Chapter M: A. S. Salm-Dyck. Monographia generum Aloes et Mesembryanthemi (16)

=A. macrocarpum= (large-fruited). _sti._ 6in. to 9in.
long. _fronds_ 12in. to 24in. long, 6in. to 12in. broad,
ovate-lanceolate, with numerous pinnæ on each side, the lowest
3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, lanceolate; pinnules
oblong-rhomboidal, inciso-crenate or pinnatifid. _sori_ copious,
large. Himalayas. Greenhouse species. SYN. _Athyrium macrocarpum_.

=A. macrophyllum= (long-leaved). Synonymous with _A. nitens_.

=A. marginatum= (margined). _sti._ 2ft. to 3ft. long, strong, erect
woody, about 1/2in. thick at the base. _fronds_ simply pinnate,
4ft. to 6ft. long; pinnæ in several opposite pairs, the lowest 1ft.
to 2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, the edge entire, the base often
cordate. _sori_ long, linear, confined to the free veins. Tropical
America. Stove species. SYN. _Hemidictyum marginatum_.

=A. marinum= (sea).* Sea Spleenwort. _sti._ tufted, 3in. to
6in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 18in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad,
oblong-lanceolate, apex pinnatifid; pinnæ of the lower half quite
deltoid, the point acute or obtuse, margin crenato-dentate. _sori_
broad, falling short of the edge. Europe, including Britain.
Although perfectly hardy, this requires to be grown in a frame or
cool house.

=A. m. coronans= (crowned).* _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, simply
pinnate; pinnæ for two-thirds of the way up variable in form,
and irregularly lobed and cut; the upper third freely branched
with numerous imbricated, curled, and slightly crested divisions,
forming a dense head 2in. or more across. A dwarf and pretty form.

=A. m. crenatum= (crenated). _fronds_ 4in. to 8in. long,
broadly-lanceolate; pinnæ nearly trapeziform, obtuse, with deeply
crenated margins. A very pretty form.

=A. m. mirabile= (wonderful).* _sti._ 2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_
about the same length, the rachis divided about half way down from
the top into two nearly equal divisions, which are again freely
forked, with the pinnules and segments obtusely lobed; the whole
expanded, but not crested, into a breadth equal to the length of
the frond; the lower pinnæ are more or less abnormal and bluntly
lobed.

=A. m. plumosum= (feathery).* _sti._ 3in. to 4in. long. _fronds_
6in. to 15in. long, bi- or tripinnatifid, broadly-lanceolate;
pinnæ very variable, closely set, and imbricated, cut nearly to
the rachis into ovate or oblong divisions, which are again more or
less deeply cut and lobed, the entire frond having a very elegant
appearance.

=A. m. ramo-plumosum= (branched and feathery).* _fronds_ divided
nearly to the top of the stipes into two main branches, which are
distinctly pinnate; pinnæ distant below, imbricated upwards, cut
nearly to the rachis into ovate or oblong lobes, the margins of
which are slightly dentated. It is a very handsome form, the width
of the frond being greater than its length.

=A. m. ramosum= (branched). _fronds_ from 4in. to 8in. long,
branched at the apices; pinnæ oblong, with the margins
obtusely-dentate, and slightly undulated.

=A. m. sub-bipinnatum= (half-bipinnate). _fronds_ 6in. to 12in.
long, lanceolate; pinnæ distant, deeply lobed, or cut nearly to the
midribs. A very rare and pretty variety.

=A. m. Thompsonii= (Thompson's).* _sti._ 3in. to 4in. long, smooth.
_fronds_ 6in. to 10in. long, ovate-lanceolate, bipinnatifid; pinnæ
closely set, sub-deltoid, unequal-sided, deeply cut into oblong,
slightly undulated lobes below, gradually less divided upwards.
A very rare and handsome variety. All the forms of _A. marinum_
require a very moist atmosphere, consequently they will not thrive
in the open air, unless along the sea-coast.

=A. maximum= (largest). _cau._ erect. _sti._ 2ft. or more long.
_fronds_ several feet long, 2ft. to 3ft. broad, deltoid-lanceolate,
with numerous pinnæ on each side, the lowest 9in. to 18in. long,
4in. to 8in. broad; pinnules sub-sessile, 2in. to 4in. long, 3/4in.
broad; edge more or less lobed. _sori_ medial, the lowest two lines
long. North India. Stove species. SYNS. _A. diversifolium_ and
_Diplazium decurrens_.

=A. melanocaulon= (black-stiped).* _sti._ 1ft. to 2ft. long.
_fronds_ 2ft. to 3ft. long, 9in. to 18in. broad; lower pinnæ 4in.
to 9in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, 2in. to 3in.
long, 3/4in. broad, cut down two-thirds of the way to the rachis
into linear-oblong, falcate, inciso-crenate lobes. _sori_ short,
oblong, not touching either midrib or edge. Fiji. Stove species.
SYN. _Diplazium melanocaulon_.

=A. Michauxii= (Michaux's).* _cau._ stout. _sti._ 4in. to
8in. long. _fronds_ 9in. to 24in. long, 3in. to 9in. broad,
ovate-deltoid, bi- or tripinnate; pinnules oblong, deeply serrate,
or cut quite to the rachis. United States. A very handsome hardy
species, closely related to the Lady Fern, of which it may be only
a variety.

=A. monanthemum= (one-flowered).* _sti._ densely tufted, 3in. to
6in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, about 1in. broad, with
twenty to forty horizontal, sessile, sub-dimidiate pinnæ on each
side, which are about 1/2in. long and 1/4in. deep, the upper side
crenate, suddenly narrowed at the base, the lower more or less
distinctly cut away in a straight, or, in the lower pinnæ, decurved
line. _sori_ linear-oblong, usually one or two, parallel with the
lower edge of the pinnæ. Temperate regions of both hemispheres.
Greenhouse species.

=A. montanum= (mountain).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 3in. long.
_fronds_ 2in. to 3in. long, 1in. broad, lanceolate-deltoid; lowest
pinnæ distinctly stalked, deltoid, sharply serrated round the
outer edge. _sori_ short, copious. United States, 1812. Frame or
greenhouse species.

=A. multisectum= (much-cut). Synonymous with _A. aspidioides_.

=A. musæfolium= (Musa-leaved). A variety of _A. Nidus_.

=A. myriophyllum= (myriad-leaved). A variety of _A. rhizophyllum_.

=A. Nidus= (nest).* Bird's-nest Fern. _fronds_ undivided, 2ft. to
4ft. long, 3in. to 8in. broad, lanceolate, acute or acuminate at
the apex, tapering gradually below into a short stem; the edge
entire, the midrib rounded on the back; veins fine and parallel,
about 1/2in. apart. _sori_ reaching about half way towards the
margin. India, &c., 1820. SYN. _A. australasicum_. See Fig. 172.

=A. N. australasicum= (Australian). Midrib keeled on the back,
often black. Australia, &c. The two former are best treated
in the stove; the latter thrives well in the greenhouse. SYN.
_Thamnopteris australasicum_.

=A. N. musæfolium= (Musa-leaved).* _fronds_ larger, sometimes 6ft.
long, 1ft. broad. _sori_ extending nearly to the edge.

=A. nitens= (shining). _sti._ scattered, 6in. to 9in. long.
_fronds_ 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, with twelve to
twenty ascending or sub-falcate pinnæ on each side, which are 4in.
to 6in. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad, much acuminated; edge finely
toothed, base broadly rounded on the upper, truncate in a curve
on the lower side. _sori_ in close regular rows, not extending
more than half way from the midrib to the edge. Mauritius. Stove
species. SYN. _A. macrophyllum_, of gardens only.

=A. nitidum= (shining).* _sti._ 1ft. long, naked. _fronds_ 2ft.
to 3ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, with many lanceolate-deltoid
pinnæ on each side, which are cut down to the rachis into numerous
stalked deltoid pinnules, these are again cut into broad fan-shaped
cuneate segments, sharply serrated round the outer edge. _sori_
short. North India, Ceylon, &c. Greenhouse species.

=A. novæ-caledoniæ= (New Caledonian).* _sti._ tufted, 6in. to
12in. long. _fronds_ 9in. to 12in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad,
sub-deltoid, tripinnate; lower pinnæ and pinnules deltoid; segments
rigid, scarcely flattened, 1/2in. or more long, distant, and
erecto-patent. _sori_ long, linear, marginal. New Caledonia. A rare
greenhouse species. SYN. _Darea novæ-caledoniæ_.

=A. obtusatum= (obtuse). _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 6in. long. _fronds_
6in. to 12in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, oblong or ovate-deltoid,
with a terminal pinna not much longer than the others, and two
to six pairs on each side, which are 1in. to 2in. long and about
1/2in. broad, obtuse, edge crenate, the base truncato-cuneate,
shortly stalked. _sori_ copious, broad, linear-oblong, falling
short of the edge. Peru. _A. difforme_ is a variety with
an ovate-deltoid frond, and the pinnæ cut quite down to a
narrow-winged rachis in the lower part into distinctly separated
roundish or oblong-sinuated pinnules. New Zealand, Australia, &c.
Greenhouse kinds.

=A. o. lucidum= (clear).* _fronds_ often 2ft. long, with fifteen
to twenty pairs of pinnæ on each side, which are more herbaceous
in texture, darker green in colour, the lowest 6in. long, 1in. to
1-1/2in. broad, narrowed gradually to a long acuminated point, edge
more deeply toothed. Greenhouse variety. SYN. _A. lucidum_.

=A. obtusifolium= (obtuse-leaved).* _sti._ almost tufted, 6in.
to 9in. long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 4in. to 6in. broad,
ovate-lanceo-late, with twelve to twenty stalked horizontal
pinnæ on each side, which are 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in.
broad, acute; edges slightly undulato-crenate, the upper side with
a distinct auricle at the base, and then narrowed suddenly, the
lower side obliquely truncate. _sori_ distant, in two regular rows,
falling short of the edge. West Indies, &c., 1838. Stove species.

=A. obtusilobum= (obtuse-lobed).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in.
long. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, with
nine to twelve sub-deltoid pinnæ on each side, of which only the
inner third on the lower side is cut away, the largest nearly 1in.
long, 3/4in. broad; lowest pinnules 3/8in. deep, flabellately cut
into three to five linear blunt lobes. _sori_ sub-marginal. New
Hebrides, 1861. A very pretty little stove species. SYN. _Darea
obtusiloba_.

=A. odontites= (much-toothed). Synonymous with _A. flaccidum_.

=A. oxyphyllum= (sharp-leaved).* _sti._ firm, 6in. to 12in. long.
_fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate, with
several pinnæ on each side, which are 3in. to 6in. long, 1in.
to 2in. broad; pinnules lanceolate, in the larger forms again
pinnatifid; teeth mucronate. _sori_ in two rows on the pinnæ or
pinnules midway between the midrib and edge. Himalayas. A very
variable greenhouse species. SYNS. _Athyrium oxyphylla_ and
_Lastrea eburnea_.

=A. paleaceum= (scaly).* _sti._ densely tufted, 1in. to 3in. long,
spreading, densely scaly. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 1-1/2in. to
2in. broad, sometimes proliferous and rooting at the apex, with
twelve to twenty sub-sessile pinnæ on each side, which are 1in.
long, about 1/2in. broad, bluntish; edge inciso-dentate, the upper
base auricled and narrowed suddenly, the lower obliquely-truncate;
the lower ones stalked, and nearly as broad as long. _sori_ linear,
extending nearly to the edge. Tropical Australia. Stove or warm
greenhouse species.

=A. palmatum= (palmate). Synonymous with _A. Hemionitis_.

=A. parvulum= (small). Synonymous with _A. trilobum_.

=A. persicifolium= (Peach-leaved). _sti._ and _rachis_ grey, with
a few scattered minute grey scales. _fronds_ oblong-lanceolate,
2ft. to 3ft. long, often gemmiferous at the apex; pinnæ ascending,
fifteen to thirty-jugate, sub-petiolate, 4in. to 5in. long,
linear-ligulate-acuminate, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, distinctly
crenate throughout. _sori_ regular, reaching nearly to midrib and
edge. Philippine and Sandwich Isles. Stove species.

=A. Petrarchæ= (Petrarch's).* _sti._ densely tufted, 1in. to 2in.
long. _fronds_ 2in. to 3in. long, 1/2in. broad, linear-lanceolate,
with six to ten horizontal sessile pinnæ on each side, which are
1/4in. long and nearly as much broad, cordate-ovate, blunt; edge
sinuated; the base unequal, slightly truncate on the lower side.
_sori_ oblong, very short, four to six on each side of the midrib.
South Europe, 1819. A very rare little gem, best treated in a cool
house.

=A. pinnatifidum= (pinnatifid). _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in. long.
_fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. or more broad at the base,
lanceolate-deltoid, with a long, gradually narrowing point, which
is sinuated only; the lobes below this 1/4in. to 1/2in. deep; the
lowest ovate-oblong, 1/2in. deep by nearly as broad, sinuated and
reaching down nearly to the rachis. _sori_ copious. Pennsylvania.
Greenhouse or sheltered places outside.

=A. planicaule= (flat-stiped).* _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 6in. long,
naked. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, with
twelve to twenty stalked horizontal pinnæ on each side, which are
1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, acute; edge lobed
about half-way down, and deeply serrated. _sori_ copious, reaching
nearly to the edge. Himalayas, up to 6000ft., &c., 1841. Greenhouse
species.

=A. plantagineum= (Plantain-like). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 9in.
long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, simple,
acuminate, base rounded; edge slightly undulato-dentate upwards,
sometimes lobed towards the base. _sori_ slender, linear, sometimes
nearly touching both edge and midrib. West Indies, &c., 1819. Stove
species. SYN. _Diplazium plantagineum_.

=A. polyphyllum= (many-leaved). Synonymous with _A. acuminatum_.

=A. præmorsum= (bitten). Synonymous with _A. furcatum_.

=A. prolongatum= (prolonged). Synonymous with _A. rutæfolium_.

=A. pulchellum= (pretty).* _sti._ tufted. 1in. to 2in. long.
_fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, with twelve to
eighteen pinnæ on each side, which are 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, two
lines to three lines broad, bluntish, almost dimidiate; the upper
edge crenate, and narrowed suddenly at the base. _sori_ linear,
oblique, falling short of the edge. Tropical America. Stove species.

=A. pumilum= (small). _sti._ tufted, 3in. to 4in. long. _fronds_
4in. to 6in. each way, deltoid, the upper part sinuated only, the
lower cut down to the rachis into distinct pinnæ, of which the
lowest pair are much the largest; the pinnules on the lower side
sometimes 2in. long, reaching down to a slightly winged rachis,
acuminate and deeply lobed. _sori_ very oblique, the lower ones
sometimes 1in. long. West Indies, &c., 1823. A very rare and pretty
stove species.

=A. rachirhizon= (rachis-rooting). A variety of _A. rhizophorum_.

=A. radicans= (rooting). _cau._ erect, sub-arborescent. _sti._
1ft. to 2ft. long, tufted. _fronds_ 3ft. to 5ft. long, 2ft. to
3ft. broad, deltoid; lower pinnæ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 8in.
broad; pinnules lanceolate, sessile, the upper ones entire, lower
ones 3in. to 4in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, with blunt lobes,
1/4in. broad, reaching about half way down to the rachis. Lower
_sori_ sometimes 1/4in. long. Tropical America. A very variable
species. SYNS. _A. giganteum_, _Diplazium radicans_, _D. umbrosum_,
&c. See Fig. 173.

=A. refractum= (refracted). A variety of _A. fontanum_.

=A. resectum= (cut or pared).* _sti._ scattered, 4in. to 8in. long.
_fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, lanceolate-oblong,
with ten to thirty sub-sessile horizontal pinnæ on each side, which
are 1in. to 3in. long, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad, almost dimidiate,
the point bluntish, all except the truncate part crenate, the upper
half at the base narrowed nearly at a right angle. _sori_ not
reaching either the midrib or edge. India, &c., widely distributed,
1820. Greenhouse species.

=A. rhizophorum= (root-bearing).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 8in.
long. _fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 6in. broad, elongated,
and rooting at the apex; pinnæ twelve to thirty on each side,
sub-sessile, 1-1/2in. to 2in. long, about 1/2in. broad,
inciso-dentate throughout; the two sides unequal, the upper one
auricled and narrowed, the lower one obliquely cuneate. _sori_
not reaching either to the edge or midrib. Tropical America. A
very variable stove species. _A. r. rachirhizon_, has distinctly
separated oblong-rhomboidal pinnules, again deeply cut into narrow
segments.

=A. rhizophyllum= (leaf-rooting). _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 6in. long.
_fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1-1/2in. to 2in. broad, cut down into
numerous close-placed horizontal pinnæ on each side; central ones
1in. long, 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, cut down throughout nearly to
the centre into simple or forked erecto-patent pinnules, the lowest
on the under side suppressed. _sori_ solitary, sub-marginal. _A.
r. myriophyllum_ is a variety with broader fronds; central pinnæ
1-1/2in. long, with lower pinnules cut down into several simple or
forked linear segments. North America, &c., 1680. Both handsome
greenhouse kinds.

=A. rutæfolium= (Rue-leaved).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 9in. long.
_fronds_ 6in. to 15in. long, 2in. to 4in. broad, ovate deltoid,
with twelve to twenty pinnæ on each side, the lowest sub-deltoid,
2in. or more long, cut down to the rachis into numerous
erecto-patent distant pinnules on each side, the lowest on the
upper side again cut down into erecto-patent linear segments.
_sori_ small, marginal. Cape Colony. A beautiful greenhouse
species. SYNS. _A. prolongatum_ and _Darea rutæfolia_.

=A. Ruta-muraria= (Wall-rue).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 4in. long.
_fronds_ 1in. to 2in. long, about 1in. broad, deltoid, cut down to
the rachis into a few pinnæ on each side, the lower ones again cut
down into spathulato-cuneate pinnules, which are serrated round the
outer edge. _sori_ copious. Great Britain, and almost worldwide
in its distribution. Hardy species. This requires a well-drained
position, and a soil composed mainly of old mortar rubbish.

=A. salicifolium= (Willow-leaved). _sti._ tufted, 6in. to 12in.
long. _fronds_ 12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad, oblong,
with a terminal pinna and four to ten distinctly stalked ones on
each side, which are 4in. to 6in. long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad,
acuminate; edge usually entire, the base equally truncato-cuneate
on both sides. _sori_ falling short both of the edge and midrib.
West Indies, &c. Stove species.

=A. Sandersoni= (Sanderson's).* _sti._ tufted, 1in. to 2in. long.
_fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, linear, often
gemmiferous at the apex, with twelve to twenty horizontal dimidiate
pinnæ on each side, which are deeply crenate on the upper edge, and
at the base narrowed suddenly into a winged petiole, the lower one
nearly straight and quite entire. _sori_ oblong. Natal, &c. A very
rare greenhouse species.

=A. schizodon= (cut-toothed). Synonymous with _A. Vieillardii_.

=A. Schkuhrii= (Schkuhr's). _cau._ erect. _sti._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft.
long. _fronds_ deltoid, 1-1/2ft. to 2ft. long, tripinnatifid; lower
pinnæ distant, oblong-lanceolate, 6in. to 8in. long, 1-1/2in. to
2in. broad, rachis winged to base; pinnules ligulate-oblong, 3/8in.
broad, sessile, cut into shallow, close, oblong blunt lobes. _sori_
1/8in., medial in a single row in the pinnules. Ceylon. Stove
species. SYN. _Diplazium Schkuhrii_.

=A. Selosii= (Selose's).* _sti._ densely tufted, 1in. to 2in. long,
wiry. _fronds_ 1/2in. to 3/4in. long, palmately cleft, usually into
three nearly equal forks, which are about one line broad, the edge
slightly inciso-serrate. _sori_ copious, ultimately occupying the
whole surface. Tyrol and Carinthia. A very rare and curious little
species, requiring the protection of the frame or cool house;
it should be firmly potted between pieces of sandstone in loam,
leaf-soil, rock chippings and sand, with good drainage.

=A. septentrionale= (northern).* _sti._ densely tufted, 3in. to
4in. long. _fronds_ simple, or cleft from the apex into two or
three cuneate divisions, 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, one line broad,
with a few sharp lateral and terminal teeth. _sori_ elongated,
copious, often at last hiding the whole under surface. Great
Britain, and widely distributed in both hemispheres. This rare
little species requires to be securely planted in a well-drained
elevated chink of the fernery outside, in loamy, gritty soil.

=A. Shepherdi= (Shepherd's).* _sti._ tufted, 1ft. long. _fronds_
12in. to 18in. long, 6in. to 9in. broad; lower pinnæ stalked, 4in.
to 6in. long, 1in. to 1-1/2in. broad, point acuminate, edge lobed
above, 1/4in. broad, somewhat toothed. _sori_ linear, not reaching
the edge. South America. Stove species. SYN. _Diplazium Shepherdi_.

=A. S. inæquilaterum= (unequal-sided). _fronds_, texture firm,
colour duller than that of the type; pinnæ much acuminated; the
lobes deeper, more uniform, and falcate, the two sides unequal, the
lower one unequally truncate at the base.

=A. spathulinum= (spathulate). A synonym of _A. affine_.

=A. spinulosum= (very spiny).* _sti._ 6in. to 12in. long,
scattered. _fronds_ 9in. to 12in. each way, deltoid, tri- or
quadripinnatifid, with nine to twelve pinnæ on each side, the
lowest much the largest, 6in. to 9in. long, 2-1/2in. to 3in. broad,
ovate-lanceolate; pinnules lanceolate, cut down to the rachis on
each side into six to nine oblong-rhomboidal mucronate segments,
two lines long, one line broad, which are sharply toothed. _sori_
two to ten to a segment, usually round, but occasionally oblong.
Amur-land, &c. Greenhouse species. SYN. _Athyrium spinulosum_ and
_Cystopteris spinulosa_.

=A. splendens= (splendid). _rhiz._ creeping, scaly. _sti._ 6in. to
9in. _fronds_ deltoid, 6in. to 1ft. long, two to three-pinnate;
lower pinnæ stalked, deltoid, 1in. to 2in. broad, pinnate or
bipinnate; segments cuneate-flabellate, 1/4in. to 1/2in. broad,
slightly lobed, sharply toothed round outer edge. _sori_ copious,
slender, irregular, reaching from base nearly to tip of segments.
Cape Colony. A very rare greenhouse species.

=A. subsinuatum= (half-waved). Synonymous with _A. lanceum_.

=A. sundense= (Sundanese). Synonymous with _A. vittæforme_.

=A. sylvaticum= (woods). _cau._ decumbent. _sti._ 1ft. long.
_fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, ovate-lanceolate,
with numerous spreading pinnæ, the largest 3in. to 4in. long,
1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, acuminated; edge broadly and briefly lobed;
base narrowed suddenly on both sides. _sori_ in long slender lines,
reaching nearly to the edge. India, &c. Stove species.

=A. thelypteroides= (Thelypteris-like). _sti._ 1ft. long. _fronds_
1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 12in. broad, lanceolate, with numerous
spreading pinnæ, the lower ones 4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad,
cut down to a broadly-winged rachis into numerous nearly entire
elliptical spreading pinnules. _sori_ in close regular rows,
reaching nearly from the midrib to the edge, slightly curved, the
lower ones often double. North America, &c., 1823. Hardy or cool
house species. SYN. _Athyrium thelypteroides_.

=A. Thwaitesii= (Thwaites's).* _rhiz._ wide-creeping, stout. _sti._
6in. long, slender, densely clothed with strong white woolly hairs.
_fronds_ 1ft. or more long, 4in. to 6in. broad, with eight to
ten distinct pinnæ beneath the pinnatifid apex, the largest 3in.
long, 5/8in. broad, cut down two-thirds of the way to the rachis
in oblong crenulated lobes, 1/4in. deep, two lines across. _sori_
reaching half-way to the edge, the lowest about one line long.
Ceylon. Very fine stove species. SYN. _Diplazium Thwaitesii_.

=A. Trichomanes= (maiden-hair).* Maidenhair Spleenwort. _sti._
densely tufted, 1in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long,
about 1/2in. broad, with fifteen to thirty opposite pairs of
sessile horizontal pinnæ, which are 1/4in. to 3/8in. broad, one
and a-half to two lines deep, edge slightly crenate, the two sides
unequal, the upper one the broadest, and narrowed suddenly at
the base. _sori_ linear-oblong, three to six on each side of the
midrib. Great Britain, and almost cosmopolitan. Hardy species. See
Fig. 174. There are several varieties in cultivation, of which the
following are the most important:

=A. T. cristatum= (crested).* _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long,
simply pinnate, with roundish pinnæ, and broad crests at their
extremities, sometimes divided, each fork crested. A very pretty
little variety, requiring frame or greenhouse treatment. See Fig.
175.

=A. T. incisum= (deeply-cut).* _fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long; pinnæ
deeply pinnatifid, the lobes again deeply cut or serrated. A very
rare and pretty form.

=A. T. multifidum= (much-divided).* _fronds_ 3in. to 6in. long,
once, twice, thrice, or, rarely, quadri-furcate, each division
terminated with a little crest. A free-growing kind.

=A. T. ramosum= (branched).* _fronds_ 5in. to 8in. long, freely
branched, each division being again forked; pinnæ deeply cut or
crenated, or serrate. More hardy than any of the other forms.

=A. trilobum= (three-lobed).* _sti._ tufted, 2in. to 3in. long.
_fronds_ 1in. to 1-1/2in. long, 1in. broad, rhomboidal, apex acute,
base cuneate, entire, the margin undulato-crenate, or the lower
part deeply lobed, with broad inciso-crenate divisions. _sori_
broad and short. Chili and South Brazil. A very rare little stove
species. SYN. _A. parvulum_.

=A. umbrosum= (shady). _sti._ 1ft. or more long, scaly at the base.
_fronds_ 2ft. to 5ft. long, 12in. to 18in. broad, ovate-deltoid;
pinnæ ovate-lanceolate, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. to 6in. broad, with
lanceolate pinnules, which are again cut down to the midribs into
unequal-sided rhomboidal lobes, with the margins sharply crenated.
_sori_ copious, oblong, with large tumid membranous involucres.
Madeira, Canaries, Himalayas, &c. Very widely distributed. A very
handsome greenhouse species. SYNS. _Allantodia australe_, _Athyrium
umbrosum_.

=A. varians= (variable). _sti._ tufted, 1in. to 3in. long. _fronds_
4in. to 6in. long, 1in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with eight to
twelve pairs of pinnæ on each side, lower ones sub-deltoid, 1/2in.
to 3/4in. long, 1/4in. broad, cut down to the rachis into a few
cuneato-flabellate pinnules, the lowest two lines across, sharply
toothed on the outer edge. _sori_ copious, when mature, covering
nearly the whole under surface of the pinnules. Himalayas, and
widely distributed. Greenhouse species.

=A. Veitchianum= (Veitch's). Synonymous with _A. Belangeri_.

=A. Vieillardii= (Vieillard's).* _sti._ tufted, 4in. to 6in.
long. _fronds_ 6in. to 9in. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, with large
linear-lanceolate terminal pinna, lengthened out at the point, and
deeply serrated, and three to four pairs of erecto-patent similar
lateral ones, which are 3in. to 4in. long, upwards of 1/2in. broad,
equally truncato-cuneate, and the lower ones slightly stalked at
the base. _sori_ distant, falling short of both edge and margin.
New Caledonia. A very graceful greenhouse species. SYN. _A.
schizodon_. _A. apicidens_ is but a variety of this, with shortened
sori and more obtuse venation.

=A. viride= (green). Green Spleenwort.* _sti._ densely tufted,
2in. to 4in. long. _fronds_ 4in. to 6in. long, 1/2in. broad, with
twelve to twenty sub-sessile pinnæ on each side, ovate-rhomboid;
upper edge narrowed suddenly at the base, the lower one
obliquely truncate, outer part deeply crenated. _sori_ copious,
linear-oblong, oblique. Great Britain, &c., widely distributed in
both hemispheres. It requires to be planted in a well-drained but
moist situation. Hardy species. See Fig. 176.

=A. vittæforme= (narrow-fronded).* _rhiz._ creeping. _sti._ short,
erect. _fronds_ entire, lanceolate, 12in. to 18in. long, 1-1/2in.
to 3in. broad, narrowed to an acute point, and very gradually
into the stem below; margin obscurely toothed. _sori_ copious,
often reaching from the midrib nearly to the edge. Java, &c. Stove
species. SYN. _A. sundense_.

=A. viviparum= (plant-bearing).* _sti._ tufted. 6in. to 9in. long.
_fronds_ 1ft. to 2ft. long, 6in. to 8in. broad, ovate-lanceolate,
with numerous close-placed erecto-patent pinnæ on each side,
which are 3in. to 4in. long, 1-1/2. to 2in. broad, cut down to a
compressed rachis into numerous pinnatifid pinnules, the lower
segments of which are again forked; ultimate segments 1/4in.
to 3/8in. long, quarter-line broad. _sori_ solitary, marginal.
Mauritius, &c., 1820. A very handsome stove species.

=A. vulcanicum= (volcanic). _sti._ 6in. to 9in. long. _fronds_
1ft. to 2ft. long, 4in. to 8in. broad, oblong-lanceolate, with
a linear-terminal pinna, or gemmiferous at the apex, and six to
twelve lateral ones on each side; lower ones stalked, 2in. to 4in.
long, 3/4in. to 1in. broad, acuminated; edge slightly dentate; the
base truncate. _sori_ very regular and parallel, falling short of
the edge. Malay Islands. Stove species. SYN. _A. heterodon_.

=A. zeylanicum= (Ceylonese).* _sti._ scattered, 4in. to 8in.
long. _fronds_ 6in. to 12in. long, 1in. to 2in. broad, the point
acuminated, apex slightly lobed, the lower two-thirds more deeply
so, and the base quite down to the rachis; lobes blunt, 1/4in. to
1/2in. across. _sori_ linear, two to three lines long. Ceylon.
Stove species. SYN. _Diplazium zeylanicum_.

=ASSONIA= (commemorative of Ignatius de Asso, a distinguished Spanish botanist, who wrote on the plants of Arragon). ORD. _Sterculiaceæ_. This genus is now included by best authorities under _Dombeya_. Ornamental stove evergreen trees, with undivided leaves, and axillary, bifid, sub-corymbose peduncles. They are of easy culture; thriving freely in any light rich soil, or a mixture of loam and peat. Young cuttings will root freely in sand, with a brisk bottom heat, if covered by a bell glass.

=A. populnea= (Poplar-leaved). _fl._ white, disposed in a terminal,
bifid corymb; peduncles scarcely longer than the petioles. June.
_l._ cordate, acuminated, smooth, a little serrated. _h._ 10ft. to
20ft. Bourbon, 1820.

=A. viburnoides= (Viburnum-like). _fl._ white; peduncles three
times longer than the petioles. _l._ cordate, somewhat acuminate,
crenated, tomentose beneath, as well as younger leaves. _h._ 10ft.
to 20ft. Bourbon, 1822.

=ASTARTEA= (a mythological name: Astarte, the Syrian Venus). ORD. _Myrtaceæ_. An ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrub, requiring a mixture of loam, peat, leaf soil, and sand. Young cuttings root readily in sand under a bell glass in gentle heat.

=A. fascicularis= (bundle-flowered). _fl._ white, pedicellate,
solitary, axillary. May. _l._ opposite, linear, fleshy; when young,
disposed in axillary fascicles. _h._ 6ft. to 9ft. West Australia,
1830.

=ASTELMA= (from _a_, not, and _stelma_, a crown; in reference to the construction of the fruit). ORD. _Compositæ_. Greenhouse evergreen shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope. Some species of this genus, which is now generally referred to _Helipterum_, are very handsome, and thrive well in a mixture of fibrous peat, leaf soil, and sand, with thorough drainage. Fill the pots one-third full of crocks; water carefully, and only when absolutely necessary; and place in a situation near the glass, allowing a free admission of air. Seeds should be sown in pots of light, open soil, and placed in a gentle heat; half-ripened cuttings will strike readily in sandy soil with a hand glass placed over them. They are now but rarely seen under cultivation.

=A. canescens= (hoary). _fl.-heads_ purple; scales of involucre
ovate; branches one-flowered. May to June. _l._ oblong, blunt,
imbricated. _h._ 1-1/2ft. 1794.

=A. eximium= (fine).* _fl.-heads_ crimson; corymbs sessile.
July. _l._ sessile, ovate, close, erect, white with thick woolly
pubescence. Stem stout. _h._ 3ft. 1793. This is a very beautiful
species.

=A. speciosissimum= (showiest). _fl.-heads_ white, large,
solitary, terminal. July. _l._ sessile, lanceolate-obovate, acute,
three-nerved, woolly. _h._ 8ft. 1691.

=ASTEPHANUS= (from _a_, without, and _stephanos_, a corona; corona absent). ORD. _Asclepiadeæ_. A genus of pretty evergreen greenhouse twiners. Flowers few, small, disposed in interpetiolar umbels; corolla campanulate. Leaves small, opposite. They thrive in a compost of turfy peat, leaf soil, and loam, in equal parts. Very little water is required when the plants are at rest. Cuttings root readily in sandy soil in a moderate heat. Propagation may also be effected by division.

=A. linearis= (linear). _fl._ white; umbels dividing in
threes, lateral and terminal. July. _l._ 1in. long, opposite,
linear-lanceolate. Stem glabrous. Cape of Good Hope, 1816.

=A. triflorus= (three-flowered).* _fl._ white; umbels generally
three-flowered. July. _l._ opposite, lanceolate, villous beneath.
Stems hairy. Cape of Good Hope, 1816.

=ASTER= (from _aster_, a star; general shape of flower-heads). Michaelmas Daisy; Star-wort. SYN. _Pinardia_ (of Necker). ORD. _Compositæ_. Hardy herbaceous perennials, except where otherwise stated. Heads solitary, corymbose, or panicled, heterogamous, rayed; ray florets pistiliferous, one or two-seriate, fertile or neuter; ligule elongated, white, blue, or purple; disk florets hermaphrodite, fertile, tubular, yellow, five-cleft; involucre campanulate or hemispheric; bracts few or many-seriate, outer smaller or larger; receptacle flat or convex; pappus hairs few or copious, scabrid, outer sometimes shorter, rigid, and paleaceous. Leaves alternate. This large genus contains many handsome border and alpine deciduous perennials (rarely biennials) of easy culture in ordinary soil. They may be propagated by divisions in autumn or spring, or by seeds in spring. The greenhouse species are mostly evergreen shrubs, requiring a compost of peat, leaf soil, and loam. Cuttings root readily in a sandy soil, under a hand glass, with very little heat.

=A. acris= (acrid). _fl.-heads_ blue; involucre imbricated, twice
as short as the disk. August. _l._ linear-lanceolate, not dotted,
three-nerved. _h._ 2ft. South Europe, 1731.

=A. acuminatus= (taper-pointed).* _fl.-heads_ white; panicle
corymbose. September. _l._ broad-lanceolate, narrowed at base,
entire, with a very long point. Stem simple, flexuous, angular.
_h._ 2ft. North America, 1806.

=A. adulterinus= (false). _fl.-heads_ violet; involucre squarrose,
shorter than the disk. September. _l._ amplexicaul, lanceolate;
lower ones sub-serrate, smooth; those of the branches linear
squarrose. _h._ 3ft. North America.

=A. æstivus= (summer-flowering).* _fl.-heads_ blue. July. _l._
lanceolate, somewhat amplexicaul, narrowed at the end, scabrous
at edge. Stem erect, hispid; branchlets pilose. _h._ 2ft. North
America, 1776.

=A. albescens= (whitish). _fl.-heads_ purple or whitish,
nearly 1in. across; corymbosely panicled; scales of involucre
ovate-linear, apiculate; ray twenty-flowered. August. _l._
lanceolate on short petioles, denticulate, downy. Plant beset with
rusty down. _h._ 3ft. Nepal, 1842.

=A. alpinus= (alpine).* _fl.-heads_ bright purple, 1in. to 2in.
across; scales of involucre nearly equal, lanceolate, bluntish.
July. _l._, radical ones lanceolate-spathulate; those of the stem
lanceolate. Stem one-flowered. _h._ 6in. to 9in. Europe, 1658. A
very attractive species, having a dwarf, stout habit; it forms
a useful and handsome subject for edging, and its flowers are
valuable for cutting purposes. See Fig. 177.

=A. a. albus= (white).* _fl.-heads_ white, in other respects
resembling the type; but it is much less desirable, and has not
nearly so vigorous a habit. Europe, 1827.

=A. altaicus= (Altaian).* _fl.-heads_ blue-purple, about
2in. across; stem simple, corymbose, downy. June, July. _l._
linear-lanceolate, entire, blunt mucronate, three-nerved at
base, veiny. _h._ 1ft. Siberia, 1804. This, which is frequently
considered a variety of _A. alpinus_, is one of the handsomest.

=A. alwartensis= (Alwart). _fl.-heads_ red; ray very fine;
involucre loosely squarrose. May. _l._ ovate, narrowed at base,
entire, about five-nerved. _h._ 1ft. Caucasus, 1807.

=A. Amellus= (Amellus).* _fl.-heads_ purple, solitary, numerous;
involucre imbricated squarrose; leaves blunt; inner membranous,
coloured at edge. August. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, scabrous. _h._
2ft. Italy, 1596. One of the best border kinds.

=A. A. bessarabicus= (Bessarabian).* A most desirable variety,
frequently seen in gardens; it is rather taller than the type, with
larger flower-heads, of a deep purple colour. One of the showiest
of all the Asters. See Fig. 178.

=A. amplexicaulis= (stem-clasping). _fl.-heads_ violet. July. _l._
ovate-oblong, acute, amplexicaul, cordate, serrated, smooth. Stem
panicled, smooth; branches one to two-headed. _h._ 3ft. North
America.

=A. amygdalinus= (Almond-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white; involucre
closely imbricated. August. _l._ lanceolate, narrowed at base,
acuminated, scabrous at edge. Stem simple, corymbose at end. _h._
2ft. North America, 1759.

=A. argenteus= (silvery).* _fl.-heads_ purple. August. _l._
oblong-lanceolate, silky, sessile. Stem slender, decumbent, loosely
branched; branches and branchlets one-headed. _h._ 1ft. North
America, 1801.

=A. bellidiflorus= (Daisy-flowered). _fl.-heads_ pale red;
involucre with spreading scales. September. _l._ amplexicaul,
narrow-lanceolate, scabrous above, lower sub-serrated. Stem much
branched. _h._ 3ft. North America.

=A. Bigelovii= (Bigelow's).* _fl.-heads_ corymbose, 2-1/2in.
diameter, ray-florets lilac, disk yellow. Summer. _l._ scabrous
pubescent, oblong-spathulate; cauline ones amplexicaul,
ovate-oblong, crenate, obscurely-toothed. _h._ 2-1/2ft. Colorado,
1878. A very handsome biennial species. SYN. _A. Townshendi_.

=A. blandus= (charming). _fl.-heads_ pale purple; racemes
scarcely longer than the leaves. October. _l._ sub-amplexicaul,
oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, sessile, smooth. Stem pyramidal. _h._
2ft. North America, 1800.

=A. canescens= (hoary). _fl.-heads_ pale purple; involucre
imbricated, very acute, longer than disk. September. _l._ linear.
Panicle corymbose, much branched, leafy. _h._ 2ft. North America,
1812. Biennial or perennial.

=A. cassiarabicus= (Arabian Cassia). _fl.-heads_ pink; panicles
corymbose. September. _l._ ovate, acute, serrated, tapering at the
petioles. Plant erect, pilose. _h._ 2ft. Russia, 1834.

=A. caucasicus= (Caucasian).* _fl.-heads_ purple, solitary; scales
of involucre nearly equal, linear. July. _l._ ovate, sessile,
scabrous. _h._ 1ft. Caucasus, 1804.

=A. ciliatus= (ciliated). _fl.-heads_ white. September. _l._
ciliated; cauline ones linear-lanceolate, nerved; those of the
branches very short lanceolate, three-nerved. Stem branched, downy;
branches downy. _h._ 3ft. North America.

=A. concinnus= (neat).* _fl.-heads_ purple; involucre closely
imbricated. October. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones
sub-serrate, smooth. Stem simple, panicled at end. _h._ 2ft. North
America, 1800.

=A. concolor= (one-coloured). _fl.-heads_ purple; raceme terminal.
October. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, hoary on each side. Stem simple,
erect, downy. _h._ 1ft. North America, 1759.

=A. conyzioides= (Conyza-like). Synonymous with _Seriocarpus
conyzioides_.

=A. cordifolius= (heart-leaved). _fl.-heads_ blue, small, disposed
in crowded racemes, which are slightly drooping. July. _l._
cordate, pilose beneath, finely serrated, stalked. Stem smoothish,
panicled; panicle spreading. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1759.

=A. coridifolius= (Coris-leaved). _fl.-heads_ pale blue. October.
_l._ very numerous, linear, blunt, reflexed, hispid at edge. Stem
branched, diffuse, smooth; branches one-headed. _h._ 1ft. North
America.

=A. corymbosus= (corymbose). _fl.-heads_ corymbose, about 1in.
in diameter; ray-florets few, narrow, white; disk-florets pale
yellow. Autumn. _l._ 3in. long, cordate acute, lobed at the base,
coarsely toothed. Stems brittle, blackish purple. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft.
SYN. _Biotia corymbosa_. See Fig. 179.

=A. diffusus= (diffuse). _fl.-heads_ white; involucres imbricated.
October. _l._ elliptic-lanceolate, equal, serrated, smooth.
Branches spreading. Stem pubescent. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1777.

=A. Douglasii= (Douglas's).* _fl.-heads_ purple; involucral scales
linear or spathulate-linear, loosely imbricated. August. _l._
lanceolate, acute, entire, or rarely serrate, mostly tapering at
the base. Stem smooth, slender, paniculately branched, leafy. _h._
3ft. to 4ft. California, &c.

=A. dracunculoides= (Tarragon-like).* _fl.-heads_ white, about 1in.
across, disposed in dense cymose clusters; involucre imbricated.
September, October. _l._ linear, acuminated, entire; lower ones
linear-lanceolate, sub-serrate. Branches corymbose. _h._ 3ft. North
America, 1811. A very handsome species.

=A. dumosus= (bushy).* _fl.-heads_ white, about 1/2in. across,
disposed in broad clusters; involucre cylindrical, closely
imbricated. October. _l._ linear, glabrous; those of the branches
very short. Branches panicled. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1734.

=A. d. albus= (white).* _fl.-heads_ quite white, and rather smaller
than those of the species. North America.

=A. d. violaceus= (violet). _fl.-heads_ violet-purple. North
America.

=A. elegans= (elegant). _fl.-heads_ blue, small; corymb contracted,
drooping; scales of involucre oblong-cuneate, blunt, squarrose.
September. _l._ scabrous; cauline ones oblong-lanceolate, acute;
radical ones oblong, stalked. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1790. A very
elegant species, having a graceful habit.

=A. eminens= (eminent). _fl.-heads_ light blue. October. _l._
linear-lanceolate, acuminate, scabrous at edge; lower ones
sub-serrated. Stem panicled; branches one-headed. _h._ 2ft. North
America.

=A. ericoides= (Heath-like).* _fl.-heads_ white; involucre
squarrose, leaflets acute. September. _l._ linear, glabrous; those
of the branches subulate, close together; and those of the stem
long. _h._ 3ft. North America, 1758. A very pretty species. See
Fig. 180.

=A. floribundus= (many-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ light purple.
September. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate; lower ones serrated.
Stem smooth; branches corymbose. _h._ 4ft. North America.

=A. foliosus= (leafy). _fl.-heads_ pale blue; involucre imbricate.
September. _l._ linear-lanceolate, acuminate, narrowed at each
end. Stem downy, panicled, erect; branches few-headed. _h._ 3ft.
North America, 1732.

=A. fragilis= (fragile). _fl.-heads_ flesh-coloured, small;
involucre imbricated. September. _l._ linear, acuminate, entire;
radical ones oblong, serrate. Branches in corymbose panicles. _h._
2ft. North America, 1800.

=A. grandiflorus= (large-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ purple, large,
terminal; scales of involucre squarrose. November. _l._ linear,
rigid, acute, sub-amplexicaul; those of the branches reflexed,
hispid at edge. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1720. See Fig. 181.

=A. hyssopifolius= (Hyssop-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ white, or purple
shaded; scales of the involucre about half as long as the disk.
August to October. _l._ linear-lanceolate, acute, with the margins
scabrous. Branches fastigiate and corymbose, smooth. _h._ 1-1/2ft.
to 2ft. North America.

=A. lævigatus= (smooth-stemmed). _fl.-heads_ flesh-coloured,
about 1in. across, disposed in large panicles. September. _l._
sub-amplexicaul, broad-lanceolate, sub-serrate, smooth. Stem
glabrous. Branches many-headed. _h._ 3ft. North America, 1794.

=A. lævis= (smooth).* _fl.-heads_ blue; involucre imbricated with
cuneiform leaflets. September. _l._ sub-amplexicaul, remotely
oblong, entire, lucid; radical ones sub-serrated. _h._ 2ft. North
America, 1758. One of the best border species.

=A. laxus= (loose-flowered). _fl.-heads_ white, about 1in. across;
clusters loose. October. _l._ linear-lanceolate, scabrous at edge;
lower ones sub-serrated; stem ones reflexed. Stem loosely panicled.
_h._ 2ft. North America.

=A. linarifolius= (Toad-flax-leaved). _fl.-heads_ pale blue.
September. _l._ numerous, linear, mucronated, nerveless, not
dotted, keeled, scabrous, rigid. Branches fastigiate, one-headed.
_h._ 1ft. North America, 1699.

=A. linifolius= (Flax-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white; involucre
imbricated, short. July. _l._ linear, nerveless, dotted, scabrous,
reflexed, spreading. Branches corymbose, fastigiate, leafy. _h._
2ft. North America, 1739.

=A. longifolius= (long-leaved).* _fl.-heads_ white, 1in. across,
in dense corymbose panicles; involucre squarrose. October. _l._
linear-lanceolate, rarely toothed, very long, smooth. _h._ 3ft.
North America, 1798. There are several varieties of this handsome
species.

=A. l. formosus= (charming).* _fl.-heads_ pink, produced in dense
corymbs. _h._ 1-1/2ft. to 2ft.

=A. macrophyllus= (large-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white. August. _l._
large, ovate, stalked, serrated, scabrous; upper ones cordate,
sessile. Stem branched, diffuse. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1739.

=A. multiflorus= (many-flowered).* _fl.-heads_ white, small; corymb
large, elongated; involucre imbricated; scales oblong, squarrose,
acute. September. _l._ linear, glabrous. Stem much branched,
diffuse, downy; branchlets one-sided. _h._ 3ft. North America, 1732.

=A. myrtifolius= (Myrtle-leaved). _fl.-heads_ white; involucre
imbricated; scales length of disk. August. _l._, stem ones,
amplexicaul, scabrous; those of the branches small. _h._ 2ft. 1812.

=A. novæ-angliæ= (New England).* _fl.-heads_ purple, in terminal
clusters. September. _l._ linear-lanceolate, pilose, amplexicaul,
auricled at base. Stem simple, pilose, straight. _h._ 6ft. North
America, 1710. One of the best; having a tall and robust habit.

=A. n.-a. rubra= (red).* _fl.-heads_ deep red pink, in other
respects like the type. North America, 1812.

=A. novæ-belgii= (New York).* _fl.-heads_ pale blue. September.
_l._ sub-amplexicaul, lanceolate, glabrous, scabrous at edge; lower
ones sub-serrated. Branches divided. _h._ 4ft. North America, 1710.
There is a variety known in gardens which belongs to this species,
under the name of _amethystinus_, the flowers of which are much
larger and very showy.

=A. obliquus= (oblique). _fl.-heads_ numerous; ray white; disk
purplish. Autumn. _l._ alternate; lower ones linear-lanceolate,
oblique; upper stem ones smaller. _h._ 5ft. North America. A very
fine species, forming large tufts.

=A. paniculatus= (panicled).* _fl.-heads_ light blue; involucre
loose. September. _l._ ovate-lanceolate, sub-serrated, stalked,
smooth; petioles naked. Stem much branched, smooth. _h._ 4ft. North
America, 1640.

=A. pannonicus= (Pannonian). _fl.-heads_ violet; scales of
involucre lanceolate, blunt, equal. July. _l._ linear-lanceolate,
hispid at edge. Stem simple, corymbose. _h._ 2ft. Hungary, 1815.

=A. patens= (spreading). _fl.-heads_ light purple, about 1in.
across. October. _l._ oblong-lanceolate, ciliate, cordate,
amplexicaul, scabrous on each side, hairy. Stem branched, hairy.
_h._ 2ft. North America, 1773.

=A. pendulus= (drooping).* _fl.-heads_ pure white at first,
ultimately rosy pink, small. September. _l._ elliptic-lanceolate,
serrate, smooth, those of the branches distant. Branches much
spreading, pendulous. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1758. A very pretty
species.

=A. peregrinus= (foreign).* _fl.-heads_ bluish purple, 2in. across.
July, August. _l._ lanceolate, sub-acute, entire, smooth, those of
the stem rather narrower than the radical ones. Stem smooth, or
nearly so, two or three-flowered. _h._ 1ft. North America. A very
pretty little species for the rockery or border.

=A. pilosus= (pilose). _fl.-heads_ pale blue; involucre oblong,
loose, imbricated. September. _l._ linear-lanceolate, hoary. Stem
branched, villous; branchlets somewhat one-sided, one-headed. _h._
2ft. North America, 1812.

=A. præcox= (early). _fl.-heads_ violet; involucre imbricated;
scales nearly equal; outer scales somewhat spreading. July. _l._
oblong-lanceolate, narrowed at the base. Stem hairy. _h._ 2ft.
North America, 1800.

=A. pulchellus= (beautiful).* _fl.-heads_ purple, solitary; scales
of involucre nearly equal, linear, acuminate. June. _l._, radical
ones spathulate; cauline ones linear-lanceolate. _h._ 1ft. Armenia.

=A. puniceus= (red-stalked). _fl.-heads_ blue, about 1in. across;
panicle large, pyramidal; involucre loose, longer than the disk.
September. _l._ amplexicaul, lanceolate, serrate, roughish.
Branches panicled. _h._ 6ft. North America, 1710.

=A. pyrenæus= (Pyrenean).* _fl.-heads_ lilac-blue (disk yellow),
large, three to five in a short corymb. July. _l._ scabrous on both
sides; cauline ones oblong-lanceolate, acute, sessile, sharply
serrated on the upper part. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft. Pyrenees.

=A. Reevesi= (Reeves's). _fl.-heads_ white, with yellow centre,
small; panicle dense, pyramidal. Autumn. _l._ linear, acute.
Branches slender. _h._ 9in. to 12in. North America. A very
desirable species, suitable for rockwork.

=A. reticulatus= (netted). _fl.-heads_ white. July. _l._
lanceolate-oblong, acute at each end, sessile, revolute at end,
netted, and three-nerved beneath. Plant hoary all over. _h._ 3ft.
North America, 1812.

=A. rubricaule= (red-stemmed). Synonymous with _A. spurius_.

=A. salicifolius= (Willow-leaved). _fl.-heads_ flesh-coloured;
involucre lanceolate, imbricate; scales acute, spreading at end.
September. _l._ linear-lanceolate, nearly entire, smooth. Stem
smooth, panicled at end. _h._ 6ft. North America, 1760.

=A. salsuginosus= (salt-plains).* _fl.-heads_ violet-purple;
involucral scales linear, loose, glandular. July. _l._ entire,
the lower spathulate, obovate, tapering into a margined petiole;
the upper ones lanceolate, acute, with broad base, usually
sub-amplexicaul. Stem minutely pubescent, leafy nearly to the
top, few-flowered. _h._ 9in. to 18in. North America, 1827. A very
handsome species.

=A. s. elatior= (tallest). This variety grows 2ft. or more high,
and has rather larger flowers than the type. North America.

=A. sericeus= (silky). _fl.-heads_ deep blue; terminal, about
1-1/2in. across. Summer and autumn. _l._ oblong-lanceolate,
sessile, entire, three-nerved, silky with down. _h._ 3ft. Missouri,
1802. This is a half-hardy evergreen shrub, and requires a warm,
well-drained soil.

=A. serotinus= (late-flowering). _fl.-heads_ blue. September. _l._
oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, sessile, smooth, scabrous at edge;
lower ones serrated; branches corymbose, smooth. _h._ 3ft. North
America.

=A. Shortii= (Short's). _fl.-heads_ purplish blue, about 1in.
across; panicles long, racemose. Autumn. _l._ lanceolate,
elongated, acuminated, cordate at the base. _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. Stem
slender, spreading. North America.

=A. sibiricus= (Siberian). _fl.-heads_ blue; involucre loose;
leaflets lanceolate, acuminate, hispid. August. _l._ lanceolate,
sub-amplexicaul, serrate, pilose, scabrous. _h._ 2ft. Siberia, 1768.

=A. sikkimensis= (Sikkimese).* _fl.-heads_ purple; leaflets
of involucre linear, acuminate, sub-squarrose. October. _l._
lanceolate, acuminate, spinosely denticulate; radical ones on
longer petioles; cauline ones sessile; corymbs large, of many
heads, leafy, erect, glabrous, branched. _h._ 3ft. Sikkim, 1850.

=A. spectabilis= (showy).* _fl.-heads_ blue; scales of involucre
loose, leafy. August. _l._ lanceolate, roughish, somewhat
amplexicaul; lower ones serrate in the middle. _h._ 2ft. North
America, 1777. A very pretty species.

=A. spurius= (spurious). _fl.-heads_ purple, large, few; inner
scales of involucre coloured. September. _l._ linear-lanceolate,
amplexicaul, polished. Stem virgate, panicled. Branches racemose.
_h._ 4ft. North America, 1789. SYN. _A. rubricaule_.

=A. tardiflorus= (late-flowering). _fl.-heads_ blue, numerous.
Autumn. _l._ sessile, serrated, smooth, spathulate-lanceolate,
narrowed at base, and bent down towards each side. _h._ 2ft. North
America, 1775.

=A. Townshendi= (Townshend's). Synonymous with _A. Bigelovii_.

=A. Tradescanti= (Tradescant's).* _fl.-heads_ white; involucre
imbricated. August. _l._ lanceolate-sessile, serrated, smooth;
branches virgate. Stem round, smooth. _h._ 3ft. North America,
1633. _A. multiflorus_ is very much like this species, and,
perhaps, a mere form thereof, with somewhat smaller flowers and
more obovate-oblong leaves.

=A. tripolium= (Tripoli). Michaelmas Daisy. _fl.-heads_ blue;
disk yellow; scales of involucre lanceolate, membranous, obtuse,
imbricated. August. _l._ linear-lanceolate, fleshy, obscurely
three-nerved. Stem glabrous, corymbose. _h._ 2ft. Britain.

=A. turbinellus= (turbinate). _fl.-heads_ delicate mauve, disposed
in panicles; involucre top-shaped, scales imbricate. Summer and
autumn. _l._ lanceolate, smooth, entire, with fringed margins,
somewhat stem-clasping; those of the branchlets awl-shaped. _h._
2ft. to 3ft. North America. A very desirable species. See Fig. 182.

=A. undulatus= (undulated). _fl.-heads_ pale blue. August. _l._
oblong-cordate, amplexicaul, entire; petioles winged. Stem
panicled, hispid. Branchlets one-sided. _h._ 3ft. North America,
1699.

=A. versicolor= (various-coloured).* _fl.-heads_ white, changing
to purple; scales of involucre shorter than disk. August. _l._
sub-amplexicaul, broad-lanceolate, sub-serrate, smooth. Stem
glabrous. _h._ 3ft. North America, 1790.

The annuals (_Callistemma hortensis_), usually known as French, German, or China Asters, are very extensively grown, both for beds and pots, and their diversity and generally compact growth render them almost universal favourites. They require a rich loamy soil, and as the roots are produced near the surface, a mulching of rotten dung will be found most beneficial. Seeds may be raised in a cold frame in March or April, and, when the seedlings are large enough, they must be transplanted into beds from 9in. to 12in. apart each way. If it is desired to have them in pots, they may be removed thence with a good ball of earth adhering just before they commence flowering, liberally watered, and kept lightly shaded from the sun, until root action is resumed. Those kinds required for exhibition purposes should have several of the side shoots removed, so that the whole growing energy of the plant may be centralised into from five to seven flower-heads, by which means fine blooms may be obtained. The dwarf kinds are most valuable for bedding and pots, as the taller kinds frequently require stakes for support. The following are the most important sections:

=Betteridge's Prize.= Very beautifully formed and brilliantly
coloured varieties, unsurpassed for exhibition purposes. As this
class has rather a straggling habit of growth, it is less suitable
for bedding and borders than many of the others.

=Boltze's Miniature Bouquet Pyramidal.= Dwarf and elegant, in
compact bouquets of six or eight; the truss of flower-heads springs
directly from the ground, having only a few leaves at base. Colours
very varied. _h._ 6in. to 8in.

=Crown.=* Distinct. The central portion, or disk, of the head of
flowers is pure white, surrounded by a broad margin of coloured ray
florets, such as purple, violet, crimson, rose, &c. Flower-heads
large, flat, freely produced. _h._ 1ft. to 1-1/2ft.

=Dwarf Chrysanthemum-flowered.=* In size of flower-heads and habit
of growth, this surpasses all other dwarf varieties. The flowers
are full, Chrysanthemum-shaped, produced in clusters, or bouquets,
from ten to twenty in a truss, very delicate and beautiful in
colour. _h._ 1ft.

=Dwarf Pyramidal= or =Dwarf Bouquet=. A pretty little class, and
extremely floriferous, each plant producing from twenty to fifty
heads of bloom. Some of the colours are: Exquisite carmine with
white points, white with blue or carmine points, white with salmon
centre, &c. _h._ 1ft.

=Improved Imbricate.= The best strain of pyramidal Asters with
recurved florets; fine regular form of flowers, double to the
centre, producing but few seeds. Colours very brilliant. _h._ 2ft.

=Improved Rose.= A handsome class, producing a branched head,
displaying no less than fifty large double flower-heads, the outer
florets finely imbricated, and filled up to the centre when quite
open. The colours are of great brilliancy, and of many shades. _h._
2ft.

=Pompone Goliath.=* Flower-heads globular, and florets very closely
set. Valuable for bouquets, as the flowers remain intact for a
considerable time.

=Pyramidal Hedgehog.= Singular and unique. Stems upright, and
branched; each branch terminated by a single flower-head, which is
filled up with quill-like florets. Colours various. _h._ 1-1/2ft.

=Truffaut's Pæony Perfection.=* Vigorous upright growers, having
large, hemispherical-formed heads of flowers with incurved florets,
4in. across. The colours also are very varied. _h._ about 2ft. See
Figs. 183 and 184.

=Victoria.=* One of the most popular classes of Asters grown;
flower-heads very double, imbricate, globular, 4in. in diameter,
from ten to twenty on a plant, of various shades. _h._ 1ft., with
a pyramidal habit. See Fig. 185.

=ASTERACANTHA= (from _aster_, a star, and _acantha_, a spine; referring to the disposition of the spines). ORD. _Acanthaceæ_. A handsome greenhouse herbaceous perennial, of easy culture in sandy loam. It should be grown in a sunny position, and be kept moderately dry, otherwise little but foliaceous growth will be produced; but, if thus treated, it flowers freely. Propagated by divisions in spring; or by seeds, sown in August.

=A. longifolia= (long-leaved). _fl._ yellow, in dense axillary
fascicles. July. _l._ lanceolate, tapering to the base, narrow,
sessile, serrately ciliated. Stem quadrangular. Plant rather hairy.
_h._ 2ft. India, 1781.

=ASTERACEÆ.= _See_ =Compositæ=.

=ASTEROCEPHALUS.= _See_ =Scabiosa=.

=ASTILBE= (from _a_, without, and _stilbe_, brilliancy; in allusion to the inconspicuous flowers of some of the species). ORD. _Saxifragaceæ_. Tall branching herbs, with triternate or biternate leaves, allied to _Spiræa_, from which they differ in having not more than three carpels, eight or ten stamens, and numerous albuminous seeds. They are all more or less graceful, and some indispensable, either when grown in isolated clumps, or intermingled with other herbaceous plants. They thrive well in almost any rich garden soil, preferring damp positions, and are easily propagated by division, which is best done in early spring. _A. japonica_ is grown very extensively for decorative purposes, its elegant spikes of pure white flowers rendering it especially valuable. The majority of the plants cultivated are imported, but they may be grown fairly well in this country in heavily manured soil. They should be potted as early as possible in the autumn, and plunged in ashes or fibre outside, when they will soon commence to root, after which they may be placed in heat, and forced as required, always giving an abundance of water. Indeed, the pots may be stood in pans of water, especially when the plants are well furnished with growth.

=A. barbata= (bearded). A synonym of _A. japonica_.

=A. decandra= (ten-stamened). _fl._ white, in spicate racemose
panicles. May. _l._ biternate; leaflets cordate, deeply lobed and
serrated, glandular beneath, and on the petioles. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft.
North America, 1812.

=A. japonica= (Japanese).* _fl._ small, pure white, in large
branching racemose panicles. May. _l._ triternate or pinnate,
serrated. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Japan. This is best grown in pots, as
early frosts generally cut it down in the open air. SYNS. _Spiræa
barbata_ and _japonica_, also _Hoteia_ and _A. barbata_. See Fig
186.

=A. j. variegata= (variegated).* _l._ prettily variegated with
yellow; panicles much more dense than the type; indeed, it is far
superior in that respect.

=A. rivularis= (brook).* _fl._ yellowish-white, or reddish, in
large panicled spikes. Late summer. _l._ biternate; leaflets ovate,
doubly serrated, villous beneath and on the petioles. _h._ 3ft.
Nepaul. A grand plant for the margins of lakes or damp woodlands.
See Fig. 187.

=A. rubra= (red).* _fl._ rose, very numerous, in dense panicles.
Late summer and autumn. _l._ biternate; leaflets oblique, cordate,
1in. to 2in. long, with elongated, serrated points. _h._ 4ft. to
6ft. India, 1851. A very pretty, but rare species; excellent for
sub-tropical gardening.

=A. Thunbergi= (Thunberg's).* _fl._ small, white, very numerous, in
erect, much branched, pyramidal panicles, with reddish and slightly
downy stalks. May. _l._ unequally pinnate or bipinnate; leaflets
broad, yellowish green, sharply toothed. _h._ 1-1/2ft. Japan, 1878.
This pretty little sub-shrub is extensively propagated on the
Continent for forcing purposes.

=ASTRAGALUS= (a name applied to a shrub by Greek writers). Milk Vetch. ORD. _Leguminosæ_. A very large genus of hardy herbs or sub-shrubs. Flowers in axillary clusters; standard larger than the wings. Leaves unequally pinnate. About one hundred species have from time to time been introduced in English gardens; many of these are lost to cultivation; the comparative few here described are still generally grown, and are good representative species. They are all of easy culture. The shrubby kinds grow well in any light dry soil, and are slowly increased by cuttings placed in a cold frame, or by seeds. The herbaceous perennials prefer a dry light soil, and may be increased by divisions or seeds; the latter mode is preferable, as many species are very liable to die if transplanted or divided, which is at best but a slow method. Seed should be sown in pots of sandy soil placed in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or very early in the spring, as they may lie a long time before germinating. The dwarfer species constitute admirable rockwork plants, and can be grown in pots containing a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. Seeds of the two annual species, _A. Cicer_ and _A. Glaux_, merely require to be sown in the open border early in spring.

=A. adsurgens= (adsurgent).* _fl._ bluish purple; spikes oblong,
pedunculate, longer than the leaves, densely packed. June. _l._
with eleven to twelve pairs of ovate-lanceolate acute leaflets;
stipules acuminated, length of leaves. Plant ascending, smoothish.
Siberia, 1818. A very handsome and rare perennial species.

=A. aduncus= (hooked). _fl._ rose purple, in oblong spikes;
peduncles rather shorter than the leaves. June and July. _l._ with
numerous pairs of roundish-ovate, smooth leaflets, sometimes downy.
_h._ 6in. to 9in. Caucasus, 1819. Perennial.

=A. alopecuroides= (foxtail-like).* _fl._ yellow, disposed in thick
dense ovate-oblong spikes, on short axillary peduncles. June.
_l._ with numerous ovate-lanceolate, pubescent leaflets; stipules
ovate-lanceolate, acuminated. Plant erect. _h._ 2ft. to 5ft.
Siberia, 1737. One of the finest perennial species grown.

=A. alpinus= (alpine). _fl._ bluish-purple, sometimes whitish,
drooping, disposed in racemes of about 1/2in. long. Summer. _l._
impari-pinnate, with eight to twelve pairs of ovate or oblong
leaflets. Britain. A very desirable, hairy, prostrate perennial.