and Summer Crookneck. For fall 
and winter, Hubbard, Essex Hybrid, Marble- 
head and Mammoth Chili. Most of the win- 
ter varieties, if kept in a dry atmosphere at a 
temperature of about forty degrees, will keep 
until May. They require well manured ground 
to succeed well, with generally some special 
manure in the hills. For the bush sorts three 
to four feet apart is sufficient, but the run- 
ning sorts require to be from six to eight feet 
apart. 

Squaw Root. See Conopholis. 

Squaw Weed. Senecio aureus. 

Squill. See Scilla. 

Squill, Striped. A common name for Pusch- 
kinia scillioides. 

Squirrel Corn. See Dicentra Canadensis. 

Squirrel Tail Grass. See Hordeum. 

Squirting Cucumber. Ecballiwm Elaterium. 


Staa'via. Named after Martin Staaf, a corre- 
spondent of Linnzus. Nat. Ord. Bruniacee. 

A genus of green-house shrubs, much re- 
sembling Heaths or Epacris, natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope. The flowers intermixed 
with chaffy scales are arranged in showy 
heads with numerous white bracts. S. glu- 
tinosa, the best known species, thrives best in 
a compost of sandy peat and loam, and is in- 
creased by cuttings of the young wood. 

Sta’chys. Hedge Nettle. From stachys, a spike ; 
their manner of flowering. Nat. Ord. Labi- 
ate. 

A genus of shrubby and herbaceous plants, 
common throughout the United States and 
Europe. None of the species has any special 
merit, except S. lanata, which is used to a 
considerable extent in the formation of white 
lines for ribbon borders or massing; it is 
propagated by cuttings. 

Stachytarphe'ta. From stachys, a spike, and 
tarphys, thick; alluding to the form of the in- 
florescence. A genus of Verbenacew, consist- 
ing of aromatic herbs, shrubs, or sub-shrubs, 
natives for the most part of tropical or sub- 
tropical America. S. Jamaicensis is possessed 
of remarkable medicinal virtues, according to 
the Brazilians, and the leaves of this species 
and S. mutabilis are used to adulterate tea, 
and in Austria they are sold under the name 
of Brazilian Tea. The shrubby sorts are 
easily increased by cuttings, and the annual 
species by seeds. 

Stachyu'rus. From stachys, a spike, and oura, 
a tail; in allusion to the shape of the Catkins. 
Nat. Ord. Ternstremiacee. 

A genus consisting of only two species of 
half-hardy, glabrous shrubs, one being Japan- 
ese, the other Himalayan. S. precox pro- 
duces its yellowish-green flowers in great pro- 
fusion before the leaves are unfolded, and is 
readily propagated by cuttings of the half- 
ripened wood. Introduced from Japan in 1864. 


Stadma’/nnia. In honor of M. Stadmann, a 
German botanical traveler. Nat. Ord. Sap- 
indacee. 


A genus of lofty-growing trees, with large, 
showy leaves, natives of Australia. The 


‘Standing Cypress. 


STA 


species have been united with Cupania by 
modern botanists. 


Staff Tree. See Celastrus. 

Stage. See Table. 

Stagger Bush. Andromeda Mariana. 

Stag’s Horn Fern. See Platyceriwm alcicorne 


Stag’s Horn Sumach. A common name for 
Rhus typhina. 


Stalk. The stem or support to an organ, as 
the petiole of a leaf, the peduncle or pedicel 
of a flower, etc. 


Stamen. That organ of the flower which con-. 
tains the pollen. 


Standard. The fifth petal of a papilionaceous 
flower. 


See Ipomopsis. 

Stange’ria. Named after William Stanger, Sur- 
veyor-General of Natal, who died in 1854. A 
remarkable genus of Cycadace@, quite distinct 
from any other of the order in its Fern-like 
foliage. S. paradoxa, the only species, a 
Natal plant with a thick, napiform trunk, 
is closely related to Encephalartos in struc- 
tural characters, but differs remarkably in 
habit and foliage. ~ 


Stanho’pea. In compliment to Earl Stanhope. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 

A very beautiful genus of epiphytal Orchids, 
remarkable for their extraordinary flowers, 
curious in form and richly colored, and also for 
their singular habit of throwing the flower- 
stem from the base of the psuedo-bulbs in a 
downward direction. When first introduced 
(1830) the plants were placed in pots inthe usual 
manner, and were supposed to be difficult to 
flower, until the accidental breaking of a pot 
exposed the flowers perishing in the soil be- 
neath the plants. This circumstance led to 
the prevalent method of growing them in 
baskets made of small sticks of Cedar, Locust, 
or other woods not liable to decay, which, 
being open at intervals, allows the flower- 
spikes to protrude in their natural position. 
Baskets about afoot and a half in diameter 
and six inches deep are sufficiently large for 
well-grown specimens. The soil should be 
leaf-mould and sphagnum moss, about one- 
fourth of the latter, with small pieces of char- 
coal intermixed for perfect drainage. Some 
successful growers use only the moss and 
charcoal or potsherds. Stanhopeas require 
plenty of water while growing. The moss 
should be thoroughly soaked every day, and a 
slight syringing, or what is better, a dense 
application of steam every night and morning. 
Most of the species make two growths in a 
year, and with proper management, will also 
bloom twice; but some care is required to 
have the latter growth duly formed before 
the winter sets in, or there is much danger of 
their rotting. If an active growth can be 
started about the first of February, the first 
pseudo-bulbs will be formed, and the flowers 
fully perfected in May, which leaves good 
time to complete the second flowering. A 
temperature of from 70° to 85° will grow 
them best, and for the winter, or resting period, 
from 55° to 60° is sufficient. They do not re- 
quire to be frequently shifted, but when this 
is done the plant should be put, basket and 
all, into a larger one, as it is impossible to re- 
move them without serious injury to the 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 431 


STA 


roots. S. Bucephalus, S. tigrina superba, S. 
Martiana, S. grandiflora and S. Wardiana, 
are among the finest species of this genus. 
They are increased by division. 


Sta’nnia formosa. A native of the Caraccas, 
isa highly ornamental stove-house plant with 
white fragrant flowers three to four inches 
inlength. The genus is now placed by many 
botanists under Posoqueria. 


Stape’lia. Named by Linneus after Boderus 
Stapel, a physician of Amsterdam and commen- 
tator on Theophrastus. Nat. Ord. Asclepia- 
dacee. 

This is a genus of very curious green-house 
plants, with showy, star-like flowers proceed- 
ing from the base, which smell so much like 
carrion that flies have been known to lay their 
eggs upon them. As these plants are very 
succulent, they are apt to damp off if they are 
grown in rich soil or receive too much water. 
They are propagated by cuttings, which 
should be laid on the shelt for two or three 
days to shrivel before they are planted. All 


the Stapelias are natives of the Cape of Good. 


Hope. The flowers are very singular as well 
as showy. and would be highly prized were it 
not for their offensive odor ; but notwithstand- 
ing, they are very interesting plants, and the 
odor is of no long continuance. They were 
first introduced in 1710. 


Staphy’lea. Bladder Nut. Abridged from 
Staphylodendron, its ancient name, from 
staphyle, a bunch, and dendron, a tree; the 
flowers and fruit are disposed in clusters. 
Nat. Ord. Sapindacee. 

A genus of deciduous shrubs, which are 
widely dispersed. One species, S. trifoliata, 
indigenous in the United States, is a hand- 
some shrub, with terminal panicles of white 
flowers, producedin May. 8S. Colchica is an 
excellent subject for early forcing; plants in 
small pots producing a dozen or more spikes 
of beautiful white, fragrant flowers, which will 
last in perfection at least three weeks. 


Staphylea’ceze. A sub-order of Sapindacee. 

Star-Apple. The genus Chrysophyllum. 

Star Flower. Trientalis Americana; the name 
is also applied to several species of Aster, 
Sternbergia and Tritelia. . 

Star Grass. See Hypowis. 

Star Hyacinth. Scilla amoena. 

Star of Bethlehem. See Ornithogalum. 

Star of Night. A common name for Clusia 
rosea. 

Star Thistle. Centaurea Calcitrapa. ~— 

Star-wort. A common name for Aster and Stel- 
laria. 

Staphy’lee. A tribe of Sapindacee. 


Sta’tice. Sea Lavender, Marsh Rosemary. 
From siatikos, astringent; in allusion to the 
powerful astringency of some of the species. 
Nat. Ord. Plumbaginaceew. 

Singular plants, the foot-stalks of the flowers 
of which are colored so as to resemble flowers, 
while the real flowers are the white part at 
the extremity of the purple. The handsomest 
species belonging to the genus is S. arborea, a 
native of the Canaries, which is quite shrubby. 
This splendid plant should have plenty of 
room for its roots, and thus, when there is 
not a conservatory for it to be planted in, it 


STE 


does better in the open border with a slight 
protection during winter, than in a pot in a 
green-house. S. macrophylla and its variety, 
S. Halfordi, are exceedingly useful in the 
conservatory or green-house, their clear white 
flowers contrasting well with the deep blue 
bracts. They are very free flowering, and 
succeed well in good turfy loam with a little 
well-rotted cow manure and sand mixed with 
it. They may beincreased by cuttings during 
the early spring months. S. Suworowt, a 
recent introduction from Turkestan, is a 
strikingly beautiful, hardy annual, with pretty 
lilac-colored flowers, produced in dense 
branched spikes. The common kinds of 
Statice are generally increased by seeds or 
by dividing the-root, and they should be 
allowed plenty of space, as they are easily 
killed when crowded by other plants. 8S. Lim- 
onium, Sea Thrift, the only species that is a 
native of this country, is common in salt 
marshes along the southern coast, and is 
gathered in considerable quantities for making 
winter bouquets. 


Stau’ntonia. In honor of Sir George Staunton, 
Bart., who introduced numerous plants from 
China. Nat. Ord. Lardizabalacee. 

This genus consists of but two known 
species, both woody climbing shrubs, from 
China and Japan. The flowers are produced 
from the axils of the leaves, and are white 
and fragrant. The plants are of easy culture, 
but of no special interest, excepting in botan- 
ical collections. 


Staura/nthera. From séfauros, a cross, and 
anthera, an anther; the anthers cohere in the 
form of across. Nat. Ord. Gesneracew. 

A small genus of stove-house plants, natives 
of the East Indies and the Malayan Archipel- 
ago. S. grandifolia, the only species intro- 
duced, has very pretty flowers about an inch 
long, the corolla tube white, tinged with 
purple and pale yellow. It thrives in a mix- 
ture of loam and sandy peat, and is propagated 
by cuttings. Introduced from Moulmein in 


Staurosti’gma. From Stauros, a cross, and 
stigma, a stigma; in allusion to the cross, or 
star-shaped stigmas. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A small genus of tuberous, stoloniferous, 
stove-house plants, natives of tropical America. 
Their leaves are much divided and are borne 
on long petioles. They require a season of 
rest, during which the plants should be very 
sparingly watered. There are over six species 
introduced, but they are seldom found in 
cultivation. : 

Stavesacre. The acrid, emetic-purgative seeds 
of Delphinium Staphysagria. 

Steeple Bush. A common name for Spirea 
tomentosa. 


Stella’ria. Chickweed, Star Wort. From stella, 
a star; the flowers are star-like. Nat. Ord. 
Caryophyllacee. 

With the exception of 9. Holostea, a pretty 
little white, early spring flower, this genus is 
a family of weeds of the most troublesome 
character. There are several species indige- 
nous in this country, all well known. S. media, 
common Chickweed, is the most troublesome 
bea the garden, particularly in the fall 
months. 


Stellate. Star-shaped. 


432 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


STE 
Stem. The ascending axis of a plant, from 


which leaves, flowers and fruit are de- 
veloped. 


Stena’ctis. Probably from stene, narrow, and 
aktin, a sunbeam; from the narrow and sun- 
like rays of the expanded flower. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

A small genus of erect-branched herbs, 
natives of North America, Northern India, 
etc., with showy white, violet or light pur- 
ple flowers. This genus is now included as a 
section of Erigeron. 


Stenanthe’ra. From stenos, narrow, and anth- 
era, an anther; the filaments are broader than 
the anthers, which causes the latter to appear 
narrow. Nat. Ord. EHpacridacee. 

A genus of twospecies of beautiful ever- 
green shrubs, both natives of Australia, with 
almost sessile red flowers, often crowded at 
the base of the branchlets. Like all other 
plants of this order, the roots are very fine 
and impatient of the application of much 
water, consequently ample drainage must be 
provided in the pots. Propagated by cuttings 
of the half-ripened wood. Syn. Astroloma. 


Ste’nia. From stenos, narrow; in allusion to 
the form of the pollen masses. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

A small genus of very handsome epiphytal 
Orchids, natives of New Grenada, Columbia 
and Peru. S. fimbriata is a very showy plant. 
The leaves are long, narrow and dark green; 
the flowers are bright yellow, with a paler lip, 
beautifully spotted with carmine, and are pro- 
duced on slender scapes. There are one or 
two other species under cultivation. Propa- 
gated by division. 


Stenoca'rpus.__Fire-tree or Tulip-tree of 
Queensland. From sfenos, narrow, and karpos, 
fruit; the fruit being long and thin. Nat. 
Ord. Proteacee. 

S. Cunninghami, a tree but rarely met, ex- 
cepting in botanical collections, is one of the 
noblest and most interesting trees in culti- 
vation. It is a lofty tree, producing its dark 
yellow or orange-colored flowers in terminal 
or axillary clusters, in the greatest profusion. 
In general appearance it resembles the ever- 
green Oaks. It requires considerable age be- 
fore it will flower in the green-house, but 
when that age is reached, there is no shrub 
or tree more prolific or beautiful. Introduced 
from Moreton Bay 1830. Syn. Stenocarpus 
and Agnostus sinuatus. 


Stenochi’lus. From stenos, narrow, and cheilos, 
a lip; alluding to the narrow lip of the flower. 
Nat. Ord. Myoporacee. 

A genus of green-house, evergreen Austra- 
lian shrubs, with alternate leaves and red, 
scarlet, or yellow flowers. They thrive best 
in a compost of sandy loam and peat, and are 
readily increased by cuttings. This genus is 
placed by Bentham and Hooker under Hremo- 
phila. 

Stenochle’na. From sienos, narrow, and 
chlania, a cloak; in reference to the arrange- 
ment of the sori. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A genus of Ferns having two-formed fronds, 
the sterile ones pinnate, the fertile ones con- 
tracted, and either pinnate or bi-pinnate, borne 
on scandent rhizomes. They are natives 
principally of India and the Pacific Islands. 


Though very distinct looking, this genus is ? 


STE 


now included under Acrostichum and Lomaria, 
by many botanists. 

Stenome’sson. From sienos, narrow, and mes- 
son, the middle; the flowers contracted in the 
middle. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacew. 

A genus of very pretty, half-hardy South 
American bulbs, with orange, scarlet and yel- 
low flowers, in umbels on a slender scape. 
The bulbs may be planted out in early spring 
in a moist situation, and they will soon come 
into flower. They are propagated by offsets 
and require perfect rest during winter. In- 
troduced from Peru in 1843. 

Stenorhy’nchus. A genus of terrestrial Or- 
chids, now included under Spiranthes. 

Stenota/phrum. Australian Buffalo Grass. 
From stenos, narrow, and taphros, a trench; 
referring to the cavities in the rachis in which 
the spikelets are seated. Nat. Ord. Gramin- 
acee. 

A small genus of creeping, radicant grasses, 
inhabiting tropical regions, mostly near the 
sea. S. Americanum, the only species in cul- 
tivation, is a curious perennial grass, with 
flattened stems and leaves. A variegated 
variety has leaves two to four inches long, 
freely striped with creamy white, and is an 
excellent basket plant. It is known in culti- 
vation as Stephanophorum glabrum variegalum. 


Stephana’ndra. From stephanos, a crown, and 
aner, andros, a male; alluding to the disposi- 
tion of the stamens. Nat. Ord. Rosacea. 

S. flexuosa, the only described species, is a 
hardy, deciduous shrub, with small white 
flowers, in corymbose racemes or panicles, 
introduced from Japan in 1870. It is closely 
allied to the shrubby Spireas, and is propa- 
gated by cuttings. 


Stepha’nia. Named in honor of Professor F. 
Stephan, of Moscow. Nat. Ord. Menisperma- 
cee. 

Asmall genus of climbing plants, natives of 
tropical Asia, Africa and Australia. The spe- 
cies are well worth cultivating on account of 
the beauty of their yellow or orange-colored 
flowers, which are disposed in simple or com- 
pound umbels. They thrive in a compost of 
sandy peat and loam, and are readily in- 
creased by cuttings. 

Stephano’coma. From stephanos, a crown, and 
kome, hair; referring to the crown-like pap- 
pus. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

S. carduoides, the only species, is a Thistle- 
like herb, with yellow flower heads. Intro- 
duced from South Africa in 1864; known also 
as Stobwa spherocephala. 


Stephanopho’rum. See Stenotaphyrum. 


Stephanophy’sum. From stephanos, a crown, 
and physa, a bladder; alluding to the inflo- 
rescence. Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

A genus of tropical herbaceous plants, 
natives of Central America and Africa. The 
flowers are mostly scarlet, produced in axil- 
lary clusters. They are very rarely culti- 


vated. This genus is often included with 
Ruellia. 
Stephano’tis. Madagascar Chaplet Flower, 


Madagascar Jasmine. From stephanos,a crown, 
and otis, eared; the ear-like processes on the 
crown of the stamens. Nat. Ord. Asclepia- 
dacee. : 
These noble green-house climbers grow 
with great freedom when allowed sufficient 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 433 


STE 


root room. They may either be planted in 
the border of the house and trained over the 
pillars and roof, or placed in a large pot hav- 
ing a good-sized trellis attached to it. In 
either position the effect produced by their 
deep green and ample, fleshy leaves, enriched 
by numerous clusters of pure white, waxy 
flowers, is, perhaps, unsurpassed. The flow- 
ers of S. floribunda have a strong, delicious 
perfume, and are much valued by the bouquet- 
makers. ‘This species was introduced from 
Madagascar in 1830, and is the only one gen- 
erally cultivated. It is much subject to the 
insect known as Mealy Bug, and to keep it in 
health this insect must be sponged off the 
stems and leaves as soon as itisseen. Prop- 
agated by seeds or cuttings. 


Stephenso’nia. A garden name of Phenicopho- 


rium, more correctly Stevensonia. 


Sterecu'lia. From Sterculius, a god, derived 


from stercus, dung; the flowers and leaves of 
some of the species are fetid. Nat. Ord. Ster- 
culiacee. 

+ A genus of considerable extent, widely dis- 
persed through the tropics of both hemi- 
spheres, occurring most abundantly, however, 
in Asia and the Asiatic Islands, more sparing- 
ly in America and Africa, and rarely in Aus- 
tralia. Nearly all the species are trees, some- 
times of considerable size. The seeds or nuts 
of some of the species are edible. S. wrens 
yields a valuable gum, and bags used for the 
conveyance of rice and other merchandise are 
made from S. villosa by soaking logs of the 
trunk or large branches for afew days, and 
then stripping off the bark entire and sewing 
up the bottoms. S. rupestris, the Bottle Tree 
of Australia, introduced to cultivation in 1880 
under the name of Delabechea rupestris, forms 
a pretty green-house shrub, the trunk often 
swelling to‘a large size—whence the common 
name. Several other species are in culti- 
vation and are propagated by cuttings. 


Sterculia’cez. A natural order of soft-wooded 


herbs, shrubs, or trees, mostly natives of the 
warmer parts of the world. They contain an 
abundant mucilage combined in the old bark 
of the woody species, with a bitter astringent 
matter, and are emetics and stimulants. From 
the dried and split cotyledons of the seeds of 
Theobroma cacao, Chocolate is manufactured. 
To this order also belong the Baobab Tree, 
Adansonia digitata ; the Silk-cotton Tree, Bom- 
bax Ceiba; and the Durion Tree, Durio Zebe- 
thinus, the fruit of which is highly esteemed. 
These may be named as examples of the 
character of the order, which contains about 
forty - six genera, and over five hundred 
species. 


Sterile. Barren. A male or staminate flower 


is commonly said to be sterile. 


Steripho’ma. From steriphoma, a foundation; 


in allusion to the large fruit stalk. Nat. Ord. 
Capparidacew. 

A genus of shrubby plants, natives of Peru, 
New Grenada, Venezuela, and the Trinity 
Islands. The flowers are large and showy, 
borne in terminal racemes with thick pedun- 
eles. S. cleomoides (Cleome-like), the only 
species yet in cultivation, is well worth grow- 
ing for the beauty of its yellow flowers. It 
was introduced from Caraccas in 1823, and is 


STI 


propagated by cuttings of the young wood. 
Syn. Stephania. 


Sternbe’rgia. Mount Etna Lily. Named in 


honor of Count Caspar Sternberg, a celebrated 
German botanist. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacee. 

This genus is usually known as Amaryllis 
lutea, and is sold as such by the seedsmen. 
There are only a few species, and but little 
difference between them; none that an ama- 
teur would be likely to notice. They are 
perfectly hardy, and flower in the autumn 
before the leaves start. The flowers are pure 
golden yellow, much like a Crocus, but larger, 
and the petals more fleshy. In the latitude 
of New York the bulbs should have a generous 
covering of salt hay or coarse litter before the 
ground freezes hard in the early winter. They 
are natives of the south of Europe and Africa. 
Introduced in 1596. 


Steu’/dnera. Named after Dr. Steudner, of Gor- 


litz, a German botanist. Nat. Ord. Aroidew. 

A small genus of stove-house perennials, 
closely allied to Colocasia. S. colocasiafolia, 
and its variety, S. c. discolor, are the only 
members of this genus yet introduced. Tike 
many plants of the same family they require 
a moist, warm atmosphere when growing, 
and a season of rest, when water must be 
almost entirely withheld. They were intro- 
duced from Burmah in 1874, and may be in- 
creased by suckers, or by division of the root- 
stock. 


Stevenso’nia. Named for Governor Stevenson, 


at one time governor of the Island of Mauri- 
tius and its dependencies. Nat. Ord. Palma- 


S. grandifolia is a synonym of the Palm 
described as Phenicophorium Schellarum. It 
is also known as Areca Schellarum and 
Astrocaryum Borsignyanum. (See Pheenico- 
phorium.) 


Ste’via. In honor of Peter James Esteve, M.D., 


Professor of Botany at Valencia. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

An extensive genus of green-house perennials, 
nearly all natives of Mexico, and chiefly white- 
flowered. S. compacta, early-flowering, and S. 
serrata are grown in large quantities by the 
florists of New York for cut flowers for early 
winter use. Prof. Gray, in ‘‘ Field and Garden 
Botany,” describes S. serrata under the name 
of Piqueria trinervia, stating that it is largely 
cultivated for winter blooming, etc. The 
botanical descriptions of both seem to agree, 
only that Piqueria, according to Gray, is an 
annual, and according to Nicholson, in his 
“‘ Dictionary of Gardening,” a perennial and 
hardy. The plant we have so long known as 
Stevia serrata is strictly perennial, and in this 
climate quite tender. SS. serrata variegata has 
beautiful white and green foliage, the white 
predominating, and it is now used very 
largely as a white-leaved plant for massing. 
By pinching or cutting back, it can be kept at 
any height from one to three feet. Its flowers 
are equally useful as the green-leaved variety. 
The species are all of easy culture, and are 
propagated by cuttings. 


Stichus. A term which, used in Greek com- 


pounds, denotes a rank or row; as Distichous, 
two-ranked. 


Stifftia. Named after A. J. Stifft, an Austrian 


physician. Nat. Ord. Composite. 


434 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


STI 


A genus of glabrous trees or shrubs, natives 
of Brazil and Guiana. S. chrysantha is a 
showy, evergreen shrub, with orange-colored 
flower heads two inches in diameter. It 
requires a well-drained, light, airy situation, 
and is propagated by cuttings of the young 
wood. 
Stigma (pl. Stigmata). That surface of astyle, 
usually at its extremity, to which the pollen 
adheres when it fertilizes the ovules. 


Stigmaphy'llon. From stigma, a‘stigma, and 
phyllon, a leaf; alluding to the stigmas being 
expanded into a sort of leaf. Nat. Ord. Mal- 
pighiacee. 

A genus of about fifty species of handsome 
tropical trees and shrubs. Some of the latter 
are climbers. They are natives of Brazil and 
the West Indies. A few of the species are 
cultivated for the sake of their fine yellow 
flowers and beautiful foliage. S. ciliatum 
(Golden Vine) is a very free-flowering, hand- 
some, green-house climber, bearing clusters 
of beautiful, fringed, yellow, Oncidium-like 
flowers during the early winter months. It is 
nee propagated by cuttings of the ripened 
wood. 


Stigmatose. When the stigma is long, lateral, 
or on one side of the style. 


Stilli/ngia. Tallow-tree. Named after Dr. B. 
Stillingfleet, an English botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Euphorbiacee. 

S. sebifera, the Tallow-tree, is a native of 
China and the adjacent islands. This tree 
is highly valued for its fruits, which are about 
half an inch in diameter, and contain three 
seeds thickly covered with a fatty substance 
which yields the tallow. Thisis obtained by 
steaming the seeds in large caldrons, then 
bruising them sufficiently to loosen the fat 
without breaking the seeds, which are re- 
moved by sifting; and the fat is afterwards 
made into flat, circular cakes, and pressed in a 
wedge-press, when the pure tallow exudes in 
a liquid state, and soon hardens into a white, 
brittle mass. This tallow is very extensively 
used in China for candle-making. The tree 
yields a hard wood, used by the Chinese for 
printing blocks, and its leaves are employed 
for dyeing black. Syn. Excecaria. 


Sti/pa. Feather Grass. From stipe, feathery or 
silky. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

S. pennata, the species chiefly grown as an 
ornamental plant, is a hardy, herbaceous per- 
ennial, a native of Europe, and is grown for 
the sake of its beautifully feathered beards, 
which are used for winter bouquets, both in 
the natural color and dyed. This species is 
propagated by division or from seeds sown in 
spring. 

Stipe. The stalk of Ferns up to the first pin- 
neg; or the stem of a Fungus. 


Stipules. Processes or appendages of various 
kinds, usually leaf-like, arising from the base 
of a leaf, usually from its sides; leaf-like 
appendages at the base of the petiole. 

Stitchwort. A common name for Stellaria 
Holostea. 

Stobz’a. In honor of Dr. Stobeus of Lund, a 
friend of Linneus. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of thistle-like herbs, with winged, 
spinous branches, and spiny-toothed leaves. 
S. purpurea, known also as Berkheya purpurea, 


Stock. Synonym for a race. 


Stock. Cape. 


Stock and Stock-Gilliflower. 
Stokes’ Aster. 


STR 


has large flower-heads something like a Pas- 

sion-flower in outline, of a dull white color, 

tinged with purple. They are borne from 

within a foot of the ground to the tops of the 

stalks, which are over three feet high. This 

species and S. spherocephala (syn. Stephano- 

coma) with bright yellow flower-heads, are 

exceedingly showy and handsome, hardy per- 

ennials. 

A plant to which 

a graft or bud has been applied. A caudex, 

rhizome, or root-like base of a stem. 

A common name for the genus 
Heliophila. 

Night-scented. Mathiola tristis. 

Virginian. The popular name of Malcomia 
maritima. 

See Matihiola. 

Stokesia cyanea. 


Sto’kesia. In honor of Dr. Jonathan Stokes, the 
coadjutor of Withering in his arrangement of 
British plants. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

S. cyanea, Stokes’ Aster, the only known 
species, is a pretty little herbaceous, peren- 
nial evergreen, found rarely in the wet pine 
barrens of South Carolina and westward. 
Flowers bright blue, produced in large ter- 
minal heads. This beautiful late-flowering 
plant is now largely grown in England to 
supply the cut-flower market with blue flowers 
in autumn. It is readily increased by divi- 
sion or from seeds. 

Stole, Stolon. A sucker; a lax trailing branch 
given off at the summit of the root, and taking 
root at intervals, whence fresh buds are 
developed. 

Stoloniferous. Bearing or propagated by stol- 
ons, runners, etc. 

Stoma, Stomata. An organic aperture in the 
skin of a plant, by means of which respiration 
is maintained, to provide for which it is 
always placed over a cavity in the parenchyma 
beneath it. 

Stone. A hard body found in certain fruits, 
which are generally known as stone-fruits, 
and produced by the ossification of the endo- 
carp, or lining of the fruit. 

Stone Crop. See Sedum. 

Stone Pine. A common name for Pinus pinea. 


Stool. A plant from which ‘‘layers” are prop- 
agated, by bending its branches into the soil, 
so that they may take root. 

Storax. See Styraz. 

Stork’s-Bill. See Pelargonium. 

Stramo/nium. See Datura. 


Stratio’tes. Water Soldier. From stratiotes, a 
soldier; in allusion to its long, sword-like 
leaves. Nat. Ord. Hydrocharidacee. 

A genus of hardy aquatics. S. aloides, a 
native of England, is a very singular plant. 
It resembles our Aloes in miniature ; hence its 
specific name. It is attached to the mud bya 
cord-like runner, or is suspended free in the 
water, elevating only its flowers and a portion 
of its leaves above the surface. It increases 
very fast, and will grow freely in the aqua- 
rium. Itincreases too fast for small ponds, as 
it will soon choke out all other plants. 

Strava’dium. From {fsgeria samstravadi, the 
Malabar name of one of the species. Nat. 
Ord. Myrtacee. . 


‘ 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


435 


STR 


A genus of ornamental trees, natives of 
Polynesia and the East Indies. Their showy 
red or white flowers are borne in very long 
pendulous racemes. The genus is now in- 
cluded by Bentham and Hooker under Bar- 
ringtonia. 

Strawberry. See Fragaria. Strawberries will 
grow on almost any soil, but it is all-impor- 
tant that it be well drained, either naturally 
or artificially ; in fact, this is true for the well- 
being of nearly all plants, as few plants do 
well on soils where the water does not freely 
pass off. Thorough culture requires that the 
soil should be first dug or plowed, then spread 
over with at least three inches of thoroughly 
rotted stable manure, which should be dug or 
plowed under, so far as practicable, to mix it 
with the soil. Ifstable manure cannot be had, 
artificial manure, such as ground bone dust, 
etc., should be sown on the dug or plowed 


ground, thick enough to nearly cover it, then - 


harrowed or chopped in with a fork, so that it 


is well mixed with the soil toat least sixinches |' 


in depth. This, then, is the preliminary 
work before planting, to insure a crop the 
next season after planting—in- nine or ten 
months. 
layered in pots, and the sooner they are 
planted out after the 15th of July, the better, 
although, if not thén convenient, they will 
produce a crop the next season even if 
planted as late as the middle of September ; but 


The plants must be such as are | 


the sooner they are planted the larger will be | 


the crop. They may be set from pot layers 
either in. beds of four rows each, fifteen inches 
apart, and fifteen inches between the plants, 
leaving two feet between the beds for path- 
way ; or be set out in rows two feet apart, the 
plants in the rows fifteen inches apart; and if 
the plants are properly set out {care being 
taken to firm the soil around the plant, which 


is best done by pressing the soil against each 


plant with the foot), not one plant in a thou 
sand of Strawberry plants that have been 


grown in pots will fail to grow. For the first | 


three or four weeks after planting nothing 


need be done except to hoe the beds, so that } 


all weeds are kept down. Be careful to do 
this once in every ten days; for if the weeds 
once get a start, it will treble the labor of 
keeping the ground clean. In about a month 


after planting they will begin to throw out | 


runners, all of which must be pinched or cut off 
as they appear, so that by the end of the grow- 
ing season (1st of November) each plant will 
have formed acomplete bush one foot or more 
in diameter, having the necessary matured 
‘‘crowns” for next June’sfruit. By the mid- 
dle of December the entire beds of Strawberry 
plants should be covered up with salt-meadow 
hay-(straw, leaves or anything similar will do 


as well) to the depth of two or three inches, { 


entirely covering up the plants and soil, so 
that nothing is seen but the hay. By April 
the plants so protected will show indications 
of growth, when the hay around each plant is 
pushed a little aside, to assist it in getting 
through the covering, so that by May the fully 


developed plant shows on the clean surface of, 


the hay. This ‘mulching, ” as it is called, is 
indispensable to the best culture, as it pro- 
tects the plants from cold in winter, keeps 
the fruit clean, keeps the roots cool by shading 
them from the hot sun in June, and, at the 
same time, saves nearly all further labor after 


STR 


being once put on, as few weeds can push 
through it. By this method we prefer to plant 
new beds every year, though, if desired, the 
beds once planted may be fruited for two or 
three years, as by the old plans; but the fruit 
the first season will always be the largest in 
size, if not greatest in number. Another advan- 
tage.of this system is that, where space is lim- 
ited, there is quite time enough to get a crop 
of Potatoes,. Peas, Beans, Lettuce, Radishes, 
or, in fact, any summer crop off the ground 
first before planting the Strawberries, thus 
taking two crops from the ground in one year, 
if desired, and there is also plenty of time to 
crop the ground with Cabbage, Caulifiower, 
Celery, or other fall crop after the crop of 
Strawberries has been gathered. The’plan of. 
getting the pot layers of Strawberries is very 
simple. Just as soon as the fruit is gathered, 
if the beds are well forked up between the 
rows, the runners or young plants will begin 
to grow, and in two weeks will be fit to layer 
in pots. The pots, which should be from two 
to three inches in diameter, are filled with 
the soil in which the Strawberries are growing, 
and ‘‘plunged"’ or sunk to the level of the 
surface; the Strawberry layer is then laid’ on 
the pot, being held in place with a small 
stone. Thestone not only serves to keep the 
plant in its place so that its roots will strike 
into the pot,‘ but it also serves to mark where 
each pot is; for, being sunk to the level of 
the surface, rains wash the soil around the 
pots, so that they could not well be seen un- 
less marked by the stone. In ten or twelve 
days after the Strawberry layers have been 
put down the pots will be filled with roots. 
They are then cut from the parent plant, 
placed closely together, and shaded and 
watered for a few days before being planted out. 
Some plant them out at once when taken up, 
but, unless the weather is very suitable, some 
loss may otcur by this method; by the other 
plan, however, of hardening them for a few 
days, not one in a thousand will fail. Straw- 
berries for field culture are usually planted 
from the ordinary layers, either in August and 
September in the fall, or in March, April or 
May in the spring. They are usually planted 
in rows, two to three feet apart, and nine to 
twelve ihches between the plants. In plant- 
ing, every plant should be well firmed, or 
great loss is almost certain to ensue, as the 
Strawberry is a plant always difficult to trans- 
plant. They are usually worked by a horse- 
cultivator, and generally two or three crops 
are taken before the beds are plowed under ; 
but the first crop given (which is in the second 
year after planting) is always the best. The 
same care must be taken asin planting by pot 
layers, the ground must be kept clear of 
weeds, and the runners pinched or cut off to 
make fruiting crowns. By the usual field 
method of culture, it will be seen that there 
is a loss of one season in about three; for in 
the year of planting no fruit, of course, is pro- 
duced, and for this reason ‘we incline to the 
belief that, if a portion were set aside to pro- 
duce early plants, so that pot layers could So 
set out by the 15th of July, a full crop of the 
finest fruit could be had every season, an 

with less cost, we think; for the only labor 
after planting is to keep the ground clean and 
pinch off the runners from J uly to Octo. 
ber, with the certainty of getting'a full crop: 


436 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


STR 


next June, or in less than a year from the 
time of planting, while by planting by ordi- 
nary layers, if planted in August, we have 
three months of fall culture, and six or seven 
months of the next Summer’s culture, before 
a trop is produced. Again, if the crop is con- 
tinued to fruit the second or third year, every 
one who has had experience with the nature 
of the plant knows that the labor of keeping 
the plants free from weeds is enormous; 
while by' the pot-layering method of taking a 
fresh crop each year, all such labor is dis- 
pensed with. Itis useless to name any special 
varieties of the Strawberry as best to culti- 
vate. We have now thousands under culti- 
vation, and such kinds as we might now name 
as the best will, a few years hence, be super- 
seded. Itis best to select from the annual 
catalogues of some responsible nurseryman 
or florist, where descriptions are usually fully 
given. 


Strawberries. Forcrnc. In response to a re- 


quest to John G. Gardner. of Jobstown, N J.’ 


(who is one of the most successful gcowers of 
forced Strawberries), for his system and prac- 
tice, he sends the following, under date of 
December 19th, 1888 : : 

“In giving you in detail the system of 
‘Forcing Strawberries’ as practiced at Jobs- 
town, I would first say that those who.wish to 
force Strawberries should make themselves 
thoroughly familiar with the natural condi- 
tions of the plants, making a close examina- 
tion of the construction of the perfect flowers, 
the calyx, corolla, stamens, and pistils, form- 
ing, as they do, in periods successively as 
named above; noting the atmospheric influ- 
ences under which they develop to fulfill the 
part nature hasordainedforthem. The oper- 
ator having taken his observations closely, 
will have one of the principal points in forcing 
Strawberries at hand; knowing how the com- 
plicated parts of a perfect Strawberry flower 
are formed under natural conditions, he will 
be able to provide artificial means under glass, 
to produce healthy flowers. 

“My best results have been from good, 
strong plants, layered from one year old plants, 
as early as it is possible to get them, which is 
about the 20th of June, in this section. The 
runners are layered in three-inch pots, partially 
filled with well-rotted manure, filled up with 
good soil, and plunged level with the ground, 
the point of the runner being slightly inserted 
in the soil, and fastened down with a crook of 
bent wire, and the soil kept moist by watering ; 
good healthy runners will be ready to shift 
into fruiting pots in two weeks. I never take 
more than two layers from one runner. For 
fruiting I use six-inch pots, give good drain- 
age, and pot firmly in two parts of good loam 
to one of rotted manure, one plant in a pot, 
placing them when potted close together in an 
open spot upon an even surface of coal ashes. 
After being potted three weeks, and having 
made good growth, I place them six inches 
apart, andremoveall runnersthatshow. When 
the pots have become full of roots, liquid ma- 
nure is given twice a week, and abundance of 
water is given at alltimes while they are mak- 
ing their growth, and after every hot day they 
are sprinkled overhead with water. By the mid- 
dle of September the plants will have formed 
good plump centres, orcrowns, and the foliage 
from the centre will be diminishing in size ; all 


STR 


that is necessary at this stage is to keep them 
well supplied with water, as the pots being full 
of roots they will dry out quickly. Under 
favorable circumstances, by the middle of 
October, the plants in this section will have 
ceased to make growth, and the cool nights 
will have helped to form flower. buds in well 
matured and plump crowns. Some seasons 
are much more favorable than others, as, for 
instance, when we get a cool fall, with rains- 
and slight frosts, the growth is checked, and 
the development of the scale-like forms in the 

centre of the crowns becomes much more 

rapid, and takes on the form of flower-buds. 

Plants with single crowns are the best to 

select for very early berries for Christmas 

and New Year’s. The operator, after making 
his selection, must sacrifice a few plants, cut- 
ting them clear through the centre of the 

crowns with a sharp knife, to make an exami- 
nation of the flower-buds. If, by the 15th of 

October, they are the size of a small pea, it 
will be an easy matter to force them for Christ- 
mas, but if, on the other hand, the flower-buds 
are no larger than the head of a pin, then the 

process of forcing must be cooler and slower. 

My treatment of plants in the former stage 

—with well-advanced flower-buds—is to re- 

move a few of the lower leaves, taking care 

not to damage the centre of the plants, and 

dip each plant in a solution of whale oil, soap, 

sulphur and tobacco water, to clear them of 

Red Spider, which is the worst enemy of the 

Strawberry forcer, oftentimes gaining such 

headway during the flowering season—at which 

time the air has to be kept perfectly dry—that 
the whole cropis ruined. The pots are placed 

upon shelves or benches not farther than two 

feet from the glass. .In front of the outside 

row of pots which is exposed to the full 
sun, a board about six inches wide is placed 
on edge to prevént the roots from getting 
scalded, and the pots from drying out too 
rapidly. The foliage is sprinkled over with 
the syringe every clear morning, and a free 
circulation of air is given; but the house is 
partially closed during the afternoon, and a 
moist atmosphere, at a temperature of 55° to 
60° is maintained until sundown. Airis then 
given freely to reduce the temperature to 45° 
at night, as nearly as possible, as a high night 
temperature has a tendency to push the foliage 
ahead of the flower-buds. In dull days a 
temperature of 50° is maintained. By the 
time the flower-buds appear above the crown 
of the plants, a night temperature of 50° may 
be kept and continued until the crop is set. 
The day temperature, when in flower, must 
not exceed 55°, with a free circulation of air 
and the atmosphere perfectly dry, care being 
taken not to slop water around when watering 
the plants. These conditions must be kept up 
for two weeks to make a perfect set of well- 
formed fruit. The receptacle which becomes 
the fruit will not be hurried. and the pistils 
will not mature to receive the pollen under a 
warm damp air. The operator must be sure 
that the varieties he forces are good pollen- 
bearing sorts, and if a pistiliferous variety, 
some other kinds which have plenty of stamens 
must be forced with it. Sharpless is one of 
the best. To make sure of a good set of per- 
fect fruit, I use bees as fertilizing agents, 
setting the hives in the houses on the benches 
or floors, keeping the mouth of the hive from 


SAS \\ SS Se 


STRAWBERRY (MAY KING). STRAWBERRY (LAYERING IN POTS). 


HSN 


| WS 
H(i | 
HN 


STRAWBERRY FORCING HOUSE. STRAWBERRY (SHaRPLESS), 


a ie 
436 STRAWBERRY (CRIMSON CLUSTER), 


STRAWBERRY (PARRY), 


ai 
again 
A 
ll i 
(} 
fj 


STREPTOSOLEN JAMESONI. SYMPHYTUM 4SPERRIMUM 
nN 


STATICE BONDUELLI, 


STUARTIA YIRGINICA. STATICE INCANA HYBRIDA., 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 437 


STR 


four to six feet from the glass, so as to give 
the bees a chance to fly straight out without 
striking the glass. I place the hives where 
the sun will strike them, and the bees will 
soon come out when the sun shines, which is 
just the proper time, as, when the air is dry, 
the pollen will move more freely. After 
the bees have been in the house a few days 
they become accustomed to the glass, and. 
work splendidly. I find them the best help 
in fertilizing any fruits that I force, using the 
same bees to set the early Nectarines, Peaches, 
Cucumbers, etc. Unfortunately they are of 
no assistance with the Tomato, which they 
will not touch, and which have to be. gone 
over every day and given a sharp knock with 
a padded stick to start the pollen, I do not, 
however, use the same hive two years in suc- 
cession, for, as the hives are introduced during 
December and remain in until April, the crop 
of young bees hatch out, fly against the glass 
or get into the dew on the foliage, many get 
killed, and thus weaken the hive. If only 
used for one crop it would not hurt them one 
particle, if, when through with them, they are 
put outside again. Many use a camel’s hair 


brush for fertilization, and if it is carefully: 


used, it is very successful. Great care, how- 
ever, must be taken to regulate the pressure 
during the operation, and to see that the 
brush does not get clogged up and stiff with 
the pollen, in which case the pistil and recep- 
tacle would be damaged, and deformed fruit 
the result. I have used bees, and nothing 
else, for the last eight years, and can always 
depend on a good set of perfect fruit. After 
eight good berries have formed, I clip off the 
remaining flowers, at the same time support- 
ing the fruit stems and holding back the foliage 
with bent wire or birch twigs, to give the 
berries the full benefit of the sun and light. 
The temperature may now be gradually raised 
to 65° and 70° with sun-heat, great care being 
taken not to let the plants suffer for water 
until they commence to color, and then it. 
must be partially withheld, only giving enough 
to keep the foliage from wilting. The best 
time to gather the fruit is in the early morn- 
ing. The finishing and ripening of Straw- 
berries during the months of January and’ 


February, is a difficult task, as at times we . 


get a whole week of bad weather, sunless and 
wet days, when it may happen that you have 
a batch of plants just coloring their fruit. 
Many good houses of. Strawberries have been 
lost at this stage from rotting, and to make 
safe against this, a cement floor is necessary 
—as [have here at Jobstown,thus preventing 
the dampness that would naturally arise from 
an earthen floor. I also use charcoal and 
lime in very dull, rainy weather, having crates 
of charcoal twenty by twenty-four inches and 
six inches deep, which I place throughout the 
house, and place pieces of charcoal on the 
tops of the pots. The lime is laid around on 
the floor, and by these agents I have brought 
a crop of berries through in February when 
we had only seventeen hours of sunshine in a 


week. Growing, asI do, 10,000 to 14,000 plants | 


in pots every year, it would be a great cost of 
labor to store them as recommended by some 
growers. What I.do here is to leave them 
where they have grown (outside), placing two 
or three inches of Oak leaves upon them the 
Jast week in November, or earlier if we get 


STR 


severe frosts, covering all with rye straw only 
enough to keep the leaves from blowing off. 
As plants with a few healthy green leaves 
when taken in for forcing give the best 
results, I try to strike a thaw or rain for this 
operation, when the pots will easily let loose 
from the frozen earth below, allow the Oak 
leaves to remain upon each plant, and placing 
them in cold frames allow them to thaw out in 
perfect darkness. When thawed out the leaves 
are removed, and the plants are prepared 
for the forcing-house as described above. 

‘With regard to recommending varieties 
for forcing, I cannot with safety do so, as 
circumstances must be considered. Iam situ- 
ated on a light sandy soil, while others will 
have clay to deal with. Ihave had the best 
results from those varieties that grow most 
freely with me in the garden... Keen’s seedling 
and Sir Charles Napier, two imported sorts, I 
have forced in good form, and the Keen's 
seedling the earliest of all—but in dry, hot 
summers I could not get growth enough on this 
variety to produce strong, healthy runners. In 
heavy soils the result might be better. The 
variety I have found to stand best in our soil 
isthe Sharpless, and force it for the main crop, 
and also use it as a pollen-bearing sort. Cum- 
berland Triumph has done well here, as has 
also the Parry, but the berry of the latter is 
soft, and isa bad shipper. Seth Boyden and 
Triomphe de Gand have also done well, and 
Champion has proved a good early variety. I 
have made trials of some of the newer sorts, 
not enough, however, to give an opinion as 
yet; but one thing is certain, if you cannot get 
a good healthy growth on the plants out of 
doors, you cannot get plants from them in 
proper condition to force, so that whatever 
variety the operator selects, he must be sure 
of a healthy growth from which to secure his 
layers. Ichange my stock from farther north 
every two years.” 


Strawberry-Bush. A common name for Huony- 
mus Americanus. 


_ Strawberry Geranium. See Sazifraga. 


Strawberry Shrub. See Calycanthus floridus. 
Strawberry Spinach. Blitum capitatum. 
Strawberry Tomato. See Physalis Alkekenigt. 
Strawberry Tree. See Arbutus. 


Streli/tzia. Bird of Paradise Flower. Named 
in honor of the Queen of George III., Char- 
lotte of Mecklenburgh-Strelitz. Nat. Ord. 
Scitaminee. 

These are handsome plants, with large, 
pale-green leaves and singular, richly-colored 
flowers. S. Reginw isthe most common, and 
perhaps the most beautiful; its flowers are 
brilliant orange and purple. It is usual to 
grow the species as hot-house plants, but 
they succeed almost equally well in the green- 
house, placed in large pots of rich loam and 
kept in a light part of the house at all times, 
except between the months of June and 
September, when they thrive best out of 
doors. They will thus grow and flower finely. 
S. Nicolai is a splendid arborescent species, 
long cultivated in European gardens, and, 
until 1858, when it flowered at St. Petersburg, 
confounded with another South African spe- 
cies, S. Augusta. The geographical range of 
the latter, and the exact locality where the 
former species grows spontaneously, are still 


438 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


STR 


unknown. The species are all natives of the 
Cape of Good Hope, and were first introduced 
in.1773. Propagation is slow, and is effected 
by suckers, or from seed when it can be ob- 
tained. 


Strepta’/nthera. From streptos, twisted, and 
anthera, an anther: alluding to the shape of 
the anthers. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A small genus (two species) of dwarf, bulb- 
ous, green-house plants; natives of South 
Africa. The species are very pretty when in 
flower, and are increased by offsets. 


Strepta’/nthus. From streptos, twisted, and 
anthos, a flower; alluding to the twisted claws 
of the petals in some of the species. Nat. 
Ord. Crucifere. 

A genus of hardy, glabrous, annual or per- 
ennial herbs, natives of western North Amer- 
ica. Two species, S. hyacinthoides and S. ma- 
culatus, both annuals, have been introduced; 
they grow from one foot’ to three feet in 
height, and when in bloom their deep purple 
or shaded flowers are very beautiful. 


Streptoca’rpus. Cape Primrose. From strep- 
tos, twisted, and carpos, a fruit; referring to 
its long, twisted seed-pods. Nat. Ord. Ges- 
veracee. 

Very neat and pretty dwarf plants with vel- 
vety leaves and lilac flowers, produced freely 
all the summer. They may be grown in the 
green-house, or used as bedding plants for 
the open border, where, in a warm situation, 
they will produce a multitude of flowers. 
They will bear almost any treatment, but do 
best in pots of light, sandy soil, with plenty 
of heat in the early stages of growth, say from 
March to May, aftér which a cool house or 
the open air will preserve their flowers for a 
long time. and, being produced in rapid suc- 
cession, the plants will be quite ornamental 
for at least four or five months. They are 
all interesting plants, and should have rest 
during winter. like other green-house, herba- 
ceous perennials. They were first introduced 
from Natal in 1854, and are propagated by di- 
vision or by seeds. 


Stre’ptopus. From streptos, twisted, and poua, 
a foot or stalk; alluding to the peduncles, 


which are abruptly bent near the middle. | 


Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A genus of perennial, herbaceous plants, na- 
tives of Europe, Asia and North America. 
Three or four of the species are in cultiva- 
tion, and are interesting plants of easy man- 
agement. Propagated by seeds or division. 


Streptoso’len. From streptos, twisted, and 
solen, a tube; referring to the form of the 
corolla-tube. The only species, S. Jamesonii 
(known also as Browallia Jamesonii), is a very 
handsome, green-house, evergreen shrub in- 
troduced from Columbia in 1847. It bears its 
exceedingly showy, bright orange - colored 
flowers in large, terminal panicles, and is of 
easy culture; propagated by cuttings. 


Striate. Marked with fine longitudinal lines, 
or diminutive grooves or ridges. 

Strict. Very straight and upright. 

Strigose. Covered with sharp, close-pressed, 
rigid hairs. 


Stringy Bark Tree. A name given to several 
species of Hucalyptus. 


STR 


Striped Squill. A common name for Pusch- 
kinia, scilloides. 

Strobila’nthes. From strobilus, a cone, and 
anthos, a flower; alluding to the form of the 
inflorescence. in 

A large genus of Acanthacew, comprising 
herbs and shrubs, scattered over tropical 
Asia and Africa, having blue, violet, or white 
flowers and generally opposite leaves. A 
number of the species are very beautiful, 
showy, green-house plants of easy culture, 
and merit a’ place in every collection. They 
are best known in cultivation as Goldfussias; 
and are all easily increased by cuttings. 

Strobile, Strobilus. From strobilos, a Fir-cone. 
A scaly fruit composed chiefly of a number of 
bracts that overlap each other like the slates 
ona roof. Lindley defines it as ‘an imbri- 
eated, scaly infloresence; a collection of hard 
scales representing distinct flowers, arranged 
spirally but closely imbricated.” The word 
Cone is employed with almost the same mean- 
ing as Strobile, though in general almost re- 
stricted to the fruits of the Conifere, while 
the latter word also includes the fruits of the 
Hop and of a few other plants. 


Stroma’‘nthe. From Stroma, a couch, and an- 
thos, a flower; alluding to the form of the in- 
florescence. Nat. Ord. Scitaminea. 

A small genus of handsome, stove, perennial 
plants, natives of the East Indies and Brazil. 
One of the most useful decorative plants. S. 
Sanguinea is better known in green-houses as 
Maranta or Phrynium sanguineum. 

Stropha’/nthus. The name derived from the 
Greek, strophos, a twisted cord or ‘rope, and 
anthos, a flower; is expressive of the chief 
peculiarity of the flowers in this genus of 
Apocynacee, which comprises about eighteen 
species of shrubs or small trees, some of which 
areclimbing. They are natives of tropical Asia 
and Africa. Several of the species are cultivated 
for the pretty appearance and singularity of 
their flowers. They are of easy management. 
and are increased by cuttings. 

Struma. A cushion-like swelling. 

Struma’ria. From strwma, a tubercle, the style 
is swollen in the middle. Nat. Ord. Amarylli- 
daceew. 

A small genus of interesting bulbs from the 
Cape of Good Hope. The flowers are red, 
white or pink, somewhat resembling the 
Nerine, to which this genus is allied. They 
are of dwarf habit, well adapted for green- 
house culture, and succeed with but little 
care, the main requisite being to secure a 
good growth of foliage after flowering, as the 
flowers for the coming season will correspohd 
in size and strength to the growth of leaves. 
They were first introduced in 1812, and-are 
propagated by offsets. 

Stru'thiola. From Struthion, a little sparrow; 
alluding.to the resemblance of the seeds to & 
beak. Nat. Ord. Thymelacew. 

A genus of about twenty spécies of pretty, 
‘heath-like, green-house shrubs, natives of 
South Africa. Several species are in :cultiva- 
tion, of which S, erecta, with white, and S: 
virgata, with pink flowers, are the most desir- 
able. They are easily increased by cuttings 
of the half-ripened shoots. 

Struthio’pteris. From struthios, an ostrich, 
and pleris, a fern; resemblance of the leaves 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 439 


STR 


or fronds to its feathers. Nat. Ord. Polypo- 
diacew. 
A small genus of hardy Ferns, with strong, 


erect-growing fronds. S. Germanica, popu- 


larly known as the Ostrich Fern, is common 
in most of the Northern States. The species 
are also to be found in India.and Japan. Pro- 
fessor Gray makes S. Pennsylvanica, Willd., 
and Onoclea Struthiopteris, L., synonymous 
with S. Germanica. 


Strychnine Plant. The common name of 
Strychnos Nuz-vomica. 


Stry’chnos. Nux Vomica. The Greek name of 
the Solanum. Nat. Ord. Loganiacee. 

A small genus of evergreen trees, natives of 
the East Indies. S. Nux-vomica is well known 
from the seeds that bear that name, and 
which contain an active principle called 
Strychnia, a virulent poison. This species is. 
a tree of moderate size, much branched, and 
covered with dark gray, smooth bark. The 


flowers are small, bell-shaped and nearly. 


white. The tree has nothing of special inter- 
est, if we except its powerforevil. Theseeds 
of S. potatorum show a marked contrast to 
the preceding. They are animportant article 
of merchandise in the Indian bazaars, being 
seld for the purpose of clearing muddy water, 
the vessels containing the water being rubbed 
for a minute or two round the inside with one 
of the seeds; after which, by allowing the 
water to settle for a short time, however im- 
pure and muddy it may have been before, it 
becomes clear and wholesome. 


Stua'ttia. Named after John Stuart, Marquis 
of Bute. Nat. Ord. Ternstromiacee. 

A genus of very beautiful, hardy, deciduous 
shrubs, allied to the Camellia. It consists of 
three species, two of which, S. Virginica and 
S. pentagyna, are indigenous, being found 
from Virginia southward, while S. pseudo Ca- 
mellia is a Japanese species of recent intro- 
duction. The commonest and best known 
species is S. Virginica, which, when fully 
grown, is a handsomely shaped bush, of 
rounded and spreading growth, and reaching 
from six to ten feet high. Its flowers are like 
asingle Rose, about three inches across, the 
petals of which are of a soft creamy-white, 
surrounding a tuft of deep crimson stamens— 
a charming contrast to the pale green foliage. 
S. pentagyna (syn. Malachodendron ovatum) is a 
rather larger and taller growing shrub, but 
its flowers are very similar. S. 
méllia (syn. S. grandiflora) resembles the other 
two in growth, foliage and habit, but its flow- 
ers are larger, whiter, and have the stamens 
yellow instead of red. They are beautiful 
shrubs. when in bloom, and merit a place in 
every collection of ornamental shrubs. Prop- 
agation may be effected by layering or by 
cuttings. 

Stub-wort, An old name for Oxalis Acetosella. 


‘Style. The part which bears the stigma; its 
use is to support the stigma in such a position 
as to favor polinatipn. 


({Stylidia’cese. A small natural order of herbs 


or under shrubs, chiefly Australian, with a 
few species from New Zealand, the Straits of 
Magellan and tropical Asia. It isdivided into 
four genera, and contains nearly one hundred 


species, of which Stylidium itself contains the 


great majority. 


pseudo-Ca- | 


STY 


Styli‘dium. From siylos, a column; the sta- 


mens and style are joined into a column. 
Nat. Ord. Stylidiacew. 

A genus of evergreen and herbaceous plants 
from New Holland. They are all neat little 
green-house plants, each of the numerous 
stems producing a copiously-filled spike of 
small rose-colored flowers. They should be 
cut down annually after flowering, and re- 
quire some care to preserve them free from 
mildew through the damp weather of winter. 
A light, airy shelf is the best preventive, and 
asprinkling of sulphur on the affected parts 
will generally remove it. They were first 
introduced in 1824, and are propagated by 
seeds, and the shrubby kinds by cuttings of 
the young shoots. 


Stylo’phorum. From stylos, a style, and phero, 
y. 


I bear ; indicating one of the distinctive charac- 
ters. Nat. Ord. Papaveracee. 

A genus of hardy plants with perennial. 
rhizomes, and yellow juice, one being indige- 
nous, and the others found in India and Japan. 
S. Japonicum, aslender-growing plant, about a 
foot high, with yellow, Poppy-like flowers, 
introduced from Japan in 1840, is a very 
pretty species, and may be increased by seeds 
or by division. S.° diphyllum, from western 
North America, much resembles it; so much 
so that Robinson, in his ‘‘English Flower 
Garden,” mentions them as identical. 


Stylosa/nthes. Pencil Flower. From stylos, a 


style, and anthos, a flower; alluding to the 
very long style. A genus comprising about 
fifteen species of uninteresting herbaceous 
plants, natives of Asia, Africa, North America 
and Brazil. They are seldom cultivated except 
in botanical collections. 


Stypa’ndra. From stype tow, and aner, andros, 


an anther; alluding to the downy appearance 
of the stamens. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. | 

A small genus of half-hardy, perennial herbs, 
with fibrous roots, natives of Australia. The 
blue flowers are borne in a loose terminal 
cyme, and the species will grow well in a cool 
green-house or frame, if protected in severe 
weather. They succeed best in a sandy loam, 
and are increased by division. 


Styphe'lia. From styphelos, hard; referring to 


the wood. Nat. Ord. Epacridacee. 

A genus of green-house, evergreen shrubs, 
harsh, erect, and low-growing. They have 
usually pink or scarlet flowers, axillary and 
drooping. S. tubiflora and a few other of the 
species are very beautiful plants, their showy 
flowers completely covering the stems, and 
remaining several weeks in perfection. They 
should be grown and propagated like the 
Epacris. 


Styraca’cez. A natural order of trees or shrubs, 


mostly natives of the warmer parts of Aus- 
tralia, Asia and America, though a few species 
are indigenous. The two principal genera, 
Symplocos and Styraxz, are considered by some 
botanists.as types of two distinct orders, but 
are more generally regarded as tribes only of 
Styracacee. The two balsams, Storax and 
Benzoin, are derived respectively from S. offi- 
cinalis and S. Benzoin. Several of the species 
are employed as tea and for dyeing yellow in 
the Himalayas. There are seven genera in the 
order, and over two hundred species. Among 
the smaller genera, Halesia, or the Snow-drop 
Tree, is the only one of general interest. 


440 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


STY 


Sty’rax. Storax. From the Arabic. Nat. Ord. 
Styracacee. 

A genus of handsome, flowering, hardy, 
deciduous shrubs and low-growing trees, well 
adapted for the shrubbery border, Several of 
the species are common on the margins of 
swamps from Virginia southward. The most 
important species is S. Benzoin, a native of 
Borneo and Sumatra. It yields the resin 
called Benzoin, whichis employed medicinally, 
and also in the manufacture of perfumes. It 
is used in the Roman Catholic churchesin the | 
composition of incense. S. officinale, a native 
of the Levant, yields a balsamic resin called 
Storax. Among some of the species of recent 
introduction is S. serrulata (syn. S. Japonica), 
known, from its white Giant Snow-drop-like 
blossoms, as ‘*Snow-flake Flower.” It is a 
shrub growing about four feet in height, 
blooming about mid-summer, and is hardy in 
the vicinity of New York. S. Obassia is one 
of the most attractive of the many hardy 
shrubs introduced within late years from 
Japan, where it is a native of the southern 
mountains of Kiusiu and Sikok. Siebold, who 
discovered it in Japan, attributes to it no 
other property but its scent of Hyacinth. The 
hardiness of this very ornamental shrub, or 
small tree, in our Northern States has not 
been entirely established yet. All are propa- 
gated freely from cuttings. 


Sub. As a prefix; about, nearly, somewhat; 
as Sub-cordate, slightly cordate; Sub-rotund, 
roundish; Sub-axillary, just beneath the axil, 
etc. 

Suberose. Corky in texture. 


Subsoiling. This is indispensable to the best 
culture, either in the garden or on the farm. 
On soils having a clayey or hard-pan subsoil, 
the subsoil plow should be used at least 
every two years. It accomplishes the work of 
loosening and pulverizing, and thus admitting 
air to a depth of eighteen or twenty inches, or 
twice the usual depth turned up by the sur- 
face plow. In our own practice in our stiff 
clay soil, we use it nearly every alternate 
year. The subsoiler now used stirs, loosens 
and pulverizes the soil, but does not in- 
vert it. following immediately behind in the 
furrow made by the surface plow, of course, 
or the necessary depth could not be attained. | 
The implement is made for one and two 
horses. On light sandy subsoils the one- 
horse size is sufficient, but for clay or hard- 
pan two powerful horses are necessary to get 
to the proper depth (see Plowing). When sub- 
soiling is done by the spade it is called 
trenching (which see). 


Sub-species. A term given to a rank lower 
than that of Species, but higher than that of 
Variety. 

Sub-Tropical Garden. This term is applied 
to a portion of alawn or flower-garden devoted 
during summer to plants arranged with the 
design of representing tropical vegetation. 
As many of the plants used are natives of 
tropical countries, they are only available 
during the warmest part of the season, but 
there are others of tropical aspect which are 
hardy, that are only valuable for associating 
with their more tender brethren. Next to 
location, the most important provision for 


such a garden, is shelter, as many of the most 
useful subjects would have their leaves torn 


SUG 


and disfigured if subjected to high winds. 
Shade and moisture are also necessary for 
many Tree and other Ferns, Cycads and 
Palms. 

If the size of the garden will allow it, per» 
haps the best effect is accomplished by group- 
ing the various plants, rather than planting 
them promiscuously, but individual taste 
must regulate design in arrangement. Many 
useful plants may readily be raised from seed 
each spring and planted out in rich soil about 
the first of June. Of these the various spe- 
cies of Ricinus, Solanums, Nicotianas, Albizzia 
(Acacia). lophantha, Wigandias, and varieties of 
Zea, are especially valuable, and as they are 
all rapid growers they make large specimens 
before autumn. Plants of Ailantus glandu- 
losus, and Catalpa bignonioides, cut close down 
every spring are excellent subjects either for 

* massing, or for single specimens. The vari- 
ous sorts of Cannas are indispensable for 
groups, or as solitary specimens Colocasias, 
Amorphophallus and any of the Arum family are 
all desirable. The most serviceable amongst 
Palms are Livistona - australis, DL. chinensis, 
Phenix dactylifera, Ptychosperma Cunningham- 
tana (syn. Seaforthea elegans), Chamerops hu- 
milis, C. excelsa and C. Fortunei. Cycas circin- 
alig and C. revoluta, Musa Ensele, and M. 
superba, are noble plants for this purpose, the 
Tree Ferns, Alsophila australis and A. excelsa, 
Cyathea dealbata, Dicksonia antartica, etc., may 
also be placed in sheltered and shady places 
with good effect. The various Arundos, Arundi- 
narias, Bambusas, Dracenas, Cordylines, Ery- 
thrinas, Aralias, Phormiums, Gynerium, Eula- 
lias, Ficus, etc., can also be used to excellent 
advantage. 

Subulate, Subuliform. Awl-shaped; linear, 
tapering from a broadish base to a fine point; 
a long, narrow triangle. 


Succise. Abruptly cut or broken off, or appéar= 
ing to he so. 

Succulent. Very juicy or pulpy. 

Succulent Plants. Plants possessing thick, 
fleshy leaves, including numerous genera, 
very varied in habit. They are generally 
plants requiring protection, especially in win- 
ter, though a few are perfectly hardy. The 
natural orders Cactacee and Ficoidee include 
a_large number of Succulents, many being 
exceedingly curious, and others very beauti- 
ful. For carpet-bedding purposes many of 
the dwarf-growing species are invaluable, and 
are used in large numbers, more especially 
various species of Sedum, Sempervivum, Agave, 
Aloe, Cotyledon, Echeveria, Crassula, Opuntid, 
Mesembryanthemum, ete. 

Succory. Another name for Chicory. See Ci» 
chorium. 

Sucker. A shoot thrown up by a plant from 
beneath the surfaee of the ground. 

Sudorific. Having the power of causing per- 
spiration. 

Suffruticose. Half shrubby; having a some- 
what shrubby habit. 

Sugar Beet. See Beta. 


Sugar Berry. The fruit of Celtis occidentalis, 
which see. 

Sugar Bush. A common name for Protea mel- 
lifera. 

Sugar Cane, See Saccharum oficinarum. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


44 


SUG 


Sugar Pea, A name given to edible-podded 
Peas. 


Sugar Pine. Pinus Lambertiana. 


Sulcate. Grooved longitudinally with deep fur- 
rows. 


Sultan. Sweet. Centaurea moschata. 
Sultan. Yellow. Céntaurea suaveolens, 
Bumach, See Rhus. 

Summer Savory. See Satureia hortensis. 
Summer Snowflake. See Leucojum aestivum. 
Sundew. See Drosera, 


Sundrops. A name given: to Cnothera fruti- 
cosa. 


Sunflower. 

Sun Plant. 
grandifiora, and other species. 

Sun Rose. See Helianthemum. 

Sunshine Plant. Australian. Acacia discolor. 


Superior. Growing above anything. An ovary 
is superior when it grows above the origin of 
the calyx. 


Supine. Lying flat, with face upwards. 
Supple-Jack. See Berchemia. 


Supra. Above, or upon anything; as supra-ax- 
illary, growing above an axil; supra-foliace- 
ous, growing above a leaf. 


‘Supra-Decompound. Many times compound; 
so much divided that the number and mode of 
division cannot be precisely ascertained, as 
the leaves of the Fennel, Carrot, etc. 


Surculose. Producing suckers, or shoots re-, 
sembling them. 


Sutherla/ndia. Named in honor of James Suth- 
erland, one of the first superintendents of the 
Royal Botanical Garden, at Edinburgh, and 
author of a botanical catalogue, 1683. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

Very showy, half-hardy, evergreen shrubs, 
producing freely during summer axillary clus- 
ters of scarlet flowers. The plants are too 
large for ordinary green-house culture, and do 
not repay the cost of winter protection in the 
-border. S. frutescens, the Bladder Senna of 
the Cape, bears bright red flowers in axillary 
ravemes. It was introduced in 1683, and is 
often found under the name of Colutea frutes- 
cens. 


‘Suture. The line of junction of contiguous 
parts grown together. Sutural dehiscence 
is the act of splitting along the line of junction 
of two valves. 


Swainso’nia. In honor of Isaac Swainson, a 
celebrated cultivator of plants about the end 
of the last century. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

.A genus of over twenty species closely 
resembling Sutherlandia. Itis, however, better 
adapted for pot culture in the green-house, in 
which case the young wood should be fre- 
quently cut.back in spring; and after flower- 
ing, the stems should be cut down to prevent 
the plants from becoming straggling and 
unsightly. There are several species under 
cultivation, having purple, red, or white flow- 
ers, produeed singly in pairs on short axillary 
peduncles. Of S. galegifolia, the best known 
Species, there are several varieties in culti- 
vation; all desirable sorts. It was first intro- 
duced in 1800, under the name of Colutea ga- 


See Helianthus. 


A popular name for Portulaca |: 


SWE 
legifolia, and is easily increased by cuttings or 
by seeds. 
Swallow-Wort. A name given to the genera 
Aselepias and Chelidonium. 
Swamp Dogwood. Pilelea trifoliata. 
Swamp Hickory. Caryaamara. 
Swamp Honeysuckle. Azalea viscosa. 
Swamp Rose Mallow. Hibiscus Moscheutos. 
Swamp Sassafras or Laurel. See Magnolia 
glauca. : 
Swan River Daisy. See Brachycome. 


Swa'rtzia. Named in honor of Olaf Swartz, 
M.D., of Stockholm, along time resident of 
the West Indies and author of “ Flora Indie 
Occidentalis.” Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

A genus of nearly sixty species of plant- 
stove trees, with one exception all natives of 
tropical America. S. grandiflora and S. pin- 
nata are in cultivation, but, owing to their 
size, are seldom met with except in large or 
botanical collections. 


Swedish Juniper, Juniperus communis fastigiata. 


Sweet Alyssum. See Koniga. 


Sweet Amber. Hypericum Androsemum. 
Sweet Basil. See Ocimum. 


Sweet Bay. See Laurus nobilis and Magnolia 
glauca. 


Sweet Brier. See Rosa rubiginosa. 

Sweet Chestnut. Castanea sativa. 

Sweet Cicely. See Osmorhiza. 

Sweet Clover. See Melilotus alba. 

Sweet Fern. See Comptonia. 

Sweet Flag. See Acorus. 

Sweet Gale. See Myrica Gale. 

Sweet Gum Tree. See Liquidambar styraciflua» 

Sweet Leaf. See Symplocus tinctoria. 

Sweet Marjoram. See Origanum Majorana. 

Sweet Pea. See Lathyrus odoratus. 

Sweet Pepperbush. See Clethra. 

Sweet Potato. See Potato. 

Sweet Scabious. Scabiosa atropurpurea. 

Sweet-scented Crab. Pyrus coronaria. 

Sweet-scented Shrub. Calycanthus floridus, 

Sweet-scented Verbena. Aloysia (Lippia) 
citrioidora. 

Sweet Sop. See Anona. 


. 


| Sweet Sultan. Centauret moschata. 


Sweet Vernal Grass. Anthoxanthum odoratum, 
Sweet William. See Dianthus barbatus. 


Swe'rtia. Named after E. Swert, a famous cul- 
tivator of bulbs and flowers in Holland. Nat. 
Ord. Gentianacee. 

A genus of annual or perennial plants, 
mostly hardy, natives of Europe, Asia and 
northern India. The leaves are used in their 
native countries medicinally. S. perennis is 
an interesting and singular perennial, with 
slender, erect stems, growing from one to 
three feet_high, terminated by erect spikes of 
flowers. It is an interesting plant for the 
rock garden. Several others of the species 
are in cultivation under the name of Ophelia, 
but none of them are valuable as flowering 
plants. 


442 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


SWI 


Swiete’nia. Mahogany. In honor of Gerard 
Van Swieten, a Dutch botanist and author. 
Nat. Ord. Meliucee. 

_‘* The Mahogany Tree, S. Mahagoni, is a na- 
tive of the West Indies, Central America, and 
Mexico, and is one of the most majestic of 
trees ; for though some rise to agreater height, 
this tree, like the Oak and the Cedar, impresses 
the spectator with the strongest feelings of 
its firmness and duration. In the rich valleys 
among the mountains of Cuba, and those that 
open upon the bay of Honduras, the Mahogany 
expands to so huge a trunk, divides into so 
May massive arms, and throws the shade of 
so many shiny green leaves, spotted with tufts 
of pearly flowers, over so vast an extent of 
surface, that it is difficult to imagine a vege- 
‘table production combining in such a degree 
the qualities of elegance and strength, of 
beauty and sublimity. The Mahogany tree is 
found in great quantities on the low and 
woody lands, and even upon the rocks in the 
countries upon the western shores of the 
Caribbean Sea, about Honduras and Cam- 
peachy. It is also abundant in the islands of 
Cuba and Hayti, and it used to be plentiful in 
Jamaica, where it was of excellent quality. 
but most of the larger trees have been cut 
down. It was formerly abundant on the 
Bahamas, where it grew to a great height, 
with the trunks four feet in diameter. When 
it grows in favorable situations the timber is 
larger and plain; the better portion, such as 
is used for veneers, comes from the junction 
of the branches with the body, or crotches, as 
they are commonly termed. The trees that 
grow in rocky and exposed situations do not 
grow as large; but the timber is more solid, 
has a greater variety and shade of grain, is 
much stronger, and in all ways preferable for 
cabinet work.” The Baywood and Spanish 
Cedar of commerce are of the same species, 
but are of larger growth, and the wood is very 
coarse and soft. It is used principally in mak- 
ing cigar boxes or similar work. 


Swiss Chard. See Beta. 
Swiss Stone Pine. Pinus Cembra. 
Sword Lily. A popular name for Gladiolus. 


Sya’erus. The old Greek name of a Palm, 
mentioned by Pliny. Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 
A small genus of unarmed Palms now in- 
cluded by Bentham and Hooker under Cocos. 


Sycamore Tree. Acer Pseudo-platanus. The 
name is also applied to Platanus occidentalis 
and other species. The Sycamore of the New 
Testament is Ficus Sycomorus (syn. Sycomorus 
antiquorum). 

Sylvestris, Sylvaticus. Growing in woods. 


Symphorica’rpus. 8t. Peter’s Wort. Snow- 
berry. From symphoreo,.to accumulate, and 
karpos, a fruit; in allusion to its clustered 
bunches of fruit. Nat. Ord. Caprifoliacee. 

A genus of hardy, deciduous shrubs, common 
in most of the States. Some of them are quite 
ornamental, and are cultivated in the shrub- 
bery border. They grow so freely and sucker 
so much that it is difficult to keep them un- 
der subjection. S. racemosus, the Snowberry, 
has pinkish flowers, disposed in loose racemes, 
which are succeeded by large white berries, 
which are very ornamental, and remain on 
the bush until nearly winter, making it con- 


SYN 


spicuous inthe border. The variegated varie- 
ty is a fine plant. 

Symphya’ndra. From symphio, to grow to- 
gether, and aner, andros, an_anther; the 
anthers are connate. Nat. Ord. Campanulacee. 

A genus of hardy, perennial herbs, natives of 
the Caucasus. The flowers are white, yellow 
or blue; large and often nodding. Propa- 
gated by seeds or by cuttings in spring. 

Sy’mphytum. Comfrey From symphyo, to 
make unite, and phyton, a plant; in reference 
toits healing qualities. Nat. Ord. Boraginacea. 

A genus of coarse-growing, weedy plants, 
formerly esteemed for their medicinal prop- 
erties, and of the first importance in a col- 
lection of herbs. They have become natural- 
ized in this country from Europe, and are 
common around old gardens and in moist 
places. S. officinalis luteo-marginalis 1s a very 
ornamental, hardy variety, the leaves being 
broadly margined with creamy-white; it is 
an excellent plant for the herbaceous order. 
S. asperrimum was intruduced into this coun- 
try for use as a forage plant in 1875, but has 
proved to be entirely valueless for that pur- 
pose. Propagated by. seeds‘or by division. 


Symploca’rpus. Skunk Cabbage. From sym- 
ploke, connection, and karpos, fruit; descrip- 
tive of the plant. Nat. Ord. Aroidew. 

A rather coarse-growing plant, common in 
swamps and wet meadows from Virginia to 
Maine. S. fetidus, the only known species, 
is the common Skunk Cabbage, and is readily 
known by its skunk-like odor when the leaves 
are bruised. 

Sy’mplocos. From symploke, a connection; 
the stamens are united at the base. Nat. 
Ord. Styracacee. 

A large genus of trees and shrubs, broadly 
dispersed over the. warmer parts of Asia, Aus- 
tralia and America. The leaves of S. tinc- 
toria, the Horse Sugar or Sweet-leaf of the 
Southern States, are greedily eaten by cattle, 
and in Georgia and Carolina are used for dye- 
ing’yellow; the leaves of other species are 
used for the same purpose in Nepal. In 
India the bark of S. racemosa, called Lodh, is 
used both as a dyeing material and as a mor- 
dant for other dyes. S. Japonica, with yellow 
flowers, introduced from Japan in 1850, and 
S. sinica, with white fragrant flowers from 
China, are both cultivated as green-house 
shrubs. A still later introduction, however, 
from the mountains of northern Japan, S. 
paniculatus, has white, sweet-scented flowers, 
and ultra-marine-blue fruit making the shrub 
conspicuous among those which are valued 
for theirornamental fruit. Mr. Jackson Daw- 
son, of the Arnold Arboretum, Boston, assures 
us that itis perfectly hardy there, and speaks 
of it as one of the very best of late introduc- 
tions to our list of hardy shrubs. 

Synade’nium. African Milk Bush. From syn, 

united, and aden, a gland; the glands of the 
involucre are united in a cup or disc. 
-_A genus of Euphorbiacea, closely allied to 
Euphorbia, and of which S. Grantii, an African 
species, introduced in 1867, is cultivated for 
its bright crimson flowers, which are showy 
and attractive. It is also an excellent plant 
for summer hanging baskets, vases, etc.,. 
especially in exposed situations, and is in- 
creased by cuttings, thoroughly dried at the 
base before insertion. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


443. 


SYN 


Syngenesious. Having the anthers united at 
their edges so as to form a tube. 


Syngo’nium. From syn, together, and gone, the 
womb; alluding to the cohesion of the ovaries. 
Nat. Ord. Aroidea. 

S. auritum, introduced from Jamaica, the 
species most generally found in cultivation, is 
a rather coarse-growing plant, useful only in 
large collections. S Vellozianum, S. Wenlandii, 
S. podophyllum-lineatum, are all very showy 
sorts and can be easily increased by division 
of the stem in heat. Any old plants that get 
too tall may have their tops cut off and 
inserted as largo cuttings; they will soon 
root in a warm, moist atmosphere. 


Synno'tia. Named in honor of W. Synnot, who 
collected many plants at the Cape of Good 
Hope; erroneously spelled Synettia. Nat. Ord. 
Tridacee. 

A small genus of three very pretty, green- 
house, bulbous plants, now generally reterred 
to Gladiolus. S. bicolor is found in cultivation 
under the name of Ivia bicolor. 


Synonym. In botany, a superseded or unused 
name. 


Sy’nthyris. From syn, together, and thyrsis, a 
little door; in allusion to the closed valves 
of the pod. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

A genus of hardy, or pilose hardy, herbaceous 
perennials, with thick rhizomes, natives of 
northwest America. The bluish or reddish 
flowers are borne in racemes or spikes four 
to six inches long; closely allied to Veronica. 


Syri/nga. The Lilac. PipeTree. From syrinz, 
a pipe; the branches are long and straight, 
and filled with medulla; hence the old name of 
the Lilac, Pipe Tree. The English name of 
the genus is from lilac or lilag, the Persian 
word for the flower. Nat. Ord. Oleacew. 

A genus of. well-known, deciduous shrubs, 
with purplish or white flowers, natives of 
southeastern Europe, Persia, northern India 
and China. All the species are perfectly hardy, 
and are easily grown. S. vulgaris, the com- 
mon Lilac, with purple or white flowers, is of 
doubtful origin, though generally credited to 
Persia, It has been under cultivation for 
more than a hundred years, and from the 
species many varieties have been obtained, 
put without any marked peculiarities. S. 
Persica, Persian Lilac, is & very distinct 
species, of much smaller size, rarely growing 
more than six feet high; the branches are 


slender and straight, the leaves are smaller’ 


and narrowed atthe base. The flowers are 
produced in looser panicles, and the florets are 
smaller, giving the whole plant a more grace- 
ful appearance. The Rouen or Chinese Lilac, 
S. Chinensis, known also as S. dubia and S. 
Rothomagensis, is intermediate between the 
common and the Persian, and is a most desir- 
able shrub. Thelarge growing, S. Emodi, from 
the Himalayas, is only suitable for 1arge shrub- 
beries, it being coarse in growth, and not 
remarkable for its flowers, which are pale 
purple, and produced after those of the com- 
mon Lilac are past. There is also a variegated 
form of it. The Hungarian Lilac, S. Josikaa, 
is a pretty shrub, and valuable, as it is quite 
different from the others. It grows fully six 
feet high, and bears erect spikes of small, 
pale, mauve flowers. The new S. Japonica, 
known also as S. Amurengis and Ligustrina 


SYR 


Amurensis, is a most valuable, hardy, flowering 
shrub. Its hardiness, vigorous growth, excel- 
lent habit, ample foliage, and dense clusters 
of creamy-white flowers, somewhat resembling 
those of the Japanese privet, appearing at a 
season when few trees are in bloom make it 
one of the most desirable of the small trees 
recently introduced into gardens. The fact. 
that it loses its leaves early in the autumn, 
and that they fall while still green, is the only 
drawback which has yet been noticed in it as 
an ornamental plant. S. oblata is not known 
in a wild state; it was first discovered by 
Fortune in a garden at Shanghai, and later by 
the Abbe David in gardens near Pekin. Its 
perfect hardiness in this climate indicates its 
northern origin It flowers ten or twelve days 
earlier than S. vulgaris, and its thick, leathery 
leaves, which are never attacked by mildew, 
turn in the autumn to a rich, dark russet 
color, a character which should be taken ad- 
vantage of by hybridizers to secure a new 
race of Lilacs with the large inflorescence of 
S. vulgaris, and the foliage of S. oblata. Seed- 
ling varieties, many of them much superior 
in size and color to the species, have been 
originated in late yearsand are now in general 
cultivation. Of the white sorts, the best at 
the present writing are Marie Legrange, Alba 
mnagna, Alba virginalis and Alba grandiflora. 
Of the colored sorts the finest is Souvenir 
de L. Spath, with massive clusters of very 
large, richly-colored flowers. Charles X. 
(an excellent variety for early forcing) is a 
desirable sort, and others good in color are, 
Alphonse Lavallee, Louis van Houtte, Le Gaul- 
ois, Aline Mocquery and Rubra de Marley. 
There is also a double-flowered section in cu}. 
tivation which have denser flower-clusters, 
and as a rule last longer in perfection than 
the single varieties. ; 

Lilacs are now forced in large quantities 
for cut flowers, and when blanched pure 
white they have a very chaste and beautiful 
appearance. One of the best and most useful 
for this purpose is the variety known as 
Charles X.; its panicles of flowers are much 
larger and more compact than the Persian 
Lilae of our gardens, which is, however, welt 
adapted for similar use. If forced in suffi- 
cient heat the coloring matter has no time 
to form in the flowers, consequently the col. 
ored sorts are as useful for forcing purposes 
as the pure white varieties. All the species 
are rapidly increased from layers or from 
suckers, the only trouble being that they in- 
crease so fast as to be troublesome. That 
the Lilac has been cultivated for centuries 
there is plenty of evidence. We have person- 
ally gathered specimens growing with Pars- 
ley (Apium petroselinum) in the debris of cas- 
tles in Great Britain that had been.in ruins 
for over three hundred years, showing that 
the warlike barons, or their wives, had some 
taste for the ornamental as well as the usee 
ful, even in those early days. 


Syri/nga. A common name for Philadelphus 
coronarius, which see. 


Syringo’dea. A small order of pretty, dwarf, 
green-house, bulbous plants, closely allied to 
Ixia. S. pulchella has very pretty, pale, purple 
flowers rearly two inches long, with filiform 
dears Introduced frem South Africa in 


444 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


T. 


TAB 


abebu'ia. Said to be the native name in 
Brazil. Nat. Ord. Bignoniacee. 

A large genus of plant-stove trees or shrubs, 
natives of tropical America; few of the species 
are in cultivation. They require the same 
treatment as Tecoma, under which genus they 
are sometimes included. YT. spectabilis is now 
given as the correct name of the species culti- 
vated as Bignonia or Tecoma spectabilis. 


Tabernzmonta’na. East Indian Rose Bay. 
Named in honor of James Theodore Taberne- 
montanus, of Heidelberg, a celebrated physi- 
cian and botanist. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

This genus is composed of very handsome, 
hot-house shrubs, with deep green foliage and 
large, white or yellow flowers, possessing an 
agreeable fragrance. After blooming they 
should receive a moderate pruning to keep 
them bushy and increase the number of 
flower heads. The large, leathery leaves of 
this and other similar genera are inducements, 
in the way of shelter, to many troublesome 
insects, such as thrips, scale and mealy bug ; 
to eradicate these, and keep the plants 
healthy, they should be frequently washed, 
each leaf separately, with a sponge and soap 
and water, or the latter alone, and at intervals 
receive a sprinkling with a syringe to clean 
them of dust, which in itself is prejudicial to 
all plants, and gives encouragement to the 
insects by causing a languid action in the 
leaves. The several species are mostly 
natives of the East Indies, but a few are dis- 
urfbuted throughout the West Indies and 
South America. T. coronaria flore-pleno, the 
species most generally cultivated, bears a 
pure white flower something like a Gardenia, 
and is very fragrant at night. It is sometimes 
met with under the old name of Nerium coro- 
nurium. Its native country is unknown, but 
it is cultivated throughout India, whence it 
was introduced in 1770. It is easily in- 
creased by cuttings. 


Table, Stage and Bench. These are the 
different terms used for the structure whereon 
plants are set in the green-house. The bench 
or tuble more particularly refers to one flat 
platform, which, if in the front of the green- 
house, is from three to four feet wide; if in 
the middle or centre of the house, seven or 
eight feet wide, and from two to three feet in 
height, according to the style of the house. 
These widths and heights are important as 
being the most convenient for use, as well as 
to show the plants to the best advan- 
tage. The Stage is a series of platforms, 
placed usually in the centre of the green- 
house, being of various widths, from one to 
three feet. For instance, if the base width of 
the platform be nine feet, three stagings of 
three feet each would be required (each 
elevated a foot above the other) to make the 
width. This style of green-house benching, 
however, is less to be recommended than one 
platform of the same height, as the latter is 
not only more convenient to work with, but 
the plants show on it to better advantage 
than if elevated too high. 


Tacamahac. 


Talcca. The Malay name of the species. 


TAC 


The green-house benches are usually made 
of inch boards, but in our own practice we 
have for the past three years had dill the 
“sheeting” for our benches made of rough 
roofing slate, over which is laid half an inch 
of cement. These materials cost only about 
25 per cent. more than the board benches, 
and are an immense saving, as the wooden 
benches rot out from the heat and moisture 
in four or five years. The skeleton or frame- 
work of the benches we make of Yellow Pine. 
If the frame-work were made of iron, such 
benches would be indestructible; but even 
with the pine wood frame-work they will 
stand for twenty years, as the cement cover- 
ing laid over the slates prevents the water 
getting to the wood work. Care, however, 
must be taken to leave spaces every ten feet 
or so, where the water can escape through 
the bench. For the material covering the 
bench on which to set the plants, see Drain- 
age. 


A common name for Populus bal- 
samiferi or the Balsam Poplar. 


Nat. 
Ord. Taccacee. 

A genus of East Indian plants, grown by 
the natives for their bulbs, which resemble 
new Potatoes, and contain a large amount of 
starch. The various species grow in the open 
country; 7. pinnatifida is generally found in 
sandy places near the sea. ‘The leaf-stalks of 
this species are plaited into bonnets by the 
natives of the Society Islands, but the princi- 
pal use made of all the species is that of their 
tubers, which, resembling new Potatoes, con- 
tain a great deal of starch, known as South 
Sea Arrowroot, and far preferable to any other 
Arrowroot in cases of dysentery. The tubers 
are dug up after the leaves have died away, 
and are rasped and macerated four or five 
days in water, when the fecula separates in 
the same manner as Sago does. It is largely 
employed as an article of diet throughout the 
tropics, and is a favorite ingredient for pud- 
dings and cakes in the South Sea Islands. 
The species are rarely seen in plant collec- 
tions. Syn. Afaccia. 


Tacca'ceze. A small, natural order of perennial 


herbs, with creeping or tuberous rhizomes, 
found in tropical America, Africa, Asia and 
the Pacific Islands. The order consists of 
two genera, Shizocapsa and Tacca, and in- 
cludes about ten species. Ataccia is placed 
as a sub-division of Tacca. 


Taccada Plant. The Malay Rice Paper Plant, 


(See Scavola.) 


Tacca'rum The name is adapted from Tacéa, 


which genus they resemble. Nat. Ord. Aroi- 
dee. 

Asmall genus of tall, tuberous herbs, na- 
tives of Brazil. Two species, T. peregrinum 
and T. Warmingianum, are in cultivation. 
They are very showy, large-leaved, plant-stove 
species, and are useful for lawn-decoration in 
summer. Syns. Endera and Lysistigma. 


\TETRAGONA (NEW ZEALAND SPINACH) TARRAGON 


TRACHELIUM C@RULEUM., 


Foon ee 


444 THYMUS VULGARIS (THYME), \EACSONIA (VAN VOLKEMII). THALICTRUM AQUILEGIFOLIOM. 


TAGETES SIGNATA PUMILA 


‘ 


TAGETES (MARIGOLD), AFRICAN.) 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 445: 


TAC 


Tachiade’nus. From Tachia, a genus of the 
same order, and aden, a gland; the ovary is 
surrounded bya ring of glands asin Tachia. 
Nat. Ord. Gentianacew. 

A genus of herbaceous or somewhat shrubby 
plants, natives of Madagascar. T. carinatus 
Is a pretty, green-house annual, closely re- 
lated to Chironia, Lisianthus and Hzacum, and 
was introduced by the Rev. William Ellis in 
1858, who brought seeds from Madagascar. 
It grows freely, branches naturally at the 
base, and attains the height of a foot or more. 


The flowers are white, with the lobes of the + 


corolla bright-purple, produced freely in au- 
tumn, and lasting over a month before fading. 
Seeds should be sown in February and treated 
like Gloxinias. 
Tacso’nia. From Tacso, the name of one of the 
speciesin Peru, Nat. Ord. Passifloracee. 

A genus of very beautiful climbing plants, 


closely related to Passiflora, having the same’ 


general appearance, and the same structure 
of stamens, pistils and fruit, but differing in 
the usually long, cylindrical tube of the calyx, 
which is furnished with two crowns, one at 
the throat, and the other near its base. In 
T. manicata, however, a very handsome 
species, the tube scarcely exceeds in length 
that of a Passion Flower. The species are 
natives of Central America and the West 
Indies. The fruits of several of them, as T. 
mollissima, T. tripartita and 7. speciosa, are 
edible. 7. Buchanani is Passiflora vitifolia, 
and is one of the most beautiful plants of the 
order. The Tacsonias are all beautiful plants 
and worthy a place in any collection. They 
require the same general treatment as Passi- 
flora, and are propagated in the same way. 


Teni'tis. From tainia, a fillet or ribbon; allud- 
ing to the linear pinnew. A small genus of 
interesting stove ferns, all tropical, but not 
very closely allied. They differ principally 
from Teniopsis and Vittaria in their fronds 
being all net-veined. 


Tage'tes. Marigold. From the beauty of its 
flowers, this genus was named after Tages, a 
Tuscan divinity. Nat. Ord. Composite. 
Marigolds are old favorites in our gardens, 
particularly those known as African and 
French Marigolds. The former (TZ. erecta) 
have uniformly large yellow or orange-colored 
flowers, and usually attain a couple of feet in 
height; the latter (7. patula) are more dwarf, 
and have their flowers striped of a deep 
brown-purple and yellow. They are all showy, 
especially in masses, and are effective for dis- 
tant groups. There is, however, another 
species, T. signata pumila (syn. T. tenuifolia), 


preferable for bedding; it is more compact in 


habit; and though its flowers do not boast the 
vivid coloring of the French Marigolds (being 
entirely yellow), yet they are produced in 
such long succession as to amply compensate 
for the deficiency; besides which, the scent, 
so frequently complained of in the others, 
is in this so much reduced as to be no longer 
unpleasant. I. lucida, the sweet-scented, 
Mexican Marigold, is also occasionally grown 
in gardens and is very showy. These com- 
prise all that are worth cultivating as orna- 
mental plants, and require precisely the same 
treatment as other hardy annuals. 


Yalau’ma. The native name of the South 
American species. Nat. Ord. Magnoliacee. 


TAM 


A genus of trees or shrubs remarkable for 
their fine, fragrant flowers. There are abouti 
fifteen species, four of which are natives of! 
tropical America and the rest of Asia and’ 
Japan. Six or more species are in cultivation, 
but are found only in large collections. Prop- 
agated principally by layers. 

Taliga‘lea. Said to be the native name in 
Guiana. Nat. Ord. Verbenacew. 

Amasonia is now the correct name of this 

genus. (See Amasonia.) 


Tali‘num. Supposed to be from thalia, a green 
branch; referring to its durable verdure. 
Nat. Ord. Portulacacee. 

A genus of annual and biennial, succulent 
plants, inhabiting the warmer parts of both 
hemispheres, but chiefly confined to sub-tropi- 
cal America. J. patens, and its variety with 
variegated foliage, a native of Brazil, is a 
desirable plant for the border, or as a basket 
or:vase plant, being well adapted ‘to stand hot, 

dry weather, and does not suffer badly if 

neglected. The variegated variety is often 
used as a white line for ribbon borders. This. 
species is used in Brazil as a pot-herb, and 
is readily propagated by seeds or cuttings. 
Introduced in 1776. 


Talipot Palm. See Corypha umbraculifera. 

Tallow Shrub. A common name for Myrica 
cerifera. 

Tallow Tree. See Stillingia. 


Tamarack. American or Black Larch, Hack- 
matack. See Larix Americana. 


Tamarica’cez. A natural order of shrubs or: 
undershrubs, found chiefly in maritime sands 
or gravelly places near rivers, in the 
temperate and warmer regions of the north- 
ern hemisphere, and also in South Africa. 
The two principal Asiatic and European gen- 
era, Tamarix and Reaumuria, are regarded by 
some botanists as types of distinct orders; 
and the splendid Mexican genus, Fouquiera,, 
differing chiefly in the large petals, united! 
into a tubular corolla, has only lately been: 
asSociated with the Tamaricacee as a third! 
tribe. 


Tamarind. See Tamarindus. 


Tamari’/ndus. Tamarind Tree. Tamar, in Arae 
bic, is the name of the Date. and Indus, In- 
dian, literally Indian Date. Nat. Ord. Papi- 
lionacee. 

The tree that furnishes the Tamarinds for 
preserves is a native of the East and West 
Indies, Egypt and Arabia. It is a large, 
spreading and beautiful tree, and its grace- 
ful, pinnated foliage, and racemes of fragrant 
flowers, which are yellow striped with red, 
and its purple stamens, give it an elegant ap- 
pearance. fT. Indica is the only known spe- 
cies, and this varies but little in the different 
countries in which it abounds. Propagated 
Bie suttings and by seeds. Introduced in 
1633. 


Ta'marisk. See Tamariz. 


Tamarix. Tamarisk. From Tamaris, now 
Tambro. the name of a river where it grows, 
on the borders of the Pyrenees. Nat. Ord.. 
Tamaricacee. 

Tall-growing shrubs, mostly natives of Eu- 
rope. A great many species are enumerated. 
but two only are usually met in collections of 
ornamental shrubs. These are T. Gallica; 


446 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TAM 


the French Tamarisk, and 7. Germanica, the 
German Tamarisk. The French Tamarisk is 
far the handsomest, and will thrive in almost 
any soil or situation: in bleak exposed places 
on the seashore, in the poorest sandy soils, 
it never fails to succeed and to produce its 
long, terminal, graceful spikes of pinkish 
flowers. It will do equally well in city yards, 
that are exposed to sun, soot and smoke. It 
is, in short, one of our most valuable orna- 
mental shrubs. The Manna of Mount Sinai 
is produced by a variety of T. Gallica; it con- 
sists wholly of pure, mucilaginous sugar. T. 
Africana is quite commonly grown. The 
plants are easily increased by cuttings. 


Tampico Fibre. See Leopoldinia. 


Ta’mus. Black Bryony. Ladies’ Seal. The old 
Latin name used by Pliny. The only Euro- 
pean representative of the Nat. Ord. Dios- 
coridacez. There are two well-known spe- 

cies, T. communis, the Black Bryony, a Brit- 
ish plant, and T. cretica, a native of Greece 
and the Grecian Archipelago. They are both 
climbing plants, and have thick tuberous 
roots, sending up annual stems which grow 
toa great length. Their flowers are of sepa- 
rate sexes, borne on different plants, and are 
produced in the leaf axils, in slender branched 
racemes. They are increased by divisions of 
the roots or by seeds. 


Tanace/tum. Tansy. Derivation of name un- 
known. Said to be altered from Athanasia, 
immortal; in allusion to the persistent 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

All the species that compose this genus are 
hardy, herbaceous plants, or what might prop- 
erly be called weeds. T. balsamita, a very 
sweet-smelling, hardy, herbaceous plant, is the 
Costmary or Alecost of old gardens. T. vul- 
gare is the common Tansy of the old gardens 
and roadsides. It was formerly introduced 
as a garden plant, and took a prominent posi- 
tion among domestic medicines, but is now 
pretty generally discarded. . It is a native 
of Europe, has escaped from the gardens, and 
has long been naturalized in the United 
States. 7. v. crispum is a very elegant, 
dwarf variety, with smaller, emerald-green 
leaves, which are very elegantly cut, and have 
a crisped or frizzled appearance. 

Tanghi’nia. Ordeal Tree. Tanghinis the native 
name of the plant in Madagascar. Nat. Ord. 
Apocynacee. ; 

T. venenifera, the only species, is a small, 
glabrous, evergreen tree, with rose-colored 
flowers in large terminal cymes, each sup- 
ported by a couple of bracts. The seeds of 
this plant furnish a powerful poison, and 
were formerly used as an ordeal by the kings 
of Madagascar. The seed was pounded, and 
a small portion given to each person to be 
tried; those in whom it caused vomiting, 
escaped, but to those whose stomachs re- 
tained it, it was quickly fatal and their guilt 
was then held to be proven. 

Tansy. See Tanacetum. 

Tape Grass. Sce Vallianeria. 

Tapeino’tes. A small genus of Gesneracea, for 
the most part now included in Sinningia and 
Gloxinia. 

Taper. The opposite of angular; usually em- 
ployed in contradistinction to that term when 
speaking of long bodies, 


TAR 
Tapioca Plant. A common name for Manihot 
utilissima, 
Tap-Root. A root which penetrates deep and 


perpendicularly into the ground without divid- 
ing. 

Tara’xacum. Dandelion. Name supposed to 
be from the Greek tarazo, to disquiet or dis- 
order; in allusion to the medicinal effects of 
the plant. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

The common Dandelion, 7. Dens-leonis, isa 
native of Europe, but has become so thor- 
oughly naturalized as to be a very troublesome 
weed. The roots have powerful medicinal 
properties and are held in high esteem by the 
Kelectic practitioners. The leaves are used 
as a pot-herb, for which purpose the plants 
are grown in frames by the market gardeners 
of nearly all large cities. It is also used as 
an early spring ‘‘ greens,” and is cultivated 
for this purpose in both private and market 
gardens. Of late years a great improvement 
has been made in the size of the leaves of the 
cultivated kinds. Propagated by seeds. 


Tare. The common Vetch, Vicia sativa, also 
Vicia hirsuta and Ervum Ervilia. 


Tares of Scripture. See Loliwm temulentum. 


Ta’ro. The native name for Colocasia anti- 
quorum. This plant forms one of the chief 
articles of diet in the Pacific Isles, where it 
is largely cultivated. The tubers are boiled 
or baked, or made into bread, and the young 
leaves may be eaten like Spinach; but like 
the tubers they require to be well cooked to 
destroy their poisonous properties and acrid- 
ity. Several varieties are cultivated, some 
being better for one mode of cooking, some 
for another. Dr. Seemann relates that one 
kind, called ‘‘ Kurilagi,” was pointed out to 
him as having been eaten with nearly a whole 
tribe of people, in the island of Viti Levu. 
This tribe having given great offence to the 
ruling chief of the district, was condemned to 
die. Every year the inmates of one house 
were baked and eaten, the empty dwelling 
burned down, and its foundation planted with 

- “Kurilagi.” The next year when this Taro 
was ripe, it was the signal for destroying the 
next house and its inhabitants, and the plant- 
ing of a fresh field of Taro. After man 
years the remaining few were pardoned, an 
allowed to die a natural death, and in 1860 
one old woman was the only survivor of the 
tribe. (Seemann’s “ Flora Vitiensis. ’’) 

Ta'rragon. (Artemisia Dracunculus.) This, like 
many garden plants that have beén under cul- 
tivation for at least four hundred years, is of 
unknown origin. Opinions are divided as to 
whether it is a native of Siberia or the South 
of Europe. Itis ahardy, herbaceous perennial, 
cultivated for its leaves and young shoots, 
both of which are used as an ingredient in 
salads, soups, stews, pickles and various 
other compounds. Tarragon vinegar, so 
much esteemed as a fish-sauce, is made by an 
infusion of the leaves incommon vinegar. It 
is propagated from seeds, or from pieces of 
‘tthe root, every portion of which, however 
small, will grow if a single bud is left on. 

Tartareous. Having:a rough, crumbling sure 
face. 

Tartarian Honeysuckle. See Lonicera. 


Tartarian Lamb, Seé Cibotium Barometg, 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


447 


TAS 


Tassel Flower. See Cacalia. 


Tavernie’ra. Named in honor of J. B. Taver- 
mer, a celebrated traveler in the Levant. 
Nat. Ord. Z inose. 

A small genus of shrubs, natives of the East 
Indies and the Orient. 7. nummularia, the 
East Indian Money-wort, is a dwarf, very 
bushy, branching, green-house shrub, with 
trifoliate, fleshy, obcordate leaves, and ra- 
cemes of rather pretty, red flowers. Only 
two species have been introduced. 


Taxa’ceze. A sub-order of Conifere, often con- 
sidered as a distinct order, chiefly by their 
fruits not being collected in cones, each ovule 
eromang singly, unprotected by hardened 
scales. 


Taxo/dium. Bald Cypress, Deciduous Cypress. 
From tazvus, the Yew, and oides, like; trees 
resembling the Yew. Nat. Ord. Conifere. 

T. distichum, the deciduous Cypress, abounds 
in the Southérn States, growing as far north 
as Delaware and southern Illinois. Itis one 
of the most valuable trees for timber, and is 
considerably grown as an ornamental tree for 
the lawn. It is perfectly hardy as far north 
as New York. Beautiful specimens are often 
seen on lawns, where their feathery foliage 
renders them attractive objects. 


Ta'xus. Yew. From tazon, a bow; the wood 
anciently used for bows; or from tazis, 
arrangement, the leaves being arranged on 
the branches like the teeth of a comb. Yew 
is supposed to be from the Celtic word ww, 
signifying verdure ; alluding to the Yew being 
an evergreen. Nat. Ord. Conifere. 

A genus of well-known evergreen trees, 
popularly known as the Irish Yew. They are 
compact in habit, their branches being densely 
crowded with leaves; they are also upright, 
the branches perpendicular, giving the tree a 
small circumference for its height. On this 
account, it is a favorite tree for cemeteries 
and churchyards.~ There is a native species, 
T. baccata var. Canadensis, commonly known 
as Ground Hemlock or American Yew, com- 
mon in the more Northern States, on moist 
banks and hills. It rarely grows more than 
four feet high, and is branching and straggling 
in habit. 7. baccata, the common Yew of 
England, is the species from which the ancient 
English bows were made. Loudonsays: ‘In 
the days of archery the Yew was the principal 
wood used for the bow in Britain, and in the 
reignof Henry VIII., of England, the demand 
was so great that it had to be imported from 
the continent of Europe into England, and 
various laws were passed concerning it from 
the days of Edward IV. to Elizabeth.” 


YTea-Berry. Canada Tea. A local name some- 
times given to the Wintergreeh, Gaultherw 
procumbens, which see. : 


‘Tea-Plant or Tea-Tree. See. Thea. 
African. Lyciumafrum. 
American Mountain. Gaultheria procumbens. 
Australian. Various species of Leptospermum 

and Melaleuca. 

Blue Mountain. Solidago odora. 
Botany Bay or Sweet. Smilax glycyphylla. 
Brazilian. Stachytarpheta Jamaicensis. 
Cape Colony. Helichrysum serpillifolium. 
Ceylon. Elaodendron glaucum. 
Duke of Argyle’s. Lycium barbarum, 
Malay. Eugenia variabilis, 


TEE 


Mexican. Psoralea glandulosa. 
New Jersey. Ceanothus Americanus. 
New Zealand. Leptospermum flavescens and L. 


scoparium. 

New Zealand, Sweet Scented. Philadelphus 
aromaticus. 

Oswego. Monarda didyma. —. 
Paraguay. See Ilex Paraguariensia. 
Tasmanian. Melaleuca squarrosa. 
Wild. Amorpha canescens. 
Winter Berry. Prings glabra. 

Teak Tree. Indian. See Tectona grandis. 


Tear Thumb. A name commonly applied to 
several species of Polygonum, on account of 
their rough, bearded stems, which lacerate 
when handled. 


Teasel. See Dipsabus. 


Teco’ma. From! Tecomazochitl, the Mexican 
name of the species. Nat. Ord. Bignoniaceew. 
A genus of hardy, deciduous and green- 
house, evergreen, climbing shrubs, consisting 
of upward of fifty species. They are mostly 
Sow American plants. J. radicans, or 
Trumpet Creeper, in general cultivation, is 
a native species, common from Pennsylvania 
to Illinois and southward. It is well adapted 
for covering walls or arbors in exposed places, 
being perfectly, hardy and a rapid grower; 
the flowers arelarge, tubular, and a brilliant 
orange. T. grandiflora is nearly allied to T: 
radicans, but has larger flowers “deeper 
shade of orange. These two species are com- 
monly known as Bignonias. Some of the 
green-huuse’ specigs are objects -of great 
beauty, but as they ‘flower in summer, they 
are not as generally grown as they should be. 
All the species are propagated from cuttings 
of the root or suckers. 


Tecophyle’a. Chilian Crocus. Named after 
Tecophila, the daughter pf the botanist Bil- 
lotti. Nat.-Ord. Hemodoracee. 

T. cyanocrocus, the only species yet intro- 
duced, is a charming little Chilian, bulbous 
plant, growing only # few inches in height, 
having narrow leaves and erect bell-shaped 
flowers, of an intensely deep blue, with a light 
centre. Itis a spring flowerer, and nearly, if. 
not quite, hardy. Introduced in 1872. 


Te’ctona. Teak Tree. From Tekka, its Mala- 
bar name. Nat. Ord. Verbenacew. 

This is a celebrated timber tree of the East 
Indies, used for ship-building in preference to 
all other woods, because of its strength, great 
durability, the ease with which it can be 
worked, and its non-liability to be injured by 
the attacks of Fungi. Some of the species 
-have been introduced into the green-house. 
They are very handsome trees, with purple or 
white flowers, but their size prevents their 
general introduction. : 


Tee’dia. Called after J. G. Teede, a German 
botanist-and traveler, who died in Surinam. 
Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. ; 

A small genus of green-house, glabrous or 
pubescent shrubs, natives ef South Africa. 
Two species, T. lucida and T. pubescens, have 
been introduced. They have small, pink fow- 
ers, borne in a terminal, leafy thyrse, and are 
quite pretty plants when in flower. A rich, 
light soil is most suitable for them, and prop- 
eee won may be effected by seeds or by cut- 

gs. 


448 


HENDERSON'S. HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TEE 


Teesda'lia. Named after Robert Teeadale, an 
English botanist, author of a ‘Catalogue of 
Plants growing about Castle Howard.” Nat. 
Ord. Cruciferae. 

A genus of two species of. inconspicuous, 
hardy, annual plants, with minute, white flow- 
ers and rosulate leaves, natives of western’ 
Europe and the Mediterranean region. 


Tel’anthera. From televis, complete, and an- 

thera, an anther. Nat. Ord. Amaranthacew. 
Kept up by Bentham and Hooker as a sep- 

arate genus, but cultivated. under the name 
of Alternanthera, which see. 

Telegraph Plant. A popular name for Desmo- 
dium gyrans. 

Tele’kia. Name not explained. ‘Nat. Ord. 

Composite. 

_ T. cordatum, the only species under cultiva- 
tion, is a fine, robust, herbaceous plant, with 
large, cordate leaves. The flower-heads are 
of a rich orange color, produced in -cymose 
panicles; it is a plant well adapted for a 
shrubbery border, as its bloom is long con- 


tinued, which, kha: its handsome foliage, con- | 
ds 


stitutes a handsome border plant. The ro- 
bust stems require no staking. Native of 
southern Europe; introduced in 1825. Prop- 
agation by seeds and division of root in 
spring. Syn. Buphthalmum. 

Tele’phium. Named by Linnewus after Tele- 
phus, a son of Hercules. A genus of Illece- 
bracee, inhabiting the Mediterranean region, 
and found.also at the Cape of Good Hope. Tf. 
Imperatri, the Tree Orpine, has been intro- 
duced, but is not worth cultivating. : 


Telfai/ria. Named after Charles Telfair, an Irish | 


botanist, who died in the Mauritius, 1833. 
Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacew. 

T. pedata, the best known species, is_a tall, 
climbing plant, a native of Zanzibar, intro- 
duced: in 1825, but rarely grown, the room 
and care required in the green-house being 
considered too valuable for a plant only re- 
markable for its curious fruit, which often 
grows three feet long, and six to eight inches 
in diameter, containing upward of two hun- 
dred and fifty circular seeds, about an inch in 
diameter. These seeds yield an excellent 

~ oil, and they are, moreover, as palatable as 
almonds. fT. occidentalis, introduced from 
West Africa in 1870, is said to be cultivated 
for its seeds, which the negroes boil and eat. 


Telliima. An anagram of Mitella, under which 
this genus was formerly included. Nat. Ord. 
Saxifragacee. 

A genus of hardy, erect, annual or peren- 
nial plants, natives of northwestern America, 
resembling the Heuchera. T. grandiflora has 
prettily colored and veined leaves, like Heu- 
chera Richardsoni, and spikes of small, yel- 
lowish, bell-like flowers. It is a good plant 
for the rock-garden, and is increased by cut- 
tings. 

Telo’pea. Waratah. From telopas, seen at a 
distance; alluding to the great distance at 
which its crimson-colored flowers may be seen 
in its native country. Nat. Ord. Proteacew. 

The brilliant, scarlet flowers of this plant, 
which are conspicuous even at a great dis- 
tance, are said to have been one cause why 
the coast of New South Wales was distin- 
guished by its first visitors as Botany Bay, in 
allusion to the great accession to botany 


TEM 


likely to be derived from a country where the 
plants appeared so different from those of 
Europe. The flower of the Waratah may be 
compared to a gigantic head of clover of the 
most intense and brilliant scarlet, but it is 
not common, probably because it is a very 
difficult plant to manage. The first point to 
be attended to is to have the pot in which it 
is grown thoroughly well drained, and the 
next, to allow it abundance of light and air. 
It is propagated by cuttings or suckers, which 
it throws up in abundance. It should be reg- 
ularly watered in the flowering season, but it 
may be kept almost dry during the winter 
months. 


Temperature. A temperature suited to the 
nature of the plant is one of the most impor-" 
tant conditions to the well-being of plants 
under cultivation, and the nearer we can come 
to the conditions of temperature and moisture 
of the native habitat of the plant the nearer 
we come to perfection in cultivation. -Thus 
we find that in our garden weeds, the Chick- 
weed (Stellaria media) is only troublesome in 
early spring and in the fall, whenthe average 
temperature is perhaps 50° or 60°, because it 
is a native of a country (Britain) where there 
is no higher average; while our too familiar 
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) only rears its 
head to injure, in the dog days, when the ther- 
mometer averages 70° or 80°, because it is an 
importation from the tropics. 

A large proportion of Lima Beans, Sweet 
Corn, and other tropical vegetable seeds, annu- 
ally perish by being sown two or three weeks 
too early by our impatient amateur horticul- 
turalists ; while, on the other hand, the colder 
blooded Parsnip or Carrot all but refuse to 
germinate, and often fail to grow in the hot 
summer weather, Seeds of Calceolarias, Cin- 
erarias, Primroses, Pansies, ete., which in 
England are sown and germinate freely in 
July, will in a majority of cases utterly fail if 
attempted at the.same date here, where we 
have 15° to 20° highertemperatureand a drier 
atmosphere. We hear of hundreds of failures 
of this kind every season, which are laid to 
the quality of the seeds by foreign garden- 
ers, who have not yet had experience with 
our American climate. The same seeds 
sown during the months of February, March, 
or April, or September, or October, would 
germinate without trouble, because the tem- 
perature and atmosphere then can be made 
inside congenial to their nature. 

The same necessity for congenial tempera- 
ture exists in.growing in matured plants, and 
one of the main causes of want of success in 
cultivating plants under glass iy a want of 
knowledge, or carelessness, in keeping a tem- 
perature unsuited to the growth of the plants. 
In ordinary green-house collections the fault 
is oftener in the temperature being kept too 
high than too low, for it is usually much easier, 
requiring far less watchfulness by the person 
in charge, to keep upa hightemperature. The 
injury done by, this is gradual, and will not, 
like the action of frost on the plants, show in 
the morning. In consequence of this, we often 
see the green-houses containing Camellias, 
Azaleas, Pelargoniums, Carnations, etc., swel- 
tering under a continued night temperature 
of 60° or 65°, when their nature demands 15° 
lower. In large establishments; where there 
are a number of green-houses, this is made an 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 440 


TEM 


easy matter by placing the proper number of 
four-inch pipes in a green-house to suit the 
different temperatures for example, in our 
own establishment, where our houses are uni- 
formly twenty feet wide, for a temperature of 
from 35° to 40° in coldest weather, we use four 
runs of pipes, that is, two pipes on each side; 
for 40° to 45° we use five pipes ; for 45° to 50° we 
use six pipes ; for 55° to 60° we use eight pipes ; 
and for 65° to 70° we use ten pipes. 

It is true, we too often see collections of 
hot-house and green-house plants inter- 
mingled, and attempts made to grow them 
which, of necessity, result in failure to one or 
the other. The temperature to grow, in 
healthy condition, Dracenas, Crotons, Coleus, 
Bouvardias or Poinsettias (hot-house plants), 
would not be likely to maintain Azaleas, Ca- 
mellias, Verbenas, Carnations or Geraniums 
long in a healthy state. The same rules fol- 
low as to the propagating-house, showing the 
necessity of observing the requirements of 
their different natures. See ‘‘Propagation of 
Plants by Cuttings.” 

The subject is one that relates to so many 
varieties and different conditions of organism 
at the different seasons of growth, that it is 
impossible to convey to the’ inexperienced 
what these varieties and conditions are; but 
our object is to impress upon inexperienced 
Treaders what we have long believed to be an 
important truth, that the supplying the 
proper conditions of temperature to plants 
under glass, according to their different na- 
tures and conditions, has as much to do with 
their welfare as any other cause, if not more; 
and that often, when ascribing the unhealthy 
state of a plant to uncongenial soil or defec- 
tive drainage, or the ‘‘ damping off” of some 
favorite cutting to the way it was cut or the 
sand it was put in, the true and sole cause of 
failure was nothing more than condemning 


them to an atmosphere uncongenial to their | 


nature. 


:‘Templeto’nia. Named in honor of John Temple- 
‘ton, an Irish botanist... Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 
A genus of New Holland plants, with red or 
yellow axillary flowers. T. retusa, the ‘Coral 
Bush,” and two or three other species are 
grown in green-houses for their showy flow- 
eee Increased by cuttings of the young 
wood. 


Te/naris. Said to be the native name in South 
Africa. Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacee. 

A small genus of erect, slender, green-house, 
perennial herbs, natives of southern Africa. 
T. rostrata, the only introduced species, has a 
whitish corolla, densely covered towards the 
base with purple dots. It forms a slender 
bush about one and a half feet high. Intro- 
duced from east tropical Africa in 1885. 

Tenéril. The twisting, thread-like process by 
which one plant clings to another. 

Teosinte. Huchlena wucurians. An introduc- 
tion from Mexico, the seeds of which were 
received here in 1879 from the Royal Gardens 
at Kew, England. It had been previously 
sent to the British colonies in Africa and 
other tropical latitudes, where the reports 
from it as a fodder crup were of the most ex- 
travagant kind. When fully developed, it 
reaches a height of twelve feet, each seed 
making a plant having from one hundred to 
one hundred and twenty shoots, when planted 


TES 


five or six feet apart. It somewhat resembles 
the Pearl Millet, and, like it, will admit of re- 
peated cuttings during the growing season. 
Although perennial, it will probably do better 
if treated as an annual, sowings to be made 
every season, as any plant of that luxuriance 
would quickly exhaust the soil if allowed to 
remain the second year. As it is closely al- 
lied to our Maize, or Indian Corn, it will 
likely be best suited for the Southern States. 
Syn. Reeana luxurians. 

Tephro’sia. Hoary Pea. From tephros, ash- 
colored; in allusion to the color of the foliage 
of some of the species. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

An extensive genus of hardy and green- 
house, herbaceous plants. Of the hardy spe- 
cies, JZ. Virginiana is the more common and 
beautiful. It is usually found in clumps from 
one to six feet in diameter,.growing on dry, 
sandy soils, in which it succeeds finely, and 
is a valuable border plant. Its flower stalks 
are about a foot high, and flowers creamy 
white and rosy purple, produced in terminal 
clusters in July. It is very common in the 
Northern States, and is far more showy and 
attractive than many of our prominent gar- 
den flowers. The tender varieties, requiring 
the protection of the green-house, are diffi- 
cult to manage, and do not repay the trouble 
by their short season of flowers. 

Terebinth Tree. A common name for Pistachia 
Terebinthus. + 

Teres, Terete. Tapering; free from angles; 

- cylindrical, or nearly so. 

Terminal. Borne at; or belonging to, the ex- 
tremity or summit. 

Termina’lia. Myrobalan Tree. Olive-bark Tree. 
From terminus, end; the leaves are in clusters 
at the ends of the branches. Nat. Ord. Com- 
bretacea. 

An extensive genus of tropical evergreens, 
found occasionally in botanical collections. 
The fruits of several of the species form an 
important article of commerce in India, being 
extensively used for tanning and dyeing pur- 
poses. They are known in commerce under 
the name of Myrobalans, and are used by 
ealico-printers for the production of a perma- 
nent black. 

Ternate. Growing in threes; applied to a leaf 
consisting of three leaflets. 

Ternstroe’mia. The typical genus of the Nat, 
Ord. Ternstromiucew, comprising about twen- 
ty-five species, inhabiting tropical Asia and 
America,-where they form evergreen shrubs 
or trees. The flowers are not very showy, 
but a few of the species are grown for their 
ornamental foliage. They can be propagated 
by cuttings of the half-ripened wood. 


Ternstrcemia’cez. A natural.order of trees or 
shrubs, chiefly tropical, and many of them of 
great beauty. The most important economic 
product*of this family is Tea (Thea Chinensis), 
by many botanists included under Camellia ag 
C. theifera, now so largely used all over the 
world. The order comprises about thirty 
genera’ and two hundred species; Gordonia,, 
Stuartia and Camellia are good examples. 


Tessellated. Checkered; when colors are dig 
‘posed in small squares. 


Testa, The skin, or integument of a seed. 


450. HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TES 


Testaceous. Brownish-yellow; resémbling un- 
glazed earthenware in color. 


Testudina’ria. Elephant’s Foot. From testudo, 
a tortoise; resemblance of the outside roots. 
Nat. Ord. Dioscoreacea. : 

A very singular genus of plants, with enor- 
mous scaly roots above ground, some of the 
species resembling an elephant’s foot, whence 
the common name. From these roots arise 
slender. climbing stems to the height of thirty 
or forty feet, with small, heart-shaped leaves, 
and axillary racemes of inconspicuous, green- 
ish-yellow flowers. The plants are natives of 
the Cape of Good Hope, and are rarely met 
in collections. 


Tetra, This term, used in Greek compounds, 
signifies four; as Tetraphyllous, four-leaved; 
Tetrapterous, four-winged, etc. 

Tetrago’nia. New Zealand Spinach. From 
tetra, four, and gonia, an angle; in allusion to. 
rae fruit being four-angled. Nat. Ord: Ficot- 


Plants not worth cultivating, except 7. ex 
pansa, which is grown as a substitute for 
Summer Spinach. See New Zealand Spinach. 


Tetragoni/acez. A natural order included un- 
der Ficoidee as a sub-order. 


Tetrane’ma. From tetra, four, and nema, a fila- 
ment; the genus is characterized by having 
four stamens. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

T. Mexicana, the Mexican Fox-glove, is a 
very pretty, dwarf, perenniakplant, blooming 
allsummer. The flowers are purplish-violet, 
variegated with a paler color. It has been in 
cultivation since 1843, and is readily increased 
by seeds or by divisions. 


Tetra’pterys. From tetra, four, and pteron, a 
wing ; the carpels are each four-winged. Nat. 
Ord. Malpighiacee. 

“A large genus of generally climbing, plant- 
stcve shrubs, natives of tropical . America. 
The flowers are yellow or reddish and borne 
in umbels or racemes, often panicled and gen- 
erally terminal. Several species have been 
introduced, but they are difficult to bloom in 
cultivation. 


Tetraquetrous. Having four very sharp and 
almost winged corners or angles. 


Tetrastichous. Having a four-cornered spike. 
Tetrathe’ca. From tetra four. and theke, a cell; 


the anthers are sometimes four-celled. Nat. | 


Ord. Tremandracee. 


A genus of nearly twenty. species of very’ 


pretty, small, green-house plants, natives of 
Australia. They resemble Heaths in general 
appearance and require the same treatment. 
Propagation: is effected by cuttings of the 
young wood when partially firm. J. verticil- 
lata is now called Platytheca galioides. 
Teu'crium. Germander, Wood Sage. Named 


after Teucer, a Trojan prince, who first used it 
medicinally. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 


Hardy, half-hardy and tender perennial, bi- ' 


ennial, annual and shrubby plants, the smaller 
kinds.of which are suitable for rock-work. 
Some of the kinds are showy border flowers, 
and others handsome, green-house shrubs, par- 
ticulaily those that are natives of Madeira. 
T. Betonicum is, perhaps, one of the best of 
these, as it has loose spikes of fragrant crim- 
son flowers. 7. Canadense, American Ger- 
mander, is common in low grounds, along 


Texan Pride. 


Thalamus, 


Thali’ctrum. Meadow Rue. 


THA 


fence-rows or waste places. It is a species 
that will become troublesome if not: extermi- 
nated. It is not worthy a place in the 
garden. 


| Teysma’nnia. Named in honor of J. #. Teys-~ 


mann, director of the botanic. garden at Buit- 
enzorg;Java, by whom T. albifrons, the sole 
representative of the genus, was discovered. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacew. : 

As a genus itis closely allied to Corypha, 
from which it differs mainly in habit, its. 
leaves bearing more resemblance in shape to 
those of the Musa than to either of the ordi- 
nary forms of Palm leaves. The inhabitants 
_of Sumatra call this Palm the Beluwan or Bel- 
awan; and use its leaves for thatching their 
houses, for which, from their large size and 
entire form, they are-admirably adapted. 


A local name for Phlox Drum- 
mondii. 

The receptacle in a flower; the 
part on which the carpels are placed. 


Tha'lia. Named in honor of J. Thalius, a Ger- 


man physician. Nat. Ord. Scitaminee. 

A small genus of aquatic plants, natives of 
South Carolina and the West Indies. T. deal- 
bata is one of the most stately of all hardy 
aquatics, quite different from the Cannas, to 
which, however, itis closely related. Itisa 
native of South Carolina, and its glaucous 
foliage, and elegant panicles of purple flowers, 
render it a most desirable plant for. the cool 
aquarium with the various Nympheas, Cannas, 
Cyperus, Papyrus and other water plants. 


From thallo, to 
grow green; in allusion to the color of the 
young shoots. Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae. 

A genus of hardy, herbaceous plants, com- 
mon throughout the United States and Europe. 
None of our native species have been much 
introduced into the flower garden, although 
many ofthem are worthy ofaplacethere. T.. 
‘alpinum isa dwarf species with white or yellow 
flowers, and makes a pretty plant for rock- 
-work, There are several of the species that 
are grown for the same purpose. T. aquilegi- 
folium, a native-of Austria, is a very pretty 
border plant, with light purple flowers. It is 
propagated by division or from seeds. 7. 
adiantifolium and T. minus are most desirable 
species, forming compact tufts from twelve to 
eighteen ‘inches high, very symmetrical and 
of a slightly glaucous hue. They may be 
grown altogether for their leaves, which are 
pretty enough to pass, when mingled with 
cut flowers, for some of the finer ‘species 
of Maiden-hair Ferns; they are, moreover, 
stiffer and more lasting than Fern fronds. 
For this purpose, the flower stems, which 
appear-in May and June, should be pinched 
off to encourage the growth of the leaves. 
T. tuberosum grows about nine inches high. In 
addition to its graceful foliage it has an addi- 
tional beauty in the abundant mass of yellow- 
ish; cream-colored flawers which it produces. 
T. anemonoides is the Rue Anemone, one of the 
most charming, as well as one of the earliest 
of our native spring flowers. 


Thallogens, A name applied by Lindley and 


others to comprise those cryptogams which 
are extremely simple in their structure, and 
exhibit nothing. like the green leaves of the 
pheenogams. They include the two vast tribes 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE 


451 


THA 


of Algew and Fungi, of which latter the Lichens 
are a sub-division. 


Tha’ilus. A fusion of root, stem and leaves 
into one general mass; the cellular mass of 
‘which the lower cryptogamous plants are en- 
tirely composed. 


Thamno'pteris. Derivation of name not given. 
Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

A small genus of bold, evergreen Ferns, 
with simple fronds, having the general appear- 
ance of Asplenium. The typical species is 
often called Bird’s-nest Fern, and has been 
severally classed as Asplenium nidus and 
Neottopteris vulgaris. The species are indige- 
nous to the East Indies, the Pacific Islands 
and to Australia. 


Tha’psia. So called from the Island of Thapsos. 
Nat. Ord. Umbeilifere. 

A small genus of perennial herbs, natives of 
the Mediterranean region and Madeira. The 
only species of interest is 2. garganica, the 
Drias-plant, celebrated among the Moors for 
its healing qualities. The roots of J. edulis 
are eaten in Madeira. Syn. Monizia. 


Thatch Palms. A native name for various spe- 
‘cies of Sabal, Euterpe, Thrinaz, etc. 
Thea. Tea. From Tcha, the Chinese name for 
Tea. Nat. Ord. Ternstromiacee. 
Thea and Camellia belong to the same natu- 
ral order, and there is so little difference 
between the two, botanically, that they were 
formerly classed as one. Besides the well- 
known Tea plant, there are but five species, 
all natives of India, China and Japan. They 
are all evergreens, either shrubs or small 
trees, with thick, shining leaves and white or 
rose-colored flowers. We are indebted to the 
“«Treasury of Botany” for the following con- 
cise history of this plant: ‘‘The native coun- 
try of the Tea plant, like that of many others 
which have long been cultivated by man, is 
uncertain. Hitherto the only country in 
which it has been found in a really wild state 
is Upper Assam; but China, where it has for 
so many centuries been most extensively cul- 
tivated, has not yet received so thorough an 
exploration by botanical travelers as to war- 
rant the assertion that it is not indigenous to 
any part of that vast empire. <A Japanese 
tradition, however, which ascribes its intro- 
duction into China to an Indian Buddhist 
priest, who visited that country in the sixth 
century, favors the supposition of its Indian 
origin. It was at one time commonly sup- 
posed that the two well-marked sorts of Tea, 
Black and Green, were the produce of distinct 
species; but Mr. Fortune has proved that the 
Chinese manufacture the different kinds. indis- 
criminately from the same plant; and botan- 
ists are now pretty generally agreed that the 
two supposed Chinese species, called T. Bohea 
and T. viridis, are nothing more than varieties 
of one and the same species, for which the 
Linnean name, 7. Chinensis, is adopted, and 
of which the Assam Tea plant (sometimes 
called T. Assamica) is merely a third variety, 
or perhaps, indeed, the wild type. Botanists 
have again relegated them to Camellia, under 
the name of C. theifera. Though the produce 
of the same variety of the Tea plant, the 
Black and Green Teas prepared for exporta- 
tion are mainly the growth of different dis- 
‘tricts of China, the Black Tea district being 
situated in the provinces of Fokien and 


THE 


Kiangsi, and the Green in Chekiang and Ngan- 
whi; but the two kinds may be produced in 
either district, the difference being caused 
solely by the diverse methods of preparation. 
For the manufacture of Black Tea, the freshly- 
gathered leaves, freed from extraneous moist- 
ure by ashort exposure in the open air, are 
thrown, in small quantities at a time, into 
round, flat iron pans, and exposed to gentle 
fire-heat for about five minutes, which ren- 
ders them soft and pliant, and causes them 
to give off a large quantity of moisture. After 
this they are emptied out into bamboo sieves, 
and while still hot, repeatedly squeezed and 
rolled in the hands to give them their twist 
orcurl. They are next shaken out into large 
screens and placed in the open air in the shade 
for two or three days; and finally exposed in 
iron pans to a slow and steady fire-heat until 
completely dried, care being taken to keep 
them in constant motion to prevent burning. 
The chief difference in the manufacture of 
genuine Green Tea consists in the leaves 
being so long exposed to the air after rolling 
that fermentation does not take place, and in 
not being subjected to such a high tempera- 
ture in the final drying; but the greater part, 
if not the whole, of the Green Tea consumed 
in Europe and America is colored artificially 
by the Chinese to suit foreign trade. The 
Chinese distinguish a great number of varie- 
ties of Tea, some of which sell for $12.50 per 
pound; but these fine kinds will not bear a 
sea voyage, and are used only by the wealth- 
ier classes in China and Russia, to which 
country they are carried overland. In ordi- 
nary commerce four kinds of Black and six of 
Green Tea are recognized; but the difference 
between them consists chiefly in size, the sev- 
eral kinds being obtained by sifting.” The 
se Department at Washington has 

istributed hundreds of thousands of Tea 
Rowe in different sections of the Southern 

tates and experimentsat this date of writing 
are still under way, with little hope of its 
introduction being of any advantage to the 
economic industry of the country. 


Theca. A spore case; a sac, tube, shell, or any 
kind of case containing spores. : 
Theobro’ma. Chocolate Tree. Linneus named 
this tree from Theos, a god, and broma, food; 
poetically, food for the gods. Chocolate is the 
Mexican name of the beverage made from the 
pounded seeds. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacea. 
T.Cacao,the important species of this genus, 
isa native of the West Indies and Central 
and South America. It is @ beautiful tree, 
growing from twelve to sixteen feet high; the 
leaves are lanceolate, oblong, bright green; 
the flowers are small, reddish and quite in- 
odorous. The fruit is smooth, of a yellow or 
red tinge, from six to ten inches in length, 
and about three inches in diameter; the rind 
is fleshy, about half-an inch in thickness; 
within the flesh is a white substance of the 
consistence of butter, separating from the 
rind when ripe, and adhering only to it by fila- 
ments, which penetrate it ana reach to the 
seeds. Hence it isknown when the seeds are 
ripe by the rattling of the capsule when shaken. 
The pulp has a sweet and not unpleasant taste, 
with aslight acidity. It is sucked and eaten 
raw by the natives. The seeds are about 
seventy-five in number. When fresh they are 
of a flesh-color; gathered before being quita 


452 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


THE 


ripe, they make a delicious preserve. The 
tree bears leaves, flowers and fruit all the 
year through; but the principal seasons for 
gathering the fruit are June and December. 
When ripe, the fruit turns yellow outside and 
is then gathered by hand and afterward split 
open and the seeds removed. They are then 
made to undergo aslight amount of fermen- 
tation, or sweating, lasting from one to two 
days, for the purpose of developing their color, 
and are afterwards exposed to the sun daily 
for about two weeks, or until they are thor- 
oushly dry, when they are packed for exporta- 
ion. 


Theophra’sta. Named after Theophrastus, the 
father of Natural history. Nat. Ord. Myrsin- 
acee. 

-A small genus of tropical shrubs. with un- 
branched stems, bearing on the top tufts of 
holly-like leaves, from the axils of some of 


which the racemes of flowers are produced.. 


Several of the species are in cultivation in the 
green-house and are highly esteemed for their 
beautiful foliage. One of the species, 7. Jus- 
sei, a native of San Domingo, yields a seed 
from which the natives make a kind of bread. 
Young plants are obtained from seeds or from 
cuttings. Introduced in 1818. The showy 
foliaged species, T. imperialis, is now placed 
under Chrysophyllum, which see. 
Thermo’psis, From Thermos, a Lupin, and 
opsis, resemblance; the species are not un- 
like Lupines. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A genus of North Asiatic and American 
hardy, perennial plants, with palmate, downy 
leaves, and yellow flowers in terminal clus- 
ters. J. montana, a native species, and T. 
lanceolata, from Siberia, are both in cultiva- 
tion. They are increased most readily by 
seeds. 


Thespe'sia. From thespesios, divine. T. po- 
pulnea is frequently planted about churches 
in the tropics. Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 

A small genus of tall herbs or trees found 
in Madagascar, the West Indies, South Amer- 
ica and the PacificIslands. T. populnea, the 
best known species, a common tree on the 
sea-shores of most eastern tropical countries, 
forms a tree forty or fifty feet high, with a 
dense head of foliage, on account of which it 
is called the Umbrella Tree in some coun- 
tries, and is often planted for the sake of its 
shade and for forming avenues. Its leaves 
are large and pointed, and its very showy 
flowers are yellow in color, changing to pur- 
ple. The wood is considered almost inde- 
structible under water, and is therefore used 
largely for bvat-building, its durability also 
rendering it valuable for cabinet-making and 
building purposes. 

Theve'tia. Named after Andr. Thevet, a French 
monk, who travelled in Brazil and Guiana. 
Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

A small genus of shrubs or small trees, 
found from Paraguay to Mexico. The flow- 
ers are yellow, borne in large, terminal cymes. 
Three species are in cultivation, but are found 
only in large collections. They are propa- 
gated by cuttings. Syn. Cerbera. 


Thibau'dia. Named in honor of Thiebaut de 


Berneaud, Secretary of the Linnean Society 
of Paris, and a botanical writer. Nat. Ord. 
Vacciniacee. = 


Thistle on Thistle. 
Thladia/‘ntha, From thladias, compressed, and 


Thoma’sia. 


Thomas’s (St.) Tree. 


Thomso’nia. 


THO 


A beautiful genus of evergreen shrubs, in- 
habiting Peru and New Grenada, a few spe- 
cies being also found in the East Indies. 
They have thick, leathery leaves, and axillary 
racemes of very handsome, tubular flowers, 
mostly scarlet, sometimes tipped with green 
or yellow. But few of the species are under 
cultivation. 


Thimble-berry. See Rubus occidentalis. 
Thin Grass. Agrostis perennis. 
Thistle. A common name for the species of 


Carduus, Cnicus, and other plants. 

Blessed or Holy. Carduus benedictus and Sily- 
bum Marianum. 

Canada or Cursed. Cirsium arvense. 


Cotton. Onopordon Acanthium. 
Fish-bone or Herring-bone. Chamepeuce Ca- 
sabone. 


Fuller's. Dipsacus Fullonum. 

Globe. Echinops spherocephalus. 

Golden. Scolymus Hispanicus. 

Hedgehog. The genus Echinocactus. 

Melon. The genus Melocactus. 

Milk or Our Lady’s. Silybum (Carduus) Mari- 
anum. 

Musk. Carduus nutans. 

Saffron. Carthamnus tinctorius. 

Scotch. See Scotch Thistle. 

Sow. Sonchus oleraceus. 

Star. Centaurea Calcitrapa. 

Torch. The genus Cereus. 

Yellow. Aryemone Mexicana. 


Onopordon Aéanthium. 


anthe, a flower; owing, it is said, to the plant 
being first described from a pressed specimen. 
Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

T. dubia, introduced from China in 1864, is a 
handsome perennial with long, climhing:stems, 
bearing a profusion of bright yellow flowers, 
together with heart-shaped leaves of an agree- 
able, lively green color. It may be effectually 
employed for covering arbors, trellises, etc. 


Thia'spi. From thlas, to bruise, the seeds being 


bruised as acondiment. Nat. Ord. Cruciferae. 

T. latifolium is a dwarf but vigorous peren- 
nial, with large root-leaves and flowers some- 
what like Arabis albida, but larger. It is suit- 
able for the front row of the herbaceous border, 
or for the rock garden, and is increased by 
division or by seed. None of the other species 
are worth cultivating. 


Named in memory of Peter and 
Abraham Thomas, collectors of Swiss plants 
in the time of Haller. Nat. Ord. Sterculiacea. 

A genus of beautiful green-house shrubs, 
natives of the southwestern districts of Aus- 
tralia, having purpie, bluish or white flowers, 
and often lobed or cut leaves. The genus 
comprises over twenty species, of which five 
or six are valued as elegant green-house plants, 
and have very much the general appearance 
of some species of Solanum. 


Bauhinia variegata and 
B. tomentosa. 


Named in honor of Dr. A. T. 
Thompson, author of ‘An Introduction to 
Botany.” Nat. Ord. Aroideew. 

A genus of two species of ornamental stove- 
house plants, natives of the Himalayas and 
Khasya Mountains. The leaves are very much 
divided, and the stems are irregularly spotted. 


TODEA SUPERBA. 


* 


‘TEOSINTE (EUCHLENA). TIGRIDIA GRANDIFLORA ALBA, 


TOMATO (DWARF). 


Maus 

hee 

RK 
: 


i! 


SUN 
hi 


We 
ny 


THUYA OCCIDENTALIS (SIBERIAN ARBOR VIT£). 


TORENIA ASIATICA. 


TRADESCANTIA VITTATA, TORENIA FOUBNERL 453 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 453 


THO 


and mottled with brown. They require the 
same culture as the Caladium. Syn. Pytho- 
nium. 
Thorn. A common name for various species 
of Acacia, Crategus, etc. 
grhorn. American Black or Pear. Crataegus 
tomentosa. 


Christ’s. Patiurus aculeatus and Ziziphus Spina- 


Christi. 
* Garland. Paliurus aculeatus. 
Goat’s. Astragalus Tragacantha, 
Jerusalem. Parkinsonia aculeata. 
Sea Buck, or Willow. Hippophe rhamnoides. 
Wait-a-bit. Uncaria procumbens. 
Thorn Apple. See Datura. 
Thorough-wax. Buplerum rotundifolium. 
Thorough-wort. Hupatorium perfoliatum. 
Thoui’nia. Named in honor of André Thouin, 
Professor of Agriculture, at Paris, 1747-1824. 
Nat. Ord. Sapindacee. 


A genus of shrubby plants, sometimes climb- | 


ing, natives of tropical America. J. pinnata, 
the only species introduced, is cultivated in 
the stove-house, and is an erect-growing 
plant with white flowers, disposed in terminal 
panicles. It is increased by cuttings of the 
ripened wood, and was introduced from St. 
Domingo in 1823. 


Three-leaved Night-shade. The genus Tril- 
lium. / 

Three-seeded Mercury. Acalypha Virginica. 

Three-thorned Acacia. The Honey Locust. 
Gleditschia triacanthos. 

Thrift. See Armeria vulgaris. 

Thri/nax. From thrinaz,afan; the shape of the 
leaves. Nat. Ord. Palmacece. 

A genus of very beautiful West Indian Palms, 
commonly called, in Jamaica, Thatch Palms, 
from their leaves being used for thatching. 
One of the species, 7. argentea, the Silver 
Thatch Palm, furnishes the leaves which, cut 

. before they expand, are used in the manufact- 
ure of Palm-leaf hats or chip hats. This isa 
beautiful and ornamental species, and is a 
great favorite in all collections of green-hause 
Palms. TT. Barbadensis, T. radiata (syn. T. 
elegans), T. elegantissima and .T. graminea, are 


all elegant, neat-growing Fan Palms, and of | 


easy management. They were first introduced 
in 1800, and are increased by imported seeds. 


Throat-wort. See Trachelium. Applied also to 


Campanula Cervicaria and Digitalis purpurea. 


Thuja. The adopted spelling now is Thuya, 
which see. 


Thunbe’rgia. Named in honor of Charles P. 
Thunberg, a celebrated botanist and traveler. 
Nat. Ord. Acanthacee. 

A genus of very handsome, climbing plants. 
Some of the species, such as T. alata, T. alba, 
T. aurantiaca, and the varieties of the same, 
may be treated as half-hardy annuals. They 
usually seed freely ; the seed should be sown 
in March in heat, bringing the young plants 
forward in the same temperature till May, 
when they may either be transferred to the 
borders of the flower-garden to be trained 
against a wall, or suffered to creep over rock- 
work, or they may be placed in large pots 
having a trellis attached, where they form 
very ornamental subjects for the green-house 
through the summer. The remaining species, 


THU 


as they do not produce seed in any quantity, 
require to be grown in the green-house. 
They should be frequently syringed to keep 
down attacks of red spider. At the end of 
the growing season they should be pruned 
closely back and kept dormant through the 
winter. The green-house species, T. chrysops, 
however, does better when allowed to grow 
on without pruning, nor should it be re-potted 
more than once a year, or it will not flower. 
The pure white, 7. fragrans, is a free-growing 
green-house species, and its flowers are last- 
ing and very sweet. T. laurifolia (syn. T. Har- 
risii), with fiowers tubular in form and two 
inches in length, of a bright porcelain blue, 
with yellow throat, is one of the best green- 
house climbers we have. It is a rapid grower 
and blooms in profusion from November to 
May, its rare blue color making it one of the 
most attractive green-house, climbing plants. 
The beautiful, climbing, green-house plant, 
known in cultivation as Hexacentris Mysorensis, 
is by some botanists placed under this genus. 
Meyenia erecta, introduced from western Africa 
in 1857, has also been placed here, though both 
are better known in cultivation by the names 
given above, and under which we have de- 
scribed them in this work. 


Thu’nia. Derivation of name not given. Nat. 


Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A small genusof Orchids from tropical Asia, 
formerly referred to Phajus, from which genus 
they are, however, readily distinguished by 
their growth, and by several other differences of 
abotanical character. T. alba is one of the best 
known species; the stems of this plant are 
round and usually about two feet high, clothed 
with leaves from the base upwards. The 
flowers are produced on a short, terminal 
raceme just as growth is finished; the sepal 
and petals are pure white; lip white, beauti- 
fully pencilled along the centre with purple 
and lilac. The species require to be grown in 
considerable heat and treated liberally with 
water. They do better when grown in pots 
than on blocks. 


Thu’'ya. Arbor Vite. From thyon, a sacrifice; 


the rosin of the Eastern variety is used instead 
of incense at sacrifices. Nat. Ord. Conifer. 
This well-known genus of evergreens in- 
cludes some of the most beautiful and useful 
evergreen shrubs we have in cultivation, not 
only for single plants for the lawn, but for 
hedges, either high or low, for'which they are 
most admirably adapted. The common Arbor. 
Vite, T. occidentalis, is the parent of most of 
the varieties grown for ornamental purposes. 
It is common from New York to Maine, in 
moist or swampy lands. In some localities it 
makes a tree of considerable size, valuable for 
the timber it yields, known as White Cedar. 
Of this species there is a beautiful sport, of 
globular form, with golden, green foliage, 
known as Parson’s Arbor Vite, It is of slow 
growth, broad and compact, and suitable for 
cemeteries or any situation where a beautiful 
evergreen is wanted. Hovey’s Arbor Vite is 
a seedling from the common Arbor Vite. Its 
dwarf, compact habit of growth makes it a 
splendid plant for growing in tubs for winter 
decoration. There are other varieties, with 
golden foliage, which are very beautiful. The 
Siberian Arbor Vite is one of the best for 
hedges or lawns. It is perfectly hardy, has a 
deeper color, is more compact, and in most. 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


THU 


respects is more desirable than the common 
sort. Where, when, or how this species or 
variety originated is unknown to the best au- 
thority we have on evergreens, Josiah Hoopes, 
-who claims it to be a variety of T. occidentalis. 
‘That it did not come from Siberia, as its name 
‘would indicate, is certain. There are several 
from the Pacific coast and from China. 

orientalis (syn. Biota), known as the Chinese 
Arbor Vite, is peculiar from its flattened 
branches. Thirty yearsago, when fat bouquets 
were in fashion, this was used almost exclu- 
sively as a.“‘back” or ‘‘frame ” for the flowers, 
and is yet insome parts ofthe country used for 
that purpose. There are a number of seedling 


varicties, differing considerably in habit, form | 


and shades of color of foliage, all desirable 
and well adapted for ornamental purposes. 

'Thuyo’psis. From. thuya and opsis, a resem- 
plance; referring to the affinity of the genus. 
‘Nat. Ord. Conifere. : 

T. dolobrata, the only species, a beautiful, 
tall, evergreen tree, with vigorous, horizontal 
branches, pendulous at the extremities, was 
introduced from Japan about 1860. Its varie- 
gated variety is very. attractive ; the branchlets 
being flat and silvery beneath, make it look 
like a Lycopodium. YT. borealis is now placed 
under Cupressus as C. Nutkensis, the Nookka 
Sound Cupressus. 


Thyme. See Thymus. 


Thymeleacez, A natural order of shrubs or 
small trees, remarkable for the great tenacity 
of their inner bark. There are about forty 
genera and over three hundred species, a few 
of them found in the northern hemisphere, 
rather more common within the tropics, but 
most abundant in South Africa and Australia. 
The order includes these well-known genera: 
Daphne, Pimelia, Gnidia, Lagetta and Struthiola. 

Thymophy'lla aurea. A neat little. annual 
composite from Colorado, of dwarf habit, 
forming a branching tuft about nine inches 
in diametér and four inches high. The flow- 
ers are in terminal heads, about half an inch 
across, resembling a single Marigold with a 
bright yellow ray and disk. It is of easy 
culture and prefers a rather dry soil. Syn. 
Lowellia aurea. 

Thymus. Thyme. From thumos, courage, 
strength, the smell of Thyme being reviv- 
ing, or from thuo, to perfume; being formerly 
used for incense in the temples. Nat. Ord. 
Labiate. 

T. vulgaris, the Common or Garden Thyme, 
a native of Spain and Italy, is recorded to 
have been introduced to Britain in 1548. Its 
uses are well known. In the south of France 
an essential oil distilled from it is exported 
and sold as Marjoram-oil, for which it is sub- 
stituted. The Romans were well acquainted 
with Thyme, which was one of the plants: 
recommended to be grown for the sake of 
bees. There are probably a hundred acres of 
Thyme grown in the vicinity of New York, and 
dried for flavoring purposes. The broad-leaved, 
spreading variety is the kind used, the upright 


being useless for this purpose. The seed is | 


thickly sown as soon as the ground gets warm 


in spring, and the plants are transplanted in . 


July, in rows one foot apart, with nine inches 
between the plants. The crop matures by 
October of the year it is planted. It is com- 
mon throughout Europe, and has to some 


TIG 


extent become naturalized'in this country. 
The Lemon-scented Thyme is a hardy, dwarf. 
trailing evergreen, possessing the most agree- 
able perfume of any of the species. It is a 
variety of T. serpyllum, known as 7. citrio-, 
dorus, and is very distinct in appcarance from 
the wild form. The branches root at the 
joints as they trail along the ground. It is 
used for the same purposes as the other spe- 
cies, and is found to attain its greatest per- 
fection when grown in dry, sandy soil. Its 
gold and silver variegated-leaved varieties 
are much used in ribbon bordering, and are 
admirable plants for hanging baskets and 
rustic stands. 


Thyrsaca/nthus. Thyrse-Flower. From thyr- 
sos, a thyrse, and Acanthus. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
thacew. 

A fine genus of hot-house plants, containing 
a number of shrubs or herbs, natives of tropi- 
cal America. They have large leaves, and red 
fascicled or cymose flowers, in a long, termi- 
nalraceme. TY. Schomburgkianus, much better 
known in cultivation as T. rutilans, intro- 
duced from New Grenada in 1855, is one of 
the finest, and is highly prized for its long 
racemes of carmine-scarlet flowers. T. calli- 
stachys (syn. Justicia lilacina), T. nitidus (syn. 
Justicia nitida) and T. strictus (Justicia longi- 
racemosa of gardens) are all desirable and 
beautiful green-house species. They require 
the same treatment as Justicia. 

Thyrse, Thyrsiform. A kind of dense panicle 
like that of the Lilac. 


Thyrse Flower. See Thyraacanthus. 


Thyrso’pteris. From thyrsos, a bunch or ra- 
ceme, and pieris, a Fern; alluding to the con- 
tracted, fertile portion of the fronds. Nat. 
Ord. Polypodiacee. 

T. elegans, the only species, is a very hand- 
some Fern, not unlike a robust-growing Daval- 
lia. The fronds grow from four to six feet 
long, one-third of which is naked, and are of 
a brilliant green color. They are remarkable 
for producing on the same frond, distinct, 
contracted, fertile and leafy barren portions. 
It was introduced from Juan Fernandez in 
1854, and requires the same treatment as the 
Davallia. 


‘Thysano’tus. From thysanotos, fringed; the 
three inner sepals being fringed. Nat. Ord. 
Liliaceae. 

Asmall genus of green-house, herbaceous 
perennials from New South Wales, producing 
singular, purple, Iris-shaped flowers on slen- 
der scapes about afoot high. They are not 
much cultivated. Introduced in 1823. 


Yiare/lla. From tiara, a Persian diadem; allud- 
’ ing to the shape of the capsules. Nat. Ord. 
Sazifragacee. 

A small genus of hardy, perennial plants, 
natives chiefly of the United States, one, how- 
ever, being found in the Himalayas. T cordi- 
folia, False Mitre-wort, the most common 
species, resembles Mitella in general appear- 
ance and is well suited for the rock-work or 
herbaceous border. 


Tick Seed. The genus Coreopsis. 

Tick Trefoil. See Desmodium. 

Tiger Flower or Tiger Iris. See Tigridia. 
Tiger Lily. Lilium tigrinum. 

Ti/glium, A genus now included under Croton. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 455 


TIC 


Tico'rea. The name of 7. fetida in Guiana. 
Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

A small genus of trees or shrubs, natives of 
Brazil and Guiana. T. fetida and T. jasmini- 
flora, both bearing white, rathershowy flowers, 
have been introduced, but are seldom found 
in cultivation. 


Tigri/dia. Tiger flower. From tigris, a tiger, 
and eidos, like; in reference to the spotted 
flowers. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A small genus of very beautiful Mexican 
bulbs, introduced in 1796. The flowers are 
indeed remarkable; and though they are of 
very short duration, lasting only about half 
the day, they are produced in such abundance 
in succession as to make their culture desir- 
able and interesting. One plant will continue 
flowering for two or three months in succes- 
sion, and during the whole of that time will 
make a splendid display in the garden. Of 
the several species or varieties introduced 
into cultivation there are but two that succeed 
really well, and they rarely, if ever, fail of 
producing an abundance of flowers; these are 
Tf. conchiflora, with yellow flowers, and T. pav- 
onia, with bright, dark orange-red flowers. 
T. p. grandiflora, a variety of the preced- 
ing, has larger flowers of the same color. 
Each of these is spotted, characteristic of the 
order. T. p. grandiflora alba has large flowers 
of a pearl-white color, marked at the base of 
each divison with large, reddish-brown or 
chestnut-colored spots, on a yellow ground, 
forming a fine contrast with the white petals. 
They grow freely with ordinary garden cul- 
ture, preferring a light, rich and moist soil, 
and will not succeed in a very dry situation. 
These bulbs flower during the rainy season in 
Mexico, and they consequently require con- 
siderable water when under cultivation. The 
bulbs require to be taken up soon after the 
first frost, tied up in bunches of convenient 
size, without cutting off the stems, and hung 
up in any dry room free from frost, where 
they can remain until the time for re-planting. 
A place must be selected where they cannot 
be reached by mice, which are very destruc- 
tive to the bulbs. 


Tile-root. See Geissorhiza. 


Tilia. Basswood, Linden. The old Latin name 
used by Virgil and Pliny. In Dutch it is called 
Linden, in Anglo-Saxon, Lind, and in English, 
Lime Tree. Nat. Ord. Tiliaceaw. 

A genus of tall-growing, deciduous trees, 
common throughout this country and Europe. 
The European Linden. 7. Europea, has larger 
leaves than our native species, and is the one 
that is usually planted as an ornamental tree. 
T. Americana grows to a great size in this 
country, and furnishes a large amount of 
lumber, used chiefly in cabinet work. It is 
soft, of a reddish tinge, and unfit for work 
requiring strength, or where it is exposed to 
the weather. This is the species so exten- 
sively used as a street tree at Washington, 
D. O., where it luxuriates. IT. heterophylla 
has larger leaves than the preceding ; they are 
smooth and bright green above, and silvery 
white underneath. It does not grow to so 
great a size, but the lumber is far more valu- 
able, being almost pure white, and works 
more easily and smoother. The two species 
are designated as Red and White Basswood. 
The inner bark of the Linden is popularly 


TIM 


known as Bass, and was formerly much used 
for tying, but is now almost entirely super- 
seded by Raja, which see. 


Tilia’cez. A natural order of trees 9r shrubs, 


closely allied to Malvacew and Sterculiacee, 
from which it is chiefly distinguished by the 
stamens. The species are numerous, espe- 
cially within the tropics, though found dis- 
persed over both the northern and southern 
temperate regions. Several of the species 
furnish good cord. Jute is manufactured 
from the bark of Corchorus capsularis, and the 
Tilia Europea, or Linden, furnishes the Rus- 
sian or Archangel mats. 


Tilla‘ndsia. Long Moss, Black Moss, Gray 


Moss and Florida Moss. Named in honor of 
Elias Tillands, Professor of Medicine at Abo, 
Sweden. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacee. 

An interesting genus of epiphytal plants, 
natives of the United States from the Caro- 
linas and southward, the West Indies and 
South America. They generally grow upon 
trees in dense forests. ‘Some of these 
plants serve as reservoirs for water, which 
flows down the channeled leaves; these are 
dilated at the base, so as to form a bottle-like 
cavity capable of holding a pint or more. 
Travelers tap these vegetable pitchers for the 
sake of the grateful fluid they contain. Tf. 
utriculata, a native of Jamaica, and many 
others, have this desirable property of stor- 
ing up water. Dr. Gardner, in his ‘ Travels 
in Brazil,’ relates that a certain species of 
Utricularia grows only in the water collected 
in the bottom of the leaves of a large Tilland- 
sia. The aquatic plant throws out runners, 
which direct themselves to the nearest Til- 
landsia, and there form new plants; and in 
this way no less than six Tillandsias may 
sometimes be seen connected together.” ALL 
the species delight in abundant sunlight, a 
high temperature, and plenty of water during 
summer. In winter they should only get 
enough water to keep the soil moist. They 
are exceedingly beautiful when in flower, 7. 
carinata, T. Morreni, T. psittacina, T. splendens 
and Tf. Lindeni being perhaps the most richly 
colored of the genus. A number of species 
belonging to Gazmannia, Allartia, Bonapartea, 
Platystachya, Pitcairnia, Vriesia, etc., are now 
included by Hooker and Bentham under this 
genus, which contains over one hundred and 
twenty species. Florida Moss is T. usneoides, 
and grows as far north as the Dismal Swamp 
in Virginia. It is collected in great quanti- 
ties, steeped in water, or buried in the earth, 
until the outer surface is rotted off, when it 
leaves a dark, coarse, tough fibre, not unlike 
horse-hair, which is used for stuffing cush- 
ions, mattresses, and various forms of uphol- 
stery. This moss, as gathered, is used to 
ornament frames or rustic work in drawing- 
rooms, and for these and other ornamental 
purposes large quantities of it are sent anru- 
ally to all our large cities. In moist rooms, 
like a conservatory, it will grow very well 
when thrown loosely over a frame, or sus- 
pended in any other way. It is a singular 
circumstance that two such widely different- 
appearing plants as the ‘ Florida Moss” and 
the delicious Pineapple should belong to the 
same natural order. 


Timothy. Herd’s Grass, Phleum pratense, which 


see. 


456 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TIN 


fina’/ntia. Named after Tinant, a Belgian bot- : 


anist. Nat. Ord. Commelinacea. 

A small genus of herbaceous plants of a 
somewhat shrubby habit, natives of Central 
America. T. fugaz erecta is a half-hardy per- 
ennial, closely allied to Tradescantia, It 
‘grows well in any garden soil and is most 
easily increased by seeds. It is found in cul- 
tivation under the names of Tradescantia 
erecta, T. latifolia and T. undata. 


Tinnea Named if honor of Malle. Tinne, a 
traveler in Egypt. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A small genus of woolly, herbaceous plants 
or small shrubs, natives of tropical Africa. 
T. Aithopica, the only introduced species, is a 
hoary, dwarf shrub, bearing fragrant, maroon- 
purple flowers very freely in short peduncles. 
It was introduced in 1867 and is readily in- 
ereased by cuttings. 


Tipula'ria. Crane-Fly Orchis. Named from a 
fancied resemblance of the flowers to insects 
of the genus Tipula. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A low-growing Orchid, rarely found, a native 
of the Northern States from’ Massachusetts 
to Michigan. The flower scape is from twelve 
to eighteen inches high, and bears numerous 
small, greenish flowers tinged with purple. 


Tissue. The material out ofwhich the elemen- 
tary organs of plants are constructed, as cells, 
fibres, membranes, etc. 


Titho‘nia. A name of mythological derivation, 
from Tithonus, the favorite of Aurora. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

A small genus of half-hardy annuals, na- 
tives of Mexico, Central America and Cuba. 
S. tagetiflora, cultivated for its orange-colored 
flowers, is easily raised from seeds sown in 
heat, in spring. 

Toad Flax. See Linaria. 

Toad-Flower. Afriean. A common name for 
several species of Stapelia. 

Toad Stools. The common name of various 
species of Fungi, frequently mistaken for 
Mushrooms. 

Tobacco. See Nicotiana. 

Toco’ca. A name used by the natives of Gui- 
ana, and applied toa genus of Melastomacee, 


consisting of Brazilian shrubs, whose leaf-. 


stalks have very generally attached to them 
a kind of bladder, divided longitudinally into 
two compartments. T.,Guianensis is in culti- 
vation; in its native habitat its fruits are 
edible, and their juice is sometimes used as 
ink. The various Spherogynes are included 
by some botanists under this genus. 


Todda'lia. From Kaka Toddali, the name of 
T. aculeata in Malabar. A small genus of Ru- 
tacee, confined to the tropics of Asia and 
Africa. T. aculeata is an interesting shrub, 
widely dispersed through tropical Asia, and 
extending as far south as the Mauritius. The 
fresh bark of the roots is said to be used asa 
cure for the remittent fever caught in the 
jungles of the Indian hills. . Three species 
heave been introduced, which are readily in- 
ereased by cuttings. 


Toddy Palm. A common name for Caryota ! 


Urens, 


To’dea. Named in honor of HA. J. Tode, of 
Mecklenburg, an experienced mycologist. A 
small genus of Ferns oecurring principally in 
South Africa and New Zealand, having the 


Tolu Balsam Tree. 


TOM 


capsules of Osmunda, but the habit of Poiys 
podium. They have an erect, sometimes 
elongated, caudex, and hi-pinnate fronds, 
which, in the group Todea proper, are thick 
and firm in texture, as in 7. barbara (syn. T. 
Africana). The group Lepidopteris, all from 
New Zealand, have pellucid, membranaceous 
fronds, and are among the most beautiful 
dwarf Ferns in cultivation. T. superba is a 
magnificent plant with fronds two to four 
feet in length. They thrive best in a cool 
house, facing the north, requiring plenty of. 
shade and moisture, and will even stand a few 
degrees of frost without injury. 


Tofie’/ldia. False Asphodel. Named after Mr. 
Tofield, an English botanist of the last cen- 
tury. Nat. Ord. Litiacew. . 

A genus consisting of a few perennial 
plants, natives of the colder parts of Europe, 
North America and the regions of the Andes. 
The three native species have short racemes 
of whitish flowers, and are found from the 
pine barrens of New Jersey to Maine, Michi- 
gan and northward. None of the species have 
any particular interest or beauty. 


To’lmiea. Named by Torrey and Gray in honor 
of Dr. Tolmie, Sargeon of the Hudson’s Bay 
Co. at Puget Sound. Nat. Ord. Sazifragacee: 

T. Menziesii, the only described species, is 
a hardy, herbaceous plant with a perennial 
rhizome. The rather large, greenish, nod- 
ding flowers are borne on a slender, elongated 
raceme. It propagates naturally and freely 
by adventitious buds, produced at the juinc- 
tion of the leaf-stalk with the blade, in the 
manner of Begonias. Itis a native of North- 
west America and has been described under 
the names of both Tiarella and Heuchera Men- 
ziestt. 

Tol’pis. Named by Adanson, probably without 
any meaning. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of pretty, hardy, annual or peren- 
nial plants, natives of the Mediterranean 
region and the Canary Islands. Several 
species are in cultivation, and are well suited 
for the ornamental border, where the seeds 
can be sown in spring. 


The common name for 
Myroxylon Toluiferum, which see. 


Tomato. Lycopersicumesculentum. The Tomato 


was first introduced into England in 1596, 
and it was for many years grown only as an 
ornamental plant, or for its medicinal pro- 
perties. It was then known by the common 
name of Love Apple. The ‘‘ Virtues” of the 
Tomato were described as follows by Parkin- 
inson in 1629 ; *‘In hot countries, where they 
naturally growe, they are much eaten of the 
people, to cool and quench the heate and 
thirst of their hotstomaches. The Apples are 
also boyled, or infused in oyle in the sunne.” 
The Tomato was first used as a vegetable in 
Italy, and soon after in France and England; 
it is, however, but comparatively little grown 
in thé open air in England, as their summers 
are not warm enough to ripen the fruit to 
anything like perfection; but it is a favorite 
fruit there grown under glass. The Tomato 
has not been in general use in this country for 
more than fifty years, and most of our choice 
varieties are of recent introduction. New 
varieties, obtained by selection, are offered 
annually, each one claiming to be saperior in 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


4357 


TOM 


earliness and productiveness; the varieties of 
late introduction are undoubtedly superior to 
the older sorts, earliness and solidity being 
the great desiderata. Tomatoes are now ex- 
tensively grown for canning, and many 
thousands of acres are used in growing them 
for that purpose. They are also forced advan- 
tageously for winter use, bringing good prices 
till the crop from Florida comes in. 

Tomato. Cannibal’s. Solanum anthropopha- 
gorum. ‘ 


Tomato. Strawberry. See Physalis Alkekengi. 


Tomentose. Covered with dense, rather short, 
rigid hairs, so as to be sensibly perceptible to 
the touch. 


Tonga Plant. See Epipremnum. 
Tongue Grass. A common name for Lepidium 
sativum. 


Tongue-shaped. Long, flat, but thickish and 
blunt; like the leaves of some Aloes. 

Tonguin or Tonga Bean. See Dipterix odorata. 

Toothache Grass. See Otenium Americanum. 

Toothache Tree. See Xanthoxylum. 

Toothed. Dentate; having small divisions on 
the margin. 

Tooth-violet. 
bulbifera. 


Tooth-wort. A common name for Lathrea, 
also for Dentaria, which see. 


Top Dressing. See Fertilizers. 
Torch Lily, Torch Flower. Popular names for 
Tritoma (Kniphofia). 
Torch Thistle. An early name given to various 
-species of Cereus. 


Tore/nia. In honor of Olof Toren, a Swedish 
clergyman, who discovered J. Asiatica and 
other plants in China. Nat. Ord. Scrophulari- 
acee. 

A small genus of very beautiful, trailing 
annuals and perennials, natives of China and 
the East Indies. For the green-house or con- 
servatory these plants, with their numerous, 
dark-purple flowers, are a great attraction. 
‘They also succeed well in a moist, shady bor- 
der, but will not endure our hot, sunny 
weather. They are all readily increased by 
cuttings or from seed. 7. Fournieri, is an up- 
right-growing plant of branching and grace- 
ful habit, with a profusion of beautiful violét 
flowers. 7. Bailloni, introduced in 1878, is 
an entirely distinct species, having deep-yel- 
low and maroon-colored flowers. All make 
excellent basket or vase plants. They must 
be kept at a temperature, in winter, of not 
less than 60° at night, and they are at all 
times impatient of being chilled. Propagated 
by seeds or cuttings. 


Tormenti'lla. A small genus now included un- 
der Potentilla. 


Torne’lia. A synonym of Monstera. 


Torose. Torulose. ‘A cylindrical body, irregu- 
larly swollen. 


fTorrey’a. Named in honor of Dr. John Torrey, 
one of the most distinguished of American 
botanists. Nat. Ord. Conifere. ; 
This genus is a branch of the Yew family, 
and is represented in this courtry by T. taxi- 
olia, a native of Florida, a perfectly hardy 
‘and beautiful species, and one of the most 


The popular name of Dentaria 


 Toxicophle'a. 


TRA 


attractive and desirable evergreens. T. Cali- 
fornica is known as the Ualifornia Nutmeg. 


Tortilis. Susceptible of twisting. 
(Totara Pine. Podocarpus Totara. 
Touch-me-not, Balsam, Jewel Weed, is Impa- 


tiens Noli-me-tangere, a marshy plant, common 
from New York southward. See Impatiens. 


Tournefo'rtia. In memory of Joseph Pitton de 
Tournefort, the distinguished author of an 
arrangement of plants under the title of ‘* In- 
stituliones Rei Hebarie,” and other botanical 
works, from 1694 to 1717; his first work, the 
“*Institutiones,” laid the foundation of the 
arrangement now followed, called the Jus- 
sieuan, or Natural System. Nat. Ord. Borag- 
inacee. : 

A genus of evergreen, twining shrubs in- 
habiting the tropics of both hemispheres, and 
extending as far north as the Canaries and 
Central Russia. -T. heliotropioides, from Buenos 
Ayres, is a very beautiful species, and is 
occasionally grown for its pale-lilac flowers, 
which are arranged similar to those of the 
Heliotrope. Itis commonly called the ‘‘ Hardy 
Heliotrope,” and is easily raised_from seeds 
in spring. ‘ 

Tova/ria, A synonym of Smilacina. 

Tovomita. From tovomite, the Caribbean name 
of T. Guianensis. Nat. Ord. Guttifere. 

A genus of shrubs or trees with resinous 
juice, natives of tropical South Ameriva and 
the West India Islands. Three species have 
been introduced to cultivation, but are seldom 
found except in large collections. They are 
generally propagated by cuttings of the 
ripened wood in sand. 

Toxicode/ndron. From tozicon, poison, and 
dendron, a tree; alluding to the poisonous 
nature of the fruit. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

A genus of small, rigid, much-branched 
trees, peculiar to’ South Africa. TT. capense, 
the only cultivated species, is found princi- 
pally in botanic gardens. 


From tozicon, poison, and 
phloros, bark; in allusion to the poisonous 
bark. <A genus of Apocynacee containing oné 
or two species from the Cape of Good Hope. 
T. spectabilis, introduced in 1872, has the gen- 
eral appearance of an Ixora, and bearsits pure 
white, exceedingly fragrant owers in terminal 
and axillary corymbs, which forma very large, 
dense spray, often over two feet in length. It 
is incredsed readily by cuttings. 


Trache/lium. Throatwort. From trachelos, 
the neck; in allusion to the efficacy of the 
plant in diseases of the throat; hence the 
common name Throatwort. Nat. Ord. Cam- 
panulacee, . 

Very pretty, half-hardy, biennial plants, 
with showy, bell-shaped, blue flowers, varying 
from very dark blue to nearly white, natives 
of the Mediterranean coast. It is an elegant 
plant for vases, and such-like purposes. Seeds 
slrould be. sown in spring for flowering the 
next season, and the plants protected by a 
frame in winter. 


Trachelospe/rmum, From trachelos, the neck, 
and aperma, a seed; alluding to the apical: 
elongation of the seed. Nat. Ord. Apocynas 
ce@. 

A small genus of green-house shrubs, na 
tives of the East Indies, Eastern Asia and 


458 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TRA 


Japan. T. Thunbergii, known generally in 
gardens, where it has long been a favorite, 
as Rhyncospermum jasminoides, is one of the 
best plants of its class, and is equally valu- 
able grown as a specimen pot-plant or as a 
elimber on the rafters or back wall of the 
green-house. This plant is now a conspicu- 
ous feature in the gardens of some of the 
cities of the Southern States. It may be seen 


in New Orleans climbing to the third stories | 


and completely draping some of the largest 
houses with its brilliant, lustrous, evergreen 
leaves; the delicious perfume of the pure 
white, abundant flowers pervading, during 
the month of April, the whule atmosphere of 
the neighborhood. 


Trachy’mene Cocerulea. A synonym for Didis- 
cus Cerulea. 


Tradesca'ntia. Spiderwort. Named in honor 
of John Tradescant, gardener to Charles First, 
who introduced the first species to Europe. 
Nat. Ord. Commelynacee. 

An extensive genus of green-house or hardy, 
herbaceous perennials, natives of North and 
tropical America. T. Virginica, the common 
Spider-wort or Widow’s-tears of the gardens, 
is an interesting, hardy border plant, on ac- 
count of the continual succession of flowers, 
‘which are freely produced all season. It has 
long, grass-like foliage, and the flowers are 
borne in terminal clusters on stems, one to 
two feet in height. Besides the type, which 
has showy, purple-blue flowers, there are 
several varieties, one with double violet, one 
single rose-colored, one single lilac and one 
with single white blossoms. They may easily 
be increased by division in spring. Of the 
tender sorts, 7’. discolor (syn. Rhoeo) and T. 
Warscewicziana form stately plants, with the 
appearance of a Palm or Pandanus, and are 
excellent centre-plants for vases, hanging 
baskets, ete. The drooping, or creeping, 
sorts are also desirable plants for like pur- 
poses. The species best known as T. zebrina, 
but which has many aliases (see Zebrina), a 
native of South America, is largely grown as 
a basket-plant, and also as a house-plant, 
thriving best in a moist, shady situation, but 
succeeding well in the dry atmosphere of the 
sitting-room. This and thespeciés known as 
T. repens. and its beautifully white striped 
variety, J. r. vittata, T. aquatica and others, 
are among the most generally grown of our 
house-plants, where they are known as ‘* Wan- 
dering Jew.” They grow freely in water, 
making.a drooping fringe of from two to four 
feet, and they are used in a variety of forms 
in the window culture of plants. Cuttings of 


the green-house species root readily at any’ 


season. 
Tra/gacanth Gum Plant. Astragalus Traga- 
cantha. 


Tra’gia. A genus named in honor of Tragus, an 
ancient German botanist, who, according to 
the fashion of the times, assumed a classical 
title, his true name having been Jerome Bock. 
Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacee. 

A genus of herbs or shrubs, widely distrib- 
uted in sub-tropical regions. A few of the 
species have been introduced, but possess 
little beauty and are not particularly inter- 
esting. 

Tragopo’gon. Goat’s Beard. Vegetable Oy- 
ster. From tragos, a goat, and pogon, a beard ; 


TRA 


in allusion to the long, silky beards of. the 
seeds. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Ornamental, biennial plants, natives of Eu- 
rope, the most remarkable of- which are T. 
pratensis, the popular name of which is Go-to- 
bed-at-noon, from the flowers closing in the 
middle of the day, and which has large, yel- 
low flowers and very curious feathery heads 
of seeds; and T. porrifolius, the common Sal- 
sify, or Oyster Plant, which has purple flow- 
ers, and the roots of which are extensively 
grown and highly valued as a vegetable. It 
is a hardy biennial, native of Great Britain 
and most other parts of Europe. The seeds 
should be sown early in deep, rich soil. Cult- 
ure the same as for Carrots or Parsnips. 


Tragopy’rum. Goat’s Wheat. From tragos, @ 
goat, and puros, wheat. Nat. Ord. Polygona- 
cee. 

T. lanceolatum, a native of Siberia, is a 
dwarf, ornamental shrub, about two feet 
high, with lanceolate leaves, producing spikes 
of white or pink flowers in July or August. 
It is the only species under cultivation. In- 
troduced in 1770. 

Trailing Arbutus. See Epigaa repens. 

Transplanting. As nearly all fruit and orna- 
mental trees and shrubs are raised first in 
nurseries and removed to their position in the 
orchard, lawn or shrubbery, and as upon the 
success of the operation the after vigor of the 
plant or tree, in a great measure, depends, a 
few hints on this subject may be of interest. 

The first great requisite to success in all 
kinds of planting is the proper preparation of 
the soil. This should be dry, either naturally 
or made so by thorough draining, and, if doné 
on a large scale, should be well prepared by 
twice plowing, using the sub-soil plow after 
'the common one at the second plowing. To 
ensure a good growth, the land should be in 
as good condition as for a crop of potatoes or 
corn. Ofcourse the methods of transplant- 
ing vary considerably, according to different 
plants and the manner in which their roots 
are disposed. Trees or shrubs, more espe- 
cially when received from a nursery, no mat- 
ter how carefully they may have been lifted, 
lose a-portion of their roots, and conse- 
quently the balance that existed in the struct- 
ure of the tree is deranged. This must be re- 
stored by proper pruning, adapted to the size, 
form and condition of the tree and the ioss 
it has sustained. When lifting a tree for 
transplanting, itis best to tie up, with some’ 
soft cord, any branches that may be near the 
base, and to commence digging a trench out- 
side the line to which it is calculated the 
roots will reach. Then use a fork from the 
base of the tree outwards to separate the roots, 
but preserve as large a ball of earth as it may 
be convenient to move. All roots which may 
have been mutilated had better be cut clean 
off before replanting. 

PLANTING.—In planting, holes must be dug 
large enough to admit of the roots of the 
tree to spread out in their natural position. 
The tree being then held in an upright posi- 
tion, the roots should be carefully spread and 
covered with the best of the surface-soil, the 
tree in the meantime being moved gently to 
enable the soil to fill every interstice and 
bring every root in contact with the soil. 
When the earth is partially filled in, a pail. of 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


459 


TRA 


water may be thrown in to settle and wash in 
the earth around the roots. Then fill in the 
remainder and firm gently with the feet. 

Stakine.—If trees are tall and much ex- 
posed to winds, a stake should be planted 
with the tree, to which it should be tied in 
such a manner as to avoid chafing. Large 
trees may be secured by three or four guys, 
fastened firmly to stakes. 

MuLcHine.— When the tree is planted, 
mulch it as far as the roots extend, and a 
foot beyond, with five or six inches of rough 
manure or litter. This is particularly neces-. 
sary in dry ground, and is highly advanta- 
geous both in spring and fall planting. It 
tends greatly to prevent evaporation and to 
keep the soil moist, even in dry weather. 

SEASON FOR TRANSPLANTING.—The.advan- 
tages of planting deciduous shrubs and trees 
during autumn (say from October Ist to 
December ist) admit of no question. As 
transplanting makes inevitable the cutting or 
disruption of a large portion of the roots, 
these cannot throw out new fibres until the 
broken roots become callused. If this is not 
completed before the spring drought comes, 


there is much danger fhat the plant will | 


either die or have a struggle for life, during 
the first summer. If planted in autumn, 
however, the broken roots will mot only have 
time to form a callus, but, as the soil is then 
warm and congenial, will throw out small 
fibres which will permanently establish the 
tree or shrub, and enable it to start with vigor 
inthe spring. If circumstances will not per- 
mit of planting until spring, it is better to 
obtain deciduous trees and shrubs in the 
auttimn, heel them carefully in a slanting 
position, where the callus will form, and they 
will be ready for planting as soon as the 
ground is open in spring. Autumn planting 
is especially necessary with Larches, Japan 
.Quince, Evergreen Thorn and other plants 
which become excited by the first mild days 
of spring, and in that condition may die by 
transplanting. The exceptions are Magno- 
lias, Tulip Trees, etc., in which there are cer- 
tain structural conditions which make them 
‘succeed best in spring planting. Many Ever- 
.greens may be planted to advantage during 
September, more especially if the season is a 
-moist one, and the ground in which they are 
planted is sufficiently near the nursery for 
_them to escape heating or the roots drying 
out in transit. 

_ HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS.—A large num- 
ber of the hardy, herbaceous perennials, if 
properly cared for, can be transplanted with 
better results in the latter part of summer or 
autumn than in the spring. All early-flower- 
ing plants, which start into growth as soon as 
the snow is off in spring, make their prepara- 
tion for this the previous autumn. The mid- 
dle or last of August is about the proper 
‘season to transplant such, so that they can 
finish their autumnal growth when théy are to 
remain through the winter. All such early 
flowering plants as Violets, Trilliums, Ery- 
throniums, Cypripediums, etc., are of this 
class. The various varieties of L. speciosum, 
L. Washingtonianum, L. Humboldtii, etc., we 
find to flower better the following season if 
transplanted early in autumn than if left until 
their growth had matured or until spring. 


TRE 


Tra'pa. Water Caltraps, Water Chestnut. From 
calcitrapa, an ancient instrument in warfare 
with four spikes; the fruit of some of the 
species is armed with four spikes or horns. 
Nat. Ord. Onogracee. . 

A genus of aquatic plants, natives of 
Europe, India, China and Japan. They are 
remarkable for the shape of their seeds, some 
of which resemble a bullock’s head and horns. 
The seeds of all these plants abound in starch, 
and are much used as food. Those of Tf. 
mnctans, called Jesuit’s Nuts at Venice, are 
ground into flour and_made into bread in 
some. parts of Southern Europe. In Kashmir, 
and other parts of the East, the large seeds 
of T. bispinosa, which are sweet and edible, 
and known under the name of Tinghara Nuts, 
are common food, and a large portion of the 
inhabitants subsist on them for several 
months of the year. 


Trape/lla Sinensis. This is a highly curious, 
floating, aquatic plant, the type of 4 new 
genus of anomalous structure, referred to the 
Nat. Ord. Pedaliacew. It bears a strong re- 
semblance to Trapa in its foliage, but there’ 
the resemblance ceases. The small flowers 
have a funnel-shaped corolla, and the narrow , 
.seed-vessels are furnished with usually three 
long, rigid, hooked appendages, something in 
the way of the fruit of Martynia, and other 
members of the same order. It is a native of 
Ichang and other parts of China and Japan. 

Trapeziform. Having four sides, the opposite 
ones not parallel. 

Trautvette/ria. A name given by some botan- 
ists to Cimicifuga, or Actea palmata. 

Traveler's Joy. A common name for Clematis 
vitalba. 

Traveler's Tree. A name given to the Urania 
speciosa of Madagascar. _ 

Treacle Mustard. Hrysimumcheiranthoides and. 
Lepidium campestre. 


Tread-softly, Spurge Nettle. See Jatropha 


urens. 

‘Treasure Flower. A common name for Ga- 
zania. 

Tree Fern. A common name for Ferns witha 


tree-like stem, as many species of Alsophila, 
Dicksonia, Cyathea, etc. 


Tree Mallow. Lavatera arborea. 

Tree of Chastity. Vitex Agnus-castus. 
Tree of Heaven. See Ailantus. 

Tree of Sadness. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. 


Tree of the Sun. A Japanese name for Retinos- 
pora obtusa. 


Trefoil. See Trifolium. : 
Bird’s-foot. Lotus corniculatus. . 
Crimson. Trifolium incanum. 
Yellow. Medicago lupulina. 


Trema’ndra. From tremo, to tremble, and an- 
dros, a male; the anthers vibrate with the 
least movement of the air. Nat. Ord. Tre- 
mandracee. 

‘This genus consists of but two known spe- 
cies, both small green-house shrubs, natives 
of New Holland. They are delicate plants, 
covered with stellate down, and have axillary 
purple flowers. They are but rarely culti- 
vated, except 7’. verticillata, which is a very 
beautiful plant, and has long been a favorite 


460 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TRE 


in choice collections. 
Platytheca. 


' Yremandra’cez. A small order of heath-like 
shrubs, all Australian, with small, entire 
leaves often verticillate, and red, blue, or 
rarely white flowers, on slender axillary ped- 
icels. The order contains three genera and 
over twenty species. 


See Tetratheca and 


Trenching. This isa means of preparing the 
soil but little practiced in the United States, 
though still much in use in old English gar- 
dens. It consists in making a trench from 
one and a. half to two feet deep, and of nearly 
the same width, the earth from which is 
wheeled to the rear of the ground to be 
trenched; then a line is set across the bed to 
the width of the excavation (one and a half or 
two feet, as it may be); the top spit of this is 
thrown in thé bottom of the trench, the under 
part being thrown on the top; in a word, 
trenching is simply reversing the soil, turn- 
ing it upside down to such a depth as may be 
decided on. The practice is proper enough in 
soils that are deep enough; but when trench- 
ing is practiced in say a top soil only twelve 
inches deep, and a clayey sub-soil is thrown 
on the top, or even mixed well with the top 
soil, injury may be done to the soi! from 
which it will never recover. A sub-soil of: 
sand is not quite as bad thrown on the top or 
mixed with the soil, but in either case the sub- 
soil should only be loosened, as in sub-soiling 
(which see), and allowed to remain without 
being mixed with or thrown on the top of the 
soil proper. 


Treve’sia. Called after the family Treves de 
Bonfigli, at Padua, who were supporters of 
botanical research. Nat. Ord. Araliacee. 

A genus, numbering eight or nine species, 
natives of tropical Asiaand the Malayan Archi- 
pelago. 1. eminens and T. palmata, the best 
known species, have beautiful, large, palmate, 
or pinnately-divided, leaves, and make very 
ornamental plants for a warm conservatory, 
and are propagated easily by cuttings. Syn. 
Gastonia. 


Trevo’a. Named in honor of Trevo, a Spanish 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Rhamnacee. 

A small genus of interesting green-house 
shrubs, natives of South America. T. trinervis 
and J. quinquenervia are in cultivation, but 
seldom found except in botanical collections. 


Trew’ia. Named in honor of J. C. Trew, of 
Nuremberg, a botanical author. 
Euphorbiacee. 

A small genus of stove-house plants, natives 
of the East Indies. T. nudiflora, the only spe- 
cies in cultivation, thrives best in a compost 
of sandy loam and leaf mould. It was intro- 
duced in 1796, and is readily increased by 
cuttings. 


Triadelphous. Having the stamens collected 
into three distinct bundles, the filaments of 
those in separate bundles cohering. 


Tria’nea. Named in honor of M. Jose Triana, a 
botanist and traveler in Columbia. Nat. Ord. 
Hydrocharidacee. 

A genusof green-house, stoloniferous plants, 
natives of Mexico and South America, now 
regarded by Bentham and Hooker as synony- 
mous with Limnobium. 


Nat. Ord. | 


TRI 


Trichi‘nium. From trichinos, hairy; flowers 
covered with knotted hairs. Nat. Ord. Ama- 
ranthacea. 

A genus of annuals and herbaceous peren- 
nials from Australia. The flowers of some of 
the species are extremely ornamental. Their 
yellow, crimson, white, or pink flowers, are 
produced in terminal heads or spikes. The 
perennials require to be grown in the green- 
house. The annuals should be started in seed 
boxes in February, as our seasons are too 
short for their development if the seed is 
sown in the border. 


Trichoce’ntrum. From thriz, trichos, a hair, 
and centron, a spur or centre; alluding to the 
long, thin spur of the labellum. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 

A considerable genus of epiphytal Orchids 
from South and Central America. Most of the 
species are not considered worth growing. T. 
albo-purpureum, from the Rio Negro, is an 
exceedingly beautiful plant. Petals maroon- 
brown inside, and yellowish-green outside, 
lip large, white, with two bright purple spots. 
T. Pfavii and one or two other species have 
very beautiful flowers. They should be grown 
on blocks or cork, or in small baskets in a 
moderate temperature. They bloom freely, 
aud. require but little care. Introduced in 


Trichode’sma. From thriz, trichos, a hair, and 
‘desmos, a bond; the anthers are bound to 
each other by hairs. Nat. Ord. Boraginacee. 

A genus of strigosé annuals, natives of 
India, Egypt and South Africa, with the habit. 
of Borago and Cynoglossum. T. zeylanicum, 
Ceylon Borage, the only species in cultivation, 
is a rather coarse, hardy annual, with blue 
flowers, thriving under ordinary treatment. 


Trichole'na. From thriz, trichos, a hair, and. 
chlaina, acassock. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 
Asmall genus of very pretty grasses, gener- 
ally included in the genus-Panicum. A few 
are found in collections of ornamental grasses 
in the green-house. 


Tricho'manes. From thriz, trichos a hair, and 
manos, soft; the shining stems appear like 
soft hair. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 

‘An extensive, varied, and beautiful -genus 
of Ferns, found abundantly in the ‘moist, 
shady woods of the tropics in both the Old 
andthe New Worlds. J. radicans, a beauti- 
ful species, is found on the coast of Ireland. 
Many of the species are cultivated for the 
beauty of their fronds, which have an almost 
transparent appearance. Propagated by divis- 
ion or from spores. Feea, Hymenostachys, 
Involucraria, Lacostea, Lecanium, Microgonium. 
and Phlebiophyllum, are now included in this 
genus, which comprises over one hundred 
species. 


Trichone’ma. From thriz, trichos, a hair, and 
nema, a filament; stamens clothed with mi- 
nute hairs. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A genus of beautiful little crocus-like, bul- 
bous plants, with red, yellow, purple and white 
flowers, borne singly on slenderscapes. They 
are natives of Spain, Italy, and the Cape of 
Good Hope. Like most bulbs from those 
localities, they require to be grown in the 
green-house. Propagated by offsets. Intro» 
duced in 1818, Called also Romulea. 


TRILLIUM GRANDIFLOBUM. 


TRICHOLNA 


sl 
460 TRITOMA GRANDIELORA MAJOR. 


§RIFOLIUM ‘REPENS (WHITE CLOVER). 


TROPHOLUM PENTAPHYLLUM, TROPROLUM PEREGRINUM (CANARY BIRD VINE), 462 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 461 


TRI 


Trichope'talum. From thriz, trichos, a hair, and 
etalon, a petal; the inner perianth segments 
are fringed. Nat. Ord. Liliaceaw. 

T. stellatum, the only described species, is a 
curious, half-hardy~perennial, with a thick 
rhizome and greenish-white flowers, and suc- 
ceeds best if planted out in a frame from 
which the frost is entirely excluded. It was 
introduced from Chili in 1828, and is increased 
by division of the rhizome. 


Trichopi'lia. From thriz, trichos, a hair, and 
pilion, a cap; in allusion to the anthers being 
concealed below a cap surmounted by tufts 
of hair. Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A small genus of very beautiful epiphytal 
Orchids, natives of Central America and the 
West Indies. The flowers are white, yellow, 
pale pink, or greenish white. T. suavis, a 
species from Central America, is one of the 
finest of the genus. Its flowers are very large, 
pale nankeen color, with white lip very clearly 

_ marked with lilac, and are very beautiful and 

- fragrant. IT. coccinea, T. crispa, T. fragrans 
and 1. tortilis are all desirable kinds. All the 
species may be grown in a cool house, and 
succeed best in pots. Syn. Pilumna. 


Trichosa’nthes. Snake Cucumber. From thriz, 
trichos, a hair, and anthos, a flower; the flow- 
ers are ciliated. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee. 

A genus of climbing annuals from Chinaand 
the East Indies, commonly known as Snake 
Cucumbers. T. anguina (syn. T..colubrina) is a 
very curious plant with white flowers, every 
petal of which appears surrounded with long, 
knotted fringe. The leaves and tendrils re- 
semble those of the common Cucumber; but 
the fruit is curiously striped, and is so long 
and narrow as to resemble a snake. Speci- 
mens have, indeed, been grown more than 
-six feet long, and not.thicker than the body 
ofacommon snake. The plant is an annual, 
a native of China, and is only worth cultivat- 
ing as an object of curiosity. Many botanists 
include Hopepon under this genus. 


Tricho’/sma. Hair Orchid. From thriz, trichos, 
hair, and kosmos, ornament. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
acee. 

T. suavis, the only introduced species, is a 
very scarce and distinct epiphytal Orchid, in- 
troduced from Assam in 1840. Its flowers 
are white, striped with brownish-crimson; 
very showy and fragrant. It succeeds best 
when grown in a well-drained pot or pan, and 


when growing must be kept moderately | 


moist; as it has no pseudo-bulbs, it must 
never be allowed to get quite dry. Syn. 
Calogyne coronaria. 


Trichoste’ma. Blue Curls. From thriz, trichos, 
hair, and sfema, a stamen, referring to the 
slender, hair-like stamens. Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of native plants found in sandy 
fields from New England to Kentucky. They 
are of no horticultural value. 


Tricho/tomous. Branching in threes. 


Trico/ryne. From ?reis, three, and koryne, a 
club; in allusion to the form of the capsules. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small genus of green-house perennials 
with fibrous roots, natives of Australia. The 
species are easily increased by division, but 
are more of botanical than horticultural inter- 
eat. 


TRI 


Tricuspida’ria. From tricuspis, three-pointed ; 
alluding to the petals. Nat. Ord. Tiliacew. 

A small genus of green-house plants, natives 
of Chili. 7. hexapetala is a very beautiful, 
free-flowering shrub, producing pendulous, 
conical blooms of thick, waxy texture, resem- 
bling that of Lapageria rosea, and of the same 
bright, rose color. The leaves are oblong- 
lanceolate, serrated, or rarely entire. This is 
the only species yet in culfivation, and is 
propagated by cuttings of the half-ripened 
wood. Syn. Crinodendron Hookerianum. 


Tricuspidatus. Having three points. 


Tricy’rtis. Japanese Toad Lily. From treis, 
three, and kyrtos, a convex; alluding to the 
three outer sepals having bags at their base. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacew. 

T. hirta, the best known species, is a very 
beautiful, hardy, herbaceous plant, found in 
China and Japan. The flowers are axillary, in 
panicles about six inches long, resembling, in 
their peculiar form and markings. some of the 
more singular Orchids. This plantis very 
desirable for the open border. It produces 
its flowers in October and November, at which 
time the plant may be removed to the sitting- 
room, and they will remain several weeks in 
flower, after which they may again be returned 
to the border. It was introduced in 1855 and 
is propagated by division. 

Tri/dax. From treis, three, and akis, a point; 
alluding to the ray florets. i 

A genus of Composite, natives of Central 
America and comprising seven or more spe- 
cies of hardy perennials of but little beauty. 
T. bicolor rosea is a Mexican half-hardy annual 
of comparatively late introduction and of easy 
management. Its flowers are ofa pleasing 
rose color, the disk florets being yellow, and 
are produced in profusion during the whole 
season. The typical 7. bicolor has the ray 
florets pure white. 

Tridentate. Trident pointed; when the point 
is truncated and has three indentations. 


Trienta‘lis. Chickweed Winter-green. A Latin 
term signifying one-third of a foot high, in 
reference to the stature of the plants. A 
small genus of Primulacee, the species of 
which are found in Europe and in cold, damp 
woods from New Jersey northwards. They 
are low, smooth perennials with simple, erect 
stems, bearing a whorl of thin, veiny leaves at 
the summit, from which spring one or more 
slender peduncles supporting the pretty, 
single, white, star-like flowers. 


Trifid. Split half-way into three parts. 


Trifoliate. Composed of three leaflets, as th 
leaves of Clover. ‘ 
Trifo'lium. Clover, Trefoil. From treis, thrée, 
and foliwm, a leaf; three-leaved. Nat. Ord. 

Leguminose. ae 
Of this very extensive genus there are sev- 
eral species under cultivation as forage plants. 
They include T. pratense, the common Red 
Clover, a native of Great Britain; T. re ‘ 
Buffalo Clover, indigenous in New York and 
westward; T. repens, White Clover, introduced 
from Europe, but indigenous in the Northern 
States; and 7. hybridum, or Alsike Clover, a 
hybrid variety introduced from near Stock- 
holm, Sweden. This is a very hardy peren- 
nial sort, valuable for pasturage and soiling, 
and being very productive and floriferous, 


462 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TRI 


bees obtain a large amount of honey from its 
fragrant flowers. Itis valuable for sowing 
with other grasses and clovers, as it forms a 
thick bottom, and increases the yield of hay. 
It is well suited to lands liable to wash, its 
long, fibrous roots binding the soil well. 7. 
Sfragiferum, the Strawberry Clover, is spoken 
of as a likely plant with which to make a lawn 
that will remain green during the summer 
without irrigation in dry regions like cen- 
tral and southern California. Its stems and 
branches are prostrate, and spread over the 
ground. This plant is very tough and hardy, 
and it produces freely, heads of pale, rose- 
colored flowers, which resemble ripe straw- 
berries —a resemblance which is the origin of 
the specific name. A lawn composed of this 
plant would not require cutting. Besides 
these there are a number of other species 
that have been considerably cultivated, but 
those named are almost wholly preferred for 
pasture and hay. Those who are accustomed 
to consider the Trefoil as only the common 
Clover of the meadows, will probably be sur- 
prised to learn that there are nearly a hun- 
dred and fifty species, all more or less orna- 
mental. Some of these are perennials and 
some annuals; and the color of their flowers 
varies from dark crimson, and sometimes 
scarlet, to purple on the one hand, and to 
white, cream-color, and pale yellow on the 
other. Some of our dealers in hardy herba- 
ceous plants have catalogued a few of the 
more showy species, and highly recommend 
them for border plants. 

Triginous. Having either three pistils or at 
least three distinct styles. 

i Three-angled, and having three plain 
‘aces. : 

Trigone'lla. Fenugreek. From treis, three, and 
gonu, an angle; the standard of the flower is 
flat, while the wings spread and give it a tri- 
angular appearance. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

An extensive genus of herbaceous, legumin- 

ous plants inhabiting central Asia, southern 
Europe and northern Africa. All the species 
possess a heavy penetrating odor. T. Fanum- 
grecum, commonly known as Fenugreek, is an 
erect, annual plant, about two feet high, a 
native of the Mediterranean region, and con- 
siderably cultivated in India and other warm 
countries, and occasionally in this country. 
The seeds of Fenugreek were held in high re- 
pute among the ancient Egyptians, Greeks 
and Romans, for medicinal and culinary pur- 
poses, but at the present day their use in 
medicine is confined to veterinary practice, 
the seeds being given to horses when a tem- 
porary stimulant is required or desired. It is 
said to give cattle and swine good appetites 
and digestion. The seeds have a powerful 
odor of cowmarine, and are largely used for 
flavoring concentrated cattle foods, and for 
rendering damaged hay palatable. 


Trili/sa. From triliz, triple; in allusion to the 
divisions of the pappus. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 


A small genus of hardy, erect, perennial, | 


native plants, with purplish or white flower- 
heads. - 7. odoratissima, sometimes called the 
Vanilla Plant, is better known by its old 
name, Liatris odoratissima. 

Trillia’ceze. A natural order now included as a 
tribe of Liliaceae. 


TRI 


Trillium. American Wood Lily. Three-leaved 
Night-shade, or Wake Robin. From trilia, 
triple; alluding to triple parts of the flowers 
and leaves. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

A. singular and beautiful genus of hardy, 
perennial plants, natives of North America 
and Asia, from the Himalayas to Japan. Tf. 
grandiflorum, one of the best of our native 
spring-flowering plants, is probably the best 
known species, and deservedly so on account 
of its large flowers, snow-white when first ex- 
panded and changing to rosy-pink with age. 
T. ovatum, a species from the Pacific coast, is 
as ornamental as T. grandiflorum, the flowers 
being pure white and fully as large. T. erec- 
tum, having green leaves with dark purple 
flowers, is common in the Eastern States. 
T. sessile has purple flowers and the foliage 
prettily marked and blotched. The variety 
T. sessile Californicum is a plant much larger 
in all its parts, with the marking of the 
leaves and flowers much brighter in color. 
This is a very desirable plant and worth cul- 
tivating for its foliage alone. They succeed 
best in a moist, shady situation and good, 
rich vegetable mould. Several of the species 
are valuable for pot culture, and when grown 
in this way may be easily brought into bloom 
several weeks before their usual flowering 
period. They are tuberous rooted and do 
not divide readily, but may be increased rap- 
idly from seed, which should be sown as soon 
as ripe in a frame, where it may be shaded, 
or sown in the open ground and slightly cov- 
ered with leaves. 

Trilobed or Trilobate. Three-lobed. 

Trilocular. Three-celled. 


Trime’zia. From treis, three, and merizo, to 
divide; in allusion to the division of the flow- 
ers. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 

A small genus of bulbous plants, natives of 
the West Indies and South America. T. Mar- 
tinicensis, the only species in cultivation, has 
bright yellow, very fugaceous flowers, and is 
seldom seen except in botanical collections. 


Triccius. Having male flowers on one indi- 
vidual, female on another, and hermaphrodite 
on a third. 


Trio’/lena. From treis, three, and olene, the 
arm; in allusion to the three processes from 
the base of the anthers. Nat. Ord. Melasto- 
macee. 

A small genus of pilose, perennial herbs, 
natives of Mexico, Venezuela and New Gren- 
ada. YT. scorpioides, the only introduced spe- 
cies, is very similar to Bertolonia in habit, 
and has curved racemes of pretty, rose-colored 


flowers. It is propagated by seeds or by 
cuttings. 
Trio‘num. Now included under Hibiscus. 


Trio’steum. Feverwort. Horse Gentian. From 
treis, three, and osteon, a bone; three bony 
seeds. Nat. Ord. Caprifdliacee. 

A genus of coarse-growing, hardy, herba- 
ceous plants, common in the Middle and 
Southern States. The roots of one of the 
species was esteemed by the Indians as a 
medicine. They are of no horticultural value. 


Tripartite. Divided into three parts nearly to 
its base. 
Tripetalous. When a corolla consists of three 


petals. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 463 


TRI 


Tripha’sia. From itriphasios, triple; alluding 
to the number of sepals and petals. Nat. 
Ord. Rutacee. 

T. trifoliata, the only species, is a spiny, 
evergreen shrub, a native of southern China, 
but now naturalized in many parts of the East 
Indies and also cultivated in the West Indies. 
Its fruits, which are as large as hazel-nuts, 
have an agreeable, sweet taste when ripe, and 
are sometimes preserved whole in syrup and 
exported under the name of Lime-berries. It 
is under cultivation, and may be propagated 
by cuttings. 


Tripinnate. When the leaflets of a bi-pinnate 
leaf become themselves pinnate. 


Tri‘psacum. From tribo, to thresh; in allusion 
to the purpose to which its grain may be ap- 
plied. Nat. Ord. Graminacee.. 

A small genus of grasses confined to the 
Southern States and to South America. 
dactyloides, commonly called Gama-Grass and 
Buffalo Grass, is common from Connecticut 
to Illinois and southward. This is one of the 
largest and most remarkable grasses, grow- 
ing from four to seven feet high, with leaves 
like those of Indian Corn; in the absence of a 
better, this grass is sometimes used at the 
South for fodder. This species is also grown 
among ornamental grasses. 


Trise/‘tum. From treis, three, and sefa, a bris- 
tle, on account of the three awns of the flower. 
Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

An extensive genus of annual and perennial 
grasses, nearly allied to the oat-grass, widely 
distributed over the different quarters of the 
globe. They are chiefly natives of the tem- 
perate zones, where some of them are useful 
pasture grasses. T. flavescens and T. pubes- 
cens, natives of Great Britain, are considered 
valuable for agricultural purposes; the for- 
mer generally forms a portion of all produc- 
tive meadows. 


Trista/nia. Named in honor of J. M. C. Tristan, 
a French botanist. Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae. 

A genus of green-house shrubs, mostly na- 
tives of Australia. 
plants, thriving well in a compost of loam 
and sandy peat. T. conferta, the Australian 
Turpentine-tree, and I. neritfolia, the Water 
Gum-tree, are both in cultivation and are in- 
creased by cuttings of the half-ripened wood. 


Tristichous. In three rows or ranks. 


Tritelei’a: From freis, three, and teleios, com- 
plete; the parts‘of the flower and fruit are in 
threes. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small family of very pretty bulbs, natives 
of California and South America, often con- 
founded with Milla. T. uniflora, or Spring 
Star Flower, is a delicately colored, free- 
flowering, hardy plant, four to six inches high. 
The flowers are clear white with a grayish- 

. violet stripe on each division of the corolla. 
They open with the morning sun, are conspic- 
uously beautiful on bright days, and close in 
dull, sunless weather. 
with or before Scilla Sibirica, and is still in 
effective bloom when the vivid blue of the 
Squill has been long replaced by green leaves. 
T. laxa, the Californian species, has glaucous 
leaves, and a many-flowered umbel of deep 

“blue flowers. All the species are desirable, 

.. and suited either to green-house culture or 


t 


T. | 


They are very pretty |. 


It comes into flower | 


TRI 
the open border. They were first introduced 
in 1832, and are propagated by offsets. 


Tri’ticum. Wheat. From tritum, rubbed; in 
allusion to its being originally rubbed down 
to make it eatable. Nat. Ord. Graminacew. 

This genus includes annual and perennial 
grasses, some of which are the most useful 
and important plants in cultivation, while 
others are the most troublesome pests the 
farmer and gardener have to contend against. 
T. vulgare, Wheat, has more intrinsic value 
than any other plant grown. The native 
country of the Wheat is unknown; in its 
present form it is older than history. There 
is no record of it having been found growing 
wild. Those who have given the most time 
and study to ascertain its origin, preswme it is 
a native of southern Europe and Western 
Asia, a development of the genus Agilops. 
This is, however, mere speculation. Many 
varieties of Wheat have been produced by 
culture and cross-breeding, without, however, 
materially changing the grain. T. repens is 
the pest commonly known as Couch or Quick 
Grass, a perennial that is most tenacious of 
life, and which, when once established, will 
destroy all other crops, and can be extermi- 
nated only with the greatest exertion and 
difficulty. : 


Tri/toma. From treis, three, and temno, to cut; 
in allusion to the three sharp edges at the 
ends of the leaves. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

The Tritoma, or Red-hot Poker plant, and 
also Flame Flower, as itis popularly known, 
is a very beautiful, half-hardy, herbaceous 
plant, native of the south of Africa. The 
genus consists of about half a dozen species, 
the finest being 7. Uvaria grandiflora, a plant 
admirably adapted for single clumps on the 
lawn, or among shrubbery, where its tall 
spikes of orange-red flowers make an effective 
display from August until December. This 
plant will usually live through the winter 
in the latitude of New York without pro- 
tection, if planted in a dry soil; but it will 
well repay the slight protection required of 
three or four inches of dry leaves around the 
stem to secure it against all danger from 
frost. The flowers are not at all injured by a 
few degrees of frost, and itis not an uncom- 
mon sight to see its tall spikes in perfect 
flower in December. They are readily in- 
creased by seed or by division of the roots, 
which should be done in early spring. This 
genus was first introduced in 1707, and is now 
placed under Kniphofia by many botanists, 
but it is best known in cultivation as Tri- 

i toma, 7 


Trito/nia. From triton, a weathercock, in al- 
lusion to the variable direction of the stamens 
in the various species. Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 

A very pretty genus of low-growing, bulbous 
plants, from the Cape of Good Hope. The flow- 
ers are tubular, borne on slender scapes, the 
-colors being orange, white, yellow and blue. 
They are half-hardy and should have the pro- 
tection of a frame during winter, and may be 
allowed to remain undisturbed for a number 
of years. T. aurea, now called Crocosma 
aurea, bearing beautiful orange-colored flow- 
ers, is one of the best, and is much esteemed. 
They were first introduced in 1815, and are in- 
creased by offsets. : 


464 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TRI 


Tri’xis. From trizos, triple; alluding to the 
three-celled, triangular capsule. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

A genus of green-house plants of variable 
habit, natives of Central and South America 
and the West Indies. T. divaricata auricu- 
lata and T. senecioides are interesting plants 
with white or yellowish-white flowers and 
may be increased by cuttings or by seeds. 


Tro/llius. Globe Flower. From trol, the Ger- 
man for round; the flowers are globular. Nat. 
Ord. Ranunculacee. 

A genus of hardy, yellow-flowered, herba- 
ceous plants. 7. laxus, the only native species, 
has flowers twice the size of the Buttercup, 
of a pale greenish yellow color. TT. Huropeus, 
a native of Great Britain, has much larger 
flowers, and of abrighter color, and, with 7. 
Asiaticus, is an excellent plant for the her- 
baceous border or rock garden. They are 
generally increased by division or.by seeds, 
which, however, rarely vegetate the first year, 
but come up vigorously the following spring. 


Tropzola'ceze. A genus now included as a 
sub-order of Geraniacee. 


Tropzo'lum. Nasturtium, Indian Cress. From 
tropaion, a trophy; the leaves resemble a 
buckler, and the flowers an empty helmet. 
Nat. Ord. Geraniacee. 

An extensive genus of hardy annuals and 
green-house tuberous and herbaceous peren- 
nials, all natives of tropical America. The 
tuberous-rooted varieties are confined to Peru. 
The well-known annual plants, called Nastur- 
tiums, are common in every garden, and only 
require sowing with the other hardy annuals 
in spring. There were formerly only two kinds 
of the annual Tropeolums, T. major and T. 
minor, but since 1830 numerous varieties have 
been raised. One, with very dark flowers, is 
called T. minor alrosanguineum, and another, 
with dark stripes, is 7. minor venustum. The 
tali-growing varieties are not easily surpassed 
for covering arbors or unsightly objects; 
while the dwarf sorts are beautiful plants for 
the mixed flower border or for placing in beds 
by themselves; they are exceedingly compact 
and floriferous. As the double varieties do 
not seed they must be increased by cuttings, 
which root readilyin sand. The young shoots 
of these plants are succulent, and taste like 
the common land Cress, the botanical name 
of which is Nasturtium, and hence they have 
received their popular name. Besides the 
hardy annual kinds, there are several tender 
species, most of which are kept in the green- 
house. Thebest known of these is Tropwolum 
tricolorum, with flowers marked red, black and 
yellow, which has tuberous roots, and such 
very weak and slender stems that it is found 
necessary always to train them over a frame 
or trellis, as they are quite unable to support 
themselves. In Paxton’s ‘‘ Magazine of Bot- 
any” it is stated that the tuber of the root 
should not be buried, but only placed on the 
surface of the soil, so that the fibrous roots 
may penetrate it. This, it is said, will en- 
large the size of the tuber in ‘‘a truly aston- 
ishing manner ;” and though the plants will 
not appear healthy the first season, they will 
afterward become extremely vigorous. Itis 
also recommended to use double pots for these 
plants, and fill up the interstices with river 
sand, which should always be kept moist. 


TSU 


Substantially the same plan has been followed 
in this country for many years and found to 
succeed well. TJ. brachyceras may be treated 
in the same manner, and it would probably | 
succeed with 7. tuberosum, a species which it 
is very difficult to throw into flower under 
ordinary treatment, but which grows best in 
the open ground, in rich soil, and with plenty 
of airand light. 7. peregrinum, the Canary 
Bird Flower, was formerly considered a green- 
house plant, but it is now found much better 
to treat 1t as a half-hardy annual, raising the 
seeds on a hot-bed, and planting them out in 
May near some trellis-work or other support, 
which the plant will soon cover in the most 
graceful manner, producing hundreds of its 
elegant fringe-like, pale-yellow flowers. Pro- 
pagated by cuttings and by seeds. First 
introduced in 1596. 


True Love. A local name for Paris quadrifolia. 


Truffle. Tuber cibarium. A species of Fungus 
found in various parts of Europe and much 
esteemed as arare dish. It grows under the 
ground and was formerly sought after with 
dogs trained for the purpose, but is now usu- 
ally discovered by a particular species of fly 
hovering over the place of its growth. It is 
said that the Truffle has been found in the 
State of New York. 


Trumpet Creeper. See Tecoma radicans. 


Trumpet Flower. A common name for vari- 
ous large, trumpet-shaped flowers, as Datura, 
Brugmansia, ete. 


Trumpet Honeysuckle. 
Lonicera sempervirens. 

Trumpet Leaf. The genus Sarracenia. 

Trumpet Lily. Lilium longiflorum, also Rich- 
ardia Afthiopica. 

Trumpet Weed. Eupatorium purpureum. 

Trumpets. Sarracenia flava. 


Truncate. Blunt, as if cut off at the end; as 
the leaf of the Tulip tree. 

Tryma'lium. From trymalia, a perforation; in 
reference to the small holes at the top of the 
capsule. Nat. Ord. Rhamnacee. 

A small genus of Australian green-house 
shrubs with the habit of Pomaderris, but with 
smaller flowers. .7. odoratissimum is well de- 
serving a place in every collection of green- 
house plants on account of its snow-white 
flowers, which being produced in numerous, 
loose, drooping panicles, render it a very 
beautiful object when in blossom; its flowers 
are also deliciously fragrant. It thrives in a 
compost of sandy loam and leaf-mould, and is 
increased by cuttings. 


Tsu’ga. The Japanese name for these trees. 
Nat. Ord. Conifere. 

Of the eight species that compose this 
genus, two belong to eastern Asia, one to 
eastern and five to western North America. 
All the species are closely allied, and were 
formerly included under Abies. T. Canaden- 
sis, known better in cultivation as Abies Can- 
adensis, is the well-known Hemlock Spruce, 
one of the most beautiful aud useful of our 
native evergreens. T. Pattoniana is found in 
the highest timber regions of the Sierra Ne- 
vada, where it forms a large tree. In a young 
state it has the aspect of a Juniper, the leaves 


A common name for 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 465 


TUB 


being linear and pointed. It is very hardy, 
and forms a beautiful, erect, densely branched 
tree. 

Tubzform. Hollow, and dilated at one extrem- 
ity like the end of a trumpet. 

Tube. The part of a mono-sepalous calyx or 
corolla, formed by the union of the edges of 
the sepals or petals; also applied to adhesions 
of stamens. 

Tuber. See Truffle (Tuber cibarium). 

Tuber. A roundish, underground, succulent 
stem, covered with buds, from which new 
plants or tubers are produced, as the Potato; 
a receptacle of vegetable food. 


Tubercle. Any small, warty excrescence. 
Tuberose. See Polianthes tuberosa. 


Tulba’ghia. In honor of Tulbagh, a Dutch gov- 
ernor of the Cape of Good Hope. Nat. Ord. 
Liliacee. ; 

A small genus of evergreen perennials, na- 
tives of the Cape of Good Hope. YT. violacea 
is a very beautiful plant. The flowers are 
violet-purple, produced in a many-flowered 
umbel, somewhat like those of the Agapanthus, 
to which the genus is allied. Propagated by 
division. 

Tulip. See Tulipa. 

Tu'lipa. The Tulip. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 

The Tulip derivesits name from the Persian 
word Thoulyban, a turban; an Eastern head- 
dress, sometimes made in the form of a well- 
shaped Tulip. Tulipsare divided into several 
classes, and of these we shall speak in the 
order of their flowering. The single and 


double varieties of the Duc Van Thol, of which - 


the type is Tulipa suaveolens (from the Latin 
suavis, sweet), are the earliest and most suit- 
able for pot culture or forcing. If, in autumn, 
they are planted singly, in small pots of light, 
rich soil, they will flower extremely well in an 
ordinary room, and contrast finely with Hya- 
cinths in glasses. They should be frequently 
exposed to fresh air, and will flower in water 
like the Hyacinth, but with less certainty and 
less luxuriance ; hence they are better grown 
in pots of soil. The Duc Van Thol was 
introduced into English gardens from the 
south of Europe in 1603. The Single Early 
Tulip (Tulipa Gesneriana), the parent -of our 
ordinary garden varieties, is a native of 
Asia Minor, the Caucasus, Calabria and cen- 
tral Italy. Conrad Gesner, a Swiss naturalist, 
in whose honor it was named, first made it 
known by a description and drawing in April, 
1559. He obtained his specimen in a garden 
at Augsburg, where it was grown from seed 
brought from Constantinople. It was first 
flowered in, England by Mr. James Garret, an 
apothecary, in 1577. I. Turkestanica is, per- 
haps, the earliest-flowering species of this 
numerous family, coming in with the earliest 
of spring-flowering bulbs. It is perfectly 
hardy and has pretty, yellow flowers, which 
are produced as many as sixonastem. This 
plant, as the specific name implies, is a native 
of Turkestan. We are indebted to Dr. Regel, 
of St. Petersburg, for the introduction of this 
and many other interesting plants. Of this 
class of Early Single Tulips there is almost an 
endless variety. They have received, for more 
than two hundred years, all the care and atten- 
tion that could possibly be bestowed on a 


TUL 


plant, not only by the Dutch florists, but by 
every skilled gardener throughout the Old 
World. Notwithstanding the ‘‘mania” has 
passed over, one of the Haarlem florists this 
season (1889) offers eighteen hundred varieties. 
To select from a list so large with a view of 
pleasing or of securing the most desirable, 
would be to playa game of chance. Every 
color and shade, except black, is represented, 
either alone or mixed, striped, or shaded; in 
fact, every possible combination of color may 
be obtained. Double Tulips are almost as 
common as the single, many of them very 
showy and desirable. But, like all others 
who have made a specialty of the Tulip, we 
could never admire the double as much as the 
single varieties. Late flowering or Show 
Tulips, of which so much has been said and 
written, have been grown from seed by 
millions, the result of which has been the 
acquisition of many superb varieties. There 
is a singularity in Tulips which belongs to no 
other flower. The seedlings generally, when 
they first bloom, produce flowers without any 
stripes or markings, but with a yellow base, 
the upright portion of the petals being self- 
colored, brown, red, purple, scarlet or rose. 
In this state, when they have been grown for 
years without variation, they are called 
Breeders or Mother Tulips. These are planted 
every year until they break into stripes, when, 
ifthe markings are fine, or different from any - 
known, they are named. It is oftenso many 
years before they break, and the multiplica- 
tion in the breeder state is so rapid, that the 
border soon becomes filled with this self- 
colored variety. Each person who has broken 


_one claims, and has a perfect right, to give it 


a name; but much confusion naturally exists, 
because of the fact that different names have 
been given to those that have broken almost ex- 
actly alike. In abed of a hundred seedlings, it 
is not probable that any two will be very nearly 
alike in their markings. This uncertainty 
adds greatly to the charm of Tulip cultivation. 
The hope of something new in the markings 
and penciling is a sufficient stimulant for the 
enthusiast to. persevere in his labor of love 
until he has found one worthy of aname. One 
singular feature in the Tulip is, that after it 
breaks, it everremains thesame. Show Tulips 
are divided into three classes: 1. Byblemens, 
such as have a white ground, variegated with 
purple, the édges well feathered, the leaflets 
erect, and the whole forming a perfect cup. 
2. Bizarres, having a yellow ground, varie- 
gated with sdarlet, purple, rose or violet. 3. 
Roses, with white ground, variegated with 
rose-color, scarlet or crimson. The properties 
of a good Tulip, as a florist’s flower, are: 1. 
The cup should form, when quite expanded, 
from half to a third of a round ball. To do 
this, the petals must be six in number, broad 
at the endg, smooth at the edges, and the 
divisions between the petals must scarcely 
show an indenture. 2. The three inner petals 
should set closely to the three outer ones, and 
the whole should be broad enough to allow of 
the fullest expansion without quartering, asit 
is called, or exhibiting any vacancy between 
the petals. 3. The petals should be thick, 


. smooth and stiff, and keep their form well. 


4. The ground should be clear and distinct, 
whether white or yellow. The least stain, 
even at the lower end of the petal, renders a 


466 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TUL 


Tulip of less value. 5. Whatever be the dis- 
position of colors or marks upon a Tulip, all 
the six petals should be marked alike, and be, 
therefore, perfectly uniform. 6. Thefeathered 
flowers should have an even, close feathering 
all round ; and whether narrow or wide, light 
or heavy, should reach far enough round the 
petals to form, when expanded, an unbroken 
edging. 7. Ifthe flower have any marking be- 
sides the feathering at the edge, it should be 
a bold mark down the centre, but not reach- 
ing the bottom of the cup. The mark must 
be similar in all the six petals. 8. Flowers not 
feathered, and with the flame only, must have 
no marks on the edges of the flgwers. None of 
the colors must break through’to the edge. 
Thecolor may be disposed in any form, so that 
it be perfectly uniform in all the petals, and 
does not go too near the bottom. 9. The color, 
whatever it may be, must be dense and de- 
cided. Whether it be delicate and light, or 
bright, or dark, it must be distinct in its out- 
line, and not shaded, or flushed, or broken. 
10. The height should be eighteen to thirty- 
six inches; the former is right for the outside 
row in a bed, and the latter is right for the 
highest row. 11. The purity of the white and 
the brightness of the yéllow should be per- 
manent; that is to say, should stand until the 
petals actually fall. Where Parrot Tulips 
originated we have not learned. They are 
ignored by those florists who claim the right 
to say what is and what is not beautiful. Not 


being bound to observe the “laws” that regu-. 


late the form, shape, and “perfect markings,” 
we prize this class very highly, on account of 
their singularly picturesque appearance. The 
flowers are very large and the colors exceed- 
ingly brilliant. They are unequaled for groups 
in mixed borders, or conspicuous places in 
front of shrubs. The varieties of this class 
are limited, but they are, nevertheless, particu- 
larly beautiful. 

CULTURE OF THE TuLIP. The best soil for 
the cultivation of the Tulip is a rich, rather 
light, well-drained loam. A bed of sufficient 
size for planting the bulbs should be dug at 
least twelve inches deep. The Tulips should 
then be planted six inches apart each way; 
pressed deep enough to keep them in their 
places, and covered with mould to the depth 
‘of three inches on the sides of the bed, and 
five inches in the centre. This precaution is 
necessary, that water may not stand on the 
bed during the winter. When the bed is 
planted and covered it may be left to the 
weather until the Tulips come up, or about 
the 1st of March. Beds of Tulips show up to 
much better advantage if they are carpeted 
with small, creeping or tufted plants, and 

. there are many hardy, flowering and foliage 
plants suited for the purpose. The White 
Rock Cress (Arabis albida), and its variegated 
form, Hepaticas, Silene pendula, the Ground 
Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) and its variegated 
form, Lamiwms, Sedum acre aureum the 
early flowering Violas, Ajuga reptans rubra, 
Aubretias, and many others, make excellent 

. carpets for beds of bulbs. When the flowers 
appear, if they are protected from the sun by 

_ alight canvas, the period of bloom may be 
kept up for three or four weeks. The colors 
are generally better if not shaded at all, but 
in that case the bloom would be soon over. 
Sometimes a single day’s hot sun would com- 


TUR 


pletely spoil them. When the flowers begin 
to fade, they should be cut away and removed 
from the bed. As soon as the stems of the 
-Tulip turn yellow, and the leaves begin to- 
dry, they may be taken up and put in a cool, 
dry place. . When dry, thoroughly clean off. 
the old skin and dirt, and put in paper bags,’ 
ready for planting out again in October. Some 
of the double varieties are very showy and 


beautiful, and as they are later in flowering’ 


than the single sorts they are desirable to 

- lengthen the season of flowering. The Tulip- 
is also now extensively forced for cut flowers 
during the winter and spring months. The 
method of culture is identical with that of 
the Roman Hyacinth and Paper Narcissus.. 
The kinds known as ‘Single Early” are the 
best for this purpose. The following are atew 
of the most desirable sorts: Belle Alliance 
(Waterloo), scarlet; Artus, scarlet 5 Chryso- 
lora, large bright yellow; Duc Van Thol, 
various colors; Duchesse de Parma, red with 
yellow band; Keizerkroon, scarlet and_yel- 
low; Queen Victoria (La Reine), white; Rosa 
Mundi, rose and white; Rose Grisdelin, deli- 
cate rose; Vermilion Brilliant, dazzling ver- 
milion; Yellow Prince, etc.  __ 

Tulip. African. A name given to the genus 
Hemanthus. . 

Tulip Tree. See Liriodendron. 

Tulip Tree or Fire Tree, of Queensland. See 
Stenocarpus. 


‘Tulip. Wild, of California. The genus Calo- 


chortus. : 

Tulip Wood Tree. The striped, rose-colored 
wood of Physocalymna floribunda. 

Tulip Wood Tree. Australian. Cupania (Har- 
palia) pendula. 

Tunica. From tunica, a coat; referring to the 
calyx. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacea. 

Hardy annuals and herbaceous perennials, 
natives of southern Europe and Central Asia, 
and allied to Dianthus. A few of the species 
have showy flowers in spring. They are in- 
creased by division or from seed. 


Tunicate. Coated; invested with layers, as an 
Onion. 

Tu’pa. Tupa is the name of T. Feuillei in Chili. 
Nat. Ord. Lobeliacee. 

This is a genus of pretty plants, chiefly na- 
tives of Chili and Peru. They are worth cul- 
tivating on account of the beauty and singu- 
larity of their flowers. They are treated and 
propagated like the Lobelia. 


Tupelo Tree. See Nyssa. 


Tupida’nthus. From tupis, tupidos, a mallet, 
and anthus, a flower; referring to the shape 
of the flower-buds. Nat. Ord. Araliacee. 

T. calyptratus, the only introduced species, 
is at first a small, glabrous, erect tree, after- 
wards a lofty climber. It was introduced 
from India in 1855, and is increased by cut- 
tings. 

Tupi’stra. Mallet Flower. From tupis, a mal- 
let; alluding to the peculiar form of the 
stigma. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small genus of stove-house plants, na- 
tives of the Himalayas. Two species are in 
cultivation, but are grown more for their in- 
teresting flowers than for their beauty. 


Turbinate. Top-shaped. 


7 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


467 


TUR 


Turgid. Swollen, puffed up. 

Turio. A scaly sucker, which afterwards be- 
comes a stem, as in Asparagus. 

Turkey Corn. A common name for Dicentra 
formosa. 

Turkey Oak. Quercus Cerris. 

Turkey’s Beard. See'Xerophyllum. 

Turkish Rhubarb. See Rhewm palmatum. 

Turk’s Cap. Melocactus communis. 

Turmeric. See Curcuma. 


Turmeric-Root. A common name for Hydras- 
tis Canadensis. 


Tuwrnera. Dedicated by Linnsus to the mem- 
ory of William Turner, author of “A New 
Herbal,” 1551. Nat. Ord. Turneracee. 

A genus of very handsome plants when in 
flower. Some are annuals, and others green- 
house shrubs and herbaceous plants, with 
yellow flowers, some of which resemble those 
of the Thunbergia. They should be grown in 
a light, rich soil. They are propagated by 
cuttings or by seeds. Introduced from South 
America in 1774. 

Turnera’cez. A small, natural order, consist- 
ing of herbs or under-shrubs, natives chiefly 
of tropical Africa and America, with alternate 
leaves and yellowish or blue axillary flowers. 
The order embraces three genera and nearly 
eighty species. 

Turnip. (See Brassica.) The field and garden 
Turnip is supposed to have originated by 
long cultivation of the wild Brassica rapa, a 
native of Great Britain and other parts of 
Europe. At what period it was first brought 
into notice in its native countries, or how its 


improvement from its native wild and useless: 


state was brought about, is entirely un- 
known. It was in use as a vegetable before 
the Christian era, but we have no account of 
its being cultivated to any extent as a field 
crop previous to 1600. It does not seem that 
there was any rapid development in its im- 
provement worthy of mention by the early 
writers previous to 1650, but from that period 
its increase in cultivation was rapid, and 
many new sorts are mentioned. At the pres- 
ent day, every country adapted to its growth 
boasts of the varieties it has produced. The 
Swedish Turnip, or Ruta Baga, one of the 
best known, originated from B. campesiris ; 
its varieties are numerous, and generally cul- 
tivated. The French Turnip is considered 
sweeter and freer from any acrid properties 
than most others, and is highly prized for the 
table. Several varieties are designated as 
American, and the Purple and White Strap- 
leafed Turnips justly so, but where or by 
whom they originated, or the parentage, we 
are without knowledge. We only know that 


they were long grown here previous to their | 


being known in Europe, and that they have 


always been regarded as American varieties © 


there. A variety known as the White Egg, 
evidently a selection from the Long White 
or Cow-horn Turnip, is one of the best 
for the table. The Turnip is used both as 
a spring and fall crop. For spring, sow as 
early as the ground is dry enough, and for 
fall, in the latitude of New York, sow Ruta 
Bagas in July, and other varieties during the 
latter part of August and in September, ac- 
cording to the kind. Seeds may be sown: as 


TWI 


the ground becomes vacant. In every case, 
when the soil is dry, firm the seeds well in 
the soil by the feet or by rolling. 


Turnip. Devil’s. A common name for Bryonia 
dioica. 


Turnip. Indian. Acommon name for Arisaema 
triphylla, which see. 


Turnip. Lion’s. The roots of Leontice Leonto- 
petalum. 


Turnip-rooted Celery. Celeriac. See Celery. 


Turnip. St. Anthony’s. A common name for 
Ranunculus bulbosus. 


Turnsole. Croton tinctoriwm, 
Heliotrope. 


Turpentine Tree. A common name for vari- 
ous species of Abies, Pinus, Pistacia, Bursera, 
ete. 


Tu’/rrea. Named in honor of George Turra, once 
Professor of Botany at Padua, and author of 
several botanical works. Nat. Ord. Melia- 
cee. ‘ 

A genus of tropical shrubs and large trees 
confined to the Old World. Some of the spe- 
cies have edible fruit, and a few are grown for 
the beauty of their flowers. 


Tu'rritis. A genus of Crucifere now included 
under Arabis. 


Turtle-Head. One of the popular names for 
Chelone, which see. 


Tussa’cia. Named after F. R. de Tussac, a 
French botanist, who wrote a ‘‘ Flora of the 
Antilles” in 1808. Nat. Ord. Gesneracee. 

A small genus of plant-stove herbs with 
creeping, branched rhizomes, natives of the 
West Indies, Guiana, etc. The flowers are 
yellow, lined with purple and the calyx scar- 
let, forming a very showy, terminal corymb of 
flowers. They require the same culture as 
the Gesnera, to which they are closely allied. 


Tu’ssilago. Colt’s Foot. From tussis, a cough; 
for curing which the flowers have ‘been em- 
ployed. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Hardy and half-hardy perennials, natives 
of central Europe. One of the species, 7. 
Farfara, is common in wet places in the 
Middle and New England States, having be- 
come thoroughly naturalized. The variegated 
variety, the leaves margined with creamy- 
white, is a very ornamental plant, and can be 
used with good effect in shady positions, 
where other plants will not thrive. It does 
well as an edging to clumps of Ferns, or as a 
ground-work to other plants with graceful 
foliage. T. fragrans is named the Winter Helio- 
trope on account of the delicious fragrance of 
its purplish flowers in early spring; a waste 
corner cannot be better occupied than by this 
sweet flower. They are of easy cultivation 
and are propagated by division of the roots, 
which are inclined to increase rapidly. 


Tutsan. A common name for Hypericum An- 
drosemum. 


Twayblade. See Listera. 


Twig Rush. The popular name for the com- 
mon bog or marsh plant, Cladiwm mariscoides. 


Twin Flower. A uame applied to Linnea bo- 
realis, which see. : 
Twin Flower. Scarlet. 


also the genus 


Bravoa. geminifiora. 


468 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


TWI 


Twin Leaf. The local name of the genus Jeffer- 
sonia, which see. The plant is also some- 
times called Rheumatism Root. 

Tydz'a. Derivation not given. Nat. Ord. Ges- 
neracee. 

A genus of beautiful herbaceous plants, na~ 
tives of the mountains of New Grenada. 
There are at present only four described spe- 
cies, which are better known under their old 


name of Achimenes, the best known being T. 


picta. ‘They are erect, robust herbs, with 
tine blotched leaves and axillary, bright-col- 
ored flowers. The calyx is connate with the 
ovary, the corolla almust funnel-shaped, and 
five-lobed; the stamens are included, the 
ovary surrounded by five glands, the stigma 
five-cleft and the fruit a capsule.” The Ges- 
neracee have been much cut up and divided of 
late years, so that one hardly knows where to 
look for the plant he wants to find. See Achi- 
menes and Gesnera. 


Ty’pha. Cat-Tail Flag. From typhos, a marsh; 
referring to the habitat of the species. Nat. 
Ord. Typhacea. 

T. latifolia, the common Cat-Tail Flag of 
our marshes, a native of Europe and the East, 
has become naturalized in almost all parts of 
the United States. It is also common in Eu- 
rope. A species with narrow leaves is more 
rare. The pollen of Typha is inflammable, 
like that of Lycopodium, and is used as a sub- 
stitute for it. The ‘‘Cat-Tail,” in the minds 


ULM , 


of most boys, is closely associated with the 
“Fourth of Juiy,” being largely use¢ by them 
for ‘‘setting off” their fireworks and crackers. 


Typha’cez. A small natural order of reed-like 
plants, growing in marshes, ditches, or shal- 
low water, with long, narrow, parallel-veined 
leaves, and small flowers densely packed in 
cylindrical spikes or heads. There are very 
few species, but some of them are dispersed 
over nearly all parts of the world. They form 
two genera, Typha and Sparganium. 


Typho/nium. From Typhon, a mythological 
giant. Nat. Ord. Aroidea. 

A genus of tuberous, perennial herbs, differ- 
ing slightly potanically from Arum, natives 
of tropical Asia, the Pacific Islands and Aus- 
tralia. The species have large, showy leaves, 
and require the same general treatment as 
Colocasia. 


Tyto’nia. WaterBalsam. Named after Arthur 
Tyton, by whom many of the oldest inhabi- 
tants of our gardens were preserved. Nat. 
Ord. Geraniacee. 

T. natans, the only species, is a stove aqua- 
tic, its large irregular flowers beautifully 
variegated with white, red and yellow. It 
should be grown in rich, loamy soil, in large 
pots or pans of water, in a warm part of the 
green-house. Itisanative of tropical Asia, 
introduced in 1810, and can be increased by 
seeds sown in spring. Syn. Hydrocera triflora. 


Uz 


Us. A genus founded on a single Chilian 
species which was at first referred to Eu- 
genia, but is now generally placed under 
Myrtus. M. Ugni has very agreeably flavored 
aromatic fruit, and succeeds admirably in the 
Southern States. See Myrtus. 


UWhdea. U. bipinnatifida is a stout-habited 
Mexican composite plant, valuable for sum- 
mer decoration. It is of robust growth, attain- 
ing a height of from four to six feet in deep, 
rich soils. The branching stems are clothed 
with slightly silvery or glaucous, irregular and 
deeply cut foliage. In sheltered positions on 
the lawn it forms noble, isolated specimens, 
or it may be judiciously grouped along with 
dark-leaved Ricinus or Cannas. U. pyrami- 
data is of alighter and fresher green than 
the preceding, and is larger in habit, having 
more of the aspect of Malva in foliage. They 
are both readily propagated from cuttings, 
which are freely produced by old specimens 
taken up carefully in autumn and re-potted. 


Ulex. Furze. Gorse or Whin. Said to be 
taken from the Celtic ac, a point; in allusion 
to its prickly branches. Nat. Ord. Legumi- 
nose. 

A genus of very beautiful, evergreen shrubs, 
with yellow flowers, both double and single, 
indigenous to Great Britain and the south of 
Europe. They are highly esteemed for hedge 
plants, and the young tops are cut and fed to 
cattle and horses; but their value as a food 


plant is considerably questioned. None of the 
species thrives in this country, being too 
tender for our Northern States, and too 
impatient of. our tropical summers in the 
South. 

Uliginose. Inhabiting swampy places. 

U'llucus. From Ulluco, the Quitan name. 
Nat. Ord. Chenopodiacee. 

U. tuberosa, the only species, is a half- 
hardy, fleshy, decumbent herb, with a stem 
throwing out thread-like branches, which, 
when they enter the earth, produce edible 
tubers. The plantis extensively cultivated for 
these tubers in the mountains of Bolivia and 
Peru, under the name of Oca-quina. It is in- 
teresting, as having been unsuccessfully tried 
as a substitute for the Potato. Syn. Melloca. 


Ulma’cez. Now included as asub-tribe of Urti- 
cacee. 


U'lmus, Elm. Supposed to be from the Saxon 
word elm or ulm, a name which is applied, 
with very slight alterations, to the trees of 
this genus in all dialects of the Celtic tongue. 
Nat. Ord. Urticacew. 

This genus takes the first rank in the great, 
army of American trees. When asked, ‘‘ What 
ig the handsomest tree in America?” we un- 
hesitatingly say, ‘‘ U. Americana, the Ameri- 
can Water or White Elm.” Of the several 
species that make up this genus, none in any 
respect compares with this. U. fulva is the 
common Red or Slippery Elm. JU. racemosa 


468 


TULIPS (VARIETIES OF), 


y ha 
A 


TULIPA GREIGI. 


4 
: 
8 
5 


VERBENA (TYPES OF), 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


469 


UMB 


- Ig the Cork, Hickory or Cliff Elm. JU. alata is 
the Winged Elm or Whahoo of the South and 
West. The celebrated English Elm is U. cam- 
aaa All the species are propagated from 
seeds. 


Umbel, An inflorescence in which the stalks 
radiate from a common point and form a flat 
or convex surface above, asin the Carrot. It 
is simple or compound. 


Umbellate. Disposed in or resembling the um- 


bels. 

Umbelli'ferz. One of the most natural and, 
consequently, most easily recognized orders 
of plants, but one of the most difficult to 
divide into well-defined genera. It consists 
of herbs, often strongly scented, with small 
flowers, usually in a simple or compound 
umbel which has given the name to the order. 
They inhabit, for the most part, woods, bogs, 
marshes and dry places, principally in the 
northern parts of the northern hemisphcre. 
As the equator is approached they become 
less known, and in the southern hemisphere 
they are comparatively rare. Though mostly 
herbs, these plants sometimes attain a gigan- 
tic size, as in some species of Heracleum and 
Angelica. Dr. Welwitsch, moreover, mentions 
having found in tropical Africa, in the region 
of the Golungo Alto, an arboreous umbellifer 
with a stem one foot and a half in diameter, 
which is prized highly by the natives for its 
medicinal properties and for its value as a 
timbertree. This, so farasat present known, 
is the most gigantic plant of the order. The 
Umbellifere number at least fifteen hundred 
species, divided amongst nearly three hundred 
genera, many of which are important as pro- 
ducing articles of food; many are poisonous; 
most are merely unimportant weeds; a few, 
like Astrantia, are furnished with gay colors, 
and thus become objects of decoration. One 
of them, Bolaxz Glebaria, forms huge tussocks 
in the Falkland Islands, resembling hay-cocks. 
Of the harmless species, in which, with a little 
aroma, there is no inconsiderable quantity of 
acrid watery matter or gum-resinous secre- 
tion, must be more particularly named Celery, 
Fennel, Samphire, Parsley, and the roots of 
the Carrot, Parsnip and Skirret (Sium Sis- 
arum). The roots of Eryngium campestre and E. 
maritimum,commonly called Eryngo, are sweet, 
aromatic and tonic. The aromatic roots of 
Meum athamanticum and M. Mutellina form 
an ingredient in Venice treacle. Angelica 
Root (Archangelica officinalis), is fragrant, 
sweet when first tasted, but leaving a glowing 
heat in the mouth. Others are gum-resinous, 
as the species of Ferula and Narthex, yielding 

_ Asafcetida, the fetid odor of which is supposed 
to be owing to sulphur in combination with a 
peculiar essential oil. 

Of aromatic and carminative fruits, the 
most celebrated are Anise (Pimpinella Anisum), 
Dill (Anethum graveolens), Caraway (Corum 
Carui) and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). 
Besides these, great numbers of less note are 
also employed for the same reason, the chief 
of which are the Ajwains or Ajowains of India 
(species of Ptychotis), Honeywort (Sison Amo- 
mum), whose fruits smell of bugs, and Cummin 
(Cuminum Cyminum), now only used in veter- 
inary practice. Among poisons, Hemlock 
(Conium maculatum) holds the first place. An- 
thriscus vulgaris and A. sylvestris are not so 


' 


Umbellula’ria Californica. 


Umbrella Tree. 


‘Umbrosus. 
Unarmed. Destitute of spines or prickles; 


Uncinate. 


Uni. 


Unicorn Root. Unicorn’s Horn. 


UNI 


dangerous. Zthusa Cynapium, Ginanthe cro- 
cata, G2. phellandrium, Cicuta maculata and C. 
virosa are other poisonous species. 

A name given to 
Ocotea or Oreodaphne Californica, the Califor- 


nian Sassafras. 
Umbi'licus. 


From umbilicus, the navel; in al- 
lusion to the concave leaves of some of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Crassulacee. 

A genus of interesting plants, natives of 
southern Europe, the Levant and tropical 
Africa, and now usually placed under Cotyle- 
don. In some of the species the radical leaves 
are rosulate, or disposed like the petals in 
the flower of a double Rose; others have 
them alternate on the stalk; in all they are 
fleshy. The flowers, which are either white 
or yellow, grow in branched or simple ra- 
ecemes. They grow naturally in dry, stony 
places, are at home in a rock-work, and are 
often used for carpet bedding and edging. 
They grow well in pots, and require the same 
treatment as Echeverias and Sempervivums. 
Introduced in 1732. 


Umbraculiform. Umbrella-shaped. 
Umbrella China Tree. 


A variety of Melia 
Azedarach, which see. 


Umbrella Grass. The common name of Fuirena 


squarrosa. It is common in sandy, wet places 
from Massachusetts southward. 


Umbrella Palm. See Kentia. 
‘Umbrella Pine or Parasol Fir. See Sciado- 


pitys. ; 

Magnolia Umbrella and_M. 
tripetala, also Thespesia populnea and Pan- 
danus odoratissimus. 


Growing in shady places. 


pointless. 


Unca'ria. From uncus, a hook; the old peti- 


oles are converted into hooked spines. Nat. 
Ord. Rubiaceew. 

A genus of about thirty species of climbing, 
shrubby plants, natives of the tropics. The 
most interesting species, U. Gambier, from 
which the Gambier of commerce is obtained, 
a native of India and was introduced. in 
1825. 


Bent or curved at the tip, like a 
hook. = 


Undershrub. A small, woody plant, the ends 


of its branches perishing annually. 


Undulate. Wavy or wavy-margined. 
‘Unguiculate. Furnished with a claw (unguis) ; 


that is, a narrow base; as the petals of a Rose, 
where the claw is very short, and those of 
Pinks, where the claw is very long. 7 
In compound words, one, as Unifoliate, 
Uniflorus, etc. 


Unicorn Plant. A common name for Martynia 


lutea and M. proboscidea. 

The root of 
Helonias dioica, a native of New Jersey, Penn- 
sylvania, Virginia, etc.; used as an anthel- 
tnintic. : 


Uniflorus. Supporting a single flower. 
Unifoliate. When a compound leaf consists of 


one leaflet only, as in the Orange-tree. 


Unilocular. One-celled. 


Ee 


470 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


UNI 


Uni'ola. Sea-side Oat. From unus, one; so 
ealled by Linnzeus, owing to the union of the 
glumes. Nat. Ord. Graminacee. 

A genus of grasses, natives principally of 
the Southern States. U. paniculata and U. lati- 
folia are very ornamental and well worthy of 
cultivation. The dried spikes, both naturaland 
dyed in different colors, are much used in 
bouquets, etc., of dried flowers and grasses. 
U. Palmeri, collected near the mouth of the 
Colorado River, by Mr. Palmer, and described 
by hin, is interesting as supplying the Indians 
of that section with a large amount of grain. 
‘* They come together at the proper season, in 
April, and gather this, to them, important 
article of food. As its quantity depends on 
the overflow of the tides, and the tides are 
sure to occur, they have an assured crop with- 
out any other labor than gathering and caring 
for the grain. * * * The grain has to be 
cut when a little green because of the easy 
separation of the spikelets. In order to dry 
the heads as quickly as possible large fires 
are made, and the heads are piled around so 
that the flames penetrate between them. 
When they have been sufficiently exposed to 
the fire a stick is used to thrash the heads, 
which breaks up the spikelets, but does not 
separate the chaff or glumes from the grain. 
The dried and dissevered spikelets are then 
taken to a piece of ground prepared for the 
purpose, and the Indians tread upon and rub 
the grain between their feet until the seeds 
are shelled out. 

“This process is more easily accomplished 
after the grain has been exposed a while to 
the sun, but in any case it is pretty trying to 
the feet because of the sharp, stiff points of 
the chaff. The action of the tide knocks off 
and carries away considerable of the grain, 
but this is left in rows at the edge of the con- 
tiguous dry land, and the Indians gather 
much of it and rub it out. They have to be 
expeditious in their harvest, as wind storms 
are liable to arise and destroy or injure the 
product of their labors.”—Garden and Forest. 


Upas Tree. See Antiaris toxicaria. 


Ura'nia. Traveler’s Tree. From ouranios, sub- 
lime; in allusion to the stateliness of the 
tree. Nat. Ord. Scitaminee. 

U. speciosa, the only known representative 
of this genus, was formerly called Ravenala 
Madagascariensis. It is a magnificent plant, 
having a palm-like appearance, and is called 
in Madagascar the Traveler’s Tree, because 
the base of the leaves, when cut, yield an 
abundant and refreshing juice, with which 
travelers allay their thirst. The leaves are of 
gigantic size, somewhat like those of Musa 
Ensete, but arranged in two rows on opposite 
sides of thestems. Young plants are obtained 
by suckers or from seed. 


Ureeo/la. A genus of Apocynacee, consisting 
of one species. U. elastica, a large, climbing, 
milky-juiced shrub or tree, frequently with a 
trunk as thick as a man’s body, found only in 
Borneo, Sumatra, and other islands of the 
Eastern Archipelago, where its milky juice is 
collected and forms an inferior kind of Caout- 
chouc. It produces a fruit about the size of 
an orange, much relished both by the natives 
and by European residents. 


Urceolate. Pitcher-shaped, contracted at the 
mouth. 


URO 


Urceoli/na. Urn-Flower. From vurceolus, a 
small cup or pitcher; in allusion to the 
smallness of the cup, or nectary, inside the 
flower. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacea. 

Asmall genus of handsome, summer-bloom- 
ing, Peruvian bulbs. The flowers are yellow, 
red and green. They grow freely in the open 
border and require a long season of rest. 
They may be kept during winter like the 
Tigridias, and planted out in the border after 
all danger: from frost is past. They were 
introduced in 1837, and are propagated by 
offsets. Syn. Pentlandia. 


Urens. Stinging. 


Urgi/nea. From the name of an Arab tribe, 
Ben Urgin, in Algeria. Nat. Ord. Liliacea. 

A genus of over twenty bulbous plants of 
little interest. The bulbs of U. maritima, the 
old Scilla maritima, are known in medicine 
as Squills. The species are natives of the 
Mediterranean region, and have large bulbs, 
whence proceed the leaves and long-stalked 
racemes of flowers, the latter, however, being 
produced first. 


Urn Flower. See Urceolina. 


Urope’dium. From oura, a tail, and podion, a 
slipper; in allusion to the long-tailed petals. 
Nat. Ord. Orchidacee. 

A genus of terrestrial Orchids nearly re- 
lated to Cypripedium. It consists of only one 
described species, U. Lindeni, a native of New 
Grenada, which is found growing at an eleva- 
-tion of 8,500 feet above the sea level. It dif- 
fers from Cypripedium in its broader, flattened 
lip, and extremely long-tailed petals. The 
leaves are about a foot long, oblique at the 
extremity, shining, and fleshy in . texture. 
The flowers are solitary, produced on long 
peduncles; the sepals are ovate-lanceolate, 
yellow, streaked with orange; the petals are 
linear-lanceolate, extended into a long, nar- 
row tail, a foot or more in length, and purple- 
orange at the base. This is a remarkable and 
very interesting plant, which should find a 
place in every collection. It was introduced 
in 1849, and requires the same treatment as 
Cypripedium. This genus is included by some 
authorities under Selenipedium. 


Urope'talum. From oura, a tail, and petalon, a 
petal; the petals are lengthened into tail-like 
appendages. Nat. Ord. Liliacea. 

Asmall genus of Cape bulbs, very singular 
and interesting. The flowers are green, or 
green and orange, borne on slender scapes in 
terminal racemes. They are tender, and 
must be kept warm and dry during winter, 
and planted out in the border in early spring. 
They were first introduced in 1808, and are 
propagated by offsets. Syn. Dipcadi. 


Uroski/nnera Spectabilis is the sole representa- 
tive of a Central American genus of Scrophu- 
lariacew, named in honor of Mr. G. Ure Skin- 
ner, who introduced so many new plants from 
Central America to our gardens. It is an 
undershrub somewhat resembling in habit 
certain Gesneracee@, and covered in all parts 
with soft hairs. The rosy-violet, rather 
large flowers, are arranged in terminal, 
crowded panicles, and supported by filiform 
bracts. It was introduced from Mexico in 
1856, and may be increased by cuttings in 
heat. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 471 


URO 


Urospa’tha. From oura, a tail, and spatha, a 
spathe; referring to the long-pointed spathe 
in most of the species. Nat. Ord. Aroidee. 

A genus of warm-house Arads with thick 

rhizomes, natives of tropical America.  U. 
dehiscens and U. sagittifolia are in cultivation 
and require a great deal of water when grow- 
ing. They may be propagated by division of 
the root-stock. 
Urospe/rmum. Sheep’s Beard. From ouros, a 
tail, and spermum, a seed; alluding to the 
beaked, hard, dry, one-seeded fruit. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

A small genus of hardy, annual or biennial, 
slightly-branched plants, natives of the south 
of Europe. U. Dalechampi is a handsome 
biennial, of dwarf tufted growth, producing 
heads of large, lemon-colored blossoms. It 
thrives in any light soil in an open position 
and is quite hardy. Syn. Arnopogon. 


Ursi/nia. A genus of Composite, included un- 
der Sphenogyne. 


Urti'ca. Nettle. From uro, to burn; in refer- 
ence to the stinging properties of most of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Urticacee. 

The Roman Nettle, U. pilulifera, is some- 
times grown in gardens as an ornamental 
annual, but the sting is much worse than that 
of U. dioica, the common Nettle. Some of 
the exotic species are very handsome; as, for 
example, U. reticulata, a native of Jamaica, 
which has red and yellow flowers and deep 
green leaves. The stinging effects of U. uren- 
tissima (Devil’s Leaf), a native of Timor, are 
said to be so violent as to last for twelve 
months, and sometimes to cause death. Many 
species produce excellent fibre, and several 
are considered to possess medicinal proper- 
ties. There are several native and natural- 
ized species, all troublesome weeds. 


Urtica’cez. A natural order consisting of 
trees, shrubs, or herbs, from almost every 
part of the globe, with alternate and lobed 
leaves furnished with stipules and small, in- 
conspicuous, uniséxual flowers, usually in 
cymes or heads, not in catkins. They possess 
narcotic qualities and yield valuable fibres. 
Cannabis sativa yields the well-known Hemp, 
one of our most valuable fibres. It is im- 
ported in large quantities from Russia, and 
is produced in a small way in this country. 
The plant grows naturally in the cooler parts 
of India, and there develops narcotic quali- 
ties, which seem to reside in the resin which 
covers the leaves. What are called Hemp 
Seeds, used for the food of birds, are in real- 
ity Hemp fruits, each containing a single 
seed. Humulus Lupulus, the well-known Hop, 
possesses both tonic and hypnotic properties, 
that is, a power tu produce sleep. The scales 
of the Hop heads are covered with resinous 
matter, which hus an aromatic odor. Among 
the other important numbers of this order 
may be enumerated the Bread-fruit Tree 
(Arctocarpus incisa), Elm (Ulmus), Fig (Ficus 
Carica), India-rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) and 
Mulberry (Morus alba and M. nigra). Several 
of the species are valuable as timber trees. 
It ineludes nearly one hundred and ten gen- 
era and fifteen hundred species. 

Usnea. This word is said to have originated in 
the Arabic achneh, or achnen, which is, accord- 
ing to Golius, the name by which the Arabian 


UVU 


physicians designate Lichens in general. A 
genus of Lichens, the species of which grow 
on rocks and trunks of trees, from which latter 
circumstance they are often called Tree Moss 
or Trev Hair. Some of the southern species, 
as U. Melaxantha are magnificent. In the 
stems of this (which attains a considerable 
size), concentric zones of growth have been 
observed by Sir J. D. Hooker. 


Ustilago. From ustus, burnt; in allusion to 
the scorched appearance of the organs of the 
host-plants, in which the spores are developed. 
This genus is interesting as including the 
various kinds of Smut which are so injurious 
to grasses, wheat, corn, etc. 


Utricle. A small, bladdery pericarp; any thin, 
pedal body; the two confluent glumes of 
ares. 


Utricula’ria. Bladderwort. From utriculus, a 
little bladder; applied to the small inflated 
appendages of the roots. Nat. Ord. Lentibu- 
lariacew. 

A genus of curious aquatic plants, common 
throughout the United States. They are par- 
ticularly interesting in that during the early 
stage of the plant, the small, bladder-like ap- 
pendages atthe roots are filled with water; 
but when the flowers are ready to expend 
they become filled with air. After the season 
of flowering, the vesicles become again filled 
with water, and the plant descends to ripen 
its seeds at the }ottom. U. minor, U. vulgaris, 
U. minor and U. neglecta are worthy of being 
grown as curiosities. U. Endresii (pale lilac), 
introduced from Costa Rica in 1874, and 
montana (white), from the West Indies in 
1871, very >eautiful stove-house epiphytes 
with showy, Orchid-like flowers; are often 
grown in the Orchid-house, and succeed best 
in baskets of fibry peat and sphagnum, sus- 
pended near the glass. U. Humboldtii and U. 
reniformis grow best in large pans of sphagnum 
partially plunged in water. They are very 
beautiful and interesting plants. 


Utriculiform. Having the shape of a bottle. 


Uva'ria. From wva, a cluster of grapes; allud- 
ing to the fruits of some of the species. Nat. 
Ord. Anonacee. 

A genus of twining or climbing shrubby 
plants, natives of tropical Africa and Asia. 
Several species, formerly included here, are 
now referred to other genera. U. Kirkiiis a 
medium-sized undershrub, and U. Zeylanicum, 
alarge woody climber. Both thrive in a com- 
post of sandy loam and leaf mould, and are 
es by cuttings of the ripened wood in 

eat. 


Uvula’ria. Bellwort. The plants were formerly 
used in diseases of the wula; whence the 
name. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

A small genus of very handsome, hardy, 
herbaceous perennials with lily-like flowers, 
borne solitary, or rarely in pairs, on slender 
peduncles, from the uppermost leaves. The 
flowers are bright and greenish yellow. JU. 
grandiflora grows from one to two feet high, 
with long, clear yellow, drooping flowers, very 
attractive in early summer. It is anexcellent 
plant for a partially shaded position in the 
rock-garden. There are several other species 
common throughout the United States, in rich, 
moist, shady woods. 


472 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


V. 


VAC 


acca'ria. Cow Herb. Named from vacca, a 
cow. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacee. 


A coarse-growing, hardy, herbaceous per- 


ennial, formerly called Saponaria Vaccaria. 
It was introduced into the garden, but has 
- escaped and become common in waste places. 


Vaccinia’cez. A natural order consisting of 
much-branched shrubs or small trees, often 
evergreen, with alternate, undivided leaves 
without stipules, the flowers growing solitary 
or in racemes, often richly-colored, and the 
fruit, usually a berry, frequently edible. The 
species are numerous in the temperate and 
colder parts of the world, especially in 
swamps or sub-alpine countries, and on moun- 
tain chains within the tropics. They are dis- 
tributed into about twenty-five genera and 
over three hundred species, the greater num- 
pe being included in Vaccinium and Thibau- 

- dia. : 


Vaccinium. High-bush Cranberry, Blueberry, 
Bilberry. An ancient Latin name, whether of 
a@ berry or a flower is not satisfactorily 
known. Nat. Ord. Vacciniacee. : 

An extensive genus of interesting shrubs, 
many of which are indigenous to the United 
States, and others to Europe and the East 

_and West Indies. V. macrocarpa of some 
-authors is the Large or American Cranberry, 
common in bogs North and West. V. stami- 
neum is the Squaw Huckleberry, common in 
- dry woods from Maine to Michigan. V. uligi- 
- nosum is the Bog Bilberry, a low-growing spe- 
- cies, common in high elevations in New Eng- 
land and New York. V. corymbosum is the 
-common orSwamp Blueberry,every where com- 
mon except southward. V. Vitis-Idea—the 
vino of Mount Ida—is the Cow-berry found 


sparingly in this country but common in 


Britain. The beautiful, white-berried, green- 
‘house shrub, V. leucobotrys, though rarely 
seen in collections in this country, is well 
worthy of cultivation. It was introduced un- 
der the name of Epigynium leucobotrys from 
Bengal in 1859. There are many other spe- 
cies and varieties, the slight difference in 
them noticeable only by the botanist. For 
the common Cranberry and its culture, see 
Oxycoccus. 


Vaginate. Sheathed; surrounded by a sheath. 


Valdi’via. So called from the town of Valdiviain 
_Chili. A genus of Sawifragacee, consisting of a 
single species. Itis a singular and ornamen- 
tal, small, half-hardy, evergreen shrub, with 
short, erect, pyramidal panicles of pretty 
rose-colored flowers, the tube-like portion of 
which is angular, and the tips of the petals 
recurved; the flowers are three-quarters of 
an inch long. Introduced in 1863. 


Valerian. See Valeriana. 


Valeria‘na. Said by some to be named after 
Valerius, who first used it in medicine; others 
assert that it is derived from valere, to be in 
health, on account of the medicinal qualities 

.of V. officinalis. Nat. Ord. Valerianacea. 
Hardy perennials, most of them showy bor- 


VAL 


der plants of easy culture. Some of them 
have long been in cultivation. Those best 
known are natives of Switzerland. The golden- 
leaved variety of V. Phu is a highly effect- 
ive plant, particularly in spring, when its 
foliage is newly developed. It is of tufted, 
neat habit, grows freely in any soil and is per- 
fectly hardy. There are several native spe- 
cies, from which the tincture of Valerian is 
obtained. All the species are propagated by 

. division. 

Valeriana'ceze. A natural order consisting of 
annual or perennial herbs, usually strong- 
scented or aromatic (especially their roots), 
with rather small, but often elegant, flowers 
in terminal cymes or panicles. They are 
found in temperatc climates, chiefly in the 

’ mountains of the northern hemisphere or of 

: South America. The medicinal qualities of 
the order have been known from ancient 
times, and the plants now take rank at the 
head of the vegetable anti-spasmodics. About 
a, dozen genera are included in the order, and 

' nearly three hundred species. Centranthus, 

' Valeriana and Valerianelia are the most famil- 
iar examples. 


Valeriane’lla. Lamb’s Lettuce, Fetticus, Corn 
- Salad. A diminutive of Valerian. Nat. Ord. 
'  Valerianaceaw. 

A genus comprising about fifty species of 
small, hardy, annual herbs, with repeatedly- 
forked stems, natives of Europe, North Africa, 
Western Asia and North America. V. olitoria, 
a native of Great Britain, generally known as. 
Fetticus, is the only species of economic in- 
terest. It is used asa salad and is sown aud 
cultivated exactly as Spinach. It is also 
grown to a large extent by the German gar- 
deners around New York in cold frames, as 
an early spring salad. Syn. Fedia olitoria. _ 


‘Valerian Greek. A common name for Pole- 
monium ceruleum, which see. , 


‘Valerian. Red or Spur. Centranthus ruber. 


‘Vallisne’ria. Eel Grass, Tape Grass. Named 

in honor of A. Vallisneri, an Italian botanist. 
“Nat. Ord. Hydrocharidacee. 

5 A genus of aquatic plants, common in slow- 
running waters, remarkable on account of the 
extremely curious manner in which the pro- 
cess of fertilization is effected. The male and 
female flowers are on different plants, and the 
latter rise on long spiral stalks, which grad- 
ually uncoil above the surface of the water, 
while the latter are produced at the bottom. 
Before, however, the anthers burst to dis- 
charge the pollen, the male flowers detach 
themselves from their stalks, and rise up to 
the surface, on which they float like little 
white bubbles. After the pollen has been 
distributed over the stigmas, the male flow- 
ers wither, and the spiral stalks of the 
females coil up again so as to draw the seed- 
vessel under the water, that it may ripen at the 
bottom and burst when just in the proper 
place to deposit its seeds. Nothing can be 
more beautiful than the whole arrangement; 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


473 


VAL 


and nothing can show more strikingly the ad- 
mirable manner in which the wonderful 
economy of nature is carried on. V. spiralis, 
the best known and only species in our waters, 
is admirably adapted for growing in the aqua- 
rium. Besides being a beautiful evergreen, 
one of the essentials for the aquarium, one 
ean, by growing it, witness that wonderful 
and interesting phenomenon in plant life. 


Vallo’ta. Scarborough Lily. Named in honor 
of Pierre Vallot, a French botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

V. purpurea, the only known species, is a 
native of the Cape of Good Hope, where it is 
found in boggy places. It is an evergreen 
bulb, producing its splendid spikes of brilliant 
scarlet blossoms (not purple, as the name im- 
plies) in August, and occasionally at other 
periods. Itis one of the most showy of the 
interesting family to which it belongs, and the 
little care required to grow it makes it par- 

. ticularly desirable. It does best with ordinary 
pot culture, requiring liberal watering, except 
for a few months in winter. The bulbs should 
not often be separated, but occasionally shifted 
into larger pots when they become thoroughly 
root-bound. Too frequent shiftings are in- 
jurious to this bulb; they do much better 
when pinched, and it is not an uncommon 
occurrence to see twenty-five flower spikes, 
with five or eight flowers each, at one time, 


from a ten-inch pot of the bulbs. They increase | 


rapidly from offsets, which may be picked off 
the top of the pot without disturbing the main 
bulbs. They may be grown successfully in 


‘ the border, and dried off in winter, like the | 
Gladiolus, except that they should be taken up |: 


after a slight frost and packed away in boxes 
of earth, without disturbing the tops, water- 


‘ing only once or twice during the winter. | 
There are two or three varieties, differing only | 


in the size of the flowers. Introduced in 1774. 

Valo/nia. 
capsules, or Acorn cups, of Quercus Aigilops, 
which are used for tanning, dyeing and mak- 
ing ink. 

Valora'dia plumbaginoides. 
Plumbago Larpente. 

Valvate. United by the margins only, as the 
valves of a capsule. 

Valves. The doors by which various bodies 
open; the term is also applied to the pieces 
into which a capsule splits. 


A synonym of 


Va'nda. Vanda is the Sanscrit name of the 
original species of this genus. Nat. Ord. 
Orchidacee. 


A genus of magnificent epiphytal Orchids 
from tropical Asia. Several of the species 
are found in our best Orchid houses, where 
they are most conspicuous objects, both on 
account of the size and beautiful colors and 


markings of the flowers, and for their deli- | 


cious fragrance. The plants may be attached 
to blocks of wood or cork, and suspended 
from the roof of the house. From March till 
May the heat should range from 70° to 90°, 
or even more in sunny weather, and every 
morning and evening they should be sur- 
rounded with vapor, besides an application of 
water from the syringe once a day. From 
May till September, which with us is the 
_plooming season, the same degree of heat 
should be maintained, but with a diminution 
- of the moisture as the flowers advance; and 


A commercial name for the large 


VAR 


afterward, through the winter, meisture may 
be withheld, and the temperature reduced to 
60°. Some of the species have been under 
cultivation since 1810. V. tricolor, one of the 
best, was introduced in 1846. Of this species 
there are some fifteen or more varieties, all of 
great beauty. V. cwrulea, a most lovely light- 
blue species, introduced from Khasya in 1849, 
requires less heat than the other kinds, and 
sometimes succeeds best under green-house 
treatment. They are propagated by carefully 
detaching the lateral shoots, when about six 
inches long. 


Vani'lla. An alteration of Vaynilla, which is a 
diminutive of Vaina, a Spanish word, signify- 
ing a sheath; in reference to the cylindrical 
pod being like the sheath of a knife. Nat. 
Ord. Orchidaceew. 

A small genus of tropical, climbing Orchids, 
one of the most important of the whole fam- 
‘ily, not because of its flowers, but for the 
commercial value of the fruit, which is uni- 
versally used in the preparation of extracts 
for flavoring. The best Vanillais the prod- 
uce of VY. planifolia, a native of Mexico 
(Chapman, in his ‘“‘Flora of the Southern 
States,” credits Curtiss as having found this 
species on the borders of the Everglades), 
‘put several other South American species are 
also used. The flowers of this genus are 
white, striped with red, and quite insignifi- 
cant; these flowers are succeeded by pods 
about six inches in length and one-fourth of 
an inch in diameter. The pod contains, be- 
sides its numerous seeds, a black, oily 
and balsamic substance, which, recently 
gathered, is humid, and its odor is said 
to produce intoxication. The pods are gath- 
ered during the last three months of the 
year, and are carefully dried by exposure to 
the sun’s rays until they are made warm, in 
which state they are wrapped in woolen 
cloths to promote and absorb evaporation. 
When thoroughly cured they are ready for 
shipment. The extract is obtained by cut- 
ting the pods in small pieces, and pulverizing 
in a mortar containing about four parts of 

-fine glass to one of Vanilla. It requires a 
great amount of labor to get the Vanilla fine 
enough for the dilute alcohol to act upon it 
in a manner that will secure the whole. After 
the pulverized mass has been in alcohol for 
several days, it is filtered through paper, and 
is fit for use. 


Vanilla Plant. The popular name of Liatris 


odoratissima. 

Vanilla or Seneca Grass. See Hierochloe bo- 
realis. 

Variabilis. Presenting a variety of character; 


as when leaves are variously modified on the 
same plant. 


Variegated. Irregularly colored. 
Variegated Laurel. <Aucuba Japonica. 
Variegated Rush. See Scirpus. 


Variety. A term indicating a lower grade or 
sub-division, next to the species; as the dif- 
ferent sorts of Pears, Apples, Geraniums, 
Roses, etc. 

A variety can only be propagated with cer- 
tainty by grafts, cuttings, bulbs, tubers, or 
any other method which produces a new 
plant by the development of one or more 
buds taken from the old one. 


474. HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


VAR 


Variolate. Marked as if by the pustules or pit- 
tings of small-pox. 


Varnish Tree. A common name for Ailantus 
glandulosus, Rhus vernicifera, etc. 


Vascular. Furnished with, or relating to ves- 
sels or ducts. 


Vasculum. A botanist’s collecting-box. The 
term is also applied to a pitcher-shaped leaf. 


Vases. ‘[hese are formed of iron, stone, earth- 
enware etc., and are usually raised on a pedes- 
tal to a height of four or five feet. They are 
of various sizes and patterns. The bowls for 
the soil vary in depth from six to eighteen 
inches; but in all cases holes must be made 
in the bottom (if not already there) to allow 
free drainage for water, for, without these 
(and some are made without them), the soil 
would soon get saturated and sour. Almost 
the same character of plants is used for plant- 
ing vases as for window boxes (which see). A 
very beautiful practice is now in use to plant 
them in early spring with Pansies, which re- 
main in bloom until June, the time at which 


the summer plants are ready to be planted to. 


take their place. Vases are usually exposed 

to the full force of the sun on the open lawn, 

and, consequently, require a great deal of 

watering to keep them in good condition. By 

mulching the surface with moss during sum- 

mer, evaporation will be checked and a great 
_deal of labor saved. 

Vauqueli/nia. A genus of Rosacee comprising 
one species with saw-toothed leaves and pure 
white flowers. It was first described by Dr. 
Torrey as Spirea Californica, but was referred 
to its right genus by Mr. Watson. It is a na- 
tive of Mexico, Arizona, etc. 

Vegetable Fire-cracker. A common name for 
Brodiaca coccinea. 

Vegetable Hair. A name given to Tillandsia 
aanens 

Vegetable Horse-hair. The fibre of Chame@rops 
humilis. 

Vegetable Ivory-nut. See Phytolephas. 

Vegetable Marrow or Midshipman’s Butter. 
See Persea. 


Vegetable Marrow. An English name for a 
variety of summer Squash. The one usually 
grown is about nine inches long and four to 
five in diameter. It is used in every stage of 
its growth, and is particularly tender and 
sweet. It is grown in all respects like the 
several varieties of our summer Squashes. 


Vegetable Mercury. See Franciscea. 
Vegetable Oyster. See Tragopogon porrifolius. 


Vegetable Sheep. A name given to Cibotium 
Barometz. 


Veins. The small ribs or branches of the frame- 
work of leaves. 


Vei’'tchia. Named in honor of the late James 
Veitch, of Chelsea, London; the leading nur- 
seryman of hisday. Nat. Ord. Palmacew. 

A beautiful genus of Palms closely allied to 
Kentia, with which they are often confounded. 
Two species are described, and are valued 
ornaments of our stoves. Introduced from 
the New Hebrides and Fiji in 1868 (syn. Ken- 
tia). The name was formerly applied by Dr. 
Lindley to a curious Japanese conifer, since 
proven to be a monstrous state of some Picea. 


VEN 


Ve'lla. Said to be Latinized from Veler, a 
Celtic name for sucha plant. Nat. Ord. Cru- 
cifere. 

A small genus of much-branched, half- 
hardy shrubs, natives of Spain. V. Pseudo- 
cytisus, the species most generally cultivated, 
has large, yellow flowers, with long, dark 
purple claws ‘and entire leaves. It may be 
increased by cuttings in spring. 

Vellei’a. Named after Major Velley, who was 
greatly interested in Alge. Nat. Ord. Goode- 
niacew. 

A genus of green-house, perennial herbs, 
having a short, thick stock and radical leaves, 
natives of Australia. Their flowers are yel- 
low, like those of the Goodenia, and they are 
closely allied to Huthales. 


Vello’zia, Named after Velloz, a Portuguese 
naturalist, who edited the works of Vandelli 
on Brazil. Nat. Ord. Amarillidacee. 

The Vellozias are like perennial Lilies, and 
grow from two to ten feet high, having trunks 
as large as a man’s body, branching, and hav- 
ing tufts of leaves on the top like the Yucca. 
The flowers are large, white, blue or violet, 
produced singly or on slender scapes from 
the tips of the branches. They are showy 
and attractive features in the mountain re- 
gions of Braziland Australia. Syn. Barbacenia. 


Velthei’/mia. Named in honor of F. A. Velt- 
heim, a German botanist. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. 
Large-growing bulbs from the Cape of 
Good Hope. The flowers are flesh-color and 
of but little heauty, though of long duration. 
V. viridifolia has beautiful, broad, shining, 
green leaves, with undulated margins and a 
flower scape one to two feet long. It is a 
very interesting and showy species. The 
bulbs rest the entire summer, and come into 
bloom in early winter. They are grown from 
seed, which they produce freely. The bulbs 
ne divide or make offsets. Introduced in 
1781. 


Velvet Flower. A common name for Amaran- 
thus caudatus. 


Velvet Grass. See Holcus. 


Velvet Leaf. Abutilon Avicenne and Lavatera 
arborea. 


Venation. The arrangement of veins in a leaf, 
etc. 

Veni'dium. Meaning of the name not given. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of green-house or half-hardy, per-- 
ennial plants, natives of southern Africa. V. 
calendulaceum is a low-growing plant, some-. 
what of a trailer, bearing, in summer, a pro-. 
fusion of showy, Marigold-like, yellow blos- 
soms. Cuttings put in in August root freely, 
or plants may be readily raised from seeds. 
sown in spring. It isthe best of the genus. 
and well worthy of cultivation. 

Venose. Veiny; having many branched veins. 

Ventila’go. From ventilo, to be exposed to the 
wind, and ago, to drive away; in allusion to- 
the fruit being winged, and scattered by the- 
wind. Nat. Ord. Rhamnacee. 

A genus of stove-house, climbing shrubs, 
found all over the tropics. V. madraspatana. 
is the only species in cultivation, and is rarely 
seen except in botanical collections. 

Ventilating. Or “Airing,” as gardeners call 
it, isan important operation in growing plants. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


475 


VEN 


under glass, and ignorance or carelessness in 
the work often results in dire disaster to the 
contents of the hot-bed, green-house or grap- 
ery. It often happens, when inexperienced 
carpenters undertake the erecting of green- 
house structures, that they are built with en- 
tirely inadequate means of ventilation, so that, 
no matter how careful the person in charge 
may be, he has not the means allowed to pro- 
vide sufficient ventilation. In a span-roofed 
green-house or grapery, having a base width 
of twenty feet, the glass roofs sloping to the 
east and west will be each about thirteen feet, 
making twenty-six feet in the span. To prop- 
erly ventilate a structure of this kind, mov- 
able sashes, not less than thirty inches in 
width, extending the entire length of the roof, 
should be hinged to the apex on the east side. 
The sashes, when lifted up by the- patent 
ventilating apparatus, are raised from one 
inch to thirty inches, as desired, the entire 
length; thus, when fully up, about one-tenth 
part of the entire glass roof is thrown open 
for ventilation ; and in hot days this is often 
found to be none too much. In a series of 
green-houses, requiring different tempera- 
tures, it is a good plan to mark the maximum 
and minimum allowed for ventilation close 
to each thermometer, so that the workman in 
charge of ventilating can be held to account- 
ability ; for example, if 70 is the degree re- 
quired, let the maximum of temperature be 
75° and the minimum 65”, allowing a range of 
ten degrees. The patent ventilating appa- 
ratus usually costs about fifty to seventy-five 
cents per running fout; but it is indispensable 
to a well-regulated green-house or grapery, 
from its power to grade the amount of venti- 
lation to suit all weathers. In the use of por- 
table sashes for hot-beds or frames, the best 
way to ventilate is to raise the sash at the 
back by pieces of wood so notched that from 
one inch to five or six inches can be given as 
required. 


Ventral. Belonging to that side of a simple 
pistil, or other organ, which looks towards the 
uxis or centre of the flower; the opposite of 
dorsal. 


Ventricose. Inflated, or swelled out on one 
side. 

Ventriculose. Abounding in veinlets. 

Venus’ Fly-trap. See Dionea muscipula. 

Venus’ Hair. A common name for Adiantum 
Capillus-veneris. 

Venus’ Looking-Glass. See Specularia specu- 
tum. 

Venus’ Navelwort. See Omphalodes. 

Venus’ Slipper. See Cypripedium insigne. 

Vera/trum. False or White. Hellebore. From 
vere, truly, and ater, black; in allusion to the 
color of the roots. Nat Ord. Liliacee. 

A genus of hardy, herbaceous, coarse-grow- 
ing plants, with large, coarse, fibrous roots, 
which are very poisonous. V. viride, aspecies 
common in swamps and marshy grounds, is 
popularly known as White Hellebore or In- 
dian Poke. The powdered roots of this 
species and V. album are used to destroy 
Caterpillars, Rose Beetles and other insects. 
It is the base of some of the so-called Persian 
Insect Powders, which should therefore be 
used with care. ; 


VER 


Verba’scum. Mullein. Aaron’s Club. Said to 


be from barbascum, bearded; in allusion to 
the bearded filaments. Nat. Ord. Serophu- 
lariacee. 

An extensive genus of rather coarse-grow- 
ing, more or less woolly, biennial or perennial 
herbs, natives of Europe, northern Africa and 
west and central Asia. V. Chaixi or V. ver- 
nale, as it is sometimes called, isa true per- 
ennial and is one of the most showy of the 
species. It grows to the height of ten feet 
and its large, green leaves are extremely 
effective. The color is good and the panicle 
of flowers enormous. The quantity of yellow 
flowers with purplish filaments that are borne 
on one of these great branching panicles is 
something marvelous. It is well suited for 
the back of a mixed border, for grouping with * 
other plants of remarkable size or form of foli- 
age, or for placing here and there in open 
spaces in the shrubbery. V. phaniceum is a 
very handsome species, distinct from all the 
others by the flowers being of various hues, 
but usually of a violet-blue, overlying a yel- 
low ground striped with violet. It is of slen- 
der growth, from two to four feet high, and the 
flowers, which are large and showy, are pro- 
duced numerously in long spikes. 


Verbe’na. Vervain. Said to be from its Celtic 


name, Ferfen. Nat. Ord. Verbenacee. 

The beauty of this extensive genus is well 
known, and needs no comment. They are all 
peculiarly adapted for growing in beds in the 
flower-garden and are extensively grown for 
that purpose. As a decorative plant they are, 
comparatively, of recent introduction. Our 
garden varieties have all originated from the 
following species: V. melindres, a low, creep- 
ing plant with intense scarlet flowers, intro- 
duced from Buenos Ayres in 1827. V. Tweedi- 
ana, of freer growth and more upright habit, 
umbels larger, and florets more profuse, but of 
a less vivid color, was introduced in 1834 from 
Brazil. V. teucrioides, a taller-growing spe- 
cies, of much coarser habit, with flowers of 
pure white, in narrow-pointed spikes, and 
very fragrant, was introduced from Monte- 
video in 1837. V. multifida, with lilac-purple 
flowers, was introduced from Peru in 1818. 
These species we understand were first intro- 
duced to this country by W. C. Brackenridge, 
of Baltimore; and Robert Buist, of Philadel- 
phia, quick to see their adaptability as bed- 
ding plants, was the first to cross-breed them 
and introduce many new sorts, the parents of 
the many varieties now in commerce. Several 
species have been found in the United States, 
and among them V. montana, a hardy peren- 
nial from the Rocky Mountains, a very free- 
flowering species, with flowers of a bright 
rose, changing to lilac—a decided acquisition 
to the flower-garden. V. aubletia, with spikes 
of showy, purple flowers, a hardy biennial, is 
found in Illinois and westward. V. venosa is 
a beautiful, half-hardy perennial species in- 
troduced from Brazil in 1830, not so well 
known as it deserves. Its lilac or bluish flow- 
ers are produced in great profusion rendering 
it a first-rate subject for bedding, especially 
if mixed with silver-leaved Geraniums. It is 
easily kept through the winter, and if its 
fleshy roots are stored thickly in boxes, any 
number of plants may be propagated in the 
spring from the young shoots that are abund- 
antly produced. It is easily raised from seed 


476° 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


VER 


‘which should be sown four months before the 
plants are wanted, as the seed is frequently 
slow in germinating. Verbenas are easily 
grown from seed, which should be sown in a 
hot-bed or the green-house in early spring, 
and once pricked out before planting in the 
flower-bed. Plants from seed will be more 
vigorous than from cuttings; but when spe- 
cial colors are wanted seedlings cannot be de- 
pended upon. At the low price the plants are 
now sold in the markets, it is cheaper to buy 
them than to growthem from seed; but when 
the amateur is not convenient to the florist, 
the supply can be easily kept up from seed. 
In growing Verbenas, successive plantings 
should not be made on the same ground; the 
less frequently the better. It is not that they 
exhaust the soil that renders a change neces- 
sary, but when grown more than once on the 
same spot, they are far more liable to be 
attacked by the Aphis at the roots, which is 
fatal to them. The varieties selected by flo- 
rists in the United States are far superior to 
those of Europe, so that for the past twenty 
years hardly any importations have been made 
of either seeds or plants. The plant is better 
suited to our elimate, and is far more exten- 
sively cultivated here than in Europe. The 
Verbena delights in a sweet, turfy loam; 
elayey or sandy soils should be avoided in the 
selection of the bed. 

Verbena Oil Plant. A name given to Andro- 
pogon Schenanthus. 


Verbena. Sand. A common name for Abro- 
nia. 

Verbena. Sweet Scented. See Aloysia citrio- 
dora. 


Verbena’cez. A natural order of trees, shrubs 
or herbs, widely scattered over the warmer 
parts of the globe, and especially abundant in 
south temperate regions, a few genera only 

‘being found in Europe, northern Asia and 
North America. Teak, one of the most im- 
portant timbers in the world, is the wood of 
Tectona grandis. The well-known Lemon 
Verbena, Aloysia (Lippia) citrioidora, and sev- 
eral species of Lantana are used as Tea. The 
order is distributed into over fifty genera and 

-nearly seven hundred species. Clerodendron, 
Lantana, Verberia and Vitex are good exam- 
ples. 

Verbesi’na. Crown Beard. Altered from Ver- 
bena, which some of the species are supposed 
to resemble. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of annual or perennial herbs or 
shrubs, natives of the West Indies, California, 
Texas and Mexico. V. encelioides is a showy, 
half-hardy species, one to two feet high, with 
broad clusters of yellow flowers. V. gigantea, 
an ornamental shrub from Jamaica, about six 
feet high, forms, when young, avery pleasing 
plant for decorative purposes, its round, green 
stems being covered with large, winged, pin- 
nate leaves of a glistening, delicate green 
color and very elegant outline. V. pinnatifida 
is a roughish, half-shrubby species, with a 
winged stem and woolly, oval leaves with 
lobed or toothed margins. They may be in- 
creased by seeds or divisions; the shrubby 
species by cuttings. Syn. Ximenesia. 


-Vero’nica. 


- Verrucose. 


VER 


Vernal-Grass. The common name for Anthoz- 
anthum odoratum. ‘ 


Vernation. The arrangement of leaves in a 
bud. 


Vernicose. Covered with natural varnish; ap- 
pearing as if varnished. 


Vernonia. Iron Weed. Named in honor of 
William Vernon, a votanical traveler in North 
America. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A very large genus of herbs or shrubs, 
chiefly tropical, but found most copiously in 
the warmer parts of America. V. Novebora- 
censis is common on low grounds near the 
coast, from Maine to Virginia, and with V. 
fasciculata on the prairies and river-banks in 
the Western States, Ohio to Wisconsin and 
southward. 


Speedwell. The derivation of the 
word is doubtful; perhaps the flower of St. 
Veronica. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacee. 

An extensive genus of, for the most part, 
hardy ornamental plants, well adapted for the 
borders of the flower garden. Their stature 
varies from creeping plants to others three or 
four feet high. The prevailing color is blue, 
though white, pink, red and purple are found 
among them. The green-house species are 
most generally shrubby and deserve atten- 
tion, being easy to grow and flower, and they 
are handsome in foliage, habit and inflores- 
cence. This class delights in a mixture of 
leaf mould and loam, and with plenty of root- 
room speedily make fine specimens. The spe- 
cies usually met in the green-house are trom 
New South Wales. The hardy, herbaceous 
species are distributed throughout the tem- 
perate regions of both continents. The 
shrubby kinds are generally increased by cut- 
tings; the herbaceous or annual sorts by di- 
vision or by seeds. ~ 


Warty; covered with wart-like, 
sessile elevations. 


Versatile. Turning freely on its support, swing- 
ing to and fro. 


Verschaffe/ltia. Named in honor of Ambrosius 
Verschaffelt, a nurseryman of Ghent, who wrote 
a work on Camellias in 1848. Nat. Ord. Pal- 
macee. . 

V. splendida, the only recognized species, 
was introduced from the Seychelle Islands in 
1864. It is a very handsome stove-house 
species with cuneate-obovate, deeply-incised 
leaves, three to five feetlong. The stem is 
six to twelve inches in diameter and with 
the leaf-sheaths and petioles very spiny when 
young. .It is known in cultivation as Regelia 
magnifica, R. majestica and R. princeps. 


Vertex. The apex of an organ. 
Verticillate. 


Vertico’rdia. Juniper Myrtle. From verto, to 
turn, and cor, cordis, a heart; a title of Venus, 
to whom the Myrtle was sacred. Nat. Ord. 
Myrtacee. 

A genus of green-house shrubs, much re- 
sembling the Heaths or Diosmas, natives of 
Australia. They are of easy culture in a com- 


Arranged in whorls. 


Verei/a. A synonym of Kalanchoe. 
Vermicular. Worm-shaped. 
Vernal. Appearing in spring. 


post of sandy loam and leaf-mould, and are 
readily increased by cuttings of the half- 
ripened shoots. 


VERBASCUM OLYMPICUM. 


TA. 


(bees 
VICIA SATIVA. 


> \ 
476 VINCA ROSEA. VICIA FABA (ENGLISH BROAD BEAN). 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 417 


VER 


Vervain. See Verbena. 

Blue American. Verbena hastata. . 
Rocky Mountain. Verbena montana (V. Au- 
bletia). 

Vesica’ria. From vesica, a bladder or blister; 
alluding to the inflated pods. Nat. Ord. Cru- 
cifere. 

A genus of about twenty species of annual 
or perennial herbs, natives of North America, 
Europe, Asia and the Andes. A few species 
are worthy of cultivation, the others being 
straggly and weedy in appearance. The best 
known are V. greca and V. utriculata, which 
have both been long in cultivation and flour- 
ish on dry, sunny parts of the rock-garden in 
deyish soil. They are easily increased by 
seeds. 


Vesicle. A small bladder or air cavity. 
Vesicular, Vesiculose. Inflated, bladdery. 


Vesli/ngia. Named after John Vesling, once 
Professor of Botany at Padua. Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 

A small genus of trepical African annuals 
with yellow flower-heads. According to Ben- 
tham and Hooker, Guizotia is the proper name 
of this genus. 

Vespertine. Appearing or expanding early in 
the evening. 

Vespu’ccia. Commemorative of Amerigo Ves- 
puccit. Nat. Ord. Alismacew. 

Asmall genus of aquatic plants, natives of 
tropical South America. Limnocharis Hum- 
boldtii has been referred to this genus, but is 
now placed by Bentham and Hooker under 
Hydrocleis as H. Commersoni. 


Ve'’stia. Chilian Box Thorn. Named in honor 
of L. C. de Vest, Professor at Gritz, 1776- 
1840. Nat. Ord. Solanacee. 

V. lycioides, the only described species, is 
an interesting, erect, branching, green-house 
shrub, with yellow flowers, pendulous from 
the tips of the branches. It was introduced 
from Chili in 1815, and is propagated by cut- 
tings. 

Vetch. The common name for the genus Vicia. 
Bastard or Bladder. The genus Phaca. 
Bitter. See Orobus. 

Bitter Black. Ervum Ervilia. 

Bush. Vicia sepium. 

Chickling. A common name for Lathyrus 
sativus. 

Common. Vicia sativa. 

Crown. A popular name for the genus Coro- 
nilla. 

Hor-e-shoe. Hippocrepis comosa. 

Indian. Ervum dispersmum. 

Kidney. Anthyllis vulneraria. 

Liquorice. A common name for Astragalus 

t hyllos. . 
iti See Astragalus. 

Tufted. Vicia Cracca. 
Wood. Vicia sylvatica and V. Americana. 
Yellow-flowered. Vicia lutea. 

Vetchling. Meadow. Lathyrus Nissolia. 
Pea. Lathyrus pisiformis. 

Yellow-flowered. Lathyrus Aphaca. 

Viburnum. Arrow-wood, Laurustinus. From 
wieo, to tie, because of the pliability of some 
of the branches. Nat. Ord. Caprifoliacee. 

An extensive genus of ornamental shrubs, 
generally with terminal corymbs of white 
flowers. One of the best known species is 


VIC 


V. tinus, popularly known as Laurustinus, an 
evergreen bush or low shrub, with white 
flowers that are rose-colored in the bud. It is 
a desirable house plant (when it can be kept 
at a low temperature), as it is easy of cultiva- 
tion and keeps in flower nearly the whole win- 
ter. It thrives finely in the Southern States, 
planted in the open border. V. Lentago; a 
native species, common from Maine to Georgia, 
isa very handsome, low-growing tree, and well 
worth a place on the lawn. Its rich green foli- 
age and profusion of flowers in spring, and its 
numerous clusters of fruit and rivhly-colored 
foliage in autumn, enhance its value as an 
ornamental tree. This is commonly known as 
Sweet Viburnum or Sheep Berry. The Way- 
faring Tree or Hobble-bush (V. lanfanoides) is 
another interesting small tree; and V. cotini- 
folium is a beautiful species from Nepal. The 
most interesting kind of Viburnum grown in 
small gardens is, however, the Gueldres, or 
Guelder Rose, or Snowball Tree, V. opulus. 
This is a deciduous shrub, found in Europe 
and Asia, as well as plentifully in this country 
northward, and southward along the Allegha- 
nies. The sterile variety of this species (var. 
sterilis, the Snowball Tree) may be found in 
every shrubbery, and, though so common, is 
still among the best of all shrubs. Ina wild 
state its principal beauty lies in its bright red 
berries, which are edible, and are used as asub- 
stitute for Cranberries, whence its common 
name, Cranberry Tree. V. plicatum, from North 
China, is a most beautiful hardy species, and of 
better habit than the preceding. It is a dwarf- 
spreading bush, with deeply wrinkled foliage. 
In summer every branch is wreathed with 
clusters of snow-white, sterile flowers, larger 
and whiter than those of the common Snow- 
ball Tree. It likes a warm, sheltered situa- 
tion, and is a shrub of the highest merit. 
Most of the Viburnums are hardy. They are 
generally propagated by layers, but cuttings 
will strike freely if kept moist, and in a shady 
situation. When transplanted, the evergreen 
species should be removed in October or 
November, as they have few fibrous roots, 
and are very apt to be killed by a continuance 
of dry weather if they are transplanted in 
spring. 


Vicia. Vetch. Tare. From vincio, to bind 


together; referring to the clasping tendrils. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A very extensive genus of hardy climbing 
annuals and herbaceous climbing perennials. 
Some are common weeds, while others are 
grown for food for all kinds of cattle. V. faba 
(syn. Faba vulgaris), the English or Broad 
Windsor Bean, and more particularly its 
variety, V. f. equina, the Horse Bean, are 
largely grown in Europe for this purpose. 
They are mostly natives of Europe, a few spe- 
cies only being found in this country. The 
ornamental species are generally pretty climb- 
ing plants, with purplish flowers; some of the 
kinds, however, have white, some pink, others 
blue, and others pale yellow flowers. All the 
kinds grow freely, though they thrive best 
when .the soil is deep and sandy. They are 
propagated by seeds or division of the roots. 


Victo’ria. Named in honor of Queen Victoria of 


Great Britain. Nat. Ord. Nymphacee. 
A magnificent genus of plants, consisting of 
one species, as some think, or three species, 


473 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


VIC 


according to others. Dr. Masters, in the 
“Treasury of Botany,” speaking of these 
noble plants, says: ‘They are aquatic 
plants, with thick, fleshy root-stocks, marked 
with the scars of former leaves, and sending 
upward numerous long, cylindrical leaf-stalks, 
which are traversed in the interior by several 
air-canals, the larger of them arranged with 
much regularity, and are thickly covered on 
the outside by stout conical prickles. These 
prickles have spiral vessels and a small cavity 
in their interior, opening by a little pore at 
the top. From the under surface of the base 
of the leaf-stalks numerous adventitious roots 
are given out. The blade of the leaf is pel- 
tate, circular in outline, and when fully 
developed is from six to twelve feet in diam- 
eter, its margin uniformly turned upward to 
the extent of two or three inches, so that the 
leaves, when floating, have the appearance of 
so many large, shallow trays. The upper sur- 
face of the leaf is of a rich green color, and 
studded with little boss-like prominences. 
The lower surface is of a deep purple or violet 
hue, and traversed by several very prominent 
nerves, which radiate from the centre to the 
margin of the leaf, and are connected one 
with another by smaller nerves running trans- 
versely, so that the whole of the under sur- 
face is divided by compartments into a num- 
ber of irregularly quadrangular spaces or cells. 
The nerves themselves are permeated by air 
canals, and covered by strong spines. Thus 
the enormous leaves are well adapted to float 
on the water: and the extent of surface 
exposed is so great that a considerable weight 
can be supported without submerging them. 


Even a child of twelve years of age may be 


borne up, if the precaution be taken of first 
placing on the leaf asmall piece of board, to 
prevent the feet from tearing and slipping 
through its surface. The flower-stalk has a 
similar outward appearance to that of the leaf, 
but is stouter, and its air-canals are arranged 
in a different manner. The flower bud before 
expansion is pear-shaped. The calyx is 
adherent below to the ovary, and is here cov- 
ered with prickles; its limb, however, is des- 
titute of these appendages, and is divided into 
four ovate deciduous sepals, of a rich purple 
tint externally, and whitish internally: The 
petals are very numerous, in several rows, 
and (as in our common Water Lily) exhibit a 
gradual transition in their form to that of the 
stamens, so that it is somewhat difficult in all 
eases to decide where the one set of parts 
ceases and the others begin. The outer petals 
are rather larger than the sepals or lobes of 
the calyx, oblong, concave and white, the 
inner ones gradually becoming narrower, more 
pointed, and of a beautiful deep rose color. 
When fully expanded the outer petals are bent 
downward, while the central rose-colored 
ones, with the stamens, remain erect; and 
thus a noble appearance is presented, as of a 
central rose-colored crown supported by a 
series of pure white and most gracefully 
curved petals. The stamens are numerous, the 
outer ones somewhat lance-shaped, gracefully 
curved, of a fine rose-color, and having two 
linear anther cells on the inner face, near, but 
not quite extending to the top. Within these 
fertile stamens are other sterile ones, smaller 
in size, less highly colored, arching over the 
stigmas, to which they approximate also in 


VIC 


colorandform. The ovary is adherent to the 
calyx tube, somewhat globular or top-shaped, 
its upper portion hollowed like a cup, and pre- 
senting in the centre a little rounded or con- 
ical knob. Along the upper margin of the cup 
are placed the stigmas, fleshy, pointed bodies, 
somewhat flattened at the sides and bent in 
the middle, so that their points project over 
the cup toward the centre. Each stigma has 
a prominent line along its upper surface, run- 
ning down to the central knob, which is thus 
the focus of a series of ridges, radiating 
toward the stigmas. The interior of the ovary 
contains numerous cavities corresponding to 
the stigmas, and each containing several 
ovules. The fruit, when ripe, is a sort of 
globular berry, thickly beset with formidable 
prickles. The seeds escape by the rotting of 
the outer portions of the fruit. These noble 
plants inhabit the tranquil rivers of South 
America, especially those which are tributary 
to the Amazon. They differ in the size of the 
seeds and other particulars; but when it is 
remembered how variable aquatic plants are, 
it is better, for the present at least, to con- 
sider them as forms of one rather than dis- 
tinct species. Generically, Victoria is most 
nearly allied to Luryale, but it is distinguished 
by the deciduous sepals, by the gradual tran- 
sition in the form of the petals to that of the 
stamens, by the more numerous cavities of 
the ovary, and other particulars. The leaf of 
Euryale is, however, an exact miniature copy 
of that of the Victoria, save that it is not 
turned up at the margin. 

‘The earliest traveler who discovered this 
plant was Henke, in 1801. Bonpland subse- 
quently met with it; but M. D’Orbigny was 
the first to send home specimens to Paris in 
1828. They were, however, neglected or over- 
looked. Ina work published some few years 
after this time, M. D’Orbigny mentions having 
discovered the plant in the River Parana in 
Guiana. It was known, he says, to the natives, 
by the name of Irupé, in allusion to the shape 
of the leaves, which resembles that of the 
broad dishes used in thecountry. The Span- 
iards call the plant Water Maize, as they col- 
lect the seeds and eat them roasted. In 1832 
a German traveler found it in some tributaries 
of the Amazon; but it was not until the late 
Sir Robert Schomburgk discovered it in the 
Berbice River, in British Guiana, in the year 
1837, that public attention was drawn to the 
magnificent plant.” Sir Robert, in aletter to 
the Royal Geographical Society, thus describes 
his first sight of the plant: ‘It was on the 
first of January, 1837, while contending with 
the difficulties that nature interposed in differ- 
ent ways to hinder our progress up the River 
Berbice, that we arrived at a part where the 
river expanded and formed acurrentless basin. 
Some object on the southern extremity of this 
basin attracted my attention, and I was unable 
to form an idea what it could be; but, animat- 
ing the crew to increase the rate of their pad- 
dling, we soon came opposite the object which 
had raised my curiosity, and, behold, a vege- 
table wonder! All calamities were forgotten. 
I was a botanist, and felt myself rewarded! 
There were gigantic leavos, five to six feet 
across, flat, with broad brim, light grcen 
above and vivid crimson beneath, floating on 
the water; whilein character with the wonder- 
ful foliage, I saw luxuriant flowers, each con- 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 479 


"VIC 


sisting of numerous petals, passing in alter- 
nate tints from pure white to rose and pink. 
The smooth water was covered with the 

"flowers; and as I rowed from one to the other 
‘I always found something new to admire.” 
In 1845 Mr. Bridges, an English traveler, 
while riding along the River Yacouma, a 
tributary of the Mamore, came across a large 
eolony of the Victoria, and succeeded in col- 
lecting a quantity of ripe seeds, which he took 
with him, soon thereafter, to England. Some 
of them he intrusted to Sir John Paxton at 
Chatsworth, who succeeded in producing the 
plant in November, 1849, and presented a 
flower to the Queen at Windsor Castle, where 
a brilliant assemblage met to admire the new 
and beautiful treasure. 

It was first successfully grown and flowered 
in this country about 1852, by Mr. Caleb Cope, 
of Philadelphia, who built a house and tank 
expressly for its culture. Since then it has 
been flowered in many places, and is still one 
of the chief attractions during the summer 
season in the principal botanic gardens of 
Europe. Mr. Sturtevant, of Bordentown, 
New Jersey, has for several years flowered 
it with great success in the open air by treat- 
ing it as a tender annual. The seeds are 
started in winter or early spring, in water 
kept at a uniform temperature of from eighty 
to ‘ninety degrees. After germination they 
are potted and shifted on as they require it. 
Early in June they are planted out in a bed 
of very rich soil, in a tank fully exposed to 
the sun and which is artificially heated until 
hot weather sets in. It produces leaves six 
feet across, one plant covering a space thirty 
feet in diameter; the flowers are from twelve 
to sixteen inches across, and the first night 
they open they are of a lovely white, with a 
perfume resembling that of Pineapples, often 
perceptible at a distance of some rods. The 
second night the flowers have changed to 

‘pink and have lost their perfume. It may be 
grown with every chance of success in open 
ponds in the Southern States. In 1886 Mr. 
Sturtevant flowered, for the first time, a crim- 
son-flowered Victoria regia, the chief differ- 
ence of which from the type is its more 
robust habit and that the flowers, which are 
also white the first day, change on the second 
day to a deep crimson. ‘ 


Victorian Dogwood. Prostranthera lasianthos. 
Victorian Hazel. Pomaderris apetala. 


Vieusseu/xia. Named in honor of M. Vieus- 
seux, a Swiss botanist. Nat. Ord. Iridacee. 
Small bulbs from the Cape of Good Hope, 
usually known as the Peacock Iris, on account 
‘of their very brilliant flowers, varying from 
white to crimson and purple. They are not 
hardy but will grow well with partial protec- 
tion, like most of the Cape bulbs. They are 
_ rapidly increased by offsets. Introduced in 
1776. Syn. Morea. 


Vi'gna. In memory of Dominic Vigni, a com- 
mentator on Theophrastus, 1625. Nat. Ord. 
1 Leguminose. mn 
: A genus of about thirty species of trailing 
and climbing plants, allied to Dolichos, the 
: ‘principal distinction being the yellow flowers 
‘and cylindrical seed-pods, while the Dolichos 
-‘has purple and white flowers, and flattened 
pods. The genus is chiefly South American ; 


VIN 


one or two species being found in the South- 
ern States. Propagated by seeds. 


Viguie’ra. Named after Alexander Viguier, of 


Montpellier, who wrote a work on Poppies, 
1814. Nat. Ord. Composite. ; 

A genus of annual or perennial herbs, rarely 
shrubs, natives of the warmer parts of Amer- 
ica. They resemble the Helianthus, and only 
one or two are in cultivation. Harpalium 
rigidum is placed under this genus by some 
botanists. 


Vi/lfa. Rush Grass. Name unexplained. Nat. 
Ord. Graminacee. : 

Under this genus Steudel describes one 
hundred and twenty-three species which have 
an extensive geographical range, from Mex- 
ico through the southern hemisphere to New 
Holland. Some of the annual species are 
pretty and are cultivated on that account. 


Villare’sia. Named after Matthias Villarez, a 
Spanish botanist, Nat. Ord. Olacacee. 

A genus of evergreen, climbing shrubs or 
trees, natives of tropical Australia, the Indian 
Archipelago, Brazil and Chili. V. mucronata, 
the only species yet introduced, forms a 
showy, evergreen, stove-house shrub, bear- 
ing white flowers in paniculate heads. It was 
introduced from Australia in 1879, and may be 
increased by cuttings or by seeds. Syn. Cit- 
ronella. 

Villa‘rsia. Named in honor of D. Villars, a 
famous French botanist. Nat. Ord. Gentia- 
nacee. 

A small genus of aquatic plants and herba- 
ceous perennials. The flowers are in axillary 
clusters or terminal panicles, and mostly of a 
yellow color. V. nympheoides, a native of Eng- 
land, and one of the finest species, isan aqua- 
tic of easy culture, and well adapted for the 
aquarium. 


Villose. Villous. Shaggy; covered with soft, 


close, loose, long hair. 


Vilmori/nia. Named after P. L. Vilmorin, a 


famous French cultivator, who wrote on Legu- 
minous plants, 1825. Nat. Ord. Leguminose. 

A small genus of erect, stove-house shrubs, 
natives of San Domingo. V. multiflora, the 
only introduced species, is sometimes found 
under the name of Clitoria multifiora. 


Vimina’ria. Australian Rush Broom. Victo- 


rian Swamp Oak. From vimen, atwig; the 
appearance of the species is that of a bundle 
of twigs, being destitute of leaves. Nat. Ord. 
Leguminose. 

V. denudata, the only described species, is 
a very interesting and curious plant, hearing 
small, orange-colored flowers in long terminal 
racemes. It is found generally in botanical 
collections, and is propagated by. cuttings of 
the half-ripened shoots. 


Vimineous. Having long, flexible shoots or 


twigs ; like many Willows. . 


Vinca. Periwinkle. Creeping Myrtle. Prob- 


ably from vinculum, a band; in allusion to the 
suitableness of the shoots for making bands. 
Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

A well-known genus of hardy, herbaceous, 
evergreen, trailing plants, and green-house, 
low-growing, woody herbs. V. major and 
V. minor are respectively the Large-leaved 
Periwinkle and the Common Periwinkle, known 
in common cultivation as Myrtles. They are 
natives of Europe and have long been in cul- 


480 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


VIN 


tivation. They are much used in cemeteries 
for covering graves, the deep green of the 
leaves contrasting with the delicate blue flow- 
ers. There are varieties with gold and silver- 
edged leaves, not quite hardy in the Northern 

. States, but considerably grown for basket 
plants and conservatory decoration. V. rosea, 
the Madagascar Periwinkle or Old Maid, is a 
beautiful green-house plant with rose-colored 
flowers. This species and its varieties, one 
with pure white flowers, the other white with 
a crimson eye, grow from twenty to thirty 
inches high, and are completely covered with 
flowers the entire summer. They do quite as 
well planted in the open border as when 
grown in the green-house. They were intro- 
duced from the East Indies in 1758, and are, 
consequently, tender, requiring nearly as 
high a temperature as Coleus or Bouvardia. 
These plants may be grown from cuttings or 
from seed, the latter being preferable. The 
seed should be sown in the hot-huuse or hot- 
bed about the first of January, in an average 
temperature of not less than 70°, and grown 
onin the same manner, and planted in the 
flower-garden at the same time as other 
tender-bedding plants. Planted eighteen 
inches apart each way, they completely 
cover the ground. Syn. Catharanthus. 


Vinceto/xicum. From vincere, to conquer, and 
toxicum, poison; in allusion to supposed anti- 
dotal powers. Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacee. 

A genus of erect or twining perennial herbs 
or sub-shrubs, natives of temperate and warm 
regions, but rare in the tropics. The culti- 
vated varieties are all hardy, and are best 
known as Cynanchum. 


Vine. Any trailing orclimbing stem. 
Alleghany. See Adlumia cirrhosa. 
Australian. Vitis hypoglauca and V. acetosa. 
Balloon. See Cardiospermum. 

Condor. Gonobolus Cundurango. 

Currant. Vitis vinifera var. Corinthiaca. 

Cypress. See Quamoclit vulgaris. 

Elephant’s. Cissus latifolia. 

Fragrant Wild. Vitis riparia. 

Glory. The genus Clianthus. 

Golden. Stigmaphyllon ciliatum. 

Granadilla. Passiflora quadrangularis. 

Grape. The varieties of Vitis vinifera, V. Lab- 
rusca, V. vulpina, etc. 

Grape-flower. The genus Wistaria. 

Hedge. Clematis Vitalba and C. Virginiana. 

Kangaroo, or Kankuru. Cissus Anturtica. 

Madeira. Boussingaultia Basseloides. 

Maple. Menispermum Canadense. 

Matrimony. Lycium vulgare. 


Milk. A name sometimes used for Periploca 
greca. 
Of Sodom. Supposed to be the Colocynth, 


Citrullus Colocynthus. 
Pepper. Ampelopsis bipinnata. 
Pipe. Aristolochia Sipho. 
Poison. Rhus toxicodendron. 
Potato. Acoummon name for Ipomea pandurata. 
Silk. Periploca greca. 
Silver. A popular name for Scindapsus argy- 
rea. 
Silver of the West Indies. 
Smilax. See Myrsiphyllum. 
Squaw. Mitchella repens. 
Strainer. Luffa acutangula. 
Variegated. Vitis ( Cissus) heterophilla variegata. 
Wild-wood. Ampelopsis quinquefolia. 


Pothos argyrea. 


VIO 


Vinealis. Growing wild in vineyards. 
Vinegar Tree. Rhus tiphyna and Rhus glabra. 


Viola’cez. A natural order consisting of herbs 
and shrubs, usually with alternate and simple 
leaves, furnished with stipules and axillary 
flowers, either solitary or in cymes, racemes 
or panicles. The flowers are often large and 
showy, and the capsule of the greater num- 
ber of genera opens in three very elastic 
valves. There are between two and three 
hundred species known, and over twenty gen- 
era dispersed over nearly all parts of the 
globe. Many of the species are well known 


in cultivation. . 


Violet. See Viola. 

Adder’s. Goodyera pubescens. 

Bird’s-foot. Viola pedata. 

Bog. The genus Pinguicula. 

Cape. Jonidiwm Cupense. 

Corn. Specularia hybrida. 

Dame’s. Hesperis matronalis. 

Dog’s-Tooth. Erythronium Dens-canis. 

Dog’s-Tooth. American. Erythronium Amert- 
canum. 

False. Dalibarda repens. 

Fringed. The genus Thysanotus. 

Green. See Solea. 

MSE aUEY An old name for Campanula Me- 
ium. 

Neapolitan. Viola odorata var. pallida plena. 

New Holland. Erpetion reniforme. 


Pyrenean. Viola cornuta. 
Rouen. Viola Rothomagensis. 
Russian. Viola suavis. 
Siberian. Viola uniflora. 
Spurless. The genus Erpetion. 


Spurred. Viola culcarata. 
Tooth. Dentarid bulbifera. 


Water. Hottonia palustris and H. inflata. 
Violet Wood or Myall Wood, of Australia. 
Acacia homalophylla. 
Of Brazil. Supposed to be a species of Trip- 
tolomea. 
Of Guiana. Andira violacea, 


Vio'la. Violet, Heart’s-ease, Pansy. The old 
Latin name used by Virgil, etc., similar to the 
Greek Ion. Nat. Ord. Violaceaw. 

This genus consists of more than one hun- 
dred and fifty species, indigenous in North 
America, Europe, Asia, China and Japan. 
Sowe of the species occupy a prominent posi- 
tion in the flower garden and the commercial 
green-house. The genus includes V. odorata, 
the well-known hardy English Violet, and its 
many varieties, so common in cultivation. 
This species, by common consent called Eng- 
lish Violet, is indigenous throughout Europe, 
parts of Asia, Chinaand Japan. It is unques- 
tionably the Violet of the ancients, as it is 
correctly described by Dioscorides, who rec. 
ommends it for its medicinal virtues, as well 
as for its fragrance and beauty. Of this species 
there are many varieties, and of these some 
are white, some blue, some purple, light and 
dark, and both single and double. The most 
interesting and the most generally cultivated 
are the Neapolitan and Russian Violets, and 
of each of these there are varieties with 
distinctive names. The Russian Violets are 
credited to the species V. suavis by some 
writers; Loudon, however, says they are 
varieties of V. odorata. Of the double kinds 
the Neapolitan (light blue), and Maria Louise 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 481 


VIO 


(dark blue), are the varieties most gen- 
erally cultivated. Swanley White, and sev- 
eral other double white varieties, are also 
cultivated, and are prized more for their 
anomaly than for their intrinsic beauty. Mad. 
Millet, a double red or carmine-colored va- 
riety, is also grown tosome extent, on account 
of its novel and unexpected color. Of the 
single sorts the Russian, Schénbrunn, and 
the Czar are the best. They are grown in 
frames and in green-houses with and without 
artificial heat. Formerly they were more 
grown in cold frames than in green-houses, 
but many of the growers have abandoned 
frames, and grow them in small houses, giving 
only sufficient heat to protect the plants from 
frost. Some grow them in pots, while others 
plant them out on the bench; each way has 
its earnest advocates, and either way will 
give good flowers, largely in proportion to the 
care given; and there is no plant grown that 
requires more, or will usually better repay 
_that which is given. The essential in Violet 
culture is a strong calcareous soil, one that 
will retain moisture without becoming sod- 
dened; a low temperature (not to exceed 40° 
at night, or 60° during the day, ventilating 
whenever practicable) without bottom heat, 
the water applied without wetting the foliage, 
and the plants kept clean from decayed leaves 
and runners. With these attentions, failures 
in Violet culture will be rare, without them 
success will be equally rare. Of late years, 
in all sections of the country, the Violet has 
been subject to a disease, a spotting and yel- 
lowing of the leaves, which has been com- 
pletely destructive in agreat majority of cases. 
The cause of this I believe to be from the 
same source as that affecting the Rose, Car- 
nation, and many other kinds of plants used 
for forcing in winter, namely, that the con- 
tinued high temperature necessary to produce 
flowers is contrary to what the nature of these 
plants demands—a season of rest in winter; 
this being in part denied them, the plants are 
weakened in vitality and consequently become 
more or less a prey to disease. To avert that 
as much as possible, cuttings should be taken 
from the runners of the Violets in October, 
rooted and kept in cold frames over winter, 
which gives them the necessary season of 
rest, and planted out at one foot apart each 
way as soon as the ground is dry enough to 
work inspring; by midsummer they will have 
started to grow freely, from that time until 
the middle of September be careful that all 
runners are pinched off, so that the whole 
force of the root can be used to form the 
crowns for flowering, exactly as Strawberry 
runners are pinched off to produce fruit. The 
plants thus prepared for flowering about the 
end of September are dug up with balls and 
potted in seven or eight-inch pots, or planted 
in five or six inches of soil in the benches of 
the green-house at afoot apart. 
water for a few days until they have made 
young roots, after which give all the ventila- 
tion possible until November. The numerous 
beautiful varieties of ‘bedding Violets” so 
much used and admired in Britain, where 
they flower profusely all summer, originated 
in a cross between Viola cornuta, a native of 
Switzerland and the Pyrenees, and V. pyrole- 
flora (lutea), introduced from Patagonia in 1851. 
They are admirable plants for spring bedding, 


Virgi'lia, 


Virginian Cowslip or Lungwort. 


Virginian Creeper. 


Shade and |, 


VIS 


but, unfortunately, will not stand our hot, 
dry summers. American travelers in Europe 
import tens of thousands of these annually, 
only to be disappointed in finding that they are 
entirely unsuited to our hot, dry atmosphere. 
There are several of our native species worthy 
of cultivation in the border, particularly where 
there is considerable shade ; the best of these 
is Viola pedata, Or Bird’s-foot Violet, a species 
that abounds in many parts of the country, 
but nowhere more plentifully than what is 
termed the Plains of Long Island, where, in 
early spring may be seen acres of ground com- 
pletely covered with these mauve-colored flow- 
ers, sparingly mixed with its varieties, with 
pure white, and light blue with purple striped 
flowers. This species improves by cultivation, 
and can be removed from its native home 
without the slightest danger of failure. An 
important feature is that it will grow any- 
where, in sun or shade, preferring a light 
sandy soil. In afavorable situation the flowers 
will be an inch across, and produced in such 
abundance as to completely cover the bed. 
Where they can be used as a border plant, 
they are very effective. The species of the 
greatest importance as a florist’s or as a gar- 
den flower is V. tricolor (the Pansy or Heart's- 
ease, which see). All of the species are 
interesting, but are too numerous to be spe- 
cially noticed. 


Viper Gourd. A name given to Trichosanthes 


anguina. 


Viper’s Bugloss. See Echium. 
Viper'’s Grass. See Scorzonera. 
Virens. 
Virgatus. 


Green. 

Twiggy; producing many weak 
branches, slender, straight and erect. 
Lamarck dedicated this genus to 
the poet Virgil, whose ‘‘Georgics” contain 
many things interesting to botanists. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminosae. 

V. capensis, the only species introduced, is 
a green-house shrub with rosy-purple flowers, 
introduced from South Africa in 1767. It is 
seldom found in cultivation. The beautiful, 
hardy tree known in cultivation as V. lutea or 
Yellow-wood is now transferred to Cladrastis 
as C. tinctoria, which see. 
The com- 
mon name of Mertensia Virginica, sometimes 
called Pulmonaria Virginica, a rather pretty, 
herbaceous plant, ocvasionally grown in the 
ornamental border. See Mertensia. 
See Ampelopsis quingue- 
folia. 


Virginian Date-Palm. Diospyros Virginiana. 
Virginian Poke. 
Virginian Silk. Periploca greca. 

Virginian Snakeroot. Aristolochia serpentaria. 
Virginian Spiderwort. Tradescantia Virginica. 
Virginian Stock. See Malcolmia. 

Virgin's Bower. See Clematis Virginiana. 
Virgin Tree. 
Viridis. 
Visca'ria. 


Phytolacca decandra. 


Sassafras Parthenoxylon. 
Green. 


Rock Lychnis. From viscus, bird- 
lime ; in allusion to the glutinous stems of the 
species. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllaceaw. 

These are handsome, hardy annuals, par- 
ticularly V. oculata, whose pretty pink and 


482 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


VIS 


purple flowers are very pleasing. They make 
the best appearance when sown in masses, 
which may be done in April and May, to 
afford a display through the whole of the sum- 
mer months. Many of the plants of this 
genus are now included in Lychnis, which 
see. 


Viscid, Viscous. Clammy; sticky from a tena- 
cious coating or secretion. 


Viscum, Mistletoe. From viscus, bird-lime; 
on account of the sticky nature of the ber- 
ries. Nat. Ord. Loranthacea. 

We copy from Mrs. Loudon’s “Gardening 
for Ladies” a description of V. album: ‘This 
curious parasite can hardly be called orna- 
mental, though it may be sometimes intro- 
duced with effect to give an air of antiquity 
to newly-planted pleasure-grounds. It grows 
best on old cankered Apple Trees, but it may 
be made to take root on even a young tree, 
by pressing a berry on a crack in the bark, 
and then tying oiled paper over it. As, how- 
ever, the male and female flowers of the 
Mistletoe are on separate plants, the berries 
are not always fertile. It is an error to 
suppose that the Mistletoe grows generally 
on the Oak, as it is extremely rare on that 

_tree in England. ‘Dr. Bull, in a paper in the 
‘‘Journal of Botany” (ii. 73), mentions only 
seven authentic instances of the growth of 

-the Mistletoe on the Oak in this country’ 
—Dr. Masters. It is found most commonly 
on the Apple and next on the Hawthorn; it 
is also found on the Lime, the Sycamore, the 
Willow, the Poplar and the Ash, occasionally 
on the Cherry and sometimes, though rarely, 
on Pines and Firs. When the seeds begin to 
grow, they send out first one or two roots, 
which ascend for a short time and then turn 
back to the bark, on which they fix them- 
selves, like the sucker of an insect. The 
other end afterward detaches itself from the 
tree and becomes leaves and shoots. The 
roots of the Mistletoe descend between the 
bark and the young wood, and no intimate 
union takes place between the old wood of 
the parasite and its supporter. The wood of 
the Mistletoe is of a very fine pale yellowish 
tinge, and it is as hard and of as fine a grain 
as box, which it greatly resembles, while that 
of the thorn is dark brown.” The never- 
lessening demand for the Mistletoe for use at 
the Christmas Holidays in England has of 
late years induced nurserymen to begin its 
cultivation on the Apple, which is now done 
to an extent that keeps the ‘‘boughs” at a 
reasonable rate. The English steamers often 
bring over a supply for Christmas in New 
York, but we have never seen it arrive in per- 
fection, the berries, the chief attraction of 
the plant, having mostly dropped off. The 


American Mistletoe, or False Mistletoe, is’ 


Phoradendron flavescens, common in New Jer- 
sey, southward and westward, where it has 
in many instances proved destructive to the 
forest trees upon which it fastens itself. 
Though not so ornamental as the English 
Mistletoe, it is now used in large quantities 

during the holidays as a substitute for it. 
See Phoradendron, page 319. 


Vi/smia. Wax-Tree. Named in honor of M. 
de Visme, a merchant of Lisbon. Nat. Ord. 
Hypericacee. 


VIT 


A genus of trees or shrubs, found princi- 
pally in tropical America, only four of the 
species being found in western tropical Africa. 
They have four-sided branches, opposite, often 
glandular, dotted, entire leaves, and terminal 
panicles, or cymes of yellow or greenish flow- 
ers. V. Guianensis, a species found in Guiana, 
Brazil, Surinam and Mexico, furnishes the 

. rosin known as American Gamboge or Gutta- 
Gum. 

Vi'snea, Named after a Lisbon merchant named 
Visne, who was interested in botany. Nat. 
Ord. Ternstromiacee. 

VY. Mocanera, the only recognized species 
(so named by Linneus on account of the fruit 
being supposed by some authors to have been 
the Mocan, which was made into a kind of 
syrup and largely employed by the aboriginal 
inhabitants of the Canary Islands), is a green- 
house shrub with the habit and inflorescence 
of Eurya. It was introduced to cultivation in 
1815, and is propagated by cuttings. 

Vita’ceze. A small natural order, nearly allied 
to Rhamnacee, differing slightly in their flow- 
ers, but more in their habits. With the ex- 
ception of the small genus Leea, they are 
tall climbers, remarkable for the anomalous 
structure of their wood. Besides the great 
genus Vitis, this order includes Cissus, Ampe- 
lopsis, Plerisanthes and Leea. 

Vitellinus. Dull yellow, just turning to red; 
the color of the yolk of an egg. 

Vi'tex. From vieo, to bind; in allusion to the 
flexible branches. Nat. Ord. Verbenacee. 

A genus of about sixty species of woody 
plants, mostly tropical, a few reaching as far 
north as the Mediterranean. The plants of 
this genus are very aromatic, and the leaves 
and bark of some of the species are used 
medicinally in India. V. Agnus-castus, Chaste- 
tree, with long, petiolate, divided leaves and 
pale lilac flowers, is perhaps the best known 
species, having been in cultivation since 1670. 
It is hardy in the Southern States. V. éri- 
foliata, the Indian Wild Pepper, introduced 
from India in 1739, is also in cultivation. 
They are easily increased by cuttings. 


Vi'tis. Vine. From the Celtic gwid, pro- 
nounced vid; signifying the best of trees. 
Wine is derived from the Celtic word gwin. 
Nat. Ord. Vitacee. 

A large genus comprising over two hundred 
species of climbing plants, of which the well- 
known Grape-vine is the most important rep- 
resentative. It has a wide geographical 
range, but is principally found in the north- 
ern hemisphere, the majority of its species 
being natives of tropical and temperate Asia 
to as far north as Japan and North America. 
**The Grape-vine, V. vinifera, is a native of 
the southern shores of the Caspian Sea and 
Armenia. Associated with the Fig, it follows 
the shores of the Black Sea as far as the 
Crimea. Alphonse de Candolle states that it 
grows spontaneously throughout the lower 
region of the Caucasus; in the north, but 
more especially in the southern parts of that 
chain; in Armenia, and on the southern 
shores of the Caspian Sea, and he adds: 
‘There can be no doubt from historical tes- 
timony and that of botanists that this was 
the original country of the Vine. But no spe- 
cies of Vitis is wild in Europe.’ "—Treasury of 
Botany. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 


483 


VIT 


Although the hardy varieties of Grapes do 
well in nearly all parts of the country, there 
are few sections, with the exception of Cali- 
fornia, where the European or foreign Vine 
does well in the open air. . For this reason, 
the only certain method of obtaining these 


fine varieties in perfection is by the use of |. 


the Cold Grapery. There is no addition to a 
country home from which such a large 
amount of satisfaction can be obtained at so 
small an outlay as from a Grapery for grow- 
ing the different varieties of foreign Grapes. 
As this fruit can be obtained at a trifling 
original outlay, and with but little attention 
in the cultivation afterward, we will briefly 
describe the methods in use here, which are 
much simpler than those in Europe, from our 
having brighter sunshine during the summer 
months. As to the size and construction of 
the Vinery, there are now architects in every 
large city competent to give plans. For 
early forcing, or perhaps in all Graperies 
where artificial heat is used, the ‘‘lean to,” 
as it is called, is preferable facing south or 
southeast, and wherever there is building, 
wall or perpendicular rock, this style can be 
constructed very cheaply; the two-third span 
green-house (now considered the best model 
for rose-forcing) is more sightly and will 
answer equally well; while for Cold Graperies, 
or those not heated artificially, the curvilinear 
or span-roofed is the best. The ‘lean to” 
or ‘‘two-third span” may be eighteen or 
twenty feet wide and of any desired length, 
giving a length of rafter of from twenty to 
twenty-four feet. The general width for a 


‘‘curvilinear” house is twenty-five feet, giv- | 


ing about fifteen feet of a rafter on each side. 

The formation of the border in which the 
Vines are to be planted is a matter of the first 
importance; for if that has been improperly 
made, all else, no matter how well done, will 
fail to accomplish good results. The outside 
border for the Grapery (and for Cold Graperies 
that is all that is required) need not be more 
than one and a half feet in depth; and the 
width, to begin with, need not be more than 
ten feet, though twenty feet are none too 
much for the necessities of the roots when the 
Vines have attained two or three years’ 
growth, so that it is just as well, when time 
will permit, to make the border of its full 
width at once. In forming the border the 
natural ground should be excavated to the 
required depth of eighteen inches, the bottom 
having a fall of at least half an inch to the 
foot from the front wall of the Grapery to the 
extremity of the border, where a drain of suf- 
ficient capacity must be made to rapidly carry 
off the water. In our own practice we prefer 
to cover the bottom over with an inch or two 
of cement, to prevent the roots penetrating 
into the cold subsoil; though, if the subsoil 
is of sand or gravel, there is no particular 
necessity for this. An excellent compost for 
the formation of the Vine border is made by 
using say nine parts of sod taken from the 
surface of any good pasture land; if the soil 
be heavy, however, it should be liberally 
mixed with lime rubbish, brick-bats, or any 
material of that nature, so that it does not 
beeome too heavy and sodden. To nine 
parts of such compost one-tenth part of 
broken bones should be thoroughly mixed 
through it. When filling the excavation, at 


VIT 


least five inches should be allowed for settling ; 
so that, if the excavation is eighteen inches 
deep, the compost should be filled in to a 
depth of twenty-two or twenty-three inches. 

Amateurs planting Graperies commonly 
desire to start with Vines that are two or three 
years’ old, but such as have had much experi- 
ence with stocking new Graperies, know that 
a one-year-old Vine that is well ripened, bet- 
ter answers the purpose than those of greater 
age; in fact, it isa question whether a Vine 
started from an eye in February or March, 
and planted in June, will not by September 
make as fine a cane as one of any greater age. 
As such Vines are not very easily transport- 
able or even procurable at all by beginners, 
the best thing they can do is to procure well- 
grown one-year-old Vines and plant them in 
spring, but not too early—say May in this 
latitude, or just when their buds are begin- 
ning to start if kept, as they should.have been, 
inacool place. Itis best to shake the soil 
from the ball of the young Vines that have 
been grown in pots, although the disentangle- 
ment or spreading of the roots, to which so 
much importance is by some attached, is of 
no consequence. In planting, the roots are 
set outside, drawing the tops through the 
apertures formed in the wall, a little higher 
than the border (if there is one) inside the 
house. 

Only a single shoot is allowed to grow, and 
this is cut back in November or December to 
the bottom of the rafter, or about three or 
four feet from the ground. If desirable, a 
bunch or two may be taken from each of the 
Vines the second year, although it will some- 
what weaken them todoso. It is therefore 
preferable to repeat the same operation of 
growing one shoot only again to the top of the 
rafter. This shoot may now be cut back to 
say eight feet from the ground, and will this 
year (the third after planting) give a good 
crop, which is taken from the lateral or side 
shoots, still allowing the main or leading 
shoot, as before, to get to the top of the 
rafter; for the Vine is not strong enough yet 
to bear fruit the whole length of the cane. 
The fourth year after planting it may be cut 
back to within five or six feet of the top, and 
the fifth year will be able to bear a full crop 
the entire length of the rafter, which, in a 
house of twenty-five feet, span-roofed, will be 
about sixteen feet long, or in a lean-to of 
twenty feet wide, about twenty-five feet. The 
variety best fitted for the Cold Grapery is the 
Black Hamburg. In a house requiring twenty 
Vines we should advise twelve Black Ham- 
burg, and the balance selected from the fol- 
lowing list of old and established kinds: 


. Royal Muscadine, Buckland’s Sweet-Water, 


White Frontignan, Trentham Black and 
Charlesworth Tokay. 

Protecting the Vines in Cold Graperies is of 
great benefit. About the simplest way to do 
so is to run a board along eighteen inches or 
so from the front wall. After pruning the 
Vines (which may be done at any time after 
they drop their leaves), they are to be taken 
down from the wires and laid down .between 
this hoarding and the front wall, and the 
space entirely filled up with soil or sand. 
It is necessary, though, to watch that 
ground mice do not get to the Vines, as 
they might destroy them by eating. the 


484. 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


VIT 
bark. We have found that Vines so cov- 
ered up keep admirably, and that the plan is 
less liable to draw vermin than when they are 
covered with straw or hay. They are usually 
covered up about the middle of December, 
and are not uncovered or otherwise disturbed 


until the first of May, when they are lifted up . 


and tied to the wires, which are one-sixteenth 
galvanized iron, and run across the rafters fif- 
teen inches apart and fifteen inches from the 
glass. The training followed is what is called 
the ‘‘spur” system, which is simply to allow 
one cane or shoot to each Vine (planted three 
or four feet apart) and pruning the side-shoots 
or ‘‘ bearing-wood” annually back to one eye. 
In the summer treatment of the Cold Grapery 
the principle must never be lost sight of that 
to keep the Vines in perfect health, a tempera- 
ture of not less than 65° at night, with 15° or 
20» higher during the day, is always necessary. 
Any rapid variation downward is certain to 
result in mildew. The floor of the Grapery 
should be kept sprinkled with water at all 
times, unless in damp weather, from the time 
the buds start until the fruit begins to ripen, 
except during the period the Vines are in 
flower, when it should be dispensed with until 
the fruit is set. In dry weather, copious 
watering is necessary for the border outside. 
Tho summer pruning of the Grapery consists 
simply in cutting off the laterals, or side- 
shoots which start from where the leaf joins 
the stem, to one leaf. In winter, three or four 
inches of well-rotied stable manure is spread 
over the border, and over that six inches of 
leaves or litter; this is raked off in spring, 
and the manure forked in, the object being to 
feed the roots from the top of the border. We 
are so much impressed with the advantage of 
covering up the Vines, both tops and roots, 
that we practice it even with the hardy varie- 
ties out of doors, with the very best results, 
having found, by actual experiment, that when 
covered up they are less subject to mildew. 
All plants of a half-hardy character may- be 
kept in the Cold Grapery, such as Roses, Pome- 
granates, Oranges, Crape Myrtles, Pampas 
Grass, Tritomas, Carnations, etc., care being 
taken that the pots or tubs in which they are 
planted are plunged in leaves, tan, or sume 
such substance, so that the roots do not 
freeze. The Cold Grapery makes an excellent 
poultry-house in winter, only, if put to that 
use, care must be taken that the buried Vines 
are secure against the scratching of the hens. 

In the construction of the Grapery for fore- 
ing by artificial heat, the best planis the ‘lean- 
to” style, previously described. This should 
face the south, or southeast, so that it will 
get all the sunlight possible in the win- 
ter and spring months, for forcing is often 
begun in December and January, so as to have 
the fruit ripe in April and May. A skillful 
grower will usually ripen his crops in four 
months or a little more, but not all kinds 
alike, as some naturally ripen earlier than 
others with precisely the same treatment. In 
forcing Grapes, it is essential to have the bor- 
der outside covered up with leaves or manure 
of sufficient depth to prevent the frost getting 
to the roots; as, if heat is applied inside to 
the Vines while the reots are frozen, it will 
injure them seriously. When Vinesare started 
to force very early, say January Ist, sufficient 
covering of manure and leaves should be 


VIT 


placed on the border to raise the temperature 
of the soil to at least 60°, if the best results 
are to be obtained. If started five or six 
weeks later, so much covering would not be 
necessary. No matter at what season the 
Grapery is started, the temperature to begin 
with, say for the first three weeks, should not 
exceed fifty degrees at night, with the usual 
day temperature of 10° to 15° higher, increas- 
ing gradually until the buds begin to be devel- 
oped, which will be frum five to six weeks, to 
a temperature of 65° at night, with 15” higher 
in the daytime. In anotherfour or five weeks 
the fruit will be set, when the temperature 
may run from 70° to 75° at night, with the 10° 
to 15° higher during the day. When the 
berries are about the size of small peas, it is 
indispensable to thin nearly half of them out 
with the Grape scissors, else they will not 
attain half their size, and the bunches will be 
so compact that it will be impossible to detach 
the berries without mashing them. Inex- 
perienced Grape-growers almost invariably 
err in leaving the berries tuo thick on the 
bunch, and often, also, too many bunches on 
the Vines, which not only results in the fruit 
being inferior in quality, but no more weight 
even is obtained. In regard to kinds to plant, 
we should here, as in the Culd Grapery, choose 
a large proportion of the Black Hamburgh, 
next the Muscat of Alexandria, Maddresfield 
Court Muscat, and then Trentham Black, Mus- 
cat Hamburg, Golden Champion, Gros Colman, 
Barbarossa and Lady Downes’ for late, Chas- 
selas de Fountainbleau for early, Grizzly Fron- 
tignan, Alicante, and similar good kinds. For 
market, Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alex- 
andria are found to be the most profitabie. 

If proper attention has been given in forcing 
the Grapery to the right degrees of tempera- 
ture and moisture, there should be no mildew; 
but as a preventive in case of accidents, it is 
safest, as soon as firing begins, to paint the 
hot-water pipes with a mixture of lime, or lin- 
seed oilandsulphur. The pipes, when heated, 
evaporate the sulphur fumes, which are cer- 
tain to destroy the germs of mildew, and also 
Red Spider, which sometimes infests vineries 
kept at a high temperature. (See Insects.) 
Accidents often occur by leaving the water in 
the pipes in the Graperies at the season they 
are resting and exposed to frost, which is 
often severe enough to freeze the water, which, 
expanding, bursts the pipes. It is always 
safest not to wait until fall to empty them, 
but to do so as soon as firing is stopped in the 
spring and summer. Itis often customary, 
after pruning the Vines, to peel the loose bark 
from the canes and wash them with a mixture 
of sulphur and lime, to destroy insects; but 
there is no necessity for this, in our opinion, 
if the practice of burying up the stems in the 
soil is resorted to, as described in our instruc- 
tions for the Cold Grapery. We have resorted 
to this practice for many years, and though 
we have never either peeled off the rough bark 
or washed them, we have never been troubled 
with insects of any kind. 

Vitis labrusea and V. vulpina, the wild 
Grapes of our own country, are quite dis- 
tinct species from the wine Grape of Europe, 
being usually much stronger in their growth 
with Jarger and more leathery foliage, and, 
in their native state, with a peculiar foxy odor 
or flavor and more or less hardness of pulp. 


VITIS (MOORE’S EARLY GRAPE). 


VITIS (WYOMING RED GRAPE), 45 


VITIS (MOORE’S EARLY GRAPE). 


VITIS (WYOMING RED GRAPE). 485 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 485 


VIT 


These traits are rapidly disappearing under 
cultivation, and now the better varieties of 
the native Grapes are among the most valu- 
able of our fruits, and the vineyard culture of 
the Grape is fast assuming a chief place 
among the industrial interests of the country, 
not alone tor tood, but for wine. Just now 
the subject of wine has a peculiar signifi- 
cance for the American vineyardist. The 
Phylloxera having destroyed in some cases, 
and materially injured in others, some of 
the most noted vineyards in Europe, espe- 
cially in France, real wine has become rare, 
except in some old cellars, where it has been 
stored tor years. To keep up the supply 
resort has been had to fictitious wines of all 
descriptions, and adulterations of a very 
hurtful nature have been practiced to such 
an extent that the French government has 
lately interfered to prevent it as far as possi- 
ble. If the American vineyardist shall now 
step forward and supply the home market 
with pure, high class wines, he will not only 
be able to retain it, but also find a foreign 
market for all not wanted at home. The 
Grape should be regarded as an article of 
food rather than a luxury, and it is becom- 
ing more and more regarded in that light; 
and there need be no fear, with our rapidly 
increasing population, that the demand will 
not always be in advance of the supply. That 
many portions of the country are suited to 
the successful culture of the Grape is abund- 
antly shown by the vineyards already estab- 
lished ; in fact, there are but few States in the 
Union where some one variety of the Grape 
may not be profitably grown, and even unfa- 
vorable localities may often be made to yield 
a supply for the family, by affording the vines 
a little protection above ground and proper 
drainage beneath. 

The following general directions may be of 
service tomany: For more detailed instruc- 
tions we would refer to Downing’s Fruits and 
Fruit Trees of America, or to the excellent 
works of Fuller or Hussman on this subject. 
Grapes can be grown in any soil provided it 
is well drained and in good condition. Fora 
vineyard a strong, loamy or gravelly soil is 
preferable, and a warm, sunny, open exposure 
is indispensable. One or two years’ old Vines 
are the most satisfactory and may be planted 
in rows six to eight feet apart and four to 
eight feet in the row according to the habit of 
the Vine, whether it is a vigorous grower like 
the Concord, or a short-jointed grower like 
the Delaware. When planted they should be 
cut back, leaving only two or three eyes or 
buds. For vineyard culture the long, re- 
newal system is most practiced; by it the 
Vine the first year is permitted to make but 
one leading shoot, all the other buds or eyes 
being rubbed off leaving only the strongest, 
which should be trained perpendicularly toa 
stake the first year. The second year this 
cane is cut down again to two eyes, and these 
are grown to two long canes. The third year 
one of these canes is cut down to two buds 
and the other to four buds, the former being 
permitted to make two good long, stout, 
canes and the latter to produce about four or 
six clusters of fruit, all the ground shoots 
being rubbed away. These two canes are 
allowed to grow as long as they will and are 
trained upright, the other on which the fruit 


VIT 


is grown is trained at an angle of about forty- 
five degrees, and when it has set its fruit is 
stopped back by pinching three or four 
leaves beyond the fruit. The following season 
or fourth year, the fruiting cane of this year 
is cut down to two buds and the two canes of 
this year’s growth are cut to four or more 
buds for fruit bearing and trained at an angle 
of forty-five degrees each way, the two buds 
on the bearing cane of last year make canes 
for the succeeding year’s bearing. 

In the garden culture of the Grape it is just 
as necessary to secure a perfectly open, sunny 
exposure, for although it will make vigorous 
growths in the shade of trees or buildings, yet 
the crop will be poor and flavorless and the 
Vines likely to fall a prey to mildew. The 
system of pruning and training pursued in the 
garden is the upright or spur method. The 
first season’s growth is cut back to two buds 
and the following season the two shoots pro- 
duced are brought down to a horizontal 
position and fastened each way to the lower 
horizontal rail of the trellis, being shortened 
at the distance of three or four feet from the 
root. These willform the base from which to 
start the upright shoots, which form the per- 
manent fruiting canes, and should be from 
fifteen to eighteen inches apart. The follow- 
ing season a crop of lateral shoots will be 
produced from the upright leaders which may 
be allowed to bear from one to three bunches 
upon each. Afterwards it is only necessary 
at the pruning season to cut back these lateral 
shoots or fruit-spurs an inch or so long and 
a new fruit-producing lateral will annually 
supply its place, to be again cut out at the 
winter’s pruning. Though this system gives 
the largest crops and is the most generally 
practiced, it is nevertheless certain, that the 
renewal system always yields the largest and 
finest fruit. Ifthe vine is fully exposed to the 
sun it will require very little summer pruning ; 
in fact none, except stopping the young 
shoots three joints beyond the furthest bunch 
of Grapes at midsummer, for the leaves being 


“intended by Nature to elaborate the sap the 


more we can retain of them, the larger and 
higher-flavored will be the fruit; careful ex- 
periments having proved that there is no 
more successful mode of impoverishing the 
crop of fruit than that of pulling off the 
leaves. 

Although Grape-vines are hardy in nearly 
all sections, yet in any locality where the 
thermometer falls to zero it is beneficial to 
lay them down close to the ground, and cover 
them up with rough litter before the approach 
of severe weather in winter, allowing it to 
remain on in spring until the buds begin to 
swell, when the Vines are uncovered and tied 
up to the trellis or stake. If covered in this 
way they should be pruned before being laid 
down. Pruning may be done at any time 
from November to March. It is a common 
belief that Grape-vines should be pruned only 
at certain seasons. The weather must not 
be too cold, otherwise it is supposed they may 
be injured if then pruned. Again, they must 
not be pruned late in the spring, else the sap 
oozing from the cuts may bleed them to 
death. Let me say that both these notions 
are utter nonsense. The pruning of any tree 
or vine in the coldest weather cannot possibly 
injure it, and the “bleeding” or running of 


436 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


vIT 


the sap after any ordinary pruning can no 
more hurt the Vine than the blood flowing 
from a pin scratch would weaken a healthy 
man. This method of covering up the Grape- 
vine is not commonly practiced, but we are 
satisfied that in exposed positions it is well 
worth the trouble. I have practiced it with 
Vines now over twenty years old, embracing 
some twenty varieties. My soil is a stiffclay, 
very unsuitable for the Grape; yet these 
Vines have kept clear of mildew when my 
neighbor’s Vines, a few hundred yards off, 
have been seriously injured by it. I have 
long believed that intense cold is hurtful to 
even such plants as we call hardy, but the 
wonderful vigor of these old Vines seems 
good evidence of the advantage of our method 
of treatment. The litter used in covering 
(which has become well rotted by spring) is 
spread over the border, acting both as a sum- 
mer mulch and fertilizer. 

Diseases. The Mildew and Black Rot are 
diseases which most affect the success of 
grape culture in this country. For the for- 
mer sulphur is the best remedy, applied while 
the leaves are wet. Ona large scale it is ap- 
plied by a bellows made for the purpose. 
Experiments made during the past few years 
with preparations of copper-sulphate for the 
prevention of Mildew have seemed to indicate 
that these mixtures were also antidotes for 
Black Rot. The preparation considered the 
best is what is known as the Bordeaux mixt- 
ure. (See Insecticides.) This mixture should 
be sprayed on the vines at intervals of ten 
days to two weeks during thesummer. This 
can be done with any of the force-pumps with 
a nozzle that delivers the liquid in the form 
of mist. Many enclose the best clusters of 
all their grapes in paper bags to preserve 
them from the spores of the Black Rot, and 
state that it is very efficacious. These spores 
are invisible to the naked eye, but they float 
about in the air, and lodging on the skin of 
the grape, are ready to germinate under fa- 
vorable conditions of moisture and tempera- 
ture. To prevent their coming in contact 
with the grapes, the clusters are enclosed in 
paper bags, the mouth reaching over the cane, 
folded and secured with a pin. This method 
also secures the fruit from the attacks of 
bees, wasps, etc., which are often very de- 
structive. 

VARIETIES. There are so many really good 
varieties now in cultivation, many of them 
succeeding better in some localities than in 
others, that itis difficult to make a selection 
of a few of the best sorts. For hardiness, 
delicious flavor and size of fruit we consider 
the following the best in their respective col- 
ors. (For description see nursery catalogues.) 

Wurst. Niagara, Moore’s Diamond, Sa- 
lem, Martha and Duchess. ReEp.—Brighton, 
Delaware, Agawam (Rodgers’ No. 15) and 
Wyoming Red. Buack.—Worden, oore’s 
Early, Concord, Merrimac and Wilder (Rod- 
gers’ No. 9). 

The varieties named in this list have been 
selected with a view to have fruit in succes- 
sion from August to October, and, besides, to 
have a selection of such colors as will be most 
desirable when dished on the table, which, in 
the great variety of shades which we now 
have in this delicious fruit, makes a most 
beautiful ornament. 


Vitta’ria. 


Viviparous. 


Vochy’sia. 


VOL 


Propagation of the Grape is done by nur- 
serymen in green-houses similar to that used 
for propagating florists’ plants; but most of 
the varieties can be grown with fair success 
by cuttings in the open air. The cuttings 
(made from the young, well-ripened shoots of 
the previous year’s growth) may be made 
with two or three buds or eyes, planted .in 
rows, say one foot apart aud three inches be- 
tween the cuttings, and set so that the top 
eye or bud only is above ground. The situa- 
tion where the cuttings are placed should be 
-well exposed to the sun, the soil rich and 
deep, and of sandy or light character. Care 
must be taken that the cutting is well firmed 
in the soil; and if sawdust or some other 
non-conducting material is sifted over them 
(covering all up but the buds), success will be 
greater, as this will prevent the sun from 
baking and drying up the soil. The cuttings 
may be made from the prunings at any time 
during winter, and kept in a damp cellar or 
buried outside in sand until planted in the 
cutting-bed in the spring. 


Vitta. Vittz. The oil tubes of the fruit of the 


Umbellifere. 

From vitta, a riband; alluding to 
the narrow fronds. A genus of tropical Ferns 
having grass-like subcoriaceous fronds with 
free veins. They are very interesting plants, 
though not of much significance except ina 
botanical collection. 


Vittate. Striped length-wise. 
Vivia’na. Named in honor of Domenico Viviana, 


a professor and botanist of Genoa. Nat. Ord. 
Geraniacee. ; 

A genus of undershrubs and herbs, natives 
of South America. They have opposite ovate 
leaves, covered with white down on the under 
surface, and bearing white, pink or purple 
flowers in terminal panicles. They are pretty 
green-house plants but are not often seen in 
cultivation. 


Bearing young plants in the place 
of flowers or seeds. 


Vochy is the Guiana name of YV. 
Guianensis,; sometimes spelled Vochisia. Nat._ 
Ord. Vochysiacee. 

A genus of generally tall trees, natives of 
Brazil, Guiana, Eastern Peru and New Gren- 
ada, the flowers of which are arranged in 
highly ornamental panicles and are generally 
of a yellow or bright orange color. When in 
bloom they present a magnificent spectacle, 
accompanied by a penetrating, often violet- 
like odor. V. Guianensis and V. tomentosa are 
in cultivation and are increased by cuttings 
of the ripened wood. 


Vochysia’ceze. (Vochyacee.) A small natural 
order of trees or climbing shrubs, often of 
great beauty, with opposite, entire leaves, and 
yellow, white, pink or purple flowers (usually 
very showy) in terminal racemes or panicles. 
Little is known of the properties of these 
trees, beyond the hardness of the timber 
which some of them supply, and the position 
of the order in the Natural system is as yet 
unsettled. . 

Volkame'ria. Named for J. G. Volkamer, a 
German botanist. Nat. Ord. Verbenacee. 

This genus is closely allied to Clerodendron, 
but is botanically distinguished from it. The 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 487 


voL 


two best authenticated species are V. aculeata 
and V. Acerbiana from Nubia. They succeed 
well in a compost of sandy loam and leaf 
mould, and are increased by cuttings. Syn. 
Clerodendron. 


Volubilis. Twisting or twining round some 
other body. 


Volute. Rolled up in any way. 


Voy'ria. From Voyra, the namé of a species in 
Guiana. Nat. Ord. Gentianacee. 

A genus of tropical American plants con- 
nectins Gentianacew with Orobanchacee, inas- 
much as the species are parasitical on the 
trunks of old trees, and have only minute, 
scale-like leaves. The tuberous roots of V. 
rosea are of a reddish color externally and 
white within, they are baked and eaten in 
Guiana like Potatoes. 


Vrie’sia. 


WAL 


Named in honor of Dr. W. de Vriese, 
Professor of Botany at Amsterdam, Holland. 
Nat. Ord. Bromeliacea. 

This genus is the most remarkable of the 
Natural Order to which it belongs. Thereare 
but few species, the most interesting being 
V. speciosa (syn. Tillandsia splendens), a native 
of Brazil. The beauty of this species consists 
in the tall spike of brilliant scarlet bracts, 
from which the flowers are produced. The 
flowers are yellow and quite transient, but 
the rich color of the bracts continues a long 
time. The plant has the general appearance 
of the Billbergia, and requires the saiue treat- 
ment. Introducedin 1844. This genus is now 
included under Tillandsia by some authors. 


Vulnerary. Useful in the cure of wounds. 
Vulviform. Like a cleft, with projecting edges. 


W. 


“Wy saaee or Burning Bush. Euonymus atro- 
purpureus. 


Wachendo'rfia. Named in honor of J. E. 
Wachendorf, a Dutch botanist. Nat. Ord. 
Hemodoracee. 

A small genus of Cape plants, usually of- 
fered in seedsmen’s catalogues as bulbs, more 
from their Ixia-like flowers than the shape of 
their roots. They all have rhizomes or un- 
derground stems, in the scales of which buds, 
like little bulbs, form, by which, when de- 
tached, some of the speciés are propagated. 
The flowers are yellow or violet, scattered on 
slender scapes about afoot high. The species 
are nearly evergreen, but not hardy. They 
should be grown in pots, which should be 
large for the size of the plant, and allowed a 
partial rest soon after flowering, which is in 
midsummer. Introduced in 1770. Syn. Pedi- 
lonia. 


‘Wahlenbe'rgia. Named in honor of Dr. George 
Wahlenberg, author of ‘‘ Flora Lapponica,” 
etc. Nat. Ord. Campunulacee. 

This genus consists of hardy annuals and 
perennials, with a few tender annuals. They 
are mostly natives of the Cape of Good Hope. 
Like the whole of the order, these are very 
pretty plants. The herbaceous perennial 
species, one of the best of which is W. grandi- 
flora, of which there are white and blue vari- 
eties, are very handsome. Seed sown in June 
will give fine flowering plants the next sea- 
son. The annuals should be raised in heat in 
the spring, and planted out when danger from 
frost is passed. Introduced in 1816. 


Wai'tzia. In honor of F. A. C. Waitz, an 
Eastern traveler. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of showy “everlasting flowers,” 
all of which are half-hardy, growing from one 
to two feet high, and bearing beautiful pink 
or yellow flowers. Natives of Australia, and 
requiring a warm soil and situation for their 
perfect development. 


Wake Robin. A common name for Trillium 
cernuum, also for Arum maculatum. 


Waldstei’nia. 


Walks. 


Named in honor of Count von 
Waldstein, a German botanist and author. A 
small genus of Rosacew, comprised of four 
species of hardy, creeping, perennial plants, 
with the aspect of some of the Potentillas. 
The leaves are palmately divided, and the 
flowers yellow in terminal corymbs. They 
are natives of central and eastern Europe, 
northern Asia and America, and are rather 
pretty plants, thriving in ordinary soil. W. 
fragarioides (Barren Strawberry) is common 
on the Alleghanies. Syns. Dalibarda and Co- 
maropsis. 


Walking-Fern. A name sometimes given to 


Lycopodium alopecuroides. 


Walking-Leaf or Walking-Fern. A common 


name for Camptosorus rhizophyllus. 

It was Downing, we believe, who laid 
down the common-sense rule, that in the lay- 
ing out of walks or drives in the garden or 
pleasure-ground, there ‘never should be any 
deviation from a straight line unless for some 
real or apparent cause.” So, if curved lines 
are desired, trees, rock, buildings or mounds 
must be placed at the bend or curve, as a 
reason for going round such obstacles. If 
any one doubts the necessity for this rule, let 
him observe the effect produced on level 
ground, where a line runs in corkscrew fash- 
ion, as is sometimes seen in the space between 
the house and the street. The absurdity is 
apparent, for no matter what leisure one may 
have, to be compelled to go a roundabout way 
to reach a point where there is no apparent 
reason or necessity for it, is certain to grate 
on the senses; yet ridiculous as this is, such 
cases are by no means rare, as there is a pre- 
vailing notion that such walks or drives must 
be curved lines (the curve being the line of 
beauty), whether the necessities, natural or 
artificially formed for such lines, are present 
ornot. Often the formation of new grounds 
is totally ruined in this way. The proprietor, 
entirely ignorant of what is wanted, places 
himself in the hands of some ignorant gar- 
dener, who pretends to a knowledge of what 


488 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


WAL 


strictly belongs to the trained landscape en- 
gineer. As well might he expect the average 
bricklayer, working for two or three dollars 
per day, to plan and supervise the erection of 
his dwelling-house as the average gardener, 
to whom he pays $50 or $60 a month, to lay 
out his carriage drives and lawn; for the one 
is oftentimes equally as much a matter of 
taste and skill as the other. In suburban 
residences, where the house is not more than 
a hundred feet or so from the street, a drive 
is best made by having an entrance at each 
side of the lot, so that the carriage can enter 
at one gate and go out at the other, presuming 
that the width of the ground is 500 feet, and 
the distance from the street to the front door is 
150 feet. Then the foot-walk should be ina 
straight line direct from the street to the front 
door. The width of the roads or walks must be 
governed by the extent of the grounds. For 
the carriage-way the width should not be less 
than ten feet, and for foot-walks five feet. 
Often gardens of considerable pretensions 
have the walks not more than three feet wide, 
where it is utterly impossible for two persons 
to walk abreast without getting their dresses 
torn or faces scratched by overhanging 
branches. Of course, it is another matter 
when the garden plot is limited to the width 
ofa city lot (25 or 50 feet), then such economy 
of space is perfectly excusable. The character 
of the soil must in a great measure determine 
the manner of making the walkorroad. Every 
one must have noticed that, after a heavy 
rain, unpaved streets in some districts remain 
next to impassible for many hours, while in 
others, after the same amount of rainfall, they 
are comparatively dry. This is entirely due 
to the nature of the subsoil, which, if gravelly 
or sandy, will quickly allow the water to pass 
off; if, however, the subsoil is of clay, then 
provision must be made for ample drainage, 
else, no matter of what material the walk or 
road is composed, unless the water passes 
through it or off it rapidly, it will never be 
satisfactory. 
Wall-Cress. The genus Arabis. 
Wall Fern. Polypodium vulgare. 


Wall Flower. See Cheiranthus. 
Fairy. Hrysimum pumilum. 
Western. Hrysimum Arkansanum. 
Alpine. Hrysimum ochroleucum. 


Walli/chia. Named after Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, 
Superintendent of the Botanical Garden, Cal- 
eutta, and author of several valuable works on 
Indian plants. Nat. Ord. Palmacea. 

A small genus of dwarf, tufted, stove-house 
palms, natives of the East Indies. W. caryo- 
toides and W. densiflora are both in cultivation, 
and require a strong, rich soil and a warm, 
moist temperature. They are increased by 
seeds when procurable, or by gradually sepa- 
rating the suckers so as to allow them to make 
sufficient root before they are quite detached. 

Wall-Pennywort. A common name for Coty- 
ledon umbillicus. 

Wall-Pepper. A name given to Sedum acre. 


Wall-Rue. The popular name of Asplenium 
Ruta-muraria. 

Walnut. The common name of Juglans regia. 

Walnut. Black. Juyglans nigra. 

Wandering Jew. A common name for Trades- 


WAR 


cantia zebrina (see Zebrina); also applied to 
Saxifraga sarmentosa. 


Wanghee, Whangee. The names given tosome 
Eastern canes; species of Phyllostachys, im- 
ported in large quantities for the manufacture 
of walking-sticks. 


Waratah. See Telopia speciossima. 


Wardian Case. This is a neat contrivance, 
used for such plants as require a moist, still 
atmosphere, such as Ferns, Mosses, the 
so-called ‘‘insect-eating’’ plants, as Nepen- 
thes, Sarracenias, Dionwas, etc., or tropical 
plants grown for the beauty of their leaves, 
as Dracenas, Crotons, Murantas, Caladiums, 
etc. The Wardian Case has a base or tray 
made of Black Walnut, Oak or other ornamen- 
tal wood about six inches deep and lined with 
zine, and glass sides and hinged top; or the 
tray is made of terra cotta or other earthen- 
ware. They are made of various sizes, the 
average, however, being about twenty-four 
inches long and sixteen inchesin width and 
height. They should be elevated on a stand 
to a height that will allow its contents to be 
best seen, as the plants used for that purpose 
should be such as will bear the closest inspec- 
tion for richness of shading or curious con- 
struction of leaves. When the Wardian Case 
is first filled with plants, it should be given 
water sufficient to reach to the bottom of the 
soil, but not enough to make the soil too wet. 
The top of the case is hinged, so that it can 
be lifted to allow the escape of moisture, 
which, when in excess when the case is closed, 
will be known by its trickling down the sides 
of the glass. Usually it will be sufficient to 
raise the lid an inch or so every day or two to 
keep the glass free from this moisture; and 
no ventilation is necessary except to get rid 
of this excess, as the closer it is kept the 
better it is for the welfare of the peculiar 
class of plants suited forit. The effectiveness 
of the Wardian Case depends a great deal on 
the arrangement of the plants, the tallest and 
most conspicuous being in the centre, with 
the smallest towards the edges, varying the 
interest on all sides of it by contrasting the 
different colorings and forms of the leaves. 
The Wardian Case should be placed in a 
position where it does not get the direct sun- 
light. The plants with which it is usually 
filled are natives of shady woods or marshes, 
where they are sheltered from winds and in 
partial shade, and the nearer their natural 
condition can be imitated in the Wardian Case 
the better. Ferneries, so called, require sub- 
stantially the same character of plants and 
the same treatment, the only real difference 
being that they are round, and the glass 
covering is what is known as a bell glass. 


Wa'trea, Named after F. Warre, a botanical 
collector. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceae. 

A small genus of Orchids from Central and 
South America, resembling Mazillaria. They 
are of neat habit, and produce their showy 
flowers freely. W. cyanea is remarkable for 
the deep blue color of its lip, pure blue being 
rarely found among Orchids. This genus 
succeeds best in pots in leaf-mould and sphag- 
num moss. They require no rest, and may 
be grown in a moderately warm house. 


Warszewicze'lla. A genus of Orchidacew, now 
included under Zygopetalum. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


489 


WAS 


Washingto'nia. The generic name now adopted 
by some botanists for two species of Cali- 
fornian Palms, W. filifera and W. robusta. The 
former is known in cultivation as Brahea and 
Pritchardia filamentosa. 


Washington Thorn. A common name for Cra- 
tegus cordata, found from Virginia southward 
along the Alleghanies, ete. 

Warted Gourd. Cucurbita Pepo verrucosa. 

Water Aloe or Water Soldier. Common names 
for Stratioides aloides. 


Water Anemone. A common name for Ranun- 
culus aquatilis. 


Water Archer. Sagittaria Sagittifolia. 
Water Arum. The popular name of Calla 
palustris. 


Water Beech. A popular name for Carpinus 
Americana. 


Water Chestnut. See Trapa. 
Water Chinquapin. See Nelumbium. 
Water-cress. See Nasturtium. 


Waterfall. A Waterfall or Cascade is a decided 
improvement where a running stream passes. 
through a park or lawn, and is formed by first 
constructing a bank of masonry presenting an 
inclined plane to the current and rendering it 
impervious to water by the use of cement; 
and next by varying the ridge of the bank and 
the bed of the stream below it with fragments 
of rock, so chosen and placed as not to pre- 
sent a character foreign to what nature may 
be supposed to have produced there. The 
adjoining ground frequently requires to be 
raised at such places, but may be harmonized 
by the judicious planting of shrubs or trees. 

Water Flag. Iris Pseud-acoris. 


Water Gladiole. A name given by Gerarde to 
the Flowering Rush, Butomus umbellatus. 


Water Hemlock. See Cicuta. 


Water Hemp. See Acnida cannabina and 
Bidens tripartita. 


Water Horehound. Lycopus Europeus. 


Watering. This is one of the most important 
operations in the indoor culture of plants, 
and one that it is almost impossible to get 
a proper knowledge of without actual expe- 
rienve, as the circumstances are so various 
when water should be given or withheld, that, 
were we to write a volume on the subject, it 
would not’ be of as much value as a year’s 
actual practice. There are, however, some 
general rules that it will help the beginner 
to keep in mind. One important rule is, 
never to water a plant untilit is dry. What 
this condition of. dryness is, is governed not 
altogether by the indications of the soil being 
dry.on the surface, but also by the vigor of 
the plant. A good rule is to rap the side of 
the pot witb the knuckles; if dry, it should 
have a ringing sound, and should have suffi- 
cient water given it to penetrate the entire 
pall; if a dull and solid sound, the plant 
requires no water. A luxuriant plant, grow- 
ing in a temperature of 70° or 80°, with 
indications of dryness on the surface of the 
pot, should receive sufficient water to satu- 
rate the soil to the bottom ; while a plant that 
has been cut down for cuttings, or by any 
other reason defoliated, and thus lessened in 
vigor, should not be watered until almost at 


- Water Lemon. 


WAs 


the point of waiting. Again, experience tells 
us that soft-wooded plants, such as Gerani- 
ums, Fuchsias or Heliotropes, will recuperate 
even when dried to wilting, if thoroughly 
soaked, while hard-wooded plants, such as 
Azaleas, Heaths or Camellias, under the same 
circumstances, would fail to recover. All 
succulent plants, such as Cacti, Sedums, 
Echeverias, etc., will admit of being kept 
nearly entirely dry during the dormant sea- 
son; and, although they will exist with but 
little water even for twelve months, yet, 
when their proper season of growth begins 
(which will be indicated by the developing of 
the buds or shots), they require water nearly 
as regularly as the ordinary class of soft- 
wooded plants. 

The degree of atmospheric moisture kept in 
the green-house greatly determines the 
amount of water required at the roots, and 
a proper degree of atmospheric moisture is 
indispensable for the welfare of the plants. 
When firing in winter sufficient to raise the 
temperature to 50 degrees, or in dry weather 
at other seasons, this moisture can either be 
had by evaporating pans on the pipes or by 
syringing, judgment being used, of course, by 
the state of the atmosphere; for in wet or 
muggy weather the artificial means of pro- 
ducing moisture should be stopped. It is 
claimed by some, that plants should be 
watered or syringed by water at the same 
temperature as the house. When this can 
be done without inconvenience, it may be as 
well to do so; but we have proved by over 
twenty-five years’ extensive experience, that 
it is not a necessity, for we rarely use water 
at a higher temperature than 45 degrees, 
either in watering or syringing, and. have 
never known an instance where injury was 
done. The ordinary watering of plants from 
sowings or plantings in the open ground in 
dry weather we believe to be of little avail, if 
itis not sometimes a positive injury, unless 
the circumstances are such that the plants 
can be completely flooded or irrigated. 

Water Leaf. A common name for the genus 
Hydrophyllum, which see. 

Passiflora laurifolia. 

Water Lettuce. See Pistia. 

Water Lily. See Nymphea odorata. 

Blue. Nymphea scutifolia. Syn. N. cyanea. 
Chinese. Nelumbium speciosum. 

Egyptian. Nymphea Lotus 

Florida. Nymphea flava. 

Royal or Victoria. Victoria regia. 

Yellow. Nuphar lutea. 

Water Locust. Gleditschia monosperma ; found 
from South Carolina southward, generally 
near the coast, reaching its greatest develop- 
ment on the bottom lands of southern Arkan- 
sas, Louisiana and eastern Texas. 

Water Maize. Victoria regia. 


Water Melon. Citrullus vulgaris. The cultiva- 
tion of the Water Melon is in all respects 
similar to that of the Musk Melon or Cucum- 
ber, except that being a larger and stronger 
growing plant it requires to be planted at 
greater distances apart. It delights in alight, 
sandy soil, and will not grow satisfactorily on 
heavy, clayey soils. Itis nowone of the staple 
crops in many of the Southern States, hun- 
dreds of tons being shipped to the northern 
and western markets every season. At the 


490 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


WAT 


date of writing, the most approved kinds are, 
Phinney’s Early, Rattlesnake or Gipsey, Iron- 
clad Mammoth and ‘‘ Greenand Gold.” Many 
other sorts are, of course, favorites in different 
sections of the country. 


Water Milfoil. See Myriophyllum. 


Water Nymph. One of the popular names of 
Nymphea odorata. 


Water Oak. Quercus aquatica, and sometimes 
Q. palustris. 

Water Parsnip. The common name of the 
genus Siwm, poisonous aquatic plants. 


Water Pennywort. A popularname for aquatic 
plants belonging to the genus Hydrocotyle, 
which see. 


‘Water Pepper. A common name of the Poly- 
ao Hydropiper, which is also called Smart- 
weed. 


‘Water Pimpernel or Brookweed. The common 
name of marshy weeds belonging to the genus 
Samolus. 


Water Plantain. See Alisma Plantago. 


‘Water Plants. The numerous water plants 
are now grown tu such perfection in many of 
our parks and private gardens that we deem 
itadvisable to devote a special article to them, 
though they will be found elsewhere described 
in their order. Many have been deterred 
from attempting their culture by the idea 
that a special green-house and tank must be 
built for their accommodation, and though 
the various species can be had in flower 
almost all the year round in such a structure, 
they may be grown with great success out-of- 
doors and made to form one of the most 
attractive features of the garden or lawn 
during the summer months. They may be 
successfully grown in large tubs or half-bar- 
rels in the open air, either on the surface or 
sunk in the ground. 

A very effective and inexpensive plan is to 
arrange the tubs in connection with a rock- 
ery, a large tub in the centre being placed 
somewhat higher than the rest, and connected 
by pipes or by pieces of rubber hose, so that 
the overflow from the large tub runs from one 
to the other, changing the water in all. Oil 
barrels cut in two make excellent tubs. 

The space around the tubs is filled with 
good, rich compost, held in place by large 
stones, in which foliage and flowering plants, 
such as tuberous-rooted Begonias, Sedums, 
Caladiums, Palms, etc., are planted. The 
effect produced in this manner is really beau- 
tiful. 

They can, however, be grown to much 
greater perfection if allowed plenty of room in 
a tank or pond made especially for their 
reception. This should be in a warm, sunny 
situation on the lawn or elsewhere, where by 
judicious planting of the background with 
Ferns, Musas, Bamboos, Caladiums, Cannas, 
etc., they» may be shown off to much better 
advantage, and the tropical idea of the scene 
sustained. 

For the more tender kinds it is necessary,in 
Sis latitude, to make the bottom of cement or 
cuncrete, as the water is then more readily 
heated by the sun and retains its heat better. 
Asseveral of the species are rampant growers it 
is advisable to have partitions made for them 


WAT 


so that they will be confined within proper 
limits. Means ought also be provided for 
emptying the tank of water when desired, and 
also a waste-pipe near the top for overflow, 
so that fresh water may be run in occasion- 
ally to prevent stagnation. 

They may also be grown in the base of a 
fountain, but they will not flourish if the 
spray is allowed to fall on the leaves. 

Most of the species do not require the water 
to be over two feet in depth, but if the larger 
species are desired it will be necessary to 
sink holes a foot or more deep and four feet 
wide to hold sufficient soil for their reception. 
The various species (which should have been 
started in the green-house) may be planted 
out in the beginning of June when they will 
soon commence to bloom, continuing until 
the first frost. If it is desired to enjoy the 
longest possible season of bloom in the open 
air, the pond may be located near the green- 
house and some connection made with the 
hot-water boiler. Waste steam from a factory 
or other concern could be utilized for this. 
purpose. — 

The best soil for growing all kinds of 
aquatic plants is a good, rich, fibrous loam, 
with a liberal admixture of well rotted stable 
or cow manure. Rich mud from the bed ofa 
pond or sluggish stream is also good, but we 
consider the first-mentioned the best, The 
compost should be well mixed, placed in the 
tank with a good layer of clean sand on the 
top to purify the water and prevent muddi- 
ness. 

These conditions, viz., still, warm water 
and rich compost, favor the growth of a low 
form of vegetable life, called conferve, or 
green scum, which becomes very unsightly 
and troublesome unless eradicated. As the 
result of several years’ experience, we are 
quite positive that, if abundance of Gold-fish 
are kept in the tank or pond, there will be no 
trouble in this direction. 

Innumerable kinds of aquatic insects breed 
in the water, and some of their larve prey 
upon the leaves of the Lilies, but the common 
water-snail is the greatest enemy of aquatic 
plants. The Gold-fish assist very materially 
in destroying these larve and snails, but we 
have found a complete preventive of injury to 
the foliage from this source by keeping in the 
tank, in addition to the Gold-fish, some of 
the common spotted Sun-fish. They are car- 
nivorous in habit and very alert and active. 
Moreover, it is impossible for mosquitoes to 
breed in a Water Lily basin in which abun- 
dance of the above-named fish, or those of 
similar habit, are kept. Their beautiful ap- 
pearance, and the ease with which they may 
be taught to feed from the hand (though it 
must not be done too frequently), make them 
charming adjuncts to the Water Garden. If 
the tank is two feet or more in depth, they 
can be left in it all winter with perfect safety 
in this latitude. Thus one objection to locat- 
ing these tanks or ponds in the vicinity of the 
dwelling-house is removed. 

Sometimes, toward autumn, brown aphides, 
or plant lice, become troublesome on the Lily 
leaves. We have found a weak solution of 
kerosene emulsion (see Insecticides) to be a 
perfectly safe remedy without any injury 
whatever to the plants. 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 491 


WAT 


The many species that can be successfully 
grown and flowered in the open air in this 
latitude are described in their proper place in 
this work, but for convenience we here group 
them together. 

NIGHT-BLOOMING WaTER LILIEs. Unlike 
our native Nymphea odorata, some species 
open their flowers at night, beginning about 
eight o’clock and remaining expanded until 
about ten o’clock the next morning, each 
flower opening three nights in succession. 

The following will be found the most de- 
sirable of this class: Nymphawa Devoniensis 
(rosy red with scarlet stamens), N. rubra 
(brilliant red), one of the parents of. the fore- 
going, N. Sturtevanti (a semi-double variety, 
with rosy-red flowers, not so free flowering as 
the others), N. dentata (a native of Sierra 
Leone, with white sweet-scented flowers), NV. 


Lotus (pure white) and N. Ampla (sulphur- 


white), strongly banana-scented. 

The day-flowering and other ornamental 
water-plants we group together: Nymphea 
scutifolia (syns. N. cerulea and N. cyanea) 
(lavender blue), N. Zanzibarensis, unquestion- 
ably the deepest colored and finest of all the 
blue Water Lilies known, there are several 
varieties of it now in cultivation: Nelumbium 


speciosum, Limnocharis Humboldtii and L. ° 
Plumieri, Ouverandra fenestralis, Pontederia 
crassipes major, Pondeteria azurea, Pistia stra- | 


tioides, Salvinia Trianwa, Azolla, ete. Myrio- 
phylium Proserpinacoides, a comparatively new 
introduction from Brazil, is also desirable, on 
account of the exquisite beauty of its leaves, 


which are arranged in whorls along the stem, | 


and are as finely divided as the most delicate 
Fern. Hedichiums, Cannas, Richardias, Papyrus 
antiquorum, Cyperus alternifolius, and other 


plants may be partially immersed and will add | 
largely to the beauty of the arrangement, | 


especially if used as a ‘background. 

Many of our hardy aquatic plants can also 
be introduced, and will be-found of great ser- 
vice—Nymphea odorata and its rose and yel- 
low colored varieties, Nelumbium luteum, 
Limnanthemum Lacunosum, Aponogeton Dis- 
tachyon, Trapa, the various Sagittarias, Callas, 
Pondeterias, etc. 

In conclusion, we cannot do better than 
quote from Mr. Sturtevant, the pioneer of 
water-plant culture in America. See ‘‘Possibili- 
ties of Aquatic Gardening” in ‘‘Gardening 
for Pleasure,” pages 121-125: 

“One argument in favor of cultivating 
tropical Lilies in the open air is, that larger 
leaves and flowers are obtained, and incase of 
the colored kinds, greater depth of color than 
under glass. Another argument is, the grand 
effect which may be produced on the lawn or 
in any part of the pleasure ground. Let us 
suppose that you wish to have an aquatic gar- 
den, fifty, sixty or a hundred feet in diameter. 
We will not build it in the stiff form of a circle 
or oval, but the outline shall be irregular, 
with here and there a small bay, across which 
we will throw a rustic bridge to a miniature 
peninsula. Somewhere on the margin we will 
build a rustic summer-house. It shall be a 
two-story affair, for sometimes we shall want 
to view our pets from an elevated position ; 
for, unlike our fellow-creatures, they smile 
upon us when we look down upon them. If 
we have a rocky ledge in our grounds, let us 
place our pond near it. Now, let us suppose 


WAT 


that all has been planted, established, and 
come to midsummer perfection. Some morn- 
ing, before the night-blooming Lilies have 
begun 1o take their midday sleep, let us as- 
cend the low tower and take a view of the 
picture. There, beneath us, is the noble 
Nymphea dentata, covering a space twenty 
feet in diameter, some of its leaves two feet 
across, and its milk-white flowers twelve 
inches across; there is the grand N. rubra, 
with its immense cups of glowing carmine; 
and, there, queen of them all, is N. Devonien- 
sig, surpassing in brilliancy of flower, if not in 
size of leaf, the famous Victoria regia. Then 
come groups of these same Lilies, planted 
more thickly; and though the flowers are 
smaller, yet they are more numerous and just 
as brilliant. Yonder, a little bay is filled with 
Egyptian Lotus, its pink and white flowers, 
on stalks three feet above the water, looking 
like immense tulips. Next isa mass of the 
American Lotus, with its sulphur-yellow 
flowers; some of its floating leaves have 
strayed out into an open space, and are thirty 
inches in diameter. Let us descend and walk 
along the border of our little lake. Hereis a 
plantation of the lovely blue, N. scutifolia; you 
perceive its fragrance before you come near 
it. Next is the beautiful Yellow Lily from 
Florida; and our own sweet Water Lily is not 
forgotten, for it is here in masses. Associated 
with it are its charming new, rose-colored va- 
riety, N. odorata rosea, and the delicate pink- 
tinted one. Here are N. candidissima and N. 
alba rosea, with their waxy petals, similar in 
color to some of-the others, but having their 
own distinctive merits and attractions. Thé 
favorite Calla of our winter gardens lifts its 
white trumpets towards the sky, and numer- 
ous smaller-flowered aquatics are found ‘in 
profusion along the edge of the water. Com- 
ing around to the Lotuses again, we find 
growing near them, in shallow water, great 
clumps of the Egyptian Papyrus, with its 
plumy heads on stalks six feet high. Now 
let us look at some of the plants which asso- 
ciate well with water, and help form a back- 
ground for our picture. Scattered along the 
margin we find groups of ornamental grasses, 
Eulalias, Erianthus, and Pampas Grass. 
Yonder, on our little peninsula, stands a noble 
Banana (Musa Ensete), twelve feet high. Far- 
ther on is a clump of the tall Bamboo (Arundo 
Donaz), and its variegated variety. There 
are groups of Cannas, and a large Palm, 
brought from the green-house to spend the 
summer in the open air. Another stately 
plant is Colocasia odorata, with a tree-like 
trunk and fine, large leaves. What is this 
great-leaved plant near the water’s edge? It 
is Gumnera scabra (the Giant Rhubarb), with 
leaves six feet in diameter. Now do you wish 
to give your friends a glimpse of fairyland? 
Then illuminate your grounds, and invite 
them to an evening féte or garden party. The 
Lotuses and hardy Lilies have closed their 
flowers, but the night-blooming Water Lilies 
offer us a feast for the eyes at night. Place 
large lamps, with reflectors, in such a position 
as to throw a powerful light directly upon the 
flowers; or, perhaps, Edison’s magic lamps 
are available, and you suspend a number of 
them in mid-air over the water. Now the red 
Lilies fairly glow with color, and are far more 
beautiful than by daylight. The water is like 


492 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


WAT 


a mirror, and in its depths you behold another 
glorious picture—a perfect image of the flow- 
ers themselves. The large, star-like white 
ones keep company with the red in their night’ 
watches, and are not unworthy companions 
forthem. Lookaround atthe floating leaves, 
the numerous buds which will open with to- 
morrow’s sun, the tall shields of the Lotus, 
the rich, tropical foliage on the banks, the 
rustic arbor covered with myriads of the sil- 
very blossoms of the Moon Flower (Ipomea or 
Calonyction grandiflora), and tell me if this is 
not afairy scene. And having taken a view 
of the Water Lily Garden by daylight and by 
lamplight, will you not acknowledge that in 
all that is really beautiful it far surpasses the 
most elaborate exhibition of carpet-bedding? 
“Perhaps you will say this is a fancy 
sketch. Our answer is, that it has been so 
far realized that we do not hesitate to place 
such a garden as we have described among the 
list of ‘Possibilities of Horticulture’ in 
America.” 
Water Purslane. A common name for Lud- 


wigia palustris and Peplis portula. 
Water Rice. See Zizania. 


Water Shield. A common name of one of the 
Water Lily family, of the genus Brasenia. 


Water Soldier. See Stratiotes. 


Water Violet. Hottonia inflata, a white-flowered, 
eee perennial, common in the Southern 
tates. 


Water White Oak. Quercus lyrata. ~ 
Water Willow. American. See Dianthera. 
Water-wort. Elatine Americana. 


Watso’nia. Bugle Lily. Named in honor of 
W. Watson, a celebrated London apothecary. 
Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 

A genus of half-hardy bulbs from the Cape 
of Good Hope, formerly classed with the 
Gladiolus, to which genus they are closely 
allied, and to which they bear a close resem- 
blance. They require the protection of a 
frame during winter, or they may be grown 
successfully in the green-house, where their 
long spikes of brilliant flowers, scarlet, pink, 
flesh, white and purple, make a magnificent 
appearance. This, like others of its class, 
receives but little attention in this country, 
where flowers are so abundant from early 
spring until winter, that do not require any 
special care or protection. The beauty of the 
flower garden in June would be far greater if 
a little attention were paid to the growing of 
what is known as Cape Bulbs, the only require- 
ment being acold frame of any desired size, 
and the bulbs protected against hard frosts, 
but more particularly against rains, too much 
moisture during the season of rest being very 
destructive to the whole class. The gorgeous 
flowers that the many species and varieties 
afford in June amply repay the slight cost and 
care in producing them. The Watsonias are 
produced freely from offsets. Introduced in 
1754, Syns. Meriana and Neuberia. 

Wattle. An Australian name applied to vari- 
ous species of Acacia and Citharexylum. 

Wax-Flower. See Hoya. 

Wax-Flower. Clustered. Stephanotis flori- 
bunda. 

Wax-Myrtle. A common name for Myrica 
cerifera, which see. 


WEI 


Wax-Palm. See Curozylon. 


‘Wazx-Pink, A common name for several spe- 
cies of Mesembryanthemum. 


Wazx-Plant. The common name for Cerinthe 
major. 

Wazx-Tree. See Vismia Guianensis. 

Wax-work. The climbing Bitter-Sweet, Celas- 
trus scandens, is sometimes called Wax-work, 
from the appearance of its orange-colored 
pods. See Celastrus. 


Wayfaring-Tree. See Viburnum Lantana. 


‘We'bera. Named in honor of G. H. Weber, 
Professor at Kiel and author of several bo- 
tanical works. Nat. Ord. Rubiacew. 

A genus of stove-house trees and shrubs, 
natives of tropical Asia, Africa and Australia. 
‘Only one or two species are in cultivation. 
Syns. Ceriscus, Stylocoryne and Tarenna. 


Wede'lia. Named for G. W. Wedel, a German 
-botanist, Professor at Jena. Nat. Ord. Com- 
posite. 

A genus of annual or perennial herbs or 
shrubs, widely distributed throughout the 
tropical regions. The several species in cul- 
tivation are interesting from a botanical 
standpoint only. 


‘Weeds. All plants are so called that come up 
spontaneously in the ground where crops are 
sown or planted, no matter what they are; 
for, if not wanted there, no matter how orna- 
mental they may be, they are out of place, 
and should -be cut down as weeds. Annual 
weeds are the most troublesome on cultivated 
grounds, but, if taken in time, are easily kept 
down by use of the steel rake, which, if used 
before the weeds appear above the surface, 
makes this part of cultivation a simple matter. 
(See Rake.) It is of the utmost importance for 
the welfare of crops that ‘weeds should never 
get a headway ; for not only is the labor of de- 
stroying them doubled or quadrupled, but 
they are generally the grossest kind of feed- 
ing plants, which thus deprive the crop of its 
legitimate food. The evil of neglect to de- 
stroy weeds is not confined to one season; 
for when allowed to go to seed, the penalty is 
paid year after year, often for four or five years 
after, the seeds coming up as plowing or dig- 
ging brings them to the surface for.germina- 
tion. We can, call to mind instances where 
market gardens, cultivated in close seed 
crops, were rendered almost useless in the 
hands of slovenly owners. When ground gets 
into this condition, the only remedy is to 
grow crops such as Cabbage, Potatoes or 
Corn, which have vigor enough to crowd 
down an excessive crop of weeds. If land is 
filled with the seeds of weeds, such crops as 
Onions, Carrots, Parsnips, Strawberries or 
Spinach will rarely pay for the labor of clean- 
ing. 

Weeds in Lawns. See Lawns. 

‘Weeping Cherry. Cerasus semperfiorens. 

Weeping Willow. See Salix Babylonica. 


Weigellia. Named in honor of C. H. Weigel, a 
- potanical writer, and author of ‘‘Observ. 
Botan.” in 1772. Nat. Ord. Caprifoliacee. 
This genus of very ornamental, hardy, de- 
ciduous shrubs was introduced from China 
and Japan in 1843 by Mr. Fortune, to whom 
we are indebted for many rare and beautiful 


2 


a oy 


a 


i 


WHITLAVIA GRANDIFLORA. VITI8 (PRUNING VINE WITH TWO SHOOTS). PRUNING VINE WITH AEMS, 


FEES] 


WATER MELON (KOLB’S GEM). VITIS (SECTION OF FORCING GRAPFRY). 


ot a 


PN ee YF 


WATER MELONS (FIFLD OF). 


492 


Re 


ow 
a we Ke Si, 


XERANTHEMUM ANNUUM. 


WASHINGTONIA (BRAHEA) FILAMENTOSA WATER PLANTS IN CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK. 493 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 493 


WEI 


plants and flowers. It is safe to say there is 
no shrub more deservedly popular, or one 
that has been more rapidly disseminated. All 
the species are ornamental, and should be 
found in every collection of choice shrubs. 
W. rosea is the original species; its flowers 
are produced in great profusion in axillary 
elusters. W. amubilis, the largest of the spe- 
cies, is looser and more spreading in hab- 

_ it, with very dark-red flowers. W. hortensis 
nivea, a species introduced from Japan in 
1863, is one of the best. It is a vigorous 
grower of drooping habit; the flowers are 
pure white, produced in great abundance in 
June and July, with occasional flowers dur- 
ing the summer. W. rosea variegata is a 
splendid variety, with variegated foliage 
(green mottled with yellow), contrasting finely 
with dark-leaved shrubs or evergreens. Many 
new varieties have been introduced of late 
years, chiefly crosses from W. grandifiora. 
These have been given distinct names which 
may be found in any general nursery cata- 
logue. To make this genus flower freely they 
should be well pruned in, during summer, 
thus giving the shorter shoots so formed a 
chance to ripen off. All the species are in- 
creased by cuttings, which will grow if taken 
off in autumn and planted in the open border. 
Weigelias are sometimes placed botanically 
under the genus Diervilla, which also includes 
other species, our native D. trifida and D. ses- 
siliflora being among them. 

Weinma’nnia. White Alder. Named after J. 
W. Weinmann, of Ratisbon, author of several 
botanical works. Nat. Ord. Sazxifragacee. 

A large genus of plant-stove shrubs, natives 
of the tropics, few of which are in cultivation. 
The bark of some of the species has been used 
in Peru for tanning leather, and it has also 
been employed in the adulteration of Peruvian 
Bark. Syn. Letospermum. 

We'lfia. Named in honor of the last King 
of Hanover. Welf or Guelph. Nat. Ord. Pal- 
macee. 

A small genus of very beautiful Palms, 
allied to Geonoma. The foliage has a peculiar 
and ‘beautiful bronzy color while unfolding. 
In the younger stages the leaves are simply 
bilobed; but as the plants develop they _be- 
come pinnate. They are natives of Costa Rica 
and New Grenada. Young plants are obtained 
from seed. 

Wellingto/nia. A synonym of Sequoia, which 
see. 

Welsh Onion. Allium fistulosum. 

Welsh Poppy. See Meconopsis Cambrica. 


‘Welwi’tschia. Named in honor of D. Frederic 
Welwitsch, a celebrated botanical traveler. 
Nat. Ord. Gnetacew. 

W. mirabilis, the only species, is one of the 
most remarkable productions of the vegetable 
kingdom. It was discovered by Dr. Welwitsch 
in the dry, sandy country of the Mossamedes, 
in western Africa. The two leaves were at 
first described as being simply persistent 
cotyledons enormously developed, but such 
is not the case; the two cotyledons last for 
some time, and then the true leaves appear. 
They spring from two deep grooves in the 
trunk, six feet or more in length. quite flat, 
linear, very leathery, splitting with age into 
innumerable thongs that lie curling on the 


WHI 


surface of the soil. The trunk is obconical, 
about two feet long, rising a few inches only 
above the soil, with the appearance of a flat 
two-lobed depressed mass, sometimes four- 
teen feet in circumference. When fully grown, 
it is dark brown, hard.and cracked, the lower 
part forming a stout tap-root buried in the 
soil. It was first introduced in 1868. 

Wendla'ndia. Named in honor of M. Wend- 
land, a Hanoverian botanist. Nat. Ord. Ru- 
biacew. 

A genus consisting of trees or shrubs, na- 
tives of the Bast Indies. The flowers, which 
are white, pink or yellow, are borne in densely 
flowered, terminal panicles. There are about 
sixteen species described, of which some two 
or three are in cultivation. They require 
stove-house temperature, and are increased 
by cuttings. a8 

Werne'ria. Named in honor of A. G. Werner, 
Professor of Mineralogy at Friburg, 1750-1817. 
Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of dwarf perennial plants, natives 
of the Andes of South America. W. rigida, 
the only introduced species, thrives in a light 
soil, and may be increased by division of the 
roots. Syn. Doronicum Peruvianum. 

Western Wall-Flower. This name has been 
applied to the flowers of the Erysimum Arkan- 
sanum (Treacle Mustard), because they are as 
large as those of the Wall-Flower. See Ery- 
simum. 

Western Yew. A name given to Taxus brevi- 
folia. 

West Indian Cabbage Palm. See Oreodoza. 

Whahoo or Winged Elm. See Ulmus alata. 

Whangee or Wangee Cane. Phyllostachys 
nigra. : 

Wheat. See Triticum. 

Whin or Furze. The common name for Ulex 
Europeus. 

Whin. Petty or Needle. The common name 
for Genista Anglica. 

White Alder. One of the popular names of the 
genus Clethra, also given to Platylophus trifo- 
liata which see. 

White Ash. See Frazinus. 

White Bladder Flower. A name applied to 
Physianthus albens. 

White Cedar. A name applied to Thuya occi- 
dentalis and Cupressus thyoides. 

White Clover. See Trifolium repens. 

White Cypress. Taxodium distichum. , 

White Daisy, Ox-Eye Daisy. See Leucanthe- 
mum vulgare. 

White Hellebore. See Veratrum viride. 

White Laurel. See Magnolia glauca. . 
White Lettuce. Rattlesnake Root. The popu- 
lar name of the common weed Nabalus albus. 

White Oak. See Quercus. 

White Pine. See Pinus Strobus. 


White Snake Root. See Kupatorium Agera- 
toides. 


White Spruce. See Abies alba. 

White Thorn. Hawthorn. See Crategus. 
White Water Lily. See Nymphaa. 
White Weed. See Leucanthemum vulgare. 


494 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


WHI 


White Wood. A name applied to Liriodendron 
tulipifera, Tilia Americana, etc. 

Whitfie/ldia. Named after T. Whitfield, a col- 
lector of African plants. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
thacee. 

A small genus of ornamental stove-house 
shrubs, natives of tropical Africa. W. lateritia, 
the only introduced species, has showy 
orange-red flowers and coriaceous, ovate, 
evergreen leaves. It is increased by cuttings 
of the young wood. 


Whitla’via. Named in honor of F. Whitlaw, an 
Irish botanist. Nat. Ord. Hydrophyllaceew. 

A small genus of hardy annuals of low 
growth, from California, producing freely 
handsome white or violet-blue flowers. They 
are very effective in any department of the 
flower garden, whether in beds, borders or 
ribbons. They require the same treatment 
as other hardy annuals. Introduced in 1854. 

Whitloof or Witloof. A local name for a 
variety of Chicory. 

Whitlow Grass. The genus Draba and Paro- 
nychia. 

Whorl. Similar organs arranged in a circle 
round an axis, as the leaves of some Lilies. 

Whortleberry. See Gaylussaciaand Vaccinium. 


Widdringto’nia. African Cypress. Formerly 
included in the genus Thuya, but now consti- 
tuting a distinct group of the Cupressineous 
division of Coniferw. The species consist of 
trees, natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and 
have crowded, alternate leaves, not opposite, 
as in Thuya. W. Cupressoides, better known 
as Thuya cupressoides, is cultivated as a half- 
hardy evergreen. Introduced in 1799. 


Widow. Mournful. A common name for 
Scabiosa atropurpurea. 

Widow's Tears. A popular name for Tra- 
descantia Virginica. ; 

Wiga’ndia. Named in honor of John Wigand, 
a Bishop of Pomerania. Nat. Ord. Hydro- 
phyllacee. 

A small genus of ornamental-leaved plants 
from Mexico and Caraccas. The leaves are 
immense, being three fect long by one and a 
half in width, richly veined, and the stems 
covered with crimson hairs. W. macrophylla 
(syn. W. Caracasana), a most beautiful spe- 
cies, is a magnificent plant for massing 
on large lawns, or for planting as single 
specimens on smaller grounds. W. Vigieri, 
is also an excellent ornamental species much 
used in sub-tropical gardening. Plants of 
this genus should be grown annually from 
seed’; though the plant is a perennial, old 
plants lose all their beauty of foliage and get 
seraggy. Young plants may be had by sow- 
ing the seed in the green-house or a hot-bed, 
and growing them on until the time for plant- 
ing out. For small gardens none of the 
plants are desirable, as they require room, 
light and air to grow them in_ perfection. 
They were first introduced in 1837. 

Wig-Tree. A name applied to Rhus cotinus. 

Wild Allspice, Fever Bush. Local names of 
the genus Lindera, which see. 

Wild Apple. Garland Flowering. See Pyrus 
spectabilis. 

Wild Balsam Apple. The fruit of Echinocystis 
lobata, a genus of Cucurbitacee. 


Wild Chamomile, 
Wild Clary. Salvia Verbenaca. 
Wild Comfrey. 


Wild Elder. 


Wild Olive. 
| Wild Pink. Silene Pennsylvanica. 
Wild Potato Vine. Ipomea panduraia. Some- 


‘Willdeno’via. 


Willow Grass. 
Willow Herb. See Epilobium. 
Willow Oak. Quercus Phellos. 
Wind Flower. 


WIN 


Wild Bean. Phaseolus perennis. 
Wild Bergamot. 


Horse Mint. See Monarda 


Jistulosa. 
See Matricaria. 


Cynogiossum Virginicum, a 
troublesome, obnoxious weed, common espe- 
cially westward. 

Aralia hispida, sometimes called 
Bristly Sarsaparilla. 


Wild Geranium. See Erodium. 
Wild Ginger. 
Wild Guelder Rose. 
Wild Hyacinth. See Camassia. 

Wild Lily of the Valley. See Smilacina. 
Wild Liquorice. Galium lanceolatum and Abrus 


Asarum Canadense. 
See Viburnum. 


precatorius. 


Wild Marjoram. See Origanum. 
Wild Mustard, See Sinapis. 
Wild Oat Grass. 


A popular name of the 
genus Danthonia, which see. 


See Eleagnus. 


times called Man of the Earth, on account 
of the size and shape of the tubers. 


‘Wild Radish. Raphanus raphanistrum. 
Wild Rice. 
Wild Sarsaparilla. 
Wild Sensitive Plant. See Cassia nictitans, a 


See Zizania. 
See Aralia nudicaulis. 


low-growing annual plant, closely resembling 
the Sensitive Plant. 


Wild Service Tree. See Pyrus. 
Wild Snow-ball. A common name for Ceano- 


thus Americanus. 


Named in honor of C. L. Witll- 
denow, Professor of Botany at Berlin, 1765— 
1812. Nat. Ord. Restiacee. 

A genus of interesting green-house plants 
with rush-like, leafless stems; natives of 
southern Africa. W. teres, probably the only 
cultivated species, ‘thrives in a compost of 
loam and leaf-mould and may be increased by 
division. Syn. Nematanthus. 


Willeme’tia. Named in honor of P. R. Willemet, 


author of ‘‘ Herbarium Mauritianum.” Nat. 
Ord. Rhamnacew. 

W. Africana, the only species, is a pretty, 
glabrous, green-house shrub, with cymes or 
panicles of white flowers. It is a native of 
southern Africa, and is readily increased by 
cuttings. Itis also in cultivation under the 
name of Noltia Africana. 


Willow. See Salix. 
Willow. French or Persian. Epilobiwm angus- 


tifolium. 
Polygonum amphibium. 


A popular name for Gentiana 
Pneumonanthe, and the genus Anemone. 


Window Gardening. This is yearly becoming 


more popular with us, and in all our best- 
appointed hotels, window boxes or stands of 
plants are seen, often arranged with exquisite 
taste. ‘he plants selected are usually such 


~ 


AND GENERAL 


HORTICULTURE. 495 


WIN 


as are attractive for their beauty of foliage, 
rather than flower, as few plants can be 
found whose flowers will long remain perfect 
in the dry atmosphere of our sitting or dining- 
rooms. The plants best fitted for such pur- 
poses are found to be Palms, Cordylines, 
Aspidistras (variegated), Ophiopgon, Antheri- 
cum vittatum, Crotons and Dracenas, the 
Screw Pine (Pandanus), etc., for winter, and 
Caladiums, Coleuses, fancy-leaved Begonias, 
Petunias, and many others for summer. 
When flowering plants are used for temporary 

ecorations, Primulas, Cyclamens, Azaleas, 
Passifloras, Camellias, Mignonette, Sweet 
Alyssum, Heliotrope, Carnations, Roses, or 
other flowering plants having fragrance are 
seiected. The boxes used in window gardening 
are made ofa great variety of materials, suchas 
wood, terra cotta, iron, rustic or wicker work, 
etc. But as the box is only a medium to hold 
the plants, the latter should be the object of 
attraction, and not the box, so that any ordi- 
nary box made of pine will answer a tem- 
porary purpose just as well as an expensive 
one, as the sides soon become covered up 
with the drooping or creeping plants. 

The window box should be made of a length 
to suit the size of the window sill, and from 
eight to twelve inches wide, with a depth of 
from four to six inches. On a visit to London 
some years ago we found that the rivalry of 
the occupants of houses in window gardening 
even exceeded that in their door yards, the 
windows of the houses on each side of the 
street to four and five stories in height, for 
miles in length, presenting a scene of bright 
colors perfectly dazzling, markedly among 
which were the blue of the Lobelia, the yellow 
of the golden Moneywort, and the scarlet of 
the Tropeolum, forming drooping curtains of 
these brilliant colors, often to a length suf- 
ficient to reach the window below. The plants 
used in arranging the window box are so much 
a matter of taste that we will not here make 
suggestions, other than to say that the best 
effect is had by making the inner row of plants 
of a bushy nature, say Geraniums, Begonias, 
Coleus, Heliotrope, ete., interspersed with 
Ficus, Palms, or other decorative plants ; while 
for the outer row to droop, Lobelias, Nastur- 
tiums, Golden Moneywort, Petunias, etc., 
may be used. Individual taste, however, is 
sure to govern the selection. 

Wind-Root. A local name for Asclepias tube- 
rosa. 

Wind Rose. Papaver Argemone and Roemeria 
hybrida. 

Wine Palm. East Indian, Phenix sylvestris. 

Wings. The lateral petals of a Pea flower; the 
flat, membraneous appendages of some seeds, 
as those of many Conifers and the Maples. 

Winter Aconite. See Hranthis. 

Winter-berry, Black Alder. See Prinos and 
Tlex. 

Winter Bloom. A common name for Hamame- 
lis Virginica. 

Winter Cherry. A name given to Physalis 
Alkekengi. 

Winter Cress. (Barbarea vulgaris.) This is the 
common Winter Cress, a plant which is some- 
times used as a salad, but is rarely cultivated. 
The species was probably introduced and is 
quite common iu the North and West. 


WIN 


Winter Daffodil. Sternbergia lutea. 


Winter Flowering Plants, The most desira- 
able plants for winter flowering may be 
divided into the two sections, usually desig- 
nated green-house and hot-house plants; 
the former requiring a night temperature 
of from forty-five to fifty degrees, while 
the latter will not thrive in a lower night 
temperature than from sixty to sixty-five 
degrees. Whether the plants are grown 
in the parlor or sitting-room of a private 
dwelling, or in a green-house, specially con- 
structed for their culture, the conditions 
should be as nearly as possible the same; 
that is a uniformity of temperature and an 
avoidance of dry atmosphere. It is easy 
enough in the green-house to get a properly 
humid atmosphere by sprinkling the paths 
with water; but in a room in the dwelling- 
house, the only thing that can be done is to 
see that some method of evaporating water to 
supply a moist atmosphere is attached to the 
stove, furnace, or whatever may be the 
source of heat. If plants are kept in a 
sitting-room or parlor, an east, southeast 
or south aspect should be chosen. Plants 
of the class that may be grown at an 
average temperature of fifty degrees at night 
are Azaleas, Abutilons, Ageratums, Carna- 
tions, Cinerarias, Catalonian and Cape Jes- 
samines, Camellias, Callas, Chorizemas, Gera- 
niums of all kinds, Hyacinths, Polyanthus, 
Narcissus, Early Tulips, Cyclamens, Paris 
Daisies, Fuchsias, Mahernias, Primulas, Ste- 
vias, Roses and many other species known 
generally as green-house plants. 

Of the second class, or hot-house plants, we 
name the following: Begonias, Bouvardias, 
Clerodendrons, Euphorbias, Epiphyllums 
Heliotropes, Poinsettias, many of the hardier 
Orchids, etc. The many species of Palms, 
Pandanus, Ficus, Crotons, Ferns, and other 
plants grown for their ornamental foliage, 
also thrive better in a warm temperature, 
though many plants will do well in either; 
but we make this distinction as a guide to 
those having a choice of temperature, in 
order that they may select the plants that 
are best adapted to that at their command. 
In a green-house, particularly if heated by a 
flue, there is often a difference of five or ten 
degrees between one end and the other; and 
in such a case the plants named in the first 
class must be placed at the cool end, and 
those of the second class at the other. 

One of the most troublesome pests of plants 
grown in the green-house or the sitting-room 
in winter is the Aphis, or ‘‘Green Fly,” as it 
istermed. There is no difficulty in getting 
rid of it in the green-house, when it is sepa- 
rate from the dwelling; all that is necessary is 
to get some tobacco stems (such as are thrown 
out as refuse, by cigar makers), and sprinkle 
them with water so that they become slightly 
damp. About half a pound or so for a green- 
house twenty-five by twenty feet is placed 
over asmall handful of shavings, only enough 
to light the dampened tobacco, as too many 
shavings might injure the plants by smoke. 
The burned tobacco stems give out a smoke 
that is quickly fatal to the ‘Green Fly.” To 
thoroughly prevent the least appearance of 
this insect.the green-house should be fumi- 
gated every four or five days. Ifthe green- 
house is attached to the dwelling, so that the 


496 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS : 


WIN 


tobacco smoke would find its way into the 
Tooms, recourse may be had to another 
remedy: take the same waste tobacco stems 
and steep them in water until the liquid is of 
the color of strong tea. With this water 
syringe the plants freely twice a week. 
Another plan is to sprinkle the leaves with 
water and then shake snuff or tobacco dust 
over them. 

The “Red Spider” is another pest to 
winter-blooming plants, even worse than the 
Aphis, and wherever it is seen you may be 
certain that the atmosphere has been too dry, 
and very likely the temperature too hot, as it 
is rarely found in a cool, damp atmosphere. 
The treatment for this insect in the green- 
house is copious syringings with water; but 
where only a few plants are grown in the 
house it is best to go over the leaves, especi- 
ally on the under side, with a wet sponge or a 
brush. When the plants are not too large to 
handle 2asily, if they are dipped into water at 
a temperature of 140 degrees, they will be im- 
mediately cleared of all their insect enemies, 
not only without the least danger to the most 
tender foliage, but, as the leaves get a good 
cleansing, with manifest advantage to their 
well-being. The Red Spider is so minute that 
it is hardly distinguishable by the naked eye, 
but its destructive effects are quickly per- 
ceivable, as the leaves upon which it works 
soon become brown, and if they are closely ex- 
amined, particularly the under side, the minute 
insect will be seen in great numbers. 

Another troublesome insect among plants 
that are grown inahigh temperature is the 
“Mealy Bug.” The insect is flat, and whit- 
ish brown, usually nestling at the axils of the 
leaves, where itis covered with a white powder, 
making it easily distinguishable. This is one 
of the most annoying of all insects that attack 
plants, and until a few years ago no certain 
remedy was known; but we have now in “Fir 
Tree Oil,” mixed in the proportion of one pint 
to ten gallons of water, and syringed on once 
a week, a certain remedy against mealy bug, 
scale, red spider, and, in fact, nearly all insect 
life. The use of it must be continued once 
each week, or the remedy will not be effec- 
tual. Where only afew plants are grown the 
same remedy can be applied with a soft brush 
or sponge on the leaves. (See Insecticides.) 

In plant growing in pots, nothing indicates 
so much the skilland knowledge of the cultiva- 
tor as handsome, healthy plants in small sized 
pots; amateur’s conservatories are sometimes 
more conspicuous for the show of red flower 
pots than for green leaves and gay flowers. 
There is no set time for repotting soft-wooded 
plants, as Geraniums, Fuchsias, Coleus, ete.— 
many need changing every two or three 
months, while hard-wooded plants, such as 
Camellias, Azaleas, etc., may probably need it 
but once every year or once every two or 
three years. Hard-wooded plants are greatly 
benefited by giving them a top dressing of 
fresh earth mixed with a little bone-dust two 
or three times .a year. Amateurs invariably 
overpot their plants. In repotting, many 
plants will be found to have but few roots; 
these require a portion of the ball removed— 
place them in smaller pots, encourage them 
to make new roots, and in a short time 
they will have fine, healthy tops. The proper 
way for potting plants is, after they have 


Wista'ria. 


WIN 


been given proper drainage, put in a little 
soil (care being taken to have the plant a 
little below the surface of the pot, sufficient 
to allow for watering); place your plant in 
the centre of the pot with one hand and with 
the other heap up the soil loosely in the pot; 
give the pot a sharp rap, pressing the soil 
with the thumb firmly around the plant. In 
potting large plants, such as Camellias, Aza- 
leas, etc., a flat stick must be used to firm the 
soil around the plant; otherwise it will not 
be packed as tirmly around the edges as is 
essential for good results. (See poeone:), i 

The rapid growth of plants of every kind, 
when the roots are confined in a small pot, 
soon exhausts the soil, and it is often 
necessary to apply manure in a liquid 
state to keep the plant in good condition. As 
a general thing, we use none in our own 
practice, preferring to shift the plants into 
fresh soil at the proper time. When, how- 
ever, it is inconvenient to shift winter-flower- 
ing plants into larger pots, they will be great- 
ly benefited by stirring up the soil on the 
surface of the pots to the depth of an inch or 
so, or down to where the young roots appear, 
replacing it by rich, fresh soil to which one- 
twentieth of bone-dust has been added. Guano 
or other concentrated manures may also be 
advantageously applied in a liquid form, but 
the safest and best of all liquid manures is 
that made from cow-dung, it will never hurt 
the most tender plants; like all other liquid 
manures it should only be applied when the 
pot is well filled with roots, and the soil is 
moderately dry. (See Manures.) 


Wintergreen. See Gaultheria and Pyrola. 
‘Wintergreen Chickweed. See Trientalis Ameri- 


cana, 


Grape-Flower Vine. Named in 
honor of Caspar Wistar, once Professor of 
Anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania. 
Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. 

Asmall genus of hardy, deciduous plants, 
unquestionably the most ornamental, hardy, 
flowering climbers we possess. Their lovely 
panicles of dark purple, light purple, and 
pure white flowers, singie and double, pro- 
duced in the most wonderful profusion under 
almost any circumstances, are altogether 
without a rival. With one exception, they are 
all natives of China and Japan. W. Sinensis 
was introduced in 1818, and for many years 
was grown as a green-house plant, until it 
was accidentally found to be hardy. In 1844, 
W. Sinensis alba, a variety with pure white 
flowers, was originated. A variety with double 
flowers was introduced from Japan, its native 
country, in 1869, by Francis Parkman, of Bos- 
ton. The flowers of this species are quite 
fragrant, and very beautiful. It is still quite 
rare. There are several other species or 
varieties from the same countries, all merito- 
rious. W. magnificais a very fine late-flowering 
variety with purple flowers. The Japan Wis- 
tarias are much finer than the Chinese. A few 
years since Mr. Thomas Hogg sent home from 
Japan a very choice collection, and among 
them W. Japonica, with purple flowers, W. 
Japonica alba, with white flowers, W. longi- 
racemosa, purple, with panicles exceeding 
thirty inches in length, also a double variety 
of this, with fragrant flowers. In addition to 
these, he sent a species with glossy leaves 


400 


WISTARIA SINENSIS, 


WALLFLOWER (DOUBLE). 


WEIGELIA ROSEA 


ZEA JAPONICA VARIEGATA. 


ZEA MAYs (INDIAN CORN). 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


497 


WIS 
dotted with gold; and another species which 


grows only three or four feet high, and flow- ! 


ers in July and August. W. frutescens, a 
native species, with bluish-purple flowers, of 
which there is also a white variety, is com- 
mon from Virginia to Illinois and southward. 
It is an elegant plant of similar habit, though 
not quite so productive of flowers, and, unlike 
the other species, the flowers are developed 
with the foliage.. The English sparrow is 
very fond of the buds of the Wistaria, and 
sometimes robs the plant of much of its 
beauty. All the Wistarias are increased read- 
ily from seeds or from layers. Syn. Glycine. 

Wista’ria. Tuberous-rooted. A common name 
for Apios tuberosa. 

Witch or Wych Elm. 

Witch or Wych Hazel. See Hamamelis. 

Witches’ Fingers. A popular English name 
for Digitalis purpurea. 

Witches’ Thimble. A common name for Silene 
maritima. ; 

Witch Knots. This name is given to the 
curious tufted bunches of small twigs that fre- 
quently occur on the larger branches of Birch, 
Plum, Horn-beam and other trees. The twigs 
are usually swollen, and both they and the 
sickly-looking leaves upon them are duller 
green than usual, and frequently show a 
slight velvety surface. They are the work of 
very minute Fungi, belonging to a lowly 
group of Ascomycetes. The mycellium of the 
Fungi lives on the tissues of the leaves and 
bark of the host-plants, and the velvety ap- 
pearance results from the outgrowth over the 
whole epidermis of their organs of reproduc- 
tion. 

Witheri'/ngia. Commemorative of W. Withering, 
a British botanical author, 1776. Nat. Ord. 
Solanaceae. 

A small genus of shrubs.or small trees, 
natives of South and Central America and the 
West Indies. The species are now mostly 
included under Solanum. 

Withe-Rod. A common name for Viburnum 
nudum. 

Withy. Salix viminalis and S. fragilis. 

Witse’nia. In honor of M.. Witsen, a Dutch 
patron of botany. Nat. Ord. Iridacea. 

A small genus of green-house, herbaceous 
plants, with showy blue, purple, or yellow 
flowers, natives of the Cape of Good Hope. 
W. corymbosa, introduced from southern 
Africa in 1803, closely resembles the Iris, but 
has small flowers. It flowers during summer, 
and is propagated by division. 

Woad. Dyer’s. A common name for Isatis 
tinctoria. 

Woad-Waxen or Wood-waxen. One of the 
common names of Genista tinctoria. 


Woad. Wild. Reseda luteola. 

Wolf-berry. The popular name of Symphoricar- 
pus occidentalis. 

Wolf’s-bane. See Aconitum. Known also by 
the common name of Monk’s-hood. 

Wolf's Claw. A common name for Lycopodium 
clavatum. 

Wood Ashes. See Fertilizers. 

Wood Betony. The common nam» of Pedicu- 
laris Canadensis, which see. 


Ulmus montana. 


| WOR 


Voodbine. The popular name of Lonicera 
qrata, one of our native Honeysuckles. A 
name also inappropriately applied to Ampe- 
lopsis quinquefolia and Bignonia radicans. 

Wood Fern. The genus Aspidium; also a 
name applied to Polypodium vulgare. 


Woodfo'rdia. Named for J. Woodford, who 
wrote an account of the plants around Edin- 
burgh, Scotland, in 1824. Nat. Ord. Lythra- 
Cex. 

W. floribunda, the only species, is a low, 
shrubby plant, with long, spreading branches 
and bright scarlet flowers in short panicled 
cymes, on axillary peduncles. It is a native of 
India, and requires a stove-house to grow it 
to perfection. It can be increased by cuttings 
or seeds. 

Wood Grass. A common name of some of the 
varieties or species of Sorghum, or Broom 
Corn. 


Wood Lily. A common name for Pyrola minor 
- and various species of Trillium. 


Wood Nettle. See Laportea Canadensis. 
Wood Pea or Wood Vetch. Orobus sylvatica. 
Woodruff. See Asperula. 

Wood Rush. See Luzula. 

Wood Sage. See Teucrium. 


Wo'/odsia. Named in honor of Joseph Woods, 
a British botanist. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacee. 
A small genus of very beautiful, low-growing 
Ferns. Several of the more beautiful species 
are natives of this country, and are common 
in the mountains, north-and west. Several 
species are also found in Europe and Brazil. 
They are easily grown in the green-house, 
and are increased by division or from spores. 
Wood Sorrel. See Oxalis. 


Wood Violet. A common name for Viola syl- 
vatica. 


Woodwa'rdia. Chain Fern. Named in honor 
of Thomas Jenkinson Woodward, an English 
botanist. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea. 

Very handsome native and exotic Ferns of 
easy culture. Some of the species produce 
little hairy bulbs at the axils of the leaves, 
which either drop off and strike root in the 
ground, or vegetate while attached to the 
parent plant, a feature that is common in 
many other Ferns. 


Woolly Beard Grass. See Erianthus. 


Working Roots. Thisterm, we believe, was first 
used by the author in Practical Floriculture, 
to distinguish the young white roots emitted 
from the dry or old roots, and is well appli- 
cable from the fact that it is only when these 
young white roots are emitted that a plant 
begins to grow, the buds or shoots starting 
simultaneously with these young roots. For 
example, when we take a dormant Rose that 
has been grown ina pot, no matter how well 
it may be supplied with old roots, there is no 
healthy development of leaves and flowers 
until the emission of young roots. When we 
plant out such plants as Celery, Cabbage or 
Strawberries, in the garden, the young or 
‘Working Roots” emitted from the main 
roots are certain indications ‘nat the plant 
has started, and that their growth and future 
development is fairly assured against drought 
or other causes; but if the ‘“ Working Roots” 


493 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


WOR 


are not emitted, then there is yet danger of 
the plants failing. 


Worm Grass. See Spigelia. 


‘Wo'rmia. Named in honor of O. Wormius, a 
Danish naturalist. Nat. Ord. Dilleniacee. 

A genus of very showy trees, some of them 
growing to a very large size, natives of the 
Malayan Peninsula, Ceylon, Australia and 
Madagascar. W. Burbridgei, from Borneo, 
the finest species yet in cultivation, has broad, 
handsome leaves, contracted and decurrent, 
into a very broad petiole, which expands, and 
is amplexicaul at the base. The pale, golden 
yellow flowers are three inches in diameter, 
borne on a simple peduncle two to four inches 
long. It is much valued also for its excellent 
timber, which bears some resemblance to 
Oak. Syn. Lenidia. 


Worms or Caterpillars. 
Scorpiurus vermiculata. 


‘Worm Seed. The seed of Chenopodium anthel- 
minticum. The utricle which surrounds the 
seed contains a volatile oil, which is con- 
sidered a worm-destroying medicine. 

Wormwood. See Artemisia. 


Wri'ghtia. Palay or Ivory Tree. Named after 
William Wright, a Scotch physician and bot- 
anist. Nat. Ord. Apocynacee. 

A genus consisting of shrubs or small, 
sometimes scandent and erial-rooting trees, 
natives of the eastern hemisphere, ranging 
from Silhet to Nepal and western Australia. 
Flowers red, white or yellow, in terminal 
.or sub-axillary, sessile cymes. _W. tinctoria 
furnishes an inferior kind of indigo, and the 
wood, which is pure white, close-grained and 
ivory-like, is highly valued for turning, car- 
ving and inlaying. They grow well in a com- 
post of loam and leaf-mould and are readily 
increased by cuttings. 

Wulfe/‘nia. Named in honor of F. X. Wulfen, 
a botanical author. Nat. Ord. Scrophulari- 
acee. 


Popular names for 


XAN 


Asmall genus of perennial herbs with thick 
rhizomes, natives of the mountains of central 
Europe and Asia. They are well adapted for 
the rock-garden or flower-border, their beauti- 
ful blue flowers being very ornamental when 
in fullblossom. W. Carinthiaca is a remark- 
ably dwarf, almost stemless, evergreen herb, 
twelve to eighteen inches high, bearing, in 
summer, showy spikes of purplish-blue, 
drooping flowers. It is found only on one or 
two mountains in Carinthia. W. Amherstiana, 
from the Himalayas, is another very showy, 
perfectly hardy species, growing freely in any 
position in the rock-garden, but preferring a 
shady spot and a light, rich soil. They re- 
quire to be protected by a frame in winter, 
and are propagated by division or seeds. 


‘Wu lffia. Named in honor of John C. Wulff, 
author of ‘Flora Borussica.” Nat. Ord. 
Composite. 


Asmall genus of tropical American perennial 
herbs, with yellow or orange-yellow flowers. 
W. maculata, the only species introduced, is of 
easy culture in any light soil, and may be in- 
creased by seeds or by division. 


‘Wu'rmbea. Named in honor of F. Van Wurmb, 
Secretary to the Academy of Sciences at 
Batavia. Nat. Ord. Melanthacee. : 

A genus of bulbous or tuberous green-house 
plants, natives of southern Africa and Aus- 
tralia. W. campanulata, the best known spe- 
cies, and its varieties are very showy and in- 
teresting when in flower. They succeed well 
in a compost of sandy peat and ‘loam, and are 
easily increased by seeds or by offsets. 


Wych Elm. Ulmus montana. 


Wye'thia. Named after N. B. Wyeth, the dis- 
coverer of this genus in northwestern Amer- 
ica. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of hardy, perennial plants, of 
which W. angustifolia is the only species of 
interest. None of them-are of any horticul- 
tural interest. 


ZS | 


anthi/sma. From sxanthisma, yellowness ; 
alluding to the color of the flowers. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

X. Texanum, the only species, is a showy, 
hardy annual or biennial, with heads of bright 
yellow flowers. Seeds may be sown in the 
open border in April. Syn. Centauridium. 

Xa/nthium. From zanthos, yellow; the plants 
were formerly used by the Greeks to dye their 
hair. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

A genus of coarse-growing, annual plants, 
principally weeds; of no horticultural value. 

Xantho’ceras. The only species, X. sorbifolia, 
is a low-growing tree, a native of the moun- 
tains of northern China, belonging to the 
natural order Sapindacee. 


It is a beautiful tree, with leaves resem. 
bling those of Pyrus Aucuparia; the flowers 
white, with a purple eye, and a yellow spot at 
the base of each petal. It is still very rare in 
gardens. 


Xanthorhi'za. (Some adopt the orthography 
Xanthorrhiza, following the analogy of Xan- 
thorrea, etc.) Yellow Root. From zanthos, 
yellow, and rhiza, a root; the roots being of 
a deep yellow color. Nat. Ord. Ranuncula- 
cee. 

X. apifolia, the only known species, is an in- 

teresting, half-hardy, evergreen shrub, with 

pretty, dark-purple flowers in early spring. It 
is common along the mountains from Florida 
northward. It is propagated by suckers. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


499 


XAN . 


Xanthorrhee’a. Black Boys, Grass-tree. From 
zxanthos, yellow, and rheo, to flow; alluding 
to the yellow juice. Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

Amongst the many curious forms of the 
vegetable kingdom, the Grass-tree of Austra- 
lia is one of the most interesting, and forms 
a conspicuous feature in the landscape of that 
country; most of the species having thick 
trunks, like those of Palms, covered with a 
dense coating formed of the persistent bases 
of old leaves, glued together by the red or 
yellow resin with which these plants abound, 
and usually burnt and blackened outside by 
bush-fires. The leaves are long, wiry and 
grass-like, and are borne in a dense tuft at 
the top of the stem and hang down grace- 
fully all around it; their long flower-stalks 
rising out of the centre, and sometimes grow- 
ing as high as fifteen or twenty feet, bearing 
at the top a dense, cylindrical flower-spike, 
resembling that of the Typha, made up of a 
mass of scales out of which the flowers pro- 
trude. Ingeneral, its presence is indicative 
of a poor soil, therefore it is one of those 
plants which give life to the sterility of a great 
portion of Australia. When the plants have 
been denuded of their leaves and their bodies 
blackened by the bush-fires, they have been 

’ compared to, and even mistaken for, black men 
holding spears, hence their colonial name, 
Black Boys. Their leaves afford good fodder 
for cattle, while the natives eat the tender 
white centre of the top of the stem. 


Xanthoso’ma. From zanthos, yellow, and 
soma, a body; alluding to the large, loted, de- 
pressed, yellow stigma. Nat. Ord. Aroidea. 

A genus of about twenty-five species of milky, 
perennial herbs, with erect root-stocks, arrow- 
shaped leaves, and a yellow spathe rolled 
round at the base. They are natives of tropi- 
cal America, and some of the species are use- 
ful as summer decorative plants. Propagated 
by cutting up the root-stock into small pieces 
and starting them in heat. 


Xanthozxyla'cez. A tribe of Nat. Ord. Rutacew. 


Xantho’xylum. Prickly Ash, Toothache Tree. 
From aunthos, yellow, and zylon, wood; the 
roots are yellow. Nat. Ord. Rutacee. 

This isa rather extensive genus, having a 
wide geographical range, with representatives 
in most of the tropical countries of the world 
and in some parts of the temperate regions. 
The species differ considerably in appearance, 
some being very large trees, while others are 
erect or climbing shrubs; and they are often 
furnished with prickles on their branches and 
leaf-stalks. The leaves are alternate and com- 
pound, either pinnate (either with or without 
an odd terminal leaflet), trifoliate, or rarely 
reduced toa single leaflet, the leaflets being 
usually marked with pellucid dots. Their 
flowers are small, unisexual, and disposed in 
variously formed axillary or terminal panicles. 
The ripe fruits split into two pieces, and con- 
tain one or two shining black seeds. The 
fruits of most of the species have an aromatic, 
pungent taste, like pepper. Those of X. pipe- 
ritum, a Japanese species, are called Japan 
Pepper ; and those of X. hastile are the Tej-bul 
of northern India, where they are used for 
intoxicating fish. The genus is represented 
in the United States by a few species. X. 

' Americanum, Northern Prickly Ash, is a 
prickly shrub with yellowish-green flowers, 


XIM 


which appear before the leaves. It is remark- 
able for its pungent qualities. The bark, 
when chewed, is said to cure the toothache; 
whence one of its popular names, Toothache 
Tree. X. Carolinianum, the Southern Prickly 
Ash, is a small tree with very sharp prickles, 
found on the coast of Virginia and southward 
Syn. Zanthoxylum. 


Xera/nthemum. From zeros, dry, and anthemon, 
a flower; alluding to the dry nature of the 
flower; which retains its form and color for 
years. Nat. Ord. Composite. 

Hardy annuals of the easiest culture, merely 
requiring to be sown where they are desired 
to bloom. The flowers, from their peculiar 
dry character, may be preserved a very long 
time after they are cut from the plants, and 
this circumstance has given rise to the Eng- 
lish name, Everlasting. The several species 
are natives of the south of Europe and the 
Levant. Some of them have been under cul- 
tivation more than two hundred years. Sow 
through April and May in the open border, or 
in a hot-bed, and transplant in March. 


Xerone’ma. From zeros, dry, and nema, a 
thread; the filaments dry and persistent. 
Nat. Ord. Liliacee. 

X. Moorei, the only species, is an elegant 
and interesting stove-house perennial, intro- 
duced from New Caledonia in 1878. It grows 
about two feet high with the leaves clustered. 
at the base of the flower stem, bearing erect, 
bright crimson flowers, about half an inch 
long. It is readily increased by seeds or by 
division of the root-stocks. 


Xerophy'llum. Turkey’s Beard. From zeros, 
dry, and phyllon, a leaf; in reference to the 
dry, grassy leaves. Nat. Ord. Liliacew. . 

A small genus of interesting, hardy, herba- 
ceous plants, mostly natives. X. asphodeloides, 
one of the most interesting species, is a native 
of the Pine barrens of New Jersey and south- 
ward. It has long, very narrow, bristle- 
shaped leaves, which form a dense tuft, from 
which rises a stem bearing a large raceme of 
showy white flowers in June. They are pro- 
pagated by seeds or from division, and suc- 
ceed well in any dry situation. 


Xero'tes. Named after zerotes, dryness, be- 
cause of the aridity of the herbage. Nat. Ord. 
Juncacee. 

A genus of over thirty species of herbaceous, 
perennial plants, natives of Australia. They 
succeed well in light, rich soil and are readily 
propagated by division. Syn. Lomandra. 


Ximene’sia. Named in honor of Joseph Ximenes, 
a Spanish apothecary. Nat. Ord. Composite. 
These are interesting Mexican plants of 
which X. enceloides is the best known species. 
It ig now generally included under Verbesina, 
which see. 


Xime'nia. Named after F. Ximenes, a Spanish 
Monk, who wrote on Mexican plants in 1615. 
Nat. Ord. Olacacee. 

A small genus of trees or shrubs, one species 
of which is widely dispersed over the tropics 
of both the Old and New World. X. flori- 
bundum, the species mostly cultivated, has 
white, fragrant flowers, and bears an edible 
fruit. Itis called by various names, Seaside, 
Hog, or Mountain Plum, False Sandalwood, 
etc. The fruits have an aromatic flavor, but 
are a little rough to the palate. X. Americana 


HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


XIP 


is common on all the south Florida Keys as a 
spreading shrub, sometimes with stout, nearly 
prostrate stems ten or twelve feet long, and 
eight or ten inches in diameter at the ground. 


Xi’phion. A genus of Iridacee scarcely differing 
from Iris except in the character of the root- 
stock, which is a bulb instead of a rhizome. 
They are natives of the Mediterranean region, 
Abyssinia, etc., and include several old gar- 
den favorites. XX. Sisyrinchium has been con- 
sidered the type of a distinct genus (Gynand- 
tris); it has been in cultivation since the days 
of Gerarde, who calls it Spanish Nut and says 
that it ‘‘is eaten at the table of rich and de- 
licious persons in sallads or otherwise.” X. 
latifolium (Iris xiphioides) is the English Iris 
of florists and old writers. 

Xylophylla. A genus of Euphorbiacew now in- 
cluded under Phyllanthus. : 


YUL 


Xylo’steum. A genus now included under Lo- 
nicera. 

Xyrida’cez. A small natural order of peren- 
nial, rush-like herbs, growing often in watery 
places. It includes two species, Abolboda and 
Xyris, and less than fifty species. 


Xy'ris. Yellow-eyed Grass. From szyros, 
acute; the leaves terminate in points. Nat. 
Ord. Xyridacew, 

A genus of curious plants mostly indige- 
nous, though some are natives of tropical Asia 
and Africa. They are all sedge-like plants, 
with narrow radical leaves, and small flower- 
heads terminating the simple scapes, the 
yellow petals being very fugacious. ‘They are 
of no special interest. X. operculata, intro- 
duced from Australia in 1804, is the most 
showy species and is generally cultivated as 
a green-house perennial. 


A 


y= The common name of the large, tuber- 
ous roots of several species of Dioscorea, 
used as food. See Dioscorea. 


Yang-Mae. Myrica Nagi, a sub-acid, esculent 
fruit of Japan and China, somewhat resem- 
bling the fruit of the Arbutus. It is probably 
identical with M. integrifolia. 


Yard Grass. A common name for the genus 
Eleusine. It is also known as Crab Grass. 
See Eleusine. 


Yarrow. See Achillea millefolium. 


Yaupon. The name of a tea or drink made 
from the leaves of the Ilex Cassine by the 
North Carolina Indians. 


Yellow Berries. The dried, unripe berries of 
Rhamnus infectorius, imported from the south 
of Europe for the use of dyers. 


Yellow-eyed Grass. The common name of the 
genus Xyris, a curious rush-like plant, com- 
mon in New Jersey and southward. See 
‘Xyris. 

Yellow Iris. Iris Pseudo-acorus. 


Yellow Jessamine of the Southern States, is 
Gelsemium sempervirens. 


Yellow Poccoon. See Hydrastis. 

Yellow Pond Lily. See Nuphar. 

Yellow Rattle. See Rhinanthus Crista-galli. 
Yellow Rocket. Barbarea vulgaris. 

Yellow Root. See Hydrastis and Xanthorhiza. 
Yellow Star of Bethlehem. Gagea lutea. 
Yellow Star-flower. Sternbergia lutea. 
Yellow Sultan. Centaurea suaveolens. ~ 


Yellow Trefoil. Medicago lupulina. An excel- 
lent fodder plant when mixed with grasses. 

Yellow Weed. Dyer’s. Reseda luteola. 

Yellow Wood. Cladrastis tinctoria, or Virgilia 
lutea, a small and handsome deciduous tree, 
with showy white flowers drooping from the 
ends of its branches, common on rich hill- 
sides, from Kentucky southward. 

Yew. See Taxus. 


Youth and Old Age. 


A popular name of the 
Zinnia, which see. 

Youth-wort. An English name for Drosera 
rotundifolia. 


Yu’cea. Adam’s Needle, Spanish Bayonet, Bear 
Grass. Yucca is the name of the plant in 
Peru. Nat. Ord. Liliaceae. . 

An extensive genus of evergreen plants. 
closely allied to Dracena and Cordyline, with 
leaves somewhat like the Aloe. Y. filamentosa, 
popularly called Adam’s Needle, is common 
from Virginia southward to Mexico and Cen- 
tral America, and is a beautiful plant for 
cemetery or lawn decoration. Many of the 
species are hardy enough to withstand our 
winters North, and are desirable plants, as 
well for the flowers as the foliage. The flow- 
ers are produced on anerect, branching spike, 
often six feet high, proceeding from the heart 
of the plant. It is not uncommon for a single 
spike to furnish three hundred blossoms, 
which are creamy white and very showy. 
The half-hardy or tender species may be 
grown in pots or tubs and kept dormant 
through the winter in a cellar or room free 
from frost. They grow freely in any soil, 
preferring alight, sandy one. Y. alotfolia va- 
riegata is one of the most beautiful of our 
green-house, ornamental-leaved plants. Its 
propagation, which is by cuttings, is slow, 
and hence it is always a scarce and expensive 
plant. Y. filamentosa variegata somewhat re- 
sembles it in its young state, and has occa- 
sionally been sold for it; but it is far inferior. 
Most of the herbaceous species of the genus 
seed freely, and are thus rapidly increased. 
The bruised roots of all the Yuccas were for- 
merly used very extensively by the natives 
on the Pacific slope as a substitute for 
soap, and at the present time it is not an 
uncommon sight to see the semi-civilized 
Indian and her Mexican half-sister still using 
this vegetable soap, which they call ‘‘ Amole,” 

‘in the Mexican villages, and as far north as 
Utah. 


Yulan,. Magnolia conspicua. 


‘ 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


501 


ZL. 


ZAL 


Valaices: Said to be the name of this genus in 
the Moluceas. Sometimes spelled Salacca. 
Nat. Ord. Palmacee. 

A genus composed of seven or eight species 
of stemless Palms, natives of Assam and the 
coast of Burmah and Malacca, mostly growing 
in large masses in wet places, and forming 
dense tufts, rendering the jungles almost im- 
passible. They have long, pinnate leaves, 
which, being very coriaceous, render them 
good subjects for decorative purposes. 


Zaluzia/nskia. Named after Dr. Adam Zaluzi- 
ansky, a botanist of the seventeenth century. 
This is now given as the correct name of the 
genus Nycterinia. 


Zam.a. From zamia, loss; in allusion to the 
barren appearance of the male flowers. Nat. 
Ord. Cycadacee. 

An extensive genus of very beautiful and 
remarkable plants, intermediate between the 
‘Ferns and Palms. They are natives of the 
West Indies, Central America, the Cape of 
Good Hope and southeastern Africa, where 
they frequently constitute a conspicuous 
feature in the vegetation. These extraordi- 
nary plants are remarkable for their bony 
fronds or leaves, which are for the most part 
armed with spines or sharp angles. The spe- 
cies, Z. horrida, has thorns several inches in 
length and as hard as horn. 
species are known in cultivation and are 
objects of much interest. They require a hot- 
house, and should be grown in sandy loam. 
Rapid progress in growth is material to the 
perfect development of the leaves, and this is 
only secured by heat and moisture. They 
may be propagated by suckers, but these, 
with all other Cycads, are now largely imported 
by firms in New York and other large cities, 
mostly from Central America, and thus plants 
are obtained at once from their native habitat 
that would take many years to grow by the 
slow processes of artificial propagation. 
When received they are, of course, in a dor- 
mnant state, without roots or leaves, and 
should be placed in partially damp moss, in a 
temperature of 70 degrees, until they begin to 
grow. 

Zante Currant. This is not a Currant as is 
generally supposed from its name, but rather 
a Grape, the fruit of a variety of Vitis Vinifera, 
commonly called Black Cornith or Zante 
Currant. It is a seedless Grape, produced in 
long, slender bunches; a native of the 
Levant. 

Zante-wood. The wood of Chloroxylon Swieti- 
ana and Rhus Cotinus. 

Zanthorhi’/za. See Xanthorhiza. 

Zanthoxy’lum. See Xanthorylum 

Zapa/nia. A name applied to that section of 
the genus Lippia, in which are placed those 
species which have a flattened calyx and 
capitate flowers. They are creeping, Verbena- 
ceous plants, produving an abundance of 
flowers in umbels in August and September; 
natives of South America. 

Zauschne'ria. Californian Fuchsia. Hum- 
ming-bird’s Trumpet. Named in honor of 


Several of the | 


ZEB 


M. Zauschner, a German. 
gracee. 

Z. California, the only known species, is a 
hardy, herbaceous plant, native of California. 
Itis of branching habit, and produces large 
racemes of Fuchsia-like flowers, bright crim- 
son and very showy. It makes a handsome 
pot plant, and is also very showy in the bor- 
der. Propagated by division or from seed. 
Introduced in 1847. 


Ze'a. Maize, Indian Corn. Linneus named 
this genus from zao, to live; in reference to 
the nutritive properties of the plants. Nat. 
Ord. Graminacee. 

Indian Corn, Zea Mays, is unquestionably 
an American plant, having been found under 
cultivation by the Indians on the discovery 
of the New World. Itis said to grow wild in 
some of the West Indian Islands and in Cen- 
tral and South America. There is only one 
ascertained species, although numerous va- 
rieties have been produced. The many varie- 
ties are so distinct in their general habit of 
growth, size and shape of the kernel as to 
raise the question of their being distinct spc- 
cies, which, however, is not probable. We 
know of no other plant that so readily adapts 
itself to circumstances, or one that will so 
completely change its habit of growth in so 
short atime. The writer once brought a few 
ears of Corn from near Quebec, the farthest 
point north that Corn is known to ripen. 
The stalks from which the ears were taken 
were not three feet high, yet each produced 
two small ears of very hard Corn of excellent 
quality. This seed was sown in central New 
York at the same time and under the same 
conditions as other Corn, only in a separate 
field. This crop came to maturity in less than 
sixty days after planting, ready for the har- 
vest. The next year the best seeds of the crop 
were sown, in confidence of similar results; 
but, on the contrary, it adapted itself to the 
climate, and took the same length of time to 
grow and ripen as the common sorts, and it 
also grew to as great a height, which was 
fully two feet higher than it grew the first 
year. From that fact it is easy to see what 
great changes may be brought about by culti- 
vation. The varieties known as Sweet or 
Sugar Corn are best suited for use in the un- 
ripe state. They have been greatly improved 
in the past twenty years by careful selection, 
and thousands of acres of these kinds are 
grown for canning, particularly the variety 
known as Stowell’s ‘‘ Evergreen.” Z. Japon- 
ica variegata is a beautifully striped white and 
green variety and is unsurpassed as a ‘ Varie- 
gated Grass.” It requires exactly the same 
culture as the ordinary Maize; though, being 
variegated, its growth is weakened, and, under 
the same conditions, it grows one-third lower 
than the ordinary green sorts. It can be used 
with fine effect for the ‘‘ back row” or “‘ centre” 
of large beds in massing. 


Nat. Ord. Ona- 


Zebra Grass. See Eulalia Zebrina. 


Zebra Plant. A common name for Calathea 
Zebrina. 


502 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


‘ 


ZEB 


Zebra Wood, A name given to Myrtus fra- 
grans and Guettarda speciosa ; also to the genus 
Omphalobium, which see. 


Zebri’na pendula. A name proposed for the 
plant, best-known as Tradescantia tricolor, T. 
Zebrina or Cynanotis vittata. 


Zehne'ria. A synonym of Pilogyne, which see. 
The correct name is now given as Melothria. 


Zenobi/a. Named after the famous Empress of 
Palmyra who lived in the third century. Nat. 
Ord. Hricaceew. 

Z. speciosa is a dense ‘ growing shrub, 
about three feet high when fully grown. The 
flowers, white and wax-like, are in form like 
those of Lily of the Valley, and are produced 

, abundantly in loose, drooping clusters in sum- 
mer. Itisa native of the Southern States, 
and, consequently, not quite hardy. It is 
known in cultivation as Andromeda Cassinie- 
folia and A. speciosa. 

Zephyra’nthes, Zephyr Flower. From zephyros, 
the west wind, and anthos, a flower. Nat. Ord. 
Amaryllidacee. 

A very beautiful genus of hardy and half- 
hardy bulbous plants, natives of the Southern 
States, South America, and the West Indies. 
The flowers are white, pink and rose-colored, 
and are produced singly on slender scapes 
about six inches high. One of the best species 
is Z. Atamasco, generally known as Amaryllis 
Atamasco, and in our gardens as Fairy Lily. 
This species has beautiful pink flowers, 
which are produced in great abundance 
during the entire summer. The bulbs may 
be planted in the open border early in spring, 
and, with slight protection during winter, they 
may remain undisturbed a number of years. 
The bulbs are about one and a half inches in 
diameter and two inches long, and increase 
rapidly by offsets. It is a native of the south- 
ern and southwestern States. Z. candida, a 
species with pure white flowers and small, 
rush-like leaves, is a native of Lima and 
Buenos Ayres. The bulbs are quite small, 
and grow in large clusters. It is very free 
flowering and nearly hardy, and was intro- 
duced in 1822. 

Zephyr-Flower. See Zephyranthes. 

Zi’chya. In honor of Countess Molly Zichy, a 
noble Austrian lady, fond of botany. Nat. 
Ord. Leguminose. 

These are handsome green-house climbers, 
closely related to Kennedya, from which they 
are chiefly distinguished by having their 
flowers arranged in whorls on the end of an 
attenuated foot-stalk. They require plenty of 
water, both at the roots and over the foliage 
in dry, hot weather, and a support for their 
flexile stems. The trellis shouldbe as large 
as may be conveniently attached to a pot, as 
they extend over a considerable space. In the 
autumn the branches should be pruned 
closely back, and the plants kept torpid 
through the winter. The several species that 
constitute this genus are natives of Swan 
River, and were introduced in 1834. Propa- 
gated by seeds or cuttings. 


Zi/ngiber. Ginger. The Indian name. 
Ord. Scitaminee. 


Nat. 


The most important species of this genus. 


is Z. officinale, the roots or rhizomes of which 
furnish the well-known Ginger of commerce. 
This plant is believed to be a native of Asia. 


a 


ZIZ 


It was naturalized in the West Indies soon 
after their discovery by the Spaniards; 
indeed, at so early a period that it is scarcely 
believed to be an exotic, and is supposed to 
have been found indigenous on the islands. 
Acosta relates that a person named Francisco 
de Mendoza first transplanted it from the East 
Indies into New Spain, where its cultivation 
was diligently pursued by the Spanish Ameri- 
eans to a considerable extent, as, from the 
testimony of the same author, 22,053 cwt. 
were exported thence to Europe in 1547. This 
plant is now extensively cultivated in the 
‘West Indies, especially in Jamaica, from 
whence we receive our main supply. There 
are several varieties of Ginger known in 
commerce; they are, however, of the same 
species, as the white and black ginger simply 
indicate a different method ‘of preparation. 
Ginger is also largely grown in the East 
Indies and Africa, but not of so good a quality 
as that of the West Indies. 


Zingibera’cez. A tribe or sub-order of Scita- 
miner. ; 

Zi/nnia. Named in honor of John Godfrey Zinn, 
a Professor of Botany at Gottingen. Nat. 
Ord. Composite. 

An extensive genus of hardy annuals, na- 
tives of Mexico. When first introduced the 
Zinnia received but little attention, as the 
flowers were single, the colors not so bright, 
nor the plant so effective as the double varie- 
ties now under cultivation. The double vari- 
eties were first exhibited by Messrs. Vilmorin 
in Paris, in 1861. They originated in India 
from the common single Mexican varieties, 
and the seeds were sent to France in 1858. 
Great improvement has been made within the 
last ten years in this flower, and our own flo- 
rist and seed-growers have been foremost in 
this work. The finest strains of this flower 
are now to be had of the seed-growers near 
New York. Some of the varieties are truly 
magnificent ; the dull, dingy colors have given 
place to bright scarlet, clear rose, pure white, 
orange, canary yellow, etc., and the flowers 
are perfect in shape, and evenly imbricated 
like a Camellia. Zinnias require but little at- 
tention, and will grow well almost anywhere. 
For perfection of flower, the seed should be 
sown early in a hot-bed or the green-house, 
and once or twice pricked out before planting 
in the open border. Set the plants two feet 
apart each way, and they will completely 
cover the ground early in summer. They 
will commence to flower in June, and remain 
until killed by frost. The flower lasts a long 
time, looking cheerful until the seed is quite 
ripe. The fact of the flowers remaining so 
long perfect has given the plant one of its 
common names, ‘‘ Youth and Old Age.” 


Ziza'nia. The Greek name of Darnel. The mod- 
ern plants have no relation to the ancient, 
being natives of America. Nat. Ord. Grami- 
nacee. 

These are native plants. Z. aquatica, a 
large, reed-like, aquatic plant, is quite 
common in marshes and on the margins of 
waters at the South and West, and was for- 
merly largely collected by the Indians for 
food. It is a favorite food with wild ducks 
and other aquatic birds during the fall and 
winter months, and is a familiar object to 
aportsmen. A correspondent of the ‘American 


AND GENERAL 


‘HORTICULTURE. 503 


ZIZ 


Agriculturist,” 1878. Mr. R. Valentine, of Wis- 
consin, says he has sold a thousand bushels 
of this Wild Rice during the past five years. 
The ‘Agriculturist” says: ‘Itis the thick 
growth of this Rice that makes the borders of 
the Delaware such a favorite resort for gun- 


ners in the Reed Bird season, and elsewhere . 


it attracts numerous ducks. Mr.'V. says that 
he has sent the seeds to nearly every State 
and Territory, to be planted along water 
courses to attract wild fowl. It is also sown 
in artificial fish ponds to afford cover and 
shade for the young fry, a purpose for which 
itis especially suited. Itsucceeds best where 
there is a muddy bottom, and six inches to 
two feet of water, and care should be taken to 
place it where its roots will be covered with 
water at alltimes.” Syn. Hydropyrum. 


Zizi/phora, From Zizi, which is said to be the 


Indian name of the flower, and phoreo, I bear. 
Nat. Ord. Labiate. 

A genus of about twelve species of hardy, 
dwarf, annual herbs, or diffuse sub-shrubs ; 
natives of Central and Western Asia, and the 
south Mediterranean region. -Some three or 
four species are in cultivation, and are of in- 
terest in a herbaceous collection. 


‘Zi/zyphus. Jujube.  Zizouf, in Arabic, is the 


2 


name of the Lotus. Nat. Ord. Rhamnacee. 
An interesting genus of plants, inhabitants 
of both hemispheres. They are all very pretty, 
and deserve to be grown in every collection. 
The green-house and hot-house species do 
well with ordinary treatment. The genus is 
chiefly characterized by having a fleshy, berry- 
like fruit, containing a one, two or three- 
celled stone, with a single flattened seed in 
each. The species are mostly stiff shrubs, or 
sometimes small trees with more or less spiny 
branches, their alternate, three-nerved leaves 
being furnished with one or two thorny stip- 
ules. The fruits of several of the species have 
an agreeable flavor. Z. vulgaris, the best 
known species, when fully developed attains 
a height of thirty feet. The fruits of this 
species are commonly eaten in Europe, both 
in a fresh and a dried state, and afford the 
Jujubes of the shops, or rather used to, for 
they are now chiefly made up of gum and 
sugar, and a little tartaric acid, without the 
Jujubes. The fruits are rather acid when 
fresh, but when dried they are more agreeable, 


and are given to allay cough. Perhaps the . 


most useful purpose to which this species can 
be applied is a hedge plant. Mr. William 
Smith, the superintendent of the Botanic 
Garden at Washington, D. C., has been ex- 
perimenting with it for a number of years, 
and thinks it has no equal as a hedge plant, 
and predicts that it is certain to be largely 
used for that purpose. Itis perfectly hardy 
at Washington, and itis Mr. Smith’s opinion 
that it is likely to prove hardy a great deal 
farther north. Z. Jwuba, an East Indian 
species, yields an excellent dessert fruit, and 
is largely cultivated by the Chinese, who rec- 
ognize a great number of varieties, differing 
in the shape, color and size of the fruits. 
Those of one variety are called Chinese Dates, 
from their resemblance to that fruit. Z. Lotus, 
an African species, is one of the plants sup- 
posed to have yielded the seductive sweet 
fruits from which the ancient Lotophagi took 
their name. Another African species, Z. 


ZYG 


Baclei, is the Lotus mentioned by Mungo 
Park as being used for making into bread, 
tasting like gingerbread, and also for the pre- 
paration of a pleasant beverage. Z. spina- 
Christi is supposed by some to have furnished 
the crown of thorns put on our Saviour’s head. 
Propagated by cuttings or from seed. First 
introduced in 1640. 


Zomica'rpa. From zomo, a skirt, and karpos, a 
fruit; the pericarp of the fruit, when ripe, 

- pursts at the bottom and remains covering 
the seeds like askirt. Nat. Ord. Aroidew. 

A small genus whose species are natives of 
Brazil. The leaves appear before the flowers 
and are cut into five segments. They make 
rather pretty, decorative plants, requiring, 
like all the rest of the family, plenty of water 
during the growing season. Z. Pithoniwm is 
regarded as an antidote in cases of serpent 
bites. The plants grow about a foot high and 
are increased by seeds, or by division. Intro- 
duced in 1860. 


Zonal Geranium. See Pelargonium. 


Zygade/nus. From zigos, a yoke, and aden, a 
gland; the glands are arranged in pairs. Nat. 
Ord. Liliacee. 

A genus of smooth, somewhat glaucous, 
herbs, with creeping rhizomes or coated bulbs, 
grass-like leaves, and panicles of rather large, 
greenish-white flowers. The best known and 
most ornamental species are all natives of 
America, from Maine to Mexico. Propagation 
nes be readily effected by division, or by 
seed, 


Zygope'talum. From zygos, a yoke, and pelalon, 
a petal; in allusion to the adhesion of the 
‘ségments of the perianth by their bases in the 
original species. Nat. Ord. Orchidac-e. 

A genus of very handsome, free-flowering 
Orchids, natives of South America. They are 
terrestrial evergreens, and generally flower 
during the winter or early spring months, 
which makes them desirable. The pseudo- 
bulbs should be well elevated in potting and 
have plenty of water in the growing season, 
which is usually from May to September; 
after which less moisture is required until 
their season of blooming. They will succeed 
well in an ordinary green-house, and are 
propagated by division. Introduced in 1828. 


Zygophylla’cez. A natural order of shrubs or 
herbs, rarely trees; natives of the Cape of 
Good Hope, the Cape de Verde Islands and 
the Levant. Several of the genera have 
-medicinal properties. The species are widely 
dispersed and are divided into seventeen 
genera, including Tribulus, Zygophyllum, and 
Guaiacum. 


Zygophyllum. Bean Caper. From zygon, a 
yoke, and phyllon, a leaf; alluding to the pairs 
of leaflets. A genus of trees, shrubs and per- 
ennial herbs, giving its name to the Nat. Ord. 
Zigophyllacee. 

The species are natives of the Cape of Good 
Hope, the Cape de Verde Islands, the Levant 
and Australia. Their very handsome flowers 
are red or white, generally with a purple or 
red basilar spot. Several of the species have 
medicinal properties; the flower-buds of 
E. Fabago are used instead of capers,’and the 

‘seeds of H. coccineum are employed by the 
Arabs in place of pepper. Propagated by cut- 
tings or by seeds when obtainable. 


504 HENDEKSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


GLOSSARY. 


Be nomenclature being in a great measure descriptive, it has been 

thought that in addition to the etymological notes on the individual genus 
names already given, a glossary of the designations of the various species and sub-species 
would be a useful addition to a book of this popular character, as conveying an intelli- 


gible indication of the distinctive features of the plants under consideration. 


These 


species-designations stand in relation to the genera as adjective to noun, and being 
expressed in Latin, follow the grammatical rules of that language in so far that 
they must agree with the noun in number, gender and case, For instance : adjectives 
ending in us take a in the feminine and um in the neuter, thus: alius, high, masculine; 
Masculine and feminine adjectives ending in is in the 


alta, feminine ; altum, neuter. 
neuter usually end in e, as nobilis, masculine and feminine ; nobile, neuter. 


Adjectives 


ending otherwise than these (for instance, as, es, ans, ens, eps, on, etc.) retain, generally, 


the same termination for all genders. 


The designations ending in odes, phylla and 


folia have been but sparingly used, as they are for the most part self-descriptive ; e. g., 


anemonoides, 
leaved, ete. 


A 


A in compositivn signifies 
without, as aphylla, without 
leaves, etc. 


abbreviata......... shortened 
abortiva............ imperfect 
abseissa...........-..- clipped 
acaulis.............. stemless 
accedens ............ yielding 
BCOLDS vee se Sever cees os sour 
acerosa ....... needle pointed 
acicularis....... needle leaved 


acinacifolia...scimetar leaved 
acniopetala..... sharp petaled 


QCliS.ed seseees. EeeaeeE biting 
aculeata ..........-.... spiny 
acuminata...... sharp pointed 
ACUTA sss sccc acs sharp pointed 
adnata .. .......... adhering 
adspersa.... ...... scattered 
AAUNCA. 3.02.5:6:5 eareeecsint hooked 
PMMUA...205 se ieea seis. rival 
GENES ons ssronsrwrnes bronzy 
PPANChe 2-2 ose oes ow ds air flower 
esculifolia, horse-chestnut 
leaved. 
eestivalis ... ........ summer 
mestuans...........66. glowing 
@MDisi.. <2 cs.23200. 26 related to 
agglomerata......... collected 
aggregata..gathered together 
ACA: sie cee se aoe winged 
Alb@ne sche eeewrre ee ee vs white 


albicans .............. whitish 
albinata........ white marked 
alcicornis ...... elk’s-horn-like 
alienata.............. foreign 
alnifolia.......... alder leaved 
alpestris ....... ....... rocky 
alveolata....... honeycombed 
amabilis......... ..... lovely 
AMAA... . cee cee eee bitter 
amblyodon..... blunt toothed 
amena.............. pleasing 
amplexicaulis...stem clasping 
ampliata............. enlarged 
ampullacea...... flask-shaped 
@NCepS...... ...... two edged 


androgyna..... hermaphrodite 
androus, in words of Greek 
derivation, refers to the sta- 
mens; us, diandrous, two 


stamened ; polyandrous, 
many stamened, ete. 

| Anglica........... .- English 

angusta ............. narrow 


angustifolia ....narrow leaved 


anisata ........ anise scented 
anisophylla....unequal leaved 
annotina............. year-old 
ANNUS .ectse gia san cites annual 
annulata .... ...... 6 ringed 
anopetala ....... erect petaled 
antherosa..... large anthered 
antherotes ......... brilliant 
antiacantha, .opposite spined 
apetala ....  .. without petals 


aphylla ....destitute of leaves 


anemone-like ; acanthophylla, acanthus leaved; adiantifolia, adiantum 


apiculata, terminating in a 
short point or tip. 


apifera....... ... bee bearing 
apiifolia..... .. parsley leaved 
apoda............... stemless 


apodantha..stalkless flowered 
appendiculata, having appen- 


applicata ............. inclined 
aptera .............- wingless 
aquatica....... living in water 
aquifolia . ...... holly leaved 
arachnoidea........ cobwebhy 
aranifera....... spider bearing 
arbuscula. .... like a little tree 
arborea ............. tree-like 
arcuta ......... .eeeeeee bent 
ardens.. ............ glowing 
arenaria... ...... sand loving 


areolata, marked out into dif- 
ferent spaces. 


argentea ............. silvery 
arguta ..... ee ee cee eee sharp 
argyrites ....... .... silvery 
argyrophylla ... silver leaved 
argyrostigma ..silver spotted 
arietina ....... ram’s-head-like 
arifolia .......... arum leaved 
aristata ........ 2.06. awned 
armata gine eeee Gi armed 
armillata .......... braceleted 
OTTOCA: ii ceicwerend ewes erect 
articulata............. jointed 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE, 


505 


ASPOLE occcisncediw eve ss rough 
asperrima......... very rough 
assimilis ....._.. eens similar 
assurgens.......... increasing 
atomaria.......... ... dotted 
atrata.............. blackened 
atrosanguinea....... dark red 
atrovirens......... dark green 
attenuata..... thin, narrowed 
augusta ...... smooth stalked 
aurantiaca ............ orange 
QUTEA.... eee eee golden 
auriculata............ z. eared 
australis ........... southern 


axilaris, flowering in the axils 
of the leaves. 


AZULOA. cokes se Seenee blue 
B 
baccata......... berry bearing | 
bacillaris ............ staff-like 
barbasca ........... . bearded 
barbata ..... ........ bearded 
basilaris... .. base branching 
ella s.css is ociqavarcans handsome 
bellidifiora..... daisy flowered 
betuloides......... birch-like 


bi or bis, as a prefix, means 
twice; as, bi-articulata, two 
jointed ; bi-aurita,two eared, 
etc. 


bicamerata.... ... two-arched 
bicornis .......... two-horned 
bidentata..... double toothed 
Bifida se 3 ec ioe ede half divided 
binata..growing two together 
bitumenosa............ pitchy 
blanda ..........46- charming 
borealis. .......... .- northern 


brachy, from brachys, short; 
compounded with other 
Greek roots, as 

brachybotrya..short bunched 


brachynema, having short 
filaments. 
brachyodon..... short toothed 


brachyphylla....short leaved 
brachypoda .... short stalked 
brachypteron. broadly winged 
bracteata.........+-++ bracted 
brevi, short; as, brevistylis, 
short stemmed. 
brevicaulis. ...short stemmed 


brevifolia ...... short leaved 
DUCCOSA....-. eee eee inflated 
bulbifera........ pulb bearing 
buliata..............blistered 
butryacea..... ay aie) avers buttery — 
buxifolia.......... pox leaved 
Cc 
Caduca......6+ falling off soon 
Cmsia.. ...--.-- -bluish gay 
cespitosa......-.+..ee- tufted 
ealamelanos..:beautiful, dark 
calantha..... peautiful winged 
ealearata.... ...-++65 spurred 
calearea ....growing on chalk 
ealceiformis...... shoe-shaped 


calendulacea ... marigold-like 

eallosa, furnished with harden- 
ed or protuberant spots. 

calophylla....beautiful leaved 


caloptera.... beautiful winged | 


ealura.......-beautiful tailed 


ealycina, large calyx or cup- 
shaped. ; 

calyculata, having bracts re- 
sembling an additional calyx 


calyptrata...... . . covered 
campanulata...... bell-shaped 
campylacantha.curved spined 
cancellata ........... latticed 
candicans.... ...... .. white 
candida..............68 white 
Canescens .........-66. hoary 
cannabina.......... hemp-like 
capilare...........06. hair-like 
capitata....flowering in heads 
capreolata.. ....... tendriled 
caprina ..... ....... goat-like 
cardiochlena ... heart-formed 
carinata..... ...... .. Keeled 
Carnea.......... flesh colored 
CATNOSA... 2... eee eee ees fleshy 


caryophylla.....clove scented 
caryophyllacea. carnation-like 
casta.... see. beawee chaste 
ceathartica.......... purgative 
eatopteron.downward winged 
caudata....... 

caudescens 
cauliflorus..... stem flowering 
CAVA. oe ewe ee ee eee ees hollow 
celatocaulon, concealed stem- 

med. 


centeteria....... many spined 
cerasoides........ cherry-like 
cerefolia..... .. chervilleaved 
cereola......... . waxy fruited 
cerifera,..... .. wax bearing 
cernua........... ... drooping 


cervina ....... ',..stag horned 
chlorantha...greenish yellow 
chloronema...green threaded 


‘ehlorophora........ green dye 


chlorophylla..... green leaved 
chromatella ........... yellow 
ehrysantha ..golden flowered 
chrysoleuca..yellowish white 
chrysophylla...golden leaved 
chrysostachys..golden spiked 
chrysostoma. golden mouthed 
chrysotricha... golden haired 


ciliaris.......... vhair fringed 
ciliolata ....... fringed leaved 
cincinnata ...........-. curled 
Clncta.s < Ges seenionssaivs girdled 
cinerea............- ashy gray 
cinnabarina........ vermilion 
cirrhosa............ tendriled 
citrina......... lemon colored 
citrosma....... lemon scented 
clavata .......... club-shaped 
claviculata ,........ tendriled 
clypeata..... buckler-shaped 
coartata.... crowded together 
COCCINEA.......6 cease eee red 
cochlearis ...... spoon-shaped 
cochleata........ shell-shaped 
codonodes........ bell bearing 
coolestis . ....- ...6. sky blue 
eeelosperma.... hollow seeded 
CMIUlea ice cacnssre sees blue 
collina....... growing on hills 
colorata...... ....... colored 
colpodes... . deeply hollowed 
COMANS ......e. eee cee es hairy 
communis.......... common 
commutata .,........ changed 
comosa..... ....- tufted, hairy 


complexa..........embracing 


complicata ... folded together 
Compta ......-...55.- decked 
conchiflora..... shell flowered 
concinna..........2. 6+ neat 
concolor .........+ one-colored 
conferta...... cluster flowered 
congesta............. crowded 
conjugata.............. mixed 
connata ....joined at the base 
consobrina............ related 
contorta............. twisted 
contrayerba........vermifuge 
convoluta..... rolled together 
corallina...... . coral flowered 
cordata........ . heart-shaped 
cordifolia........ heart leaved 
cordigera....... heart bearing 
coriacea ...........05 leathery 
cornea..... a ere horny 
cornigera.. .... horn bearing 
Cornuta.........2.660% horned 
coronata........ .....crowned 
corticicola.......... epiphytal 
coruscans . ........ glittering 


corymbifiora. cluster flowered 
corymbosa... cluster flowered 
corynodes....helmet flowered 
costata...........5 ribbed 
crassicaulis ... thick stemmed 


crassipes........ thick stalked 
crenulata........... scolloped 
OPIN 6. ee civisterdiscdie sores hairy 
crispa........ erispy or curled 
cristata............... crested 
crocata........ saffron colored 
crocea.........saffron colored 
cruciata......... eross-shaped 
cruenta............ 04 bloody 
cryptocarpa....hidden fruited 
cucullata.............. hooded 
cultrata....... knife-shaped 


cultriformis .....knife-shaped 
cuneiformis .... wedge-shaped 


cupreata............. coppery 
CUI oe sien eh tee anes shortened 
cuspidata....abruptly pointed 
CYSNEA...... ec eee wees blue 
eyanococea....... blue fruited 
eyanophylla....... blue leaved 
cyatheaformis .... cup-shaped 
eymbiformis ..... boat-shaped 
cymosa.,..flowering in cymes 
D 
deedalea....... ..... adorned 
daphnites.......... glistening 
dasycarpa....... thick fruited 
dasyphylla....... thick leaved 
dealbata............ whitened 
debile...... 2 0. woes, weak 


tion, ten; as, decandrous, 
with ten stamens; decapet- 
ala, ete. 


decipiens........... deceiving 
declinata.. turned to one side 
AeCora.......-- ese cess comely 
decumana........... ... huge 
decurrens, prolonged below 


the insertion, as in the 
leaves of the thistle. 


decussata........ cross leaved 
deflexa. ... turned downward 
Ael6Cta ce catearte ie nsees select 
deltoidea .. triangular-shaped 
demissa...............05 low 


506 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS if 


dendroidea.......... tree-like 
dentata .. ..... 2... toothed 
denticulata..... finely toothed 
dependens ............ hanging 


depressa...pressed downward 

di, in Greek compounds, two; 
as, didyma, twin, etc.; diga- 
mous, having flowers of two 
sexes, etc. 


diaphana......... transparent 
dicarpa........... two-fruited 
dichora........... two-colored 
dichotoma........... .forked 
diformis.......... two-formed 
diffusa ............. spreading 
digitata......... finger leaved 
dilitata............... swollen 
dimidiata.............. halved 
dimorpha......... two-formed 


dioica, bearing female flowers 
on one plant and male on 
another. 


diphylla.......... twin leaved 
diptacantha ....double spined 
diptera........... two-winged 
discoidea............ disk-like 
discolor...... ... two-colored 
dissecta........ finely divided 
dissitiflora... distant flowered 
disticha.. ........ two-ranked 
diurna.......... day flowering 
divaricata, obtusely spread 
asunder 
divergens............. leaning 
diversiflora. . variable flowered 
dolabriformis ..... axe-shaped 
dolichoventra ... long-spurred 
dolosa.... ... .... deceiving 
drupacea... .like a stone fruit 
Gubia.s scctscecects doubtful 
dulcis sweet 
dumosa . low 
GQUIA Ss See 6550837 eras hard 
duriuscula slightly hard 


E, or ex, as a prefix, means 
destitute of; as, ecostata, 
ribless ; exalbuminous, with- 
out albumen, etc. 

ebracteata..destitute of bracts 


eburnea........---+ ivory-like 
echinata .......-.-+-+ prickly 
edentata............ toothless 
OdUlisi g4 6 ising es owe sacar edible 
effusa..very loosely spreading 
egregia......... distinguished 
Clata .... cece eee eee . tall 
elegans.......- _.... beautiful 
emarginata ... notched leaved 
emineDs ... .........- showy 
ennea, nine; as in 

enneandrea..... nine stamens 
enueaphylla...... nine-leaved 
ensata ........ sword-shaped 
epherma..........- transient 


epi, in Greek compounds, 
upon; as, epicarp, the outer- 
most layer of a pericarp, etc. 
epigwa, growing on or close to 
the ground. 
epiphylla.growing upon a leaf 
equilateral. having equal sides 
eriantha...... woolly flowered 
ericordes......-.-+ heath-like 
erinacea..........--+ prickly 


eriocarpon....... hairy fruited 
eriostemon..woolly stamened 
OLOSAS sasiad ead kaos bitten 
erubescens.......... blushing 
erythrocheta..... red bristled 
erythropa....... red stemmed 
erythrophea....... bright red 
esculenta........ ..... edible 
etiolata... ......... blanched 
euchila....... beautiful lipped 
evecta.........ee ee extended 
exaltata .........-..000- lofty 
OXCOlSA... 0... cece eee e cane tal 
(>.<. | bluntly cut 
exculta.......... -.5 adorned 
eximia ..... (choice) excellent 
exorhiza..... rooting outward 
exotica. ...--.....e eee foreign 
exsculpta ..... ..... cut out 


exserta, protruding beyond, as 
the stamens out of the 


corolla. 

@XSUIZENS ..........66- rising 
F 
faleata......... sickle-shaped 
falciformis ...... sickle-shaped 
falcinella........ finely hooked 
fallax. 2. eseen sie i deceptive 
farinacea............-.. mealy 
fasciata......... ... banded 
fascicularis. . . in bundles 
fastigiata........... . peaked 
fastuosa....... prickly stalked 
felosma...... heavy smelling 
fenestralis..... window leaved 
ferOks .occi sess: fierce, spiny 
ferruginea.............- rusty 
filamentosa .......... thready 
filifera......... thread bearing 


fililpendula, hanging from a 
thread. 


AMI POS s,s eiainsie tases thready 
fimbriata............. fringed 
ALMA ss cya irees wages solid 
fiSSOi..%ce Scared 22 Sads divided 
fistulosa......... pipe stalked 
flabelliformis...... fan-shaped 
flaccida 

flagifera......... . rod-shaped 
flammea... 

flava......... eee 

flavescens 

MOK Ai se isa is icie re ciate acs arers 
floralenta...... slow flowering 
floribunda..... many flowered 
florida..... re flowery 


fluviatilis, belonging to flowing 
water. 


feeniculacea..... fennel leaved 
foetida.......... .-.- Stinking 
foliolosa ...... slightly leaved 
FOLIOSA.. 6... weer cece eee leafy 
fOTMOSA. .... 2. eee eee beautiful 
fossulata ...........- grooved 
fragranS ....+..+-- fragrant 
frondo0sa........eeeeeeee leafy 
frutescens ........... shrubby 
fruticosa .......-..+.- shrubby 
fulgens ............. brilliant 
fullva;,). 324044453 same tawny 
fUNOSEA.... cc2..ceneereens deadly 
funifera ......... rope bearing 
furcata..........eeeeee forked 
furens. .......°.. maddening 
furfuracea ..... .scaly, mealy 


USCA ws awscreawee sexes brown 
fuscescens..... dark brownish 
fusiformis..... spindle-shaped 
G 
galeata .........26-. helmeted 
geminiflora..... twin flowered 
gemmata.............4-. twin 
gemmipara....... bud bearing 
gibberosa...........-. warted 
gibbosa......... .protuberant 
BAB AB sw ccrsasea siaiscans. tease giant 
glabella ........... smoothish 
gladiata...... .sword shaped 
glandulosa ....bearing glands 
glauca..milky white, glaucous 
glaucina ......... bluish gray 
Plaber ces ec cee cs ee oe smooth . 
glabrata.......... .- glabrous 
Slacialis ....... 0 ...e eee icy 
gladiata ..... .. .sword-shaped 
gilastifolia........ wood leaved 
glaucescens....... bluish gray 


glaucophylla.... .gray leaved 
globosa....round or spherical 


glomerata.......... clustered 
glumacea, grass-like - flowered 
glutinosa ........... adhesive 
glycyphyllos .... sweet leaved 
gracillima ...... most graceful 
gracilis .... ....--.05: slender 
Greed savas sa ceeess ses Greek 
graminea ..........+5-- grassy 
grandiceps...... large crested 
grandis...... ...... splendid 
BLA oc sciee ses ek pleasing 
graveolens. ...strong smelling 
guttata.. .........4.- spotted 
gymnandra....nakedanthered 
gymnocarpa..... naked fruited 


gyrosa, turned round like a 
crook. 


H 
heematocephala....red headed 
heematodes ........... bloody 
hamata ..........-000- hooked 
harpeodes... .. scimeter-like 
hastata ....... halbert-shaped 
hebegyna .......- blunt styled 


hecistophyHa, smallest leaved 

hepta, the Greek numeral 
seven, used as a prefix; as, 
heptandra, seven-stamened, 

- ete. 

herbacea, of a soft texture 
like an herb. 

heteracantha. .. various spined 

hetero, in Greek derivatives, 
unlike; as, heterocarpus, 
bearing two kinds of fruit, 
etc. 

heterophylla...various leaved 

heteroptera...various winged 

hexa, in Greek derivatives, 
six; as, hexandra, having 
six stamens, etc. 


hexagona.......-.- . Six-sided 
hians...cc.c0% seeeeaces gaping 
hippocrepiformis, horseshoe- 
shaped. 

hircina ......... goat scented 
hirsuta . .......... very hairy 
Nitta cad essere eases hai 

hirtipes........- hairy stalked 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 507 


hispida ............ .. bristly 
histionantha 


all silky 

ehiig Ses eA eae garden 
humifusa ........... prostrate 
humilis ................ dwarf 


hybrida, a cross breed be- 
tween individuals of two 


hygrophylla ..moisture loving 

hypo, in Greek derivatives, un- 
der, as hypoglottis, under 
tongued. 

hypocrateriformis, salver- 


shaped. 
hypogeea, flowers or fruits 
borne under ground. 
hypophylla...... under leaved 
YSUEIX jcscciviaewcnes bristly 
I 
ianthina .......... «ee. Violet 
IBNE As vancieewes caus ees fiery 
illustris......... gues bright 
imbricata ......... imbricated 


immarginata... not margined 
immersa, growing wholly un- 
der water. 


implexa. ......... interwoven 
ineequalis............ unequal 
INCANA o.6 es se posse eae’ hoar 
incarnata........ flesh colored 
MCSA s. cis'ses avs eeeass cut 
inclaudens...... never closing 
incurva .......... bent inward 
inermis . ........... unarmed 
WNELS 4 s04 si cee serena ns idle 
inflata:...a.sccssccweses swollen 
inflexa ..abruptly bent inward 
infracta...... ........ broken 
infundibuliformis, funnel- 
shaped. 

innata ... .borne on the apex 
INOPS eas iescie newenen meagre 
inquinans....stained flowered 
insignis .......... remarkable 
integrifolia...... entire leaved 
introrsa........- facing inward 


invisuM......... 0.0.4. unseen 
involucrata, covered with an 
involucre. 


involuta........ rolled inward 
ionoptera....... violet winged 
irrorata ....... ..-.. bedewed 
isochroma........ one colored 
isophylla ........ equal leaved 
J 
Japonica.......... from Japan 
jubata .............- bearded 
juglandifolia ...walnut leaved 
juncea ........5e.- rush-like 
L 
labiata .........-+- two lipped 
labrosa .........- large lipped 
lachnoides........ «.. woolly 
lachnopoda..... downy footed 
laciniata ........... cut leaved 
lactiflora ....... milk flowered 
lacun0Sa@........05.00-- pitted 
lacustris .......... lake loving 


levigata ....smooth stemmed 


VEBVIG: £50 gral esey ane asses smooth 
lagenaria....... bottle-shaped 
lamata ......cccee cece woolly 
lanceolata ....... lance leaved 
lanigera............... woolly 
lanipes........ woolly stalked 


lanuginosa....slightly woolly 
lasiandra....woolly stamened 


lasiantha...... hairy anthered 
lasioglossa....... hairy lipped 
lateritia ........ brick colored 
latifolia .........broad leaved 
Waka) 508. ete loose flowered 
leguminosa, bearing a fruit like 
a peapod. 
leiantha ....smooth flowered 
leiorhiza........ white rooted 
DOTA ba sso ears aus tbtieptiona nena. pliant 
lentiginosa..... dusty dotted 
lepida ........ neat, charming 
lepidota ............04-. scaly 
leptocladis..slender branched 
leptoneura ....slender nerved 


leptophylla ....slender leaved 
leptosepala ...narrow sepaled 
leptostachya .. slender spiked 


leucocarpa ...... white fruited 
leucocephala....white headed 
leucocheila...... white lipped 
leuconeura...... white veined 
leucopheea....... dusky white 
leucophthalma ....white eyed 
leucophylla...... white leaved 
leucorhoda....white and rose 
leucoxyla....... white wooded 
lignosa .............0- woody 
ligularis......... strap shaped 
ligustrina ......... privet-like 
liliacea .........-.26+6 lily-like 


limbata, having a colored or 
dilated surface. 
linearis, having the two sides 


parallel 
lineata...........+..4-.- lined 
lingualata ..... tongue shaped 
linifera ....... thread bearing 
linophylla ......... flax leaved 
litoralis. .growing on the shore 
Tita, 5 eissiernteantnpiniecas daubed 
lobularis........ .. Small lobed 
lonchitis............ spar like 
long@va...........- long lived 
longicolla........ long necked 
longicuspis...... long pointed 
longipes......... long stalked 
longipila.......... long haired 
lophantha.. .. crest flowered 
lorata..strap or thong-shaped 
lorifolia ......... strap leaved 
lucida..... .......... shining 
ludibunda............ sportive 
lunata......... half-moon-like 
lupulina......... hop headed 
lurida........... dingy brown 
lutea............0.000- yellow 
lutescens........... yellowish 
luxata .............., discolor 
lyrata......-...05 lyre-shaped 
M 
macradenia..... large glanded 
macrandra....large anthered 
macrantha..... large flowered 
macrocarpa...... large fruited 
macrochila....... large lipped 
macrophylla ..... large leaved 


macroplectron ..long spurred 


macropoda....... large footed 
macropus........ long stalked 
macrorhiza...... large rooted 


macrospeila.... broad stained 
macrostachya....large spiked 


Macrura........6+ long tailed 
maculata..........-. spotted 
major (majus).,...... greatest 
malacophylla...... soft leaved 
maleolens....strong smelling 
MamMosa......-...00-- nippled 
manicata, gloved; covered 


with a woolly coat, which 
may be stripped off whole. 


margaritacea.......... pearly 
marginata.........-. bordered 
MATIN ..... cc eee eee sea 
marmorata........-- marbled 
MALMOTea...... wee es spotted 
mascula,...... «2-2-2 eee male 
media........... intermediate 
megaceras...... great horned 
megaphylla...... large leaved 
megapotamica....... big river 
megasperma..... large seeded 


melaleuca....black and white 
melanocaulon ...black leaved 


melanococca.....black seeded 
melanopus...... black stalked 
melanoxylon ..black stemmed 
meliosa....... honey scented 
mellifera....... honey bearing 


membranacea, thin and soft 
like a membrane. 


micans ............. glittering 
micranthera..... small spined 
micromeris....small flowered 
microphylla..... small leaved 
microptera...... small winged 
microscypha.... small capped 
minax ...........- projecting. 
Miniata..........60. vermilion 
MDOP viinnars a weaiied heen least 
mirabilis........... wonderful 
miriantha..... many flowered 
miriophylla...... many leaved 
MIL S x sicienite eign oe Maes small 
mitriformis..... mitre-shaped 
molinifera............ headed. 
MOMS: Joi kcdcsiier se. seca soft 
mollissima .......... very soft 
monanthema ....one-flowered. 
moniliformis, formed like a 
necklace. 
monoceras .... .... one-horned 
monophylla........ one-leaved 
monoptera..... single winged 
monostachya......one-spiked 
montana ...mountain loving 
mucronata... .. sharp pointed’ 


multi, in Latin derivatives, 
many; as, multiceps, many 
branched, ete. 

multicaulis....many stemmed 


multifida ... ...... many cleft 
mundula ............... neat 
munita .............065 armed 
muralis...... growing on walls 


muricata, rough, with short 
and hard points. 


musaica .......... mosaic-like 
muscipula ......... fly catcher 
MuSCOSA........... mossy-like 
mutabilis ........ changeable 


myriostigma..... many dotted 


508 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


N 


NANG ges ccradeeavevs .. dwarf 
napiformis .....turnip-shaped 
nasuta............ large nosed 
natans..... Stents ee hs floating 
navicularis....... *‘poat-shaped 
nebulosa ...... eeyetbaave clouded 
nemoralis .............. wood 
NEYVOSA..........6-2-- nerved 
nidus.............nest-shaped 
NIGEL... Lawcccadasuassoes black 
nigrescens.............. black 
nitida...... se eiietotateces shining 
nivea........ ...-.8now white 
nivealis ...... ....... snowy 
noctiflora ..... night flowering 
nodosa ............665 knotted 
Nove Anglia, of New England 
Noveboracensis ....New York 
nucifera... ...... ‘nut bearing 
DUA? os seca eseee es naked 
nudicaulis....naked stemmed 
nutans ........ we Shaiigrats nodding 
O 


ob is used in the composition 
of Latin technical terms to 
indicate that a thing is in- 
verted ; as, obovate, in- 
versely ovate; obcordate, 
inversely cordate, etc. 

obliqua, referring to shape, 
unequal sided. 


oblonga ........ oblong leaved 
obryzata ... ......... refined 
obtusata... .... .... bluntish 
occidentalis .......... western 
ocellata..... ealcteiais eye spotted 
ochracea........ ochre colored 


ochrantha..yellowish flowered 
ochreata, furnished with tubu- 
lar stipules (ochrea), 
ochroleuca....yellowish white 
octa, eight, in such words as 
octagynia, having eight pis- 
tils; octamerous, the parts 


in eight, ete. 
octhodes ........... ‘tubercled 
oculata............ 2.05. eyed 
odora .......... sweet scented 


odoratissima, very sweet 
scented. 

officinalis (belonging to the 
shop); applied to plants, 
etc., used in medicine or the 
arts. 


oleifera............ oil bearing 
O1ENS) «esis eisiesee ess stinking 
oleracea ....esculent (eatable) 
oligantha........ few flowered 
oligophylla ........ few leaved 
olivaris ........... olive green 
onusta.............0005 loaded 


operculata. covered with a lid 
oppositifolia. . opposite leaved 
orbiculata..circular in outline 
oreophylla...mountain loving 


orientalis ............. eastern 
ornata........ see. beautiful 
ornithopoda........ bird’s foot 
ornithoryncha..... bird billed 
ovata..........06. egg-shaped 
ovulata, ovulifera; bearing 


seeds or bodies destined to 
become plants. 
oxycarpa........sharp fruited 


oxygona........ sharp angled 
oxypetala....... sharp petaled 
oxyphylla....... sharp leaved 
P 
pachyphylla..... thick-leaved 
padifolia........ cherry leaved 
paleacea....... chaffy or scaly 
pallida. .................. pale 


palmata, divided so as to re- 
semble a hand. 


paludosa........ marsh loving 
palustris .... 2... 0... marsh 
pandurata....... fiddle-shaped 
panduriformis. . .fiddle-shaped 
papilionacea .... butterfly-like 
papillaris ............. conical 


papillosa, bearing small, round 
projections. 
Papyracea........ paper white 
parasitica, living on the juices 
of other plants. 
pardalina..... com marked 


parvifolia . small leaved 
parvula ..............00. little 
parvum................. small 
patens............. spreading 
patula...... slightly spreading 
pauciflora..... . few-flowered 
pavonia.......... peacock-like 
pectinata....... comb leaved 


pedatifida, cut into lobes, the 
lateral ones of which do not 
radiate froin the petiole like 
the rest. 
pedicellata....slightly stalked 
pedunculata.. ...... stemmed 
peliorhynchus . pigeon beaked 
pellucida. . bright, transparent 


peltata............ shield-like 
pelviformis..open cup-shaped 
pendula............. drooping 
pennata ......... feather-like 
pennicillata... hair pencil-like 
pennigera............. winged 
penninervis. ...feather nerved 


penta, in Greek derivatives 
five; as pentadactylon, five- 
fingered. 


pentagyna ..... five-carpelled 
pentaphylla....... five-leaved 
pereussa....... sharp pointed 
peregrina............. foreign 
perfoliata, when the stem 


appears to pass through the 
leaf. 


perforata.. pierced with holes 


perigyna...borne on the calyx 
pertusa. . having slits or holes 
petiolata... having foot stalks 
petreea...... growing on rocks 
Phea.......ecesee evens dusky 
phoenicea.............. purple 


phylla, a leaf, used in conjunc- 
tion with numerals; as di- 
phylla, two-leaved; tetra- 
phyla, four-leaved. 

Plctas cccvssccsesssees painted 

pileata, having a cap or lid 
like the cap of a mushroom. 


pilifera ......... bearing hairs 
PUlOSBi swe GHeeees tees s hairy 
pilosiuscula..... slightly hairy 
pinifolia.......... pine-leaved 


pinnata, a compound leaf with 
leaflets arranged along the 
sides of a common petiole. 

pinnatifid...... pinnately cleft 


piperita........... pepper-like 
pisiformis......... pea-shaped 
planicaulis...... flat stemmed 
platantha ..... broad flowered 
platycarpa...... broad fruited 
platyclada....... flat branched 
platyglossa.... broad tongued 
platyphylla...... broad leaved 
platyptera...... broad winged 
pleiochroma.... many colored 
Plicata............... plaited 
plumbea......... lead-colored 
plumosa............. feathery 
poculiformis ...... cup-shaped 


podophylla. .foot stalk leaved 
poly, in Greek compounds nu- 
merous; as, polyantha, 
many flowered, etc. 
polyacantha..... many spined 
polycarpa....... many fruited 
polycephala..... many headed 


polydactyla .. --many fingered 
polyliria............:. lily-like 
polylopha....... many crested 
polymorpha.... many formed 
polyphylia.. .... many leaved 
polyrhizon....... many rooted 
polystachya...... many spiked 
pomeridiana........ afternoon 
pomifera, apple, pear, etc., 
bearing. 
porporophylla. ..purple leaved 
porrigens .......... extending 
potomophylla...swamp loving 
PYHCOX...... 0.0.2.2 eee early 
preestans........... excelling 
preetexa.......... - bordered . 
prasina........... grass green 
princeps....magnificent, chief 
prionophylla....... saw leaved 
procera................. tall 
procumbens .......... trailing 
prolifera......... bulb bearing 


propendens, hanging forward 
and downward. 


propinqua.............. allied 
pruinosa .............. frosty 
psittacina ...... --» parrot-like 
pterocephala.....wing headed 
pteroneura..... - wing nerved 
pubens .........-...-.- 
pubescens .. 

pubifolia........ downy leaved 
pudibunda............ modest 
pudica ................ chaste 
pugioniformis..dagger-shaped 
pulchella.............. pretty 
Pulcher ...:..sccai0005 eons showy 
PUlld .srcceces eve ei eees russet 
pulverulenta ... .... powdery 
pulvinaris.......... cushioned 
pumila ................ dwarf 
punctata spotted 
See ne sia . dotted lobed 
pungens . GREG dies stinging 
punicea........ reddish brown 
pusilla...............0.. small 
pustulata..... dresorniunee blistered 
putens...... Sassi Nel dots footid 
pycnacantha...densely spined 
pygme@a ............... dwarf 
pyrophylla........fiery leaved 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 509 


Q 


quadrangulata.... four-angled 

quadri, in Latin compounds, 
four; as, quadrifida, four- 
cleft, ete. 

quadrifida ........, four-cleft 


quaternata, succeeding by 
fours. 
quercifolia.. ..... oak leaved 


quinata,in fives; in compounds, 
quinque; as, quinquefolia, 
five-leaved, ete. 


~ R 
racemosa........... clustered 


radiata, spreading from acom- 
mon centre. 


radicans ..... ..... - rooting 
ramentacea........... . scaly 
ramiflora,.... branch flowered 
Tamo0sa............. branched 
reclinata...turning downward 
TO GUA occc:d:cane eeketirenscs erect 
recurvata...... bent backward 
reflexa........ sent backward 
refracta ..... ..... bent back 
reniforme...... kidney-shaped 
repanda........ .. wavy leaved 
TepeNsS.....-.. -.+e creeping 
replicata ......... folded back 
reptams.............. creeping 
reticulata.............. netted 


retrosa....directed backward 
retusa....notched at the apex 


revoluta ......... rolled back 
rhizanthera..... root flowered 
rhizophora..... seeeee rooting 
rhizophylla..... frond bearing 
rhizophyta ......... creeping 
rhodantha...... rose flowered 
rhodocineta..... red bordered 
rhombuidea ..like a rhombus 
TIQENS......... cece eee eee stiff 
Vigida ...........c0ee nes stiff 
TINQENS ... ....- ee eeee gaping 
Viparia ........66.. river bank 
rivalis........+-. brook loving 
TOSACEA. 0. ese e ee cee rete rosy 
rostrata..........-.05 beaked 
rotata .........- wheel-shaped 
rotundifolia.....round leaved 
rubella ............5- reddish 
TUDESCENS .....-+ eee ener .Ted 
rubiginosa.......---++.- rusty 
rubioides......... madder-like 
TULA cawiewwe seek esasaeles red 
rubrovenosa......-+ red veined 
TULA pe/.50 <3 ... brownish red 
rufescens.......rusty colored 
rufinervis....-.....red veined 
rugiloba...... wrinkled, lobed 
TUQOS@ .-- eee e cee . wrinkled 


runcinata, saw-toothed, the 
teeth turned backwards. 
rupestris... growing on rocks 


rupicola ........-. rock loving 
ruthenica.......- ....- Russian 
rutilans ........--.56-- reddish 
Ss 
gaccata ........-+.- .- bagged 
saccifera ..... .... bag bearing 
sagittata ..arrow-head shaped 
salicifolia .... .willow leaved 


galigna .....-.--+- willow-like 


saltatoria.. ........ dancing 
sambucifolia..... elder leaved 
SANCtA .eceiccccssscecs sacred 
sanguinea.......... .. bloody 
BAPINS v2. co0rcnerwewave savory 
sarvodes ...... eee flesh-like 


sarmentosa, producing run- 
ners 


sativa....... ...6.. cultivated 
saxatilis ....growing on rocks 
seabra ...... eee rough 
scabrida .............4. rough 
scandens ............ climbing 
scariosa........ tough and dry 
sceptra ............. princely 
schidigera...... spine bearing 
schizantha....... cut flowered 
schizodon ........ cut toothed 
schizopetala ...... cut petaled 
scintillans ......... glistening 
sclerocarpa ...... hard fruited 
sclerophylla...... hard leaved 
BCULA occ cei tee eee nes shielded 
scutellata.......... salver-like 
secunda........ side flowering 
Segeta 2.5 vaneces ees cornfield 
segregata...... kept separate 
semi, in Latin compounds, 


means half, as semi-amplexi- 
caulis, half stem clasping; 
semi - cordata, half heart- 
shape (divided lengthwise) 
semperflorens..ever flowering 


sempervirens... ..evergreen 
senilis........... aged looking 
sepia.......... Srcadh cusses hedge 
septemloba....... seven lobed 
sepulta ............ . enclosed 
sericea. ............... silky 


serotina, flowering or fruiting 
late 


serratifolia..... saw-toothed 
sessilis . .......... stalkless 
setacea ............... bristly 
setigera, covered with bristles 
setulosa .............. bristly 


sex, six, as sexangulare, six- 
angled, etc. 
signata..... ee oer distinet 


Simplex ............... simple 


simplicicaulis, slightly 
branched. 

sinuata ................. wavy 

smaragdina....emerald green 

sobolifera, producing young 
plants from the root. 


somnifera ...... sleep causing 
sororia.... .. ....... sisterly 
- sparsa......... .-. scattered 
spathulata ....spatula-shaped 
SPECIOSA .. 0.2.6... e coos showy 
spectabilis....... ..... showy 
spelunc@.............. cavern 


sphacelata, scorched or with- 
ered. 
spherocephala..round headed 


spicata ...... borne on a spike 
spicigera ......... ear bearing 
spiloptera..... spotted winged 
spinifex.. .........-+ thorny 
spinosa....... ..- ee eee spiny 
spiralis ................ spiral 
spuria............ counterfeit 
SQ(UaMOSA........ 62. cee scaly 


squarrosa, when scales; small 
leaves or other bodies spread 
rigidly at right angles. 


stellata ........ ..... star-like 
stenopetala ...narrow petaled 
stenophylla....narrow leaved 


stenoptera ....narrow winged 
sterilis . ........5. barren 
stigmatica............. dotted 
stigmosa............- branded 
stipitata........ short stalked 


stolonifera, producing creep- 
ing roots and shoots. 


straminea...... straw colored 
striata.............06. striped 
stricta ............-- upright 


strigosa, bearing little, rigid, 
unequal hairs. 

strobilacea.......cone fruited 

strumosa, swollen on one side 
only. 

suaveolens ....sweet smelling 

sub, as a prefix, means some- 
what or slightly; as sub- 


cordate, slightly heart 

shaped, etc. 
suberosa........ cork barked 
subhirtella . .somewhat hairy 
subulata......... awl-shaped 
succedanea, coming in the 


place of another. 

succisa, as if cut off at the 
end. 

suffruticosa, low and shrubby, 
or shrubby at the base. 


sulcata .........-.4-- grooved 
surculosa .... ...... suckered 
suspensa....... hanging down 
sylvatica...... from the woods 
T 
teniosa........ banded leaved 
tanacetifolia..... tansy leaved 
tardiflora....... late flowering 
taxifolia ......... yew leaved 
tect: .. ese e masse concealed 
tectora.... .:..... roof loving 
tenacissima....... very tough 
tenax. ....... Savers tas tough 
tenella. i ccses sever tccaes small 
tenuifolia ..... slender leaved 
tergeminata....... thrice twin 


terminalis, belonging or re- 
lating to the summit. 

ternata..... growing in threes 

tesselata, variegated by 
squares. 

testacea, of a pale brown color 

tetra, in Greek compounds, 
four; as, tetrastichous, with 
four vertical ranks, etc. 


tetracantha....... four-spiked 
tetracopis . ...... four-bladed 
tetragona......... four-angled 
tetrandra.......four-anthered 
tetraspis ......... four-horned 


thalamiflora, with the sta- 
mens, etc., inserted in the 


receptacle. 
theifera........... tea bearing 
thurifera ..... incense bearing 
thyrsiflora ...panicle flowered 
tibicinis......... cowhorn-like 
tigrina ...... .. tiger spotted 
tinctoria...... colored (dyer’s) 
tomentosa, densely and closely 

hairy. 
fortae ts cmeunniecauuae twisted 


510 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


torulosa...... slightly twisted 
toxica......... very poisonous 
tri, in compound words, three; 


as, triangulata, three-an- 
gled, etc. 

triacanthos...... three-spined 
trichodes............ hair-like 


trichosantha...hairy flowered 
trichotoma, branches divided 
in threes. 


tricolor ......... three-colored 
tricuspidata ..... three-spined 
tridactyla.... three-fingered 
trifasciata ...... three-banded 
trifida........ divided in three 
triflora........ three-flowered 
triglochin ...... three-hooked 
triphylla ........ three-leaved 
tripteron. ......three-winged 
triquetrum........ three-sided 
tristis co catesssswisedeayae sad 
truncata....blunt, as if cut off 
tuberculata......... . warted 
tuberosa....producing tubers 
tubifera ......... tube bearing 
tubulosa ............. tubular 
tunicata............... coated 
turbinata... ..... top-shaped 
turgida ....swollen, puffed up 
U 
uliginosa....... swamp loving 


umbellata. flowering in umbels 

umbraculifera, umbrella bear- 
ing. 

umbilicata, depressed in the 
centre, like the navel. 


umbonata, having a top in the 
centre like that of the an- 
cient shield. 


umbrosa........ shade loving 
uncinata .............. hooked 
undulata.... .......... waved 
unguiculata ....bearing claws 


uni, in Latin compounds one; 
as, unifoliata, one-leaved, 


ete. 
uniflora... .... . one-flowered 
unilateralis ......... one-sided 
UDIta sccescvwes geieccve joined 
urceolata...... pitcher-shaped 
urophylla..... caudate leaved 
urostachya........ tall spiked 
ustulosa............. seorched 
Utilis 3. c2ctiid sesh useful 
utriculata........... bladdery 

V 

vaginata............ sheathed 
valida...........5.008. strong 
VET Bisciwen ao aizaviines variable 
varicosa, swollen here and 

there. 
variolosa.......... variegated 


velutina, velvety, covered with 
very fine and close, soft, 
velvety hairs. 


venenata........... poisonous 
venosa veined 
ventricosa inflated 
venusta charming 
VOLE aeoreacnle! overessvevee now aie true 
verecunda.......... . modest 
vernalig............... spring 
vernicosa........ wax bearing 


VeITUCOSA......-......5 warty 


versicaria.........++ bladdery 
versicolor....various colored 
verticillata...... whorl leaved 
VOSCAs cx sve-t.05 tape ea edible 


vesiculata, as if composed of 
small bladders. 


vespertilionis.. .... bat-like 
vespertina..evening flowering 
VOBE ba ws sicisginieiodcecdines clothed 


vexillaria..having a standard 

villosa, long, shaggy, with 
long, loose hair. 

viminacea, bearing long, flex- 
ible twigs. 


Ronee cae qa’ 
viminalis...... ....... twiggy 
ViIFENS.........0000e vigorous 
virgata... twiggy 
virginalis........-.06-06- pure 
VIPIGIS on: cisco cei dcieie siersesre green 
ViSCOSA... cic eee ee clammy 
viticulosa, producing small 

suckers or stolons. 
vitifolia..... ..... vine leaved 
vittata........ igs est striped 


vivipara, bearing young plants 
in the place of flowers and 
seeds. 


volubilis....... ..... twining 
voluta........0.. rolled leaved 
vulgaris........ .... common 
x 
xanthina.............. yellow 


xanthocoma....yellow haired 
xantholeuca..yellowish white 
xylocarpa....... wood fruited 


Zelanica........ from Ceylon 


PRACTICAL HINTS TO AMATEURS 


AS TO 


SHASONABLE WORK 


IN THE 


GREEN-HOUSE, FLOWER, FRUIT anp VEGETABLE GARDEN. 


ee this work we have been particular in stating the season at which 
the different gardening operations should be performed, still it may be of 
service to many to suggest, briefly, in calendar form, the work that may be per- 


formed during each month of the year. 


The dates given are mostly for the Eastern 


and Middle States. The reader must vary operations, earlier if in the South, later if 


in the North. 


JANUARY. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW Puants. —As 
this is usually the coldest month of the year, 
and also that in which we have the least sun- 
shine, particular attention must be paid to air- 
ing, watering, syringing, etc. But little venti- 
lating need be done; but when it does become 
necessary to do it, caution must be used. Be 
careful to raise the ventilating sash only so 
high that the heated air from the green-house 
will be able to drive back the outer air to such 
an extent as not to chill the plants. For exam- 
ple, occasionally, after a very cold night, where 
severe firing has been necessary to keep up the 
required temperature, say to sixty degrees, it 
happens that the sun comes out bright during 
the following day, so that by noon, or before, 
the temperature may be at a hundred degrees 
inside the green-house, though outside it may 
be nearly at zero. In such case the raising of 
the sashes an inch or two will rapidly lower the 
temperature of the green-house, so that an hour 
or so of such ventilating would be all that is 
required. As little fresh air can be given, 
insects are to be watched this month closely. 
By the use of fire-heat a dry atmosphere will be 
created, in which the Red Spider luxuriates. 
Nothing answers so well for its destruction as 
copiously syringing the plants at night, and 
splashing the paths with water, as it cannot 
exist to an injurious extent in a moist atmos- 
phere. The Aphis, or ‘‘green fly,” must also 
be destroyed, or it will soon cause great injury 
to the plants. (See Insects.) The leaves of Win- 
dow Plants should be sponged often to keep the 
dust from filling up the pores of the leaves. 
Tepid water should be used, with a little soap 
or Fir-tree oil dissolved in it, and any plant, 
small enough to handle, that shows signs of 
red spider or other insect enemy, if dipped in 
water heated to 140 degrees, will be instantly 
cleansed without having received the least in- 
jury from the bath. Plants should be occasion- 
ally turned round to prevent their growing one- 
sided. Hyacinths and other bulbs which were 
placed in boxes or pots last autumn may now be 
brought to the light, the best rooted and most 
forward will give the earliest flowers. They 


should be well supplied with water, and these, 
as well as all soft wooded, free-growing plants, 
will be benefited by an occasional watering with 
liquid manure. The plants to bloom this month 
are Primulus, Cinerarias, Cyclamens, Bouvar- 
dias, Roman Hyacinths, Early Tulips, Callas, 
Azaleas, Camellias, Carnations and many others. 
Such plants as Agaves, Echeverias and other 
succulents should be kept dry and allowed all 
the sun possible. 

FLOWER GARDEN.—Though at this season of 
the year there is but little chance to do much 
in the flower garden, yet it is an excellent time 
to make any necessary improvements or altera- 
tions before the hurry of spring setsin. Such 
work as grading or draining may be pushed 
forward. Now is, also, a good time to remove 
all stones, roots, etc., which, when practicable, 
may be utilized in forming a rock-garden, or, if 
piled up picturesquely in a heap and covered in 
the spring with vines, creepers, etc., form often 
quite an attractive adjunct to a gardenor lawn 
If not already done, all hardy Vines, Shrubs, 
Evergreens, etc., will be much benefited by a 
liberal top-dressing of well-rotted manure. 

FRUIT GARDEN.—Pruning or mulching can be 
done if the weather is such that the workman 
can stand out. No plant is injured by being 
pruned in cold weather, though the pruner may 


e. 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—In the Northern 
States little can be done in this department 
this month, except to prepare manure, bean- 
poles and pea-sticks, and get sashes, tools, etc., 
in working order; but in sections of the coun- 
try where there is but little or no frost, the 
hardier kinds of seeds and plants may be sown 
and planted, such as Asparagus, Cabbage, Cau- 
liflower, Carrot, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Parsnip, 
Peas, Spinach, Turnip, etc. In any section 
where these seeds can be sown in the open 
ground, it is an indication that hot-beds may 
be begun for the sowing of such tender vegeta- 
bles as Tomatoes, Egg and Pepper Plants, etc., 
though, unless in the extreme Southern States, 
hot-beds had better not be started before the 
first of February. 


512 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


FEBRUARY. . 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW Puants.—As the 
days begin to lengthen, indoor plants seem to 
take a fresh start and begin to grow and flower 
vigorously. Many of the sorts will require re- 
potting; Gesneras, Gloxinias, Achimenes, and 
kindred tubers, may now be looked over, and a 
portion of them potted and placed in a warm 
corner to start for early lowering. Old Fuchsias, 
Geraniums, Abutilons are now sending forth 
strong, young shoots, which may be propagated 
as soon as they are large enough to handle. 
Annuals for early summer blooming, such as 
Petunias, Verbenas, Cobwa scandens, Cannas, 
Castor Oil Beans, Centaureas, etc., should now 
be sown in shallow pans or boxes and trans- 
planted as soon as fit to handle. Tuberoses 
for early flowering, and Dahlia roots, if put in a 
gentle bottom heat, will now start, the former to 
be potted off as soon as the young roots appear, 
and the young shoots of the latter propagated in 
the usual way. The general directions as to venti- 
lation, cleanliness, etc., for January apply to this 
month; insects being rigidly kept down, and 
sufficiency of water with an occasional supply 
of liquid manure being given to such plants as 
begin to grow freely. 

FLOWER GARDEN.—But little can be done 
here, only to follow the instructions given last 
month. Prune deciduous trees and shrubs, and 
give the lawn and grass plots a good top-dressing 
of well-rotted manure, or what is better, of bone- 
meal; there are no weed seeds in the latter. 


FRvuit GARDEN.—In the Northern States, 
little can be done except to prune any trees or 
vines that have not yet been seen to, and to 
clear the limbs of any moss, fungus or insects 
that may be harboring under the old bark. In 
many Southern States this will be the best 
month for planting fruit trees and plants of all 
kinds, particularly Strawberries, Raspberries, 
Blackberries, Pear and Apple, while Grape-vines 
will do well a month later. 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—Leaves from the woods, 
horse-manure, and any litter that may be col- 
lected, should be turned over several times and 
thoroughly mixed together, so as to get it sweet- 
ened preparatory to forming hot-beds (see Heat- 
ing by hot-beds) on which Early Cabbages, Let- 
tuce and Radishes may be sown as soon as 
the frame or hot-bed is in condition. Itis now 
the proper season to force Asparagus, Rhubarb, 
Sea-kale, etc., as they will (being so out of sea- 
son) give great satisfaction to many epicures. 
As Parsley seed germinates but slowly some 
should be sown for early planting. Mint may 
also be had by putting afew plants in the hot- 
bed. Manure that is to be used for the crops 
should be turned and broken up as fine as possi- 
ble; for the more completely manure of any kind 
ean be mixed with the soil, the better will be 
the crop, and, of course, if itis dug or plowed 
in in large, unbroken lumps, it cannot be prop- 
erly commingled. 


MARCH. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOw Puants.—As the 
spring advances, and more light and sunshine 
prevail, plants soon begin to show the stimulus 
by vigorous and rapid growth. It is necessary, 
therefore, to examine all plants that are grow- 
ing vigorously, and, when deemed necessary, 
shift into larger-sized pots. (See Potting.) The 
propagation of plants such as Alternantheras, 
Coleus, Achyranthes, etc., to supply the flower 
garden may also be continued with vigor, and 
those propagated last month should be growing 
luxuriantly, and be shifted into larger pots as 
required. They must not be allowed to suffer 
for water or moisture, and will always show the 
benefit of being well syringed or watered over- 
head. On fine days air must be admitted freely 
to all plants, carefully avoidittg cold draughts. 
Insects of all sorts must, of course, be kept 
down, and copious waterings of manure-water 
will be advantageous to all plants likely to get 
pot-bound. House plants should be kept as 
near the glass as convenient, and should be 
turned round frequently to prevent them from 
becoming one-sided. All climbers, such as 
Bignonias, Cissus, Passion-flowers, etc., planted 
in tubs or in the borders of the green-house or 
conservatory, should have a liberal top-dressing 
of rich compost; all the old top soil possible 
removed before it is applied. Flower seeds 
sown last month will be large enough to prick 
into shallow boxes of good soil as opportunity 
may offer, and may be kept there until ready to 
plant in the open border. Cannas may now be 
divided and potted, also Colocasias and other 
ornamental Arads; Lemon Verbenas, Hibiscus, 
Hydrangeas, and other plants that have been 


kept dormant all winter, top-dressed or re- 
potted, and started to grow for summer use. 

FLOWER GAaRDEN.—AIl planting and pruning 
of vines, shrubs or trees must be finished as 
soon as possible this month, and vines and 
climbers that require it tied up. Any removal 
of shrubs to prevent overcrowding, or trim- 
ming in overgrown specimens, must be attended 
to without delay; single specimens are always 
admirable objects. The herbaceous border may 
be re-arranged, the rock-garden overhauled, and 
walks and roads attended to, with new gravel, 
etc., whenever the weather will admit, and 
thoroughly rolled. The bulb beds should be 
gradually uncovered, lawns raked off and top- 
dressed (if not done before) with rich, well- 
rotted manure, bone-meal, or similar fertilizer; 
new lawns may also be sown if soil is dry cnough, 
and flower-beds dug up, to have them in good 
order for the spring planting, and all improve- 
ments, such as grading, draining, sodding, etc., 
finished up as soon as possible. 

Fruit GARDEN.—Planting may now be done 
safely in light, dry soils in many sections, still 
it is not advisable to plant before the ground is 
dry. Itis bad to do so even in light solls, but 
it is utter destruction in stiff and clayey ones. 
Great care should also be exercised that the 
roots are not frozen when exposed, for although 
a tree or plant will receive no injury when its 
roots are in the soil, should a frost come after 
planting, yet the same amount of freezing would 
greatly injure the plant if the roots were uncov- 
ered and exposed. Thousands of trees and 
plants fail every year from this cause. They 
are exposed for sale in our markets with no 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


513 


protection to the roots; even the experienced 
purchaser rarely has sufficient knowledge to be 
certain whether the roots of a tree have been 
injured by being frozen or dried up by the cold 
winds of March. 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—Early Peas, Onicns, 
Parsnips and the various vegetable seeds recom- 
mended for the Southern States in January can- 


not be planted too soon after the ground is in 
working order. Hot-beds must now be started, 
and Tomatoes, Egg Plants, Sweet Potatoes, 
etc., forwarded for early planting. In the more 
Southern States the tender sorts of vegetables, 
such as Melons, Okra, Egg Plant, Squash, Sweet 
Potatoes, Tomatoes, etc., may be planted as 
soon as the weather is settled. 


APRIL. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW Puiants.—Plants 
of every description will now require increased 
water and ventilation, and on fine days a slight 
shading ‘o prevent the sun from burning the fo- 
liage. (See “Shading.”) Due attention must also 
be paid to shifting into larger pots, when neces- 
sary, and also to increase the space, when prac- 
ticable, by putting the hardier sorts out in cold- 
frames. It is better to throw away afew of the 
older and less desirable plants now, than to risk 
their becoming weak and spindling by overcrowd- 
ing. Cuttings may still be made of Verbenas, 
Coleus, Petunias, Ageratums, Achyranthus and 
all other plants intended for summer decoration ; 
the more advanced plants should be topped back 
to make them sturdy and bushy. Tender annuals 
may also be sown and pricked out in boxes or 
pots and placed in cold-frames for later use. 
On the first appearance of insects, measures 
must at once be taken to exterminate them, es- 

“pecially on Calceolarias and Cinerarias, which 
will now be coming into flower, and are the 
most showy and useful plants at this season. 
(See ‘* Insects.”) See that nothing suffers for 
want of water and keep the atmosphere moist by 
syringing freely. 

FLOWER GARDEN.—This is a busy month in 
the flower garden. Bulbs, and all tender plants 
that have been covered for protection during 
winter, may now be uncovered and the other beds 
forked over and put in order to receive the 
spring-blooming plants such as Pansies, Daisies, 
Forget-me-nots, Polyanthus, etc., which may be 
planted out from the cold-frames as soon as the 
weather appears settled, thus making room to 
harden off the more forward of the bedding 
plants. All Roses should now be pruned 
and tied up, and syringed occasionally with 
tobacco, soap or some other insecticide, to pre- 
vent the attack of the rose-slug next month; 
this insect is easily destroyed while young. All 
vines and creepers on walls or screens should 
be pruned and tied up; herbaceous plants, such 


as Dielytras, Phloxes, Helianthus, Delphiniums, 
etc., may be divided and replanted, and a plant- 
ing of Gladioluses for early flowering made. 
This is also an excellent season to sow Grass 
seed to improve the lawn, or to sow for new 
lawns, following it by a slight top-dress- 
ing of bone meal or lawn fertilizer and a 
good rolling to level it thoroughly for the 
mower. 

Fruit GaARDEN.—AIl new plantations of Grape 
vines, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, 
etc., should be made without delay, and those 
that have been laid down during winter uncov- 
ered and tied up to stakes or trellises. Straw- 
berries that have been covered up by leaves or 
straw should be relieved around the plant, 
leaving the covering to act as a mulch and keep 
the fruit clean. 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—Whenever the soil is 
in good condition no time should be lost in sow- 
ing the hardier sorts of vegetable seeds, such as 
Cabbages, Beets, Parsnip, Lettuce, Onions, 
Parsley, Peas, Radishes, Spinach, etc.; this 
should be done in all cases by the middle of the 
month, wherever practicable, for if these varie- 
ties of vegetables are delayed until the hot 
weather in May, they will not be so early, nor 
will they produce such good crops. Asparagus 
and Rhubarb should also be uncovered, the 
beds forked over lightly and fresh plantations 
made when necessary. All Potatoes, especially 
those for early use, must also be planted as 
soon as possible, and small sowings made of 
Thyme, Marjoram, Sage, Fennel, Dill and other 
herbs, without which no garden is complete. 
Cabbage and Cauliflower plants, Onion sets, 
Shallots, etc., should also be planted as soon as 
the weather is favorable. Tomatoes, Egg-plants, 
Peppers and other tender ‘plants may still be 
sown in the hot-bed, Sweet Potatoes put in to 
produce sprouts to plant out next month, and 
a few Cucumbers in hills to remain there and 
come in for early use. 


MAY. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW PuantTs.—Many 
of the plants so carefully wintered over will 
now be in full bloom, and except on very cold 
nights firing in the green-house may be dispensed 
with; still, during the first of the month care 
must be exercised in ventilating, on account 
of the cold winds. It will now be necessary to 
partially shade the glass, which may be done 
either by ‘“‘burlaps” on rollers overhead, 
or more cheaply and simply by syringing the 
glass, outside, with a thin mixture of white lead 
and naphtha, spattering it on more thickly every 
week or two asthe sun grows stronger. (See 
“‘Shading.”) Azaleas will now be at their best 
and will fully repay the care bestowed on them. 
Assoon as they are done blooming they should be 


pruned into shape, and after being kept close 
and moist fora short time till they break, re- 
potted for next season, and about the end of the 
month placed with Camellias and kindred plants 
in a slightly shady place, out-of-doors, where 
they may be freely syringed and attended to 
duringsummer. The various plants that have 
done duty during winter should now be looked 
over; those that do best in pots repotted, 
while many will recuperate better if planted 
in the open border for the summer. All 
climbers, such as Cissus, Passifloras, Steph- 
anotis, Allamandas, should be tied up and 
kept in order, and syringed freely every day 
to keep them clean and healthy, while the 
many varieties of Achimenes, Gloxinias, Bego- 


€14 


. 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


nias, ete., with Caladiums, Crotons, Draceenas, 
Marantas, etc., will keep the green-housre 
gay till warm weather sets in. Poinsettias, 
Catalonian Jessamines and other plants in- 
tended for winter blooming should now be re- 
potted, and Calla Lilies that have done flowering 
placed in a shady place, where the pots can be 
turned on their sides and left to dry off until 
time to repot them in fall. 

FLOWER GARDEN.—The vacant beds in the 
flower garden should now be in order to receive 
the plants intended for them, which, with the 
exception of the more tender sorts, may be 
planted as soon as the weather is settled. For- 
get-me-nots, Pansies, Daisies, Polyanthus and 
other spring flowering plants are now at their 
best, and if they have been judiciously planted 
will be quite a feature in the garden. The 
rock-garden is also very interesting at this 
season, as it has been for some time, the various 
early plants, such as Hepaticas, Anemones, 
Snowdrops and other early bulbous plants, being 
most interesting. New lawns or grass plots if 
not sown before, should be sown at once; none 
but the best selected seed should be used for 
this purpose. Permanent lawns should be 
mown and rolled as occasion requires, edges 
trimmed nicely and all flower beds kept free of 
weeds. Annuals for early flowering that have 
been sown in the frame or green-house may now 
be planted out, and such hardy sorts as Sweet 
Alyssum, Mignonette, Candytuft and Phlox 
Drummondii sown in the open border. Cuttings 


’ 


of Chrysanthemums if started now will make fine 
plants for fall flowering. As soon as Hyacinths, 
Tulips, etc., are done flowering, if their room 
is wanted, they should be carefully taken up 
and heeled ‘in, in some out-of-the-way corner 
where they may ripen off their bulbs. : 

Fruit GaRDEN.—Many of the smaller fruits 
may yet be planted, though with less prospect 
of success than if done earlier. As the various 
insect pests make their appearance, they must 
be checked at once; a free application of to- 
bacco dust mixed with Persian powder, dusted 
on liberally, will be found very efficacious. Itis 
still better, however, used as a preventive; for 
if the insects once get a foothold they are hard 
to dislodge. The hoe and cultivator must 
be kept constantly at work, not only to 
keep down weeds, but to loosen and aérate 
the soil. 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—As the ground gets 
warm, seeds of all the more tender vegetables, 
as Cucumbers, Melons, Squash, Corn, Lima 
Beans, Okra, etc., may be sown, and Cabbage, 
Cauliflower, Lettuce, etc., from the earlier sow- 
ings transplanted. Toward the end of the 
month, if the weather looks settled, Tomatoes, 
Egg-plants, Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, etc., 
should be planted out, and succession crops of 
Peas, Beans, Corn, Lettuce and other vegeta- 
bles planted every week or two. Field crops, 
such as Mangels, Carrots, Parsnips, etc., should 
also be sown and all necessary work promptly 
attended to 


JUNE. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW Puants.—The 
bulk of the bedding and other plants being now 
planted out or placed out-of-doors, the green- 
house may be utilized to grow such tropical 
plants as may be desired during the summer 
months. If kept moist and well shaded, fine 
specimens of Dracenas, Palms, fancy Cala- 
diums, Ferns, Crotons, ete., will render it very 
attractive. A few of the smaller growing Nym- 
pheas or other water plants grown in tanks 
or under other appropriate conditions, will give 
it additional attraction during the season. 

All plants that require it should be repotted, 
and, with few exceptions, should be pinched 
back to make them branching and stocky. 
Others that require it may be trained and made 
to grow in any desired form. Syringing, both 
outside and indoors, should be regularly at- 
tended to, to keep down insects; and the plants 
are much benefited by the pathways being 
sprinkled occasionally with water. 

FLOWER GARDEN.—AIl the spring flowering 

lants have now been removed, and their places 
filled with those plants already selected to give 
the most desirable results during the season. 
Cannas, single and double Dahlias, Asters, Mari- 
golds, Zinnias, etc., may now be planted ; they 
willbloom untilfrost, and are exceedingly useful 
for cutting from. Staking and tying up strong 
growing plants should always be attended to— 
neglect in this matter often ruins the appear- 
ance of the garden for the season. Verbenas, 
Petunias and plants of similar habit should be 
pegged down so thatthe beds may be thorough- 
ly covered. Lawns should be mown frequently, 
the grass edgings trimmed, and walks frequent- 
ly rolled, if necessary, and kept in good order. 

rass Seed for new lawns may yet be sown. 


Fruit GARDEN.—We cannot too strongly en- 
force the necessity of thianing out the fruit of 
Apples, Pears, Peaches, etc., which have set 
their fruit thickly. By so doing much finer 
fruit is produced, the flavor is much superior, 
and the weight at least eyual. This is equally 
true of Grape-vines or any other fruits that may 
have set too thickly. All small fruits are much 
benefited by having a mulching of some sort 
placed around them, Strawberries in particular; 
if they have been overlooked, the cut grass 
from the lawn is an excellent material to keep 
the fruit from getting sanded and spoiled by 
heavy rains. Judicious summer pruning, or 
pinching out the centre of the young growth, 
at this season, will not only keep the young 
trees in better shape, but make them more 
fruitful. : 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—During this, the busi- 
est month, all growing crops need constant 
attention. Thin out all plants that require it, 
and keep all crops clean by weeding and hoeing. 
At this season weeds are very apt to geta 
strong foothold unless they are carefully 
watched. Keep the hoe and rake going; a 
man will hoe and rake over six times the sur- 
face of soil when the weeds are quite small 
that he would do if the weeds were six inches 
higher. A succession of Corn, Beans, Cucum- 
bers, Beets, Lettuce, Okra, Martynias for pic- 
kles, should now be planted, and Lima Beans, 
both pole and dwarf, as soon as the soil is 
warm enough. Sweet Potatoes will yet do well 
if planted in a suitable location. If Tomatoes 
are desired to be handsome fruited and fine 
flavored, they should be trained up to stakes or 
trellises. Attend to Cabbage Worms and look 
out for Potato Bugs. (See “ Insecticides.”) 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


515 


JULY. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW PLaNts.—At this 
season a copious supply of water must be 
given, both at the root and overhead. In the 
green-house especially, sprinkle the paths and 
benches in the evening to keep up a moist 
atmosphere during the night. Use every effort 
to keep everything clear of such insects as 
Green Fly and Red Spider. If the house 
is kept shaded, almost all so-called stove 
plants can be grown successfully in the green- 
house during the summer months. The 
plants from the green-house that may have 
been plunged out-doors must be watched 
when they require repotting; and where 
the roots have run through the pots, they 
should also be occasionally turned round, 
to break them off; for if this is not done now, 
it would seriously injure the plant when taken 
up in the fall, if the roots have run through the 
pot and deep into the soil. Many of them 
will require to be pinched back occasion- 
ally to keep them bushy, and Chrysanthemums 
for winter blooming topped in and turned 
around. Carnations, Bouvardias and other plants 
for winter blooming should be pinched back. 
Azaleas, Oranges, Camellias and plants of a like 
character will be much improved by being 
syringed every clear evening, care being taken 
at the same time that they are not over- 
watered. ; 

FLOWER GARDEN.—The usual routine of 
mowing, weeding, etc., must be attended to, 
allirregular growth trimmed back, the various 
early flowering shrubs pruned (see ‘‘ Pruning’), 
and the flower beds trimmed and kept neat. 
Nothing gives such an air of neatness and 
beauty to a well kept garden as a well kept 
lawn, and neatly kept, well rolled walks. The- 
rock-garden must also be kept in good order; 
all weeds removed, and any plants that are 
growing ‘too large or strong, shortened back. 
Dahlias, Roses, Gladioluses, as well as many 


herbaceous perennial and annual plants, will 
now require staking. Be careful to proportion 


_the size of the stake to that of the plant, and do 


not tie it too tightly. Stakes painted green look 
best, and the square are nearly as good as the 
round ones, and much cheaper. Give the Cos- 
mos, lovely for its feathery foliage and single, 
Dahlia-like flowers, a long stake, and, once in a 
while, run a spade down near its roots to check 
its rampant growth and throw it into flower; 
it will well repay the trouble. All vines and 
creepers should be trained up, and all super- 
fluous growth pruned away. If the weather 
is moist it will yet do to sow Grass Seed 
for new lawns. 

Fruit GarpEn.—As recommended last 
month, thin out all Apples, Peaches, Pears, 
ete., which have set their fruit thickly, as by 
so doing an equal weight is secured, much finer 
fruit and superior flavor. Summer pruning is 
still useful; a little practice will soon show its 
advantage. If there are any signs of mildew on 
the Grape-vine leaves, dust them over with dry 
sulphur, choosing a still, warm day. The fruit 
will now be-gathered from the Strawberries; 
and if new beds are to be formed, the system 
recommended of. layering the plants in small 
pots is the best. (See ‘‘ Strawberries.”) 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—Succession crops of 
Beans, Corn, Cucumbers, Lettuce, etc., may 
still be sown, and in some sections of the coun- 
try Ruta-baga Turnips for the main winter 
crop. Cabbage, Celery and Cauliflower should 
also be planted, more especially Celery for a 
main crop. Tomatoes should be kept tied up 
to stakes or trellises, and the fruit well exposed 
to the light. Sweet Potatoes should also be , 
held up, and the vines moved occasionally to 
prevent their rooting at the joints. Cucumbers 
for pickles should now be sown, and Endive for 
fall use. (See directions given under these sep- 
arate heads.) 


AUGUST. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW PLANTS.—Nearly 
all that is necessary during this month is to 
follow the instructions given forJuly. Hanging 
Baskets, Vases, etc., require constant attention, 
and all climbers and other plants should be 
syringed freely, and kept clear of insect pests. 
Plants intended for winter flowering should be 
forwarded by being repotted, and kept bushy 
by being pinched back occasionally. Primulas, 
Calceolarias, Cinerarias, etc., should be sown, 
and preparations made for propagating such 
plants as may be required for winter or spring 
flowering. Chrysanthemums must not be 
neglected, as the pots are now full of roots and 
will require water twice or three times a day. 
Cuttings struck at this season make excellent 
dwarf plants for the window or green-house, 
generally flowering a week or two later than 
the old plants. All such work as painting, 
glazing, seeing to boilers, etc., is now in order, 
and should be attended to, before the press of 
autumn work comes along. 

FLOWER GARDEN.—Here, as in the green- 
house, the routine of work is the same as last 
month. No pains should be spared to keep the 
garden beautiful; all dead leaves and flowers 


should be removed and the edgings and walks 
kept neatand clean. The grass should be rolled 
frequently, and mown as often as necessary; in 
very dry weather it may be advisable to water 
it frequently to keep it from becoming parched 
and brown; one of the improved lawn sprinklers 
is excellent for this purpose. Tea and other 
autumn flowering Roses will be benefited by an 
occasional ‘supply of manure water; all tall 
growing, herbaceous and other plants should 
be staked up, the soil loosened occasionally, 
and all weeds kept down. Sow Grass Seed for 
new lawns if not too dry. 

FRUIT GARDEN.—During the early part of the 
month summer pruning may still be practiced 
with advantage. Spring-planted Strawberries, 
and also those that have fruited, will now be 
making ‘‘runners” or young plants freely. All 
runners should be kept cut off close to the old 
plant when not wanted for new plantations, 
so that the full force of the roots is expended 
in maturing the “crowns” or fruit buds forthe 
next season’scrop. New plantations may also be 
made—the sooner they are planted, the heavier 
the next season’s crop will be. (See ‘Straw- 
berries.”) Cut away the old stems of Raspberries 


516 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


and Blackberries that have borne their fruit, 
and thin out the young shoots to three or four 
canes to each hill or plant. If tied to stakes 
and topped when four or five feet high, they will 
make stronger canes for fruiting next year. 
VEGETABLE GARDEN. — All planted crops 
should be hoed deeply and kept free from weeds. 
Such herbs as are now in flower may be dried in 
a shady place for winter use. Ruta-baga Tur- 


nips sown last month will require thinning, and 
the various soft varieties, such as Red Top 
Strap Leaf, White Globe, White Egg, etc., and 
Radishes for winter use, may be sown up to the 
end of the month. Onions willin most sections 
now be ready for harvesting. This condition 
will be known by the tops becoming yellow and 
fallingdown. They are best dried by being placed 
in some dry shed in thin layers. (See ‘‘ Onions.”) 


SEPTEMBER. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW Purants.—To- 
ward the end of the month, in many sections 
of the country, the various green-house plants 
will require to be housed, care being taken to 
keep them as cool as possible during the day. 
Plants that have been plunged out during sum- 
mer will require to be examined as to drainage, 
and receive a top-dressing of good, rich soil; 
many of them may require shifting into larger 
pots, though this should have been attended to 
last month. Cuttings of plants required for next 
season’s use should now be made, as fal! root- 
ed cuttings generally bloom more freely than 
winter struck plants, and are preferable to old 
plants. This is true of what is known as bed- 
ding plants, such as Geraniums, Fuchsias, Ver- 
benas, Heliotropes, etc.; but with Roses and 
other plants of a woody nature, larger plants 
are usually the best. Roman Hyacinths, Early 
Tulips and other Dutch bulbs should be planted 
as soon as received, especially for an early. crop, 
and seeds of Pansies, Daisies, Mignonette, 
Sweet Aiyssum, Candytuft, etc., should now be 
sown, and Chrysanthemums should not be 
pinched back later than the first of the month. 

FLOWER GARDEN.—The general routine of 
work recommended fur last month will suffice 
forthis. Lawns, grass edgings and walks kept 
neat and tidy, improve the appearance of the 
garden tenfold. Cuttings of all bedding plants 
may now be taken off without injuring the effect 
of the beds, and generally make stronger and 
better plants for the following season if struck 
early. Violets that are wanted for winter will 
now be growing freely, and the runners should 
be trimmed off as recommended for Strawberries 
last month. French and African Marigolds, 
Cosmos, Single and Double Dahlias and other 
autumn flowering plants are now at their best, 
and should be staked and tied up as they re- 
quire it. This is the best fall month for sowing 
lawn Grass for new lawns, though by careful 


preparation of soil and rolling, new lawns can 
be made in any month from end of March to 
beginning of November. 

Fruit GaRDEN.—All transplanting should be 
done as early as practicable; it is not necessary 
to wait till all the leaves are off before doing so. 
If the roots have been badly mutilated, reduce 
the head proportionately, cutting away what- 
ever may not mature, and see that the earth is 
well packed about the roots. Ifnot already done, 
attend to Blackberries, Raspberries and other 
small fruits as recommended last month. New 
plantations of Strawberry plants may still be 
made from the runners that have been layered 
in pots. The sooner in the month they are 
planted, the. stronger they will be for next 
season’s crop. These plants will soon make 
runners, which must be trimmed off to throw the 
strength into the crowns for next season’s fruit- 
ing. 

Tapia GaARDEN.—The main crop of Spin- 
ach and Sprouts for spring use may now be sown, 
and early Celery banked up fully, while even the 
latest planted should be ‘‘handled” so as to 
have it in close-together heads when placed in 
winter quarters. (See ‘‘Celery.”) Early sorts of 
Turnips may yet be sown, though there is little 
chance of their being a full crop. Onions that 
were not harvested last month should now be 
attended to or they will not amount to much. 
Seeds of Cabbage, Cauliflower and Lettuce to 
raise plants to be placed in cold-frames should 
be sown in this latitude from the 10th to the 
20th of this month, and when large enough to 
handle, pricked off into cold-frames two to three 
inches apart for the winter, although this plan 
is little used now, the plan being to sow for 


. early plants in January and February. (See 


“Cabbage” or ‘‘Cauliflower.”) Late sown Beets, 
Carrots, etc., will now be coming in, and are 
the more valuable on account of their sweet- 
ness and tenderness. “ 


OCTOBER. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW Puants.—As the 
season advances it becomes necessary, espe- 
cially North, to house all tender plants, for 
which, of course, preparations have already 
been made. Unless the nights become cold 
enough to chill the plants inside of the house, 
they are better without fire heat, though the 
green-house at this season should never be 
allowed to fall below fifty degrees at night. 
When there is indication that the night is likely 
to be cold, let down the sashes that have been 
raised for ventilation early in the afternoon, 
and thus shut up the heated air until next day. 
If the thermometer falls to forty or forty-five 
degrees outside, a slight fire should be started 


in the green-house, as Roses, particularly at 
this season, are easily hurt by a sudden chill. 

Carnations, Camellias, Azaleas and Roses will 
do just as well, or even better if kept in a cold- 
frame until the middle of November, thus giv- 
ing them a rest before forcing begins. Sce that 
all Camellias, Azaleas and other hard-wooded 
plants are thoroughly clear of insects before 
being housed ; it will make the winter’s work all 
the easier. 

FLOWER GARDEN.—Unless in a very favorable 
season, by the middle of the month frost has 
cleared off all Dahlias, Marigolds, Cosmos and 
other plants that make the autumn months so 
gay. All the fall bulbs, such as Hyacinths, Tu- 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 


517 


lips, Narcissus, Crocus, etc., should now be 
planted, hardy bulbs transplanted where neces- 
sary, and preparations made for winter. 

Dahlias, Tuberoses, Gladiolus, Cannas, Cal- 
adiums, Tigridias, and all tender bulbs or tubers 
that are planted in the spring, should be taken 
up by the end of the month, dried and 
stowed away in some dry place free from frost 
during winter. 

FRUIT GARDEN.—AIl transplanting should be 
attended to early this month if not already done, 
to give the trees a chance to get well estab- 
lished before winter. If planting is deferred to 
the last of the.month, the ground around the 
roots should be mulched to the thickness of 
three or four inches with leaves, straw or 
rough manure, as a protection to the roots 
against frost. Strawberries that have been 
layered in pots may yet be planted, and all run- 


ners carefully removed from earlier plantings. 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—Toward the last of 
the month Beets, Parsnips, Carrots, Sweet Po- 
tatoes, and all other roots not designed to be 
left in the ground during winter, should be dug 
and housed or pitted. Celery will now be in 
full growth, and will require close attention to 
earthing up, and during the last part of the 
month the first lot may be stored away in 
trenches for winter. (See ‘“Celery.”) Lettuce 
for winter use, if planted in cold-frames or in 
the green-house, will be ready for use by Christ- 
mas. Cabbage and Cauliflower plants, from 
seed sown about the middle of last month, 
should now be pricked out in cold frames, and 
Rhubarb and Asparagus, if wanted for winter 
use, should be taken up and stored free from 
frost, to be forced in the green-house or pit, as de- 
sired, during winter. (See ‘Forcing Vegetables.’’) 


NOVEMBER. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW PLANTS.—There 
is nothing so prejudicial to the well-being of 
green-house plants as too much fire-heat early in 
the season. Though.frost may now be expected 
and must be guarded against when necessary, 
it is better to follow the advice given last month, 
and close up the ventilators early, thus shut- 
ting in the natural heat, which, however, should 
not be allowed ‘to fall under fifty degrees, 
unless for Camellias, Azaleas, Carnations, etc., 
which will succeed better if kept at a night 
temperature of forty degrees. The first batches 
of Roman Hyacinths, Early Tulips, ete., may 
now be started along gently. Insects, especially 
on the young growths of Roses and many ‘‘soft- 
wooded plants,” will soon get troublesome 
unless kept rigidly in check. Where fire-heat is 
necessary be careful to keep up the proper sup- 
ply of moisture by syringing, sprinkling the 
paths, etc. In the window, Chysanthemums 
will be at their best during this month, and 
Primulas and Cyclamens beginning to show 
flower. All plants must be kept clear of insects, 
and where the plants are not too large one of 
the best modes of doing so is to invert the pot, 
dipping the head of the plant in water heated 
to 140 degrees fora few seconds. This not only 
kills green fly, red spider, and other insects, 
but removes all dust, etc., from the leaves. 

FLOWER GARDEN.~-Where Chrysanthemums 
have not been hurt by frost the flower garden 
should still be showy, and even where protection 
has to be given them they may often be made to 
give an excellent show during the early part of 
the month ; otherwise there is little left to do but 
to clear off dead stalks, straw up tender Roses, 
vines, etc., and wherever there is an opportunity 
to dig up the borders, as it will greatly facili- 
tate spring work. All evergreens are much 
benefited at this season by a top-dressing of fresh 
Joam or well-rotted manure. In the flower gar- 
den variety is always pleasing, and now is a good 
time to study how to have it arranged differently 
next season at little cost. It is often as easy 
and as pleasing to have change at small expense 
as when a large sum is involved. All beds where 
Hyacinths or otHer fall bulbs have been planted, 
had better be covered with rough litter or leaves 
to the depth of two or three inches. Itis always 
risky to spread manure on lawns, unless it is 
thoroughly rotted. If such can be procured a 
good top-dressing applied now will show its 
good effect the following eeason. 


Fruit GARDEN.—Grape vines and fruit trees 
may be pruned any time this month, and if wood 
of the vine is wanted for cuttings, or cions of 
fruit trees for grafts, they should be tied in 
small neat bunches, and buried in the ground 
until spring. The mulching recommended for 
Strawberries may also be put on during the last 
of the month, especially in cold localities. It is, 
however, generally not advisable to apply it till 
just before winter sets in, in December. 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—AIl roots required for 
winter use that have not already been dug and 
housed, should be attended to by the middle of 
the month, or in this latitude they may get 
frozen in untilspring if left longer. Celery that 
is to be stored for winter use should be put 
away before the end of the month in all places 
north of Richmond, Va. South of that it may 
be left, in most places, in the rows where 
grown, if covered up. (See “Celery.” ) Asparagus 
beds should have a heavy dressing of rough 
manure three or four inches thick, and all 
Onions, Cabbage, Sprouts, Spinach or Lettuce 
plants that are outside should be covered with 
two or three inches of leaves, salt hay or straw, 
to protect them during winter. Cabbages that 
have headed may be usually preserved against 
injury by frost until the middle of next month, 
by simply pulling them up and packing them 
close together in a dry spot in the open field 
with the heads down and roots up. On the ap- 
proach of cold weather in December they should 
be covered up with leaves as high as the tops 
of the roots; or, if the soil is light, it may be 
thrown over them if leaves are not convenient. 
Cabbages so packed will keep until March, if 
the covering has not been put on too early. 
If only a few are grown, these and Cauliflower 
may be hung up in a cool cellar, and will keep 
in good condition for weeks. The cold frames 
where Cabbage, Lettuce or Cauliflower plants 
have been planted will now require regular 
ventilation by lifting up the sashes in warm 
days, and on the approach of very cold weather, 
straw mats or shutters will be a great protection 
to the plants. For the Cauliflower, this protec- 
tion is absolutely necessary in this latitude. 
All vacant ground should be rough dug, plowed 
or subsoiled whenever practicable to destroy 
insects, and have the soil well mellowed for 
crops in spring. 


518 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 


DECEMBER. 


GREEN-HOUSE AND WINDOW Puants.—Win- 
ter is now with us, and all tender plants re- 
quire the closest attention. The generality of 
house plants suffer more from being kept too 
close and warm than from any other cause. 
This should be guarded against, and the rooms 
well ventilated on all favorable occasions. If 
Red Spider or Green Fly—the two great ene- 
mies of house plants—show themselves, an 
oveasional syringing with water at a temper- 
ature of 140° is very effectual, and is much pref- 
erable for window plantsto tobacco smoke. For 
the green-house, however, a gentle smoking 
with tobacco stems once or twice a week as a 
preventive is much the best practice. Some of 
the late Chrysanthemums will still be in bloom, 
and Primulas, Cyclamens, Azaleas, Callas, etc., 
should now make the green-house quite gay. The 
early Tulips and Roman Hyacinths, Crocuses, 
etc., will also be coming in, and should be suc- 
ceeded by a fresh batch every week or ten days. 
The Amaryllis is also a good winter blooming 
plant, and there are now so many species and 
varieties that some may be had in flower all 
winter. 

FLOWER GAaRDEN.—There is but little to do 
here this month. All necessary pruning of 
shrubs or trees should now be done; weakly 
and weather-beaten evergreens are much im- 
proved by pruning. As trees in most places 
are generally planted thickly for immediate 
effect, a few should be thinned out every year 
to give the rest a chance to develop, and where 
they are not removed, judicious pruning is an 
advantage. Branches should be cut off close to 
their source, so that the wound may heal over. 
It is now a good time to top-dress flower beds 
and lawns with well rotted manure, and, if not 
yet done, gather all the ‘‘*bag worms” from 
Arbor Vites and other evergreens. Many choice 
or half tender herbaceous plants in the rock- 
garden may be wintered through by a pane of 
glass placed over them to keep off the rain and 
snow. 


Frouir GaRDEN.—AIll Blackberries, Raspber- 
ries, Grape vines, etc., in such sections of the 
country where protection from severe frost is 
desirable, should be laid down this month and 
covered with a few inches of soil, rough litter 
orleaves. An annual washing to the stems and 
branches of fruit trees, with any alkali that is 
most easily procurable, is of great benefit. It 
not only removes all Funguses and eggs of 
injurious insects, but leaves the limbs clean and 
healthy. Surface manuring is also of great 
benefit. Any leafy matter, road scrapings, etc., 
can be utilized; fruit trees rarely suffer from 
too rich feeding when applied to the surface. 
Strawberries, if not already mulched, should be 
attended to at once. 

VEGETABLE GARDEN.—Very little can now 
be done in this department, except in making 
preparations for the following season. Spinach 
and other plants in need of protection should 
have it before the middle of the month, and the 
final covering given to Celery in trenches or 
roots in pits, and, if not already done, Aspara- 
gus beds should have a liberal coating of ma- 
nure; Bean-poles, Pea-brush and stakes of 
all kinds looked over, the tool-house put in 
order, and everything prepared for spring oper- 
ations. 

Snow that accumulates on cold frames or 
other glass structures should be removed, par- 
ticularly if the soil that the glass covers was 
not frozen before the snow fell. If frozen, it 
may remain on the sashes longer; for the 
plants, if frozen, are, of course, dormant, and 
would not be injured by being deprived of light 
for eight or ten days. : 

Whenever it is practicable, all empty ground 
should be dug or plowed this month, and trench- 
ing or subsoiling should be done, wherever ne- 
cessary and time or opportunity will permit. AD 
such operations, when performed in the fall, 
not only benefit the soil, but greatly facilitate 
work in the spring. 


USEFUL TABLES AND MEMORANDA. 


HE following Tables of Useful Information have been carefully compiled from 
reliable authorities, and, we believe, may be depended on as being accurate. 


Questions relative to operations connected with the soil are continually cropping up. 
To cope with these requires a certain amount of technical knowledge, and it is to 
provide such that we introduce these memoranda in this work. 


TEMPERATURE, RAIN, Etc. 


Temperature. The average temperature in the 
temperate zones being authoritatively given 
as fifty degrees Fahrenheit, it may be interest- 
ing and instructive to many to know the 
average temperature at different points in the 
United States, and at cities in various parts 


of the world. 


OS (Ss Jn | 

STATE CITY eee BERL 
aa8 | aPEhzE 

DEG.| DEG,| DEG. 
Alabama, Mobile, 81 | 53 | 67 
Arkansas, Little Rock, 79 | 46 | 63 
California, San Francisco, | 57 | 52 | 55 
Colorado, Denver, 70 | 30 | 50 
Dakota, Fort Randal, 67 | 11 | 39 
Delaware, Wilmington, 68 | 37 | 53 
’ D. of Colum’a, | Washington, 74 | 36 | 55 
Florida, Jacksonville, 82 | 59 | 70 
Georgia, Atlanta, 75 | 40 | 58 
Idaho, Boise City, 71 | 32 | 52 
Illinois, Chicago, 68 | 22 | 45 
Indiana, Indianapolis, 69 | 40 | 55 
Ind. Territory,| Fort Sill, 79 | 40 | 60 
Iowa, Des Moines, 72 | 24 | 48 
Louisiana, New Orleans, 82 | 56 | 69 
Maine, Augusta, 63 | 25 | 44 
Maryland, Baltimore, 74 | 34 | 54 
Massachusetts] Boston, 69 | 28 } 49 
Michigan, Detroit, 70 | 27 | 49 
Minnesota, St. Paul, 67 | 17 | 42 
Mississippi, Vicksburg, 81 | 50 | 66 
Missouri, St. Louis, 74 | 29 | 52 
Montana, Helena, 65 | 20 | 43 
Nebraska, Omaha, 74 | 25 | 50 
Nevada, Carson City 67 | 34 | 51 
New Hamp., | Hanover, 56 | 28 | 42 
New Mexico, | Santa Fé, 66 | 30 | 49 
New York, New York, 72 | 32 | 52 
N. Carolina, Charlotte, 78 | 43 | 61 
Ohio, Cincinnati, 74 | 85 | 55 
Oregon, Portland, 71 | 35 | 53 
Pennsylvania, | Philadelphia, 74 | 33 | 54 
Rhode Island, | Block Island, 67 | 33 | 50 
8. Carolina, Charleston, 81 | 52 | 67 
Tennessee, Nashville, 79 | 41 | 60 
Texas, Austin, 81 | 50 | 66 
Utah, Salt Lake City, | 73 | 31 | 52 
Vermont, Lunenburgh, 65 | 17 | 42 
West Virginia,| Helvetia, 67 | 34 | 51 
Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 67 | 23 | 45 
Wyoming, Cheyenne, 65 | 27 | 46 


Oo 
aS |35 cles 
CITY country |£E6/see\gge 
: Zee |e ae 
DEG. DRG.| DEG. 
Bombay, India, 83 | 77 | 80 
Calcutta, India, 86 | 72 | 79 
Cape Town, 8. Africa, 70 | 58 | 64 
Dublin, Ireland, 60 | 42 | 51 
Edinburgh, Scotland, 58 | 38 | 48 
London, England, 64 | 37 | 50 
Madrid, Spain, 74 | 42 | 58 
Melbourne, Australia, 65 | 49 | 57° 
Paris, France, 65 | 38 | 52 
Pekin, China, 81 | 27 | 54 
Rome, Italy, 74 | 45 | 59 
Singapore, Str. of Malacea, | 91 | 79 | 85 
St. Petersburg,| Russia, 60 | 17 |'38 
Sydney, Australia, 69 | 54 | 62 


An Inch of Rain. An English acre consists of 
6,272,640 square inches, and an inch deep of 
rain on an acre yields 6,272,640 cubic inches 
of water, which, at 277,274 cubic inches to tne 
gallon, makes 22,622.5 gallons; and as a gal- 
lon of distilled water weighs 10 lbs., the rain- 
fall on an acre is 226,223 lbs. avoirdupois. At 
2,000 Ibs. to the ton, an inch deep of rain 
weighs 113,127 tons per acre, or for every 
100th of an inch considerably over a ton of 
water falls per acre.—Builder. 


Weight of Water. WatTrEr.—A cubic inch of 
water weighs .U361 lb.; a gallon 10 lbs.; a 
cubic foot, 62.32 1bs., or measures 6.23 gallons, 
or a cubic foot of water may be set down at 
as equal to 614 gallons. 


.Thermometric Scales, French and English. 


Centigrade. Reaumur. | Fahrenheit. 
Boiling point..| 100 de 80 de 212 deg. 
93.3 - 74.6 - 200 Pa 
t 82.2 « 65.7 «“ 180 « 
MA te 56.8 160 « 
60.0 “ 48.0 “ 140 “ 
48.8 «« 39.1 « 120 « 
43.3 « 34.6 110 « 
37.7 80.2 « ov « 
82.2 « 25.7 90 « 
26.6 ‘ 21.3 * 80 
211 * 16.38 0 « 
15.5 “ 12.4 0 60 “ 
10.0 8.0 « 50 “ 
4.4 ¢ 3.5 40 4 
Freezing point. — f -_ 326 


520 HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


THE SOIL. 


Absorptive Powers of Soil. 100 lbs. of pure 
clay absorbs 70 Ibs. of water, while the same 
weight of pure sand absorbs 5 lbs.; clay 
loam absorbs 50 lbs.; chalk, 45 lbs.; loamy 
sand, 40 lbs., and calcareous sand, 25 lbs. 
Schubler’s experiments show that 1,000 tons of 
pulverized soils will absorb moisture when 
exposed to the atmosphere, as follows: sandy 
clay, 26 tons; loamy clay, 30 tons; stiff clay, 

- 36 tons, and garden mould, 45 tons. 

Cohesive Powers of Soil. If the cohesive 
power of pure clay is taken as the standard 
and stated at 100, pure sand being placed at 
zero, the cohesive power of loamy clay is 63; 
sandy clay, 57; humus, 8, and arable soil, 33. 

Weight of Various Soils. A ton of common 
loamy earth measures 21 cubic ft. ; of clay, 17g 
cubic ft. ; gravel, 18 cubic feet; sand,23 1g cubic 
ft.; marl, 18 cubic ft. ; chalk, 14 cubic ft. 


Bul of Dug Soil. A wheelbarrow will hold 
about one-tenth of a cubic yard of soil. When 
dug, soils of various kinds increase in bulk, 
as follows: earth or clay, one-fourth; sand 
and gravel, one-twelfth; chalk, one-third; 
rock, one-fourth. 

When thrown into permanent heaps or 
embankments of considerable size, earth and 
clay subside to about one-sixth in bulk, and 
fall vertically about one-fifth; sand and 
gravel decline in bulk one-fifteenth on an 
average, and in height one-fourth. 


The Angle of Repose of Soils when Thrown 
Up in Slopes. The following soils will re- 
main permanent when at the angles named: 
clay, drained, 45°; clay, wet, 16°; compact 
earth, 50°; vegetable earth, 28°; shingle, 39°; 
gravel, 40°; sand in its usual conditions, 22°; 
dry sand, 38°. 


MANURES AND FERTILIZERS. 


Rotted Stable Manure. In the vicinity of 
New York this is usually sold by the load of 
2,000 lbs.; but in the Eastern States the 
measurement is made by the cord, containing 
usually two and one-half to three loads, or 
5,000 to 6,000 lbs. ; much depending upon the 
condition of the manure. 


Soluble Ingredients in a Ton of Fresh 
Farm-yard Manure. Water, 1,4821, lbs.; 
soluble organic matter, 551g Ibs.; ‘soluble 
silica, 5144 lbs.; phosphate of lime, 634 lbs; 
lime, 114 Ibs.; magnesia, 14 lb; potash, 1234 
Ibs.; soda, 114 lbs.; chloride of sodium, ¥ 
lbs. ; sulphuric acid, 114 lbs.; carbonic id 
and loss, 434 Ibs. 

Soluble Ingredients in a Ton of Rotted 
Farm-yard Manure. Water, 1,68914 lbs. ; 
soluble organic matter, 83 lbs.; soluble silica, 
534 lbs.; phosphate of lime, 81 lbs.; lime, 
246 lbs.; magnesia, 1 lb.; potash, 10 lbs.; 
soda, 44 lb.; chloride of sodium, 3 Ibs. ; sul- 
phuric acid, 114 lbs. ; carbonic acid and loss, 
234 lbs. 

Constituents in a Ton of Various Manures. 

PERUVIAN GUANO. — Ammonia, 2211, lbs. ; 
potash, 661g lbs.; soda, 37 lbs.; phosphoric 
acid, 283 lbs.; sulphuric acid, 931 Ibs., and 
chlorine, 62 lbs. 

Nieut Sort.—Ammonia, 17 lbs. ; potash, 214 
Ibs. ; soda, 414 lbs. ; phosphorie acid, 120 lbs. ; 
sulphuric acid, 214 lbs., and chlorine, 244 lbs. 

NITRATE oF Sopa.—Ammonia, 364 Ibs., and 
soda, 814 lbs. 

SULPHATE OF AMMONIA.—Ammonia, 470 
Ibs., and sulphuric acid, 1,357 lbs. 
eee OF Limz.—Sulphuric acid, 1,317 

S. 

Common Saut.—Soda, 813 lbs., and chlorine, 
1,187 lbs. 

FrrsH Bonses.—Phosphoric acid, 580 lbs., 
and ammonia, 145 lbs. 

MIxeD URINE.—Ammonia, 1814 lbs.; pot- 
ash, 21lbs.; phosphoric acid, 244 lbs.; soda, 
a8 lbs. ; sulphuric acid, 314 lbs., and chlorine, 

Ibs. 


ooT.—Ammonia, 50 lbs.; chlorine, 22 
Ibs.; sulphuric acid, 194 lbs.; phosphoric 
acid, 534 lbs.; soda, 244 lbs.; magnesia, 834 
Ibs., and ‘potash, 7 lbs. 


t~.measures eighteen cubic feet. 


Value of Manure according to Professor 
Johnston. Placing farm-yard manure as the 
standard, 100; value of the mixed—that is, 
solid and liquid—excretion of the cow is 93, 
of the horse 54, of the pig 64. The liquid ex- 
cretion of the cowis 91; sulid do., 125; liquid 
excretion of the horse, 16; solid do., 73. 

Weight of Manure to apply to different 
Crops, per Acre. Potatoes, 15 to 30 tons; 
mangel wurzel, 20 to 30; carrots, 12 to 20; 
hops, 25 to 40; beans, 12 to 20 tons. 

ARTIFICIAL MANURES.— Peruvian guano, 
250 to 500 lbs. ; nitrate of scdaand potash, 250 
Ibs. ; salt, 250 to 5001bs. ; soot, 1,000 to 1,500 lbs. 

Weight of Manures. Of night soil, a ton 

Dung with 
manure retained; a cubic yard weighs a ton. 
If manure when first taken from the cattle 
boxes in a fresh state is supposed to weigh 
100, it will in a half-rotted state weigh only 
80, or will have lost one-fifth; when fully 
rotted, 50, having lost one-half. Crushed 
bones weigh about 1,000 lbs. to the cubic 
yard; bones calcined, about one-half the 
above; animal charcoal, about 2,000 lbs. to 
the cubic yard; marl, about, 3,750 lbs; phos- 
phate of lime, about 3,000 lbs., and street or 
road detritus, about one ton. 

Inorganic Constituents returned to the soil 
in Twelve Tons of Farm-yard Manure to 
the Acre. Potash, 201 lbs. ; soda, 67 lbs. ; lime, 
337 lbs.; magnesia, 35 lbs.; chlorine, 12 lbs.; 
sulphuric acid, 84 lbs.; phosphoric acid, 108 
lbs.; soluble silica, 269 Ibs. ; nitrogen, 165 Ibs 

Ingredients and Proportions in Making Su- 
perphosphate of Lime, according to Ander- 
son. 42 1bs., or one bushel of bones, 1714 lbs. 
of sulphuric acid, 9 lbs. of water and 10 bush- 
els of ashes; the bones to be sprinkled with 
the water, before the acid is employed. The 
amount thus made will be sufficient for an 
acre. The following is the mode of making 
it: The cistern should be made of lead or 
strong wood; the bones should be spread in 
small quantity. upon the bottom of the cistern 
and the acid gradually poured in upon them 
from the watering vessel, which should be 
made of lead, and at the same time a quantity 
(proportionate to the acid) of boiling water. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 521 


Medium Rotted Bone Manure—Decomposed | Permanent Pasture Fertilizer, High Grade. 
eat OCD ANALYSIS Per Cent 
ANALYSIS. , Per Cent. ; 4) 
Phosphoric ACid.........00.00ceecec eens 3.33 AMMONIA... . see e eee eee ences 4 to 4% 
Equivalent to Bone 9 Phosphoric Acid, total............ 10 tol2 
Phosphate of Lime t SHAS DOME elses gee 7.20 Potash as Sulphate and Muriate.. 3144 to 414 
NItFOReN ins secwmnars wee Mare seucesae es 2.57 
Equivalent to Ammonia............ .. 3.11 | Analysis of Pure Raw Knuckle Bone Meal. 
Potassa (Potash)............00 eee ee 3.10 
Equivalent to Sulphate of Potassa ...... Bete || anor ara a poeecaen nae oa 
Rotted Bone Manure, Plain. asse: oles gy ne iuaceenriee 
ANALYSIS. Per Cent. “ “ x Cae RENCE OUNE ECE De 3 
Phosphoric Acid............... 0.2 eee ee Be ee SEES pesale 
Equivalent to Bone t., 6.86 100 
aap ete of Lime 9.48 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS. 
LPPORON aon nce nomenkeieaneanal ehianuane . Per Cenk ‘The gerTou, 
Equivalent to Ammonia..............066 3.02 Nitrogen........eccseeeeces 3.82 76.4 
Analysis No. 1 Peruvian seiiaess cont, | PBOSPhoric Acid............25.61 512.2 
‘er Cen’ 
“Moisture at 212° Fo... eee eee 13.16 Blood and Bone Fertilizer. 
Potash asaimenaie avs sia a4 4 a 2A er wal ae 2.62 Per Cent. 
Nitrogens.icsessesccaee oa 2594454 25 oom ag 7.76 Ammonia from Blood and Bone .......... 3 
Total Phosphoric Acid................-. 14 28 Phosphate of Lime, nearly all soluble and 
StONeS 222 gs isecsasesceede cee esas 4.62 available, except % per cent............ 26 
Equivalent to Ammonia................- 9.42 Potash, actual. sia etangs wees gens mens 3 
Equivalent to Bone Phosphate..:....... 31.17 Sulphate of Potash ,............0.eeees 5 to 6 
CROPS. 

The following Table will assist Farmers or | Quantity of Seed Required for a Given 
Gardeners in making an Accurate Esti- Number of Plants: eae 
mate of the Amount of Land in Different Asparagus..... 62... ...08. 1oz. 500 plants. 
Fields under Cultivation: Cabbage............. 0... 5. 1 oz. 1,500 

Cauliflower...... 0... ....... 1 oz. 1, 7000 « 

i 29 toda x es rods. . anh acre. a) fe feot x i feet.. at acre. Celery scecon ce smscnie eer es ese 1 oz. 2,000 ae 
fe i omer ES “x Saeed Y Heo Plant: .o00:eueeeesseass Loz.1,000 «“ 
— xa a ae a eae eee ane ce Wii vee <sesy ava cu sneaue: 10z. 3,000 « 
Byds.x968yds....1 “ |200 “ x108.9% 1.4% « Vek vcisy sh is tye ee sae ys ex loz.1,500 « 
10° x484°% 0... 1 4 1100 “ 2145.2" 1.4% Lettuce sssccnss sovestesa ces loz. 3,000 
ote Syn ae 1 of 1200 «© 2108.9 ...34 * Marjoram........... 0 ..... loz. 1,500 « 
ee ee Fenpeh “aie anata Beas ee ne loz. 1,000 « 
UD ALD ccstcrnscecieed sox Seed Fs loz. 500 <* 

Average Number of Seeds contained in One Sage. 2 Bi eIilasr elalvon end each se dat dl ies 1000 « 
Ib. of the various Cereal Crops. Wheat, Savoryiersscccseticcsescses loz. 2,000 « 
10,000; barley, 15,000; oats, 18,000 to 20,000; Thyme........ 0 -.ece eee eee 1oz. 4,000 « 
rye, 20,000; beans, 900 to 1,000; peas, 1, 800 to Tomato............08 cece ee 1oz. 1,500 « 


2,000; ax, 100,000; hemp, 24,000. Quantity of Seed Required for a Given 
Average Quantity of Seed Sown to an Acre: Number of Hills : 


GOT: iewsue edbisiguarses Eee 1 qt. to 200 hills. 
IN DRILLS. Bto 6 a Cucumbers..............00.. 1 oe to 125 
Beets.....6.-.6 60 cence 7 - E pounds: Muskmelon................. loz.to 60 « 
Carrots.....-.ee ee cere eee 0 haaheél Pole Beans, Limas.......... lqt.to100 « 
Dwarf Beans........ tees 14 bushels. | Pole Beans, Wax............ lqt.to150 « 
Early Peas... .-- : 3 - Pumpkin : loz.to 50 « 
Marrowfat Peas........... 3 i Squash.......-ss0. «sees ‘loz. to 50 « 
ONIONS... nae nnandnceeaces 5to 6 pounds. eae hgh ee 
Once eee 60 to 80 oF Watermelon................ loz. to 30 « 
Onion sets, per acre, accord- Quantity of Seed Required for a Given 
"ing to Siz@........0..6665 8to1G6 bushels. Length of Drill: 
Potatoes (cut tubers)...... 12 to 14 at Asparagus.............. loz. 60 feet of drill. 
Parsnips.........06- ee: . 5to 6 pounds. Beet.. ....... see e eee. loz. 50 a 
Radishes 9 to 10 Beans, Dwarf........... 1 qt. 100 ce 
Salsify.........-.0e6 cece 6to 8 # Carrot... 6. .... 6.0. | oz. 100 ty 
Spinach....... ......- . 10 to 12 “s Endive............. .. 1 oz. 100 “ 
Turnip vsieces exawnaviesienan 1¥to 2 * OUT Ales 5 genau see nod Loz. 40 es 
ONION 35s nomieeminse ss 5 1 oz. 100 es 
: Onion sets.......... ... lqt. 50 ee 
COP isis see eee eRe. eee 44 8 to 10 quarts. Parsley’ cic sie sdisnegaece 1 oz. 125 & 
Cucumbers..........-- ++. 2to 3 pounds Parsnips................ 1 oz. 200 7 
Muskmelons.... .....+..--+-- 2to 3 *§ PCAs sccswada, voiuse thes lqt. 75 te 
Pole Beans.......... -.-- 8 to 10 quarts. Radishes............... 1 oz. 100 “6 
Pumpkin............. eee 2to 3 pounds DAISILY care nieve we ss ess loz. 70 vs 
Squash vesceca once oe ccee 5s 2to 3 Spinach................ 1 oz. 100 or 


Watermelons..........0.+.5-- 4to 5 * Turnip ys ss ies $34 oceanic vas 1 oz. 150 “ 


522 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


Table Showing the Amount of Seed Neces- 


sary for an Acre, and the Number of. 


Pounds to the Bushel: 


No. Ibs. 

to Acre. 
AMPA PS: csc ccciens dies sanier ese peanaees 12to 16 
Alsike Clover.......cceeeesecccceeeeeeees 5to 8 
BaPlOY sci ics secs are, wae ees 75 to 90 
Buckwheat...... .. 50 to 75 
English Rye Grass. 76 to 100 
BAX ach oe chee cee 28 to 42 
Hemp............ 30 to 60 
Henderson's Mixed Lawn Grass.. oe 21 75 to 100 
Hupgatians i sisae vier sce paccwemree wines vin ared$O 40 to 60 
Johnson Grags........ ee csee ee ee cere ece 25 25 to 30 
Kentncky Blue Grass...... Pate Casapta ye Sa 14 40 to 50 
Millet: :¢). suits en casons seme waciewecenss 50 40 to 60 
Oats..-. 2... 2 to 3 bushels 
Orchard Gras Sicoatatoie aie ae 45 to 60 
Peas, Field.. 60 120 to 140 
Red Clover.... 60 12 to 
Red Tops wsass ages ca sob se anaieres 14 30to 40 
RYO .ntosicra-c sieves cists oet ey ausiens, “xpag sium sees es 56. 75 to, 90 
Sugar Cane .............+5 . 50 6to 8 
Timothy..... 45 25to 40 
Wheat............. 60 60 to 90 
White Dutch Clover 60 5to 8 


Average Gross Produce per Acre of the 
Cereal Crops. Wheat, 20 to 25 bushels; 
oats, 35 to 40 bushels; barley,.35 to 40 bush- 
els; rye, 25 to 30 bushels; peas, 25 bush- 
els. 


Weights of various Farm Crops. Two and 
one-fifth cubic feet of new wheat weighs 112 
lbs. ; oats, 3.65 cubic feet, 112 lbs. ; barley, 2.38 
cubic feet, 112 lbs. ; straw, in its usual condi- 
tion, weighs 31g lbs. per cubic foot—it may be 
compressed to weigh nearly 6 lbs. per cubic 
foot; hay in like manner will weigh respect- 
ively 5 and 8 lbs. per cubic foot. A bushel of 
grain when lying on the floor occupies aspace 
of one square foot, with adepth of 1514 inches. 
Turnips, about 1,000 lbs. to the cubic yard; 
ruta-bagas, about 1,350 lbs. ; mangel wurzels, 
about 1,100 lbs.; potatoes, about 1,250 lbs., 
and carrots, about 1,100 Ibs. to the cubic yard. 

A ton of Timothy hay in stack or mow, well 
pressed, measures 480 cubic feet, or 6x8x10 
feet. A ton of mixed Timothy and clover 
measures 620 feet. A ton of mixed meadow 
grasses measures 600 feet. 

A ton of loose straw measure 900 feet. 

Average Weight per Acre of the Root and 
Hay Crops. Turnips, 20 to 30 tons; carrots, 
25 tons; potatoes, 6 to 12 tons; hay, 1 to 2 
tons; clover hay, 2 tons. 

Average Weight of the Straw of the Cereal 
Crops per Acre. Wheat, 3,000 to 3,500 Ibs. ; 
oats, 2,000 to 2,500 lbs. ; barley,-2,100 to 2,500 
Ibs. ; rye, 4,000 to 5,000 Ibs.; peas, 2,700 lbs. 


STOCK. 


Value of different Foods compared with Hay. 
One hundred pounds of good meadow hay are 
estimated to be equivalent in feeding value to 
80 Ibs. of clover, or vetch hay, 200 lbs. of po- 
tatoes, 460 lbs. of beet-root with, and 250 lbs. 
without, the leaves, 250 lbs. of carrots, 400 lbs. 
of wheat straw, 300 lbs. of barley and oat 
straw, 25 lbs. of beans or peas, 50 lbs. of oats 
and 500 lbs. of green clover or vetches. 


To Produce 1 lb. of Flesh in Fattening Stock. 
It is calculated that it takes the consumption 
of either 1U0 lbs. of turnips, 50 lbs. of pota- 
toes, 25 lbs. of milk, 9 lbs. of oatmeal, 7 lbs. 
of barley meal, 744 lbs. of bread, the same 
quantity of flour, and 7 Ibs. of peas or beans. 


Rate of Pulsation of the Animals of the Farm. 
The horse, 32 to 38 pulsations per minute; an 
ox or cow, 25 to 42; a sheep, 70 to 79; the ass, 
48 to 54; goat, 72 to 76; the dog, 90 to 100; 
the cat, 110 to 120; the rabbit, 120; the Guinea- 
pig, 140; of fowls, the hen, 140; the duck, 
135. 


Periods of Gestation of Farm Animals. Cow, 
from 240 to 321 days; mare, 322 to 419; ewe, 
146 to 161 days; sow, 109 to 143 days; rabbit, 
20 10 35 days. 


Time Occupied to Hatch Eggs by various 
Birds. Hen, 21 days; duck, 28 days; turkey, 
26 days; goose, 30 days; pigeon, 18 days. 

Amount of Air required for Ventilation Pur- 
poses by Man and by the Animals of the 
Farm. If it be correct that when respiration 
is performed naturally, there are about eight- 
een respirations in one minute, and 1,080 in an 
hour; and that by each respiration a pint of 
air is sent into the lungs, that is, eighteen 
pints in a minute, or more than two hogsheads 
in an hour, the effect impurity may produce is 
evident. When the body is in a state of 
health there will be seventy-two pulsations of 
the heart ina minute. Every pulsation sends 
to the heart two ounces of blood. Thus 144 


ounces are sent for purification to the lungs 
every minute. The blood performs a com- 
plete circuit of the system in 110 seconds. 
These figures show how great is the need for 
the air we breath to be pure and wholesome. 

The minimum amount of space required to 
keep a man in a healthy condition is 600 cubic 
feet; this is often the allowance for a horse, 
which should have double that amount of 
space at least; some idea, therefore, may be 
obtained of the unhealthy condition of stables. 
The cow may be set down as requiring at 
least as much, if not more, than a horse, so 
that 1,400 cubic feet per cow should be al- 
lowed. It has been calculated that the horse 
inspiring eight times per minute, requires 
48,000 cubic inches of air per hour. The 
quantity of carbonic acid gas created by the 
respiration of this volume of air per hour is 
one cubic foot, containing two ounces or 
thereabouts of solidcarbon. To this source 
of deterioration of the purity of the air of a 
cow-house, is to be added that arising from 
the cutaneous perspiration of the animal, 
which, with pulmonary perspiration, results 
in the evolution of a weight of watery excreta 
equal to fifteen pounds every twenty-four 
hours ; add to these sources of impurity those 
arising from the liquid and solid excreta 
voided by the animal, and some idea of the 
state of the air in a badly ventilated cow- 
house may be formed. The amount of air, 
then, which from the above data is required 
for each animal is 6,000 cubic feet, and this 
space given to a cow-house of ample dimen- 
sions will give house room for four animals, 
thus allowing each 1,500 cubic feet of air per 
hour; so that to give to each the supply of 
four times this, the air will require to be 
changed four times every hour. Each window 
frame, in the open spaces or chinks connected 
with it, passes some eight cubic feet per min- 
ute; a door will pass at least double that 
quantity. 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 523 


FORESTRY, ETc. 


Table Showing the Number of Trees or 
Plants that can be Planted on an Acre, at 
the distances apart given: 


48; 6x 6 feet........... 1,210 
69] Bizx5ie . 
8B) 6x Bs, 


30 x 30 feet... 
25x25 “ , 
20x20 “« , 
19x19 « , 
18x18 * ... 
17x17 * 
Wxl6 « , 
16x15 “ , 
14x14 ", 


x 
5x 
6x 
5x 
5x 
4x 
4x 
4x 
4x 
8x 
38x 
3x 
2x 
ax 
1x 


BRD pO Dwr por 


6% x6Ke J, 


All CoNIFER# and EVERGREEN TREE-SEEDS 
require to be kept in a cool, dry spot (prefera- 
bly in dry sand) until the time of sowing. 
Chestnuts, Walnuts and similar seeds should 
be. planted in the fall, or kept in moist 
sand or moss, as they lose their germinating 
power by too long exposure to the air. Apple, 
Pear, Quince seeds, with Cherry and Peach 
pits, also those with hard shells, like Magno- 
lias, Locust, etc., should be placed in boxes of 
sand and well frozen before being sown in 
spring, to soften their hard outer coating, 
otherwise they may not vegetate until the 
second year after sowing. If this has been 
overlooked, they may be soaked in hot water 
for a few hours before planting. Osage orange 
seeds invariably require this treatment. The 
seeds of other deciduous trees and shrubs, 
with few exceptions, may be planted dur- 
ing the spring months with every chance of 
success. 

Fruit anpD TREE SEEDS. In raising Fruit 
or Tree seeds it is well to remember that 
some varieties germinate very easily, while 
others will lie dormant a whole season 
before commencing to grow. The reason 
for this depends generally on the man- 
ner in which the seeds have been treated be- 
fore sowing, though often seeds of a given 
species gathered and sown at the same time 
will show great irregularity in germinating, 


some of them coming up weeks or even 
months before others. 


Number of Tree Seeds to the Pound. 


BIGOT asics wee cneeegaraersiane oe hee a SA 100,000 
Ash, American White ..............- 10,000 
Ash, European........ Medes: 5,000 
ALD DLC ie scoe een sradiaieans aya Sides ic ais acetate ace 12,000 
Arborvitw, American............... 80,000 
Arborvite, Chinese..............--- 40,000 
Bar DOLE y ists sate ees ae bos beers ee Shs ‘8,000 
Beech, European..........00.0.02-05 1,000 
Birch, White iss. crac vie eehaewagers: 500,000 
Black or Yellow Locust..... ....... 3,000 
Box Elder: ¢ cise sscasuseriaeevesas es 15,000 
Catalpa Speciosa...... ioe CSS ORIN SS 20,000 
Teas’ Japanese Hybrid............ 50,000 
Cedar; Red. sicisiewsccwcua gavnvees 8,000 
Cherry, Black. eo : 
Cherry, Pits. 3 s4 socsnsaisectinnaee ss 
Chestnut, Sweet.............05 sees 100 
Elm, American and European....... 50,000 
Bir; Balsa ccd cccisirinsccccie- oetak- een a 80,000 
Bry SCOtC sites ssacsncsess a-oi0 ce ia ee@o.bacose 70,000 
Hawthorn...........cccccee ceceeens 6,000 
Hemlock Spruce.....-........20.05, 100,000 
Hickory Nuts...........006 eeseeees . 50 
Honey Locust ..............0cc eee 2,500 
Hormbeam..........-.00ee0 wees cece 10,000 
Kentucky Coffee Tree............... 200 
WOT Ohya ses cei ceenive ees 9 fee RR Bre Naas wie Ga dae 100,000 
Linden, European............ cse00 5,000 
Maple, Mammoth..............00006 7,000 
NOPWAY. i oid snnace de awinwsnucte: ames 7,000 
DOlticcncncureus wieed wane aden 2,000 
DUgAr. 25.5 uc sccnumetgren wGeidauiin e's 7,000 
Sycamore .........ecece sec eeees . 6,000 
Mulberry, sorts...... Sie euler waroew ei 200,000 
Norway Spruce.............eeeeeeee 70,000 
Osage Orange.... 1.0... cece ceeeee 10,000 
PAPE Wiis aches haneyvess vi veceiameen 400 
PCa wise oe ieee eae cies Sa eeu 200 
POON og siete easing bes eetsloeea nome 15,000 
Pine, Austrian.............. ceeeeae 25,000 
QUINCE. 5 AscesciirekGrsarsseinn era os": 15,000 
Sweet Gum..........c0c.cccceeerecs 20,000 
Tulip TreGiccaceienc sxe: sdawsastodnse: 20,000 
Walnuts...... 3 skuaxeenametn yess 25 


MASONRY, WELL DIGGING AND LUMBER. 


Stone and Brick Work. One square foot of 
8-in. wall requires 16 bricks; 12-in. wall, 24 
bricks; 16-in. wall, 32 bricks; 18-in wall, 36 
bricks. One perch of stone work is 2434 
cubic feet, or 163g square feet, 18 inches 
thick. 

Cement and Mortar. One barrel of cement 
and two barrels of sand will make mortar suf- 


ficient for 600 to 700 bricks. One barrel of | 


cement to four of sand and gravel will make 
nine square yards of concrete floor, three inches 
thick. One barrel of lime with ten bushels of 
sand will make mortar for 1,000 bricks. One 
barrel of lime and ten bushels of sand will 
make plaster for forty square yards of sur- 
face; half a bushel of long hair, or a half 
more of short hair, will be required. One 
hundred laths and 500 nails will cover four 
and a half square yards. A square yard of 
plastering requires three-fourths of a bushel. 
A hod of mortar is half a bushel. 


On Determining the Size of Cisterns for Rain 


Water. The size of cisterns should vary ac- 
cording to their intended use. If they are to 
furnish a daily supply of water they need not 
be so large as for keeping supplies for sum- 
mer only. The average depth of rain which 
falls in this latitude rarely exceeds six to 
seven inches for two months. The size of the 
cistern, therefore, need not exceed that of a 
body of water on the whole roof of the build. 
ing seven inches deep. To ascertain this 
amount multiply the length by the breadth of 
the building, reduce this to inches, and divide 
the product by 231, and the quotient will be 
gallons for each inch of depth. Multiplying 
by seven will give the full amount for two 
months’ rain falling upon the roof; divide by 
314g, the quotient will be barrels. Cisterns 
intended only for drawing from in times of 
drought should be about three times the 
preceding capacity. 


524 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 


Contents of a Round Cistern in Gallons and 
Number of Bricks required for each foot 
in Depth: 


Gallons, | Barrels, | Bricks. 
8 feet in diameter.... 376 1234 292 
Big ke se 424 14 308 
| se 480 15% 326 
Oy se as ee 533 174 340 
10 eo ie #e . 579 19 360 
i st 4 690 23 418 
12 oe en ad is 840 28 452 
13 ae 3g se . 992 33 484 
lf eo a wees] 1,161 3844 520 
mb oo « ee) 1,821 44 559 


A circle encloses the largest space of any 
figure for the same length of line. <A circular 
cistern is therefore the cheapest. The fol- 
lowing table gives the differences of 


Area of Square and Round Cisterns. 


_ SquaReE. 
Diameter Length of Wall. Area of Surface. 
8 feet..... 32 feet. 64 square feet. 
10 fa 40 “ 100 * at 
12 48 « 144“ ae 


Rounp. 
Length of Wall. Area of Surface. 


Diameter. 
10 feet..........006. 31% feet. 7834 square feet, 
12 81% 112 a ef 
16 aioe Baietsia ansiers sre aT. ee 117 sn oz 


Twice the diameter of a circle or a square 
gives four times the area in square feet; twice 
the diameter of a cube gives eight times the. 
solid contents in cubic feet; half the diameter 
gives one-fourth of the area, or one eighth of 
the cubic contents. 

Well Digging. Quantity of earth excavated 
for each foot in depth of different diameters: 
3 ft., 261 cubic yards; 3 ft. 3 in., 307 cubic 
yards; 3ft. 6in., 356 cubic yards; 4 ft., 465 
cubic yards; 4ft. 6 in., 589 cubic yards; and 
5 ft., 727 cubic yards. 

Weight of Timber. English oak weighs 50 
Ibs. to the cubic foot; American oak, 47; 
Baltic, 46; mahogany, Honduras, 40; and 
Spanish, 55; larch, 35; ash, 50; birch, 48; 
beech, 51; elm, 39; poplar, 32; red pine, 40; 
yellow pine, 33; Danzic fir, 35; and Memel 
fir, 38 lbs. to the cubic foot. 


WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 


Table for Converting Sundry Weights and Measures 
Into the Metric System, and the reverse ; constructed on the basis of the tables published in the 


Smithsonian Report for the year 1865, prepared by Henry G. Hanks. 


L 2 3 4 5 6 @ 8 9 

No. 1. Inches to millimeters.............0+-. | 25.40] 50.80 { 76.20| 101.60] 127.00] 162.40| 177.80/ 203.20| 228.60 
«2. Cubic feet to liters...., 28.32 | 56.63 | 84.95 | 113.27| 141.59] 169.90| 198.22 / 226.54 | 254.85 
‘* 3, Liters to cubic inches 61.02 | 120.05 | 183.07 | 244.09 | 305.12| 366.14 | 427.16 [{ 458.19 | 649.21 
“* 4, Cubic inches to cubic centimeters. .. | 16.39 | 32.77 | 49.16 65.55 $1.94 98.32 | 114.71 | 131.10| 147.48 
“6. Hectoliters to wine gallons......... +. | 26.417 | 62.834 | 79.251 | 105.668 | 132.085 | 158.502 | 184.919 | 211.336 | 237.753 
“« 6. Wine gallons to liters..... «. | 3.785 | 7.571 | 11.356 | 15.142 | 18.927| 22.713 | 26.498{ 30.283] 40.069 
“4. Liters to fluid ounces...... «- | 33.81 | 67.63 | 101.44 | 135.26( 169.07 | 202.88) 236.70| 270.51| 304.32 
~ 8. Fluid ounces to centiliters..... ...... | 2.957 | 5.915] 8.872 | 11.829| 14.787 | 17.744| 20.702 | 23.659 | 26.616 
«9, Kilograms to avoirdupois pounds.... | 2.2046 | 4.4092 | 6.6138 | 8.8184 | 11.0230 | 13.2276 | 15.4322 | 17.6368 | 19.8414 
“10. Avoirdupois pounds to grams....... . | 453.6 | 907.2 | 1360.8| 1814.4 | 2268.0| 2721.6 | 3175.2| 3628.8| 4082.4 
« 11. Kilograms to avoirdupois ounces.... | 35.27| 70.65 |105.82| 141.09| 176.87 | 211.64 | 246.92 | 282.19 | 317.46 
* 12. Avoirdupois ounces tograms ...... 28.35 | 56.70| 85.05| 113.40] 141.765 | 170.10 | 198.45 | 226.80| 255.16 
“ 13, Kilograms to troy ounces..........- « | 32.150 | 64.301 | 96.451 | 128.602 | 160.752 | 192.903 | 225.053 | 267.203 | 289.354 
© 14. Troy ounces to grams......:...+...+. | 3L,104 | 62.208 | 93.311 | 124.415 | 155.519 | 186.623 | 217.727 | 248.830 | 279.934 
« 15. Grams to grains.......- wees | 15.432 | 30.864 | 46.297 | 61.729 | 77.161 | 92.593 | 108.025 | 123 458 | 138.890 
“16. Grains to grams.......--e.eceeseceee | 0.0648 | 0.1296 | 0.1944 | 0.2592 | 0.3240] 0.3888| 0.4536] 0.5184{ 0.5832 


The above table will be found to meet all the requirements of the assayer and chemist. The following example will 


explain its use: Suppose the capacity of a tank or cistern is found by measurement to be 82 cubic feet, and the number 
of liters is required. Refer to table No. 2, and find that 8 cubic feet = 226.64 litera. Eighty cubic feet will be ten times 
asmuch, Therefore: 


80 cubic feet = 2265.40 liters. 
2cubicfeet= 56.63 liters. 


$2 cubic feet =: 2322.03 liters. 


Metrical or Modern System: 
LINEAR MEASURE 


French. Metre. English. 
Millimetre, 001 . or .039371 inches. 
Centimetre, 01 s or .89371 ** 
Decimetre, ll . or 3.9371 ‘ 
Metre, 1 2% or 39.3871 ‘ 
Decametre, 10 a or 393.71 ‘* 
Hectometre, 100 . or 3937.1 ‘“ 
Kilometre, 1000 a or 89371 “ or 5¢ mile. 
Myriametre, 10,000 . or 393710 ‘“ or 6} mile.. 


The basis or unit of the system is the metre, 
which is the ten-millionth part of the terres- 
trial are from the equator to the pole, and the 
length of which in English measure is 1.0936 
yards, or 3.2809 feet, or as above in inches. 
By multiplying the metre respectively by 10, 
100, 1,000 and 10,000, we obtain the deca, hecto, 
kilo and myria metre respectively; and by 
dividing the metre by 10, 100 and 1,000, we ob- 
tain the deci, centi and milli metre respectively. 


SUPERFICIAL MEASURE. 


French, English. 
A milliare . - is equal to 156 square inches. 
Acentare . . . *e 10.764 square feet. 
Adeciare .  . a 11.96 square yards. 


An are, the unit of square measure, 


is equal to 1 square decametre, or 119.6 


Adecare . . » 4dsequalto 1196 
Ahectare . ‘ F ae 2.472 square acres. 
SOLID MEASURE. 

French. English. 
Amillistere . . is equal to 01.028 cubic inches. 
A square metre . . a 1} square yards. 
Acentiare . 8 ee 610.28 ae 
A decistere is as 3.53170 cubio feet. 

A stere, the unit of solid measure, is 
equal to 1 cubic metre, or 36,317 


A decastere “ o. isequal to 13.08 cubic yards. 
Ahectastere . . 130.8 pe 
A kKilostere . . ae 1308 se 


AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE. 525 


MEASURES OF WEIGHT. 


French. English. 
The milligramme is equal to .016434 or ds grains troy. 
The centigramme at 15434 we 
The decigramme ne 1.5434 “ 
The gramme cy 15.432 0r154y 
The decagramme se -32164 ounces troy. 
The hectogramme at 3,527 ounces avoir. 
The kilogramme oF 2.2046 or 2} pounds avoir. 
The myriagramme ae 22.046 es 


The gramme, unit of weight in the metrical 
system, is equal to a cubic centimetre of dis- 
tilled water in vacuo at its maximum density, 
or 390° Fah. 


MEASURES OF CAPACITY. 


French. English. 
A millilitre : + is equal to .061028 cubic inches. 
A centilitre . . a8 61028 ss 
A decilitre ‘ us 6.1028 we 


A litre, the unit of the measure of 
capacity, is equal to 1 cubic 
decimetre (see ‘Linear Mea- 


sure”), or 61.028 cubic or : 1.761 imp. pints. 


A decalitre . s is equal to 2.2 imp. gallons. 

A hectolitre Fi ; ae 2.75 imp. bushels. 

A kilolitre ‘ = as 35.317 cubic feet. 

A wyrialitre a a ae 363.17 $6 
APPROXIMATE VALUES. 

1 metre . . . is equalto 3 feet 3,4, inches. 

ldecimetre . . a ee 4 inches. 

5 metres 7 . : eg 1 rod. 

1 kilometre . 5 ee 6 furlongs. 

1 square metre . iS -e 10% square feet. 

lhectare . . sie 2)¢ acres. 

1 cubic metre A é ee ¥4 cord. 

llitre . é « s ae 1 quart. 

Lheetolitre . . . as 234 bushels, 

1 gramme is ‘ . ee 1534 grains. 

1 kilogramme . . bs 23 pounds, 

Tonneau=1,000 kilo; . 4 1 ton. 


Weight in Pounds of Legal Bushels of Va- 


rious Articles in the following States: 


ree lS 

8 a 3 a a| ,.|o 3 
bigld|2)4 D| 2/43) eal 3B 43 
ele \SSIS|S (Sige 3\s iota 
SII | 8/810] S| IS 18/2) o/s la 

Alay IS | a) Fe se 

fsa) is) ols 
Maine........02.+6+|48)48/56/50,52)30)/60) . . }60)60/64, ae a 
New Hampshire....|..|..|56/50]. ./30/60/56/60]../60)..|..].. 
Vermont....... ....|48/48]..|..]../82/60/56/60)..|64 60 42/70 


Massachusetts....../48/48/56-50/52/32/60/56/60]..|..|. Jerdes 
Connecticut........].. y c 20 ave 
New York .......... 
New Jersey. ..... 
Pennsylvania. . 
Delaware.... 
Maryland...... 
Dist. of Columbia. 
Virginia.........c00 
West Virginia ...... 
North Carolina...... 
South Carolina. .... 
Georgia. ..... .20.56 {41 
Louisiana..... ea i 
Arkansas ..........- 
Tennessee. 
Kentucky.. 
Ohio ..: 


Wisconsin. 
Minnesota. 


Iowa..... 

Missouri ae xa 
Kansas...... ... -./50}50}56)/50/57;32|60|56/60|55 60!60 45/50 
Nebraska...... ....|48/52/56/50 57/34|60|56|60|55/60 60 46/60 
California. w+ e+e (50/40/52 - |82).. 164/60)... ° 


‘]36|66ls6l6o]:; ol sales 


Oregon .........«/46/42/561 .. 


FOREIGN MONEY. 


ITS VALUE IN UNITED STATES CURRENCY. 


Value. 
Austria, Silver Florin................80 40.7 
Belgium, Gold and Silver Frane...... . 19.3 
Bolivia, Silver 5 Frane ....... Sriveteeverene: IBAID 
Brazil, Gold Milreis (1,000 reis)........ 54.6 
Bogota, Silver Peso........ cr eee 96.5 
Chili, Gold and Silver Peso............ 91.2 
China, Silver Tael. ........ asvovesTaneiaatins 1 38.0 
Cuba, Gold and Silver Peso........... 93.2 
Denmark, Gold Crown.....+.......... 26.8 
Ecuador, Silver Peso........... oan 2823) 
Egypt, Gold Piaster.... ............ .. 04.9 
France, Gold and Silver Frane....... -- 19.3 
Great Britain, Gold Sovereign......... 4 86.65 
Germany, Gold Mark................ 23.8 


India, Silver Rupee (16 annas)......... 39. 


Value. 

Italy, Gold and Silver Lira........... $0 19.3 
Japan, Silver Yen..... oe 88.8 
Mexico, Silver Dollar ......... 89.4 
Netherlands, Gold and Silver Florin... 40.2 
Norway and Sweden, Gold and Silver 

Crown...........608 same eury seals 26.8 
Peru, Silver Sol...............00 0.2005 82.3 


Russia, Silver Rouble (100 copecks)... 65.8 
Spain, Gold and Silver Peseta (100 cen- 
ai auivats -Wiedmiesels onuibhdecsevavens ae 19.3 
Turkey, Gold Piaster...... Se ee 04.4 
. 8. of Colombia, Silver Peso......... 82.3- 
Uruguay, Silver Patacon.............. 94.9 
Venezuela, Gold and Silver Bolivar.... 19.3 


MISCELLANEOUS. 


Various Measures, The UNITED STATES or WIN- 
CHESTER BUSHEL is 18/4 inches diameter (in- 
side measure’, 191 inches outside and 8 inches 
deep. Astruck bushel contains 64 pints—32 
qts.—8 gallons, equal to 2,150.42 cubic inches 
(French, 35.2466 litres). When heaped the 
cone must be not less than 6 inches high, and it 
then contains 2,747.40 cubic inches. The 
IMPERIAL BUSHEL measures 18.8 inches wide 
and 8 inches deep, and contains when struck 
2,218.192 cubic inches. A cord measures 

"4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet and contains 128 cubic 
feet. A cubic foot contains 1,728 cubic inches. 
An acre contains 43,560 square feet, or 4,840 
square yards. A square acre measures very 
nearly 70 yards, or 210 feet, on each side. A 


10-acre field is 40 rods, or 220 yards. or 660 
feet, on each side; to double the length of the 
side makes four times the area of a field. 
Cubic yards of soil required to cover an acre 
four inches deep, 538; six inches deep, 807 
cubic yards. — 
Table for Taking Inside Dimensions: 

A box 24x 24x 15in, will contain a bbl. of 814 gallons. 


16x 14x llin. ‘ se 10 gallons. 
* 8ix Tx 4in. se 1 gallon. 
es x 4x 8Zin, ‘ a 1 quart. 
“24x 28x 16in. ‘ es 5 bush, 
“ 16x 12xfijin. « as 1 bush. 
“« W2xllix in. “* oe bush. 
ae ae 64x 12in. $e peck. 
an 4 x 4in, “ “ eck, or 4 d: ts. 
“ 6x 52x 4in, « as {canes ee 


“ 4x 4x9in, se 1 pint. 


526 


HENDERSON’S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 


Measuring Trees, Etc.—This very simple plan 
of ascertaining the height ‘of trees, etc., is 
taken from the Journal of Hortieultwre(London, 
July, 1888). The tree measurer on the right 
of the figure consists of a staff six feet long, 
pointed for pressing into the ground., To the 
centre of .the staff a piece of half-inch board 
twelve inches wide and exactly square is 
affixed with screws. The diagonal croas 
lath is three feet long and perfectly straight. 
It may be fixed or movable; if the latter, 
a small button being screwed on the board 
for it to rest on when in use. The plumb 
line is indispensable, as no correct measure- 


ment can be had without it. The plumb- 
bob may be about the size of a small walnut, 
the string passing through its centre. 

_ In measuring the tree, the staff is placed 
at a distance from it, so that with the 
plumb exactly perpendicular the cross lath 
points to the top of the tree. The person 
taking the ‘‘sight” resting on one knee 
or reclining to bring the eye to the bottom 
of the lath. The lath is then drawn to the 
ground, where the end rests at © in the 
figure, or, if the lath is fixed, a string will 
answer the purpose of extending the sight- 
line to the ground. From this point C to 
the centre of the trunk will represent the 
actual height of the tree; or to put the matter 
concisely, the horizontal line A C is equal to 
the vertical A B. 

When the ground is irregular, provision 
must be made for having the line level from 
the root of the tree, or Ain the figure, to C. 
The central board must be a true square, 
the perfectly straight sighting lath resting 
across it exactly from corner to corner, as 
the least deviation will lead to error, and the 
weight must hang positively plumb, other- 
wise the measurement will not be accurate. 


Measuring the Width of a River. The ap- 
proximate breadth of a river or other stream 
may be determined by means of the brim of 
a hat or the peak of a cap, and this can be 
done by a boy as well asaman. The person 
desiring to ascertain this fact must place 
himself at the edge of one bank of the river 
and lower the brim of his hat, or peak of his 
cap, till he finds the edge just cuts the other 
bank; then, after placing the hand under the 
chin, so as to steady his head and keep it in 
exactly the same position, he must turn round 
steadily till he faces some level ground on his 


own side of the river, and observe when the 
edge of the peak again. meets the ground. 
The measure of this distance will be very 
nearly the breadth of the river. : 


Common and Chemical Names of Various 
Substances.—Aqua fortis is nitric acid. Aqua 
regia is nitro-muriatic acid. Blue vitriol is sul- 
phate of copper. Cream of tartar is. bitartrate 
potassium. Calomel is chloride of mercury. 
Chalk is carbonate of calcium. Salt of tartur is 
carbonate of potassa. Caustic potassa is hy- 
drate potassium. Chloroform is chloride of 
formyle. Common salt is chloride of sodium. 
Copperas, or green vitriol, is sulphate of iron. 
Corrosive sublimate is bichloride of mercury. 
Dry alum is sulphate aluminum and potassium, 
Epsom salts is sulphate of magnesia. Ethiops 
mineral is black sulphate of mercury. Fire damp 
is light carburetted hydrogen. Galena is sul- 
phide of lead. Glauber salt is sulphate of so- 
dium. Glucose is grape sugar. Goulard water 


is basic acetate of lead. Iron pyrites is bisul- 


phide of iron. Jeweler’s putty is oxide of tin. 
King’s yellow is sulphide of arsenic. Laughing 
gas is protoxide of nitrogen. Lime is oxide of 
calcium. Lunar caustic is nitrate of silver. 
Mosaic gold is bisulphide of tin. Muriate of 
lime is chloride of calcium. Nitrate of salt- 
petre is nitrate of potash. Oil of vitriol is sul- 
phuric acid. Potash is oxide of potassium. 
Realgar is red sulphuret of arsenic. Red lead 
is oxide of lead. Rust of iron is oxide of iron. 
Sal ammoniac is muriate of ammonia. Slacked 
lime is,hydrate calcium. Soda is oxide of so- 
dium. Spirits of hartshorn is ammonia. Spirits 
of salt is hydrochloride of muriatic acid. Stucco, 
or plaster of Paris, is sulphate of lime. Sugar 
of lead-is acetate of lead. Verdigris is basic 
acetate of copper. Vermilion is sulphide of 
mercury. Vinegar is acetic acid diluted. Vol- 
atile alkali is ammonia. Water is oxide of 
hydrogen. _ White precipitate is ammoniated 
eee White vitriol is sulphate of zinc.— 
ron. 


Quantity and Weight of Water in Six Feet 
of Pipe of the Following Diameters: 


Pounds. 


Diameter. Gallons. 
3 inch. 0.05 0 06 
1 eae 2 05 0.24 
140~« 4,60 054 
2 1) gas 28 seis 8.18 0.96 
3 © spaie a Wee eeens hSioeeras Tee er 13.41 _ 2.16 
* : 32.12 3.84 


For double the diameter multiply contents tour times. 


Weight of Lead Pipes per Foot: 


Diameter. No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. 
lbs. oz. | Ibs. oz. | lbs. oz. 
1 2 |a oh we ey 
1 8 1 12 2 00 
2 0 2 il 2 14 
3 0 3 iL 4 7 
4 0 4 1 5 9 
5 9 7 00 8 56 
qT 0 8 9 10 00 


Strength of Rope. A good rope will sustain a 
weight in pounds equal to the number of the 
square of the circumference in inches, multi- 
plied by 200. Thus, a rope three inches in 
circumference, or one inch in thickness, will 
sustain 1,800 pounds with safety. 3x3=9xX 
200—=1,800 lbs. 


PETER HENDERSON’S WORKS. 


GARDENING FOR PLEASURE. — By Peter Henperson. 


New Edition. Tells how to grow Flowers, Vegetables and small 
Fruits, in the Garden and Green-house; also treats fully on 
Window and House Plants. It was specially written for ama- 
teurs—contains 404 pages, and is fully illustrated. Price, $2.00, 
post-paid. The scope of this book includes: 


Preparation of the Ground—Walks—The Lawn—Design for Gardens—Planting of Lawn and 
Flower Beds—Fall or Holland Bulbs, etc.—Propagation of Plants by Seeds—Propagation of Plants by 
Cuttings—How Grafting and Budding are done—The Potting of Plants—Winter Flowering Plants— 
Plants suited for Summer Decoration—Window Gardening—Culture of Water Lilies and other Aquatic 
Plants—The Chrysanthemum—Parlor Gardening, or the Cultivation of Plants in Rooms—Green- 
houses attached to Dwellings—Detached Green-houses, Modes of Heating, etc.—Green-houses and 
Pits Without Artificial Heating—Flowers: that will Grow in the Shade—Insects and other Parasites 
injurious to Plants—Humbugs in Horticulture—Hardy Grapes—The Cold Grapery—The Hot-house or 
Forcing Grapery—The Strawberry—The Vegetable Garden—Monthly Calendar of Operations. 


GARDENING FOR PROFIT.—By PETER HENDERSON. /Vew 


Edition. A new, revised and greatly enlarged edition of this 
popular work. This book gives in detail our 25 years’ expe- 
rience in Market Gardening, and a revised list of varieties in 
vegetables recommended for market culture. Written particularly 
for the Market Gardener, but is equally valuable for the Private 
Gardener. Fully illustrated; 375 pages. Price, $2.00, post-paid. 
Its contents are: 


The Forcing of all important Vegetables and Fruit under Glass—The Men Fitted for the Business - 
—The Amount of Capital required and Working Force per Acre—Profits of Market Gardening—Loca- 
tion, Situation and Laying Out—Soils, Drainage and Preparation—Manures—The Uses and Management 
of Cold Frames—Protecting Cloth in lieu of Sashes—Spring raising of Cabbage, Cauliflower and 
Lettuce—Formation and Management of Hot-beds—Forcing Pits or Green-houses—Wide Green-houses 
for Vegetable Crops—Forcing Strawberries—Seeds and Seed Raising—How, When and Where to Sow 
Seeds—Transplanting—Vegetables, their Varieties and Cultivation—When to Sow and Plant i in the 
Southern States—Packing of Vegetables for Shipping—Preservation of Vegetables i in Winter—Insects 
—Culture of Small Fruits—Monthly Calendar of Operations. 


GARDEN AND FARM TOPICS.—By Peter Henversow. 


Tells how to Grow Bulbs, and contains essays on some special 
Green-house, Vegetable, Fruit and Farm Crops. Fully illus- 
trated; 244 pages. Price, $1 00, post-paid. 


527 


PETER HENDERSON’S WORKS. 


PRACTICAL FLORICULTURE. — By Peter HENDERSON. 


New Edition. Written particularly for the Commercial Florist, 
but equally valuable for the Amateur. This work teaches how 
flowers and plants can best be ‘“ grown for profit.” It is admitted 
to be the leading authority on this subject. Fully illustrated, 
325 pages. Price, $1.50, post-paid. Some of the contents : 


How to become a Florist—The Profits of Floriculture—Aspect and Soil—The Preparation for New 
and the Renovation of Old Lawns—Laying out the Flower Garden—Designs for Ornamental Grounds 
and Flower Gardens—Planting of Flower Beds—Soils for Potting—Temperature and Moisture—The 
Potting of Planis—Drainage in Pots—Cold Frames for Winter Protection—Construction of Hot-beds— 
Green-house Structures—Glass, Glazing and Shading—Modes of Heating—Propagatiun of Plants by 
Seeds—Propagation of Plants by Cuttings—Propagating Roses by Grafting and Budding—Green-house 
Plants most in demand in Spring—Cold Frame Plants most sold in Spring-—-Plants most in demand for 
Window Decoration in Winter—Culture of Winter Flowering Plants for Cut Flowers—Rose Growing in 
Winter—Bulbs for Winter Flowers—Plants used for Decoration of Rooms—Construction of Bouquets, 
etc.—Hanging Baskets —Parlor or Window Gardening—Formation of Rock-work and Plants for Rocks— 
What Flowers will grow in the Shade—Succession Crops in the Green-house—Packing Plants—Plants 
by Mail—Insects and Diseases Affecting Plants—Mildew—Diary of Operations for the Year—The 
Culture of Grape Vines under Glass. 


How THE FARM PAYS.—By Messrs. Crozier and HeEn- 


person. An acknowledged authority for Farmers. Gives all 
of the Latest Methods of Growing Grass, Grain, Root Crops, 
Fruits, etc., and all about Stock, I'arm Machinery, etc., etc. 
Price, $2.50, post-paid. Some of the contents : , 


Training for the Business of Farming—Agricultural College Education—Selection of Soils—Farm 
Roads—Draining—Manures and the Modes of Application—Special Fertilizers—Green 'Manuring— 
Fertilizing by Feeding—Plowing—Harrowing—Cultivating and Rolling Land—Use of the Feet in 
Sowing and Planting—Rotation of Crops—Crops for Soiling and Fodder—Soiling Crops—Abortion in 
Cows and its Causes—-Grass and its Management—Varieties of Grasses—Mixed Grasses for Pasture 
and Hay- Cutting and Curing of Hay—Clover Hay—Ensilage—Ensilage compared with Roots—Live 
Stock of the Farm—Cows for the Dairy—Feed and Care for Milk and Butter—Young Cattle and their 
Care—Management of the Dairy—Farm Houses —Sheep—Swine—Farm Buildings—Fences—Rearing 
and Keeping Poultry—Pests of the Farm and the Remedies—Farm Machinery—Implements and Tools 
—Farm Culture of Vegetables and Fruits—Cabbage—Celery—Sweet Corn—Cucumbers for Pickles— 
Melons as a Market Crop--Onions—Culture of Principal Small Fruit Crops—Strawberries—Blackberries 
—Raspberries —Currants—Gooseberries—Grapes—Orchard Fruits, etc.