Part 44

=ATHAMANTA= (named from Mount Athamas, in Sicily, where some species are found). ORD. _Umbelliferæ_. A genus of greenhouse or hardy herbaceous plants, usually velvety from villi on the stem, leaves, and fruit. Flowers white; involucra of one or few leaves; involucel of many leaves. The undermentioned is the only species in cultivation, and is a very graceful perennial, with Fennel-like foliage. It thrives well in any ordinary soil. Increased by divisions, or by seeds sown in spring.

=A. Matthioli= (Matthioli's). _fl._ white, twelve to twenty-five to an umbel. Summer. _l._ three or four ternate; leaflets linear-filiform, elongated, divaricate. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Alps of Carinthia, 1802.

=ATHANASIA= (from _a_, not, and _thanatos_, death; alluding to the length of time which the flowers last). ORD. _Compositæ_. Rather ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrubs with yellow flowers, from the Cape of Good Hope. They grow well in a soil consisting of three parts loam and one part peat. Propagation is effected by cuttings, taken from half-ripened wood in spring, and placed in sand, under a hand glass.

=A. capitata= (headed).* _fl.-heads_ yellow. March. _l._ pinnati-partite; younger hoary, older smooth. _h._ 1-1/2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1774.

=A. pubescens= (downy). _fl.-heads_ yellow. July. _l._ oblong, entire (or tridentate), softly hairy on both sides; when old, sub-glabrous. _h._ 6ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1768.

=ATHEROSPERMA= (from _ather_, an awn, and _sperma_, seed; seeds awned). ORD. _Monimiaceæ_. A beautiful greenhouse evergreen tree, with the aspect of a stately conifer. Flowers panicled, diœcious; perianth five to eight-fid. Leaves opposite, aromatic. A compost of loam and peat, in about equal proportions, is necessary. It can be readily propagated by cuttings.

=A. moschata= (Musk-scented). Plume Nutmeg. _fl._ white. June. _h._ 40ft. New Holland, 1824.

=ATHEROSPERMEÆ.= _See_ =Monimiaceæ=.

=ATHRIXIA= (from _a_, not, and _thrix_, a hair; the receptacle being destitute of hairs). ORD. _Compositæ_. A greenhouse evergreen shrub. It succeeds best in turfy loam, peat, and sand, and requires to be potted firmly. Propagated by cuttings of young wood, placed under a bell glass in sandy soil, and treated like _Ericas_ (which _see_).

=A. capensis= (Cape).* _fl.-heads_ bright crimson, solitary, terminal. April. _l._ narrow, lanceolate, alternate, entire. _h._ 3ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1821.

=ATHROTAXIS= (from _athros_, crowded together, and _taxis_, arrangement; in reference to the disposition of the scales of the cones). ORD. _Coniferæ_. A small genus of Tasmanian evergreen diœcious trees or shrubs, with small scale-like leaves, and small globular cones of many imbricated scales, with from three to six carpels under each scale. In very sheltered situations they will probably prove hardy; but, otherwise, they are only suitable for botanical collections. Increased by cuttings. This genus is almost universally misspelt _Arthrotaxis_.

=A. cupressoides= (Cypress-like). _l._ small, thick, leathery, spirally arranged, closely imbricated, deep glossy green. _h._ 30ft. A small, erect, and very slow growing tree, with numerous slender branchlets.

=A. Doniana= (Don's). A synonym of _A. laxifolia_.

=A. imbricata= (imbricated). A garden synonym of _A. selaginoides_.

=A. laxifolia= (loose-leaved). Differing from _A. cupressoides_ in having longer, more pointed, open, and spreading leaves, which stand out from the stem in a Juniper-like fashion. Its lateral growths are rather pendulous. _h._ 20ft. to 25ft. SYN. _A. Doniana_.

=A. selaginoides= (Selago-like). _l._ glossy green, scale-like, spirally disposed, closely appressed to the shoots, branches and their ramifications very numerous. _h._ variable, up to 40ft. Very interesting, and quite distinct. SYN. _A. imbricata_ (of gardens).

=ATHYRIUM.= _See_ =Asplenium=.

=ATRAGENE= (a name originally given to _Clematis Vitalba_ by Theophrastus). ORD. _Ranunculaceæ_. A genus of ornamental, hardy, climbing, deciduous shrubs, closely allied to _Clematis_, from which they differ in having numerous petals. They are increased by cuttings, which should be pricked in light sandy soil and placed under a hand glass; also by layering in the autumn. Both methods are slow; the layers should not be separated for about a year, when they will be vigorous plants. Seeds must be sown in early spring, in gentle heat; when the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be pricked off and grown on in pots till they are strong plants.

=A. alpina= (alpine).* _fl._ blue, varying to white; petals ten to twelve, linear at the base, but dilated at the apex; peduncles one-flowered, longer than the leaves. May. _l._ biternate; leaflets ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, serrate. Mountainous parts of Europe, 1792. The white-flowered variety, named _alba_, is in cultivation. SYNS. _A. austriaca_ and _A. sibirica_. See Fig. 189.

=A. americana= (American).* _fl._ large, purplish-blue; petals acute; peduncles one-flowered. May. _l._ whorled, in fours, leaflets stalked, cordate, lanceolate, acuminated, entire or somewhat lobed, or serrated. North America, 1797. SYN. _Clematis verticillaris_.

=A. austriaca= (Austrian). Synonymous with _A. alpina_.

=A. macropetala= (large-petaled).* _fl._ blue. Manchuria, 1870.

=A. sibirica= (Siberian). Synonymous with _A. alpina_.

=ATRIPLEX= (from _a_, not, and _traphein_, to nourish). Orach. ORD. _Chenopodiaceæ_. A genus of, for the most part, uninteresting weeds, of very variable form and habit, and having the calyx, which encloses the fruit, enlarging after flowering. For culture, _see_ =Orach=.

=A. hortensis= (garden). An annual species from Tartary, of no value as an ornamental plant, but considered a very desirable substitute for spinach. The leaves must be gathered for use when young. The variety _A. h. atro-sanguinea_ is a very pretty form, having handsome crimson leaves, and growing to a height of about 4ft. It is well worth growing with such plants as _Amaranthus_, &c.

=ATROPA= (name of mythological origin). Belladonna; Dwale. ORD. _Solanaceæ_. A small genus, having a campanulate regular corolla, and a leafy persistent calyx. The berries of this native herbaceous perennial are exceedingly poisonous. The plant is of no horticultural value.

=A. Belladonna.= _fl._ green and purple, solitary, pedunculate, drooping. Summer. Berries about the size of a small cherry. _l._ ovate, acuminate, 4in. to 8in. long _h._ 2ft. to 4ft. Britain. See Fig. 190.

=ATTALEA= (from _attalus_, magnificent; referring to the beauty of the genus). ORD. _Palmaceæ_. A genus of handsome stove palm trees, distinguished from other genera in having the pinnæ arranged vertically, and not horizontally. The leaves spring up almost perpendicularly at the base, but in the upper part arch over. The pinnæ stand at right angles to the rachis--which is very narrow in proportion to its thickness--and while those of the lower side of the arch hang straight down, those of the upper side point straight up. They thrive well in a mixture of peat and loam in equal quantities, and enjoy a copious supply of water. Summer temperature, 65deg. to 80deg.; winter, 55deg. to 60deg. All the species are robust trees; but, although several have been introduced, few appear to be generally grown.

=A. amygdalina= (Almond-fruited).* _l._ pinnate, 3ft. to 6ft. long; pinnæ 12in. to 18in. long, and about 1in. broad; terminal lobe broad and bifid, rich dark green. Stem slender. New Grenada. One of the best. SYN. _A. nucifera_.

=A. Cohune= (Cohune).* _l._ erect, ultimately spreading, pinnate, furnished with from three to four dozen dark green pinnæ, sometimes 18in. in length; petioles rounded, and dark brown below, flat and green upon the upper side. Plant unarmed. _h._ 50ft. or more in its native habitat. Honduras.

=A. compta= (decked). _h._ 22ft. Brazil, 1820.

=A. excelsa= (tall).* _h._ 70ft. Brazil, 1826.

=A. funifera= (rope-bearing). The Piassaba Palm. _l._ vivid deep green, very ornamental, and of economic value in Brazil. 1824. The sheathing bases of the leafstalks separate into a coarse black fringe, which is collected and exported to Europe, being used in the manufacture of brooms, brushes, &c.

=A. nucifera= (nut-bearing). A synonym of _A. amygdalina_.

=A. speciosa= (showy).* _h._ 70ft. Brazil, 1825.

=A. spectabilis= (remarkable). _h._ 70ft. Brazil, 1824.

=ATTENUATED.= Tapering gradually to a point.

=AUBERGINE=, or =EGG PLANT= (_Solanum melongena_, variety _ovigerum_). These plants, besides being useful for culinary purposes, are very ornamental, and present an attractive appearance on walls or trellises, or in the flower garden; and, as they do well in any ordinary rich garden soil, if the position is warm, they give a good variation to the general run of plants used for decorative effects. The Black-fruited kind is particularly suited for this purpose. Sow the seeds in a gentle heat, in the middle of April. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick off into 4in. pots, replacing in heat till they root out freely. Gradually harden off by June, and then transfer to the positions where they are to grow. Let the plants be at least 2ft. apart, and place a strong stick to each one to support the fruit when it comes. For trellises, select the more moderate-sized varieties. In hot, dry weather, the application of liberal supplies of liquid manure tends to increase the size of the fruit, and also to make the foliage more vigorous and handsome. Where very large fruit are needed for show or other purposes, it is well to remove all but the best one on the plant, and, by careful feeding with liquid manure, specimens of from 10lb. to 12lb. weight can be had. The foliage should not be pinched, as this would prevent the free swelling of the fruit. Aubergines are not so much grown in England for culinary purposes as in France and Italy, where they are largely used in stews and soups. The following are the most desirable varieties: New York Purple, the largest kind grown, and although not as ornamental as the next, is quite as useful; Black-fruited, large black fruit, with blackish violet leaves; and White-fruited, the sort most generally cultivated. See Figs. 191 and 192.

=AUBRIETIA= (named after M. Aubriet, a famous French botanical draughtsman). ORD. _Cruciferæ_. A small genus of hardy evergreen trailers. Racemes opposite the leaves, and terminal, lax, few-flowered. Leaves ovate or oblong, entire or angularly toothed, hairy. They make excellent rock plants, and will thrive in a deep rich loam anywhere, excepting under the shelter of trees. Cuttings struck, or seeds sown, during April or May generally make fine, dense, cushion-like growths, if transplanted on to a somewhat cool or shaded border, and carefully lifted in the autumn; the cuttings are best "drawn," or grown until they are soft, in a frame before they are removed. Where a stock of old plants exist, layer the long slender branches any time after flowering, and cover with a mixture of sand and leaf soil; they will then root freely and establish themselves in time for spring blooming, for which purpose, when grown _en masse_, they are most useful. After flowering, they may be divided and transplanted.

=A. deltoidea= (deltoid).* _fl._ purple; petals twice the length of the calyx; pedicels short, filiform; racemes opposite the leaves and terminal, lax, few-flowered. Early spring. _l._ with one or two large teeth on each side (therefore they are rhomboidal, not truly deltoid), scabrous, with short branchy stellate hairs. _h._ 2in. to 4in. Naples, &c., 1710. There are several garden varieties, the best of which are described below; most of them are regarded as distinct species. See Fig. 193. (S. F. G. 628.)

=A. d. Bouganvillei= (Bouganville's).* _fl._ light violet purple, with very even imbricated petals. Habit very dwarf and compact, with short peduncles. A pretty form.

=A. d. Campbelli= (Campbell's).* Larger deep violet blue flowers, and of far more vigorous constitution than the typical form. _Grandiflora_ comes very near this. SYN. _A. Hendersonii_.

=A. d. Eyrei= (Eyre's).* A very fine variety, with a free branching habit, and large flowers of a rich violet-purple colour, rather longer than broad. _A. olympica_ is very near, if not identical with this.

=A. d. græca= (Grecian).* _fl._ light purple. _h._ 4in. Greece, 1872. One of the best and largest flowered forms; very vigorous grower, with neat compact habit. A variety of this, named _superba_, has rather deeper-coloured flowers, produced over a very extended period. (R. G. 697.)

=A. d. purpurea= (purple).* Larger flowers and more erect habit than the type. _l._ broader, with two to five teeth. Stems more leafy. There is a variegated form, which is very pleasing and effective, useful for carpeting or edging small beds. See Fig. 194.

=A. d. violacea= (violet).* This is a hybrid form, even finer than _Campbelli_, with large deep violet-purple flowers, fading to reddish-violet, and is more effective than any of the others.

=A. Hendersonii= (Henderson's). A synonym of _A. d. Campbelli_.

=AUCUBA= (the Japanese name of the shrub). ORD. _Cornaceæ_. A genus of hardy evergreen shrubs, thriving better than any other in the smoky atmosphere of dense cities. They grow in ordinary well-drained garden soil, and require no special culture. If grown in pots, they should be planted firmly in rather sandy yellow loam, with plenty of drainage. They should not be allowed too large pots, or an unfruitful growth is likely to result. During the growing season, an abundance of water is needed, which must be lessened when the plants are fully developed. If cultivated in the greenhouse or conservatory, they should be plunged out of doors during summer. To insure a good supply of the very ornamental berries, which are produced on the female plant, careful fertilising is necessary. The time for applying the pollen is when the pistil exudes a slightly gummy substance, and otherwise shows signs of maturity. When it happens, as is sometimes the case, that the male blooms are open and the pollen mature before the female blooms are ready, the pollen should be collected on a dry camel-hair pencil, transferred to a piece of glass, and covered over by another piece, both of which must also be dry. It may be applied afterwards when wanted, as it retains its power for some weeks. Propagated by cuttings, inserted in any light sandy soil, with or without a covering, in spring or autumn; or readily increased from seeds, sown as soon as ripe.

=A. himalaica= (Himalayan).* _l._ lanceolate, or lanceolate acuminate; branches of the panicle very pilose. Berries spherical, not oblong. Himalaya. (F. d. S. 12, 1271.)

=A. japonica= (Japanese).* _l._ opposite, petiolate, broad, ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, toothed, leathery, glabrous, shining, pale green, beautifully spotted with yellow, having the midrib rather prominent, the rest of the leaf reticulately veined. _h._ 6ft. to 10ft. Japan, 1783. The numerous varieties, both of the male and female forms, among which will be found many of great beauty, all differ, more or less, in the variegation of their leaves. They are in very general cultivation, and nearly every nurseryman has an assortment. Among the best of them are the following: _albo-variegata_, _aurea_, _bicolor_, _latimaculata_, _limbata_, _longifolia_, _macrophylla_, _ovata_, _pygmæa_, and _pygmæa sulphurea_.

=AUDOUINIA= (in honour of V. Audouin, a profound entomologist). ORD. _Bruniaceæ_. An ornamental greenhouse evergreen shrub, thriving in a mixture of peat and sandy loam. Propagated by cuttings of half-ripened wood, inserted in sand, under a bell glass, in gentle heat.

=A. capitata= (headed). _fl._ purple, crowded into oblong, spike-like, terminal heads. May. _l._ spirally inserted, a little keeled. Branches erect. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1790.

=AULACOSPERMUM.= A synonym of =Pleurospermum= (which _see_).

=AULAX= (from _aulax_, a furrow; the under surface of the leaves of the original species being furrowed). ORD. _Proteaceæ_. Greenhouse evergreen shrubs, from the Cape of Good Hope, thriving best in a compost of fibrous loam, leaf soil, and sharp sand, with thorough drainage. Ripened cuttings, taken off at a joint, and inserted in pots of sandy soil, will root readily under a hand glass, in a cool house.

=A. pinifolia= (Pine-leaved). _fl._ yellow, racemose. July. _l._ filiform, channelled. _h._ 2ft. 1780.

=A. umbellata= (umbelled). _fl._ yellow. June. _l._ flat, spathulate*-linear. _h._ 2ft. 1774. (B. R. 12, 1015.)

=AURANTIACEÆ.= An order of trees or shrubs, including the Orange and Lemon trees. Flowers fragrant. Fruit fleshy, edible. Leaves alternate, articulated above the stem, filled with transparent oil cysts, giving them a dotted appearance. Well-known genera are _Citrus_ and _Limonia_.

=AURICULA= (_Primula Auricula_). This favourite spring flower (see Fig. 195) was, at one time, almost universally cultivated, but has of late years fallen into much neglect; it is now, however, happily regaining enthusiastic admirers. Although its culture is not nearly so difficult as is generally understood, a few special items of treatment are nevertheless necessary to grow it successfully.

_Frames_ for the reception of Auriculas should be prepared, with a good bottom drainage, and an inside staging, similar to the back stage of a lean-to greenhouse, arranged as near the glass as possible. If the frames are about 4ft. wide, they will be very convenient; 1ft. deep in the front, and about 3ft. at the back. This will allow for a good stage arrangement. Of course, it is not necessary to construct an expensive staging, as common boards can be laid upon pots of various heights, the same results being practically secured. These frames should face north from May to October, and south in winter, during which latter time it will be necessary to well cover the sides with straw or brake. When frosty, the lights must also be mated; but, unless there is absolute fear of frost, the glass should not be covered, as the more light the plants receive the better. On all suitable occasions, both during summer and winter, air must be freely admitted, and a good look-out kept during showery weather; hence it may be necessary to tilt the lights with blocks rather than remove them entirely. The latter plan should be adopted whenever practicable, especially during early spring, and after they are well established in their fresh pots in summer. This will greatly assist to ripen the crown, and produce hard, stout foliage, which will endure the winter much better than if grown with less air. Many cultivators prefer small span or lean-to houses to frames; and it must be admitted that these are better, more convenient, and in every way more beneficial. Simple, inexpensive structures, no higher than is absolutely necessary for convenience, with top and side ventilation, will meet all requirements; and if a 2in. hot-water pipe is arranged next the eaves inside, it will be a decided advantage during very severe weather.

_Soil._ The best compost that can be prepared for Auriculas is as follows: Four parts good fibrous loam, one part well-rotted cow manure, one part good leaf soil, and one part coarse river or silver sand, with a little charcoal or pounded oyster-shells added. Carefully mix the whole together before using. The loam should be stored about twelve months previous to being used, and it should be selected from districts with a fine atmosphere; the turf should be cut about 3in. thick. Cow manure that has lain for a year or so, and been subjected to sharp frosts, is most suitable, as insect life, which it very probably contains, is thereby destroyed, and the whole materially sweetened.

_Potting._ This operation requires to be carefully done as soon after flowering as possible, unless it is desired to save seed, when it must be deferred until the seed is ripened. May and June are the best months for general potting, and whatever the size of the pots used, they should be carefully and thoroughly drained. After a good layer of potsherds, place some charcoal, leaf mould, or spent hops. Many good growers use the last very advantageously. For good flowering plants, 48-sized pots are used, many cultivators preferring glazed pots to the unglazed; but such are not absolutely necessary to ensure success. Before repotting, remove most of the old soil, and with a sharp knife cut off any bruised or cankered portion of roots; the stout tap-root may also be cut away if devoid of fresh rootlets. Do not pot very firmly. Remove the plants to their summer quarters, withholding water for a few days, and keep the frames close. About a week after potting, water may be advantageously given, the plants will then soon resume root-action, and air may be admitted afterwards on all suitable occasions. The collar or neck of the plant must be left well above the surface of the soil.

_Watering_ is a point that requires careful attention, as neglect in this matter will result in failure. During the growing season, Auriculas require an abundance of water; in fact, they must never be allowed to get dry. In the winter, they must only be watered when they are really dry, especially during a severe season. Care must be taken to avoid watering the leaves, particularly in early spring, as this tends to spoil the effect of the charming farinose foliage. Above all, water must not be allowed to stand in the heart of the plant, as such will inevitably cause incipient decay. Hence it is necessary to keep a sharp lookout for drippings from the glass, and to maintain tightly-glazed frames. On all occasions, decaying leaves must be removed, and especially during winter.

_Top-dressing._ About the middle or end of February, when the plants commence new growth, the surface soil should be removed about an inch or so deep, and the pots re-filled with a rich compost made up of the following: Two parts of turfy loam, one of rotten cow or hen manure, and one of leaf soil; if a little Standen's Manure is added, the compost will be improved. After this top-dressing, the plants may be watered freely.