Chapter M: A. S. Salm-Dyck. Monographia generum Aloes et Mesembryanthemi (7)

=A. m. variegata= (variegated). _l._ large, somewhat cordate, with
slightly waved margins, bright green, blotched and marbled with
white, sometimes nearly quite white; footstalks broadly streaked
with pure white. Ceylon. A very striking and effective large
growing plant.

=A. Marshallii= (Marshall's). _l._ green, with dark blotches, and
broad central silvery band. India, 1811.

=A. metallica= (metallic). Synonymous with _A. cuprea_.

=A. navicularis= (boat-shaped spathe). _fl._, spathe boat-shaped,
whitish. _h._ 1ft. India, 1855.

=A. Roezlii.= _See_ =Caladium marmoratum=.

=A. scabriuscula= (roughish).* _fl._, spathe entirely white;
limb 3in. long, oblong, cuspidate. _l._ spreading, not deflexed,
sagittate, not in the least peltate, deep shining green above, pale
green beneath, extreme length 22in. to 31in. _h._ 4ft. to 4-1/2ft.
North-West Borneo, 1878. Although this is not such an ornamental
species as _A. Lowii_, _A. Thibautiana_, or _A. cuprea_, it has the
merit of being a much larger and bolder plant than either of these,
and is one of the largest species in the genus.

=A. Sedeni= (Seden's).* A hybrid between _A. Lowii_ and _A.
cuprea_. _l._ oval, cordate, sagittate, deflexed, bronzy green,
purple beneath, veins distinct ivory white.

=A. Thibautiana= (Thibaut's).* _l._ ovate-acute, deeply cordate;
basal lobes rounded and not sharply pointed, deep olive
greyish-green, traversed by numerous grey veinlets branching from
the midrib, which is greyish-white, purple beneath. Borneo, 1878.
This is said to be by far the finest of the genus.

=A. variegata= (variegated). _fl._ whitish. _l._ leafstalk mottled
with violet. India, 1854.

=A. zebrina= (zebra).* _l._ erect, broadly sagittate, rich dark
green borne upon stout footstalks, which are pale green, mottled
and striped with zigzag bands of dark green. _h._ 4ft. or more.
Philippine Isles, 1862.

=ALOE= (from _Alloeh_, its Arabic name). Allied genera: _Apicra_, _Haworthia_, _Pachidendron_, _Phylloma_. Including _Rhipodendron_. ORD. _Liliaceæ_. This hitherto much confused genus, and its allies, have been completely revised by Mr. J. G. Baker (_vide_ "Journal of the Linnean Society," vol. xxviii. pp. 152-182), to whose account we are indebted for many of the following particulars:--Plant with or without stems; shrubs or (rarely) trees; leaves thick, fleshy, frequently in a rosette; peduncles simple or racemed, endowed with few or many empty bracts. Flowers racemed; pedicels bracteated at base, solitary; perianth-tube straight or slightly recurved; segments elongated; stamens hypogynous, as long as the perianth, or longer. Mr. Baker describes over eighty species, many of which, for various and important reasons, have no claim upon our space. Natives of the Cape of Good Hope, except where otherwise stated. These very interesting and curious plants thrive well in a mixture of open loam and peat, together with a small quantity of well decomposed manure. If old brick rubbish, or any other similar material is mixed with the soil to ensure perfect and rapid drainage, so much the better. Water, especially during winter, must be carefully administered. They thrive in an ordinary greenhouse, and cannot have too much light at any time.

=A. abyssinica= (Abyssinian).* _fl._, perianth twelve to fifteen
lines long; raceme dense-oblong, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. to
3in. broad; lower pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncle
branched, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. _l._ about twenty in a rosette,
ensiform, 1-1/2ft. to 2-1/2ft. long, acuminate, green, sometimes
spotted, five to six lines thick in middle; back rounded; marginal
prickles distant, deltoid, one to two lines long. Stem simple, 1ft.
to 2ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter. Abyssinia, 1777. SYN. _A.
maculata_.

=A. a. Peacockii= (Peacock's). This is a rare variety.

=A. africana= (African). _fl._, perianth yellow, fifteen to
eighteen lines long; racemes dense, 1ft. in length, 3in. in
diameter; peduncle very strong, branched. _l._ in a dense rosette,
ensiform, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 2-1/2in. to 3in. broad, slowly
narrowing from base to the apex, channelled above the middle, where
it is four to five lines thick; marginal prickles close, one and a
half to two lines long. Stem simple, when fully grown, 20ft.

=A. albispina= (white-spined).* _fl._, perianth red, 1-1/2in. long;
raceme dense, nearly 1ft. long, 4in. broad; lower pedicels fifteen
to eighteen lines long; peduncles simple, 1-1/2ft. _l._ loosely
disposed, lanceolate, ascending, 6in. to 8in. long, 2in. broad,
green, without spots or lines; face concave upwards; middle three
to four lines thick; back sparingly tubercled; marginal prickles
white, horny, two lines long. Stem simple, short, 1in. to 1-1/2in.
in diameter. 1796.

=A. albocincta= (white-banded).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red, ten
to twelve lines long; racemes twenty or more, shortly capitate,
2in. to 2-1/2in. in diameter when expanded; pedicels ascending,
six to nine lines long; scape stout, branched, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft.
_l._ twelve to twenty in a dense rosette, outer ones recurved,
lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, glaucous,
obscurely lined and spotted; middle three to four lines thick;
margin red or white tinted. Stems in old specimens, 1ft. to
2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. in diameter. SYNS. _A. Hanburyana_, _A.
paniculata_, and _A. striata_.

=A. arborescens= (tree-like).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to
eighteen lines long; raceme dense, about 1ft.; pedicels ascending,
twelve to fifteen lines long; peduncles strong, 1-1/2ft., simple
or branched. _l._ (rosette 3ft. to 4ft. in diameter) dense,
aggregate, ensiform, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft.; base 2in. broad, thence to
apex attenuated, acuminated, green, rather glaucous, without spots
or lines; middle three to four lines long; base five to six lines
thick; upper surface beyond the base channelled; marginal prickles
close, one and a half to two lines long, horny. Stem simple,
finally 10ft. to 12ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter. 1700.

=A. a. frutescens= (shrubby). Dwarfer. _l._ often loose, and
shorter, intensely glaucous; peduncle simple. Stem slender,
sometimes racemosed.

=A. aristata= (awned). _fl._, perianth red, fourteen to sixteen
lines long; raceme simple, loose, 4in. to 6in. long, and about
4in. broad; pedicels sub-patent, thirteen to eighteen lines long;
scape simple, 1ft. _l._ about fifty in a dense rosette, ascending,
lanceolate, 3in. to 4in. long, six to eight lines broad, without
spots or lines; face flat, sparingly tubercled; middle one and a
half lines thick; back copiously tubercled; apex bearded with a
pellucid awn; marginal teeth diffuse, white, half line long. 1824.

=A. Bainesii= (Baines').* _fl._, perianth fifteen to sixteen lines
long, yellowish red; raceme simple, dense, oblong, 3-1/2in. to
4in. in diameter when expanded; pedicels thick, two to three lines
long; peduncles upright, strong, eight to nine lines in diameter.
_l._ closely packed at the top of the branch, ensiform, 1ft. to
1-1/2ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in diameter, green, spotted, deeply
channelled, recurved; middle two to three lines thick; marginal
prickles pale, rather distant, one to one and a half lines long.
Arborescent, branched. _h._ 40ft. to 60ft.; trunk 4ft. to 5ft. in
diameter. SYNS. _A. Barberæ_, _A. Zeyheri_.

=A. barbadensis= (Barbadoes). Synonymous with _A. vera_.

=A. Barberæ= (Barber's). Synonymous with _A. Bainesii_.

=A. brevifolia= (short-leaved).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to
eighteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in. long, 2-1/2in. to 3in. in
diameter; pedicels upright, six to twelve lines long; peduncles
simple, hardly 1ft. long. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette,
lanceolate, 3in. to 4in. long, and 1in. broad at the base,
glaucous, without spots or lines; face unarmed, below swollen or
flat; middle three to four lines thick; back convex, sparingly
tubercled; marginal teeth whitish, one to one and a half lines
long. Stem short, simple. SYN. _A. prolifera_.

=A. b. depressa= (depressed). _fl._ somewhat larger; peduncles
1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long. _l._ 6in. long; bottom 1-1/2in. to 2in.
broad; face sometimes sparingly tubercled.

=A. cæsia= (bluish-grey).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to sixteen
lines long; racemes dense, nearly 1ft. long, 2in. to 3in. in
diameter; pedicels twelve to fifteen lines long; scape simple, 6in.
_l._ rather dense, lanceolate acuminate, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft.; bottom
2in. to 3in. broad, intensely glaucous, without spot or lines,
slightly channelled upwards; middle 3in. to 4in. thick; marginal
prickles red, one to one and a half lines long. Stem simple,
finally, in old specimens, 12ft. to 14ft. 1815.

=A. Candollei= (De Candolle's). A mere form of _A. humilis_.

=A. chinensis= (Chinese). _fl._, perianth yellow, 1in. long; raceme
loose, simple, 6in. to 8in. long, and 2in. broad; pedicels one
and a half to two lines long; peduncle simple, 6in. to 12in. _l._
fifteen to twenty in a dense rosette, ensiform, 9in. to 12in. long,
1-1/2in. broad at the bottom, pale green, not lined; base nearly
flat; middle three to four lines thick; upper surface channelled;
marginal prickles distant, pale, one to one and a half lines long.
Stem short, simple. China, 1817.

=A. ciliata= (ciliated).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red, twelve
to fifteen lines long; raceme simple, loose, 2in. to 4in. long;
pedicels three to four lines long; peduncles slender, simple. _l._
linear, widely spreading, amplexicaul, green, 4in. to 6in. long;
base six to nine lines broad, slowly narrowing towards the apex,
without spots or lines; middle one line thick; marginal teeth
minute, white. Stems long, sarmentose; branches three to four
lines in diameter; internodes six to twelve lines long, obscurely
striated with green. 1826.

=A. Commelyni= (Commelin's). A mere form of _A. mitræformis_.

=A. consobrina= (related). _fl._, perianth yellowish red, twelve to
fifteen lines long; raceme rather loose, oblong, cylindrical, 3in.
to 4in. long, and 2in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines
long; scape 1-1/2ft., slender, branched. _l._ loosely disposed,
ensiform, 6in. to 8in. long, and 1in. broad, green, spotted white;
face channelled; middle three lines thick; marginal prickles
minute, brownish; rosette 10in. to 12in. (sometimes 2ft.) in
diameter; upper leaves ascending; central ones spreading half open;
lower ones deflexed. Stem 2ft., simple, 1in. in diameter. South
Africa, 1845.

=A. Cooperi= (Cooper's).* _fl._, perianth fifteen to eighteen
lines long; raceme close, 3in. to 6in. long, and 3in. to 4in. in
diameter; lower pedicels 1in. to 2in. long; scape simple, 1-1/2ft.
to 2ft. _l._ when mature, 8in. to 10in. long, distichous, falcate,
lined; outer ones 1-1/2ft. to 2ft., above the base six to eight
lines broad, greenish, deeply channelled, sparingly spotted; middle
one and a half to two lines thick; marginal teeth minute, close,
white. Plant stemless. Natal, 1862. SYN. _A. Schmidtiana_.

=A. dichotoma= (two-branched).* Quiver-tree. _fl._, perianth
oblong, ten to twelve lines long; raceme loose, 2in. to 4in. long,
and 2in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncles
stout, branched. _l._ closely packed, at the top of the branch,
lanceolate, 8in. to 12in. long; bottom twelve to fifteen lines
broad, glaucous, without spots or lines, slightly channelled above
the base; middle three to four lines thick, narrow-margined with
white; marginal prickles minute, pale. Trunk short, sometimes
3ft. to 4ft. in diameter. _h._ 20ft. to 30ft. 1781. Arborescent,
branched.

=A. distans= (distant).* _fl._, perianth pale red, fifteen to
eighteen lines long; raceme densely capitate, 3in. to 4in. in
diameter; lower pedicels twelve to fifteen lines long; peduncles
1-1/2ft., usually simple. _l._ ascending, loosely disposed,
ovate-lanceolate, 3in. to 5in. long, and 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad,
green, slightly glaucous, without spots and lines; face concave;
middle three to four lines thick; back sparingly tubercled;
marginal prickles close, white, horny, one to one and a half lines
long. Stem short, simple, 1in. in diameter; internodes pale,
striated green. 1732.

=A. glauca= (milky-green).* _fl._, perianth pale red, fifteen
to sixteen lines long; peduncles simple, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long,
3-1/2in. to 4in. in diameter; pedicels 1in. to 1-1/2in. long. _l._
thirty to forty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. to 8in. long;
at the base 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, slowly narrowing towards the
apex, intensely glaucous, spotless, obscurely lined; middle three
to four lines thick; face above the base slightly concave; back
tubercled at apex; marginal teeth spreading, brownish, one to one
and a half lines long. Stem simple, at length, about 1ft., 1-1/2in.
to 2in. in diameter. 1731.

=A. gracilis= (graceful). _fl._, perianth yellow, straight,
fourteen to sixteen lines long; raceme densely packed, simple,
2in. to 3in.; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncle simple,
6in. to 9in. long, two-edged at the base. _l._ loosely disposed,
spreading, 6in. to 10in. long; base ten to twelve lines broad,
ensiform, acuminated, glaucous, spotless and without lines; face
slightly channelled; back rounded; marginal prickles close, minute.
Stem leafy, simple. 1822.

=A. Greenii= (Green's).* _fl._, perianth pale red, fourteen to
fifteen lines long; raceme oblong, 4in. to 8in. long, and 3in.
in diameter; lower pedicels five to six lines long; scape 2ft.
long. _l._ in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 15in. to 18in. long;
bottom 2-1/2in. to 3in. broad, slowly narrowing from middle to the
apex; middle three to four lines thick; face flat, shining green,
obscurely lined and spotted white; marginal prickles spreading, one
and a half to two lines long, horny. Stem short, simple, 1-1/2in.
in diameter. South Africa, 1875.

=A. Hanburyana= (Hanbury's). Synonymous with _A. albocincta_.

=A. humilis= (humble).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red, eighteen
lines long; raceme loose, simple, 6in. long, and 2in. to 2-1/2in.
in diameter; pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncles
about 1ft. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, ascending,
lanceolate, acuminate, 3in. to 4in. long, six to eight lines
broad, glaucous green, obscurely lined; face slightly concave
above, sparingly tubercled; middle three lines thick; back convex;
marginal prickles pale, one line long. Plant stemless. 1731.

=A. h. acuminata= (taper-pointed). _l._ ovate-lanceolate, 4in. to
5in. long, fifteen to eighteen lines broad; marginal prickles pale,
two to two and a half lines long. _A. incurva_, _A. suberecta_,
and _A. subtuberculata_, of Haworth; _A. Candollei_, and _A.
macilenta_, of Baker, are mere forms of the foregoing species.

=A. incurva= (incurved). A mere form of _A. humilis_.

=A. latifolia= (broad-leaved).* _fl._, perianth brilliant golden
scarlet, fifteen to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, corymbose,
terminal, 4in. to 5in. long and wide; lower pedicels 1-1/2in. to
2in. long; peduncle robust, 2ft., often branched. _l._ twelve to
twenty in a dense rosette, ovate-lanceolate, 6in. long, 2-1/2in. to
3-1/2in. broad at bottom, slowly narrowing from below the middle
upwards, green, not lined, but copiously spotted white; middle
three to four lines thick; marginal prickles one and a half to two
lines long, horny, brownish. Stem at length, 1ft. to 2ft., 1-1/2in.
to 2in. in diameter, simple. 1795.

=A. lineata= (line-marked).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen
to eighteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in.; pedicels hardly
perpendicular, fifteen to eighteen lines long; scape simple, 1ft.
_l._ in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. long, 2in. broad at base,
narrowing slowly from thence to the apex, pale green, spotless,
lined; middle three lines thick, channelled upwards on both sides,
unarmed; marginal teeth numerous, red, one and a half to two lines
long. Stem finally 6in. to 1ft., simple, 2in. in diameter. 1789.

=A. macilenta= (thin). A mere form of _A. humilis_.

=A. macracantha= (long-spined). _fl._ unknown. _l._ fifteen to
twenty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 15in. to 20in. long, and
3in. to 4in. broad at the bottom, slightly narrowed from middle to
apex; middle four lines thick; face flat, green, obscurely lined,
spotted; marginal prickles horny, three to four lines long. Stem
simple, 2ft. to 3ft., 1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter. South Africa,
1862.

=A. macrocarpa= (large-fruited).* _fl._, perianth club-shaped,
brilliant red, fifteen to sixteen lines long; raceme loose,
terminal, 6in. long, and 2-1/2in. to 3in. in diameter; lower
pedicels 1/2in. long; peduncles 2ft. _l._ twelve to twenty in a
dense rosette, ovate-lanceolate, less than 1ft. long; bottom 3in.
to 4in. broad; top channelled; middle three to four lines thick,
green, copiously spotted; marginal prickles spreading, half line
long. Stem short, simple. Abyssinia, 1870.

=A. maculata= (spotted). Synonymous with _A. abyssinica_.

=A. margaritifera= (pearl-bearing). _See_ =Haworthia margaritifera=.

=A. mitræformis= (mitre-shaped).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red,
eighteen to twenty-one lines long; raceme dense, corymbose, 4in.
to 6in. long, and nearly as much in diameter; pedicels ascending;
lower ones fifteen to eighteen lines long; peduncles strong,
1-1/2ft., sometimes branched. _l._ rather loosely disposed,
ascending, lanceolate, about 1ft. long, 2in. to 3in. broad; green,
slightly glaucous, without spots or lines; face concave; middle
three to four lines thick; back convex, sparingly tubercled; apex
horny, pungent; marginal prickles rather close, pale, one to one
and a half lines long. Stem finally 3ft. to 4ft., simple, 1in. to
2in. in diameter.

=A. m. flavispina= (yellow-spined). Differs from the type in
having narrower and more lanceolate leaves, and yellow spines.
_A. Commelyni_, _A. spinulosa_, _A. pachyphylla_, and _A.
xanthacantha_, are also forms of this species.

=A. myriacantha= (many-spined). _fl._, perianth pale red, eight
to nine lines long; racemes densely capitate, 2in. in diameter;
pedicels four to six lines long; peduncles slender, simple, 1ft.
_l._ ten to twelve, falcate, linear, 5in. to 6in. long, four to
five lines broad, green, glaucous; face deeply channelled; back
convex, spotted white; marginal teeth numerous, white. Plant
stemless. 1823.

=A. nobilis= (noble).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to eighteen
lines long; raceme dense, 6 or more inches long, 4in. broad; lower
pedicels 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; peduncles simple, 1-1/2ft. _l._
rather loosely disposed, lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, 2-1/4in.
to 4in. broad; face green, without spots or lines, concave above
the base; middle three to four lines thick; apex rather pungent;
back prickly upwards; marginal prickles rather close, one and a
half to two lines long, horny. Stem simple, at length 3ft. to 4ft.
high, 1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter. 1800.

=A. pachyphylla= (thick-leaved). A mere form of _A. mitræformis_.

=A. paniculata= (panicled). Synonymous with _A. albocincta_.

=A. Perryi= (Perry's).* _fl._, perianth greenish, nine to ten lines
long; raceme dense, 3in. to 4in. long; pedicels three to four
lines long; inflorescence 1-1/2ft. long, commonly two-headed. _l._
in a rosette, lanceolate, 7in. to 8in. long, and 2-1/2in. broad,
from below the middle to the apex narrowed, pale glaucous green,
spotless, obscurely lined, channelled above the base; middle three
to four lines thick; marginal teeth close, horny, one line long.
Stem simple, 1in. in diameter. Socotra, 1879.

=A. prolifera= (proliferous). Synonymous with _A. brevifolia_.

=A. purpurascens= (purplish). _fl._, perianth reddish, twelve to
fifteen lines long; raceme dense, 6in. to 9in. long, and about 3in.
in diameter; pedicels nine to twelve lines long; scape strong,
simple, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. _l._ forty to fifty in a dense rosette,
1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long, ensiform, 2in. broad at the base, slowly
narrowed towards the apex, green; base flat; middle three lines
thick, slightly channelled upwards, sometimes spotted; marginal
prickles small, white. Stem 2ft. to 3ft., sometimes forked. 1789.

=A. rhodocincta= (red-margined), of gardens, is probably a form of
_A. albocincta_.

=A. saponaria= (soapy).* _fl._, perianth brilliant red, eighteen to
twenty-one lines long; raceme dense, corymbose, 3in. to 4in. long
and wide; lower pedicels 1-1/2in. to 2in. long; scape 1ft. to 2ft.,
simple, or sparingly branched. _l._ twelve to twenty in a dense
rosette, lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, eighteen to twenty-four
lines broad, narrowed from below the middle upwards; middle three
to four lines broad; face flat at bottom; back swollen, green,
copiously spotted, distinctly lined; marginal prickles adjoining,
horny, one and a half to two lines long. Stem short, simple,
1-1/2in. to 2in. in diameter. 1727.

=A. Schimperi= (Schimper's).* _fl._, perianth bright red, eighteen
to twenty-one lines long; racemes densely corymbose, 4in. in
diameter; pedicels twelve to fifteen lines long; scape strong, 3ft.
long, strongly branched above. _l._ twenty in a dense rosette,
oblong-lanceolate, about 1ft. long, 4in. broad, glaucous green,
lined, sometimes spotted, three to four lines thick at middle,
above which they are channelled; teeth minute, spreading. Stem
short, simple. Abyssinia, 1876.

=A. Schmidtiana= (Schmidt's). Synonymous with _A. Cooperi_.

=A. serra= (saw). _fl._, perianth brilliant red, eighteen lines
long; raceme simple, dense, 6in. long or more, 3in. to 4in. in
diameter; pedicels six to twelve lines long; scape simple, 1-1/2ft.
to 2ft. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 3in.
to 5in. long, twelve to eighteen lines broad below, without spots
and lines; base swollen, concave towards the apex; middle three to
four lines thick, sparingly tubercled; marginal prickles close, one
to one and a half lines long. Plant shortly stemmed. 1818.

=A. serratula= (finely-toothed).* _fl._, perianth red, fifteen to
eighteen lines long; raceme rather dense, 6in. long; pedicels six
to nine lines long; peduncles simple, about 1ft. _l._ twelve to
twenty in a dense rosette, lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long; bottom
1-1/2in. to 2-1/4in. broad, pale green; face below the top flat
or slightly concave, obscurely lined, spotted; margin minutely
denticulated. Stem simple, finally 1ft. to 2ft. high, 1-1/2in. to
2in. in diameter. 1789.

=A. spinulosa= (spiny). A mere form of _A. mitræformis_.

=A. striata= (striated). Synonymous with _A. albocincta_.

=A. striatula= (slightly striped).* _fl._, perianth yellow, twelve
to fifteen lines long; raceme oblong, rather dense, simple, 3in. to
6in. long, and 2in. in diameter; pedicels short; peduncles simple,
nearly 1ft. _l._ linear, spreading, green, 6in. to 9in. long; base
not dilated, six to eight lines broad, above the base upwards
narrowed, slightly channelled; middle one line thick; marginal
prickles deltoid. Stem long, sarmentose; floral branches three to
six lines in diameter; internodes 6in. to 12in. long. 1823.

=A. suberecta= (slightly erect). A mere form of _A. humilis_.

=A. subtuberculata= (slightly knobbed). A mere form of _A. humilis_.

=A. succotrina= (Socotrine).* _fl._, perianth reddish, fifteen
lines long; raceme dense, about 1ft. long, 2-1/2in. to 3in. in
diameter; lower pedicels nine to twelve lines long; peduncles
simple, 1-1/2ft. _l._ thirty to forty in a dense rosette, ensiform,
acuminate, falcate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; base 2in.; middle 1in.
broad, green, slightly glaucous, sometimes spotted, slightly
channelled upwards; marginal prickles pale, one line long. Stem
3ft. to 5ft., often forked. Isle of Socotra. 1731.

=A. tenuior= (thinned). _fl._, perianth pale yellow, five to six
lines long; racemes rather loose, simple, oblong, nearly 1ft. 2in.
in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long; peduncles slender,
simple, 4in. to 8in. _l._ loose, linear, 5in. to 8in. long, slowly
narrowing from middle towards apex, green, spotless, slightly
channelled; middle one line thick; marginal prickles minute, pale.
Stem long, sarmentose. 1821.

=A. tricolor= (three-coloured).* _fl._, perianth coral red, fleshy;
raceme loose, oblong, 3in. to 4in. long, and 2in. broad; pedicels
ascending, three to four lines long; scape 1-1/2ft. long, glaucous
purple; panicle deltoid. _l._ twelve to sixteen in a close rosette,
lanceolate, 5in. to 6in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad at bottom,
slowly narrowing from below the middle to apex; middle five to
six lines thick; back rounded; face slightly swollen, copiously
spotted, not lined; marginal prickles close, spreading, about one
line long. Stem short, simple. South Africa, 1875.

=A. variegata= (variegated).* _fl._, perianth reddish, fifteen
to sixteen lines long; raceme simple, loose, 3in. to 4in. long
and about 3in. in diameter; pedicels three to four lines long;
scape simple, tapering, 6in. to 8in. _l._ close, erecto-patent,
lanceolate, 4in. to 5in. long, 1in. broad; face concave; back
keeled, bright green, copiously spotted grey on both sides; margin
whitish, denticulated. 1790. This is the variegated Aloe so
frequently seen in cottage windows.

=A. vera= (true).* _fl._, perianth yellow, cylindrical, 3/4in. to
1in. long; raceme dense, 6in. to 12in. long; scape strong, 2ft. to
3ft. long, simple or branched. _l._ ensiform, dense, aggregate,
2in. to 4in. broad, narrowing from the base to apex, pale green;
middle about 1/2in. thick; face channelled above the base; marginal
prickles subdistant, deltoid, horny. Stem rarely more than 1ft. or
2ft. 1596. SYNS. _A. barbadensis_, _A. vulgaris_. See Fig. 61.

=A. vulgaris= (common). Synonymous with _A. vera_.

=A. xanthacantha= (yellow-spined). A mere form of _A. mitræformis_.

=A. Zeyheri= (Zeyher's). A garden synonym of _A. Bainesii_.

=ALOMIA= (from _a_, not, and _loma_, a fringe). ORD. _Compositæ_. Allied to _Eupatoria_. An ornamental half-hardy evergreen plant. Grows freely in sandy loam, and may be propagated by cuttings.

=A. ageratoides= (ageratum-like). _fl.-heads_ white, many flowered;
involucrum campanulate, imbricate; scales narrow, acute; receptacle
naked, convex. July. _l._ opposite, or upper ones alternate,
petiolate, denticulated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. New Spain, 1824.

=ALONA= (primitive name, _Nolana_--letters transposed; from _nola_, a little bell, in allusion to the shape of the flowers). ORD. _Nolanaceæ_. A genus of pretty evergreen shrubs closely allied to _Nolana_, but differing principally in having several ovaries from one to six-celled, whereas _Nolana_ has five four-celled ovaries. Leaves fasciculate; stems woody. They require ordinary greenhouse treatment, in a peat and loam compost. Cuttings root freely in sandy loam, with a very gentle bottom heat, in about a fortnight.

=A. cœlestis= (sky-blue).* _fl._ pale blue, very large, axillary,
solitary; peduncle elongated. July. _l._ terete, fascicled; plant
nearly glabrous. _h._ 2ft. Chili, 1843. This pretty species is an
excellent one for growing out-of-doors during summer months.

=ALONSOA= (in honour of Z. Alonso, formerly Spanish secretary for Santa Fe de Bogota). ORD. _Scrophularineæ_. A genus of very pretty little half-hardy shrubs, herbaceous perennials, or annuals, with axillary, sub-racemose flowers, which are resupinate, with a sub-rotate five-cleft limb. Leaves opposite, or ternately whorled. They will grow freely in light rich soil; and are readily increased by cuttings in August or March, which should be placed in sandy soil in gentle heat, or by seeds sown in March. The herbaceous species may be treated as outdoor summer annuals, and should be raised in a little heat, and planted out early in May.

=A. albiflora= (white-flowered).* _fl._ pure white, with yellow
eye, in long terminal spikes. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. Mexico, 1877.
This is recommended for pot culture, as in the conservatory it will
provide a succession of flowers throughout the autumn and winter.

=A. caulialata= (wing-stemmed). _fl._ scarlet, racemose. June. _l._
ovate, acute, serrated. Stems and branches quadrangular, winged.
_h._ 1ft. Peru, 1823. Half-hardy, herbaceous.

=A. incisifolia= (cut-leaved).* _fl._ scarlet; peduncles long,
alternate, disposed in terminal racemes. May to October. _l._
opposite, ovate, acute, deeply toothed, or serrate. _h._ 1ft.
to 2ft. Chili, 1795. Glabrous greenhouse shrub. SYN. _Hemimeris
urticifolia_.

=A. linearis= (linear-leaved). _fl._ scarlet, with a dark bottom,
like most of the species. May to October. _l._ opposite, or three
in a whorl, linear, entire or remotely denticulated; young leaves
fascicled in the axils of the old ones. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Peru,
1790. Greenhouse shrub. SYN. _Hemimeris coccinea_.

=A. linifolia= (flax-leaved).* _fl._ scarlet. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft.
New Holland. This is an elegant little annual, forming symmetrical,
graceful, and very free flowering plants, either for pot or outdoor
culture.

=A. Matthewsii= (Matthew's). _fl._ scarlet, in loose, terminal
racemes. July. _l._ lanceolate, toothed, about 1in. long. Stem
slender, quadrangular. _h._ 1ft. Peru, 1871. Greenhouse shrub.

=A. myrtifolia= (myrtle-leaved). _fl._ scarlet, very large. New and
pretty species.

=A. Warscewiczii= (Warscewicz's).* _fl._ rosy scarlet. _h._
1-1/2ft. Chili, 1858. This is probably a herbaceous variety of _A.
incisifolia_, and one of the best annuals.

=ALOYSIA= (in honour of Maria Louisa, mother of Ferdinand VII., King of Spain). Sweet-scented Verbena. ORD. _Verbenaceæ_. This genus is nearly allied to _Verbena_, which _see_ for generic characters. A greenhouse deciduous shrub, with a very fine perfume and graceful habit. The most satisfactory plan of culture is to obtain well-grown thrifty young plants in spring, and grow them on for the season. As the wood ripens, give less water until they are at rest, when it must be nearly withheld. About the end of January, bring into the light and warmth, and water thoroughly. As soon as the plants break, cut back to three or four eyes; and when the young shoots are about an inch long, transfer into rich sandy soil, using pots a size or two smaller than those they were in before. When the pots are full of roots, transfer to those that are to hold the plants for the season. By this mode of culture, good plants are to be maintained for any length of time. Aloysias form excellent pillar subjects for either a cold greenhouse, or out-of-doors, in which latter situation they thrive remarkably well, but require thorough protection, with straw bands or mats, from November until March, and afterwards at night, until danger from severe frosts has passed. They require no summer training, their young growth being continually cut off for the many purposes of decoration to which they are applied, and to which they are so well adapted. They are easily increased by young cuttings in spring, which should be placed in sandy soil and gentle heat, when they will root in about three weeks.

=A. citriodora= (lemon-scented).* _fl._ whitish or lilac, very
small, in terminal panicles. August. _l._ pale green, lanceolate,
agreeably scented, arranged in whorls of threes; branches slender.
Chili, 1781. SYNS. _Lippia citriodora_, _Verbena triphylla_.

=ALPINE GARDEN.= A very interesting style of gardening, which succeeds best by imitating Nature as closely as possible. The situation may be an open or a sheltered one. In building a Rock or Alpine Garden, it should be so arranged that all aspects are secured--shady and sunny--fully or in degree only. Pockets and crevices of various sizes may be made, and filled with soil suitable for the subjects to be planted therein, each one having a direct connection with the bulk of the soil; and the constructing material should be arranged with a gentle fall, so that moisture drains towards rather than from the roots. Alpine plants, as a rule, flourish better on a properly constructed rockery than if placed in any other position, because thorough drainage is effected, and the long and fine roots can run down in the crevices, where the soil is cool and moist. Although most alpine plants are naturally exposed to the full action of sun and wind, they should be placed out in early autumn, or early spring, so as to become thoroughly established before the approach of scorching summer weather. Failing materials necessary for the construction of a rockery, many alpines are easily grown in the ordinary border, in a naturally or artificially well drained situation. Excavate to the depth of 18in., put in a layer of stones, broken bricks, &c., 6in. deep; fill up with rich fibrous loam and leaf mould, adding sufficient sand to keep the soil porous. When the desired subjects are firmly planted, cover the surface with small gravel or stone chippings, which, while allowing the rain to penetrate the soil, effectually checks evaporation, and keeps it moist and cool, as well as giving the appearance of rocky _débris_. The effect will be better if the surface is slightly undulated.

=ALPINE ROSE.= _See_ =Rhododendron ferrugineum=.

=ALPINIA= (in honour of Prosper Alpinus, an Italian botanist). ORD. _Zingiberaceæ_. A rather large genus of stove herbaceous perennials, with considerable grace and beauty. Flowers disposed in terminal spikes. Leaves lanceolate, smooth, even, entire, sheathed at the base, and having transverse veins. Roots fleshy, branched, having much of the smell and taste of ginger. The soil can hardly be too rich for the successful culture of these plants. A mixture of equal parts loam, peat, leaf mould, or thoroughly rotted hotbed manure, freely mixed with sharp sand or fine charcoal dust, forms an excellent compost. During the growing season, a top dressing of rotten dung, and a frequent application of weak manure water, prove excellent stimulants. They grow rapidly and consume a great deal of food in the production of so much stem and so many leaves. Unless the former is vigorous and of considerable thickness, it will fail to be crowned with spikes of flower. Alpinias require a high temperature, a rich, light soil, abundance of water, and not a little space, to grow them well. Soon after flowering, the plants will assume the yellow leaf, when water may be gradually withheld; but no attempt should be made to dry them off too severely, even after the stems die down. Nor must they be stored when at rest in a low temperature; in fact, they require as much heat to preserve them in health when resting as at any other time. The best time to divide the plants is after the young shoots have made an inch of growth in spring.

=A. albo-lineata= (white-lined).* _l._ elliptic lanceolate, pale
green, marked with oblique broad bands of white. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft.
New Guinea, 1880.

=A. mutica= (beardless). _fl._ in pairs on a spike-like raceme;
calyx white; corolla duplex, consisting of three outer oblong white
segments; upper lobe concave and projecting, broad; lip large,
bright yellow, veined with crimson; mouth finely crispulate at the
edge. Borneo, 1882. A very handsome species.

=A. nutans= (nodding).* _fl._ pink, sweetly-scented; racemes
drooping. May. _l._ lanceolate, smooth, even, entire. _h._ 13ft.
India, 1792. This species looks best in considerable masses, even
larger than those shown in the illustration, grown in large pots or
tubs, or planted out in borders of tropical houses. It should on
no account be severely divided. See Fig. 62.

=A. vittata= (striped).* _l._ 6in. to 8in. long, elliptic
lanceolate, tapering to a long fine point, and also narrowed
gradually towards the sheathing base, pale green, marked by broad
stripes of dark green and creamy white, running off from the midrib
in divergent lines, corresponding to the venation. South Sea
Islands. See Fig. 63, for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.

=ALSIKE.= _See_ =Trifolium hybridum=.

=ALSODEIA= (from _alsodes_, leafy; plants thickly beset with leaves). ORD. _Violarieæ_. Ornamental evergreen stove shrubs. Flowers small, whitish, racemose; petals equal; racemes axillary and terminal; pedicels bracteate jointed. Leaves usually alternate, feather-nerved; stipules small, deciduous. They thrive best in a mixture of loam and sand, and young cuttings root readily under a bell glass if planted in sand, in heat.

=A. latifolia= (broad-leaved).* _fl._ on dense, glabrous racemes.
_l._ ovate, obtusely acuminated. _h._ 6ft. Madagascar, 1823.

=A. pauciflora= (few-flowered). _fl._ few, somewhat corymbose;
pedicels reflexed. _l._ wedge-shaped, on short footstalks. _h._
4ft. Madagascar, 1824.

=ALSOPHILA= (from _alsos_, a grove, and _phileo_, to love; in reference to the situation which they affect in Nature). ORD. _Filices_. A magnificent genus of tropical and temperate tree ferns. Sori globose, dorsal, on a vein or in the forking of a vein; receptacle mostly elevated, frequently villous; involucre none. The species of this genus require an abundant supply of water, particularly in summer, and the young fronds must be carefully shaded from solar heat. They thrive well in a peat and loam compost. For general culture, _see_ =Ferns=.

=A. aculeata= (prickly).* _fronds_ ample, tripinnate. _rachises_
brown-stramineous; pinnæ ovate-lanceolate, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long;
pinnules sessile, ligulate, 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in.
broad; segments close, ligulate, blunt, denticulate, often less
than one line broad; both sides bright green, slightly hairy on
the ribs, not scaly. _sori_ minute, medial; texture herbaceous.
Tropical America; very common. A very effective stove species. SYN.
_A. ferox_, &c. See Fig. 64.

=A. armata= (armed).* _fronds_ ample, tripinnatifid or tripinnate.
_rachises_ stramineous, densely pilose; pinnæ oblong-lanceolate,
1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; pinnules ligulate-lanceolate, sessile, 3in.
to 5in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad; segments falcate, blunt, one
to one and a half lines broad, sub-entire or toothed; both sides
densely pilose on the ribs, not scaly. _sori_ subcostular. Tropical
America; extremely abundant. Stove species.

=A. aspera= (rough).* _cau._ slender, 10ft. to 30ft. high. _sti._
and _rachises_ strongly aculeated; main and partial rachis above
strigillose, slightly scaly beneath and on the costa, the rest
glabrous, often glossy. _fronds_ bipinnate; pinnules shortly
petiolate, oblong; apex acuminated, pinnatifid half or two-thirds
of the way down to the costa; lobes oblong-ovate, often acutely
serrulate; costa bearing small, deciduous, bullate scales beneath.
_sori_ very deciduous. West Indies, &c. Stove species.

=A. australis= (southern).* _sti._ with very long, firm, subulate
scales, 1-1/2ft. long, and as well as the main rachises,
muricato-asperous, stramineous. _fronds_ ample, subglaucous
beneath, more or less villous on the costæ and costule above, and
very minutely bullato-paleaceous beneath, often quite naked, from
6ft. to 30ft. long; primary pinnæ 1-1/2ft. long, 6in. to 10in.
wide; pinnules 3in. to 4in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. wide, oblong,
acuminate, deeply pinnatifid, or towards the base even pinnate;
ultimate pinnules or lobes oblong, acute, serrated, subfalcate.
_sori_ copious, rather small. New Holland, &c., 1833. A very
handsome greenhouse species.

=A. comosa= (hairy). Synonymous with _A. Scottiana_.

=A. contaminans= (contaminating).* _cau._ slender, growing from
20ft. to 50ft. high. _sti._ and _rachises_ purplish brown, glossy,
aculeate. _fronds_ 6ft. to 10ft. long, ample, glabrous, deep green
above, glaucous beneath; primary pinnæ 2ft. or more in length,
oblong-ovate, acuminate; pinnules sessile, 4in. to 5in. long,
1/2in. to 1in. wide, deeply pinnatifid, linear-oblong, sub-falcate,
entire. _sori_ nearer the costule than the margin. Java and Malaya.
Stove species. SYN. _A. glauca_.

=A. Cooperi= (Cooper's).* _fronds_ ample, tripinnate. _rachises_
stramineous, muricated, glabrous beneath; basal scales large,
linear, pale, spreading; pinnæ oblong-lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft.
long; pinnules ligulate, 4in. to 5in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad,
lowest long-stalked; segments ligulate, blunt, toothed, one and a
half to two and a half lines broad. _sori_ small. Queensland, &c.
Greenhouse.

=A. excelsa= (tall).* _trunk_ about 30ft. high. _sti._ and main
_rachises_ muricated. _fronds_ ample, dark green above, paler
beneath; primary pinnæ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 10in.
wide; pinnules numerous, oblong-lanceolate, acuminated, deeply
pinnatifid, often quite pinnate; ultimate divisions 1/4in. to
3/4in. long, oblong, acute or obtuse, falcate, the margins
sub-recurved, serrated. _sori_ copious near the costules. Norfolk
Island. This rapid-growing and splendid species proves nearly hardy
in the neighbourhood of Cornwall; and is a most effective plant for
sub-tropical gardening purposes generally. Greenhouse species.

=A. ferox= (fierce). Synonymous with _A. aculeata_.

=A. Gardneri= (Gardner's). Synonymous with _A. paleolata_.

=A. gigantea= (gigantic). _cau._ growing from 20ft. to 40ft. high.
_sti._ asperous; _fronds_, primary pinnæ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. and more
long, deeply pinnatifid at the apex; pinnules, upper ones sessile,
lower ones petiolate, oblong-acuminate, 3in. to 6in. long, five to
nine lines wide, deeply pinnatifid; lobes triangular or rounded,
serrated. _sori_ copious. India, &c. Stove species. SYN. _A.
glabra_.

=A. glabra= (glabrous). Synonymous with _A. gigantea_.

=A. glauca= (grey). Synonymous with _A. contaminans_.

=A. infesta= (troublesome). _fronds_ ample, tripinnatifid; pinnæ
oblong-lanceolate, 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. long; pinnules ligulate,
3in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, cut down to a narrow wing;
segments 1/8in. broad, ligulate, blunt, nearly entire; texture
sub-coriaceous; colour deep green on both sides. Tropical America;
widely distributed. Stove species.

=A. Leichardtiana= (Leichardt's).* _cau._ 10ft. to 20ft. high.
_sti._ jointed upon the caudex; main and secondary rachises purple,
deciduously powdery, spiny. _fronds_ 6ft. to 10ft. long, firm, dark
green above, sub-glaucous beneath, naked and glaucous (or nearly
so), tripinnate; primary pinnæ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 8in. wide,
oblong-lanceolate, acuminate; pinnules oblong-acuminate, sessile,
pinnatifid only at the apex; ultimate divisions linear-oblong,
acute, spinulose-serrate. _sori_ copious, close to the costa.
Australia, 1867. Greenhouse species. SYNS. _A. Macarthurii_, _A.
Moorei_.

=A. lunulata= (moon-shaped pinnuled). _fronds_ ample, tripinnate.
_rachises_ stramineous, glabrous below, densely muricated; pinnæ
oblong-lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; pinnules close, ligulate,
sessile, 4in. to 5in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad; segments close,
ligulate, falcate, blunt, one line broad, obscurely crenulate.
_sori_ minute. _h._ 25ft. Polynesia. Greenhouse species.

=A. Macarthurii= (MacArthur's). Synonymous with _A. Leichardtiana_.

=A. Moorei= (Moore's). Synonymous with _A. Leichardtiana_.

=A. paleolata= (scaly).* _cau._ slender, 10ft. to 20ft. high.
_fronds_ ample, tripinnatifid. _rachises_ stramineous, smooth,
pubescent below; pinnæ oblong-lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long;
pinnules ligulate, sessile or shortly stalked, 3in. to 4in. long,
1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, deeply cut, the segments blunt and nearly
entire; texture sub-coriaceous; colour deep green, both surfaces
deeply pilose, the lower scaly on the ribs. _sori_ large, medial.
Columbia, &c. Stove species. SYN. _A. Gardneri_.

=A. procera= (tall). _sti._ aculeated and paleaceous below, with
large glossy, dark brown scales. _fronds_ bipinnate, glabrous,
pinnatifid at the apex; primary pinnæ 1ft. or more long, the
rachis winged above; pinnules 2in. to 3in. long, oblong-acuminate
or obtuse, pinnatifid half way down to the costa; lobes short,
sub-rotundate, often acute, mostly entire. _sori_ small on all the
lobes, between the costule and the margin. Tropical America. Stove
species.

=A. pruinata= (as if hoar-frosted).* _sti._ densely woolly at the
base. _fronds_ glaucous, bi-tripinnate; primary pinnæ petiolate,
12in. to 18in. long, ovate-lanceolate; pinnules 3in. to 4in. long,
1in. wide, petiolulate, from a broad base, oblong-acuminate,
deeply pinnatifid, or again pinnate; ultimate divisions 1/2in.
long, lanceolate, very acute, deeply and sharply serrated. _sori_
solitary. Tropical America, extending to Chili. Stove or greenhouse
species.

=A. radens= (rasping). _cau._ 3ft. high, 3in. diameter. _sti._ 2ft.
to 3ft. long, clothed with ovate, pale brown scales. _fronds_ 6ft.
to 8ft. long, lanceolate-ovate, bipinnatisect; primary segments
1-1/2ft. long, elongato-oblong, acuminate; secondary ones 2in.
to 3in. long, petiolulate, linear-lanceolate, pinnati-partite;
segments oblong, denticulate. _sori_ between the costule and the
margin. Brazil. Stove species.

=A. Rebeccæ= (Rebecca's).* _cau._ slender, 8ft. high. _fronds_
ample, bipinnate; pinnules twenty to thirty on each side, the
lower ones stalked, linear, 2in. to 3in. long, more or less
inciso-crenate, apex acuminate. _sori_ principally in two rows
between the midrib and edge. Queensland. Greenhouse species. See
Fig. 65, for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.

=A. sagittifolia= (arrow-leaved).* _fronds_ oblong-deltoid, 4ft.
to 6ft. long, bipinnate. _rachises_ stramineous, muricated; pinnæ
lanceolate, 3/4ft. to 1ft. long, the lower shorter, deflexed;
pinnules sessile, ligulate, crenulate, cordate on both sides at the
base, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, nearly 1/4in. broad. _sori_ large.
Trinidad, 1872. Very handsome and distinct stove species.

=A. Scottiana= (Scott's).* _fronds_ ample, tripinnatifid.
_rachises_ castaneous, naked and smooth beneath; pinnæ
oblong-lanceolate, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long; pinnules sessile, 3in.
to 4in. long, about 1/2in. broad, ligulate, cut down to a narrow
wing on the rachis; segments ligulate, blunt, dentate, sub-falcate,
not 1/8in. broad. _sori_ sub-costular. Sikkim, 1872. Greenhouse
species. SYN. _A. comosa_.

=A. Tænitis= (Tænitis-like).* _fronds_ 3ft. to 6ft. long,
bipinnate; pinnules distant, 3in. to 5in. long, lanceolate,
acuminate, glabrous, sub-entire, petioled; petiole articulated on
the rachis. _sori_ in a single series, equidistant between the
costa and the margin, mixed with long, copious hairs. Brazil. An
elegant stove species.

=A. villosa= (villous).* _cau._ 6ft. to 12ft. high. _sti._ 1ft. or
more long, tubercular, densely clothed at the base with ferruginous
scales. _fronds_ from 6ft. to 8ft. long, bi- or sub-tripinnate,
broadly lanceolate in outline; pinnules 1in. to 3in. long,
oblong-lanceolate, obtusely acuminate, deeply pinnatifid; lobes
oblong, obtuse, entire or coarsely serrated. _sori_ copious.
Tropical America. A very beautiful stove species.

=ALSTONIA= (in honour of Dr. Alston, once Professor of Botany at Edinburgh). ORD. _Apocynaceæ_. Usually tall, lactescent, or milk-bearing stove evergreen shrubs or trees, with small white flowers, which are disposed in terminal cymes. Leaves entire, opposite or often whorled. Of easy culture, thriving best in a mixture of peat, loam, and sand. Cuttings root readily in sand, in heat. Besides the one mentioned, there are eleven other species.

=A. scholaris= (school). _fl._, corolla salver-shaped, white; cymes
on short peduncles. March to May. _l._ five to seven in a whorl,
obovate-oblong, obtuse, ribbed; upper surface glossy, under white,
and having the veins approximating the margin. _h._ 8ft. India,
1803. SYN. _Echites scholaris_.

=ALSTRÖMERIA= (in honour of Baron Alströmer, a Swedish botanist and friend of Linnæus). ORD. _Amaryllidaceæ_. Tall handsome hardy or half-hardy tuberous rooted plants, with leafy stems and terminal umbels of richly-coloured flowers; perianth regular, six-parted, subcampanulate; inner segments narrower, two of which are somewhat tubulose at the base; stamens included within, and inserted with perianth; stigma trifid. Leaves linear, lanceolate, or ovate, and resupinate, or inverted in position by the twisting of the petiole. Cultivation: Few plants need less attention to grow them successfully, either in pots or planted out. The best position for those kinds which succeed outside is a deep and dry, sloping, sheltered border, in a compost of two-parts peat and leaf soil, and one loam with some sharp sand. Water freely if severe drought sets in; a surface covering of common moss, or cut fern in winter, will prove an advantage. They are very effective in masses. Propagation: They may be increased by seed or root division. Sow the former when ripe, or in early spring, thinly in pans, pots, or boxes, and place in a cool house or frame, so that they will receive some fostering in their early stages. The seedlings should be pricked out singly, when large enough to handle, and grown on till well established under glass. A mixture of peat, leaf mould, and sandy loam, is the best compost in which to sow the seeds and grow the young plants. When sufficiently established, they may be placed in a warm sheltered spot outside, and about 1ft. apart. The fasciculated masses of fleshy roots are readily separated into as many pieces as there are crowns; this operation may be performed during September or October, or February and March; but it must be done carefully. Except for the sake of increase, the less they are disturbed the better. They are excellent subjects for pot culture (some can only be managed thus, unless planted out in a house), and may be potted as early in the autumn as possible, in 8in., 10in., or 12in. pots. Thorough drainage is essential; arrange the crocks carefully, and place a layer of thin turfy loam over them. A compost of equal parts turfy loam, leaf mold, and fibrous peat, with an abundance of sand, will suit them admirably. Water sparingly at first, but when root-action is fully resumed, they must never be allowed to get dry. Support the stems by staking when they require it, and just previous to flowering, top-dress with some rotten manure and leaf soil. Occasional syringings will be necessary to keep down red spider, especially if the atmosphere is very dry. As the plants finish flowering, and the leaves fade, gradually diminish the supply of water until the stems are quite down, when they may be placed somewhere out of the way, free from frost, for the winter, but not kept dry enough to make them shrivel. In repotting, as much of the old soil as is practicable should be removed, without seriously disturbing the roots, and the plants shifted into larger or the same sized pots, according to their condition. Alströmerias were at one time much more largely grown than they are at present, and the genus was represented in nearly every garden.

=A. aurantiaca= (golden).* _fl._ orange; two upper perianth
segments lanceolate, streaked with red; arranged in a five to six
stalked umbel, bearing ten to fifteen blooms. Summer and autumn.
_l._ numerous, linear-elliptical, obtuse, glaucous, twisted and
turned back at the base, about 4-1/2in. long. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft.
Chili, 1831. A variable but very showy species, quite hardy. See
Fig. 66.

=A. caryophyllæa= (clove-like scent).* _fl._ scarlet; very
fragrant, perianth two-lipped; peduncles longer than the involucre.
February and March. _l._ spathulate-oblong. Stem erect. _h._ 8in.
to 12in. Brazil, 1776. This stove species requires perfect rest in
winter. SYN. _A. Ligtu_.

=A. chilensis= (Chilian).* _fl._ blood-red or pink, large, the two
upper interior petals longer and narrower, variegated with yellow
lines; in pairs on a five to six stalked umbel. Summer and autumn.
_l._ scattered, obovate, spathulate; upper ones lanceolate, twisted
at the base, minutely fringed on the edges, glaucescent. _h._
2ft. to 3ft. Chili, 1849. Hardy. There are many varieties of this
species, varying in colour from a rosy white to a deep orange or
red.

=A. densiflora= (thickly-flowered).* _fl._, perianth scarlet,
dotted with black spots inside towards the base; umbels
many-flowered, dense; pedicels pubescent, rarely bracteated. _l._
alternate, ovate, shortly acuminate, pubescent underneath. Stem
climbing, glabrous. Peru, 1865. Tender species.

=A. Flos Martini= (St. Martin's flower). Synonymous with _A.
pulchra_.

=A. Hookeri= (Hooker's). Synonymous with _A. Simsii_.

=A. Ligtu= (Ligtu). Synonymous with _A. caryophyllæa_.

=A. Pelegrina= (the native name).* _fl._ white, or pale yellow,
striped with rose, and yellow spot on each segment; pedicels
one-flowered, on a six or more stalked umbel. Summer. _l._
lanceolate, twisted at the base. _h._ 1ft. Chili, 1754. Rather
tender. See Fig. 67.

=A. p. alba= (white).* Lily of the Incas. _fl._ white. Perhaps
this is the most chaste of all the Alströmerias, and more tender
than many others; it should have a specially warm spot, or the
protection of glass. 1877.

=A. peruviana= (Peruvian). Synonymous with _A. versicolor_.

=A. psittacina= (parrot-like).* _fl._ bright crimson at the base,
greenish upwards, spotted with purple; upper perianth segments
slightly hooded, hence the specific name; umbels many-flowered;
peduncles angular. September. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, acute,
twisted at the base. Stem erect, spotted. _h._ 6ft. Mexico, 1829.
Hardy.

=A. p. Erembaulti= (Erembault's). _fl._ white, spotted with purple.
August. _h._ 2ft. 1833. A beautiful but rather tender hybrid.

=A. pulchella= (pretty). Synonymous with _A. Simsii_.

=A. pulchra= (fair).* St. Martin's Flower. _fl._ in umbels of
from four to eight in each; the lower perianth segments purplish
outside, and edges of a sulphur-white; the upper part of the upper
segments of a fine yellow, dotted with deep red spots, the lower
part of a flesh colour; pedicels twisted. _l._ linear lanceolate.
Stem erect. _h._ 1ft. Chili, 1822. A beautiful species, but one
requiring protection. SYNS. _A. Flos Martini_, _A. tricolor_.

=A. rosea= (rosy). A synonym of _A. Simsii_.

=A. Simsii= (Sims's).* _fl._ brilliant yellow, with red streaks,
very showy; umbels many-flowered; peduncles two-flowered. June.
_l._ spathulate, ciliated. Stem weak. _h._ 3ft. Chili, 1822. Tender
species. SYNS. _A. Hookeri_, _A. pulchella_, _A. rosea_.

=A. tricolor= (three-coloured). A synonym of _A. pulchra_.

=A. versicolor= (various coloured).* _fl._ yellow, with purple
marks; lowest segment the broadest; umbel of usually three
shortly-stalked blooms, very floriferous. Late summer. _l._
linear-lanceolate, sessile, scattered. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. Peru,
1831. This is a very robust species, with several beautiful
varieties, which are both easily obtained and very cheap. SYN. _A.
peruviana_. See Fig. 68.

=A. v. niveo-marginata= (snowy-margined).* _fl._ rose, crimson and
white, with green tips and black spots. _l._ lanceolate, stalked,
white-edged. 1875. A charming but scarce variety.

=ALTERNANTHERA= (in allusion to the anthers being alternately barren). ORD. _Amaranthaceæ_. Well known ornamental-leaved half-hardy plants, with inconspicuous flowers in axillary heads. Some of the undermentioned species and varieties belong, technically speaking, to _Telanthera_, in which genus the five stamens are inseparate below, and alternate with as many sterile filaments. They are so universally known in gardening under the present generic name, that we have here included them for convenience' sake. Where Alternantheras are used in large quantities (and if they are to be used effectively, a considerable number must be provided), their economical propagation becomes a matter of importance. A good colour can only be secured by growing them in some house or pit in the full light and warmth of the sun; for, unless so grown, green or badly coloured plants will be the result. The best and quickest way of producing this class of plants in large quantities, is to make up a special hotbed for them about the end of March or beginning of April. If a pit be used, it should be filled up within 6in. of the glass with leaves and manure, or any other material that will produce a steady bottom heat of 80deg. or 85deg., and will last for three weeks or so at that point; which, at this season, will be an easy matter. When the heat has become regular and steady, about 4in. or 5in. of light, rich, sandy soil should be placed all over the surface, adding, at the same time, a sprinkling of silver sand on the top, and pressing it moderately firm with a flat board. The cuttings may now be prepared and dibbled in, 1in. apart each way. If kept close, moist, and shaded from bright sunshine, in a few days they will be forming roots, and so soon as that takes place the shading should be discontinued, and the ventilation gradually increased until they are finally hardened off and planted out. If carefully lifted, and placed in trays or baskets, with a rhubarb leaf over them, they may be taken any distance, and planted without flagging; with this advantage-that the plants being in good colour, the beds are effective at once. April is early enough to commence striking them, and these will be fit to plant out by the middle of June. The several species quoted in various dictionaries hitherto are unknown in English gardens.

=A. amabilis= (lovely).* _l._ elliptic, acuminate, greenish in
some stages, with the principal ribs stained with red, but under
free growth becoming almost entirely suffused with rose colour,
mixed with orange, the midribs continuing to be of a deep red hue.
Brazil, 1868.

=A. a. amœna= (charming).* _l._ small, spathulate, orange red and
purple in colour, which is shaded with deep green and bronze.
Brazil, 1865. A most elegant little plant, with a spreading habit.

=A. a. tricolor= (three-coloured).* _l._ broadly ovate, glabrous,
dark green at the edge, and have a centre of vivid rose, traversed
by purple veins, an irregular band of orange yellow intervening
between the centre and margin. Brazil, 1862.

=A. Bettzichiana= (Bettzich's). _l._ olive and red. Brazil, 1862.

=A. B. spathulata= (spathulate-leaved). _l._ spathulate, but more
elongated than the others; the principal colours are reddish pink
and light brown; these are shaded with bronze and green. Brazil,
1865. A rather tall species.

=A. ficoidea= (fig-like).* _l._ variegated with green, rose, and
red. India, 1865.

=A. paronychioides= (Paronychia-like).* _l._ narrow, spathulate,
ground colour deep orange red, beautifully shaded with olive green.
Dense and compact grower, forming a little clump about 4in. high.

=A. p. magnifica= (magnificent).* A very fine variety, with a much
higher colour than the type.

=A. p. major= (greater).* _l._ bronze, with rich orange tips; very
effective.

=A. p. m. aurea= (greater-golden).* _l._ bright golden yellow,
which colour they retain all through the season.

=A. versicolor= (various-colour).* _l._ medium sized, ovate, bright
rosy pink and crimson, shaded with bronzy green, branching freely,
and making a compact and handsome plant. Brazil, 1865.

=ALTERNATE.= Placed on opposite sides of an axis on a different line, as in alternate leaves.