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ALBERT R. MANN
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NEW York STATE COLLEGES
PU OF
AGRICULTURE AND HoME ECONOMICS

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CACTACEOUS PLANTS:

THEIR

HISTORY AND CULTURE.

WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS

‘BY
LEWIS CASTLE.

(FORMERLY OF THE ROYAL GARDENS, KEW.)

 

LONDON:
171, FLEET STREET, E.C.

1884,
LONDON
PRINTED AT THE HORTICULTURAL PRESS,
171, FLEET STREET, LONDON.
PREFACE.

Mosr subjects connected with horticulture, as in other depart.
ments of literature, have been so thoroughly exhausted by numerous
writers that there is little room for additional contributions. It is
strange, however, that no treatise in the English language has hitherto
been solely devoted to the large, peculiar, and interesting family of
Cactaceous plants which long held a prominent position in popular
estimation. Much has been written respecting them by skilled
botanists and cultivators, but the information they have afforded is
scattered through so many works and periodicals that it is inaccessible
to the majority of amateurs and gardeners. Being persuaded that
there are still many admirers of these plants I have endeavoured in
the following pages to give a brief review of the whole family,
noting the most handsome species, their culture and history, as
succinctly as possible, to compress the work into a compass that
would admit of its sale at a small price. A period of several years’
study in the Royal Gardens, Kew, afforded me special facilities for
observing the characters and requirements of the Cacteze, and the
information thus obtained, together with many facts my position on
the editorial staf of the Journal of Horticulture has enabled me to
gain, is embodied in the treatise now submitted to the public.—L. C.

November 10th, 1884.
CONTENTS,

Anhalonium, 21
Astrophytum mpriostigma, 85

Barbadoes Gooseberry, 87
Blad Apple, 87

Bleo, 87

Broom Cactus, 36

Cactus, curassavicus, 84
Dillenii, 85
mamillaris, 25
Opuntia, 81
Phylanthus, 61
speciosus, 61
Tuna, 83

Cactuses out of doors, 88

Cereus, 39

Cereus oxypetalus, 60

Classification, 13

Cochineal Cactus, 75

Cochineal, 76

Coryphanta, 22

Culture, General, 7

Discocactus, 39
Diseases and Insects, 89
Disocactus biformis, 58
Distribution, 4

Ecbinocactus, 20
Echinocereus, 51
Echinopsis, 54
Elk’s Horn Cactus, 88
Englishman’s Head Cactus, 16
Epiphyllum, 62

varicties and hybrids, 70

Ficoides americanum, 50
Fish-Hook Cactus, 25

Gymnocalcium, 81
Gooseberry Cactus, 86

Hariota, 72
Hedgehog Cactus, 80
Hedgehog Thistle, 16
History, 4

 

 

 

Lepidocereus, 40, 43
Lepismium, 74
Leuchtenbergia, 28

Malacocarpus, 31
Mamillaria, 17

Medusa’s Head Cactus, 20
Melocactusg, 14

Mexican Vegetation, 5
Mistletoe Cac:us, 17

Night-flowering Cereus, 46
Nipple Cactus, 17
Nopalea, 75

Old Man Cactus, 63
Opuntia, 79

Pelecyphora, 26

Pereskia, 86

Pieiffera, 74

Phyllocactus,'55
Hybrids, 60

Pilocereus, 53

Pinpillow, 84

Pitaya, 44

Pope’s Head Cactus, 16

Portraits of Cactaccous Plants, 90

Prickly Pears, 79

Propagation, 12

Rhipsalis, 71

Saguarro, 44
Sensitive Stamens in Opuntia Flowers

83, 84
Strawberry Pear, 46
Structure, 2
Toothpick Cactus, 38
Torch Cactus, 39
Turk’s Cap Cactus, 15
Viper Cactus, 33

Walking-stick Cactus, 88
ILLUSTRATIONS.

Cereusgrandifiorus .. .. «se «ee
peruvianus «wwe ee oe
Echinoeactus rhodopthalmus ..

ASM OB: eles weiss seo ids dee “as
Epiphyllam, Specimen... .. «2 ss
Leuchtenbergia principis .. ..
Mamillaria pectinata .. 6. 11 oe
Melocactus communis .. .. «2 «
Mexican Vegetation .. ss «ve «os
Opuntia with Cochineal Insects.. ..
Opuntia Salmiana .. .. .. «2 +
Pelecyphora aselliformis var. concolor
Phyllocactus Ackermanni .. .. «
Rhipsalis .. 20 ee oe ee oe we
Saguarro Trees ao Seee Lay aes OS

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«. Frontispiece
INTRODUCTION.

ROTESQUENESS of form or habit is rarely found in combination
G with floral beauty in the vegetable world, yet no family affords
more remarkable examples of this union of widely divergent qualities
than the great and peculiar Cactus order. In many large groups of plants
we find numbers possessing handsome foliage, but having only insignifi-
cant flowers, and in many others also when the flowers are more than
usually attractive the foliage appears chiefly to serve the purpose of a
foil to their rich or bright colours, having in itself nothing of a specially
striking nature. There seems to be something of Nature’s economy in
thus developing one particular quality at the expense of others—a
concentration of strength, which probably has a deeper meaning than
we can perceive, for it is observable in the animal kingdom as well
as amongst plants. The Cactus family is, however, an extraordinary
exception, for, whether flowering or not, the majority of the plauts con.
stituting it are distinguished by most striking characters. They do not
possess beautifully coloured or elegantly formed foliage to recommend
them ; on the contrary, true leaves are absent from nearly all, but in
contrast to some of the most gorgeous flowers produced by plants, we
see unwieldy masses of vegetable matter, spherical, cylindrical, or
angular, armed with stout and formidable spines, and resembling what
we might almost imagine to be the relics of a vegetation belonging to
a period long prior to the development of the plant life familiar to us
in tbe present age. Such would be the first impression; but when
the brilliantly coloured rose, crimson, purple, or yellow flowers were
seen the observer would be led to the conclusion that while the plant
was advancing to so high a degree of floral beauty, one portion of its
constitution must have been strangely stunted and altered by some
external long-continued forces. There is an inconsistence of characters
that must impress the least observant, and this imparts an interest to the
plants which increases with the knowledge we gain respecting them, for

B
2 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

they are surrounded ag it were by a degree of mystery that always adds
charm to Nature.

Cactaceous plants have therefore much to recommend them to lovers
of the curious and the beautiful, but the majority also possess another
very valuable character—i.¢c., they are easily grown, so easily in fact that
the cottager who can only devote a small space to them in his window
may, and often does, grow many of them as successfully as the greatest
magnate in Europe with all the most elaborate horticultural appliances
avhiscommand. In the dry and heated atmosphere of a room which is so
trying to most plants they are perfectly at home, and their demands upon
the attention of their host are so slight that they may be left for weeks,
nay months, without the smallest supply of water. It is not surprising
therefore, that many of them are favourites with dwellers in towns,
and many a toiler hag had his heart lightened by a sight of the lovely
flowers produced by his window “ Cactus,” or has felt the pleasure of
exhibiting his vegetable curiosities to his friends. Amateurs, too, in
many other grades of life have found in the cultivation of these plants
the satisfaction which is derived from the constant study of the wonderful
phases of plant-existence ; and though it can never be expected that they
will rise to a popularity approaching that of the Rose, yet there is a
steadily increasing demand for them, and several nurserymen now
make a speciality of them. Considerable stimulus has no doubt been
given to the culture of Cactaceous plants by the efforts of J. T. Peacock,
Esq., Sudbury House, Hammersmith, who, with the aid of his former
gardener, Mr. Croucher, formed the largest private collection in this
country, and this together with the wonderful collection at Kew has
rendered the best of such plants familiar to Londoners. A large trade,
too, sprung up a short time ago in “ miniature Cacti,” and this by bring-
ing a number of forms within the reach of most people at moderate
prices has still further assisted in popularising an interesting class of
plants, The claims of the Cacteze to general notice having been thus
briefly revicwed, a slight survey of the family may be now undertaken,

STRUCTURE.

The most prominent general character of the plants comprised in
the natural order Cactez is the unusually large development of cellular
tissue, to which circumstance they in common with some others of
different families owe the popular and wide designation of “succulent
plants.” The stem is, with few exceptions, leafless, and varies in form
from the globular Melocactus to the columnar Cereus, being generally
unbranched, except in Rhipsalis, Opuntia, and the slender-growing
STRUCTURE. 3

Cereus. The surface is cither marked with angular ridges from base to
summit, upon which are arranged with great regularity a series of clusters
of spines varying in size, colour, and number, or, as in the Mamillarias,
the surface is broken into a number of small rounded projections or
mamillz, each crowned with « cluster of spines. These spines in
several of the genera furnish useful characters in distinguishing the
species, size, colour, and number, being found to be constant in the
majority of cases. They are exceedingly numerous, and specimens of
moderate size of Cereus senilis have been found to have from 50,000 to
70,000. In size, too, the Cacteze have a wide range of variation, from some
of the diminutive Mamillarias a few inches high to the gigantic foms of
Cereus which are found in their native habitats upwards of 50 feet high,
and the huge Echinocactus Visnaga, single specimens of which have been
introduced to this country weighing as much as a ton. These plants
contain comparatively little woody tissue except when they are very much
advanced in age, the cellular tissue being very largely developed in the
majority of the typical forms, the cells being large and mostly filled witb
a clear water-like fluid, but in others with milky mucilaginous or
slightly acrid juices, There is also usually a quantity of crystals of oxalate
of lime, which are readily seen if a stem is cut after being dried. Having
no leaves the function of respiration must be performed by the stem ; but
as this has to serve asa reservoir of nutriment generally exposed toa
burning tropical heat, it is obviously of importance that the evaporation
from the surface should be reduced toa minimum. As a means to this
end we find that the stomata or breathing pores, which are so abundant
on the leaves of most plants inhabiting temperate climates, are in the
Cactee comparatively few. To this, together with a peculiar structure of
the walls of the cells forming the superficial layer, is due the remarkable
heat and drought-enduring character that enables them to live and thrive
where most other vegetation would perish.

The flowers differ much in size and colour, but they mostly agree
in the large number of sepals, petals, and stamens, both the former
very frequently coloured alike, and only distinguishable with great
difficulty. The colours most abundant are shades of rose, crimson,
purple, and yellow, some being white and others greenish. Many flowers
possess a powerful and most pleasing fragrance, but they are usually
of extremely short duration, some lasting but a few hours during the
evening or night. The fruit is of a fleshy substance, and in the case of
several species, such as Cereus speciosissimus and Opuntia vulgaris, it is
edible, and when well ripened of u very agreeable flavour, somewhat
resembling that possessed by some fruits of the Gooseberry family, to
which the Cactez are distantly related.
4 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

The succulent stems and absence of true leaves readily distinguish
the Cacteze from most other families of plants. The Mesembryanthemum
order, however, comes very near in floral characters, but is easily dis-
tinguishable by the ovary, which has many cells in the latter, while in the
former the ovary has only one cell; Mesembryanthemums also possess
normal leaves. The succulent Euphorbias are recognisable by their
irregular flowers and abundant milky, often acrid sap, and the Aloe and
Agave family are widely separated in botanical relationship, being
members of the large class of Monocotyledons. <A few isolated plants in
other families assume a similar succulent habit, but they cannot be
confused with the Cactex.

DISTRIBUTION.

North and South America are the principal homes of Cactaceous plants,
the greatest strength of the order being concentrated in Mexico, which
contains nearly three-fourths of the entire number known. Brazil, Peru,
Chili, Guiana, Colombia, and some other districts in South America also
contain representatives, but in relatively small numbers. In Mexico the
vegetation assumes an extraordinary appearance owing to the preponder-
ance of species of Cereus and other members of the family, where in the
several hot, dry, rocky, regions which characterise this portion of the Ame-
rican continent, the Cacteze flourish together with Agaves, Yuccas, Dasy-
lirions, Beaucarneas, Hcheverias, and similar plants of the Xerophilous,
or heat and drought-loving type. The woodcut (fig. 1) will convey some
idea of the aspect of the vegetation in many parts of Mexico; but one of
the most remarkable representations of this scenery is in Julius Froebel’s.
“Travels in Central America and Mexico,” pourtraying the lower part of
the valley of Santa Cruz, in which are shown over fifty “ Saguarro trees,”
as the Cereus giganteus is termed, some very strangely branched near tLe
summit, and attaining the height of from 30 to 50 feet. In the Rocky
Mountains some members of the family are found at great elevations,
several having been observed by Mr. EB. G. Loder exposed to very low
temperatures, and are practically hardy in this country, forming a
group of additional interest to the cultivator,

HISTORY.

The Cactacex, or Cacter as this family is termed by some writers,
derives its name from the word Cactus, under which generic title
Linneus grouped all the forms that were known in his time, and the
name is still popularly applied to plants possessing the general characters.
 

 

 

 

Fig. 1—Mrxican VEGETATION.
6 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

of tbe order. Botanically it is now obsolete, and the species are arranged
under other genera, such as Cereus, Echinocactus, Opuntia, &c. The
title “Cactus,” or “ Cactos,” was applied by Theophrastus to some kind
of spiny plant peculiar to Sicily, which, there appears good reason for
supposing, was really Cynara Scolymus, the Artichoke, and therefore it
was erroneously adopted for a class of plants widely separated from the
Composite. Dioscorides, Atheneus, and Pliny mention this Cactus, but
apparently referring to the same plant. A plant is also mentioned by
Pliny under the name of Opuntia, which has been by some supposed to
be Opuntia vulgaris, The passage runs thus:—‘ About the city of
Opus there is an herbe called Opuntia which men delight to eat; this
admirable gift the leafe hath, that if it be laid on the ground it will take
root and there is no other way to plant the herbe and maintain its kind.”
—(Holland’s Pliny). There is, however, much uncertainty about this,
although the Opuntia has been long naturalised in Europe. Coming to
our own country the earliest record of any cultivated members of the
family occurs in Gerarde’s ‘‘ Catalogue of Plants” (1596), in which he
mentions the Ficus indica (Opuntia vulgaris) said to have been brought
from Zante by his servant, William Marshall. In his “ Historie of
Plantes” (1633) a good figure is given of it, also in Parkinson’s “ Garden:
of Pleasant Flowers” (1629) and ‘Theater of Plantes” (1640), the
latter mentioning two forms, major and minor, the Greater and Lesser
“Indian Figge Trees,” One of these was included in the collection at
the Oxford Botanic Garden, for in the catalogue dated 1658 is mentioned
the Ficus indica spinosa minor of Parkinson. In the succeeding fifty
years several species were introduced, chiefly through the Earl of Port-
land, and to the Royal Gardens, Hampton Court; so that in 1716, when
Richard Bradley published his interesting little work on succulent plants,
he was able to describe and illustrate five forms, chiefly of Cereus and
Opuntia. In the same author’s ‘ Philosophical Account of the Works of
Nature” (1739) good figures are also given of a Cereus, Melocactus, and.
Opuntia, with some description and reference to his previous work..
During the eighteenth century Mr. Phillip Miller of the Chelsea Gardens.
brought several Cactes into notice, at least eight being credited to him
and described in his ‘Gardeners’ Dictionary” in addition to those
already known. By the end of this century, as we find from Wildenow’s
edition of Linneus’ “Species Plantarum” (1796), twenty-nine species
were in cultivation or known to botanists, and all were arranged under the
head “Cactus,” the specific names being mostly the same as those adopted
now. Martyn’s edition of Miller’s ‘‘ Gardeners’ Dictionary ” (1807).
euumerates twenty species as follows: Cactus mammillaris, Melocactus,.
Pitajaya, heptagonus, tetragonus, hexagonus, pentagonus, repandus,
GENERAL CULTURE. 7

Januginosus, peruvianus, Royeni, grandiflorus, flagelliformis, parasiticus,
pendulus, triangularis, moniliformis, Opuntia, Ficus indica, Tuna,
cochinellifer, curassavica, Phyllanthus, spinosissimus, Pereskia, and por-
tulacefolius. From Aiton’s “Hortus Kewensis” (1811) we learn
that twenty-four of these were cultivated there, while when Haworth’s
“Synopsis Plantarum Succulentarum” was issued in 1819, about forty-
five species and varieties were known,

The increase from this time was rapid, for Sweet’s ‘‘ Hortus Britan-
nicus,” 1826, enumerates ninety-four as in cultivation, while Decandolle’s
‘“ Prodromus,” published two years after, describes or mentions 183 under
seven genera, The number of botanical travellers in America during the
following twenty years added greatly to the knowledge of these plants,
and by 1840 there were nearly 400 forms in cultivation (Pazxton’s
“ Botanical Dictionary”), which by 1850, when M. Labouret issued
his elaborate “ Monographie des Cactées,” had increased to 670.
Since then many others have been discovered and introduced, and a few
years ago Mr. Jackson of Kew estimated the number of species at about
950, though at the present time they probably exceed 1000. Compara-
tively few large collections of Cacteze have been formed, and in recent
years there has been none to equal those at Sudbury House, Hammer-
smith, and in the Royal Gardens, Kew. In the latter establishment the
handsome house devoted to succulent plants has long been one of the
chief attractions to visitors, presenting a conspectus of one of the most
extraordinary types of vegetation upon the globe.

GENERAL CULTURE.

The numerous members of the Cactus family are exposed to widely
differing temperatures in their native habitats, owing to the extent of
the American continent over which they are distributed, but also to the
great elevations on the mountains of those regions at which some are
found, and it is principally in regard to heat that the treatment of Cactece
has to be varied. A large number, probably the majority of known
species, frequent the desert-like plains and the rocky volcanic districts
of Chili and Mexico, where they grow and flower under the fiercest
tropical heat, not only uninjured, but positively luxuriating in their
strange fashion in the burning rays of an unclouded sun. There for the
greater portion of the year the soil is parched, and the atmosphere suffo-
catingly dry, and no other plants can exist except those which have
become adapted to the peculiar conditions of the climate, either
resembling their Cactus neighbours in developing a succulent growth
containing an abundant store of fluid support, or possessing foliage
S CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

protected by a thick impervious leather-like epidermis, which effectuaily
enables them to withstand the rapid evaporation constantly proceeding
in such regions. It is not easy to exactly reproduce these conditions
artificially when cultivating the plants in our northern climate ; we can,
however, insure a sufficiently high temperature with the requisite aridity
of soil or atmosphere, and this seems all that is needed, though undoubtedly
the maturing effect of a roasting sun is missed to some extent. For these
really tropical species a special house is required to give the cultivator an
opportunity of growing them to the best advantage, as when included in
a mixed collection of plants they are usually exposed to a much greater
humidity than is beneficial to them, and they consequently flower less
freely. This applies especially to the majority of the species of Echino-
cactus, Melocactus, Opuntia, and Cereus, though in the latter there
are several exceptions, as some require the moist atmosphere of an
ordinary stove. Nearly all the family need a free exposure to the sun;
but even amongst the tropical species there are exceptions to this rule,
for Rhipsalis and Epiphyllum, being epipbytal in habit, succeed well
in moderate shade, and can indeed be associated with such moisture-
loving plants as Orchids and Ferns.

In ascending the mountains of central and northern America, where
the Cactez abound, some of the wandering species of most of the genera
are found similarly happy in much lower temperatures, until at an alti-
tude of 8 to 10,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains some forms of Opuntia
and Echinocactus still constitute a portion of the vegetation, and are

a Serre snow. It will thus be seen that in a
brow ® Uactexe may for cultural purposes be divided into three
groups :—lIst, the tropical species from the lowlands and plains, extending
for a short distance up the mountains; 2nd, the intermediate species,
which are found on the extreme northern limits of their distribution, and
which rise to a considerable height in the mountains, but still below the
frost line; and third, those which inhabit the highest elevations. The
two first would respectively require the temperature of a dry stove and a
greenhouse, while the remaining group includes those which have been
found to be hardy in England.

Except where very large collections are formed and every effort is
made to imitate the natural conditions, houses cannot be specially de-
voted to each of the two former groups, and the plants are so extremely
accommodating that they will apparently conform themselves to any
reasonable treatment. Wherever these plants are made 2a speciality one
house at least can be appropriated to them, and this is really all that is
necessary, for the species from the tropical regions can be placed at the
warmest end, the intermediate and cool species being accommodated in
GENERAL CULTURE, 9

‘different positions according to the varying temperature. A third class
-of cultivators, however, and by far the largest, are those who grow a
moderate collection as examples of the most curious phase of vegetable
life, and who cannot give them special quarters, being compelled to
grow them with other plants, In this case the best general plan to adopt

is to give them cool and dry treatment during the winter, a green-

house or conservatory being a suitable place; while in the spring and

summer, when growth is made, a heated frame facing south is admirably

adapted for them, as there they can be arranged near the glass, fully

exposed to the sun, and provided with sufficient moisture to stimulate

growth without rendering it weak. The last method is an excellent one,
even where the largest collections are grown, and better results have been

obtained by so treating them than by any other method. Some, indeed,

place the plants outside in a sunny position during the summer, but in

our uncertain climate this is attended by many disadvantages, for they

are liable to be much injured by sudden storms of rain or wind, and the

varying temperature alternately accelerates and checks the growth,

which consequently rarely becomes properly matured, and the delicate

species are often irrecoverably damaged. On the continent, where the

summer climate is more regular and the sun power greater, the case is

quite different, and the practice is attended with proportionate success.

The cottager and others who grow their small collections of Cactese

in rooms must necessarily confine their attention to comparatively few

apecies and varieties, but it is surprising how much pleasure and

interest may be obtained from even such modest efforts as these.

A table or shelf near a window is the position usually assigned to

them, and under the circumstances it is the best they could have,

as the plants are well exposed to light, they are surrounded by a

dry atmosphere, and they are safe from frost. If in addition to these
matters the plants are accorded a moderate share of attention in re-

gard to the supply of water, there are very few of the Cactus family
that will not thrive and occasionally flower. The Cereus, Opuntia,
Echinocactus, and Mamillaria can all be so grown, but if a glass
case can be provided for the smaller and more delicate kinds, it will
be advantageous in protecting them from the dust and smuts that so
soon accumulate in rooms, and which cling to the spines and surface
of the stems, effectually spoiling their appearance and preventing their
progress. Such cases can be readily constructed, or they can be pur-
-chased ready made, as several firms now sell them for the miniature
“Cacti”? that have obtained a good share of popularity during recent

years. These miniature plants are particularly well adapted for rooms,
and in their bright red diminutive pots have a very lively appearance:
10 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

They are sold, too, at such moderate prices that they are within the
reach of all. As room plants indeed they are unexcelled, for though
they do not possess the brilliant and profuse flowers of Pelargoniums
and other ordinary softwooded plants, they never bear the sickly and
miserable aspect that such too often do when they have been long
grown indoors. I would by no means advocate the exclusion of the
ordinary popular window plants, but as a reserve force the Cactex are
invaluable.

Temperature.— Where a large and mixed collection of plants is grown
in one house, species from widely differing positions and climates have to-
submit to a uniform system of culture as regards temperature ; but this, 1t
appears, is not a particular disadvantage, for if a few general rules are
observed these plants will thrive under any reasonable treatment. The
delicate forms of Mamillaria, the robust Cereus, and the most tropical of
the Echinocactus can be grown together in a house to which no heat is
applied during the winter except to exclude frost, but then they should be
kept very dry and must be placed in warmer quarters in the spring to start
them into growth. There is an extensive collection which has been so
treated for some years with gocd results, but they are under the care of an
experienced cultivator who has devoted a life to the study of their pecu~
liarities, and anyone who is not familiar with such plants would act un--
wisely in testing them so severely. The safest winter minimum tempera-
ture is 50° to 55° for all the tropical species, the half-hardy, and in wet
districts even the hardy sorts, being preferably wintered in a frame where
they can be protected from frost. From March onwards the temperature-
may be raised to 70° or 80°, while with sun heat it may be increased to 90°.
In the height of summer, by which time the growth of the majority of
the species will be completed, the house or frame must be fully ventilated,
and no shade will be required. A free exposure to the sun is as requisite
to consolidate the growth of these plants as in the case of most fruit trees,
In the autumn the temperature may be gradually reduced as the external
heat diminishes, 60° to 65° by day, and 50° to 55° at night, suiting all the-
family.

Soil.—It is a general idea that for these plants a special and elaborate -
compost is absolutely indispensable, yet they can all be satisfactorily grown
in ordinary loam and sand provided the latter be added in sufficient pro-
portion to render the whole thoroughly porous, and there is no doubt~
whatever that the conventional lime rubbish is often employed in quanti-
ties that aro positively injurious. In the case of delicate plants the pieces:
of broken bricks used may occasionally have a bad effect by attracting and
retaining the moisture near the roots, and the lime in excess has a tendency
to diminish the porousness of the soil. A small proportion of lime should,
WATER—POTTING, 11

however, be eupfoyed for the Cereus and Opuntia type, as these secrete
crystals of oxalate of lime in large quantities, and it is also advisabie to
add some finely broken bricks when the loam isinclined to be heavy. Indeed
for all the strong-growing Cactese such material may be preferably em-
ployed, as it enables the cultivator to supply water more freely and safely
than would otherwise be the case. The pots must be carefully drained, as
this isa matter of much importance. From one-fourth to one-half the
depth of the pot should be filled with draining materials, according to the
size and condition of the plants which mostly require but little soil.
Water.—Under the cool system already mentioned very little water
is needed for at least three months in the year—namely, Ncvember,
December, and January, though when in pots the plants should be
examined once a week. Some growers, however, especially those in the
trade, turn the plants out of the pots at the commencement of winter,
shake the soil from their roots, and lay them upon dry sandy soil, where
they remain without the smaJlest supply of water until it is desired to
start them in spring, when they are planted out in a frame to make their
growth, being syringed and watered freely. In the ordinary Cactus
house, which is kept at a rather higher temperature, water is needed more
frequently even in winter, but some experience is required to determine
the proper time to apply it. The soil must never be allowed to get in a
stagnant saturated condition, or the strongest plants will soon die, and it
is often more easy to judge by the appearance of the plant whether
moisture should be supplied. If the whole tissue seems to be plump and
full none is needed, but if there is the slightest approach to laxness, or a
dullness in the surface colour, water should be given. In the spring and
early summer, when growth is advancing, whether the plants are in a
house or frame, slight syringing in the afternoon is very beneficial, par-
ticularly after potting, and it will not be necessary to apply water direct
to the soil for a week or so after that operation, as the syringe will afford
sufficient moisture. When growth is proceeding rapidly the plants may
be watered twice or three times a week. The stronger freely flowering
species of Cereus and others may be assisted with « little weak liquid
manure, both when growing and approaching the flowering stage,
Potting.—February or March is a suitable time for potting the plants,
and if the collection is large the earlier the operation is performed the
better, provided the weather is open and mild, Some care is needed in
obtaining the soil in proper condition, for it should neither be damp nor
dust dry, but it is better to err on the dry side than in the other direction.
When the plants are turned out of their pots most of the old soil may be
shaken from the roots, and all dead dried roots must be cut off close
to the stem, as much injury is often occasioned by allowing these old
12 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

portions to remain attached. Large specimens in tubs or pots of con-
siderable size seldom need repotting, a top-dressing of fresh compost,
with occasional supplies of weak liquid manure, being amply sufficient.

PROPAGATION.

The majority of the Cactex are readily increased by cuttings, grafting
and by seeds, each of which methods may be briefly described.

Cuttings.—The species of Cereus, Opuntia, Rhipsalis, Epiphyllum,
and others with cylindrical or slender angular stems, can be increased by
means of cuttings of the young growths, which may be taken off in the
spring and summer and placed in a sunny position for a few days, until
the cut surface has healed, or until a few roots are seen to be forming.
They can then be inserted in pots of light sandy soil, and kept quite dry
until growth commences, when slight syringing will be beneficial. The
temperature of the house in which the plants are grown will be sufficient.
The Mamillarias and some species of Echinocactus and Echinopsis produce
a number of offsets from the base of the stems, which may be removed and
treated like cuttings, and a large stock can be soon obtained of many
species in this way.

Grafting.—The principal object of grafting in this family is to place
delicate species upon stocks of a stronger character, so that there is less
danger of the former suffering from superfluous moisture in the soil, as
with some Mamillarias, or to elevate pendulous or drooping plants upon
a stem, so that they can be seen to better advantage, as in the case of
the Epiphyllums. Some of the slender Cereus seem to be benefited by
being grafted on stronger stocks both in their growth and floriferousness,
but the latter character is usually not much affected. There is one great
objection to grafted plants, and that is thet usually they have an incon-
gruous appearance almost approaching to deformity, and on this account
many growers do not practise it. The operation is generally performed
in early summer when growth is proceeding, and the methods employed
are extremely simple. The stock selected is usually a Cereus, such as
C. tortuosus, C. macrogonus, or C. peruvianus, according to the habit
of the plant from which the scion is to be taken, the second-named
being one of the quickest growing of all, or the Pereskia aculeata; but
this is principally reserved for the Epiphyllums. If one of the small
globular Mamillarias, Echinocactus, Echinocereus, or Echinopsis is to be
the scion the base should be cut smoothly across, andif the stock is a
sufficiently broad stem this can be similarly smoothed and the scion placed
level upon it, being secured in its place by matting or string passed over
the plant and under the pot, so as to keep the cut surfaces in close contact.
SEEDS—IYBRIDISING, 13

No binding is required round the junction of the stock and scion, and if
the plants are placed in a rather shady position for a few days and kept
dry a union will soon be effected. When the scion and stock are slender,
and if nearly equal in size, they may be grafted by cutting the former at
the base into a wedge shape, with a corresponding notch in the latter,
tying them carefully round in this case, but not too tightly, or the surface
will be injured, and probably decay. Nearly all the species in the different
genera of the Cactus order unite readily with each other, but it is not well
to select a plant for a stock which differs greatly in quickness of growth
from the scion or vice versi, for the success of the union is very uncertain
in such cases.

Seeds.—Though the majority can be easily raised from seeds, this
method is rarely resorted to except to obtain new varieties or hybrids.
The seeds are mostly small, and should be sown in a compost of three
parts sand and one of loam in a temperature of 60° to 65°. The best time
is immediately the seeds are ripe, otherwise the spring months are the
most suitable. Germination takes place in from one to three weeks, and
the progress of the seedlings is often very slow for some months, during
which time the greatest care must be exercised to prevent injury by too
much moisture either in the soil or the atmosphere.

Hybridising.—Nearly all Cactaceous plants produce abundance of
pollen, and are readily crossed, especially Cereus, Phyllocactus, and
Epipbyllum, to which the efforts of hybridisers have been principally
confined. By judicious crossing some handsome forms have been raised,
and there is undoubtedly plenty of room for further experiments in this
direction. For instance, the Mamillarias vary considerably from seed,
yet very little has been done in this genus on any systematic plan. In
the majority of species the pollen and stigmas are mature at the same
time, and therefore if self-fertilisation is not desired the stamens of the
flower selected for the seed-parent must be removed before the anthers
burst ; and if there are other flowers open at the same time a small piece
of gauze or muslin may be tied over it both before and after the pollen is
applied. The species of Cereus hybridise readily, and it is only necessary
to observe closely the time when the flowers open, as some last but a few
hours, often expanding late in the evening.

CLASSIFICATION.

A great number of methods of classifying the members of this
family have been proposed, but that adopted by Hooker and Bentham
in their “Genera Plantarum’ is the simplest and best. Two tribes are
ormed, The first, termed Echinocactes, is characterised by the calyx
14 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

tube being produced beyond the ovary, the stem being covered with
elongated tubercles or ribs, which are rarely leafy. This includes the
genera Melocactus, Mamillaria, Pelecyphora, Leuchtenbergia, Echino-
cactus, Discocactus, Cereus, Phyllocactus, and Epiphyllum. The second
tribe, Opuntize, has the calyx tube not produced beyond the ovary, and
the stems are branching or jointed, The genera Rhipsalis, Nopalea,
Opuntia, and Pereskia are placed under this head, Some secondary
divisions are adopted, but they are not of much popular importance.
In classifying the species the spines afford valuable characters, and those
who are specially interested in this part of the subject will find an
elaborate system detailed in Labouret’s “Monographie.” The genera
which are reviewed in the following pages are taken in the order adopted
in Hooker and Bentham’s work already mentioned.

MELOCACTUS, Link and Otto.
(The Melon Cactus.)

About thirty species of plants found in the West Indies and tropical
America are arranged under the genus Melocactus, and resemble each
other closely in their leading characters. These are a globular un-
branched fleshy stem 1 to 2 or 3 feet in diameter, regularly ribbed from
base to summit, the ridges bearing « varying number of clusters of
spiues and a cylindrical portion, termed “the cap,’ produced from the
apex of the stem, formed of a woolly substance, and closely set softer
spines than those on the main stem. Upon this the small flowers are
borne, tubular in form, and red or rose-coloured. All the species are
natives of hot regions, generally growing in rocky or sandy situations
exceedingly dry, but a few are said to be found near the coast or in salt
marsh districts. Only one species—namely, M. communis, is in general
cultivation, and this is probably owing to the fact that the plants are of
little or no horticultural value, though as curiosities they are remarkable.

Culture.—The Melocactus is one of the most difficult of all to grow
successfully, and it is rare that a thoroughly healthy specimen is seen;
indeed, imported plants that have ‘“‘ the cap ” developed when received
seldom live long, and the only specimens which have a chance of success
are those sent over in « young state or raised from seed here. A high
temperature, very porous soil, abundant drainage, and little water are the
chief points requiring attention, and when a plant assumes an unhealthy
appearance water must be withheld.

Propagation.—Offsets are seldom produced unless the crown or cap be
removed or damaged, or if the upper portion of the stem be cut off. When
the surface is partially healed offsets usually appear round the margins, and
these can be separated and grown on like those of other Cactezs.
15

MELOCACTUS.

Mrnocactus comMUNIS, Link and Otto—“* Who can but marvel at the

wrote old Gerarde

care and singular workmanship shown in this Thistle ?”

 

Fig. 2.—Melocactus communis.

deed, much more

0 years ago, and the question might be re-

his “ Herball,” 25
peated at the present day with equal point. It is, in

m
16 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

peculiar than beautiful, but it is interesting historically as one of the
earliest known members of the family. Most of the early English writers on
plants notice it, and the author named above gives a particularly good
engraving, showing the cap and spines very clearly. He terms it Melo-
catduus Echinatus, the Hedgehog Thistle, and says concerning it, “ This
admirable Thistle groweth upon the cliffes and gravelly grounds neere unto
the sea side in the islands of the West Indies, called St. Margarets and St.
John’s Isle, neere unto Puerto Rico, and other places in these countries, by
the relation of divers travellers that have journied into these parts who
have brought me the plant itself with his seed, the which would not grow in
my garden by reason of the coldnesse of the clymate.” It was thus intro-
duced early in the seventeenth century, but some time elapsed before it was
generally known. Parkinson described it in his “ Theater of Plantes,” 1640, as
“Melocarduus Americanus,” and gives a figure very similar to Gerarde’s. Ray
also fully describes it in his “ Historia Plantarum,” 1686, and states that it
was then cultivated by Bishop Compton at Fulham. In Bradley’s “ Works of
Nature,” 1739, a small figure is given, and he mentions having seen speci-
mens in the Royal Gardens, Hampton Court, and in the Physic Garden at
Amsterdam. Miller grew plants of the species and several varieties at
Chelsea, and it was included in the Kew collection of 1811.

Turk’s Cap, Englishman’s Head, and Pope’s Head are some of the popular
names that have been applied to this plant, all referring to the peculiar
crown on the summit of the stem,a character by which it is easily recognised.
It is found in several of the West Indian Islands, particularly on the island
of St. Kitts, where it grows in large quantities in barren rocky districts. It
is also found on the mainland, and specimens exceeding a yard in diameter
are not uncommon, some being reputed to be two or three hundred years old.
In places where it abounds the mules and other cattle are said to eat the
plants after removing the spiny outer portion with their hoofs, as the fleshy
substance of the stem affords a welcome supply of moisture. As grown in
this country, the stems are from 12 to 18 inches high and about a foot in
diameter, with from twelve to twenty ridges 1 inch to 14 inch deep, conical
in shape, and bearing clusters of eight or nine spines quarter to 1 inch long,
the centre one being erect, and the clusters an inch apart. The flowers
are about 1 inch long, tubular, and rosy red, somewhat suggestive of some
of the small-flowered Fuchsias; these are followed by red oblong fruits
resembling those of the Mamillarias.

The seeds are small, and in germinating produce two very minute coty-
ledons at the base of a globular fleshy stem. These have been overlooked by
some botanists, and the plant regarded asa monocotyledon. In Decandolle’s
“Vegetable Organography” » figure is given showing the true form of a
young seedling with the diminutive cotyledons at the base of the plumule or
gemmule.

Numerous varieties have been named and described, such as macrocephalus, °
oblongus, conicus, acicularis, spinosior, magnisulcatus, and others, the names
MAMILLARIA, 17

of which indicate the leading characters, but seedlings seem to vary so much
that these names are not of much value.

The engraving (fig. 2) is « reduced representation of a plant of M.
communis, showing one of the conical type, and one-sixth the natural size; a
flower is also given of the full size.

MAMILLARIA, Haworth.
(The Nipple Cactus.)

It would be very difficult to find any plants in the whole veretable
kingdom which present such beautiful examples of symmetry as the
Mamillarias, and in their own family they are also unique in this
respect, for though many of the grotesque Opuntias, Cereus, and Echi-
nocactus possess larger and more brilliant flowers, and they are sur-
passed in horticultural value by Phyllocactus and Epiphyllum, yet for
deliczcy of design they are unrivalled. A large number of them resemble
exquisite pieces of mechanism finished with the greatest minuteness
and accuracy. Others, again, might be imagined to have undergone
a kind of crystallisation, their whole surface being frosted over with
star-like spicule arranged with geometrical precision; and still others
appear as if covered with the finest gossamer. The graphic remarks
of Dr. Lindley which accompanied the figure of M. tenuis in the
‘“ Botanical Register” in 1832 might well be applied to several species
with even more accuracy than in that case :—‘ Gentle reader, hast thou
never seen in a display of fireworks a crowd of wheels all in motion at
once, crossing and intersecting each other in every direction, and canst
thou fancy those wheels arrested in their motion by some magic power,
their rays retained, but their fires extinguished and their brightness gone.
Then mayst thou conceive the curious beauty of this little herb, a plant
so unlike all others that we would fain believe it the re-animated spirit
of a race that flourished in former ages with those hideous monsters
whose bones alone remain to tell the history of their existence in the
quarries of our sandstone, slate, and clay.” Strangely beautiful indeed
are most of the Mamillarias, and in contrast with their neat rosettes or
stars of spines are the rosy, yellow, and white flowers, which are generally
followed by small berry-like coral-coloured fruits, that, dotted amongst
the spines, add another phase to the attractions of these plants. With
so much to recommend them it is not surprising that they have become
great favourites with cultivators of Cacti, and with that portion of the
publie who have obtained any knowledge of them.

The genus Mamillaria was founded by Haworth upon the Cactus
man“jlaris of Linnzus, one of the oldest cultivated species, and this
was “e-named by the first-mentioned author M. simplex. Two others

Cc
is CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

were associated with it—viz., M. prolifera and M. discolor, which at that
time, 1819, were all that were known. Since then, however, the number
of described species has been increased to 300, which abound in Mexico,
the head quarters of the genus, some being also found in the West Indies,
Brazil, and Bolivia, their habitats and the elevation at which they are
found varying considerably. In characters of flowers and fruit the
Mamillarias resemble several other genera, but the chief distinguishing
mark is found in the mamille, papille, or tubercles from which the plants
derive their name, The stem is cylindrical, globular, or conical, seldom
exceeding 10 or 12 inches high under cultivation, and more freqnently
only 3 to 6 inches high and 1 to 3 inches in diameter. From this axis
arise the teat-like projections termed the mamille, but for which the word
tubercle is here adopted. These vary in size from minute elevations
scarcely a sixteenth of an inch high to some 1 inch high and as muchin
diameter; in form they also vary, from cylindrical, spindle-shape,
conical, or ovoid to angular and irregularly pyramidal. They are ar-
ranged spirally round the stem with great regularity, and each bears at
its apex a cluster of spines, often in two series, the outer white, very fine
and hair-like, from six to twenty, very closely set, and radiating laterally
in a star-like manner, much resembling the pappus crowning the fruits
of some plants in the Composite: family ; the inner series is usually com
posed of a few stiff spines, sometimes hooked at the points, and usually
zoloured differently from the others, being yellow, brown, red, or purplish.

The variations in these organs or appendages furnish the chief charac-
ters for distinguishing the species, and upon them some authors have
constructed an elaborate system of classification in groups and sec-
tions. In Hooker and Bentham’s “Genera Plantarum,” however, Engel-
meann’s three subgenera Eumamillaria, Coryphanta, and Anhalonium are
adopted for the main divisions. The first includes the majority of the
species, which are characterised by the tubercles not being furrowed, and
by the flowers being produced from the axils of the previous year’s
tubercles—that is, from the side of the stem. The second has furrowed
tubercles, and the flowers produced from the apex of the stem or from
the axils of the tubercle of that season’s growth. The third was con-
stituted a genus by Lemaire, but is regarded as inseparable from the
Mamillarias, though in general appearance they are quite different, the
ubercles in Anhalonium being spreading, thick, and leaf-like, sometvhat
after the style of the Gasterias.

Culture.—Many of the Mamillarias are found in limestone districts,
and though inhabiting varying climates and elevations, they may be
all grown in an intermediate temperature, such as a greenhouse, where
they can be protected from frosts during the winter, but a higher tempe-
SELECT SPECIES, 19

rature is needed during the spring and early summer when growth is
advancing. A free exposure to light and sun is requisite at all times.
The soil should consist of two-thirds sandy loam and one-third finely
broken bricks and lime rubbish. The pots must be well drained, and
water should always be carefully supplied, but much injury is often
done by keeping the plants too dry. They should be examined at least
once a week, even in the winter, and if the temperature is above 50°
and the weather bright they may be safely watered if they require it.
In colder quarters little will be needed during December and January.
These plants may be advantageously grown in a glass case, as this
protection keeps the dust from their beautiful spines,

Propagation.—The majority of the tufted and branching species can
be readily increased, either by the offsets from the base, or by removing
the side branchlets. The former only need potting like ordinary plants,
keeping them rather dry until growth commences. The branchlets can
be laid upon dry soil until some roots show at the base, and they can
then be treated similarly. The more delicate sorts, or those that
produce few offsets, can be grafted on any Cereus, to which they
readily unite; and this has a double advantage, for while the plants
often grow more strongly, they are also less liable to decay, as such
forms will do unless very great care is exercised in supplying water.
Cereus tortuosus and others of slender habit may be chosen for the
small-growing species,

SELECT SPECIES.

M. ANGULARIS, Hort. Berol.—One of the more robust forms. The freely
branching habit gives it a very distinct appearance, and when well grown it
has a fine appearance. The largest specimen I have seen is in Mr. Peacock’s
collection, and is over a foot in diameter ; in excellent health. Decandolle’s
M. triacantha and M. cirrifera of some gardens (not of Martius) have been
regarded as varieties of this species, the last named corresponding to Salm’s
M. angularis var. fulvescens. It can be readily increased by offsets. Intro-
duced in 1835. Strong-growing; stem freely branched, 4 to 8 inches high,
2 inches in diameter ; tubercles conical, thick, a quarter of an inch long, having
a tuft of white down at the top, and four or five white spines of irregular
length ; flowers rosy purple.

M. Bicotor, Lehmann.—The whole surface of this plant appears as if
covered with a fine cobweb, owing to the numerous closely-set. white hairs
which form the outer series of spines; and if grown under a case or in a
position where the dust can be excluded it is one of the most striking of the
genus. Some crested forms of this are grown, but they possess little beauty,
and are usually simply deformities. The species was introduced in 1835.
20 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

Very distinct; stem cylindrical, somewhat club-shaped, 8 to 10 inches high,
2 to 8 inches in diameter, branching from near the base , tubercles very short,
dark green, but hidden by the spines, which are in two series, the outer fine
and hair-like, closely set, and spreading, the others being fewer, erect, and of
a yellowish tint. The flowers are small and purple.

M. Caput-Mrpusa, Otto—The Medusa’s Head Mamillaria is by no
means so formidable as its name implies, and though not so delicately
beautiful as its neighbours it possesses u boldness that forms a striking
contrast with them, A fine specimen, probably the largest in England, is
included in the collection of these plants grown by Mr. Boller at the Wood-
field Nurseries, Harrow Road, N., for which he has been awarded numerous
first-class certificates at metropolitan and provincial shows. Stem usually
4 to 6 inches, or in exceptional cases 8 inches in height, globular or occa-
sionally columnar ; tubercles four-angled or ovate, bearing four small white
spines and two thicker and stronger ones; flowers white, about 1 inch in
diameter.

M. crrnirgra, Martius —A neat and pleasing little plant, which does
not flower so frequently as several others, but is well worth growing on
account of its symmetrical appearance. Introduced in 1835, A freely
branching and pretty species, with a cylindrical stem 3 to 4 inches high ;
tubercles short and conical], quarter of an inch long, glaucous green, and
furnished with a crown of yellow spines; flowers bright rose, with yellow
anthers.

M. DOLICcHOCENTRA, Lemaire—A somewhat variable species of strong
habit, especially abundant in the neighbourhood of Xalapa, and included in
most large collections of Cacteze. It was grown in the continental collections
thirty years ago, but the date of its first appearance in England is uncertain.
Several varieties have been described under the names of pheeacantha,
straminea, Galeotti, &c., but the last is generally considered synonymous with
the first, and they are all chiefly confined to continental gardens. Stem
stout, 6 to 8 inches high, 3inches in diameter; tubercles conical, narrow,
half an inch long, crowned with small tuft of white down and a few white
spines of irregular length; flowers of moderate size, pale rose or reddish
crimson ; fruits red.

M. FissURATA, Engelmann,—This plant, so far as I can ascertain, is not
in cultivation in England, and is named here chiefly to illustrate the
Anhalonium section of the genus, of which it is a very good type. It is well
described and figured by Engelmann, and presents a very different appear-
ance from the Mamillarias generally, though not structurally distinct. The
root is thick and turnip-like, the tubercles being triangular in form, very thick,
and with the upper surface strangely furrowed; they are arranged in a
closely imbricated manner, very suggestive of some Gasterias, and from the
centre arises the whitish pink flower about 1 inch in diameter and surrounded
at the base by dense woolly substance. It is found in the same district as
M. pectinata, chiefly on hard gravel or limestone soils,
SELECT SPECIES, ‘at

The species of Anhalonium that are better known to cultivators are
A. elongatum, Salm, A. prismaticum, Lemaire, and A. sulcatum, all of which
more or less resemble M. fissurata in the form of leaves and habit. They
are curious species, and bear strange resemblance to other plants—for instance,
the leaves of A. elongatum have been aptly compared to those of some
Crassulas, and of A. prismaticum and A. sulcatum to Aloes or Haworthias,
especially H. retusa. These are all considered as Mamillarias now, Hooker
and Bentham in this view following Engelmann and Miquel.

M. eraciiis, Pfeiffer, var. PULCHELLA.—Amongst the small-growing
cylindrical-stemmed species of Mamillaria none surpass this in delicate
beauty. It is indeed an exquisite little gem, most symmetrical in the arrange-
ment of its spines, and is moreover very easily grown and readily increased,
as the diminutive side branches or offsets are produced in great numbers.
Very dwarf, 1 to 2inches high; stem cylindrical, half an inch in diameter;
tubercles small and green ; spines in one series, white, spreading and closely
set ; flowers pale yellow, of good size, and attractive.

M. MIcROMERIS, Engelmann.—Unique in form and very beautiful, readily
distinguishable from all other species in cultivation, but resembling one
described by some writers as M. microthele. It is a Mexican plant, and
according to the author of the above name is found “from El Paso to the
San Pedro river, also in a single locality east of this river, in naked places on
mountain tops or sides, only on limestone, never in the porphyritic region.”
An exceedingly fine engraving of the plant is given in Engelmann’s “Cac-
taceze of the Boundary,” and the distinguishing characters of a variety named
Greggi, which is of rather larger growth, are also shown. In the species
the stem resembles a flattened ball 2 inches in diameter and 1} inch high,
having in the centre at the apex a circular tuft of wool-like down about 1 inch
across, surrounded by a fringe of stiff white spines ; tubercles very small and
closely set, each bearing a diminutive star of radiating white hairs, which fall
from the older tubercles, giving the lower portions of the plant a peculiar
appearance. The flowers are very minute, with about five sepals and petals,
pale rose-coloured, and succeeded by red berries one-third of an inch long.

M. MOLTICEPS, Salm.—Chiefly remarkable for the much-divided character
of the stem ; the flowers are also of a pleasing shade of colour and produced
rather freely. The lower divisions and branches of the stem can be removed
and potted when it is desired to increase the plant. Stem dwarf, much-
branched or divided, 1 inch high, half inch in diameter ; tubercles one-eighth
to a quarter of an inch long, narrow, conical, green ; spines in two series, the
outer white, very fine and numerous, the inner yellow, larger, and stronger ;
flowers pale yellow with a reddish line in the centre of the petals.

M. NEUMANNIANA, Lemaire.—A bold and distinct species, free in growth,
and well worth a place in asmall collection. Introduced from Mexico in
1845. Stem cylindrical, 5 to 6 inches high; tubercles stout, three-eighths of
an inch long, dark green, with a tuft of wool-like material at the apex anda
few tawny spines about half an inch long; flowers of a rosy hue.
22 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

M. OpreRiaNa, Lemaire—An attractive plant, especially when in flower,
but at all times it is one of the neatest of the genus, its spines being very
regularly arranged, and the contrast in colour between the inner and outer
series isstriking. Stem cylindrical, 3 to 4 inches high, 2 inches in diameter,
very symmetrical ; tubercles one-eighth of an inch long, dark green ; spines
in two series, the outer close and fine, the inner tawny, half an inch to three-
quarters of an inch long. Flowers reddish violet.

M. Parkinsonul, Ehrenberg.—A very distinct species, of bold habit, and
attaining a larger size under culture than the majority of the Mamillarias.
It is found in several districts of Mexico, principally on calcareous rocks.
It has been cultivated in England and on the Continent for some years, but
the date of its introduction is uncertain. Stout-growing ; stem 4 to 8 inches
high, 2 to 3 inches in diameter; tubercles small, each bearing a star of
diminutive white hairs, and four to five stiff erect white spines 1 to 14 inch
long tipped with brown; flowers yellow. When grown as it is in the
Oxford Botanic Garden this is one of the most beautiful of all the species,
the spines being pure white and very numerous.

M. PEcTINATA, Engelmann.—Few of the Mamillarias equal this in beauty,
and it is much to be regretted that the plant continues so scarce in English
collections. It is an example of Dr. Engelmann’s sub-genus Coryphanta, and
is said to be found on the limestone hills of the Pecos, whence it was intro-
duced to Europe about twenty or thirty years since. The flowers last a
very short time, generally only about two hours in the middle of the day,
but they are succeeded by fruits half an inch long, which remain attached to
the plant for a considerable time. Stem conical or nearly globular, about
3 inches high and 2} inches in diameter; tubercles short and stout, each
crowned with a rosette of white spines on one series, very even in size and
regularly spreading half an inch or more across each star. Flowers yellow,
generally produced singly from the apex of the plant and comparatively
large, 2 inches in diameter, with very narrow and numerous petals, the
sepals being also numerous, the outer reddish green and the inner resembling
the petals. The woodcut (fig. 3) is an accurate reproduction of Engel-
mann’s admirable engraving in the “ Cactacez of the Boundary.”

M. PHYMATOTHELE, Bergm.—A strong-growing plant, which has been in
cultivation in Europe for forty years or more, and is now found in most
English collections. Its name signifies “tumour-nipple,” and refers to the
swollen tubercles. Several species of Mamillaria have the specific names
terminating with “thele,” bearing the same signification with a qualifying
prefix, as microthele, small nipple; macrothele, large nipple ; and polythele,
many nipples. In others the Latin is substituted for the Greek, and we have
longimamma and magnimamma with corresponding meanings. Stem 5 to
6 inches high, 2 inches in diameter; tubercles a quarter of an inch long,
conical, dark green, crowned with a small tuft of white down, a few white,
spreading, hair-like spines, and four to six erect yellowish-red central spines
about half an inch long. Flowers bright rose.
SELECT SPECIES, 23

M. PUSILLA, Decandolle.—A diminutive but beautiful plant, meriting a
place amongst the best forms of the genus. It is interesting, too, as heing a

 

Fig. 3.—Mamillaria pectinata.

native of the West Indies and South America, whence it was introduced in
1820, This species appears to be identical with those described by Harvey
24 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

and others as M. stellaris, and is also probably the M. stellata of Loddiges’
“ Botanical Cabinet.” Dwarf; stem 1 to 2 inches high, cylindrical-globular ;
tubercles narrow conical, one-eighth to a quarter of an inch long, dark green ;
spines in two series, outer numerous, fine hair-like, white, inner fewer, erect,
and brownish. The flowers are freely produced, yellowish, the petals having
a central line of rose.

M. RAPHIDACANTHA, Lemaire —The needle-spined nipple Cactus is an
exceedingly pretty species, small in its proportions, but very symmetrical,
and covered with the most delicate little rosettes of spines imaginable. They
are indeed needle-like in form, brightness, and rigidity, and the clusters
resemble crystals of ice. A plant sometimes seen under the name of
M. raphidacea appears to be the same as this, Stem cylindrical, 3to 5 inches
high and 1 inch in diameter, slender and elegant; tubercles short, conical,
a quarter of an inch long or less, dark green ; spines in one series, spreading
star-like, eight or nine, closely set, a quarter of an inch long, white tipped
with brown; flowers freely produced, about an inch in diameter, and
purplish violet in colour.

M. RHOPANTHA, Link et Otto—The bright colour of the abundant flowers
of this plant renders it a charming companion for the others named in this
list, and will, moreover, bear a lower temperature than the majority ; it has
indeed been tried out of doors both here and in France during the summer
months. It is a Mexican species, and was introduced in 1836. Several
varieties are known and named, such as neglecta, sulphurea, ruficeps, auriceps,
and others, but they differ very slightly from the species, Stem 2 to 6 inches
long, 2 inches in diameter, freely branching; tubercles conical, one-eighth to
quarter of an inch long, having at the apex a tuft of white down, rays of
fine hairs, and six irregular white or yellowish spines quarter to half an inch
long. Flowers produced in succession during the summer, bright rose,
of medium size. ‘

M. ScHIEDEANA, Ehrenberg.—One of the prettiest and most distinct of
the genus, and is of free growth and flowers profusely, also producing its
reddish fruits occasionally, which have a pretty appearance nestling amongst
the tubercles. It inhabits limestone districts at considerable elevations in
Mexico, whence it was introduced to France in 1838, and to England some
years later. It should be in every collection. Stem cylindrical, globular,
3 to 5 inches high, 2 inches in diameter; tubercles dark green, cylindrical,
half an inch long, very narrow, quite distinct from the majority of species.
spines yellowish, hair-like, and forming a small star nearly a quarter of an
inch in diameter, much resembling the pappus on some of the Composite ;
flowers small and white.

M. SIMPLEX, Haworth.—This species is chiefly interesting in an historical
point of view, for it was the first one introduced to Europe. It is mentioned
by several of the old writers, and among them by Bradley in his curious work
on “Succulent Plants” (1716). Ray states that it was grown by Bishop
Compton at Fulham, and was also grown at Hampton Court in 1690.
SELECT SPECIES, 25

‘Linnzeus described it under the name Cactus Mamillaris, and states with
‘truth that it is covered with bearded papille like the Mesembryanthemum,
has a milky juice like the Euphorbias, and the fructification of the Cactus,
remarks which would apply to many other members of the genus. With
M. simplex, M. discolor, and a supposed variety of the former named prolifera,
which is now referred to M. flavescens D.C., Haworth founded the genus
Mamillaria, which has since been adopted by nearly all writers, though the
number of species has increased a hundredfold since his time. It is a native
of tropical America. Stem simple, globular, 4 to 6 inches high ; tubercles
‘conical, small, crowned with a white down and two series of spines, the outer
about twelve, white, the inner four to six, strong and reddish in colour;
.flowers small, greenish white.

M, STELLA-AURATA, Martius.—“ Golden Star” is a enphonious
and appropriate name for one of the most attractive of the genus,
-and one that is a great favourite with all who are familiar with
these plants. When in good condition the whole plant is covered
with star-like rosettes of yellow spines, which impart a very distinct
. appearance to it, especially when in contrast with the white-spined forms.
.It is regarded as identical with M. tenuis of Decandolle. Introduced in 1835,
Stem 2 inches high, half an inch in diameter, freely branched and dwarf;
tubercles short and green; spines ina flat spreading star-like rosette, very
numerous, one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch long, yellowish tipped with
teddish brown. Flowers small and white.

M. WILDIANA, Otto-—A charming species introduced from Mexico to
“France in 1835; but it did not make its appearance in English gardens until
some years later, and even now it is not very generally known. It is one of
the most select, and should be included in the smallest collections. A crested
-variety has been obtained and deserves the notice of those who admire these
.abnormal forms. Generally very dwarf, 3 to 4 inches high, but occasionally
taller and more cylindrical, closely surrounded by offsets which are freely
produced. Tubercles conical, duli dark green ; spines in two series, the outer
very fine, white, and closely spreading, the others much fewer and larger,
yellowish, and hooked at the apex ; flowers rose-coloured, borne at different
«periods of the year and rather frequently.

The species named in this list include some of the best of those
cultivated in England, but there are many others that well deserve
attention if it is desired to form a large collection. M. phellosperma in
particular is extremely pretty, the stars of spines being large and neat,
while the central spines are hooked at the apex like M. Grahami and
-others, from which character it is named the Fish-hook Cactus, There
is also a beautiful and delicate form in the Oxford Botanic Garden
‘named M. rosea-longiseta, which has very small, closely set, white spines.
M. senilis, a dwarf species densely covered with very fine hair-like spines,
-is also an attractive plant, but rather rare in England, The size of the
26 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

plants given in the preceding notes refer to cultivated specimens, none-
of which attain great heights, but in a wild state M. coronaria has been
described as reaching 4 to 5 feet.

PELECYPHORA, Lhrenberg.
(The Hatchet Cactus.)

In a botanical point of view this genus and the following one are the-
most interesting in the family. They are both monotypic—that is, con-
tain one species each, and are remarkable for certain structural peculiarities
that have attracted much attention from students of the order. Pelecy-
phora is closely related to the Mamillarias, having a short cylindrical stem,
covered with mamille or tubercles of a flattened form, and which have
been supposed to bear some resemblance to a hatchet, as the generic name
implies. At the apex, however, in the place of the spines of tae Mamil-
larias are two rows of flat horny scales, which overlap Jike the tiles of a.
roof, and have been not inaptly compared to the scaly back of a woodlouse,
to which character the specific name refers, The flowers are borne near
the summit of the stem 1 to 1} inch in diameter, consisting of several
series of sepals and petals, numerous stamens and stigmas.

In culture and propagation Pelecyphora is similar to the more delicate
Mamillarias; it requires a sandy soil, good drainage, and very careful sup-
plies of water. Offsets are seldom produced, and the readiest method of
increasing it is by seeds, which germinate freely in moderate heat, and
numbers of plants have been so raised in this country as well as on the
continent.

PELECYPHORA ASELLIFORMIS, Ehrenberg.—This, the only member of the-
genus, is a native of Mexico, where it was found by the brothers Tonel,.
associated with plants of the now discarded genus Anhalonium, which has
been already mentioned under the Mamillarias. The first plants imported to
Europe were received at Berlin, but found to be dead, and Labouret relates
that Ehrenberg raised the first living specimen from seeds found in dried
fruits contained in the axils of the tubercles. The plants so obtained were
described by the last-named author in 1843, though the flowers were then
unknown. In 1858 Lemaire gave a full description and illustration of the
plant in the Illustration Horticole, vol. vi., t. 186, which drew much atten-
tion to it, and several growers of Cacti obtained plants for their collections. .
Amongst English cultivators Mr. Justus Corderoy of Blewberry, Didcot,
Berkshire, was especially successful in raising young plants from seed, and
through him numbers were distributed throughout the country ; indeed, he
claims to have done what growers could never do before nor since—namely,
sell plants of Pelecyphora at 3s. each. Several of these seedlings he succeeded
in flowering, and proved slightly different from Lemaire’s plant in the colour-
ing, the flowers of Mr. Corderoy’s variety being uniformly rosy purple, while-
PELECYPHORA. 27

in Lemaire’s plant they had an outer series of pale almost white petals. One
of these specimens was submitted to Dr. Hooker, and figured in the

s

yy 5)
he
x

Fe

N

 

Fig. 4.—Pelecyphora aselliformis var. concolor.

“ Botanical Magazine,” 1873, t. 6061, under the name of P. aselliformis var.
concolor. Though so interesting structurally, and pretty when in flower, this
28 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

Cactus continues very scarce, and few collections now include examples of
it. Fig. 4 is engraved from a photograph of one of the Blewberry plants,
representing it of the natural size, a single tubercle being shown at the
side.

LEUCHTENBERGIA, Hooker.

Few who were unacquainted with Leuchtenbergia principis would, at the
tirst examination of a plant not in flower, think it was a member of the
Cactus family ; it is so entirely distinct from all the genera and species
in outward appearance, and might be easily mistaken for an Aloe or some
relative of the Haworthias. A glance at the flowers would, however, be
sufficient to indicate its true position in the vegetable kingdom, as the
calyx is somewhat tubular with numerous lobes, the outer scale-like, the
interior narrow and spreading, the petals being in two series, coloured
like the petals, with indefinite stamens and numerous stigmas. The
tubercles are triangular, about 3 to 4 inches long, crowned with several
peculiar flattened ashy-grey spines that have » withered appearance, and
vary in length from half an inch to 2 or 3 inches. These tubercles are
arranged spirally round the stem, and, owing to their differing so much
from the tubercles in Pelecyphora and Mamillaria, they have been the
subject of much discussion as to their true nature. The apparent diffi-
culty of the matter has been increased by the fact that the flowers are
produced near the apex of the tubercles and not from the axil, as in the
Mamillarias. Respecting this point also there has been a divergence of
opinion, some writers describing it as producing the flowers from the
axils and others from the apex. Writing me upon this subject, Mr.
R. I. Lynch, Curator of the Cambridge Botanic Garden, observes,
«Lemaire in ‘Les Cactées’ ridicules the idea that the flowers of Leuch-
tenbergia are borne at the summit of the mamme, but his information was
untrustworthy. It does habitually flower from that position, as I
have frequently seen. In some cases the flowers are produced near
the apex of very little developed mamme in the centre of the plant,
and it would be easy to make a mistake as to the actual origin of the
flower, as it is wedged in tightly by the other mamma. Most flowers
that I have seen were, however, borne quite clear of the centre.” This
is undoubtedly the fact, as I have seen flowers down in the centre as
described, and, without removing them, it would be almost impossible to
decide whence they sprung; while, on the other hand, Mr. Corderoy has
sent me a sketch showing the flowers quite clear from the other tubercles,
and close to the summit, as stated by Mr. Lynch.

These tubercles therefore appear to be of a compound nature, repre-
senting the fusion of petiole and peduncle similar to what occurs in
LEUCHTENBERGIA, 29

Helwingia and Erythrochiton. Lemaire partly adopted this view
regarding the mammz of the three genera Mamillaria, Pelecyphora, and
Leuchtenbergia as metamorphosed leaves, the spines representing the
veins of the leaves, in which opinion many careful observers agree. Le
Maout and Decaisne describe them as “arrested buds,” and would thus
give them more the nature of branches, while others incline to the view
that they are simple elevations of the substance of the stem similar to
the ridges in Echinocactus and Cereus,

This is a rather difficult plant to grow satisfactorily, but it should be
treated similarly to the Mamillarias as regards soil, and most carefully

    
    

ear

Ss
SS ‘
=—

Fig. 5.—Leuchtenbergia principis (reduced).

attended in the supply of water, as the slightest approach to excess will
result in serious injury and probably the death of the plant.

LEUCHTENBERGIA PRINCIPIS, Hooker.—In 1848 an excellent figure of this
plant was given in the “ Botanical Magazine,” accompanied by a full descrip-
tion by Sir W. Hooker, which is so graphic that it is here reproduced. “Our
largest plant is a foot high, its main trunk erect, but crooked, as thick as a
man’s arm, clothed with the dense mass of persistent bases of old mamille, or
perhaps rather of the withered mamille themselves, shrunk and reduced toa
mass of closely pressed scales, Above they gradually become more perfect,
at first short and truncated till the crown of the plant is clothed with per-
30 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

_ fectly formed mamille, resembling aloid leaves 4 or 5 inches long, glaucoug
green, succulent, triangular, truncated at the apex, and there bearing six or
seven long chaffy, or almost horny linear or subulate flexuose scales, of which
vhe centre one is about as long as the mamille, and the others form a whorl
round the centre, are about 2 or 3 inches long, spreading, triangular. These
appear to be after a time deciduous, for the lower withered mamille are
destitute of them.” In the further description of the flower the position is
said to be “from the axil of a mamilla,” but in the “Genera Plantarum”
this has been corrected. The flowers are large, of a rich clear yellow tint,
and are usually solitary, though in some cases two are borne on one plant at
the same time.

The species is a native of Mexico, having been found near the Rio del
Monte, and introduced to the Royal Gardens, Kew, in 1847. Like the
Pelecyphora, Mr. Corderoy has been very successful with this plant, and the
engraving represents one from a photograph of eight plants, several being in
flower, which he had taken some time since.

ECHINOCACTUS, Link and Otto.
(The Hedgehog Cactus.)

The Hedgehog Cactus genus is one of the largest in the whole
family, and the two hundred species comprised in it include some of the
most handsome and curious forms in this portion of the vegetable world.
They are not so remarkable for beauty and symmetry of structure as the
Mawmillarias, but the flowers are usually large, brightly coloured, the
tints most predominating being yellow, rose, and purple, while many are
pure white. The flowers also in numerous species attain a considerable
size, almost rivalling some of the Cereus; and as they frequently open
for several days in succession they have not the defect of fugaciousness
so common in other members of the family. The strangest character
connected with the Hedgehog Cactus is, however, the enormous size
which some of them attain. It is true they do not grow to so greata
height as the Cereus, for few, even of the largest, exceed 4 or 5 feet in
height, but they occasionally become excessively bulky, as in E. Visnaga,
sometimes weighing as much as a ton, though there is every gradation
from that to species as diminutive as the Mamillarias, The majority of
globular stems like the Melocactus, with more or less strongly marked
ridges from the summit to the base, usually slightly spiral, though fre-
quently nearly vertical. In a few species these ridges are broken into
a series of tubercles, which are sometimes nearly as distinctly separated
as in the Mamillarias, and in others are partly confluent, until in the
extreme cases they can only be traced by slight prominences upon the
ridges, Whether moderately or strongly developed these projections are
termed tubercles as in the other genera, and each bears a cluster of
ECHINOCACTUS, 31

spines, which vary in size from extremely small points that are scarcely
discernible to gigantic and formidable horny spines 3 or 4 inches in
length, straight and rigid, or hooked at the point; they are also some-
times in two series, the outer spreading and the inner erect. These
furnish characters which assist in determining the species, and Labouret
has given an elaborate system of classification, founded chiefly upon
these appendages.

The flowers are produced from near the apex of the younger tubercles
atthe upper part of the stem, and are borne just above the cluster of
spines. Sometimes they are clustered in a dense woolly substance some-
what like the cap of the Melocactus at the summit of the plant. The
calyx forms a tube varying in length, being sometimes very long and
funnel-shaped ; it is usually scaly, the scales gradually passing into the
lobes of the calyx, and these in turn into the petals, all the parts being
very numerous, and not readily distinguishable from each other. The
stamens are in great numbers, the filaments being united to the tube of
the calyx. The style is columnar, the stigma with many rays, and the
fruit is berry-like, to which the lobes of the calyx frequently adhere.

By various authors a few of the species have been separated under
other generic names, as Malacocarpus of Salm Dyck, Gymnocalcium of
Pfeiffer, and Astrophytum of Lemaire ; but these have been found to
be insufficiently distinct, and are now united with the Hchinocactus by
Hooker and Bentham.

The species are widely distributed, being found in Mexico and various
parts of South America, but in the first-named country and adjoining
Tegions they chiefly abound. There they are found in arid stony or
rocky places, with very little soil for the roots, exposed to a high tem-
perature in the summer and a much lower one in the winter—indeed,
some endure frost and snow with such little injury that they might be
reasonably expected to be hardy in this country. Some have been found
to resist our winters, but comparatively few have succeeded at present,
and doubtless the chief reason for this is the much greater amount of
moisture in the soil and atmosphere,

Culture.—In growing the majority of the Echinocactus the chief
points requiring attention are providing a well-drained soil, as they are
all impatient of the least excess of water, and regulating the supply of
moisture with much care. Most of the Mexican species in particular
produce but slender and few roots, and only need small pots, as an
excessive quantity of soil is positively injurious. These, too, will succeed
jn a temperature between 45° and 50° during the winter months, but
then require scarcely any water.

Propagation.—Few of the Hedgehog Cactus produce offsets, ard
32 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

are therefore not readily propagated in that way. When, however,
the upper part is injured, or in the case of the columnar species if that
portion is cut off, the lower part of the stem often produces several
shoots like other Cactec, and these can be treated as previously advised
for offsets. In Mexico and elsewhere in North America certain
species are very abundant in particular districts, some growing amongst
the grass and scarcely visible, and travellers relate that where these
are injured by fires or cattle they form a great number of shoots,
becoming closely branched tufts or cushions of considerable size, The
majority of the species can be easily grafted upon the Cereus or other
genera except the Opuntias, to which they do not unite readily. Graft-
ing is, however, unnecessary in most cases, as, except the very delicate
species or abnormal crested varieties, they are best on their own roots.
A few years ago Mr. Peacock had an interesting specimen of E. Pottsi,
which was grafted upon three stems of Cereus tortuosus, and being
raised several inches above the surface of the soil it had a very strange
appearance.

SELECT SPECIES.

In so large a genus it is obvious that only a few can he named in these
notes, but some of the most distinct of these in cultivation have been
selected. Collections in general do not include perhaps more than a fourth
of the entire number known.

EcHINOCACTUS BREVIHAMATUS, Engelmann.—A pretty and distinct
species from San Pedro, very noticeable for the prominent globular tuber-
cles, which might almost cause it to be taken for a Mamillaria. The stem
is cylindrical, 5 to 6 inches high, and 4 to 5 inches in diameter. The spines
are in two series, those of the ray twelve, half to three-quarters of an inch
long, the central one 1 inch long, hooked at the point and yellowish brown
in colour. The flowers are about 1 inch long, of a pale rose tint, but have
a deeper coloured mid-vein, which brightens the flowers considerably.

E. CERATIOTES, Otto.—An elegant plant, which from its columnar growth
and numerous rounded ridges has a very distinct appearance in a collection.
The best specimens at Kew are 2 feet high, 8 inches in diameter at the
base, and nearly as much at the top, except where young growth has been
recently made. The ridges are twenty or more in number, half an inch
deep, nearly as much across, somewhat rounded, and deep green. The
spines are in clusters of twelve or more, 1 inch apart on the ridges, seven
or eight of the outer spines being white, fine, and hair-like, four or five
inner ones being rigid, 1 inch long, and of a bright reddish colour on the
young growth, which has a pretty effect. It isa Chilian plant, and has
been in cultivation for more than thirty years, but is rather scarce.

E. CYLINDRACEtS.—A Mexican species of formidable appearance, furs
ECHINOCACTUS, 33

nished with long and powerful spines, which interlace over the plant in a
strange manner, and affording it a most effectual protection. The stem is
globular, in the largest specimen I have seen about 6 inches high by the
same in diameter. The spines are horn-like, with nodes like the antenne
of some large insects. They are 2 to 3 inches long, interlacing flat on the
surface of the plant. Others are spreading or curved, 3 to 4 inches long,
flattened, with a reddish tinge. As a curiosity this is one of the most
striking of the genus. It was introduced from the Colorado district in
1877, but is scarce in collections.

E. Ecuipnt, De Candolle.—A distinct and rather attractive plant, which
‘owes its name apparently to its cylindrical form and abundant spines, and
to the former character probably is due the name of Viper Cactus which
some have applied to it. The stems are 6 to 12 inches high, 6 inches in
‘diameter, with eleven to twelve ridges 1 inch deep, and spirally arranged on
the stem. Thespines are half to 1 inch long, rigid, greyish white, and tipped
with reddish brown, and are in clusters of seven to eight, about an inch
apart on the ridges, their base being surrounded by a thick grey down. The
flower is of moderate size, and bright yellow.

E, ELECTRACANTHUS, Lemaire.—Distinguished by a bold appearance that
renders it quite unique and easily recognised. Well-grown plants are from
18 inches to 2 feet high, and 1 foot in diameter, with twenty-two prominent
angular ridges 1 inch deep and the same in width, deep green, but having a
cartilaginous edge. Upon this are borne the spines in clusters of nine,
2 inches apart; the spines are equal in size, 1 inch long, rigid, horn-hke, and
yellowish, the central one bright red at the base. The flowers are clear
yellow. It is a native of Mexico, whence it was introduced some thirty or
forty years ago.

E. HORIZONTHALONIUS, Lemaire,—A beautiful species, which, according
to Engelmann, is found growing in strong soil at the summit of hills from
Pecos to El Paso and north to Dona, and where it flowers freely from Apri
to July. It varies greatly in size, but is globular in form, with nine to ten
thick ridges, on which the clusters of spines are very closely set, the number
usually being seven, thick and rigid. The flowers are funnel-shaped, purplish
pink, the sepals being tipped with a darker shade of purple, and have a
pretty effect when opening inthe sunlight. The stamens are very numerous,
and in some flowers as many as 1200 have been counted ; they also havea
rather pleasing appearance, the yellow anthers contrasting with the white
filaments.

E. inGENS, Zuccarini.—This is one of the few Echinocactus which furnish
any product of service to man, and even in this case it is far from being in
general use. Several species produce a woolly or silk-like substance at the
summit of the plant, but in this one it is particularly abundant, and in
Mexico, according to Dr. Parry, it is collected and employed for stuffing
pillows. The filaments composing it are not long, but soft and silk-like even
in colour, somewhat resembling a similar product found round the base of

D
34 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

the fronds in some species of Cibotium. In the Kew museum are good
specimens of the substance. Cultivated plants are 8 to 10 inches high, of
globular form, with twenty to twenty-one ridges 1 to 1} inch deep, spirally
arranged. The clusters of spines are half an inch apart, and contain twelve
to fourteen grey spines 1 inch long.

EK. LonGIHAMATUS, Galeottii—Remarkable for the length of the spines
which give it a very peculiar appearance. It is also interesting for a

character which may probably have some bearing on the fertilisation. It

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No
a

  

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Tig. 6.—E chinocactus rhodophthalmus.

 

is well described by Engelmann as follows :—“ The flowers form a groove
just above the spines, separated from the spiniferous areole by two to
dive obtuse cylindric glandular bodies, which often exude a clear viscous
liquid. I find them also in E. setispinus, E. Emoryi, and numerous others,
and they correspond no doubt with the glands in the gvoove of Mamillaria
Scheeri and others. They appear with the flower, and are soft and fleshy
ECUINOCACTUS. 35

at the time, afterwards they become hardened, of the texture of the spines
themselves, and persistent.” It is difficult to tell what is the exact purpose
these serve, as, beyond the fragrance of the flowers and the abundant stores
of pollen, there are few temptations for insect visitors in most Cactaceous
flowers. E.longihamatus is a native of the Rio Grande district near the
Pecos and San Pedro rivers, and it was introduced by Galeotti in 1851. The
stem is globular, 2 to 12 inches high, dark green or glaucous, with thirteen
ridges of circular mound-like tubercles 1 inch high. These are about 1 inch
apart, and bear six to fourteen strong rigid spines each, red when young, and
brownish grey or black afterwards; the central one is sometimes 4 inches
long, and terminates in a hook. The flower is 8 to 4 inches in diameter,
with narrow yellow petals and greenish sepals. The fruits are described as
“green and acid when young, but sweet when ripe.” This species is parti-
cularly well grown in the Oxford Botanic Garden collection, which includes
several large and handsome specimens,

E, RHODOPSTHALMUS, Hooker.—A neat and pretty species of moderate
growth and flowering very freely. The stem is cylindrical, somewhat
columnar in form, 6 to 8 inches high, 8 to 5 inches in diameter. There
are eight to nine ridges closely set together, and upon these are the
clusters of nine spines, each about 1 inch long, the central one the largest,
the others spreading. These are in their earliest stages of a purplish
hue, but as they grow older they lose the colour and become pale. The
flowers are borne at the summit of the stem, are 3 to 4 inches in diameter,
formed of narrow spreading petals, the colour being a pleasing shade of
rosy crimson, much darker at the base, thus forming a ring of colour
which greatly improves the appearance of the flower. The species is a
native of San Luis. Potosi in Mexico, and was introduced to this country
by F. Staines, Esq., in 1847. It flowers during the summer months very
freely, and is worth a place in any collection, but still continues rather
scarce. The woodcut, fig. 6, is a reduced representation of the plate in
the “Botanical Magazine,” t. 4486, published in 1850. A variety named
ellipticus was also figured in the same work subsequently, but it differs
very slightly from the type.

E. Mynriostiema, S.D. (Astrophytum myriostigma).—Though in many
respects this is totally distinct from the Hedgehog Cactus, yet botanically
it has been found to be so nearly related to that genus that they could not
be separated satisfactorily. It is very peculiar, and at a glance appears to be
scarcely a living plant, so regular, rigid, and unplant-like is its form, that
we might almost imagine it had been carved from a piece of stone. It seems
to be an even greater departure from the forms of plant life with which we
are most familiar than other Cactez, strange as they are, for all vestiges of
Jeaves or branches are lost, the spines and tubercles, their representatives in
other species, have in this one disappeared, and the stem is bare except for
some curious star-like scales or hairs. It forms a marked stage in the evolu-
tion of the genus, and appears to be the opposite extreme to the Mamillaria-
36 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

like species with prominent tubercles, between which almost every gradation
can be found. The stem is seldom more than 6 or 8 inches high, 3 to 5 in
diameter, and has five or six broadly triangular ridges 1 or 1} inch deep, with
an even surface and edge devoid of spines. Upon the surface are a number
of small grey or whitish flattened scales or hairs, which are thickly placed
on the young growth, but fall off as the plant advances in age, and the
Jower part of the stem is sometimes quite bare. The flowers are produced
near the summit of the stem, generally several together, which open early
in the day and close in the afternoon from four to five o’clock, expanding on
each succeeding day for nearly a week. Plants will also continue bearing
flowers from June to September.

The scales above mentioned, when examined under a microscope of
moderate power, are seen to consist of small hair-hke filaments radiating
from a central very short stalk. Appendages of this character are seen in
few members of the family, and occurring as these do in the absence of the
clusters of spines, it might almost be thought that they were debased forms
of these. Against that fancy, however, is the fact that the scales are
dispersed over the whole surface of the plant, and appear to be merely
superficial, being easily removed with the finger-nail.

E. PreirFeri, Zuccarini.—A bold handsome species, which at once
attracts notice in a large collection, and is well worth a place in a small one.
The stem is intermediate between cylindric and globular, usually 1 foot high,
9 inches in diameter. The ridges are 14 to 2 inches deep, and 14 inch across
at the base, triangular, deep green. The clusters of spines are 1 inch.apart,
and contain several yellowish-white rigid, semi-transparent spines about
1 inch long. In the Oxford garden is a beautiful specimen of this 2 feet
high, one of the finest in this country,

E. Scopa, Pfeifer—The Broom Cactus is a popular name applied to this
Echinocactus, and it is an appropriate title, for the ordinary form is sug-
gestive of a close birch broom, or more correctly the circular brushes
employed in sweeping chimneys. It is extremely distinct, and by no
means wanting in beauty of the Cactoid type. The stem in most culti-
vated specimens is cylindrical, 4 to 8 inches high and 3 to 4 inches in
diameter, but it attains the height of a foot or more, upon which the
numerous small ridges, thirty or more, are very closely set, and these in
turn bear extremely abundant thickly set purple hairs, which cover the
plant so densely that the surface is scarcely visible. The flower is neat in
form, 1 to 2 inches in diameter ; the petals narrow, serrated at the point, pale
yellow, with bright crimson stigmas. Itis a native of Brazil, whence plants
or seeds were sent to the Continent early in the present century.

E, Scopa CANDIDUS CRISTATUS.—This is one of the most extraordinary
of the numerous monstrous forms that have been obtained from seed in the
Cactus family. It is also one of the most bgautiful, and, though rather
delicate, it well deserves the little extra attention needed to keep it in health.
No one would think for a moment that it is related to the species named
ECHINOCACTUS. 37

above, for it has undergone a most peculiar change. Instead of the regular
symmetical cylindrical stem it has become contorted, flattened, and irregu-
larly twisted like the fasciated crest in the common Cockscomb, The surface
is densely covered with small white tufts about the size of a large pin’s head,
from which arise numerous diminutive white hairs one-eighth of an inch
long or less, and on the edge of the flattened lobes is a distinct furrow, which
follows the twisting stem in each direction, In the sun the plant has a

  

 

 

 

 

ECHINOGACTUS ||
VISNAGA

Fig. 7.

 

silvery appearance, which is very beautiful, but to preserve this dust or dirt
of any kind must be carefully excluded from it. It is rather slow-growing,
but succeeds best when grafted on a short stem of some Cereus, such as
C. Baumanni, C. macrogonus, or C. peruvianus, and less difficulty is then
experienced in keeping it in good health.

E. Simpson1.—This is especially deserving of notice as one of the hardiest
of the genus, for it has been tried out of doora in some districts, and has
33 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

endured very low temperatures uninjured. It is said to be found farther
north than any other Echinocactus, in Colorado at an elevation of 8500 feet,
or still higher in more southern districts. The tubercles are loosely
arranged, half to three-quarters of an inch long, with several white spread-
ing spines and a central yellowish one. The flowers are purple or rose,
rather small but numerous on the upper part of the stem. The plant is
awarf, rarely exceeding 6 or 8 inches high, and usually much less, and was
introduced by Messrs. Backhouse several years ago.

E. VisnaGa, Hooker (the Toothpick Cactus).—Not only is this the most
remarkable in its own family, but in some respects it is also one of the most
peculiar in the whole vegetable world. Quite a sensation was created when
in 1846 this extraordinary plant was first described by Sir William Hooker, in
the Illustrated London News, and the particulars were published of the enormous
weight and size which this species attains in its Mexican home. To F. Staines,
Esq., of San Luis Potosi, is due the honour of introducing the first specimens
to this country, which, however, was only effected after much labour and
repeated trials, as the plants had to be conveyed many hundreds of miles
across a most difficult country, with very rough roads, or in some parts none
at all, and the only vehicles that could be employed were large waggons
drawn by mules or oxen. The plants growin deep ravines of the loftiest
mountains of the district amongst large
stones and rocks, with very little soil ;
but there they reach an enormous size,
and being very slow in growth it is
reasonably supposed that some of the
largest must be several hundred years
old. The finest specimen yet sent to
this country was 9 feet high, 9} feet
in circumference, and weighed 1 ton;
but it died after it had been at Kew

Fig. 8.—Flower of E. Visnaga, about a year. Smaller but still won-

derful examples were subsequently sent,
the principal weighing about 713 lbs., was 4 feet 6 inches high, the lcngi-
tudinal circumference was 10 feet 9 inches, the transverse circumference
8 feet 7 inches. This also has been lost, and there are now few large plants
jn cultivation, the two handsome specimens which so long formed a stand-
ing attraction in Mr. Peacock’s collection having been lost a few years since.

The stem is cylindrical, with forty to fifty ridges, upon which the pale
brown sharp rigid spines are closely set in clusters of four, 2 or 3 incheg in
length, and these, it is said, are used by the Mexican settlers as toothpicks.
The flowers are borne at the summit of the plant in a dense woolly substance :
they are 3 inches in diameter, with narrow petals serrated at the apex, and
bright golden yellow in colour, The name Viznaga, or Bisnaga, is considered
+o be a corruption of Bisacuta, twice-pointed, or sharpened on both sides, in
reference to the spines,

 
DISCOCACTUS, 39

The woodcut, fig. 7, has been prepared from a photograph of one of
Mr. Peacock’s fine plants, which unfortunately have now been lost. These
were about 2 feet high and as much in diameter, and continued in vigorous
health for several years, but ultimately were damaged by a “drip” from
the roof of the house, and rapidly decayed, despite the care exercised to
prevent it,

DISCOCACTUS, Pfeiffer.

The two or three species which have been assigned the generic nane
of Discocactus are amongst the least interesting members of the whole
family, and certainly their horticultural value is small. They are
dwarf and semi-globose in form, very suggestive of an Echinocactus in
appearance, and some writers have thought that the two genera were
not sufficiently distinct to be separated. It must not, however, be con-
founded with the Disocactus or Disisocactus biformis of Lindley, which
is a totally different plant, now referred to Phyllocactus, The principal
characters adopted by Hooker and Bentham are the following :—
Calyx and tube extending beyond the ovary, slender; base naked,
smooth ; lobes indefinite, exterior reflexed, interior larger. Petals in two
series, spreading, interior smaller. Stamens indefinite ; filaments adnate
to the tube of the calyx, interior longer; anthers small. Stem depressed,
ribbed ; ribs few. Flower usually solitary from the apex of the plant,
and fragrant.

The species are natives of Brazil and the West Indies, inhabiting
dry sandy regions, and are found rather difficult of cultivation, and at
the present time I do not know one collection which contains living
plants. They require a warm sunny position and great care in supply-
ing water, as the slightest excess results in the death of the plants,

D. Insienis, Pfeiffer—This is the best known, and is chiefly noteworthy
for the fact that its flowers possess an extremely agreeable fragrance, which
has been compared to that of Orange blossom. The stem is semi-globose,
with nine or ten obtuse ridges, and a crown of white wool-like substance,
from which are produced the long and slender flowers, having the sepals
pink, and the petals white or blush-tinted. D. alteolens has the stem of a
much darker green colour, and flowers with a less pleasing odour.

CEREUS, Haworth.
(The Torch Cactus.)

Leaving the globose or tubercled Cacteze represented by those pre-
viously described, we find in Cereusa greatly different mode of growth,
the stem being greatly elongated, usually of small diameter in propor-
tion to its height, frequently much branched, but bearing parallel ridges
40 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

from apex to base, upon which are arranged bundles of spines, as im
other genera. In height these plants are the giants of their family,
some forming in the native habitats enormous columns 40 to 60 feet
high, while even in cultivation it is not uncommon to find specimens
15 to 20 feet in height. Some are very rapid growers, and make large
plants in a few years, Others, again, are so slow in growth that a
dozen years seem to make no appreciable difference in their size. There
are, however, two very distinct sections or groups of species of the
true Cereus, which differ considerably in habit ; one species being dis-
tinguished by their erect rigid stems, and the other by the procumbent
or trailing slender stems. The plants included in both bear handsome
and abundant flowers, but the creeping or trailing forms are the most
beautiful, and contain most of the much-famed Night-flowering Cactez,
The genus Cereus, however, as now constituted includes a large number
of plants which were formerly assigned to other genera, but which
modern botanists consider are entitled to no higher rank than sub-genera.
Under the name of Cereus are therefore arranged over two hundred
species, natives of tropical America, the West Indies, and Galapagos
Islands, from regions differing considerably in temperature, but generally
agreeing in the peculiar dry senly or rocky nature of the soil they
inhabit.

Hooker and Bentham thus characterise the genus and adopt the follow-
ing subgenera as pointed out by Dr. Engelmann :—Calyx tube produced
beyond the ovary ; lobes numerous, exterior scale-like, interior elongated,
spirally imbricated. [Petals indefinite, larger than the calyx lobes,
spreading. Stamens numerous; filaments adnate to the base of the
calyx, the inner free. Ovary exserted, scaly. Style filiform. Stigmas five
to indefinite. Fruit scaly or tuberculated. Flowers lateral, often
nocturnal.

Echinocercus.—Calyx tube short, sub-campanulate. Stigmas thick,
green, Seeds tuberculated. Stem dwarf, often sub-globose.

Eucercus.—Calyx tube long. Stigmas pale. Seeds smooth, rarely
rugose, Stem tall. Spines in flower bearing and sterile parts of the
plant not different.

Lepidocereus.—Calyx tube short, scaly ; lobes few. Petals fleshy.
Stigmas pale. Seeds smooth. Stem tall. Spines of floriferous or sterile
fascicles alike.

Pilocereus,—Calyx tube short, scaly ; lobes few. Stigmas pale. Secds
smooth, Stem tall. Sterile and floriferous fascicles dissimilar,

Echinopsis.—Calyx tube elongated, downy; lobesnumerous. Stamens
in two series ; the exterior adnate to the calyx tube, inner free, Fruit
scaly, Stem depressed, ribbed, globose, or cylindrical.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Wl
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Pl
il Ki

 

aut Nal

Ae Nn

Fig. 9.—Cereus peruvianus at Cromwell House.

 

ee
42 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

Culture.—In so large a genus there must necessarily be some difference
of cultural requirements, but this chiefly refers to the temperature, and if
the region and elevation at which the plant is fovnd is known there will
be comparatively little difficulty in ensuring its success. Most of the
true Cereus (the Eucereus of the above table) need a tropical temperature,
with similar soil to other genera, though as arule the strong-growing
species can be safely encouraged with a little well-decayed manure if
necessary. The trailing sorts need very little rooting material, and some
indeed, as C. grandiflorus and its allies, obtain sufficient nutriment by
their stem roots alone when upon a suitable wall or trellis, They can all
be readily propagated by cuttings of the growth, and even large portions
of the stem will root if separated from the parent and placed in dry soil.
So readily are roots produced that in some parts of tropical America live
fences are formed by placing portions of the stems in closely together,
and it is said that they rarely fail. The use of certain species as stocks
for grafting other Cacteze upon has already been noted, and it need only
be added that almost any species is suitable for the purpose provided it
be not of too slow growth,

SELECT SPECIES.

It will be convenient in considering these to take the true Cereus first.
CEREUS PERUVIANUS, Pfeiffer—Under various names this Cereus hag
been known to botanists and grown in European gardens for upwards of
150 years, and it is therefore the most familiar example of the columnar
species. The titles by which it has been designated, such as pentagonus,
hexagonus, and heptagonus, refer to the number of ridges or angles upon
the stem, and owing to these varying considerably the same species in
different stages has received the respective names. CC. pentagonus of
Haworth has been regarded as distinct from C. peruvianus, but there
appears to be little doubt that in a broad sense all that have been described
under these names are simply variations of one type represented by C.
peruvianus, which is a native of many districts in tropical America. There
with C. giganteus and other allied species it forms a remarkable feature,
the tall rigid stems being sometimes freely branched in candelabra-like

manner, and producing at certain seasons abundance of beautiful flowers.
In cultivation this Cereus grows rapidly, and soon, if unrestricted, attains
-a height of from 12 to 20 feet, a few specimens being seen as much as 30 feet
high. Probably the most remarkable in England are those in Mr. Major’s
collection at Cromwell House, Croydon, of which an engraving is given in
fig. 9, prepared from a photograph very kindly furnished by Mr. Major. The
original plant (the central one in the figure) was bought in Holland in 1852 ;
but by cutting down the stem at intervals a family of fine specimens has been
-obtained, some of which are equally as large as the parent. The old stem
CEREUS. 43

.. has two branches, each 4 feet high, three others 6 feet high, and a small one
18 inches in height. One straight unbranched stem, the first top taken off, is °
13 feet high. The next cutting developed into a fine plant, now in Mr.
Peacock’s collection, about 14 feet high, with several branches, and which
last year had as many as thirty-six flowers. The fourth plant is 8 feet high,
with two branches ; the fifth, which has been topped, has two branches 11 feet,
thigh, two 6} feet high, and one 18 inches in height. It will thus be seen that
one plant has produced a total length of stem, counting all the branches,
of 80 or 90 feet, of an average diameter of 5 inches, in about thirty years.
‘The Cromwell House collection includes many rare and beautiful Cacta-
ceous plants ; but this group of Cereus is undoubtedly the most remarkable
-of all.

Plants of moderate age generally have the stem from 38 to 6 inches in
diameter with narrow ridges 1 to 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart, very
distinctly marked in the young growth, but on older stems the ridges are
nearly lost. The clusters are 1 inch apart, containing six to eight
brownish spines half to 1 inch long on a small brown tuft of wool-like sub-
‘stance, which is sometimes scarcely perceptible. The stem is usually deep
green, but the young growth occasionally assumes a glaucous blue colour
almost as strongly marked as in C. Jamacaru. The flowers are white or
‘sometimes tinged with red, 4 to 6 inches in diameter, and are borne freely
during the summer months on the upper portion of the stem or branches,

C. PERUVIANUS MONSTROSUS.—This is a peculiar variety of the fasciated
or contorted type so frequent in these plants. The substance of the stem is
most strangely twisted and irregular in form, grotesque in the extreme, and
not bearing the slightest resemblance to the species except in the flowers.
Specimens 4 or 5 feet high are sometimes seen in cultivation, but one of the
Jargest is in the pogsession of Dr. Paterson, Fernfield, Bridge of Allan,
Stirlingshire, which is very old, and shows the peculiar character of this
strange variety remarkably well. A smaller form of this variety named
minor is also grown, and rarely exceeds 6 or 8 inches in height, peculiarly
contorted, but not so fasciated as the other.

CEREUS GIGANTEUS, Engelmann.—No stranger phase of vegetation can
be conceived than that formed by the Giant Cereus in the districts of Mexico
where it abounds, for these enormous columns of vegetable matter have been
recorded as attaining the height of 60 feet, and specimens 40 to 50 feet high
are of frequent occurrence. In particular localities, too, they are exceed-
ingly numerous and near together, views of the scenery in such districts
having a most peculiar appearance. Travellers have without exception
commented in wondering terms upon tkese singular occupants of rocky or
sterile soil; but one of the best descriptions is that by Mollhausen in his '
“ Diary of a Journey from the Mississippi to the Coasts of the Pacific,” in
which he remarks: “The absence of every other vegetation enabled us to
distinguish these Cacti columas from a great distance, as they stood
symmetrically arranged on the heights and declivities of the mountains,
44 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

to which they imparted a most peculiar aspect. Wonderful as each plant
is, when regarded singly, as a grand specimen of vegetable life, these
solemn silent forms, which stand motionless even in a hurricane, give a
somewhat dreary character to the landscape. Some look like petrified
giants stretching out their arms in speechless pain, and others stand like
lonely sentinels keeping their dreary watch on the edge of precipices.” In
Dr. Engelmann’s magnificent work on the Cactacez of the Boundary Survey
isan admirable engraving of such a scene on the banks of the Gila, New
Mexico, from a drawing by Méllhausen ; and so well does this pourtray the
characters that it has been reproduced in several works (including the Flore
des Serres, vol. xv., and the Treasury of Botany). Some of the giants are
shown with enormous stems, from which proceed a number of branches,
which, when a short distance from the main stem, assume a rigidly perpen-
dicular position, and give a candelabra-like appearance to the plant. One
is represented with eight branches, varying in size, while older specimens.
which have lost the greater portion of the soft cellular tissue have only
the woody or fibrous matter remaining, and this has been most strangely
torn, until the ends of the branches resemble birch brooms. In this state
they remain for many years, still further increasing the peculiarities of the
landscape.

Julius Froebel has given a very graphic description of a Cereus district.
n his “Travels in Central America,” page 498, which is worth reproduc-
tion here: “In the lower part of the valley of Santa Cruz the gigantic
columnar Cactus, Cereus giganteus, is first seen upon the road. The
inhabitants of the country call it Saguarro; but various authors, and
recently Bartlett, have applied the name of Pitaya (Pita-haya) to this
remarkable plant. This name, however, belongs to another species of Cactus
of a similar but much lower growth. The Saguarro presents a thick fluted
column, the size of a man’s body, and 30, 40, and even 50 feet high, with
sometimes three or four branches at its top, the whole looking like a gigantic:
candelabrum, The fig-shaped edible fruit grows at the edge on the top of
the columns; and from the great height of the latter it would be difficult
to get at them did not this remarkable plant itself afford the means of
reaching it. The old stems, when decayed, split into a number of thin poles,
standing in a circle the height of the entire column, enveloped in a loose-
network ; and by the aid of these the traveller is enabled to knock down the-
fruit. Ihave been told that these poles form an article of export from the
port of Guaymas, and in Europe are made into walking sticks, and sold’
under the name of ‘Spanish canes.’ I cannot, however, vouch for the
correctness of this account. The Pimas at the old Mission of San Xavier
del Bac had a large store of Saguarro fruit, which is used as food in various
ways. It is eaten fresh; the sap is boiled to a syrup, known throughout
Sonora by the name of ‘Miel de Saguarro ;’ and a flour is prepared ot the
cleaned and dried seeds, which have some resemblance in appearance and’
taste to Poppy seeds, and are contained in the fruit in great quantities.
This flour is made partly into bread and partly into a chocolate-like drink,
CEREUS, 45

called Atole. The fruit of the Pitaya is said to be far better than that of
the Saguarro, Both are of great importance to the population of Sonora.
In some bad harvests occasioned by the want of rain, shortly before my
journey through this State, a large portion of the inhabitants were obliged
to live on these and other wild Cactus fruits.”

Cultivated plants of this Cereus are mostly of small size, not exceeding
4 or 5 feet in height, and the majority are much smaller. These are gene-
rally inclined to be globular when young, but as they advance the ridges
become apparent, of which there are generally twelve, 1 inch deep and thick,
and 14 to 2inches apart. The spines are ashy grey, twelve to twenty or
more in a cluster, rigid, half to 1 inch long, the clusters being about half an
inch apart. The stem is Ginches to 12 inches in diameter in cultivated
plants, but becomes much larger in its native habitat. The flowers I have
mot seen in England, but they are described by Engelmann as creamy white,
the petals 1} inch long and three-quarters of an inch broad. By the same
authority it is said that the fruit has the hardness of a green Cucumber,
bursting open with three valves, and then looks like a flower, owing to the
abundant crimson pulp inside with black seeds. This pulp, which has the
consistency of a fresh Fig, separates from the other portion of the fruit when
tipe and falls to the ground.

Some difficulty is experienced in growing C. giganteus in this country,
its progress being very slow in its early stages, and in reference to this it is
worthy of remark that Engelmann mentions “the young plants are almost
always found under the protecting shade of some shrub, especially Ceradium
floridanum, so characteristic of the barren wilderness.” It would therefore
appear that shade is beneficial in assisting the growth at first, and the hint
might prove serviceable to growers who are not very successful with it. The
seeds germinate freely, and those distributed by Mr. Thurber in Europe and
America some years ago have yielded a large number of plants, so that the
species is by no means rare. Closely related to this is C. Thurberi, which is
found in some districts of Mexico, and is said to bear a fruit like an Orange,
3 inches in diameter, with crimson pulp. It is termed Pitahaya by the
natives, and under that name is mentioned by several travellers.

Many more species might be described, but it will suffice to mention a
few of the most interesting, as large collections are seldom seen in cultiva-
tion. C. niger is noteworthy for its peculiar dark green colour, which is
especially observable in the young growth. C. Jamacaru,a Brazilian species,
is very distinct and even handsome, for the ridges are very prominent, and
the colour of the young shoots is quite a glaucous blue, sometimes very
bright. C. Tweediei is a pretty and distinct species, with slender stems and
tubular orange yellow flowers 2 inches long, and crimson stamens. It is free,
and when in flower is very beautif-l.

©. triangularis, an old inhabitant of English gardens, is easily dis-
tinguished by its triangular stems, and is remarkable for its bright scarlet
fruit, the size of a goose’s egg, the flavour of which is compared to Straw-
46 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

berries ; indeed the plant has been called the Strawberry Pear. This is often
grown trained to the roof of a house, and some specimens so treated at Kew
have a most beautiful appearance when in flower. One plant has had seven
or eight blooms open at the same time, each of these measuring 12 to
14 inches in diameter, scarcely less handsome than C. grandiflorus. The
plants above mentioned usually flower in August or September. C. repandus
also has a fruit which is considered to resemble a Strawberry in flavour, and
the dry stems were at one time used as torches to assist the natives in
catching fish. C. macrogonus is a quick-growing species, and is therefore
useful for grafting many other Cactez upon, as has been already noted-
C. candicans is notable for its slow growth, and as far as I can ascertain it
has never flowered in this country. Mr. Major has a plant in his collection
at Cromwell House which is nearly thirty years old, and is not 2 feet high—
one of the most extraordinary instances of slow growth which has come
under my observation.

The climbing or slender-growing species, which include some of the
most beautiful and useful of the Cereus in a horticultural point of view,
are numerous, but the following may be named as particularly worthy of
culture :—

C. GRANDIFLORUS, Haworth.—The Night-flowering Cereus has gained a.
fame which entitles it to prominent notice, and plants might well be included
in every garden, for its flowering is a source of interest to the least observant.
persons. In the character of producing its blooms at night it is not alone,
as several of the slender-growing species have a similar habit, but none
equal this in beauty and fragrance.

“That flower, supreme in loveliness and pure
As the pale Cynthia’s beams, through which unveiled
It blooms, as if unwilling to endure
The gaze by which such beauties are assailed.”

The flowers are really magnificent, and a plant with a dozen or two
expanded at the same time has a superb appearance, particularly in the early’
evening when the flowers first expand, and the powerful fragrance they emit
is very agreeable, haying been not inaptly compared to Vanilla. The stem
is nearly cylindrical, with a few faintly marked ridges, bearing small clusters:
of spines, and rarely exceeds 1 inch in diameter, but attains a length of
many feet, freely branching. The flowers vary in size from 6 inches to
12 inches in diameter, the usual size being 8 or 9 inches; the sepals are
narrow, acute, and spreading, about one-quarter of an inch broad, 4 to
5 inches long, and thirty to forty in number, forming a beautiful fringe
round the broader pure white petals, which are more in the form of a cup,
the stamens being extremely numerous with very long filaments. Mr. Major,
however, informs me that he has seen two very distinct forms, one having
the petals distinctly cupped, and the other with them spreading more like
the sepals, the two forms also differing slightly in colour.
 
48 CACTACEOTS PLANTS,

Large specimens of this Cereus are not rare in old gardens, but the finest
‘known to me is one in a stove at Leigham Court, Streatham, the residence of
Mrs. Treadwell. This covers 4 space on the back wall about 30 feet long
and 3 or 4 feet wide. The old stem and roots are lost, the plant subsisting
entirely upon the moisture in the atmosphere of the house, and that furnished
by the moss with which the trellis is packed, and in which the branches have
freely rooted. About forty grand flowers have been produced by this plant
in one season, which generally expand in batches of a dozen or so, and the
only encouragement the plant receives when making its growth is syringing
it with clear water and occasionally with very weak liquid manure. Flowers
were kindly sent me by the gardener, Mr. E. Butts, and the characters are
well pourtrayed in the woodcut (fig. 10). Another very large specimen is
grown in w house at Pendyffryn in Wales, which Mr, Siddall of Chester
‘informs me has had from sixty to eighty flowers open at one time.

CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS MayNarpi.—This magnificent hybrid is un-
fortunately now rather scarce, yet its beauty and distinctness entitle it to
prominent attention. In 1837 Mr. H. Kenny, gardener to Viscount Maynard,
Easton Lodge, Dunmow, Essex, crossed C. speciosissimus with pollen from
‘C. grandiflorus, and, the fertilisation proving successful, seeds were obtained
which produced the plant under notice. This combined the characters of
the parents in a striking manner, the habit of growth and form of the flowers
of C. grandiflorus, with the addition of the rich colour of C. speciosissimus,
rendering it invaluable. The flowers are 9 to 11 inches in diameter, and
7 to 9 inches long, the petals more cupped than in the ordinary C. grandi-
florus ; they are rich red with a tinge of orange, and usually last for two or
three days, opening every evening. At its original home, Easton Lodge,
mow the residence of Lord Brooke, the plant had been quite lost, until
recently, by the generosity of Mr. Major of Croydon, a specimen was furnished
to the gardener Mr. H. Lister.

C. SPECIOSISSIMUS. — Though stronger in growth than the majority of
the trailing species, this may be considered in that group, as it is more fre-
quently grown trained to a wall, rafter, or trellis than in any other way.
With very slight support it will assume an erect habit, but the upper parts
of the branches then hang downwards, indicating the natural habit of the
plant. It is a superb plant, and when in flower it cannot be rivalled in
pbrilliancy by any other plant grown under glass. Large specimens are fre-
quently seen in old gardens, but one of the most notable that I have seen is
at Orsett Hall, Romford, the residence of Captain Whitmore. This has
about thirty stems, each 6 to 8 feet high, which have been produced by
repeatedly cutting down the main stem, and during April or May there have
frequently been from sixty to eighty buds and flowers upon the plant at one
time, sometimes twenty being fully expanded. This plant is in a large pot,
and has not been disturbed for many years. The gardener, Mr. R. Castle,
states that all the assistance it requires is a good supply of water at the time
of flowering, with a little weak liquid manure occasionally. It is, however,
CEREUS. 49

a fast-growing species, and is benefited by a rather richer compost than
that usually afforded such plants, a small proportion of old manure being
incorporated with the loam and sand employed.

The stems often assume a reddish hue, are about 13 to 2 inches in diameter,
with three to five rather deep ridges, furnished with prominent clusters of
spines in dense tufts of white wool-like substance. The flowers vary greatly
in tint, usually presenting a beautiful combination of scarlet and purplish
crimson, the petals being quite glossy and shining in sunlight. They vary:
in size from 6 to 8 inches, the petals expanding fully with abundant stamens.:
When cut and placed in water they will last three or four days, retaining all
their brilliance of colour for that period. The fruits are green, ovate in
form, 1 to 14 inch long, with a pleasantly flavoured subacid pulp, somewhat
suggestive of nearly ripe Gooseberries.

The species was originally introduced from Mexico to Madrid, and was
thence sent to Paris by the Comte de Salm. It passed to this country, and
is believed to have first flowered in the collection of the Comtesse de:
Vandes about 1820, when it was figured in the “ Botanical Register ” (t. 486).

Numberless varieties have been raised from C. speciosissimus, as it seeds
freely and crosses readily with other species. Many years ago Mr. Donald’
Beaton raised scores of seedlings from crosses between that and C. flagelli-
formis, and has stated that he never found a barren seedling. Mr. Pressley»
gardener to W. Boyd, Esq., Plaistow, also raised some seedlings about 1832,
some of which were exhibited, one named lateritins being described as of a
very beautiful scarlet tint. Much attention was given to these plants about
that time, for Sir Edmund Antrobus is said to have exhibited specimens
with from 200 to 300 flowers each, which were as greatly admired then as large
specimen Orchids are now. I have been informed that an extremely large.
plant of this Cereus, producing hundreds of flowers every season, is grown
on the back wall of a vinery at The Grange, Barnet, the residence of Sir
Charles Nicholson, Bart.

C. SPECIOSISSIMUS HYBRIDUS [MALLISONI].—A beautiful hybrid from
C. speciosissimus (the seed parent) and C. flagelliformis, which is deservedly
a great favourite in many gardens. It was raised over fifty years ago by
Mr, Mallison, gardener to Sir Samuel Scott, and is curiously intermediate
between the parents, resembling the seed parent in the size, colour, and form
of the flowers, and the other in habit, though with rather stronger stems.
It has bright rosy crimson flowers 4 to 6 inches in diameter, very freely pro-
duced, and most handsome when the stems are trained to a rafter and then
allowed to hang over a path. Itis grown in this way at Kew, where a fine
specimen is grafted upon a stem of C.MacDonaldiz. It requires a rather
warm. position in a stove.

C. MacDonapix, Hocker.—A handsome slender-stemmed species, which
ought to be grown much more generally than it is ai present, for it is one of
the finest of the night-flowering Cactez. It resembles C. grandiflorus in the
‘gize and appearance of the flowers, which are frequently 12 to 14 inches in
: E
50 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

diameter, with creamy white lanceolate petals with an outer fringe of narrow
yellow sepals. The growth is, however, different, the surface of the stem
being covered with irregular tubercles, not distinctly ridged as in most other
species; it is slender, usually half to 1 inch in diameter, and trailing. A fine
specimen is grown in the Cromwell House collection, trained over the wire
arch shown in fig. 9, p. 41, and this plant has produced flowers 14 inches
in diameter. Mr. W. Wright, the gardener in charge of this collection, has
crossed C. MacDonaldiz with pollen from OC. speciosissimus, which may be
expected to yield an interesting and beautiful progeny. The species was
introduced from Honduras to Kew by Mrs. General MacDonald, and first
flowered in the Royal Gardens in 1851.

C, PLAGELLIFORMIS, Haworth,—Under the popular names of Whip-cord
and Rat’s-tail Cactus this plant is well known, and probably is the most
generally grown of all the Cereus. It is one of the oldest-known in England,
having been introduced in 1690 by the Earl of Portland, the same year as
C. triangularis made its appearance here. The plant was cultivated by
Miller, and was included in the Kew collection in Aiton’s time. In reference
to its habit and the number of ridges on the stem it was named by some of
the old writers Cactus repens decemangularis, and amongst other still older
titles bestowed upon it was Ficoides americanum, in reference to its native
country, Peru, and eontiguous districts of South America. The stems are
very slender, about half an inch in diameter, and they grow to the length of
4 or 6 feet, being of pendulous habit. At Kew there is a fineexample grafted
upon a stem of C, rostratus 6 feet high, which has a dense cluster of branches,
about sixty, each 4 or 5 feet long. When flowering this has a most striking
effect, the bright rosy-coloured flowers, which are produced in spring and
early summer, being extremely attractive. Owing to its very pendulous
habit this species is generally seen to better advantage grafted on a stem of
the columnar Cereus, upon any of which it seems quite at home. When on
its own roots it appears to succeed best in a loamy compost, porous, but
heavier than is usually given to Cactez.

Many other trailing Cereus could be named, such as C. Napoleonis,
C. rostratus, C, Lemoinei, C. Karstenii, O. nycticallis, C. Cavendishi, C. ser-
pentinus, and C. colubrinus, but they are mostly rare, and as regards their
floral attractions, those already described are preferable, Where, however:
the space can be afforded them they are all worth growing and for training
on arches like those in the Cereus house shown in fig. 9 they are extremely
interesting and beautiful, as by associating several together a lengthened
period of flowering is insured, If the wire netting be packed with moss,
and this is occasionally damped in hot weather, it affords all the moisture
the plants need.

The true Cereuses having been noticed, the three other groups which
are now referred to the genus Cereus demand attention.

EcHINOCEREUS.—In general appearance, and particularly in the
ECHINOCEREUS, 51

regularity and beauty of their spines, the plants grouped under the
head Echinocereus are somewhat suggestive of the Mamillarias, or in a
few cases of the Echinocactuses. The stems are mostly cylindrical, of
moderate height, much dwarfer .than the majority of Cereuses, and
approaching to a semiglobose form; they are marked by longitudinal
widges either straight or epiral, and these bear the fascicles of spines
sometimes in two series, differently coloured. The flowers differ very
much in size, colour, and beauty; some do not exceed an inch in
diameter, and others are fully 4 inches across; some are green or dull
yellow, while others are of the brightest yellow, rose, or purple. Ina
horticultural point of view they are very interesting, for several of the
most ornamental and free-flowering species are hardy in dry positions,
and they all succeed in a cool frame or house, being therefore especially
suitable for amateurs who have no convenience for growing the tropical
Cactez. Another important and valuable quality is the length of time
the flowers last, in which respect they are quite different from the
majority of their allies. Some will expand every day for a week, and in
a few exceptional cases the flowers will continue opening at intervals for
twelve or fourteen days. They also display a great partiality for sun-
light, and generally open about mid-day or early in the afternoon, closing
before dusk. The fruits of most of the species are edible, and pleasantly
flavoured with the peculiar Gooseberry-like acidity, which it has been
already stated is characteristic of the family ; and further, some of them
assume rich tints in ripening that are very ornamental.

The culture of the Echinocereuses is very simple, as where they are
grown out of doors it is chiefly necessary to protect them from excessive
rain or stagnant moisture in the soil, as they will endure very low
temperatures, provided the soil and air be dry, without the slightest
injury. This is the great difficulty with which we have to contend with
in growing them out of doors in England ; and it is safest to have a cool
frame for their winter quarters, or a suitable covering if they cannot be
readily moved. Mr. E. G. Loder, Weedon, Northampton, has been very
‘successful with these plants, and on several occasions he has shown
‘groups of the most attractive species at Kensington, when they caused
‘quite a sensation, as few are aware of their beauty when in flower. The
same gentleman fully explained his system of treatment at one of the
evening meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society at Burlington
House, the substance of which is the same as that indicated in the
preceding notes; but plants have been left out at Weedon unprotected
throughout severe winters. The Echinocereus in common with a few
Echinocactuses and Opuntias do not, however, succeed on a level surface,
and when placed out they should have a dry sloping bank near a wall,
53 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

préferably in a soutbern aspect, as to insure their flowering well they:
heed a thorough rip2ning.

E. GONACANTHUS.—This and the following were collected in the Rocky
Mountains, and shown by Mr. Loder at Kensington on June 14th, 1881, when
the Floral Committee awarded first-class certificates for them. Since then
they have become great favourites with many persons, and the number of
their cultivators is fast increasing. E. gonacanthus in particular is ex-
tremely handsome when flowering, and is not surpassed by any related
species. It is dwarf in habit, rarely exceeding 6 inches in height, the stems
ribbed and spinose, bearing the flowers in clusters on the upper part. The
blooms are abont 3 inches long and 2 inches across the mouth, of an intensely
bright orange red, and possessing a lustre like that seen in the petals of some-
of the Phyllocactus, the bright green stigmas contrasting strangely with the
other portion of the flower. They also continue expanded for a week or
more, and under favourable circumstances last for nearly a fortnight,

E. FENDLERI.—Very distinct from the preceding, but almost as beautiful,
ig E. Fendleri, and the two make excellent companions for a rockery or:
similar situation. The last-named is rather stronger in growth than the
other, reaching a height of 8 inches, cylindrical in form, and bearing two
series of spines, the smaller radiating laterally and light in colour, the central
ones much longer, very dark, nearly black, and upturned. Tven when not
in flower the plant is attractive, and is easily recognised when once seen.
The flowers are sometimes as much as 4 inches in diameter, and about the-
same in length, varying slightly in hue from a dark rose to a rich shining
crimson, very handsome and striking in bright sunlight. They have the
peculiarity, however, of only remaining open for two or three hours at mid-
day, closing and re-opening for a week or more. Engelmann states that in
Mexico this opening and closing of the flowers is very constant, the former
taking place at noon on each day, and the closing about 2 P.m., but under our
cloudy skies the regularity is not so marked, and in dull weather the flowers
often refuse to open for several days. The early summer months is the time
at which the blooms usually appear, and like E. gonacanthus this species
requires a sandy or rocky soil, though both can be well grown in properly
drained pots,

Numbers of other species are known, but few are in general cultivation,
though some may be briefly mentioned as distinct and beautiful. One of the
best is E. dasyacanthus, which is especially notable for its regular and hand-
some fascicles of spines. Its flowers are also large and bright yellow, being
produced near the summit of the plant, and opening about noon. In common
with some other members of the genus it has a remarkable number of stamens,
as many as 1700 having been counted in one flower, while the fruit when ripe
is of a fine purplish colour, E, ctenoides also has large yellow flowers and
closely set fascicles of spines on narrow spiral ridges. E. czspitosus has
fine and pretty spines symmetrically arranged; HE, longisetus is notable for
its long deflexed spines; E, stramineus forms dense masses of heads like
PILOCEREUS, BS

‘some of the Mamillarias, has long formidable spines, and bears dark rose-
coloured flowers, HE. phzeniceus, E. pauciflorus, £. chloranthus, and &, viri-
diflorns are also curious forms. One very distinct variety in Mr. Boller’s
collection must not be omitted—namely, H. pectinatus rufispinus, which hag
numerous neat brown spines, and bright shining rose-coloured flowers
3 inches in diameter. ,

PILOCEREUS.—The “Old Man” Cactus is one of the curiosities of
plant life which always attract attention, and its appearance is certainly
sufficiently strange to excite some surprise. Pilocereus senilis derives
both its botanical and popular names from the large number of long
silvery white hairs which cover the upper portion of its stem, and impart
a peculiar resemblance to the hoary head of an aged man. These hairs
are really soft weak spines, which attain the length of several inches, and
instead of spreading regularly, or projecting rigidly, as in other members
of the family, they are flaccid and pendulous, thickly clothing the stem.
As was remarked, however, in the case of the Mamillarias, it is necessary
to protect this plant from dust if it be desired to preserve its beauty, for
it has a very disreputable and unwholesome appearance when what
should be silvery white hairs become dingy and stained. It is, therefore,
preferably grown in a small glass case, where with a few other select
Cactuses it will be seen to excellent advantage. Though P. senilis is one
of the best known speciesin small collections, yet large plants are seldom
seen, and probably the finest in England is that grown at the Oxford
Botanic Garden. This is 16 feet high, of proportionate diameter, and
has been in cultivation at least » hundred years, having been originally
imported by the Duke of Bedford, and transferred at the dispersal of the
unique Woburn collection to Oxford. Hven this height is said to be
exceeded in its native home of Mexico, where specimens have been
described as reaching the height of 20 feet. One character common in
varying degrees to all the Cactez, but very strongly developed in the
“Old Man” Cactus, is the large quantity of calcium oxalate secreted in
the cells of the stem. To such a degree are these crystals formed, that
old stems when cut lose the succulent portion of their structure, but still
preserve their form, becoming almost like petrified stems, solid, heavy,
and stone-like. Examples of this kind can be seen in the museums at
Kew, the whole centre of the stem being filled with lime crystals.

Several other species are in cultivation in botanic gardens and a few
collections, perhaps the best known being P. Celsianus, which has exe
tremely fine hairs closely pressed to the surface of the stem, and having
@ cobweb-like appearance ; very distinct from P. senilis. There is also
one dwarf-growing rare species, named P. chrysomallus, which has
golden spines. The Pilocereus very rarely flower in cultivation, though
54 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

they are not difficult to grow, succeeding under the same treatment ax
the other tall-growing Cereuses,

EcuInopsis.—The fourth group of species arranged under the wide
term Cereus includes a number of plants at one time considered to be
telated to the Echinocactus, but which are readily separated from that
genus by the long tubular or funnel-like flowers produced from the side
of the stem instead of near the summit, as in the Hedgehog Cactus.
From the true Cereuses they are also distinguished by their dwarf
globular stems, and from the Echinocereus by the long flowers and smooth
seeds. Many of the species are very handsome when in flower, and
several are as hardy as the Hchinocereuses, being therefore employed on
rockeries or in warm situations out of doors with Opuntias and a few
Mamillarias. Owing to this hardiness of constitution they are useful as.
window Cacti, and are generally grown for that purpose in the miniature
pots before mentioned. Some do not flower quite so freely as their
relations, but they are easily grown, almost the only requisite being to
avoid giving them too much water either in the soil or in the stems, as
they are very liable to decay, particularly during the winter.

E. EyRIEsI.—One of the best known of the species, and when in flower
it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and interesting in cultivation.
The stem is very regularly globular, with small angular ridges, which bear
small dark spines set in little tufts of white hairs. The flowers are
6 to 8 inches long, like a curved funnel, and are 4 to 5 inches across at the
mouth, formed by numerous tapering white petals spreading symmetrically,
A most important character is the delicious fragrance possessed by the flowers,
which is very powerful and most pleasing. Referring to this plant, Dr.
Lindley has written in the following eulogistic but well-merited terms,
“When young the blooms resemble long sooty grey horns covered with thick
shaggy hairiness, and would never be suspected to conceal a form of the
utmost beauty or a clear and a delicate complexion. When the hour of
perfection has arrived, and the coarse veil of hair begins to be withdrawn by
the expansion of the unfolding petals, one is amazed at the unexpected love-
liness which stands revealed in the form of this vegetable star.” The plant
is a native of Mexico, whence it is said to have been first introduced by Sir
John Lubbock, who forwarded specimens to the London Horticultural Society+
A variety named glaucus has also been obtained, but it differs little from the
type except in the slight glaucous tinge of the stem.

E. oxy@ona.—This has been described as an Echinocactus, but is now
included with the Echinopsis for the reasons already named. It is somewhat
similar to E. Eyriesi in the form of the stems and the ridges, but the spines
are brown and the tufts of hair or pulviniare not so white. The flowers,
however, are extremely beautiful, and by many would be considered more
handsome than those of the preceding species. The flower tube in good
examples is fully 8 inches long and 4 inches in diameter, less contracted than
PHYLLOCACTUS. 55

in Eyriesi, and the petals not spreading so horizontally. In colour the outer
part of the tube is curiously marked with green and red, the petals being
white stained with red on the margins, which gives them a very pretty
appearance.

E. CAMPYLAOANTHA, Pfeiffer (Echinocactus and Cereus leucanthus).—This
is a Chilian plant, where it was found by Dr. Gillies at Mendoza, and the
plants introduced first flowered in the London Horticultural Society’s Gardens
in 1831. It has a conical stem with fourteen to sixteen ridges and strong
spines, the central one in each cluster being 8 inches long, whitish, and
curved upwards. The flower tube is 5 to 6 inches long, dark green, with
short ovate petals, white tinged with pink, the expanded portion of the flower
being 2 to 3 inches across.

There is a score or more of other species, each of which possesses
some attractions, E, cinnabarina has very bright cinnabar-red flowers,
which contrast agreeably with the light-coloured form. E, Pentlandi has
orange-red flowers, and a variety named coccinea is very bright red, almost
scarlet, E. multiplex has whitish flowers, but its variety cristata is more
noteworthy than the type. It has peculiarly contorted stems, the ridges
being apparently folded transversely, as if the plant had been compressed
laterally. Like other crested varieties of Cacteze, it would not at a glance
be thought to be related to the species of which it is considered a variation.
E. pulchella has pale rose flowers produced in the spring months; E. Schel-
hasi bears white flowers like E. Eyriesi ; this is said to have been crossed with
Cereus speciosissimus, and plants produced that presented some resemblance
to both parents, but whether they ever flowered or not I have not been able
to ascertain. E. Zuccariniana is a beautiful species with large white flowers,
very fragrant and resembling Jasmine; it has also produced a handsome
rose-coloured form by a cross with H. oxygona, and a crested variety is also
grown. Many others are in cultivation, Mr. Peacock numbering thirty-two
species and varietics in his collection, and the majority of these have large
handsome flowers.

PHYLLOCACTUS, Zink.

The two most valuable genera in the whole Cactus family, considered
from a horticulturist’s standpoint, are undoubtedly the Phyllocactus and
the Epiphyllum, and they are the only two which can be said to have
partially escaped the modern neglect of the Cactez as garden plants.
These are still established favourites in many places, but they are
comparative strangers to numbers of cultivators who might advantage-
ously include them in their collections. Profuse in flowering, with large
showy blooms, most variously coloured, from the richest crimsons and
brightest scarlets to the most delicate rose and blush tints, they are
unexcelled in beauty by any of the ordinary plants grown for decoration.
So far from being fastidious or requiring any particular routine of culture,
56 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

‘they are often treated with utmost carelessness, stored in “ out-of-the-
way” corners, and left in a measure to take care of themselves; yet
do they repay their ungenerous hosts with abundance of glorious
il, wers, and then only are they brought into sight, to be again consigned
to the old quarters when the flowering season is over. Like every other
plant that is easily grown the Phyllocactuses and their allies respond most
promptly to liberal treatment, and well as they may seem to be under
the careless system, they are incomparably superior where their moderate
requirements are studied and provided for. It is sometimes said that
the flowering period is so short that they are scarcely worth the space
they occupy for so many months, but assertions such as these have been
formed upon limited experience. Phyllocactusee may be had in flower for
three or four months in the year by having a dozen or two plants in
different stages, and with the Epiphyllums the flowering season can be
prolonged for at least six months out of the twelve in an almost unbroken
succession. Outside the ordinary decorative plants, such as Pelar-
goniums, &c., there are very few which possess 80 many recommendations
as these, and it is to be hoped that their merits will become more widely
recognised.

The genus Phyllocactus as now constituted includes thirteen species,
natives of tropical America, Mexico, and Brazil, and are chiefly dis-
tinguished by their flattened leaf-like branches, with a prominent midrib,
and by the large many-petalled flowers being produced from the notches

in the edge of the stem or branches, These characters suffice in a broad
sense to separate them from Cereus and Epiphyllum, their near neigh-
bours. They are also epiphytal in habit, but this character is shared by
several other Cactez, and is therefore only useful as a cultural guide. In
gardena, and even amongst botanists, there has been much confusion
respecting these plants, some of the species having been referred to
Cereus, some to Epiphyllum, and most of the older forms appear in
works under the title Cactus. The principal confusion has, however,

‘been between the Epiphyllums and the Phyllocactus; for even now,
although the distinction has been clearly pointed out by recent writers,
the two names are frequently employed in current literature ag
synonymous.

CULTURE.—The most important item in the culture is the soil, and
this is easily provided. A light turfy loam should form the hasis of the
compost, and to this may be added one-third of leaf soil, old dried cow
manure, and sand, well mixed together and employed ina rather dry
state. The pots must be well drained, as the plants do not requirea
great depth of soil, and any approach to stagnation about the roots is the

‘surest means of causing failure. When plants have attained a good size
PHYLLOCACTUS, + ‘BT

and the pots are filled with roots an annual top-dressing of soil and
manure will be sufficient without repotting them, and is even preferable,
as the plants appear to flower more profusely when retained for some
years in the same pots. It is, however, occasionally necessary to turn the
plants out to see that the drainage is in proper condition. As regards
temperature, Phyllocactuses are by no means particular; they will succeed
in an unheated house or frame, in a greenhouse or in a window, and in
all these positions the majority will flower freely, but the best results are
obtained by having them in a warm greenhouse, what is termed an
intermediate house, during their growing period. After the growth has
‘been completed they can be placed in cooler and more airy quarters, or a
similar result can be obtained by keeping the frame closed while growth
is advancing and ventilating freely, afterwards.

PROPAGATION.—They are readily increased by means of cuttings,
which, if inserted in sandy soil in moderate heat and kept rather dry for
-a week or two, only slightly syringing them, will form roots, and can be
placed singly in 60-size pots. Seeds are produced freely, and these may
be sown in pans of light soul, placed in a dry part of the stove or ina
warm house until they germinate, when a light position must be afforded
the plants until they are large enough to be potted singly. It is curious
that the young stems are usually cylindrical at first, often becoming
triangular before they assume the flattened form, and some, like P. mul-
‘tiflorus, continue more or less triangular, with occasional variations to
“the typical character.

SELECT SPECIES,

P. ACKERMANNI Haworth.—One of the most handsome and best known
-forms in cultivation, remarkable alike for the large size, rich colour, and
profusion of its flowers. It has been regarded by some writers as a hybrid,
-and is mentioned as such by Herbert, but upon what evidence does not
appear. Lindley, on the other hand, gives a full account of the plant, and
-states that it was brought from Mexico by Mr. George Ackermann, in whose
honour it was named by Haworth, the original stem having first flowered in
Mr. Tate’s nursery in June, 1829. A somewhat peculiar circumstance is,
however, mentioned by the same authority—namely, that a seedling raised
by Mr. Smith, gardener to Lord Liverpool, Coombe Wood, was fiowered at the
same time, and proved so similar in its characters that they could only be
distinguished by a close examination. Whatever it be there can be no
question respecting its beauty, and that is sufficient to recommend it to the
‘attention of the readers of these notes. The flowers are 6 to 8 inches in
diameter, with rich crimson shining petals, the outer ones lighter in colour.
The stems are flat and deeply crenated or notched, bearing the flowers on
58 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

these depressions. Several varieties and hybrids have been raised from
P Ackermanni by crossing it with species of Cereus, especially C. speciosis-
simus, which has yielded a race of handsome forms differing in the colour
and size of the flowers, but chiefly shades of crimson or red. It is also said
that P. Ackermanni has been successfully crossed with Cereus flagelliformis
in France, the plants resulting differing greatly from both parents, but I
have never had an opportunity of seeing these forms. A beautiful hybrid
between P. Ackermanni and P. crenatus has been raised and flowered in this
country, in which the inner petals were of a soft pale rosy tint and the outer
a deep crimson, affording a pretty contrast. One valuable character of this
species and its varieties is that they may be had in flower from May to
August or even longer than that with a good stock of plants brought forward
a few at a time.

The woodcut (fig. 11) represents a flower and portion of the plant.
much reduced.

P, ANGULIGER, Lemaire.—An extremely distinct plant, easily recognised.
by the deeply angled stems 2 to 3 inches in diameter, which are indented on
the margin somewhat like a large saw with the teeth turned upwards, forming
blunt triangular lobes. The flowers, which are 3 to 5 inches in diameter, the
petals white, the sepals narrow, orange or yellowish, and spreading, open
during the day, and continue expanded for a considerable time, giving out a
powerful fragrance. It was found by Hartweg during his travels in the-
west of Mexico growing upon trees in a forest where Oaks predominated, and
specimens were by him sent to the Horticultural Society.

P. BIFORMIS (Disocactus biformis, Lindley).— Though not equal in
attractions to other Phyllocactuses, this is an interesting plant, forming
in appearance a link between those species and the Epiphyllums, but it is.
not likely to become of much garden value, and will only be grown to make
a collection complete. The plant was introduced to England from Honduras
at the same time (1839) and by the same persons as P. crenatus, and was
described as a Cereus, but was subsequently constituted a genus by Lindley
under the name Disocactus, and by Salm Dyck under the slightly different
title of Disisocactus. The selection of these names was doubly unfortunate,
first because there isa genus termed Discocactus quite distinct from this,
and secondly because the plant does not possess sufficient characters to
separate it from Phyllocactus, to which it is now referred by botanists.
Plants in cultivation are usually rather small, but they will attain the
height of 3 feet, branching freely and forming a rather graceful fleshy
shrub. The branches are narrow, flattened and leaf-like, reddish on the-
margin, and bear the flowers at the points. The petals are narrow, 2 to 3 inches.
long, and partially combined into a kind of tube of a pale rosy pink colour
The flowers, however, do not last long, and are followed by bright red fruits
about half an inch long, which, being produced abundantly, have a rather
pretty effect.

P. CRENATUS.—A magnificent species, undoubtedly one of the best in the
 
60 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

genus, and one that has proved extremely valuable in the hands of hybrid-
isers, as with the crimson-flowered species it has yielded a number of inter-
mediate tints, such as soft rose, blush, and pale crimson. The stems are flat
as in the others, but they are only slightly crenated ; the flowers are fragrant,
of great size, 6 to 8 inches in diameter, with numerous lance-shaped petals,
pure white and spreading. It is a native of Honduras, whence it was sent
with several other plants by Sir Chas. Lemon, Bart., to Mr. G. Ure Skinner,
in 1839, and it first flowered four years after its receipt. Seven years later—
namely, in 1850, Mr. Gordon succeeded in raising at the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Gardens a series of remarkably beautiful hybrids between this
species and Cereus speciosissimus, which attracted much admiration at the
time, and are still found in a few collections. The pollen was taken from
the Cereus, making the Phyllocactus the seed-bearing parent, and the result
was that the seedlings resembled the latter in form of the stems and flowers,
but the colours more nearly resembled the Cereus slightly softened and
varied, All these hybrids proved extremely floriferous and useful garden
plants. This cross was repeated in 1870 by Col. Charleton of Braddon, Isle
of Man, but a greater variation in colours resulted, the tints ranging from
the pure white of the Phyllocactus to brilliant scarlet. Mr. C. M. Hovey,
Boston, United States, also produced a race of hybrids between Phyllocactus
crenatus and what he terms Epiphyllum splendidus, but which is presumably
some scarlet form of Phyllocactus. These were raised about the same time
as Col. Charleton’s, the flowers of all being remarkably large, from 8 to 12
inches in diameter, and very freely produced. The best of them are the
following — Alice Wilson, orange scarlet; Mauve Queen, purplish pink ,
Orange Gem, shining orange ; Pink Queen, mauve pink ; Sunset, rich crimson ;
and Refulgence, dark scarlet. A fine variety of P. crenatusis grown at Kew
under the name of Vogeli, which has very large flowers of a rich rosy tint,
and probably originated from some similar cross to those already named.
P. Gordoniana, which has bright rose-coloured handsome flowers, appears to
have had a similar origin.

P. Hooxenri, Salm.—In the “ Botanical Magazine,” plate 2692, a figure of
a fine white-flowered Phyllocactus was given under the name of Cactus
Phyllanthus, an extremely old inhabitant of English gardens. In the
opinion of several other writers it is quite distinct from and superior to that
species, the name given above being consequently bestowed upon it. The
branches and stem are flat and slightly crenated, 2 to 3 feet high, producing
the flowers on the margin. These havea long narrow tube, and tapering
white petals 2 to 3 inches long and about a quarter of an inch broad. It
possesses a most agreeable fragrance, and usually flowers in the summer
months from July to September.

P, LATIFRONS (Cereus oxypetalus, Decandolle).—A very strong-growing
species, quite the giant of its family, producing stout flattened stems 4 to
5 inches broad, deeply crenated, and 8 or 10 feet high. A fine specimen,
with several stems fully 8 feet in height, is grown in the Kew collection,
» POYLLOCAcTus, 5 61

‘and when in flower it has a remarkable appearance. The flowers seem to
share the large dimensions of the plant, for they are 7 to 8 inches long and
about 6 inches in diameter, the petals of a delicate clear creamy white, the
sepals and tube of a reddish hue. It is a native of Mexico and some districts
to the south of that country, and has been in cultivation for a considerable
time, though the date of its introduction is uncertain,

P. PayLuantHus, Salm.—As the oldest cultivated Phyllanthus this
possesses a certain degree of historical interest, but it is not particularly
beautiful, and is far surpassed by P. crenatus, P. Ackermanni, and the hand-
some hybrids that have been mentioned. Its branches are flattened and
crenated, bearing long tubular flowers in the style of P. Hookeri, but not so
broad at the mouth; creamy or. greenish white, opening at night, and
possessing @ peculiar odour. According to the “ Hortus Kewensis ” the plant
was cultivated by Phillip Miller in 1710, and a very good figure was given in
Dillenius’s “ Hortus Elthamensis” in 1732, with a long description of the
plant under the name of Cereus Scolopendrii folio brachiato. It is the Spleen-
wort-leaved Indian Fig of Miller, and 1s said to have been originally obtained
from Brazil.

P, PHYLLANTHOIDES, Salm (Cactus speciosus, Bonpland).—An extremely
beautiful species, and, like P. Ackermanni, one of the most floriferous of the
family, continuing in ‘Gloom: during the greater part of the summer. With
such an important character it is surprising that hybridisers have not
employed the species more frequently in crossing with others, but it has no
doubt contributed a few to the series of garden forms, and some of those
with rose-coloured flowers can be traced toit. In the typical form the stem
is flat, the margin crenated, and the centre reddish. The flowers are about
2to 3inches long and 3 to 4 inches across at the mouth, the petals being
ovate or lance-shaped, and coloured rose and white in irregular streaks, very’
delicate and handsome. As Cactus speciosus it was mentioned by Bonpland,:
who, with Humboldt in 1801, found it growing on trunks of trees at Turbaco,
south of Carthagena. Plants or seeds were introduced to Europe by those
travellers, and the first flowers were produced at Malmaison in May, 1811,
plants also flowering about the same time in the Montpelier Botanic Garden.

Of other Phyllocactuses which do not need detailed description the
following are worthy of mention :—P. caulorrhizus, which has handsome
flowers 6 inches in diameter, the petals white, and the sepals pale green ;,
P. Jenkinsoni, a hybrid or seedling variety, with large beautiful and richly
coloured flowers of a brilliant crimson-scarlet hue, very free, and a favourite
with many growers. Concerning this plant, as also in reference to the
adaptability of Phyllocactuses as window plants, Mr. J. Udale, Shirecliffe
Hall Gardens, Sheffield, writes :—“ Cacti are associated with my earliest.
memories, for in a window at home we had a plant of P. Jenkinsoni and one
of P. speciosus, each of which has flowered profusely almost every season for
the last thirty years; and as pruning was frequently resorted to, their
progeny are now innumerable. The plants were grown in the window during:
62 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

autumn, winter, and spring, being placed in the open air during the summer; _
and with such simple attention they have for so many years been a source of
considerable pleasure.” P. multiflorus, a floriferous form, with reddish-
crimson flowers, the surface of the petals having a peculiar satin-like lustre,
is a similarly useful variety; whilst one named in honour of Mr. Peacock ig
marked by a very rich shade of crimson.

Numbers of fine varieties and hybrids have been raised at various times,
but there yet remains plenty of room for further additions to the list of
useful Phyllocactuses. By crossing amongst themselves with the best of
the Cereuses, or even with the Epiphyllums, some grand results might be
obtained. The last-named cross has been attempted, but unsuccessfully,
though if one has failed others might succeed, and a totally distinct race
would doubtless be produced.

EPIPHYLLUM, Pfeiffer.

No members of the Cactus family are so extensively grown or s0
generally useful as the Epiphyllums, and yet it may be safely asserted
that their merits are not half so well known as they deserve, or as might
be expected by those who have satisfactorily proved their value. There
can be no question that Epiphyllums are thoroughly useful garden plants,
and wherever large numbers of plants have to be grown for decorative
purposes they are almost indispensable. For the smallest collections
they are equally appreciated, and though not quite so well adapted for
‘windows or rooms as some of the Phyllocactuses, they can be grown and
flowered in such positions, and therefore furnish an important addition
to what may be termed home plants. They possess several qualities, each
of which alone would be amply sufficient to render them worthy of recom-
mendation, but the principal of these is their period of flowering. This
extends from November to February, and during these four months an
unbroken succession of flowers can be ensured by having a few batches
of plants, which can be readily brought on to follow the earliest-flowered.
The same plants will, however, often continue attractive for more than
a month, producing abundance of their bright beautiful flowers through-
out the whole of the time, at a season when flowers are scarcest and the
demand greatest. Another good trait in their character is their free and
quick growth, which enables cultivators to obtain plants of good size in
& short time. They are readily propagated, most profuse and constant
n flowering, their blooms are marked by a number of extremely rich
and bright shades of colour, and the plants can be employed in a variety
of ways—in pots as dwarfs, standards, or pyramids; planted out for
training on the roof of stoves, and in baskets for the decoration of con-
servatories. Itis not surprising, therefore, that Epiphyllums are gradu-
EPIPHYLLUM. 63

ally advancing from the comparative obscurity into which they had
fallen, and one of the surest indications of this increasing popularity is
afforded by that great emporium of plants, Covent Garden Market,
There small useful specimen Epiphyllums may now be frequently seen
side by side with the ordinary market plants, and one grower in the
neighbourhood of London is paying special attention to them for supply-
ing the market, The majority of the plants raised for this purpose are
in 48-size pots, and are grafted on Pereskia stocks 9 inches or a foot in
height, forming in two or three years compact handsome specimens,
These usually make their appearance on the stalls during November and
December, and are sold at prices ranging between Is. 6d. and 2s. 6d.,
according to the size of the plant and the quality of the variety. Com-
paratively few different forma are sent to market; two or three of
the richest-coloured and most floriferous are the favourites, and with
these the demands are supplied.

CULTURE.—It may be premised that there is no especial difficulty in
growing Epiphyllums fairly well, as they will do that with very ordinary
treatment; but to have them in the best condition, their floral beauty
fully developed, attention to a few details is requisite. These are, how-
ever, so simple that no one need be deterred from growing the plants by
any fear of non-success. As for Phyllocactuses, the basis of the compost
employed should be light, turfy, and preferably somewhat sandy loam,
that which has been in stack for a few months being the most suitable.
Respecting this there is no difference of opinion, but with regard to the
other ingredients several different practices are followed. Some cul-
tivators do not employ any manure in the soil, simply giving a moderate
proportion of crocks, broken charcoal, lime rubbish, or sand with the
loam, preferring to apply the manure as a liquid or in the form of top-
dressings. Others, again, advocate incorporating various manures in the
compost at first prepared, using and recommending for this purpose cow,
horse, sheep, deer, and fowl manure, each grower fully believing in the
especial efficacy of his favourite stimulant, A third, and according to
my experience the best system, is to employ a small proportion of manure,
say one-fourth of the bulk of soil, and to give what further assistance
may be needed either in a liquid state or as a top-dressing, The advan-
tage of this method is, that while some encouragement is given to the
roots, a stagnant and unwholesome condition of the soil is avoided until
the plants are strong enough to assimilate their food rapidly, and then it
can be supplied in exact proportion to their wants. The Pereskia
aculeata, upon which Epiphyllums are usually grafted, is a strong-rooting
and quick-growing plant, absorbing moisture and nutriment from the
aoil very rapidly ; therefore when it is bearing a large head of Epiphyllum
64 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

the assistance afforded should be of a most liberal character, and it is
only by such means that the finest and most abundant flowers can be
produced, There is, then, little fear of giving too much manurial aid to
these plants, and, as an example of this, I have been informed that many
years ago some exceedingly fine specimen Epiphyllums were grown ina
garden in Lincolnshire, potted in a compost of equal parts good loam
and old Mushroom-bed manure. These attained the age of twenty years,
and annually bore an enormous number of flowers—a sufficient proof that
the treatment suited them; but they were in experienced hands,
and the smaller proportion of manure advocated above is, to say the
least, safer. It matters very little what kind of manure is employed,
but I give the preference to that from the cowyard, using it in a dry
state and finely broken for mixing in the soil, while as a liquid it is
equally beneficial, Clay’s Fertiliser, either in the compost or mixed with
loam as a top-dressing, is also a valuable stimulant, and manure collected
in fowl roosts or runs suits Epiphyllums admirably.

Some importance is attached by a few growers to the due employment.
of lime rubbish or charcoal in the soil, but this is by no means so essentiak
as is supposed, though a few nodules of charcoal or finely broken bricks
assist in keeping the drainage in proper condition, During the growing
and flowering periods abundance of water is necessary, and in conse-
quence every care must be exercised, especially for large specimens, to
insure that the pots are thoroughly drained. This can be easily effected
in the usual way with potsherds, or crocks as they are commonly termed,
and then there will be no danger in supplying water liberally,

After flowering less moisture will be required, and the soil may be
allowed to become partially dry for a few weeks, only giving a little
water to prevent the branches being rendered flaccid. Then as growth is
resumed the water supply may be increased, and with occasional
syringings progress will be rapid in a suitable temperature. This should
range from 55° to 65°, or ten degrees higher with sun heat, and when the
plants flower they may be arranged in an ordinary greenhouse or con-
servatory. Much depends upon a thorough maturation of the growth,
and therefore the plants must at all times have a position fully exposed
to the sun, as they never need shading, and with proper attention to
ventilation to avoid rendering the growth weak, good results may be
confidently expected.

PROPAGATION.—Epiphyllums are readily increased by cuttings
grafting, and seeds, the two former methods being most frequently
practised, the other being resorted to chiefly with the object of producing
new varieties. Cuttings of two, three, or more joints of the branches
strike readily at any season of the year if inserted in pots of sandy soil,
EPIPHYLLUM, 65

kept rather dry, and placed in a warm house or frame. These plants
upon their own roots are very useful for small pots to be employed asa
marginal row on the conservatory stages; they can also be used for
filling baskets, and in several other similar ways. The most important
method of increase ie, however, that by grafting, as the majority of the
Jarger plants are worked either on the Pereskia or Cereus speciosissimus
stocks, and by that means the natural drooping habit of the Epiphyllum
is more gracefully and pleasingly displayed. Considerable difference of
opinion exists with regard to the respective merits of the two stocks
named; but the balance of evidence is in favour of the Pereskia as w
long-lasting and free-growing support. The principal points advanced
on behalf of the Cereus is that its stems are stouter and stronger than
the Pereskia, and that Epiphyllums worked on it endure a much lower
temperature than those on the accepted stock. Against this must be taken
the fact that the scion does not grow so freely or so quickly upon the
Cereus as it does upon the Pereskia, for the absorptive powers of the latter
seem to be much greater, and in respect to endurance no better evidence
of the merits of the Pereskia is required than is afforded by the fact that
there are many large specimen Epiphyllums upon that stock fully a
quarter of a century old, and still showing no signs of decrepitude.

The Pereskia is propagated by cuttings 5 or 6 inches long, which form
roots quickly in an ordinary stove or propagating frame. When struck
they must be potted singly in 60-size pots and grown on quickly, trans-
ferring the plants into 48-pots when the smaller size is filled with roots.
When they have reached a sufficient height to permit the stem being cut
back to well-developed wood, a foot to 18 inches above the rim of the pot,
they may be prepared for grafting. Cut the stems straight across at the
desired height, then making a downward incision at the top, either
removing a small wedge-shaped portion or simply splitting it, the former
being preferable. The scion, which may be 3 to 6 inches long, either a
simple stem or branched, should have the base pared to a wedge shape,
very gradually sloping, and then inserted in the stock. It may be secured
either with a small thorn thrust through the stock and scion, or by binding
@ little moss round the juncture with matting. The Pereskia stem should
be tied to a small stick to prevent damage to the scion, and in a few
weeks a union will be effected, when the moss and ties can be removed.
The same system is adopted with taller standard specimens, say from 2 to
3 feet high ; but when an extra large head is desired, two or three scions
are inserted at the side of the stock in addition to that at the top, simply
by making a downward sloping incision, in which the end of the scion is
placed as in the first-mentioned mode. For pyramid specimens the

practice is similar, except that scions must be inserted at intervals of 9 to
F
66 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

12 inches from the base to the summit of the stock, regulating them so
that the specimen will have a uniform appearance. As to the time whem
grafting should be performed it matters little, a3 with care a satisfactory
union can be effected at any season ; the spring is, however, preferable,
and it is a good plan to keep the stocks rather dry for a few days befoie
the operation is commenced,

SPECIMEN PLANTS.—When grown to a large size Epiphyllums make
magnificent specimens either as standards or pyramids, and their value
cannot be too highly estimated. Probably the finest examples of the
kind in the country are those at Orwell Park, near Ipswich, the residence
of George Tomline, Isq., where these plants have for some years been
admirably grown by Mr. J, Wallis. During the winter months—namely,
from November until February, these produce a never-failing display of
brilliant flowers, and have awakened the admiration and surprise of
many horticulturists. Writing in reference to his mode of culture, Mr.
Wallis has favoured me with the following remarks, which possess especial
value as the result of such successful practice :—

‘The Epiphyllums here are grown for flowering in the conservatory, and
are usually gay from the first week in November till February. During
the remainder of the year they occupy a three-quarter span-roof house in
which an intermediate temperature is maintained. All our Epiphyllums
are grafted on the Pereskia aculeata, We graft a few at intervals of two
or three years, so if any of the older plants become sickly or shabby they
are thrown away and the younger ones grownon. Some of the stocks
are worked to form pyramids and some to make standards. The height.
of the pyramids is 6 feet, and to form these six or eight scions are inserted.
The heads of the standards are on stems ranging in height from 4 feet
G6 inches down to 18 inches. To form these heads only one scion is put
on the stock. Some of our oldest pyramids are 4 to 5 feet through at the
base, and the heads of standards quite as much. When in bloom some
of the heads of the taller standards droop almost to the pots. Much
larger dimensions could easily be obtained, but we have to keep our plants.
of a manageable size on account of moving them to and from the conser-
vatory. The pyramids occupy No. 2 and No, 4-sized pots, the standards.
8’s and 12’s. Each plant is secured to a strong iron stake, with three
prongs fitting the inside of the pot, soas to stand firm and erect, and the
Epipbyllum is kept well supported to the stakes by ties of stout wire.
After the plants are well established they are easily managed, and go
many years without repotting ; but of course we top-dress annually,
previously removing as much of the old soil as will come away easily,
We grow these plants with plenty of ventilation on all favourable occa-
sions, and they are never shaded. During active growth water is given
EPIPHYLLUM, 67

freely, occasionally liquid manure, they are also syringed daily. After
the season’s growth is completed water is given more sparingly and
syringing is dispensed with.”

Another excellent mode of growing Hpiphyllums is in baskets, which
have a most imposing appearance when well filled and the plants are in
flower, Some care is needed in preparing these, but the task is nota
difficult one, and the result amply repays for the labour bestowed upon
it. The plants employed should be either raised from cuttings or be
grafted upon Pereskia stocks 3 or 4 inches long, but the former are
preferable, as the others are very liable to be injured. The baskets
should be of semi-globular form, constructed of ordinary stout wire,
strong and plain in design. In preparing the baskets for the plants a
thick layer of moss must be placed next to the wire, then the Epiphyllums
may be turned out of their pots and inverted, the stems being drawn
through the moss and the meshes of the wires. This must be continued
until the basket is sufficiently clothed, employing a little light soil to render
the plants firm ; then above these to fill the upper part larger specimens
may be planted to impart a general finish. When covered with flowers
these baskets will be superb ornaments for any house, as is proved by the
beautiful examples at Chatsworth, where they constitute a feature of
great interest during the winter. The cultural requirements of such
specimens are the same as for others, but a slight additional attention is
neeessary to insure the whole of the soil being thoroughly moistened.
To keep the baskets uniform any excessively long shoots can be taken off
at a convenient joint, and this will induce a branching habit, which will
furnish the surface with growths quickly. It will be evident that the
baskets must be suspended sufficiently high to permit the whole under
surface being readily seen.

Far from the least eifective system of utilising Hpiphyllums is the
following, which is nowhere practised so successfully as at Old Sneyd
Park, Bristol, the residence of F. Tagart, Esq. This consists in growing
the Pereskias to a height of 12 feet or more, training the stems up the
back wall or up the roof of the house, and grafting them at intervals of
a foot with Epiphyllums. These in time form good heads, and have a
very handsome appearance, clothing the roof with their richly tinted
flowers. The gardener, Mr. EH. Miller, has the back wall of the stove
covered with a wire netting, packed with moss, and planted with Ferns,
Begonias, &c.; behind this the stems of Pereskia are taken from the
border at the base, where they are planted, up to the roof, and they are
then trained over the path. This portion of the stems, which are about a
yard apart, were grafted thickly with Epiphyllums of different varieties
about twelve years ago, and have formed dense pendulous heads 2 to 3 feet
68 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

in diameter, which during the concluding months of the year form quite,
a canopy of flowers. This method might be advantageovsly employed
much more extensively, and the roofs of many houses could by such
means be rendered far more pleasing than they usually are, particularly
at the season when Epiphyllums flower.

Some remarkable specimens were grown at Hartham, Chichester
Sussex, several years ago, and one of these is represented in fig, 12
(kindly lent by the Editor of the Gardeners’ Chronicle). These were
about 4 feet high, two having single heads of Epiphyllum, and two were
double-grafted, like the specimen illustrated. The slender shoots seen
in the figure are stems of Cereus flagelliformis, which were worked on
the stock with the Epiphyllum, and the pendulous habit renders it well
suited for this purpose. The effect produced is very striking, and is
suggestive of other similar modes of grafting, as any of the drooping
Cereus might be employed in the same way.

SPECIES AND VARIETIES.

As a genus Epiphyllum is distinguished by the following characters.
The narrow numerous petals and sepals of similar colour are in two of the
three species known—viz., E. truncatum and E, Altensteini, arranged in a
two-lipped manner—that is, on one side of the flower the petals are straight,
and on the other they are bent back. In E. Russellianum, however, the
petals grow equally as in other Cacte, but are nearly straight with the
flower tube, which is formed by the combination of the inner petals at the
base. The stems are slender, succulent, leafless, and jointed, the branches
somewhat flattened, from 2 to 3 inches long and 1 to 2 broad, bearing the
flowers at their points and not on the margin as in Phyllocactus. They are
natives of Brazil, where they are chiefly found as epiphytes growing upon
the branches of trees, their slender stems attaining the length of 3 or 4 feet.

E. TrRuxcaTuUM, Pfeiffer—This is the principal species, and has been
cultivated in English gardens for about sixty years, having been introduced
from Brazil early in the present century, though it is said to have been
known in continental gardens many years before. It is especially abundant
on the Organ Mountains, where also its relative E. Russellianum is found,
but the former does not grow at so great an elevation as the latter, E. trun-
catum being rarely found above 4000 feet. The original form had dark
crimson flowers with a white throat, but several varieties were subsequently
imported, amongst the earliest being one of a uniform rich crimson hue,
which was figured in the “ Botanical Magazine” in 1825, and later still—i.e.
about 1840, the variety violaceum, with a distinct tinge of violet, was intro-
duced by Messrs. Rollisson & Sons of Tooting. The principal variations now
in cultivation are seedlings raised from E. truncatum or from crosses between
that species and IE, Russellianum, which have greatly increased the value of
EPIPHYLLUM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 12.—Specimen Epipbyllum trancatun.

69
70 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

the plants in a horticultural point of view, as the colours have been improved
and multiplied considerably. One of the most successful raisers of Hpi-
phyllums in recent years was Mr. W. Buckley of Tooting, who succeeded
in obtaining some very distinct and beautiful hybrids between the species
already named. These have not been surpassed, and the list as given by the
raiser in the “ Florist and Pomologist ” (page 14, January, 1868) is well worth
reproduction here :—

“The varieties of TE. Russellianum were E. R. rubrum,*, flower double
the size of E. Russellianum, and of a bright rosy red ; E. R. cupreum,* not
so large as the last, of a coppery tinge, slightly suffused with purple; E. R.
superbum,* in which the purple of E. Russellianum and the reddish tinge of
E. truncatum are beautifully blended. Added to these, a very pretty hybrid
of the Russellianum section was raised by Mr. Snow, gardener to the Earl
De Grey, called EH. R. Snowii. The following are the best and most showy
varieties of the E. truncatum section :—E. truncatum majus,* larger than
the species, and of # deep rose colour; albo-lateritium,* petals silky white,
margined with brick red ; amabile, white and purple; aurantiacum, reddish
orange ; bicolor, white and rose-edged ; coccineum,* deep scarlet ; cruentum,*
dark, purplish red; magnificum, large, bright rose and white ; purpureum,*
deep purple, nearly self-coloured; roseum,* bright rose; ruabro-tioctum,
white and purplish red; Ruckerianum, purplish red, tinged with violet;
splendens,* deep rose; spectabile, white with purplish margin ; spectabile
carminatum, white with reddish margin ; salmoneum, salmony red ; tricolor,
deep reddish purple and white ; violaceum, silvery white, with light purple
margin; violaceum grandiflorum, like the last, but larger ; violaceum super-
bum, deep purple and white. Those marked with an asterisk are hybrids,
raised at the Tooting nursery.”

E, RUSSELLIANUM, Hooker.—By some writers this has been, and still is,
regarded as a variety of H. truncatum, but it is clearly distinguished by
several well-marked characters. The flowers are 3 to 4 inches long with
straight narrow petals, not reflexed as in E. truncatum. The branches are
much more slender and not so distinctly truncated or cut at the ends of the
joints. The time of flowering, too, is quite different, being in May or June;
and according to Mr. Gardner, who discovered the plant on the Organ
Mountains, it is found up to an elevation of 6000 feet, or nearly 2000 higher
than E, truncatum. The flowers are of a rosy crimson colour, very clear and
pretty, and they are produced with great freedom. Mr. Gardner’s account
of the discovery of this plant is interesting. “Through dense masses of
large Bamboos with stems often more than half a foot thick and 60 to 70 feet
high we had to cut our way up the Organ Mountains till we came, after a
toilsome day’s journey, to a small waterfall where we encamped for the
night. On the trunks of the large trees growing near this spot I saw abun-
dance of Epiphyllum truncatum beautifully in flower; and higher up the
Mountain the next morning I found a lovely new species belonging to the
same group as EH, truncatum and much resembling it in many points, equally
RUIPSALIS, V1

large, but with a more graceful mode of growth and lighter-coloured blossoms,
the stamens, too, being uniformly pink.” The plants found were sent to the
Duke of Bedford’s celebrated collection at Woburn about 1839, and in honour
of the Duke the species received the name it now bears. The time of year
at which this Epiphyllum flowers has enabled hybridisers to extend the
flowering period of these plants fully two months—a most important advan-
tage, and if it were for this alone E. Russellianum has been a valuable
introduction.
EK, ALTENSTEINI.—Though not wanting in attractions this is rarely seen
n gardens, and is usually regarded as a variety of E.truncatum, It differs,
however, in its more slender branches being much longer, and the fowers are
of a rosy colour. The flowering period is the same as the betier-known
species, and, like that, it is a native of Brazil.

TRIBE 2

OPUNTIZ, THE INDIAN FIG TRIBE.

This division of the Cactese includes the genera Rhipsalis, Nopalea,
Opuntia, and Pereskia, which are characterised by branched and jointed
stems, and by the calyx tube not extending beyond the ovary.

RHIPSALIS, Gaertner,
(The Mistletoe Cactus).

About thirty species of plants are assigned to the genus Rhipsalis as
now constituted, the majority being natives of Tropical America, though
one is found in South Africa and the Mauritius. They are epiphytal in
habit, like the two preceding genera, have much-branched, slender, round
angular, or flat leafless stems, small flowers from a quarter of an inch to
an inch in diameter, with oblong spreading white or yellow petals and
greenish sepals, and a small white globular berry-like fruit resembling th
Mistletoe. Under these characters are now included what have beet
regarded as four distinct genera—namely, the true Rbipsalis (Eurhipsalis)
Lepismium, Hariota, and Pfeiffera, the three last being little known in:
gardens, In fact, the whole of the species are interesting chiefly for their
structure and distinctness from other Cactem, as they are of little horti-
cultural value.

They all need a light sandy soil, and being of drooping habit several of
them appear best when suspended in pots or small baskets, and some o£
72 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

the slender species are pretty when grown in this manner. A warm dry
position is required either in the stove or intermediate house, but the best
known Mistletoe Cactus, R. Cassytha, can be grown under a glass case in
a room, where it will produce its little white berries freely. The dwarf
R. mesembryanthemoides and the yellow-flowered R. salicornioides can be
grown in the same way.

R. Cassytua, Gaertner.—This is the true Mistletoe Cactus, and as such
has been known for considerably over one hundred years, as it was intro-
duced by Phillip Miller in 1758 from the West Indies, and some old writers
have even mentioned the plant as a Viscum. In Miller’s “ Gardeners’
Dictionary ” (Martyn’s edition) it is described under the title Cactus pen-
dulus, a name which was also adopted by several other writers (Swartz,
Brown, and Aiton), though a few have probably referred to the same plant
under the name of Cactus parasiticus. The stems are cylindrical and pipe-
like, producing their branches in whorls of three to six, upon the sides of
which the small white flowers are produced, and are followed by the
white semi-transparent berries that have gained the plant its popular
name. These certainly bear a remarkable resemblance to Mistletoe berries
in form, colour, and substance, and it appears to be one of those peculiar
cases of mimicry that occur in certain families of plants, some of which
have been so interestingly described by Mr. Leo H. Grindon in his
“Echoes of Plant Life.” Itis strange, however, that though many plants
assume a more or less striking resemblance to the Cactem there are com-
paratively few of the latter that mimic other plants. Yet amongst the
Rhipsalises we have four or five remarkable examples of this kind in addi-
tion to the one already noted; for instance, R. salicornioides, which, as its
name implies, is much like our British Glasswort, Salicornia herbacea;
R. mesembryanthemoides, which resembles some of the Figwort family ;
while several species, as R. crispata, R. pachyptera, and R. Swartziana,
have flattened crenated leaf-like stems exactly of the Phyllocactus form.
On the other side Euphorbia mauritanica has cylindrical pipe-likebrancheg
precisely similar to Rhipsalis funalis.

R, MESEMBRYANTHEMOIDES, Decandolle.—A dwarf much-branched plant
with trailing stems, bearing small cylindrical branches, covered with tufts
of fine hair. The flowers are about half an inch in diameter, with five or
six greenish white semi-transparent tapering sepals and petals, and are
porne singly near the apex of the short branchlets. The fruit is similar to
that of R. Cassytha, but smaller. This plant was described by Haworth as
a variety of R. salicornioides, from which, however, it is quite distinct, and
it was first flowered by W. Christy, Esq., Clapham, in 1831.

R. (HARIOTA) SALICORNIOIDES, Haworth.—The division or genus Hariota
was founded by Endlicher upon this species, the chief distinguishing
characters relied upon being the position of the flowers—namely, at the
points of the branches, instead of being produced at the sides as in the other
Rhipsalises, and in their colour being yellow instead of white. Though very
3

RHIPSALIS,

 

Fig. 13.—1, Rhipsalis salicornioides ; 2, R. pendulifora ; 8, R. Cassytha,
74 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

distinct it is not considered sufficiently so to be separated as a genus, and is
easily recognised as one of the Mistletoe Cactuses, It has slender stems
alternately swollen and contracted like the Glasswort, as already noted.
The flowers are orange yellow, wax-like, and shining, half an inch long, with
twelve or more oblong sepals and petals which do not expand fully. A
variety is grown at Kew named stricta, more upright than the species and
almost fastigiate or bunched, while in some collections 4 form is grown
‘named ramosior, which is rather more freely branched than the type.

R. SARMENTACEA, Ot/o.—In 1858 Mr. W. Christy sent this very distinct
and pretty species to Kew, which was probably its first appearance in
England, though it had been known on the Continent for some years. It
has slender cylindrical stems, densely covered with small black spines not
unlike Cereus flagelliformis. The flowers are large, over an inch in diameter,
star-like in form, with eight petals, and creamy white incolour. It is a
native of Buenos Ayres and South Brazil.

Many other species could be named, but the following are the most
remarkable :—R. funalis (R. grandiflorus), a strong-growing form introduced
to Kew by Bowie and Allan Cunningham in 1816, has greenish white flowers
more than 1 inch across, and cylindrical pipe-like stems a quarter inch in
diameter, long, and much-branched. R. paradoxa is a strange Brazilian
plant, with long pendulous three-angled branches, jointed, thespace between
the joints being 1 to 2 inches long, and the stem is half twisted at each
juncture, giving a most peculiar appearance to the plant. A specimen at
Kew is trained up the roof of the succulent house, and its branches hang ina
-dense cluster 2 feet or more in length. R. penduliflora laxa is a slender
-drooping plant, very graceful, and suitable for a suspended pot. R. pentaptera
has trailing five-angled stems nearly half inch in diameter, very distinct from
its relatives. The principal flattened and Phyllocactus-like species are—
R. crispata, R. rhombea, R. pachyptera, and R. Swartziana.

LEPIsMIUM, Endlicher.—The few species arranged under this head are
chiefly botanical curiosities, and are denoted by slender triangular or quad-
rangular stems, with flowers produced from the sides of the branches in
fascicles of five spines, the petals being erect, and not spreading as in Rhip-
salis. L. Myosurus [also known as Cereus tenuispinus and Cactus
tenuis] is a Brazilian plant with small weak stems, which reach the length
of several feet, and produce yellowish flowers 1 to 14 inch across. A pretty
graceful variety named Knighti has pretty reddish-tinted stems. L. commune
[Cereus squamulosus and C. elegans] also from Brazil, has triangular jointed
‘stems half to 2 inches in diameter and 1 to 2 feet long, the flowers small,
white, tinted with purple.

PrEirFERA, Salm-Dyck.—This was founded as a genus to honour a
celebrated German botanist, Pfeiffer, who has written several works upon
Cactece, and whose name is mentioned as an authority for the titles of many
of the plants noted in the preceding genera. It only contains one species
P. cereiformis, a Mexican plant, somewhat resembling a Cereus with tri-
NOPALEA, 5

+ angular or quadrangular stems, and white or rose-tinted flowers. The fruits
are globular, half inch in diameter, semi-transparent, and of a violet hue.
4t is interesting botanically, but is seldom seen in collections.

NOPALEA, Salm Dych.
(The Nopal or Cochineal Cactus.)

As regards their economic value the true Indian Figs—namely, the
Nopaleas and the Opuntias, are by far the most important of the whole
family, and they are the only ones which have ever been cultivated on a
large scale as commercial products. They therefore possess considerable
interest, though with a few exceptions they are much less ornamental than
numbers of their allies, and are in consequence not greatly appreciated as
garden plants. They have strangely grotesque and frequently formidable
stems, armed with long and powerful spines, meriting in more than one
instance the name “horrida,” which is very aptly applied to a particularly
spiny Opuntia. It is this character that renders many of the plants useful
in tropical countries as hedges or barricades, which are absolutely impass-
able to wild animals, and form most durable marks of division between
estates or even the possessions of different nations, The genus Nopalea,
however, only contains three species of Indian Fig, all of which are com-
para'ively free from spines; and two of these—viz., N. dejecta and N.
Auberi, are not marked by any qualities of especial value, but the third,
N. cochinellifera, is the widely known and highly important Cochineal
Cactus. All these have been described as Opuntias, but were separated
from that genus by a few characters which to anyone but a botanist would
appear of little consequence. These are chiefly the erect petals slightly
approaching each other at the apex, the stamens longer than the corolla,
the red or crimson flowers, and the nearly spineless branches. In other
respects they closely resemble the Opuntias, the stems being succulent,
flat, leafless, and branching, the branches roundish or elliptical, and bearing
the blooms upon their margins.

NoOPALEA COOMINELLIFERA, Salm Dyck.—There is not much to recom-
mend this plant to attention beyond its product the cochineal, as its flowers
are not particularly handsome, and the general aspect is ungainly in the
extreme. It attains a height of 10 or 12 feet, is much branched, of a dark
green colour, the surface smooth and free from any but very small spines.
‘The flowers are of moderate size, crimson, and are followed by a fruit similar
to the Prickly Pears which are imported to this country and sold in the ‘
London markets. The plant has been long known to botanists, having been
described by most of the earlier travellers in Mexico, the West Indies, and
other parts of America, though it has been to some extent confounded with
Opuntia Tuna. In Mexico these plants have been cultivated for a great
76 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

many years, long previous, it is said, to the conquest of that country, and
thence it was introduced to other districts of America and to India. The
exact date of its introduction to England is unknown, though it is said to
have been received at the Chelsea Botanic Garden before the year 1688,
where it was cultivated at that time. It was certainly included in the
Eltham collection in 1732, for a figure and description of the plant are given
in the “ Hortus Elthamensis ” under the name of Tuna mitior flore sanguineo
cochinellifera, Since then it has been grown in most botanical gardens as
a curiosity.

CocHINEAL.—Though obtained from several species of Opuntia as
well as the Nopalea cochinellifera, a notice of this product may more
appropriately accompany the description of the plant with which its
name has been principally associated. It is now generally known that
ordinary commercial cochineal consists of minute dried insects of the
order Hemiptera, related to the mealy bug and the Vine scale, which are
far too familiar pests in gardens. It bears the name of Coccus cacti,
deriving its second title from the plants upon which it lives,and to which
it is peculiar in the same way that other species of the genus are peculiar
to the Vine, the Pine Apple, the Orange, and the Oak. Several of the Coc-
cidze yield useful products, as the Lac insect, Coccus lacca, the Kermes
or Coccus ilicis that causes the galls upon Quercus coccifera, and which
furnish a well-known and ancient dye. The most important of all is, how-
ever, the cochineal insect (fig. 14), the cultivation and exportation of which
has been an extensive trade in many tropical countries for a considerable
period, The male insect is furnished with two wings, and has two long
filaments proceeding from the tail ; it is very minute, and few in numbers
zompared with the female, which is wingless, and stationary upon the
plant during the greater portion of her existence. Before producing its
eggs the female increases to three or four times its normal size, and the
legs and antennz being then invisible except on very close scrutiny, they
have much the appearance of small projections upon the surface of the
plant, or they might be readily mistaken for fruits or berries. It is in
this way that so many erroneous statements have been originated with
regard to the true nature of cochineal. Gerarde mentions them as
“Certaine excrescences' which in course of time turn into insects,”
Dampier also gives a circumstantial account, in which it is stated that
when the fruits open they are found full of red insects, and these being
disturbed take to flight, but hover about the plant until killed by the sun,
when they are collected in cloths. The value of cochineal as a brilliant
ted dye was, however, early ascertained, and the cultivation gradually
extended in various districts of tropical America. It is related that in
1777 great efforts were made to introduce the insect and the Nopalea
COCHINEAL, 17
to St. Domingo, which after much difficulty was accomplished by
M. Thierry de Menonville; and so successfully was the cultivation
carried on, that twelve yeara later a large quantity was produced, as

 

Fig. 14.—Opuutia with Cochineal Insect.

many as 4000 plants being grown on one estate. It extended to some
other West Indian islands, and to the East Indies, but a considerable
time elapsed before it was introduced to Teneriffe, the Canary Islands,

and Algeria, whence a large amount is now exported.
a8 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

The estates where the Cochineal Cactus is grown are termed Nopa-
leries, and the usual method of cultivation is to have the plants in rows,
kept to the height of 4 or 5 feet. In Mexico, what is termed the sowing
takes place in August or September—that is, the placing of the female
insects upon the plants to produce their young. They are placed on with
a piece of rag or the soft leaves of some plant, and if necessary this is
secured by means of a thorn from one of the Opuntias, O. Dillenii being
employed for that purpose in Teneriffe. In three or four months from
the sowing the collection of the cochineal commences, women being
employed in this work removing the insects with a blunt knife or
squirrel’s tail, which it may be readily imagined is an extremely tedious
task, when it is stated that about 70,000 of the insects are required to
make a pound, The insects are then killed by immersion in boiling
water and afterwards dried in the sun, that being the state in which they
are usually imported to this country. The insects are killed by being
heated in an oven. There are, however, two kinds named—the Grana
fina and the Grana sylvestra, the former being much larger and superior
in every way to the latter. So great a difference is there, that the Hast
India Company are reported to have offered a reward of £6000 for the
introduction of the Grana fina into India, where the other was only then.
known, In the Kew Museum may be seen samples of what are termed
the black and white Cochineals from Oaxaca in Mexico, and a small
inferior sort named Granilla from Vera Cruz and Honduras, The white:
Cochineal is also known commercially as Silver Grain, and consists of
the oven-dried insects, the black being the insects killed by immersion in
water.

The cochineal trade in Teneriffe has been incidentally mentioned, and
in connection with the subject the following letter recently addressed to-
the London Times is of especial interest :—‘‘ The old proverb that ‘ What
is one man’s meat is another man’s poison’ was never better exemplified
than in the cochineal trade, which has been nearly ruined since the dis-
covery of aniline dyes. Until very recently this trade was the mainstay
of the island of Teneriffe, the cochineal depending upon the cultivation
of the Cactus plant, which, since the supersession of the trade by aniline,.
is no longer the remunerative business that it formerly was, Cochineal
consists of several kinds and qualities, the first and second qualities being
called black aconchada, the others being madres buenos and plateada.
The export trade is principally in the latter kinds, the first being less.
abundant and having to be more carefully picked and sorted. The
madres buenos is seldom exported, but is principally used for propagating:
the cochineal insect by sprinkling them on the thick fleshy leaves of the
plant, which flourishes equally well in indifferent and rocky soil and
OPUNTIA, Ti

requires little or no care or irrigation. The season of sowing or sprinkling
the insect on the plants is the month of May or June, and the gathering is-
made in October, when the commercial operations commence and con-
tinue until the following May, During 1882 the shipments of cochineal
were 4,840,316 lbs., showing a diminution of 791,339 lbs, on the export
of the previous year. Of this quantity England took 2,715,983 lbs.,.
America 868,813 lbs., and France 952,460 lbs., the remainder going to-
Germany, Spain, and Morocco. That the trade was of great value is-
shown by the price in 1880 of 2s, 4d. per lb. in England and 3f, the kilo
in France, which produced a return of £600,000, or four-fifths of the
whole trade of Canary Islands, The trade might have continued in a.
better state had not the cochineal farmers glutted the markets and
refused to see the necessity of lowering their prices, in consequence of
the discoveries of fresh colouring matter.” It may be added, however,.
that it is very probable the cochineal trade will revive, as it has been
proved by Mr. James Startin of St. John’s Hospital, London, that the now
frequent employment of aniline dyes for articles of clothing causes many
skin diseases, and he has strongly advocated the substitution of vegetable-
dyes.

As to the total amount of cochineal imported it was estimated in:
1827 that about 150,000 lbs. were annually sent to this country, the
value being £275,000, while in 1882 the total imports were 24,934 cwts-

OPUNTIA, Miller.
(The Indian Figs or Prickly Pears.)

The ordinary type of Opuntia is one of the most familiar forms of
Cactus. The peculiar flattened, oval, or elliptical branches destitute of
leaves, but armed with abundant spines, constitute the distinguishing
characters of the Indian Figs as they are known to most people, and that,
in fact, is the predominating form in this large genus. There are, however,
many very striking departures from these prevailing characters: for in-
stance, several species have irregularly cylindrical stems and slight eleva--
tions of the surface, similar to but not so prominent as the tubercles in
other genera, and identical with them in structure. Some of these species
have very slender stems, such as O. leptocaulis, and when not in flower-
could scarcely be recognised as a member of the Indian Fig group. In
one respect the Opuntias are especially peculiar, and this is in the pro-
duction upon the younger branches, particularly of the flat-stemmed kinds,.
of small thick fleshy appendages, which are regarded as leaves, or, at least,
as their representatives. These appear below the clusters of spines, and are-
30 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

very prominent upon the young growth of O. vulgaris and others, but they
either become shrivelled and scarcely perceptible as the stem increases in
-age, or they fall off, and they never advance beyond the rudimentary state
mentioned. Structurally this is interesting, as it is a step towards the
leaves which we find so strongly developed in the next genus, Pereskia.
The intermediate gradations appear to have been lost, for the transition is
a very sudden one from the grotesque Opuntias to the comparatively
‘slightly modified Pereskia, which makes the nearest approach to the
ordinary characters of flowering plants.

The floral structure of the Indian Figs does not present any strongly
marked variations. The sepals and petals are very numerous and in-
distinguishable, the outer generally narrow, the inner broader and spread-
ing. The stems are shorter than the petals in a dense central cluster,
above which the five to seven-lobed stigma is slightly raised. A large
proportion of the species have yellow or orange-coloured flowers, and
though some of these are exceedingly bandsome the majority are not very
imposing and of little value in gardens. The fruits, which have given
the popular name to this genus, are comparatively large, 3 to 4 inches
long and 2 to 3 inches in diameter, egg-shaped, or in a few cases some-
what Pear-like in form, covered with clusters of minute spines, and
containing a sweet or sub-acid pulp of arather agreeable flavour. Over
150 species are known, all natives of America, principally California,
Mexico, Chili, and Peru, but two or three have been so long naturalised
in South Europe, North and South Africa, and other widely separated
portions of the globe, that they have become as abundant as native
plants, and are often regarded as such by travellers,

One highly important service the Opuntias render to man in tbe dis-
tricts where they thrive—they make admirable live fences or natural
barriers, and for this purpose they are largely employed, not only in
America, but also in South Africa. In one remarkable instance it is
recorded that when the Island of St. Christopher in the West Indies was
divided between the French and English, three rows of Opuntia Tuna
were planted to mark the boundary. As an effectual protection against
-depredators of all kinds the Opuntias arc indeed useful “hedge ” plants, as
‘they form a dense growth, the branches closely interlacing and bristling
with spines—a veritable chevaux de frise—absolutely impassable. The
value of such a defence can be fully appreciated in the countries where it
is most employed, and where, without its aid, man would be almost power-
less to prevent the devastating inroads of many enemies. When ewployed
in this way portions of the branches are broken off and placed in trenches
of a suitable depth, and there ends the attention afforded to or needed by
CPUNTIA, 8i

the plants. They growin any dry sandy soil, and will subsist where
scarcely any other vegetation is found—namely, on the porous lavas of
volcanic districts. In Sicily a striking instance of this is seen, for there
the Opuntia vulgaris grows and thrives in what would otherwise be sterile
districts ; and in this power of preparing sterile soils for other vegetation,
the Opuntias strangely resemble the Mosses, Lichens, and similar minute
cryptogamic plants.

In so large a genus as Opuntia it would be unnecessary to enumerate
many of the species as, except in a botanical point of view, a good proportion
are of little interest, A few of the best may, however, be noted.

O. VULGARIS, Miller (Cactus Opuntia, Linneeus).—In Gerarde’s “ Catalogue
of Plants,” published in 1596, this Opuntia is mentioned, and it also appears
in the “ Herball” under the name of Ficus indica, the Indian Fig Tree, so
that it has been grown in this country for nearly 300 years, and is, therefore,
the patriarch of the Cactez. It had, however, been then grown for some
years in South Europe, and Gerarde obtained his plants from Zante through
his servant Marshall; but the exact time of its introduction does not appear
to be known, though it probably occurred shortly after the Spanish expedi-
tions to America early in the sixteenth century. Gerarde states that he was
unable to fruit the plant, although he had “ bestowed great pains and cost
in keeping it from the injury of our clymat.” In Johnson’s edition of
Gerarde’s “ H-rball” (1688), a fairy accurate figure is given of the plant, and
from that it is evident that ne succeeded in flowering it as freely as could be
desired, and we cannot do much more now without protection, Having
been so long cultivated in Europe it has extended into most of the warmer
districts of Spain, Italy, and the Mediterranean Islands and North Africa,
and there, under the influence of a higher temperature, the fruit ripens
readily. Large quantities of these are consumed in those countries, and some
are imported to England, where, with the fruits of a few other species, they
are sold under the name of Prickly Pears. They are esteemed by some
persons, but they are more usually employed as a curiosity in dishes of
dessert, as the minute spines which cover the skin render the fruit in some
degree dangerous if not very carefully peeled. At one time they were sold
at from 4d. to 6d. each, but in recent years they have been so abundant
that they occasionally appear on street stalls and barrows in London at the
popular price of two fora penny. In Sicily it is very abundant, and during
three months of the year it is said to form “an important portion of the
inhabitants’ diet, though generally considered insipid by strangers.”

The common Indian Fig is rather dwarf in habit, with flat, rounded,
spiny branches, upon the edges of which its rich golden yellow flowers are
freely produced, and the plant is then decidedly ornamental. It is one of
the best of the Cactese for culture on a rockery, and is often left quite un-
protected, though a handlight is beneficial to throw off excessive rain, and
the plants so treated always have a better appearance than those constantly

a
82 CACTACEOUS PLANTS,

exposed to the weather. In reference to the culture of this plant out of°
doors Mr. D. Dewar, Superintendent of the herbaceous department, Royal.
Gardens, Kew, writes me as follows :—

& Although the cultivation of hardy Cacti in the open air has not been:
so successful as desired in some gardens, where artificially constructed posi-
tions have been given them, the result has been fairly satisfactory. Exposed
on the open rockery they will live, but our moist climate tries them severely,
especially in winter. Under projecting ledges, as seen at Floore, Weedon,
and where there is little chance of their being exposed to too much rain»
they flower with remarkable freedom, but this plan requires material not
within the reach of all lovers of hardy plants. The best method of growing
these plants that I have seen, and which Iam now practising, is simply
placing a small handlight in a specially dry and sunny position, placing
inside 2 inches depth of broken bricks, stones, and lime rubbish, planting
the Opuntias, or other Cactes, and leaving them unattended. Opuntia.
vulgaris grows vigorously under this treatment and flowers freely, and needs
scarcely any attention from January to December. The lights are never
taken off winter or summer. No water is given at any time after they are
established, and yet they are as healthy as possible. O. vulgaris is the
most commor and the easiest to procure, but we have also O. missouriensis,
O. Rafinesquei, and others, all of them perfectly hardy and easily managed as:
described. O. vulgaris grows more rapidly than the others; the joints are
oval, flat, covered with small leaves which come out in knots on the branches
and which soon fall, leaving a number of short bristly hooked spines. The
branches spread near the ground, or trail upon it snake fashion, putting out
new roots at every joint as they go, and thus facilitating progress, seldom
rising more than 6 inches in height. As the plant begins to grow old the
first-formed joints begin to get hard and dry, of a tough texture, and in-
clined to be fibrous or woody. Blank spaces are easily averted by pegging.
over some of the younger branches.”

O. RaFINESQUE!, Engelmann.—Quite a recent introduction is this hand-
some hardy Opuntia, for it is within the past twenty years that it made its.
débit in England. It has, however, become an established favourite in
gardens, as when in flower its beauty is amply sufficient to recommend the
plant to the most fastidious. It somewhat resembles O. vulgaris, and the
latter is occasionally seen under this name; but O. Rafinesquei has more
elongated branches, fewer smaller spines, and the flowers, though about the
same size, are slightly paler and softer in colour. It is very floriferous, and
being perfectly hardy it grows well on a rockery or a dry raised border,
where, during July and August, it will bear a succession of blooms each
3 to 4 inches in diameter. If a position is prepared for it the soil should
consist of loam, sand, and plenty of finely broken bricks, as too much mois-
ture about the roots will do the plant more injury than will moderate frost.
The stock can be quickly increased, as the branches form roots if placed in
sand uuder a frame.
OPUNTIA. 83°

O. Tuna, Miller (Cactus Tuna, Linneus).—This is a very strong-growing
species, and is one of the principal of those employed for fences and hedges,
as already mentioned. It is also one of the Cochineal plants, and in some
districts is more largely grown for that purpose than the Nopalea, par-.
ticularly in Mexico, its native country, but in many other parts of America
it is nearly as abundant. The branches are long, flat, and elliptical in form,
with numerous yellowish spines. The flowers are large, pale yellow, or with
a rosy tint, and are followed by the characteristic “ Prickly Pears” of the
genus. One interesting peculiarity of the stamens in this species was long
ago observed by Dr. J. E. Smith, then President of the Linnean Society, and
published by him in a volume of “Tracts Relating to Natural History ” in
1798. In one of these the author discusses the various phenomena connected
with the “Irritability of Vegetables,” especially referring to the stamens of
Berberis communis, In connection with this he mentions, “The Barberry
is not the only plant which exhibits this phenomenon. The stamina of Cactus
Tuna, a kind of Indian Fig, are likewise very irritable. These stamina are
Jong and slender, standing in great numbers round the inside of the flower.
Tf a quill or feather be drawn through them, they begin, in the space of two
or three seconds, to lie down gently on one side, and in a short time they are
all recumbent at the bottom of the flower.” I have tested this, and find that
the rapidity of the response to the stimulus varies greatly with the condition
of the weather at the time, and the age of the flower. In some cases the
stamens appeared to have quite lost the property ascribed to them, and in
others several minutes elapsed before there was any perceptible motion,
The peculiarity is, however, not confined to O, Tuna, some other species
exhibiting a similar sensitiveness, but the case is not quite analogous to that
of the Berberis, the arrangement in that flower being more of a mechanical
nature.

O. SALMIANA, Parmentier.—One of the most attractive of the slender-
growing species with cylindrical stems is that upon which has been bestowed
the name of a celebrated patron of the Cactus family, Prince Salm-Dyck.
It is a native of Brazil, and was introduced about 1850, having been received
at Kew from the continent about that time, and it has since then become
one of the most favourite forms of the group in cultivation. As shown in
fig. 15, which is a very slightly reduced representation of a portion of the
plant, the stems are very slender, and cylindrical, with numerous little tufts
of small spines, and bearing near the summit dense clusters of very pretty
neat open flowers. These are 14 to 2 inches in diameter, creamy white, the
buds and outer surface of the petals being tinted with red, which gives a
most pleasing appearance to the plant. It requires to be grown in a warm
position, and needs a light soil, loam and leaf soil in equal parts having
been found to suit it admirably. It is well worthy of more extended
cultivation.

O. ARBORESCENS (the Walking Stick or Elk-Horn Cactus).—This species,
iwhich grows in Colorado and contiguous districts, has a narrow much-branched
84 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

stem, which often rises to a considerable height. These steme are cut, and
after the fleshy substance has been removed there remains a hard woody
network of thick fibres, which is converted into walking sticks. Specimens
of this kind from Colorado, presented by E. G. Loder, Esq., are included in the
collection at the Kew Museum. The same gentleman has also sent me some
beautiful photographs of the scenery where this plant abounds, one
view of the Grand Canon of the Arkansas being especially remarkable.

Amongst other notable species the following especially deserve
brief mention :—O. aurantiaca (Cactus aurantiacus), a Chilian species,
with bright orange flowers and irregularly terete stems. Introduced
in 1824. 0. brasiliensis, with irregularly flattened and branching stems,
bearing scattered solitary dark spines 1 to 2 inches long, and pale yellow
flowers 3 inches in diameter. The odour of the ripe fruit has been
thought to resemble the leafstalks of garden Rhubarb. 0. candelabri-
formis, a remarkable plant, with flat almost circular branches about
6 inches long by the same in width, and closely covered with white
spines, ©. curassavica (Cactus curassavicus), the Pinpillow or Minion
Prickly Pear, deserves notice for its historical interest. It was one of
the few Cactez figured in Bradley’s work on Succulent Plants, where it
is named Opuntia minima Americana spinosissima flore sulphureo, and is
said to have flowered and fruited in the Duchess of Beaufort’s garden at
Badminton, and on the authority of the ‘“‘ Hortus Kewensis” we learn that it
was introduced from Curagoain 1690. The flowers are greenish-yellow, not
very handsome. O. cylindrica, a very distinct species, with cylindrical stems
and spindle-shaped tubercles, each bearing a tuft of spines atitssummit. The
flowers are red, 2 inches in diameter, and the plant was introduced to
England in 1799,

O. DARWINII.—This species is interesting, as having been discovered by
Mr. Charles Darwin in Patagonia, and it is mentioned by him in his
“Naturalist’s Voyage Round the World” as follows (p. 165) :—“I found
here a species of Cactus which was remarkable by the irritability of the
stamens when I inserted either a piece of stick or the end of my finger in the
flower. The segments of the perianth also closed on the pistil, but more
slowly than the stamens. Plants of this family, generally considered at
tropical, occur in North America in the same high latitude as here—namely,
in both cases in 47°.” In the volcanic islands of the Galapagos Archipelago
the same writer found an Opuntia, which was afterwards named 0. gala-
pageji, a tree-like species 6 to 10 feet high, and this is probably the plans
mentioned in his account of these islands as “a great odd-looking Cactus,
which, with some of the Evphorbiacez and an Acacia, are the only trees
which afford any shade. After the season of heavy rains the islands are
said to appear for a short time partially green. The volcanic island of
Fernando Noronha, placed in many respects under nearly similar conditions,
is the only other country where I have seen a vegetation at all like this of
the Galapagos Islands.” ©, decumana is an extraordinary plant, represented
OPUNTIA. 85

iin the Kew collection by a specimen 12 feet high and of considerable age.
It has huge elliptical flattened branches 12 to 20 inches long and 8 to 10
broad, with a few spines, the lower older portion of the stem being cylindrical,
woody, and about 8 inches in diameter. It is a South American plant, has
orange-coloured flowers, and has been described by various authors under
the name of O. maxima, Cactus elongatus, and Cactus decumanus,

 

Tig. 15.—Opuntia Salmiana.

O. DILLENIL (Cactus Dillenii).—One of the species cultivated at Eltham
in 1732, being described and figured in Dillenius’ work as Tuna major spinis
validis flavicantibus flore sulphureo. It has flat stems with strong yellow
spines, and bears yellow flowers 3 to 4 inches in diameter. This plant is
grown in Teneriffe for its spines, which are employed to secure the clusters
of cochineal insects to O. Tuna at the “sowing” period already noticed. In
a group of flowers painted by Miss North at Teneriffe, and now in the North
Gallery at Kew, this species is well represented, several vievrs of the cochineal
86 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

gardens in which it is employed being also given. In England this Opuntia
flowers very freely, its large yellow blooms being very attractive. O. horrida
well deserves its name, for it is a most formidable plant, the spiner
2 to 8 inches long, very strong, of a peculiar tawny colour, and in clusters of
seven or eight each. O. imbricata has irregularly cylindrical branching
stems and tufts of white spines. O. Kleiniz, also with cylindrical stems,
receives its name from a slight resemblance to some of the Kleinias, O. lep-
tocaulis is one of the most slender-growing Opuntias, the stems often not
exceeding one-eighth of an inch thick. O. leucotricha has a curious appear-
ance, owing to its oval flat branches being closely covered with long white
spines, which are deflected towards the base of the plant and almost level
with the surface. O. microdasys is a rather pretty dwarf and much-branched
species, which with its variety rufida, has numerous small tufts of reddish-
brown hair-like spines covering the elliptical flattened branches. O. mona-
cantha.—This is one of the best known of the flat-stemmed Prickly Pears,
as it is largely grown for sale with the miniature Cacti. It has dark green
stems, with scattered solitary spines, and bears neat bright orange-coloured
flowers. O.nigricans.—This is another of the largest specimens at Kew,
one old example there being of corresponding dimensions to O. decumana—
namely, 12 feet in height, the branches 12 inches long by 6 inches broad, and
pearing very dark spines 2 to 3 inches long, the flowers orange-red, and the
fruits pear-shaped and rich crimson when ripe. This has been described as
Tuna major (Dillenius), as Cactus Tuna var. nigricans, as Cactus Tuna, and
as Cactus nigricans, and it appears to be one of the species upon which the
cochineal insect lives.

PERESKIA, Miller
(The Gooseberry Cactus.)

In all the preceding genera of the Cactus family we have been
reviewing a form of vegetation widely different in appearance from the
ordinary characters of flowering plants, particularly as regards the stem
structure, but in the Pereskia by a sudden transition we come to a group
of plants evidently connecting the family with several orders. The stems
have lost the bulkiness of many Cactez, and though still fleshy ina
certain degree, and armed with clusters of spines, they are cylindrical
and more shrub-like in form, while they bear normal leaves veined like
the majority of exogens, and often with a distinctly developed stalk
(petiole). The flowers, too, are very distinct, the petals being rotate—
that is, spreading like the spokes of a wheel, and in several cases they
bear a close resemblance to single Roses, The flowers are produced ina
form of inflorescence, which is not found in any other member of the
family—namely, clustered or paniculate at the sides or points of the
branches, and this alone gives the Pereskias a unique appearance, and
PERESEIA, 87

crenders them easily recognised. Thirteen species are known, all natives
-of tropical America and the West Indies, but few are in cultivation, and
these are in England chiefly employed as stocks for other kinds of Cactes,
such as the Epiphyllums.

The genus was named in honour of N, F. Peiresk, a senator of Aix,
who is said to have “collected a considerable library and herbarium, but
published nothing.” The name is sometimes spelled Peirescia.

P. ACULEATA, Plumier (Cactus Pereskia, Linneeus), THE BARBADOES
GOOSEBERRY OR BLapD APPLE.—Though this plant is rarely seen in England
except as a stock for Epiphyllums, or in course of preparation for that
purpose, it is decidedly ornamental when trained to the roof of a house and
-allowed to flower. Its white blooms are much like a single Rose, or some
‘form of Rubus, are produced in panicles of a dozen or more, slightly drooping
cand very graceful, the narrow white petals and similar green sepals con-
‘trasting rather pleasingly. The leaves are ovate or elliptical, 8 to 4 inches
long, 2 to 3 inches broad, dark shining green ; and the stems, which attain the
height of 10 to 12 feet, and 1 to4 inches in diameter, have numerous dense
‘clusters of strong spines. As the popular name implies, the fruit is much
like a Gooseberry, the similarity being observable not only in the form and
size, but in the colour and flavour also, and in some of the West Indian
Islands, especially in Barbadoes, a much-valued preserve is prepared from
the fruits, and is said to possess expectorant qualities. The use of this plant
.as a, stock has been described under Epiphyllum, and it need only be added
that it can be raised from seeds as well as from cuttings, the latter being,
however, the quicker method. The time of flowering varies, sometimes
-occurring in the summer months, July, August, or September, and at others
in early spring.

This species has been an inhabitant of English gardens for a great
number of years, as it is recorded as included in the Hampton Court
collection in 1696, and is mentioned by Dillenius thirty or forty years sub-
‘sequently. When it was first used as a stock for Epiphyllums is uncertain,
but it was employed in that way early in the present century. Several
varieties have been described differing in the leaves, snch as lancevlata,
‘rotundifolia, and rubescens, the names indicating the characters,

P. Bix0, Decandolle—An extremely distinct and bold-looking plant,
-with strong cylindrical stems, clusters of long formidable spines, and large
dark green obovate leaves, 4 to 6 inches long, and 3 to 4 inches broad. It
attains considerable size, growing rapidly, and soon reaching under cultiva-
tion a height of 10 feet, frequently requiring to be cut down to keep it within
bounds. The flowers are round, 1 to 2 inches across, the petals similarly
placed to those in P. aculeata, but broader, and of a rich rosy crimson colour,
varying slightly in depth of tint, being sometimes more delicate in hue ;
‘but all are pretty, as the flowers are borne in clusters or close panicles on the
upper part of the branches, and are produced about the same time as in
88 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

P. aculeata, varying like that species. It is one of Humboldt’s discoveries,
having been found on the banks of the Magdalena in New Grenada, but it
was first received in Britain from Mexico, whence it was sent to the Glasgow
Botanic Gardeas in 1827. In America the native name for the plant is.
Bleo, and in some parts the leaves are said to be used as a salad.

Owing to its quick growth, and the stem being stronger than P. aculeata,
this would probably make a good stock for large specimen Epiphyllums ;.
but no instance of its being so employed has come under my notice, though
it would be well worth a trial.

Few of the other Pereskias are cultivated, but one, P. calandrinizfolia, is
used on the Continent as a stock for Epiphyllums, though I am not aware
that it is superior in any way to P. aculeata. Several are named after the
resemblance of their flowers to other plants, as P. lychnidiflora, P. opuntia-
flora, and P. zinnizeflora, most of the others having names referring to the
form of the leaves, the flowers being generally rose-coloured, while in a
few cases the leaves are small and almost as rudimentary as in some of the
Opuntias.

CACTUSES OUT OF DOORS AND IN COLD
FRAMES.

In the preceding notes some reference has been made to species that
ean be grown out of doors in England, but the following summary of Mr.
E. G. Loder’s practice as described by him at the evening meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society in Burlington House, May 8th, 1883, will
indicate what success may be expected under this system. When planted
out cf doors a dry sloping border is selected, or a position near the
rockery where the plants are protected from rain by projecting ledges of
stone, where some fifty species of Cacteze and other succulent plants have:
endured 16° of frost without injury. Of the Cactez the following have:
been so treated :—Echinocactus Simpsoni, Echinocereus phoeniceus, H. viri-
diflorus, Mamillaria vivipara var. texensis, Opuntia arborescens, O. mis-
souriensis, O. missouriensis var, humilis, 0. m. var, trichophora, O. eripacea,
O. Rafinesquei, and O. vulgaris. No doubt many others could be given.
in the same way; but a preforable mode of cultivating even these hardy
species is in a cold frame, as the plants always have a better appearance.
Mr. Loder’s method is to place the pots on planks raised slightly above
the soil, and cocoa-nut fibre refuse is packed between the pots. No water
is given throughout the winter, but in the spring and during the summer
the plants are watered and syringed freely, closing the frames early in the
afternoon, By this means a quick healthy growth is induced, which is
well matured in the autumn by removing the lights except in wet weather,
and the plants flower even more readily than some of those grown in
DISEASES AND INSECTS, 89

heated houses, The principal species that have been grown in such frames
are KE, chloranthus, E. Fendleri, E. gonacanthus, Opuntia camanchicea,,.
O. hystricina, and O. Whipplei; but, as was observed in the earlier
chapters, a large number of Cactez are benefited by being so treated
during the summer months.

DISEASES AND INSECTS.

Cactaceous plants are subject to few diseases, and the only one whick
gives any trouble to the cultivator is a decay of the stem, which is some-
times very rapid. It is occasioned by excessive moisture in the soil, or
more frequently perhaps by a drip from the roof of the house, and can be
guarded against by the exercise of a little care. If a decay spot is ob-
served itis a good plan to rub a little lime on it or cut the piece out, and
fill the hole with lime; but very often when the injury is first noticed it is
too late to effect a cure, so that preventive measures are in this, as in
many other matters, much the best. Numerous insects attack these
plants—green fly, red spider, mealy bug, and various kinds of scale, but
the two last-named are the most troublesome and difficult to eradicate.
The mealy bug in particular harbours in the clusters of spines, and is not
easily removed by syringing, a small stiff brush being the most useful and
ready means of cleaning the plants. Scale can be removed ina similar
way, or with a small pointed stick, and green fly can be easily destroyed
by moderate fumigation with tobacco. An excessively dry hot atmosphere
causes the appearance and rapid increase of red spider, which soon
effectually injures the plants. Cooler quarters, with frequent syringing,
or sponging with softsoap and water, will soon diminish their numbers,
while diluted petroleum is strongly recommended by some persons for
the same purpose, Mr. Wright, who has charge of tho Cromwell House
collection, relying exclusively upon this as an effective insecticide.
90

PORTRAITS OF CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

To aid those who may be desirous of identifying any plants they have
in their collections the following list has been prepared of portraits pub-
lished in works which are readily accesssible in English libraries. The
names given are those under which the plants are figured, and in cases
where the same plant has been represented in several works under different
titles the name most generally accepted has been selected. The following
abbreviations are employed to indicate the works containing the plates,
and where two figures are given the first is the number of the volume.

ABBREVIATIONS.

A.R.—Andrews’ Botanists’ Repository. B.M.—Botanical Magazine. B.R.—Botanical
Register. B.S.—Boundary Survey, Cactacer of the United States and Mexico; by Dr.
George Engelmann. E.M.—Report of Explorations for a Railroad from the Mississippi
River to the Pacific Ocean; by Dr. George Engelmann. J.M.—Jardine’s Magazine.
L.C.—Loddiges’ Botanical Cabinet. P.C.—Pfeiffer’s Cactee. P.F.G.—Paxton’s Flower
Garden. P.G.—Decandolle’s Plantes Grasses. P.41.—Paxton’s Magazine of Botany.
R.C.—Decandolle’s Revue des Cactées.

Oacrus— CEREUS (Continued)—
alatus, B.M. 2820 Engelmanni, B.S. 57
cochinellifer, B.M. 2741 enneacanthus, B.S. 48
Dillenii, B.R. 8, 255 eriophorus, P.C. 1. 22
flagelliformis, B.M. 17 extensus, B.M. 4066
gibbosus, B.R. 2, 137 Fendleri, B.S. 51
hexagonus, A.R. 8, 513 fragriformis, P.C. 1, 12
mammillaris, P.G. 111 grandiflorus, B.M. 3381
Melocactus, P.G. 112 »  Maynardi, P.M. 14, 75
Opuntia, B.M. 2393 giganteus, B.S. 61
parasiticus, P.G. 59 gonacanthus, E.M. 4, 5

hyllanthoides, B.M. 2092 Gregzi, B.S. 63
Phvllasitins BM. 2602 hexeedrus, E.M. 4, 5
polyanthus, B.M. 2601 Hookeri, P.C. 1, 5
speciosissimus, B.M. 2305 latifrons, B.M. 3813
speciosus, B.R. 4, 304 Leeanus, B.M. 4417
Tuna, B.M, 1557 leptophis, R.C. 12

leucanthus, B.R. 26,13

Crreus— longisetus, B.S. 45
Berlandieri, B.S. 58 MacDonaldie, B.M. 4707
Bigelovii, E.MM. 4, 4 Martianus, B.M. 2768
ceespitosus, B.S, 43 multiplex, B.M. 3789
coccineus, P.C. 1, 14 Napoleonis, B.M. 3458
cerulescens, B.M. 8922 paucispinus, B.S. 56
conoideus, H.M. 4, 4 pentalophus, B.M. 3651
crenatus, B.R. 30, 31 peruvianus, P.C. 2,5
Crimsoni, B.R. 19, 1565 pheeniceus, E.M. 4, 4
ctenoides, B.S. 42 phyllanthus, P.C. 1, 10
Curtisii, P.C, 1, 11 Pitajaya, B.M. 4084
dasyacanthus, 3.8. 39 polyacanthus, B.S. 54
-dubius, B.S. 50 procumbens, B.S. 59
Emoryi, B.S. 60 reductus, B.M. 4443

 
PORIRAIYS OF CACTACEOUS PLANTS. 91

CEREUS (Continued)—
repandus, B.R. 4, 336
Royeni, B.M, 3125
Schrankii, P.C. 1, 27
serpentinus, B.M. 3566
setaceus, P.C. 1, 16
setosus, L.C. 1887
speciosissimus, B.M. 3822
speciosus, B.R. 4, 304
stramineus, B.S. 46
triangularis, B.R. 21, 1807
ele EB. 4,4
truncatus, B.R. 9, 696
Tweediei, B.M. 4498
undatus, P.C. 1, 23
variabilis, B.S. 60

Discocactus—
insignis, P.C. 2, 1
tricornis, P.C. 2, 28

Disocactus—
biformis, B.R. 81, 9

EcHInocactus—
acutissimus, PC. 15:20)
arrigens, P.C. 2, 27
bicolor, P.C. 2, 25
brevihamatus, B.S. 18
Bridgesi, P.C. 2, 14
centeterius, B M. 3974
chloranthus, B.S. #7

chlorophthalmus. B.M. 4373

cinnabarinus, B.M. 4326
concinnus, B.M. 4115
coptonogonus, P.C. 2, 19
cornigerus, R.C. 10
coryuodes, B.M. 8906
cylindraceus, B.S. 30
Echidne, R.C. 11
echinsides, PC. 2,2
Emotyi, E.M. 4, 3
Hyriesii, B.M. 3411
fossulatus, P.C. 2.123
hexeedrophorus, B.M, 4311
horizonthalonius, B.S. 31
hybocentrus, P.C. 1, 21
intertextus, B.S. 34
Lecontei, BS, 27
Leeanus, B.M. 4194
Jeucacanthus, P.C. 1, 14
Jongihamatus B.M. 1639
Mackizanus, B.M. 8561
mamillarioides, B.M. 3558
marginatus. P.C. 2, 30
zoultifiorus, B.M. 4181
myriostigma, B.M. 4177
obvallatus, P.C. 2, 22

 

Ecutwocactus (Continued) —
Ottonis, B.M. 3107
oxygonus, B.M, 4162
Parryi, B.S, 32

ectiniferus, B,M. 4190

entlandi, BM, 4124
Pfeifferi, P.C. 2, 2
phyllacanthus, P.C, 1
polyancistrus, EM. 4
polycephalus, E.M. +t,
rhodophthalmus, B.M. 4486
Sandillon, B.S, 33
Scheer, B.S. 17
Scopa, B,R. 25, 24
Sellovii, P.C.1, 1
sessiliflorus, BLM. 3569
setispinus, B.S. 20
streptocaulon, B,M. 4562
tenuispinus, B,M. 898 s3
tetracanthus, P.C. 2, 6,
texensis, BS. 33
tubiflorus, B.M. 3627
turbiniformis, Pe ce 2,3
uncinatius, P.C, 2, 18°
unguispinus, B.S, ve
viridescens, B.S, 29
viridiflorus, B. 8. 36
Visnaga, B.M, 4559
Whipplei, E.M. 4, 1
Williamsi, B.M, 4296
Wislizeni, E.M. 4,3

9
2
3

Ecurorsis—
See E M. 4567
cristata, B.M. 4.
multiplex, P.C. ~ 4
oxygona, P.C. 2, 4
pectinata, P.C. 2, 10
turbinata, P.C. 2, 7

EriruayLLUM—
Altensteinii, P.C. 1, 28
Russellianum, B.M. 3717
splendidum, P.M. 1, 49
truncatum, P.M, 8, 79

LEUCHTENBERGIA—
principis, B.M. 4393

MAMILLARIA—
affinis, R.C. 6
atrata, B.M. 3642
barbata, B.S. 6
bicolor, P.C. 1, 8
cirrhifera, P.C. 1, 7
Clava, B.M. 4358
conoidea, R.C. 2
criniformis, B.C. 4
92 CACTACEOUS PLANTS.

MAMILLARIA (Continued)—
crinita, R.C. 3
dasyacantha, B.S. 12
discolor, L.C. 1671
Echinus, B.S. 10
elephantidens, P.C. 2 ae a
eriacantha, P.C. 1, 25
fissurata, B.S. 16
floribunda, B.M. 3647
Goodridgii, B.S. 8
Grahami, B.S. 6
gummifera, B.8. 9
Heyderi, B.S. 9
lasiacantha, B.S. 3
Lehmanni, B.M. 36
longimamma, R.C. {
macracantha, R.C. {
macromeris, BS.
meiacantha, B.S.
micromeris, B.S.
nigricans, P.C, 2,
pectinata, B.S. 11
phellosperma, B.S. 7
pulchra, B.R. 16, 1329
pusilla, B.S. 5
pycnacantha, B.M. 3972
radiosa, B.S. 13
Seitziana, P.C. 1,8
Sempervivi, R.C. 8
simplex, R.C. 7
tenuis, B.M. 3646
tetracantha, B.M, 4060
tuberculosa, B.S. 12
turbinata, B.M. 598
uberiformis, P.C. 1,13
unemata, P.C. 1, 19
Wrighti, B.S. 8
zephyranthoides, P.C. 2, &

£

ee a

1
9
1

25

MELOcAcTUS—
communis, B.M. 3090
depressus, B.M. 3691

OruntTIA—
acanthocarpa, H.M. 4, 18
angustata, E.M. 4, 7
arborescens, E.M. 4, 17
aurantiaca, B.R. 19, 1606
basilaris, E.M. 4, 13
Bigelovit, B.M. 4, 19
brachyarthra, E.M, 4, 12
brasiliensis, B.M. 8293
bulbispina, BS. 73
camanchica, E.M. 4, 9
chlorotica, E.M. 4, 6
clavata, E.M, 4, 22
coccinellifera, P.c. 1, 24
curassavica, P.C. 1,6

 

OpunTIA (Continued)—
cylindrica, B.M. 3301
cymochila, E.M. 4, 12
Darwinii, J.M. 1, 14
decumbens, B.M. 5914
echinocarpa, E.M. 4, 18
Emoryi, B.S. 70
Engelmanni, E.M. 4, 8
erinacea, E.M. 4, 13
filipendula, B.S. 63
foliosa, P.C. 1, 18
frutescens, E..M. 4, 20
fusco-atra, E.M. 4,11
fusiformis, E.M. 4, 12
galapageia, J.M.
Grahami, B.S. 72
hystricina, ELM. 4, 1
imbricata, B.S, 73
macrorhiza, B.S.
missouriensis, E.
mohavensis, EM. i
monacantha, B.M. 391

I. 4 Zz
4

9
1 14

69
M. 4
4,9

occidentalis, Ii. 7
procumbens, E. ae 6
Rafinesquii, 5.1 a ye
Salmiana, BM 4
Schottii, B.S. 73
spheerocarpa, E.M. 4, 13
stenochila, E.M. 4, 12
stenopetala, B.S, U6
Strigil, B.S. 67
tessellata, E.M. 4, 21
tortispina, E.M. 4, 8
vaginata, E.M. 4, 20
vulgaris, E.M, 4, 10

PERESKIA—
aculeata, B.R. 23, 1928
Bleo, B.M. 3478

PHYLLOCACTUS—
Ackermanni, B.M. 3598
anguliger, P.G, 34
phyllanthoides, P.C. 2, 17
speciosissimo-crenatus, P.F.G.
62

RAIPSALIS—
bracheata, B.M., 4039
Cassvtha, B.M. 3080
fasciculata, B.M. 3079
grandiflora, B.M. 2740
mes*mbryanthemoides, B.M.

5078

pentaptera, 1, 17
salicornioides, B.M. 2491
sarmentacea, B.M. 5130
PORTRAITS OF CACTACEOUS PLANTS. 93

There are several good works of reference on the Cactex, buf there is
not one devoted to these plants in the English language. Dr. Engelmann’s
descriptions are extremely valuable. The majority are in Latin, but some
useful additional particulars or duplicate descriptions are given in English.
The plates, too, are most beautifully executed. A very full and uselul
work is the ‘“ Monographie de la Famille des Cactées” by J. Labouret,
which, in 682 closely printed pages, gives an elaborate account of the
family—descriptive, structural, and cultural. Decandolle’s and Pfeiffer’s
works contain much information that cannot be obtained elsewhere; and
several other Continental botanists have also contributed works of more or
less importance to those interested in Cactaceous plants.

 
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