m 

 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
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 PRESENTED BY 
 
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 ERIC SCHMIDT
 
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 Gardening for Profit, 
 
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 HENDERSON'S 
 
 HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BY 
 
 PETER HENDERSON, 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 GARDENING FOR PROFIT," "PRACTICAL FLORICULTURE," 
 "GARDENING FOR PLEASURE," ETC., ETC. 
 
 NEW YORK : 
 PUBLISHED BY PETER HENDERSON & COMPANY, 
 
 35 CORTLANDT STREET 
 
 1881.
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881, by 
 
 PETER HENDERSON & CO., 
 In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. 
 
 E. 8. DODGE PRINTING HOUSE, 95 CHAMBERS ST. , N. Y.
 
 ti 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 IN offering to florists, gardeners, and amateurs interested in horticulture, the 
 Handbook of Plants, I do so in the belief that it will, to some extent, fill a want 
 that has long been felt by thousands in this country the want of a concise yet com- 
 prehensive dictionary of plants. 
 
 As a book of reference, it is believed it will take the place, for all practical purposes, 
 of the expensive and voluminous European works of this kind; and as it has been 
 written with a special view to the wants of the climate of the United States, both in 
 matters of propagation and culture, it will, in these important particulars, I flatter 
 myself, be found much more valuable than any European work of this class. 
 
 Instructions for the culture of many important plants, such as the Rose, have been 
 given at length, and these articles, as in all my previous writings on horticultural sub- 
 jects, are a plain relation of the methods in use in our own extensive business. 
 
 The scope of the work embraces the botanical name, derivation, and the lannaean 
 and natural orders of all the leading genera of ornamental or useful plants up to the 
 present time, together witk all important species and varieties, with brief instructions 
 for propagation and culture. 
 
 A valuable feature of the book, particularly to amateurs, is the great care that has 
 been given to obtaining all known local or common names; and as the arrangement of 
 the book is alphabetical, any plant wanted can be thus quickly referred to under either 
 its scientific or common name. An Index is also added, where important plants or 
 modes of culture can be referred to at once. 
 
 A comprehensive glossary of botanical and technical terms, together with general 
 horticultural terms and practices, is also given, which will be found of great value even 
 to the experienced horticulturist. 
 
 I with pleasure acknowledge the able assistance I have received in getting up the 
 work from C. Hi. Allen, of Garden City, L. I., who for two years has lent his valuable 
 aid in researching and compiling as well as in writing many important parts of the 
 book. 
 
 I am also indebted to the following books used as authorities in compiling the 
 Handbook of Plants: 
 
 London's Encyclopaedia of Plants; Paxton's Botanical Dictionary; Paxton's Mag- 
 azine of Botany; Johnson's Gardener's Dictionary ; Macintosh's Book of the Garden: 
 Ehind's Vegetable Kingdom; Lindley's Treasury of Botany ; Orchid Grower's Manual : 
 Millers Gardener's Dictionary; Gerarde's Herbal (1597); Parkinson's Garden of Pleas- 
 ant Flowers (1629); Dodoen's Plants (1587); Gray's Manual of Botany; Chapman's 
 Southern Flora; Darlington's American Weeds and Useful Plants; American Agricul- 
 turist, of New York; the Gardener's Monthly, of Philadelphia, Pa.; and The Garden^ 
 London, England. 
 
 PETER HENDERSON. 
 
 Jersey City Heights, N. J., March 1st, 1881.
 
 HENDERSON'S 
 HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ABA 
 
 A baca, a popular name given to one of the 
 
 J\. Musas or Bananas of the Philippine Islands. 
 
 Abele. The White Poplar, Populus alba, of Eu- 
 rope ; a tree that has been extensively planted 
 as an ornamental tree, but discarded because 
 of its tendency to sucker and spread beyond 
 control. 
 
 Abelia. After Dr. Abd, physician to the embas- 
 sage of Lord Amherst to China. Linn. Pen- 
 tandrta-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Caprifdiacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house shrubs, found in 
 India, China, Mexico, and Japan. They are of a 
 slender branching habit, bearing opposite leaves 
 and terminal bunches of tubular flowers, rose 
 colored or dark crimson. A. rupestris, a native 
 of China, is of dwarf habit, and flowers pro- 
 fusely in autumn or winter. The flowers are in 
 compact clusters, very fragrant. A. floribunda, a 
 Mexican species, has dark-colored flowers, pro- 
 duced from the axils of the leaves. This species 
 is inclined to grow straggly. All the species are 
 increased by cuttings. Introduced in 1844. 
 
 Abies. Spruce, Fir. The classical Latin name. 
 Linn. Monaecia-Monaddphia. Nat. Ord. Pinaceos. 
 An extensive genus of hardy evergreen trees. 
 Most of the species are ornamental, and exten- 
 sively planted for hedges around large grounds* 
 or for single specimens on the lawn. A. excelsa, 
 the Norway Spruce, is the most commonly 
 planted, and one of the best of our native spe- 
 cies. A. alba is the White Spruce ; A. Canadensis, 
 the common Hemlock; A. balsamea, the Balsam 
 Fir; and A. nigra, the Black or Double Spruce. 
 A. Douglassi is a noble species, common west 
 of the Bocky Mountains. It attains a height of 
 two hundred feet, and a diameter of ten feet, 
 and is entitled to a place among the "great trees" 
 of California. 
 
 Abobra. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 llonoRda-Monaddphia. Nat. Ord. Cacurbitacece. 
 
 A. viridiftora is a very pretty climber, suitable 
 for planting out during summer. Foliage dark 
 green and glossy ; flowers insignificant, but the 
 small scarlet fruit makes the plant very effec- 
 tive. Root tuberous; perennial. Keep during 
 winter like the Dahlia. 
 
 A.broma. From a, privative, and broma, food; 
 unfit to be eaten. Linn. Polyaddphia-Decandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Sterculiacece. 
 
 Handsome, free flowering species, of easy cul- 
 ture, growing readily in common loam, and prop- 
 agated by seeds or offsets. The flowers are in 
 terminal or axillary clusters, yellow or purple. 
 The bark of A. augusta, a native of the East 
 Indies, furnishes a very strong white fiber, 
 iised in the manufacture of cordage that is 
 not liable to be weakened by exposure to wet. 
 This plant is rarely met, except in botanical col- 
 lections. 
 
 ACA 
 
 Abronia. From abros, delicate ; referring to the 
 involucrtun. Linn. Pentandria-Mtmogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Nyctaginacece. 
 
 These charming annuals are natives of Cali- 
 fornia. A. umbdlata, introduced in 1826, is a 
 handsome trailing plant, well adapted for rock- 
 work, suspended baskets, or beds, flowering 
 freely during the autumn months. Flowers in 
 trusses, like the Verbena, of a rosy-lilac color, 
 very fragrant. They succeed well also in the 
 garden border. Seed should be sown as soon as 
 the ground is in order. They may with profit be 
 started in a hot-bed or frame, and transplanted 
 to any desired situation. 
 
 Abrus. Wild Liquorice. From abros, soft; in 
 allusion to the delicacy of the leaves. Linn. Dia- 
 ddphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Ibbacece. 
 
 A. precatorius, the only species, is found in 
 India, the West Indies, and the Mauritius. It is 
 chiefly remarkable for its small egg-shaped 
 seeds, which are of a brilliant scarlet color, with 
 a black mark, indicating the place where they 
 were attached to the pod. These seeds are 
 much used for necklaces and other ornamental 
 purposes, and are employed in India as a stand- 
 ard of weight, under the name of Bati. The 
 weight of the Koh-i-noor diamond is known to 
 have been ascertained in this way. The specific 
 name is from precatorius, prayer, the seeds being 
 used for rosaries. 
 
 Abutilon. Chinese Bell-flower. Arabic name for 
 a plant like a Mallow. Linn. Monadelphia-Poty- 
 andria. Nat. Ord. MalvacecK. 
 
 A highly interesting genus of hot and green- 
 house plants, widely spread throughout all the 
 warm latitudes. They produce white, rose, yel- 
 low, or orange colored flowers, all except the 
 white being veined or striped with red and 
 crimson. They grow rapidly when planted in 
 sandy loam, and are readily propagated by cut- 
 tings. 
 
 Acacia. From akazo, to sharpen, on account of 
 the prickliness of the species first noticed. Linn. 
 Pdygam'M-MonoBcia. Nat. Ord. Legumlnosce. 
 
 An extensive group of really handsome plants, 
 many of them assuming in their native posi- 
 tions the character of timber trees; but with us 
 are easily accommodated in a good conserva- 
 tory, where their bright yellow flowers, pro- 
 duced in winter and early spring, are highly or- 
 namental. They are for the most part natives of 
 New Holland and adjacent countries, though a 
 few have been found both in the East and West 
 Indies. They succeed best when planted out in 
 the green-house, but may be satisfactorily man- 
 aged in pots, if placed in a sandy loam. Cut- 
 tings may be struck in a gentle heat under 
 glass, though young plants are more easily ob- 
 tained from seed.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ACA 
 
 Acalypha. From akalos, unpleasant, and aphe, 
 touch. Linn. Moncecia-Monaddphia. Nat. Ord. 
 EuphartAacece. 
 
 A. tricolor, the only species worthy of cultiva- 
 tion, is a handsome green-house shrub, with 
 variegated foliage, green, copper colored, and 
 red, irregularly mottled and blotched. It is a 
 native of the New Hebrides, introduced in 1866. 
 It is a free-growing plant, suitable for the con- 
 servatory, or filling in rustic designs. It is in- 
 creased by cuttings. 
 
 Acanthophcenix. A genus of Palms, established 
 for two species of Areca from the Mascaren Is- 
 lands. They do not appear to differ from that 
 genus except in habit. The stems are shorter, 
 and the petiole and midrib of the leaves are 
 armed with long filiform prickles. 
 
 Acanthus. From akanthos, a spine; some of the 
 species being spiny. Linn. Didynamia-Angio- 
 sperma. Nat. Ord. Acanthacece. 
 
 Hardy herbaceous plants of but little merit, 
 except that they will grow in almost any soil or 
 situation, and are of a stately character. It is 
 conjectured that the leaf of A. mottis or A. spi- 
 nosus furnished the ancients with the elegant 
 leaves of the Corinthian column. 
 
 Acer. Maple. The word, in Latin, signifies 
 vigorous or sharp, and comes from the Celtic 
 ac, meaning a point. The name is used to desig- 
 nate this genus on account of the wood having 
 formerly been much sought after for manufac- 
 turing into heads of pikes and lances. Linn. 
 Polygamia-Monoecia. Nat. Ord. Aceracece. 
 
 This genus is composed of beautiful trees of 
 large size, used extensively as shade trees, and is 
 one of our most valuable trees for fine lumber. 
 Thomas Hogg has lately introduced from Ja- 
 pan several low-growing, ornamental varieties, 
 the foliage having the entire summer a rich 
 autumnal appearance. They are perfectly hardy, 
 and propagated by grafting on a dwarf species 
 from Japan. 
 
 Achania. From akanos, closed ; corolla does not 
 expand wide. Linn. Monaddphia-Polyandria. Nat 
 Ord. Malvaceae. 
 
 A genus of green-house shrubs, inhabiting 
 South America, Mexico, and the West Indies. 
 A. Malvaviscus is remarkable for the beauty of 
 its scarlet axillary flowers, and its green, heart- 
 shaped, sharply pointed leaves. Introduced 
 in 1780. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Achillea. Yarrow. Named in honor of Achilles, a 
 pupil of Chiron, who first used it in medicine 
 Linn. Syngenesia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracea;. 
 Free-flowering, hardy herbaceous plants par- 
 ticularly suited to plant among rock-work, or in 
 situations refused by more tender plants. They 
 are chiefly European plants, and the prevailing 
 colors of the flowers are yellow and white. A 
 millefdium is a native, and the common Yarrow, 
 or Milfoil, of our roadsides and neglected fields. 
 
 Acnimenes. From chdmaino, to suffer from cold, 
 and a prefixed as an augment! ve; alluding to the 
 tenderness of the genus. Linn. Didynamia-An- 
 gwspermia. Nat. Ord. Gesneracece. ' 
 
 One of the finest of modern introductions, the 
 whole of the species being splendid summer 
 ornaments of the green-house or conservatory 
 Flowers of all shades, from white to crimson 
 Ihe scaly buds or rhizomes require to be kept 
 perfectly dormant in winter, and about Janu- 
 ary to be potted in light loam and leaf-mould 
 plunged into a moderate hot-bed, and encour- 
 aged with a warm, genial atmosphere. When 
 they have attained a few inches in height they 
 
 ACE 
 
 may be placed several together in a shallow pan, 
 or repotted separately, and by the end of April 
 gradually inured to the temperature of the 
 green-house, where they afford a blaze of beauty 
 the whole of the summer. They are mostly na- 
 tives of Mexico and Guatemala, though a few 
 have been received from the West Indies. 
 
 Achyranthes. From achuron, chaff, and anthos, 
 a flower; in allusion to the chaffy nature of the 
 floral leaves. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Amaranthacece. 
 
 Most of this genus-are of but little value. Some 
 of the species are very beautiful, and largely 
 employed in ribbon gardening, or any situation 
 where plants need to be " trained," as they can 
 be made to grow-in any desired shape or form. 
 They require the full sunshine to develop their 
 intense color. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Acineta. From akineta, immovable; the lip being 
 jointless. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of curious epiphytal Orchids 
 from Mexico. Flowers yellow, crimson, and yel- 
 low, and chocolate and crimson, borne on slen- 
 der spikes about one foot long. They are of 
 easy culture, requiring a house of medium tem- 
 perature, and to be grown in baskets of moss. 
 Introduced in 1837. 
 
 Acis. After Acis, a Sicilian shepherd. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryUidacece. 
 A genus of hardy bulbs closely allied to the 
 Snowflake. They propagate readily by offsets. 
 They should have a sandy soil, and not be often 
 divided. 
 
 Acnida. Water Hemp. Taken from a, privative 
 and-fcmde, nettle; the plant being like a Nettle, 
 but without stings. Linn. Dioecia-Pentandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Chonopodiacea>. 
 
 A. cannabina, . the only species, is a coarse 
 growing, uninteresting plant common in salt 
 marshes on the coast from Massachusetts to the 
 Carolinas. 
 
 Aconitum. Aconite, Monkshood, Wolfsbane. 
 From Acorn, a town in Bithynia, where found 
 Linn. Polyandria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Ranun- 
 culacece. 
 
 Herbaceous perennials, chiefly natives of Eu- 
 rope, but partly of North America and Japan. 
 They are all hardy, and they are generally tall- 
 growing,handsome plants, producing abundance 
 of dark-blue, purple, or yellow flowers. They 
 grow freely and are good plants for the open bor- 
 der. They are readily increased by division of the 
 roots, which are generally tuberous, or by seeds. 
 All the species are more or less poisonous, the 
 poison boing strongest in the root. Like all 
 plants which grow with tall, erect stems, and 
 produce their flowers in terminal spikes, they 
 are only suitable for growing in borders in large 
 gardens, or for clumps on a lawn. The species 
 may be divided into two kinds: those with the 
 helmet like a monk's cowl, which are called 
 Monkshood, and those which have an elongated 
 conical helmet, and are called Wolfsbane. 
 
 Acorus. Sweet Flag, Calamus. From a, priva- 
 tive, and kore, the pupil of the eye; referring 
 to its medicinal qualities. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Orontiacea?. 
 
 A well-known genus of marsh plants, natives 
 of the United States, Europe, and Asia. A. cala- 
 mus is the Sweet Flag, esteemed for its medicinal 
 virtues. 
 
 Acroclinium. Derivation of name unknown. 
 Linn. Syngenesia-Polygamia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. 
 Composite.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ACR 
 
 This interesting annual is one of the most valu- 
 able of the class known as Everlasting Flowers, and 
 is grown extensively for winter bouquets. The 
 seeds should be started in the hot-bed and trans- 
 planted where they are to grow. Flowers should 
 be picked as they begin to expand, and care- 
 fully dried in the shade. A plant of recent in- 
 troduction from Western Australia. 
 
 Acrocomia. From akros, top, and kome, a tuft ; 
 referring to the way the leaves are produced. 
 Linn. Moncecia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. Palma- 
 cecn. 
 
 A genus of gigantic Palms, natives of South 
 America and the West Indies. Some of the 
 species grow to the height of forty feet, with 
 leaves fifteen feet in length, giving to the coun- 
 tries they inhabit a feature of exquisite grand- 
 eur. The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable, 
 and the fruit, root, and stems are applied to 
 various economic purposes. Some of the spe- 
 cies are found in our green-houses, but are too 
 large for general hot-house culture. 
 
 Acrophorus. From akros, summit, and phoreo, 
 to bear. Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. 
 Polypodiacece. 
 
 A small genus of handsome green-house Ferns 
 from Borneo and New Zealand. They are closely 
 allied to the Davattiece, and require the same 
 treatment. 
 
 Acroph.yllum. From akros, summit, andpfa/Mon, a 
 leaf; referring to the way in which the leaves 
 are produced at the summit of the branches 
 above the flowers. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Cunoniacecv. 
 
 A small genus of very handsome green-house 
 lants, that flower profusely in the spring. The 
 owers are small, white tinged with red, pro- 
 duced in dense whorls round the upper part of 
 the stem and branches. They are natives of 
 New Holland, introduced in 1836. Propagated by 
 cuttings. 
 
 Acropteris. From akros, a point, and pteris, a 
 Fern. Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
 podiacece. 
 
 This beautiful Fern, allied to Asplenium, is 
 a green-house variety, readily propagated by 
 division of the roots. It requires a light, loamy 
 soil, with a liberal mixture of sand and leaf 
 mould. A native of New Holland. 
 
 Acrostichum. Supposed to refer to the begin- 
 ning of a verse, on account of the back sur- 
 faces of the leaves being so lined as to resemble 
 in some degree the commencement of lines in 
 poetry. Linn. Oryptogamia-FUices. Nat. Ord. 
 Polypodiacece. 
 
 An interesting genus of tropical Ferns, that 
 succeed well in a mixture of loam and leaf mould. 
 Increased by division of roots, or by seed. In- 
 troduced from the West Indies in 1792. 
 
 Actsea. Baneberry. From aktara, the Elm; re- 
 ferring to the leaves. Linn. Polyandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Ranunculacem. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, of 
 but little beauty; common in rich woods in the 
 Northern States. 
 
 Actinidia. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 Monadelphia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Ternstrcemia- 
 cece. 
 
 A. potygamia, the only species, is a handsome 
 climbing shrub, native of Eastern Siberia. 
 Flowers produced in axillary racemes, white and 
 fragrant; these are succeeded by small edible 
 berries. It is a rapid grower, quite ornamental, 
 and useful for covering trellises. It is increased 
 from seed or from cuttings. 
 
 pl 
 flo 
 
 ADH 
 
 Ada. A complimentary name. Linn. Gynandria- 
 Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A. auranliaca, the only species, is a beautiful 
 epiphytal Orchid found in high latitudes in 
 New Grenada. It has broad, drooping, evergreen 
 foliage, and a drooping flower-spike about ten 
 inches long. The flowers are clear orange-yellow, 
 placed rather far apart on the stalk, and never 
 fully expand. It is a free-growing plant, and 
 should have a cool, airy situation in the Orchid 
 house. It is increased by division. Introduced 
 in 1844. 
 
 Adam and Eve. See Aplectrum. 
 
 Adam's Needle. See Yucca. 
 
 Adansonia. Baobab Tree. Named in honor of 
 Michel Adanson, a famous French botanist and 
 author, born in 1727. Linn. Monadelphia-Polyan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Bombacece. 
 
 A. digitata (called Monkey Bread) is a native of 
 Western Africa, and is also accredited to Egypt 
 and Abyssinia. Previous to the discovery of the 
 Sequoia in California, the Adansonia, or Baobab, 
 as it is popularly called, was considered the 
 largest tree in the world, some specimens being 
 found thirty feet in diameter; the trunks, only 
 twenty feet below the branches, which are forty 
 to fifty feet long, are of the size of great trees, with 
 their remote branches touching the ground. 
 The roots for a long distance are exposed, some 
 of them measuring more than a hundred feet in 
 length on the surface; how much longer they 
 are, unexposed, could not readily be ascertained. 
 The fruit resembles a gourd, is from nine to 
 twelve inches long, and about four in diameter. 
 The pulp is farinaceous and fibrous, and when 
 ripe has a refreshing, acid taste. Eaten with 
 sugar it is both pleasant and wholesome. The 
 negroes on the western coast apply the trunks 
 of these trees to a very extraordinary purpose. 
 The tree is liable to be attacked by a fungus, 
 which, vegetating in the woody part, without 
 changing the color or appearance, destroys life, 
 and renders the part so attacked as soft as the 
 pith of trees in general. Such trunks are then 
 hollowed into chambers, and within these are 
 suspended the dead bodies of those to whom are 
 refused the honor of burial. There they become 
 mummies, perfectly dry, and well preserved, 
 without further preparation or embalming, and 
 are known by the name giuriot*. 
 
 Adder's Mouth. The common name of the Mi- 
 crostylis,& small bulbous plant, common in moist 
 woods southward. 
 
 Adder's Tongue. A name applied to the Erythro- 
 nium Americanum, and also to the Fern, Ophio- 
 glossum vulgatum. 
 
 Adenandria. From aden, a gland, and aner, the 
 stamen or male organ ; referring to the aspect 
 of the anthers. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Rutacece. 
 
 A somewhat extensive genus of green-house 
 evergreen shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope. 
 Some of them are cultivated for their large ter- 
 minal corymbs of bright pink flowers, which are 
 produced in June. All the species are increased 
 by cuttings of young wood. Introduced in 1812. 
 
 Adhatoda. Native name. Linn. Decandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Acanthacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house shrubs, natives 
 of India. The few species composing this genus 
 were formerly included in Justicia. One of the 
 more common species, A. vasica, was formerly 
 called Justicia Adhatoda. They bear a close re- 
 semblance to the Justicias, and require the same 
 treatment.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 ADI 
 
 Adiantopsis. From adiantum and opsis, like ; 
 resembling the Maidenhair. Linn. Oryptogamia- 
 Ftiices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 A small genus of elegant little Ferns from 
 South America, the West Indies, and Africa. A. 
 radiata, one of the best known species, is com- 
 mon in the West Indies. The fronds rise about 
 a foot high from a tufted crown, and radiate in a 
 regular manner from a common center. The 
 species are often seen in cultivation, on account 
 of their small size and elegant character. Prop- 
 agated from seed. 
 
 Adiantum. Maidenhair Fern. From adiantos, 
 dry; the smooth foliage repelling rain-drops. 
 Linn. Oryptogamia-Ftiices. Nat. Ord. Polypodm- 
 
 Of this extensive and much-admired genus 
 of Ferns, this country furnishes but one variety, 
 A. pedatum, our common Maidenhair, which 
 grows in moist woods in nearly every section. 
 Taken up in early spring and transplanted into 
 shady corners of our gardens, it grows readily, 
 and is indispensable in the natural arrangement 
 of flowers in vases or baskets. Some of the ex- 
 otic species of this genus may safely be pro- 
 nounced the most beautiful Ferns known, which 
 is a very broad assertion, in view of the very 
 many rare and beautiful plants to be found in 
 this natural order. All doubts, however, of the 
 truth of the assertion will be removed when we 
 see a well-grown plant of A. fbrleyense in the 
 fern-house. This interesting plant is a native 
 of Barbadoes, whence it was introduced in 1864. 
 'It is the most distinct and beautiful of all the 
 Maidenhair Ferns, and the most difficult to 
 grow to perfection. It requires a warm, moist 
 atmosphere. A. gracilis and A. cuneatum are mag- 
 nificent plants, and are more easily grown. There 
 are many other rare species under cultivation. 
 The growing of this genus from spores has for a 
 long time been practiced, and the several species, 
 with the exception of fbrleyense, have been in- 
 creased at a rapid rate in this way. But getting 
 new varieties from spores,after hybridizing some 
 of the finer species, is a new and unexpected 
 result that has been achieved in a most astonish- 
 ing and satisfactory manner by F. Koenbeck, 
 of Bayonne, N. J., who has not only given us 
 several varieties, but one, A. Roeribeckii, which 
 bears his name, that is, without exception, the 
 most useful as well as the most graceful of any 
 yet introduced. The fronds are erect, with a 
 metallic luster, combined with the delicacy and 
 grace of the finer species. It is well adapted for 
 specimen culture, and is particularly useful in 
 the arrangement of cut flowers, and when so 
 used looks like a lace veil hung over the flowers. 
 This variety was first exhibited in 1876. 
 Adlumia. Mountain Fringe. Dedicated by 
 Rafinesque to Major Adlum, an American au- 
 thor. Linn. Diadelphia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. 
 FamariacecB. 
 
 This beautiful climber is a hardy biennial, 
 growing in moist woods in New York and the 
 Alleghany Mountains of Virginia. It is com- 
 monly called Fumatory, Alleghany Vine, and 
 various other local names. It grows readily 
 from seed, which should be sown in May, near 
 a trellis or arbor. The plants will flower freely, 
 without further care, the following season. 
 Adonis. This owes its classical name to Adonis, 
 the favorite of Venus; some say its existence 
 also, maintaining that it sprung from his blood 
 when dying. Others, again, trace its origin 
 to the tears which Venus shed upon her lover's 
 
 body. Linn. Polyandria-Polygynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Ranuncidacece, 
 
 Herbaceous plants with showy flowers, na- 
 tives of Europe, and of easy culture in any soil. 
 The most ornamental species are A. vernalis, the 
 spring-flowering Adonis, a perennial with bright 
 yellow flowers, which is quite hardy, and is 
 easily increased by division of the root. ; and A. 
 autumnalis, the common annual Flos Adonis, or 
 Pheasant's Eye, with dark crimson flowers. The 
 annual kinds should be sown in autumn, as they 
 will stand the winter in the open air ; or in Feb- 
 ruary or March, as they are a long time in com- 
 ing up. 
 
 JEchmea. From aichme, a point; in reference to 
 the rigid points on the calices, or flower enve- 
 lopes. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 ISromeliacece. 
 
 A small genus of tropical plants, some of 
 which are epiphytes, growing on the tops of very 
 tall trees. They have strap, or sword-shaped 
 leaves, and produce panicles of brilliant scarlet 
 flowers. None of the species are found in culti- 
 vation, except in rare collections. Propagated 
 by division. Introduced in 1844. 
 
 Aerides. From aer, the air; in reference to the 
 power they have of living on air. Linn. Gynan- 
 dr'ia-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A splendid genus of East Indian epiphytal 
 Orchids, remarkable for their beautiful white, 
 pink, or rose-colored, fragrant flowers, and for 
 their rich evergreen foliage. The general ap- 
 pearance of these plants, their wonderful tena- 
 city of life, the remarkable property they possess 
 of imbibing the whole of their nutriment from 
 the atmosphere, without the intervention of any 
 kind of earth, and the elegance and rich perfume 
 of their flowers, combine to make them objects of 
 universal admiration. They require to be grown 
 in a high temperature and a very moist atmos- 
 phere. The more popular species are of quite 
 recent introduction. 
 
 J32schynanthus. From aischuno, to be ashamed, 
 and anthos, a flower. Linn. Didynamia-Angio- 
 spermia. Nat. Ord. Gesneracece. 
 
 A beautiful genus of tropical epiphytal plants. 
 The species are chiefly found in tropical Asia 
 and the East Indies, and may properly be 
 classed with the most gorgeous green-house 
 plants. They have mostly pendant stems, op- 
 posite fleshy leaves, and scarlet, or orange-scar- 
 let flowers. One of the finer species, jE. speciosus, 
 is a native of Java. It is of sub-erect habit, 
 with fascicles of about twenty erect, long-tubed 
 flowers, of rich orange-yellow below, and pass- 
 ing into scarlet at the top, with yellow and black 
 markings. Another species from Java, ^. lon- 
 glflorus, has bright crimson flowers, and is of the 
 same general habit. All the species require to 
 be grown in considerable heat and moisture, 
 and succeed well fastened upon blocks, in the 
 same manner as epiphytal Orchids. They are 
 easily propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 
 1845. 
 
 .SSsculus. Horse Chestnut, Buckeye. From esca, 
 nourishment; referring to the ground flour from 
 the kernels of some species. Linn. Heptandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Sapindacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy ornamental deciduous trees, 
 too well known to need description. jE. Hip- 
 pocaslanum, the common Horse Chestnut, is a na- 
 tive of Asia, introduced into our nurseries from 
 Europe at an early day. JE. glabrais a large grow- 
 ing tree, common South and West, particularly 
 in Ohio, whence the name Buckeye State. At.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 flava, the Sweet Buckeye, and ^E. pavia, the Red 
 Buckeye, are shrubs or small trees, natives of 
 Virginia, and West and South. ^E. Caiifornica 
 is a beautiful, large, spreading shrub, the most 
 ornamental of the whole genus. Its flowers are 
 rose-colored, in racemes about six inches long, 
 and are produced in great abundance from June 
 till July. All the species are propagated by 
 seeds. 
 
 2Ethusa. Fool's Parsley. The name alludes to 
 the acridity of the plants, and is derived from 
 aithusso, to heat or make hot. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Dir/ynia. Nat. Ord. Apiacece. 
 African Lily. See Agapanthus. 
 African Marigold. See Tagetes. 
 Agalmyla. From agalma, an ornament, and hule, 
 a forest. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Gesnerinceft'. 
 
 A small genus of beautiful green-house or hot- 
 house plants from the islands of the Eastern 
 Archipelago. A. staminea is a very handsome 
 plant, epiphytal in habit, creeping and rooting 
 on the trunks of trees. It has strong stems, 
 large, fleshy, Gloxinia-like leaves, and axillary 
 fascicles of from twelve to fifteen flowers each, 
 tubular-shaped, two inches long, bright scarlet. 
 Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Agapanthus. From agape, love, and anthos, a 
 flower. Linn. ffexandria-Tetragynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Liliacea>. 
 
 The Blue African Lily, A. umbellatus, is a no- 
 ble plant, with thick, fleshy roots, and retains its 
 leaves all the winter. There is a variety with 
 striped leaves. A. albidus has white flowers, 
 but it does not differ from the common kind in 
 any other respect. The African Lilies all require 
 a loamy soil, enriched with very rotten manure 
 from an old hot-bed, loosely shaken down in the 
 pot, but not pressed ; and they should be fully 
 exposed to the light. They should also have 
 plenty of water when they are in a growing 
 state, and be shifted repeatedly into larger pots, 
 each only a little larger than the preceding one, 
 till the flower-buds are formed. The plants are 
 always large before they flower ; and when the 
 flower-stalks appear, the plant should be in a 
 large pot, so that the roots may have plenty of 
 room. They should be abundantly supplied 
 with water, taking care, however, not to let any 
 remain in a stagnant state about the roots. 
 Thus treated, this plant will frequently send up 
 a flower-stalk above three feet high, crowned 
 with twenty or thirty flowers, which will open 
 in succession. It flowers in summer, and forms 
 a noble ornament to an architectural terrace, or 
 a fine object on a lawn. 
 
 Agaricus. Derived from Agaria, the name of a 
 town in Samatia. Linn. Cryptogamia- Fungi. Nat. 
 Ord. Mushrooms (Fungi). 
 
 This is the most extensive genus known in the 
 whole vegetable kingdom, and is divided into 
 several different groups. Some of the species 
 are very beautiful in form and color. Very 
 many are deadly poisonous if eaten, while 
 others, as A. campestris, our common edible 
 mushroom, are rare delicacies. 
 Agave. Century Plant, American Aloe. From 
 agavos, admirable, referring to the stately form 
 in which some of them flower. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AmarylKdacea>. 
 
 This celebrated and splendid plant is a native 
 of South America, introduced in 1640. The va- 
 rieties with striped foliage are considered the 
 more desirable as decorative plants. It was at 
 one time a prevailing idea that this plant only 
 
 AIL 
 
 flowered once in a hundred years; but this is 
 found now to be a popular error. If given suf- 
 ficient heat, it will flower when ten or twelve 
 years old. The flower stem rises from the cen- 
 ter of the plant to a height of about thirty feet, 
 bearing an immense number of yellowish-green 
 flowers, after which the plant perishes. New 
 plants are formed around the base of the old 
 one in the form of suckers. It furnishes a vari- 
 ety of products: the plants form impenetrable 
 fences; the leaves furnish fibers of various qual- 
 ities, from that used in the finest thread to that 
 in the strongest rope cables; the juice, when the 
 watery part is evaporated, forms a good soap, 
 and will mix and form a lather with salt water 
 as well as fresh; a very intoxicating drink is 
 also made from the juice, as well as other prepa- 
 rations of a similar nature; the leaves are made 
 into razor-strops, and are also used in scouring 
 all sorts of culinary utensils. 
 
 Ageratum. The colors are constant, always 
 clear; hence the name is compounded of a, priv- 
 ative, and geras, old. Linn. Syngenesia-Polygamia. 
 Nat. Ord. Compositce. 
 
 The species A. Mexicanum, the one usually 
 found in our gardens, is an annual, with small, 
 pale blue flowers, formed in curiously shaped 
 heads. A. angastifolium is a hardy North Amer- 
 ican perennial species, with pure white flowers. 
 Aglamorpha. From aglaos, beautiful, and mor- 
 pha, a form. Linn. Oryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. 
 Polypodiacecv. 
 
 A. Meyeniana, the only species, is a beautiful 
 herbaceous Fern, a native of the Philippine Is- 
 lands. It is propagated by division or from 
 spores, and requires the same treatment as Poly- 
 podium. 
 
 Agrimonia. Agrimony. A corruption of Arge- 
 mone. Linn. Dodecandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. iio- 
 sacea;. 
 
 A small genus of yellow-flowered, weedy 
 plants, common throughout the United States. 
 The larger flowered, or common Agrimony, is a 
 native of Europe, but has become pretty gen- 
 erally naturalized. They are plants of but little 
 interest. 
 
 Agrostemma. Hose Campion. From agros, a 
 field, and stemma, a crown; referring to the 
 beauty of the flower. Linn. Decaitdr'ia-2'etragynia. 
 Nat. Ord. CaryophyUacea;. 
 
 Hardy perennial, introduced from Russia in 
 1834. Suitable for border plants, their showy 
 red flowers contrasting finely with shrubbery. 
 Propagated by division of roots or by seeds. 
 Agrostis. Bent Grass, Red Top. This is the 
 Greek name for all grasses, from agros, a field. 
 Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Graminacea>. 
 A well-known genus of grasses, including A. 
 canina, the Rhode Island Bent Grass, A. stolon- 
 ifera, the Creeping Bent Grass, and A. vulgaris, 
 the common Red Top. These species have all 
 been introduced from Europe, but are now 
 thoroughly naturalized in this country. 
 Ailantus. From ailanto, Tree of Heaven; refer- 
 ring to its lofty growth. Linn. Polygamia-Dicecia. 
 Nat. Ord. Xanlhoxylacece. 
 
 Deciduous trees of rapid growth, natives of 
 China. They were at one time extensively 
 planted as street trees, and should not now be 
 so generally discarded, as they will thrive well 
 in cities and barren soils, making a beautiful 
 shade tree, as well as valuable timber. The only 
 objection that has ever been made to them is the 
 unpleasant odor of their flowers; that objection 
 can be easily avoided. This tree is dioecious,
 
 10 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 AIR 
 
 and is rapidly increased by root-cuttings. By 
 taking cuttings from the female plant, the flow- 
 ers of which are inodorous, they can be increased 
 to any extent. 
 
 Air Plants. These are plants that grow on trees, 
 or other objects, and not in the earth, and derive 
 their nutriment from the atmosphere. The term 
 was formerly, and is still to some extent, applied 
 to epiphytal Orchids. There are, however, many 
 other families of air plants. The class is to be dis- 
 tinguished from the various parasites that have 
 no roots in the earth, but derive their nourish- 
 ment directly from the plants on which they 
 grow. 
 
 Ajuga. Bugle. From a, privative, and zug^r>, a 
 yoke; in reference to the calyx being one-leaved. 
 Linn. Didynamia-Gymnospermia. Nat. Ord. La- 
 miacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy annual and perennial 
 ierbaceous plants. A. reptans (common Bugle) 
 ias been lately introduced into the garden, and 
 given a position in massing and ribbon borders I 
 of plants for its dark-colored foliage. The spe- 
 cies were at one time highly esteemed for the 
 medicinal properties they were supposed to I 
 possess. " Kuellus writeth that they commonly ! 
 said in France, howe he needeth neither phy- 
 sician nor surgeon that hathe Bugle and Sanicle, 
 for it not only cureth woundes, being inwardly 
 taken, but also applied to them outwardly." 
 Gerarde. They are propagated readily from seed. 
 
 Akebia. The name it bears in Japan. Linn. 
 Monoecia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. Lardizabalacej'. 
 
 A. quinata was introduced from China, in 1844, 
 by Eobert Fortune. It is a hardy climber, of 
 rapid growth, suitable for large arbors or trel- 
 lises, in sunny or shady situations. It will 
 twine around old trees, completely covering the 
 branches, from which it will hang in graceful 
 festoons. The color of the flower is dark brown, 
 and it is very sweet-scented. In a light, rich 
 soil it will grow to the height of thirty feet. It 
 is propagated readily by layering or cuttings. 
 
 Albuca. From albus, white, referring to the I 
 prevalence of white flowers in the genus (not a I 
 very happy allusion, though, because the flow- i 
 ers are mostly green). Linn. Hexandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. IMiaoeae. 
 
 This is a genus of but little beauty, closely 
 allied to the OrnUhogcdum, introduced from the 
 Cape of Good Hope about 17oO. They are ten- 
 der bulbous plants, easily cultivated in the 
 green-house, grown in pots in light, sandy soil, j 
 They flower in May and June. 
 
 Alder. See Alnus. 
 
 Aletris. Colic-root, Stir-grass. From aletron, 
 meal; referring to the powdery appearance of 
 the whole plant. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Hcvmodvracecp. 
 
 There are but two species included in this 
 genus, both natives of the United States, and 
 pretty generally distributed. A. farinosa is 
 highly esteemed for its medicinal properties, 
 and is a very pretty plant for the border. It is 
 a herbaceous perennial, the leaves growing in a 
 close tuft, from which arisesi a flower-stem from 
 one to three feet high, terminating in a spiked 
 raceme of small, white, oblong, bell-shaped 
 flowers. Propagated by division or by seed. 
 
 Aleuritopteris. A synonym of Chetiantkes, which 
 see. 
 
 Alfalfa. See Medicago. 
 
 Alisma. Water Plantain. A. plantago is a com- 
 mon, uninteresting aquatic, found in shallow 
 water. Introduced from Europe. 
 
 ALO 
 
 Allamanda. Named in honor of Dr. Allamand, 
 of Leyden. Linn. Petandria-Afonogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Apocynaceev (Dogworts). 
 
 This genus consists principally of handsome 
 climbing green-house shrubs. A. Schottii, a na- 
 tive of Brazil, produces immense numbers of 
 large, funnel-shaped flowers, which are of a full 
 yellow, with a deeper yellow throat. They de- 
 light in a warm, moist situation, and should 
 have a light, fibrous soil. Propagated by cut- 
 tings. Introduced in 1846. 
 
 Alleghany Vine. See Adlumia. 
 
 Alligator Pear. See Persea. 
 
 Allium. From the Celtic oH, meaning hot or 
 burning ; referring to the well-known qualities 
 of the genus (Onion). Linn. Hexandria-Mono- 
 ijynia. Nat. Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 Of the one hundred and fifty species of this 
 tribe, but few are considered ornamental; in- 
 deed, the family, probably from prejudice, has 
 been much neglected, where many far less showy 
 plants have found favor. A. Moly produces 
 large trusses of golden yellow flowers in June. 
 A. Neapolitanum is a fine species, bearing pure 
 white flowers in a large umbel. The former is 
 perfectly hardy, and worthy a place in the gar- 
 den. The latter is tender, requiring the pro- 
 tection of the green-house. Propagated readily 
 by offsets. 
 
 Allbsor us. From olios, diverse, and soros, a heap ; 
 in allusion to the changing of the sori. Linn. 
 Cryptogamia-fUices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful' dwarf Ferns. 
 A. crispus, a British Fern, sometimes called the 
 Mountain Parsley Fern, is a beautiful plant for 
 rockeries. Two or three exotic species are fa- 
 vorites in the green-house. They are propagated 
 from spores. 
 
 Allspice-Tree. See Pimenta. 
 
 Almeria. See Amygdalus. 
 
 Alnus. The Alder. From al, near, and Ian, the 
 bank of a river ; in reference to the situation 
 where the Alder delights to grow. Linn. Mo- 
 ncecia-Tetrandria. Nat. Ord. Belulacea-. 
 
 An extensive genus of shrubs or small trees 
 common throughout North Am erica and Europe. 
 The principal use of the Alder is for charcoal, 
 which is highly valued in the manufacture of 
 gunpowder. 
 
 Alocasia. A slight alteration of Colocasia. Linn. 
 Moiwecia- [Ivptandria. Nat. Ord. AraceoK. 
 
 This name is applied to a section of the genus 
 ColocasM ; by some considered a distinct genus. 
 Natives of India. A. metallica is a magnificent 
 species from Borneo, producing very large oval 
 leaves, having a rich bronze-colored surface, 
 making it a conspicuous ornament for the hot- 
 house. The leaves look like large polished metal 
 shields. Propagated by division of roots. Intro- 
 duced in 1859. 
 
 Aloe. From alloeh, its Arabic nam'e. Linn. Hex- 
 andria-Moitogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 The name Aloe is so frequently applied in 
 conversation to the American Aloe, or Agave, 
 that many persons are not aware that the true 
 Aloe is not only quite a different genus, but be- 
 longs to a different natural order, the American 
 Aloe being one of the Amaryllis tribe, while the 
 true Aloe belongs to the Lily tribe. The quali- 
 ties of the tw.o plants are also essentially differ- 
 ent, the American Aloe abounding in starchy, 
 nourishing matter, while every part of the true 
 Aloe is purgative. The true Aloe also flowers 
 every year, and the flowers are tube-shaped, and 
 produced on a spike ; while each plant of the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 11 
 
 ALO 
 
 American Aloe flowers but once, sending up an 
 enormous flower-stem with candelabra-like 
 branches and cup-shaped flowers. The true 
 Aloes are succulent plants, natives of the Cape 
 of Good Hope, and grow best in this country in 
 green-houses or rooms, in a light, sandy soil. 
 To this, when the plants are wanted to attain a 
 large size, may be added a little leaf-mould. 
 When grown in rooms, a poor soil is, however, 
 preferable, as it keeps the plants of a smaller j 
 and more manageable size, and makes them less j 
 easily affected by changes of-temperature. The 
 colors of the flowers will also be richer when the 
 plants are grown in poor soil. The drug called 
 
 aloes is made princi 
 
 ipally fro 
 A. socotrin 
 
 m the pulp of the 
 
 fleshy leaf of the A. socotrina, the flowers of 
 which are red, tipped with green ; but it is also 
 made from several other species. 
 
 Alonsoa. Named after Zanomi Alonso, a Span- 
 iard, by the authors of Flora Peruviana. Linn. 
 Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. IScrophula- 
 riacecK. 
 
 The Mask Flower. The species are low un- 
 der-shrubs, or herbaceous plants, natives of 
 Peru, and two of them, A. incisifolia and A. lin- 
 earis, are very ornamental, either in the green- 
 house, or grown as annuals in the open border 
 during summer. They thrive well in any light 
 rich soil, and are readily increased by seeds or 
 cuttings. They are very desirable for flower- 
 gardens, on account of the brilliant scarlet of 
 their flowers ; and where there is no green- 
 house, the plants should be raised from seeds 
 sown on a hot-bed in February, or struck from 
 cuttings early in spring, and brought forward 
 in a frame or pit, and turned out into the open 
 air in May. 
 
 Alopecurus. The generic name of the Foxtail 
 Grass. 
 
 Aloysia. Lemon Verbena. Named in honor of 
 Mil-id Louisa, Queen of Spain. Linn. Didyna- 
 mia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Verbenacece. 
 
 The only known species of this genus is A. 
 citriodora, introduced from Chili in 1784, and 
 formerly called Verbena triphyU'j, or the Lemon- 
 scented Verbena. Under this name it is gener- 
 ally tiold, and is a universal favorite, readily 
 propagated from cuttings, and planted in the 
 open border in May. If taken up after a light 
 frost and put in a cold frame or cool cellar dur- 
 ing winter, the plants will keep well ; and, 
 planted out in spring again, they make large 
 and pleasing shrubs. The leaves, when dried, 
 will retain their odor for many years. 
 
 Alpine Azalea. See Lolideuria. 
 
 Alsophila. From alsos, a grove, and phileo, to 
 love ; in reference to the situation best suited 
 to the plants. Linn. Cruptogamia-Filices. Nat. 
 Ord. Polypodiacea-. 
 
 This genus contains some of our most beau- 
 tiful green-house Tree Ferns. A. Australis, the 
 type, is a native of Australia, and one of the 
 most ornamental of the order. In the ordinary 
 green-house it thrives finely, producing its 
 graceful fronds from three to four feet long and | 
 one and a half wide. There are several species, i 
 all tropical, and all worthy a place in the fern- | 
 house. They are increased by division or from 
 spores. Introduced in 1833. 
 
 Alstrcemeria. In honor of Baron Alstrcemer, a 
 Swedish botanist. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. ' 
 Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacea;. 
 
 This is a genus of tuberous-rooted plants, with ' 
 
 beautiful flowers, natives of South America, and 
 capable of being grown to a high degree of per- 
 
 AMA 
 
 fection in the hot-house, green-house, or open 
 air, according to the species. The soil which 
 suits all the Alstrcemerias is a mixture of sandy 
 loam and leaf- mould, or well-rotted manure. Of 
 all the hot-house species, A. Ligtu, with white and 
 scarlet flowers, is the most difficult to flower; but 
 by giving it abundance of water during the sum- 
 mer, and a strong heat in December, it will 
 flower in February ; and one plant will scent a 
 whole houss with fragrance like that of Mignon- 
 ette. After flowering, the plants ought to be al- 
 lowed to rest for three months, during which 
 time very little water ought to be given. After 
 this they should be repotted and encouraged to 
 grow by giving them plenty of water, etc. A. 
 edulis is another hot-house species, which climbs 
 to the height of ten or twelve feet, and, like all 
 other climbers, thrives best when turned out in- 
 to the open border. Propagation is effected by 
 separation of the tubers, or by seed ; the latter is 
 apt to produce new varieties, as they are by no 
 means constant from seed. 
 
 Alternanthera. Alluding to the anthers being 
 alternately fertile and barren. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Amaranthacece. 
 
 This useful little green-house perennial for 
 ribbon beds and edgings is a native of Buenos 
 Ayres, introduced in 1732. Propagated readily 
 from cuttings. The variegated-leaved varieties 
 alone are cultivated, the flowers being incon- 
 spicuous. 
 
 Althaea. Marsh Mallow. From altheo, to cure; 
 in reference to its medicinal qualities. Linn. 
 Monadelphia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Malvacece. 
 
 There are many annuals in this family, none, 
 however, of much merit. The Marsh Mallows 
 are hardy perennials, and formerly much used 
 as border plants. A. rosea, the common Holly- 
 hock, is one of our most splendid ornamental 
 biennials. It grows to the height of from five 
 to eight feet, and there are varieties of almost 
 every color, including white, and purple so deep 
 as to be almost black. The seeds of Hollyhock, 
 which is a biennial, should be sown in March; 
 in April, when the plants come up, they should 
 be thinned out, and then suffered to remain till 
 September, when they should be transplanted 
 to the place where they are to flower. Intro- 
 duced from China in 1573. The common hardy 
 shrub known as Althaea is Hibiscus Syriacus. 
 
 Alum Root. The common name of Heuchera 
 Americana, the roots of which are very astringent. 
 
 Alyssum. Derived from a, privative, and lyssa, 
 rage ; from a notion among the ancients that the 
 plant possessed the power of allaying anger. 
 Linn. Tetradynamia-SUiculosa. Nat. Ord. Uru- 
 ciferw. 
 
 Dwarf hardy perennials, or sub-shrubby 
 plants, with cruciferous flowers. A. saxatUe is 
 very suitable for rock-work, or the front part of 
 a flower border, and forms a beautiful spring- 
 blooming bed in the flower garden. Flowers 
 produced in large clusters, of a deep, pure yel- 
 low. It is increased by cuttings and seeds. 
 Good garden soil. The herbaceous species are 
 propagated by division, the sub-shrubby ones 
 by cuttings. Vigorous two-year-old plants are 
 the best for flowering; the others are unimpor- 
 tant. The plant commonly called Sweet Alys- 
 sum is not of this genus; it is Koniga maritima, 
 which see. 
 
 Amaranthus. Amaranth. Derived from a, not, 
 and milraino,lo wither; in reference to the length 
 of time some flowers retain their color. Linn. 
 Moncecia-Penlandria. Nat. Ord. Amaranihacece,
 
 12 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 AMA 
 
 Ornamental foliaged plants, of an extremely j 
 graceful and interesting character, producing a J 
 striking effect, whether grown for the decora- 
 tion of the conservatory or the out-door flower J 
 garden. If the seeds are sown early in a warm 
 hot-bed and planted out the last of May or in 
 June, in rich soil, they make exceedingly hand- 
 some specimens for the center of beds, or mixed 
 flower or shrubbery borders. Most of the vari- 
 eties are natives of the East Indies, and were in- 
 troduced into England about 1600. The well- 
 known A. tricolor, or "Joseph's Coat," is one of 
 the most beautiful of ornamental leaved plants. 
 Amaryllis. The name of a nymph celebrated 
 by the poet Virgil. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. AmaryllidacecK. 
 
 Bulbous plants, chiefly natives of the Cape of 
 Good Hope and South America, but which have 
 been increased in number tenfold by hybrids 
 and varieties raised in England and on the Con- 
 tinent. Louis Van Houtte, of Ghent, having 
 made a specialty of this plant, has produced the 
 finest hybrids in cultivation. All the kinds are 
 eminently ornamental, and they are all of easy 
 culture, the great secret being to give them al- 
 ternately a season of excitement and a season of 
 repose. To do this effectually, the plants 
 should be abundantly supplied with water and 
 heat, and placed near the glass when they are 
 coming into flower, and water should be with- 
 held from them by degrees when they have done 
 flowering, till they have entirely ceased grow- 
 ing, when they should be kept quite dry and in 
 a state of rest. When in this state they may be 
 placed in any obscure part of a green-house 
 where it is dry, and of a temperature not under 
 forty or fifty degrees. If kept in such a situa- 
 tion during winter, some kinds may be turned 
 out into a warm border in spring, where they 
 will flower; and if the season be fine, they will 
 renew their bulbs in time to be taken up before 
 the approach of frost. The chief value of these 
 plants, however, is to produce flowers in the 
 winter season, which they readily do if they are 
 kept dry and dormant during the latter part of 
 the summer and autumn. Indeed, by having a 
 large stock of these bulbs, a regular succession 
 of flowers may be procured during every month 
 in the year. When the dormant bulbs are in- 
 tended to be thrown into flower, they should bo 
 fresh potted in sandy loam and leaf-mould, and 
 put in a hot-house 01 hot-bed, the heat begin- 
 ning at fifty degrees, and ascending to sixty or 
 seventy degrees; and when the leaves appear, 
 they should be abundantly supplied with water. 
 Where seeds are wanted the watering must be 
 continued, though somewhat less abundantly, 
 after the flowers have faded, till the seeds are 
 ripe ; and when these are gathered, they ought 
 to be sown immediately in light sandy loam, 
 and placed in a frame, or near the glass, in a 
 moist part of the hot-house. If the young plants 
 are potted off as soon as they are an inch or two 
 in height, and shifted frequently in the course 
 of the growing season, they will attain a flow- 
 ering size in from fifteen to twenty months. 
 The pots in which these and all other bulbs are 
 grown ought to be thoroughly drained by a 
 handful or more of potsherds (broken pots) laid 
 in the bottom of each pot, and covered with 
 turfy loam, and the mould used should also be 
 turfy, in order the more freely to admit the pas- 
 sage of water. Our long and warm summers 
 enable us to cultivate many of these beautiful 
 bulbs in the open air, merely protecting the 
 
 AMO 
 
 roots in the winter in the same manner as those 
 of the Dahlia. 
 
 Amaryllis formosissima. See Sprekelia. 
 
 Ambrosia. The botanical name of Ragweed. 
 
 Amelanchier. June Berry, Shad Berry, Service 
 Berry. From Amelanchier, the popular name of 
 one of the species in Savoy. Linn. Icosaridria- 
 Dipentagynia. Nat. Ord. Pomicece. 
 
 A. Canadensis (the only American species) 
 and its numerous varieties are low trees, com- 
 mon in the woods in the Northern States, re- 
 markable for their numerous white flowers, 
 which appear about the middle of April, com- 
 pletely covering the tree before the foliage or 
 flowers of the neighboring trees have com- 
 menced their growth. The foliage resembles 
 that of the Pear, and changes to a bright yellow 
 in autumn. The fruit is a dark purple berry, 
 ripe in July or August, and has an agreeable 
 flavor. 
 
 American Aloe. Agave Americana, which see. 
 
 American Centaury. The popular name for 
 Sabbatia. 
 
 American Columbo. See Frasera Curolinensis. 
 
 American Cowslip. Dodecatheon Meadia. 
 
 American Frog's Bit. S^e Lanmbium. 
 
 American Ivy. Ampelopsis qumquefolia. 
 
 American Pitcher Plant. See Sarracenia. 
 
 Ammobium. From ammos, sand, and bio, to 
 live; in reference to the sandy soil in which it 
 thrives. Linn. Syngenesia-Polygamia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 Pretty annuals of hardy character from New 
 Holland, producing white everlasting flowers. 
 The seed may be sown in the open border, in al- 
 most any situation, between the middle of March 
 and the end of May. 
 
 Amomum. From a, not, and momos, impurity; 
 in reference to its supposed quality of counter- 
 acting poison. Linn. Monandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Zingiberacea>. 
 
 This genus of aromatic herbs furnishes the 
 Grains of Paradise and the Cardamom Seeds, 
 which are aromatic and stimulant. The plants 
 grow readily in the green-house, and are propa- 
 gated by division of the root . Introduced in 1 820 
 from the East Indies. 
 
 Amorpha. False Indigo. From a, not, and 
 morpha, form; in reference to the irregularity of 
 the flowers. Linn. Monadelphia-Decandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A small genus of large, spreading shrubs, na- 
 tives of North America. The leaves are com- 
 pound, resembling the Locust, only the leaflets 
 are finer. The flowers are dark purple or violet, 
 spangled with yellow, disposed in long panicles 
 on the tops of the branches. It is a very orna- 
 mental shrub for the lawn. It is readily propa- 
 gated from suckers, which are produced in 
 abundance. A. canescens is a small growing 
 species, common in the Western and Southern 
 States. It has received the local name of Lead 
 Plant, on account of the white, hairy down with 
 which it is covered. 
 
 Amorphophallus. From amorphus, disfigured, 
 and phallus, form of spadix. Linn. Moncecia- 
 Pdyandria. Nat. Ord. Aracece. 
 
 These plants were formerly in the genus 
 Arum, from which they are distinguished by 
 their spreading spathes. They are natives of 
 India and other parts of tropical Asia, where 
 they are cultivated for the abundance of starch, 
 that is found in their root-stocks. Most varieties 
 are ornamental plants for the green-house or gar- 
 den. After planting, the first appearance is the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 13 
 
 AMP 
 
 flower stalk, which rises to the height of two 
 feet. As it expands, the fetor it exhales is over- 
 powering and sickening, and so perfectly re- 
 sembles that of carrion as to induce flies to 
 cover the club of the spadix with their eggs. 
 Propagated by offsets. 
 
 Ampelopsis. Woodbine. From ampelos, a vine, 
 and opsis, resemblance ; in reference to its re- 
 semblance to the Grape vine. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monoqynia. Nat. Orel. Vitacecv. 
 
 A. hederacea is well known by its common 
 names of Virginia Creeper and Five-leaved Ivy. 
 Its flowers have no beauty, but it is worth culti- 
 vating as an ornamental plant, from the bril- 
 liant scarlet and orange which its leaves assume 
 in autumn, and which look particularly well at 
 that season, when intermingled with those of 
 the common Ivy, from the fine contrast they 
 afford. The plant is of very rapid growth in any 
 kind of soil, and it is propagated by layers or 
 cuttings. The Virginia Creeper is one of our 
 finest indigenous climbers. It grows very rapid- 
 ly, attaches itself firmly to wood or stone build- 
 ings, or to the trunks of old trees, and soon 
 covers these objects with a fine mantle of rich 
 foliage. Nothing can be more admirably adapted 
 than this plant for concealing and disguising 
 the unsightly stone fences which are so com- 
 mon, and so great a deformity in many parts of 
 the country. A. Veltchii is a new variety, more 
 compact in habit, very bright, dark foliage, and ' 
 clings with great tenacity to wood as well as 
 brick or stone walls. It is perfectly hardy, i 
 Propagated by layers, cuttings, or seeds. 
 
 Ampelygonum. The name is in allusion to the 
 grape-like fruit. Linn. Octandria-Trigynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Polygonacece. 
 
 This interesting species from China is one 
 from which the finest quality of indigo is ob- 
 tained. It is an herbaceous perennial, obtained 
 readily from seed. 
 
 Amsonia. In memory of Charles Amson, a cele- 
 brated traveler. Linn. Penlandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Apocynacece. 
 
 A small genus of herbaceous perennial plants, 
 with beautiful blue flowers produced in ter- 
 minal panicled clusters. The several species 
 are natives of the United States. A. TaberncK- 
 montana, one of the more beautiful species, is 
 common on low grounds in the Southern and 
 Western States. 
 
 Amygdalus. From amysso, to lacerate; in refer- 
 ence to the fissured channels in the stone of the 
 fruit; but some suppose from a Hebrew word 
 signifying vigilant, as its early flowers announce 
 the return of spring. Linn. Icosandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Rosacece. 
 
 A. nana is the common Flowering Almond of the 
 gardens, of which there are several varieties, the 
 double white and double pink alone being de- 
 sirable. Native of Eussia. Introduced in 1683. 
 Propagated readily by suckers. A. communis 
 bears the sweet, and A. amarus the bitter Al- 
 monds of commerce. They are supposed to be 
 natives of western Asia, and are mentioned in 
 sacred history as among the best fruits of the 
 land of Canaan. The Almond :s plentiful in 
 China, in most eastern countries, and also in 
 Barbary. It is extensively cultivated in Italy, 
 Spain, and the south of France. The several 
 varieties, such as hard, soft, or paper shelled, 
 have all originated from A. communis. 
 
 Anacardium. From ana, like, and kardia, the 
 heart ; in reference to the form of the nut. Linn. 
 Polygamia-Dioecia. Nat. Ord. Anacardiacea ',. 
 
 ANA 
 
 Ornamental evergreen trees, natives of the 
 East and West Indies, remarkable for their 
 beautiful, fragrant flowers, and for their fruit, 
 known as the Cashew-nut. The trees are too 
 large for introduction into the green-house. 
 Anaectochilus. From anoiktos, open, and cheUos, 
 a lip ; the apex spreading. Linn. Gynandria-Mo- 
 nandria. Nat. Ord. OrchvdacecK. 
 
 This admired little plant has small, white, 
 rather inconspicuous flowers, but its want of 
 beauty here is fully compensated for in the rich 
 and lovely markings of the leaves, which are 
 covered with a gold network on a chocolate-col- 
 ored, velvet-like ground. It should be potted in 
 a mixture of leaf mould and moss, and a bell- 
 glass kept continually over it, in the warmest 
 part of the hot-house, in order to assimilate its 
 
 E resent condition with the native one in the 
 ot, humid jungles of the East, from whence 
 it is derived. First introduced in 1836. 
 
 Anagallis. Pimpernel. From anagelao, to laugh; 
 fabled to possess a virtue to remove sadness. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Primu- 
 laceai. 
 
 A genus of pretty dwarf annual and biennial 
 plants. The former have given place to the 
 many seminal improvements of the latter, inso- 
 much as to be rarely met with. They are uni- 
 versal favorites for planting in the beds of the 
 flower garden, where their numerous blue or red 
 flowers, expanded whenever the sun shines, are 
 very effective. They are propagated by seeds 
 or cuttings. When seed is desired, the branch 
 or plant on which it is growing should be taken 
 entire, a little before the autumn frosts begin, 
 and hung up in a dry, sunny place, such as be- 
 fore the windows of a shed, allowing the pods 
 to remain upon it until wanted in the spring for 
 sowing, as it requires a long time to become 
 properly ripened; afterward it vegetates freely 
 if sown in a gentle hot-bed. The garden varie- 
 ties are hybrids. The species under cultivation 
 were introduced from Southern Europe in 1830. 
 A. arvensis, the common Pimpernel, is plenty in 
 waste, sandy places in the United States, having 
 been introduced from Europe and become thor- 
 oughly naturalized. 
 
 Ananassa. Pineapple. From nanas, the Guiana 
 name. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A. scUiva,ihe common Pineapple, is universally 
 acknowledged to be one of the most delicious fruits 
 in existence. More than three hundred years 
 ago it was described by Jean de Lery, a Hugue- 
 not priest, as being of such excellence that the 
 gods might luxuriate upon it, and that it should 
 only be gathered by the hand of Venus. It is a 
 native of Brazil, and was first introduced into 
 Europe in 1555, having been sent there by An- 
 dre Thevet, a monk, from Peru. The plant is 
 perennial, not unlike the Aloe, but the leaves are 
 much thinner, and of a hard, fibrous texture, 
 with numerous short, sharp spines on the edges. 
 The fruit varies like most other species, there 
 now being nearly fifty varieties in cultivation. 
 Anastatica. From anastatis, resurrection, in ref- 
 erence to its hygrometrical property. Linn. Te- 
 tradynamia. Nat. Ord. Vrucifertr. 
 
 An annual plant, indigenous to the Egyptian 
 deserts, and called the Kose of Jericho. When 
 full grown it contracts its rigid branches into a 
 round ball, and is then tossed about by the 
 wind. When it alights in water, or damp ground, 
 the branches relax and open out, as if its life 
 were renewed; hence its name of Resurrection
 
 14 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ANC 
 
 Plant. Among the superstitious tales told of it 
 is, that " it first bloomed on Christmas Eve, to 
 salute the birth of the Redeemer, and paid hom- 
 age to His resurrection by remaining expanded 
 until Easter." This curious annual can readily 
 be grown from seed, but will not stand the se- 
 verity of our winters; they can, however, be 
 taken up and kept dry in the house. When 
 wanted to expand, put them in a saucer of 
 water. 
 
 Anchusa. From anchmisa, a cosmetic paint mape 
 from one of the species; used for staining the 
 skin. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Boraginacea'. 
 
 Coarse, hardy herbaceous plants, suitable for 
 deep shrubbery borders or any unfrequented 
 places. Most of the species have purple flowers. 
 
 Andromeda. Rill Calf. A classical name, after 
 the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiope, king and 
 queen of Ethiopia. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Ericaceae. 
 
 A. Mjiriana, so common on the plains of Long 
 Island, is a beautiful representative of this genus, 
 one much sought after in Europe, where it is 
 considered one of the finest American plants. 
 They are beautiful shrubs, growing about two 
 feet high, with leaves similar to those of the 
 privet; flowers white, in spikesor racemes three 
 to eight inches long, produced in June. They 
 are conspicuous throughout the season on ac- 
 count of their form ancl foliage. Propagated 
 by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe. 
 
 Ancylogyne. From ankylos, curved, and gyne, a 
 female ; the pistil is curved. Linn. Diandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Acanthacece. 
 
 A small genus of tropical under-shrubs, with 
 terminal spikes or racemes of showy flowers. A. 
 longiflora, from Guayaquil, is a valuable spe- 
 cies for the green-house. It produces large, 
 drooping panicles of rich purple, tubulous flow- 
 ers, two inches long, and of a most attractive 
 character. Propagated by cuttings. Introduced 
 in 1866. 
 
 Androsace. From aner, a man, and sacos, a buck- 
 ler, in reference to the resemblance of the an- 
 ther to an ancient buckler. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynui. Nat. Ord. Primidacea;. 
 
 The species forming this genus (which is 
 nearly allied to the Primula) are elegant little 
 plants from the Alps. They consist of annuals, 
 biennials, and perennials, all perfectly hardy, 
 and well adapted for rock-work or sunny, ex- 
 posed spots. Propagated by cuttings, or from 
 seeds. 
 
 Anemia. From andmon, naked ; in reference to 
 the naked inflorescence. Linn. Oryptogamia- 
 FiKces. Nat. Ord. Pdypodiacew. 
 
 An extensive genus of tropical Ferns. There 
 are numerous species in the West Indies and 
 South America, some of which are of an orna- 
 mental character, and much prized in collec- 
 tions. A. adiantifdia is one of the most beauti- 
 ful. The genus is more interesting to the bota- 
 nist than the florist. Propagated by spores or di- 
 vision. 
 
 Anemone. "Wind Flower. From anemos, the 
 wind; inhabiting exposed places. Linn. Pdyan- 
 dria-Pdygynia. Nat. Ord. Hanuncidacece. 
 
 The species are showy flowering plants, val- 
 ued for their hardy nature, and also because 
 they will flower at any required season, accord- 
 ing to the time the roots are kept out of the 
 ground. The roots of the Anemone are solid, 
 flattened masses, closely resembling ginger. 
 They should be planted in the garden as early in 
 
 ANO 
 
 the spring as possible, in very rich soil and in par- 
 tial shade. When the tops are dead, take up and 
 store in a dry, airy place, where they will keep 
 well for two years without injuring their vital- 
 ity. For indoor cultivation they can be planted 
 at any time in very rich soil in pots or boxes. 
 The prevailing colors are red, white, and blue; 
 flowers double or semi-double. One of the ear- 
 liest spring flowers is A. nemorosa, the white 
 Wind Flower of our woods. A, pulsatUla and its 
 varieties, with whitish, violet, and purple flow- 
 ers, are known in cottage gardens as Pasque 
 Floicers. 
 
 Angels' Trumpets. A popular name for the 
 flowers of Jlruymansia suaveolens. 
 
 Angelica. The name was given as a record of the 
 Angelic virtues that, in 1573, some of the species 
 were supposed to possess, for not only was it a 
 singular remedy against poison, the plague, all 
 kinds of infection and malaria, but it was in- 
 valuable against witchcraft and enchantments. 
 Linn. Pentandria-lJigynia. Nat. Ord. Apiacece. 
 
 One of the species of this genus is common in 
 moist places, from Pennsylvania southward. The 
 ' ' intrinsic virtues " that it was once supposed to 
 possess are entirely lost, its great virtue now 
 consisting in its efficacy as a trap for earwigs. 
 If the stem be cut in short pieces and thrown 
 among plants, those pests will completely fill 
 the hollow stems, when their destruction is sim- 
 ple and easy. 
 
 Angelica-tree. See Aralia spinosa. 
 
 Angrsecum. From angurek, the Malayan name 
 for Air Plants. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. 
 Ord. OrchidacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of tropical Orchids, 
 embracing a number of classes that are 
 mere weeds and a few very rare and beauti- 
 ful species. Among the latter is A . sesquipedali, 
 a magnificent plant, a native of Madagascar, 
 where it grows in great profusion, covering trees 
 from top to bottom. The stems are three to four 
 feet high, the foliage about a foot long, dark, 
 shining green; flowers six inches in diameter, 
 ivory white, with a tail from ten to eighteen 
 inches long. Unlike many of this order, the 
 plants flower when quite small. The flowers 
 have a powerful fragrance, particularly at night. 
 Propagated by division. 
 
 Anguloa. In honor of Angulo, a Spanish natu- 
 ralist. Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of very remarkable terrestrial 
 Orchids, inhabiting the forests of tropical Amer- 
 ica. They have broad, ribbed leaves, short, 
 leafy scapes, bearing a single large fleshy flower, 
 white, yellow, or spotted with crimson, on a 
 pale yellow ground. There are several of the 
 species under cultivation. They are increased 
 by division. Introduced in 1845. 
 
 Animated Oats. See Avena. 
 
 Anise. See PimpineUa anisum. 
 
 Anomatheca. From anomos, singular, and iheca, 
 a capsule or seed pod. Linn. Triandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 Interesting little bulbous-rooted plants from 
 the Cape of Good Hope. A. cruenta is useful for 
 planting in masses, as it produces its blood- 
 colored flowers in great profusion. They may 
 be increased to almost any extent from seed, and 
 the young plants will bloom the same season if 
 sown in a gentle heat about the early part of 
 March, and afterward removed to the open air. 
 
 Anopteris. From ano, upward, and pteris, a 
 Fern; alluding to the resemblance of the leaves.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Escal- 
 loniacece. 
 
 A. glandulosa, the only species introduced into 
 our green-houses, is a very beautiful shrub, re- 
 markable for its large, handsome leaves, and 
 axillary panicles or spikes of small white and 
 pink now ers . Introduced from Van Diemen's 
 Land in 184G. Propagated by cuttings. 
 Ansellia. In honor of Mr. Ansell, the botanical 
 collector who accompanied the ill-fated Niger 
 expedition. Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. (Jrcludacea: 
 
 A small genus of epiphyte! Orchids. A. Afri- 
 cana is a very beautiful plant, found growing on 
 oil-palm trees in the island of Fernando Po. It 
 has a tall stem resembling the sugar cane ; broad, 
 strap-shaped leaves, and large, drooping panicles 
 of greenish flowers, blotched with purple. The 
 plant flowers in January, and keeps in perfec- 
 tion for several months. Propagated by divis- 
 ion. Introduced in 1844. 
 
 Antliemis. Chatnomile. From anlhemon, a flow- 
 er; in reference to the great number of flowers 
 produced. Linn. Syngenesia-Siiperflua. Nat. Ord. 
 Asteracerr. 
 
 The A. Pyreihrum, the Pellitory of Spain, is a 
 pretty little perennial, with large white flowers, 
 stained with lilac on the back. It is a suitable 
 plant for rock-work, or boxes in a balcony, as it 
 requires a warm, dry situation. Miller raised 
 this plant in rather a curious way in 1732, find- 
 ing its seeds among some Malaga raisins to 
 which they had adhered. The root was for- 
 merly considered a cure for the toothache. 
 Anthericum. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 A. liliaslrum is a very pretty hardy herbaceous 
 plant, has broadish grassy leaves, flower stalk 
 one and a half to two feet high, bearing several 
 large, pure white, sweet-scented flowers, marked 
 on each segment with a green dot. This is com- 
 monly called St. Bruno's Lily. A. vitiatum 
 variegation, a species of recent introduction, from 
 the Cape of Good Hope, has foliage of a bright 
 grassy green color, beautifully striped and mar- 
 gined with creamy white. In variegation and 
 habit it closely resembles Pandanus Vcitchii, 
 but is of more rapid growth and easy of cultiva- 
 tion. It has a hardy constitution, not as against 
 cold, but as against the dry atmosphere and gases 
 of the drawing-room, which makes it a valuable 
 plant for the conservatory or for filling in bas- 
 kets, jardinieres, or rustic designs. The method 
 of propagating this species is both interesting 
 and peculiar. Buds or short shoots are formed on 
 the flokver stems, which, put in as cuttings in 
 the ordinary way, root rapidly. It is propagat- 
 ed by seed or division of root. Introduced from 
 the Cape of Good Hope in 1824. 
 Antholyza. From anthos, a flower, and lyssa, 
 rage ; in reference to the opening of the flower 
 like the mouth of an enraged animal. Linn. Tri- 
 andria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacea;. 
 
 A pretty genus of Cape bulbs, like the Ano- 
 matheca, but of stronger habit. They should be 
 grown in light, rich earth, and have the protec- 
 tion of a frame, or some other covering, in win- 
 ter, to exclude frost. Scarlet and orange are the 
 prevailing colors of the flowers. Introduced 
 from the Cape of Good Hope in 1759. Propagated 
 by offsets. 
 
 Anthurium. From anthos, a flower, and aura, a 
 tail; referring to the spadix or floriferous flower- 
 spike. Linn. Tetrandria-Monogynia.. Nat. Ord. 
 Orontu 
 
 AOT 
 
 This singular plant is a native of Brazil. Can 
 only be grown in a strong, moist heat, that of a hot- 
 house being necessary. A. Scherzerianum, a na- 
 tive of Guatemala and Costa Rica, is one of the 
 most brilliant, showy, and valuable plants of re- 
 cent introduction. Tho singular form and in- 
 tense coloring of the flower, together with the 
 gracefully-curved foliage and long duration of 
 the flowers, (for several weeks, ) render it a most 
 valuable plant. This species is a true epiphyte, 
 and requires to be grown in the same manner as 
 the tropical Orchids. 
 
 Antiaris. Upas Tree. From antja, its Java name. 
 Linn. Moncscia-Tetradynamia. Nat. Ord. Atrocar- 
 pacece. 
 
 A. toxicaria is the fabled Upas Tree of Java, 
 which furnishes a deadly poison in the form of 
 a milky juice that exudes when slightly bruised 
 or cut. The exaggerated accounts, that no other 
 plants, or animals, or birds, could live near the 
 tree; that the death penalty was satisfied if the 
 criminal would cut from the tree a branch, or 
 collect some of its juices, were effectually dis- 
 pelled by Mr. Davidson, author of Trade and 
 Travel in the Far East, who, with a number of 
 friends, climbed up into the tree, took lunch, 
 smoked their cigars, and enjoyed a few hours 
 socially in its branches. The Upas has undoubt- 
 edly derived its evil reputation chiefly from its 
 having been found growing in the celebrated 
 valley of Java, where, through volcanic agency, 
 there is a constant evolution of carbonic acid 
 gas, fatal to air-breathing animals, and where 
 both man and beast frequently fall victims to 
 this invisible danger. "As if to prove the say- 
 ing that reality is more strange than fiction, at 
 least in botany, the very nearest plant in affinity 
 to this deadly-poisonous tree is the Cow Tree of 
 South America, whose milky juice is as whole- 
 some as that of an 'Alderney,' and that the 
 Bread Fruit Tree is also closely allied to the 
 Upas." 
 
 Antirrhinum. Snapdragon. Derived from anti, 
 similar, and rhm, nose. The flowers of most of 
 the species resemble the snout of some animal. 
 Linn. Tetradynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. 
 ScrophulariactcK. 
 
 Annual and perennial plants, natives of the 
 middle and south of Europe, and of which one 
 species, A. mnjus, the common Snapdragon, is in 
 every garden. There are many varieties of this 
 species, the finest of which, A. m. caryophyUoides, 
 has the flowers striped like those of a flaked Car- 
 nation. All the species of Snapdragon grow in 
 any soil that is tolerably dry, and they are read- 
 ily increased by cuttings; for though they pro- 
 duce abundance of seeds, yet the varieties can 
 only be perpetuated with certainty by the for- 
 mer mode of propagation. The beautiful carna- 
 tion-like variety will, indeed, very seldom pro- 
 duce striped flowers two years in succession 
 from the same root; and thus a person who has 
 purchased a plant with beautifully-striped flow- 
 ers will generally have the mortification, the 
 second year, of finding it produce nothing but 
 flowers of the common Snapdragon, unless cut- 
 tings hnve been made from the young shoots of 
 the plant, and the old root thrown away. As 
 this plant, in its wild state, is very commonly 
 found growing on the tops of old walls, it may 
 be considered as one of the most ornamental 
 plants for placing in such a situation. 
 
 Aotus. From a, not, and ous, ear; the ear-like 
 appendages to the calyx are wanting. Linn. 
 Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Fabacece.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 APH 
 
 A somewhat extensive genus of small ever- 
 green shrubs from New Holland. They are slen- 
 der plants, with heath-like leaves, arranged in 
 whorls round the stem. The flowers are pea- 
 shaped, bright yellow, on short stalks. A. gra- 
 cittima, a native of West Australia, is a favorite 
 species for the green-house. Itis a slender shrub, 
 with copious yellow flowers, which are so thickly 
 set on the stems as to hide the leaves from view. 
 Botanists report several very beautiful species 
 not yet in cultivation. Propagated by seeds. 
 Introduced in 1844. 
 
 Aphelandra. From aphdes, simple, and aner, a 
 male; the anthers being one-celled. Linn. D'tdy- 
 namia-Angiospfrmia. Nat. Ord. Acanikacea;. 
 
 A small genus of dwarf shrubs from tropical 
 America, allied to the Justicia. A crlstata is a 
 remarkably handsome hot-house plant, producing 
 large spikes of bright scarlet flowers. A. auran- 
 tiaca has no less handsome flowers of light 
 orange color, and grows freely in the green- 
 house. They are increased by cuttings. 
 
 car, having much resemblance to that class of 
 everlasting flowers known as Helichrysum. The 
 genus is composed of five species, all of them 
 having very small leaves, which are closely 
 pressed to the stem like those of club-moss. 
 The flowers are solitary, of a pink color, or small 
 yellow, in clusters of two or three. The garden 
 varieties of Aphelexis, and those most common- 
 ly met in the green-house, are natives of the 
 Cape, not Madagascar, and are generally placed 
 in the genus Hdipterum. A. humUis is one of the 
 finest green-house plants. When in bloom it 
 remains in perfection for six or seven weeks. 
 Propagated by cuttings, or from seed. Intro- 
 duced in 1796. 
 
 Aphyllantb.es. Its stems are like a rush, and 
 bear on their summits a little tuft of flowers; 
 hence the name, from aphyllos, leafless, and an- 
 tiios, a flower. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LiliacecK. 
 
 A small genus of hardy herbaceous, rush-like 
 perennials, common in Southern Europe. The 
 flower scape is very slender and grass-like, and 
 bears a cluster of small blue flowers, that are of 
 but short duration. This plant is of consider- 
 able interest to the botanist, but not of the 
 slightest use to the florist or gardener. 
 
 Apios. From apion, a pear; in reference to the 
 form of the roots. Linn. Diaddphia-Decandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A. tuberosa, the only species, is found in the 
 woods and hedges from Massachusetts to the 
 Carolinas. It is an elegant climbing plant allied 
 to the Wistaria. It bears large clusters of brown- 
 ish-purple, sweet-scented flowers in July. Read- 
 ily propagated by division of tubers, which are 
 edible. Commonly known as Ground-nut. 
 
 Aplectrum. Putty Root. Adam-and-Eve. From 
 a, not, and plektron, a spur; the flower without 
 spurs. Linn. (tynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 OrchidacetK. 
 
 A. hyemale, the only species, is a hardy bulb- 
 ous Orchid. The flowers are produced in sum- 
 mer in a raceme a foot or more high, and are of 
 a dingy color, more curious than beautiful. The 
 plant is occasionally met only in the Northern 
 and Eastern States. 
 
 Aplopappus. A synonym of Haplopappus, a 
 genus of ComposUce, of but little interest. 
 
 Apocynum. Indian Hemp. From apo, from, 
 
 AQU 
 
 and kyon, a dog; poisonous to dogs. Linn. Pen- 
 tandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Apocynacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, in- 
 digenous throughout the United States. A. can- 
 nabinum is commonly called Indian Hemp, 
 from the fact of the Indians using the fibrous 
 bark as a substitute for hemp in making their 
 fishing-nets, mats, clothing, and various other 
 articles for which the true Hemp is generally 
 used. A. androscemifolium is termed by English 
 botanists the "Fly Trap of North Am erica, "and 
 cultivate it as an object of curiosity. They do 
 not class it as insectivorous further than that its 
 flowers catch and kill the flies, but do not feed 
 upon them. None of thespecies possesses suffi- 
 cient beauty to warrant its introduction into the 
 garden. 
 
 Apple. Pyrus Mains. The history of the Apple 
 shares obscurity with all the fruits, vegetables, 
 and flowers that were in cultivation before any 
 records were kept; consequently speculation 
 must take the place of facts in connection with 
 the early history of this valuable fruit. The first 
 account of this fruit is given in Genesis, which 
 is as unsatisfactory as the effect to humanity is 
 supposed to have been in the eating of it. The 
 general opinion is that the origin of the culti- 
 vated Apple is the wild Crab, which is found in- 
 digenous in nearly all parts of Europe, as well 
 as in most parts of the United States. Where, 
 when, or how the improvement in this fruit com- 
 menced we cannot conjecture. Pliny mentions 
 Apple trees "that will honor the first grafters 
 forever;" and every subsequent mention of this 
 fruit shows marked improvement in the quality, 
 as well as in the quantity produced. To the 
 mother country we are indebted for the parents 
 of the many choice varieties that have rewarded 
 the skill and industry of our horticulturists, a 
 record of which the limits of this work will not 
 warrant. Downing's Fruits and Fruit Trees of 
 America contains all that is known in regard to 
 the Apple, and may be consulted with profit. 
 
 Apple of Peru. The fruit of Nicandra physaloides. 
 
 Apples of Sodom. See Solanum Carolinense. 
 
 Apricot. Prunus Armeniaca. The Apricot is a 
 native of Central Asia, China, Japan, Armenia, 
 and Arabia. In all these countries it is found 
 in its native state, and is also extensively culti- 
 vated. The difference in the quality of this fruit 
 in its wild and cultivated states is not so great 
 as in most other fruits, nature having left less 
 work for man to do in order to enjoy it in its 
 highest condition. The fruit or pulp of the 
 wild Apricot, however, does not compare with 
 many of the cultivated varieties that have re- 
 sulted from selections, yet it is a fair and whole- 
 some fruit. The Apricot is extensively grown 
 in China and Japan, and the natives employ it 
 variously in the arts. The Persians also grow 
 this fruit extensively; so highly do they esteem 
 it that they call it the " Seed of the Sun." The 
 Apricot was introduced into England in 1524 by 
 Woolf, the gardener to Henry VHI. Parkinson 
 (1629) mentions eight varieties. Since then 
 many varieties have been added to the list, 
 which is by no means so extensive as that of 
 other kinds of fruit. The ravages of the Cur- 
 culio prevent the cultivation of this excellent 
 fruit in some parts of this country ; but for that 
 pest it could be produced in the greatest abund- 
 ance at a very low price. 
 
 Aquilegia. Columbine. From aqutta, an eagle ; 
 alluding to the form of the petal. Linn. Poly- 
 andria-Penlagynia. Nat. Ord. Eanunculacece.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 17 
 
 AHA 
 
 Perennial herbaceous plants, growing from 
 one to three feet high, of which several species 
 are very ornamental, especially A. vulgaris and 
 its varieties. A. Canadensis is the wild Colum- 
 bine of the United States. A. chrysantha, re- 
 cently discovered in the Rocky Mountains, has 
 canary-colored flowers, contrasting finely with 
 A. alpina. They grow in any dry soil. The 
 species are propagated by seeds, which will 
 keep a long time, or by division of the root. 
 
 Arabia. Rock Cress. From Arabia: probably in 
 reference to the dry situations where many of 
 the species grow. Linn. Telradynamia-Siliquosa. 
 Nat. Ord. Crutiferce. 
 
 Herbaceous plants, chiefly annuals and bien- 
 nials. Natives of many countries, some of which 
 are remarkable for their early flowering. A. al- 
 pina has white and yelk ./ flowers, which, in its 
 native country, appear in March ; and .-1. aJbida 
 flowers the greater part of the year, commencing 
 in mild winters in January, iind puducing its 
 large tufts of white blossoms till October. Some 
 of the species and varieties, such as A. verna, A. 
 alpina nana, and A. bellidifolia, do not grow above 
 three inches high, and are admirable plants for 
 rock-work, or gardens and pots. 
 
 Arachis. Peanut. From a, privative, and rachis, a 
 branch; a branchless plant. Linn. Diacklphia- 
 Decandria. Nat. Ord. 1'abacece. 
 
 A. hypogcea (underground), the only species, 
 is the Peanut of our shops. It is a native of the 
 West Indies and Western Africa, but has be- 
 come generally cultivated in all warm climates 
 as an article of food, to be eaten like other nuts, 
 or as food for swine. It is also largely cultivated 
 in the East Indies and Cochin China for the oil 
 obtained from the seeds, which is thin and of a 
 straw color, resembling the finer kinds of olive 
 oil. It is said to be of a superior quality, and 
 for table use preferable to the best olive oil. It 
 is free from stearine, and is used by watchmakers 
 and others for delicate machinery. The plant 
 is an annual, of a trailing habit, with yellow, 
 pea-shaped flowers, produced from the axils of 
 the leaves in bunches of five or seven, close to 
 or even tinder the ground. They should be 
 grown in a light, sandy soil, and the stems cov- 
 ered lightly with earth when in flower, as the 
 seeds are only ripened under ground. The pea- 
 nut is profitably grown in nearly all of the South- 
 ern States. 
 
 Aralia. A name of unknown meaning. Linn. 
 1'mtandria-Pentagynia. Nat. Ord. Araleacce. 
 
 This genus consists of trees, herbs, and shrubs, 
 mostly of an ornamental character, but of no 
 value as flowering plants. The roots of A. med- 
 icaulis, one of our native species, is largely sold 
 for sarsaparilla. A. racemos't is our beautiful 
 Spikenard, much esteemed for its medicinal 
 properties. A. papijrifera, which assumes a tree 
 form, grows in great quantities in the deep, 
 swampy forests of the island of Formosa. The 
 stems of this species are filled with pith of 
 very fine texture, from which is manufactured 
 the celebrated rice paper of the Chinese, which 
 is chiefly used in making artificial flowers. 
 
 Araucaria. From araucanos, its name among the 
 people in whose country the Araucaria imbricata 
 grows in Chili. Linn. l)icecia-Polyandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Pinacece. 
 
 This genus consists of lofty evergreen trees, 
 none oi* which will bear the open air of the cli- 
 mate of the Northern States. The most beauti- 
 ful of the species is A . e.rcelxa, from Norfolk Is- 
 land, where it is known as Norfolk Island Pine. 
 
 ARE 
 
 It grows to the height of 200 feet. Its symmetrical 
 g owth and deep green, finely- cut foliage give it 
 a fern-like appearance. All the species are fine 
 ornaments for the lawn during summer, but re- 
 quire the protection of the green-house during 
 winter. Propagation can be effected by cuttings, 
 though a slow and uncertain process. They 
 grow readily from seed. 
 
 Arbor Vitse. See Thuja. 
 
 Arctotis. Derived from arktos, a bear, and ous, 
 an ear ; shaggy fruit. Linn. Synyenesia-Polyga- 
 mia-Necessaria. Nat. Ord. Composiicc. 
 
 This genus consists of annuals, biennials, and 
 green-house perennials. The annuals should 
 be started in the hot-bed early, as they require 
 a long season to develop their showy flowers, 
 which are sulphur and orange. They grow 
 freely in ordinary soil, and keep in bloom until 
 killed by frost. Introduced from the Cape of 
 Good Hope in 1774. 
 
 Ardisia. From ardis, a spear-head; in reference 
 to the sharp-pointed divisions of the flower. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. J/I//-N/- 
 nacece. 
 
 Handsome green-house plants from the East 
 Indies, producing either red or white flowers, 
 and may be grown in sandy peat, with plenty 
 of water through the summer months. A. cre- 
 nulata is admired alike for its white flowers and 
 vermilion berries, being constantly covered 
 with either one qr the other. Propagated by 
 seeds in the green-house. Plants usually fruit 
 when one year old. There is also a pretty white- 
 fruited variety. 
 
 Areca. Called areec in Malabar, when an old tree. 
 Linn. Moncecia- Monad 'elphia. Nat. Ord. Palmace-cv. 
 An extensive genus of lofty, magnificent 
 Palms-, natives of the East and West Indies and 
 South America. The most prominent of the 
 species is A. oleracea, the Cablbage Palm. This 
 is one of the most beautiful and stately of the 
 Palm tribe, and is called, in some of the trop- 
 ical islands, the Royal Palmetto. The stein of a 
 full-sized tree at the base is seven feet in cir- 
 cumference, and it rises to the enormous height 
 of one hundred and thirty feet. A noted trav- 
 eler, in his description of this tree, says: 
 " Near the base the trunk is of a brown color, 
 hard, woody, and jointed, with a pith inside 
 like the elder. The upper part of the trunk, 
 from whence the foliage springs, resembles a 
 well-turned, finely-polished baluster, of a lively 
 green color, gently swelling from its pedestal, 
 and diminishing gradually to the top, where it 
 expands into branches, waving like plumes of 
 ostrich feathers. These are decorated with nu- 
 merous leaflets, some of which are about three 
 feet long, and an inch and a half broad, taper- 
 ing into a sharp point. The leaflets gradually 
 decrease in size as they approach the extremi- 
 ties of the branches. This lofty, regular group 
 of foliage, impelled by the most gentle gale, and 
 constantly waving in feathery elegance, is an 
 object of beauty which cannot be imagined by 
 an inhabitant of temperate climes, unused to the 
 magnificent vegetation of a tropical sun. Within 
 the leaves, which constitute the summit of the 
 trunk, the portion called the cabbage lies con- 
 cealed. This substance is white, about two feet 
 long, of cylindrical form, and the thickness pi a 
 man's arm. It is composed of longitudinal 
 flakes like ribbons, and so compact as to form a 
 solid, crisp body. When eaten raw, it tastes 
 somewhat like the almond, but more tender and 
 delicious. When cut into slices and boiled, it
 
 18 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ARE 
 
 is served tip with meat as a vegetable dish. To 
 obtain this great delicacy growing on the very 
 summit of such a stately trunk the noble tree . 
 must be felled to the ground. In the place | 
 where the cabbage grew, a species of beetle gen- j 
 erally deposits its eggs, from which, in due 
 time, grubs are hatched, that have received the 
 name of Palm-tree Worms. They are about the 
 size of a man's thumb, very fat, and esteemed a 
 great luxury. They are fned with a little but- 
 ter and salt, and their flavor partakes of all the 
 spices of India." 
 
 Arenga. Name not explained. Linn. Monoscia- 
 Monadelphia. Nat. Ord. Palmacece. 
 
 A. saccharifera, the only species, is a very use- 
 ful and interesting Palm, a native of the Asiatic 
 islands. In its native country the fibers at- 
 tached to the petioles are twisted into ropes, the 
 medulla of the trunk is used as sago, and the 
 saccharine juice forms excellent sugar. It is said 
 that this species alone will supply all the actual 
 needs of the native: food, clothing, and a sim- 
 ple hut made from the leaves, are all supplied 
 from this species, and are all that a native's ne- 
 cessities require. 
 
 Arethusa. A classical name, after one of Diana's 
 nymphs. Linn. Gynandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 A. bulbosa is a beautiful species found grow- 
 ing in damp places near the seashore along the 
 Atlantic coast. The flowers are a bright rose- 
 purple, from one to two inches long. One of 
 our best native Orchids. 
 
 Ar gem one. Prickly Poppy. From argema, a 
 cataract of the eye; in reference to its medicinal 
 qualities. Linn. Polyandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Papaveracece. 
 
 Highly ornamental hardy annuals and peren- 
 nials from Mexico, with large flowers like those 
 of the Poppy, and of the easiest culture. The 
 plants, spreading widely, require a good deal of 
 room to look handsome. The seed of A. Mejci- 
 cana is the Fico del Inferno (Infernal Fig) of the 
 Spaniards; a purgative and powerful narcotic, 
 especially if smoked with tobacco. 
 
 Argyreia. Named in reference to the white, sil- 
 very texture of the leaves, from argyreios, sil- 
 very. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Convdvulacece. 
 
 A fine genus of strong-growing climbers from 
 the East Indies. They are only adapted for the 
 green -house, and require a long time, with lib- 
 eral pot room, to bring them into flower. A. 
 cuneata is a dwarf-growing species, and free 
 flowering ; colors white and purple, resembling 
 the Iponwea. Propagated by cuttings. Intro- 
 duced in 1820. 
 
 Ariseema. Indian Turnip, Dragon Arum. 
 From aron, an arum, and sana, a standard ; in 
 reference to the close affinity to Arum. Linn. 
 Moncetia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Aracacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy tuberous-rooted perennials. 
 Two of the species, A. triphyllum, the Indian 
 Turnip, and A. dracontium, the Green Dragon or 
 Dragon Root, are common in moist woods and 
 along streams in most parts of the United States. 
 They bear cultivation well, and make beautiful 
 plants for a shady border. The flowers are pop- 
 ularly known as Jack-in-the-Pulpit. These are 
 succeeded by a cluster of scarlet berries, that 
 make a showy appearance until winter. The 
 biting, acrid properties of this genus are such 
 that the smallest portion chewed, either of 
 leaves or root, produces a feeling as if the tongue 
 were pierced with needles. 
 
 ARP 
 
 Aristida. From arista, a beard or awn. Linn. 
 Triandria-Dujynia. Nat. Ord. Oraminaeeae. 
 
 A genus of harsh perennial grasses, common 
 on dry, barren soils throughout the United 
 States. A. dichotomn is commonly known as 
 Poverty Grass, as it is a sure indication of poor 
 and barren soil. A. strida is the Southern Wire- 
 grass. 
 
 Aristolochia. Birthwort. From aristos, best, 
 and locheia, parturition, its supposed medicinal 
 character. Linn. Qynandria-He-xandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Aristolochiacece. 
 
 A genus of climbing plants of various habi- 
 tudes, occupying every station, from the open 
 air to the hottest part of the hot-house. Most of 
 them extend their branches a long distance, 
 though some are to be found that are neat and 
 compact in their growth. The flowers of all are 
 extremely curious, generally of some lurid color, 
 and bearing a resemblance to the expanded 
 mouth of a horn. The larger ones have, not 
 inaptly, been compared to the ear of an elephant, 
 while others are distinguished by a long, pend- 
 ant pouch. The tender species require either 
 the hot-house or green-house, and a few are suf- 
 ficiently robust to bear exposure to our winters. 
 They grow freely in rich loam and leaf mould. A. 
 sipho (Dutchman's Pipe) is a native of the 
 Southern States, and one of the best for cover- 
 ing walls or trellises; under favorable circum- 
 stances it will grow twenty feet in a season. The 
 foliage is large, of a deep, rich green. Propagat- 
 ed by seed. Perfectly hardy. 
 
 Arineria. Thrift. The Latin name for the 
 Sweet William. Linn. Pentandria-Pentagynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Plumbaginacece. 
 
 A genus of highly ornamental, hardy herba- 
 ceous plants, of dwarf habit, with flowers of 
 various shades between pink and purple, pro- 
 duced on the majority of the species in great 
 profusion. The common Thrift, A. vulgaris, 
 is a well-known substitute for Box as an edging 
 to flower borders. They grow with freedom in 
 almost any soil, and without regard to situation, 
 except that the drip of trees is injurious to most 
 of them. Propagated by division. Introduced 
 from Southern Europe in 1810. 
 
 Arnica. From arnakis, a lamb's skin; in ref- 
 erence to the texture of the leaves. Linn. 
 tiyngenesia-Superftua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy, dwarf herbaceous 
 plants. Some of the species are common in this 
 country, though not of special interest. A. mon- 
 tana is a native of the mountainous districts of 
 Northern and Middle Europe. The tincture of 
 Arnica is prepared from this species; was first 
 introduced by the homoeopathists.and soon after 
 came into general use, and is considered invalu- 
 able for wounds or bruises. 
 
 Aromatic Wintergreen. See Gaulilieria.. 
 
 Aronicum. Erom arnica, a lamb's skin ; in ref- 
 erence to the softness of the flower-heads. 
 Linn. Syngene-sia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 A small genus of pretty herbaceous peren- 
 nials, inhabiting Central Europe and Asia. They 
 have flower stalks varying from three inches to 
 two feet high, with terminal heads of bright 
 yellow flowers. A. Clusii, a pretty little Alpine 
 species growing from three to five inches high, 
 is well adapted for a border plant or for rock- 
 work. They are increased by division, or from 
 seed. 
 
 Arpophyllum. Derivation of name not given. 
 Lynn, fcynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchida-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 19 
 
 AER 
 
 A small genus of handsome Orchids from 
 Mexico and New Grenada. They are of graceful 
 habit, easy of culture, and the flowers last long 
 in perfection. They are increased by division, 
 and should be grown rapidly to produce large 
 bulbs, as small ones do not flower. 
 
 Arrow-head. See SoffMnrin. 
 
 Arrow-root. A kind of starch obtained from va- 
 rious plants. Bermuda Arrow-root is obtained 
 fromMarantaarundinacm; the Brazilian, or Tapi- 
 oca, from Manihot utilissimu , the Chinese from 
 Ndutntnum speciosum ; the East Indian from dif- 
 ferent species of Curcuma; the English from the 
 Potato (Solanum tuberosum); American from In- 
 dian Corn. There are several other kinds, but 
 the name is chiefly associated with that from 
 Miirnn.tn arundinriceci, which see. 
 
 Arrow- wood. See Viburnum. 
 
 Artanthe. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Diandria-Triandrist. Nat. Ord. Piperacea'. 
 
 A small genus belonging to the Pepper family. 
 They are woody plants, with jointed stems, 
 rough leaves, and spikes of flowers opposite the 
 leaves. A. elonyata furnishes one of the arti- 
 cles known by the Peruvians as Matico, and 
 which is used by them for the same piirpose as 
 Cubebs, the produce of a nearly-allied plant ; 
 but its chief value is the power it has of staunch- 
 ing blood. The under-surface of the leai is 
 rough, traversed by a network of rejecting 
 veins, and covered with hairs; hence its effect 
 in stopping hemorrhage is prcbably mechani- 
 cal, like that of lint, cobweb, and other commonly 
 used appliances. The species are not esteemed 
 valuable as flowering plants. 
 
 Artemisia. Wormwood. From Artemis, one of 
 the names of Diana. Linn. Si/n<jenesia-^E(jualis. 
 Nat. Ord. AsteracecK. 
 
 This genus contains, among other plants, two 
 well-known shrubs, the Southern-wood, or Old 
 Man, Artemisia abrotanum, and the Wormwood, 
 A. absinthium. They are both very hardy, and the 
 Southern-wood is valuable for bearing want of 
 air and smoke without injury. Few persons, 
 
 of transparent 
 taining the fragrant oil that gives out the scent, 
 and it is by breaking them, that rubbing the 
 leaves between the fingers makes them smell 
 stronger. The Chinese Chrysanthemums are 
 frequently miscalled Artemisias. 
 
 Artichoke. Cynaria scolymus and Cynaria horten- 
 sis are the Green and Globe Artichokes of the 
 garden. They are hardy perennials, growing 
 from three to four feet high, with numerous 
 branches. The leaves measure from three to 
 four feet in length, pinnatifid, or cut in deep, 
 horizontal, convex segments, which are covered 
 with an ash-colored down, the whole plant re- 
 sembling a large Thistle. The portion eaten is 
 the under dde of the head, before the flower 
 opens. The whole head is removed and boiled, 
 the leaves laid aside, and the bottom eaten, 
 dipped in butter, with a little pepper and salt. 
 The Artichoke is a supposed native of the South 
 of Europe. The first account of its cultivation 
 was in Italy, in 1473, and from that period, 
 when it was said to be very scarce, it has stead- 
 ily grown in favor, and its cultivation extended . 
 The Artichoke thrives best in a light, very rich, 
 moist soil. One containing a largo proportion 
 of saline properties suits it best. Propagated by 
 seeds or by suckers from established plants. 
 
 ; The Jerusalem Ariirltuke is in no sense a true Ar- 
 
 ARU 
 
 t 1 ' choke, but the tuberous root of a species of 
 Sunflower, Helianihus tuberomix, a native of Bra- 
 zil, from whence it was sent to England* about 
 the year 1620. The date of its introduction into 
 this country is unknown. It must have been at 
 an early period, as it has become 8O perfectly 
 naturalized in many places as to become trou- 
 blesome. Its cultivation is now strongly recom- 
 mended on dry soils, liable to excessive droughts. 
 It is said that 1,500 bushels per acre can be pro- 
 duced, upon which swine will thrive finely, the 
 tubers furnishing sufficient water to allay thirst. 
 They also furnish excellent food for sheep. 
 Some agriculturists claim that the tops, cut and 
 properly cured, form an excellent hay, with a 
 yield of five or six tons to the acre. 
 
 Artillery Plant. See Pilea. 
 
 Artocarpus. Bread Fruit. From artos, bread, 
 and carpos, fruit ; the fruit baked resembles 
 bread. Linn. MonoeciarMonandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Artocarpaceae. 
 
 This natural order presents strange anomalies: 
 the invaluable Bread-fruit Tree of the tropics, 
 the useful Cow-tree of Caraccas, and the viru- 
 lent poison of the Upas Tree of Java, side by 
 side. The Bread-fruit, originally found in the 
 southeastern parts of Asia and the islands of the 
 Pacific, though now introduced into the West 
 Indies and South America, is one of the most 
 interesting as wt.l as singular productions of 
 the vegetable kingdom. The Bread-fruit is a 
 beautiful as well as a useful tree. The trunk 
 rises to the height of about forty feet, and, in a 
 full-grown tree, is from twelve to fifteen inches 
 in diameter ; the branches come out in a hori- 
 zontal manner, the lower ones about ten feet 
 from the ground, and they become shorter and 
 shorter until they reach the top, giving the tree 
 an appearance of perfect symmetry. The leaves 
 are of a lively green, divided into seven or nine 
 lobes, from eighteen inches to two feet long. 
 The fruit is about nine inches long, heart- 
 shaped, of a greenish color, and marked with 
 hexagonal warts in clusters. The pulp is white, 
 partly farinaceous and partly fibrous ; but 
 when quite ripe it becomes yellow and juicy. 
 The Bread-fruit furnishes the chief sustenance 
 of the inhabitants of the Society and South Sea 
 Islands, and is used to a considerable extent in 
 the West Indies. It is usually cut into pieces, 
 and roasted or baked in ovens on the ground. 
 
 Arum. From aron ; supposed to be an ancient 
 Egyptian word. Linn. Monoecia-Polyandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Aracecn. 
 
 There are several interesting species contained 
 in this genus which may be accounted pretty 
 additions to the collections of the hot-house and 
 green-house, though the flowers possess a dis- 
 agreeable odor. In contrast with the other spe- 
 cies is A. Pakstinum, that has flowers of deep 
 crimson, with a delicious fragrance not unlike 
 the Violet. In shape it resembles (Ma ^EUd- 
 opica ; in fact, when it was introduced, in 1876, 
 into the United States, it was under the name 
 of " Crimson Calla." They are easily cultivated 
 in loam, and should have a liberal supply of 
 water. Numerous offsets are usually produced, 
 by which the species are extended. A. ilr<n->n,- 
 1-iilns, the Dragon Arum, deserves a place in the 
 flower garden for its largo, very remarkable 
 flowers. This variety requires the same treat- 
 ment as the Gladiolus. The roots of all this 
 natural order, when green, contain a milky 
 fluid, which is exceedingly acrimonious, excit- 
 ing a painful sensation of burning heat in the
 
 20 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 AEU 
 
 tongue and mouth. When cut in slices and ap- 
 plied to the skin, it will very quickly produce a 
 blister. This same active principle is not con- 
 fined to the roots of the various genera and spe- 
 cies, but is found in the leaves as well. A piece 
 of the Calla leaf, not larger than a pin's head, if 
 taken into the mouth, will produce violent and 
 painful burnings. By drying, *hese roots lose 
 all their poisonous properties, and some of the 
 species yield an excellent quality of Arrow-root. 
 
 Arundinaria. An alteration of the word Arundo, 
 to which this genus may be compared, in refer- 
 ence to its large size. Linn. Triandria-Diyynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Graminacea>. 
 
 A genus of grasses of a shrubby or arborescent 
 nature, with strong-jointed stems, resembling 
 those of the Bamboo cane. They are mostly from 
 the warmer parts of the globe, and in some in- 
 stances attain a great size. A. falcata is one of 
 the hardiest kinds, and an ornamental plant for 
 the sub-tropical garden. This species will en- 
 dure the winter without protection, from Wash- 
 ington southward. A. Schomburgkii, a native of 
 Guiana, is an important species. The canes 
 grow sixteen feet high, with a diameter at the 
 base of from twelve to eighteen inches. It is 
 this plant that chiefly furnishes the native In- 
 dians with the tubes from which they blow their 
 poisonous arrows, which act with such fatal ef- 
 fect on their victims. 
 
 Arundo. Reed. A word of doubtful derivation, 
 perhaps from the Latin word arundo, a reed. 
 Linn. Tr'wmdria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. GraminacecK. 
 A. Donax is a splendid Bamboo-looking reed, 
 rather tender in severe winters, but which, if 
 the season be favorable, will grow, in rich soil 
 kept moist, to the height of ten or twelve feet 
 in one year, producing a fine oriental appear- 
 ance when standing singly on a lawn or near 
 water. This variety is a native of Southern 
 Europe, introduced in 1648, and for many years 
 has been an inmate of our flower gardens. A. 
 Donax variegnta, a variety with leaves beautifully 
 striped in different colors, similar to those of 
 the common Ribbon-grass of our gardens, is one 
 of the most beautiful plants for the sub-tropical 
 garden. It requires, however, the protection of 
 the green-house during winter in our Northern 
 States. Propagated by division of roots. Will 
 succeed in ordinary garden soil. 
 
 Asarum. Wild Ginger. From a, privative, and 
 saron, feminine ; the application of the term 
 unexplained. Linn. Dodecandria-Monogyn la. Nat. 
 Ord. ArisMochiaceae. 
 
 A genus of rather curious hardy herbaceous 
 perennials, common in most parts of the United 
 States, usually in rich, moist woods. They are 
 highly esteemed for their medicinal properties. 
 A. Canadense is the Canada Snake-root or Wild 
 Ginger. It is recognized by its simple pair of 
 broad, kidney-shaped leaves, and a single large, 
 brownish-purple flower. The roots are pungent 
 and aromatic. 
 
 Asclepias. Milkweed. The Greek name of the 
 jExculai>ius of the Latins. Linn. Penlandria- 
 Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Asdepiadacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of tall-growing plants, 
 mostly of a hardy herbaceous character, re- 
 markable for their curious flowers and the silky 
 substance which fills the seed-pod. The most 
 ornamental species is A. iuberosa, which has fine 
 orange-colored flowers, and is somewhat difficult 
 to cultivate. It thrives, however, in sandy 
 loam, kept rather dry than otherwise, and sel- 
 dom disturbed by removal. . It is increased by 
 
 ASP 
 
 division. This species is common in all the 
 Middle States. The genus is truly American. 
 
 Ash. See Fraxinus. 
 
 Ash-leaved Maple. See Negundo. 
 
 Asimina. Papaw. Named from Asiminier of 
 the French colonists. Linn. Polyandria-Poly- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Anonacece. 
 
 A. trUoba, the only species, is n low-growing 
 tree or shrub, common in the Western and 
 Southern States, where it is popularly known as 
 Papaw. The fruit is from three to four inches 
 long, yellowish, and when fully ripe is by many 
 highly esteemed. 
 
 Asparagus. From a, intensive, and sparasso, to 
 tear; in reference to the strong prickles of some 
 species. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynki. Nat. Ord. 
 Liliacece. 
 
 Of this extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
 and green-house plants, A. officinalis, the gar- 
 den Asparagus, is the only species of particular 
 interest. The common Asparagus is a native of 
 Great Britain, Russia, and Poland. In many 
 other parts of Europe it is found growing wild, 
 but is probably an escape in many localities, and 
 is perfectly naturalized, as it is sparingly on our 
 own coasts. The Asparagus is one of the oldest 
 as well as one of the most delicious of our gar- 
 den vegetables. It was cultivated in the time 
 of Cato the Elder, 200 years B.C. ; and Pliny 
 mentions a sort that grew in his time near Ra- 
 venna, of which three heads would weigh a 
 pound. From these accounts it would appear 
 that there is nothing new under the sun in the 
 line of Asparagus. As many of our best garden- 
 ers contend, adaptation of soil, together with 
 thorough cultivation, alone explains the differ- 
 ence in this vegetable, as offered in our markets 
 or seen in our gardens. 
 
 Aspasia. From aspazomai, I embrace ; the col- 
 umn embraced by the labellum. Linn. Gynan- 
 dria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of epiphytal Orchids from Cen- 
 tral and South America. One of the more im- 
 portant species, A. epidendroides, has yellow and 
 brown sepals, the petals light purple, the lip 
 white, with purple in the center. The species 
 should be grown in baskets, or on blocks of 
 wood or cork, with plenty of moss. They do 
 not require a high temperature, but need plenty 
 of air. Increased by division. Introduced in 
 1833. 
 
 Aspen. See Populus irermda. 
 
 Asperula. The diminutive of asper, rough; in 
 reference to the rough leaves. Linn. Tetrandria- 
 Monogyma. Nat. Ord. Galiacese. 
 
 Pretty, dwarf, hardy plants, well adapted for 
 shaded situations among trees, chiefly natives 
 of the European Continent. A. odorata, the 
 common Woodruff, is esteemed for its delightful 
 scent. The plant, when wilted, has the odor of 
 new-mown hay. 
 
 Asphodelus. Asphodel. From a, privative, 
 and sphallo, to supplant ; the stately flowers not 
 easily surpassed. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 Showy plants, suitable for the open border, 
 with white or yellow flowers. Tiiey may be 
 grown in any soil, and are readily increased 
 by separation of the roots. Most varieties are 
 from the South of Europe, have long been in 
 cultivation in our gardens, and are perfectly 
 hardy. 
 
 Aspidistra. From aspldiseon, a little round shield; 
 the form of the flower. Linn. Oclandria-Mono~ 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 21 
 
 ASP 
 
 A small genus found in China and Japan, re- i 
 inarkable for producing their flowers under the ; 
 surface of the earth. They are useful house 
 plants. The foliage of A. vari?<jatu (green with 
 broad stripes of white) contrasts finely with or- 
 namental foliaged plants. Propagated by suck- 
 ers. For the production of well-marked plants, 
 the pots in which they are grown should be 
 small, and the soil liberally mixed with sand. 
 Introduced in 1835. 
 
 Aspidium. Shield Fern, Wood Fern. From 
 aspidion, a little buckler ; the shape of the indu- 
 sium. Lhm. Oryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. 
 Potypodiacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy and green-house 
 Ferns. Many of the species are common in j 
 moist, shady places throughout the United 
 States. The green-house varieties are mostly | 
 from the West Indies. All the species are of 
 easy culture. Many of them are deservedly 
 popular in the fern-house or shady border. 
 Asplenium. Spleenwort. From a, privative, 
 and splen, spleen; referring to its supposed 
 medicinal properties. Linn. tiyptoyamia-Filices. \ 
 Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 This genus, as established by Linnaeus, was 
 a very extensive one, and the species exceed- 
 ingly varied. So much confusion existed in re- 
 gard to it, that modern botanists have divided , 
 and sub-divided it; yet it contains a large num- ! 
 ber of hardy and tropical species, many of which j 
 are exceedingly beautiful and interesting, and 
 are commonly found in our green-houses. Some ; 
 of the species have the very singular property of 
 bearing little buds on their surface, from which 
 young plants are formed. It is not an uncom- 
 mon thing to see fifteen or twenty of these young 
 plants, all perfectly developed, from one to two 
 inches high, on a single frond. This species is 
 popularly known as a bulb-bearing Fern. Sev- 
 eral of the species are indigenous throughout 
 the United States, and there is scarcely a coun- 
 try in which some of the species may not be 
 found. 
 
 Aster. From aster, a star. Linn. Synrjenesia-Su- ! 
 pt-rnna. Nat. Ord. Composite!:. 
 
 There are upward of one hundred and fifty 
 species included in this genus, chiefly hardy j 
 herbaceous plants, useful for ornamenting the ; 
 flower borders in the autumn ; generally attain- | 
 ing a height of from two to four feet, and pro- j 
 ducing white, red or blue flowers. They are 
 easily increased by separating the old stools. 
 The well-known German and China Asters are \ 
 now classed under Callistephus. 
 Astilbe. From o, privative, and stilbe, bright- , 
 ness ; flowers not very striking. Linn. Decan- -, 
 dria-Dlgynia. Nat. Ord. Saxifragacece. 
 
 A. barbfda, commonly called A. Japonica, j 
 ^pii-fna Japonica, and Jloteia Japonica, is a native i 
 of Japan, and a perfectly hardy herbaceous 
 plant. The dark green cut leaves form a hand- j 
 some tuft, from which arise numerous crowded > 
 panicles of feathery white flowers. Excellent 
 for forcing in pots, and fine for cutting. There j 
 i.s a variety with variegated foliage, green and j 
 yellow, not so vigorous in habit, but in all other 
 respects similar. Propagated by division of ' 
 roots. 
 
 Astragalus. Milk Vetch. The ancient Greek j 
 name for some leguminous plant. Linn. D'm- 
 delphia-Dceandria. Nat. Ord. Falxicur. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy annuals, peren- 
 nials, and deciduous trees and shrubs. Many j 
 of the species are beautiful plants for the flower ! 
 
 ATT 
 
 garden. They are vigorous growers, and suc- 
 ceed in a well-drained, sandy soil. The gonus 
 is widely distributed, there being scarcely a 
 country where it is not indigenous. The flow- 
 ers are pea-shaped, and mostly yellow ov pur- 
 ple. Several of our native species produce a 
 fruit resembling green plums, that are edible. 
 On the prairies they are called Ground Plums. 
 A. mottissimus, popularly known as "Loco, "or 
 " Crazy Weed," is the notorious cattle-poisoning 
 weed of Colorado and California. Cattle and 
 horses eating it show many of the symptoms of 
 drunkenness, and under certain circumstances 
 the results are fatal. The gum-like substance 
 called Tragacanth is the produce of several 
 
 rcies growing in Persia, Asia Minor, and Kur- 
 tan. The gum exudes naturally from the 
 bark in the same way that gum exudes from the 
 bark of Cherry or Plum trees . While many of the 
 species are useful or ornamental, by far the 
 larger number are troublesome weeds. 
 
 Astrocaryum. From astron, a star, and karyon, 
 a nut; referring to the distribution of the fruit. 
 Linn. Mon&cia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. PalmacecK. 
 A small genus of Palms allied to Cocos, chiefly 
 natives of the Upper Amazon. They have large 
 pinnate leaves, and are armed with spines, some- 
 times a foot long, and exceedingly sharp. The 
 fruit of some of the species furnishes food for 
 cattle and swine. The young leaves of A. vulgare 
 yield a fine thread, from which the best ham- 
 mocks are woven. 
 
 Ataccia. Malay name. Linn. Hexandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Taccacece. 
 
 A division of the genus Tacca. " There are 
 few more remarkable-looking plants than A. 
 cristata, sometimes met in the gardens under 
 the incorrect name of Tacca iniegrifolia. It hajs 
 a short, conical, underground caudex, or rhi- 
 zome, and produces from this caudex three or 
 four large, oblong, acuminate, purplish-green 
 stalked leaves. The scape is about as long as 
 the leaves, erect, stout, angled, dark purple, 
 terminated by a large four-leaved involucre, of 
 which the two outer leaflets are dark purple, 
 and the two inner much larger, placed side by 
 side, green with a deep purple base and otalk. " 
 The species are remarkable for their curious 
 structure, but are of no value as flowering 
 plants, or for economic purposes. 
 
 Atamasco Lily. See Zephyranlhes. 
 
 Athyrium. A small genus of Ferns, until re- 
 cently included in Asplenium. A. Goringianum 
 pictum is a beautiful half-hardy deciduous va- 
 riety from Japan. 
 
 Atriplex. Orache, Mountain Spinach. From 
 atcr, black, and plexus, woven together; on ac- 
 count of the dark color and habit of some of 
 the species. Linn. Polygamia-Moncecia. Nat. 
 Ord. Okenapodiacece. 
 
 A. horiensis, the only species of interest, is 
 a tall-growing, hardy plant, annual, known in 
 pur gardens as Orache. It is but little grown 
 in this country, but very popular in France. It 
 is a native of Tartary, introduced into France in 
 1548. It grows freely with ordinary garden cul- 
 ture. Seeds are sown in both spring and full to 
 secure a succession. 
 
 Attalea. From attains, magnificent; in reference 
 to the beauty of these Palms. Linn. Moncecia- 
 Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Palmacea?. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful Palms allied to 
 Cocos. With one or two exceptions, they are 
 natives of Brazil. A. funifera yields a black 
 fiber resembling whalebone, an article of con-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 AUB 
 
 siderable commercial value as a material for 
 making brooms and -brushes. It is popularly 
 known as Piassaba Palm. The nuts of this spe- 
 cies are very hard, about four inches long, finely 
 mottled, dark and light brown, and are highly 
 esteemed for turning into knobs, umbrella han- 
 dles, and various other purposes. A. Cohune 
 furnishes Cohoun nuts, from which is extracted 
 Cohoun oil, used for burning, for which purpose 
 it is superior to cocoanut oil. The species are 
 too large for gieen-house cultivation. 
 
 Aubrietia. Named after M. Aubriet, a French 
 botanical draughtsman. Linn. Tetradynamia- 
 NV/v.i/osa. Nat. Ord. Cruclfene. 
 
 A genus of pretty little plants, generally with 
 purple flowers, about three inches high, which 
 flower in March, and are admirably adapted for 
 pots or miniature rock-work. They are readily 
 propagated by division. Natives of the South of 
 Europe. Introduced in 1710. 
 
 Aucuba. The name of the shrub in Japan. Linn. 
 Monoecia-Tetrandria. Nat. Ord. Cbmaceo?. 
 
 A genus of hardy evergreen shrubs from 
 Japan, useful, and highly prized for their vigor- 
 ous habit, rapid growth, and capability of endur- 
 ing, and even thriving in, the atmosphere of 
 cities. The conspicuously marked foliage of A. 
 Japonica variegata, which is green and yellow, ad- 
 mirably adapts it for the shrubbery border, or as 
 a single plant upon the lawn. This variety 
 is not usually hardy north of Washington. Prop- 
 agated by cuttings, which root freely in sand. 
 Introduced in 1783. 
 
 Auricula. See Primula. 
 
 Avena. Oat. A name of obscure origin. Linn. 
 Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. OraminacecK. 
 
 A genus of grasses, in point of beauty unin- 
 teresting. A. saliva, the common Oat, is the 
 best known, and invaluable in agricultural 
 economy. There are several species of Oats, and 
 a vast number of varieties. The nativity of the 
 Oat is accredited to Mesopotamia. It is, how- 
 ever, a matter of conjecture. The quality and 
 appearance of the Oat vary greatly when grown 
 on different soils and in different climates. 
 The justly celebrated Norway Oat loses its dis- 
 tinctive character when grown in the warm, dry 
 climate of the Middle or New England States, 
 and seed has consequently to be procured from 
 colder countries, in order to keep the cr6p up 
 to the high standard claimed for it. The Naked 
 or Hulless Oat is A. nuda, found growing wild 
 in many parts of Europe, and considered mere- 
 ly a degeneration of the common Oat. A very 
 fine variety of this species has been introduced 
 from China, but its merits as a farm crop have 
 not been fully tested. A. sttrilis, a native of the 
 
 BAB 
 
 South of Europe, is the Animated Oat of the 
 gardens. The "animation" is produced by 
 the contraction and expansion of the awns, 
 which cause the seed to crawl a short distance. 
 Moisture from dews is sufficient to produce this 
 slight motion. 
 
 Avens. See Geum. 
 
 Azalea. From azdeos, dry ; in reference to the 
 habitation of the plant. Linn. Penlandria-Mon- 
 ogynia. Nat. Ord. Ericaceae. 
 ' Beautiful flowering plants, natives of North 
 America, Turkey, and China. The American or 
 Hardy Azaleas, A. calendulacea, nudiflura, and i'is- 
 t-osa, with hosts of garden varieties bred from 
 them, are inhabitants of all our best shrubber- 
 ies, and have been so wonderfully improved by 
 seedling culture as to throw into the shade the 
 original species; there can now be selected 
 twenty or thirty varieties better than the very 
 best of the original species. Every year, too, 
 adds to the diversity of sorts and to the size of 
 the flowers, which is one of the characteristics of 
 the improved kinds. In many places they 
 thrive in the common soil of the garden, but, 
 in general, they require leaf mould to be dug in 
 with the natural soil ; and where there is to be 
 any quantity grown, or a nursery of them made, 
 beds of leaf mould, or compounds of the great- 
 est part of this, must be made up. They are 
 raised from seed sown in beds in the open air, 
 but, from its extreme diminutiveness, many 
 prefer sowing in pans and wide-mouthed pots. 
 When they are large enough, they should be 
 planted out in beds six inches apart. The sec- 
 ond year every alternate plant may be taken out 
 and planted elsewhere, to make room; and as 
 they increase in size they should have more 
 room. They are propagated chiefly by grafting 
 and layers, but cuttings of the last year's wood 
 will root readily in sand. A. Ponlica is a native 
 of Turkey. A. Indica (the Chinese Azalea) and 
 its varieties are those we meet with in the green- 
 house. The florists' catalogues abound with 
 rare sorts, the results of careful and skillful 
 cross-fertilization. We are largely indebted for 
 our finer sorts to the nurserymen at Ghent, 
 Belgium. They are increased easily in spring 
 by cuttings of the half-ripened young shoots. 
 
 Azara. Named after J. N. Azam, a Spanish pro- 
 moter of botany. Linn. Potyandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Flacourliacece. 
 
 A genus of evergreen shrubs, natives of Chili. 
 A. Gilliesii, is the mo>-it desirable species. Its 
 leaves are evergreen, somewhat resembling the 
 Holly; flowers yellow, produced in axillary clus- 
 ters. Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in. 
 
 B. 
 
 Babiana. From babianer, the Dutch for baboon ; 
 in reference to the bulbs being eaten by 
 baboons. Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 IridacecK. 
 
 A genus of Cape plants, with solid bulbs or 
 conns, which are eaten by the Hottentots, and 
 which, when roasted, are said to resemble 
 chestnuts. All the species have showy flowers, 
 of various colors, blue predominating. Some 
 of the varieties are finely variegated. They 
 succeed in very sandy loam, and may be grown 
 
 either in pots for ornamenting the green-house, 
 or planted in a cold frame, where, if protected 
 from frost in winter, they may be allowed to re- 
 main altogether. They increase rapidly by off- 
 sets. Introduced from the Cape of Good Hope 
 in 1757. 
 
 Babingtonia. Named in compliment to Charles 
 Babington, of Cambridge, Eng., a distinguished 
 botanist. Linn. Icosandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Myrlacece. 
 
 B. camphorosma, the only species of import-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BAB 
 
 ance in this genus, is a graceful green-house 
 shrub from New Holland. It is easy of cultiva- 
 tion, and produces flowers freely during the 
 summer months, in terminal clusters, color 
 white or pinkish. The branches have a droop- 
 ing habit, giving the plant a graceful outline. 
 Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1842. 
 
 Baby's Breath. See Mnscarl. 
 
 Baccharis. Groundsel-Tree. From Bacchus, the 
 god of wine ; referring to the spicy odor of the 
 roots. The ancients sometimes boiled down 
 their wines, and mixed them with such spices. 
 Linn. Syngemsia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracea;. 
 This genus consists of upward of 200 spe- 
 cies, all South American except three, two of 
 which are found from Massachusetts southward, 
 and the third in California. They are tall- 
 growing shrubs, and distinguished from their 
 allies by having the male flowers on one plant 
 and the females on another. They are quite 
 ornamental shrubs, and some of the species 
 are strongly recommended for the green-house. 
 There is a singular and remarkable fact in rela- 
 tion to one of the species, B. Douylassi, which is 
 found in California and in Chili, without being 
 found in any intervening place. The medici- 
 nal properties of some of the South American 
 species are highly esteemed for fevers and 
 rheumatism. 
 
 Balantium. A name proposed for a genus of 
 Ferns, now considered synonymous with Dick- 
 sonia. 
 
 Bald Cypress. See Taxodium. 
 
 Ballota. Fetid Horehound. From ballo, to re- 
 ject; in allusion to its offensive odor. Linn. 
 D'ulynamia-Monoriyma. Nat. Ord. Lamiacece. 
 
 A small genus of mere weeds, occasionally 
 met with in the Eastern States, having found 
 their way from Europe, where they are natives. 
 
 Balloon Vine. See Cardiospermum. 
 
 Balm. See Melissa. 
 
 Balm of Gilead. See Populus. 
 
 Balmony. One of the popular names of Ghelone. 
 
 Balsam Apple and Balsam Pear. See Mo- 
 mardica. 
 
 Balsam Fir. See Abies. 
 
 Balsamina. Balsam. Impatiens Bcdsamina. From 
 impaliens, referring to the elasticity of the valves 
 of the seed-pods, which discharge the seeds 
 when ripe or when touched. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogyida. Nat. Ord. Balsaminacece. 
 
 The garden Balsam, of which numerous hand- 
 some varieties are grown, is B. luortensix. This 
 is one of the most beautiful of popular annuals, 
 forming a showy cone of finely-variegated, Car- 
 nation-like flowers. The prevailing colors of 
 the petals are red and white, the former extend- 
 ing to every shade of purple, crimson, scarlet, 
 rose, lilac, and carnation or flesh-color ; but 
 some of the most superb sorts are elegantly 
 spotted with white. The spotted varieties form 
 a class by themselves, and are justly regarded 
 as among the most brilliant ornaments of the 
 garden. There are the crimson, scarlet, rose, 
 purple, and violet -spotted. Another class is 
 striped, after the manner of Carnations, with 
 purple, crimson, rose, scarlet on pure white 
 grounds, some with one color, others with two 
 or more colors, and some are curiously mottled 
 and striped. The most improved varieties are 
 Very double, and styled Camellia-flowered by 
 the French. Some of the flowers are almost as 
 perfect and as double as those of the Camellia, 
 and nearly as regular in shape. The Germans 
 call them Hose-flowered, as many of them ap- | 
 
 BAP 
 
 proach the perfection of that flower in shape and 
 fullness. There is a class of Dwarf Balsams that 
 do not grow over a foot high, but very full and 
 bushy in habit. They do not produce flowers 
 so double as the Camellia or Rose-flowered 
 varieties, but are desirable for the garden. They 
 should not be planted with the tall varieties, 
 which attain the height of two or three feet, 
 when properly cultivated. The only way to 
 propagate the Balsam is from seed, which do 
 not always produce kinds exactly the same as 
 the parent, but approach very near, when great 
 care has been taken to keep the different varie- 
 ties by themselves, as is -now practiced by those 
 who make a business of raising the seed. Care- 
 ful growers of Balsams, who wish to raise prize 
 flowers, never use seed less than three years old ; 
 and they are particular in saving it from the 
 most double and handsomest flowers, the best 
 being those which have their colors distinctly 
 marked, like a Carnation. Introduced from the 
 East Indies in 1596. 
 
 Balsam of Copaiva. See Copaifera. 
 
 Balsam of Peru. See Myrospermum. 
 
 Bamboo Cane. See Bambusa. 
 
 Bambusa. Bamboo Cane. From bambos, its In- 
 dian name. Linn. Hexandria-Monogyma. Nat. 
 Ord. Graminaceai. 
 
 A genus of gigantic reeds, common through- 
 out Southern China and Japan. B. anoidinacea is 
 the species of greatest importance. When grow- 
 
 ing it has the appearance of an immense sheaf 
 of wheat standing on end. It grows in large 
 tufts or clumps, some of them upward of sixty 
 feet in height, and the quantity of canes which 
 they yield is simply enormous. The cane is 
 porous in the center and partly hollow. Exter- 
 nally the epidermis is composed of a hard wood, 
 into which silex enters so largely that it will 
 strike fire with a steel like a piece of flint. 
 Although this plant grows spontaneously and 
 most profusely in nearly all the immense south- 
 era districts of the Chinese Empire, yet the 
 Chinese give the cultivation of this reed great 
 care and attention. They have treatises and 
 whole volumes solely on this subject, laying 
 down rules derived from experience, and show- 
 ing the proper soils, the best kinds of water, 
 and the seasons for planting and transplanting 
 the useful production. The variety of purposes 
 to which the Bamboo is applied is almost end- 
 less. The Chinese use it, in one way or other, 
 for nearly everything they require. The sails 
 of their ships, as well as their masts and rig- 
 ging, consist chiefly of Bamboo, manufactured 
 in different ways. Almost every article of fur- 
 niture in their houses, including mats, screens, 
 chairs, tables, bedsteads, and bedding, are 
 made of the same material; and in some sec- 
 tions entire dwellings are constructed of Bam- 
 boo. Fine paper is made from the fiber of this 
 plant. In short, scarcely anything is to be 
 found in China, either upon land or water, into 
 the composition of which Bamboo does not 
 enter. The same extensive use is also made of 
 this reed in Japan, Java, Sumatra, Siam, and 
 other Eastern countries. 
 
 Banana and Plantain. See Musa. 
 
 Baneberry. See Aclcea. 
 
 Baobab Tree. See Adansonia. 
 
 Baptisia. From bapto, to dye; some of the spe- 
 cies possessing dyeing properties. Linn. Decan- 
 drin-Monoijynia. Nat. Ord. Fabacecr. 
 
 This genus of native plants (commonly called 
 False Indigo) are rather pretty for the border.
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BAR 
 
 Flowers are white, blue, or yellow. They grow 
 in any good garden soil, and are increased by di- 
 vision. 
 
 Barbarea. Winter Cress. So named on ac- 
 count of its having been formerly called the 
 Herb of St. Barbara. Linn. Telradynamia;. Nat. 
 Ord. BrassicacecK. 
 
 B. vulgar is is a hardy herbaceous plant, in 
 early days esteemed as a salad. It closely re- 
 sembles the common Water Cress, but grows on 
 dry soils. Its use is now discarded. It is a na- 
 tive of Europe, and has become naturalized in 
 some parts of this country. 
 
 Barberry. See Berberis. 
 
 Barkeria. After the late Mr. Barker, of Birming- 
 ham, Eng., an ardent cultivator of Orchids. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Moiutndria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful epiphytal Or- 
 chids, natives of Mexico and Central America. 
 They closely resemble the well-known genus 
 Epidendrum. B. sppctabUis, called in Guatemala 
 Flor de Isabel, is the finest species. It is one of 
 the votive offerings of the Catholics in that 
 country. The plants should be grown in bas- 
 kets of moss in a warm house. They are in- 
 creased by division. Introduced in 1843. 
 
 Barleria. After the Rev. J. Barrelier, of Paris. 
 Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
 ihacece. 
 
 A large genus of herbs and shrubs, natives of 
 the tropical regions of both the Old and the 
 New Worlds. The flowers are purple, yellow, 
 orange, or white, produced in axillary or termi- 
 nal spikes or heads. But few of the species have 
 been introduced into the garden or green-house. 
 B. cristaia, a native of the East Indies, is a pret- 
 ty little hot-house evergreen plant, bearing its 
 purplish-lilac flowers ir great profusion in 
 summer, making it a desirable border plant. 
 It is propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 
 1796. 
 
 Barley. The common name for Hordeum. 
 
 A genus of grain-bearing grasses, the most 
 important of the species being H. vulgare, our 
 common Spring Barley, a grain that has been 
 the longest in cultivation, and is more generally 
 used than any other. The Egyptians have a tra- 
 dition that Barley was the first grain made use 
 of by man, and trace its introduction to their 
 goddess Isis. Pliny, in his Natural History, 
 speaks of its great antiquity, but gives no ac- 
 count of its origin, which is as little known as 
 that of Wheat. Of the kinds under cultivation, 
 H. vulqare is the common four-rowed, //. cfe- 
 tichon the two-rowed, and H. hemstichon the 
 Winter Barley, which has six rows of grain, 
 each row terminating in a long beard. This is 
 the species most generally cultivated in this 
 country. 
 
 Barnardia. Named in honor of E. Barnard, F.L.S. 
 Linn. Ilexandria-M<mo</ynia. Nat. Ord. LUiacen: 
 A small genus of half-hardy bulbs from China 
 and Japan. The flowers are pale blue, similar 
 to the ScOto, and from the resemblance the fin- 
 est species has been called jB. scillioides. They 
 require to be grown in a frame. Propagated by 
 offsets. Introduced in 1819. 
 
 Barnyard Grass. The common name for Pa ni- 
 cum Ciiis-gaUL 
 
 Bartonia. Named after Dr. Barton, one of our dis- 
 tinguished botanists. Linn. Icosandria-Monwni- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. 'Loasacecu. 
 
 B. aurea, a native of California, is a splendid 
 annual, with golden yellow flowers, which have 
 quite a metallic luster when the sun shines 
 
 BAY 
 
 upon them. The seed-pod is curiously twisted. 
 Like all the Californian annuals, it is very apt to 
 die off if the roots become at all withered by 
 drought, or if the collar of the plant be exposed 
 to the full heat of the sun; and thus it does 
 best when grown in masses, so that the ground 
 may be quite covered with its leaves. It suc- 
 ceeds best in a moist situation. Introduced in 
 1834. 
 
 Basella. Malabar Nightshade. Its Malabar name. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Basella- 
 cece. 
 
 A genus of climbing plants, mostly biennial. 
 B. alba and B. cordifolia are grown in the East 
 Indies as pot-herbs, and are used as a substitute 
 for Spinach. Some of them are also grown in 
 France, to furnish the Paris market with sum- 
 mer Spinach, and they are grown for the same 
 purpose in China. B. rubra, a variety of B. cor- 
 difolia, yields a rich purple dye. Some of the spe- 
 cies have tuberous roots. B. alba is suitable for 
 a suspended pot or basket, being quite pretty 
 when in bloom. B. lucida, when in fruit, is a 
 very interesting plant. Propagated by division 
 and by seed. 
 
 Basil. See Ocymum. 
 
 Basil Thyme. Common name for Calamintha 
 Nepeta. 
 
 Bassia. Butter Tree. Named after M. Bassi, 
 Curator of the Botanic Garden at Boulogne. 
 Linn. Dodecandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Sapota- 
 cece. 
 
 Tall trees, natives of the hottest parts of the 
 East Indies and Africa; the leaves are alternate, 
 produced in terminal tufts. The trees are of 
 considerable importance in their native coun- 
 tries. B. butryacea yields a thick, oil-like butter 
 from its fruit. It makes good soap, and is adapt- 
 ed for burning. From the juice of the flowers 
 a kind of sugar is prepared. The fruit qf the 
 Illupie Tree, B. longifolia, yields oil for lamps 
 and various other purposes; it is also used 
 for food. B. Parkii is the Shea Tree, or Butter 
 Tree, mentioned by Mungo Park in his travels. 
 Some of the species furnish a very valuable tim- 
 ber for the mechanic arts. 
 
 Bass wood. See Ti/ia. 
 
 Bastard Pennyroyal. See Trichostema dichoto- 
 mum. 
 
 Batatis. Its Indian name. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. ConvohrulacecK. 
 
 A somewhat extensive genus of tuberous- 
 rooted climbing plants, tender or half-hardy. 
 Some of the species are handsome green-house 
 climbers, with large, purple, snowy flowers. As 
 the flowers fade quickly and have no commer- 
 cial value, the species are rarely cultivated. 
 The most interesting species is B. edulis, the well- 
 known Sweet Potato, for description of which 
 see Potato. The several species are natives of 
 Mexico, South America, and the East Indies. 
 
 Batemannia. In compliment to James Baieman, 
 a celebrated English collector and cultivator of 
 Orchids, and author of the "Orchidaceaa of 
 Mexico and Guatemala." Linn. Gynandria- 
 Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchida&XB. 
 
 A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, most of 
 which have small, inconspicuous flowers. Bate- 
 mannia, Burlii is a very rare and showy plant, 
 with flowers three inches in diameter, of a red- 
 dish brown, with yellow spots, lip white and 
 dark purple. They require to be grown in a 
 house with moderate heat, and to be watered 
 with great caution. Introduced in 1839. 
 
 Bayberry. See Mi/rica.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BEA 
 
 Beach Pea. Common name of Lathyrus mariti- 
 mus. A species growing plentifully in New Jersey 
 and northward. 
 
 Bean. Phaseolus. The varieties of our common 
 Garden or Bush Bean have their origin in P. 
 vulgaris, which is supposed to be a native of the 
 East Indies, though there are none of the spe- 
 cies found wild that in any way resembles the 
 varieties under cultivation. The earliest notice 
 that we have of the Kidney Bean is that given 
 by Pliny, who calls them Phaseoli, and says the 
 pod is to be eaten with the seed. "According 
 to Diodorus Siculus, the Egyptians were the first 
 to cultivate it, and to make it an article of com- 
 mon diet, yet they conceived religious notions 
 concerning it which made them at length re- 
 frain from eating it. Their priests dared not 
 either touch it or look at it. Pythagoras, who 
 was educated among the Egyptians, derived 
 from them their veneration for the bean, and 
 forbade his disciples to eat it. He taught that 
 it was created at the same time and of the same 
 elements as man ; that it was animated and had 
 a soul, which, like the human soul, suffered the 
 vicissitudes of transmigration. Aristotle ex- 
 plains the prohibition of Pythagoras symbolic 2 
 ally. He says, that beans being the ordinary 
 means of voting on public matters, the white 
 bean meaning an affirmative, and the black a 
 negative, therefore Pythagoras meant to forbid 
 his disciples to meddle with political govern- 
 ment. The Eoman priests affirmed that the 
 bean blossom contained infernal letters, refer- 
 ring to the dark staius on the wings, and it is 
 probable that all the superstitions on the sub- 
 ject sprang from the fruit.'' Am. Ency. This 
 species was first cultivated in England in 
 1509, having been introduced from the Nether- 
 lands. Many varieties were known to Gerarde 
 in 1590. The running or Pole Beans are of the 
 species P. muttiflorus, introduced from South 
 America in 1663. (See Phaseolus.) The Eng- 
 lish Bean, so called by our seedsmen, and com- 
 monly known as Broad Windsor, is Vicia faba, 
 a genus that has been under cultivation as long 
 as we have any records of gardening. It is sup- 
 posed to have originated in Egypt, from the 
 fact that the early Greek writers mention re- 
 ceiving it thence. Of this class there are many 
 varieties, none of whicb succeed well with us. 
 
 Bear Grass. See Yucca. 
 
 Beard-tongue. A popular name of the genus 
 Pentstenwn. 
 
 Beatonia. Named in honor of Donald Beaton, a 
 celebrated Scotch gardener and writer. Linn. 
 Monadelphia-Triandria. Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 A small genus of Mexican bulbs, allied to the 
 Tifjridia, and requiring the same treatment. 
 Flowers purple, growing in pairs or singly on 
 a stem about a foot high. Introduced in 1841. 
 Propagated by offsets. 
 
 Beaufortia. Named after Mary, Duchess of 
 Beaufort. Linn. Polyadelphia-Polyandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Myrtacece. 
 
 A small genus of very desirable green-house 
 plants from New Holland. They should be 
 grown in loam and sand in about equal quanti- 
 ties, and in a cool part of the green-house will 
 flower splendidly. The flowers are scarlet, pink, 
 or red. Propagated by cuttings of the half- 
 ripened wood, covered with a small glass with- 
 out the aid of bottom heat. 
 
 Beaumontia. Named after Mrs. Beaumont, of 
 Bretton Hall, England. Linn. l'ent-uidrM-Mn,,,>- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. ApocynacecK. 
 
 BEL 
 
 This genus of green-house twiners has but few 
 species, all natives of the East Indies. B. qrandi- 
 flora is remarkable for its handsome flowers 
 which are pure white, borne in terminal or axil- 
 lary corymbs. The plant is difficult of propa- 
 gation, which is effected by cuttings. Great age 
 is required to bring it into flower. When a 
 large plant is obtained and grown under favor- 
 able circumstances, it has but few rivals. 
 
 Beaver Poison. A common name applied to 
 Cicala maculala. 
 
 Bee Balm. See Monarda. 
 
 Beech. See Fuyus. 
 
 Beech-drops. A common name of the genus 
 Epiphegus. A parasite, that grows upon the roots 
 of Beech trees. 
 
 Beet. See Beta. 
 
 Bedstraw. One of the common names of the 
 genus Galium. 
 
 Beefwood. See Casuarina. 
 
 Beggar's lace. A common name of Cynoglossum 
 Morisoni. 
 
 Beggar's Ticks. The common name of a very 
 disagreeable weed, Bidens chrysanthemoides. It 
 has received this distinctive name because the 
 fruit adheres to anything with which it comes 
 in contact. 
 
 Begonia. Named in honor of M. Began, & 
 French patron of botany. Linn. Monoecia-Poly- 
 andria. Nat. Ord. Begoniacece. 
 
 All the species of Begonia are interesting and 
 beautiful winter ornaments of the hot-house or 
 green-house, of the simplest culture in any rich 
 soil if allowed an abundant supply of water. 
 Cuttings may be struck without trouble. B. 
 Rex, the type of the large-leaved sorts, and the 
 most ornamental of the species, is best propa- 
 gated by cutting the leaves in sections, each 
 being so cut as to form a junction of the ribs at 
 the lower end of the cutting. These should be 
 laid in a damp, warm place, or on the propagat- 
 ing bench with good bottom heat; or a leaf, or a 
 portion of one, may be laid flat in any shady 
 place in the house. There has lately been in- 
 troduced several tuberous-rooted species and 
 varieties. They have large, showy flowers, and 
 succeed well in a moist, shady border. The 
 tubers should be kept warm and dry during the 
 winter. They are readily propagated by cut- 
 tings, seeds, or division of tubers. 
 
 Belladonna Lily. See Amaryllis Belladonna. 
 
 Bell Flower. See Campanula. 
 
 Bellis. The Daisy. From beUus, pretty ; referring 
 to the flowers. Linn. 8yngenesia-Polygamia-Su- 
 perflua. Nat. Ord. Composites. 
 
 Well-known perennials, of which B. perennis, 
 the common Daisy, has been in cultivation in 
 British and Continental gardens from time im- 
 memorial. The most beautiful varieties are the 
 large double, the large quilled, and the Hen-and- 
 Chickens; but there are many others. In Ger- 
 many numerous curious varieties have been 
 raised by saving the seed of the handsomest 
 kinds. Each sort is much improved by being tak- 
 en up, divided, and replanted three or four times 
 every season. They are all admirable plants for 
 making edgings to borders, and they are well suit- 
 ed for growing in pots, though at present they are 
 almost neglected. They thrive best in a loamy 
 soil, richly manured, which should be dug over 
 and well broken before planting, and they will 
 bear transplanting even when in flower, provided 
 they are taken up with a portion of soil attached. 
 These pretty plants are seldom seen in our gar- 
 dens in as great abundance as they deserve to
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BEL 
 
 be, which is owing, no doubt, to their being very 
 impatient of our hot summers. They should 
 therefore be grown in a shady and rather cool 
 border. 
 
 Bellwort. See Uvularia. 
 
 Bent Grass. See Agroslis. 
 
 Benjamin Bush. A popular name of Lindera 
 Bemoin, which is also called Spice Bush. 
 
 Benthamia. Named after Mr. Bentham, a distin- 
 guished English botanist. Linn. Tetrandria-Mo- 
 nogynia. Nat. Ord. Cornacea;. 
 
 A small genus of half-hardy evergreen shrubs, 
 natives of Northern India. The fruit makes it 
 a conspicuous plant for the lawn. It is of a yel- 
 lowish white color, about the size of a Raspber- 
 ry, but not edible. Propagated from seed or by 
 cuttings. 
 
 Berberidopsis. From Berberis, and ops'ts, like; 
 resembling the Barberry. Linn. Enneandria-Mo 
 nogynia. Nat; Ord. Berberidacece. 
 
 A small genus of half-hardy evergreen shrubs, 
 natives of Chili. B. corallina is a handsome 
 shrub of sub-scandent habit, thick, leathery 
 leaves, and drooping, many-flowered racemes of 
 long-stalked, crimson-scarlet flowers. This spe- 
 cies would be perfectly hardy south of Washing- 
 shrub of remarkable beauty. Pro- 
 
 Pro- 
 Introduced 
 
 ton, and is a si 
 
 pagated by cuttings or from seed. 
 
 in 1862. 
 
 Berberis. The Barberry. From berberys, its Ara- 
 bian name. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Berberidacece. 
 
 There are several varieties of the common Bar- 
 berry, all of which are ornamental shrubs, easi- 
 ly propagated by cuttings or layers, and well 
 adapted for a large lawn, especially the purple- 
 leaved variety. They thrive best in rather a 
 light, sandy soil. The fruit is acid and highly 
 esteemed for preserving, and for this purpose 
 the seedless variety, B. vulgaris asperina, is most- 
 ly preferred. This variety is a native of Eu- 
 rope. 
 
 Bertholletia. Brazil Nut. Named after L. C. 
 BerthoUet, a distinguished chemist. Linn. Pdy- 
 andria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Lecythidacece. 
 
 The tree that bears the Brazil Nuts of com- 
 merce. B. excelsa, the only species of this ge- 
 nus, is one of the most majestic trees in the Bra- 
 zilian forests. It often attains a height of one 
 hundred and fifty feet, and has a diameter of 
 from three to four feet at the base. It is found 
 in the greatest abundance in the forests on the 
 banks of the Amazon. It is also common in Cen- 
 tral America, and in several of the States of 
 South America. The nuts are incased in a shell 
 from four to six inches in diameter, which is ex- 
 tremely hard. Each shell contains about twen- 
 ty nuts. So enormous is the weight of this fruit, 
 that at the period when it falls the -natives dare 
 not enter the forests without covering their heads 
 and shoulders with a strong buckler of wood. 
 The time for collecting these nuts is in winter, 
 when the Indians, in great numbers, ascend the 
 rivers to obtain their harvest of nuts, upon 
 which they depend for the year's subsistence. 
 When the nuts are spread on the ground all the 
 animals of the forest surround them and dispute 
 their possession. The Indians say it is the 
 feast of the animals as well as themselves, but 
 they are angry with their rivalry. The gather- 
 ing of the nuts is celebrated with rejoicings, 
 like the "Harvest Home" of Old England. 
 About once in five years another species or va- 
 riety is seen in small quantities in a few of the 
 fruit stores of New York. It is of a lighter col- 
 
 BET 
 
 or, much less angular, less oily, and very much 
 finer in quality than the common Brazil Nut. 
 It is called the Paradise Nut, and is quite dis- 
 tinct. It is said to grow in the interior of the 
 country, and is gathered by the Indians, and 
 brought to the coast, which they visit at long in- 
 tervals for the purpose of trade. 
 
 Bertolonia. In honor of A. Bertoloni, an Italian 
 botanist. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Melastomacea;. 
 
 . A genus of very pretty trailing or creeping 
 plants, natives of the dense forests of Brazil. 
 B. maculata, typical of the genus, is an exceed- 
 ingly beautiful hot-house creeper. The leaves 
 are spotted on the surface, and purple under- 
 neath. It requires a warm, moist atmosphere, 
 and is readilv increased by cuttings. Intro- 
 duced in 1848. 
 
 Bessera. Named after Dr. Besser, professor of 
 botany at Brody. Linn. Hexandria-MowjUHin. 
 Nat. Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful Mexican bulbs, 
 allied to the Squills. The flowers are scarlet, 
 purple, or white, produced on slender scapes 
 about a foot high. They may be grown in a 
 frame, like half-hardy bulbs, but it is less trou- 
 ble to treat them the same as the Tigridia. The 
 bulbs must be kept warm and dry during the 
 winter, if taken up. Propagated by offsets. In- 
 troduced in 1846. 
 
 Beta. Beet. From bett, the Celtic word for red; in 
 reference to the red color of the Beet. Linn. 
 Penlandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Chenopodiacece. 
 
 The several species included in this genus are 
 natives of Europe, Northern Africa, and Western 
 Asia. Four of the species are cultivated as escu- 
 lents; the others are of no particular interest. 
 B. vulgaris, the parent of our garden varieties, 
 is a native of Egypt and along the whole sea- 
 coast of the Mediterranean, and is now found 
 growing wild in those localities. The Beet has 
 been highly esteemed as a garden vegetable for 
 more than 2000 years, and is specially noticed 
 by all the early writers on plants. The roots of 
 the Beet have been much improved by cultiva- 
 tion, both as regards size and quality, and long 
 ago they arrived at that state of perfection, be- 
 yond which, progress in the line of improve- 
 ment must of necessity be slow. The several 
 varieties of Mangel-wurzel and Sugar Beet, now 
 grown so extensively in Europe, belong to the 
 species B. altissima, the native country of which 
 is unknown. The Chard Beet, or Swiss Chard, 
 is B. cycla, a native of Portugal, first introduced 
 into English gardens in 1670. It is extensively 
 cultivated in the gardens of Europe, and forms 
 one of the principal vegetables of the laboring 
 class, the leaves only being used. They are 
 stripped off and boiled as a substitute for spin- 
 ach. The rib of the leaf, which is strong and 
 fleshy, is sometimes dressed as Asparagus. Sea 
 Beet is B. maritima, a species of easy culture, 
 used for greens only, and one of the best plants 
 under cultivation for that use. It is a native of 
 the British coasts. The Chilian Beet, B. Chilien- 
 sis, a species of recent introduction, native of 
 Chili, as its name implies, is becoming popular 
 for ornamental gardening, particularly for large 
 ribbon borders, the two varieties, one with 
 bright yellow, the other with crimson foliage, 
 contrasting finely with other plants. 
 
 Betula. Birch. From its Celtic name, betu. Linn. 
 Monoecia-Tetrandria. Nat. Ord. Bdulacea;. 
 
 An extensive genus of deciduous trees, com- 
 mon in all the cold and inhospitable climates.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 27 
 
 BID 
 
 Some of the species are the last trees found as 
 we approach the snow in the most elevated dis- 
 tricts. This genus is largely represented in our 
 Northern States by 13. alba, the common White 
 Birch, which, from the tremulous habit of the 
 foliage, is in some localities called Poplar Birch. 
 This species is remarkable for its elegance. It 
 seldom divides the main stem, which extends to 
 the summit of the tree, giving out from all parts 
 numerous slender branches, forming a very neat 
 and beautiful spray of a dark chocolate color, 
 contrasting finely with the whiteness of the 
 trunk. When grown as a single specimen this 
 tree assumes a beautiful pyramidal form, mak- 
 ing a moderate-sized tree of great beauty. B. 
 lenia is the Black or Cherry Birch, so named 
 from its resemblance to the American Black 
 Cherries. The bark of the young twigs of this' 
 species has a sweet, aromatic taste. The wood 
 is dark rose color, fine grained, and much used 
 in fine cabinet work. There are several other 
 native species common in our Northern States, 
 all interesting, mostly low-growing trees or large 
 shrubs. 
 
 Bidens. The botanical name of the well-known 
 Beggar's Ticks. 
 
 Bidwillia. Named after Mr. Bidwill, of Sydney, an 
 ardent cultivator of bulbs. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 Allied to Anthericum. A small genus of Aus- 
 tralian and Peruvian bulbs. The flowers are 
 white, borne in racemes, and differing but little 
 from the Asphodelus. Propagated by offsets. 
 
 Bignonia. Trumpet Creeper. Named after Abbe 
 Bignon, librarian to Louis XIV. Linn. Didyna- 
 inia-Anf/iospermi<t. Nat. Ord. Bignoniacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of highly ornamental 
 plants, and the type of an order equally beauti- 
 ful. Most of the species are hot-house, climbers, 
 though a few assume a more arborescent char- 
 acter, and one, B. radicans, (Tecoma radicans,) 
 is sufficiently hardy to withstand our severest 
 weather when trained against a wall. The flow- 
 ers of all are large and showy, produced in pan- 
 icles, and are of various colors, red, blue, white, 
 or yellow. They should be grown in rich loam, 
 in a sunny position, or they will not flower well. 
 Introduced in 1820. 
 
 Bilberry. See Vacciniiim. 
 
 Billardiera. Apple Berry . Named after LabUlar- 
 diere, a French botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Mono- 
 yynia. Nat. Ord. PittisporacecK. 
 
 A small genus of green-house evergreen climb 
 ers, natives of Australia and Tasmania. The 
 species are not remarkable for beauty of plant 
 or flower, but are highly esteemed for their sub- 
 acid fruit, which is pleasant and wholesome. 
 The fruit is a small berry, either blue or amber- 
 colored. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Billbergia. Named after Billberg, a Swedish 
 botanist. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Bromeliacece '. 
 
 These are handsome plants when well grown. 
 The colors of the flowers are at once rich, vivid, 
 and delicate, and are usually contrasted in the 
 highest manner by the equally bright tints of 
 the colored bracts. They should be grown in 
 pots of rich loam plunged into an active hot-bed 
 until the growth is completed, when a cooler 
 and drier place, as on a shelf of the hot-house, 
 will induce them to flower freely. Propagated 
 by suckers. Introduced from Brazil in 1825. 
 
 Bilstead. A common name of the Lijuidambar. 
 
 Bindweed. See Convolvulus. 
 
 Birch. See Belula. 
 
 BLU 
 
 Birthroot. Trulimn ereduin and Lewisia, which 
 see. 
 
 Birthwort. See Aristolochia. 
 
 Bitter Sweet. A popular name of the Celastrus 
 scandens, and also applied to Solanum Dulcamara. 
 
 Bitter Weed. A common name of one of the 
 species of Ambrosia, A. artemisicKfolia, Hog- 
 Weed. 
 
 Black Alder. Winterberry. See Ilex verticillata. 
 
 Blackberry. See Rubus. 
 
 Blackberry Lily. See Pardanthus. 
 ' Black Bindweed. See Potygonum convolvulus. 
 
 Black Gum or Sour Gum. See Nyssa multiftora. 
 
 Black Haw. See Viburnum prunifolium. 
 i Black Hoarhound. See Battota nigra. 
 
 Black Jack or Barren Oak. See Quercus nigra. 
 
 Black Moss, Florida Moss. See TiUandsia uwie- 
 oides. 
 
 Black Mustard. See Sinapis. 
 
 Black Oat Grass. See Stipa avenacea. 
 
 Black Oyster Plant. See Scorzonera. 
 
 Black Pepper. See Piper. 
 
 Black Snake-root. See Smicula Marilandica. 
 
 Black Thorn. A common name applied to Pru- 
 nus sp'mosa, and also to Cratcegus tomentosa. 
 
 Bladderwort. See Utricularia. 
 
 Blandfordia. Named in honor of George, Mar- 
 quis of Blandford. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 Beautiful green -house bulbs from New South 
 Wales. They should be grown in large pots 
 filled with leaf mould, loam, and sand, placed in 
 the green-house, and, if properly attended with 
 water, will flower freely. The flowers are 
 crimson or orange. Introduced in 1812. Prop- 
 agated by seeds and offsets. 
 
 Blazing Star. A common name of Liatris squar- 
 rosa, and also given to Chamcelirium luteum. 
 
 Blechnum. From blechnon, a Greek name for a 
 Fern. Linn. Cryptogamia-Mices. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
 podiacece. 
 
 A considerable genus of Ferns, of the same 
 group as Lornaria, the distinction between the 
 two consisting in the fructification of Loma- 
 ria being marginal, and that of Blechnum be- 
 ing within the margin. The genus contains a 
 considerable number of species, which are 
 abundant in tropical countries, South America 
 and the West Indian islands having contrib- 
 uted the greatest number. 
 
 Bleeding Heart. The popular name of Dielytra 
 (Diclytra, Dicentra) spectabilis. 
 
 Blessed Thistle. Onicus Benedictus. A genus of 
 Thistles, natives of the Levant and Persia. 
 Naturalized and common on the roadsides in 
 the Southern States. 
 
 Bletia. Named after a Spanish botanist of the 
 name of Blet. Linn. Oynandria-Monandria. Nat. 
 Oid.Orchidacece. 
 
 Pretty, tuberous-rooted, terrestrial Orchids, 
 which require to be grown in pots of fibrous 
 loam and leaf mould, and produce large spikes 
 of shaded purple flowers. A somewhat high 
 temperature, say 70 or 75, with plenty of 
 moisture while they are growing, and a consid- 
 erable reduction of both as soon as it is com- 
 pleted, is necessary to cultivate them in per- 
 fection. They are increased by means of off- 
 sets. Introduced from Mexico in 1822. 
 
 Blood-root. See Sanguinaria. 
 
 Blue Bells. See Campanula rotundifolia. 
 
 Blueberry. See Vaccinium. 
 
 Bluebottle. See Gentaurea cyanus. 
 
 Blue Cohash. Popular name of Caulophylium 
 thdictroidvs, which is also called Pappoose-root.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BLU 
 
 Blue Daisy. See Galaihea celestis. 
 
 Blue Flag. See Iris versicolor. 
 
 Blue-eyed Grass. See Sisyrinchium. 
 
 Blue Grass (Kentucky.) See Poa pratensis. 
 
 Blue Gum. See Eucalyptus. 
 
 Blue Tangle, Dangleberry, Huckleberry. See 
 Gaylussaciafrondosa, 
 
 Bluet. See Iloustonia. 
 
 Blue Pea. See Clitoria. 
 
 Blue- Weed. Viper's Buglos. See Echium vulgare. 
 
 Bocconia. Named after P. Boccone, M.D., a 
 Sicilian. Linn. Dodecandria-Monoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Papaveracece. 
 
 B. Japonica, the only species adapted for the 
 border, is a plant of quite recent introduction. 
 A small clump or single specimen of i ; would 
 take high rank among ornamental-leaved plants. 
 Unfortunately, it refuses to be kept within 
 bounds, and will, when once established, not 
 only take possession of the border, but the 
 lawn as well; and for this reason, notwithstand- 
 ing its great beauty, it should not be planted on 
 the lawn. 
 
 Bcehmeria. Ramee or Ramie. In memory of 
 George Rudolph Bcehmer, a German botanist. 
 Linn. Monoeda-Tetrandria. Nat. Ord. Urticaceci'. 
 A genus of herbaceous plants or shrubs, allied 
 to the true Nettles, but differing from them in 
 not having stinging hairs. The most interest- 
 ing species is B. nivea, the Chinese Grass-cloth 
 Plant. It is a small, shrubby plant about three 
 or four feet high, throwing up numerous 
 straight shoots, which are about as thick as the 
 little finger, and covered with soft short hairs. 
 Its leaves grow on long hairy footstalks, and 
 are broadly heart-shaped, about six inches long 
 and four broad. They are of a deep green color 
 on the upper side, but covered on the under 
 side with a dense coating of white down, which 
 gives them an appearance like that of frosted 
 silver. The beautiful fabric known as Grass- 
 cloth, which rivals the finest cambric in soft- 
 ness of texture, is manufactured from the fiber 
 obtained from the inner bark of this plant. The 
 Chinese bestow an immense amount of care and 
 labor upon its cultivation and the preparation 
 of its fiber. They obtain three crops of its 
 stems annually, the second being considered I 
 the best. To obtain the fiber, the bark is strip- 
 ped off in two long pieces and carefully scraped 
 with a knife, so as to get rid of all useless mat- 
 ter, after which it is softened and separated into 
 . tine filaments either by steeping it in hot water 
 or holding it over steam. This plant has been 
 introduced into the Southern States, where it 
 grows freely; but the difficulty in separating the 
 fiber, so as to make its production profitable, i 
 has yet to be overcome. 
 
 Bog Moss. See Sphagnum. 
 
 Bog Rush. Juncus. Common in all marsh ' 
 grounds or swamps. 
 
 Bollea. Derivation of name not given. Linn. ' 
 Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceai. 
 
 A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, consist- 
 ing of only two species, natives of New Gre- 
 nada. They are showy plants, with radical foli- . 
 age, from the base of which the flowers are pro- 
 duced on single scapes. The flowers are shaded ; 
 pink, with a bright yellow lip. They require ' 
 to be grown in pots of moss, in rather a warm ! 
 house, and are increased by division. 
 
 Bolbophyllum. From bolbos, a bulb, and phyl- < 
 Ion, a leaf; referring to the leaves issuing from 
 the apex of the pseudo-bulbs. Linn. Gynandria- 
 Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea.'. 
 
 BOU 
 
 A genus of dwarf epiphytal Orchids from 
 Africa and the East Indies. More curious than 
 beautiful. Flowers large, single or in pairs; 
 color, yellow, white, with purple spots or stripes. 
 Not often seen in collections. 
 
 Bomarea. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryttidacecK. 
 A somewhat extensive genus of tuberous- 
 rooted plants, formerly included in the genus 
 Alstrcemeria, and differing only in the fruit. 
 The species abound in the Peruvian Andes, and 
 are common in other high elevations in South 
 America. B. edulis is a West Indian species. 
 the roots of which are eaten like those of the 
 Jerusalem Artichoke. For further description 
 and propagation, see Alstroemeria. 
 
 Bonapartea. Named in honor of Napoleon Bona- 
 parte. Linn. Hexatidria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Bromeliacece. 
 
 A genus remarkable for the gracefulness of 
 their long, rush-like leaves. They are well 
 adapted for growing in vases out of doors in 
 summer. They require a warm house in winter. 
 Propagated by seeds. Introduced from Mexico 
 in 1828. 
 
 Boneset. See Eupatorium. 
 
 Borago. Borage. Altered from cor, heart, and ago, 
 to affect ; referring to the cordial qualities of 
 the herbs. Linn. Pentandna-AIonogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. BoraginacecK. 
 
 Hardy annual and perennial herbs, common 
 throughout Europe. The leaves of B. qfficinalis 
 are sometimes used in salads or boiled as spi- 
 nach. The spikes of flowers are aromatic, and 
 sometimes used in cooling drinks. 
 
 Borecole. Kale, Brussels Sprouts. Brassica oler- 
 acea fimbriata. The chief characteristic of the 
 Borecoles or Kales consists in their not pro- 
 ducing heads like the Cabbage, or eatable flow- 
 ers like the Cauliflower or Broccoli, and by its 
 beautifully cut and curled leaves, which are of a 
 green or purple color, or variegated with red, 
 green, or yellow. Several of the sub-varieties 
 are known in our markets, and extensively 
 grown by market gardeners, the most popular 
 being the Brussels Sprouts and German Greens. 
 The Borecole is a native of the British coasts and 
 the north of Europe. The garden varieties are 
 not many removes from the species. 
 
 Boronia. Named after Boroni, an Italian attend- 
 ant of Dr. Sibthorp. Linn. Octandria-Mono- 
 ijynia. Nat. Ord. KvtacecK. 
 
 A genus of elegant green-house shrubs from 
 New Holland. The flowers are pink or whitish. 
 From the difficulty of growing this plant, it is 
 rarely seen in collections. Propagated by cut- 
 tings. 
 
 Botrychium. Moonwort. From botrys, a bunch ; 
 in reference to the bunch-like form of the fructi- 
 ficat on en the back of the leaf. Linn. Cryptoya- 
 mia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypod'uicecK. 
 
 A genus of hardy Ferns, composed of about a 
 dozen species, found in nearly all countries ex- 
 cept Africa. B. lunaria, Moonwort, is found 
 rarely in the North and West. Many of the other 
 species are common in rich woods. 
 
 Bottle-brush. See Inga. 
 
 Bottle-gourd. See Lagenaria vvlguris. 
 
 Bottle-grass. One of the common names of Se- 
 taria. 
 
 Bottle Tree of Australia. See Brachychiton. 
 
 Bougainvillea. Named after the French navi- 
 gator Bougainville. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Nyctaginaceai. 
 A genus of tropical shrubs, of a climbing or
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BOU 
 
 scrambling habit. They are remarkable for their 
 beautiful rose-colored bracts, in cones, like 
 those of the Hop. Those of B. spedabilis are sin- 
 gularly handsome. They are natives of the 
 warmer parts of South America. Propagated by 
 cuttings. 
 Bouncing Bet. A popular name of Saponaria 
 
 Bourbon Palm. See Latania. 
 
 Boussingaultia. Madeira Vine. Named in honor 
 of J. B. Boussim fault, a celebrated naturalist and 
 traveler. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 BasdlaceoK. 
 
 The only species, B. baseUoides, is an elegant 
 climbing tuberous-rooted plant from the Andes, 
 a rapid grower and profuse bloomer. The flowers 
 are nearly white and deliciously fragrant. It 
 grows readily in any garden soil, and is readily 
 increased by division or by seed. Introduced 
 in 1836. 
 
 Bouvardia. Named after Dr. Bouvard, curator j 
 of the Botanic Garden, Paris. Linn. Tetrandria- I 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cinchonacece. 
 
 Green-house evergreen shrubs, introduced : 
 from Mexico. Many new varieties have been | 
 produced in this country, chiefly by sports, the j 
 best of which for florists' use is B. Hendersonii, by j 
 John Henderson, of Flushing, and B. Davkhonii, 
 by William Davidson, of Brooklyn. In moist, , 
 rich soils it will bloom freely in the autumn i 
 months, if planted out in the garden. The sev- i 
 oral varieties arc extensively used for cut flow- | 
 crs in winter. Propagated by root cuttings, or I 
 by cuttings of young wood in sand. 
 
 Bowenia. In honor of W. G. Botoen, a governor j 
 of Queensland. Linn. Dioecia-Polyandria. Nat. I 
 Ord. Cycadacece. 
 
 A remarkable genus of Oycadacea;, consisting ; 
 of but one species, which was discovered in 1 
 Australia in 1819. The species is described in the 
 Botanical Magazine as follows: "The most prom- i 
 inent character of Bowenia is the compound leaf, | 
 itsgeneral characters, (all but chape,) texture, and | 
 venation ; the leaflets do not differ from those of j 
 Macrozamia, and are so very similar to those of 
 the West Indian Zamias that it is difficult to dis- j 
 tinguish them gcnerically, except that in Bow- ! 
 enia the leaflet is decurrent by the petiole, | 
 and not articulated with the rachis." The fern- \ 
 like aspect presented by this plant is very re- j 
 markable and interesting, giving it a prominent 
 position in the green-house. Propagated by < 
 seeds or from suckers. 
 
 Box. The common name of Buxus sempervirens, a | 
 plant at one time much xised for edgings in or- j 
 namental gardening. It is a native of Europe } 
 and Asia, and is readily increased by cuttings. 
 
 Boxberry. A name sometimes applied to the 
 Wintergreen, Gaullheria procitmbens. 
 
 Box Elder. See Negundo. 
 
 Brachychiton. From brachys, short, and chiton, 
 a tunic. Linn. Polygamia-Moncecia. Nat. Ord. 
 SterculacecK. 
 
 A genus of tropical and sub-tropical trees from 
 Australia. B. acerifolium is called the Flame 
 Tree about Illawarra, on account of its bright 
 scarlet flowers, which make the tree a conspicu- 
 ous object at a distance. B. Bidwillii, a native of 
 the Wide Bay district, has bright crimson flow- 
 ers, produced in axillary bunches. B. Delabechia 
 is a very interesting species, popularly known as 
 the Bottle Tree of Australia. 
 
 Brachycome. From bmchys, short, and kome, 
 hair. Linn. Syngenesia-Polygamia-Superflua. Nat. 
 Ord. Composita.'. 
 
 BRA 
 
 This beautiful annual is found on the banks 
 of the Swan River, in Australia, and has there 
 the very appropriate name of Swan River Daisy, 
 as the flower closely resembles the Daisy. The 
 plant grows from six to ten inches high, and has 
 a closely compact branching habit, producing 
 an abundance of flowers. It is well adapted for 
 small beds or rockeries. Propagated by seeds. 
 Introduced in 1840. 
 
 Brachysema. From brachys, short, and sema, 
 standard ; the flowers having the standard petal 
 short. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Fabacece. 
 
 A genus of handsome green-house shrubs, 
 mostly climbing, from Australia. B. aphyUum is, 
 as its name would imply, a leafless plant, the 
 branches being singularly compressed and 
 winged, so as to perform the functions of 
 leaves. Small brown scales are found scattered 
 over these branches, and from these the flowers 
 grow. They are single, large, and of a bright 
 blood-red color. B. lanceolatum is a very hand- 
 some species, and well adapted for the green- 
 house, flowering, as it does, in winter or the 
 early spring months. Its leaves are ovate or 
 lanceolate in form, with a glossy upper surface, 
 and covered with a silvery pubescence under- 
 neath. The flowers are in axillary clusters, 
 large, and rich scarlet. 
 
 Bracted Bindweed. See Calystegia. 
 
 Brahea. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Ilexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Palmacece. 
 
 A genus of medium-sized Palms, with fan-like 
 leaves and spiny leaf-stalks. B. jtiamentosa, a 
 native of Lower California, is largely cultivated 
 in our green-houses for decorative purposes. It 
 is of graceful habit and rapid growth, succeed- 
 ing well with but little care in the green-house. 
 This species is also known as Pritchardia filifera. 
 It is now said that B.Jilamentosa is neither a Bra- 
 hea nor a Pritchardia, and it is therefore proposed 
 to call it Washingtonia. Young plants are ob- 
 tained from seed. 
 
 Brainea. After J. C. Braine, of Hong Kong. 
 Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypo- 
 diacece. 
 
 B. insigna, the only known species, is a very 
 handsome dwarf Tree Fern, a native of Hong 
 Kong. The stem is from three to four feet high ; 
 the fronds about three feet long, finely pinnate, 
 giving the plant an elegant outline. Sir W. J. 
 Hooker says : ' ' Wo have here a very remarkable, 
 and, if I may say so, a new form among the 
 Ferns." 
 
 Brake or Bracken. The popular name of Pleris 
 aquilina, one of our common and strong-growing 
 Ferns. 
 
 Bramble. See Rubus. 
 
 Brassavola. Named after A. M. Brassavola, a 
 Venetian botanist. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Orchidaceft;. 
 
 A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, belong- 
 ing exclusively to tropical America. But few of 
 the species have merits that entitle them to a 
 place in general collections. The few are of 
 easy culture, and produce flowers nearly six 
 inches across, white, or creamy white, spotted 
 with chocolate. The plants are all dwarf, with 
 very short flower stems. They are usually grown 
 on a block, in a rather high temperature. In- 
 creased by division. Introduced in 1840. 
 
 Brassia. Named after Mr. Brass, a skillful bo- 
 tanical traveler and draughtsman. Linn. Gynan- 
 dria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchl<l<i<-< < . 
 This genus of Orchids is aearly allied to On-
 
 30 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BRA 
 
 fidium, but not so popular because of their dull- 
 colored flowers. Some of the species are highly 
 valued by their growers, as they produce, with 
 but little care and trouble, an abundance of 
 flowers from June to August. Flowers mostly 
 yellow, or greenish white, spotted with brown. 
 Introduced in 1844. 
 
 Brassica. Cabbage. From bresic, the Celtic name 
 for Cabbage. Linn. Tetradynamia. Nat. Ord. 
 Brassicacea: 
 
 From this genus, which is found throughout 
 Europe, more particularly in Great Britain, 
 there has been produced a greater variety of 
 culinary vegetables than from any other. It 
 comprehends Cabbage, Cauliflower, Turnip, Bore- 
 cole, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Kohl Eabi, 
 each of which will be noticed under its popular 
 name. 
 
 Bravoa. Named after Bravo, a Mexican botanist. 
 Linn. HexandriarMonogynia. Nat. Ord. Amarylli- 
 
 This genus consists of but a single species, 
 B. gemininora, a graceful little tuberous-rooted 
 plant, native of Mexico. The plant has a small 
 tuft of narrow leaves, from which arises a flower 
 spike about a foot high, wkh a terminal cluster 
 of small crimson, Amaryllis-like flowers, in 
 July. It will flower in the open border, but 
 requires the protection of the green-house dur- 
 ing winter. Propagated by division. 
 
 Brazil Nut. See Berthottetia. 
 
 Bread Fruit. See Artocarpus. 
 
 Brexia. From brexis, rain; in reference to the 
 protection from rain given by the large leaves 
 of some of the species. Linn. Pentandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Broxiacece. 
 
 A small genus of very handsome evergreen 
 trees, natives of Madagascar. The flowers are 
 of a leathery texture, greenish color, and pro- 
 duced in axillary umbels. They have alternate 
 leathery leaves, furnished with spiny teeth. 
 They are readily increased by cuttings. The 
 plants are too large for ordinary cultivation in 
 the green-house. 
 
 Bread Nut. See Brosimum. 
 
 Bristly Foxtail Grass. See Setaria. 
 
 Briza. Quaking Grass. From brizo, to nod; on 
 account of the quaking character of the spike. 
 Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Graminqcece. 
 A handsome genus of grasses, some of which 
 are cultivated in the garden as ornamental 
 plants. The grasses dried are highly esteemed 
 for bouquets of dried flowers and grasses. The 
 kinds usually grown are B. media, a perennial, 
 and B. maxima, a larger species, an annual from 
 the south of Europe. It is of easy culture, re- 
 .where it is wanted to 
 
 grown, in the open border, as early in spring 
 the ground can be prepared. 
 
 Broccoli. .Brassica olcracea botrytis. This vegeta- 
 ble somewhat resembles the Cauliflower, from 
 which it is supposed to have originated, although 
 there is nothing definitely known as to its 
 origin. It is, however, more recent than most 
 others of the genus. Miller says it was intro- 
 duced into England from Italy in 1724, two varie- 
 ties, white and purple, from which all the 
 present garden varieties have been produced. 
 
 Brodisea. Named after J. J. Brodie, a Scotch 
 cryptogamist. Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 Very curious little bulbous-rooted plants. B. 
 Calif ornica, with blue and white flowers, is easily 
 cultivated in sandy loam with the convenience 
 of a green-house or good frame. Increase is 
 
 BRO 
 
 sparingly effected by offsets. Introduced in 
 
 Brome Grass. See Bromns. 
 
 Brook Weed or Water Pimpernel. The com- 
 mon name of Samolus, a common plant in wet 
 or marshy places. 
 
 Broom Corn. See Sorghum. 
 
 Broom Rape. A popular name of the genus 
 Orobanche. 
 
 Bromus. Brome Grass. So called from bromos, 
 the Greek name for a wild oat. Linn. Triandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Graminacece. 
 
 A genus of poor, coarse-growing grasses, of 
 little use in agriculture, and of little beauty. 
 This is the pest of the farmer, to which he ap- 
 plies a significant and justly proper name, 
 Cheat or Chess. However much it may cheat 
 the farmer by crowding out Wheat and Rye, 
 we cannot excuse him for cheating himself with 
 the absurd delusion, so widely prevalent, that 
 his Wheat has turned into Chess, from some 
 cause whicb cannot be explained. The species 
 are annuals, and the seed will remain a long 
 time in the ground, and germinate only when 
 the conditions of growth are favorable. It is a 
 native of Europe, though naturalized in many 
 places in this country. 
 
 Brongniartia. Named in honor of Brongniart, a 
 French botanist. Linn. Diadelphia-Decandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A valuable and rather scarce plant, having 
 flesh-colored flowers, which should be treated as 
 a green-house shrub, potting it in loam and 
 sand. A native of New Spain. Introduced in 
 1827. 
 
 Brosimum. Bread Nut. From brosimos, good to 
 eat ; the fruit being edible. Linn. Polygamia- 
 Diaecia. Nat. Ord. Artocarpacece. 
 
 A small genus of tall-growing trees, natives of 
 the "SVest Indies and South America, where they 
 are highly esteemed for the food obtained from 
 them, and for the valuable timber they furnish. 
 B. Alicastrum is the Bread-nut Tree of Jamaica, 
 the fruit of which is about an inch in diameter, 
 and contains a single seed or nut, which is said 
 to form an agreeable and nourishing article of 
 food. When boiled or roasted the nuts have the 
 taste of hazel-nuts. Snake-wood or Leopard- 
 wood is the heart-wood of one of the species, B. 
 Aubletti, a native of Trinidad and British Guiana. 
 B. galactodendron, which is the celebrated Cow 
 Tree of South America, yields a milk of as good 
 quality as that from the cow. It forms large for- 
 ests on the seacoast of Venezuela, growing 100 
 or more feet high, with a smooth trunk six to 
 eight feet in diameter. Its milk, which is ob- 
 tained by making incisions in the trunk, so 
 closely ressmbles the milk of the cow, both in 
 appearance and quality, that it is commonly 
 used as an article of food by the inhabitants of 
 the localities where the tree abounds. Unlike 
 most other vegetable milks, it is perfectly whole- 
 some, and very nourishing, possessing an agree- 
 able taste, like that of sweet cream, and a bal- 
 samic odor ; its only unpleasant quality being 
 a slight amount of stickiness. Like animal milk, 
 it quickly forms a yellow, cheesy scum on the 
 surface, and after a few days turns sour and pu- 
 trefies. 
 
 Broughtonia. Named after Mr. Broughton, an 
 English botanist. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Orchidaceoc.. 
 
 A small genus of very handsome West Indian 
 Orchids, somewhat resembling the Lcelia and 
 Cattteya. They commonly grow on bushes in
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 BKO 
 
 Cuba and Jamaica. The flowers are crimson, j 
 and produced from the top of the pseudo-bulb 
 during the summer, and are of long duration, i 
 They are easy of culture, growing best on blocks , 
 of wood, and should have plenty of light and 
 sun. Propagated by division. Introduced in i 
 1824. 
 
 Browallia. Named after J. Browatts, Bishop of 
 Abo. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. ] 
 Scroph idaria cecn. 
 
 The Browallias are handsome, free-flowering, ' 
 half-hardy annuals. They succeed best started 
 in the green-house and repotted two or three 
 times ; they can, however, be successfully grown 
 by starting in the hot-bed. Occasionally grow 
 well when sown in the open border. The plants 
 will be completely studded over with their beau- 
 tiful blue and white flowers the whole summer. 
 They are also excellent winter-flowering plants. 
 Propagated from seed. Natives of South Amer- 
 ica. Introduced in 1798 to 1828. 
 
 Brownea. Named in honor of Dr. Patrick Browne, 
 who wrote a history of Jamaica. Linn. Monadel- 
 phia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A small gen us of low evergreen trees, chiefly con- 
 fined to Venezuela and New Granada. The leaves 
 are alternate, and from one to one and a half 
 feet long, with from four to twelve pairs of entire 
 leaflets. The flowers are rose-colored or crim- 
 son, and disposed in terminal or axillary heads, j 
 B. grandiceps has large and beautiful heads of | 
 flowers, of a pink color, arranged in tiers, the 
 outer ones expanding first, followed by the oth- 
 ers until all are open, when the flower-head 
 somewhat resembles that of a Rhododendron. A 
 singular fact in connection with this plant is, 
 that the leaves droop during the day so as to al- 
 most hide the flowers from view, and protect 
 them from the heat of the sun. At evening they 
 rise up again, and remain erect during the 
 night, and the flowers are thus exposed to the 
 falling dew. The species are rarely seen under 
 cultivation. 
 
 Brugmansia. Named in honor of Prof. S. J. 
 Brwjmans, a botanical author. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Solanacece. 
 
 Peruvian shrubs, or low, succulent-stemmed j 
 trees, of which B. suaveolens (better known by 
 the name of Datura arborea) and B. sanguinea are 
 magnificent species. Being large plants, grow- 
 ing to the height of ten or twelve feet, they look 
 best when planted in the ground in a conserva- 
 tory ; but they will grow well in large pots, or 
 they may be planted in the open garden in the 
 summer season, and taken up and preserved in 
 a back shed, from which the frost is excluded, ! 
 during winter, to be replaced in the open bor- 
 der the following spring. The flowers are trum- 
 pet-shaped, a foot or more in length, and very 
 fragrant. The plants grow freely in light, rich 
 soil ; and they are readily propagated by cut- 
 tings either of the shoots or roots. 
 
 Brunellia. Self-heal. Name said to be taken from 
 the German braune, a disease of the throat, for 
 which this plant was a reputed remedy. Linn. 
 Didynaiiiia-Gymnospermia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacece. 
 
 A small genus of low-growing weeds, com- I 
 mon everywhere. B. vulgaris has become nat- 
 uralized from Europe, and is common on road- 
 sides. It grows about six inches high, and h;;s 
 pale purple flowers. 
 
 Brunsvigia. Named after the house of BruiiK- 
 wick. Linn. Hexandria-M<in<jt/nia. Nat. Ord. j 
 Amaryttidacece. Of this splendid genus of Cape j 
 bulbs Sweet observes: "Some of the bulbs grow ! 
 
 BUG 
 
 to a great size, and require large pots to have 
 them flower in perfection; or, it planted out in 
 the open borders in spring, there will be a bet- 
 ter chance of their flowering, taking the bulbs 
 up again in autumn ; or the best way to succeed 
 well with them is to have a pit built on purpose 
 for them, so as to occasionally be covered with 
 the lights to keep off too much wet, and to be 
 covered close in severe weather, as they cannot 
 bear the frost. The mould must be -made for 
 them of full one-third sand, more than one-third 
 of turfy loam, and the rest of leaf mould, all well 
 mixed together, but not chopped too small, as 
 the roots run better through it for being rough 
 and hollow. When in full growth and flower 
 they require a frequent supply of water, "but 
 none while dormant." B. Josephince is very sel- 
 dom induced to flower in this country, though 
 no uncommon occurrence in its native country, 
 where it is said to produce very large heads of 
 flowers. Several species flower more freely, 
 though none so grand. Propagated by offsets. 
 
 Brussels Sprouts. See Borecole and Cabbage. 
 
 Bryonia. From bryo, to sprout; in allusion to 
 the quick growth of the stems. Linn. Monoecia- 
 Monaddphia. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacece. 
 
 A genus of climbing, hardy herbaceous peren- 
 nials, natives of Europe, the East Indies, and 
 the Cape of Good Hope. B. alba and B. dioica 
 are generally considered by botanists to be one 
 species, the only difference being in the color 
 of the berries. This species is what is generally 
 known as the Common Bryony, and is found in 
 the hedgerows of Great Britain. It has a very 
 large tuberous root, from which twining stems 
 spring, which are annual and rough. The plants 
 climb by tendrils, and, what is very unusual, 
 the direction of the spiral is now and then 
 changed, so that, after proceeding in one course 
 for some distance, the tendril suddenly 'changes 
 to an opposite direction. The male and female 
 flowers are in separate clusters; sometimes, 
 though not always, they are on different plants. 
 The plant has a fetid odor, and possesses acrid, 
 emetic, and purgative properties, and from its 
 elegant appearance in autumn, with its brilliant 
 colored fruit, accidents not unfrequently occur 
 to children and others incautiously tasting the 
 fruit, which is an active poison. Singularly 
 enough, the young shoots may be cooked and 
 eaten with impunity. When served up in the 
 same manner as Asparagus, they are said to 
 equal it in flavor. Many of the species are not 
 poisonous, and arc much valued for their medi- 
 cinal properties. 
 
 Bryony. See Bryonia. 
 
 Bryophyllum. So named from bryo, to grow, 
 and phyllon, a leaf; in reference to the circum- 
 stance of the leaf, when laid upon damp earth, 
 emitting roots, whence arise young plants. Linn. 
 Octamlria-Tdragynia. Nat. Ord. Crassulacece. 
 
 B. calycinum, a species common in the green- 
 house, is one of the House Leeks, and a native of 
 India. When in flower it is quite handsome, 
 producing loose panicles of drooping, greenish- 
 purple flowers. It is very easily grown. 
 
 Buckbean. The common name of a plant be- 
 longing to the Gentian family, Menyanthes trifo- 
 lintit, common in wet places, and of little in- 
 terest. 
 
 Buckthorn. See Rhamnus. 
 
 Buckeye. See jEsculus. 
 
 Buckwheat. Fafjopyrum esculentwn. The com- 
 mon Buckwheat is a native of Central Asia, and 
 has long been under cultivation. It is more ex-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BUD 
 
 tensively grown in this country as an article of 
 food than in any other, Buckwheat cakes being 
 purely an American institution. It thrives on a 
 poor soil that would not sustain many other 
 plants, and give a fair yield. Of the improve- 
 ment in the quality of this grain from its native 
 wild state we have no record. There are seve- 
 ral varieties grown, but the quality depends 
 largely upon soil and climate. 
 
 Buddies* Named after A. Buddie, an English bot- 
 anist. Linn. Tetrandria-Mbnogyriia. Nat. Ord. 
 Scrophulariacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of herbaceous plants, 
 shrubs, and low-growing trees. Leaves opposite 
 and thickly covered with hairs. The flowers of 
 some of the species are very beautiful and fra- 
 grant ; they are mostly small, bright orange, 
 purplish or lilac, and arranged in small globular 
 heads, on long peduncles. They are natives of 
 South America, Mexico, Africa, and tropical Asia. 
 Some of the species are half-hardy, and would 
 be likely to succeed well south of Washington. 
 
 Buffalo Grass or Buffalo Clover. See Trifolium. 
 
 Bugle. See Ajuga. 
 
 Bugle-weed. The popular name of Lycopus Vir- 
 ginlcus. 
 
 Bugloss. See Lycopsis arvensis. 
 
 Bulbine. From bdbos, a bulb. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Afonogynia. Nat. Ord. Lttiacece. 
 
 Half-hardy plants, available for flower-garden- 
 ing purposes. They are showy, fragrant, and 
 do not require any particular care in their man- 
 agement. Propagated rapidly by cuttings. Na- 
 tives of the Cape of Good Hope. Introduced in 
 1820. 
 
 Bulbocodium. From bolbos, a bulb, and kodion, 
 wool ; referring to the woolly covering of the 
 bulbs. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Melanlhacece, 
 
 Very handsome, hardy bulbs, bearing purple 
 flowers, and well deserving attention. They 
 should be carefully watered in dry weather. S. 
 vernum is one of our earliest spring flowers. In- 
 troduced from Spain in 1629. The other species, 
 B. versicolor, flowers toward the autumn. Intro- 
 duced from the Crimea in 1820. 
 
 Bulrush or Club- Bush. The popular name of 
 the genus Scirpus, which includes a number of 
 species of marsh plants. 
 
 Bunch-berry. A common name of Cornus Cana- 
 densis, dwarf Cornel or Dog-wood. 
 
 Buphthalmum. Ox-eye. From bous, an ox, and 
 opMhalmos,fan.eje; in allusion to the resemblance 
 the disk of the flowers bears to an ox's eye. 
 Linn. Syngenesia- Superftua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 A genus including hardy annuals, perennials, 
 and green-house evergreen shrubs. Two of the 
 more conspicuous species are hardy perennials, 
 natives of Central Europe. They grow from a 
 foot to a foot and a half high ; leaves narrow, 
 flowers large, bright yellow. They have too 
 weedy an appearance for a collection of choice 
 plants. 
 
 CAB 
 
 Burdock. The well-known popular name for 
 Lappa qfficinalis, of which there are two varieties, 
 minor and major; the common Burdock being the 
 latter. 
 
 j Bur Marigold. One of the common names of 
 the genus Bldens. 
 
 Burning Bush. See Euonymus. 
 
 Burlingtonia. Named after the Countess of Bur- 
 lington. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidctcece. 
 
 A genus of very handsome epiphytal Orchids, 
 inhabiting Brazil. They are remarkable for their 
 long, pendulous racemes of snow-white flowers, 
 with the lip touched or lined with yellow. A 
 few of the species have flowers in which yellow 
 or lilac colors predominate. The plants of this 
 genus are all of dwarf habit, with beautiful 
 evergreen foliage. They will grow either on 
 cork or in baskets. Propagated by division. 
 Introduced in 1824. 
 Bur Reed. See Sparganium. 
 Burtonia. Named after D. Burton, a collector for 
 the Kew Gardens. Linn. Decandna-Mononiinia 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A small genus of dwarf, heath-like shrubs, na- 
 tives of Australia. The flowers are pea-shaped, 
 axillary, and often thickly gathered on the ends 
 of the branches; the corollas rich purple, the 
 keel generally of a deeper color, and the stand- 
 ard generally having a yellow blotch at its base. 
 There are only a few species under cultivation, 
 but they are all conspicuous objects in the 
 green-house. They come into flower in April. 
 Propagated from cuttings or half-ripened wood. 
 Introduced in 1803. 
 
 Bush Clover. See Lespedeza. 
 
 Bush Honeysuckle. A popular name for the 
 genus Diervilla, which see. 
 
 Butcher's Broom. See Ruscus. 
 
 Butomus. Flowering Eush. From bous, an ox, 
 and temno, to cut ; in reference to its acrid juice 
 causing the mouth to bleed. Linn. Enneandria- 
 Hexagynia. Nat. Ord. Butomacecv. 
 
 B. umbettaius is a beautiful aquatic plant, com- 
 mon in the marshes of Great Britain. Gerardc, 
 (1629,) in speaking of this plant, says: "The 
 Water Gladiole, or Grassie Eush, is of all others 
 the fairest and most pleasant to behold, and 
 serveth very well for the decking and trimming 
 up of houses, because of the beautie and braverie 
 thereof." A variety with striped leaves, lately 
 introduced, is now highly recommended for col- 
 lections of aquatic plants. 
 
 Butter-and-Eggs. A local name for Linaria vul- 
 garis. 
 
 Buttercup. See Ranunculus. 
 
 Butterfly Pea. A name sometimes given to the 
 Clitoria, which sec. 
 
 Butterfly Weed. See Asclepias tuberosa. 
 
 Butternut. See Jur/lans. 
 
 Butter Tree. See Bassia. 
 
 Button- Wood. See Platanus. 
 
 Butterfly Orchid. See Oncidium. 
 
 c, 
 
 Cabbage. Brassica oleracea;. For the following 
 concise history of the Cabbage we are in- 
 debted to the Treasury of Botany, London, I860: 
 "The Cabbage, in its wild state, is a native of 
 various parts of Europe, as well as of several 
 places near the sea in England. It is a biennial, 
 
 with fleshy-lobed leaves, undulated at the mar- 
 gin, and covered with bloom ; altogether, so dif- 
 ferent in form and appearance from the Cab- 
 bage of our gardens that few would believe it 
 could possibly have been the parent of so varied 
 a progeny as are comprised in the Savoy, Brus-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAB 
 
 sels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Broccoli, and their va- 
 rieties. A more wonderful instance of a species 
 producing so many distinct forms of vegetation 
 for the use of man is scarcely to be met with 
 throughout the range of the vegetable kingdom. 
 The common, or cultivated Cabbage, B. oleracea 
 capi(ata,is well known, and from a very early peri- 
 od has been a favorite culinary vegetable, in al- 
 most daily use throughout the civilized world. 
 The ancients considered it light of digestion 
 -when properly dressed, and very wholesome 
 if moderately eaten. For the introduction of our 
 garden variety of Cabbage we are indebted to the 
 Romans, who are also believed to have dissemi- 
 nated it in other countries. It is said to have been 
 scarcely known in Scotland until the time of the 
 Commonwealth, when it was carried there from 
 England, by some of Cromwell's soldiers; but it 
 now holds a prominent place in every garden 
 throughout the United Kingdom." From its 
 wild state the Cabbage has been brought to its 
 present state of perfection very gradually, by 
 careful selection under cultivation. The various 
 stages of these improvements have not been 
 sufficiently noted to enable us to award the cred- 
 it where it properly belongs. In the improve- 
 ments made within the last fifty years the 
 market gardeners around New York have taken 
 a conspicuous part, and to them we arc 
 indebted for our best market varieties. One 
 of the most noticeable is Henderson's Early Sum- 
 uter, a variety that originated near Jamaica, 
 Long Island, within the last few years. The Red 
 Cabbage, B. oltracfa rubra, is an entirely dis- 
 tinct variety, but its origin and early develop- 
 ment are unknown. It has been known in Hol- 
 land for several hundred years, and the Dutch 
 have made the growing of the seed an extensive 
 business. The Savoy Cabbage, B. oleracea bul- 
 lata, differs but little from the other kinds of Cab- 
 bage. It is distinguished by its leaves being 
 wrinkled in such a manner as to have a netted 
 appearance. The Savoys are remarkable for [ 
 their tender, crisp leaves and excellent flavor. I 
 It would seem not to be generally known that i 
 the Savoys are the most delicious of all the 
 Cabbages. The Brussels Sprouts, or Bud- 
 bearing Cabbage, B. oleracea buttata minor, \ 
 originated in Belgium, and has from a very 
 early date been extensively grown around 
 Brussels, where it seems to thrive better than 
 in most other countries. It forms a head some- 
 what like the Savoy, of which it is consid- 
 ered a sub-variety, differing in the remark- 
 able manner in which it produces at the axils 
 of the leaves, along the whole length of the I 
 stem, a number of small sprouts resembling | 
 miniature Cabbages of one or two inches in di- 
 ameter, of an excellent flavor. 
 
 Cabbage Palm. See Areca. 
 
 Cacalia. Tassel Flower. From kakos, pernicious, 
 and lian, exceedingly ; supposed to be hurtful 
 to the soil. Linn. ISynfjeneyia-Polyijatnia-^Equa- \ 
 lis. Nat. Ord. Composite. 
 
 C. coccinea is the only species worthy of cul- j 
 tivation in the flower garden, a half-hardy annu- | 
 al, that can be grown readily from seed sown j 
 where wanted to grow. Its bright scarlet bios- ' 
 soms are borne in profusion from July to Octo- 
 ber. Introduced from New Holland in 1792. 
 
 Cactus. A name applied by Theophrastus to semi- 
 spiny plants. Linn. Icosandria-Monorjynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Cactaceve, 
 
 The very remarkable succulent plants, ar- 
 ranged by Linnaeus under the name of Cactus, | 
 
 CAL 
 
 have been distributed by modern botanists over 
 numerous genera, which they are still continu- 
 ally changing and re-arranging. At first a few 
 plants were left in the genus Cactus, but now that 
 genus is annihilated, and seven or eight new gene- 
 ra substituted for it; still, as all the plants that 
 once composed it, and the new ones of the same 
 nature that collectors are continually sending 
 home, are known by the general name of Cacti, 
 it has been thought advisable to give here a 
 slight sketch of the whole family. In the time 
 of Linnams very few Cacti were known, and 
 even in the year 1807 Persoon enumerated only 
 thirty-two ; but now about five hundred living 
 species are to be found in a single collection, 
 and numbers of new species are being Sent home 
 by collectors every year. These new species are 
 chiefly found in the tropical regions of America, 
 but they extend over 75" of latitude, some 
 being found within the boundary of the 
 United States and some near the town of Concep- 
 tion, in Chili. By far the greater number, how- 
 ever, grow in the dry, burning plains of Mexico 
 and Brazil, where they are subjected to the alter- 
 nate seasons of extreme moisture and extreme 
 drought. In these arid plains, where all nature 
 seems parched up for six months in the year, the 
 Cacti have been mercifully provided to serve as 
 reservoirs of moisture, and not only the natives, 
 by wounding the fleshy stems with their long 
 forest knives, supply themselves with a cool and 
 refreshing juice, but even the cattle contrive to 
 break through the skin with their hoofs, and 
 then to suck the liquid they contain, instinct 
 teaching them to avoid wounding themselves 
 with the spines. Some of the species serve the 
 Indians for food. The Cacti are arranged by na- 
 ture into several distinct groups, the first of 
 which consists of the tree Cacti, or those kinds 
 of Cereus which have long, slender stems, and 
 which usually grow on the summits of the moun- 
 tains of Mexico and Brazil, forming a singular 
 kind of crest. These are generally thirty or forty 
 feet high, and sometimes are branched like can- 
 delabra, and sometimes consist of only one nak- 
 ed stem, not thicker than a man's arm, though 
 of such enormous height. Others, again, not 
 only grow to a height of fifty or sixty feet, but 
 have a diameter of two or three feet. The Mam- 
 millarias and Echinocacti, which form another 
 group, grow in the valleys of the temperate re- 
 gions, generally in loamy soils and low grass ; 
 and the Opuntias and Pereskias, which form two 
 others, are also principally found in the temper- 
 ate latitudes. The Melpcacti, or Melon Cacti, 
 and the Rhipsalis, which has narrow-jointed 
 stems, and two other groups, are only found 
 in the hottest parts of the tropics. With 
 regard to the culture of Cacti, it is found 
 that, generally speaking, they ought to have a 
 season of complete rest, followed by one of ex- 
 citement. They ought to be watered sparingly 
 while dormant, and freely when in bloom. They 
 ought all to be grown in a light, sandy soil. 
 Several of the best known genera of Cactus, such 
 as Epiphyllum, Cereus, and Phyllocactus, will be 
 found under their respective heads. 
 Caladium. A word of uncertain derivation, prob- 
 ably from kaladion, a cup. Linn. Jfoncecia-En- 
 neaijynla. Nat. Ord. Arac">'. 
 
 Of this genus of tuberous-rooted plants there 
 are many rare and beautiful species and 
 varieties that rank high as ornamental foliage 
 plants, useful only as green-house or rather hot- 
 house plants, as they will not succeed well with
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAL 
 
 a temperature below 60. They must be kept 
 dormant from October to April, and should 
 never be chilled when started to grow. Those 
 found in the swamps of the Eiver Amazon, in 
 the province of Para, are pre-eminent for grace- 
 ful growth, and for elegant and brilliant mark- 
 ings. All the species are easily propagated by 
 division of the tuber just as the growth begins. 
 Introduced in 1828. The plant commonly 
 known as CahuUum esculent um does not belong to 
 this genus, and will be described under Calo- 
 i-asi'i. 
 
 Calamint. See CUommtta. 
 
 Calamintha. Calamint. From kcdos, beautiful, 
 and mintha, mint. Linn. Didynamia-Anglosper- 
 mia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacece. 
 
 A genus of coarse-growing, hardy herbaceous 
 perennials, with purplish or whitish flowers. 
 They are indigenous or extensively naturalized 
 in many parts of this country. They are mostly 
 aromatic herbs, and formerly had important 
 medicinal properties attributed to them. C. 
 nepeta, Basil Thyme, is one of the best known 
 species. None of them has sufficient merit to 
 warrant its introduction into the garden, either 
 for ornament or use. 
 
 Calampelis. (Eccremocctrpus.) From kcdos, pretty, 
 and unipelis, a vine. Linn. Didynamia-Angiosper- 
 mia. Nat. Ord. Bignoniacea;. 
 
 The only species, C. scabra, is a well-known, 
 beautiful, half-hardy climbing plant. Trained 
 to a trellis or to a south wall in the open air, it 
 forms a very ornamental object through the 
 summer months, its bright orange-colored flow- 
 ers being conspicuous among the pleasing del- 
 icate green of the foliage. It grows best in rich 
 loam, and should be protected in a cold pit 
 through the winter. Cuttings root readily in a 
 gentle heat. Introduced from Chili in 1824. 
 
 Calamus. See Acorns. 
 
 Calandrinia. Named after Calandrini, a German 
 botanist. Linn. L>odecandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Porhdacacece. 
 
 Very beautiful dwarf-growing plants, usually 
 treated as tender annuals, though of perennial 
 duration if protected in winter. The seeds may 
 be sown in gentle heat about the middle of 
 March, and planted in the open air in May, 
 where they are a blaze of beauty whenever the 
 sun shines upon them. The soil should be light 
 and rather dry. The best of the species are 
 speciosa, grandiflora, discolor, and the new umbd- 
 tota. Introduced from South America in 1826. 
 
 Calanthe. From kalos, beautiful, and anthos, a 
 flower; literally, a pretty blossom. Linn. Gynan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A large genus of stemless terrestrial Orchids, 
 having broad, many-ribbed leaves, and long 
 spikes of flowers, which are of various colors, 
 white, lilac, purple, and copper colored. They 
 require a very light house for the perfect devel- 
 opment of flowers and to give them good color. 
 The same general treatment as given the Bletia, 
 with the exception of more careful watering, is 
 all they require. Propagated by division of 
 roots. Most species are natives of tropical Asia. 
 Introduced about 1820. 
 
 Calathea. From kaiathus, a basket; in reference 
 to the leaves being worked into baskets in South 
 America. Linn. Monandria-Munogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 MaranLacea;. 
 
 A genus of interesting plants, with beautifully 
 marked foliage. C. zebrina, generally known as 
 Maranta zebrina. is one of the most conspicuous, 
 the leaves having alternate stripes of light and 
 
 CAL 
 
 dark green. They are mostly natives of Brazil, 
 and require a high temperature and humid at- 
 mosphere for perfect development. They are 
 increased by root division. Introduced in 
 1826. 
 
 Calceolaria. Slipperwort. From ccdceolns, a slip- 
 per, in reference to the shape of the flower. 
 Linn. Diandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Scrophula- 
 riacecK. 
 
 The numerous species of this well-known 
 genus, found abundantly in the regions of Chili 
 and Peru, are divided into two classes, herbace- 
 ous and shrubby. The former are found near 
 the line of the sea, the latter are inhabitants of 
 the higher parts of the Cordilleras ; hence it is 
 that, among the many introduced species, some 
 are more or less hardy, growing freely in a 
 shady border, and others require the humid at- 
 mosphere of a green-house. Many of the origi- 
 nal species have been modified by hybridizing, 
 and are rarely found in collections. The hybrids 
 are very numerous, and many are highly prized. 
 The European florists, having made a specialty 
 of this genus, have brought out varieties re- 
 markable for size, color, and markings. Propa- 
 gation of the herbaceous varieties is readily 
 effected by seeds, and the shrubby varieties by 
 cuttings or from seeds. 
 
 Calendula. Pot Marigold. From calendar, the 
 first days of the months; in reference to its 
 flowers being produced almost every month. 
 Linn. Syngenesia-Superftua. Nat. Ord. Com- 
 positce. 
 
 There are several handsome species, some of 
 which are shrubbj and some annuals. The com- 
 mon Marigold, C. officinalis, and its varieties, 
 and C. slellcita, are the handsomest of the annual 
 species. The Cape Marigolds, C. pluvialis and C'. 
 hybrida, have been removed to a new genus, 
 which is called Dimorphotheca. Both these species 
 are hardy annual plants, with very elegant flow- 
 ers, which close at the withdrawal of the sun; 
 and as they do not open at all when it is dark, 
 or heavy clouds foretell the approach of rain, 
 Linnaeus called the commonest species C. pluvia- 
 lis, or the Kainy Marigold. The florets of the 
 ray of the flowers of this plant are of a pure 
 white inside, and of a dark purple on the out- 
 side ; while those of C. hybrida are of a dingy 
 orange outside. A tincture is made from the 
 flowers of the several varieties, that is considered 
 highly efficacious for bruises or sprains, afford- 
 ing relief more quickly than arnica. 
 
 Calico Bush. See Ealmia. 
 
 California Nutmeg. See Torreya. 
 
 California Poppy. See Eschscholtzia. 
 
 Calla. Water Arum. An ancient name of un- 
 known meaning. Linn. Heptandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Aracece. 
 
 C. palustris, the only species, is an herbaceous 
 marsh plant of but little interest, common in 
 swamps throughout the Northern States. The 
 roots yield an edible starch, and were formerly 
 procured for that article ; but they are no longer 
 used for that purpose, and the plant is witliout 
 special merit. The Calla, so well known as a 
 green-house plant, is a Richardia, which see. 
 
 Callicarpa. From kcdos, beautiful, and carpos, 
 fruit ; referring to the beautiful berries. Linn. 
 Tetrandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Verbenace;n . 
 
 A considerable genus of low-growing shrubs, 
 mostly tender evergreens. C. Americana, a spe- 
 cies common from Virginia southward, is a hardy 
 deciduous shrub of great beauty, and one of the 
 most desirable for the lawn or shrubbery bor-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 155 
 
 CAL 
 
 der. In a good soil it grows about four feet 
 high, very branching from near the root, giving 
 the plant a most graceful outline. The flowers 
 are small, inconspicuous, in numerous axillary 
 cymes or clusters. The beauty of the plant con- 
 sists in its clusters of violet-colored berries, 
 which are exceedingly showy from September 
 until December. It is freely propagated by seed 
 or from cuttings. C. Japonica is also hardy. 
 
 Calliopsis. Derived from kallistos, beautiful, and 
 opsis, the eye ; in allusion to the beautiful bright 
 eye of the flower. Linn. Syivjenesia-Pdygamia 
 1-Ynstranea. Nat. Ord. Composites. 
 
 This is a genus of showy annuals, separated 
 from Coreopsis. They are of a hardy character, 
 requiring only to be sown in rich earth about 
 the end of March, and afterward thinned out. 
 Those taken up for the purpose may be trans- 
 planted, and will afford a later bloom. They 
 usually attain a height of about three feet, and, 
 consequently, should be sown some distance 
 from the margin of the bed. If a very early 
 bloom be desired, a few plants may be raised on 
 heat and transplanted in May. All are Ameri- 
 can plants, found from Arkansas toTexas. 
 
 Calliprora. From kalos, beautiful, and prora, a 
 front ; referring to the front view of the flowers. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. latiaoece. 
 C.lulca, the only species, is a beautiful little 
 yellow-flowering California bulb, the flowers of 
 which are produced in August, in umbels, droop- 
 ing, on short scapes. Not hardy in this climate. 
 Propagated by offsets. 
 
 Callirhbe. Derivation unknown. Linn. Mona- 
 delph'ut-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Malvacea:. 
 
 This genus of American plants comprises both 
 annuals and perennials. The former are a showy, 
 free-blooming class, somewhat resembling the 
 Scarlet Linum ; the latter produce flowers much 
 larger and very beautiful, but are rarely met. 
 The annual varieties grow readily from seed ; 
 the perennials from seed or by division of root. 
 
 Callistachys. From kalos, beautiful, and stachys, 
 a flower-spike. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Leyuminosce. 
 
 Green-house plants from New Holland, pro- 
 ducing beautiful yellow flowers. They grow 
 readily and without trouble under ordinary 
 treatment. Cuttings strike freely in sand, cov- 
 ered with a glass. Introduced in 1815. 
 
 Callistemma. China Aster. From kallistos, most 
 beautiful, and stemma, a crown. Linn. Syngene- 
 sia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. Composite'. 
 
 This genus contains two species, C. Indica 
 and C. fiortensis, the well-known China Aster, 
 the varieties of which are so universally grown. 
 The seed should be sown in March on a gentle 
 heat for the earliest bloom, and others may be 
 sown in the open ground as soon as it is fit to 
 work, to afford a succession of flowers. The 
 first, after being gradually inured to the open 
 air, may be removed to their destined places as 
 soon as danger from frost is past. The soil for 
 them cannot be too rich ; on this, and selecting 
 an open situation, rests all the art of obtaining 
 fine flowers. The species were introduced from 
 China in 1731. 
 
 Callithruria. Derivation not explained. Linn. 
 Jlexandri'i^fn/Kx/t/ida. Nat. Ord. Antaryllidaceti.'. 
 A small genus of Peruvian bulbs, with yellow 
 flowers, produced on a slender scape before the 
 leaves start, like the Guernsey Lily. They may 
 be grown successfully, with the protection of a 
 frame during winter. Propagated by oflfsets. 
 Introduced in 1843. 
 
 CAL 
 
 Callitris. From kalos, beautiful ; referring to the 
 appearance of the whole plant. Linn. Aloncecia- 
 1'idynndrin. Nat. Ord. Pinacea'. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen, cypress-like trees, 
 allied to Thuja. They are natives of New Hol- 
 land, Barbary, and the Cape of Good Hope. C. 
 qitadrivalvis is a large tree with straggling 
 branches. It is a native of Barbary, but can be 
 successfully grown from the Carolinas south- 
 ward. The resin of this tree is used in varnish- 
 making under the name of Gum Sandarach. It 
 yields a hard, durable, and fragrant timber, of a 
 mahogany color ; for which reason it is largely 
 used in the construction of mosques and similar 
 buildings in the north of Africa. 
 
 Callixene. From kalos, beautiful, and xenos, a 
 stranger ; first discovered on the inhospitable 
 shore of Magellan's Land, so unlikely to have 
 such a plant. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house evergreen climb- 
 ing shrubs, somewhat resembling the Lapageria, 
 to which they are closely allied. The flowers 
 are white, and produced in great abundance. 
 Propagated by division. 
 
 Calluna. Heather. From kalluno, to adorn ; in 
 reference both to the beauty of the Heather, and 
 to its use as a scrubbing-brush or broom. Linn. 
 Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Ericicece. 
 
 C. vulgaris, the only species, is the well-known 
 "Heather" of Scotland, popularly known as 
 Ling or Common Heath ; a low-growing, much- 
 branched little shrub, with very pretty rose- 
 colored, purple, or white, fragrant flowers, pro- 
 duced in crowded axillary clusters, forming one- 
 sided (mostly) spikes or racemes. This beauti- 
 ful little plant has become naturalized in a few 
 localities in this country. It is reported at 
 Tewksbury, Mass., and at Cape Elizabeth, Maine. 
 It is also found sparingly in Nova Scotia and 
 Newfoundland. 
 
 Calochortus. From kalos, beautiful, and chorius, 
 grass ; referring to the leaves. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Polygynia. Nat. Ord. LUiaceai. 
 
 This genus contains some of our gayest and 
 most beautiful half-hardy bulbs. They were 
 found in Columbia and California by the in- 
 trepid and unfortunate Douglas, of Columbia. 
 The flowers somewhat resemble the Tulip in 
 shape. Colors are white, purple, and yellow, 
 most of them richly spotted. They grow freely 
 in light, sandy loaoa, should have slight protec- 
 tion in winter, and succeed well grown in pots. 
 They flower from July until September. Propa- 
 gated by offsets. Introduced in 1826. 
 
 Calophan.es. From kalos, beautiful, and phaitio, 
 to appear. Linn. Didynamia-Angiosperm'ui. Nat. 
 Ord. Acanthacece. 
 
 A fine hardy herbaceous plant from California, 
 bearing lively blue flowers, of little merit as a 
 border plant, as the flowers are too small to be 
 effective. Introduced in 1832. 
 
 Calopog'on. From kalos, beautiful, and pogon, a 
 beard ; the lip being beautifully fringed. Linn. 
 i.Tifn'indri'i-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orcliidacea:. 
 
 A small genus of tuberous Orchids, found in 
 swampy situations on the south side of Long 
 Island and many other parts of the United 
 States. The flowers are borne on a scape grow- 
 ing about one foot high ; color bright purple, 
 quite conspicuous. Like most of our native Or- 
 chids, it improves by cultivation. Shady situa- 
 tions and a light, fibrous soil will suit it. 
 
 Caltha. Marsh Marigold. A contraction of kalr 
 athos, a goblet ; referring to the shape of the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAL 
 
 flower. Linn. Polyandria-Polygynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Ranunculacece. 
 
 C. palustris is an indigenous hardy herbaceous 
 perennial, common in swamps and marshy 
 places throughout the Northern States. The flow- 
 ers are bright yellow, borne in large clusters, in 
 April or May. The leaves are highly esteemed 
 as a pot herb. The plant is frequently called 
 Cowslip, a name that properly belongs to Prim- 
 ula veris. 
 
 Calycanthus. Sweet-scented Shrub, Strawberry 
 Shrub, Carolina Allspice. From kalyx, a cup or 
 calyx, and anthos, a flower ; from the closed cup 
 which contains the pistils. Linn. Icosandria- 
 Polygynia. Nat. Ord. Calycanthacece. 
 
 C.floridus is a native deciduous shrub, remark- 
 able for the scent of the flowers, (which is com- 
 monly thought to resemble that of ripe fruit, ) 
 as well as for their peculiar color. It is a native 
 of the Southern States, perfectly hardy, and 
 will grow in almost any Boil or situation. Prop- 
 agated by seeds or offsets. The bark of this 
 species is used in the adulteration of cinnamon. 
 There are other species and varieties, but this is 
 the more conspicuous and desirable. 
 
 Calystegia. Bracted Bindweed. From kalyx, a 
 calyx, and steqa, a covering ; in reference to the 
 calyx being hid by two bracts, as is the case 
 with a section of Bindweeds. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monofjynia. Nat. Ord. Convolvulacece. 
 
 This somewhat extensive genus includes our 
 common hedge Convolvulus, but only a few 
 species are considered interesting. C.pubescens, 
 from China, a hardy double-flowered variety, is 
 useful as a screen, or for covering unsightly 
 places, the chief objection to it being its tend- 
 ency to get beyond control. Propagated by di- 
 vision of root in spring. 
 
 Camarotis. From camara, an arched roof ; in 
 reference to the form of the lip or labellum. 
 Linn. &ynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
 acece. 
 
 A small genus of East Indian and Brazilian 
 Orchids, bearing pale rose flowers, with yellow 
 lip, produced on pendulous racemes in March 
 and April. They require a warm, moist house, 
 and need but little rest. They are increased by 
 division. Introduced in 1818. 
 
 Camassia. Wild Hyacinth. From quamash, so 
 called by the Indians, who eat the bulbs. Linn. 
 Hexandriu-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. LUiacetK. 
 
 Allied to the Scilla or Squill. C. escidenta re- 
 sembles the common blue Hyacinth, but is 
 larger, its leaves being about a foot long, very 
 narrow, and grooved down the inside. Its flow- 
 er stalks grow from one to two feet high, and 
 bear large, showy purple flowers. This plant 
 grows in moist grounds from the Mississippi 
 River to the Pacific Ocean, and its bulbs form a 
 staple food of the Indians, the different tribes 
 visiting the plains for the purpose of collecting 
 them, immediately after the plant has flowered. 
 The occasion is one of their feasts, in which the 
 women take an important part, as the labor of 
 digging devolves entirely upon them. The un- 
 married females endeavor to excel each other in 
 the quantity they collect, their fame as future 
 good wives depending upon their activity upon 
 the Quamash plains. The roots are cooked by 
 digging a hole in the ground and paving it with 
 large stones, upon which a firo is lighted and 
 kept up until they are red hot, when they are 
 covered with alternate layers of branches and 
 roots till the hole is full. It is then covered 
 with earth, and a fire kept burning upon it for 
 
 CAM 
 
 twenty-four hours, when the roots are taken ou.,, 
 dried, or pounded into cakes for future use. 
 Camellia. Named in honor of George Joseph 
 Kamel, or Camettus, a Moravian Jesuit and East- 
 ern traveler. Linn. MonadelphM-Polyandria. Nat. 
 Ord. TernstrcKmiacecK. 
 
 This well-known genus is so closely allied to 
 the tea family as to be distinguished from it with 
 great difficulty, the great difference being in the 
 number of parts and position of the flower. The 
 number of true species of this splendid genus is 
 very limited, not exceeding six or seven, and 
 only one or two of them are thought worth 
 cultivation, except for botanical purposes. The 
 hundreds of beautiful varieties which grace our 
 collections, possessing at once the most rich and 
 vivid colors in their flowers, and the noblest 
 grandeur in the whole aspect of the plants, 
 fully compensate for this scarcity of species, and 
 leave us little to desire that may not reasonably 
 be expected from the same skill and persever- 
 ance which have already produced such splendid 
 results. G. Japonica may be regarded as the pa- 
 rent of the whole race of cultivated Camellias. 
 It is a native of China and Japan, where it attains 
 the altitude of a tree, and is much employed by 
 the natives of those countries in decorating their 
 gardens. Camellias delight in an even tempera- 
 ture, rapid fluctuation being injurious at any sea- 
 son, and the same regular and equable amount of 
 both light and moisture should prevail for the 
 whole year, that in effect the difference between 
 the summer and winter seasons may be lessened 
 as far as practicable. For this purpose the plant 
 should be kept in summer in a cool green-house, 
 moderately shaded from the sun. When the plants 
 are in a growing state they require abundance of 
 water, both at the roots and over the leaves. 
 After making their growth, and setting their 
 flower-buds, they require less attention than at 
 any other period. Moderate supplies of water 
 and a situation as cool as can be afforded with- 
 out danger of frost or nipping currents of air 
 are best. About the middle of March is the 
 commencement of the ordinary growing season, 
 when a higher temperature and plenty of water 
 to the roots should be given them. Potting 
 should be done when the greatest benefit will 
 be conferred on the prospective shoots, which 
 will be before the roots have made much pro- 
 gress, or as soon after blooming as may be. A 
 distinction in the quality of soil to be used 
 should be made in accordance with the state of 
 each plant, bearing in mind that they grow much 
 stronger in loam, but do not usually produce 
 flowers so freely, and vice versa for healthy speci- 
 mens; and under ordinary circumstances an ad- 
 dition of leaf mould seems most advisable, in- 
 troducing a small proportion of sand, and usin^ 
 the soil quite rough. At this time it should b3 
 determined at what period the plants will be re- 
 quired to bloom in the ensuing season, whether 
 early or late, to accord with which the plants 
 may either be forced or retarded. They will 
 bear almost any amount of heat while growing, 
 but after the formation of the flower-buds it 
 must be withheld, as the slightest application 
 then, instead of hastening their development, 
 will infallibly cause them to fall off. Hence, the 
 only way to " force " Camellias into early flower- 
 ing in fall and winter is to keep them at a high 
 temperature while growing in spring. A tem- 
 perature of about 65 is the most proper for such 
 as are desired to flower in the following winter; 
 45 or 50 degrees will be sufficient for the next,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 37 
 
 CAM 
 
 or those which may be said to bloom naturally, 
 while the portion required to furnish flowers for 
 the late spring months should be placed out of 
 doors. This treatment must be continued until 
 the new growths are completed, and the incipi- 
 ent flower-buds can be discovered, when a cool, 
 shaded situation should be provided for each 
 section as they require it; observing to 
 supply them bountifully with water during the 
 whole period of growth, with an occasional 
 sprinkling over the foliage, and moderate shade. 
 Any situation secure from frost will preserve them 
 through the winter, and as the flowers expand, the 
 plants may be removed wherever their presence 
 may be deemed most ornamental. Several fine 
 varieties have been raised from seed during the 
 past few years in Boston, two or three of which 
 have been awarded the highest honors. Not a 
 few of the best Camellias in cultivation have been 
 raised in this country. The usual mode of prop- 
 agation is by cuttings, or by grafting or inarching, 
 either of which should be done as soon as the new 
 wood is firm enough to handle. The subjects 
 operated on should be placed in a close, humid 
 atmosphere, such as is afforded by a common 
 hand-glass placed over a tan bark bed. The 
 union takes place in a few weeks, and with 
 encouragement the scions will form fine plants 
 in one season. 
 
 Campanula. Bell Flower. The diminutive of 
 cfniiparui, a bell ; literally, a little bell. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogyma. Nat. Ord. CampanulacefK. 
 This extensive and well-known genus consists 
 of more than two hundred species, including 
 annuals, biennials, and perennials. Some of the 
 hardy perennials are dwarf plants, producing a 
 profusion of flowers, which renders them partic- 
 ularly adapted for rock-work or growing in pots. 
 C. pyramidalis is a tall-growing variety, at one 
 time a very popular plant, and some of the old 
 gardeners still cling to it with a peculiar fond- 
 ness. When grown in pots it will require fre- 
 quent repotting, which will bring it to an enor- 
 mous size. When well grown it is a splendid 
 plant. C. medium (Canterbury Bell) is a very or- 
 namental garden flower of the easiest culture, 
 with double and single varieties, bearing blue, 
 red, purple, and white flowers. Like other bien- 
 nials, it may either be sown where it is to remain, 
 any time after midsummer, or may be sown in 
 beds in spring for transplanting. C. rotundifolia 
 (Harebell) is the most beautiful of our native 
 species. Some of the species are grown in Franco 
 and Italy as esculent roots. All succeed well in 
 any good soil, and are propagated freely by seeds 
 or division. 
 
 Campsidium. Derivation unknown. Linn. Didy- 
 namia-Anqiosperm'M, Nat. Ord. Jiicjnoniac&t'. 
 
 C. filitifolium is a beautiful climber from Chili. 
 The foliage is of a dark, shining green color, and 
 resembles the fronds of some Ferns. Tho 
 flowers are small, of a rich orange color. It is a 
 rapid grower, well adapted for covering rafters 
 or back walls in the green-house. In the woods, 
 in its wild state, it grows forty to fifty feet high, 
 covering the tops of the trees in a most graceful 
 manner. 
 
 Campylobotrys. From kampylos, a curve, and 
 botrys, a bunch ; alluding to the form of the in- 
 florescence. Linn. Tdrandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Cinchonacece. 
 
 A gemis of very beautiful green-house shrubs, 
 natives of Brazil. They are more remarkable 
 for their glossy foliage than for the beaiity of 
 the flowers. C. regalia has elliptic leaves, with 
 
 CAN 
 
 a satiny luster and a rich bronzy-green color. 
 This, with one or two other species, has been 
 introduced into the green-house for the rare 
 beauty of the foliage. They require a very 
 warm house for perfection of growth. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings. Introduced in 1859. 
 Canada Thistle. See Cirsium. 
 Canary Bird Flower. See Tropceolum. 
 Canary Grass. See Phcdaris. 
 Cancer Root. A common name applied to the 
 genus Epiphegus, and also to Conopholus, on ac- 
 count of their supposed medicinal virtues. 
 Candytuft. See Iberis. 
 
 Canna. Indian Shot. The Celtic name for a cane 
 or reed. Linn. Diandria-Monogynict. Nat. Ord. 
 Mamntacece. 
 
 This is an extensive and very interesting 
 genus of tender herbaceous perennials. Most 
 of the species have showy crimson, orange, and 
 yellow flowers. They are usually grown for the 
 remarkable beauty of their foliage, which is 
 highly ornamental ; hence they are favorite 
 plants in cultivation, and produce a striking ef- 
 fect either singly or grouped in beds upon the 
 lawn, in the summer months. If planted in a 
 rich, deep soil, and freely watered, some of them 
 will grow ten feet during the season, and from 
 a single tuber make a clump three or four feet 
 in diameter. Beauty is not their only claim to 
 consideration, some of the species, as C. edtdis, 
 being grown extensively in Peru and the Sand- 
 wich Islands as a vegetable. Arrow-root is also 
 made from this species. Propagated by seeds, 
 or more commonly by division of tubers, which 
 should be kept during the winter like Dahlias. 
 Cannabis. Hemp. So called from ganeh, its 
 Arabic name, and from the Celtic appellation 
 can, reed, and ab, small. Linn. Dicecia-Pentan- 
 drut. Nat. Ord. Cannabinacetti. 
 
 Of the two species that compose this genus, 
 the truly important one is C. saliva, a native of 
 India, which furnishes the Hemp of commerce. 
 The Hemp plant is an annual, growing from 
 four to eight feet high ; in very hot climates it 
 frequently grows twenty feet high. The flowers 
 are of separate sexes on different plants, the 
 males being produced in racemes, and generally 
 crowded together towards the top of the plant 
 or end of the branches ; the females are in short 
 spikes, their calyx consisting merely of a single 
 sepal, rolled around the ovary, but open on one 
 side, and they have two hairy stigmas. The fruit 
 (commonly known as "Hemp Seed") is a small, 
 grayish-colored, smooth, shining nut, contain- 
 ing a single oily seed. For the production of 
 good fiber the seed is sown close, so as to pro- 
 duce straight stems withoiit branches. The 
 harvesting takes place at two periods ; the male 
 being pulled as soon as it has done flowering, 
 and the female not until the seeds are ripe. Af- 
 ter gathering it undergoes treatment similar to 
 that given flax to separate the fiber. In Persia 
 and other very hot countries the plant furnishes 
 a soft resin, which is collected by the coolies, 
 and is smoked like tobacco, or pounded into 
 
 Kulp, so as to make a drink, both being stimu- 
 mt and intoxicating. The Asiatics are passion- 
 ately addicted to the use of this means of intox- 
 ication, as the names given to the Hemp show : 
 "leaf of delusion," "increaser of pleasure," 
 etc. 
 
 Canterbury Bells. See Campanula medium. 
 
 Cantua. From cantti, the name of one of the spe- 
 cies in Peru. Linn. Pentondria-Monoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Polemoniacea;.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAO 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs from 
 Pern. The foliage is fleshy, the flowers large 
 and showy, produced in terminal corymbs, the 
 colors being white, scarlet, yellow, and blue. 
 They require the same treatment as the Fuchsia. 
 C. buxifolia is the Magic Tree of the Peruvian 
 Indians, and was formerly used to decorate their 
 houses on feast days. All the species are read- 
 ily increased by cuttings. C. coronopifolia, a na- 
 tive of South Carolina, is Oilia coronopifolia, of 
 Ruiz and Pavon. 
 
 Caoutchouc. The elastic, gummy substance 
 known as India Rubber, which is the juice of 
 various plants growing in tropical climates in 
 different parts of the world. It is chiefly ob- 
 tained from the ficus elastica, Castitton elastica, 
 Urceola elastica, etc. The milky juice of Sipho- 
 campylus caoutchouc is quite different from the j 
 Caoutchouc of commerce. 
 
 Cape Bulbs. A term employed to designate a 
 large number of bulbs from the Cape of Good 
 Hope, that require the protection of a frame to 
 be grown in this latitude. They are not suffi- 
 ciently hardy to endure our winters without 
 protection. Among the class may be found /arias, 
 Babianas, Sparaxis, Tritonias, Geissorhiza, etc. 
 
 Cape Jessamine. See Gardenia florida . 
 
 Caper. See Capparis. 
 
 Capparis. Caper-tree. From kabar, the Arabic 
 name for Capers. Linn. Polyandria- Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Capparidacete. 
 
 An extensive genus of tender or half-hardy 
 climbing or trailing plants. The best known 
 of the species is C. spinosa, a native of the south 
 of Europe. In habit it resembles the common 
 bramble. The Capers are the buds, which are 
 gathered just before expanding and pickled. In 
 Italy the unripe fruit is sometimes pickled in 
 vinegar in the same manner as the buds. Ca- 
 pers are chiefly imported from Sicily, though they 
 are extensively grown in the south of France. 
 
 Capsicum. Chili Pepper. From kapto, to bite ; 
 referring to its pungency. Linn. Pentandria-Mo- 
 nogynia. Nat. Ord. Solanacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of tender annual and bi- 
 ennial plants, natives of the East and West In- 
 dies, China, Brazil, and Egypt. C. annuum is the 
 common garden Pepper, a native of India, from 
 which many varieties have originated. C. frutes- 
 ceiis, a native of Chili, is the species that fur- 
 nishes the Cayenne Pepper of commerce, and is 
 also used in the preparation known as Pepper 
 Sauce. C. grossum, a native of India, is the Bell 
 Pepper of our gardens. 
 
 Caraway. See Carum. 
 
 Cardamine. Ladies' Smock, Cuckoo Flower. 
 From kardamon, water-cress ; referring to the 
 acrid flavor. Linn. Tetradynamia. Nat. Ord. Bras- 
 sicacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous per- 
 ennials, common in many parts of the United 
 States, Europe, and Northern Asia. C. pratensis 
 is popularly known as Ladies' Smock or Cuckoo 
 Flower. It is a very pretty meadow plant, with 
 large lilac flowers, common in New Jersey, North 
 and West. A double variety of this species is 
 sometimes found growing wild, which is remark- 
 ably proliferous, the leaflets producing new 
 plants where they come in contact with the 
 ground, and the flowers, when they wither, send- 
 ing up a stalked flower bud from their centers. 
 The leaves of some of the species are used as sal- 
 ads. 
 
 Cardamom. See Amomum. 
 
 Cardinal Flower. See Lobelia cardinalls. 
 
 CAR 
 
 Cardiospermum. From kardia, a heart, and sper- 
 ma, seed; in allusion to the shape of the seeds. 
 Linn. Odandria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Sapindacea: 
 Of this small genus only one species is grown 
 as an ornamental plant, viz., C. Halicacabinn, 
 which is a rapid growing, handsome climber, 
 remarkable for an inflated membranous capsule, 
 from which it receives its common name, Balloon 
 Vine. It grows readily from seed. Introduced 
 from India in 1504. 
 
 Carduus. Thistle. From an?, the Celtic word for 
 a prickle or sharp point ; referring to the spines 
 of the Thistle. Linn. Syngenesia-Polygamia- 
 jEquali-s. Nat. Ord. Composite*!. 
 
 Some of the species are very ornamental, 
 though they are many of them tall, robust-grow- 
 ing plants, which require a great deal of room, 
 and are too large for a small garden. C. Marianus, 
 the Holy Thistle, is well marked by the white 
 veins on its large, shining leaves, fabled to have 
 been produced by a portion of the milk of the 
 Virgin Mary having fallen on them. They are 
 annuals, growing freely from seed. 
 
 Carex. From careo, to want; the upper spikes 
 being without seeds. Linn. Monoscia-Triandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Cyperacece. 
 
 This genus includes more than a thousand spe- 
 cies, widely distributed over the temperate and 
 Arctic regions. They are all perennial grasses; a 
 few species handsome plants for the green- 
 house, and useful for basket work and aquari- 
 ums. They are usually found growing in bogs, 
 marshes, or moist woods, where they yield a 
 very inferior quality of grass. C. remota is a very 
 elegant plant. C. Fraseri is the handsomest spe- 
 cies of the genus, resembling at a short distance, 
 when in flower, one of the Liliaceae. The leaves 
 of several of the species are used for seating 
 chairs, and various other purposes for which we 
 use the common Flag. There are more than three 
 hundred species in this country, all of which are 
 without interest except to the botanist. 
 
 Caricature Plant. See OraptophyUum. 
 
 Carludovica. Named after Charles IV. of Spain, 
 and Louisa, his queen. Linn. Moncecia-Polyan- 
 dt'ia. Nat. Ord. Pandanacece. 
 
 A genus of plants belonging to the Screw Pine 
 family, but more closely resembling the Palms. 
 Some of them have long, climbing stems, send- 
 ing out aerial roots, which fasten upon the 
 trunks of trees or hang down like ropes, while 
 others are stemless and form dense thickets. C. 
 palmatais one of the more interesting species. Its 
 leaves are shaped and plaited like a fan, and are 
 borne on long, slender stalks. They are of toler- 
 ably large size, and deeply cut into four or five 
 divisions, each of which is again cut. It is from 
 the leaves of this species that the well-known 
 Panama hats are made. The leaves are cut when 
 young, and the stiff parallel veins removed, after 
 which they are slit into shreds, but not separated 
 at the stalk end, and immersed in boiling water 
 for a short time, and then bleached in the sun. 
 This species is also exceedingly useful for any or- 
 namental or decorative purpose. C. plicata is a 
 very interesting climbing species, with foliage 
 similar to that of C. palmata, but with much 
 shorter leaf-stalks. There are several other spe- 
 cies useful for decorative purposes, and valuable 
 from the fact that they will succeed in any out- 
 of-the-way corner, where most other plants 
 would perish. This genus is common throughout 
 the shady thickets of Panama, and along the 
 coast of New Grenada and Ecuador. They are in- 
 creased from suckers or from seed.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAK 
 
 Carnation. See Dianthus 
 
 Carolina Allspice. A popuar name of the Caly- 
 cnnthus, or Sweet-scented Shrub. 
 
 Carolina Jasmine. See Gelsemi'im. 
 
 Carpinus. Hornbeam, Iron Wood. From the 
 Celtic car, wood, and pinda, head ; the wood 
 being used for the yokes of cattle. Linn. Pentan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Gsrylacea.: 
 
 C. Americftna, the only representative of this 
 genus in our woods, is a low-growing tree of 
 compact form, and a very rigid trunk. It is par- 
 ticularly handsome in autumn, because of its 
 richly colored foliage. It is found in nearly all 
 parts of the country, but is not plenty in any 
 section. The wood of this tree is exceedingly 
 hard and close-grained, and is well suited for 
 any work requiring great hardness and strength. 
 
 Carpolyza. From karpos, fruit, and lyssa, rage ; 
 in reference to the three-celled fruit, or seed- 
 pod, opening like the mouth of an enraged ani- 
 mal. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 AmaryttidacecK. 
 
 A genus of South African bulbs, the only 
 species being C. spiralis, which is a very pretty 
 little plant. The leaves and flower scape are 
 twisted, fisom which fact it derives its specific 
 name. The flowers are white, sepals pink, 
 tipped with green. It requires protection in 
 winter, or may be kept dry and grown in pots, 
 starting them about the first of February. They 
 are propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1791. 
 
 Carrot. Daucus carota. The wild Carrot, in- 
 digenous to Great Britain and many other parts 
 of Europe, and so extensively naturalized 
 in this country as to become one of the most 
 troublesome pests of the farmer, has generally 
 been supposed to be the parent of the many 
 varieties of the common garden Carrot, which 
 has been under cultivation from time immemo- 
 rial. Dioscorides describes accurately the Car- 
 rot, both as a wild plant and as cultivated as an 
 esculent root. The parentage was not ques- 
 tioned until Miller, the celebrated English gar- 
 dener and botanist, undertook to improve the 
 wild Carrot by cultivation, and signally failed in 
 his many and varied attempts. Others have ex- 
 perimented at different times, with no better 
 success. The prevailing opinion now is that 
 the garden Carrot is a distinct species, or was 
 obtained under circumstances entirely different : 
 or unknown at the present day. The Carrot 
 was introduced into England, in about its pres- j 
 ent form, by the Dutch, during the reign of j 
 Queen Elizabeth, and soon thereafter became a 
 favorite vegetable, and a useful as well as a | 
 profitable field crop. Careful selection has i 
 gradually improved the quality, in certain re- j 
 spects, of the Carrot, during the past hundred I 
 years, and good cultivation is now required to ! 
 keep the varieties up to their proper standard. 
 
 Caruna. Caraway. From Caria, in Asia Minor, 
 where it was first discovered. Linn. Peniandria- 
 Difjynifi. Nat. Ord. Apiaceai. 
 
 A small genus of hardy biennials, but one 
 species of which, C. Carui, is of any special in- 
 terest. This is a native of Europe, and produces ' 
 the Caraway seeds, which contain an aromatic 
 volatile oil, and are used in flavoring. The ' 
 plants are of the simplest culture, requiring 
 only to sow the seeds where the plants are wanted 
 to grow. 
 
 Carya. Hickory. The Greek name for the Wal- 
 nut. Linn. Moxcncia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Jug- 
 landaceci;. 
 
 A well-known genus of hardy deciduous trees, 
 
 CAS 
 
 confined wholly to North America. C. alba is 
 the common Shell-bark or Shag-bark Walnut, so 
 called on account of the rough, shaggy bark of 
 the trees, peeling off in long, narrow strips 
 from large trees. This species furnishes the 
 best Hickory-nuts. C. otkxqformis is the Pecan- 
 nut tree, common from Illinois southward. It 
 is a large and beautiful tree. Its delicious nuts 
 are well known. C. porcina is the Pig-nut, one 
 of the most valuable as a timber tree, but the 
 fruit is worthless. C. amara is the Bitter-nut or 
 Swamp Hickory-nut. C. sulcata is the Western 
 Shell-bark Hickory, remarkable for the size of 
 the nut, which has a very thick shell, but is of 
 excellent quality. C. tomentosa, common in the 
 West and South, bears the largest nuts of any of 
 the species, the size, however, being at the ex- 
 pease of the quality. The timber of all thespe- 
 cies is valuable for any purpose where strength 
 and elasticity are required. 
 
 Caryota. From karyon, a nut. The Greeks first 
 applied the name to their cultivated Date. Linn. 
 Monoeda-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. PcUmacecK. 
 
 C. wrens, commonly called Fish-tail Palm, is 
 the most prominent species of this genus. It is 
 a beautiful tree, growing from sixty to eighty 
 feet high, with a trunk a foot in diameter, pro- 
 ducing many pendulous spikes of flowers, 
 which are succeeded by strings of succulent 
 globular berries, dark red when ripe, and are 
 very sharp and acrid to the taste. In Ceylon it 
 yields a sort of liquor, sweet, wholesome, and no 
 stronger than water. It is taken from the tree 
 two or three times a day, each yield from a large 
 tree being from three to four gallons. When 
 boiled down it makes a coarse brown sugar 
 called jaggory. When the tree has come to ma- 
 turity, there comes out a bud from the top ; 
 that bud the natives cut and prepare by putting 
 salt, pepper, lemons, garlic, leaves, etc. , over it, 
 which keeps it from ripening. They daily cut 
 off a thin slice from the end, and the liquor 
 drops into a vessel, which they set to catch it. 
 The buds are most delicious to the taste, re- 
 sembling Walnuts or Almonds. The species are 
 natives of the Indies, and are grown in the 
 green-house, where they succeed well with the 
 same treatment as other tropical Palms require. 
 
 Cashew-Nut. See Anacardium. 
 
 Cassia. Senna. From the Greek name of a plant, 
 Kassian, of the Bible. Linn. Decandria-Mono- 
 gynla. Nat. Ord. fbbacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous and 
 green-house perennials, found scattered over 
 nearly all parts of the globe. Many of the 
 species are well known, and considered of great 
 importance for their medicinal properties. The 
 leaflets of several of the species constitute what 
 is known in medicine as Senna leaves. Those 
 from C. acutifolia and C. obovata, African and 
 East Indian species, are the most highly-es- 
 teemed. The leaves of C. Marilandica, wild 
 Senna, a native of the Middle and Southern 
 States, have, to some extent, the same properties, 
 and are sometimes used as a substitute for the 
 officinal Senna. This species may be justly re- 
 garded one of our most valued plants for the 
 border. It grows from three to four feet high ; 
 foliage a beautiful deep green, not unlike the 
 finer Acacias ; flowers bright yellow, produced 
 in short axillary racemes, continuing a long 
 time in succession. Some of the road-sides of 
 Long Island are bordered with this plant, and 
 no public park, with all that art can bestow 
 upon its drives iu the way of ornamentation,
 
 40 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAS 
 
 can compare in taste, simplicity, and beauty with 
 these roadsides. C. nictitans, Wild Sensitive 
 Plant, another native species, is a very beautiful 
 hardy annual, common on our roadsides, grow- 
 ing about six inches high, and in appearance al- 
 most identical with the Sensitive Plant, KtmOMt 
 ?udica, and well worth cultivating for its beauti- 
 ul foliage. C. chamcecrista, commonly known 
 as Partridge Pea, is a very pretty species, com- 
 mon in the Southern States. 
 Castanea. Chestnut. From a town of that name 
 inThessaly. Linn. Moncecia-PoiyandrM. Nat. 
 Ord. Corylacece. 
 
 The Chestnut Tree is well known because of 
 the nuts, which are universally esteemed. There 
 are two species indigenous to this country. The 
 common Chestnut is G. vesca, found through- 
 out the States. C. pumila is a low-growing tree or 
 shrub, common southward, and produces a 
 smaller nut, not flattened, known as Chinqua- 
 pin. The Spanish Chestnut, a variety of C. ues- 
 co, differing from pur native Chestnut mainly in 
 the size of the fruit, is a native of Asia Minor, 
 introduced at a very early date. This tree 
 grows to an immense size. A tree near Queens, 
 L. I., planted nearly one hundred years ago, has 
 a trunk almost twelve feet in circumference, and 
 is about fifty feet high, with immense spreading 
 branches. It is one of the noblest shade trees 
 to be found in this country. A species of late 
 introduction from Japan promises to become 
 one of our most useful, as well as ornament- 
 al trees, or, more properly, tall shrubs. The 
 fruit of this species was received in New York a 
 few years since in a consignment of goods from 
 Japan. The merchant receiving the same, see- 
 ing the nuts were of such excellent quality, fully 
 equal to those of our native species, and as large 
 
 of them, and with remarkable success. In five 
 years they commenced to fruit, and are now 
 bearing profusely. The shrub is of an ornament- 
 al character, suitable for the lawn. The fruit or 
 nuts are borne within two feet of the ground. 
 Those who have had a favorable opportunity to 
 judge of its character predict its early adoption 
 as a hedge plant, for which purpose it seems 
 well adapted. In addition to its value as an or- 
 namental hedge, it would undoubtedly prove 
 valuable for its yield of nuts. 
 
 Castor Oil Bean. See Ricinus. 
 
 Casuarina. Beef-wood. Supposed to be named 
 from the resemblance the leaves bear to the fea- 
 thers of the Cassowary. Linn. Moncecia-Monan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Casurinacea;. 
 
 A genus of very curious trees, constituting of 
 themselves a distinct family. They have very 
 much the appearance of gigantic Horse-tails 
 (Equisetacea;), being trees with thread-like, joint- 
 ed, furrowed branches, without leaves. The 
 flowers are not of a showy character. These 
 plants are met most abundantly in tropical 
 Australia, and occasionally in the Indian Islands, 
 New Caledonia, etc. In Australia, from their 
 somber appearance, they are planted in ceme- 
 teries. The timber furnished by these trees is 
 Valuable for its extreme hardness. From its red 
 color, it is called in the islands Beef-wood. The 
 several species are highly esteemed for their 
 uses in the mechanic and useful arts. A few of 
 them have been introduced in green-houses for 
 their singular appearance. 
 
 Catalpa. Indian Bean. The aboriginal name. 
 Linn. DiandriorMonogynia. Nat. Ord. Eiynoni- 
 
 CAT 
 
 The Catalpa is a well-known deciduous tree, 
 native of the Southern States, and one of pur 
 most beautiful shade trees, of medium size, 
 bright yellowish green, heart-shaped leaves, and 
 remarkable for its numerous loose panicles of 
 white flowers, spotted with orange and purple. 
 The trees, when young, make a rapid growth, 
 and are particularly valuable for the lawn, being 
 entirely exempt from the ravages of insects and 
 caterpillars. C. bif/nonioides is our only species. 
 The Indian Catalpa, C. Himalayensis, a native of 
 Asia, is a remarkable shrub, growing from six to 
 eight feet high, with a diameter of from eight to 
 ten feet. "The crown is like a roof of leaves, 
 laid with the precision of pointed slate, and the 
 play of light on its golden-green head is beauti- 
 ful." The objection to the introduction of this 
 beautiful shrub is the fear of its not being hardy. 
 There are several specimens on the park around 
 Garden City Hotel, L. I., that seem perfectly 
 hardy, having been planted a number of years, 
 without being injured in the least by cold. 
 There are several other species, all of an orna- 
 mental character. The Catalpa will thrive in al- 
 most any soil or situation, and does quite well 
 in a poor soil, which makes it more hardy. 
 Propagated by seeds or from root cuttings. 
 
 Catananche. From katanangke, a strong incen- 
 tive ; in reference to an ancient custom among 
 the Greek women of using it in love potions. 
 Linn. Syngenesia-jEqualis. Nat. Ord. Astera- 
 cece. 
 
 A small genus of annuals and hardy herbace- 
 ous perennials. B. ccendea is a perennial spe- 
 cies, with slender stalks, long, narrow leaves, 
 and large heads of sky-blue flowers. It is a na- 
 tive of the south of Europe. From this species 
 several varieties have been produced with white 
 and double flowers, all very desirable for the 
 open border. They are increased by division 
 or from seeds. C. lutea, an annual species with 
 yellow flowers, is a native of Candia. 
 
 Cat-brier. See Smihu. 
 
 Catchfly. See Silene. 
 
 Caterpillars. See Scorpiurus. 
 
 Cat-Mint. See Nepeta. 
 
 Catnip. See Nepeta. 
 
 Cat-Tail. One of the popular names of Pearl 
 Millet. 
 
 Cat-Tail Flag. See Typha. 
 
 Cat's Tail Grass. One of the common names of 
 the genus Phleum, Timothy or Herd's Grass. 
 
 Cattleya. Named after Mr. Cattley, a distin- 
 guished patron of botany. Linn. Gynandria- 
 Jfonandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacecu. 
 
 What the Hose and Carnation are among gar- 
 den plants, the Cattleya is among Orchids, pre- 
 eminently beautiful. Not a species but pos- 
 sesses claims of the strongest nature on the cul- 
 turist's attention, either for its delicate loveliness 
 or the rich and vivid coloring of its large and 
 handsome flowers. They are natives of the tem- 
 perate parts of South America, and in cultiva- 
 tion are found to succeed in a lower temperature 
 than is necessary for the majority of plants of 
 the same order. They will grow either on cork, 
 billets of wood, or in pots of sphagnum, care- 
 fully drained and moderately watered at all 
 times; indeed, the damp atmosphere of the 
 house is nearly sufficient for them through the 
 winter ; and if about 50 degrees of heat is stead- 
 ily maintained through this period, with an in- 
 crease of about 10 in summer, the plants will 
 be found to grow vigorously, and consequently 
 flower in perfection. The colors of the flowers
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 41 
 
 CAU 
 
 run through all the shades of white, rose, rosy- 
 lilac, crimson, and carmine, nor is even yellow 
 absent. Where all are beautiful it is scarcely 
 necessary to select. The following, however, 
 should be in every collection : crispa, Harrison- 
 iai, intermedia, labiata, Loddigesii, Mossue and its 
 numerous varieties. All the Cattleyas are in- 
 creased by division. 
 
 Cauliflower. Brassica oleracea cauliflora. The 
 Cauliflower is the most delicate and delicious of 
 the genus Brassica. Its early history is entirely 
 unknown. It is supposed to have originated in 
 Italy. It is mentioned by Gerarde in 1597, 
 then very rare in England, and it was not 
 brought to any degree of perfection, or grown 
 for the market, until about 1700. From that 
 period until the present, there has been a slow, 
 but marked and steady improvement in the size 
 and quality of this vegetable. To the English 
 and Dutch gardeners we are chiefly indebted for 
 the perfection the Cauliflower has attained. 
 Heads of immense size are now grown for the 
 market. It is by no means uncommon to see a 
 head perfectly sound and smooth, fully ten 
 inches in diameter, and, contrary to the usual 
 rule, size is not obtained at the expense of qual- 
 ity, the larger, if differing at all, being more 
 tender and delicious. The varieties of the 
 Cauliflower are numerous. In this work we can 
 not point out the best. Locality and selection 
 cause variations more marked than even the va- 
 rieties. The most popular in the United States 
 at this time are Snowball and Erfurt for early, 
 and Algiers for late. For the perfection of the 
 Cauliflower a deep, rich, loamy soil is required, 
 a low, moist situation being preferable. It will 
 not succeed in dry ground. Where irrigation 
 can be employed, the greatest benefits will be 
 derived ; in fact, a large crop with irrigation 
 will be secured, when without it the result 
 would be total failure. 
 
 Caulophylluml The generic name of the plant 
 commonly known as Blue Cohosh, sometimes 
 called Pappoose-root. 
 
 Cayenne Pepper. See Capsicum. 
 
 Ceanothus. Red Root, New Jersey Tea. An ob- 
 scure name in Theophrastus, probably mis- 
 spelled. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A genus of low-growing shrubs, one of the 
 most conspicuous and best known being C. 
 America-nus, a species common in dry woodlands. 
 This shrub attained considerable notoriety dur- 
 ing the American Revolution, on account of its 
 leaves being dried and used as a substitute for 
 tea, a practice not yet wholly discontinued. The 
 roots are used in dyeing wool of a Nankeen or 
 cinnamon color. There are several species from 
 Mexico and South America, that have lately 
 been introduced into the green-house, and re- 
 garded with favor. Their season of flowering 
 is too short to warrant very general cultivation. 
 
 Cedar. See Juniperus. 
 
 Cedar of Lebanon. See C&lrus. 
 
 Cedrus. The Cedar. Found plentifully on the 
 banks of a brook in Judea, named Kedron ; 
 whence the name. Linn. Monoetia-Monadelphia. 
 Nat. Ord. Pinacece. 
 
 This genus consists of a few species that have 
 been separated from Abies and Juniperus, their 
 characteristics being their evergreen leaves, dis- 
 posed in bundles, or fasicles, and their upright 
 cones. The Cedar of Lebanon is one of the most 
 prominent species, so often mentioned in Sacred 
 History. It is one of the most beautiful ever- 
 
 CEL 
 
 green trees for lawn decoration, though rarely 
 met. There is a noble specimen on the grounds 
 of W. F. D. Monie, at Queens, L. I. It is upward 
 of thirty feet high, with a trunk four and a half 
 feet in circumference. There was a still larger 
 specimen a few years since on the grounds of the 
 late Geo. C. Thorburn, at Astoria, L. I. The spe- 
 cies are natives of Asia and Africa. 
 Celandine. The popular name of the genus Chc- 
 
 tklonium, a common door-yard weed. 
 Celastrus. Staff Tree, Bitter Sweet. From 
 kelas, the latter season ; referring to the fruit 
 hanging on the trees all winter. Linn. Penian- 
 dria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Celaslracece. 
 
 This genus consists of trees, shrubs, and 
 climbers. Our native species, C. scandens, is a 
 handsome twining shrub, remarkable for its 
 orange-colored capsules, and the scarlet coating 
 of the fruit. It is planted as an ornamental 
 climber, and is known by its popular name of 
 Bitter Sweet. Propagated by seed and suckers. 
 Celeriac. See Celery. 
 
 Celery. Apium yraveokns. Celery is a native of 
 England, and is found in its wild state in marshy 
 places and ditches near the coast. It is a bien- 
 nial. There are in its wild state two kinds, the 
 red and the white-stalked, of both of which 
 there are numerous garden varieties, the culti- 
 vation of which is carried on to a very great ex- 
 tent, both here and in Europe. Celeriac, or Tur- 
 nip-rooted Celery, is a distinct variety of the 
 preceding. Its peculiarity consists in the root, 
 which closely resembles that of a turnip, and is 
 the part eaten. It is more hardy than the com- 
 mon Celery, and can be preserved for use much 
 later in the spring. It is but little grown ex- 
 cept in France and Germany, where it is 
 employed as a vegetable and as a salad. It is 
 usually boiled until tender, and then slightly 
 pickled in vinegar. 
 
 Celosia. From kelos, burnt ; in reference to the 
 burnt-like appearance of the flowers of some of 
 the species. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Amaranihacece. 
 
 These are ornamental or curious plants. Only 
 one or two species, however, are regarded as 
 sufficiently ornamental to be included in ordi- 
 nary collections. One of these, C. cristata, the 
 common Cockscomb, is almost universally 
 grown. To be grown well the seed should be 
 sown in March, in the green-house or hot-bed. 
 As soon as the young plants can be handled 
 safely, they should be placed singly in small 
 pots, filled with the same kind of soil in which 
 they were started. In these they should remain 
 until symptoms of flowering appear, when they 
 may be changed into larger pots or turned out 
 into the border, where they should have a rich 
 soil, such as loam and rotten manure, in equal 
 parts ; then, with a liberal supply of liquid ma- 
 nure, flower-heads of enormous size will be ob- 
 tained. It is on this account that small pots are 
 recommended for the young plants up till the 
 appearance of the flowers ; for if the roots be 
 allowed much space at this period, the stem nat- 
 urally increases in height without a compensat- 
 ing increase in the size of the "comb.' This 
 species was introduced from Asia in 1570, and 
 from it florists have produced a great number of 
 varieties. 
 
 Celtis. Nettle Tree, Hack-berry, Sugar-berry. An 
 ancient name for the Lotus. The fruit of the 
 European Nettle Tree is supposed to have been 
 the food of the Lotophagi. Linn. Polyyamia- 
 Monoecia. Nat. Ord. iMmacece.
 
 4-2 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CEN 
 
 A genus of hardy deciduous, low, or medium - 
 sized trees, of an ornamental character. Several 
 of the species and their varieties are common in 
 the Southern and Western States, where they 
 have received the various popular names above 
 given. 
 
 Centaurea. The classical name of a plant fabled 
 by Ovid to have cured a wound in the foot of 
 Chiron made by the arrow of Hercules. Linn. 
 Syngenesia-Fnistranea. Nat. Ord. Cbmposita;. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous per- 
 ennial and annual plants, varying in height 
 from one to five feet, and of nearly every shade 
 of color from yellow to red, blue, or deep pur- 
 ple. As they continue to bloom for a long time, 
 they are well suited for the margin of borders in 
 the flower garden, and some of the dwarf species 
 may be even admitted into beds. The peren- 
 nial kinds grow in almost any description of 
 soil, nor are the annuals more particular ; they 
 merely require to be sown where they are to re- 
 main, being afterward thinned to the proper 
 distances from each other. C. candidissima and 
 C. gymnocarpa are natives of the Levant, and are 
 most valuable border plants, their leaves being 
 heavily clothed on both sides with a white, 
 downy covering, which gives them a striking 
 aspect. Propagated by seed sown in January 
 or February in a hot-bed. 
 
 Centauridium. Origin of name unknown. Linn. 
 Syngenesia-Fnistranea. Nat. Ord. Composites. 
 
 The only species of this is C. Drummondi, a 
 Texas plant, free flowering, and succeeding well 
 in a light soil. Color bright orange. A hardy 
 annual, growing freely from seed. 
 Centranthus. From kentron, a spur, and anthos, 
 & flower ; referring to the spur-like process at 
 the base of the flower. Linn. Monandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Valerianacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy annuals from Grenada, 
 and herbaceous perennials from the south of Eu- 
 rope. They are mostly of compact habit, free 
 flowering, and very pretty. The annuals are 
 well adapted for rock-work or ribbon borders, 
 and grow freely in common garden soil. Intro- 
 duced in 1849. 
 
 Centropogon. From kentron, a spur, and pogon, 
 a beard ; in reference to the fringe which en- 
 velops the stigma. Linn. Pentandria-Monofiuni-a. 
 Nat. Ord. Lobdiacece. 
 
 A small genus of very handsome herbaceous 
 perennials from Surinam and Guatemala. One 
 of the species bears edible fruit. C. tovariensis 
 is a very beautiful plant for the green-house, 
 having rosy-crimson flowers, similar in form to 
 the Lobelias, but of larger size, produced singly 
 on short axillary peduncles . They are increased 
 by division or from seed. Introduced in 1786. 
 Century Plant. See Agave. 
 
 Cephalotus. From kephalotes, headed ; its fila- 
 ments of stamens are capitate. Linn. Dodecan- 
 dria-Hexagynia. Nat. Ord. Cephalotacecu. 
 
 A genus of very singular dwarf Pitcher Plants. 
 C.follicularis, the only species, is a native of 
 swampy places in King George's Sound. It 
 has a very short or contracted stem, -with spoon- 
 shaped stalked leaves, among which are mingled 
 small pitcher-like bodies, placed on short, stout 
 stalks, and closed at the top with lids like the 
 true Pitcher Plants (Nepenthes). These pitchers 
 are of a green color, spotted with yellow or 
 brown, and provided with hairs. The flowers 
 are white, small, and produced on a long spike 
 Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1822 
 Cerastium. Mouse-ear Chickweed. Fromfceras 
 
 CER 
 
 a horn ; because many of the species have cap- 
 sules like an ox's horn. Linn. Decandria-Pett- 
 tagi/nirt. Nat. Ord. CaryophyllacecK. 
 
 Of this somewhat extensive genus only a few 
 of the species are worthy of cultivation, but 
 none of the annuals. Some of the hardy trailing 
 species are quite ornamental when used for 
 edgings or rock-work. Propagated by division 
 of the roots or by seeds. Introduced in 1814. 
 Cerasus. Cherry. From Cerasus, a town of Pon- 
 tus, in Asia, whence the Cherry was brought 
 to Rome by Lucullus. Linn. Icosandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Drupacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy deciduous trees and shrubs, 
 the species and varieties including some of our 
 most ornamental trees for the lawn, as well as 
 highly prized fruit trees for the orchard. The 
 numerous varieties of cultivated Cherries are 
 supposed to have originated from C. avium and 
 C. vulgaris. Those belonging to C. avium are 
 best represented by the Bigarreau and Black 
 Heart varieties ; those of C. vulgaris by the May 
 Duke and Morello. Both of these species ap- 
 pear to be natives of Europe, although Pliny 
 states that there were no Cherries in Italy before 
 the victory obtained over Mithridates by Lucul- 
 lus, who was, according to the above author, the 
 first who brought them to Rome, about sixty- 
 eight years before the Christian era. It is also 
 stated by the same authority, that "in less than 
 120 years after, other lands had Cherries, even 
 as far as Britain beyond the ocean." Theo- 
 phrastus, 300 years B.C., mentions the Cherry as 
 being common in Greece, from which some writ- 
 ers contend that the name of the city was de- 
 rived from the tree, instead of the tree from the 
 town or city. The well-known Wild Cherry of 
 our woods is C. serotina. The common double 
 Cherry and the French double Cherry deserve a 
 place in every garden ; and equally so do the 
 Chinese Cherry, C. pseudo-cerasus ; the All-Saints' 
 Cherry, C. semperflprens ; the Bird Cherry, C. 
 padus ; the Virginian Bird Cherry or Choke 
 Cherry, C. Virginiana. 
 
 Ceratonla. Carob Tree. From keras, a horn ; in 
 reference to the shape of the seed-pod. Linn. 
 Polygamia-Dicecia. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 C. siliqua, the only species, is a tree of medium 
 size, growing extensively in the south of Eu- 
 rope, particularly in some of the Spanish prov- 
 inces, and produces a fruit known as the Carob 
 Sean, which is an important article of commerce. 
 It is chiefly used for the feeding of'cattle, but is 
 largely used by the poor for food when there is 
 a scarcity of grain. This is generally consid- 
 ered the Locust Tree of Scripture ; and in Spain, 
 where the seeds are eaten, it is called St. John's 
 Bread. Under this name the pods are often sold 
 on the streets in New York. It is now generally 
 supposed that the shells of the Carob pod were 
 the husks that the prodigal son desired to par- 
 take of with the swine. 
 
 Ceratostema. From keras, a horn, and sterna, a 
 stamen ; the anthers are spurred. Linn. Decan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Vacciniaceai . 
 
 A small genus of very pretty green-house 
 evergreen shrubs, natives of Peru. The flowers 
 are tubular, of orange, crimson, or scarlet color, 
 produced in terminal clusters in May. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings . Introduced in 1846. 
 Ceratozamia. A genus of Cycadacea;, deriving 
 its name from the presence of two horns on the 
 scales of its Zarnia-like fruit. C. Fusco-viridis is 
 a magnificent plant of recent introduction from 
 Mexico. It is a tree of moderate size, with
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CER 
 
 leaves from three to four feet long, broadly 
 
 E innate, and of a fine arching habit. The young 
 saves are of a rich, bronzy chocolate color, grad- 
 ually changing to olive green, and ultimately 
 developing into deep green. Young plants are 
 obtained by suckers or from seed. 
 Cercis. Judas Tree. From kerkis, a shuttlecock ; 
 the name given by Theophrastus. Linn. De- 
 candria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Fabacecr. 
 
 A genus of handsome, low-growing trees, with 
 singular leaves and very showy flowers. The 
 flowers have an agreeable acid taste, and are fre- 
 quently used by the French in salads, or made 
 into fritters with batter, and the flower buds are 
 pickled in vinegar. It is an ornamental tree in 
 spring, as the flowers completely clothe the 
 branches, and even the upper part of the trunk, 
 with purple before the leaves appear. C. sili- 
 quastrum is a native of the south of Europe, 
 and of which Gerarde, in compliance with the 
 popular notions of his time, says: "This is the 
 tree whereon Judas did hang himself ; and not 
 upon the Elder Tree, as it is said." (Herbal, 
 1596.) C. Canadensis, a native species, is com- 
 mon on the banks of streams from Canada to 
 Louisiana. C. Japonicct, from Japan, is a very 
 dwarf tree or shrub, and exceedingly beautiful. 
 Cereus. From cereus, waxy ; referring to the 
 shoots of some of the species being easily bent. 
 lAnn. Icosandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cactacea'. 
 An extensive genus, the species of which are 
 remarkable for their singularity of form, and 
 for the beauty of their flowers. Few classes pre- 
 sent greater contrasts. Some are round, some 
 angular, some smooth, and others fluted. Some 
 are climbers or creepers, while others grow like 
 huge trees, attaining a height of sixty feet with a 
 diameter of two or three feet. The night-bloom- 
 ing section is very interesting and beautiful. C. 
 grandMorus, the type, usually requires age to 
 flower well. A strong plant will frequently have 
 six to ten exceedingly large and beautiful sweet- 
 scented flowers open in an evening. They are 
 very transient, lasting only a few hours, neither 
 dp they open again when once closed. They be- 
 gin to open between six and eight o'clock in the 
 evening, are fully expanded by eleven, and by 
 three or four in the morning they are closed; 
 but during their short continuance there is 
 scarcely any flower of greater beauty, or that 
 makes a more magnificent appearance. The flow- 
 ers of the night-blooming section vary in size 
 from six to fourteen inches in diameter, according 
 to the species, C. MacDonaldi being the largest, 
 and sometimes measuring fourteen to sixteen 
 inches. The sepals in some are brown, in others 
 brownish-yellow, and in others again pinkish- 
 brown. The petals in some are pale, yellowish 
 white, and in others pure white. The sta- 
 mens are usually a bright yellow. Some are 
 sweet-scented, others the reverse, while some 
 are odorless, but all are beautiful. The flowers 
 of the day-blooming section are usually small, 
 but very bright and pretty. For other kinds of 
 night-bloomers see Phyllocactus. For culture see 
 Cactus. 
 
 Cerinthe. Honeywort. From keros, wax, and 
 anihos, a flower ; referring to its being a favorite 
 flower with bees. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Boraginacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy annuals, common in 
 Central Europe. One species, a native of the 
 south of France, is a hardy perennial. The an- 
 nuals have long been cultivated in gardens, 
 under the name of Honeywort. They have yel- 
 
 CHA 
 
 low flowers, tubular, in one-sided drooping ra- 
 cemes. They sow themselves when once plant- 
 ed, and require but little care. 
 Ceroxylon. Wax Palm. From keros,, wax, and 
 xylon, wood ; the trunk being coated with wax. 
 Linn. Monoecia-Polyandrw. Nat. Ord. PalniacecK. 
 A small genus of Palms, consisting of three 
 species, two of which are handsome trees of great 
 size. C. andicola, the Wax Palm of New Grena- 
 da, was discovered by the celebrated traveler, 
 Humboldt, who describes the tree as attaining 
 the prodigious height of one hundred and sixty 
 feet, while it differs from other species 01' 
 Palms in flourishing under a much colder tem- 
 perature, it being found on elevated mountains, 
 extending as high as the lower limit of perpet- 
 ual snow. Its tall trunk is covered with a thin 
 coating of a whitish, waxy substance, giving it a 
 marbled appearance. This substance forms an 
 article of commerce, and is obtained by scrap- 
 ing the trunk. It consists of two parts resin 
 and one of wax. It is mixed with tallow and 
 made into candles, which are of superior qual- 
 ity. The trunk yields a valuable timber, used 
 for building purposes, and the leaves are used 
 for thatching roofs. Propagated from seed. 
 Oestrum. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Solanacecv. 
 
 Green-house shrubs, natives of the East Indies 
 and South America. C. nocturnum, frequently- 
 called the Night-Blooming Jasmine, is a much 
 esteemed species, which flowers abundantly all 
 summer, if planted in the open air in May, and 
 fills the whole garden with its fragrance at night, 
 though perfectly inodorous during the day. It 
 should be taken up in autumn, and if kept in a 
 box or pot, rather dry, may be easily preserved 
 in a warm cellar until spring. 
 Ceterach. From Chetherak, the Arabic name. 
 Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea*. 
 A small genus of Ferns, somewhat resembling 
 the Aspleniums. C. qfficinarum, the Scale Fern, 
 is an interesting species, suitable for rock-work, 
 but impatient of much water, as are all of the 
 species. Both the hardy and green-house spe- 
 cies are valuable in collections. They are natives 
 of Great Britian and the Canary Islands. 
 Chain Fern. See Woodwardia. 
 Charneedorea. From chamai, dwarf, and dorea, a 
 gift ; referring to the nuts of this Palm being 
 easily reached. Linn. Dicecia-Hexandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Palma ;eo?. 
 
 A genus of Palms containing about forty spe- 
 cies, common in Mexico and South America. C. 
 ErnesU-Augusti is a small species, a native of 
 New Grenada. It grows from four to five feet 
 high, with wedge-shaped leaves about two feet 
 long. The female flower spikes of this species, 
 which are very beautiful, are about a foot long, 
 cylindrical, and undivided. At first they are of 
 a dark green color, studded with red, bead-like 
 flowers. After these fall away, the spike be- 
 comes a bright coral-red color. Several of the 
 species are interesting green-house plants, and 
 are readily grown from seed. 
 Chameepeuce. From chamai, dwarf, tai&peuke, 
 a pine ; resemblance. Linn. Synyenetsia-^EqiiaUa. 
 Nat. Ord. Asleracect'. 
 
 A genus of uninteresting plants, annuals, per- 
 ennials, and biennials, common throughout Eu- 
 rope. None of them is considered of sufficient 
 intereslto cultivate. 
 
 Chamaerops. From chamai, dwarf, and rhops, 
 a twig ; most of the species being dwarf. Linn. 
 Polygamia-Dioecia. Nat. Ord. Palmaren>.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CHA 
 
 A genus of low-growing Palms, including sev- 
 eral species, some growing as far North as the 
 Carolinas. The Palmetto State furnishes C. Pal- 
 metto, hence the name. Many of the species are 
 half-hardy, and all make beautiful plants for 
 lawn decoration. They make a rapid growth in 
 summer if given a rich loam, and liberal appli- 
 cations of liquid manure. They are increased by 
 seed. 
 
 Chamomile. See Anthemis. 
 
 Chaw Stick. See Gouania. 
 
 Charlock. Sinapis arvens'is, a well-known weed. 
 
 Cheat Grass. See Brormis. 
 
 Checkerberry. See Gaultheria. 
 
 Cheilantb.es. Lip Fern. From cheilos, a lip, and 
 anthos, a flower ; in reference to the form of the 
 indusium. Linn. Oryptogamia-Ftiices. Nat. Ord. 
 Polypodiacem. 
 
 An extensive genus of Ferns, found scattered 
 over nearly all parts of the world. There are 
 several species found in most parts of the Unit- 
 ed States. Some of the tropical species are ex- 
 ceedingly pretty, among which C. farinosa, a na- 
 tive of the Island of Luzon, has ivory-black 
 stems, the fronds being dark green above, and 
 of a pure white beneath, caused by a powdery 
 substance, which has given this species the pop- 
 iilar name of Silver Fern. This species was in- 
 troduced in 1854. Propagated from spores or 
 by division of the roots when just commencing 
 to grow. 
 
 Cheiranthus. Wallflower. From cheir, the 
 hand, and anthos, a flower ; in reference to the 
 custom of carrying the Wallflower in the hand 
 for a nosegay. Linn. Tetradynamia. Nat. Ord. 
 Brassicacece. 
 
 Well-known herbaceous plants, much prized 
 for the delightful odor of their flowers, which 
 are produced from April to July. C. Cheiri, the 
 common Wallflower, is generally grown, and is 
 a great favorite in English gardens, where it 
 flowers freely. Our climate does not suit it so 
 well as that of England, as it delights in a moist 
 atmosphere. The fine double varieties are in- 
 creased by cuttings, and should be grown in a 
 cool house, in a strong, rich loam. The plants 
 usually grown for the market are from seed sown 
 in March. Most species are from Southern Eu- 
 rope, and have been grown for centuries. 
 
 Chelone. Shell-flower. From chdone, a tortoise ; 
 the back of the helmet of the flower being fan- 
 cifully compared to a tortoise. Linn. Didynamia- 
 Anyiospermia. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariaceat. 
 
 Most of the genus are hardy herbaceous per- 
 ennials. Native plants are common in moist 
 places westward. Their singular beauty enti- 
 tles them to a place in every collection. The 
 flowers are white, rose-color, or purple. They 
 succeed well in ordinary garden soil, and are 
 propagated by division of roots, and by seed. 
 
 Chenopodium. A genus of troublesome weeds, 
 the more common being C. album, or Pig-weed ; 
 C. glaucum, Goose-foot ; and C. ambrosioides, 
 Mexican Tea. 
 
 Cherokee Rose. See Rosa. 
 
 Cherry. See Cerasus. 
 
 Chess. See Bromus. 
 
 Chestnut. See Castanea. 
 
 Chestnut-Oak. See Q/iercus Prinus. 
 
 Chickory. See Cichorium. 
 
 Chickweed. See Steilaria. 
 
 Chimaphila. From cheima, winter, and phUeo, to 
 love; these little plants remaining green all win- 
 ter. Linn. Decandrla - Nonoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Pyrolaceai. 
 
 CHL 
 
 A small genus of pretty little native, hardy, 
 trailing, evergreen plants, commonly known as 
 Pipsissewi and Spotted Winteryreen, the latter 
 name being applied to C. mad'data, one of our 
 most beautiful native plants with variegated 
 foliage. It is common in dry woods throughout 
 the Middle States, but very difficult of culti- 
 vation in the garden. 
 
 China Aster. See Callistemma. 
 
 Chinese Bell-flower. See Abutilon. 
 
 Chinese Grass-cloth Plant. See Bcehmeria. 
 
 Chinese Primrose. See Primula, 
 
 Chinese Sugar-cane. See Sorghum. 
 
 Chinquapin. See Castanea. 
 
 Chionanthus. Fringe Tree. From chion, snow, 
 and anthos, a flower ; in reference to its long ra- 
 cemes of pure white flowers. Linn. Diandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Oleacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy deciduous shrubs. C. Vir- 
 ginica, one of the best known, and the more 
 commonly grown under the popular name of 
 Fringe Tree, is a very ornamental shrub of easy 
 cultivation, particularly adapted for the lawn, 
 not only for its showy flowers in spring, but for 
 its deep green, glossy foliage, which, under fa- 
 vorable circumstances, will equal in size that of 
 the Magnolia grandifl^ra, retaining its freshness 
 until late in the autumn. This species is a na- 
 tive of Pennsylvania and southward, and is 
 readily propagated from seeds or cuttings. It 
 succeeds best when grafted on the common ash, 
 being much more vigorous, and will attain a 
 height of twenty-five feet. 
 
 Chironia. A classical name, after Chiron, one of 
 the Centaurs, fabled to be the father of medicine. 
 Linn. Pe>ita)idria-3fonogynia. Nat. Ord. Genlian- 
 aceoi. 
 
 Green-house plants of short duration, and 
 consequently requiring to be frequently raised 
 from cuttings, which strike freely in sand. G. 
 frutescens, with rose-colored flowers, and its va- 
 riety, with white flowers, are the most desirable 
 species, and may be easily procured from the 
 florist. They are also frequently raised from 
 Cape seeds, the plants being all indigenous at 
 the Cape of Good Hope. Introduced in 1756. 
 
 Chives. The popular name of AUium Schonnnpra- 
 sum, the smallest of the Onion family, though 
 one of the finest flavored. It is a hardy herba- 
 ceous perennial, native of Siberia, and of the 
 easiest culture, growing freely in almost any soil 
 or situation. Propagated by division, either in 
 spring or autumn. 
 
 Chlidanthus. From chlideios, delicate, and an- 
 thos, a flower ; alluding to the delicate texture 
 of the flowers. Linn. Hexandria-Monoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. AmaryllidacecK. 
 
 C.frayrans, the only species, a pretty bulbous- 
 rooted plant, which may be grown in the flower 
 garden during the summer, when its bright yel- 
 low flowers are highly interesting. In winter it 
 requires the same treatment as the Gladiolus. 
 It is propagated freely by offsets, which should 
 all be removed before planting, to enable the 
 bulb to flower well. Introduced in 1820. 
 
 C Moris. From chloros, green; alluding to the 
 color of the herbage. Linn. Polyyamia-Nonoecia. 
 Nat. Ord. Graminacece. 
 
 A very extensive genus of grasses, including a 
 few desirable species for the green-house. 
 Among them is C. radiata, a pretty little annual 
 species, with beautiful one-sided spikes of silky 
 flowers, which give it a very curious appearance. 
 There are several other species under cultiva- 
 tion, all useful for basket and similar work.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 41 
 
 CHL 
 
 Chlorophytum. From cMoro.s, green, andphyton, 
 a plant ; referring to the appearance of the plants. 
 Linn. Hexandrin-Monogynia. Nat. Orel. Liliace<r. 
 A small genus of herbaceous plants, mostly 
 with inconspicuous flowers. C. datum is in 
 cultivation, and is a pretty, free-flowering 
 plant, with a tall scape, and terminal racemes of 
 white, star-like flowers. It is a native of the 
 Cape of Good Hope, and allied to Anthericum. 
 
 Chocolate. See Theobr<>n<'i. 
 
 Choisya. Named after M. Choiay, a botanist of 
 Geneva. Linn. Decan<lri<t-3fono<jynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Rutacece. 
 
 C. ternata, the only species, is a handsome 
 white-flowered shrub, growing about six feet 
 high. It is a native of Mexico, an evergreen, 
 and will succeed well with ordinary green-house 
 treatment. It is increased by cuttings. Intro- 
 duced in 1825. 
 
 Choke-Berry. The popular name of the fruit of 
 the Pyrus arbutifolia, a common shrub from two 
 to ten feet high, found in damp thickets. 
 
 Choke Cherry. See Om.sv. 
 
 Chondrilla. From chomlros, a lump ; the plants 
 bear lumps of gummy matter on the stems. 
 Linn. Syiifjenesia-jEqwdis. Nat. Ord. Asterwcn'. 
 A genus of mostly uninteresting plants allied 
 to Lactuca, (Lettuce.) C. jimcen, a native of 
 Southern Europe, has escaped from the garden 
 and become naturalized in some of the Southern 
 States. It is a straggling, many-branched plant, 
 and almost destitute of leaves when in flower. 
 There are more than twenty species included in 
 this genus, mostly weedy plants. 
 
 Choretis. From choros, to unite in chorus ; this 
 genus being an intermediate link between Hy- 
 menocalHs and Ismene. Linn. Hex(indria-3I<>n>.- 
 <jynia. Nat. Ord. ArnaryUidacecK. 
 
 An interesting genus of half-hardy bulbs from 
 Texas and Mexico, requiring a rest from Novem- 
 ber until May. They grow freely in a light, 
 sandy soil in the open border, or they may be 
 grown in pots in the green-house, and for this 
 purpose they should be started in March in a 
 cool house, heat and water to be increased with 
 their growth. The flowers are very beautiful, 
 pure white, with a green eye and a greenish 
 stripe. Propagated by division of bulbs. 
 
 Chorozema. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. FabacecK. 
 
 This interesting green-house plant was first 
 discovered in Western Australia by Labillar- 
 diere. This botanist was attached to the expe- 
 dition sent by the French Government in 
 search of the lost La Perouse, and on one of his 
 excursions suffered much, with his party, for 
 the want of water. At last they met with springs 
 that furnished an ample supply, near which ho 
 found this plant, which he named Chorozemfi, 
 from choros, a dance, and zemn, a drink ; in allu- 
 sion to the joyful feelings of the party on meet- 
 ing with a supply of water. Of this really beau- 
 tiful genus there are many species ; the one 
 most commonly met is C. varia, a rapid-growing 
 and free-flowering kind. The flowers are of a 
 bright orange-red color, in long terminal ra- 
 cemes, flowering through the winter months. 
 It is readily propagated by cuttings, which 
 should be taken in February, and grown in 
 small pots until the weather is suitable for 
 planting out, as they should be grown in the 
 border during summer. Before there is danger 
 from frost, take up and pot in five-inch pots, in 
 good rich loam and sand. Cut well back, and 
 give it a warm, sunny situation, with liberal 
 
 CHR 
 
 watering as soon as the new growth commences. 
 It will begin to bloom in eigbt to ten weeks. 
 Christmas Rose. See HeUf-borns nljer. 
 | Chrysanthemum. From chrysos, gold, and an- 
 ttfix, a flower ; alluding to the color of some of 
 the flowers being yellow. Linn. Synyenegia-Su- 
 perflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 The value of the Chinese Chrysanthemum, C. 
 Sinense, as an ornament of the flower-garden, the 
 green -house, or the conservatory, in the autum- 
 nal months, is well known and duly appreciated. 
 From the almost numberless varieties now cul- 
 tivated it is easy to form a selection at once rich, 
 and varied. The first object in the culture of 
 these plants is to obtain dwarf specimens, and 
 to preserve all the foliage near the base of the 
 stems. To effect this, the cuttings should be 
 taken from the old stools in May. They are 
 rooted readily in a green-house or a frame. As 
 soon as rooted, the young plants should be pot- 
 ted singly in small pots filled with sandy loam, 
 to in duce them to emit an abundance of roots. 
 A cool, airy situation out of doors should be se- 
 lected for them, and constant attention be given 
 to the supply of water. After standing about a 
 month in this position, they should be shifted 
 into the large pots they are intended to bloom 
 in, using a mixture of equal parts of loam and 
 rotten manure, and at the same time the top of 
 the plant should be cut off, which will cause it 
 to send out branches, and these again may be 
 stopped if they grow strongly, and it can be 
 done before the end of August. During the 
 whole of the time the plants are out of doors, 
 which will be till the approach of frost, they 
 should stand at some distance from each other, 
 that each one may have the full influence of the 
 air. Being carefully watered every day with 
 pure water, and occasionally with diluted liquid 
 manure, the new growth will be vigorously de- 
 veloped, and the flowers better and larger. If 
 the points of the shoots which are taken off last 
 can be induced to root quickly, they make pretty 
 little plants of a few inches in height, sur- 
 mounted with flowers equally fine with those on 
 the larger specimens, and are useful for the 
 fronts of shelves or to stand before the largo 
 pots. On the removal of the plants to the green- 
 house, crowding should be avoided, and a full 
 supply of both air and water given daily until 
 the flowering season is past, when they may be 
 removed to a shed or put in a cold frame until 
 spring, when they may be separated and planted 
 out, or started for cuttings. There has been re- 
 cently introduced from Japan quite a distinct 
 and unique class of Chrysanthemums, with very 
 large flowers of various colors. There are sev- 
 eral annual Chrysanthemums with white, yel- 
 low, and purple flowers, which easily grow from 
 seed, and well deserve a place in the flower 
 garden. C. frutescens is the "Marguerite" of the 
 Paris gardens, and has for the past few years 
 been somewhat extensively used in bouquets, 
 etc., by the florists of New York and other larg.> 
 cities; but as the flower is simply a Daisy tho 
 fashion is not likely to be long continued. Leu- 
 canikemum ri'/;/<m>, (<'liri/mn>th'-iitHm leiicantfiemxni, 
 L.,) the Ox-eye Daisy of the fields, has also been 
 used for the same purpose. There is now a yel- 
 low-flowered variety of C. frutescens, called the 
 " Golden Marguerite." 
 
 Chrysobactron. From clrysns, gold, and bnk- 
 tron, a wand ; alluding to the magnificent ra- 
 cemes of C. Rossii. Linn. Hexandria-Mvnoyynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Liliacea:
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 CHE 
 
 This is a small genus from the Aukland and 
 Campbell Islands, New Zealand, closely allied 
 to Anlhericum. They are found growing in marshy 
 places, and will only succeed well with pot cul- 
 ture. The soil should be a fibrous loam. The 
 pots in which they are grown should be partly 
 immersed in water. The flowers are bright 
 yellow, produced in racemes, and are very beau- 
 tiful. Propagated by division of roots. Intro- 
 duced in 1848. 
 
 Chrysurus. From chri/sos, gold, and oura, a tail ; 
 alluding to the compact heads of flowers. Linn. 
 Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. GraminacecK. 
 
 A small genus of annual grasses, natives of 
 the south of Europe and north of Africa. C. 
 aurea is the only species of interest. This is 
 very ornamental in the border, and is also use- 
 ful in the green-house. It grows readily from 
 seed. 
 
 Chysis. From chysis, melting ; in reference to 
 the fused appearance of the pollen masses. 
 Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
 acece. 
 
 A genus of very handsome Orchids, natives of 
 Central America. The flowers are mostly white, 
 or creamy white, heavily tipped with pink, the 
 lip being beautifully marked with carmine and 
 yellow. C. aurea, inaculaia has golden yellow 
 flowers, with a lurge orange spot ; lip white, 
 with violet rays. When, in a growing state they 
 require liberal heat and moisture, and a cool, 
 dry house when at rest. They are increased by 
 division just as they commence a new growth. 
 Introduced in 1830. 
 
 Cibotium. From kibotion, a small box ; referring 
 to the form of the spore vessels. Linn. Crypto- 
 gamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea;. 
 
 A small genus of very interesting Ferns re- 
 lated to Dicksonia. They are large and very 
 handsome, and in some cases arborescent. The 
 fronds are bi-pinnate, and often glaucus be- 
 neath. C. Barometz is believed to be the Tarta- 
 rian Lamb, about which travelers have told so 
 wonderful a tale. This "Lamb" consists merely 
 of the decumbent, shaggy caudex of a kind of 
 Fern, which is unquestionably this species. 
 The "traveler's tale " is, that on an uncultivated 
 salt plain of vast extent, west of the Volga, 
 grows a wonderful plant, with the appearance 
 of a lamb, having feet, head, and tail distinctly 
 formed, and its skin covered with soft down. 
 The lamb grows upon a stalk about three feet 
 high, the part by which it is sustained being a 
 kind of navel. It turns about and bends to the 
 herbage, which serves for its food, and pines 
 away when the grass dries up and fails. The 
 fact on which this tale is based appears to be, 
 that the caudex of this plant may be made to 
 present a rude appearance of an animal covered 
 with silky, hair-like scales, and if cut into is 
 found to have a soft inside of a reddish, flesh- 
 colored appearance. When the herbage of its 
 native haunts fails through drought, its leaves 
 no doubt die, and both perish from the same 
 cause, and independently of each other. From 
 these appearances, the common people believe 
 that in the deserts of Scythia there exist crea- 
 tures half animal and half plant. The species 
 are very interesting plants for the green-house, 
 but are seldom seen. They are propagated by 
 division. Introduced in 1824. 
 
 Cichorium. Chicory or Succory. An ancient 
 Egyptian noine. Linn. Synfjenesia-jEqualiii. 
 Nat. Ord. Asteracev. 
 
 This plant, so extensively cultivated in Eu- 
 
 CIN 
 
 rope as a substitute for coffee, or for its adultera- 
 tion, is commonly known as Wild Endive, and 
 is found growing wild ii* most parts of Europe, 
 being by far the most common in England. It 
 is also naturalized in this country, and is com- 
 mon in neglected fields and along roadsides in 
 neighborhoods long settled. Its flowers are 
 bright blue, produced in great profusion in Au- 
 gust and September. The plant grows in its 
 wild state from one to three feet high, but un- 
 der cultivation it often reaches six feet. The 
 roots are fleshy, not unlike the Dandelion, to 
 which family it belongs. For the adulteration 
 of coffee, the root is dried and ground, in which 
 state it closely resembles ground coffee. The 
 use of Chicory is common and undisguised, and 
 many consider a mixture preferable to pure cof- 
 fee, and buy the two, and mix to suit their own 
 tastes. So great is the demand for it for this 
 purpose, that, notwithstanding its cheapness 
 and ease of culture, it is often adulterated by 
 roasted wheat, rye, acorns, carrots, and other 
 articles of a similar nature. 
 
 Cicuta. Cowbane, Water Hemlock. The ancient 
 Latin name of the Hemlock. Linn. Peniandria- 
 Digynia. Nat. Ord. Apiacece. 
 
 A small genus of biennial plants, very com- 
 mon in moist waste places. C. maculata, com- 
 monly known as Spotted Cowbane, somewhat re- 
 sembles Sweet Cicely, and is often mistaken for 
 it. The root is an active poison in its green 
 state, but loses its virulent qualities when dried. 
 It is a dangerous pest to the farmer, the herbage 
 often proving destructive to cattle, when eaten 
 by them, and many children have lost their 
 lives by eating the roots, which they have mis- 
 taken for Cicely. C. virosa, a species common 
 throughout Europe, furnished the poison given 
 to Phocion and Socrates. 
 
 Cinchona. Named after the Countess of Cindum, 
 Vice-Queen of Peru, who was cured of a fever in 
 1638 by this remedy. Linn. Pentandria-Mono- 
 ijynia. Nat. Ord. Cinchonacecu. 
 
 This genus yields the well-known Peruvian 
 bark of commerce. It requires the protection of 
 a warm green-house to preserve it in even mod- 
 erate vigor. It is the type of an extensive and 
 highly interesting order. 
 
 Cineraria. From cineres, ashes , in reference to 
 the gray down covering the surface of the leaves. 
 Linn. Synr/enesia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracea;. 
 There are upward of fifty species of this genus 
 enumerated, varying in habit from the dwarf 
 herbaceous plant, not rising more than half a 
 foot, to the tall, soft-wooded, suffruticose species 
 with a stature of five or six feet. The flowers of 
 most of them are of a pale greenish yellow, 
 though some have white, red, or purple flowers. 
 The whole of the true species are so thoroughly 
 eclipsed by the modern hybrid varieties as to be 
 entirely excluded from any but purely botanical 
 collections, and are of so little interest as to war- 
 rant our passing on to the culture of those beau- 
 tiful ornaments of the green-house in early 
 spring. The first recorded variety is Waler- 
 housiana, obtained from C. tussUayinoides ; but 
 we very much doubt so coarse a parentage hav- 
 ing any connection with such neat, handsome, 
 highly-colored, and free-flowering subjects as 
 those cultivated now. The seed of these plants 
 should be sown in autumn, (September or Octo- 
 ber,) as soon as ripe. The young plants should 
 be potted separately in a soil composed of loam. 
 leaf mould, and sand, in about equal proportions. 
 The young plants are preserved best in a green-
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 47 
 
 CIN 
 
 house or frame. It is on the condition of the 
 plants through this part of the year that the 
 flowering of the succeeding spring mainly de- 
 pends, for if not perfectly healthy now, it is al- 
 most hopeless to expect them to be vigorous 
 then. About the beginning of February they 
 should be repotted, using a stronger soil than 
 that recommended for the first potting. Through- 
 out the entire existence of the plants they should 
 be guarded from drought and the attacks of the 
 green fly, to which they are very subject. Fu- 
 migation and washing with tobacco-water are 
 the most effective means of clearing them from 
 the latter. After flowering, the old stems should 
 be cut away, and the plants shifted back into 
 small pots, preserving them through the winter 
 in the manner advised for seedlings. 
 Cinnamomum. Cinnamon. From the Arabic 
 name, kinamon. Linn. Enneandria-Monoyynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Lauraceai. 
 
 A genus of evergreen trees, well known as fur- 
 nishing the Cinnamon of commerce. C. Zeylani- 
 'um is largely cultivated in Ceylon for its bark, 
 which furnishes the best Cinnamon. The bark 
 is stripped off the branches, when it rolls up 
 into quills, the smaller of which are introduced 
 within the larger, and then dried in the sun. 
 The thinner the bark is, as a rule, the finer the 
 quality. C. Cassia furnishes Cassia bark, which 
 is much like Cinnamon, but thicker, coarser, 
 stronger, less delicate in flavor, and cheaper. It is 
 commonly used in the adulteration of Cinnamon. 
 Both species furnish what are known as Cassia 
 buds, which are something like cloves, and, 
 like them, consist of the unexpended flower 
 buds. They possess properties similar to those 
 of the bark. There are several other species of 
 this genus that furnish aromatic barks, which 
 are used in flavoring and in medicine. 
 Cinnamon Fern. The popular name of one of 
 
 our native Ferns, Osmunda Cinnamomea. 
 Cinnamon Tree. See Cinnamomuin. 
 Cinque-Foil, or Five-Finger. One of the pop- 
 ular names of PotentilJa, which see. 
 Circaea. Enchanter's Nightshade. A classical 
 name, after Circe, a celebrated enchantress, 
 skilled in poisonous herbs. Linn. Diandria- 
 Monoqynia. Nat. Ord. OnagracecK. 
 
 A small genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
 of but little interest; natives of Europe, and 
 naturalized in many parts of this country. 
 Cirrhopetalum. From cirrhus, a tendril, and 
 petalon, a flower leaf; in reference to the strap- 
 shaped petals. Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. OrchidacefK. 
 
 An extensive genus of small, very curious epi- 
 phytal Orchids, natives of tropical Asia and the 
 South Sea Islands. Their flowers are remarka- 
 ble for having the lateral sepals prolonged into 
 narrow streamers. From this peculiar feature, 
 and the fact that they occupy but little room, a 
 few of the species have been introduced into the 
 more general collections of Orchids. Propagated 
 by division. 
 
 Cirsium. Common or Plumed Thistle. From 
 kirsos, a swollen vein; in reference to being 
 pricked by the spines. Linn. SyngenesiOrjEqualis. 
 Nat. Ord. Asteracea}. 
 
 The Thistle family are too well known to need 
 special mention. Two of the more troublesome 
 species, C. lanceolatum, Common Thistle, and (7. 
 arvense, the Canada Thistle, are both natives of 
 Europe, though perfectly naturalized in this 
 country. There are many native species, the 
 most conspicuous being C. muticum, Swamp 
 
 CIT 
 
 Thistle, a perennial common in moist woods 
 and swamps, often growing as high as eight feet, 
 isjfus. From kissos, ivy; in reference to their 
 scrambling habit. Linn. Tetrandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. V',1 >'. 
 
 A genua of climbing plants, allied to r/v ;.,-. 
 With a few exceptions, they are plants of but 
 little interest to the florist. One of the species, 
 however, C. discolor, is a plant remarkable for 
 the beauty of its foliage, and its adaptation to 
 the hot-house. This species is a native of Java, 
 and was introduced into England in 1854 by 
 Messrs. Rollison and Sons, of Tooting, and is 
 described by Mr. Lowe as follows: " The leaves, 
 which are six inches long and two and a half 
 broad, are colored on the upper surface in the 
 richest manner conceivable, the plant rivaling, 
 in its beautiful foliage, the finest of the Ana>c- 
 tochilus family; the color being a rich green, 
 clouded with white, peach, and dark purplish 
 crimson, and covered with a metallic luster. 
 The under side of the leaf is a rich brownish 
 crimson. No description or painting can do 
 justice to the beauty of these superb leaves when 
 in perfection." This plant is a rapid grower, 
 requiring a very rich soil and humid atmos- 
 phere, together with a high temperature, to 
 bring it to perfection. It should be grown in a 
 shaded house, and care should be taken not to 
 syringe the plant, as water on the leaves destroys 
 the metallic luster. It is readily increased by 
 cuttings. The leaves are much valued by flor- 
 ists for their various work in baskets, designs, 
 etc. 
 
 Cistus. Book Rose. From kiste, a box ; in ref- 
 erence to the form of the seed vessel. Linn. 
 Icosawlria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. CistacecK. 
 
 A genus of handsome shrubs, few of which are 
 in cultivation. They are natives of Southern and 
 Western Europe, North Africa, and the Canary 
 Islands. Some of the species are elegant shrubs, 
 having terminal flower stalks bearing one or 
 more flowers, resembling in appearance those of 
 the Dog Rose. They seldom last more than a 
 few hours after expanding, and do not open ex- 
 cept in sunny weather. The flowers are either 
 white or rose-colored, with yellow or purplish 
 marks at their base. Some of the species furnish 
 a gum that is used in Turkey as a perfume and 
 for fumigation. It was also supposed to be a 
 specific for the plague. Propagated by seeds, 
 layers, or cuttings. 
 
 Citharexylum. Fiddle-wood. From kithara, a 
 lyre, and xyUm, wood ; in reference to the sup- 
 posed fitness of the wood for musical instru- 
 ments. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Verbenacece. 
 
 A genus of tall-growing trees common from 
 Florida to Brazil. It furnishes a hard, durable 
 wood, suited for various purposes in the me- 
 chanic arts. Its supposed use in the manufac- 
 ture of musical instruments is a mistake. Ono 
 of the species is called by the French Mdtle, for 
 its durability in building. The English have 
 corrupted the name to Fiddle-wood, by which 
 name it is popularly known. 
 
 Citrus. Orange Tree. Derivation of name un- 
 known. Supposed to refer to Citron, a town in 
 Judea. Linn. Polyaddphia-Di*jyni<t. Nat. Ord. 
 Auruntiac&e. 
 
 The genus Citrus includes the Orange, Lemon, 
 Lime, Citron, Shaddock, etc., all well deserving 
 cultivation, both for their flowers and their fruit, 
 but of which only a few kinds of Oranges and 
 Lemons are generally grown. When grown for or-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CLA 
 
 namental purposes in green-house or rooms, they 
 all thrive well in a mixture of rich loam with a 
 little rotten dung ; but great care is necessary 
 not to overpot them, or give them too much 
 water when not in a growing state. The differ- 
 ent species and varieties are generally propa- 
 gated by budding, grafting, and inarching on 
 the common Lemon, which grows readily from 
 seed. Oranges are also frequently raised from 
 seed ; but unless they are budded or grafted 
 when about two years old, it will be many years 
 before they flower. Orange Trees may also be 
 propagated by cuttings, which are best from the 
 old wood, struck in sand in a gentle bottom heat, 
 and shaded. Plants raised in this manner 
 flower and fruit much sooner than any others, but 
 they scarcely ever attain a large size. Both the 
 Orange and Lemon are such favorites in this 
 country that scarcely a cottage, where a flower- 
 pot or tub can be put into requisition, is without 
 one or the other of these plants. When placed 
 in unsuitable soil and carelessly watered, they 
 seldom remain long in a good state of health. 
 When they become sickly and yellow, they 
 should be turned out of the pots, a large portion 
 of the old soil should be detached from the 
 roots, and they should be repotted in a mixture 
 of fine loamy soil and rotten manure, with about 
 one-fourth of charcoal dust, or powdered char- 
 coal. There are numerous varieties of Oranges 
 and Lemons grown for the fruit. Our markets 
 were formerly supplied from the south of Eu- 
 rope, the Azores, and the West Indies. Until 
 within a few years the "Havana" was the most 
 highly esteemed, but the Florida Orange is now 
 the leading variety in the markets. The culti- 
 vation of the Orange in Florida commenced pre- 
 vious to 1820, but was carried on only to a lim- 
 ited extent for some years thereafter. From 
 1830 to 1835 many large groves were planted, 
 nearly all of which were destroyed by the extra- 
 ordinary frost of the latter year. The previous 
 year there were trees at St. Augustine that pro- 
 duced each 14,000 Oranges; a handsome revenue 
 from a single tree. The dreaded effects of a frost 
 almost entirely discouraged further plantings 
 for a number of years. The cultivation of the 
 Orange is now attracting greater attention in 
 Florida than ever before. The Indian River 
 country abounds in plantations that are yield- 
 ing large and profitable crops. Some of the 
 more scientific growers, from careful experi- 
 ments and close observation, hold the opinion 
 that frosts as severe as those of 1835 will not in- 
 jure the trees, if the precaution be taken to shade 
 the trunks from the sun for a short time, until 
 the circulation of the sap is fully restored. Lem- 
 ons, Limes, and Shaddocks are also largely 
 grown in Florida. In some parts of Texas, and 
 in California, the cultivation of these fruits is 
 being rapidly extended. 
 
 Cladrastis. See Virgilia lutea. 
 
 Clarkia. In honor of Captain Clarke, who accom- 
 panied Captain Lewis in his journey to the Rocky 
 Mountains. Linn. Diandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Onagracea;. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals, mostly from Cali- 
 fornia. The whole of the species are indispen- 
 sable to every flower garden where annuals are 
 grown. The first sowing should take place in 
 September ; a few will survive the winter, and 
 afford an early bloom in the following season. 
 The next and principal sowing should be done 
 in March ; and a few more put in about the end 
 of April, together with those transplanted, will 
 
 CLE 
 
 continue a fine display through the whole sum- 
 mer. They grow in any soil, so that the situa- 
 tion is open or free from the drip of trees, and 
 merely require to be thinned to aboiit a foot from 
 each other. This rule will apply to nearly all 
 that are known as "tender annuals." Intro- 
 duced in 1825. 
 
 Claytonia. Named after Dr. John Clayton, an 
 early American botanist. Linn. Peniandria-Mo- 
 nogynia. Nat. Ord. Portulacaceoe. 
 
 A genus of very pretty hardy plants, of either 
 annual or perennial duration. The former only 
 require to be sown where they are to remain, 
 and the latter succeed when planted in loam 
 without further trouble. Their flowers are 
 either white or pink of various shades. They 
 are found in moist woods from Virginia west- 
 ward and southward. Several tuberous-rooted 
 species are found in this country from Virginia 
 westward to California. They do not differ ma- 
 terially from the annuals in flowering. They 
 are worthy of cultivation. 
 
 Cleavers or Clivers. See Galium. 
 
 Clematis. Virgin's Bower. From klema, a vine- 
 branch ; in reference to their climbing like a 
 vine. Linn. Polyandria-Polygynia. Nat. Ord. 
 RanunculacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of handsome twining 
 shrubs, natives of North America, Europe, Ja- 
 pan, and occasionally met with in Australia, 
 Asia, and Africa. C. Virginiana is the well- 
 known Virgin's Bower, a species common in the 
 woods and roadsides from New York southward. 
 There are several other species common in this 
 country. All are much admired for their grace- 
 fulness, delicious fragrance, and poetical associ- 
 ations. For the many large-flowering varieties 
 we are indebted to Sieboldt and Fortune, who 
 discovered them in Japan. From the several 
 species introduced by them very many varieties 
 have been produced, among which is C. Jack- 
 manii, a variety with large purple flowers, very 
 showy and deservedly popular. Some of the 
 varieties are pure white, with both double and 
 single flowers. The whole of them are quite 
 hardy, though the young growth should be pro- 
 tected the first winter. They delight in a 
 strong, rich soil, and are highly useful in cov- 
 ering walls, arbors, or verandas, which they do 
 speedily when once established. They are prop- 
 agated by layering the young shoots in summer 
 or by root grafting on some of our stronger 
 growing native varieties. The shoots of the 
 half-ripened young wood can also be freely 
 rooted by cuttings during the summer months. 
 C. crispa, a native species recently introduced, 
 promises to become very popular, and deserv- 
 edly so. The flowers, of medium size, are of a 
 beautiful purple, and deliciously fragrant : a 
 characteristic absent from most of the class. C. 
 coccinea, another recent introduction, presents 
 us with a new and desirable color. 
 
 Cleome. From kleio, to shut; in reference to the 
 parts of the flower. Linn. Tetradynanua. Nat. 
 Ord. CapparidacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus, consisting of tropical 
 shrubs, annuals and biennials, which are not 
 suitable for general cultivation. This genus, 
 however, contains several very curious and 
 pretty indigenous annuals, with white, rose, and 
 purple flowers, natives of the Southern and 
 Western States. They are all easy of cultivation. 
 They should be started in a hot-bed, and the 
 plants put out in the open border at the proper 
 season for tender annuals.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CLE 
 
 Clerodendron. From kleros, a chance, and den- 
 dron, a tree ; said to be owing to the uncertain- 
 ty of the medicinal qualities. Linn. Didynamia- 
 Aivjiospermia. Nat. Ord. Verbenacecu. 
 
 It is difficult to conceive more beautiful ob- 
 jects than several members of this genus when 
 well cultivated. Cuttings taken off any time 
 during summer root readily, or in winter in gen- 
 tle heat, and should be kept in small pots 
 through the succeeding winter, on a shelf or 
 underneath a bench in the green-house. About 
 the first of February repot them, giving them a 
 liberal shift. The soil should be light and very 
 rich. To flower freely they require frequent 
 shiftings from smaller into larger pots. With 
 this treatment they can be made to bloom con- 
 tinually during the entire season. Old plants 
 can be grown on with occasional shiftings, and 
 make splendid plants for garden decoration dur- 
 ing summer. They must, however, be grown 
 in the shade. After flowering water freely, in 
 order that they may make a good growth ; after 
 which they should have partial sun to ripen the 
 wood. If not wanted for winter flowering, re- 
 move the plants in the fall to a light cellar, free 
 from frost, giving them through the winter just 
 enough water to sustain life. In the spring, 
 when all danger from frost is over, remove the 
 plants to any desired position in the garden or 
 on the veranda for another season of bloom. C. 
 li ilfourii is the best and most showy variety, and 
 one we have seen in full bloom a number of 
 years in succession, with the above treatment. 
 It makes a valuable climbing plant when so de- 
 sired. 
 
 Clethra. White Alder, Sweet Pepperbush. From 
 Idethra, the Greek name of the Alder, which 
 this genus somewhat resembles in foliage. Linn. 
 Uvcandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. EricacecK. 
 
 A genus of deciduous shrubs, several species 
 of which are common in swamps and low places 
 along our southern coast. C. alnifolia is common 
 in the Middle States. It is remarkable for its 
 sweet-scented flowers, which are borno in ter- 
 minal racemes in July and August. Like many 
 other natives of our swamps, it improves by cul- 
 tivation, and will succeed well in a shrubbery \ 
 border, however dry. It should be transplanted j 
 in early spring. 
 
 Cleyera. Named after Dr. Cleyer, a Dutch botanist, j 
 Linn. Pobjandrla-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Tern- ! 
 
 An ornamental green-house evergreen shrub, 
 with yellowish-white flowers, sometimes sweet- 
 scented. They are natives of India and Japan, 
 and rarely seen in collections. 
 
 Clianthus. Glory Pea. From kleios, glory, and < 
 (inthos, a flower. Linn. Diadelphia-Tetmtwnia. 
 Nat. Ord. Fabaceoi. 
 
 A genus of magnificent, half-hardy shrubs 
 from Australia, remarkable for their showy 
 flowers, which are borne in terminal or axillary 
 racemes. C. pnniceus, the crimson Glory Pea, is 
 a magnificent, half-hardy shrub, with bright 
 crimson flowers, a native of New Zealand. It 
 grows very freely in rich loam if its roots are 
 allowed sufficient room ; and it generally thrives 
 best when planted against the back wall of a 
 conservatory. Cuttings planted in pots in the ! 
 autumn, and kept in the shady part of the i 
 green-house, will be rooted by spring, when they i 
 may be planted in the open border. It is \\ 
 plant that rarely flowers well in a pot, as it re- 
 quires abundance of room for its roots, and 
 grows rapidly, with rather succulent shoots, re- 
 
 CLI 
 
 quiring abundance of water during the growing 
 season, and very little at any other time. When 
 grown in the open ground the juicy nature of 
 its roots renders it a favorite food for snails, 
 and when kept in the conservatory or green- 
 house it is very apt to be attacked by the red spi- 
 der. If these enemies be kept away, and the 
 plant be grown in rich soil, composed of equal 
 parts of loam and thoroughly rotten manure, 
 and well supplied with air, light, and water, 
 with abundance of room for its roots, the rapid- 
 ity of its growth and the splendor of its flowers 
 will almost surpass belief; but unless these 
 points are attended to, the plant is scarcely 
 worth growing. C. Dampieri, a species of recent 
 introduction from the desert regions of Austra- 
 lia, is by far the most beautiful of the genus, 
 either for the green-house or the border. Its 
 cultivation is rather difficult. It does not grow 
 to such dimensions as the former, but is of the 
 same habit. The flowers are brilliant scarlet, 
 and marked with a black blotch in the center. 
 It succeeds best when treated as an annual. If 
 the seeds be planted in May in the open border 
 where they are to grow, in a rich, sandy loam, 
 they will make magnificent plants, and flower 
 freely from August until killed by frost. Five 
 degrees of frost will not injure either the plants 
 or the flowers. They will not at any time bear 
 transplanting. Introduced in 1832. 
 Climbing Fern. See Lygodium. 
 Climbing Fumatory. See Adlumia. 
 Climbing Gentian. See Oraicfurdia. 
 Climbing Hydrangea. See Schlzaphragma. 
 Climbing Hempweed. See Mikania. 
 Clintonia. In honor of De Witt Clinton, a governor 
 of the State of New York. Linn, llonaddphia- 
 Digynla. Nat. Ord. LobeHaceon. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals from California and 
 British Columbia, free flowering, and very 
 pretty for the border. If the seeds be sown in 
 February, and the plants treated the same as 
 Verbenas, they will flower by the first of June, 
 and continue until killed by frost. Flowers 
 lovely blue, not unlike the Lobelias. Intro- 
 duced by Mr. Douglas in 1827. 
 Clitoria. Blue Pea. From kleio, to shut up : in 
 reference to its seeding within the flower long 
 before the flower drops off. Linn. Diadelphia- 
 Tetragynia. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 Very handsome hot-house climbers, of grace- 
 ful habit, the majority producing large, highly- 
 colored flowers. C. Ternatea is perhaps the fin- 
 est, its lovely blue flowers receiving universal 
 admiration. The whole of the perennial species 
 succeed in rich loam. The annual kinds require 
 the ordinary treatment of tender annuals. ('. 
 Mariana has a curious distribution, being found 
 in the Southern States and Mexico, and appear- 
 ing again in the Khasia Mountains in India, 
 without being found in any intervening place. 
 Propagated by cuttings or seeds. Introduced 
 in 1732. 
 
 Clivia. Named after the Duclt&ss of Northumber- 
 land, a member of the Clive family. Linn. 7/er- 
 ondria-Jtmogynio. Nat. Ord. AiiKiryUidacetv. 
 
 Clivia nobuis, the only species, is a robust 
 growing plant, which, once established, is very 
 prolific of flowers. It grows well in sandy loam, 
 if allowed the warmest part of the green-house, 
 or a cool shelf in the hot-house. Its flowers arc 
 of a delicate flesh color throughout the greater 
 part of the tube, heightening to a deep red over 
 the limb, the segments of which arc bright 
 green. It is increased by division of the roots.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CLO 
 
 Native of the Cape of Good Hope. Introduced 
 in 1823. 
 
 Cloudberry. See Rubus. 
 
 Clove Tree. Caryopkjflaa aromaticus. The Cloves 
 of commerce are the dried unexpanded flower 
 buds. 
 
 Clover. The common name for Trifolium, espe- 
 cially applied to the kinds cultivated for hay and 
 pasture. 
 
 Club-moss. The common name of Lycopodium 
 cUtrahim. 
 
 Club-rush or Bulrush. The common name of 
 the genus Sclrpus, a common marsh plant. 
 
 Cobeea. Named in honor of B. Cobo, a Spanish 
 botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 PdenioniacecE. 
 
 Both of the two species known of these plants 
 are elegant, fast-growing climbers, which may 
 be grown in the green-house, the conservatory, 
 or the garden in summer, where, from their 
 rapid development, they are particularly desir- 
 able for covering walls, arbors, or other objects 
 of a similar nature. It is preferable to treat 
 them as annuals. The seed should be sown in 
 March, in light, rich soil, on a gentle heat. The 
 young plants should be potted separately into 
 small pots, as soon as they can be handled with 
 safety, using the same kind of soil, and, after 
 being gradually inured to the temperature they 
 are likely to be subject to in their after growth, 
 may finally, when about a foot in height, be 
 placed where they arc to remain. It is seldom 
 that seed is matured in the open air, but in a 
 green-house or conservatory it is produced 
 abundantly. C. scandens, the species in general 
 cultivation, is a native of Mexico, and was in- 
 troduced in 1792. A white flowered variety of 
 C. scandens originated here in 1872, and one with 
 variegated leaves in 1874. 
 
 Coburgia. Named after Prince Leopold of Saxe- 
 Coburg, now King of Belgium. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryttidacecK. 
 
 An interesting genus of half-hardy bulbs from 
 South America, (mostly from Peru,) requiring 
 the same treatment as the Amaryllis formosissi- 
 ma. The flowers are mostly scarlet and very 
 showy. Th'ey require a strong, rich soil. Prop- 
 agated by offsets. Introduced in 1826, but rare- 
 ly seen except in botanical collections. 
 
 Coca. See Erythroxylon. 
 
 Coccinia. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Monoecia-Polyadelphia. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacece. 
 
 C. Indica, the only species, and formerly called 
 Momordica monadelphia, is a climbing shrub, 
 common in the hedges of India. It has large 
 white flowers. The fruit is oblong, marked 
 with ten white lines. When ripe it is of a red 
 color, and is used by the natives in their sauces. 
 The leaves and other parts of the plants are used 
 in medicine. 
 
 Coccocypselum. From kokko.s, fruit, and kypsele, 
 a vase ; referring to the form of the berries. 
 Linn. Tetrandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cinchona- 
 cetK. 
 
 A small genus of soft-wooded trailing plants 
 from the West Indies and Central America. C. 
 repens is interesting from its bluish-purple ber- 
 ries. As a genus, they do not occupy a promi- 
 nent place either as ornamental or useful plants. 
 
 Coccoloba. Sea Side Grape. From kokkos, a 
 berry, and lobos, a lobe ; in reference to the fruit. 
 Linn. Odandria-Trigynin. Nat. Ord. Polygonacea;. 
 Most of this genus are tropical evergreen trees, 
 interesting and beautiful, but too large for ordi- 
 nary green-house culture. C. pMyc'.ada is a dwarf 
 
 COG 
 
 species, with curious flat stems, growing from 
 five to ten feet high. It succeeds well planted 
 in an ordinary flower border, and is useful in 
 filling large vases and rustic tubs, or for plant- 
 ing in rock-work. It is propagated freely by 
 cuttings. Old plants flower freely. The flow- 
 ers are small and white, produced at the axils of 
 the leaves. 
 
 Cocculus. Derived from kokkos, the systematic 
 name of the Cochineal ; given to this genus be- 
 cause most of the species bear scarlet berries. 
 Linn. Dioecia-Dodecaiidria. Nat. Ord. Menisper- 
 macece. 
 
 An extensive genus of climbing shmbs, re- 
 markable for their medicinal properties. With 
 one exception the species are all natives of the 
 East Indies. C. (Jarolinuti, common in woods 
 and thickets from North Carolina to Florida, is 
 a very handsome climber, remarkable for its ra- 
 cemes of white flowers, which are succeeded by 
 clusters of bright scarlet berries, that remain on 
 the vine all winter. This is one of the most 
 beautiful climbers under cultivation, and will 
 succeed well where there is not more than ten 
 or twelve degrees of frost. It is increased by 
 cuttings or from seeds. 
 
 Cochlearia. Horse-Radish, which see. 
 
 Cockle. The common name of Lychnis Githago, a 
 troublesome weed in grain fields. Introduced 
 from Europe. 
 
 Cochliostema. From cochlios, spiral, and .sterna, 
 a stamen. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Commelynacece. 
 
 A genus of green-house 'perennials allied to 
 Tradescantia, natives of Brazil. They are rather 
 curious in form, having contracted stems and 
 tufted leaves, like those of a Bromelia. The 
 flowers are blue, and borne on branched clus- 
 ters. Of the two species in cultivation, one is 
 small and the other an epiphyte of large size. 
 They are increased by division. Introduced in 
 1866. 
 
 Cocklebur or Clotbur. The popular name of 
 Xanthium, a coarse annual weed, common on the 
 sea-coast, especially southward. 
 
 Cockscomb. See Celosia. 
 
 Cocoanut. The nut of Cocos nucifera, which see. 
 
 Cocos. Cocoanut Tree. From 'the Portugue.se 
 word coco, a monkey; in reference to the end of 
 the nut resembling the head of a monkey. Linn. 
 Monceda-Hexandria,. Nat. Ord. Palinacea;. 
 
 C. nucifera, the well-known Cocoanut Tree, is 
 the type of this genus of Palms, to which, in 
 addition, about a dozen other species belong. 
 They mostly form tall, graceful trees, and the 
 majority of them are natives of the tropical 
 regions of America, one only, the common 
 Cocoanut, being found in Asia or Africa. The 
 trees grow to a great height, with a straight 
 trunk, and, like almost every species of the 
 Palm tribe, without branches. The leaves are 
 from twelve to fifteen feet long. The flowers 
 come out round the top of the trunk in large 
 clusters, inclosed in a sheath, and the nuts suc- 
 ceed them, commonly ten or twelve togetlier. 
 There are few trees more extensively or vari- 
 ously useful. The leaves are employed as 
 thatch to cover houses, and to make mats either 
 for sitting or lying upon. The leaf, when re- 
 duced to fine fibers, is the material of which 
 beautiful and costly carpets are mado for those 
 in the 'higher ranks; the coarse fibers are made 
 into brooms. After these useful materials are 
 taken from this leaf, the stem still remains, 
 which is about three inches thick, and furnifs'ies
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 51 
 
 C(EL 
 
 firewood. The wood of this Palm, when fresh 
 cut, is spongy, but becomes hard after being 
 seasoned, and assumes a dark brown color. On 
 the top of the tree a large shoot is produced, 
 which, when boiled, resembles Broccoli, but is 
 said to be of a more delicate taste; and though 
 much liked, is seldom used by the natives, be- 
 cause, on cutting it off, the pith is exposed, and 
 the tree dies. Between this cabbage-like shoot 
 and the leaves there spring several buds, from 
 which, on making an incision, there distills a 
 juice differing but little from water, either in 
 color or consistence. It is the employment of a 
 certain class of men to climb to the top of the 
 trees in the evening, with earthen pots tied to 
 their waists, which they fix there to receive the 
 juice, which is regularly carried away before the 
 sun has had any influence upon it. This liquor 
 is sold at the bazaars by the natives under the 
 name of toddy. After being kept a few hours it 
 begins to ferment, acquires a sharp taste, and a 
 slightly intoxicating quality, in which state it is 
 drank by the natives and poorer classes with 
 avidity. It is also used as yeast, for which it 
 forms an excellent substitute. By boiling it a 
 coarse kind of sugar is obtained; and by distil- 
 lation it yields a strong, ardent spirit, which is 
 sold at a low price, constituting it a most perni- 
 cious beverage. The outside rind or husk of the 
 fruit yields the fiber from which the well-known 
 Cocoanut matting is manufactured. In order 
 to obtain it the husks are soaked in salt water 
 for six or twelve months, when the fiber is easily 
 separated by beating, and is made up into a 
 coarse kind of yarn called coir. Besides its use 
 for matting, it is extensively used in the manu- 
 facture of heavy cordage for ships' cables. It is 
 also used for various kinds of brushes, and for 
 stuffing mattresses, cushions, etc. The next im- 
 portant product of the fruit is the oil, which is 
 procured by boiling and pressing the white ker- 
 nel or albumen of the nut. It is liquid at the 
 ordinary temperature in tropical countries, and 
 while fresh is used in cooking. By the time the 
 nuts reach this country the albumen is solid, 
 and has frequently a rancid smell or taste. 
 When green, or first gathered, this substance is 
 easily separated by pressure into what is termed 
 stearine, which is made into candles, and a very 
 good oil, used for burning in lamps. As an ar- 
 ticle of food the kernel is of the greatest impor- 
 tance to the inhabitants of the tropics. In the 
 Laccadives it forms the chief food, each person 
 consuming four nuts per day, and the fluid, 
 commonly called milk, affords them an agreeable 
 beverage. While young they yield a delicious 
 substance resembling blanc-mange. As the nut 
 ripens, the milk is gradually absorbed, or hard- 
 ens into the white, fleshy substance that we find 
 when we receive them. The Cocoanuts brought 
 to this market are chiefly from Central America, 
 where they are gathered from the interior by the 
 natives, brought to the coast, and sold to deal- 
 ers who make that trade a specialty. Cbcos Wed- 
 delliaiut, recently introduced, is the most orna- 
 mental of this group, and one of the most grace- 
 ful Palms in cultivation. For dinner-table deco- 
 ration there is no Palm to compare with it. It 
 is very dwarf, with finely-divided foliage, which 
 is recurved with exquisite grace. It deserves a 
 place in the smallest collection of plants. The 
 ' 'ocas are all propagated from seed, and require 
 a temperature of about 70 for the germination 
 of the seed and the growth of the plants. 
 Coelogyne. From koilos, hollow, and gynf, a fe- 
 
 COF 
 
 male ; in reference to the female organ or pistil. 
 Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Orchi* 
 daceoK. 
 
 An extensive genus of very beautiful Orchids, 
 natives of sub-tropical Asia. Most of the spe- 
 cies are great favorites with Orchid growers, on 
 account of their remarkable flowers, which are 
 produced in great numbers with but very little 
 care or trouble. C. cristata is one of the finest 
 of the genus. The flowers are ivory-white, with 
 a blotch of yellow on the lip. "This is a magnifi- 
 cent species, which any one having a green- 
 house can grow. Of late years it has been grown 
 in great perfection, and it is as easy to have 
 plants a foot or more in diameter, producing 
 hundreds of flowers, as it is to grow Verbenas. 
 Give plenty of water when growing, free circu- 
 lation of warm air, and not too much heat." 
 Hand. May be grown in moss in pots. Propa- 
 gated by division. Introduced in 1837. 
 Coffea. Coffee Tree. From Caffa, the name of a 
 province in Narea, in Africa, where it grows in 
 abundance. Linn. Pentandr'm-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. CinchonacefK. 
 
 The Coffee of commerce is the fruit of an 
 evergreen shrub, or low-growing tree, rarely 
 attaining a height of twenty feet, which it will 
 only acquire under the most favorable condi- 
 tions of soil and climate, the usual height being 
 from ten to twelve feet. All of our coffee is the 
 fruit of one species. Some botanists, however, 
 claim there are two; but the opinion that the 
 different sorts are merely varieties, resulting 
 from soil, climate, and mode of culture, is the 
 one generally entertained. C. Arabica, the pa- 
 rent of the numerous varieties in cultivation, is 
 a native of Arabia Felix and Ethiopia, and was 
 first introduced to the notice of Europeans by 
 Eanwolfius in 1573; but Alpinus, in 1591, was 
 the first who scientifically described it. The 
 Dutch were the first to introduce the plant into 
 Europe. Having procured some berries at Mo- 
 cha, which were carried to Batavia, and there 
 planted, a specimen was sent to Amsterdam, in 
 the year 1690, by Governor Wilson, where it 
 bore fruit, and produced many young plants. 
 From these the East Indies, and most of the 
 gardens of Europe, were furnished. In 1714 a 
 plant was presented by the magistrates of Am- 
 sterdam to the French King, Louis XIV. This 
 plant was placed at Marley, under the care of 
 the celebrated Jussieu, who afterward gave a 
 plant to Desclieux, a young officer in the French 
 Navy, who took it to Martinique, from which the 
 extensive plantations of the French West Indies 
 were established, and whence were also derived 
 all the coffee plants in Mexico and South Amer- 
 ica. The use of coffee was known in Arabia, 
 where the plant is supposed to have been indig- 
 enous, long before the periods mentioned. All 
 authorities agree in ascribing its introduction 
 to Megalleddin, a Turkish doctor of divinity 
 of Aden, in Arabia Felix, who had become ac- 
 quainted with it in Persia, and had recourse to 
 it medicinally when he returned to his own 
 country. The progress which it made was by 
 no means rapid at first, and it was not until the 
 year 1554 that coffee was publicly sold in Con- 
 stantinople. Its \ise had, in the meanwhile, 
 been much checked by authority of the Syrian 
 government, on the ground of its alleged intoxi- 
 cating qualities; but more probably because of its 
 leading to social and festive meetings incompat- 
 ible with the strictness of the Mohammedan 
 discipline. A similar persecution attended the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 COF 
 
 use of coffee soon after its introduction into the 
 capital of Turkey, where the ministers of relig- 
 ion having made it the subject of solemn com- 
 plaint that the mosques were deserted while the 
 coffee-houses were crowded, these latter were 
 shut up by order of the mufti, who employed 
 the police of the city to prevent any one from 
 drinking coffee. This provision it was found 
 impossible to establish, so that the government, 
 with a strict eye to business, laid a tax upon the 
 sale of the beverage, which produced a large 
 revenue. The Turks are most inveterate coffee- 
 drinkers, a fact that may in a great measure be 
 accounted for by the strict prohibition which j 
 the Moslem religion lays against the use of wine 
 and spirituous liquors. So necessary was coffee 
 at one time considered among the Turks, that 
 the refusal to supply it in moderate quantities 
 to a wife was reckoned among the legal causes 
 for divorce. Coffee cannot be cultivated to 
 advantage in climates where the temperature at 
 any time descends below fifty-five degrees of 
 Fahrenheit. The trees thrive best in new soils 
 on a gentle slope, where water will not lodge 
 about the roots. In exposed situations it is 
 necessary to plant rows of tall trees, at proper 
 intervals, to moderate the scorching heat of the 
 sun. From Ellis's History of Coffee we learn 
 the following facts: "It is well known that cof- ; 
 fee raised in the West Indies does not equal in { 
 flavor that produced in Arabia and other parts 
 of the East; and it is commonly imagined that 
 this inferiority is principally owing to local 
 causes, and is, therefore, incapable of being 
 remedied. The seed of the West Indian coffee, 
 from growing in a richer soil and more humid 
 atmosphere, is larger than that of Arabia; though 
 there is reason for believing that the superior 
 quality of Turkey and East Indian coffee is not 
 altogether to be referred to the influences of soil 
 and climate, but depends, in part at least, upon 
 the age to which the seed are kept before they 
 are brought into consumption. Trees planted j 
 in a light soil, and in a dry situation, produce 
 smaller berries, which have a better flavor than 
 those grown in rich, flat, and moist soils. The 
 weight of produce yielded by the latter is, how- 
 ever, double that obtained from the former. 
 The drier the soil and the warmer the situation, 
 the better will be the coffee produced, and the j 
 sooner it will acquire a flavor." He says further: I 
 "The more common or poorest quality of South j 
 American coffee will, in the course of ten or fif- ; 
 teen years, be as good, and have as high a flavor, j 
 as the best we now have from Turkey; but due i 
 care should be taken to keep it in a dry place, i 
 and to preserve it properly. Small grained cof- 
 fee, produced in a dry soil and warm situation, 
 will be matured in three years. The trees begin 
 bearing when they are two years old; in their 
 third year they are in their full bearing. The 
 produce of a good tree is from one and a half to 
 two pounds. The aspect of a coffee plantation 
 during the period of flowering is very interest- 
 ing. In one night the blossoms expand so pro- 
 fusely as to give the trees the appearance of be- 
 ing covered with snow. This period lasts but 
 one or two days." The amount of labor required 
 to secure a crop of coffee is very great, and is 
 chiefly performed by negroes. When trees are j 
 in full bearing, an industrious man will pick 
 three bushels of the berries in a day, and each 
 bushel of ripe berries will yield ten pounds of j 
 merchantable coffee. Two systems are employed ' 
 in curing coffee : A common plan is to expose 
 
 COL 
 
 the berries to the sun in layers of from five to 
 six inches deep, which will cause the pulp to 
 ferment in a few days, after which it takes about 
 three weeks to dry sufficiently for the husks to 
 be separated from the seeds by a mill. Other 
 planters remove the pulp as soon as. gathered, 
 by a mill constructed for the purpose, which 
 bruises the berries and separates the pulp by 
 washing, after which it is dried in the sun, and 
 the husks removed, as in the former" process. 
 
 Cohosh. A popular name of the genus Cfmlo- 
 phyttum. 
 
 Coix. Job's Tears. A name applied by Theo- 
 phrastus to a reed-leaved plant. Linn. MonoRda- 
 Triandria. Nat. Ord. Gram'macecf. 
 
 A genus of perennial grasses that succeed well 
 under ordinary cultivation in the garden. C. 
 lachryma, a native of the East Indies, from whence 
 introduced in 1596, will do well treated as an 
 annual. It is considerably grown for its seeds, 
 which are popularly known as Job's Teir*. 
 Mothers, in the last century, thought their chil- 
 dren could not be safely carried through teeth- 
 ing without a string of Job's Tears around their 
 necks. 
 
 Colax. From colax, a parasite. Linn. G-ynandrin- 
 Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful Orchid?, taken 
 from MaxUlaria. They are natives of Brazil, and 
 may be grown in moss and in moderate heat. 
 Lycaste was formerly included in this genus. 
 
 Colchicum. Meadow Saffron. Named after Col- 
 chis, its native country, in Asia Minor. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Trif/ynia. Nat. Ord. Mdanfhacece. 
 
 A hardy bulbous-rooted plant, which will 
 grow well in the border. The flowers come up 
 through the ground without the leaves in au- 
 tumn, and closely resemble those of the Crocus, 
 deleaves do not appear till the following spring, 
 and great care should be taken of them, as, if 
 they should be injured so as to prevent them 
 from exercising their proper functions in matur- 
 ing the sap, the bulb will not flower the next 
 autumn. The class are universally poisonous. 
 
 Colea. Named after General Cole, Governor of the 
 Mauritius. Linn. Didynarnia-Angiospertnia. Nat. 
 Ord. Grescentiaceai. 
 
 There is but one species of this genus, which 
 is found in Madagascar, Mauritius, and the ad- 
 jacent islands. It is an exceedingly ornamental 
 green-house shrub , producing large clusters of 
 bright yellow flowers in August and September. 
 Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1839. 
 
 Coleus. From kolens, a sheath ; referring to the 
 way the bottom of the stamens or anther threads 
 are combined. Linn. Didynamia-G-ymnosperinia. 
 Nat. Ord. Lamiacea;. 
 
 This somewhat extensive genus are natives of 
 Asia and Africa. It consists of annuals, some- 
 times perennials, and rarely shrubs, but none 
 of value as flowering plants, but of general use 
 in ribbon gardening, massing, or any situation 
 where striking effect is wanted. From the orig- 
 inal species many varieties, remarkable for their 
 beautiful foliage, have been produced by florists. 
 They are readily propagated by cuttings. The 
 species were introduced about 1825. 
 
 Colic- Root. See Aletris. 
 
 Coliseum Ivy. See Linaria. 
 
 Collania. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacecn. 
 A beautiful free-flowering green-house peren- 
 nial, allied to Alstrasmeria, which it resembles. 
 The species are natives of Peru, and will do 
 well in this climate with the protection (?f
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 COL 
 
 a frame. The flower stems are erect, some- 
 what rigid, slightly curved at the top, and ter- 
 minated with an umbel of large, pendulous flow- 
 ers, upward of two inches long ; sepals orange 
 red, tipped with black ; petals yellow, tipped 
 with green. Propagated by offsets. 
 
 Collards. (Brassica olfracert'.) This is a curled- 
 leafed variety of Cabbage grown for "greens," 
 but mostly in the Southern States. It attains 
 a height of from six to eight feet. This stem is 
 an inch and a half to two inches in diameter, 
 and is used to a considerable extent in Europe 
 for making light walking canes. 
 
 Collinsia. In honor of Z. Collins, Vice-President 
 of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia. 
 Linn. Didynamia-Anqiospermia. Nat. Ord. Scro- 
 phulariaceai. 
 
 A genus of free-flowering California annuals 
 of great beauty, and deserving of cultivation, 
 being well adapted for massing and for mixed 
 borders. For massing the seed should be sown 
 thick, so as to thin out to four inches apart, which 
 will give the bed an appearance of a solid mass. 
 For this purpose the dwarf species are to be 
 preferred, the latter ones being more suitable 
 for mixed borders. There is a great variety of 
 color, white, purple, and crimson predominat- 
 ing. First introduced in 1826. 
 
 Collinsonia. Horse-Balm. Named in honor of 
 Peter CoUinson, a well-known patron of science 
 and correspondent of Linnasus, who introduced 
 it into England. Linn. Diandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. I/imiacetK. 
 
 A genus of strong-scented perennial herbs, 
 common throughout the United States. None 
 of the species has any special merit that would 
 warrant its cultivation. 
 
 Collomia. From kolla, glue ; referring to the 
 glue which surrounds the seeds. Linn. Pentan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Polemcniacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals from California. 
 They are showy plants, but too coarse and weedy 
 in appearance to entitle them to a place in choice 
 collections. They grow readily from seed, and 
 when once planted need no care except to exter- 
 minate the surplus quantity. 
 
 Colocasia. From kolokasia, the Greek for the root 
 of an Egyptian plant. Linn. Monoecia-Heptan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Aracece. 
 
 An interesting genus closely allied to the C r ila- 
 dium, most of the species being known under that 
 name. C. tnacrorhizi is a beautiful green-house 
 plant, remarkable for the bold and distinct mark- 
 ings of the foliage, consisting of light green and 
 pure white. C. etsadenta is a favorite plant for 
 single specimens on the lawn, or for borders of a 
 sub-tropical group, in a deep, rich soil. If freely 
 watered, the leaves will sometimes grow four 
 feet in length by three feet in width. This spe- 
 cies is grown extensively in the Sandwich Is- 
 lands for food, and is called by the natives 
 Tara, the root being eaten like Potatoes, and the 
 leaves cooked like Spinach. The roots are also 
 eaten by the negroes in the Southern States, 
 imd are called by them Tam/nli. 
 
 Cologania. In honor of the family of M. Colo- 
 qan, of Port Oratavo, in Teneriffe, from whom 
 the men of science, visiting that island, expe- 
 rienced the greatest hospitality. Linn. Diadd- 
 phia- Tetragynia. Nat. Ord. Faljawtr. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen climbers, allied to 
 the Clitoria, and requiring the same treatment. 
 The flowers are of a lively purple, generally in 
 pairs at the axils of the leaves. They are natives 
 of Mexico. Introduce;! in 1827. 
 
 COM 
 
 Colt's Foot. See TussUago. 
 
 Columbine. See Aquileyia. 
 
 Columbo. See Frasera. 
 
 Columnea. Named after Fabius Columna, an 
 Italian nobleman. Linn.Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Cfesneracece. 
 
 A small genus of curious and beautiful green- 
 house plants, natives of New Grenada. The 
 species are divided between climbers and shrubs. 
 The flowers of the climbers are mostly yellow 
 and orange; of the shrubs, rose and purple. 
 They are propagated by cuttings, and should be 
 carefully watered. They require but little at 
 any time. They will grow on blocks of wood, 
 with moss, suspended in the green-house. In- 
 troduced in 1850. 
 
 Combretum. An ancient name adopted from 
 Pliny. Linn. Octandrvi-Monoaynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Gimbretacece. 
 
 This genus contains several species, all re- 
 markable for the elegance and brilliant colors 
 of the flowers, which are produced in large 
 panicles. They are desirable for covering the 
 roof or columns of an extensive hot-house. They 
 grow well in a mixture of leaf mould and loam, 
 and require to be pruned back closely every 
 winter, as it is on the young wood only that 
 flowers are produced. Most of the species are 
 from South America and Africa. Propagated 
 by cuttings of well-ripened wood. 
 
 Comesperma. From korne, hair, and sperma, a 
 seed ; in reference to the seeds being enveloped 
 with hairs. Linn. Monaddphia-Odandr'm. Nat. 
 Ord. Pdygcdacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house evergreens from 
 Australia. Their handsome flowers of yellow, 
 white, or purple, borne on terminal or axillary 
 racemes, make them desirable plants. They 
 are easily grown in an ordinary green-house. 
 Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Comfrey. See Symphytum. 
 
 Commelyna. Dill, Day Flower. Named after 
 J. and 0. Commdyn, famous Dutch botanists. 
 Linn. Triandriz-Mbnogynia. Nat. Ord. Commely- 
 
 An extensi 
 
 hardy and green-house trailers, found through- 
 out the Southern States and in South America. 
 It is only the hardier species that can now be 
 considered worth cultivation. C. ccelestis forms 
 an excellent border plant. . Its flowers are blue, 
 of a brighter shade than perhaps is to be found 
 elsewhere in the whole range of vegetable forms. 
 The tubers of this plant should be taken up in 
 winter, and, indeed, receive the treatment of 
 Dahlias, except that they do not require to be 
 placed in any elevated temperature to induce 
 them to start into growth. The annual species 
 should be sown in March where they are to re- 
 main. 
 
 Comparettia. Named after Cbmparetti, an Italian 
 botanist. Linn. Gyn r indna-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 OrchidacefK. 
 
 A genus of epiphytal Orchids, with small rose, 
 purple, or scarlet flowers, produced in small 
 bunches on long stalks. They are natives of 
 Mexico and South America, and succeed best 
 when grown on cork, with a little moss, in a 
 shaded house. The flowers retain their beauty 
 a long time. Introduced in 1838. 
 Comptonia. Sweet Fern. Named after B'ishop 
 Gnnpton, an ardent cultivator of exotics and 
 patron of botany. Linn. Jfbnawfo-lVtalidrkh 
 Nat. Ord. MyricacffK. 
 
 A hardy deciduous shrub, common through-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CON 
 
 out the Northern States on poor soils. It is pop- 
 ularly known as Sweet Fern from its aromatic 
 scent, and the resemblance of the leaves to the 
 fronds of the Aspleniums. A decoction or ten 
 made of the leaves is useful, applied externally, 
 in cases of poisoning by the Poison Ivy. 
 
 Conanthera. From fcmtoti a cone, and anlhera, 
 an anther, or pollen bag; in reference to the six 
 anthers forming a cone in the early stage of the 
 flower. Linn. Hetandria-Monoijijnia. Nat. Ord. 
 LUiacece. 
 
 This is a small genus of Chilian bulbs, but 
 little known because of the difficulty of preserv- 
 ing them. They produce beautiful blue flowers 
 in panicles on a stalk about one foot high. They 
 require, like all Chilian bulbs, a light, dry soil. 
 They will endure our climate with but little 
 protection, if kept nearly dry during winter. 
 They are rapidly increased by offsets. Intro- 
 duced in 1823. 
 
 Cone Flower. See Rudbeckia. 
 
 Conium. Poison Hemlock. From konos, to whirl 
 around; in reference to the giddiness caused by 
 eating the leaves. Linn. Poitandria-Monoyyma. 
 Nat. Ord. Apiacecv. 
 
 This genus is almost identical with Cicuta, or 
 Water Hemlock. C. inaculahtm is a strong-grow- 
 ing, branching herb, the juices of which are 
 deadly poisonous. Common in marshy places. 
 Naturalized from Europe. 
 
 Conoclinium. Mist-Flower. From konos, a cone, 
 and kline, a bed; from the conical receptacle. 
 Linn. Syngenesla-JEqualis. Nat. Ord. Asleracen'. 
 C. coelestinum, the only species of much inter- 
 est, is a hardy herbaceous perennial, with term- 
 inal corymbs of violet-purple or blue flowers, 
 common in the Southern and Western States. 
 It is commonly called Eupatorium, from which 
 it differs only in the receptacle. They are rap- 
 idly increased by division or from seed. 
 
 Conopholis. Squaw Boot, Cancer Eoot. From 
 konos, a cone, and pholis, a scale; resembling 
 a fir cone. Linn. D'tdynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. OrobanchacecK. 
 
 0. Americana, is a very singular little plant, 
 common in oak woods, growing in clusters 
 among fallen leaves. The plant is a fleshy herb, 
 chestnut-colored or yellowish throughoiit, and 
 as thick as a man's thumb. The stem is with- 
 out leaves, scaly, and generally simple. The 
 flowers are in terminal spikes, and not showy. 
 In this country it is popularly known as Cancer 
 Root, from its supposed medicinal properties. 
 
 Conostephium. From konos, a cone, and stephn- 
 nos, a crown; referring to the disposition of tho 
 flowers. Linn. Peniandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Epacridacece. 
 
 A genus of fruit-bearing Epacriducea;, valued 
 for its beautiful flowers by gardeners who de- 
 light in growing plants that can only be grown 
 with the greatest difficulty, to which class this 
 plant belongs. The fruit, though wholesome, is 
 not generally liked. The Native Currant of New- 
 Holland belongs to this section. Propagated by 
 cuttings. Introduced from Swan River in 1836. 
 
 Conostylis. From konos, a cone, and stylos, a 
 style; the style, or female organ, grows 'in the 
 shape of a cone at the bottom. Linn. Hexnndria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Hcemodoraceoe. 
 
 A small genus of green-house herbaceous per- 
 ennials from New Holland, rather ornamental, 
 but not of sufficient merit for general cultiva- 
 tion. Propagated by division of roots. 
 
 Convallaria. Lily of the Valley. From the 
 Latin convallis. a valley, and rirn, a mantle; 
 
 CON 
 
 in reference to the dense covering formed by 
 the leaves. Linn. Hexandria-Monoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Liliacea;. 
 
 The Lily of the Valley, C. majalis, is a plant so 
 well known, and such a tfhiversal favorite, that 
 little need be said by way of description, unless 
 we add that of Gerarde in 1596, which is as fol- 
 lows: " The Lilly of the Vally hath many leaves 
 like the smallest leaves of Water Plantaine, 
 among which riseth vp a naked stalke, halfe a 
 foot high, garnished with many white floures, 
 like bels, with blunt and turned edges, of a 
 strong savour, yet pleasant enoughf, which be- 
 ing past, there come small, red berries, much 
 like the berries of asparagus, wherein the seed 
 is contained." A modern writer in the Treasury 
 of Botany says : ' ' Without poetical or fanciful 
 conventionalities, the Lily of the Valley is as 
 perfect an emblem of purity, modesty, and hu- 
 mility as the floral world can afford. It may 
 seem idle to observe that a flower of this de- 
 scription cannot be that referred to in the ser- 
 mon on the mount; but as that opinion is fre- 
 quently broached in popular works, it may sim- 
 ply be observed that it never grows in the open 
 field, and that there is nothing in its array to 
 which the term ' glory ' is applicable. Not a 
 little unprofitable commentary might have been 
 spared if the same general meaning had been 
 attached to the term 'Lilies of the Field' which 
 has, by common consent, been ascribed to the 
 parallel phrase ' Fowls of the Air, ' while the 
 passage itself would have gained in force and 
 dignity by being kept clear from botanical dis- 
 quisitions." The flowers of the Lily of the Val- 
 ley are used during the winter months in im- 
 mense quantities, New York city alone prob- 
 ably using a million, the average price of which is 
 about five cents each, so that for this flower alone 
 $50,000 is annually paid by the bouquet makers 
 to the florist, the consumer paying, no doubt, 
 one-third more. The Lily of the Valley is nearly 
 all imported from Germany and France, usually 
 in single crowns or "pips." The method of 
 culture is to place these thickly together in 
 shallow boxes, as soon as received in November, 
 placing them in a cold frame, or in the open 
 ground, covering them up so that they do not 
 get severely frozen. They should remain in 
 this condition at least four weeks before they 
 are brought in to force, which should be done 
 gradually, beginning at 50 and running up to 
 65 or 70. If taken every few weeks, a succes- 
 sion may be kept up from January until May. 
 In fact, the flowers are now to be had all the 
 year round, as some growers find it sufficiently- 
 profitable to keep the roots in refrigerators, 
 and, thus retarded, they are forced to bloom at 
 will at any time during the summer or fall 
 months. This same system might be used with 
 many other plants, but it is only in very valu- 
 able flowers such as this that the expense would 
 be justified. The plant does well in the garden, 
 and may be put under the shade of trees; but 
 wherever placed, the roots should not be dis- 
 turbed for several years, if at all, as many 
 clumps will not otherwise bloom. Propagate.! 
 by division. 
 
 Convolvulus. From convolvere, to entwine; in 
 reference to their twining habit. Linn. Pentan- 
 drla-Monofjyn'ut. Nat. Ord. Oonvotwddoeas, 
 
 Well-known, splendid climbing plants, hardy 
 and half-hardy, annual and perennial. They 
 should be trained against stakes or trellis-work, 
 as their stems are too feeble to support them-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 56 
 
 COO 
 
 selves. Most of the tender kinds of Convolvu- 
 lus were separated from it by Linnaeus, and 
 formed into the genus Ipomoea. All the tender 
 kinds may be made to flower in the open air dur- 
 ing summer; and the hardy species only require 
 sowing in the open ground. C. minor, (tricolor), 
 a dwarf-growing species, is a native of Spain and 
 Portugal. The flowers are often pure white, 
 but generally variegated with blue and yellow, 
 or blue and white ; the more beautiful kind is a 
 bright blue, gradually changing to a pure white 
 in the canter. The form of this flower is no less 
 beautiful than the color. The plant spreads 
 with much regularity in every direction from 
 the center, so that a bed of them, with the plants 
 two feet apart each way, will form a compact 
 mass resembling a single plant. It is scarcely 
 exceeded in elegance by any plant in the border 
 when in full flower. The flowers continue open 
 all day if pleasant, but close in case of rain. 
 Seed should be sown as soon as the ground can 
 be got in good order in spring. If started in the 
 green-house in pots, it makes a charming plant 
 for hanging baskets, rustic work, or the window. 
 This species has been noticed for more than 250 
 years in Herbals. 
 
 Cooperia. Named after Mr.Cooper, gardener for 
 many years at Wentworth House, in Yorkshire, 
 England. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Amaryllidacw. 
 
 A small genus of bulbous plants from Texas, 
 allied to the Zephyranthes. C. Drumrnondiana, typ- 
 ical of the species, has narrow twisted leaves 
 twelve to eighteen inches long, and a scape six 
 to twelve inches high, bearing at the end a sin- 
 gle flower, of which the tube is upward of four 
 inches long, of a greenish color, and the limb 
 upward of an inch long and pure white. The 
 flower always expands in the evening, and is not 
 usually perfect after the first night. The noc- 
 turnal flowering of this plant is an anomaly in 
 the order, and the more remarkable because its 
 nearest relatives require full sunshine to make 
 them expand. The flower has the fragrance of 
 the Primrose. These bulbs are half-hardy, and 
 will endure our winters with a slight protection 
 if grown in a light, sandy soil, which is the one 
 best suited to them. For effect they should be 
 planted in clumps, and quite close together. 
 Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1835. 
 
 Copatfera. From the Brazilian name copaiba, 
 and fero, to bear. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat.'Ord. Fabacea>. 
 
 A tender evergreen tree, native of Brazil, val- 
 uable only for the medicinal properties of the 
 balsam it yields. 
 
 Coprosma. From copros, dung, and osme, a 
 smell ; the plants have a fetid 'smell. Linn. Te- 
 trandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. CmdumacttK. 
 
 A small genus of green-house evergreen shrubs 
 of easy culture, and of little interest except in 
 their own country, where the leaves are used by 
 the New Zealand priests to discover the will of 
 the gods . The leaves are attached with a cord of 
 flax to sticks, which are laid on the ground, 
 each stick representing a separate party. The 
 priests retire to pray, and after a time the chiefs 
 are summoned to examine the sticks, which are 
 found to have been moved, and some have dis- 
 appeared entirely. This is considered a certain 
 sign that one of the party will be destroyed. 
 Others are found turned over. If the leaf be 
 turned down the omen is bad; but if the reverse 
 should occur, it is a sign that the party repre- 
 sented by the stick will prosper in his under- 
 
 COR 
 
 takings. C. Ttaueriana variegaia is a strikingly 
 beautiful plant for the green-house and conser- 
 vatory, or for a place on the lawn in summer. 
 Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Coptis. Goldthread. From kopto, to cut; in ref- 
 erence to the division of the leaves. Linn. Poly- 
 andria-Polyrjynia. Nat. Ord. Ranunculacecn. 
 
 C. trifdia, the only species, is a beautiful lit- 
 tle evergreen herb, with creeping root-stocks, 
 common in boggy places from Maryland north- 
 ward. The long, bright yellow fibers of the root 
 have caused it to receive the common name 
 of Goldthread. The roots are very bitter, and 
 are used in medicine as a tonic. It formerly 
 held a prominent place among domestic reme- 
 dies, and was considered invaluable for sore 
 mouths in children. 
 
 Corallorhiza. Coral Root. Said to be from kor- 
 ullinn, a coral, and rhiza, a root. Linn.Gynan- 
 driarMonandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacecr. 
 
 A genus of curious little Orchids, common in 
 wet or boggy places throughout the United 
 States. Their leaves are like small scales, of a 
 yellowish color, like their stems ; the flowers are 
 small, in a loose terminal spike. C. innata, one 
 of the more common species, is a slender plant, 
 from six to nine inches high, of a pale color, 
 and remarkable for its root-stalk, which is 
 formed of a number of short, thick, whitish 
 fleshy fibers, divided into short, blunt branches, 
 and densely interwoven, resembling coral; 
 hence the popular name. All the species are in- 
 capable of cultivation, or, at least, they so rare- 
 ly live when removed, that it is considered a 
 useless task to attempt it. 
 
 Coral Root. See CoraUorhiza. 
 
 Coral Tree. See Erythrina. 
 
 Corbularia. From corbida, a little basket; in 
 reference to the shape of the nectary. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Amwyllidaceci' . 
 A small genus, commonly called Hoop Petti- 
 coats, and has recently been separated from 
 Narcissus. The species are quite ornamental and 
 perfectly hardy, but, like most of what are usual- 
 ly termed " Dutch Bulbs," they do best with a 
 slight protection of leaves or coarse manure. 
 Propagated by offsets. A native of Portugal. 
 Introduced in 1629. 
 
 Corchorus. From kore, a pupil, and koreo, to 
 purge; in allusion to the laxative qualities of 
 some of the species. Linn. Pdyandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of annuals and herbaceous 
 plants, inhabitants of both hemispheres. As or- 
 namental or flowering plants they are of little 
 value. They are much grown in many sections 
 of India for the exceedingly valuable fiber they 
 yield, which is known under the name of Jute, 
 and which forms an important article of com- 
 merce. 
 
 Cord Grass. See Sfiarthia. 
 
 Cordyline. Club Palm. From kordyle, a club. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Mitnoijynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacea'. 
 A genus of green -house evergreen shrubs, al- 
 lied to Drae.frna. The type, C. indivisa, has usu- 
 ally been sold in this country under the name of 
 Draca-nd indicisn. It is an exceedingly useful 
 plant for large specimens upon the lawn, or for 
 jardinieres, baskets, or vases, as it will withstand 
 some neglect and thrive where many other plants 
 would perish. This species was introduced from 
 New Zealand in 1850, and is propagated from 
 seed, which should be sown in boxes on bottom 
 heat in the green-house. As soon as the plants 
 are three inches high, prick out in small pots.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 COR 
 
 The young plants require a high temperature 
 and liberal waterings. 
 
 Coreopsis. From koris, a bug, and opsls, like; 
 referring to the appearance of the seeds. Linn. 
 Syngenesia-Frustranea. Nat. Ord. Asteracea;. 
 
 Most of the showy annuals formerly known by 
 this name are now called Calliopsis, while most 
 of the perennial species are still left in the for- 
 mer genus. For the difference between the de- 
 rivation of the two names, and the culture of the 
 annual species, see Calliopsis. The perennial 
 kinds are quite hardy; but as they are tall grow- 
 ing, spreading plants, they require a great deal 
 of room, and should be planted at the back of 
 the borders. They will grow well in the bor- 
 der. Thev are propagated by division of the 
 roots, or from seed, which should be sown as 
 soon as ripe, where it is to remain. It will 
 flower early the following summer. The many 
 species are found from South Carolina south- 
 ward to Mexico. 
 
 Coriandrum. Coriander. From koris, a bug; re- 
 ferring to the smell of the leaves. Linn. Pentan- 
 tlridrDigynia. Nat. Ord. Umbellifera;. 
 
 C. saiivum, the only species, is a hardy annual, 
 and a native of the south of Europe. It is a 
 plant of little beauty, and of the easiest culture. 
 It is grown only for its seeds, which are quite 
 aromatic, and much used in flavoring. The 
 odor and taste depend upon a volatile oil. 
 
 Cork Tree. See Quereus subtr. 
 
 Cornel. See Cornus. 
 
 Corn Flag. See Gladiolus. 
 
 Corn Salad. See Vcderiandla. 
 
 Cornus. Dogwood. From Cornu, a horn; in ref- 
 erence to the hardness of the wood. Linn. Te- 
 tmndia-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cornacece. 
 
 A genus consisting principally of trees and 
 shrubs. Some of the latter are very ornamental, 
 the bark of the branches being of a brilliant, 
 glossy red in winter, and the leaves of an in- 
 tense purplish red in autumn. C. florida, or 
 Flowering Dogwood, is a tree growing from 
 twelve to thirty feet high, and is common in 
 rocky woods from New York southward. It is 
 
 an interesting species, not only for its symmet- 
 growth, but for its large showy flowers, or 
 
 rical 
 
 rather the involucres which surround the flow- 
 ers, (which are pure white inside and tinned with 
 violet on the outside,) and the showy fruit which 
 succeeds them. It is an appropriate and popu- 
 lar tree for cemeteries, and a fine ornament for 
 the lawn. 
 
 Corpnilla. From corona, a crown or garland; in 
 reference to the arrangement of the flowers. 
 Linn. Diadelphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. FabacecK. 
 
 A genus of pretty annual and perennial plants 
 found in Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa, 
 but in the greatest abundance in countries bor- 
 dering on the Mediterranean Sea. Several of 
 the green-house species are very pretty flower- 
 ing shrubs of easy culture. C. (jlauat produces 
 its bright yellow, pea-shaped flowers in abund- 
 ance during the winter. Propagated by cut- 
 tings or from seeds, which ripen freely. The 
 species have been long under cultivation. 
 
 Corpse Plant. One of the popular names of the 
 Monoiropa uniflora, a low-growing parasite on 
 roots, or growing on decomposing vegetable 
 matter like a fungus. It is also called Indian 
 Pipe. 
 
 Correa. Named after Joseph Correa, a Portuguese 
 botanist. Linn. Odandria-Monoyyn'M. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, na- 
 
 COR 
 
 tives of New South Wales, New Holland, and 
 Australia, where they are sometimes called Fuch- 
 sias, from the slight resemblance the flowers have 
 to the Fuchsia. Several of the species have long 
 been grown in green-houses for the beauty of 
 their flowers, which are white, scarlet, or green ; 
 produced in June. The leaves of 0. alba are 
 said to be a very good substitute for tea. They 
 are increased by cuttings. Introduced in 1793. 
 Coryanthes. Helmet Flower. From korys, a hel- 
 met, and anihos, a flower; in reference to "the 
 shape of the lip or labellum. Linn. Gynandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A genus of epiphytal Orchids found in Mex- 
 ico and South America. Among the many curi- 
 ous forms peculiar to this genus, perhaps the 
 most singular is that of 61 micraniha, which is 
 thus described in the Botanical Register: "The 
 plant has the habit of a Stanhopea, and pushes 
 forth from the base of its pseudo-bulbs a pendu- 
 lous scape, on which two or three flowers are 
 developed. Each flower is placed at the end of 
 a long, stiff, cylindrical-furrowed ovary, and 
 when expanded measures something more than 
 six inches from the tip of one sepal to that of 
 the opposite one. The sepals and petals are 
 nearly of the same color, being of an ochrey yel- 
 low, spotted irregularly with dull purple. The 
 lip is as fleshy and solid in its texture as the 
 sepals and petals are delicate. It is seated on a 
 deep purple stalk, nearly an inch long; this 
 stalk terminates in a hemispherical, greenish- 
 purple cup or cap ; and the latter, contracting at 
 its front edge, extends forward into a sort of sec- 
 ond stalk of a very vivid blood-color, the sides 
 of which are thinner than the center, turned 
 back, and marked with four or five very deep, 
 solid, sharp-edged plaits. These edges again 
 expand and form a second cup, less lobed than 
 the first, thinning away very much to the edges, 
 of a broadly conical figure, with a diameter of 
 at least two inches at the orifice ; this second cup 
 is of an ochrey yellow, streaked and spotted 
 with pale crimson, and seems intended to catch 
 a watery secretion, which drips into it from the 
 succulent horns, taking their origin in the base 
 of the column, and hanging over the center of 
 the cup." There are several species of the ge- 
 nus, all of which must be grown in a hot-house. 
 Propagated by division. They flower in June 
 and July. 
 
 Corydalis. From korydalos, a lark ; the spur of 
 the flower resembling that of the lark. Linn. 
 Diadelphia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. Famariucea:. 
 
 A handsome genus of hardy tuberous-rooted, 
 herbaceous plants. Their flowers are showy, 
 and of many shades of color. They need an 
 open exposure. The perennial kinds may be 
 increased by division of the tubers about every 
 three years. The annual species require to be 
 sown in March where they are to remain. Sev- 
 eral of the species are indigenous, growing in 
 rocky places. They grow from one to three feet 
 high, bearing flowers of various colors. They 
 are easily propagated by seeds, and are very 
 pretty plants for rock-work. 
 
 Corylus. Hazel-nut, Filbert. From korys, a 
 hood or helmet ; in reference to the calyx cov- 
 ering the nut. Linn. MonoRcia-Polyandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Corylacerv. 
 
 This well-known deciduous shrub is common 
 throughout this country and Europe. The spe- 
 cies that yields the Filberts of commerce, C. Avel- 
 lana, is found growing in great abundance near 
 Avellana. a city of Naples, whence the specific
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 67 
 
 COE 
 
 name. It is a strong growing shrub, from ten to 
 fifteen feet high. The Filbert is monoecious ; the 
 male catkins make their appearance in Septem- 
 ber, on the previous year's growth, but are not 
 fully developed or expanded until the succeed- 
 ing season, when the female flowers appear about 
 the first of February, and in April they are in 
 full flower. The flowers are small, and of a 
 beautiful red color. The fruit of this species 
 forms an important article of export from Naples. 
 C. Column, a native of Turkey and Asia, is a tall- 
 growing tree, often reaching a height of sixty 
 feet. The nuts are larger than those of the pre- 
 ceding species, and are of excellent quality. 
 This country is represented by two species, C. 
 Americana being our common Hazel-nut. The 
 fruit is smaller and thicker-shelled than the Eu- 
 ropean species. 
 
 Corypha. Fan Palm. From koryphe, the sum- 
 mit ; in reference to the leaves growing in tufts 
 on the top of this Palm. Linn. Hexandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Palmaceai. 
 
 A noble genus of Palms, growing from fifteen 
 to one hundred and fifty feet high. They are 
 chiefly natives of tropical Asia. The Talipot 
 Palm, C. wnbraculifera, is a native of Ceylon and 
 the Malabar coast, where it usually grows sixty 
 to seventy feet high. The leaves have prickly 
 stalks six or seven feet long, and when fully ex- 
 panded they form a nearly complete circle of 
 thirteen feet in diameter. Large fans are made 
 of these leaves, which are carried before people of 
 rank among the Cingalese. They are also com- 
 monly used as umbrellas, and tents are made 
 by neatly joining them together, being the only 
 ones in use for the soldiers of that country. It 
 bears no fruit until the last year of its life, when 
 it throws out great branches of beautiful yellow 
 flowers that emit a most disagreeable odor. The 
 fruit is borne in great abundance, is very hard 
 and round, and about the size of a large cherry. 
 From these the plant is propagated, and re- 
 quires great heat and a humid atmosphere to 
 grow it successfully. This species was intro- 
 duced in 1742. 
 
 Cosmelia. From kosmen, to adorn ; in reference 
 to the beauty of the flowers. Linn. Pmtandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Epacridacea;. 
 
 The only species, C. rubra, is a beautiful 
 dwarf green-house plant, with bright red flow- 
 ers resembling those of an Epacris, but larger 
 and more swollen in the middle of the tube. It 
 requires to have plenty of air, and is improved 
 by frequent stopping while young. Propagated 
 freely from cuttings. 
 
 Cosmos. From kosmos, beautiful ; in reference 
 to the ornamental flowers. Linn. Syngenesia-Su- 
 peiflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracecp. 
 
 Mexican plants, generally grown as annuals, 
 but which mostly have tuberous roots like the 
 Dahlia, and may be treated like that plant. The 
 flowers are very showy, and of a reddish purple; 
 and the seeds, when the plants are grown as an- 
 nuals, should be sown in March or April, in the 
 open ground ; or in autumn, if the young plants 
 can be protected during winter. The plants will 
 grow four or five feet high in any garden soil. 
 Introduced in 1799. 
 
 Cossignia. Named after M. Oossigny, a French 
 naturalist. Linn. Hexandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 SapindaoecB. 
 
 There are but two known species in this 
 genus, both small evergreen trees, with pinnate 
 leaves, with from one to three pairs of oblong 
 leaflets and an odd one. The upper surface of 
 
 CRA 
 
 the leaves is richly veined with golden yellow, 
 the under surface covered with short white 
 down. The flowers are small, white, and ar- 
 ranged in terminal panicles. They were intro- 
 duced from the Mauritius in 1824. Propagated 
 by cuttings. 
 
 Cotton. See Gossypium. 
 Cottpn-Grass. The common name of the genus 
 
 Eriophorum. 
 
 Cotton- Wood, See Popidus. 
 Cotyledon. Navelwort. From kotyle, a cavity; 
 in allusion to the cup-like leaves. Linn. Decan- 
 dria-Pentagynia. Nat. Ord. Crassulacece. 
 
 A genus of succulent plants, with fleshy leaves, 
 nearly allied to the House-leek, and bearing red 
 or yellow flowers. They are plants of no great 
 beauty, but interesting from the manner in which 
 they are popularly supposed to feed : the sur- 
 face of the leaves is covered with myriads of 
 pores or mouths, through which they are sup- 
 posed to take their nourishment, the roots seem- 
 ing only necessary for holding them in position. 
 The ornamental species are all from the Cape of 
 Good Hope, and were first introduced in 1690. 
 Propagated by cuttings and leaves. They re- 
 quire an open, sandy soil. 
 
 C ouch-Grass. The popular name of Triticum re- 
 pens. 
 
 Coulteria. In honor of Thomas Coulter, M.D., a 
 botanical author. Linn. Decandria-Monoavnia 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A genus of ornamental hot-house shrubs, that 
 grow from twelve to fifteen feet high, and pro- 
 duce an abundance of yellow and orange flowers. 
 Their size prevents them from being grown ex- 
 cept in botanical collections. The wood of some 
 of the species is used in dyeing. 
 Coutarea. From coutari, its name in Guiana. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. CinchonacecK. 
 
 This fine evergreen tree is allied to Cinchona. 
 It requires the same treatment, and its bark has 
 much the same medicinal properties. 
 Cowania. In commemoration of the services ren- 
 dered to botany by the late Mr. James Cowan, a 
 merchant, who visited and introduced a num- 
 ber of plants from Mexico and Peru. Linn. Ico- 
 sandria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Rosacea?. 
 
 C. plicata, the only species,is one worth far more 
 attention than it has hitherto received. Its flow- 
 ers are large and handsome, resembling those of 
 a Rose. They are bright red, and, in addition, 
 the plant is of robust character, nearly hardy, 
 requiring only to be protected from severe frosts. 
 Propagated by division. It is a native of Mex- 
 ico. 
 
 Cowbane. The popular name given the genus 
 Archemora, reputed to be an active poison, par- 
 ticularly to cattle, if eaten by them. It is quite 
 common in swampy grounds, from New York to 
 Illinois and southward. It is also called Wild 
 Parsnip. 
 Cowberry. One of the common names of Vac- 
 
 cinium, which see. 
 3ow-Herb. See Vaccarva. 
 Cow-Itch. See Mucuna. 
 
 Cow-Parsnip. The common name of Heradeuin, 
 a coarse growing, weedy plant, sometimes used 
 in medicine, but of doubtful reputation. 
 Cowslip. See Primula. 
 Cow-Tree. See Brosimum. 
 Crab-Apple. See Pyrus. 
 
 Crab-Grass. Called also Dog's Tail, or Wire- 
 Grass, popular names of the genus Eleusine, a 
 native of India, but extensively naturalized in 
 this country.
 
 58 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CRA 
 
 Crambe. Sea-Kale. The name crambe is derived 
 from the Greek name for Sea-cabbage. Linn. Te- 
 tradynamia. Nat. Ord. Brassicacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy perennials. G. maritime, the 
 best known species, is a native of the west coast 
 of England, where it grows in great abundance 
 in the clean sand and gravel. The common peo- 
 ple have, from time immemorial, been in the 
 practice of watching the appearance of the shoots 
 and leaf-stalks closely, as they appear in early 
 spring, when they cut them off under ground 
 in the same manner as we do Asparagus. These 
 young shoots, when cooked, are by many con- 
 sidered superior to either Asparagus or Cauli- 
 flower. Sea-Kale is only fit for use in a blanched 
 state, which is easily done. In early spring the 
 crowns should be covered with sand, or some 
 light mulching that will exclude the young shoot 
 from the light, the covering being from twelve 
 to fifteen inches in depth. By the time the 
 young leaves are through this mulching they 
 will be perfectly blanched and fit for use. It is 
 a common practice with gardeners to cover the 
 crowns with an inverted flower-pot, and by 
 others the whole bed is covered with manure. 
 Either plan will prove satisfactory. Sea-Kale is 
 increased by seed or root cuttings, the latter plan 
 being preferable. The roots should be taken up 
 in the fall, cut in pieces two to three inches long, 
 and these placed in boxes of sand in a dry cel- 
 lar until February or March. They are then 
 strewn on the surface of a hot-bed, where, in a 
 week or two, they w.ill emit roots and tops, and 
 they should then be potted to harden them off. 
 As soon as the weather is settled, plant out in 
 rows, three feet apart and two feet between the 
 plants. With this treatment the crowns, under 
 favorable circumstances, will be strong enough 
 to yield a crop the next season. 
 
 Cranberry. See Oxycoccus. 
 
 Cranberry-Tree. See Viburnum opulus. 
 
 Crane-fly Orchis. See Tipularia. 
 
 Cranesbill. See Geranium. 
 
 Crape Myrtle. See Lagerstrcemia. 
 
 Crassula. A diminutive of craasus, thick ; in 
 reference to the fleshy leaves and stems. Linn. 
 Peniandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Crassulacece. 
 
 Succulent green-house plants, natives of the 
 Cape of Gooa Hope, with heads of red or white 
 flowers. All the Crassula should have alternate 
 seasons of stimulus and repose. When they are 
 growing, and about to flower, they should be 
 well watered, and when the flowers begin to fade, 
 the supply of water should be gradually lessened, 
 till at last very little is given. The plants are 
 propagated by cuttings, which should be laid on 
 a shelf two or three days to dry before planting, 
 or they may rot. Most of the species are from 
 the Cape of Good Hope, and have been in culti- 
 vation more than a century. 
 
 Crasswort. See Crudanella. 
 
 Cratsegus. The Hawthorn. From Iratos, strength ; 
 in reference to the strength and hardness of the 
 wood. Linn. Jcosandria-Dipentagynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Pomacecn. 
 
 A well-known family of moderate-sized trees, 
 commonly called thorns. They are found 
 throughout the United States, Europe, and the 
 temperate regions of Asia and Africa. There is 
 a great resemblance to each other in all the spe- 
 cies, both as to the shape of the leaves and color 
 of the flowers. The English Hawthorn, C. oxy- 
 acaniha, so commonly used as a hedge plant, will 
 not stand the seventy of our winters, at least 
 much north of New York, with a certainty that 
 
 CRI 
 
 would warrant its use here. Single specimens 
 are often met, in old gardens, of great age and 
 size. The Hawthorns are remarkable not 
 only for their fragrant flowers and ornamental 
 fruit, but for the variations common in 
 both. The flowers are usually white, but in 
 the cultivated varieties vary to pink and crim- 
 son. The fruit is sometimes globular, sometimes 
 oblong, but generally smooth and polished, and 
 in some quite downy ; while the color is from 
 black to orange-yellow and white. The double- 
 flowering varieties are especially beautiful. 
 Some of our native species are among the most 
 ornamental low trees we have in our gardens, 
 being, when in bloom, completely covered with 
 pure white flowers of delicious fragrance. From 
 the time of their coming into flower they have 
 been quite commonly called the May-tree. From 
 the perfect hardiness of the species, their orna- 
 mental appearance both in flower and fruit, 
 which never fails, they should be cultivated to 
 the exclusion of the foreign kinds. Propagated 
 usually by seeds, which not unfrequently take 
 two years to germinate. A double-flowering va- 
 riety, sent from France, is a tree of great beauty, 
 the flowers being bright rosy pink, not unlike 
 the flowering Almond, but of greater substance. 
 This variety is not considered hardy north of 
 Philadelphia. The great drawback to its culture 
 is its being subj ect to the attacks of the " borer. " 
 It is propagated by cuttings or by budding on 
 the more common varieties. The whole species 
 grow well in a soil that is naturally dry ; wet or 
 marshy situations are wholly unsuited to them. 
 
 Crazy Weed. See Astragalus. 
 
 Crawfurdia. In honor of Sir John Crawfurd, Gov- 
 ernor of Singapore. Linn. Pentandria-DiijyHi't. 
 Nat. Ord. Genlianacece. 
 
 This genus consists of two species, both her- 
 baceous climbing plants, closely allied to, and 
 formerly included in, the genus Gentiana. C. 
 Japonica, (Climbing Gentian, ) a native of Japan, 
 is an exceedingly beautiful plant, attaining a 
 height of six feet, and producing large axillary 
 bell-shaped flowers of a deep blue color. C. fascir- 
 ulata, (fascicle flowered,) a native of the Hima- 
 layas, is a similar species, but not so tall. Propa- 
 gated by division or from seed. Both species are 
 of recent introduction into the garden. 
 
 Creeping Forget-me-not. See Ontphdlodes. 
 
 Creeping Charlie. A popular name of Lysima- 
 chia. 
 
 Creosote Plant. See Lama. . 
 
 Cress. See Lepidivm. 
 
 Cressa. From cressa, a native of Crete; the 
 plant is plentiful there. Linn. Pentandria-Di<jij- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Oonvolvulaceee, 
 
 A curious little annual, rarely seen in our col- 
 lections. The flowers are funnel shaped, of a 
 lively purple, and freely produced. It requires 
 but little care or nursing, if planted in a light, 
 rich soil. There is but one species, G. Crotica, 
 which is a native of the Levant. Introduced in 
 1822. 
 
 Crinum. From krtnon, the Greek name of the 
 Lily. Linn. Jlexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 AmaryttidacefK. 
 
 This is a fine genus of bulbous plants, grow- 
 ing from a foot and a half to five feet in height. 
 The flowers are large, produced freely in um- 
 bels, and many of them are richly scented and 
 of pleasing colors. To grow them well they 
 should be potted in rich loam full of fibrous 
 matter, and, in the early part of the growing 
 season, should have the benefit of a moderate
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 cm 
 
 bottom heat, with abundance of water every day. 
 and an additional soaking of liquid manure 
 about once a week. In winter, of course, this 
 must be discontinued, and the plants placed 
 where they may receive all the light possible, in 
 order to mature the new growth, and induce 
 them to flower freely the following season. C. am- 
 alrile is a noble species, requiring to be grown in 
 a strong heat. The bulbs sometimes grow six 
 to eight inches in diameter, and two feet long, 
 and sometimes produce, both spring and fall, 
 immense spikes of dark purple flowers, of de- 
 licious fragrance. This species is a native of 
 the East Indies, and was introduced in 1810. 
 The genus is very large, and the species are 
 found in nearly all tropical and sub-tropical 
 countries. Propagated by offsets. 
 
 Cristaria. From crista, a crest; in reference to i 
 the form of the seed vessel. Linn. Monadelplna- 
 Polyandrla. Nat. Ord. Malvacea.'. 
 
 A pretty hardy herbaceous perennial from 
 the Southwestern States, producing quite showy 
 scarlet flowers in terminal racemes or clusters. ; 
 Propagated by division of roots or from seeds, ! 
 that require some time to produce flowering 
 plants. 
 
 Crocus. A Chaldean name, applied by Theo- j 
 phrastus. Linn. Triandrla-Mono<jynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Irulacem. 
 
 Of this well-known genus there are many spe- 
 cies, mostly found in the southern and eastern ' 
 parts of Europe , and in Asia Minor. As a gar- 
 den flower the species are almost entirely lost 
 sight of in the large number of varieties that 
 have been produced by hybridizing. They are 
 divided into two classes: the first, those that 
 flower in early spring, too well known to need 
 description; the second, the autumnal flower- 
 ing or naked Crocus, so called because the flow- 
 ers are produced in the absence of leaves, which, 
 with the seeds, are thrown up in the spring. 
 The spring Crocus is of the easiest culture, and 
 we need only remark, that it is a mistake to put 
 them into poor ground, since no plants in our 
 gardens delight more in, or make greater re- 
 turns for, rich soil. They require a dry situa- 
 tion, and in such a place and soil they flower 
 profusely. The bulbs or corms should be 
 planted at least three inches deep; for, as the 
 new conn forms above the old one, they will in 
 three or four years push themselves out of the 
 ground if planted too near the surface. As 
 often as once in three years the corms should be 
 taken up, separated, and planted out as quickly 
 as possible; the longer they are left out of 
 ground the weaker they become, and the later 
 they will come into bloom. In starting a new 
 bed the corms should be planted as soon as they 
 can be obtained, which is usually about the first 
 of September. If left until November, as is the 
 too common practice, very few will flower strong- 
 ly the coming season, and none satisfactorily. 
 When left in the ground, they commence new 
 life about the first of September, and before 
 winter they have their preparations for spring 
 work complete; the flower buds will be nearly 
 their full length above the bulb, ready for the 
 first sunny days in March to break forth into 
 bloom. One of the peculiarities of the Crocus 
 is, that when they are in flower, the germen or 
 seed vessel is still under ground, almost close 
 to the bulb; and it is not till some weeks ul'tcr 
 the flower has decayed that it emerges on a 
 white peduncle, and ripens its seeds above the 
 ground . The situation for the Crocus bed should 
 
 CRO 
 
 be a warm one, and before hard frosts it may be 
 mulched two or three inches with leaves or 
 coarse litter, which is to be taken off as soon in 
 spring as the season will warrant. The mulch- 
 ing, however, may be omitted where it is not 
 convenient to apply it. C. salivus, which is the 
 type of the autumnal flowering species, should 
 be planted in midsummer, and it will come into 
 flower in September. All the species and vari- 
 eties are increased by offsets. Their introduc- 
 tion into British gardens dates back as far as 
 1600. The new named varieties introduced 
 recently bear very large flowers, and are, in all 
 respects, very great improvements upon the 
 older kinds. 
 
 Crotalaria. From fcrotoZon, a castanet ; the seeds 
 are inflated pods, and rattle when shaken. Linn. 
 M&nadelphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 This is an extensive genus, and a few of i's 
 species are particularly beautiful. The green- 
 house kinds are to be preferred. All of them 
 grow readily in loamy soil, the chief point in their 
 culture being to observe that the young shoots 
 are stopped once or twice in the early part of 
 their growth, in order to counteract their natural 
 tendency to grow upright, and become what is 
 technically expressed as "long-legged." One of 
 the principal discouragements in growing these 
 plants is the difficulty of preserving them from 
 the attacks of the red spider. The annuals are 
 grown from seed, and the perennial kinds are in- 
 creased from cuttings. The species are pretty 
 generally found from the West to the East In- 
 dies. Some of the annuals are found in the 
 Southern States. 
 
 Croton. From kroion, a tick ; in reference to the 
 resemblance of the seeds. Linn. MonoeciarMan- 
 adelplda. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacea'. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs of 
 great beauty, grown for their variegated foliage, 
 being among the most strongly marked plants 
 in cultivation, (yellow and green, sometimes red 
 with the other colors. ) They are readily propa- 
 gated by cuttings, with a bottom heat of not less 
 than 75, and require a high temperature and 
 full sunlight to develop their markings. Leaf 
 mould is an essential element in the com post for 
 potting. Water should be sparingly used, par- 
 ticularly in winter. They do best in small pots. 
 As ornamental plants for decoration, they nave 
 no superior. Notwithstanding their great beauty, 
 they are also classed with the economic or use- 
 ful plants. C. Tifjlium furnishes the Croton oil, 
 a most powerful purgative. C. tinctc-rum is used 
 to dye both silk and wool of an elegant blue 
 color. The substance for this purpose is called 
 Turnsol, and is made of the juice which is 
 lodged between the calyx and the seeds. C. 
 Eleuteria furnishes the Cascarilla bark, which has 
 a pleasant, spicy odor, and a bitter, warm, aro- 
 matic taste, and it is considered a valuable med- 
 icine. The species are nearly all natives of the 
 East Indies, and were first introduced in 1748. 
 
 Crowea. Named after J. Crow, a British bota- 
 nist. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Kutaceo'. 
 
 A genus of beautiful green-house shrubs, con- 
 sisting of but two species, ('. MifoLia and (7. .sa- 
 lirjna, both lovely objects when in flower, which 
 is nearly two-thirds of the year. They are in 
 the greatest perfection during the winter months. 
 The flowers are lily-shaped, of a beautiful pur- 
 ple, and borne at the axil of the leaves. They 
 are easily propagated from cuttings, and should 
 be grown in a mixture of leaf mould and loam.
 
 fiO 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CRO 
 
 Water should be sparingly given, or the plants 
 will have a sickly, yellow appearance. Both 
 species are natives of New South Wales. Intro- 
 duced in 1790. 
 
 Crowfoot. See Ranunculus. 
 
 Crucianella. Crosswort. A diminutive of cnu-, 
 a cross ; alluding to the leaves being placed 
 crosswise. Linn. TelrandriOrMonogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 QalvicecK. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous and green-house 
 plants of but little interest. C. siylnsa, a native 
 of Persia and the Caucasus, is a low-tufted herb 
 with rose-colored flowers, which blooms during 
 the greater part of the summer. It is a desira- 
 ble plant for rockeries. Propagated by cut- 
 tings or from seed. 
 
 Cruel Plant. See Phystomfku& 
 
 Cryptochilus. From kryptos, hidden, and chei- 
 los, a lip ; the lip or labeUum being partly hid- 
 den by the sepals. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Orchidacecr. 
 
 An interesting genus of terrestrial Orchids 
 from the cooler parts of India. There are but 
 two species, one producing brilliant scarlet flow- 
 ers on a one-sided spike, while the other has 
 smaller yellow flowers produced in the same 
 manner. They require the same treatment as 
 
 Cryptocoryne. From kryptos, hidden, and ko- 
 rune, a club ; the club-shaped spadix or spike in 
 tne center of the flower is hidden by the hooded 
 spathe. Linn. Moimcia-Diandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Araceo'. Allied to Arum. 
 
 Herbaceous perennial marsh plants with tu- 
 berous creeping roots. They produce the same 
 peculiar-looking flowers as the Arums, but are 
 sweet scented. They require the same treatment 
 as the tropical species of Arum. Propagated by 
 division. Introduced from the East Indies in 
 1824. 
 
 Cryptomeria. Japan Cedar. From kryptos, hid- 
 clen, and mem, a part ; the structure of all the 
 parts of the flower being hidden, or not easily 
 understood. Linn. Moncecia-Monadelphia. Nat. 
 Ord. Pinaoece. 
 
 A splendid evergreen tree, from sixty to one 
 hundred feet high, from the north of Japan, 
 where it is found in moist situations. There is 
 but one species, which is perfectly hardy, but 
 requires a light sandy soil. Introduced in 1846. 
 
 Cryptostegia. From kryptos, hidden, and stege, 
 a covering; alluding to the corona being con- 
 cealed within the tube of the corolla. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacecv. 
 
 A small genus of pretty twining green-house 
 shrubs, consisting of two species, (C. grandi- 
 flora and C. Madagascariens'ts,) the one from 
 India, the other from Madagascar. They are 
 interesting plants, having opposite leaves, and 
 produce large, reddish-white flowers in terminal 
 cymes. Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 
 1818. 
 
 Cryptostemma. From kryptos, hidden, and stem- 
 ma, a crown; the crown of the flower being hid- 
 den. Linn. Syngenesia-Frusiranea. Nat. Ord. As- 
 tertuxcB, 
 
 A small genus of tender annuals from the 
 Cape of Good Hope. The flowers are bright 
 golden yellow, borne on hairy stems, and are 
 very showy. They were at one time very com- 
 mon, but have now fallen out of cultivation. 
 The seed should be started in a hot-bed, and 
 the young plants pricked out the latter part of 
 May. They require a warm situation, and a 
 light and rather sandy soil. One of the species 
 
 CUM 
 
 has flowers yellow inside and a very dark purple 
 outside, which gives it a very showy appearance. 
 Introduced in 1731. 
 
 Cryptostylis. From kryptos, hidden, and stylos, 
 a style. Linn. Gyuandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidaceci'. 
 
 A small genus of brown-flowered terrestrial 
 Orchids from New Holland, Java, and Ceylon. 
 The species are more curious than beautiful. 
 They should be grown in turfy loam and sand, 
 in equal proportions, in an ordinary green- 
 house temperature. Introduced in 1822. 
 
 Cuba Bast. The fibrous inner bark of the Pari- 
 tium datum. 
 
 Cuckoo-Flower. See Curdamine. 
 
 Cucumber. See Ctwumis. 
 
 Cucumber Tree. The popular name of the Mag- 
 nolia acuminata, the young fruit of which re- 
 sembles a small cucumber. 
 
 Cucumis. Cucumber. From Cucumis, the Latin 
 for Cucuinbsr. Linn. Monoecia-Monaddphia. Nat. 
 Ord. Cucurbitacece . 
 
 Of the several species included in this genus, 
 C. sativus, the common Cucumber, is the best 
 known and of the most importance. It is an 
 annual plant, a native of the East Indies, and 
 was first introduced into England in 1573. In 
 the East the Cucumber has been extensively cul- 
 tivated from the earliest periods, as well as most 
 of the other species of gourd. When the Israel- 
 ites complained to Moses in the wilderness, 
 comparing their old Egyptian luxuries with the 
 manna upon which they were fed, they ex- 
 claimed: "We remember the fish which we did 
 eat freely, the cucumbers and the melons." Isa- 
 iah, in speaking of the desolation of Judah, says: 
 " The daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a 
 vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers." 
 In Syria and in India immense quantities are 
 eaten by the common people. The probabilities 
 are, however, that their Cucumbers are Melons, 
 though mention is made of the cultivation of 
 both, and late travelers mention large planta- 
 tions over which constant watch is kept, and 
 fires built at night to keep off the wild dogs and 
 wolves. The many varieties under cultivation 
 are great improvements on the original species ; 
 but where and when improvement commenced 
 we have no record: and in looking over the field 
 during the last thirty years, it is about as diffi- 
 cult to say when it will stop. When Cucumbers 
 are grown under glass artificial impregnation of 
 the flowers is indispensable to obtain perfect 
 fruit. 
 
 Cucurbita. Gourd. From curbita, a gourd. Linn. 
 Monaecia-Monadelphia. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacece. 
 
 This is an extensive genus of trailing annuals, 
 producing what is commonly known as ornament- 
 al gourds, some of which are exceedingly curi- 
 ous and beautiful. They are of easy culture, 
 requiring the same treatment as the Cucumber. 
 They are natives chiefly of hot countries. They 
 abound in India and South America, and a few 
 are found in the north of Europe, and they are 
 also met at the Cape of Good Hope and in Aus- 
 tralia. 
 
 Cummingia. Named after the late Lady Gordon 
 dimming, of Altyro, near Forres, Scotland. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliaceoe. 
 
 A small genus of beautiful little half-hardy 
 bulbs from Chili, which succeed in a light rich 
 soil, and should have the protection of a frame. 
 The flowers are bell-shaped, light blue, and 
 borne in panicles on slender scapes. Propa- 
 gated by offsets. Introduced in 1823.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CUN 
 
 Cunila. Dittany. The derivation of this word is 
 doubtful; by some botanists it is supposed to 
 be from konox, a cone, and by others from ('- 
 nila, the name of a town. Linn. Diandria-M >,,<>- 
 iji/nia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacece. 
 ' Native hardy herbaceous perennials, common 
 on dry hills from New York to Illinois and south- 
 ward. They produce clusters of small white or j 
 purplish flowers from July to September. Prop- j 
 agated by root division. 
 
 Cunninghamia. In honor of two brothers, J. 
 find A. Cunni mjham, British botanists in Aus- < 
 tralia. Linn. Moncecia-Monadelphia. Nat. Ord. 
 Pitiacece. 
 
 C. Sinensis, the only known species, is a lofty 
 evergreen tree, native of South China. It bears 
 a close resemblance to the Araucarias, the foli- ! 
 age, however, being of a brighter gieen and less I 
 rigid. It is too tender for our climate, but its 
 elegance makes it welcome in any conservatory 
 where there is room for its development. Prop- 
 agated from seed. Introduced in 1804. 
 
 Cupania. Named after Francis Cupani, an Ital- 
 ian monk, who wrote on botany. Linn. Octan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Sapindacece. 
 
 A genus of ornamental green-house evergreen 
 trees, chiefly natives of Mexico and the West j 
 Indies. The species vary in height from six to 
 twenty feet, and produce beautiful white flowers. 
 One species, C. pendula, a native of tropical j 
 Australia, is a lofty-growing tree, and furnishes 
 the beautiful wood known as Tulip wood, so 
 called from its Tulip-like markings. The spe- 
 cies are increased by cuttings. 
 
 Cuphea. From kuptios, curved; referring to the 
 form of the seed-pods. Linn. Dodecandria-Mono- 
 (jijn'm. Nat. Ord. Lythracete. 
 
 An extensive genus of green-house evergreens 
 and half-hardy annuals. With a few exceptions, j 
 such as C'. platycentra, commonly known as 
 " Scgar Plant " and " Fire Cracker Plant," they j 
 are of but little merit. C. platycentra makes a 
 beautiful border and room plant. It is propa- 
 gated readily by cuttings, grows freely, and 
 produces its scarlet and purple tubular flowers 
 in great profusion nearly the whole year. In- ! 
 troduced from Mexico in 18i5. 
 
 Cup Plant. See Silphium. 
 
 Cupressus. Cypress. From kuo, to produce, j 
 and parisos, equal ; in reference to the symmet- 
 rical growth of some of the species. Linn. 
 Monceda-Monadelphia. Nat. Ord. Pinacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy evergreen trees, 
 widely disseminated. C. sempei-virens, the com- 
 mon European Cypress, is a native of Persia, but 
 has for so long a time been generally planted j 
 throughout the East, that it is impossible to as- 
 certain the section where it is indigenous. The 
 timber of this species is highly esteemed for its 
 durability, being considered superior to cedar. 
 The doors of St. Peter's Church at Home, which 
 had been formed of this wood in the time of 
 Constantino, showed no signs of decay when, 
 after the lapse of eleven hundred years, Pope 
 Eugenius IV. took them down to replace them i 
 by gates of brass. In order to preserve the re- 
 mains of their heroes, the Athenians buried i 
 them in coffins of Cypress; and the chests or | 
 coffins in which the Egyptian mummies are ' 
 found are usually of the same material. C. ' 
 thyoides is the White Cedar or Cypress of our 
 Southern States, a graceful and beautiful tree i 
 in its native home, but only thrives in wet j 
 places. There are several species found in j 
 California and Oregon, some of which are mag- 
 
 CYA 
 
 nificent trees; others are graceful and ornament- 
 al shrubs. The beautiful Retinosporas of Japan 
 are nearly related to this genus. 
 
 Curculigo. Derived from curculio, a weevil; the 
 seeds having a process resembling the beak of 
 that animal. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. UypoxidacecK. 
 
 A genus of green-house herbaceous plants, 
 some of which have large, grassy, ribbed leaves 
 beautifully recurved, making them suitable for 
 conservatory decoration. A variety with striped 
 foliage, green and white, of somewhat recent 
 introduction, is one of our most ornamental 
 foliage plants. C. recur vata is a native of Bengal, 
 and was introduced in 1805. They are readily 
 propagated by suckers, and grow freely in a 
 mixture of turfy loam and sand. 
 
 Currant. See Eibes. 
 
 Curcuma. Turmeric. From kurkum, its Arabic 
 name. Linn. Monandria-Monorjynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Zingiberacece . 
 
 An extensive genus of herbaceous perennials, 
 natives of the East Indies, China, and Java. 
 Most of the species possess the same aromatic 
 stimulating properties in the roots, or rhizomes, 
 and seeds, as the common ginger, and are 
 plants of considerable beauty from their colored 
 bracts. C. longa is one of the best known 
 species, the powdered root of which is the Tur- 
 meric of commerce. This powder is used in 
 India as a mild aromatic and for other medici- 
 nal purposes. It also enters into the composi- 
 tion of curry powder, and a sort of arrow-root 
 is made from the young tubers. Turmeric is a 
 dye of a very rich color, but it possesses no 
 durability, nor has there been any combination 
 of mordants found that would give it this qual- 
 ity in a sufficient degree to make it useful. Sev- 
 eral of the species, with yellow or reddish flow- 
 ers, are cultivated in the green -house. 
 
 Curmeria. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Mbnoecia-Heptandria. Nat. Ord. Aracece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house herbaceous per- 
 ennials, natives of Colombia. C. WaMisii is a 
 dwarf-growing species, and of a very ornament- 
 al character. The leaves are spreading, and 
 strongly marked with very irregular dark-green 
 spots or blotches, intermixed with broad patches 
 of very pale yellowish-green. C. pidnratn has 
 broad green leaves, with a broad central band of 
 silvery gray. The plants are of quite recent in- 
 troduction, (1875,) and are highly esteemed in a 
 collection of variegated-leaved plants. Propa- 
 gated by offsets from the roots. 
 
 Cuscuta. Dodder. From kechout, its Arabic 
 name. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. CHS- 
 cutacecK. 
 
 These plants are deserving of attention from 
 their parasitical character, as they will attach 
 themselves to, and grow on, any other plant with- 
 in their reach. Their long twining stems emit 
 an abundance of small fragrant flowers towards 
 the end of summer. Their seeds germinate in 
 the earth, but detach themselves as soon as suf- 
 ficiently grown to take hold of a neighboring 
 plant. They are natives of South America, New 
 Holland, other tropical countries, and the United 
 States. The Cuscuta is becoming troublesome 
 in the Southern States by overrunning other 
 vegetation. It is particularly so to Oleanders, 
 several instances being reported where it has 
 completely destroyed these beautiful shrubs. 
 
 Custard Apple. A popular name of Asimina 
 Iriloba, or American Papaw. 
 
 Cyananthus. From kyinws, blue, and anlhos, a
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 Meiastomacece. 
 
 exceedingly interesting plant we take 
 ring description from Lowe's "Beauti- 
 d Plants : " " Native country, tropical 
 
 CYA 
 
 flower. Linn. Peniandria-Monogynia. Nat. Orel. 
 Polemoniacece. 
 
 C. lobatw is a delicate little hardy herbaceous 
 plant from the higher ranges of the Himalayas, 
 with a habit similar to some species of Cam- 
 panula. Its requirements are a sandy soil, with 
 plenty of moisture during the flowering season, 
 but afterward it should be kept rather dry and 
 allowed to rest. The flowers are terminal, and 
 light blue. Propagated by cuttings. 
 Cyanella. A diminutive of kyanos, blue. Linn. 
 Hi'.mmlria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. LIKaoece. 
 
 Pretty green-house bulbs, with white, blue, or 
 yellow flowers. They grow readily in sandy 
 loam, and, like all other plants of the same or- 
 der, require to have a resting season, which, for 
 convenience, is generally deferred to the winter. 
 The protection of a cold frame is all they re- 
 quire to endure our winters. They increase 
 freely by offsets. Natives of the Cape of Good 
 Hope. Introduced in 1768. 
 
 Cyanophyllum. From kt/anos, blue, and phyllon , 
 a leaf; referring to the color of the under surface 
 of the leaves. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Mdastomacece. 
 
 Of this exceed 
 the followin 
 ful Leaved 
 
 America. Introduced in 1857 by Mr. Linden, a 
 Continental nurseryman. A fine woody Melas- 
 tomaceous hot-house shrub, which has not yet 
 flowered in this country (England). The leaves 
 are truly magnificent, growing two feet long and 
 nine inches wide, of a long oval shape, tapering 
 to a point. Upper surface a distinct ivory-like 
 midrib, with a pair of veins of the same color 
 running from the base near the margin and 
 meeting near the poimt, joining near the midrib. 
 Margin irregularly serrated. Color a deep vel- 
 vety green; underneath the veins are visible, 
 and the general color is a rich purplish crimson. 
 Habit strong growing. Nothing can possibly 
 exceed the beautiful foliage of this truly hand- 
 some new plant." The above description of C. 
 magnificum will apply equally well to the other 
 species. Propagated by cuttings. 
 Cyanotis. From kyanos, blue, and ous. an ear ; 
 referring to the shape of the petals. Linn. Jlex- 
 andria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Commdynacecu. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen trailing plants, 
 allied to Tradescantia, and requiring the same 
 general treatment. The species are showy 
 plants, natives of tropical Asia. They are prop- 
 agated readily by cuttings. Introduced in 1770. 
 Cyathea. From kyatheion, a little cup ; in refer- 
 ence to the appearance of the spore or seed cases 
 on the back of the leaves. Linn. Cryplogamia- 
 FUices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of arborescent Ferns, abun- 
 dant in South America and in the West Indies, in 
 India, the Eastern Islands, and in the Pacific 
 Islands; a few are also met with in New Zealand 
 and South Africa. In some the trunk is short, 
 but in others it reaches a height of forty to six- 
 ty feet, and is crowned with a magnificent head 
 of fronds, which are in many cases of gigantic 
 size, and are always large. C. mfdullaris, a fine 
 species of New Zealand and the Pacific Isles, 
 and known in gardens as a noble Tree Fern of 
 comparatively hardy character, forms in its na- 
 tive country a common article of food with the 
 natives. The part eaten is the soft medullary 
 substance, which occupies the center of the 
 trunk, and which has some resemblance to Sago. 
 C. ckalhata, another beautiful species of New 
 
 OYC 
 
 Zealand, is said to be eaten in the same way. 
 This has a trunk from ten to fifteen feet high, 
 crowned with a noble tuft of fronds, which are 
 white beneath with a silvery powder. Propa- 
 gated by spores. First introduced in 1793. 
 
 Cyathod.es. From ky<ithon, a cup, and eidos, like; 
 because the nectary resembles that vessel. Linn. 
 Penta7ulria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. KpacridacerK. 
 
 An interesting and somewhat extensive genus 
 of green-house evergreens, natives of Australia, 
 and occasionally met in New Zealand and the 
 Pacific Islands. They produce small axillary 
 white or yellow flowers. They require the same 
 treatment recommended for the Epacris. Prop- 
 agated by cuttings. 
 
 Cycas. The Greek name of a Palm said to grow 
 in Ethiopia. Linn. Dwcia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Oycadacece. 
 
 A remarkable genus of ornamental plants, 
 consisting of low-growing trees, with cylindri- 
 cal, usually unbranched stems, terminated at 
 the top by a crown of handsome, deeply cut, 
 pinnate leaves of thick texture. C. rrcolnla, 
 the finest of the species, is grown extensively in 
 China and Japan, its native countries, for the 
 pith contained in its trunk, and which is pre- 
 pared by the natives into an article of food 
 similar to the Sago, upon which they live wholly 
 for several months in the year. They are com- 
 monly but erroneously called Sago Palms, as they 
 furnish none of the Sago of commerce. The culti- 
 vation in our houses is the same required for 
 all the Palm tribe; plenty of pot room, and a 
 strong moist heat. 0. revoluta, however, may 
 be wintered in a low temperature, and its new 
 growth retarded for the lawn. After the leaves 
 have perfected their growth and are thoroughly 
 hardened, the plants can be placed upon the 
 lawn during summer, where they are most ap- 
 propriate ornaments. Young plants are usually 
 obtained from suckers. This genus was first 
 introduced into England from China in 1737. 
 
 Cyclamen. From kyklox, circular; referring to 
 the round leaves. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Primulacece. 
 
 This genus contains some of our most popular 
 and desirable plants for fall, winter, and early 
 spring flowering. They are all neat and dwarf 
 in habit ; all have foliage of pretty form and 
 beautiful markings, and the flowers, in every 
 case, are beautiful, some exquisitely so. C. Persi- 
 cum stands at the head of the family, and is the 
 one in most general cultivation. The Cyclamen 
 should be grown from seed, which should be 
 sown as soon as ripe, in gentle heat, in pans 
 filled with a compost of well-rotted manure, 
 leaf mould, and coarse sand thoroughly incor- 
 porated. As soon as the plants have made two 
 leaves, prick out into thumb-pots filled with 
 the same compost, and place upon the shelf in 
 the green-house, near the glass, and shade from 
 direct sunlight. Carefully water; to dry them or 
 drown them is equally fatal. As soon as the pots 
 are filled with roots, shift into a three-inch pot, 
 observing the same instructions in all respects. 
 By the first of November they will require 
 a five-inch pot. With proper care and attention, 
 they will be in flower in January following 
 planting. They require a more even tempera- 
 ture than is usually given to green-house 
 plants, not above 60 nor below 50; with it 
 bulbs two inches in diameter can be grown in 
 one year. After flowering they should be grad- 
 ually ripened off, but never allowed to become 
 thoroughly dry. During summer keep them
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 68 
 
 CYC 
 
 in a frame, shaded, and give occasionally a little 
 water. They should be repotted again about 
 the first of November, without breaking the 
 ball, and the next flowering will be their per- 
 fection of bloom. This species is a native of 
 Persia. All the species are famous for their 
 acridity, yet in Sicily the Cyclamen is the prin- 
 cipal food of the wild boars ; hence the common 
 name at Sow-bread. 
 
 Cyclobqthra. From kyklos, a circle, and bothros, 
 a pit; in reference to a cavity at the bottom of 
 each sepal. Linn. Hexandria-Monofjynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Lilutcew. 
 
 A genus of very handsome bulbous plants 
 from California and Mexico. They are allied to 
 the Calochortus, and require the same treatment. 
 The flowers are nodding, like those of the Fri- 
 tillarias, and of white, yellow, and purple colors. 
 They are easily propagated by the small bulbs 
 that grow on the upper part of the stems. 
 
 Cyclogyne. From kyklos, a circle, and gyne, a 
 stigma, or female organ; in reference to the dis- 
 position of the pistils. Linn. Diaddphia-Decan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. FabacecK. 
 
 A very beautiful green-house evergreen shrub 
 from Swan River. It is remarkable for the ap- 
 pearance of the pinnate leaflets, which are clad 
 underneath with white hairs ; and this, with the 
 profusion of purple flowers it bears, renders it 
 an attractive object. Propagated by seeds or 
 cuttings. 
 
 Cycnoches. Swan Neck. From kyknos, a swan, 
 and auchen, the neck; in reference to the long 
 and gracefully curved column. Linn. Gynan- 
 drla-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea*. 
 
 Some of the species are considered indispen- 
 sable to the Orchid house, for the beauty and de- 
 lightful fragrance of the flowers. They require 
 strong heat and moisture. 
 
 Cydonia. Quince. The name of Cydonia was 
 given to this plant by the ancients, from its 
 growing abundantly near Cydon, in the isle of 
 Crete, now Candia. Linn. Icosandria-Dipentayy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Pomaceee. 
 
 The common Quince, C. vulcjaris, has been 
 under cultivation from a very early period. 
 Pliny says: "There are many kinds of this fruit 
 in Italy; some growing wild in the hedgerows, 
 others so large that they weigh the boughs down 
 to the ground." Martial, who died at Rome A.D. 
 104, states that the Romans had three sorts of 
 Quinces, one of which was called Chrysomela, 
 from its yellow color. They boiled them with 
 honey, as the Europeans make marmalade. Bo- 
 tanical researches show that the Quince grows 
 spontaneously on the hills and in the woods of 
 Italy, in the south of France, in Spain, Sicily, 
 Sardinia, the Crimea, and in the south of the 
 Caucasus; it also grows abundantly on the 
 banks of the Danube, and in the north of Africa. 
 "The learned Goropius maintains that Quinces 
 were the golden apples of Hesperides, and not 
 Oranges, as some commentators pretend. In 
 support of his argument he states that it was a 
 fruit much revered by the ancients, and he as- 
 sures us that there has been discovered at Rome 
 a statue of Hercules that held in its hand three 
 Quinces. This, he says, agrees with the fable 
 which states that Hercules stole the golden ap- 
 ples from the gardens of the Hesperides." This 
 species is unquestionably the parent of the sev- 
 eral varieties under cultivation. There seems 
 to have been but little improvement in this fruit 
 in centuries. The great difference in the qual- 
 ity of this fruit, as seen in our markets, is large- 
 
 CYP 
 
 ly due to cultivation. The common practice of 
 planting the Quince in some neglected corner 
 results in getting small, knotty fruit, almost if 
 not altogether worthless. The Quince should 
 have a deep, rich soil, rather heavy, and the 
 ground should be kept clean and free from 
 grass. Attention should also be paid to pruning, 
 as a preventive against slugs and other vermin. 
 The trunks and branches should be thoroughly 
 rubbed over with strong soft-soap every spring. 
 With this simple precaution the failure of a crop 
 of large, clean, healthy fruit will be very rare. 
 The propagation of the Quince is very simple, 
 the more rapid way being to take cuttings from 
 the young wood in autumn, heel them in in 
 some protected place during winter, and plant 
 out in spring in a shaded situation, and they 
 will take root very readily. C. Japonica is a 
 beautiful dwarf species, remarkable for the bril- 
 liancy of its blossoms, which vary from the rich- 
 est scarlet to the most delicate blush color. It 
 is a native of Japan, perfectly hardy, and well 
 adapted for single plants on the lawn, or for 
 planting ornamental hedges. The fruit has a 
 delicious fragrance, but is entirely worthless for 
 domestic purposes. This species is best propa- 
 gated by root cuttings. 
 
 Cylista. From kylistos, twining; referring to the 
 habit of the plants. Linn. DkuMphia-Decandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacea;. 
 
 A genus of ornamental climbing plants. C. 
 scariosa, found in the Bombay districts of India, 
 is a very ornamental climber, requiring to be 
 grown in a hot-house, as do most of the genus. 
 The flowers are very showy, bright yellow, 
 borne on erect bracted racemes, and are re- 
 markable for their large papery calyx, which 
 is very conspicuous. Propagated by cuttings. 
 Introduced in 1776. 
 
 Cymbidium. From kymbos, a hollow recess ; re- 
 ferring to a hollow recess in the lip or labellum. 
 Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Orchi- 
 dacece. 
 
 A genus containing both terrestrial and epi- 
 phytal Orchids, many of them of rare beauty, 
 and all worthy of cultivation. C. Sinense, a native 
 of China, is remarkable for its delicious fra- 
 grance. The epiphytal species require the treat- 
 ment of hot-house Orchids; the terrestrial ones 
 do well in a green-house temperature. 
 
 Cynoglossum. Hound's Tongue. From kyon, 
 a dog, and ylossa, a tongue ; referring to the 
 shape of the leaves. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Boraqinacece. 
 
 Pretty border plants, producing flowers of al- 
 most all colors. They grow in any soil, and are 
 not very particular as to situation. They are in- 
 creased readily by division of stools in the 
 spring. The annuals and biennials are grown 
 from seed. 
 
 Cypella. From kypftton, a goblet or cup; refer- 
 ring to the form of the flowers. Linn. Mona- 
 delphia-Triandria. Nat. Ord. lridn<-i: 
 
 A genus of very pretty half-hardy bulbs, 
 worthy of a place in the green-house. They 
 are multiplied by offsets. Introduced in 1823. 
 
 Cyperus. Supposed to be derived from Cyprix, a 
 name of Venus, from their supposed medicinal 
 qualities. Linn. Triandria-3fonogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 . genus of sedge plants, of but little merit for 
 the garden or green-house. C. alternifolius is 
 grown as a basket plant; it is of the easiest cul- 
 ture, and will thrive in any soil or situation, but 
 prefers a moist one. A variegated variety of
 
 fri 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GYP 
 
 this species is very beautiful, but not constant. 
 They are natives of Madagascar, first introduced 
 in 1781. C. rotundus (Nut Grass) is a common 
 and troublesome weed in the Southern States. 
 
 Cyphia. From kyphos, curved; referring to the 
 shape of the style and stigma. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. CampanulacecK. 
 
 A small genus of herbaceous twiners from 
 South Africa. They produce small blue or red 
 bell-shaped flowers, of but little interest. The 
 species are rarely met, excepting in botanical 
 collections. 
 
 Cypress. See Cupressus. 
 
 Cypress Vine. See QuamoclU. 
 
 Cypripedium. Ladies' Slipper, or Moccasin 
 "Flower. From Cypris, one of Venus's names, and 
 podion, a slipper. Linn. Gynandria-Digynia. Nat. 
 Ord. OrckidacecK. 
 
 A somewhat extensive genus of terrestrial 
 Orchids, producing flowers of the most singular 
 structure, combined with elegance and beauty. 
 It is remarkable that a family with such marked 
 and distinctive characteristics should find con- 
 genial homes in such a diversity of soil and cli- 
 mate. The species are pretty generally distrib- 
 uted, from our most northern States to Mexico, 
 through South America, the Pacific Islands, and 
 India. The State of New York furnishes six 
 species, all beautiful and worthy of cultivation. 
 The native species may all be cultivated in the 
 garden by placing them in a shady border. The 
 soil should be liberally mixed with leaf mould. 
 Their unique blossoms render them highly de- 
 serving of any care. The best time for trans- 
 planting them from their native localities is 
 when they are in bloom, and they should be re- 
 moved with a ball of earth attached to the roots. 
 Some of the tropical species require the tem- 
 perature and humid atmosphere of the hot- 
 house, while others do best in the green-house. 
 The flowers are greatly valued in the winter 
 months for florists' work. Propagated by divi- 
 sion of roots, and by seed, but with some of the 
 species it is a rather difficult matter. 
 
 Cyrtanthera. From kyrlos, curved, and anthera, 
 an anther. Linn. Diandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 AcanMiacece. 
 
 A small genus of handsome evergreen plants 
 from South America, which do well in the green- 
 house. They are nearly related to Justicia; 
 their flowers are of orange, yellow, and rose col- 
 ors, borne in dense terminal panicles. They 
 are propagated readily from cuttings. Intro- 
 duced in 1827. 
 
 Cyrtanthus. From kyrtot, curved, and anthos, a 
 flower; the flowers bend down from the summit 
 of the scape or stalk. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. OrJ. AmaryUidacecK. 
 
 Very handsome green-house bulbs from the 
 Cape of Good Hope. The flowers, which are 
 borne in umbels on a slender scape, are red, 
 crimson, and orange, produced in summer, 
 when they require very liberal watering; they 
 
 DAC 
 
 should be grown in pots. Propagated by off- 
 sets. Introduced in 1774. 
 
 Cyrtpceras. Has been united to Centrostemma, 
 which see. 
 
 Cyrtochilus. From kyrtos, curved, or concave, 
 and cheilos, a lip; the form of the labellum or 
 lip. Linn. Gynandria-Mono'gynia. Nat. Ord. Or- 
 chidacece. 
 
 A genus of small flowering Orchids from Mex- 
 ico and Guatemala. The flowers are red, yellow, 
 spotted, purple, and green. They require a 
 high temperature, and are usually grown on 
 blocks of wood or cork. 
 
 Cyrtodeira. From kyrtos, curved, and ihire, 
 neck. Linn. Didynctmia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. 
 Gesneracece. 
 
 Green-house herbaceous perennials, with 
 beautifully-colored foliage, and solitary flowers 
 on short axillary stems. They make very pretty 
 basket plants for the hot-house, the only place 
 in which they thrive well. They do best in 
 sandy loam and leaf mould. Increased readily 
 from cuttings, and also from seed. 
 
 Cyrtomius. From kyrtos, curved; the shape of 
 the spore cases or seed vessels. Linn. Crypto- 
 gamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea*. 
 
 A small genus of robust evergreen Ferns of 
 very ornamental character. They are natives of 
 India, China, and Japan, and require the hot- 
 house for perfection of growth. 
 
 Cyrtopera. From kyrtos, curved, and pera, a 
 small sack; alluding to the sack-like appendage 
 to the labellum or lip. Linn. Gynandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful terrestrial 
 Orchids, natives of Northern India. In appear- 
 ance they resemble the llletias, and are usually 
 given the same treatment. 
 
 Cyrtopodium. From kyrlos, curved, and pous, a 
 foot; referring to the form of the labellum or 
 lip. Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 A genus of beautiful, strong-growing Orchids 
 from Brazil, valued alike for their large spikes 
 of flowers, yellow spotted with red, and for their 
 beautiful foliage. One species, with yellow 
 flowers, has pseudo-bulbs nearly five feet high. 
 The room required to grow them prevents their 
 general cultivation. 
 
 Cystopteris. From kystis, a bladder, and pteroii, 
 a wing. Linn. Ci-yptogamia-HUces. Nat. Ord. 
 Polypodiacece. 
 A genus of interesting Ferns. See Aspidium . 
 
 Cytisus. From Oythrus, one of the Cyclades,where 
 one of the species was first found. Linn. Monn- 
 ddphia-Heacagynia. Nat. Ord. FabacecK. 
 
 This is an extensive genus, consisting princi- 
 pally of hardy deciduous trees and shrubs, of 
 which the Laburnum is a well-known species. 
 They are all very ornamental and free flowering. 
 They succeed well in almost any soil or situa- 
 tion. They are readily increased by seeds or 
 from cuttings. Introduced in 1596. 
 
 D. 
 
 Dacrydium. From dakru, a tear ; referring to 
 the gummy exudation. Linn. Monoecia-Deca- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Taxacea: 
 
 A genus of evergreen trees inhabiting the 
 East Indies and New Zealand. The flowers are 
 curious, but not showy. The young branches 
 
 afford a beverage of the same qualities as root- 
 beer. D. Franklinii, from Tasmania, furnishes 
 a valuable timber, very durable, which is used 
 for ship and house-building. Some of the wood 
 is beautifully marked, and is used for cabinet 
 work.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 Dsemonorops. From dema, a cord, and rhops, a 
 twig ; alluding to the rope-like, climbing 
 stems. Linn. Polygamia-Dicecia. Nat. Ord. 
 Palmacea;. 
 
 This genus of Palms, numbering more than 
 forty species, is closely allied to Calamus, to 
 which most of the species formerly belonged. 
 All the species are natives of the Eastern Hemi- 
 sphere, principally of the Malayan peninsula 
 and islands. They have long, thin, flexible 
 stemp, furnished with pinnate leaves, the 
 prickly stalks of which are frequently pro- : 
 longed into whip-like tails. D. Draco (form- j 
 erly Calamus Draco) is a native of Sumatra 
 and other islands of the Indian Archipelago, 
 and is called the Dragon's Blood Palm, in i 
 consequence of its fruits yielding a portion of 
 the substance known in commerce as Dragon's 
 Blood. The fruits are about the size of cherries, 
 and when ripe are covered with a reddish resin- 
 ous substance, which is separated by shaking j 
 them in a coarse canvas bag. This resin is the ! 
 best Dragon's Blood that is obtained, although i 
 there are several other plants that furnish a sim- 
 ilar article. D. Palembanicus and a few other 
 species, natives of Java, have lately been intro- 
 duced into the green-house as decorative plants, 
 for which purpose they are exceedingly appro- 
 priate. The young leaves are of a bright cinna- 
 mon brown, and the contrast between this warm 
 color and the deep green of the matured leaves 
 renders the plants very beautiful at the time 
 they are in course of development. Young 
 plants are obtained from seed. In a growing 
 state they require considerable heat. 
 Daffodil. Narcissus, Pseudo-Narcissus. See Nar- 
 cissus. 
 Dagger Plant and Bayonet Plant. Local 
 
 names for a species of Yucca. 
 
 Dahlia. In honor of Andrew Dahl, a celebrated 
 Swedish botanist and pupil of Linnaeus. Linn. 
 Synyenesia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. Composilce. 
 
 This interesting genus, consisting of compar- i 
 atively few species, shows more plainly the skill j 
 of the florist than almost any other in cultiva- ' 
 tion. Its history is also somewhat curious, as, j 
 strange to say, though it has become so great a j 
 favorite, and is so universally cultivated, the \ 
 history of its introduction is very obscure. It j 
 is generally said to have been introduced into 
 England by Lady Holland in 1804; but the fact | 
 is, it had been introduced many years before j 
 that period, and was only brought from Madrid I 
 in 1804 by Lady Holland, who apparently did i 
 not know that it was already in that country. ! 
 The first kind of Dahlia known to Europeans, D. 
 siiperflua, Cav., (D. variabilis, Dec., Geurt/inn pln- 
 nata, W.,) was discovered in Mexico by Baron 
 Humboldt in 1789, and sent by him to Professor 
 Cavanilles of the Botanical Garden, Madrid, who 
 gave the genus the name of Dahlia, in honor of 
 the Swedish professor Dahl. Cavanilles sent a 
 plant of it the same year to the Marchioness of 
 Bute, who was very fond of flowers, and who 
 kept it in the green-house. From this species 
 nearly all the varieties known in the gardens 
 have been raised, as it seeds freely, and varies 
 very much when raised from seed. In 1802, D. 
 frustranea, Ait., (D. coccinea, Cav.,) was intro- 
 duced from France, in which country it had 
 been raised from this kind, but they are much 
 smaller than the others. It is rather remarka- 
 ble that the two species did not hybridize to- 
 gether, and that D. superflua, or variabilis, should 
 produce flowers of colors so diiFerent as crim- 
 
 DAL 
 
 son, purple, white, yellow, orange, and scarlet, 
 without hybridization. Among all the colors, 
 however, displayed by these varieties, no flow- 
 ers have yet appeared of blue, and are not likely 
 ever to be, as we find no family of plants in na- 
 ture in which there are blue, yellow, and scarlet 
 in varieties of the same species. These two spe- 
 cies and their varieties were the only Dahlias 
 known in English gardens for many years, as, 
 though a few kinds were introduced from time 
 to time from France and Spain, yet, as they did 
 not hybridize with the others, and were rather 
 more tender, they were not generally cultivated, 
 and appear to have been soon lost. Most of these 
 have, however, been reintroduced from Mexico, 
 with several new species, within the last few 
 years, and there are now ten or twelve distinct 
 species, besides innumerable varieties of D. va- 
 riabilis. The most remarkable of the new spe- 
 cies is the tree Dahlia, D. excelsa, which is said 
 to grow in Mexico thirty feet high, with a trunk 
 thick in proportion. The propagation of the 
 Dahlia is quite simple. For amateurs, division 
 of the root will more than supply their needs, 
 as each will divide, if started in a hot-bed or any 
 warm and m6ist place, into at least six good 
 plants. D. imperialis, a distinct species, attains 
 a hight of ten to fifteen feet, and is of a fine 
 branching form, producing, late in the fall, pure 
 white, drooping, lily-like flowers, three inches 
 in diameter. It flowers rather late to be seen 
 in perfection in the Northern States, but it is 
 a magnificent plant in any section of the coun- 
 try where frost holds off until the loth of No- 
 vember. A new section, from D. coccinea, has 
 just been introduced in England with single 
 flowers, that make distinct and interesting bed- 
 ding plants, as they flower in great profusion. 
 The colors so far attained are scarlet, yellow, 
 rose, and crimson, making a fine contrast with 
 the yellow disk. For the trade it is prnpa^at.-.! 
 generally by cuttings taken off early in January, 
 and grown on in pots, with few shiftings, until 
 time to plant out in the border, which should be 
 done as soon as danger from frost is over. To 
 succeed well they should have a strong, deep, and 
 rich soil; as they are rapid growers, they are 
 consequently gross feeders. For perfection in 
 bloom, the side branches should be kept cut, 
 allowing but few at the top; this will give but 
 few flowers, though of superior quality. The 
 roots should be stored during winter in a dry, 
 warm cellar, and covered with sand. 
 Daisy. See Bellis. 
 
 Dalbergia. Named after Nicholas Dalberg, a Swed- 
 ish botanist. Diadelphia-Decagynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Fabacecv. 
 
 A genus of lofty growing, East Indian ever- 
 green trees. Most of the species are truly mag- 
 nificent. They are of immense size, with beau- 
 tiful pinnate foliage, and produce an abundance 
 of white flowers in axillary racemes. The trees 
 are the most remarkable for the valuable timber 
 they furnish. D. latifolia is the Blackwood or 
 East Indian Rosewood tree, common on the 
 Malabar and Coromandel coasts, and yields one 
 of the most valuable furniture woods. The tim- 
 ber is furnished in planks four feet wide, and is 
 of a dark purplish color, very heavy, close 
 grained, and susceptible of a high polish. It 
 lacks the rich perfume of the true Rosewood, 
 and is not so beautifully variegated. In India 
 it is used in the manufacture of their richest fur- 
 niture. The species yield some of the most val- 
 uable timber used in the mechanic arts.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DAL 
 
 Dalechampia. Named after James Dalechamp, a 
 celebrated French botanist. Linn. Monaecia-Mo- 
 nogynia. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacece. 
 
 Evergreen climbers, producing small yellow- 
 ish-green flowers on axillary peduncles. The 
 genus is small, mostly natives of Brazil, and do 
 best in the hot-house. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Dalibardo. Named after Denvt Dalibard, a French 
 botanist. Linn. Icosandria-Diyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 RosacecK. 
 
 D. repens, the only species, is a rather pretty 
 trailing plant, quite common in our Northern 
 woods. The flowers are white, singly or in pairs. 
 It is not cultivated except in botanical collec- 
 tions. 
 
 Dammara. The name of the species in Amboyna. 
 lAnn. Monceda-Decagynia. Nat. Ord. Coniferce. 
 
 A genus of evergreen trees, similar to our 
 Pines. D. Australis, a native of New Zealand, is 
 a tree from 150 to 200 feet in height, producing 
 a hard, brittle, resin-like copal, the principal in- 
 gredient of Dammar or white varnish. 
 
 Dampiera. Named after the circumnavigator, 
 Captain William Dampier. Linn. Pentandria-Mon- 
 ogynia. Nat. Ord. Goodeniacece. 
 
 Green-house herbaceous perennials from New 
 Holland, of easy culture. Flowers blue, both 
 axillary and terminal. Propagated by cuttings 
 of young shoots or by division. 
 
 Dandelion. See Taraxacum. 
 
 Daphne. From daio, to burn, and phone, a noise ; 
 it crackles when burning. Linn. Octandria-Mon- 
 ogynia. Nat. Ord. Thymelacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of small shrubs, mostly 
 evergreen, with very beautiful fragrant flowers, 
 natives chiefly of Europe, but partly also of the 
 cooler parts of Asia, including Japan and China. 
 Some of them are hardy shrubs, valued for their 
 early spring flowers. D. Gneorum is a hardy 
 trailing evergreen shrub, growing about a foot 
 high, and producing its beautiful brighfepink 
 or crimson, deliciously sweet-scented flowws in 
 terminal clusters in April and May, and occa- 
 sionally again in September. On account of its 
 dwarf habit it is especially suitable for planting 
 on rock- work, or for edgings to beds. It is propa- 
 gated by layers. D . odora, a native of China, is o 
 green-house evergreen, succeeding best when 
 planted out in a cool house. This and D. Tniic'i 
 are grown extensively for cut flowers, which are 
 highly esteemed for their delicious fragrance. It 
 grows freely from cuttings. Introduced in 1771. 
 
 Named after Dar a botanist. A genus 
 of Ferns allied to Asplenium, which see. 
 
 Darlingtonia. Named in honor of Dr.Darlinqton, 
 one of our most distinguished botanists. Linn. 
 Pdyandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Sarraceniacea;. 
 This remarkable genus consists of but one 
 species, D. Californica, which is found in the 
 marshy districts of California, and is commonly 
 known as the California Side-Saddle Flower or 
 Pitcher Plant. It is a perennial herb, and can be 
 grown in an ordinary cool green-house. The 
 plants should be potted in leal-mould and sand. 
 Propagated by division and from seed. Dr.Tor- 
 rey gave the first description of this plant in 
 1853. 
 
 Darnel. A common name for the Lolium. A ge- 
 nus of noxious grasses introduced from Europe. 
 
 Darwinia. Named after Dr. Darwin, author of the 
 Botanic Garden. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Chamcelauciacece. 
 
 A small genus of low-growing, heath-like, ever- 
 green shrubs, found in the extra-tropical regions 
 of Australia. The leaves are marked with trans- 
 
 DAV 
 
 parent dots. They are plants of but little inter- 
 est to the florist. 
 
 Dasylirion. From daftys, thick, and leirion, a lily ; 
 the plants are succulent. Linn. Hexandna-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacea;. 
 
 A small genus of green-house evergreen plants 
 from Mexico. The flowers, like most of this 
 order, are quite interesting. They require sim- 
 ilar treatment to the tender species of Yucca. 
 They are increased by suckers. Introduced in 
 1830. 
 
 Date Palm. See Phoenix. 
 
 Date Plum. See Diospyros. 
 
 Datura. Jamestown Weed, Thorn Apple, Devil's 
 Trumpet. An alteration of the Arabic name 
 tatorah. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Solanacew. 
 
 Strong - growing, large-leaved plants, with 
 doubtful propriety sometimes classed with or- 
 namental plants, and allowed a place in the bor- 
 der. The flowers of some of the species are 
 large and showy, but the plants themselves 
 have a straggling, naked appearance that quite 
 counteracts the beauty of the flower. D. Stra- 
 monium, commonly known as Thorn Apple, and in 
 some sections as Jimson Weed, is a coarse-grow- 
 ing, troublesome weed, that seems to delight in 
 filthy door-yards. The seeds and stems of the 
 Datura are powerful narcotic poisons, and many 
 deaths have resulted from eating the seeds. 
 They are sparingly used in medicine, and the 
 dried root is sometimes smoked as a remedy 
 for asthma. 
 
 Daubentonia. Named after M. Daubenton, a cele- 
 brated naturalist. Linn. Diadelphia-Tetragynia. 
 Nat. Ord. FabacecK. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
 chiefly remarkable for their curious, quadran- 
 gular seed pods, which are three to four inches 
 long, stalked, pointed, and furnished with wings 
 along the angles. Their red or yellow flowers, 
 resembling the Laburnum, are borne on short 
 axillary racemes. They are natives of Texas and 
 Buenos Ayres. Propagated by cuttings of ripen- 
 ed young shoots. Introduced in 1820. 
 
 Daubenya. In honor of Dr. Daukeiiy, Professor 
 of Botany in the University of Oxford. Linn. 
 Sexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacfce. 
 
 A genus consisting of two species of yellow 
 flowering bulbs from the Cape of Good Hope. 
 They are very dwarf, the flower stalk being from 
 three to six inches high, upon which is borne an 
 umbel of small showy flowers. They are of easy 
 culture, in a dry, warm situation, and with slight 
 protection they will endure our winters. The 
 safer way is to treat them the same as Gladiolus. 
 Propagated by offsets. 
 
 Daucus. Carrot. From daio, to make hot; in al- 
 lusion to its supposed effect in medicine. Linn. 
 Pentandtia-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Apiacece. 
 For description of this genus, see Carrot. 
 
 Davallia. Hare's-foot Fern. Named after Ed- 
 mund DavaU, a Swiss botanist. Linn. Cryptoga- 
 mia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea;. 
 
 A fine and extensive genus of tropical Ferns. 
 They have scaly, creeping rhizomes, which are 
 covered with close brown hair, which feature 
 has given rise to the name of Hare's-foot Fern. 
 The genus is well marked by natural features, 
 and is one of the most elegant to be found in our 
 green-houses. Propagated by division of roots 
 and by spores. Introduced in 1699. 
 
 Daviesia. Named after the Rev. Hugh Dames, a 
 Welsh botanist. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Fabacece.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 67 
 
 DAY 
 
 Handsome green-house evergreens from New 
 Holland. Like all other plants from that coun- 
 try, they require a bountiful supply of air on all 
 favorable occasions through the winter, and in 
 summer they are much better placed in the open 
 air, so that they, are slightly shaded from the mid- 
 day sun. Some of the species have a subscan- 
 dent habit, which, with their densely-filled, 
 drooping spikes of yellow and red flowers, gives 
 them a very graceful appearance. Propagated 
 by cuttings from well-ripened side shoots. In- 
 troduced in 1792. 
 Day Flower. See Commelyna. 
 Day Lily. See Funkia. 
 
 Dead Nettle. A common name for the genus 
 Lamium, worthless weeds, a few species of which 
 have become naturalized in this country to such 
 an extent as to be troublesome. Natives of Eu- 
 rope. 
 
 Decumaria. From decuma, a tenth ; referring to 
 the ten valvate divisions of the calyx, and the 
 ten cells of the capsule or seed-pod. Linn. Do- 
 decandria~Mono<jynia. Nat. Ord. Ph'dttdnlphacece. 
 A climbing shrub of the Southern States. Al- 
 lied to Philadelphus. The flowers are white, 
 sweet-scented, and arranged in corymbs. They 
 are well adapted for growing against walls, 
 thriving in almost any soil or situation. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings or from seed. 
 Deerberry. One of the popular names of Vacci- 
 
 nium stamineum. 
 Deer-Grass. See Rhexia. 
 
 Delphinium. Larkspur. From delphin, a dolphin; 
 in reference to the supposed resemblance in the 
 nectary of the plant to the imaginary figures of 
 the dolphin. Linn. Polyandria-Trigynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Ranunculacece. 
 
 Well-known annual, biennial, and perennial 
 plants, with curiously-cut leaves and splendid 
 flowers, which are either scarlet, purple, pink, 
 blue, or white, and never yellow. The Siberian 
 Larkspurs are remarkable for the metallic lus- 
 ter of their flowers, the hue of which resembles 
 that of silver which has been tarnished by fire; 
 and the Bee Larkspurs are remarkable and in- 
 teresting for the curious manner in which the 
 petals are folded up in the center of the flower, 
 so as to resemble a bee, or a large blue-bottle 
 fly. The Larkspurs will grow in any soil or 
 situation, but one open to the sun suits them 
 best. They are improved by the addition of a 
 good deal of thoroughly-rotted manure to the 
 soil in which they grow. The seeds keep good 
 a long time, and those of the annual kinds do 
 best sown in autumn, as when sown in spring 
 they are a long time before they flower. The 
 perennials are propagated by division of the 
 root, or by seed, which if sown in March in the 
 green-house or hot-bed, and the plants pricked 
 out as soon as they show their second pair of 
 leaves, and carefully grown on until the first 
 of June, and then turned out into the flower- 
 garden, they will flower finely during the au- 
 tumn months. 
 
 Dendrobium. From dendron, a tree, and bios, 
 life; referring to the way these air-plants fasten 
 on trees for support. Linn. Gynandri'i- Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 In this extensive genus we are presented with 
 some truly magnificent epiphytes, which, re- 
 garded either for their singular manner of grow- 
 ing, graceful or grotesque habits, and large, 
 handsome, and richly-scented flowers, are per- 
 haps unsurpassed in the entire range of vegeta- 
 ble forms. In a cultural sense they may be di- . 
 
 DEN 
 
 vided into two sections, the pseudo-bulbous 
 class, and those with tall bulbous stems. Many 
 of the former are extremely small compared 
 with the splendid flowers they produce, and, 
 from this circumstance, are usually grown on 
 blocks of wood or cork, lest the young shoots 
 should receive injury from excessive moisture. 
 Those belonging to the other section are again 
 divisible. The upright growing species, such as 
 D. nobtte, make the best appearance when culti- 
 vated in pots, and trained into suitable forms 
 by the aid of stakes; those of pendent trailing 
 habits should be grown in baskets suspended 
 from the roof of the house; in either case the 
 soil should be composed of about one-half fibrous 
 loam, and the other portion made up of sphag- 
 num and rotten wood. This mixture should be 
 thoroughly incorporated without breaking it 
 fine, and an efficient drainage must be secured, 
 or the plants will not thrive. The base of their 
 stems should be elevated two, three, or four 
 inches, according to the size of the plant, above 
 the top of the pot or basket, as they are liable to 
 much injury from damp when protruding their 
 new shoots. The temperature of the house in 
 which these plants are grown is a consideration 
 of the first consequence to their successful cul- 
 ture; it requires to be assimilated, as nearly as 
 circumstances will allow, to that of their native 
 positions, and may be described as of three dis- 
 tinct phases, a dry and warm season, in which 
 the plants produce their flowers, to be succeeded 
 by one still warmer, and in which an abundance 
 of moisture must be present, as it is at this time 
 that new growths are effected, and this active 
 season must be followed by one suited to pro- 
 duce a state of repose in the plants, by reducing 
 the amount of heat considerably, and restricting 
 the supply of moisture to the least possible 
 quantity. This season is that which corresponds 
 with our winters, and for convenience should 
 be referred to that time. Thus, from December 
 to about the end of March, or later for some 
 species, may be regarded as the period first 
 mentioned, the growing season commencing 
 with each individual as soon as its flowering is 
 over, and continuing until the growth is com- 
 plete, which is usually about the end of August 
 or some part of September, when they require 
 the perfect rest already spoken of. It is in the 
 variation of these seasons, the withholding or 
 appliance of heat, that the whole art of the 
 management lies. If it is done correctly, and at 
 the proper time, of course the plant progresses 
 satisfactorily, but otherwise all is confusion ; the 
 plant continues growing, but does not flower, 
 becoming weaker each season. An average of 
 55, with but slight alteration, should bo ob- 
 served for the dormant season; increasing it 
 gradually to 65 or 70 for the flowering period, 
 and after this is past, the temperature may be 
 allowed to run up to 85, 90, or even more 
 through the summer, keeping a proportionate 
 amount of moisture in the atmosphere of the 
 house by means of frequent steaming, syring- 
 ing, etc. The genus consists of over 200 species, 
 of which upward of eighty have been intro- 
 duced into the green-house, and some of the 
 species are grown to an extent that warrants 
 their use as a cut-flower. Their appearance in 
 the florists' windows is by no means rare, the 
 more common being D. nobile, which flowers 
 freely in the green-house during the winter, and 
 is one of the very few Orchids that will grow 
 and flower very well in the ordinary sitting-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DEN 
 
 room. They are natives of India, Australia, and 
 the Pacific Islands. 
 
 Dendrochilum. From dendron, a tree, and cheilos, 
 a lip. Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of East Indian Orchids, chiefly 
 of little interest. One or two of the species are 
 highly esteemed by those who make a specialty of 
 Orchids. D. glumaceum is a very handsome spe- 
 cies, of neat habit, and produces graceful droop- 
 ing spikes of ivory-white flowers; the leaves, re- 
 sembling thoseof theLily of the Valley, gives the 
 plant a beautiful appearance when out of flower. 
 D. jUiforme is another graceful little plant, with 
 yellow flowers. This genus requires to be grown 
 in great heat, and the plants, when at rest, 
 should have an occasional watering, as the 
 pseudo-bulbs are quite small, and, if allowed to 
 shrivel, the plants would be lost. They are in- 
 creased by division. Introduced in 1836. 
 
 Dennstaedia. Derivation of name not given. 
 Linn. Cryptogamia-FUices. Nat. Ord. Polypodi- 
 acecv. 
 
 A genus of Ferns known here as Dicksonia, 
 which see. The name is also a synonym of 
 Sitolobium. 
 
 Dentaria. Toothwort. Pepper-root. From dens, 
 a tooth; referring to the fanged roots. Linn. 
 Teiradynamia. Nat. Ord. Brassicacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, sev- 
 eral of the species being common in most of the 
 States. The roots of D. diphi/tta have a pungent, 
 mustard-like taste, and are considerably used as 
 a salad, under the name of Pepper-root. The 
 plant is somewhat ornamental, of a dwarf habit, 
 producing short racemes of white or purplish 
 flowers. They are increased readily by divi- 
 sion. 
 
 Desfontainia. In honor of M. Desfontaines, the 
 French botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Solanacece. 
 
 The few species that compose this genus are 
 very handsome green-house evergreen shrubs, 
 found in Peru. They have thick leaves with 
 spiny margins, like those of the Holly. This is 
 one of the plants that perplexes the botanist, 
 as there is nothing in its external appearance 
 that would lead to a knowledge of its affinities. 
 It has been placed under three different classifi- 
 cations previous to the present one. D. spinosa, 
 the only described species, has large flowers 
 borne on terminal peduncles, scarlet, with a 
 yellow limb. The elegance of its foliage and the 
 brilliancy of its flowers make it a very desirable 
 green-house plant. It requires about the same 
 treatment as the Fuchsia. Introduced in 1850. 
 
 Desmodium, Moving Plant, Tick-Trefoil. From 
 desmos, a band; alluding to the stamens being 
 joined. Linn. Diadelphia-Tetragynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Leguminosce. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous peren- 
 nials and green-house evergreen shrubs. Most 
 of the species are uninteresting plants, but a 
 few are very beautiful and remarkably interest- 
 ing. There are numerous species throughout the 
 United States, with purple flowers, produced in 
 slender racemes. Some are herbs, others shrubs, 
 but none of the native species are worthy of cul- 
 tivation. The most interesting of the species, 
 if not the most beautiful, is D. gymns, the Mov- 
 ing Plant, a native of India, but rarely seen un- 
 der cultivation. The singular, spontaneous 
 rotary motion of the leaflets of this pla>.t ren- 
 ders it an object of great interest. The leaves 
 are composed of three leaflets, the terminal one 
 
 DIA 
 
 being very large, and the laterals very small, 
 but these are almost constantly in motion. 
 They execute little jerks somewhat analogous to 
 the movements of the seconds of n watch. One 
 of the leaflets arises and the other descends at 
 the same time, and with a corresponding force. 
 When the first begins to descend the other be- 
 gins to rise. The large leaflet moves also, in- 
 clining itself first to the right, then to the left, 
 but by a continuous and very slow movement 
 when compared with that of the lateral leaflets. 
 This singular mechanism endures throughout 
 the life of the plant. It exercises itself day and 
 night, through drought and humidity. The 
 warmer and more humid the day, the more 
 lively are its movements. It is not unusual for 
 the leaflet to make sixty jerks in the minute; 
 they will not do this, however, under artificial 
 cultivation, except when the plant is subjected 
 to great heat. These movements occur spon- 
 taneously and without any apparent cause. 
 The same external cause that has such a won- 
 derful effect on the Catch-fly and the Sensitive 
 Plant, does not effect this in the least. None of 
 our native species has this strong peculiarity. 
 D. pendnl'ifloi-urn, a native of Japan, introduced 
 into the United States in 1865, is one of our best 
 hardy herbaceous plants. Its height is five to six 
 feet, and the color bright rosy carmine. Propa- 
 gated by seeds or cuttings. 
 
 Deutzia. Named after J. Deutz, a sheriff of Am- 
 sterdam. Linn. Decandria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. 
 PhUadelphacece. 
 
 A genus of slender branched, graceful shrubs, 
 producing compound panicles of beautiful 
 white flowers. D. scabra, one of the more com- 
 mon species, takes its specific name from the 
 roughness of its leaves, which in its native 
 country, Japan, are used by the cabinet makers 
 in polishing the finer kinds of wood. D. graci- 
 lis is grown extensively for forcing into flower 
 in winter and early spring, for the cut flower 
 trade. All the species are perfectly hardy. 
 They are readily propagated by cuttings, divis- 
 ions, or layers. 
 
 Devil in a Bush. See Nujella. 
 
 Devil's Bit. A vulgar name for Chctmcvlirium. 
 
 Devil's Trumpet. A popular name for Datura. 
 
 Dew-Berry. See Rubus. 
 
 Dianella. A diminutive of Diana, the sylvan 
 goddess; the first discovered species being found 
 in a grove. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Liliaccce. 
 
 Lovely tuberous-rooted plants, chiefly from 
 New Holland. They should b3 grown in pots 
 of loam and peat, and if allowed a good situa- 
 tion in the green-house, will produce their 
 showy blue flowers in abundance. Propagated 
 by division or from seed. 
 
 Dianthus. From dios, divine, and antiios, a 
 flower; in reference to the fragrance and the un- 
 rivaled neatness of the flowers. Linn. Decan- 
 dria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacea;. 
 
 Most of the species of this genus are highly 
 valued for the beauty and fragrance of the flow- 
 ers, which present a richer variety of tints of 
 scarlet, crimson, rose, orange, etc., than is to be 
 found, perhaps, in any other genus. The fr.i- 
 grance of some of them is peculiarly grateful, 
 and no plant in this respect surpasses the Carna- 
 tion D. caryophyUus, (Clove Pink and Carnation. ) 
 Seedlings stand the winter and spring without 
 difficulty, with a light covering of leaves and 
 evergreen boughs, and flower very well. Very 
 many will not be considered worth saving by
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DIA 
 
 the florist, although they will all be interesting 
 as single, semi-double, or irregular flowers, and 
 richly repay all the labor. Carnations are ar- 
 ranged by florists into three classes, viz. , Flakes, 
 Bizarres, and Picotees. Flakes have two colors 
 only; their stripes are large, going quite through 
 the petals. Bizarres are variegated in irregular 
 spots and stripes, with not less than three col- 
 ors. Picotees have a white ground, spotted at 
 the edges with scarlet, red, purple, or other col- 
 ors. The Clove Pink is rather more hardy than 
 the Carnation, of which it is the parent; the pet- 
 als are more fringed, and the fragrance more 
 powerful, resembling that of the clove. In 
 France it is called the Clove Gilly-flower. Some 
 suppose this latter name to have been corrupted 
 from July-flower, July being its flowering time. 
 The great improvement in the Perpetual Carna- 
 tion (Tree or Winter-flowering Carnation) has 
 added an invaluable feature to the section of 
 winter-blooming plants, for the sitting-room, 
 conservatory, or green-house. The delicately 
 rich and grateful odor, in connection with the 
 brilliant color and good outline of the flowers 
 now offered, secures for them a prominent place 
 in the forcing department for cut flowers. D. 
 hortensis, (Garden Pink, Florist's Pink, or Paisley 
 Pink. ) This species is in perfection about the 
 last of June. The foliage is more grass-like and 
 the plant much hardier than the Carnation. 
 The double varieties are very desirable, and 
 all have clove fragrance. D. Chiiiensis, (China 
 Pink. ) This species is a biennial of dwarf 
 habit, of great beauty, but without fragrance. 
 The foliage is of a yellowish green. It flowers 
 from seed the first year, being perfectly hardy. 
 It flowers stronger th second year. The 
 colors are exceedingly varied and rich : crim- 
 son, and dark shades of that color approach- 
 ing to black, are often combined in the same 
 flower with edgings of white, pink, or other 
 colors. Seed saved from double flowers will 
 produce a great proportion of double flow- 
 ers. In beds where there may be a hundred 
 plants, scarcely two will be found alike. D. bar- 
 batus (Sweet William) is an old inhabitant of 
 the flower-garden, and was much esteemed in 
 Gerarde's time ' ' for its beauty to deck up the 
 bosoms of the beautiful, and garlands and 
 crowns for pleasure. " Fine varieties are perpet- 
 uated by dividing the roots. It is easily raised 
 from seeds. A bed of fine sorts presents a rich 
 sight. It sports into endless varieties, viz. : 
 white, pink, purple, crimson, scarlet, and vari- 
 ously edged, eyed, and spotted. The whole 
 family of Dianthus are readily increased by 
 seeds or cuttings. 
 
 Diapensia. Named by Linnaeus from diapente, 
 composed of five; alluding to the flowers being 
 five-cleft. Linn. Pentandria-Monoijyiua. Nat. 
 Ord. Diapensiwi-n: 
 
 This genus consists of two beautiful little Al- 
 pine plants, both evergreen, which grow in 
 dense tufts, scarcely rising more than an inch 
 above the ground. The flowers are white, bell- 
 shaped, and about half an inch across. It was 
 first discovered in Lapland, but has since been 
 found in the White Mountains, in New Hamp- 
 shire, and in the Adirondacks in New York. In 
 its native country it is continually covered with 
 snow in winter, which is the best protection 
 against severe dry frosts. It can be grown in 
 small pots, and protected by a frame in winter. 
 Propagated by seeds or division. 
 Dicentra. See DMytra. 
 
 DIC 
 
 Dichorizandra. From dios, twice, chorizo, to 
 part, and aner, an anther; referring to the an- 
 thers being two-cleft. Linn. Hexandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Commdynacece. 
 
 A genus of hot-house, herbaceous perennials 
 from Brazil, some of the species being exceed- 
 ingly ornamental and invaluable for late autumn 
 or winter flowering. D. thyrsiflora ranks high- 
 est, and when well grown will reach ten feet in 
 height, branched all round, each branch termi- 
 nating with a long spike of sky-blue flowers. 
 When the flowers begin to expand it may be re- 
 moved to a warm conservatory, where it will last 
 in bloom for several weeks. Propagated by di- 
 vision in spring, when the new growth com- 
 mences, or from seed, which should be sown in 
 a hot-bed or green-house as early as possible 
 in spring. Introduced in 1810. 
 
 Dickspnia. Named after James Dickson, a famous 
 British cryptogamic botanist. Linn. Cryptoga- 
 mia-Fttices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiaceai. 
 
 A genus of very ornamental Ferns, mostly 
 arborescent, and including some of the most 
 valued Tree Ferns to be found in our green- 
 houses. D. antartica, a native of Australia, in- 
 troduced in 1824, is the one most commonly 
 met, and the most ornamental of the genus. 
 D. arbarescens, a native of St. Helena, grows 
 about twelve feet high, bearing at its summit a 
 number of pinnated fronds, from ten to twelve 
 feet in length. This species grows in great 
 abundance at St. Helena, and, next to the tomb 
 of Napoleon, is the great attraction of the island. 
 It is remarkable that this species has not been 
 found in any other part of the world. All the 
 Tree Ferns should be grown in a mixture of 
 loam and leaf mould, and require a humid at- 
 mosphere. They increase rapidly by division 
 or from seed. One species, D. pundilobula, a 
 hardy herbaceous plant, is a native of this 
 country, very common in moist, rather shady 
 places. It is one of our handsomest Ferns, and 
 has an agreeable odor. 
 
 Dicliptera. From dis, twice, and kleio, to shut ; 
 referring to the two-celled capsule or seed vessel. 
 Linn. Dit.indria-M'inogynwi. Nat. Ord. Acantha- 
 ceii'. 
 
 An extensive genus of annuals and perennials, 
 allied to Justiciti. The species are dispersed 
 over the tropical and sub-tropical regions of 
 the New and Old World. The annuals grow 
 readily from seed, which should be started in 
 a hot-bed, or the green-house in March, grown 
 on until all danger from frost is past, and then 
 transplanted in the open border. The peren- 
 nials are increased by cutting. They all re- 
 quire a very light, rich, fibrous soil. 
 
 Dictamnus. Fraxinella, Gas Plant. An ancient 
 name, supposed to have been given because the 
 leaves resemble those of the Ash ; hence the 
 English name, Fraxinella. Linn. Decandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Rutm-nr. 
 
 A small genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
 and among the oldest inhabitants of the cottage 
 garden. Johnson says: " Instances are known 
 where D. Fraxinella has outlived father, son, 
 and grandson in the same spot, without increase. 
 All attempts at multiplying it, to give away a 
 rooted slip to a newly-married member of the 
 family, having failed, yet the Fraxinella is 
 easily increased from seeds, which should be 
 sown soon as ripe in any common garden soil. 
 They will come up the following spring." The 
 plant has to be three years old before it will 
 flower. It is a native of Germany. When
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DIG 
 
 rubbed the leaves emit a fine odor, like that of 
 lemon peel; it is strongest in the pedicels of the 
 flowers. The flowers, on opening, emit a gas 
 which may be readily ignited. 
 
 Dictyanthus. From dildyon, net work, and 
 ai/tlios, a flower ; the flowers are netted with 
 veins. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 AsdepiadacecK. 
 
 Green-house climbers of considerable beauty, 
 from Central America and Brazil. They will do 
 well planted out in summer, but require green- 
 house culture during winter. The same treat- 
 ment that is given the Passiflora will suit them. 
 The flowers are whitish purple and greenish 
 brown, borne on axillary peduncles. D. cam- 
 pamdatus somewhat resembles the Stapelia. 
 Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1851. 
 
 Dictyogramma. A genus of Ferns formerly 
 called Gymnogramma. D. Japonica is described 
 as Gymnogramma Japonica. There does not seem 
 to be any good reason for this change in name. 
 
 Dictyopteris. From diktyon, a net, and pteris, a 
 Fern ; referring to the fronds. Linn. Gryptogamia- 
 FUices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 A genus of Ferns from Australia, without spe- 
 cial merit, and rarely met in collections. 
 
 Didiscus. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Apiacece. The 
 two species that compose this genus were for- 
 merly included in Trachymene. D. cceruleus is a 
 showy plant, a native of Australia. It is covered 
 with hairs ; its leaves are three-parted, each 
 division again sub-divided ; its flowers are blue. 
 The fruit, when mature, is covered with small 
 tubercles. D. albiflorus has no hairs, and its 
 flowers are white. 
 
 Didymochlaena. From didymos, twin, and chlaina, 
 a cloak ; referring to the covering of the spore 
 cases, called seed vessels. Linn. Cryptogamia- 
 Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea. 
 
 A small genus of very handsome Tree Ferns, 
 natives of Africa and South America. They are 
 allied to Oxygonium. The species are rarely met 
 in collections. 
 
 Dieffenbachia. Named after Dr. Dieffenbach, a 
 German botanist. Linn. Monaecia- Heptagynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Aracece. 
 
 A genus of showy plants, all inhabitants of 
 tropical America and the West Indies. They 
 are grown for the beauty of their foliage, which 
 is a very light green, thickly dotted with irregu- 
 larly-shaped, pure white blotches, which give 
 the plant a decidedly variegated appearance. 
 They require a warm house, and should be kept 
 near the glass to bring out their full colors. 
 When at rest, if water is thrown over them, 
 they are liable to damp off". The juice of these 
 plants is decidedly poisonous ; for this reason, 
 and their awkward appearance when at rest, they 
 have lost much of the favor that was bestowed 
 upon them at their early introd uction. D. segui- 
 napicla (also called Galadium seguinum) is called 
 the "dumb cane" by the natives, because it has 
 the power, when chewed, of swelling the tongue 
 and paralyzing the speech. It is said that Hum- 
 boldt, when gathering the plant, unfortunately 
 tasted it, and, in consequence, lost his speech 
 for several days. Similar instances are related 
 of others. Propagated by division and by cut- 
 tings. They should be grown in a light, rich 
 loam, freely mixed with sand and leaf mould. 
 
 Dielytra. From dis, two, and elytron, a sheath; 
 the base of the flower being furnished with two 
 sheath-like spurs. There has been a good deal 
 of learned discussion among botanists as to the 
 
 DIL 
 
 true derivation of this word. Gray favors Dlcen- 
 tra. Linn. Diadelphia-Diyynia. Nat. Ord. Fu- 
 mariacea'. 
 
 A genus of very desirable hardy herbaceous 
 plants, that grace any position in which they may 
 be placed. D. speclabilis, the "Bleeding Heart, " a 
 native of Siberia, was found by Mr. Fortune in the 
 gardens in the north of China, and sent it, in 
 1846, to the London Horticultural Society. This 
 species is too well known to need description. 
 It is only proper, however, to say it is by far 
 the handsomest of its tribe, and will grow in 
 thick groves or in the most sunny situations. 
 In the shade they do not flower so freely 
 as in sunny places, but last longer, and more 
 than compensate the loss of flowers by their 
 luxuriant, graceful foliage. This species is well 
 adapted for pot culture. It should be potted in 
 November, left outside until it has formed 
 new roots, and then brought into a gentle 
 heat, and it will come into flower early in 
 March. Taking it all in all, it is probably the 
 finest hardy plant in cultivation. The plants 
 are increased by division of roots, which should 
 be done as soon as they start in spring. 
 
 Diervilla. Named after M. DieraiUe, a French 
 surgeon. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. ; Nat. 
 Ord. Czprifoliacece. 
 
 A small genus of low-growing shrubs, with 
 yellow flowers, appearing in spring, by no 
 means as showy as the allied Japanese genus 
 Weigela. They are common from Canada south- 
 ward. 
 
 Digitalis. Fox-glove. From the Latin digitale, 
 the finger of a glove; referring to the shape of 
 the flower. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Scrophulariacetv. 
 
 This genus consists of several species, bien- 
 nials and perennials, all perfectly hardy and of 
 the easiest culture. D, purpurea, the common 
 Fox-glove, has long been cultivated as an orna- 
 mental border plant, and is the most useful of 
 the class. There are some with white, rose, and 
 yellow flowers that are very beautiful, but not so 
 free flowering. They prefer a rich, loamy soil, 
 and partial shade. Natives of Central Europe. 
 Propagated by seeds or root division. There 
 are ssveral green-house shrubs that wero for- 
 merly classed as Digitalis, that will now be 
 found under Isophltxis, Rehminniu, and Ptero- 
 sligma. A popular English name of the Digitalis 
 purpurea is Witches' Fingers. The plant is used 
 in medicine. 
 
 DHL Anethum graveolens. Dill is a hardy bien- 
 nial plant, P. native of Spain, and has been un- 
 der cultivation in English gardens for nearly 
 three hundred years. The plant grows upright, 
 and resembles Fennel, only it is smaller. The 
 flowers are borne in an umbel, and appear in 
 July. The whole plant is strongly aromatic. 
 The leaves are used in pickles, and fco give flavor 
 to soups and sauces. It was formerly included 
 in domestic medicines. It is readily grown 
 from seed in any good garden soil. 
 
 Dillwynia. In honor of L. W. Dillwyn, a British 
 patron of botany. Linn. Decandria-Monogyni'i. 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 Handsome green-house plants, of neat habit 
 of growth, free to flower, and of easy cultivation. 
 An airy part of the green-house should bs allot- 
 ted to them in winter, and through the summer 
 they will be benefited by being placed out of 
 doors. It is essential, in order to produce 
 handsome plants, that the young shoots be fre- 
 quently stopped while the plants are young, or
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 71 
 
 DIM 
 
 they are liable to overgrow themselves. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings of firm side shoots in March 
 or April. Natives of New Holland. Introduced 
 in 1794. 
 
 Dimorphanthus. From dimorphus, two formed. 
 Linn. Pentandria - Pentagynia. Nat. Ord. Aru- 
 liacece. 
 
 This genus is composed of herbs and shrubs, 
 natives of China and Japan. Some of the ' 
 species are very ornamental plants for the 
 green-house or garden. D. Mandc.huricus is a 
 deciduous shrub, said to be perfectly hardy. ; 
 Its handsome multifid leaves are nearly three 
 feet long, and of the same width, which gives 
 the plant a magnificent outline. The young 
 shoots of D. edalis are a delicate article of food, 
 much prized by the Chinese. They are in- 
 creased by seeds and from cuttings. 
 
 Dion. From (its, two, and oon, an egg; referring 
 to the two-lobed scales which compose the large 
 cones of the cycad, bearing a large nut-like seed 
 at the bottom of each scale ; otherwise from 
 seeds being borne in twos. Linn. DicRcia-Dodi'- 
 caijynia. Nat. Ord. Cycadacea;. 
 
 D. edule, the only species, is a beautiful Palm- 
 like plant. Its simple Zamia-like stem is com- 
 pletely covered with wool, and bears deep green 
 pinnate leaves, whose leaflets are sword-shaped 
 and sharp pointed. The cone consists of flat 
 scales covered with wool, each scale bearing two 
 large seeds of the size of Chestnuts, that yield 
 a large quantity of starch, which is used as ar- 
 row-root. D. edule is extensively cultivated as 
 nn ornamental green-house plant here. Propa- 
 gated by suckers and seeds. It is a native of 
 Mexico, and was introduced in 1844. 
 
 Dionaea. Venus's Fly-trap. Dione, one of the 
 names of Venus. Linn. Decandria-Monogyniu. 
 Nat. Ord. Droceracea?. 
 
 D. muscipula, the only species, is indigenous 
 to the swamps of North Carolina and other 
 Southern States, Aside from all the fables 
 about this plant, it is one of extreme interest to 
 cultivators, owing to the irritability displayed 
 by the stipulary fringes on the winged leaves. 
 The lamina of the leaf itself is divided by the 
 midrib into two nearly semicircular halves, each 
 of which is fringed with stiff hairs. This leaf ex- 
 actly resembles a miniature rat-trap. When the 
 hairs are touched by a fly or other insect, the 
 sides of the leaf are brought together with a 
 sudden spring, imprisoning the intruder. Mr. 
 Charles Darwin and other writers claim that the 
 Dioncea not only catches and kills the insects, I 
 but that its tissues absorb or feed upon them. 
 Our experiments, carefully and extensively 
 made during the summer of 1878, were such as 
 to cause strong doubts of the correctness of this 
 theory. The Diotnva is easily grown in sphag- 
 num moss, kept very moist when the plants 
 are in a growing state. They do rather the best 
 when grown in a Wardian case or under a bell 
 glass, and are always interesting from their sin- 
 gular insect catching peculiarity. 
 
 Dioscorea. Yam. After Pedacius Dioscorides, a 
 Greek physician. Linn. Dicetia-Hexayynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Dioscorini'iii'. 
 
 A genus of tuberous-rooted plants that are 
 extensively grown in Africa and the East and 
 AVest Indies for food. The roots grow to a great 
 size, are mealy, and considered to be easy of di- 
 gestion. They are roasted and eaten instead of 
 bread. The introduction of the Dloxcoriii huln- 
 tas into this country as an article of food some 
 years ago created qtiite a sensation ; although 
 
 DIP 
 
 we did not get a very valuable esculent, we got 
 a beautiful hardy climber, with clean, glossy 
 foliage and sweet-scented flowers, that are -pro- 
 duced in spikes at the base of the leaves. This 
 species was introduced from the West Indies in 
 1733. D. vUlosa, Wild Yam, is quite common 
 in the thickets of New England and to the 
 South and West. 
 
 Diosma. From dios, divine, and osme, odor ; 
 referring to the powerful perfume which char- 
 acterizes the species. Linn. Ptntandria~Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Rutacece. 
 
 There is quite a large number of the species, 
 all from the Cape of Good Hope. First intro- 
 duced in 1731. 
 
 Diospyros. Date Plum, Persimmon. From dios, 
 divine, and pyros, pear; literally celestial food. 
 Linn. Polygamia-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Ebenacea;. 
 
 D. Virtjiniana is the Persimmon of our woods, 
 common from New York southward. Ebony 
 wood is obtained from several species of this 
 genus. The best and most costly kind, with 
 the blackest and finest grain, is that imported 
 from the Mauritius, which is yielded by D. reti- 
 cidata. It is only the heart of the tree that 
 yields the black ebony; the outer portion, or 
 sapwood, being white and soft. The Japanese 
 Persimmon is the best fruit in Japan. Their 
 horticulturists have, by selection and cross- 
 fertilization, developed this fruit until it occu- 
 pies the same position with them that the 
 Apple does with us. It is described as one of 
 the finest fruits in the world, and ranges in 
 weight from eight to twenty ounces. Prof. Asa 
 Gray says: " He who has not tasted Kaki (the 
 Japanese Persimmon) has no conception of the 
 capabilities of the Diospyros genus. " The trees 
 are ornamental, especially when in fruit, pro- 
 lific bearers, and free from worms and insects. 
 It has proved about as hardy as our native spe- 
 cies. 
 
 Diplacus. From dis, two, and plakos, a placenta; 
 alluding to the splitting of the capsule, to each 
 valve of which is attached a large placenta, and 
 under its edges are found the slender subulate 
 seeds. Linn. LUdynamia-Digynia. Nat. Ord 
 Scrophutariacece. 
 
 This genus, consisting of three or four spe- 
 cies, is closely allied to Mimulus, the principal 
 difference being in its shrubby habit and the 
 seed capsule. D. ylutinosuft, a native of Califor- 
 nia, was long cultivated under the name of 
 Mimulus glulinosus. It is an erect, branching 
 plant, becoming more or less branching at the 
 base. The flowers are rather large, solitary in 
 the upper axils, and vary from a pale yellow to 
 a rich orange or scarlet. All the varieties are 
 desirable plants for the green-house or shady 
 border. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Dipladenia. From diploos, double, and aden, a 
 inland; referring to the presence of two gland- 
 like processes on the ovary. Linn. Pentundria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Apocyniicm . 
 
 A genus of very beautiful climbing green 
 and hot-house shrubs from Central America and 
 Brazil. The flowers are red, purple, rose, yellow, 
 etc., and are produced in terminal clusters in 
 great abundance, and some few kinds flower when 
 quite small. Most of them require to be grown 
 in rather a high temperature. Propagated by 
 cuttings. Introduced in 1841. 
 
 Diplazium. From diplazo, to double; referring 
 to the double covering of the spore cases or seed 
 vessels. Linn. Cryptoyamia-FHices. Nat. Ord. 
 Polypodiacea:
 
 72 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DIP 
 
 An extensive genus of handsome evergreen 
 Ferns, closely allied to Asplenium, and requir- 
 ing the same general treatment. The species j 
 are pretty generally distributed from North ' 
 America to Brazil. 
 
 Dipsacus. Teasle. From dipsao, to thirst; re- 
 ferring to the cavity formed by the leaves clasp- j 
 ing the stem holding water. Linn. Tetrandria- 
 Monngifnia. Nat. Ord. Dipsacacece. 
 
 Hardy biennials, of but little beauty or use, ! 
 except D.fultonum, the Fuller's Teasle, which is | 
 a leading farm crop in the town of Skaneateles, i 
 N. Y., the conditions there being so favorable for j 
 its growth that it produces nearly all that are j 
 used in the United States. The flower heads, | 
 when dried, are used in the manufacture of 
 woolen cloths, and are an article of considerable 
 importance. Natives of Great Britain. 
 Dipterix. Tonquin Bean. From dis, double, and 
 pterix, a wing, referring to the two upper seg- : 
 ments of the calyx. Linn. Diadelphia-Tetragynia. j 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacea>. 
 
 D. odorata, the only species, is an ornamental 
 evergreen tree, a native of Cayenne. It produces 
 the Tonquin or Tonga Bean of commerce, so 
 much used by perfumers, and in the adulter- 
 ation of the extract of Vanilla. 
 
 Dirca. Leather-wood, Moose- wood. From eftrfce, j 
 afountaim; the plant growing in moist places. ! 
 Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Thyme- \ 
 lacece. 
 
 D. paliistris, the only species, is a much- 
 branched shrub growing about six feet high. 
 The flowers are small and yellow, and produced 
 in clusters. They are followed by small red- 
 dish, poisonous fruit. The fibrous bark of this 
 shrub is remarkably tough, and was used by the 
 Indians for thongs, whence the popular names. 
 It is common in moist ground from Pennsylva- 
 nia and Kentucky northward. In some of the 
 New England States it is called Wicopy. 
 Disa. Meaning unknown, but supposed to be its 
 native name. Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. j 
 Ord. OrchidacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of terrestrial Orchids ' 
 confined to South Africa and Abyssinia. There | 
 is a wide variation in the habit of the various 
 species. D. grandiflora is perhaps the most I 
 beautiful of all terrestrial Orchids. It is spoken j 
 of as the pride of Table Mountain, where it \ 
 grows in great profusion on the borders of 
 streams and water pools, which are dry in sum- 
 mer, producing its gorgeous flowers in February 
 and March. The flowers are large, the sepals of a 
 deep scarlet crimson; petals tipped with white 
 and green, pale yellow inside. The species have 
 been considered the most difficult to manage of 
 any in cultivation. Mr. Rand differs with most 
 growers upon this point, having been quite suc- 
 cessful in flowering them, with the following 
 treatment: "The soil for this plant should be 
 rich fibrous peat and loam. It should have but 
 little heat, and never be allowed to dry off. The 
 great trouble in its culture appears to be want 
 of water. If there is good drainage it can j 
 scarcely have top much. It does not need much 
 heat, and should be grown with a good circula- 
 tion of air, and not full sun." Propagated by 
 division. Introduced in 1805. 
 Dischidia. From dis, twice, and schko, to split; 
 referring to an obscure process in the construc- 
 tion of the flower. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Asdepiadacea'. Nearly related to 
 Stephanotis and Hoya. 
 A small genus of ornamental green-hoiise 
 
 DOD 
 
 evergreen trailers. Flowers are white, borne at 
 the axils of the leaves. A plant of but little 
 merit. 
 
 Disemma. From di,s, double, and stemma, a 
 crown ; referring to the double coronet or rays. 
 Linn. Monadelphia-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Passiflo- 
 
 This genus is closely allied to Passiflora, re- 
 quires the same general treatment, and is prop- 
 agated in the same manner. Some of the 
 species are very beautiful, and worthy of culti- 
 vation. They are natives of New Holland. 
 Introduced in 1792. 
 
 Disocactus. Dish-rag Plant. See Luffa. From 
 di-s, twice, ii*)s, equal, and cados ; the divisions 
 of the petals and sepals equal, and twice two, 
 and the habit of a Cactus. Linn. Icosandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cadacem. 
 
 There is but one known species of this genus, 
 which is a weak trailing shrub or bush, a con- 
 necting link between two sections of the order, 
 the Epiphyllum and Rhipsalis. The flowers are 
 produced singly from one of the notches at the 
 upper end of the young branches, and are char- 
 acterized by having only four sepals and four 
 petals. They are of a deep pink color, about 
 two inches long, produced in succession, last a 
 long time, and are succeeded by beautiful little 
 shiny, deep crimson berries. The plant should 
 be grown in soil composed of equal parts of 
 sharp sand, leaf mould, and turfy loam. In a 
 growing state it should have a moist atmos- 
 phere, but in winter it should be kept dry, with 
 plenty of light. It may be increased by cuttings 
 or seeds. It is a native of Honduras, and was 
 introduced in 1839. 
 
 Disperis. From dLs, double, and pera, a pouch ; 
 in allusion to the form of the outer segments of 
 the perianth. Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Orchidarec'. 
 
 A small genus of terrestrial Orchids from the 
 Cape of Good Hope, bearing scarlet or purple 
 flowers. It requires the same treatment in prop- 
 agation and culture as Disa. 
 
 Disporum. From di.s, double, and poros, a pore ; 
 application not stated. Linn. Hexandria-Mono- 
 yynia. Nat. Ord. Mdanthaceo>. 
 
 A genus of half-hardy herbaceous plants, al- 
 lied to Uvularia. The flowers are small, but 
 rather pretty, of brown or yellow colors. They 
 succeed well in a warm border, if slightly pro- 
 tected in winter. Natives of China and Nepal. 
 Introduced in 1801. Propagated by division of 
 roots. 
 
 Ditch Stone Crop. The common name of Pen- 
 thoruin sedoules. 
 
 Dittany. See Cimiln. 
 
 Dock. See Rttmex. 
 
 Dodder. See C>wntn. 
 
 Dod.ecath.eon. American Cowslip. From dodeka, 
 twelve, and theos, a divinity ; twelve gods or di- 
 vinities of the Romans ; a name absurdly ap- 
 plied to a plant, native of a world the Eomans 
 did not know, and resembling in no particular 
 any plant of their writers. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Primutacece. 
 
 This is a genus of native herbaceous peren- 
 nials that deserve extensive cultivation. They 
 are common in rich woods in Pennsylvania and 
 westward to Wisconsin. In the West the com- 
 mon name is Shooting Star. They are exceed- 
 ingly handsome in cultivation, thriving well in 
 a shady border. The flower-stems are one foot 
 or more high, bearing a considerable number of 
 elegant drooping flowers of rosy purple, light
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DOG 
 
 purple, or white colors, and of an interesting 
 shape, somewhat resembling the Cyclamen, to 
 which plant it is allied. They are propagated 
 by seeds or division of the roots. 
 Dog's Tail Grass. One of the popular names of 
 
 the E'eusine Indica. 
 
 Dog's Tooth Violet. See Erythronium. 
 Dogwood. See Cornus. 
 
 Dolichos. From dolichos, long ; referring to the 
 long, twining shoots. Linn. Diaddphia-Tetra- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 Climbing annual and perennial plants from 
 the East and West Indies, generally with purple 
 or white flowers. The pods and seeds are eat- 
 able, and, in some cases, also the roots. D, Lab- 
 lab, the Egyptian Bean, is a beautiful species 
 with two varieties, one with dark purple flow- 
 ers, the other white. They grow in any situa- 
 tion, where an ornamental climber is required, 
 and may be treated as hardy annuals. This spe- 
 cies was introduced from Egypt in 1818. 
 Dondia. A synonym of Hacsjuetia, which see. 
 Doodia. Named after Samuel Doody, a London 
 apothecary and cryptogamic botanist. Linn. 
 Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. PolypodiacetK. 
 
 A genus of green-house herbaceous Ferns, 
 with the exception of D. Virginica, which will 
 grow in any moist situation, with partial shade, 
 being perfectly hardy. The species are small, 
 stiff, and rough-leaved, without great beauty. 
 The tender species are from Australia. Propa- 
 gated by division when at rest. 
 Doora. See Sorghum vulgare. 
 Dorema. From dorema, a gift or benefit. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Apiacecu. 
 
 A hardy herbaceous plant, growing on the 
 plains in the province of Irak, Persia. It fur- 
 nishes the drug known as Ammoniacum. The 
 plant abounds in a milky juice, which exudes 
 upon the slightest puncture being made, and 
 dries upon the stem in little rounded lumps, or 
 tears, as they are called. Propagated by seeds. 
 Doronicum. Leopard's Bane. Altered from 
 Deronogi, its Arabic name. Linn. Synyenesia-Su- 
 peifiua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 A genus of showy herbaceous perennials, with 
 large, dark yellow flowers, that are produced 
 with the least possible care in early spring. 
 They make very effective border plants. They 
 are natives of Northern Europe. Propagated by 
 division of roots. Siberia furnishes one species, 
 D. altaicum, that has pure white flowers, and is 
 an ornamental plant that deserves a situation in 
 the border. Introduced in 1783. 
 Doryanthes. From dory, a spear, and anthe, a 
 flower ; the flower-stem shoots up from twelve 
 to twenty feet high, like the handle of a spear, 
 bearing flowers on the top. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryUidacece. 
 
 D. excelsa, introduced in 1800, is a magnificent 
 Australian plant, and is what is termed an im- 
 perfect bulb. The flower-stalk has been known 
 to grow as high as thirty feet, crowned with a 
 head of bright scarlet flowers, that emerge from 
 crimson bracts. It does well in a green-house 
 temperature. D. Palmeri, recently introduced 
 from Queensland, is described as being a more 
 beautiful plant than the preceding. The flow- 
 ers form a pyramidal spike twelve to eighteen 
 inches high, and ten to twelve inches broad, the 
 flowers being red, with a center almost white. 
 Propagated by suckers. 
 
 Doryopteris. From dory, a spear, and pter'is, a 
 fern; spear-leaved Fern, Linn. Oryptogan/ia-l-1- 
 iices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiceu\ 
 
 DRA 
 
 A genus of tropical herbaceous Ferns, allied 
 to Pteris. Some of the species were introduced 
 under the latter genus. They are common in 
 South America and the East and West Indies. 
 Propagated by spores. 
 
 Douglasia. Named by Dr. Lindley in compli- 
 ment to David Douglas, whose zeal in collecting 
 seeds and plants, and whose untimely end have 
 richly earned for him a niche in the long gal- 
 lery of departed martyrs to science. "Mr. 
 Doughy? was born in Scone, Scotland, in 1798, 
 and killed in the Sandwich Islands, July 12th, 
 1834. Having been employed as a laborer in the 
 Glasgow Botanic Garden, his intelligence at- 
 tracted the notice of Sir William Hooker, who 
 procured for him an appointment as botanical 
 collector to the Horticultural Society of London. 
 In this capacity he traveled extensively in Amer- 
 ica. In 1824 he explored the Columbia River 
 and California, and in 1827 traversed the conti- 
 nent from Fort Vancouver to Hudson's Bay, 
 where he met Sir John Franklin, and returned 
 with him to England. He made a second visit 
 to the Columbia in 1829, and afterward went to 
 the Sandwich Islands. His death was caused 
 by falling into a pit made to entrap wild cattle, 
 where he wag killed and mutilated by an animal 
 previously entrapped. Through his agency 217 
 new species of plants were introduced into Eng- 
 land. He collected 800 specimens of the Cali- 
 fornia Flora. A gigantic species of Pine which 
 he discovered in California is named after him, 
 Pinus Douglasi." Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Primulacece. 
 
 This is a very pretty hardy herbaceous plant, 
 with forked and closely-tufted stems, which are 
 covered with numerous short, stiff hairs. The 
 plant is evergreen, and, like many others from 
 high latitudes, will not bear sudden changes ; 
 consequently it needs protection in winter. 
 The flowers are small, of beautiful purple, borne 
 in small tufts. Propagated by seed. Introduced 
 in 1827. 
 
 Dove-Flower. See Peristeria. 
 
 Draba. From drabc, acrid ; referring to one of 
 the universal characters of its natural order. 
 Linn. Tetradynamia. Nat. Ord. Brassicacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy rock or Alpine plants, con- 
 sisting of annuals, biennials, and herbaceous 
 perennials. They are very low plants, admira- 
 bly adapted for rock-work, as they are generally 
 found in a wild state in the fissures and crevices 
 of rocks and mountains. They have white or 
 yellow flowers, and should be grown with good 
 drainage and a sunny exposure. Propagated 
 by root division, or by seeds. First introduced 
 in 1731. 
 
 Dracaena. From draJcaina, a female dragon ; the 
 thickened juice becomes a powder, like the 
 dragon's-blood. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 Dracaenas rank among the most beautiful and 
 useful of the ornamental-foliaged and fine- 
 leaved plants. In a large or small state they are 
 alike elegant and attractive. They are deserved- 
 ly popular for the green-house or the sub-tropi- 
 cal garden, and for lawn decoration, large plants 
 of many of the species have no equal. The spe- 
 cies include the celebrated Dragon Tree (D. 
 Draco) at Orotavia, in the island of Teneriffe, 
 that was first noticed by Humboldt, who esti- 
 mated its age at 6,000 years. This tree was sev- 
 enty feet in height and seventy-nine feet in cir- 
 cumference at the base. D. termiiuilis, a native of 
 both the East and West Indies, is the best known
 
 71 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DRA 
 
 of the species, and is extensively grown for bas- 
 kets, window gardens, or the conservatory, the 
 yivid coloring of its leaves rendering it at all 
 times attractive. For the hot-house, many other 
 of the species are considered more desirable and 
 interesting because of their varied and rich tints 
 of color, and their gracefully recurved foliage. 
 Nearly all the species are admirably adapted for 
 decorative purposes. For the sub-tropical gar- 
 den or forthe lawn, D. indivisa ( Cordyline indivisa, ) 
 is the best, being of graceful habit, rapid growth, 
 and not affected by sunshine, storm, or drought. 
 This species is a native of New Zealand, and is 
 readily increased from seed. The other species 
 are propagated by placing the stems on the prop- 
 agating bench in sand, with a bottom heat of 75, 
 and covering them with sphagnum about one 
 inch in depth, which should be kept at all times 
 moist; in a short time an eye will break forth from 
 nearly every joint. The most forward of these 
 may be removed from the stein from time to 
 time, which will soon strike root in sand with 
 bottom heat. The old stem should not be re- 
 moved until its reproductive powers are exhaust- 
 ed. The species are pretty generally distributed 
 throughout all tropical and sub-tropical coun- 
 tries, and were first brought to notice about 1820. 
 
 Dracocephalum. Dragon Head. From drak-on, 
 a dragon, and keptiale, a head; referring to the 
 gaping flower. Linn. Didynamia-Gymnospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Lamiaeece. 
 
 This genus consists of both hardy annuals and 
 perennials, several of which are well known as 
 garden flowers, among which may be found D. 
 MoUIavicum, the Moldavian Balm, a hardy annual 
 with blue flowers. Several hardy species, per- 
 ennials, natives of Siberia, have beautiful large 
 blue flowers. One very pretty species, D. par- 
 vMorum, is sparingly met in the Northern and 
 Western States. All are propagated by seed or 
 root division. Introduced in 1731. 
 
 Dragon. Arum. See Arisa*ma. 
 
 Dragon Head. See Dracocephalum. 
 
 Dragon Root. Ariswma Dracontium. 
 
 Drimia. From drimys, acrid; referring to the 
 juice of the bulbs. Linn. Jlfxandria-Monogunia. 
 Nat. Ord. LiHacev. 
 
 A small genus of green-house bulbs from the 
 Cape of Good Hope. The flowers are white, pur- 
 ple, red, green, and variegated, and resemble 
 the Ixias, though not as showy. The juice of 
 the bulb is very acrid, causing blisters when ap- 
 plied to the skin. Propagated by offsets. In- 
 troduced in 1800. 
 
 Drooping Sorghum. See Sorghum cernuum. 
 
 Drop-seed Grass. The common name of the ge- 
 nus tporobolus, applied because the seeds are 
 loose, and easily scattered. The several species 
 are common in dry barrens. 
 
 Dropwort. See SpircKa. 
 
 Drosera. Sun-dew. From droseros, dewy. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Penlagynia. Nat. Ord. Droseracew. 
 American, British, and Australian plants, with 
 hairy leaves and curious flowers, which require to 
 be grown in moss, mixed with leaf mould, kept 
 moist, and during the heat of the day covered with 
 a bell glass. The hairs on the leaves support drops 
 of water in the hottest weather, and being very 
 irritable, close on any insect that may chance to 
 touch them, like those of Dioncea muscipula, 
 Venus's Fly-trap, the leaf bending over the in- 
 sect, and holding it imprisoned. The Italian 
 liqueur called Rossoglia is said to take its name 
 from one of the species being used in its compo- 
 sition. This is one of the plants experimented 
 
 DRY 
 
 with by Mr. Darwin, from which he was led to 
 believe that some plants feed on insects. 
 
 Dryas. From Druudes, the goddesses of the 
 woods, to whom the oak was sacred. The leaves 
 of D. octopetala, a Scotch plant, on which the 
 genus was founded by Linnasus, resembles small 
 oak leaves ; and he, in playful mood, made Dryas 
 the badge of Virgil's Dryades, after the manner 
 of the Scottish clans. Linn. Icosandrln-Poly- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Rosacea;. 
 
 A delicate genus of dwarf, modorately-spread- 
 ing plants, with neat evergreen leaves, and 
 strawberry-lito flowers. All have white flowers 
 except D. Drummondii, which are of a sulphur 
 yellow. They are all of easy culture, but require 
 a moist, shaded situation. They are natives of 
 Great Britain and the United States. Propa- 
 gated by division and seeds. 
 
 Drynaria. From dry*, a tree ; dwelling among 
 trees. Linn. Oryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
 podiacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of green-house Ferns from 
 India and the Pacific Islands. 
 
 Drypis. From drypto, to lacerate ; leaves armed 
 with spines. Linn. Pentandria-Trigynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Caryophyttaceaj. 
 
 D. spinosa is a beautiful little trailing plant, 
 well adapted for growing upon rock-work ; itn 
 pretty blue flowers being produced so as to 
 completely cover the ground. It is increased by 
 cuttings. This plant is a native of Italy, and 
 was introduced in 1795. 
 
 Durra. See Sorghum vulgare. 
 
 Dutchman's Breeches. Dicentra cucullaria. 
 
 Dutchman's Pipe. See Aristolochia sipho. 
 
 Duvaua. In honor of M. Duvau, a French botan- 
 ist. Linn. Moncecia-Octandria. Nat. Ord. Ann- 
 cardiacecK. 
 
 Singular half-hardy shrubs from Chili. The 
 leaves of the plants of this genus, if thrown upon 
 water, will start and jump about in a very ex- 
 traordinary manner. They have a strong smell 
 of turpentine. The flowers are white, produced 
 in small spikes, and are succeeded by dark pur- 
 ple berries. They require green-house treatment. 
 Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1830. 
 
 Dwarf Dandelion. Krigia Virginica, a small, 
 hardy annual, with yellow flowers resembling a 
 small Dandelion, common in New England and 
 Southward. 
 
 Dyckia. Named in honor of Prince Salm-Dyck, 
 a German author of a splendid work on succu- 
 lents. Linn. Hexandria-Triyynia. Nat. Ord. Bro- 
 meliacecK. 
 
 A small genus of green-house plants, resem- 
 bling the Pineapple in miniature, or a small 
 Pitcairnia. D. rariftora is a very showy plant 
 with orange-colored flowers. One or two other 
 species of the same general character have been 
 introduced into the green-house. Propagated by 
 division or from seeds. 
 
 Dyer's Green- Weed. See Genista tindoria. 
 
 Dyer's Rocket, or Dyer's Weed. A popular 
 name of Reseda, latiola, allied to Mignonette. 
 
 Drymonia. From drumonia, woodland; their habi- 
 tation. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. 
 Gesneracew. 
 
 A small genus of South American shrubs, of 
 climbing habit, found in moist or marshy situ- 
 ations. Flowers large, not unlike the Gesnera. 
 A few species have been introduced into the 
 green-house, and are quite ornamental. They 
 should be grown in baskets filled with turf and 
 pieces of wood, and need a moist, warm house. 
 Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1806.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 E. 
 
 EAR 
 
 Earina. From earinos, the spring ; the time of 
 their flowering. Linn. Gynandria-Monoyynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Orchidnceiv. 
 
 A genus of very rare Orchids. The stems are 
 terminated by dense oblong spikes of white 
 flowers, which are delightfully fragrant. They 
 were introduced from New Zealand in 1843. 
 Ebony. See Diospyros. 
 
 Eccremocarpus. From el, -Ar^/ies, pendant, and 
 L-ti rpos, fruit; position of seed-pods. Linn. Didy- 
 ii.'iiii'iif-Anyiospfrmia. Nat. Ord. Blgnon'm <>'. 
 
 A half-hardy climber, of exceedingly vigor- 
 ous growth, producing a great profusion of 
 orange-scarlet flowers, and ripening an abun- 
 dance of seed. If cut down to the root in au- 
 tumn, and covered with dead leaves, straw, or 
 anything to preserve it from the frost during 
 winter, it will shoot up again the following 
 spring. It may be propagated by cuttings, but 
 it ripens seed so freely that it is most easily 
 raised from them. They should be sown in 
 autumn, as soon as they are ripe, on a slight 
 hot-bed ; and the plants, which should be kept 
 in a frame or green-house, should be shifted 
 two or three times till they are ready for plant- 
 ing out in April or May. The species are natives 
 of Peru. Introduced in 1824. 
 Echeandia. Named after Gfrey. Echeandia, botani- 
 cal professor at Saragossa. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. LUiacea;. 
 
 A small genus of exceedingly rare tender 
 herbaceous perennials, discovered near the Real 
 del Monte Ninas, Mexico, by Mr. John Rule, 
 and sent by him to England in 1837. It is allied 
 to the Anthericum, which in habit of growth it 
 resembles. The flower spike grows nearly three 
 feet high, branching, and during July and Au- 
 gust it produces daily several flowers, Asphodel- 
 shaped, of a bright orange-yellow color. It is 
 increased ironi seeds. 
 
 Echeveria. In honor of M. Echeveri, author of 
 the splendid drawings of the Flora Mexicani. 
 Linn. Decandria-Tetrayynia. Nat. Ord. O.s.-- 
 lacffn. 
 
 The Echeverias are succulent plants, all more 
 or less ornamental, particularly so when in 
 flower. Some are dwarf and herb-like in their 
 manner of growth, and others more or less 
 shrubby in their habit. They are all free-grow- 
 ing plants, suitable for rockeries, edgings, or 
 massing; where "carpet bedding" is done the 
 fr-l,e>:erias are indispensable. They require the 
 protection of the green-house during winter, 
 and, like most other succulents, to be carefully 
 watered; in fact, the soil must never approach 
 a soddened condition. They must, however, be 
 freely supplied with water while in a growing 
 condition. The Echeverias are readily propa- 
 gated by the leaves, especially those produced 
 along the flower-stem, and by seeds. They re- 
 quire a very open or porous soil, consisting of 
 loam and coarse sand. They are chiefly natives 
 of Mexico. Some of the more popular kinds are 
 of recent introduction. 
 
 Echinacea. Purple Cone-Flower. From 7,/'/io.v, 
 a hedge-hog; referring to the involucre, or scaly 
 covering of the flowers. Linn, tiynynn *i<i-Sn l >, ,- 
 fiua. Nat. Ord. As1i-r<t<->-"\ 
 
 A small genus of coarse-growing, hardy her- 
 
 EDW 
 
 baceous perennials, bearing large purple or red- 
 dish flowers, with a dark center. They are com- 
 mon South and West. 
 
 Echinocactus. From vchiiio*, hedge-hog, andcar- 
 ttts ; & name given by Theophrastus to a spiny 
 plant. Linn. Icotsandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Cactaoea'. 
 
 This genus is one of the most beautiful of the 
 order; the grotesque appearance of the plants, 
 crowned as they are at times with their large 
 flowers, render them objects of much attention 
 among the admirers of this class of vegetable 
 forms. The soil we prefer for their culture is a 
 mixture of rich loam, thoroughly decomposed 
 manure, and sand, in equal quantities. This 
 must be well drained by mixing small lumps of 
 charcoal and potsherds with the earth, and by 
 placing a layer of the same material at the bot- 
 tom of the pots. Through the winter the plants 
 should be kept in a reduced temperature, such 
 as that of a green-house, and have little or no 
 water, but in summer they grow and flower 
 more freely if allowed a stove temperature and 
 a liberal supply of moisture. Bright sunlight 
 is essential to their vigor at all seasons, but 
 most particularly so in autumn and winter. 
 The genus comprises many species; more than 
 "half of them natives of Mexico, the rest being 
 distributed throughout South America. They 
 are propagated by offsets, which should be dried 
 a few days after being taken off the plant. First 
 introduced in 1796. 
 
 Echinops. Globe Thistle. From echinos, a hedge- 
 hog, and opsis, like; referring to the spiny scales 
 of the involucre, or covering of composite flow- 
 ers. Linn. Syngenesia-Seyreyata. Nat. Ord. Aster- 
 acecK. 
 
 A genus of hardy annual, biennial, and per- 
 ennial plants, generally with blue flowers, ar- 
 ranged in dense round clusters at the ends of 
 the branches, so that each cluster of flower-heads 
 has the appearance of a single head, containing 
 many florets. They are all of easy culture, and 
 will grow in almost any situation. For moder- 
 ate-sized gardens, they are too rank growing 
 and coarse to be useful. Natives of Southern 
 Europe. Propagated by seeds and division. 
 
 Echites. From eckis, a viper; referring to the 
 snake-like coils of the twining shoots. Linn. 
 Pen'andria-M^noyynia. Nat. Ord. Apocynacece. 
 
 A genus of magnificent green-house climbing 
 plants, with yellow, white, red, and crimson 
 flowers and richly-veined leaves. Thev closely 
 resemble Diplndenia, which may be referred to 
 for culture. It is an extensive genus, pretty gen- 
 erally distributed throughout South America 
 and the East Indies. 
 
 Echium. Viper's Bugloss. From echis, a viper: 
 seeds like the viper's head. Linn. Pentunaria- 
 Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Boranyinaceo: 
 
 Perennial, biennial, and annual plants, gene- 
 rally with rich dark-blue flowers; though some 
 of the kinds that are natives of the Cap of Good 
 Hope and the Canaries have red, white, or vio- 
 let flowers. They are easily propagated by seedfl 
 or division of the root. First introduced in 1683. 
 
 Edwardsia. In honor of Sydenliam Edwards, 
 a celebrated English botanical draughtsman. 
 Linn. Decttndria-Monoyyttiu. Nat. Ord. Fabacea;.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EEL 
 
 Half-hardy low trees and shrubs, with pinnate 
 leaves and very curiously-shaped seed pods and 
 flowers, (which are of a dark golden yellow.) 
 They are ornaments to the lawn, but must be 
 protected in winter. The species are all na- 
 tives of New Zealand. Propagated by cuttings. 
 Introduced in 1772. 
 
 Eel-Grass. See I'allisneria. 
 
 Egg-Plant. The Egg-Plant of our gardens is 
 Stfanum melongena, a native of North Africa. It 
 was first introduced into England in 1596, but 
 for a long time was little known or used, owing 
 much to the climate being unsuited to the per- 
 fect development of the fruit. In India and 
 other hot countries it is a favorite article of food, 
 and for many years it has steadily grown in fa- 
 vor in this country. In India it is served up 
 with sugar and wine, and in Italy and France it 
 is used in stews and soups. Of this species 
 there are several varieties, the favorite being the 
 ' Improved New York Purple," which is a strong 
 grower, the plants yielding from five to eight 
 fruits, some of which are of enormous size; the 
 size, however, depends much on the soil and 
 method of culture. For perfection of growth, 
 a very rich soil, plenty of moisture, and warm 
 weather are required, with the addition of fre- 
 quent hoeings. Under such circumstances, 
 fruit seven inches in diameter and eight to nine 
 inches long, and weighing five to six pounds, is 
 easily obtained. There are several other species 
 occasionally met in our gardens, one having 
 bright scarlet, another white fruit, each abox\t 
 the size of a hen's egg, which are chiefly grown 
 as curiosities. The white variety is edible, how- 
 ever, and is perhaps the most delicately flavored. 
 Seeds should be sown about March 1st, in a 
 temperature at no time lower than 70 degrees 
 F., and from the seed bed pricked out in shallow 
 boxes, and from these, again, into small flower 
 pots, to be planted out in the open ground 
 when all danger from frost is past, since the 
 plant . being tropical, is at all times sensitive to 
 cold. 
 
 Eglantine. Rosa rxbiginosa. Sweet Brier. 
 
 Egyptian Lotus. See Nymphwa lotus. 
 
 Ehretia. In honor of D. 0. Ehret, a celebrated 
 German botanical draughtsman. Linn. Pentan- 
 'li'iu-.Wonogynia. Nat. Ord. Ehretacea>. 
 
 A small genus- of very beautiful tropical trees 
 and shrubs, producing large corymbs of fra- 
 grant, mostly white flowers. None of the species 
 is under cultivation. 
 
 Elaeis. The Oil Palm. From eUiia, the olive ; 
 similarity of expressing oil from the fruit. 
 Linn. DioKda-Hexagynut. Nat. Ord. PalmacecK. 
 
 This interesting genus of Palms consists of 
 but few species, the minor ones being natives 
 of South America. R (Juineensis, the most im- 
 portant species, abounds on the west coast of 
 Africa. It grows to the greatest perfection in 
 shady places, where the trees attain u height of 
 twenty feet. The immense groves interspersed 
 with the larger vegetation of that country, gives 
 the landscape an indescribable beauty. The 
 fruits of this species are borne in immense, 
 dense heads, measuring from one to two feet 
 long, and from two to three feet in circum- 
 ference, the individual fruit, or nut, being 
 about an inch and a half long by an inch in 
 diameter. These fruits yield the Palm Oil of 
 commerce, the collecting of which is the princi- 
 pal industry of the Negroes in many parts of 
 Africa, but more particularly on the west coast. 
 Theoil is obtained by bruising the fruit, boiling 
 
 ENC 
 
 in water, and skimming it off as it rises to the 
 surface. The Palm Oil of commerce is about the 
 consistence of butter, of a deep orange yellow, 
 becoming lighter upon being exposed to the air, 
 and when fresh it emits a sweet violet odor. In 
 Africa this oil is used as butter under the name 
 of qhea. A soup is also made of it, that forms 
 an important article of food. The vast produc- 
 tiveness of the plant is evident from the fact, 
 that the importations into Great Britain alone, 
 in 1860, amounted to more than eight millions 
 of dollars. The chief uses to which this oil is 
 applied is in the manufacture of candles, Palm 
 Oil soap, and for lubricating oil for machinery. 
 
 Elder. See Sambucus. 
 
 Elecampane. See Jnulu. 
 
 Elephant's Foot. See Testudinaria. 
 
 Elseocarpus. From elala-, the olive, and karpus, 
 fruit; resemblance of the fruits. Linn. Dodecan- 
 dr'M-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 A genus of handsome trees belonging to the 
 Linden family. They are natives of South 
 America, Australia, and the East Indies. The 
 flowers are white or green, quite showy. The 
 rough bony fruit, or stone, has a sculptured 
 appearance, and is used for necklaces and other 
 articles of ornament. The fruit is surrounded 
 by an edible pulp, and is pickled like olives. 
 The bark of some of the species affords an excel- 
 lent dye, varying from light brown to deep 
 black; it is highly valued for its permanency. 
 
 Elseodendron. Olive Wood. From elaia, an 
 olive, and dendron, a tree , alluding to the re- 
 semblance. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Cdastracece. 
 
 A genus of medium-sized evergreen trees, 
 common in Africa, India, the South of Europe, 
 and is also abundant in the Holy Land. The 
 trees grow from thirty to forty feet high, much 
 branched, with rough, scraggy trunks. The 
 fruit is considerably esteemed. The tree fur- 
 nishes the Olive Wood, used so much in turning, 
 and various small works, such as boxes, charms, 
 trinkets, and small cabinet work. The fruit 
 yields an oil something like that of the true 
 Olive, Olea Europcva, though of an inferior 
 quality. 
 
 Elichrysum. See Hdichrysum. 
 
 Elisena. An ancient name of romance. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Mongynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryttidacecK. 
 A small genus of strong-growing bulbs from 
 Peru. The flowers are borne in a cluster, on a 
 scape nearly three feet high, pure white and 
 fragrant, closely resembling Ismene. They re- 
 quire green-house treatment. To bring them 
 into flower, water should be withheld after their 
 season's growth, until the flower spike appears, 
 when they should have the warmest position 
 in the green-house, with plenty of air and 
 water. Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 
 1837. 
 
 Elettaria. A synonym of Amomum, which see. 
 
 EUobocarpus. Pod Fern. From en, in, lobos, a 
 pod, and karpos, a seed vessel ; alluding to the 
 appearance of the divided fronds. Linn. Orypto- 
 gamia-FUices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacecv. 
 
 E. oleraceijis, the only species, io a beautiful 
 Fern from Tranqueb, whence it was introduced 
 in 1818. It should be grown in the warm green- 
 Elm. See Ulmus. 
 
 Encholirion. A genus of brotndiacecK, consisting 
 of a few Brazilian herbaceous plants, usually 
 referred to Vriesia, which see. 
 
 Encephalartos. From en, within, krpbale, the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 77 
 
 BMC 
 
 head, and artos, bread; the inner part of the top 
 of the trunk being farinaceous. Linn. Dioscia- 
 Icvsandrla. Nat. Ord. Cycadaceti-. 
 
 This is a small genus separated from #///<;</. 
 They require the same treatment, and are in 
 all respects very similar plants. They are na- 
 tives principally of the Cape of Good Hope. 
 Several of the species are valuable decorative 
 plants. 
 
 Enchanter's Nightshade. See Circcea. 
 
 Enkianthus. From enkous, enlarged, and an- 
 tlios, a flower; the flowers are swollen in the mid- 
 dle. Linn. Decandria-Monoyyma. Nat. Ord. 
 Ericacece. 
 
 Highly beautiful objects, which, from their 
 habit of blooming in winter and early spring, 
 are much esteemed for ornamenting the green- 
 house and conservatory. They should have a 
 shaded situation out of doors through the sum- 
 mer. Propagated by cuttings, which require to 
 be of firm young wood. There are but two 
 species. Introduced from China in 1812. 
 
 Entada. The Malabar name. Linn. Polygamia- 
 Monceda. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A genus of ornamental hot-house climbers, 
 consisting of five species, with white or yellow 
 flowers, produced either in spikes at the bases 
 of the leaves, or in bunches at the ends of the 
 branches. The most remarkable feature of the 
 genus is the extraordinary length of its pods, 
 which are flat and woody, divided into numer- 
 ous joints, each containing one large, flat, pol- 
 ished seed. In E. scandens, a native of the tropics 
 of both hemispheres, the pods often measure six 
 or eight feet in length. The seeds are near- 
 ly two inches across by half an inch thick, 
 and have a hard, woody, and beautifully pol- 
 ished shell, of a dark-brown or purplish color. 
 In the tropics the natives convert these seeds 
 into snuff-boxes, scent-bottles, and various other 
 trinkets. In this country they are much worn 
 as charms on watch-guards, and are very com- 
 mon in their natural state on the side-walk 
 stands in Broadway, New York. They are na- 
 tives of the West and East Indies and the South 
 Sea Islands. The seeds are often picked up on 
 the coast of Florida, and even as far as the 
 coast of Finland, having been conveyed there 
 by the great oceanic currents. They are sold 
 under the name of Sea Beans and Florida 
 Beans. 
 
 Epacris. From epi, upon, and akros, the top. 
 The Epacris grows upon the tops of hills and on 
 rising grounds. Linn. Pentandria-Monoyyniu. 
 Nat. Ord. Epacridacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of ornamental shrubs 
 from Australia, the species of which are highly 
 valued, both for their graceful beauty and the 
 early period at which they produce their abun- 
 dant flowers. For a proper method of treat- 
 ment, we quote from the Florist's Journal: " The 
 method we are about to recommend for the 
 management of these lovely plants will be found 
 to differ considerably from the ordinary course 
 of treatment, but as we have found it so de- 
 cidedly preferable, there can bo no hesitation 
 in advising its adoption. To begin, we select 
 young, healthy plants, and in February remove 
 them from the small pots in which they have 
 been grown into others three or four sizes 
 larger, according to the apparent strength of 
 the individual, using a very sandy soil; the 
 rougher and more turfy the soil is the better the 
 plants will thrive. Particular attention should 
 be paid to drainage. The plants are then cut 
 
 EPI 
 
 back to within four or five joints of their last 
 growth and are placed in a gentle heat, where 
 they soon ' break ' vigorously. These new growths 
 are stopped by pinching off their tops two or three 
 times in the course of the summer, taking care, 
 however, to discontinue it after July, so that the 
 last shoots may have time to ripen before the 
 winter, and, by giving proper attention to 
 watering, they will attain a length of a foot or 
 more, and make nice little specimens to bloom 
 in the following spring. After they have then 
 done flowering, they are again repotted, and, 
 instead of being stopped in their after-growth, 
 are at once cut back to very near the base of the 
 preceding year's shoots, and are then allowed to 
 grow as far as they please, training them into 
 any desirable form. Thus, instead of a few 
 flowers on several small stems, we have long 
 spikes full of flowers, increasing the general 
 beauty of the plants to an amazing extent. Every 
 year they are cut down in the same manner, and 
 each season more numerous spikes are pro- 
 duced. We must observe, however, that after 
 the first season the plants are not subject to a 
 high temperature, choosing in preference a 
 shaded, airy place for them to make their new 
 wood through the summer, removing them about 
 August to a sunny position, in order to ripen the 
 recent shoots; in other respects the ordinary at- 
 tention is all that is required." Hardly as good 
 results can be obtained in this country, as they 
 suffer, like the Heath, from our long, dry, hot 
 summers. Propagated by cuttings of the tips 
 of the shoots when from one to two inches 
 in length, in spring or early summer. E. 
 grandiflora, one of the finest species, was intro- 
 duced in 1803. 
 
 Ephedra. The Greek for the Hippuris, or Horse- 
 tail, which it resembles. Linn. JDioecia-Polygynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Grndacea?. 
 
 This genus consists of evergreen trailing 
 shrubs with numerous slender-jointed, jgreen 
 branches, and small, scale-like leaves. These 
 shrubs inhabit the rocky shores of the Mediter- 
 ranean and salt plains of Asia. Some of the spe- 
 cies are very ornamental, but not sufficiently 
 hardy to stand the winters, unprotected, north 
 of the Carolinas. One of the species, E. anti- 
 syphilitica, is said to contain large quantities of 
 tannin. 
 
 Epidendrum. From epi, upon, and dendron, a 
 tree; the plants are usually found growing on 
 the branches of trees. Linn. Gynandria-Mono- 
 f/ynia. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea'. 
 
 This is an extensive, and, for the most part, 
 beautiful genus of epiphytal Orchids. All of 
 them may be grown on billets of wood or on 
 cork, or, where it is preferred, for the stronger- 
 growing species, pots may be used, and in 
 the latter case it is indispensable that the soil 
 be porous and well drained. It should consist of 
 equal parts of sphagnum moss, leaf mould, and 
 rotten wood, filling the pots for two-thirds their 
 depths with broken potsherds, and when the 
 plants are placed in them, the base of their pseu- 
 do-bulbs must be kept considerably above the 
 rim, so that water may not lodge near them. 
 The same relative variations ol temperature 
 should be observed for these as mentioned for 
 Dendrobium, keeping it at an average of ten de- 
 grees lower than recommended for that genus; 
 and as the same principles govern the growth of 
 each, the like changes of atmospheric influence 
 are necessary in either case. The genus con- 
 sists of over 300 species, distributed throughout
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EPI 
 
 the West Indies, Mexico, and South America. 
 Propagated by division. The first species was 
 introduced in 1738. 
 
 Eoieasa. Trailing Arbutus. From epl, upon, ami 
 5'iVthe earth; referring to its trailing habit. 
 Linn. Decantlria-Uonogynia. Nat. Ord. Ericas. 
 K repena, the only species, is one of our most 
 beautiful native, early spring-flowering plants. 
 It is a low-growing evergreen shrub, producing 
 axillary clusters of small rose-colored nosers, 
 remarkable for their rich, spicy fragrance. I hey 
 are usually found in the shade of Pines or 
 Scrub Oaks. In warm, sheltered situations they 
 show their flowers early in April. It is com- 
 monly known on Long Island, where it grows 
 in great abundance, as Trailing Arbutus, in 
 New England as May Flower, and in many lo- 
 calities as Ground Laurel. It can be easily 
 grown in the shaded border by removing the 
 plant from the woods in autumn, being careful 
 not to disturb the roots. After planting in a 
 sandy soil protect from sun and winds by a 
 slight covering of dry leaves. Clumps carefully 
 taken up in autumn, and put in a cool green- 
 house in February, will come into flower in 
 March. 
 
 Epilobium. Willow Herb. From epi, upon, and 
 Tofctf, a pod ; flowers superior or seated on the 
 seed-pod. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 ERI 
 
 A genus of tall- growing, hardy herbaceous 
 plants, chiefly natives of Europe, some of whicli 
 have become naturalized in this country. Sev- 
 eral of our native species are showy plants, with 
 large spikes of pink flowers, that would make 
 them conspicuous border plants. They are all 
 of easy culture, taking care of themselves when 
 once planted. They are increased by division 
 in spring, or from seeds. 
 
 Epiphoria. A pretty little terrestrial Orchid, 
 from South Africa, with yellow flowers streaked 
 with red. . pubescens, the only species, was 
 taken from Polystachia, which see. 
 
 Epiphyllum. Crab's Claw Cactus, Lobster-leav- 
 ea Cactus. From epl, upon, and phytton, a 
 leaf ; flowers borne on the ends of the leaf-like 
 branches. Linn. Icosandria-Monoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. CadaceoK. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful Cactaceous plants, 
 natives of Brazil, where they are generally found 
 upon the trunks of trees. The varieties are nu- 
 merous. They are largely cultivated for their 
 showy flowers, the colors being various; they are 
 produced upon the ends of the branches. E. 
 tru in-lit HIII and its varieties are the kinds usually 
 met in our green-houses. The Epiphyllum is 
 often grafted on Cereus Iriangularis, C. grandi- 
 florus, C. serpentinua, and others, but does best, 
 perhaps, on the Pereskia. A large, symmetrical 
 head is easily formed, and with proper attention 
 will make a plant worthy of a situation in any 
 green-house. Their culture is of the easiest 
 description. They delight in a rich, well- 
 drained, sandy soil, and should have plenty of 
 air, water, and sunlight while they are growing. 
 The Epiphyllum is one of the best of sitting- 
 room plants, and may be had in bloom from 
 November to March with good management. 
 There were formerly many species included in 
 this genus, most of which are now found in 
 ' '"/><*, Cereus, and Phyllocaclus. 
 
 Episcia. From epi, upon, and skia, a shadow; 
 on account of the plants delighting in shady 
 places. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Oesneracea.-. 
 
 A small genus, nearly related to Besler'M, 
 natives of the West Indies and Central America. 
 They require the same treatment as the various 
 other classes of this natural order. 
 Equestrian Star. See Hippeastrum. 
 Eranthemum. From erao, to love, and anthos, a 
 flower ; referring to the beauty of the flowers. 
 Lhm. Diandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Acanthacece. 
 A somewhat extensive genus of winter-flower- 
 ing green-house plants, found pretty generally 
 distributed throughout tropical and sub-tropi- 
 cal countries. The flowers are small, purple, 
 white, blue, or rose colored. They require the 
 treatment of soft-wooded plants of the same 
 class. Two species of recent introduction, E. 
 tricolor and E. sanguinea, are equal to Dracaenas 
 in their beautiful crimson and carmine-colored 
 foliage, which fit them either for massing out- 
 side or as specimens in the green-house. Prop- 
 agated by cuttings. Introduced in 1796. 
 Eranthis. Winter Aconite. From er, spring, and 
 anthos, a flower ; referring to its early flowering. 
 Linn. Polyandria-Hexagynia. Nat. Ord. Ranun- 
 culacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy tuberous-rooted plants, 
 natives of Italy and Siberia. E. hy emails is the 
 well-known Winter Aconite. It is one of the 
 earliest and most hardy of spring flowers, 
 throwing up its pretty yellow blossoms long 
 before the snow disappears, and continuing in 
 flower for several weeks. This is the only 
 species under cultivation, and is freely propa- 
 gated by division of the tubers. It has been 
 under cultivation since 1596. 
 
 Eria. From erion, wool ; referring to the down on 
 the leaves of some of the species. Linn. Gynan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Orch'idacece. 
 
 A small genus of pretty flowering hot-house 
 Orchids, allied to Dendrobium, mostly from the 
 East Indies. They require the same treatment 
 as Stanhopea. Propagated by division. Intro- 
 duced in 1837. 
 
 Erianthus. Woolly Beard-Grass. From erion, 
 wool, and anthos, a flower. Linn. Triandria- 
 Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Gh-aminacece. 
 
 A small genus of tall-growing, reed-like grasses. 
 The E. Rai-ennce, a rival to the Pampas Grass, 
 though not so beautiful, is more valuable in 
 this latitude, being perfectly hardy, and pro- 
 ducing its graceful plumes in autumn in great 
 abundance. It makes a magnificent lawn plant. 
 Propagated by root division and from seed. 
 Introduced in 1824. 
 
 Erica. Heath. From erico, to break ; referring 
 to the brittle nature of the wood. Linn. Octan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Ericacew. 
 
 This genus comprehends a great number of 
 species, the most of which are very beautiful 
 and interesting plants. Several hundred of the 
 species, including all that are desirable for indoor 
 culture.are natives of Table Mountain at the Cape 
 of Good Hope. They all occupy elevated ranges, 
 enjoying a pure air, refreshed by copious dews, 
 and exposed for a long period to a dry, arid atmo- 
 sphere. The Heath, however, can never be culti- 
 vated as successfully here as in England, as our 
 climate is too dry and hot in summer. They are 
 readily propagated by cuttings of half-ripened 
 wood, which is in proper condition when it begins 
 to turn brown. They are easily grown from seed, 
 an interesting way, on account of the varieties 
 produced when a little care has been given in 
 cross-fertilization. The seeds should be sown 
 in pots of finely-sifted leaf-mould, pressed 
 tightly into the pot, well watered before sowing,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EKI 
 
 and afterward covered with a bell glass. They 
 should then be kept in a cool house or pit, 
 where they can have an even temperature and 
 moisture. They were first introduced into Eng- 
 land in 1774. ' 
 
 Erigeron. From er, the spring, and geron, an old 
 man; some being hoary with a downy covering 
 early in the season. Linn. Syngenesia-jEqualin. 
 Nat. Ord. AsteracefK. 
 
 A gen us of coarse-growing, unpretending, her- 
 baceous plants, found common in waste places 
 throughout the United States. In some locali- 
 ties known as Flcabane. Plants of no value in 
 their native country. 
 
 Erinosma. From er, the spring, and osme, to 
 smell; referring to the early flowering of this 
 sweet-scented bulb. Linn. Hexandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. AmaryUidacecK. 
 
 A small genus of handsome, early, spring- 
 flowering bulbs, resembling the Snow-drop, but 
 flowering much later. E. vernum, formerly 
 called Leuwynm vermun, the best of the species, 
 is a native of Germany and Switzerland, where 
 it is common in the woods and other shady 
 places. It was introduced in 1596; is dedicated 
 to St. Agnes, the patron saint of young virgins, 
 from its loveliness and purity; and hence it is 
 called St. Agnes's Flower. The flowers are much 
 larger than the Snow-drop, pure white, with a 
 yellowish-green spot near the point of each pet- 
 al. They are perfectly hardy and are increased 
 by offsets. 
 
 Erinus. Meaning unknown. (The wild Fig- 
 tree is the Erinos described by Dioscorides. It 
 has, however, no resemblance to the Erinos of 
 the moderns.) Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Scrophukiriacea}. 
 
 This is a small genus of hardy herbaceous 
 Alpine plants, suitable for rock-work or other 
 rough, uneven situations. They are low grow- 
 ing, generally forming close tufts, producing 
 lively purple and white flowers in early spring. 
 Though perfectly hardy, they are impatient of 
 water, and, consequently, should have the pro- 
 tection of a frame in winter, unless planted in a 
 very dry situation. There are one or two ever- 
 green species from the Cape of Good Hope, but 
 they are little known. The hardy species are 
 propagated by root division or from seed. First 
 introduced into the garden in 1739. 
 
 Eriocnema. From erion, wool, and kneme, a knee ; 
 the joints are woolly. Linn. Decandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Melastomacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house herbaceous 
 plants, allied to the Sonerila, and natives of Bra- 
 zil. The flowers are white, produced sparingly 
 in little umbels on the end of a naked stalk. E. 
 marmomtum has beautifully variegated leaves, 
 green striped with broad bands of white. Its 
 habit is not unlike some of the Begonias. 
 Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1850. 
 
 Eriophorum. Cotton Grass. From erion, wool, 
 and phoreo, to bear; in reference to the silky tails 
 or coverings of the seeds. Linn. Triaivlria-Mo- 
 nogynin. Nat. Ord. CyperacecK. 
 
 A very interesting genus of marsh or bog 
 plants, commonly, but incorrectly termed 
 grasses. They are hardy herbaceous plants, 
 growing in dense clumps or masses, very con- 
 spicuous and interesting, on account of the 
 flowers of some of the species, the heads of 
 which appear like tufts of cotton. One of the 
 species is indigenous in this country, and seve- 
 ral of them have been naturalized from Europe. 
 
 Eriopsis. From eria, a well-known genus of 
 
 ERY 
 
 Orchids, and opsis, resemblance; woolliness of 
 flowers. Linn. Qynandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 OrchidacecK. 
 
 A small genus of Orchids, having the general 
 appearance, while growing, of the genus Eria, 
 but with gay orange-colored flowers resembling 
 the Vandas. They are natives of Mexico and New 
 Grenada, but little cultivated. 
 
 Eriospermum. From erion, wool, and spermis, a 
 seed; woolly-seeded. Linn. Hexandria-Muno- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 A considerable genus of bulbs from the Cape 
 of Good Hope, the flowers of which precede the 
 leaves. The flowers have no special beauty, 
 and the leaves always have a deformed appear- 
 ance. 
 
 Eriostemon. From erion, wool, and stemon, a sta- 
 men; referring to the woolly stamens. Linn. 
 Decandria-Moiwgynia. Nat. Ord. RutacecK. 
 
 A genus of handsome green-house plants from 
 New Holland, of neat, compact habit of growth, ' 
 and free-flowering. Flowers are white or pink- 
 ish, produced singly at the axils of the leaves. 
 They require plenty of air and light. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings of young shoots in April. 
 Introduced in 1824. 
 
 Erotiium. Heron' s-bill. Wild Geranium. From 
 erodios, a heron ; referring to the resemblance of 
 the style and ovaries to the beak and head of the 
 heron. Linn. Monadelphia-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Geraniacece. 
 
 The genus Erodium differs from the Gerani- 
 um and Pelargonium in the shape of its seed 
 vessel. In all the three the seed-pod resembles 
 the head and beak of a bird; in Geranium it re- 
 sembles a crane's bill, in Pelargonium it is a 
 stork's bill, and in Erodium a heron's bill. The 
 
 rcies are dwarf annuals and perennials, pro- 
 sing mostly lilac and purple flowers. Though 
 interesting, their flowers will not bring them 
 into competition, for the garden, with their 
 more showy relatives, the Pelargonium and Gera- 
 nium. 
 
 Ervum. Lentil. From eric, tilled land, in Celtic; 
 some of the species are pests in cultivated ground. 
 Linn. Diadelpliia-Tdragynia. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 A genus justly classed as weeds, the only spe- 
 cies of interest being E. Lens, the common Len- 
 til, a plant of the greatest antiquity. It was 
 from the seed of this that the pottage was sup- 
 posed to have been made, for which Esau sold 
 his birthright. From that date it has been held 
 in high esteem in Egypt and Syria. It is ' con- 
 sidered an indispensable diet by the natives, 
 who undertake long journeys. It is largely 
 sold by druggists under the name of Ervalenta. 
 
 Eryngium. Eryngo. From Erynyeon, a name 
 adopted by Pliny from Dioscorides. Linn. 
 Pentandrta-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Apiacece. 
 
 A very extensive genus of hardy annuals and 
 herbaceous perennials, the latter being common 
 throughout Europe. E. waritimum, Sea Eryngo, 
 or Sea Holly, is a conspicuous plant along the 
 English coast ; the flowers are thistle-like, of a 
 bright blue color. E. amethystinum, a native of 
 Dalmatia, is one of the best for the border of the 
 perennial species. The flowers, as well as the 
 bracts and upper part of the stems, have a beau- 
 tiful blue tint. Of the annual species, E. Leav- 
 enworth'd, a native of Kansas and westward, is not 
 only the best of its class, but is one of the best 
 of our hardy annuals. It is very floriferous, the 
 heads are of a beautiful purple, which, if cut 
 after maturity, will keep their color for several 
 months, making them valuable for winter bou-
 
 so 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ERY 
 
 quets. The plant grows about two feet high and 
 w very branching. It is strictly an autumn 
 flowering plant, but if the seeds are sown early 
 in spring in a hot-bed, the season of flowering 
 will be greatly prolonged. 
 
 Erysimum. Hedge Mustard. From eryo, to 
 draw it is considered a powerful cure for sore 
 throat; it is also said to draw and produce blis- 
 ters. Linn. Telradynamia. Nat. Ord. Srassica- 
 
 An extensive genus, mostly biennials. All of 
 but little merit. One or two cultivated species 
 of hardy annuals make rather effective clumps 
 in the border. E. Arkansanum, western Wall- 
 flower, grows about two feet high, the stem be- 
 ing crowded with bright orange yellow flowers 
 as large as those of the Wall-flower. Propagated 
 by seed. 
 
 Erythrsea. From erythros, red; the color of the 
 flowers of some of the species. Linn. Pentan- 
 drla-Manogynia. Nat. Ord. Qentianacece. 
 
 A somewhat extensive genus of biennials and 
 annuals. The latter are of easy culture, and 
 produce freely small pink flowers. Seed should 
 be sown in autumn in the open border. The 
 biennials require the protection of the frame, 
 which their merits do not deserve. The annuals 
 are natives of Europe, and have been long known 
 in the garden. 
 
 Erythrina. Coral-tree. From erythros, red; the 
 color of the flowers. Linn. Dtitdelphia-Tetragy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Phbacece. 
 
 A genus of ornamental flowering green-house 
 shrubs, commonly known as Coral-trees. They 
 are found pretty generally distributed through- 
 out the tropics of both hemispheres. All pro- 
 dace scarlet or crimson pea-shaped flowers in 
 pairs at the axils of the leaves. E. Crista-tjalli 
 and laurifdia are from Brazil. Both succeed well 
 planted out in a warm situation in the open bor- 
 der, producing flowers in the greatest abun- 
 dance. They require considerable room, being 
 rank growers. As a shrub for the lawn they 
 have few if any superiors, their showy flowers 
 contrasting finely with their bright glossy foli- 
 age. K Hendersonii, a variety of recent intro- 
 duction, is one of the very finest flowers, a 
 bright scarlet, smaller than the other species, 
 but produced in greater abundance. As it 
 flowers earlier it seeds freely, so that it can be 
 grown as an annual plant. The only care re- 
 quired is to take the plants up, after the tops 
 are killed by frost, and keep them through the 
 winter in a warm dry room or in the cellar. The 
 roots should be kept covered with dry sand. In 
 spring cut well back before planting out. They 
 are readily propagated by cuttings of the tender 
 shoots, or from seed, which should be sown in 
 boxes about the first of January, and they will 
 make flowering plants the coming summer. 
 Ery throleena. Mexican Thistle. From erythros, 
 red, and Icena, a cloak; referring to the scarlet 
 flowers. Linn. Syngenesia-^qualis. Nat. Ord. 
 Asteracece. 
 
 E. conspicua, the only species, is the prettiest 
 of all the Thistles. It is a tall plant, growing 
 from eight to ten feet high; the leaves, not un- 
 like the common Thistle, are at the base of the 
 plant, two feet long. The flower-heads, clus- 
 tered at the ends of the branches, are about 
 three inches long, and very handsome, scarlet 
 and orange. Young plants are readily obtained 
 from seed. Introduced in 1825. 
 Erythronium. Dog's-Tooth Violet. From ery- 
 thros, red; referring to the color of the leaves 
 
 ERY 
 
 and flowers of the species first discovered. Linn. 
 Hexandrm-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. L'diaceai. 
 
 A genus of small growing bulbous-rooted 
 plants. Most of the species are American, and 
 are common in moist woods in most of the 
 States. With but one exception the native vari- 
 eties have large yellow flowers, borne singly on 
 a slender scape six to nine inches high. K al- 
 bidum, a rare species found in Iowa and south- 
 ward, has nearly white flowers, without the spots 
 on the leaves common to the species. E. dens- 
 amis, common in Europe, has purplish rose- 
 oolored flowers, with light rose-color within. 
 Propagated by offsets. 
 
 ./throxylon. From erythros, red, and xylon, 
 wood; the wood of the trees is red. .Linn. De- 
 candria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Erythroxylacece. 
 
 Bushy shrubs or low-growing trees, chiefly 
 natives of tropical South America and the 
 West Indies. One of the species has a world- 
 wide reputation. For the following account and 
 description of it we are indebted to The Treas- 
 ury of Botany: " E. Coca is the most interesting 
 of the species, on account of its being extensively 
 cultivated, and its leaves largely employed as a 
 masticatory, under the name of Coca, by the 
 inhabitants of countries on the Pacific side of 
 South America. It is a shrub of six or eight 
 feet high, somewhat resembling a Blackthorn 
 bush. The Coca leaves are of a thin texture, 
 but opaque, oval, tapering toward both extrem- 
 ities, their upper surface dark green, the lower 
 paler and strongly marked with veins, of which 
 two, in addition to the midrib, run parallel with 
 the margin. Small white flowers are produced 
 in little clusters upon the branches, in places 
 where the leaves have fallen away, and stand 
 upon little stalks about as long as themselves. 
 The use of Coca in Peru is a custom of very 
 great antiquity, and is said to have originated 
 with the Incas. At the present day it is com- 
 mon throughout the greater part of Peru, Quito, 
 and New Grenada; and also on the banks of the 
 Rio Negro, where it is known as Spadic. Coca 
 forms an article of commerce among the Indians, 
 and wherever they go they carry with them a 
 bag of the carefully dried leaves, and also a lit- 
 tle bottle-gourd filled with finely powdered 
 lime, and having a wooden or metal needle at- 
 tached to its stopper. Four times a day, what- 
 ever the nature of his occupation, whether em- 
 ployed in the mines, the fields, as a muleteer, or 
 domestic servant, the Indian resigns himself to 
 the pleasures of Coca chewing, mixing the leaves 
 with lime, or the ashes of Cecropia. When used 
 in moderation Coca exerts a pleasurable influ- 
 ence upon the imagination, and induces a for- 
 getfulness of all care. It is also a powerful 
 stimulant of the nervous system, and when 
 under its influence Indians are able to perform 
 long and rapid journeys, and carry heavy 
 loads, without requiring any other sustenance. 
 But when taken in excess it produces intoxica- 
 tion, of a character resembling that of opium 
 rather than alcohol, but not so violent, although 
 the consequences of its prolonged use are quite 
 as injurious, and very few of those who become 
 slaves to the habit attain an old age. Spruce 
 says that an Indian with a chew of Spadic in his 
 cheek will go two or three days without food, 
 and without feeling any desire to sleep." A 
 preparation of Coca, under the name of " Coca 
 Beef Tonic," is now being sold ; but those who 
 use it will do well to remember that it does not 
 "make old bones."
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 
 
 81 
 
 sp 
 
 ESC 
 
 Eschscholtzia. Named after Dr. Eschxcholtz, a 
 botanist. Linn. Poty&ndria-Tetragyriia. Nat. Ord. 
 PajtaveracetK. 
 
 Annual plants, with showy flowers, natives of 
 California, on which account the first species in- 
 troduced was called the California Poppy. The 
 seeds should be sown in the open border as soon 
 they are ripe, as, if the sowing be delayed till 
 ring, the plants frequently do not flower till 
 the second year. Sometimes they will live, and 
 flower two, or even three years in succession, 
 though this is very rarely the case. 
 
 Eucalyptus. From en, well, and katypto, to 
 cover ; the limb of the calyx covers the flower 
 before expansion, and afterward falls off in the 
 shape of a lid or cover. Linn. Icosandria-Mono- 
 (jynla, Nat. Ord. Myrtacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of immense evergreen 
 trees, of the Australian and Tasmanian forests. 
 E. globulus, the Blue Gum Tree, has been exten- 
 sively planted within the past few years in the 
 Southern States and California, for the reputa- 
 tion it has of absorbing malaria. The tree is 
 very ornamental, and furnishes timber of a su- 
 perior quality. Its rapid growth excites the won- 
 der and admiration of those already accustomed 
 to the extraordinary development of the vege- 
 table kingdom on the Pacific coast. It will be 
 remembered that Australia sent to the World's 
 Fair at London in 1863 a plank from this tree 
 250 feet long. Young plants are readily obtained 
 from seed or from cuttings. The species are not 
 hardy in the United States north of the Caro- 
 linas. 
 
 Eucharidium. From eucharis, agreeable ; in al- 
 lusion to the appearance of the plant. Linn. 
 Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Onagracece. 
 
 A genus of pretty little annuals from Califor- 
 nia, allied to the Clarkias. They come into flower 
 in six weeks after germination, and are perfectly 
 hardy. They succeed best in a rich, loamy soil. 
 Introduced in 1836. 
 
 Eucharis. Lily of the Amazon. From eucharis, 
 agreeable; alluding to the fragrant flowers. Linn. 
 Jlexandria-Monofjynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryllidacecK. 
 As far as known there are but three species in 
 this genus, all free-growing bulbous plants of 
 rare beauty and delicious fragrance. They 
 should be grown in the hot-house or a warm 
 green-house. The flowers are produced in a 
 truss of from four to eight, according to the 
 strength of the bulb and manner of treatment, 
 and are born on a stem that lifts them just above 
 the leaves. They are pure waxy white and of 
 great substance. If asked for the plant produc- 
 ing the best white flowers for the hot-house, for 
 the decoration of vases, or for any other purpose 
 where white flowers are wanted, we should un- 
 hesitatingly recommend the Eucharis, as com- 
 bining all the essentials of the perfect flower. ' 
 The species are of recent introduction, and from 
 a general impression that they are difficult to 
 manage, are but little grown. The plant is found 
 growing by the side of a river ; consequently, 
 moisture and heat are essential to the develop- 
 ment of its flowers. The ease with which it is 
 now cultivated, the fact that a dozen or more 
 large pots of it will furnish flowers nearly the 
 whole year, make it invaluable in all collections 
 of choice plants. The plants may be potted at 
 any time of the year, taking care not to damage 
 the bulbs or roots, and remove as much of the 
 old soil as possible. The soil should be com- 
 posed of loam, leaf mould, sand, and well-rotted 
 manure in equal proportions ; give the pots lib- 
 
 EUL 
 
 crul drainage. While they are growing freely 
 they should have plenty of water and liquid ma- 
 nure twice a week. They should be syringed 
 twice a day. The temperature of the house dur- 
 ing winter should not fall below 70, and they 
 should have a good share of sunshine. If 
 wanted to flower during the winter months, 
 water should be used sparingly from August 
 to October. The bulbs should be disturbed as 
 little as possible, re-potting when necessary, 
 without division. Side shoots may be taken off 
 at any time and potted in small pets, and, if 
 well managed, they will flower in a year. The 
 green fly and thrips are apt to trouble them; 
 they should then be sponged off or got rid of 
 by smoking every alternate day for a week. The 
 three species are E. grandiflora, the largest and 
 best, E. Amazonicu, and E. Candida, a small flow- 
 ering species, but very beautiful. They all re- 
 quire the same general treatment. This plant 
 was first introduced in 1864. 
 
 Eucodonia. A genus of Mexican plants separated 
 from Achinieneti. The species grown for its flow- 
 ers was also called Maudirola lanata. 
 
 Eucornis. From eukoniea, beautiful-haired ; re- 
 ferring to the tufted crown of the flower-spike. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Li&acea:. 
 A genus of coarse-growing bulbs from the 
 Cape of Good Hope, requiring green-house treat- 
 ment, as they rest in summer. E. bifolia, one of 
 the species, has only two leaves, lying flat on the 
 ground, and a short raceme of pale green flow- 
 ers. The only merit of the species is in the fra- 
 grance of the flowers. They grow with the most 
 ordinary treatment, and are propagated by off- 
 sets. Introduced in 1774. 
 
 Eucrosia. From eu, beautiful, and krossos, a 
 fringe ; referring to the cup above the insertion 
 of the stamens. Linn. Hexandrui-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Amaryllidacece. 
 
 A. genus of green-house bulbs from South 
 America, mostly from the western declivity of 
 the Peruvian Andes. E. bicolor, the only species, 
 has bright vermilion flowers, with a purple stripe 
 on the outside of the petals. They are borne in 
 a terminal cluster on a scape about one foot 
 high. They should be grown in a warm green- 
 house. In winter they require perfect rest. 
 Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1816. 
 
 Eugenia. Rose Apple. Named after Prince En- 
 <jnne of Saxony. Linn. Icosandria-Mono<jijnia. Nat. 
 Ord. Myrtacece. 
 
 A genus of handsome shrubs, grown as fruit 
 trees in the East Indies, but grown in English 
 hot-houses for their splendid white flowers, that 
 are produced freely. Propagated by cuttings of 
 the ripe wood, which strike freely. Recent 
 botanists place here E. Pimenta, which produces 
 the Allspice of commerce. See Pimenta. 
 
 Eulalia. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 Tri'utdria-Difft/niu. Nat. Ord. (rraminacecK. 
 
 We are indebted to the American Agriculturist 
 for the following history and description of this 
 genus : "One of the most beautiful of orna- 
 mental grasses is the variegated Eulalia Japonica, 
 which was sent from Japan several years ago by 
 Mr. Thomas Hogg. It was illustrated in 'Hearth 
 and Home ' in 1871, and a year or two later was 
 placed in the trade. It is a robust perennial 
 grass, forming, when well established, large 
 clumps, with firm, but graceful leaves, which are 
 marked with alternate stripes of creamy-white 
 and green, much after the manner of the old 
 ' Ribbon or Striped Grass ' of the gardens, and 
 presenting quite as much variety in the striping.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EUL 
 
 This is taller and more erect than that, and the 
 leaves are longer and more robust. The flower 
 stalks appear in September, and the plant at 
 this time is from four to six feet high. The 
 flower panicles are at first brownish, with erect 
 branches, and not at all showy, but as the flow- 
 era open, the branches of the panicle curve over 
 cracefully in a one-sided manner, and bear a 
 stronc resemblance in form to what is known as 
 a 'Prince of Wales' feather;' each of the indi- 
 vidual flowers, which are very numerous upon 
 each branch of the cluster, has at its base a tuft 
 of long silky hairs, and these contribute greatly 
 to the feathery lightness of the whole. When 
 Mr. Hogg sent this, it was accompanied by 
 another variety of the same grass, which did not 
 survive the effects of the journey. Upon a sec- 
 ond visit to Japan, he procured other plants of 
 this last variety, which reached this country in 
 good condition. This variety, which it is pro- 
 posed to call Eulalia Japonica, var. Zebriim, the 
 'Zebra-striped Eulalia, ' or Zebra Grass, in all that 
 relates to form, habit, and its flowers, is quite like 
 the other, but differs most essentially in the man- 
 ner of its variegation. In the older variety the 
 leaves, according to the usual manner of varie- 
 gation in grasses, have the markings run length- 
 wise of the leaf, while in this Zebrina variety 
 they ran crosswise. The leaves present alternate 
 bands of green and cream-white, of varying j 
 width, but with the colors quite well denned, 
 and producing a most singular effect. Japan is 
 remarkable for the great number of plants with 
 variegated foliage that it has contributed to our 
 collections, but we have not seen any variegation 
 that interested us so much as this peculiar grass. 
 We have seen but one other plant with its varie- 
 gation so singularly disposed, and that was also 
 from the same country. In the quaint little gar- 
 den attached to the Japanese Bazar at the Cen- 
 tennial Exhibition was a Bulrush, (Stirpus,) the 
 cylindrical stems of which were marked trans- 
 versely, though the markings were much less posi- 
 tive than in the grass in question. Aside from the 
 ornamental effect of its peculiar transverse mark- 
 ings, this variety has great interest for us in a 
 physiological or pathological point of view. It 
 is claimed by some that all variegation of foliage, 
 or at least that in which the green of the leaf is 
 changed to white or yellow, is an indication of 
 disease, and this view is strongly maintained in 
 spite of the numerous instances in which the 
 variegated plants are more vigorous and hardy 
 than typical plain green ones of the same spe- 
 cies. To those who hold this view that varie- 
 gation is due to disease this Zebrina variety of 
 Eulalia presents a difficult problem. As the cir- 
 culation of the juices of the leaf must take place 
 in a lengthwise direction, the nutriment for 
 each green portion of the leaf must pass through j 
 one of the colored sections, and those who re- i 
 gard these white, or whitish, bands as marks of j 
 disease, will be puzzled to account for the occur- 
 rence of green sections of the leaf which, though ! 
 placed directly between two ' diseased ' portions l < 
 remain in perfect health throughout the whole i 
 season of growth." The Eulalias are perfectly 
 hardy in this latitude, and are valuable acquisi- 
 tions to the garden, not only for the grace and 
 elegance of the foliage, but for the flowers as i 
 "dried grasses." They keep for years, present- j 
 ing somewhat the appearance of an ostrich i 
 feather. Propagated by division or by seeds, i 
 which, however, do not produce variegated 
 leaves. 
 
 EUP 
 
 Euonymus. Burning Bush. From en, well, and 
 onoma, a name; literally, of good repute. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Celastracece. 
 
 An extensive genus of low-growing trees and 
 shrubs, mostly of an ornamental character. E. 
 atropurpureus, a native species, is a valuable 
 shrub for the border, on account of its hand- 
 some foliage, its abundance of purple flowers, 
 and its copious crimson fruit in autumn. This 
 species is what is commonly called Burning 
 Bush. It grows freely in almost any soil or sit- 
 uation, preferring a moist one. Japan has fur- 
 nished several species with ornamental foliage, 
 that are among our most useful plants for single 
 specimens, for baskets, or window gardens. .E. 
 radicans variegata has leaves of green and white, 
 is a rapid grower, and hardy south of New York. 
 It is readily increased by cuttings. The Japan 
 species are evergreen. They were introduced 
 in 1804. 
 
 Eupatorium. Named after Mithridates Eupater, 
 King of Pontus, who discovered one of the spe- 
 cies to be an antidote against poison. Linn. 
 Syngenesia-jEqualis. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 An extensive genus, consisting for the most 
 part of native hardy herbaceous plants. A num- 
 ber of species are grown in the green-house for 
 their white flowers, which are produced freely 
 in winter. Of our native kinds, E. ageratoides, 
 White Snake-root, is the most valuable as a 
 flowering plant. The flowers are pure white, 
 borne in terminal clusters or heads. The plant 
 grows about four feet high, is very branching, 
 and prefers a thick shade. It flowers late in 
 August, and is very showy for nearly a month. 
 E. perf'oliatum, Bone-set, has, outside of the 
 "regular practice," considerable reputation as a 
 tonic stimulant, and is often administered in 
 the form of a tea, made from the leaves, in cases 
 of intermittent fevers. They are readily in- 
 creased by root division or from seeds. 
 
 Euphorbia. Named after Euphorbus, physician 
 to the King of Mauritania. Linn. Dodecandria- 
 Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacece. 
 
 This is an extensive and variable genus, in- 
 cluding species with the aspect of trees or large 
 shrubs, and through every gradation, downward 
 to the humblest annual weeds, all of them re- 
 markable for an acrid milky juice. Notwith- 
 standing the extent and variety of the genus, 
 there are comparatively few of its members in 
 cultivation ; the principal of them being E. 
 splendens, E. jacquiniflora, (fulgens or prunifolia,) 
 and Bojeri. These do best in the hot-house, and 
 are well deserving attention for their rich red 
 or crimson flowers, and amply repay the little 
 trouble occasioned. These species are all much 
 improved by frequent stopping, as it induces a 
 more dense habit, and consequently a greater 
 display of flowers. It is worthy of remark that 
 the first flowers that expand in each season on 
 E. splendens are in pairs, but those which follow 
 are each time increased in duplicate ratio, so 
 that those which open last are commonly as 
 many as eight together. The other perennial 
 species require to be treated in the manner of 
 Cacti, and the remainder respectively as they 
 belong to the hardy or tender classes of annual, 
 biennial, or perennial plants. E. corollatn, a na- 
 tive species, is a free-flowering plant, and val- 
 uable for florists' use, or for cut-flowers. They 
 are small, greenish white, in general appearance 
 like the Forget-me-not. This species is readily 
 propagated by root division. The French sub- 
 stitute the seeds of E. lathyriis for the English
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EUR 
 
 capers, which, if taken in quantity, prove highly 
 deleterious. For E. Poinsettei, see Poinsettia 
 pulcharrimtk. 
 
 Eurya. From eurys, large; referring to the flow- 
 ers. Linn. Polyyamia-Mona>c'M. Nat. Ord. '/',,,- 
 stromiacece. 
 
 This genus is composed of evergreen shrubs, 
 or low-growing trees, ftmnd in India, China, and 
 the adjacent islands. The leaves are not unlike 
 those of the tea-plap4f. The flowers are white, 
 arranged in axillary clusters. 
 
 Eurycles. From eurys, broad, and Mas, a branch ; 
 referring to the broad leaves or branch-like foot- 
 stalks. Liiin. H'.ffiiiilrin-Monoijyn'ia. Nat. Ord. 
 Amftryllidftcea'. 
 
 A genus of strong-growing bulbs, found in 
 the Eastern Archipelago and in New Holland. 
 This genus was formerly included in Pancra- 
 tium, from which it is distinguished by its 
 broad, nearly heart-shaped leaves, and its flow- 
 ers with a long cylindrical tube, with equal and 
 regular petals. The flowers are borne in um- 
 bels, and are pure white. They require to be 
 grown in the green-house, and must have com- 
 plete rest during winter. Planted out in May, 
 they flower finely. Propagated by suckers, 
 which should be taken off when a new growth 
 commences in spring. Introduced in 1821. 
 
 Eutaxia. From eutaxirt, modesty; referring to 
 the delicate aspect of the flowers. Linn. Der<ai- 
 drla-Monoij-ynin. Nat. Ord. Fdltacecn. 
 
 A genus of very pretty green-house shrubs, 
 natives of Western Australia. They are chiefly 
 low-growing and bushy, with small heath-like 
 leaves, flowers pea-shaped, produced in small 
 axillary clusters. Color, pure yellow. E. myr- 
 tifolifi is a popular green-house plant, whose 
 slender stems are often seen thickly covered in 
 the spring and summer months with its bright 
 yellow flowers. The species are increased by 
 cuttings. Introduced in 1803. 
 
 Euterpe. After Euterpe, one of the Nine Muses. 
 Linn. Monceda-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. Pahnaceee. 
 A genus of Palms of extremely graceful habit, 
 natives of South America and the West Indies. 
 With the exception of E. montana, from the lat- 
 ter country, all are too tall growing for the 
 green-house. This species attains a height of 
 about twenty feet, and has the base of the stem 
 much swollen or bulged out. The leaf bud and 
 the central portion of the upper stem arc cooked 
 as a vegetable or pickled by the natives, and 
 highly esteemed. Propagated by seed. 
 
 Eutoca. From eatokos, fruitful; referring to the 
 abundance of seeds. Linn. Pentaivlria-Monogy- 
 i-'in. Nat. Ord. Hydropyttacea}. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals, with blue, pink, 
 or lilac flowers, mostly from California. A few 
 species are found in Virginia, and South and 
 West, but are not of sufficient merit to warrant 
 their introduction into the garden. Those from 
 California are free-flowering, and of the easiest 
 culture. The seed should be sown as early in 
 spring as possible. 
 
 Evening- Glory. See Iponuxa. 
 
 Evening Primrose. See (EnoUn-ni. 
 
 Everlasting Pea. See Lathyrus laiifolius. 
 
 Evolvulus. From evolvo, to roll out, the opposite 
 to Convolvulus ; referring to the plant not 
 twining. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 ' '/'ii>:oluulacea>. 
 
 An extensive genus of annuals and perennials, 
 mostly from the East Indies and South America, 
 a few species being found in Florida. The 
 
 EXO 
 
 flowers of these plants are extremely beautiful, 
 mostly of a large size, and of various shades of 
 blue and white. The annuals should be started 
 in a hot-bed or green-house, and planted out as 
 soon as the weather will permit, or they may be 
 grown in pots and trained on a balloon frame. 
 The perennials should be kept dry and dormant 
 through the winter, and started in a brisk heat 
 in spring. During summer they may be grown 
 in the green-house, or in pots, and trained on a 
 trellis, or other suitable place for a climbing 
 plant. The perennials may be increased by cut- 
 tings of young shoots. First introduced in 
 1817. 
 
 Exochprda. From exn, out of, and chorda, a cord ; 
 referring to the cords by which the seeds are 
 suspended. Linn. Icosandria-Dipentagynia. Nat. 
 Ord. RosacecK. 
 
 This is a beautiful hardy shrub from China, 
 introduced a few years since, and as yet com- 
 paratively little known. It is in substance de- 
 scribed in the late edition of the Treasury of 
 Botany as being remarkable for the structure of 
 its fruits, which consist of five small compressed 
 bony carpels adhering round a central axis in a 
 star-like manner. From the axis or growing 
 point stand five erect placentary cords, which 
 enter the carpels on their inner face near 
 the top, suspending from the apex two thin 
 seeds. These cords remain after the carpels 
 have fallen, and have suggested the name of the 
 genus. The only species, E. grandiflora, is a 
 smooth shrub or dwarf tree, with alternate 
 nearly lance-shaped entire leaves, the stems ter- 
 minated by racemes of handsome white flowers, 
 which appear in the spring, and are about an 
 inch in diameter. They have a bell-shaped 
 calyx with a five-parted border, five rounded 
 petals, and fifteen to twenty stamens. The 
 plant is also known as fipircrrt fjrawli flora. It is 
 a beatitiful, tall-growing shrub, worthy of a 
 place on the lawn and in the shrubbery. It is 
 still a rare plant in the United States, chiefly 
 because it is difficult to propagate, and in con- 
 sequence is not easy to get. It is propagated 
 from cuttings. 
 
 Exogonium. From em, external ; referring to 
 the cxserted stamens. Linn. Pentandria-Monoyy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Cbni^olvuJacfce. 
 
 The few species that are included in this 
 genus are closely allied to, and very nearly re- 
 semble the tuberous-rooted IpnmoRns. They are 
 desirable climbers, flowering freely nearly the 
 whole summer. During winter the tubers should 
 be kept dry and free from frost. E. purga, a 
 Mexican species, has beautiful salver-shaped, 
 purplish flowers, and furnishes the true Jalap 
 tubers of commerce. These are roundish, of 
 variable size, the largest being about as large as 
 an orange, and of a dark color. They owe their 
 well-known purgative properties to their resin- 
 ous ingredients. They can be rapidly increased 
 by cuttings, or by division of tubers in spring, 
 like the Dahlia. 
 
 Exostemma. From e.ro, external, and slemmn, a 
 crown ; referring to the exserted stamens. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cinchonacece. 
 
 A genus of tropical trees or shrubs, valued 
 more for the medicinal properties they possess, 
 than for the beauty of their foliage or flowers. 
 They are natives of the West Indies. One of the 
 species, K. C'trHnritm, has become naturalized in 
 Southern Florida. The bark possesses the same 
 active principle as that of the Cinchona.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 
 
 F. 
 
 FAB 
 
 Fabiana. Named after F. Fbbiann, a Spaniard. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Sola- 
 
 FEK 
 
 A small genus of half-hardy evergreen, heath- 
 like shrubs. F. im'trimta, the only species, is a 
 neat evergreen shrub of compact habit, and 
 densely covered, during the spring months, 
 with pure white tubular flowers. Propagated by 
 seeds or from cuttings. 
 
 Fadyenia. Named after Dr. fhdyen, author of 
 a Flora of Jamaica. Linn. Oryptogamia-Filices. 
 Nat. Ord. PbtaxxBoeeo. 
 
 F. proUfera, the only species; is a curious little 
 Fern, a native of the West Indies. It grows but 
 a few inches in height: the fronds have netted 
 veins, and are remarkable for the large size of 
 the sori. It is occasionally met in choice collec- 
 tions. Propagated by spores, which answer to 
 seeds. 
 
 Fagelia. Named after Fagel, a botanist. Linn. Dia- 
 dflphia-Tetragynia. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen, twining, 
 herbaceous plants, found in South Africa and 
 Abyssinia. The leaves somewhat resemble those 
 of Phaseolus, but are smaller. Their flowers are 
 pea-shaped, yellow, and borne on long, axillary 
 racemes. Young plants are obtained from seeds. 
 
 Fagopyrum. Buckwheat. From phago, to eat, 
 and pyros, wheat ; seed eatable. Linn. Octandrui- 
 Trujipua. Nat. Ord. Polygomace.fr. 
 
 F. cymosum, the only species, is our common 
 Buckwheat, which see. 
 
 Fagus. The Beech. From phago, to eat; in early 
 ages the nuts of the Beech-tree were used as 
 food. Linn. MmoecM-Polyandrw. Nat. Ord. Cory- 
 lacea;. 
 
 A small genus of hardy deciduous trees, re- 
 markable for their graceful and symmetrical 
 habit of growth, their great size and beauty, 
 which renders them objects of admiration, 
 whether in their native wood, or transplanted on 
 the lawn for shade. There are but two species in 
 our forests. F. sylvestris, White Beech, is one 
 of the tallest and most majestic of our forest 
 trees. It grows most abundantly in the Middle 
 and Western States, though common east of the 
 Alleghanies, attaining its greatest size on the 
 banks of the Ohio, where the trees are frequently 
 found one hundred feet high, with a diameter 
 from three to four feet. This species is more 
 slender than the Bed Beech, but its foliage is 
 superb, and its general appearance magnificent. 
 The sexes are borne on different branches of 
 the same tree. The male flowers are borne in 
 pendulous, globular heads, the female flowers 
 are small, and of a greenish color. The Ked 
 Beech, F. ferruginea, is more exclusively con- 
 fined to the Northern States. It is so abundant 
 as often to constitute extensive forests, the finest 
 of which grow on fertile, level, or gently slop- 
 ing lands, with a humid surface. The Bed Beech 
 equals the white species in diameter, but not in 
 height; and as it branches nearer the earth, and 
 is more numerously divided, it has a more 
 massive summit and the appearance of more 
 tufted foliage. Its leaves are equally brilliant, 
 a little larger and thicker, and are more serrated. 
 The European Beech, F. sylvalica, is almost 
 identical with the latter species. The Weepin 
 
 Beech, F. sylvati-ca pendula, is one of the most 
 curious and beautiful of lawn trees. The origi- 
 nal tree stands in the park of Baron de Mau, at 
 Beersel, Belgium. "The trunk is three and a 
 half to four feet in diameter, and grows in a 
 twisted form to a height of twelve to fifteen feet, 
 with an appearance of being pressed down by an 
 immense weight. The branches cover an area 
 nearly a hundred feet in diameter. Its history 
 is curious. Some sixty years ago the baron's 
 gardener was planting an avenue of Beech trees, 
 and the baron, observing a very crooked speci- 
 men, directed to have it thrown out; but the 
 gardener planted it in a corner of the grounds 
 little visited, where it grew to be one of the 
 most beautiful and singular freaks of sylvan 
 nature." Scoff. The Purple-Leaved Beech, F. 
 purpurea, now so popular for lawn decoration, is 
 a sport from the common White Beech, found 
 in a German forest. The Copper-colored Beech, 
 F. cuprea, is a sub-variety of the Purple Beach. 
 The Fern and Cut-leaved Beeches are very orna- 
 mental varieties, the leaves resembling the 
 fronds of a Fern. There are varieties with va- 
 riegated foliage. They are all varieties of /'. 
 sylvatica. 
 
 Fairy Lily. See Zephyranthes. 
 
 False Acacia. The common Yellow Locust, Ro- 
 binia pseud-acacia. 
 
 False Asphodel. A popular name of the genus 
 Tofieldia, small flowering Liliaceous plants. 
 
 False Dragon-head. See Physostegia. 
 
 False Fox-Glove. See Gerardiaflai-a. 
 
 False Hellebore. See Veratrum. 
 
 False Honeysuckle. A popular name of our 
 native Azaleas. 
 
 False Indigo. See Amoi'pha. 
 
 False Mistletoe. American Mistletoe, Pkoraden- 
 dronflavescens. 
 
 False Red Top. A popular name of Poa serotina, 
 because of its resemblance to Agrostis vulgaris, 
 the true Ked Top Grass. 
 
 False Solomon's Seal. See Smilacina. 
 
 False Spikenard. See Smilacina racemosa. 
 
 Fan Palm. See Corypha. 
 
 Farkle-berry. A local name for one of the Cran- 
 berries, Vaccinium arboreum. 
 
 Feather Grass. See Stipa-. 
 
 Feea. In honor of M. Fee, Professor of Botany at 
 Strasburg. Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. 
 rolypodiacvct'. 
 
 A small genus of interesting little Ferns found 
 in Guiana and the West Indies. They require 
 to be grown in a very warm, moist atmosphere. 
 
 Fenzlia. Named in honor of Dr. Fenzl, author of 
 a monograph on Alsinacece. Linn. Pentandrin- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. PokmoniacecK. 
 
 A genus of beautiful dwarf California hardy 
 annuals. They bear a profusion of delicate, 
 rosy-tinted flowers, with a yellow throat, sur- 
 rounded with dark-colored dots. It is very 
 dwarf and closely tufted, keeping in flower the 
 whole summer, making it desirable for small 
 beds or edgings. It is also very pretty for win- 
 dow gardens. It is also known as Gilia dian- 
 ihoides. 
 
 Ferns consist of three orders of flowerless plants. 
 Some of the species are magnificent, with trunks 
 upward of fifty feet high. Some are climbing,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 FER 
 
 some creeping, others bushy and dwarf, and all 
 are graceful and interesting. Many of the gen- 
 era are described in their proper order. 
 
 Ferraria. Named after Ferrari, an Italian botan- 
 ist. Linn. Monaddphia-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Iridacece. 
 
 A genus of dwarf bulbs from the Cape of Good 
 Hope, producing very curious, oddly-colored 
 flowers, perhaps more singular than beautiful. 
 They are of easy culture, requiring to be kept dry 
 during winter. They should be started in the 
 green-house in February, in small pots. As 
 soon as they commence growth, give them plenty 
 of air, sunlight, and water, and they will come 
 into flower in April. They will grow finely in a 
 col frame if carefully protected from water 
 during winter. They are increased freely by 
 offsets. Introduced in 1800. 
 
 Ferula. Giant Fennel. From /mo, to strike ; 
 stems used as rods. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Apiacece. 
 
 A genus of coarse-growing, herbaceous peren- 
 nials from the Mediterranean and Persian re- 
 gions. They are of but little interest, except F. 
 Persica, the juice of which furnishes very much 
 of the Asafoetida of commerce. 
 
 Fescue Grass. See Festuca. 
 
 Festuca. A genus of grasses, containing some of 
 the best pasture grasses. F. glauca is a very 
 handsome ornamental grass, which, though 
 hardy, is very suitable for the green-house and 
 the sitting-room. 
 
 Fetid Horehound. See Ballota. 
 
 Fever Bush. A local name of the Lindera; given 
 for the supposed medicinal properties of the 
 shrub. 
 
 Feverfew. See Pyretlirum. 
 
 Ficaria. Fromficus, a fig; in reference to the 
 fig-shaped little tubers of the root. Linn. Poly- 
 andria-Polygynia. Nat. Ord. Raminwlacece. 
 
 A hardy herbaceous perennial, with bright 
 yellow flowers, closely resembling the Ranuncu- 
 lus, to which it is allied, the only difference be- 
 ing in the shape of the petals. It is one of the 
 earliest spring flowers in the English woods or 
 waste places. 
 
 Ficus. Fig-tree. The Fig-tree has nearly the 
 same name in all the European languages, and is 
 supposed to be derived from the Hebrew name 
 feg. Linn. Polygamia-Dioecia. Nat. Ord. Jfora- 
 cecK. 
 
 A genus of trees, some of which require to be 
 grown in the hot-house. It contains several 
 valuable species, especially the India Rubber 
 tree, (F. dasticu,) and the Banyan tree, (F. Indi- 
 ca;) the foliage of all of them is very impos- 
 ing, and their culture is of the easiest descrip- 
 tion, requiring heat and plenty of water in their 
 growing season. F. dastica, if cultivated in a 
 humid atmosphere, such as that of an Orchid- 
 house, will emit roots from its stem and branches, 
 and attach itself to any contiguous object, such 
 as a wall, in the manner of an epiphyte. This 
 is the India Rubber tree of commerce. It is 
 much valued as a decorative plant for rooms. 
 This species grows to an immense size in Cen- 
 tral and South America. F. Gariai, the culti- 
 vated Fig, is supposed to be a native of Caria in 
 Asia. It has, however, been so long under cul- 
 tivation throughout Southern Europe that its 
 nativity is lost sight of. The fruit can be grown 
 here without artificial heat, an ordinary pit 
 alone being sufficient protection in winter; or 
 the plants can be laid down and covered up with 
 six inches of soil in November and uncovered 
 
 FRA 
 
 in April, and will thus withstand our severest 
 Northern winters. The Fig is generally hardy 
 south of Washington. Propagated by cuttings 
 or layers. 
 
 Fiddle- Wood. See Citharejcyhtm. 
 
 Fig Marigold. See Mesembryanthemum. 
 
 Filbert. See Corylus. 
 
 Fir. See Abies. 
 
 Fire Cracker Plant. See Cuphea. 
 
 Fire Pink. A local name of ti'dene Virginica. 
 
 Fire Tree. See Nuytsia. 
 
 Fire- Weed. A name given to Erechites hieracifdia, 
 because of its appearance on new grounds, when 
 brush has been burned. It is a coarse, worth- 
 less weed, though not apt to be troublesome. 
 
 Fish-Tail Palm. See Caryota. 
 
 Fittonia. See Gymnostachyum. 
 
 Five-finger. See Potentilla. 
 
 Flame Flower. One of the popular names of 
 Tritoma. 
 
 Flame Lily. See Pyrolirwn. 
 
 Flame Tree. See tiuytsia. 
 
 Flame Tree, or Tree of Fire. See Brachychiton. 
 
 Flamingo Plant. See Anthurium. 
 
 Flax. See Linum. 
 
 Fleabane. See Erigeron. 
 
 Fleur-de-Luce. See Iris. 
 
 Florida Bean. See Entada. 
 
 Florida Moss. See Ttilandsia. 
 
 Flower of the Holy Spirit. See Peristeria. 
 
 Flowering Bush. See Butomus. 
 
 Flower-de-Luce. See Iris. 
 
 Flowering Fern. See Osmunda. 
 
 Fool's Parsley. See jEihusa. 
 
 Forget-me-not. See Myosotis. 
 
 Forsythia. In honor of Mr. Forsyth, royal gar- 
 dener at Kensington, Eng. Linn. Diandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Oleacece. 
 
 A small genus of ornamental deciduous, hardy 
 shrubs, introduced from the north of China in 
 1845. F. vmdissitna is one of the earliest of 
 spring flowering shrubs, being completely cov- 
 ered in early spring with tufts of rather large, 
 pendulous, bright yellow flowers, which grow 
 two or three together from all parts of the rod- 
 like branches. It is easily increased by cut- 
 tings or layers. 
 
 Fourcroya. Named after M. Fourcroy, a cele- 
 brated chemist. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynui. 
 Nat. Ord. Amaryttidacece. 
 
 A genus closely allied to Agaw. There are but 
 three species, all natives of Mexico. F. longceva 
 (long lived) throws up a magnificent flower stem 
 forty feet high. It is branching and pyramidal, 
 like the Yucca, though more graceful. The lower 
 branches of the terminal pyramid are from ten 
 to twelve feet long, and are covered with innu- 
 merable white flowers. From their great size 
 they are rarely met in collections! 
 
 Four O'Clock. See Mirabilis. 
 
 Fox Glove. See Digitalis. 
 
 Fragaria. The Strawberry. From fragrans, fra- 
 grant ; in reference to the perfumed fruit. Linn. 
 Icosawlria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Rosacece. 
 
 According to Sir Joseph Banks and others, 
 the common name of Strawberry was given on 
 account of straw having been laid between the 
 plants to prevent the fruit from getting soiled 
 in wet weather. There are several species of 
 Strawberries, the principal of which are, F. Vir- 
 </iii!iina, the Virginian or Scarlet, the well-known 
 native species; F. grnndiftara, the Pine; F. ChUi- 
 en.vi.s-, the Chilian; F. vnoa, the Wood and Al- 
 pine; F. datior, the Hautbois; F. viridis, the 
 green ; F. Indica, the Indian, not edible, but n
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 pret 
 ben 
 
 .etty plant for hanging pots and baskets, its 
 Berries being very attractive. Like all the oth- 
 ers, it is propagated by runners as well as seed. 
 Previous to 1629, the date assigned to the intro- 
 duction of the Scarlet Strawberry from Virginia, 
 the Wood Strawberry is supposed to have been 
 the kind generally gathered for sale in England. 
 The varieties now grown are almost innumer- 
 able, especially in the United States, and they 
 are increasing every year. The improvements 
 effected among us, in quality, size, and produc- 
 tiveness, are very remarkable indeed. Berries 
 have been exhibited in New York that measured 
 fully twelve inches in circumference. 
 
 Franciscea. Named in honor of Francis, Em- 
 peror of Austria. Linn. Dldynamia-Aivjiosper- 
 mia. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, na- 
 tives of Brazil. There are several in cultivation, 
 most of them having very showy salver-shaped 
 purple flowers. The roots, and to some extent 
 the leaves, are employed in medicine. The 
 tincture is bitter, purgative, and emetic, and is 
 poisonous in large doses. From its peculiar 
 properties it is called by the Portuguese Vege- 
 table Mercury. 
 
 Francoa. Named after F. Franco, a Spaniard. 
 Linn. Octandria-Teiragynia. Nat. Ord. Francoa- 
 
 rur. 
 
 A small genus of tender herbaceous peren- 
 nials, natives of Chili. They are found to suc- 
 ceed best when treated as tender annuals, as 
 they can only be increased by seeds, which, if 
 sown early in a hot-bed, make good flowering 
 plants for autumn. The flowers are produced 
 on long spikes, and are quite showy. Colors 
 white or purple. 
 
 Frankenia. Sea Heath. Named after John Frank- 
 enius, a Swedish botanist. Linn. Hexandria-Mo- 
 nogynia. Nat. Ord. Frankeniacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy and half-hardy ever- 
 green trailers, growing in marshy places through- 
 out Europe and the Canary Islands. Though 
 very pretty, they have received but little atten- 
 tion from florists. Flowers pink, produced in 
 axillary clusters, very small. Propagated by 
 division. 
 
 Frasera. Named after John Fraser, an indefati- 
 gable collector in this country toward the close 
 of the last centurj . Linn. Tetrandria-Honogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Genlianaceoi. 
 
 F. Caro'mensis, the only species, is a tall-grow- 
 ing, showy herbaceous plant. The flowers are 
 about one inch in diameter, of light greenish- 
 yellow color, marked with small brown-purple 
 dots. It is commonly known as American Co- 
 lumbo, and is common in Southwest New York 
 to Wisconsin and southward. 
 
 Fraxinella. Sea Dictmnnus. 
 
 FraxinuB. The Ash. From phraxis, a separa- 
 tion; in reference to the facility with which the 
 wood splits. Linn. Polygamiu-Dioecia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 This genus includes some of the most com- 
 mon forest trees throughout the United State j. 
 They are also common in Europe, Asia, and in 
 the North of Africa. The more common and 
 important of the native species are the follow- 
 ing: The White Ash, F. Americana, is a beautiful 
 tree, with trunk perfectly straight, and usually 
 undivided to the height of thirty to forty 
 feet. In the forest the tree often attains a 
 height of one hundred feet. Solitary trees are 
 often very beautiful, being symmetrical and 
 globular, with dense foliage of a dull bluish- 
 
 FUC 
 
 green color. This species delights in a warm, 
 rich soil, and is rarely found in its natural state 
 in any other. The timber of this species is 
 valuable in the mechanic arts, where strength 
 and durability are required. The Black Ash, 
 F. sambucifolia, is a tree of medium size, usually 
 found in wet or swampy situations. It is of but 
 little value as an ornamental tree, and the tim- 
 ber has little value except to split into rails for 
 fencing. The other native species are of no 
 special interest. The English Ash, F. excelsior, 
 is almost identical with our White Ash. From 
 it several varieties have originated; one of weep- 
 ing habit, F. excelsior pendula, a very beautiful 
 and desirable tree for the lawn. Some of the 
 varieties with golden, and some with variegated 
 foliage, are being extensively planted, and are 
 strongly recommended for suburban grounds. 
 Fremontia. Named in honor of Major-General 
 John C. Fremont, who discovered it in the north- 
 ern part of the Sierra Nevada. Linn. Monadelphia- 
 Pentandria. Nat. Ord. titerculiacea;. 
 
 F. Califomica, the only species, is a deciduous 
 shrub from four to ten feet high, somewhat re- 
 sembling the ordinary Fig-tree. The flowers are 
 very handsome, bright yellow, bell-shaped, and 
 are produced on short, spur-like branches. 
 Propagated by cuttings or from seed. Intro- 
 duced in 1851. 
 
 French Honeysuckle. See Hedysarum. 
 French Marigold. See Tagetes. 
 Frenoh Mulberry. See Callicarpa Americana. 
 Fringe Tree. See Chionanthus. 
 Fritillaria. From frit'dlus, a chess-board; refer- 
 ring to the checkered flowers of some species. 
 Linn. Hexandria-AIonogi/nia. Nat. Ord. LUiacea'. 
 Showy bulbs for the border, mostly attaining 
 a height of from two to three feet, though F. mc- 
 leagris and its varieties are dwarf. This species, 
 and one or two others like it, have had much 
 attention paid them by the continental florists, 
 who have succeeded in obtaining many beautiful 
 varieties by seed, and now these flowers occupy 
 a prominent place in their catalogues. They 
 delight in very rich soil, frequently dug and 
 well pulverized previous to planting. The bulbs 
 may be placed in the ground either in autumn 
 or early spring, covering them with about three 
 inches of earth. In the blooming season, 
 should the weather prove dry, the ground must 
 be frequently well soaked with water, that the 
 growth may be sufficiently vigorous, or the 
 flowers of the following season will be deficient. 
 When the stems begin to decay, the bulbs 
 should be taken up, but not dried to any extent, 
 it being far preferable to preserve them till the 
 following planting season in sand or light and 
 partially dried earth. F. imperialis is the well- 
 known Crown Imperial, a native of Persia, of 
 which there are several varieties. They will be 
 greatly benefited by mulching with leaves to the 
 depth of six inches, just before the ground 
 freezes up. They can remain a number of 
 years without taking up. Propagated by divi- 
 sion of the bulbs. 
 Frog's Bit. See Limnobium. 
 Fuchsia. Named after Leonard Fachs, a celebrated 
 German botanist. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Onagracea;. 
 
 The best history we have of this interesting 
 genus is from the pen of the Eev. C. A. Johns, 
 in the "Treasury of Botany." Hi says: "A 
 plausible story has often been printed, which 
 attributes the introduction of the Fuchsia into 
 England to a sailor, whose wife or mother was
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 87 
 
 FUG 
 
 induced to sell it to Mr. Lee, a nurseryman, 
 who, in the course of the following summer, 
 made a profit of 300 guineas by the transaction. 
 This is said to have happened about the close 
 of the last century. It was, however, a hundred 
 years before this time that a monk named Father 
 Plumier discovered the first specimen of the 
 family, which he afterward dedicated to the 
 memory of Leonard Fuchs. This first species 
 was named Fuchsia tnphylla flore corcinea, and a 
 description of it is to be found in the works of 
 Plumier, published in 1703. With the excep- 
 tion of F. excorticata and F. procumbens, which are 
 natives of New Zealand, all the species belong 
 to the central and southern regions of America, 
 in shady, moist places, in forests, or on lofty 
 mountains of Mexico, Peru, and Chili. The 
 number of distinct species at present known is 
 more than fifty, which have been introduced 
 from time to time since the beginning of the 
 present century; but the varieties most prized 
 by florists date only from the year 1837, when 
 F. fulgens was introduced. The introduction of 
 this species, and soon afterward of F. c&ri/mbi- 
 flora, cordifolici, and sei-ratifolia, gave to horticul- 
 turists the opportunity of hybridizing these 
 long-flowered species with the globose kinds, 
 and the result has been the annual appearance 
 of varieties which, from a garden point of view, 
 have surpassed their predecessors, to be them- 
 selves eclipsed in their turn. " The cultivation of 
 the Fuchsia is quite simple. Stock plants should 
 be started in the green-house in November or 
 December, and cuttings taken off as soon as large 
 enough, which will be in ten days or two weeks. 
 In an ordinary propagating house, they will be 
 sufficiently rooted in two weeks to pot off; after 
 which the growth is rapid, if given the four 
 essential elements, viz., light, air, heat, and 
 water. They require to be re-potted often, 
 never allowing them to get pot-bound if you 
 wish large show plants. By training up the 
 leading shoot, and keeping it tied to a straight 
 stick, the plant will throw out side shoots in the 
 perfect order required for a graceful, symmetri- 
 
 GAL 
 
 cal outline . Plants carefully grown on in this 
 manner will, by the first of July, fill a twelve- 
 inch pot, which, if placed in a shady situation, 
 and liberally watered with liquid manure, will 
 make a plant fully six feet high by autumn, and 
 all the summer be completely covered with 
 flowers. During our hot summer months, moss 
 two inches thick, as a mulching, on top of the 
 pots, will be found to be of great advantage. 
 
 Fumaria. Fumitory. From fumos, smoke ; re- 
 ferring to the disagreeable smell of the plant. 
 Lin.it. Dladdphia-Dirjyma. Nat. Ord. Fumaria- 
 cew. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals, mostly mere weeds. 
 One or two, however, are very pretty climbers, 
 ornamental, when grown along hedge-rows, for 
 their delicate foliage, and small, pinkish white 
 flowers. 
 
 Funkia. Day Lily. Named in honor of Henry 
 Funk, a German Cryptogamist. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monorjynia. Nat. Ord. Biliacea?. 
 
 A handsome genus of hardy herbaceous 
 plants, with bundled fibrous roots, from Japan. 
 It is nearly allied to Hemerocallis, and some of 
 the species first introduced were included in 
 that genus, which has caused considerable con- 
 fusion in names. They are remarkable for their 
 neat habit, the fine character of their foliage, 
 and the delicious fragrance of the flowers of 
 some of the species. F. albo-marginata and F. 
 Sieboldti have beautifully variegated foliage, 
 green and white. As border plants they are 
 very showy and attractive, and to mix with cut 
 flowers for vases the foliage is invaluable. /'. 
 subcordaia, or Japonica, the well-known white 
 Day Lily, is the largest growing of the species. 
 In rich soils they will, in a short time, make 
 immense clumps, that flower freely in August. 
 This species does best in partial shade. They 
 are readily increased by division of roots, which 
 should be done in early spring. First intro- 
 duced in 1790. 
 
 Fungi. Extensive groups of singular plants, 
 known as blights, blasts, mildews, and mush- 
 
 Gagea. Named after Sir Thomas Gage, a botan- 
 ical amateur. Linn. Ilexandria - Monoqunia 
 Nat. Ord. LiliacetK. 
 
 A genus of hardy little yellow-flowering bulbs, 
 allied to the Tulip. The species are natives of Eu- 
 rope, temperate Asia, and northern Africa. The 
 flowers, which are large for the size of the plant, 
 are produced in umbels on stems not more than 
 four inches high. They flower about the same 
 time as the Crocus, and should occupy similar 
 places in the garden. Propagated by offsets. 
 Introduced in 1759. 
 
 Gaillardia. Named after M. Gaillard de Maren- 
 tonneau, a French patron of botany. Linn. Syn- 
 yenesia- Frustranea. Nat. Ord. Asieracece. 
 
 A genus of beautiful half-hardy annuals, 
 natives of South Carolina and southward. They 
 are exceedingly showy, and well adapted for 
 garden decoration. The seed germinates slowly, 
 and in order to get plants to flower the whole 
 
 summer it should be sown in the green-house 
 in February. The plants may be put out in the 
 open border when all danger from frost is over. 
 Cuttings may be made in the fall and grown on 
 in the green-house during the winter. G. /.'/</,- 
 ardsoni, a species of late introduction, is a hardy 
 perennial, propagated by root division. 
 Galanthus. Snow-drop. From gala, milk, and 
 antkos, flower; referring to the color of the flow- 
 ers. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Amaryllidacea.'. 
 
 G. nivalis, the common Snow-drop, for its 
 poetical associations as the ever-welcome har- 
 binger of spring, is universally cultivated, and 
 by potting and very gentle forcing may be 
 made an interesting ornament to the green- 
 house in mid-winter. It is perfectly hardy, 
 however. Loudon remarks: " It is rather singu- 
 lar, and also to be regretted, that no variations 
 or hybrids have been produced from ihis early
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GAL 
 
 and pretty little flower." By way of episode, 
 we may mention that there are but two species 
 of the genus and one variety, bnt it is probable 
 that a cross might be obtained between it and 
 the allied genus Leucojum, or, indeed, other 
 genera of the same order, the great difficulty 
 being however, to have the different species in 
 flower at the same time. The precocity of the 
 Snow-drop putting it out of the question in a 
 natural manner, it would be necessary to retard 
 the latter till the blooming season of the genus 
 be selected. Natives of Great Britain. 
 Galathea ccelestis. Blue Daisy, Derivation of 
 name not given. Belongs to the natural order 
 Asteracea;. 
 
 This is a neat green-house plant, somewhat 
 resembling the Gazania in foliage and shape of 
 flower, but having petals of a deep blue with 
 yellow disk. As it blooms profusely, and the 
 color is a rare and beautiful shade of blue, 
 which contrasts finely with the golden yellow 
 disk, it is much valued as an ingredient in 
 winter bouquets. It is a neat plant, and the 
 peculiar color (mazarine blue) is very unusual in 
 this class of plants. Propagated by cuttings. 
 Galaxia. From galaktiao, to abound in milk; re- 
 ferring to the juice. Linn. Momdelphia-Mono- 
 ijynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacea:. 
 
 A genus of dwarf, tender bulbs from the Cape 
 of Good Hope. The flower stems are short, 
 with a terminal cluster of narrow leaves, and 
 handsome funnel-shaped flowers. Most of the 
 species are yellow, others purple. The bulbs 
 may be planted out in early spring, like the 
 Gladiolus, and given the same treatment dur- 
 ing summer. They may be left in the ground 
 during winter, if protected from frost. In- 
 creased by offsets. Introduced in 1799. 
 Galeandra. From galea, a helmet, and aner, a 
 stamen ; referring to the crested male organ on 
 the top of the column. Linn. Gynandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea*. 
 
 A small genus of terrestrial Orchids, with 
 pink, purple, or yellow flowers. They are from 
 Central and South America, and require the 
 same treatment as is recommended for the 
 Bletia. Introduced in 1840. 
 
 Galium. Bedstraw, Cleavers. From gala, milk; 
 referring to the flowers of G. verum having 
 been used to curdle milk. Linn. Tetrandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Galiacea?. 
 
 A genus of interesting herbs, natives of Eu- 
 rope, but extensively naturalized in the United 
 States. 0. aparine, vulgarly known as Goose- 
 Grass, has a great reputation in the eclectic 
 practice of medicine as a cure for gravel in the 
 bladder, and is considered by them invaluable 
 as a diuretic. 
 
 Gamboge. A gum resin that is furnished by a 
 number of trees in the East Indies. It was at 
 one time chiefly obtained from Xantkochymus, 
 a native of Ceylon. See Garcinia and Nauclea. 
 Garcinia. Mangosteen. Named after Dr. Garcin, 
 an Eastern traveler, iinn. Dodecandria-Mvno- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Clusiacece. 
 
 A genus of tropical trees of medium size, 
 highly esteemed for their delicious fruit and 
 for the valuable gums they furnish. The fruit 
 of G. Mangostana is one of the most delicious 
 that grows, and the tree upon which it is pro- 
 duced is one of the most graceful and beautiful 
 anywhere to be met with. It is a native of 
 Sumatra and the islands of the Eastern Archi- 
 pelago. The stem rises to the height of about 
 twenty feet ; the branches come out in regular 
 
 GAR 
 
 order, and give the head of the tree the form of 
 a parabola ; the leaves are about eight inches 
 long, and four broad at the middle, of a beauti- 
 ful green on the upper side, and a fine olive on 
 the under. The flower resembles that of a single 
 rose, with some dark red petals. The fruit is 
 round, about the size of an ordinary orange. 
 The shell of the fruit, which is at first green, 
 but changes to brown, marked with yellow 
 spots, has some resemblance to that of the 
 Pomegranate, but is thicker and softer, and the 
 contents are more juicy. The flavor of the pulp 
 is said to be that of the finest Grape and Straw- 
 berry united ; but those who have tasted the 
 fruit in perfection, and attempted to convey to 
 others some idea of the impression that it had 
 made on them, are not agreed as to what it re- 
 sembles. Abel says that " he and his com- 
 panions were anxious to carry with them some 
 precise expression of its flavor; but after satis- 
 fying themselves that it partook of the Pine- 
 apple and the Peach, they were obliged to con- 
 fess that it had many other equally good, but 
 utterly inexpressible flavors. " The species may 
 be grown and ripen fruit in the hot-house. 
 They will bear fruit in two years from seed. 
 Some of the species yield a gum resin, known 
 as Gamboge, though not the true sort, but it is 
 said to be nearly as good. 
 Gardener's Garters. A local name for Arundo 
 
 Donax versicolor ; also Phalaris arundinacea. 
 Gardenia. Named in compliment to Alexander 
 Garden, M.D., of Charleston, South Carolina, a 
 correspondent of Ellis and Linnaeus. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. C'mchonacea;. 
 
 A genus of splendid green-house shrubs, re- 
 markable for the size, number, and fragrance of 
 their flowers, and the noble character of the 
 plant. G. fiorida and G. Fortunei are natives of 
 China. The former was introduced into the 
 Cape of Good Hope in 1754, where it received 
 its common name, Cape Jasmine. They are 
 usually treated as green-house plants, but if 
 kept moderately cool during winter, their sea- 
 son of rest, and planted out in spring, they will 
 flower freely during the early part of the sum- 
 mer. They may be taken up in autumn, potted, 
 and kept under the table in the green-house 
 during winter. They are readily increased by 
 cuttings made from half-ripened wood. 
 Gardoquia. Named after Gardoqui. a Spaniard, 
 who greatly promoted the publication of the 
 "Flora Peruviana." Linn. Didynamia - Angio- 
 spermia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacece. 
 
 A genus of green-house, low-growing shrubs, 
 producing from the axils of the leaves bright 
 scarlet or pink flowers. They thrive well with 
 ordinary green-house culture. In order to make 
 neat and compact plants they should be kept 
 cut well back, or the plants will become strag- 
 gling. They are readily increased by cuttings. 
 Introduced in 1812 from Peru. 
 Garland Flower. See Hedi/cJiium. 
 Garlic. Allium sativum. This plant belongs to 
 the same genus as the Onion and the Leek. It 
 is a perennial, found growing wild in the south- 
 ern parts of Europe. It is commonly cultivated 
 in almost every country, and has been highly 
 esteemed from a very early period, not only as 
 an article of food, but as a medicine. It was 
 introduced into the English gardens in 1548. 
 Every part of the plant, but especially the root, 
 has a pungent, acrimonious taste, and a pecu- 
 liar offensive odor, that is far more penetrating 
 and diffusive than that of the Onion. So power-
 
 HENDERSONS HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GAS 
 
 ful is this principle, that when Garlic is applied 
 externally, as to the feet, the smell is said to be 
 observed in the breath and perspiration. The 
 common field Garlic, Allium rineale, was sup- 
 posed to have been brought into this country by 
 the Welsh, who planted it for early pasture. It 
 is now completely naturalized, and in many 
 parts of the country is quite a nuisance. A. 
 Ganadense, or Wild Garlic, is indigenous, and 
 common in moist meadows. This differs from 
 the field Garlic in having flat leaves, but is 
 equally to be dreaded. 
 
 Gasteria. From gaster, a belly ; alluding to the 
 swollen base of the flowers. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. LillacecK. 
 
 A somewhat extensive ge*nus of succulent 
 green-house plants, from the Cape of Good 
 Hope, allied to the Aloe, which they closely re- 
 semble, and require the same treatment. The 
 flowers of most of the species are bright scarlet 
 or red, and very showy. 
 
 Gastrolpbium. From gaster, belly, and lobos, a 
 pod ; inflated seed-pod. Linn. Decandria-Mon- 
 ogynia. Nat. Ord. Fabacecr. 
 
 Handsome New Holland shrubs with bright 
 yellow and orange-colored blossoms, requiring 
 to have an airy situation in the green-house 
 through the winter, and a shaded one out of 
 doors in summer. Propagated by seeds or 
 from cuttings. Introduced in 1840. 
 
 Gastronema. From gaster, belly, and nema, a 
 filament ; in reference to the filaments seen 
 below the points of insertion. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynla. Nat. Ord. AmaryUldacecK. 
 
 A small genus of very pretty, but exceedingly 
 rare bulbs, from South Africa. There are but 
 two species, one with white flowers, the other 
 rose. They will flower freely in the open ground 
 in summer, if planted in early spring. When 
 the foliage shows signs of ripening, take up the 
 bulbs, and keep in a dry place, free from frost, 
 during winter. Propagated by offsets. Intro- 
 duced in 1816. 
 
 Gaultheria. Named after Dr. Gaulther, of Que- 
 bec, Canada. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Ericacece. 
 
 Of the several species of this genus of low 
 evergreens, two are natives of this country, 
 and perfectly hardy. G. procumbens is found 
 throughout the Northern States, and universally 
 known as Wintergreen. In some sections the 
 berries are called Partridge Berries, in others 
 Checker-berry, Deer-berry, Tea-berry, etc. Win- 
 tergreen oil is distilled from this plant. 
 
 Gaylussacia. See Huckleberry. 
 
 Gazania. From grtza, richness ; in reference to 
 the large, gaudy flowers. Linn. Syngenesia-Frus- 
 tranea. Nat. Ord. AsteracecR. 
 
 A genus of very showy, low-growing, tender 
 herbaceous plants, from the Cape of Good Hope. 
 The flowers are large, yellow, or deep orange 
 color, with almost black centers. They are very 
 ornamental for the green-house, and are well 
 adapted for out-of-door culture. The flowers 
 open only in the sunshine. They are propa- 
 gated readily from cuttings. Introduced in 
 1812. 
 
 Geissorhiza. Tile Root. From geisson, a tile, 
 and rhiza, a root ; referring to the dry coats 
 which cover the fleshy roots, like tiles on a roof. 
 Linn. Tri/mdria-Monogynift. Nat. Ord. Iridacecr. 
 A small genus of South African bulbs, one 
 species of which has been found in Abyssinia. 
 They are all remarkable for having bulbs, or, 
 more correctly, bulbo-tubers, covered with seve- 
 
 GEN 
 
 ral crustaceous or scarious skins or tunics, 
 which lie over each other like scales, or the tiles 
 of a house, beginning from below. It is from 
 this peculiarity that the plants take their Eng- 
 lish name of Tile Root. They have but four leaves, 
 all of which spring from the root, and are nar- 
 row and bristly. The stems are simple or 
 branched, producing one or two flowers each, 
 resembling the Ixia, very showy, of various 
 colors, the white, yellow, and blue predominat- 
 ing. They are properly green-house bulbs, 
 but will succeed finely in a cold frame. They 
 are increased by offsets. Introduced in 1795. 
 
 Gelasine. From gelasinas, a smiling dimple ; re- 
 ferring to the flowers of these pretty bulbs. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 G. azurea, the only species, is a small bulb 
 from the Rio Grande, producing two to four 
 beautiful blue tulip-shaped flowers on a slender 
 stalk, about one and a half feet high. Propa- 
 gated by offsets, or from seed. Seedlings flower 
 the second year. Introduced in 1838. 
 
 Gelsemiuxn. From geksemiiis, an Italian name 
 of the Jasmine ; alluding to the simplicity of 
 the flowers. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Loganiacece. 
 
 A small genus of climbing shrubs, with oppo- 
 site lance-shaped, shining leaves, and produc- 
 ing axillary clusters of showy yellow flowers, 
 very fragrant. It is indigenous to North Caro- 
 lina and southward, and is popularly known as 
 Carolina Jasmine. It is increased by cuttings. 
 
 Genetyllis. From genetyUis, protective of birth; 
 alluding to the form and position of the flowers. 
 Linn. Icosandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Myrtacea;. 
 A small genus of green -house evergreen 
 shrubs, having a heath-like appearance, natives 
 of Australia. The flowers are tulip-shaped, of 
 cream color or crimson, borne in scattered, ter- 
 minal clusters. The species are remarkable for 
 the exquisite sweetness of their foliage, which, 
 with the half-ripe fruit, retains its fragrance for 
 such a length of time that it might possibly be 
 considered worth collecting for the perfumer. 
 They are easy of cultivation. Young plants are 
 obtained from cuttings. 
 
 Genista. From the Celtic gen, a small bush. 
 Linn. Mbnadelphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 This genus consists of upward of seventy 
 species, inhabiting Europe, North Africa, and 
 Western Asia. Many of the species are perfectly 
 hardy. G. tindoria, an escape from Europe, 
 has taken possession of the dry waste places of 
 Southern New York and New England with the 
 persistency of a native. This species is the 
 English Broom. They are all very handsome, 
 from the profusion of their bright yellow pea- 
 flowers, and are of the easiest culture. The 
 green-house kinds are propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Gentiana. Gentian. Named after Genlius, King 
 of lUyria, who first experienced the virtues of 
 the plant. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. . 
 Gentianacece. 
 
 A large genus of herbaceous perennials, in- 
 habiting all parts of the world, from the regions 
 of perpetual snow upon the summits of the 
 mountains of Europe, to the -hottest sands of 
 South America. They are very common in 
 many parts of this country, some growing on dry 
 hill-sides, others in moist and swampy grounds. 
 All the plants of this genus are pretty, and many 
 are extremely beautiful ; the flowers take in the 
 extremes of color: pink, blue, yellow, and white 
 are all exhibited, the predominating color 
 however, being a beautiful blue. 0. Andrewsii
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GEO 
 
 IB common in moist, rich places in the Northern 
 States, and is a very beautiful species ; the 
 flowers are of a deep, purplish blue striped in- 
 side the folds whitish. G. <rimta, Fringed 
 Gentian, is another quite common species in New 
 England and westward. The four lobes of the j 
 corolla are fringed at the margin, an exceptional 
 point of beauty of this species. The Alpine 
 species are mostly low growing, well adapted 
 for rock-work or pot culture. The species are , 
 increased by seed, which should be sown as 
 soon as ripe! The Fringed Gentian is partial to 
 its native home. It rarely lives if transplanted, 
 and coming into flower so late in the season, it 
 is very seldom that it ripens seed. Were it 
 readily increased it would be a very popular * 
 plant. 
 
 Geonoma. From geonomos, skilled in agriculture; 
 it was supposed that only a skillful gardener 
 could increase these Palms. Linn. Dioscia-Hex- 
 andria. Nat. Ord. Palmaceai. 
 
 This genus includes something like forty 
 species of Palms, the most of them without 
 special interest. 0. gracilis is a dwarf species 
 of pendant habit, resembling somewhat some of 
 the Gocos. It is quite popular for decorative 
 purposes. The species are of but little value 
 in the useful arts. They are increased from 
 
 Geranium. Crane's Bill. From geranos, a crane; 
 referring to the beak-like torus, or projection 
 beyond the seeds. Linn. Monadelphia-Decandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Geraniacece. 
 
 A somewhat extensive genus of herbaceous 
 plants, most of which are nardy. Two species 
 are common to this country, and several of the 
 species are classed with our native plants, hav- 
 ing been naturalized from Europe. A few of 
 the species produce handsome flowers, while 
 most of them are mere weeds. The well-known 
 Geraniums of our gardens are properly Pelar- 
 goniums, and will be found under that head. 
 Gerardia. Named in honor of John Gerard, the 
 English herbalist. Linn. Didynamia-Angiosper- 
 mia. Nat. Ord. Scrophvlariaceae. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals and perennials, 
 common in many of the States, particularly 
 along the seacoast. The flowers are yellow and 
 purple, and are produced in great abundance. 
 The species are extremely difficult of cultivation, 
 but spread rapidly where once introduced. 
 Geropogon. Old Man's Beard. From geron, old 
 man, and pogon, a beard ; referring to the hair- 
 like pappus which crowns the calyx in this order. 
 Linn, ayngenesia- Squalls. Nat. Ord. Asteracecv. 
 
 There is only one species of this genus, G. 
 glaber, a native of Italy, and which is a very 
 curious plant. It is an annual, having a smooth 
 stem and leaves, and growing about a foot high. 
 The flowers are flesh-colored, and expand in the 
 form of a star only when the sun shines upon 
 them. The seeds are very curious, and it is 
 from them that the plant takes its English name. 
 They should be sovm in the open border in 
 March or April, and the plants will flower in 
 July and August. 
 
 Gesnera. Named after Conrad Gamer, a celebrat- 
 ed botanist at Zurich. Linn. Didyiwmia-Angio- 
 spermia. Nat. Ord. Gesneracetf. 
 
 A beautiful and extensive genus of tuberous- 
 rooted green-house plants from Mexico and 
 South America. They are remarkable for the 
 beauty of their foliage, which is singularly 
 marked, and soft as velvet, and for their long 
 spikes of brilliant-colored flowers, mostly scar- 
 
 GLA 
 
 let and yellow. Some of them are singularly 
 marked or spotted. One species, G. Suttoni alba, 
 from Brazil, has pure white flowers. With a lit- 
 tle care in regulating their season of rest, they 
 can be brought into flower at any desired time. 
 They require a light rich soil, a warm situation, 
 but little sun, and plenty of water, which should 
 not touch the foliage. They are easily propa- 
 gated by cuttings of young shoots, or by cut- 
 tings of leaves with a bud at the base, division 
 of the tubers, or from seeds. The latter is a 
 very interesting and simple plan. The certainty 
 that all your plants will be as good as the 
 parents, and the uncertainty as to how good, or 
 how strange they may be, furnish an addi- 
 tional stimulant to grow them in this way. The 
 seed should be sown in March, in pans or boxes, 
 in fine light compost, largely composed of sand. 
 Place the pans in a warm, moist atmosphere. 
 As soon as the seedlings are up, and commence 
 the second leaf, plant separately, an inch or so 
 apart, in shallow boxes, and from these put in 
 small pots as they grow, and let them grow there 
 for the summer. Allow them to go to rest in 
 the autumn, and let them remain in the same 
 pots during winter. As soon as they show 
 signs of life in spring, re-pot in fresh soil, and 
 many of them will come into flower during the 
 summer. The first species were introduced in 
 1814. 
 
 Gethylis. From getheo, to rejoice; referring to 
 the sweetness of the flowers. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacea'. 
 
 A small genus of the most diminutive of this 
 noble family of plants. They are green-house 
 bulbs from the Cape of Good Hope, producing 
 small white, fragrant flowers in July, singly on 
 a scape not more than six inches high. Propa- 
 gated by offsets. Introduced in 1780. 
 Geum. Avens. From geyo, to stimulate; the 
 roots of some of them, and of allied species, 
 have the same properties as Peruvian Bark. 
 Linn. Icosandria-Potyyynia. Nat. Ord. Rosicen-. 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, con- 
 taining some species of an ornamental charac- 
 ter, well adapted for the shrubbery border. G. 
 atrosanguineum, a bright blue, and G. coccineum, 
 scarlet, are very showy. Propagated by seeds 
 or from root division. 
 Giant Fennel. See Ferula. 
 
 Gilia. Named in honor of P. S. Gil, a Spanish 
 botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. PolemoniacetK. 
 
 Handsome hardy annuals from California, 
 with white, lilac, and rose-colored flowers. They 
 are low-growing, and profuse bloomers, suitable 
 for borders or rock-work. Seed should be sown 
 in the fall, and the beds lightly covered with 
 leaves. 
 
 Gilliflower. See Mathiola. 
 Ginger. See Zingiber. 
 Ginkgo-tree. See Salisburia. 
 Ginseng. See Panax. 
 
 Gladiolus. From gladius, a sword; referring to 
 the sword -shaped leaves. Linn. Triandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 This extensive and well-known genus consists 
 of upward of sixty species. With but few ex- 
 ceptions, which will be noted in their descrip- 
 tions, they are natives of the Cape of Good 
 Hope. They are remarkable for ease of culture, 
 grace of habit, and for the beauty and intense 
 coloring of the flowers, that varies from the 
 most brilliant scarlet to pure white, from clear 
 rose to pure yellow and bright purple. The
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GLA 
 
 habits of the species are as varied as their 
 colors; some delicate and light, others strong 
 and robust, with constitutions adapted to any 
 climate excepting the most frigid. From these 
 species some of the most remarkable hybrids 
 have been produced. In no branch of floricul- 
 ture has the skill, the zeal, and the perseverance 
 of the hybridizer been so liberally rewarded. 
 A class with almost unlimited numbers of varie- 
 ties has been produced, that, for the size of 
 flower, beauty in form, size and strength of 
 plant, together with the enormous length of 
 flower spike, are entirely unknown to the spe- 
 cies. So popular have these hybrids become 
 that the species are only to be found in botani- 
 cal collections. As the parentage of the most of 
 our garden varieties is so little known, we give 
 our readers a brief history of the species, whose 
 characteristics are strongly marked in the hy- 
 brids. G. alatus, the Winged Gladiolus, was in- 
 troduced by Mr. Thunberg in 1795. It is a very 
 singular species, the three upper segments of the 
 flower being of a bright orange scarlet, softening 
 almost to white in the center, and very strongly 
 veined, while the three lower ones are yellow- 
 ish tipped with orange scarlet. It has a pleas- 
 ing fragrance, resembling that of the Sweet 
 Brier. The bulbs are not larger than small 
 peas, and should be grown in light sandy loam, 
 well enriched with thoroughly rotted manure. 
 All the Cape species will thrive under the same 
 treatment, so that cultural instructions for the 
 others will be unnecessary. They should be 
 planted as soon as the ground is in good condi- 
 tion in spring, grown with ordinary care during 
 summer, given perfect rest in winter, and be 
 kept perfectly dry. All the Cape bulbs are more 
 injured by excessive moisture during the dor- 
 mant season than even by frost, provided they 
 are quite dry when the frost sets in. The reason 
 for this is, that the bulbs, in their native country, 
 are only accustomed to moisture in their grow- 
 ing season; and thus, when the ground around 
 them becomes saturated by autumn rains, they 
 are stimulated into premature activity, as they 
 seem to suppose their growing season has ar- 
 rived. This unnatural growth has caused the 
 loss of many valuable collections of what is or 
 was supposed to be hardy bulbs. This class, if 
 protected from moisture by a frame, or sufficient 
 mulching, would stand the severity of our win- 
 ters without that protection. The only safe 
 plan is to take them up as soon as they show 
 signs of ripeness, and keep in a dry, warm 
 room. Propagated by offsets. G. Algoensis, the 
 Algoa Bay Gladiolus, and the former species, 
 are allied to the viper species; they have the 
 same general appearance as to form and color. 
 This species is a native of Algoa Bay, on the East 
 coast of South Africa, a much warmer climate 
 than at the Cape, yet the bulbs are much more 
 hardy. It was introduced in 1824. G. albidus, 
 the White Gladiolus, is a species properly en- 
 titled to its distinctive name, as its flowers are 
 pure white, except very light stains on the backs 
 of the petals, before they expand. The spikes 
 usually furnish three small, but well-opened 
 flowers, of more substance than the average spe- 
 cies. It was introduced in 1794, but has been 
 entirely lost sight of until within the last three 
 years, within which time we have seen it grown 
 as a "novelty" in this country, under a 
 " variety " name. G. atif/ustus, the Narrow- 
 leaved Gladiolus, is a delicate growing species 
 of but little merit. The flowers are small, and 
 
 GLA 
 
 produced on one side of the stem only ; the gen- 
 eral color of the flower is dingy white, with the 
 lower petals stainci with a heart-shaped mark 
 of red. It is one of the first species introduced 
 into Europe. It was cultivated by Miller in 
 1757. G. aphyllu?, the Leafless Gladiolus, is a cu- 
 rious species, at first sight more resembling the 
 Linaria than the Gladiolus . It requires to be 
 grown in the green-house, its time of flowering 
 being in January or February. The bulb sends 
 up a single stem about a foot high, with six or 
 eight flowers, but without a single leaf, except 
 what appears to be the rudiments of one near 
 the base of the stem. The flowers are without 
 fragrance, but are rather pretty, the upper 
 petals being slightly tinted with pink, the lower 
 ones being of darker pink or rose color, shaded 
 with yellow. G. blandns, the Fair Gladiolus, is a 
 very handsome species, growing about two feet 
 high, spike strong, producing from eight to ten 
 flowers, which are ranked alternately on each 
 side; color white, the three lower petals each 
 stained with two email oval spots of red. It 
 flowers in June, and was introduced in 1774. 
 G. brevifolius, the Short-leaved Gladiolus, is only 
 suitable for green-house culture, as it comes into 
 flower in January. The flowers, though small, 
 are very pretty, from their rosy tint and delicate 
 pencilings, but the flower spike grows nearly 
 two feet long, and is very slender, giving it a 
 naked appearance. It should be grown among 
 plants with large leaves, of lower growth, so that 
 its flowers would show just above them, on a 
 level with the eye. G. Byzanlinus, the Turkish 
 Gladiolus, is a perfectly hardy species, and 
 when once planted it may be left in the ground 
 for years without taking up. As it produces 
 but few oflfeets, it requires a long time to become 
 troublesome by crowding. It grows about two 
 feet high, and the spike is well filled with pur- 
 plish-red flowers. The bulbs may be planted 
 either in spring or fall, the latter being prefer- 
 able. They must not be planted in the shade, 
 or near trees, full sunshine and free air being 
 necessary for the development of the flowers. 
 This species is desirable in a collection, as it 
 comes into flower in June, and will last until 
 the earlier of the hybrids begin to show their 
 flowers. It is a native of Turkey. Parkinson 
 speaks of it in 1629 as a well-known flower of 
 that period. G. campanulatus, the Bell-shaped 
 Gladiolus, is a very handsome species, but sin- 
 gularjy ill-named, as its flowers are less bell- 
 shaped than most of the other species. It is of 
 a dwarf habit; flowers lilac, with a red stain on 
 each lower petal. Introduced in 1794. G. cardi- 
 naiis, the Scarlet or Superb Gladiolus, is the 
 most showy of the species. In favorable situa- 
 tions it will grow four feet high. The stem 
 branches out at the top into five or six branches, 
 each bearing six or eight flowers. They are 
 borne on one side only, and are a bright scar- 
 let, with a white, diamond-shaped spot on each 
 petal. The bulbs of this species should be 
 planted as early in spring as possible. Intro- 
 duced in 1789. G. carnetis, the Flesh-colored 
 Gladiolus, is a very handsome species, growing 
 from two to three feet high, with broad, sword- 
 shaped leaves, with a narrow white margin. 
 The flowers are very large, with a long t\ib, and 
 rather narrow-pointed petals, the lower three 
 having a brilliant carmine diamond-shaped spot 
 in the center of each ; they are nearly equally dis- 
 posed on both sides of the stem. The large size 
 and beautiful color of the flowers, together with
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GLA 
 
 the great abundance in which they are produced 
 has made this a prominent parent in many ol 
 our present garden varieties. It flowers in 
 June Introduced in 1796. 0. coddeaius, the 
 Spoon-tipped Gladiolus, a curious species, with a 
 very slender stem, sometimes nearly two feet 
 lone The leaves are very narrow, straight, and 
 rigid, tapering to a sharp point. The flowers 
 are white; the three upper petals are only about 
 half the size of the three lower ones, more erect, 
 and are stained with a red, compass-shaped, 
 feathery mark; the central lower petal is spoon- 
 shaped, from which it takes its name. This spe- 
 cies must be grown in the green-house, as it 
 flowers in February and March. It was intro- 
 duced in 1809. G. communis, the common Glad- 
 iolus, is found pretty generally distributed 
 throughout the south of Europe. It consists of 
 three varieties: white, rose, and purple, all per- 
 fectly hardy, of easy culture, and desirable for 
 early flowers in the garden. They are of dwarf 
 habit, the flower spike rarely exceeding two feet 
 in height. The bulb should be planted in 
 autumn, and need not be disturbed oftener than 
 once in three or four years, and not then, 
 unless they get too thick, as they are liable to 
 do, from the immense quantity of offsets they 
 produce. A small clump will produce a large 
 number of spikes at a time when choice flowers 
 in the garden are scarce. G. ColviUei, a splendid 
 hybrid, produced in 1823, from the seeds of G. 
 concolor, that had been fertilized by the pollen 
 of G. carditialvi. The flowers are of a beautiful 
 scarlet, softening into purple in the margin, and 
 have a delicious fragrance. We should not give 
 this hybrid a place among the species, but for 
 the fact of its constancy, there not having been 
 any varieties produced from it. G. concolor, the 
 one-colored Gladiolus, is a very desirable spe- 
 cies for its color, which is of a clear bright yel- 
 low, and the form of its flowers, which are nearly 
 bell-shaped. The number of the flowers varies 
 from two to eight, and are produced on the 
 same side of the spike. In the evening it dif- 
 fuses a fragrance like the common Pink. This 
 species should be grown in a frame, as its season 
 of flowering is too early for spring planting, and 
 it is impatient of green-house treatment. The 
 species was introduced in 1790. G. cuspidatus, 
 the Sharp-pointed Gladiolus, is one of the most 
 remarkable species of the genus, from the great 
 length and undulation of the petals. The flow- 
 ers, which are produced in May or June, are 
 cream colored, but the lower petals are marked 
 with a very rich and most remarkable stain, 
 which looks like a spot of gold on dark purple 
 velvet. This species was introduced in 1795. 
 G. detrilis, the Weak Gladiolus, is a species bear- 
 ing solitary flowers, which differ materially from 
 most others of the genus, as all the sections of 
 the flower are spread open like the Ixias; the 
 two inner sections are marked with a rich, dark, 
 rose-colored spot near the base, the other por- 
 tions of the flower being white. The leaves and 
 stem are both very long, slender, and weak; 
 hence the name. G. edulis, the Eatable Gladio- 
 lus, is a remarkable species, from the fact that 
 it is entirely void of beauty. The flowers are 
 white, slightly stained with pink and yellow, 
 and so much curled that they look withered as 
 soon as they expand. The bulb is oblong, firm, 
 and white, and is roasted like chestnuts and 
 eaten by the natives of the Cape of Good Hope. 
 G. fasdatus, a very pretty dwarf species, the 
 stem seldom growing six inches high, and never 
 
 GLA 
 
 more than a foot. The flowers are of a delicate 
 pink, the petals have waved margins, and the 
 three lowev ones have a dark crimson streak 
 down each. This species requires pot culture, 
 as it flowers in winter. The stem is generally 
 branched, and if potted in a small pot first, 
 and afterward shifted two or three times into 
 others, getting gradually larger, without break- 
 ing the ball of earth, the plant will form a com- 
 pact little bush, covered with flowers. G. flori- 
 buiidus, the Abundant-flowering Gladioluses one 
 of the few species that is considered worthy of 
 cultivation in ordinary collections, as it compares 
 favorably with many hybrids of recent introduc- 
 tion. It grows about one foot high. The flow- 
 ers are produced abundantly on opposite sides 
 of the stem. They are very large, and stand 
 erect, opening widely, like little Lilies. They 
 are white, with a bright pink stripe down the 
 center of each petal. This species, if planted in 
 a dry, sandy soil, with a sunny exposure, is per- 
 fectly hardy around New York. They produce 
 an immense number of offsets, that will flower 
 the second year. Introduced in 1788. G. gra- 
 cttis, the Slender Gladiolus, is one of the least 
 ornamental of the genus, from the great length 
 and slenderness of the stem, its narrow leaves 
 and few flowers, which rarely number more than 
 three, and are of a pale lilac, with the lower 
 petals spotted with black. They are quite 
 hardy, and will grow well in the garden bor- 
 der. G. hirsutus, the Hairy Gladiolus, is a spe- 
 cies variable in habit, growing from one to three 
 feet high, as the soil and situation suits it. The 
 flowers are large, rose-colored, and all produced 
 on one side of the spike; the scapes and leaves 
 are edged with a deep red margin, and are quite 
 hairy. The fragrance of the flowers resembles 
 that of the Hawthorn. G. MiUerii, Miller's Glad- 
 iolus, an interesting species raised from seed 
 sent from the Cape to England in 1737. The 
 stem is about a foot high, and generally bends 
 to one side. The flowers are all on the same 
 side of the stem; they are large, and of a 
 pale yellow, with a dark pink stripe down the 
 center of each petal. This species requires to 
 be grown in a frame because of its early flower- 
 ing. G. Mortonius, Morton's Gladiolus, is a 
 handsome dwarf-growing species from Southern 
 Africa. The flowers are pale pink, nearly white ; 
 the leaves are broad, of yellowish-green. G. 
 psiilacinus, the Parrot Gladiolus, (synonym Na- 
 talensis,) is a species that is interesting from the 
 fact of its parentage to the whole family of hy- 
 brids of G. Gaiidavensis, now so extensively cul- 
 tivated. It is a native of the southeast coast of 
 Africa, near Port Natal, and, like other species 
 from there, it is more hardy than the Cape spe- 
 cies that are found much farther from the equa- 
 tor. It should be planted in the open ground, 
 and need only to be taken up when the bulbs 
 are overcrowded. It grows from three to four 
 feet high. The flowers are of the most intense 
 scarlet and yellow. G. ramosus, the Branching 
 Gladiolus, is unquestionably the finest species 
 of the genus. In the size and beauty of its flowers 
 it yields the palm to none, and, on account of its 
 peculiarly branching habit, it may be considered 
 the most ornamental. In favorable situations 
 the flower-stem will grow five feet high, and pro- 
 duce a succession of flowers from June until 
 August. The flowers are very large, well opened, 
 and of a rosy blush, with heavy carmine stains on 
 the three lower segments or petals. The leaves 
 are proportionately large and handsome, and the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS 
 
 GLA 
 
 whole plant forms a magnificent object when 
 given plenty of room for its development. The j 
 bulbs should be planted in the fall, in a dry, ' 
 rich, sandy loam, and they will amply repay'a 
 generous mulching. The Dutch were the first 
 to introduce this species from the Cape. They 
 do not give the year. There seems to have been 
 a number of varieties, from which they pro- 
 duced a great number of hybrids, or, more 
 properly, cross-breeds, as they all seem to have 
 the same specific character. G. recurvus, the 
 Eecurved Gladiolus, is an unassuming, yet in- 
 teresting species. It is rather a tall, slender- 
 growing plant, usually two feet high, and pro- 
 duces from two to five flowers of small size; 
 color, violet-purple tinged with yellow. The 
 sheath is white, mottled with a purplish-brown, 
 and it is as glossy as the finest porcelain, which, 
 indeed, it greatly resembles. Its fragrance is 
 like that of the violet. G. suai-eolens, the Fra- 
 grant Gladiolus, is a species bearing pale yellow 
 or straw-colored flowers, the upper petals dotted 
 with red. The flowers are small, but very fra- 
 grant. It is best suited to green-house culture. 
 Introduced in 1799. G. undidatus, the Wavy 
 Gladiolus, is a slender, dwarf-growing species, 
 producing flowers on one side of the stem only. 
 They are of a pale yellow color, with a broad red 
 stripe down the center of each petal. It was in- 
 troduced in 1760. G. i-iperatus, the Viper Gladi- 
 olus, so named because of the resemblance of 
 the flower to a viper's head. This species is 
 more singular than beautiful. The flowers are 
 greenish-gray, with dark stripes, and are very 
 fragrant. Introduced in 1825. We omit de- 
 scriptions of very many species, having included 
 in the list all, or nearly all, of the important 
 ones, or those with distinctive features, that are 
 now represented in the hybrids that have taken 
 possession of the field, and given the parents 
 only the refuge and protection of the botanical 
 garden. 
 
 Hybrid Gladhlus. The hybridization of any 
 popular tribe, when it is attended with so lit- 
 tle labor, in proportion to the results produced, 
 as in this class, is speedily carried to an extent 
 which renders characteristic distinction indefin- 
 able; and perhaps the introduction of the num- I 
 berless names which necessarily arise out of 
 such a circumstance is to be regretted, as occa- 
 sioning difficulty and labor beyond what most 
 cultivators are disposed to submit to. For the I 
 purposes of sale, however, and also to enable ! 
 the producer to recommend very particular sorts 
 to dealers and amateurs, it is essential that every 
 seedling or variety that is at all deserving of be- 
 in g perpetuated should have a distinctive name. 
 As we have before stated, the many hundred 
 named garden varieties of Gladioli are descend- ) 
 ants of G. Gandavensix, but how and where this 
 variety was produced has been for a long time 
 an open question, why we could never fully un- 
 derstand, for we have the word of one of the j 
 most prominent horticulturists in the world, 
 Louis Van Houtte, whose word was authority 
 whenever given, that it was produced at Ghent, 
 and was a cross between G. psittacinus and G. <;<//- 
 dinalis. This we should consider a full settle- 
 ment of the question; not so, however; for the 
 late Hon. and Rev. William Herbert, an ac- 
 knowledged authority on bulbs, says Mr. Van 
 Houtte is in error; for after repeated attempts 
 to hybridize the two, he, Mr. Herbert, could not 
 succeed; consequently it could not be done, 
 and what Mr. Van Houtte said had been done 
 
 GLA 
 
 was a mistake. All the English writers agree 
 with Mr. Herbert, and say the origin of G. Gand- 
 avensiti is obscure. There is no question, how- 
 ever, as to the fact, that to G. Gandavtmsis we are 
 indebted for all our fine garden varieties, as it 
 crosses freely with many of the species, and 
 each cross seems to possess merits superior to 
 either parent. It is a common mistake to call 
 our many varieties hybrids, when in reality 
 they are all, or nearly all, cross-breeds; and 
 this is one of the most interesting features in 
 Gladioli culture, that every cross between well- 
 known varieties tends in almost every case to 
 improve, not only the beauty of the flower, but 
 the vigor of the plant. We wish now to remove, 
 as far as possible, the prevalent erroneous idea, 
 that it is a difficult task to raise new and choice 
 varieties from seed. The only secret, the only 
 mystery is, that one can with so little trouble 
 and expense produce flowers that will give such 
 intense satisfaction and pleasure. It is no more 
 trouble to raise Gladioli from seed than it is to 
 raise the most common vegetable. With the 
 simplest garden culture, there is an almost ab- 
 solute certainty of success . Prepare your bed 
 in spring as for any hardy annual, sow your 
 seed, and cover to the depth of one inch. Hoe 
 as often as needed for other crops; keep them 
 well weeded ; take up the bulbs after a frost, or 
 before, if they show signs of ripening; store them 
 in a dry cellar, free from frost; plant them out 
 again the next spring, and the ensuing summer 
 very many of them will flower. If the precau- 
 tion is taken to sow the seed in a hot-bed, close 
 the same upon the approach of a heavy rain, 
 which they dislike exceedingly. Very nearly 
 all the bulbs will be large enough to give their 
 most perfect flowers the second year. The fact 
 that the best rarely flower first, will tend to cre- 
 ate in the amateur a warm and lively interest. 
 A pertinent question is, how to obtain the best 
 seed. Commence by making a careful selection 
 of the best varieties in cultivation, keeping in 
 view those of the best form, largest size, and of 
 the most intense and positive colors; wherever 
 they are marked or variegated, have the mark- 
 ings bold and distinct. Plant all in a bed so 
 that they will not be more than one foot apart 
 each way. Without further care you will get 
 some good seed; but a better quality and much 
 larger quantity will be obtained by crossing 
 them in all sorts of ways, which is the most 
 effectually done on a dry day, when there is but 
 little air stirring. It is not necessary to cross 
 fertilize for good varieties, though it is a more 
 certain way; yet very many of our best seedlings 
 were accidentals; artificial fertilization being 
 necessary from the fact of their rarely fertilizing 
 themselves. The Gladioli dislikes a stiff, clayey 
 soil, but will thrive well in almost any other, its 
 preference being for one of a moist sandy na- 
 ture, or light loam. They do best on what is 
 termed sod-ground, with but little manure, and 
 that well rotted. Successive plantings in the 
 same ground should be avoided. Change the 
 locality of the bed every year, so as not to re- 
 turn to the same spot for at least three years. 
 It is much the best plan to make your ground 
 very rich this year, and put on some light crop; 
 then it will be in perfect order for your Gladio- 
 lus next. Increase of desirable sorts is effected 
 by the small bulbs or bulblets that form at the 
 base of the new bulb, which are produced in 
 greater or less quantities. Some varieties will 
 have on an average a hundred in a year; oth-
 
 M 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GLA 
 
 ers will produce scarcely any. This will in a , 
 SJlMtton account for the marked difference 
 indices of the named sorts; it will also account 
 for the rapid increase in the more common sorts, 
 and the sudden disappearance of those greatly 
 prized. Choice sorts are but short-lived, unless 
 they are increased by bulblets. In many of our 
 named sorts, old bulbs will not produce good 
 flowers, if, indeed, they produce any; conse- 
 quently the bnlblets from all favonte sorts 
 should be planted every spring, or at least a 
 sufficient number of them for a required stock. 
 The bulblets should be planted in spring in any 
 convenient out-of-the-way place in the garden, 
 and given the same treatment as is recom- 
 mended for the seed. If in rich, light soil, very 
 nearly all will flower the second year. They 
 require but little room the first year. Prepare 
 the rows about the width of the common gar- 
 den hoe, and sow the bulblets (or seeds) so close 
 that they will nearly touch each other, and they ; 
 will do much better than if more scattered, j 
 During winter the bulbs, without regard to size 
 or age, are best kept in a dry, cool cellar. Plant- 
 ings should be made as early in spring as the 
 ground can be got in order, no matter if there 
 should be hard frosts after; it will not penetrate 
 the ground sufficiently to injure them. For late ; 
 flowering some of the stronger bulbs may be | 
 kept until the first of July, which will keep 
 them back until about the first of October. 
 
 Glasswort. See UnKeornia. 
 
 Glaucium. Horn Poppy. From glaukos, grayish i 
 green; referring to the color of the leaves, j 
 Linn. Polyandria-Monogynift. Nat. Ord. Papa- ' 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals and perennials, na- 
 tives of Europe. They are remarkable for their 
 bright yellow flowers, that are produced in great 
 abundance all the summer, and for their deeply 
 cut leaves, that have a decided glaucus hue. 
 G. luteum, one of the most showy and desirable 
 species, is very common at Montauk Point, 
 Long Island, and on the islands along the 
 coast, having become naturalized from Europe. 
 This species grows readily from seed, and 
 makes a valuable plant for the ribbon border. 
 
 Gleditschia. Honey Locust. In honor of Gott- 
 lifb Gleditsch, once a professor at Berlin, and a 
 defender of Linnaeus against Siegesbeck, and 
 author of many botanical works. Linn. Pdyga- 
 mia-Diascia. Nat. Ord. Fnltacew. 
 
 A genus of handsome hardy deciduous trees, 
 several of the species being common in the Mid- 
 dle, Southern, and Western States. 
 
 Gleichenia. Named after Gleichen, a German 
 botanist. Linn. Cryptogamia-Filu-es. Nat. Ord. 
 PolypodiacftK. 
 
 A very extensive genus of Ferns. They are 
 found widely scattered in the tropics, both of 
 the Old and New World, and extending to Chili 
 and the Australasian regions. A few only have 
 found their way into the hot-house, some of 
 which are highly esteemed. They are propagated 
 by division or from spores. Introduced in 1823. 
 
 Globe Amaranth. See Goinphrena. 
 
 Globe Thistle. See EfhiH^s. 
 
 Globulea. From globvloa, a small globe; refer- 
 ring to the glands on the petals. Linn. Penian- 
 dria-Pentagynia. Nat. Orof. Crassnlm;,!-. 
 
 A genus of succulent plants, natives of the 
 Cape of Good Hope, with flat, sickle-shaped 
 leaves, arranged in a rosette. The flowers are 
 small, arranged in dense clusters, and have five 
 petals bent inward, each of them tipped with a 
 
 GLO 
 
 little globule of waxy matter, whence the name 
 of the genus, which is closely allied to Crassu- 
 la. The several species are propagated by cut- 
 tings of firmish young shoots, that should be 
 dried a day or two before putting into the prop- 
 agating bed. Introduced in 1732. 
 
 Gloriosa. From glm'iomts, glorious; because of 
 the magnificent flowers. Linn. Hexftnnria-Mon- 
 ogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 A very handsome genus of green-house bulbs, 
 of limited climbing habit, the flowers curiously 
 shaped, bright yellow or orange color. They 
 should be grown in pots of very sandy loam, 
 and treated in the manner recommended for 
 Gesnera, except that, being climbing plants, 
 they will require to be supported with sticks 
 or a trellis. Natives of South Africa. Intro- 
 duced in 1825. 
 
 Glory Pea. See Clianthus. 
 
 Glossocomia. From glossocomos, a money-bag; 
 referring to the shape of the flower. Linn. Pent- 
 andrin-Monogyn'M. Nat. Ord. Oampanulnrcci'. 
 
 A small genus of hardy herbaceous plants, 
 white or purple bell-shaped flowers, from North- 
 ern India. They are increased by seeds or di- 
 vision. Introduced in 1839. 
 
 Gloxinia. Named after P. B. Gloxin, a botanist 
 of Colmar. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Gesneracecp. 
 
 The species that compose this splendid genus 
 are, with one or two exceptions, natives of 
 South America, and are usually found in deep 
 ravines, on rather high mountain elevations, 
 and in damp, much-shaded situations. The 
 species are among the greatest ornaments of our 
 green-houses, and the richness of their foliage, 
 and their ample, graceful, and delicately-tinted 
 flowers, have gained for them a prominent place 
 among the more choice flowering plants. Here, 
 as in many other instances, the process of hybrid- 
 izing has been largely resorted to, and the re- 
 sults are most satisfactory. The older kinds, 
 with drooping flowers, have mostly given place 
 to forms with the corolla almost regular and 
 nearly erect, the latter peculiarity having this 
 recommendation, that the border and throat of 
 the corolla, to which parts much of the beauty 
 of the flower is owing, are presented to the eye. 
 The hybrids are greatly improved in color as well 
 as form, and the flowers are produced in greater 
 abundance than with the species. The main 
 art in growing Gloxinia* well is to give them 
 a porous and well-enriched soil, to grow them 
 in a warm, moist atmosphere, and us soon as 
 they begin to flower to remove them to a cooler 
 house, and afterward dry them off gradually, 
 and keep them free from moisture till they 
 again begin to grow. To produce the richest 
 colors the glass should be shaded, or they 
 should be grown where there is only a northern 
 exposure. Gloxinias are readily propagated by 
 their leaves; all that is required is to insert the 
 leaf, about one-half its length, in an ordinary 
 propagating bed, keep the sand moderately wet 
 until the leaf is completely dried up, then with- 
 hold water entirely, and leave the newly-formed 
 tubers until the following February, at which 
 time they will commence to grow, when they 
 should be taken out and potted. They will 
 flower in one year after the cuttings are put in. 
 They are also produced easily from seed, which 
 they ripen abundantly. On account ot its very 
 small size it should be sown on a smooth sur- 
 face of soil, and merely covered with a slight 
 covering of moss laid lightly over it, and kept
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GLY 
 
 on until germination has taken place. The 
 plants can be pricked ont into small pots or 
 shallow boxes when the leaves are an inch long; 
 with careful attention they will make flowering 
 plants the first season. In all the stages of 
 growth, whether the plants are large or small, 
 care should be taken, in watering, to avoid wet- 
 ting the leaves, or to have the earth sodden 
 around them; either will cause them to damp 
 off and rot. They require a temperature, when 
 growing, never less than 70. This plant was 
 first introduced in 1739. 
 
 Glyceria. From ylykeros, sweet; alluding to the 
 herbage. Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Graminaceoi. 
 
 An extensive genus of grasses, mostly aquat- 
 ic. They are of but very little beauty or 
 interest. A few of the species that grow in 
 moist meadows, near the sea-coast, furnish a 
 pasture that is relished by stock of all kinds. 
 The species are common throughout the North- 
 ern, Eastern, and Western States. 
 
 Glycine. From ylykys, sweet; referring to the 
 taste of the roots of some of the species. Linn. 
 Uiadelphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacew. 
 
 A small genus, nearly all of which are tender 
 climbing plants, producing axillary flowers, 
 singly or in racemes, white, yellow, or rose; 
 they are only adapted for green-house culture. 
 There is one species, G. soja, that is a hardy an- 
 nual, a native of Japan, that produces seeds like 
 small kidney beans, which the Japanese use in 
 large quantities, either in soup, or in making a 
 sauce called sooja or soy, this sauce being used 
 in many of their dishes. The Wistaria was for- 
 merly incorrectly called Glycine. 
 
 Glycyrrhiza. Liquorice. From glykys, sweet, 
 and rhiza, a root; referring to the sweet juice of 
 the roots of the liquorice. Linn. Diadelphia-De- 
 candria. Nat. Ord. Fabacecv. 
 
 A. genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
 the one of principal interest being G. glabra, a 
 native of Italy, the roots of which produce the 
 Liquorice of commerce. None of the species are 
 cultivated as ornamental plants. 
 
 Gnaphalium. From gmiphalon, soft down; in 
 reference to the woolly covering of the leaves. 
 Linn. Byngenesia-tiupeqfaa. Nat. Ord. Asiera- 
 cc(e. 
 
 A genus known as Everlastings. Many of the 
 species formerly included in it are now classed 
 with the JMic.hrysum. There are several spe- 
 cies, hardy annuals, very common in the Middle 
 and Southern States, and are the only ones 
 worth cultivating. 
 
 Gnidia. The ancient name of the Laurel. Linn. 
 Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Thymdacece. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreens, produc- 
 ing pale yellow flowers. In habit they resemble 
 the Heath. They are quite pretty, but difficult 
 of cultivation. They are natives of the Cape of 
 Good Hope. Propagated by cuttings. Intro- 
 duced in 1768. 
 
 Goat's Beard. A popular name of tipira'a arun- 
 
 Cll.f. 
 
 Goat's Rue. See Tephron'm. 
 
 Godetia. Named by Spach, a German botanist, 
 resident in Paris; it is probably a Latinized 
 proper name. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Onas/raceaj. 
 
 A genus of exceedingly handsome and showy 
 hardy annuals from California, growing about a 
 foot and a half high, and producing numberless 
 rosy-lilac flowers. The seed should be started 
 in the hot-bed in March, and transplanted into 
 
 GON 
 
 poor soil when danger from frost is over. They 
 require plenty of room. Close planting will 
 draw them up, and weaken them, and rich soil 
 will produce more leaves than flowers. 
 
 Goethe Plant. A Continental name of Chloro- 
 phytitm >V r/ii ic/'< /ifi.num. 
 
 Golden Chain. Cytisus Laburnum. 
 
 Golden Club. See OronUum. 
 
 Golden Bod. See Solidago. 
 
 Goldfussia. Named after Dr. Goldfnss, Professor 
 of Natural History in the University of Bonn. 
 Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
 thacea}. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
 from Silhet, formerly called Ituellia anisophylla. 
 The flowers have two deciduous bracts, and are 
 arranged in a head or spike, which, after the 
 fall of the bracts, becomes very loose and strag- 
 gling. The flowers are funnel-shaped, blue or 
 purple. The plants require to be cut well back 
 after flowering. Propagated by cuttings. In- 
 troduced in 1838. 
 
 Gold Thread. See Coptis. 
 
 Gombo. See Htfjiscus. 
 
 Gomphia. Button Flower. From gomphos, a 
 club; alluding to the shape of the fruit. Linn. 
 Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Ochnacea;. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful tender shrubs 
 from the West Indies and South America. The 
 flowers are pure bright yellow, borne in dense 
 panicles. They require the warmest place in 
 the green-house. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Gomphrena. Globe Amaranth. From gomphos, 
 a club; alluding to the shape of the flowers. 
 Linn. Peniandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Arna- 
 ranthacece. 
 
 This is supposed to be the Amaranth of the 
 poets, which, from the durability of its flowers, 
 was considered to be the emblem of immortality. 
 It seems to have been used at funerals in the 
 time of Homer, as he describes it as worn by 
 the Thessalians at the funeral of Achilles. The 
 Gomphrenas are tender annuals. The seeds are 
 slow to germinate, and should be sown in March 
 in a hot-bed or in seed pans in the green-house. 
 The plants will be greatly benefited by prick- 
 ing out, or re-potting two or three times before 
 planting in the open border. With this treat- 
 ment, single plants can be made to produce 
 several hundred flowers. The flowers of the 
 
 garden varieties are white, purple, and striped. 
 If cut before fully ripe, and tied in bunches, 
 and allowed to dry in a rather dark and airy 
 room, they will retain their colors the whole 
 season, making them desirable for bouquets of 
 dried flowers. G. globosa, the best known spe- 
 cies, is a native of 'India. Introduced in 1714. 
 
 Goniophlebium. From gonia, an angle, and 
 phlebia, & vein; alluding to the veins of the 
 fronds. Linn.. Oryptcxjamla-FUictti. Nat. Ord. 
 Polypodiacecu. 
 
 Hot-house Ferns, found in nearly all tropical 
 countries. A few are simple-fronded species, 
 with a creeping, ivy-like habit, and contracted 
 fertile fronds; but they have mostly stoutish, 
 slow-creeping rhizomes, and large fronds, often 
 of a pendulous habit, and sometimes several 
 feet in length. Some are exceedingly hand- 
 some, and valued in collections. They are prop- 
 agated by division in spring. 
 
 Gongora. Named after a Spanish viceroy of New 
 Granada. Linn. Gt/nandria-Mn(tndrirt. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A singular genus of Orchids from tropical 
 America. They are compact growing and ever-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GOO 
 
 green, 
 flower 
 
 i, producing long pendulous racemes of 
 rers rich in color and often grotesque in ap- 
 pearance. They can be successfully grown in 
 whut is termed a "cool Orchid house, or a 
 green-house. 
 
 Ooodia. Named after P. Good, a collector of 
 plants in Australia for the Kew Gardens. Linn. 
 Monaddph'm-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacea*. 
 
 Handsome evergreen shrubs from New Hol- 
 land. They are all erect, symmetrical plants, 
 with beautiful foliage. The flowers are pure 
 yellow, produced in racemes like those of the 
 Laburnum, but smaller. They require green- 
 house treatment. Propagated by seeds or cut- 
 tings. 
 
 G-oodyera. Named after J. Goodyer, an early 
 British botanist. Lynn. Gynandria-Monandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A genus of terrestrial Orchids, with small white 
 flowers like those of Spiranthes, but the spike is 
 not spiral. It consists of very few species, all 
 from the northern hemisphere, and mostly from 
 high latitudes or mountain ranges. G. discolor 
 has dark green velvety leaves with a silver stripe 
 down the middle, and is a very handsome plant. 
 Requires a warm green-house. There are seve- 
 ral hardy species, with pure white and green- 
 ish white flowers, common to our woods from 
 New York to Wisconsin. 
 
 Gooseberry. See Ribus. 
 
 Gooseberry Shrub. See Pereskia. 
 
 Goose-foot. See Chenopodiitm. 
 
 Goose-grass. See Galium. 
 
 Gordonia. Named by Dr. Garden in honor of 
 his old master, Dr. James Gordon, of Aberdeen. 
 Linn. Monadelphia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Tern- 
 stromiacece. 
 
 A genus of half-hardy deciduous shrubs or 
 low trees, common in the Southern States. G. 
 lasianthus is popularly known as Loblolly Bay, 
 and is common in swamps near the coast from 
 Virginia southward. 
 
 Gossypium. Cotton Tree. From goz, or gothro, 
 an Arabic word signifying a soft substance. 
 Linn. MtModelphia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Mal- 
 
 . 
 
 There are several distinct species of cotton 
 plants, and a great many varieties. Some are 
 herbaceous annuals, others shrubs three or four 
 feet in height, and others attain a height of 
 from fifteen to twenty feet. The stems are 
 smooth or hairy, leaves either three or five 
 lobed, fine shaped, cordate, blunt, or lanceolate. 
 The flowers are large, with yellow or white 
 petals, and a purplish center, and are suc- 
 ceeded by pointed pods, which, on coming to 
 maturity, burst, and display a profusion of white 
 or yellowish down that forms the cotton of com- 
 merce. In the center of this down are contained 
 the seeds, varying in number from ten to thirty 
 according to the species, of n dark brown color 
 and of a very oily nature. The early history of 
 the Cotton plant is involved in obscurity, nor 
 can it be ascertained in what region of the elobe 
 it was first cultivated and applied to purposes 
 ^n d m /^ tlC T*' Herodotu8 - who wrote about 
 450 B. C., and who had traveled into Egypt and 
 was familiar with its productions, does not de- 
 scribe the Cotton plant as existing there but 
 gives some obscure hints of such a plant being in 
 use m India. The inhabitants of India, savs he 
 possess a kind of plant which, instead of fruit' 
 produces wool of a finer and better quality than 
 that of sheep; of this the natives make their 
 clothes. When describing the corselet of Arua- 
 
 GOS 
 
 sis, he accordingly designated Cotton under the 
 name of tree-wool, a combination of terms which 
 the Germans use for the same substance at the 
 present day. His particularly detailing the 
 linen garments of the Egyptians, and their mode 
 of weaving linen cloth, as differing from that of 
 the Greeks, while he omits all mention of the 
 manufacture of cotton garments, would lead us 
 to suppose that the Cotton plant was unknown 
 to the Egyptians; and that, if they possessed 
 Cotton cloth at all, it was imported from India. 
 Pliny, however, in his work on Natural History, 
 describes the Cotton plant as a small shrub grow- 
 ing in Upper Egypt, called by some xylon, and 
 by others gossypium, the seeds of which are 
 surrounded by a soft downy substance of a daz- 
 zling whiteness, and which is manufactured into 
 cloth much esteemed by the Egyptian priests. 
 This was five centuries after the time in which 
 Herodotus wrote, and during this period the 
 plant may have become more common. From 
 Pliny's account, it would not appear that Cotton 
 was much used at Rome, even in the first cen- 
 tury of the Christian era, nor for many centuries 
 afterward was its use introduced into Europe. 
 But in the ninth century the Arabians, who were 
 then in possession of Egypt, appear to have 
 used Cotton cloth for their ordinary garments ; 
 for one of the first remarks of two Arabian 
 travelers, who went to China at that period, 
 was, that the Chinese, instead of weaving Cot- 
 ton, as they and their countrymen did, chiefly 
 used silk stuffs. It is probable, then, that the 
 Cotton plant first came from Persia to Egypt , 
 whence it spread into Asia Minor, and latterly 
 to the islands of the Archipelago. In the time 
 of Tournefort, who visited these islands, Milo 
 was celebrated for its Cotton. The Cotton now 
 raised in small quantities in the Cyclades pos- 
 sesses that dazzling whiteness which Pliny de- 
 scribes as the property of the Egyptian Cotton. 
 The Cotton plant has been grown from an early 
 period, in the West Indies, in the Southern 
 States, and in South America. Whether any of 
 the species are natives of this Continent, it is 
 difficult to say; the probability is, however, that 
 it was introduced, soon after the discovery of 
 the West Indies, into these settlements, from 
 Smyrna. It should be stated, however, that 
 Cotton cloth has been found in the tombs of the 
 Incas of Peru. The extensive cultivation of 
 Cotton in this country is of a recent date. In 
 1784, 8 bags were sent from this country to 
 England, which were seized, on the ground that 
 so much Cotton could not be produced in the 
 United States. Since the Revolution, the in- 
 crease of production has been steady and rapid. 
 Of the species under cultivation, G. Barbadense 
 is the one grown in the United States, and of 
 this there are two varieties, the Upland Cotton, 
 or short staple, and the Sea Island Cotton, or 
 long staple. This species is a native of India, 
 whence it was transplanted into the West Indies, 
 and from there into thQ United States. G. her- 
 baceum, the herbaceous Cotton plant, is the spe- 
 cies cultivated throughout Europe and Asia. 
 It is an annual plant, growing to the height of 
 about twenty inches. The Tree Cotton, G. 
 arboreum, is a perennial species, growing from 
 fifteen to twenty feet high, and is considerably 
 grown in the African Colonies, but does not 
 yield a very fine staple. A very coarse growing 
 species, G. bombyx-ceita, is common in the West 
 Indies, said to be indigenous there. The trunk 
 of this species is sufficiently large to hollow out
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GOU 
 
 for canoes, and yields a valuable lumber; the 
 Cotton is of a coarse, inferior quality. The 
 general uses of this staple are too important 
 and well known to require comment. The seed 
 has, however, a value but little known. Near 
 the City of New York there is an oil mill that 
 makes daily several thousand gallons of oil from 
 Cotton seed, which is sent to Italy, there bottled, 
 and sent all over the world, and sold as a very 
 superior quality of Olive Oil, for table use. The 
 seed is also valuable as a manure. 
 
 Gouania. Chaw Stick. Named after A. Gouan, 
 once Professor of Botany at Montpelier. Linn. 
 Polygamia-Dicecia. Nat. Ord. Rkamnacece. 
 
 A genus of climbing tropical shrubs, contain- 
 ing upward of twenty species. The most in- 
 teresting, G. Domingensis, is a common creeper 
 in the West Indies and Brazil. In Jamaica it is 
 called Chaw Stick, on account of its thin, flexi- 
 ble stems being chewed as an agreeable sto- 
 machic, and tooth brushes are also made by cut- 
 ting pieces of Chaw Stick to a convenient length 
 and fraying out the ends ; and a tooth powder is 
 prepared by pulverizing the dried stems. It is 
 said to possess febrifugal properties; and on ac- 
 count of its pleasant bitter taste is commonly 
 used for flavoring different cooling beverages. 
 
 Gourd. See Cucurbita. 
 
 Govenia. Named after J. R. Gowen, a distin- 
 guished horticulturist and cross-breeder of 
 plants. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacea'. 
 
 A small genus of interesting terrestrial Or- 
 chids from Mexico. The flowers are borne on 
 spikes from one and a half to two feet high, in 
 the same manner as the Bletia. The colors are 
 mostly shades of yellow, beautifully marked 
 with crimson. Propagation and culture the 
 same as for Bletia. 
 
 Grains of Paradise. See Amomum. 
 
 Grammanth.es. From tjramma, writing, and an- 
 thos, a flower; marks like V being on the corolla. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Pentagynia. Nat. Ord. Crassu- 
 lacecn. 
 
 Succulent herbaceous plants, natives of the 
 Cape of Good Hope. Seed sown in the green- 
 house in January will make very showy and in- 
 teresting plants for rock-work during summer. 
 The flowers closely resemble those of Crassula, 
 to which it is allied. Introduced in 1774. 
 
 Grammatophyllum. From grammata, letters, 
 and phyllon, a leaf; referring to the markings on 
 the leaves. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 The species of this genus are but few in num- 
 ber, and are rarely seen in collections of Orchids, 
 because of the difficulty in management. Those 
 who have had the good fortune to flower them 
 say that it is at the expense of years of patience 
 and labor that their rare and curious flowers are 
 produced. They are natives of Manilla. Intro- 
 duced in 1837. 
 
 Grape. Fi'/i.s v'mifera. Like many extensively cul- 
 tivated plants, the native country of the Grape is 
 unknown, or at least doubtful. It is among the 
 plants spokeu of in the Books of Moses, and 
 it appears to have been cultivated and the fruit 
 used then as at the present day. Noah planted a 
 vineyard, and wine is mentioned as a beverage 
 among the earliest nations of the world. The 
 oldest profane writers ascribe its introduction 
 to their gods. According to the tradition of the 
 Egyptians, Osiris first paid attention to the Vine, 
 and instructed other men in the manner of 
 planting and using it. The inhabitants of Africa 
 
 GRE 
 
 ascribe the same gift to the ancient Bacchus. 
 Wine was among the first oblations to the Divin- 
 ity. " Melchisedek, King of Salem, brought 
 forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of 
 the Most High God." Humboldt says the Vine 
 does not belong to Europe, but is indigenous in 
 Asia between the Black Sea and the Caspian, of 
 Mount Ararat and of the Taurus. In the forests 
 of Mongrelia it flourishes in great magnificence, 
 climbing to the tops of the highest trees, bearing 
 bunches of fruit of delicious flavor. We have no 
 authentic account of the introduction of the Vine 
 into the present grape-growing countries, or of 
 the origin of the maay varieties now under cul- 
 tivation. More than one hundred varieties have 
 been introduced into our graperies, and into the 
 Southern States and California, where the cli- 
 mate will permit of their being grown in the 
 
 . open air. The Grapes grown throughout the 
 United States have their origin in the species 
 indigenous to North America. V. labrusca, the 
 Fox Grape, common in swampy grounds from 
 Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, is the parent of our 
 best garden varieties, among others the Isabella, 
 which originated in South Carolina, and the 
 Concord, which originated in Massachusetts. 
 The Catawba had its parentage in V. riparia, the 
 common Frost Grape, or at least it is so accred- 
 ited. The Diana, a seedling of the Catawba, 
 was raised by Mrs. Diana Crehore, of Boston. 
 The introduction of new varieties, from seed, of 
 various crossings, is being rapidly carried on by 
 our enterprising horticulturists. 
 
 Grape Hyacinth. See Muscari. 
 
 Grass of Parnassus. See Parnassia. 
 
 Graptophyllum. Caricature Plant. From grapho, 
 to write, and phyllon, a leaf; referring to the mark- 
 ings on the leaves. Linn. Diandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Acanthacece. 
 
 A genus of tropical shrubs, inhabiting both 
 hemispheres. A few of the species have been 
 introduced into the hot-house for the beauty of 
 their variegated foliage and their racemes of 
 white flowers. G. pictum is properly called the 
 Caricature Plant, from the fact that, when its 
 leaf is held up to the light, it often presents 
 nearly an exact profile of the human face. G. 
 Nortonii, a more recent introduction, is a very 
 distinct and beautiful species, with rich rose- 
 colored spots or markings. Propagated by cut- 
 tings. First introduced in 1780. 
 
 Great Laurel. See Magnolia. 
 
 Greek Valerian. See Polemoniwn. 
 
 Green Brier. See Smilax. 
 
 Green Violet. See Tolea. 
 
 GreviUea. Named after C. F. Greville, a patron of 
 botany. Linn. Tetrandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Proteacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of green-house shrubs and 
 evergreen trees, natives of New Holland. The 
 species include lofty trees more than a hundred 
 feet high, and low-growing shrubs. G. robusta, 
 the Silk Oak, is a magnificent tree, with orange- 
 colored flowers. G. Forsterii is a similar species 
 with bright scarlet flowers, that are produced 
 when the tree is young. The foliage of the 
 species is as varied as the size of the plants. On 
 some of the trees it is needle-shaped; others 
 have leaves closely resembling those of the A>-n- 
 thus. Several of the species are under cultiva- 
 tion in the green-house, and are considered ac- 
 quisitions. Young plants are obtained from 
 seed. 
 
 Greyia. Named in honor of Sir George Grey, who 
 was Governor-General of the Cape Colony at the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GRI 
 
 time of its discovery. Linn. Decandrui-Pentagynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Sapiwt" 
 
 i; Sutherland!, the only species, is a beautilul 
 and distinct moderate-sized tree, found in the 
 mountains about Port Natal. Its foliage is sim- 
 ilar to a Pelargonium. The flowers are borne m 
 dense axillary racemes, and are of a brilliant 
 crimson color, giving to the tree a very hand- 
 some appearance. 
 
 Orias. Anchovy Pear. From (/ran, to eat ; the 
 fruit being eatable. Linn. Poli/andria - Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Barrtngtonhuxce. 
 
 G. cauliflora, the only species, is a tall, un- 
 branched tree, with leaves two or three feet 
 long, and bearing large whitish flowers, which 
 proceed from the stem. The fruit has much the 
 taste of the Mango, and is highly esteemed in 
 the West' Indies, where it is indigenous. The 
 tree is largely cultivated, not only for its fruit, 
 but for its highly ornamental character. 
 
 Oriffinia. Named after W. Griffin, a patron of 
 botany. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Amaryllidacece. 
 
 A small genus of handsome bulbous plants 
 from South America. The flowers are of a beau- 
 tiful purple, borne in an umbel. They require 
 green-house treatment, and should have com- 
 plete rest during winter. In March re-pot them, 
 and they will immediately commence growth, 
 and will require plenty of heat, light, air, and 
 water. They are increased by offsets. Intro- 
 duced in 1822. 
 
 Ground Cherry. See Physalis. 
 
 Ground Hemlock. See Taxus. 
 
 Ground Laurel. See Epigcea. 
 
 Ground Nut. See Apios. 
 
 Ground Pine. A popular name of Lycopodium 
 dendroideum. 
 
 Ground Pink. See Phlox. 
 
 Ground Plum. A popular name of the fruit of 
 Astragalus caryocarpus. 
 
 Groundsel. See Senecio. 
 
 Groundsel Tree. See Baccharw. 
 
 Guaiacum. Lignum Vitae. The original name 
 in South America. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Zygophyttacea:. 
 
 A genus of ornamental trees with pretty blue 
 flowers. G. offirinnle furnishes the well-known 
 wood Lignum Vita;, and also the drug known as 
 Gum Guaiacum, which is procured by notching 
 the trunk, and allowing the exuding juice to 
 harden. It is a native of the West Indies. 
 
 Guava. See Psidium. 
 
 Guelder Rose. Viburnum opulus. 
 
 Guernsey Lily. Nerine Sarniensis. 
 
 Guevina. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Tetmndria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Proieacece. 
 
 G. avfMnna, the only species, is a tree of me- 
 dium size, a native of Chili and Peru. The 
 flowers are in simple, erect racemes two to four 
 inches long, and these are succeeded by round 
 edible drupes, inclosing almond-like seeds, 
 known as Chilian nuts. The latter have an 
 agreeable, somewhat oily taste, while the 
 fleshy part is made a substitute for the Pome- 
 granate. 
 
 Guinea Corn. See Sorghum vulgare. 
 
 Guinea Grass. See Sorghum hrdapense. 
 
 Gum Arabic Tree. See Acicia Arabica. 
 
 Gum Guaiacum. See Guaiacum. 
 
 Gum Tragacanth. See Astragalus. 
 
 Gustavia. Named after Gustavus III. of Sweden 
 -Linn. Monaddphia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Bar- 
 ringtoniacetK. 
 A genus of fine evergreen trees and shrubs, 
 
 GYM 
 
 with large, handsome, glossy leaves and showy 
 white flowers, sometimes five or six inches 
 across, tinged with pink, not unlike those of 
 some Magnolias. They are disposed in racemes 
 or umbels at the ends of the twigs. The fruits 
 are somewhat fleshy and apple-like. G. gracillima 
 is a magnificent plant, introduced from the 
 United States of Columbia by M. Roezl. It has 
 a smooth, slender, woody stem. The flowers 
 grow from the axils of the leaves of the young 
 plants, and from the leafless parts of the trunk 
 in the older ones. They are solitary or in pairs, 
 four inches in diameter, of a beautiful rose 
 color, consisting of eight petals, with the yellow 
 incurved staminal tube bearing numerous pur- 
 ple anthers in a ring of an inch or more across. 
 This species was introduced in 1874. Propa- 
 gated by cutting of well-ripened wood. 
 
 Gutta Percha. See Isonandra. 
 
 Guzmannia. Named after A. Guzman, a Spanish 
 naturalist. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynla. Nat. Ord. 
 BromdiacecK. 
 
 Green-house perennials, natives of South 
 America. G. tricolor is a pretty species, with 
 flowers on a spike, concealed by the bracts, the 
 lowermost of which are green, while the others 
 are scarlet. It requires ordinary green-house 
 treatment. Propagated by suckers. 
 
 Gymnema. From gymnos, naked, and nema, a 
 filament; in reference to the stamens. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Asdepiadacecv. 
 
 G. ladifentm is the Cow Plant of Ceylon, the 
 milk of which is used as food by the natives. 
 The species are green-house evergreen twiners, 
 producing clusters of yellow flowers from the 
 axils of the leaves. They are allied to the Ste- 
 phanotis, and require the same treatment. 
 
 Gymnocladus. Kentucky Coffee Tree. From 
 gymnos, naked, and klados, a branch; in refer- 
 ence to the soft young wood, devoid of buds. 
 Linn. Dmcia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 G. Canadensis, the only species, is an orna- 
 mental, hardy, deciduous tree, growing fifty to 
 sixty feet high. It is one of our most beautiful 
 shade trees, and is planted to a considerable 
 extent on the streets in Washington, D. C. ; 
 it is also valuable for its hard tough timber. 
 Common from New York, South and West. 
 
 Gymnogramma. From gymnos, naked, and 
 gramma, writing; in reference to the spore 'cases. 
 Linn. Oryptogamia-Fdices. Nat. Ord. Polypodi- 
 acece. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful Ferns, requiring 
 the warm green-house to grow them. In some of 
 the species the under surface of the fronds is 
 
 Erofusely covered with a rich yellow or white 
 irinose powder, which gives them the name of 
 Gold or Silver Ferns, so frequently seen in cul- 
 tivation, on account of the beauty of their 
 fronds. This genus contains two of the very 
 few known annual Ferns, G. chwrophylla, a West 
 Indian plant, and G. leptophylla, which is found 
 scattered over nearly the whole of the temperate 
 regions of the globe. 
 
 Gymnostachyum. Fittonia. From gymnos, 
 naked, and stachys, a spike. Linn. Diandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Acanlhacece. 
 
 This genus consists of a few dwarf herbaceous 
 plants, of prostrate habit, with leaves beautiful- 
 ly veined with white or red. The species are 
 considerably grown for Wardian cases or Ferner- 
 ies, for which purposes they are well suited. 
 When well grown they make splendid specimen 
 plants for the hot-house. They should be grown 
 in a humid atmosphere. Propagated by cuttings.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 09 
 
 GYM 
 
 Introduced from Brazil in 1863. Perhaps better 
 known under the name of Flttonia. 
 
 Gymnothrix. A genus of Grasses, now united 
 with Pennisdum. 
 
 Gynerium. Pampas Grass. From yyne, female, 
 and crion, wool; the stigmas being woolly. Linn. 
 Dioetia-Diandi'M. Nat. Ord. Graminacece. 
 
 A genus of ornamental Grasses. That which 
 is best known and cultivated is ft. aryenteuin, 
 Pampas Grass, so called from its being a na- 
 tive of the vast plains of South America, called 
 Pampas. This splendid Grass is not sufficient- 
 ly hardy at the North without a mulching of dry 
 leaves or litter around the roots. The clumps 
 can be taken up in the fall, and kept in any 
 convenient place away from frost during winter. 
 With the best possible care and culture there 
 cannot be produced, such, magnificent plumes, 
 
 HAL 
 
 either North or South, as are grown in Southern 
 California, where the plumes are grown largely 
 for Northern and European markets. This spe- 
 cies was first introduced in 1848. 
 Gypsophila. From yifpsos, chalk, and phileo, to 
 love; in reference to the soil most suitable for 
 them. Linn. Decandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Cur- 
 yopln//I< i <"'. 
 
 " This genus is characterized more by grace 
 than striking beauty of flowers. The flowers 
 are small, but produced in great numbers in 
 loose, graceful panicles. They are plants that 
 are easily cultivated, and are propagated by di- 
 vision and seeds, the latter in the open ground 
 in spring." The flowers of the species are use- 
 ful in making up in dried bouquets, as they re- 
 tain their color during winter perfectly, They 
 are also well adapted ibr rock-work. 
 
 H. 
 
 Habenaria. Rein Orchis. From habena, a rein 
 or thong; referring to the long strap-shaped 
 spur. Linn. (fynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 A well-known and somewhat extensive genus 
 of terrestrial Orchids, pretty generally distribut- 
 ed. Our native species have very curiously- 
 shaped flowers, which are generally yellow, but 
 sometimes purple, and occasionally white. They 
 grow well in moist, shady situations. Several 
 of the species are to be found in marshy places 
 on the south side of Long Island. 
 
 Habranthus. From habros, delicate, and anthos, 
 a flower. Linn. Hexandtia - Monoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Amaryllidacect'. 
 
 Very handsome South American bulbs, which, 
 
 like the rest of the order, should have a decided 
 season of rest. They grow best in a rich soil 
 composed of loam, rotted manure, and sand, 
 should be well-drained, and have plenty of 
 water when growing or flowering. These plants 
 are found growing in dry, gravelly places, and 
 are half hardy. They will winter in a cold 
 frame with slight protection. Introduced in 
 1821. 
 
 Habrothamnus. From habros, gay, and thamnos, 
 a shrub. Linn. Pentandr'M-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Solanacea;. 
 
 A genus of Mexican shrubs, closely allied to 
 Oestrum, and one of the gayest productions of 
 that country. The panicles of red or purple 
 flowers are borne in abundance, and justify the 
 name applied to them. Propagated by cuttings. 
 The species do well with the treatment of Pelar- 
 gonium. Introduced in 1844. 
 
 Hackberry. See Cdtis. 
 
 Hackmatack. A local name for Larix Ameri- 
 </<//, the American or Black Larch. 
 
 Hacquetea. In honor of B. Haajuct, a German 
 botanist. Linn. Pvidandr'M-Diyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Apiacece. 
 
 II. epipactis, the only species, in a hardy 
 herbaceous perennial plant, of very dwarf habit, 
 having digitate three-lobed leaves, and a single 
 umbel of small yellow flowers. It is a native of 
 the Alps, and, like most Alpine plants, difficult 
 to manage here. 
 
 Haemanthus. From haima, blood, and anttios, 
 flower ; referring to the color of the spathe and 
 filaments of some species. Linn. HexandriorMon-' 
 ogynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryUidaceo'. 
 
 A genus of South American bulbous plants, 
 producing large scarlet, orange, and yellow 
 flowers of very singular appearance. H. coccinea 
 is a beautiful species, and does well in the green- 
 house. It should be grown in sandy loam and 
 leaf mould. It is a strong grower, requiring con- 
 siderable room. After making its growth it re- 
 quires a season of perfect rest, after which it 
 throws up its flower stalk, and should have 
 plenty of water. They grow in fall and winter, 
 and rest during spring and summer. Propa- 
 gated by offsets. Introduced in 1629. 
 
 Haematoxylon. Logwood. From haima, blood, 
 xylon, wood ; Logwood is well-known for its red 
 color. Linn. Decandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 FabaceoK. 
 
 H. Campechianum, the well-known Logwood of 
 commerce, is the only representative of this 
 genus. It is a handsome evergreen tree, grow- 
 ing about forty feet high, with a trunk about a 
 foot and a half in diameter. It was first found 
 on the Bay of Campeachy, in Yucatan, whence 
 its specific name. It is also found in other 
 parts of Central America, and has been intro- 
 duced into, and become naturalized in, many of 
 the West Indian Islands. Its importance con- 
 sists in its value as a dye-wood, for which pur- 
 pose it forms an important article of commerce. 
 
 Hakea. Named after Baron Hake, a German 
 patron of botany. Linn. Tetrandria-Monoyynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Proieacea;. 
 
 A genus of green-house evi'i-groon shrubs, 
 containing more than a hundred species, all 
 natives of New Holland. The flowers of nearly 
 all are white, produced in axillary clusters. 
 None of the species has sufficient beauty, either 
 in flower or foliage, to give it a place in ordinary 
 collections. 
 
 Halesia. The Snowdrop Tree. Named after Dr. 
 Jf'ilt-s, author of Vetjdable Statics. Linn. Dodecan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Styracacea?. 
 
 A small genus of hardy deciduous shrubs or 
 low-growing trees. One of the species, 11.
 
 100 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 HAM 
 
 Mravtem, is found on the banks of the Ohio, 
 from Virginia westward, usually in very poor, 
 rocky soil. It is a free-flowering shrub, of a 
 graceful, drooping habit. The flowers are white, 
 resembling those of the Snowdrop. The seeds 
 are curiously winged. This species improves 
 by cultivation, and thrives well in a poor soil, 
 preferring one near water. It is readily in- 
 creased by layering, or from seeds. 
 
 Hamamelis. The Witch Hazel. From hama, 
 together with, and mela, fruit ; referring to the 
 flowers and fruit being on this tree at the 
 same time. Linn. Tetrandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 HamameKdacece. 
 
 H. Virginica is a native shrub, which will 
 grow freely in any soil that is not too rich, 
 though it prefers a dry, stony gravel. It has 
 the peculiarity of flowering during winter, be- 
 ginning to expand its rich, deep yellow flowers 
 just as its leaves are falling off, and dropping its 
 flowers when its branches begin to be reclothed 
 with leaves in spring. The shrub is celebrated 
 for the extract distilled from its bark and roots. 
 Its seeds contain a quantity of oil, and are edible. 
 
 Hardback. Spircea iomerdosa. 
 
 Harpalium. From Harpalyce, daughter of Ly- 
 curgus. Linn. Syngenesia-l'Yustranea. Nat. Ord. 
 Asitracece. 
 
 II. rigidus, the only species, is Helianthus rigi- 
 dus of Gray, a coarse-growing perennial, with 
 yellow flowers, common in the Western States. 
 
 Harpalyce. After Harpalyce, daughter of Lycur- 
 gns. Linn. Syngenesia-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Asiemcece. 
 
 A small genus of handsome, erect, pinnate- 
 leaved bushes from Mexico and Brazil. //. 
 Braziliana bears handsome, scarlet pea-shaped 
 flowers in a panicle toward the ends of the 
 shoots. The Mexican species are smooth, and 
 bear purple flowers. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Harebell. See Campanula. 
 
 Hart's Tongue. See Scolopendrium. 
 
 Hartford Fern. See Lygodium. 
 
 Hartwegia. Named after M. Harticeg, court" gar- 
 dener to the Emperor of Austria, and once a 
 collector for the Royal Horticultural Society. 
 i>n. Oynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchi- 
 dacece. 
 
 A small genus of eoiphytal Orchids, of but 
 little interest, except in large collections. H. 
 purpurea is a very pretty little plant, witli 
 spotted foliage, and long, slender spikes of pur- 
 
 Eish pink flowers. It is an almost constant 
 oomer, growing freely on blocks or cork in an 
 ordinary green-house. It is a native of Mexico. 
 Introduced in 1837. It is increased by division 
 of plants in the spring. 
 
 Hawkweed. See Hieracium. 
 
 Hawprthia. Named in honor of A. H. Haworth, 
 a distinguished English botanist. Linn. Hexan- 
 dria-Monogyiiia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 A pretty an! curious genus of succulents, 
 that offer many inducements to the admirers of 
 that class of plants. They are commonly 
 known as Aloes, from which they were separat- 
 ed. The plants are mostly small, but particu- 
 larly interesting on account of their upright 
 flowers, which are always gray, and the trans- 
 lucent leaves of some of the species. The foliage 
 of all is prettily marked. They are all natives 
 of South Africa. First introduced in 1727. 
 They require the same treatment as the Aloe. 
 They are readily increased from suckers, or from 
 
 Hawthorn. See Cratcegus. 
 
 HED 
 i 
 
 Haylockia. Named after Mr. Haylock, gardener 
 to Dr. Herbert. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Amaryllidacece. 
 
 A small bulb from Buenos Ayres, allied to 
 Zephyranthes; flowers straw colored, solitary. It 
 is nearly hardy, the protection of a cold frame 
 only being needed in this climate. Propagated 
 by offsets. Introduced in 1829. 
 
 Hazel Nut. See Corylus. 
 
 Heal-all. See Brunetta. 
 
 Heartsease. See Viola tricolor. 
 
 Heath. See Erica. 
 
 Heather. See Galluna. 
 
 Hedeoma. Mock Pennyroyal. From hedeoma, 
 the Greek name of Mint. Linn. Diandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Lamiaceai. 
 
 The only species of interest in this genius is 
 K. pulegioides, the common Pennyroyal of our 
 woods, which is noticed in the genus Mentlia. 
 
 Hedera. The Ivy. The name appears to be de- 
 rived from hedra, a Celtic word, signifying a 
 cord; and the English name, Ivy, is derived 
 from iur, a word in the same language, signify- 
 ing green, from its being always green. Linn. 
 Penlandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Aral'iacece. 
 
 This well-known plant is what botanists call 
 a rooting climber; that is to* say, its stems 
 climb up trees, walls, sides of dwellings, or any 
 other suitable object which presents a sufficient- 
 ly rough surface for their roots to take hold of; 
 as, unless this is the case, the Ivy, whenever it 
 is rendered heavy by rain or snow, falls down. 
 Whenever, therefore, Ivy is wanted to cover 
 smooth, newly-plastered walls, the Ivy should 
 be nailed against them, or secured with copper 
 wire. The Ivy is remarkable for undergoing a 
 complete change in its leaves when it flowers. 
 The barren, or creeping Ivy, which trails along 
 the ground, and roots into it, rarely flowers, and 
 its leaf is deeply cut; but the tree Ivy, or flow- 
 ering part, rears itself on high, so as to be fully 
 exposed to the light and air, and the leaves be- 
 come of an oval shape. H. Canarlensis, the giant 
 or Irish Ivy, as it is sometimes called, though it 
 is a native of the Canaries, is hardier and grovp 
 much faster than the common kind ; but the va- 
 riegated kinds are tender, and grow much 
 slower. Ivy requires a deep and somewhat 
 light soil, into which its roots can penetrate 
 easily ; and when grown for any purpose in pots 
 or boxes, it should be abundantly supplied with 
 water. Ivy is useful in all cases where a naked 
 space is to be covered with green in a short 
 space of time; and it is particularly valuable in 
 town gardens, as it will bear the smoke and 
 want of pure air in cities better than most 
 other plants. It should, however, in all close and 
 crowded situations, be abundantly supplied 
 with water, and occasionally syringed over the 
 leaves. The gold and silver varieties are very 
 beautiful, especially the former, when grown 
 against the chimney of a dwelling-house or 
 green-house; but they, like nearly all variegated 
 leaved plants, are more tender, and require a 
 higher temperature than the plain green-leaved 
 kinds. Increased freely by cuttings. 
 
 Hedge Bindweed. See Calysteyia. 
 
 Hedge Mustard. See Sisymbrium offisinale and 
 JSrysimnm. 
 
 Hedge Nettle. See Slachys. 
 Hedychium. Garland Flower. From hedy*, 
 sweet, and chion, snow; in reference to the 
 sweet-scented, snow-white flowers of some of 
 the species. Linn. Monandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Zingiberacece.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 101 
 
 HED 
 
 A beautiful genus, deserving a place wherever 
 space can be afforded them ia the hot-house. 
 They will attain a height of from three to five 
 feet, and flower profusely, fully proving the fit- 
 ness of the term, ''Garland Flower," applied to 
 them. There are a large number of species.mostly 
 from the East Indies. They are propagated by 
 division of the plants, before re-potting in spring, 
 after a season of partial rest. Introduced in 
 1820. 
 
 Hedysarum. The French Honeysuckle. From 
 hedysaron, the name of a papilionaceous plant 
 described by Theophrastus. Linn. Diadelpldi- 
 Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fbbacew. 
 
 The many species are handsome flowering 
 plants, embracing annuals, biennials, and per- 
 ennials, which require only the usual treatment 
 of their respective kinds. They are increased 
 by division of the roots and by seeds. H. gy- 
 mnsia remarkable for the property possessed by 
 its leaves of setting up a spontaneous motion, 
 independent, as far as observation reaches, of 
 all external impressions. Without being touched 
 or excited by heat, light, wind, or rain, some- 
 times a single leaflet, sometimes a whole leaf, I 
 oscillates or gyrates, continuing to move for an 
 indefinite time, and ceasing without a known 
 cause. The species are found throughout Eu- 
 rope, and have long been under cultivation. 
 
 Helenium. Sneeze Weed. Named after the 
 beautiful Helena, the cause of the Trojan war. 
 Linn. Syngenefiia-Supoflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracea'. 
 A small genus of showy, hardy herbaceous 
 plants, with a few hardy annuals. The flowers 
 are mostly large and yellow, somewhat resem- 
 bling those of Rudbeckia, which similarity pre- 
 vents their introduction to the flower garden. 
 //. aidumnale, the only native species, popular- 
 ly known as Sneeze Weed, is a showy plant, 
 growing from two to three feet high. It is com- 
 mon Southward. 
 
 Helianthemum. Sun Rose. From helios, the 
 sun, and anthcmon, a flower. Linn. Polyaiidria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cistaceci;. 
 
 Low shrubs, generally used for planting on 
 rock-work, and strongly resembling the Cistus 
 or Rock Rose. As most of the species are rather 
 tender, they require protection during win- 
 ter. For this reason they are cither grown in 
 pots, which are placed on the rock-work among 
 the stones, or taken up and re-potted in winter, 
 to be planted out again in spring. They are 
 generally increased by seeds, which ripen in 
 abundance. 
 
 Helianthus. The Sun Flower. From helios, the 
 sun, and anthos, a flower; in reference to the 
 common but erroneous opinion, that the flow- 
 ers always turn their faces toward the sun. 
 Linn. Syiujenesia-Siipeiflua. Nat. Ord. Asleracefi'. 
 An extensive genus of hardy annuals and 
 herbaceous perennials. The annual of this name, 
 11. annuus, though a native of Peru, is of the 
 hardiest of its kind, as it only requires sowing 
 in the open border. The flowers are immense 
 in size, averaging a foot in diameter; color yel- 
 low with a dark disk. Immense as these flowers 
 are, fashion has decreed that they be worn by 
 many of the ladies at many of the summer re- 
 sorts at the present writing. It is not, however, 
 suitable for any situation, unless there be abund- 
 ance of room, on account of the large size of 
 its stalks and leaves. The perennial kinds are 
 much smaller, and very ornamental. They are 
 quite hardy. Several of the annual species are 
 ! xtcnsively grown in marshy districts, because 
 
 HEL 
 
 they are supposed to absorb malaria. //. iubc- 
 roifus is the well-known Jerasakm Artichoke. 
 There are a large number of species common 
 throughout the United States. California fur- 
 nishes a species with very large double flowers, 
 one of the best under cultivation. 
 
 Helichrysum. Everlasting Flower. From he- 
 lios, the sun, and chryaon, gold; in allusion to 
 the brilliant flowers. Linn. Syngenesia-L'olyga- 
 mia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. Asteraceai. 
 
 The genus consists of annuals, hardy herbace- 
 ous perennials, and evergreen shrubs, the two 
 latter rarely met except in botanical collections. 
 The common yellow Everlasting, It. l>radeatum, 
 is a hardy annual that only requires sow- 
 ing in the open border. H. bicolor is a very 
 slight variety, merely differing in having the 
 outer petals tipped with copper color; but //. 
 macranthxm has white flowers tipped with pink, 
 and is very handsome. This species is a native 
 of the Swan River colony. It may either be 
 sown in the open ground in April, to flower in 
 autumn, or in a hot-bed in February, to plant 
 out in May. 
 
 Helcia. From helcium, a horse-collar; in reference 
 to the curious formation of the flowers. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchvdacerv. 
 
 II. san'jmnolenta, the only species, is a beauti- 
 ful terrestrial Orchid from the Peruvian Andes. 
 Its flowers are produced in great profusion on 
 single stalks from the base of the bulbs; the 
 sepals and petals yellowish, beautifully marked 
 with reddish brown; lip large, white, marked 
 with purplish crimson. It requires to be grown 
 in a cool house. Increased by division. 
 
 Heliconia. From Helicon, a hill consecrated to 
 the Muses; from its affinity to tho genus Musa. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Musaceat. 
 A genus of interesting plants from the West 
 Indies and South America. Their fruit is eaten 
 by the natives, though inferior to the Banana. 
 It requires the same general treatment as the 
 Maranta, but is too large for general green-house 
 cultivation. Propagated by division of plant. 
 
 Heliophila. From helios, the sun, and phileo, to 
 love; referring to the sunny aspect where they 
 delight to grow. Linn. Tetr adynamia, Nat. Ord. 
 UrassicacecK. 
 
 Beautiful little annual plants, natives of the 
 Cape of Good Hope, generally with blue flow- 
 ers, and very long, slender stems. The seeds 
 should be sown on a hot-bed in February, and 
 the plants planted out in a warm open situation 
 in May. 
 
 Heliotrope. See IMiotropium. 
 
 Heliotropium. Heliotrope. From helios, the sun, 
 and irope, twining; in reference to the curled or 
 twining flower branch. Linn. Triandria-Mono- 
 f/ynia. Nat. Ord. Ehretiacece. 
 
 This genus of interesting plants consists of 
 hardy and tender annuals and green-house 
 shrubs. Of the latter, H. Peruvianum is the well- 
 known Heliotrope, a general favorite from its 
 delicious fragrance. It grows freely in the open 
 border. After the first of September, and until 
 killed by frost, the plant is a complete mass of 
 bloom. It is also largely grown in the green- 
 house for cut flowers in winter. Propagated by 
 ciittings. Introduced from Peru in 1757. 
 
 Helipterum. From helios, the sun, and pteron, a 
 wing. Linn. Syntjenesia-l^olyjamia-Supeiflua. Nat. 
 Ord. Aster<'fir. 
 
 An extensive genus, separated from Hdichry- 
 smit, with which it was formerly classed. The 
 species, commonly known as Everlasting Flow-
 
 102 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 HEL 
 
 era, are tender annuals from South Atrien, Aus- 
 tralia, and Tasmania. The name." Everlasting 
 Flower" is promiscuously applied to the plants 
 of this genus and their allies. The arrangement 
 of them in bouquets and floral designs is an ex- 
 tensive business in France and Germany. 1 hey 
 urow freely from seed, and thrive best in a light 
 dry soil made tolerably rich. Introduced from 
 Swan River in 1863. 
 
 Hellebore. See Hellc'iorns. 
 
 Helleborus Hellebore. From helei,,, to cause 
 death, and bora, food; in reference to its poison- 
 ous quality. Linu. Polyandria-Poli/gynia. Nat. 
 onl Bomtacufaeao?. 
 
 This genus consists of hardy herbaceous per- 
 ennials, growing best under the shade of trees. 
 The "Christmas Rose," H. niger, is one of 
 the most interesting plants belonging to this 
 genus, on account of its flowering in winter or 
 very early in spring, before almost every other 
 flower If grown in a frame it will be true to its 
 name, 'and flower freely during the Christmas 
 holidays. It is increased by division of the roots. 
 Introduced from Austria in 1596. 
 
 Helmia. In honor of Dr. C. Heim, a German ec- 
 clesiastic. Linn. Dicecia-Hexandr'ui. Nat. Ord. 
 Dioscoreaceo'. 
 
 A genus of handsome climbers, allied to the 
 Dioscarea or Yam, and requiring the same treat- 
 ment. 
 
 Hemerocallis. Day Lily. From hemera, a day, 
 and kulloa, beauty; alluding to the beauty and 
 duration of the flowers. Linn. He.randria-Mono- 
 lynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacea:. 
 
 Strong perennial plants, with yellow or cop- 
 per-colored flowers. They are perfectly hardy, 
 and thrive best in a moist, shady situation. 
 The more common sorts are unworthy of culti- 
 vation, n.flm'u, a native of Siberia, has beau- 
 tiful clear yellow flowers, borne in clusters on tall 
 scapes. If in a shady border they remain some 
 time in flower. Propagated by division of root. 
 
 Hemionites. From hfinionos, a mule; supposed 
 to be barren. Linn. Orjfptoffftmia-flUees. Nat. 
 Ord. Polifpodiacece. 
 
 A small genus of Ferns, with simple palmate 
 fronds, natives of the tropics of both the New 
 and Old Worlds. They are exceedingly inter- 
 esting plants for the hot-house, where they must 
 be grown. They are increased by division. In- 
 troduced in 1798. 
 
 Hemlock. See N>u/ and Conium. 
 
 Hemlock Spruce. See Abies. 
 
 Hemp. See <'<tnn<tl\s. 
 
 Henbane. See 1 lyoscyamns. 
 
 Hen and Chicken Daisy. See BeUis perennis 
 
 Hen and Chickens. A popular name for one of 
 the Houseleeks, Semperufottm soboljfenan. 
 
 Hepatica. From hepnticos, relating to the liver; 
 referring to the lobed leaves. Linn. Polyandria- 
 Polygynia. Nat. Ord. Ranunculi n-m . 
 
 A small genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
 one of our earliest "wild flowers,' 1 and very 
 common in the woods throughout the Eastern 
 and Northern States. It succeeds well in a 
 shady border. 
 
 Heracleum. Cow Parsnip. From herades, a plant 
 consecrated to Hercules. Linn. Pexiandria-Di- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Apiacefi:. 
 
 A genus of large, coarse-growing, hardy per- 
 ennials and biennials, bearing lurge umbels of 
 white flowers. They are all too weedy in ap- 
 pearance for the flower garden, being suitable 
 only for large masses in rocky places difficult to 
 cultivate 
 
 HET 
 
 Herbertia. Named after Dr. Herbert, Dean of 
 Manchester, a distinguished investigator of bulb- 
 ous plants. Linn. Monadelphia-Triandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 Very pretty speciesfrom South America, nearly 
 hardy, requiring only the protection of the frame. 
 It does well grown in pots. The flowers resem- 
 ble the Iris, and are of various colors, blue and 
 white predominating. Propagated by offsets. 
 Introduced in 1830. 
 
 Herb Bobert. See Geranium Eoberiimu-n. 
 Hercules' Club. See Aralia spimsa. 
 Herd's Grass. The New England name of Phle- 
 um pmiense. 
 
 In Pennsylvania Agrostis vulgaris is commonly 
 called Herd's Grass. 
 Heron's Bill. See Erodium. 
 
 Herpestis. From herpestes, a creeping thing; in 
 reference to the creeping stems. Linn. Didy- 
 namia-Anfjiospermia. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacea;. 
 An extensive genus of herbaceous perennials, 
 chiefly aquatics, common throughout all tropi- 
 cal countries. There are also several species 
 found in marshy places in the Southern and 
 Western States. The species are mostly unin- 
 teresting. H. reflexa, a species of recent intro- 
 duction, is a valuable plant for the aquarium. 
 Herrania. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Peniagynia. Nat. Ord. Bj/ttneHac/KS, 
 
 This genus consists of three or four species of 
 evergreen trees, natives of South America, and 
 one from Australia. They have palm-like heads, 
 composed of large digitate leaves. They are 
 very showy, but too lirge for general green-house 
 cultivation. 
 
 Hesperantha. Evening Flower. From liesperos, 
 the evening, and anthos, a flower. Linn. Trian- 
 dria-Monorjynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacew. 
 
 A genus of Cape bulbs closely allied to the 
 Ixia. The species are;remarkable for expanding 
 their sweet-scented flowers in the evening; 
 hence their name. The flowers are mostly 
 white, sometimes stained on the outside with 
 purple or brown. Propagated by offsets. Cul- 
 ture same as Ixia. Introduced in 1825. 
 Hesperis. Rocket. From hesperos, the evening ; 
 the Rockets being sweeter toward evening. 
 Linn. Tetradynamia. Nat. Ord. Brassicacew. 
 
 These flowers, though very common, are 
 rarely well grown, as they require a great deal 
 of care to bring them to perfection. They are all 
 perennials; and as soon as they have done flow- 
 ering they should be taken up and transplanted 
 into fresh and very rich soil, which must be of 
 a light and friable nature. Thus treated, the 
 double white and double purple varieties of 
 Hesperis mntronalis will attain extraordinary 
 size, and will flower splendidly. Propagated by 
 seeds or division of roots. 
 
 Hesperoscordum. Literally, the Onion of the 
 West ; from hesperos, the west, nnd skurdon, gar- 
 lic. Linn. Ilexandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Lil- 
 iacK. 
 
 A small genus of Californian bulbs, allied to 
 the Attium, with large and showy flowers, blue 
 and white. They have a strong smell of garlic, 
 that is a barrier to their introduction to the 
 flower garden. 
 
 Heterocentron. From heteros, variable, and ken- 
 iron, a sharp point. Linn. Octandria-Munog-ynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Melasto-macecK. 
 
 A genus of free-flowering under-shrubs from 
 Mexico. There are but two species, one, H. 
 album, with white, the other, H. roseum, with 
 crimson-purple flowers, produced in axillary or
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 103 
 
 HEU 
 
 terminal clusters. They muke very desirable 
 plants for winter blooming. Propagated by 
 cuttings. 
 
 Heuchera. Alum-root. Named after Prvfrxmir 
 Heiiclier, a German botanist. Linn. Pentamlrin- 
 Digynia. Nat. Ord. Saxifraaacece. 
 
 A genus of very handsome herbaceous peren- 
 nials, natives of this country and Siberia. The 
 leaves are entire, from the center of which the 
 dower scape arises from one to three feet high, 
 with terminal panicles of greenish or purplish 
 flowers. The root of If. Americana is so astrin- 
 gent that it is called Alum-root. Propagated by 
 division of the roots in spring. 
 
 Hexacentris. From hex, six, and centron, a spur; 
 alluding to two of its stamens having one spur 
 each, and two of them two spurs each. Linn. 
 Dklynamiit-Aixjios/x-i-iiiia. Nat. Ord. Acanthacece. 
 A small genus of green-house evergreen 
 shrubs, of climbing habit, with dentate leaves. 
 The flowers are purple or yellow, produced in 
 many flowered terminal or axillary racemes in 
 June. They are natives of India, and are rarely 
 seen in collections. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Hibbertia. In honor of George Hibbert, a distin- 
 guished promoter of botany. Linn. Polyandria- 
 Triyynia. Nat. Ord. JJlllcnidceir. 
 
 Green-house evergreen shrubs, from New Hol- 
 land and the Cape of Good Hope. There are 
 more than fifty species included in this genus. 
 Most of them are small, heath-like, tufted 
 shrubSj or of a slender trailing habit ; a few arc 
 climbing shrubs. Their flowers are yellow, 
 borne at the ends of the branches, and generally 
 give out a very unpleasant odor. II. dentata, a 
 climbing species, is one of the most showy, and 
 grows six or eight feet high. II. volubilis, the larg- 
 est species of the genus, has a stiff climbing 
 stem and pale yellow flowers two inches across, 
 but most disagreeably scented. Propagated from 
 cuttings of half-ripened shoots in spring. In- 
 troduced in 1823. 
 
 Hibiscus. Virgil's name for the Marsh-mallow. 
 Linn. Monadvlpli ia*-] \fyandria. Nat. Ord. Mal- 
 vaceae. 
 
 An extensive genus, consisting of annuals, 
 perennials, and hardy and green-house shrubs. 
 All the kinds bear very showy flowers, and de- 
 serve to be extensively cultivated. //. rosa Si- 
 rtcnsis pleno produces large double flowers, scarlet 
 and yellow, or buif, requiring simple green- 
 house treatment. A singular freak of this species 
 is, that orange and crimson flowers are occasion- 
 ally seen on the same plant. H. Syriacus (Althjea) 
 is one of our most beautiful hardy shrubs, the 
 more vahiable as it is a free flowerer; will grow 
 almost anywhere, and propagates freely by seeds, 
 layers, and cuttings. There is a pretty varie- 
 gated leaved variety of //. Syriacus, quite hardy, 
 introduced by the late Robert Buist, of Phila- 
 delphia, Penn. The varieties of this species are 
 used for hedges in many places along our coast, 
 where the soil is too poor for any other shrub to 
 thrive. H. Moscfieutos is abundant in marshy 
 places along our coast. The flowers are a light 
 rosy pink color, sometimes nearly white, five to 
 six inches in diameter, borne in great numbers 
 on a scape three to four feet high. This species 
 improves in size of plant and color of flower by 
 removing it from its habitat to a dry situation in 
 the border. //. Californicit is a strong growing spe- 
 cies, bearing immense pure white flowers, and 
 one of the most valuable plants of recent intro- 
 duction. The perennials are propagated by seeds 
 or division of roots. The annuals are showy and 
 
 HOG 
 
 grow readily from coed. //. esculentus, or Abd- 
 nioxclins rni'/il''iifi'x- of modern botanists, is the 
 Okra of the gardens, a tender annual from Central 
 America and the West Indies. In the latter it is 
 known as Gombo, and is extensively grown for 
 the seed pods, which are used as a vegetable. 
 The unripe pods are added to soups to render 
 them more mucilaginous. They are also pickled 
 like capers, and make an excellent salad. Okra 
 may be raised by sowing the seed in spring as 
 soon as the ground is warm. The dwarf vari- 
 eties are preferable, being more productive, 
 and requiring less space for their development. 
 The soil should be rich to make tender pods. 
 
 Hickory. See Oarya. 
 
 Hieracium. Hawkweed. From hierax, a hawk; 
 being supposed to sharpen the sight of birds of 
 prey. Linn. Syngenesia-^Equalis. Nat. Ord. .4s- 
 teracecK. 
 
 A large genus of free-flowering, handsome 
 herbaceous perennials, quite hardy, and well 
 adapted for planting among rock-work, or near 
 the front of large groups of mixed plants; the 
 genus also contains a very beautiful annual 
 suited for growing in masses; this is perhaps 
 better known by the English name of the genus, 
 Hawkweed. The flowers of nearly all the species 
 are yellow, several of them are indigenous and 
 common, but notwithstanding are well deserv- 
 ing the little attention necessary to keep them 
 in the neat order requisite in the flower garden. 
 Most species are from Central Europe, and have 
 long been cultivated as garden flowers. 
 
 Hindsia. Named after R. _B. Hinds, a zealous 
 botanist. Linn. Pentandria - Manogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Cinchonacece. 
 
 Green-house evergreen shrubs from Brazil. 
 Some of the species are plants of great beauty. 
 H. viulacea bears clusters of ultra-marine flow- 
 ers two inches long, very showy. Propagated 
 by cuttings. Introduced In 1844. 
 
 Hippeastrum. Knight's Star Lily. From hippeus, 
 a knight, and ash-on, a star; referring to one of 
 the species. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. AmaryBtdacece. 
 
 This may, with justice, be termed the most 
 noble and showy section of the family to which 
 it belongs. The flowers are variously colored ; 
 some species have them entirely crimson, while 
 others are white, abundantly streaked with red 
 or crimson. The plants require the same treat- 
 ment as Amaryllis. This genus was formerly 
 classed with the Amaryllis, but was separated 
 from it some years ago by the Rev. W. Herbert, 
 who, in fact, reconstructed the whole family. 
 See Amaryllis, tfprekelia, Valfata, etc. Propa- 
 gated by offsets. Introduced from Lima in 
 1836. 
 
 Hippurus. Mare's Tail. From hippus, a mare, 
 and oitra, a tail; the stem resembles a mare's 
 tail, from the crowded whorls of very narrow, 
 hair-like leaves. Linn. Monandria-MoncHjynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Haloragacecn. 
 
 A very curious aquatic plant, found sparingly 
 in ponds and springs from New York to Ken- 
 tucky and northward. Scientists say the plant 
 absorbs a large quantity of inflammable air, 
 which assists in purifying the putrid air of 
 marshes. It is a favorite food of wild duck. 
 
 Hoary Pea. See Tephrvftin. 
 
 Hobble-bush. A common name for one of the 
 
 Hog Plum. See Spondias. 
 
 Hog-weed. A vulgar name for Ambroxin
 
 104 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 HOL 
 
 J 
 
 Holcus. From helko, to extract; the original 
 plant was supposed to possess the power of ex- 
 tracting thorns. Linn. Polygamia-Mona>cia. 
 Nat.Ord. Graminacece. 
 
 A genus of grasses that have soft, woolly herb- 
 age, mostly natives of Great Britain. They are 
 of but little value. H. lanatus is common in 
 our moist meadows, having become naturalized 
 from Europe. It is popularly known as Velvet 
 Grass. 
 
 Holv Ghost Plant. See Peristeria (Ma . 
 
 Holly. See Ilex. 
 
 Hollyhock. See Atthtra. 
 
 Holy Grass. A common name applied to Hier- 
 ochloa, a genus of sweet-scented grasses, that are 
 strewn before the church doors on saints' days, 
 in the North of Europe. 
 
 Holy Rose. See Anctstntira. 
 
 Holy Thistle. See Carduus. 
 
 Homalonema. From htmalos, regular, and nema, 
 a filament. Linn. Moncecia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Aracetn. 
 
 A small genus of herbaceous plants, with 
 heart or arrow-shaped leaves, and flowers re- 
 sembling the Richardia. They are natives of 
 China. //. cordata is occasionally grown in 
 green-houses, and requires the same treatment 
 as the Richardia. H. aromatica has an agreeable 
 aromatic odor, and its root is supposed by the j 
 natives to possess medicinal properties. 
 
 Homeria. Named after Homer, the distinguished 
 father of epic poetry. Linn. Monaddphia-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. IridacecK. 
 
 A small genus of pretty flowering bulbs from 
 the Cape of Good Hope, and formerly included 
 in the genus Morea. They succeed well in the 
 open border, but require the protection of a 
 frame during winter. Propagated by offsets, 
 that should be taken off in September. 
 
 Honesty. See Lunaria. 
 
 Honey Flower. See 'Melianthus. 
 
 Honey Garlic. See Nedaroscardum. 
 
 Honey Locust and Honey Bean. See GledU- 
 ttctiin. 
 
 Honeysuckle. See Lonicera. 
 
 Honey Wort. See C.jrinihe. 
 
 Hoop Petticoat. See Corbularia and Narcissus 
 bufbocodium. 
 
 Hop. See Humulus. 
 
 Hop Hornbeam. See Ostryn. 
 
 Hordeum. Barley. According to Bodaeus, the 
 name is derived from hordns, heavy; because 
 the bread made from Barley is very heavy. 
 Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Oramina- 
 cecn. 
 
 This genus is one of the most valuable of all 
 the natural order to which it belongs. The most 
 useful of the species is H. vuigare, the common 
 Barley, which see. H. jubatum, Squirrel-tail 
 Grass, is a native species, and is common on the 
 shores of the great lakes. It is a species without 
 any special interest. 
 
 Horehound. See Marrubium. 
 
 Horkelia. Named after J. Horkd, a German bot- 
 anist. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord 
 
 Hardy herbaceous perennials, found in Cali- 
 fornia m 1826. They are desirable plants for 
 the garden, bearing white flowers, and having 
 foliage finely cut like Potentilla, to which it is 
 allied. Propagated by seeds or division. 
 
 Horn Poppy. See Glaucium. 
 
 Horse Balm. See (.kUinsonia. 
 
 Horse Chestnut. See ^Esculus. 
 
 Horse Mint. See Monarda. 
 
 HOY 
 
 Horse Nettle. A local name of Solanum Caroli- 
 en.s-e. 
 
 Horseradish Tree. See Mor'mga. 
 
 Horseradish. Cochlearia armoracea. This plant 
 is a native of the marshy districts of Great Brit- 
 ain, whence it was introduced into our gardens 
 at an early day, and from the gardens it has es- 
 caped into moist, waste places, in various 
 parts of the country. The generic name is de- 
 rived from cochlear, a spoon ; from the spoon-like, 
 or concave leaves of some of the species. As a 
 condiment, the Horseradish is in general use, 
 and is considered stimulating to the digestive 
 organs. It is extensively grown by the mar- 
 ket gardeners in the vicinity of New York, 
 where it has long been considered one of the 
 most profitable crops. The soil most conducive 
 to it is a light, rich loam. 
 
 Hoteia Japonica. See Spircea Japonica and As- 
 tttbe barbata. 
 
 Hottonia. Water Violet. Named after P. Notion, 
 a Dutch botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Primulacece. 
 
 Hardy aquatic or marsh plants. H. inflata is 
 common in pools and ditches from New Eng- 
 land southward. H. palusiris, the Water Violet, 
 is a singular and beautiful plant, common in 
 pools in many parts of England. The leaves 
 grow wholly under water; from them there 
 arises a long flower stalk bearing a pyramid of 
 blue or white flowers, which are disposed in 
 whorls. It is a very interesting plant for the 
 aquarium. 
 
 Houlletia. Named after M. HouM, a French 
 gardener. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of very handsome epiphytal 
 Orchids, natives of Brazil. The genus is related 
 to Stanhopea, and requires the same treatment. 
 
 Hound's Tongue. See Oynoglossum. 
 
 Houseleek. See Sempervivum. 
 
 Houstonia. Named in honor of Dr. W. Houston, 
 an English botanist. Linn. Tetrandia-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Rubiacece. 
 
 This elegant genus of small flowering plants 
 is found throughout the Northern and Western 
 States. They are well adapted for flower bor- 
 ders, rock-work, or shaded beds. They thrive 
 best in a moist situation. The colors of the 
 flowers are white, blue, scarlet, and purple. 
 Herbaceous perennials, popularly known as 
 Bluets. Propagated by division of roots. 
 
 Hovea. Named after A. P. Hove, a Polish botan- 
 ist. Linn. Monaddphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Fabacece. 
 
 A genus of handsome, blue-flowered ever- 
 green shrubs from New Holland. " H. Celsi is one 
 of the best known, and a beautiful green-house 
 plant, flowering, like most of the species, in the 
 spring. This plant exhibits the peculiarity of 
 the flower buds of the preceding year appearing 
 at the base of those expanded during the present: 
 a common condition of leaf buds, which are al- 
 ways visible the season preceding their expan- 
 sion, but not frequently so with flower buds, 
 which, though they may be formed several 
 years before their development externally, gen- 
 erally remain concealed till the period of their 
 unfolding." The flowers are pea-shaped, axil- 
 lary, on short peduncles. Propagated by seeds. 
 Introduced in 1818. 
 
 Hoya. Wax Flower. In honor of Thomas Hoy, 
 f.L.S., gardener to the Duke of Northumber- 
 land at Sion House, England. Linn. Pentan- 
 dria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Asdepiadacece.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 105 
 
 HUG 
 
 The most common species, II. carnosa, has 
 curious wax-like flowers, from which drops 
 a sweet, honey-like juice. It is a hot-house 
 climber, which requires a light rich soil, and is 
 propagated by cuttings, which require an aver- 
 age temperature of not less than 75 to root 
 freely. It is sometimes grown in green-houses, 
 in a 'warm situation, exposed to the sun. It 
 makes an excellent plant for a warm sitting- 
 room, as it grows freely without direct light. 
 Introduced from Asia in 1802. 
 
 Huckleberry. Whortleberry. The popular 
 names of the genus Gaylussada,ot which there are 
 several species. G. dumosa, the Dwarf Huckle- 
 berry, G. frondosa, the Blue Huckleberry, and 
 G. resinosa, the Black Huckleberry, are com- 
 mon throughout the United States, the latter be- 
 ing the HucMeberry of the Northern States. 
 
 Hugelia. Named after Baron Hwjel, of Vienna. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Polemo- 
 niacece. 
 
 A. small genus of hardy annuals from Cali- 
 fornia. The flowers are blue and yellow. Prop- 
 agated by seeds. First discovered in 1833. 
 
 Hurnea. Named after Lady Hume. Linn. Syn- 
 (jemsia-jEqualis. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 Elegant biennial plants, which should be sown 
 on a slight hot-bed in spring, then potted off 
 and kept in the open air during summer, 
 and in the green-house during winter, to be 
 finally planted in the open border in May the 
 second year. If the plants are re-potted three 
 or four times during the course of the first sum- 
 mer, always into only a little larger pots, they 
 will become so much stronger before they are 
 finally planted out as amply to repay the addi- 
 tional trouble. H. degans, the only species, 
 has a peculiar but delightful odor. It was intro- 
 duced from New South Wales in 1800. 
 
 Humulus. The Hop. From humus, the ground ; 
 creeping on the ground if not supported. Linn. 
 Dioecia-Pentandria. Nat. Ord. C r mnabinacece. 
 
 There is but one species of the genus, H. lupu- 
 lus, the common garden Hop. It is indigenous 
 both in Scotland and Ireland, and has been un- 
 der cultivation in Europe from a very early 
 period. It was well known by the Komans, and 
 is mentioned by Pliny under the name of Lupus 
 salictarius. It was introduced from Flanders 
 into England in 1524. Its cultivation, however, 
 met with violent opposition; petitions to Parlia- 
 ment were presented against it, in which it was 
 stigmatized as " a wicked weed that would spoil 
 the drink and endangerthe people." The Hop, 
 like all the dioecious family, bears its flowers 
 on separate plants; the female plant, therefore, 
 is alone cultivated. The Hop is increased by 
 cuttings from the most healthy of the old 
 shoots; two buds are required, one beneath the 
 ground, from which will spring the roots, and 
 from the other the stnlk. 
 
 Hungarian Millet. Sco r<ii>icum. 
 
 Huntleya. Named after the Kev. Mr. Huntley, a 
 zealous collector of plants. Linn. Gynandria- 
 Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, natives 
 of South America. The genus is closely related 
 to Zyr/opetftlum. II. violacea, from Demerara, is 
 a very handsome species, its flowers being large 
 and of an intense violet color, which is quite 
 uncommon among Orchids. This species is also 
 known as Bollea violicea, and Pescatoria violacea. 
 They should all be grown in pots. They are 
 evergreen, and require but a short season of 
 rest. They should be grown in the shade, and 
 
 HYA 
 
 never allowed to become wholly dry. They are 
 increased by division. Introduced in 1831. 
 Huntsman's Cup. One of the popular names of 
 the /Sarracenia purpurea, from a fancied resem- 
 blance. 
 
 Hyacinthus. The Hyacinth. The name of this 
 genus originated with the fabulists of antiquity. 
 It was pretended that Hyacinthus, a beautiful 
 boy, was th son of a Spartan king, and the fa- 
 vorite of Apollo. Zephyrus, being envious of 
 the attachment of Apollo and Hyacinthus, so 
 turned the direction of a quoit which Apollo had 
 pitched while at play, that it struck the head 
 of Hyacinthus and slew him. The fable con- 
 cludes by making Apollo transform the body of 
 his favorite into the flower that bears his name. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Minogynia. Nat. Ord. Lilia- 
 cece. 
 
 This plant, a native of the Levant, was first 
 introduced into England in 1596, but it was 
 known to Dioscorides, who wrote about the 
 time of Vespasian. Gerarde, in his Herbal, pub- 
 lished at the close of the sixteenth century, 
 enumerates four varieties, the single and double 
 blue, the purple, and the violet. In that valu- 
 able old book on gardening, " Parodist in Sole 
 Paradisus terrestris, " published by John Park- 
 inson in 1629, there are mentioned and de- 
 scribed eight different varieties. He tells us 
 " some are pure white; another is almost white, 
 but having a show of blueness, especially at the 
 brims and bottoms of the flowers ; others again 
 are of a very faint blush ; some are of as deep a 
 purple as a violet; others of a purple tending to 
 redness, and some of a paler purple; some again 
 are of a fair blue ; others more watchet, and some 
 so pale a blue as if it were more white than 
 blue. After the flowers are past, there rise up 
 great three-square heads, bearing round black 
 seed, great and shining." During the two hun- 
 dred and fifty years that have passed since the 
 above was penned, there has been a steady im- 
 provement in the size, form, and color of the flow- 
 ers of this plant. From the eight varieties of 
 1629, more than four thousand varieties have been 
 produced and catalogued, from which number 
 upward of two hundred varieties are subjects of 
 extensive commerce. Tho Hyacinth is a uni- 
 versal favorite in the most extended application 
 of the word. The number of its varieties is now 
 fully equal to that of any other florist's flower. 
 They are usually grown for forcing into flower 
 in the dull, cheerless months of winter and early 
 spring, when their delicately-colored flowers and 
 rich fragrance lend a charm not otherwise to be 
 found. They are equally desirable for planting in 
 beds, or in the garden border. For forcing, the 
 bulbs should be potted about the middle of 
 September in five inch pots in rich, light earth, 
 and placed in a cold frame or under a wall, 
 where they can be covered with wooden shut- 
 ters, or some similar contrivance, to keep off 
 heavy rains; in either case they should be cov- 
 ered a foot thick with newly-fallen leaves, and 
 being once well watered after potting, they may 
 be left for a month to form their roots, when 
 the most forward should be brought out, and, 
 after re-potting into larger pots, according to the 
 apparent strength of the bulbs, should be 
 placed in a gentle heat. Some care is necessary s 
 in the application and increase of this, or the 
 flowers will be abortive ; it should not exceed 
 50 for the first three weeks, but afterward 
 may be increased gradually to 60 or 65, and 
 if the pots are plunged into bottom heat the
 
 106 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 HYA 
 
 same careful increase should be observed, or the 
 points of the roots will infallibly be killed. 
 One-third the depth of the pot is fully sufficient 
 at first, and if the heat is brisk they should not 
 be plunged more than half way at any time. 
 When the flower stems have risen to nearly their 
 full height, and the lower flowers of the spike 
 are beginning to expand, the plants should be 
 removed to a Tower temperature, usually afforded 
 by the green-house, and when the flowers are 
 fully expanded, the plants can be taken to the 
 sitting-room or wherever their 'presence is de- 
 sired, observing to protect them from sudden 
 changes or cold draughts of air, and the water 
 given to them should be moderately warm. 
 Hyacinths in glasses are an elegant and appro- 
 priate ornament to the drawing-room, and for 
 this purpose occasion little trouble. The bulbs 
 should be procured and placed in the glasses as 
 early in the season as possible, keeping them in 
 the dark until their roots are well started, after 
 which the lightest position that can be afforded 
 is the best; the water in which they grow should 
 be changed twice or thrice a week, and in severe 
 weather the plants must be removed from the 
 window, so as to be secure from frost. For dec- 
 orating the flower garden, the bulbs should 
 be planted in October or the early part of No- 
 vember, in light, rich soil, at a depth of four 
 inches from the crown of the bulb to the sur- 
 face of the earth. It may be necessary to place 
 sticks to them when in bloom, to prevent them 
 from being broken by the wind, and this is all 
 the attention they require till the foliage is 
 withered, and the season has arrived for taking 
 them up, when, instead of the usual practice of 
 drying them at once in the sun, we would ad- 
 vise the Dutch method to be adopted, namely, 
 to place them side by side on a sunny spot of 
 ground, and cover them with about an inch of 
 loose earth, to thoroughly ripen by the subdued 
 heat imparted to the earth which surrounds 
 them. Left in this position for a fortnight, 
 they will become dry and firm, and an hour or 
 two of sunshine will finish them properly for 
 storing. The multiplication and growth of Hy- 
 acinths for sale is principally carried on out of 
 doors in the vicinity of Haarlem, in Holland. 
 The sandy soil, and moisture of both soil and 
 climate in that country, are peculiarly favorable 
 to the growth of the Hyacinth. Hundreds of 
 acres are there devoted to the culture of these 
 and kindred plants, and the Haarlem gardens 
 are a gay sight from the early season of the year 
 ill far on in the summer. The process of mul- 
 tiplication is carried on by sowing the seeds, or 
 by taking offsets from the parent bulb. By 
 seeds new varieties only are obtained; it is by 
 offsets the already known and valued kinds 
 are increased. The bulbs are cut crosswise and 
 sprinkled with sand to absorb any superfluous 
 moisture that -may exude from the incisions. 
 After a time they are planted in the earth, when 
 numerous small bulbs are formed on the edges 
 of these incisions. At the expiration of one sea- 
 son they are again lifted from the ground, and 
 the numerous small bulbs, still only partially 
 developed, are separated from the parent root 
 and planted out again and again, year after year, 
 for three or four years, before they become flow- 
 ering bulbs of fine market quality. The white 
 Iloman Hyacinth is largely used for forcing for 
 winter flowers by the florists of New York and 
 all large cities. In New York alone upward of 
 five hundred thousand bulbs are used during 
 
 HYM 
 
 the winter, and the number is rapidly increasing 
 each year. The flower spikes average four cents 
 each at wholesale. By a succession of plant- 
 ings, beginning in September, they are had in 
 flower from November till May, and even later. 
 The method pursued is similar to that for the 
 Lily of the Valley. (See Convattaria, where the 
 method is described.) 
 
 Hydrangea. From hydor, water, and aggeion, a 
 vessel; referring to the cup form of the capsule 
 or seed-vessel. Linn. Decandria-Dlgynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Hydrangeaoue. 
 
 A genus of showy shrubs, first introduced into 
 England in 1790 by Sir Joseph Banks, who sent 
 H. Hortensia from China, and since then a num- 
 ber of species have been sent to this country 
 from Japan, among which is a climbing variety, 
 (called also SchizophragnKi Hydranyeoules,) that 
 will adapt itself to almost any situation. It is 
 perfectly hardy, and, clinging like Ivy, will 
 reach to the top of the highest walls or trees. 
 Its beautiful white flowers are borne in abun- 
 dance in axillary racemes. The flowers, or rath- 
 er bracts, of H. Hortensia are pink, but in some 
 soils they become of a deep blue. This change is 
 effected artificially by using iron filings, incor- 
 porating them in the soil. A distinct white vari- 
 ety of H. Hortensia, known as "Thos. Hogg," is 
 now very popular. To cultivate these plants in 
 perfection, cuttings should be taken every sea- 
 son from the strongest shoots of the old plants 
 in July or August; and after being struck, 
 should be potted in rich earth, and eneouraged 
 to grow vigorously. A cold pit or frame, with 
 frequent applications both of manure and plain 
 water, will usually effect this, and cause them 
 to become thoroughly established and strong 
 before the winter. In this state they may either 
 be forced in a gentle, moist heat through De- 
 cember and the spring months to bloom early, 
 or kept cool for the production of summer 
 flowers; in either case, it must be borne in mind 
 that they require abundance of moisture when 
 in an active state. H. paniculate yaundiflora, in- 
 troduced a few years since from Japan, is among 
 the finest of all hardy shrubs for the lawn or the 
 border. The flowers are white, and are pro- 
 duced in the greatest abundance in August, and 
 remain till midwinter in a dried condition. H. 
 Otaksu,, also recently introduced from Japan, is 
 of the habit of H. Hortensia, but a stronger 
 grower. H. stelUita prolifera is another new one. 
 
 Hydrocotyle. From hydor, water, and mtyle, a 
 cavity; in reference to the plants growing in 
 moist situations, and the leaves being hollowed 
 like cups. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Apiacecv. 
 
 A genus of uninteresting, marshy plants, 
 common throughout the United States, and 
 popularly known as Water Pennywort. There 
 are about a dozen species. 
 
 Hymenocallis. From hymen, a membrane, and 
 kalos, beautiful; referring to the membranous 
 cup inside of the flower. Linn. nemndria-Mono- 
 rjynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryUidaceai. 
 
 A genus of hardy and green-house bulbs, pro- 
 ducing large white flowers similar to the Pancra- 
 tium, to which class they are closely allied. 
 They are found in great abundance in the 
 swamps of Virginia and southward, and are sent 
 to market in great quantities, and sold on the 
 streets of all our large cities as ''Spanish Lilies." 
 They are considered poor tenants for the green- 
 house, as they do not pay in beauty for the re- 
 quired room and care.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 107 
 
 HYM 
 
 Hymenodium. A synonym of Acrostichum, which 
 see. 
 
 Hymenophyllum. Filmy-leaf Fern. From hy- 
 men, a membrane, and phyUon, a leaf. Linn. 
 Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful Ferns, mostly n itives 
 of Chili and New Zealand, where they grow in 
 moist ravines. The fronds are variable, some 
 being very minute, and others of large size; 
 some 3 single, others compound. Several of the 
 species are highly esteemed for cultivation in the 
 green-house. 
 
 Hyoscyamus. From hyos, a hog, and kyamos, a 
 bean ; the fruit is eaten by hogs. Linn. Pe/dan- 
 dria-Monor/ynia. Nat. Ord. tiokinacecv. 
 
 Common Henbane, whose virtue consists in 
 the supposed power it has of absorbing malaria 
 that is generated around filthy habitations. 
 
 Hypsricum. St. John's Wort. The name is said 
 to be derived from yper, over, and eicon, an image; 
 the superior part of the flower repr os ants a figure. 
 Linn. Polyadelphm-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Hyperi- 
 cacea;. 
 
 The pretty yellow-flowered shrubs and herba- 
 ceous perennials known by this name at the 
 present day, were formerly, in ignorant commu- 
 nities, in high repute for driving away evil spir- 
 its ; and on this account were generally planted 
 near dwelling-houses. Thsy were also highly 
 valued for their medicinal properties, being be- 
 lieved to have a powerful effect in stopping blood 
 and healing wounds. All the kinds will thrive un- 
 
 IMA 
 
 der the drip of trees ; and they will grow almost 
 anywhere, though they prefer moisture and a 
 moderate shade They are found in almost all 
 the temperate climates of the world ; and they 
 are propagated by seeds, and by dividing the 
 roots. 
 
 Hypoxis. Star Grass. From hypo, beneath, and 
 oxys, sharp ; referring to the seed pod. Linn. 
 llexandria-MoniM/yniu. Nat. Ord. Ainaryllidacf<K. 
 A very pratty bulb, found in meadows and 
 waste places on Long Island and .southward. 
 The flowjrs are bright yellow inside, brownish 
 outside, and borne in umbels on a scape about 
 one f x>t high. 
 
 Hyssop. See llyssopiis. 
 
 Hyssopus. The derivation of this word is rather 
 uncertain. By some it is said to be from the He- 
 brew ezob; others assert it to be from the Arabic 
 azzqf. Linn. Didynamia-Gymnospermia. Nat. Ord. 
 Lamiacece. 
 
 The garden Hyssop is a native of Siberia and 
 the mountainous parts of Austria. It was early 
 introduced into the garden in this country, and 
 has escaped in many places to the roadsides. It 
 is considerably grown as a medicinal herb ; it is 
 not, however, estaemed except in domestic prac- 
 tice. This is not supposed to be the Hyssop 
 mentioned in the Old Testament, and it has not 
 been ascertained what plant is referred to. As 
 it was one of the smallest plants, and " grew 
 out of the wall," some have conjectured it to be 
 one of the mosses. 
 
 I. 
 
 Iberis. Candytuft. From Iberia, ancient name 
 of Spain, where the original species abounds. 
 Linn. Tetradynamia. Nat. Ord. Brassicacea:. 
 
 The genus consists of annuals, biennials, and 
 perennials, all perfectly hardy and of the easiest 
 culture. The common name Candytuft was given 
 because they flower in tufts, and the first intro- 
 duced species, 1. umbellata, was brought from 
 Candia. For early flowering of the annual va- 
 rieties, the seed should be sown in the fall, and 
 slightly protected from the sun, during winter, 
 by leaves or any convenient dry mulching. 
 They will come into flower in May. The plants 
 of 1. cwonaria, Rocket Candytuft, should be 
 thinned out to one or two feet apart each way ; 
 then, if in rich soil, they will completely cover 
 the ground. 
 
 Ice Plant. See Mestmbfynnthcmum. 
 
 Idesia. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Peniandria-Monorjynia. Nat. Ord. Fiacourtiaceo!. 
 I. polycarpa, a representative species of this 
 genus, is a beautiful tree found in Japan, and 
 said to be perfectly hardy around New York. 
 Its leaves are from si's: to eight inches broad, 
 and nearly round. The leaf stem is from six to 
 twelve inches long, and bright red. The flow- 
 ers are yellowish-green, in long drooping ra- 
 cemes, and very fragrant. The fruit is about 
 the size of a Cherry, of an orange color, and 
 edible. 
 
 Ilex. The Holly. Name originally from the Cel- 
 tic, oc or ac, signifying a point ; on account of 
 the prickly leaves. Linn. Tetrandria-Telra<iijni-i. 
 Nat. Ord. y 
 
 An extensive genus of evergreen trees and 
 shrubs, remarkable for their glossy, prickly 
 foliage, and scarlet fruit, that remains on the 
 shrub during the winter. They are well adapt- 
 ed for the lawn or for hedges, and grow best in 
 a dry loam. /. aquifolium is the Holly of the 
 English gardens, and I. opaca is the Ameri- 
 can Holly, which grows plentifully on Staten 
 Island. It is to be regretted that the English 
 Holly, the most beautiful of all evergreens, is 
 unsuited to our climate, being in the Northern 
 States too tender to withstand our winters, 
 while the hot, dry summers of the Southern 
 States are equally inj urious to it. 
 
 Illicium. Aniseed Tree. From illicio, to allure; 
 referring to the perfume. Linn. Polyandria- 
 Hexagynia. Nat. Ord. Magnoliacea;. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen shrubs or low-grow- 
 ing trees, with smooth entire leaves, exhaling, 
 when bruised, a strong odor of Aniseed. They 
 are natives of the extreme Southern States, Ja- 
 pan, Southern China, and Asia. /. reliyiosum, a 
 Japanese species, is a small tree about the size 
 of a cherry, and is held sacred by the Japanese. 
 The leaves of this species, like those of l.flori- 
 danum, are said to possess poisonous properties. 
 In Alabama the plant has acquired the name of 
 Poison-Bay. 
 
 Imantophyllum. From iman, a leather thong, 
 and phyttun, a leaf ; alluding to the shape and 
 substance of the foliage. Linn. Hexandrui-Mono- 
 ji.lnin. Nat. Ord. AmaryllidacecK. 
 
 Those with authority to speak of plants seem 
 determined that the only species of this genus
 
 103 
 
 HENDEBSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 IMP 
 
 shall have neither name nor home. Some insist 
 
 &"&&*? 
 
 %^ { ^$^^^ 
 
 Imantophyllum and Qivta synonymous. That 
 they are closely allied we do not doubt Hav- 
 ing flowered them frequently, we find the flow- 
 er! of /. minium (the only species) to beer**, 
 and much larger than Clivia, nobihs, the flowers 
 of which are drooping and of a darker color. 
 
 Weed, Jewell Weed. 
 Our native species of this genus are commonly 
 known as Touch-me-nots, from the sudden 
 bursting of the pods when touched. They are 
 interesting annuals, common in damp grounds 
 throughout the United States. The Balsams of 
 our ^rdens are described under Ealsamma, 
 which see. 
 
 Imphee. See Sorghum. 
 
 Indian Bean. See Catalpa. 
 
 Indian Corn. See Zen. 
 
 Indian Cress. See Tropceolum. 
 
 Indian Cucumber Boot. See Medeola. 
 
 Indian Currant. The common name of the fruit 
 of the Symphoricarpus vulgaris. 
 
 Indian Fig. See Opuntia. 
 
 Indian Grass. See Arundo. 
 
 Indian Hemp. See Apocynum. 
 
 Indian Mallow. A common name of Abutilon 
 avicenna, a troublesome, worthless weed in 
 fields and waste places. It is a native of India, 
 and was introduced into our gardens as an orna- 
 mental plant, but is now naturalized, and a 
 nuisance. 
 
 Indian Millet. One of the popular names of 
 ^ortjhum vulgare, to which species belong Broom 
 Corn, Sweet Sorghum, and other cultivated 
 varieties. 
 
 Indian Pink. See Dianthus Chinens'is. 
 
 Indian Pipe. A common name of the Monotropa 
 uniflora. See Corpse Plant. 
 
 Indian Plantain. The popular name of the 
 genus C'tcalia, common in rich, damp woods in 
 most of the States. 
 
 Indian Poke. Veratrum viride, or White Helle- 
 bore. 
 
 Indian Bice. See Water Rice. 
 
 Indian Shot. See Gamut. 
 
 Indian Strawberry. See Fragaria. 
 
 Indian Tobacco. See Lobdia inftata. 
 
 Indian Turnip. See Ariscnmu. 
 
 India Bubber Tree. See Ficus dastica. 
 
 Indigo. See Ind'ujofera tindora. 
 
 Indigofera. From indigo, a blue dyestuff ; a cor- 
 ruption of Indicum, Indian, and fero, to bear; 
 most of the species produce the well-known dye 
 called Indigo. Linn. Diadelphia-Decandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of rather ornamental 
 herbaceous perennials, tender annuals, and 
 evergreen shrubs, grown almost wholly for the 
 commercial value of the dye they produce. 
 /. tinctoria, the species most commonly culti- 
 vated, is a native of the East Indies and other 
 parts of Asia, but it has been introduced into, 
 and become naturalized in, the Southern States, 
 and was formerly extensively cultivated, as was 
 I. anil, the West India Indigo, a stronger grow- 
 ing species, from both of which large quantities 
 of Indigo were made. They are tender shrubs, 
 growing from four to six feet high, with very 
 
 IPO 
 
 pinnate leaves, and axillary racemes of pink 
 and purple flowers. The shrubby species are 
 propagated by cuttings, and the annuals from 
 
 Inga. The South American name of I. vera, 
 adopted by Marcgraff. Linn. Polygamia-Monoscia. 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A very extensive genus of ornamental shrubs 
 and trees, numbering upward of one hundred 
 and fifty species, natives of the warmer parts of 
 South America, principally of Brazil and Guiana. 
 The flowers are white, pink, crimson, etc., and 
 are borne in variously-shaped spikes, or in 
 nearly globular heads, growing singly or in 
 clusters from the angles of the leaves. /. pul- 
 cherrima, a native of Mexico, is one of the most 
 beautiful of the genus. The foliage is small- 
 er than most of the species, and is very orna- 
 mental. The tassel-like flowers are of a bright 
 crimson, and very showy. The shape of the 
 flower-heads has given it the name of Bottle 
 Brush. All the species are propagated from 
 cuttings of young wood in summer. Intro- 
 duced in 1822. 
 
 Ink-Berry. The fruit of Ilex (Prinos) glabra, an 
 evergreen shrub, common on the Atlantic coast. 
 lonopsis. From ion, violet, and opsis, like. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchulacece. 
 
 A small genus of free-flowering , low-growing, 
 beautiful little Orchids. They are difficult to 
 manage, and are, therefore, seldom seen in col- 
 lections. 
 
 Inula. A word of doubtful origin, but said to 
 be a corruption of Hdenium. Linn, tyyngenesia- 
 ^Equalis. Nat. Ord. Aslemcece. 
 
 A genus of coarse-growing annuals and her- 
 baceous perennials, not worth growing as 
 flowering plants. I. Hdenium is the Elecampane, 
 common in the roadsides throughout the States. 
 Ipomoea. Morning Glory. From ips, bindweed, 
 and homoios, similar ; alluding to the twining 
 habit of the plants. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Gonvdvulacece. 
 
 A very extensive genus of twining plants, con- 
 sisting of hardy and tender annuals, hardy 
 tuberous-rooted perennials, and green-house 
 perennials. They are remarkable for their 
 showy flowers of white, pink, blue, and purple 
 colors. 1. purpurea, with its varieties, is the 
 common Morning Glory of the garden. It is a 
 native of South America, but has escaped from 
 cultivation and become thoroughly naturalized. 
 /. pandurata, Man-of-the-Earth, a native species, 
 having very large tuberous roots, when well 
 established will cover a very large space, and 
 produce an immense number of very large, 
 pure white flowers. They remain open much 
 longer than the annual varieties. /. Mexicana 
 and /. Mexicana alba both bear white flowers, 
 though the seeds of one are black and of the 
 other white. There would seem to be some con- 
 fusion here. The tuberous-rooted species are in- 
 creased by division, by cuttings, or from seeds. 
 /. noctiphyton (which is sold under several other 
 names) is a tropical perennial species, with im- 
 mense pure white, sweet-scented flowers, and 
 is probably identical with /. Bona Nox. The 
 flowers, contrary to the habits of this splendid 
 family, open at night instead of the morning. 
 Being a free bloomer, the effect, especially on a 
 moonlight night, is charming, particularly when 
 it is growing on a tree. This species requires 
 to be taken in during winter. Propagated by 
 cuttings or from seeds. I. Learii, a tender 
 perennial species, is perhaps the most beauti-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 IPO 
 
 ful and useful of all the Ipomoeas. It is j 
 useful in the open air for rapidly covering [ 
 an outbuilding, a wall, or a trellis, and will j 
 flower abundantly from midsummer till fall. 
 In the green-house it will bloom the whole 
 year, but it is well to cut it in rather severely in 
 September to keep it within bounds. The 
 flowers, which are large, and of that pure sky- 
 blue so rare among flowers, are produced in the 
 greatest profusion. It is propagated by cuttings. 
 We have tried many times to raise it from im- 
 ported seed, but have never found it to come 
 true. /. leptophylla is a recently introduced hardy 
 perennial native species, with an immense tuber- 
 ous root, of half-climbing habit, and a desirable 
 plant. It is useful for grafting on. Propagated 
 by division and from seed. I. cocdnea, or Star 
 Ipomcea, a comparatively recent introduction, 
 bears a profusion of scarlet flowers, and is a very 
 desirable plant. It is raised from seed. Nearly 
 all the Ipomceas are popular plants, especially 
 with those who have an eye for grace and beauty 
 combined. 
 
 Ipomopsis. Standing Cypress. From ipo, to 
 strike forcibly, andopsis, sight; alluding to the 
 dazzling color of the flowers. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. PoltmoniacecK. 
 
 I. degans and /. pictii are the only species. 
 They are beautiful hardy biennials, natives of 
 South Carolina and southward. They grow 
 from four to six feet high, and are covered near- 
 ly their whole length with brilliant scarlet flow- 
 ers. Seed should be sown in early summer, in 
 a dry, sandy soil, where the water will not stand 
 in winter; they will be greatly benefited with a 
 slight mulching of leaves, not as a protection 
 against cold, but against wet and sudden 
 changes. 
 
 Ipsea. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. Gy- \ 
 nandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. OrchidacecK. 
 
 This genus of Orchids is represented by /. 
 spedosa, a beautiful and rare species from Cey- 
 lon. The flowers are clear yellow with a car- 
 mine stripe on the lip. It requires the same 
 treatment as the Bletia, which it resembles in j 
 habit. It was introduced in 1840. 
 
 Iresine. A synonym of Achyranthes, which see. 
 
 Iris. Fleur-de-Luce. From iris, the eye; refer- 
 ring to the variety and beauty of the flowers. 
 Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. IridacecK. 
 There are three distinct kinds of Iris, besides 
 innumerable species, hybrids, and varieties. 
 These are, the fibrous-rooted kinds, which grow ' 
 best in a fine sandy loam, and which increase 
 rapidly every year by suckers from the roots ; 
 the tuberous-rooted kinds, which are very apt 
 to be destroyed by snails, or to rot from too 
 much wet; and the bulbous kinds, which should 
 be taken up and replanted every second or 
 third year, as the new bulbs, which are formed 
 every season, are always directly under the old 
 bulb ; and thus in the course of a few years the 
 bulbs descend so low as to be out of the reach | 
 of the air, and consequently incapable of vege- j 
 tation. Thus it will be generally found that j 
 persons in the habit of growing Irises, are always 
 complaining of losing their plants, while the 
 real fault rests with themselves for not taking 
 ^\p their bulbs at the proper time. The bulbous 
 and tuberous-rooted Irises succeed in any light 
 and dry soil. The splendid Chalcedonian Iris 
 is one of the tuberous-rooted kinds; and it not ! 
 only requires a dry soil during winter, but to 
 be allowed plenty of pure air during the whole i 
 period of its growth, or it will be very apt to J 
 
 ISO 
 
 damp off. Among the species of late introduc- 
 tion is /. Kcempferii, from Japan. The plants 
 are perfectly hardy, and are very free-flowering. 
 The flowers are double and single, the colors 
 pure white, purple, maroon, blue, and many 
 with the various colors marbled with white. 
 They grow readily in almost any situation, in 
 full exposure to sun, or in partial shade. They 
 are increased by division, or may be grown read- 
 ily from seed, which, if sown in the open border, 
 will make plants that will flower the second 
 year. These are really grand plants, and worthy 
 of a place in all gardens. That they do not 
 flower until near midsummer, when the season 
 of the common Iris is past, will be an additional 
 recommendation to most lovers of plants. 
 
 Iron-weed. The popular name of Vemonia Nove- 
 boracensis, a common weed in moist grounds and 
 along fence rows, growing from two to seven 
 feet high, and bearing bright purple flowers. 
 
 Iron-wood. The popular name of two trees that 
 furnish a hard, useful timber, the one Ostrya, 
 which is also known as Hop Hornbeam, and the 
 other Carpinus, the Common Hornbeam, or Iron- 
 wood. Both are common in most of the States. 
 
 Ismene. Peruvian Daffodil. After Ismene, the 
 daughter of (Edipus and Jocasta. Linn. Hexan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryUidacece. 
 
 A small genus of very handsome bulbs from 
 Peru, which require to be kept perfectly dry 
 during winter, and free from frost. Plant out 
 in spring as soon as the ground is warm and 
 dry. They come into flower in June and July. 
 Flowers pure white, mostly very fragrant, pro- 
 duced in an umbel on a spathe about two 
 feet high. Propagated by offsets. Introduced 
 in 1800. 
 
 Isoloma. From isos, equal, and loma, an edge; 
 referring to the edges of the fronds. Linn. 
 Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea'. 
 
 A small genus of East Indian Ferns ; but few, 
 if any, have been introduced into the Fern- 
 house. 
 
 Isolepis. From isos, equal, and lepis, a scale; 
 alluding to the regularity of the scales. Linn. 
 Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cyperacea.'. 
 
 A small genus of very pretty, low-growing, 
 fine, rush-like grasses, widely distributed. 
 Some of the species have been introduced into 
 our green-houses, and cultivated for basket 
 plants, a purpose for which they are admirably 
 adapted. Propagated by division. 
 
 Isonandra. Gutta Percha Tree. From isos, equal, 
 and ander, the male organ, or stamen ; referring 
 to an equal number of fertile and barren sta- 
 mens. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 SapotacetK. 
 
 I. gutla, the species which yields Gutta Percha, 
 is a large forest tree, growing sixty to seventy 
 feet high, with a trunk two or three feet in 
 diameter. It is a native of Borneo, Ceylon, and 
 Malaya, where there are immense forests of this 
 and kindred species. They aro quite ornament- 
 al trees, but, from their size, only valuable for 
 the Gutta Percha they produce. 
 
 Isotropis. From isos, equal, and Iropos, turned; 
 referring probably to the distinctly-formed 
 veins in the flower. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 I. striata, from Swan Kiver, constitutes this 
 genus. It is a beautiful little green-house 
 shrub, with a soft and slightly downy stem. 
 The flowers are much like those of the Choro- 
 zema, clear orange yellow, with rich, deep crim- 
 son, forked veins. They are propagated by
 
 110 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 IVY 
 
 cuttings of the young wood. Introduced in 
 1838. 
 
 Ivy. See Hedera. 
 
 Lxia. From ixia, bird lime; in reference to the 
 clammy juice. Linn. Triantlrin-Monogynut. Nat. 
 Ord. Iridacete. 
 
 A genus of beautiful Cape bulbs, with narrow 
 ensate leaves, and slender, simple, or slightly 
 branched stems, bearing spikes of large showy 
 flowers, various in color, and exceedingly attract- 
 ive when fully expanded by sunshine. These 
 flowers have a salver-shaped perianth, with a 
 slender tube, and six-parted, spreading, equal 
 limb, three stamens inserted in the throat, with 
 filiform filaments and versatile anthers, and a 
 three-celled ovary with numerous ovules, termi- 
 nating in a filiform style, and three narrow 
 linear conduplicate recurved stigmas. /. viridi- 
 flara, which has large sea-green flowers with 
 black markings at the base of the segments, is a 
 very singular-looking, as well as very beautiful 
 plant There are many species and some varie- 
 ties, and the greater part of them are worthy of 
 cultivation. They are half hardy, but with us 
 should be grown in pots in the green-house; 
 about midwinter they will begin to show their 
 handsome flowers freely. When done flowering 
 they should be dried off till September or Octo- 
 ber, which is the proper time to start them 
 again. They grow well in a light loam with 
 the addition of leaf mould and sand. Propa- 
 gated by offsets. First introduced in 1757. 
 
 Ixiolirion. From ixia, and leirion, a lily; literally, 
 Ixia-like Lily. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. AmaryUidtic.fd'. 
 
 A small genus of rare and beautiful little 
 hardy bulbs from Asia Minor. They have 
 simple erect stems, with terminal clusters or 
 racemes of sky-blue flowers. Propagated by 
 seeds or offsets. Introduced in 1844. 
 
 Ixora. Named after Isvara, a Malabar deity, to 
 whom the flowers of some are offered. Linn. 
 TetrandriO'Mmogynia. Nat. Ord. Cinchonaceo'. 
 
 JAS 
 
 A genus of Indian and tropical African shrubs, 
 with corymbs of handsome flowers of a scarlet, 
 pink, or white color, and frequently having an 
 agreeable fragrance. The history of Ixora coc.- 
 rinea, the best known species, is rather curious. 
 It is a native of China and some of the East 
 India islands, where it is worshiped as a sacred 
 plant, and where it is said to form a small tree 
 about six feet high, rising with a single stem, 
 and having its head formed entirely of clusters 
 of bright scarlet and yellow flowers, whence it 
 has received the name of flamma Sylrarum, or 
 the Tree of Fire. This plant was first intro- 
 duced in 1690; but it was soon lost, and its ex- 
 istence was even doubted till it was re-intro- 
 duced about a hundred years afterward by the 
 celebrated Dr. Fothergill. The Ixoras are really 
 magnificent plants, and should be grown in a 
 warm temperature. They are propagated from 
 cuttings, and should be grown in a sandy loam 
 and leaf mould. When re-potted, which should 
 be done immediately after flowering, the plants 
 will be benefited by being plunged into a mode- 
 rate bottom heat, which induces them to root 
 freely, and to form the growth quickly and with 
 vigor, thus enabling them to become properly 
 ripened before winter. In the spring, when the 
 flower heads begin to appear, a liberal regimen 
 should be adopted, and liquid manure occa- 
 sionally applied. At this time, and, indeed, 
 throughout the summer, the foliage should be 
 frequently syringed, in order to keep it clear of 
 insects, and to preserve its rich green and glossi- 
 ness. As soon as the flowers are expanded, and 
 onward till the growth is complete, the plants 
 should be shaded from powerful light, and 
 through the summer a moderately moist atmos- 
 phere of about 75 should be kept about them. 
 In winter the ordinary attention required by 
 hot-house plants will suffice. The taste for hard- 
 wooded plants is on the increase. Among the 
 best is the Ixora, which should be more gener- 
 ally grown. 
 
 J. 
 
 Jaborosa. From Jaborose, the Arabic for the 
 Mandrake, an allied plant. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Mmoyynia. Nat. Ord. SolanacetK. 
 
 A small genus of South American herbaceous 
 perennials. The flowers are funnel-shaped, 
 white or green. None of the species has anv 
 special attractions. 
 Jack-in-the-Pulpit. See Arwamm. 
 Jaca or Jack-Tree. The native name of Ariocar- 
 
 4'ndies tbe BrCad FrUit f the East 
 
 Jacaranda. Its Brazilian name. Linn. Didymmia- 
 Anaiospermia. Nat. Ord. Bignoniana, V 
 
 A genus of very handsome lofty trees, ever- 
 greens, with the , elegrit habitof the fine-leaved 
 tcacuis. They have bluish flowers in terminal 
 panicles. Their size prevents their cultivation 
 in the green-house. 
 
 Jacob's Ladder. See Pofemonium 
 
 Jacobaean Lily. See Sprekdia. 
 
 Jacquemontia. Named after Victor Jar^tf ,,.,* 
 
 a traveler in the East Indies. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Convolvulacece. 
 
 A small genus of green -house evergreen 
 twiners, intermediate between Ipomcea and Con- 
 volvulus. Natives of Mexico and the East Indies. 
 Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1808. 
 
 Jalap, See Exogonium. 
 
 Jamaica Pepper. See Pimenta vulgaris. 
 
 Jamestown Weed. See Datura. 
 
 Japan Cedar. See Oryptomeria. 
 
 Japan Fern. See Li/gotl'mm. 
 
 Japan Medlar or Japan Persimmon. See 
 Diospyros. 
 
 Japan Varnish Tree. See Shus. 
 
 Jasmine. See Jasminum. 
 
 Jasminum. Jasmine. From ysmyn, the Arabic 
 name. Linn. Diandria - Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Jasminacece. 
 
 The delicacy and fragrance of the flowers of 
 the Jasmine have often afforded metaphor and 
 theme to the poet. Among the species are found
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 Ill 
 
 JAS 
 
 equally desirable subjects for decorating the 
 hot-house, the green-house, arbors, or other ob- 
 jects in the open air, and combining in every 
 instance freedom and elegance in the general 
 habit of the plants, with all that is desirable in 
 the floral embellishments. The hot-house and 
 green-house species should be frequently fumi- 
 gated through the summer, as they are ex- 
 tremely liable to attacks from aphis and other 
 insects. The hardy kinds grow freely in almost 
 any situation, and only require to be kept 
 trained in the desired form, without, however, 
 reducing them to a rigidly formal outline, to 
 make them most ornamental objects in almost 
 any position. Most of the species are from the 
 East Indies. J. grand'florum is one of our best 
 known winter-flowering plants, and is largely 
 used in cut flower work. Propagated by cut- 
 tings, which root freely in a temperature of 70. 
 Introduced in 1629. 
 
 Jasione. An ancient name used by Theophrastus. 
 Linn. Pentandria - Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cam- 
 jiamdacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials and 
 annuals, mostly natives of Europe and North 
 Africa. All of the species have very pretty blue 
 flowers, though not of sufficient importance to 
 warrant their introduction in the garden. J. 
 niontana is a pretty annual, common in the 
 heathy and moorland districts of Great Britain. 
 It is commonly known as" Sheep's Scabious, 
 from its resemblance to the Scabious, and from 
 its abundance in sheep-walks. 
 
 Jatropha. From iatros, physician, and trophe, 
 food; referring to its medicinal qualities. Linn. 
 Monoecia-Monadelphia. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacece. 
 
 A genus of evergreen shrubs, natives of Cuba 
 and South America, interesting from the fact of 
 the roots being made into Cassava bread and 
 Tapioca, while the juices of the plant are acrid 
 poison. None of the species are valuable as 
 flowering or ornamental plants. Included in 
 this genus is one species, J. wrens, common on 
 the coast from Virginia southward. It is gen- 
 erally known by its popular names, Tread-Softly 
 and Spurge-Nettle. 
 
 Jeffersonia. Named in honor of Thomas Jeffer- 
 son. Linn. Octandria- Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Ber- 
 
 J. diphyUa, the only species, is a pretty little 
 plant, common in woods from New York to Wis- 
 consin and southward. It is sometimes called 
 Rheumatism Root, from its supposed medicinal 
 properties. 
 
 Jerusalem Artichoke. See Hdianthus. 
 
 Jerusalem Cherry. See Solanum capsicastrum. 
 
 Jerusalem Sage. See Phlomis. 
 
 Jerusalem Thorn. See Parkinsonia. 
 
 Jewel Weed. See Impatiens. 
 
 Jimson Weed. See Datura. 
 
 Job's Tears. See Coix lachryma. 
 
 Joe-Pye Weed. Trumpet Weed. Popular names 
 of Eupa/orium purpureum. 
 
 Jointed Charlock. A name frequently given to 
 the Wild Radish, Raphanus raphanistrum. 
 
 Joint Grass. A common name of one of our na- 
 tive grasses, Prt.?/////i <lix/ichum. 
 
 Jonesia. Named after Sir W. Jones. Linn. //</>- 
 fafidHa-MoHogynia, Nat. Ord. Fabacecn. 
 
 A small genus of shrubs or low-growing trees 
 inhabiting the East Indies. They have bright 
 glossy leaves, about a foot long, made up of three 
 to six pairs of leaflets. The flowers are bright 
 scarlet, in terminal round clusters, resembling 
 the Ixora. Some of the Japanese species have 
 
 JUN 
 
 clusters six to eight inches across. They re- 
 quire to be grown in great heat. Propagated by 
 cuttings. Introduced in 1820. 
 
 Jonquil. See Narcissus. 
 
 Joseph's Coat. See AmartmOma tricolor. 
 
 Jubeea. After Juba, ancient King of Numidia. 
 Linn. Monoida-Polyandrta. Nat. Ord. PalmacecK. 
 J. spectabilis, the only species, is the Cognito 
 Palm of Chili. It has a tall, straight trunk,, 
 bearing a crown of large pinnate leaves, and 
 branching spikes of dark yellow, distinct male 
 and female flowers, inclosed in a double spathe. 
 In Chili, a sweet syrup, or Palm-honey, is pre- 
 pared by boiling the sap of this tree to the con- 
 sistency of molasses, and it forms a considerable 
 article of trade, being much esteemed for domes- 
 tic use as sugar. The- sap is obtained by felling 
 the trees and cutting off the crown of leaves, 
 when it immediately begins to flow, and con- 
 tinues for several months, until the tree is ex- 
 hausted, providing a thin slice is shaved off the 
 top every morning. Each tree yields about ninety 
 gallons. The nuts, trunks, and leaves are used 
 for various economic purposes. They require 
 to be grown in great heat. Young plants are 
 obtained from seeds. 
 
 Judas Tree. See Cercis. 
 
 Juglans. Walnut. From Jovis, the heathen god, 
 and (jlans, a nut. Linn. Monoecia-Enneandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Juglandacece. 
 
 A well-known genus of hardy, deciduous 
 trees. J. regia, the common English Walnut or 
 Madeira Nut tree, is a native of Persia, and was 
 introduced into English gardens in 1562. This 
 species makes a beautiful tree for the lawn as 
 far North as New York, but it rarely ripens fruit. 
 There are several specimens of this tree on the 
 grounds of Mr. Manice, Queens, Long Island, 
 having favorable situations, and they seldom 
 fail of ripening a fair crop of nuts. There is 
 also a long avenue of old trees of this Walnut in 
 West Chester County, N. Y., and the crop seldom 
 fails. J. cinerea is our common Butter-nut, and 
 J. nigra the well-known Black Walnut. 
 
 Jujube. See Zizyphus Jujube. 
 
 Juncus. Rush, Bog-Rush. Linnaeus derived 
 the name fromjungo, to join; in allusion to the 
 first ropes having been made from rushes. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Juncacece. 
 
 The Rush is a very extensive, and almost uni- 
 versally distributed genus of marshy plants. 
 Some of the species are very troublesome to the 
 farmer, when once started in moist meadows. 
 The destruction of the grass is certain, unless a 
 constant warfare is kept up. Some of the spe- 
 cies, in their native countries, are of the greatest 
 value. In Holland, the Rush is planted with 
 great care on their sea embankments, to prevent, 
 by its roots, the action of the tides from wash- 
 ing away the earth. When these Rushes have 
 attained their full height, which is in summer, 
 they are cut down, tied into bunches, dried, and 
 taken into market, where they are wrought into 
 baskets and other useful articles. In Japan 
 the manufacture of Rush matting is carried to a 
 great extent. For this purpose, J. conqlomeratus, 
 or hard Rush, is used; and for their best floor- 
 mats, J. eft'nsis, or soft Rush, is employed. These 
 mats, which are at once carpets and the only 
 beds used by the Japanese, are soft, elastic, and 
 often three or four inches thick. They are very 
 closely plaited, and the interstices afterward 
 filled with rice paper. Some law appears to reg- 
 ulate the size of these mats, for, according to 
 Thunberg, they are of precisely the same di-
 
 112 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 JUN 
 
 mensions throughout all parts of the kingdom 
 wUh the exception of those in the imperial 
 nalace of Jeddo. The regulation size is six 
 feet by three, with a narrow blue or black bor- 
 der. They make a lighter sort of matting of 
 the same material, which is used as wmdow- 
 blind, and to protect the transparent paper 
 which forms a substitute for glass. Of some 
 harder species they even make shoes for their 
 horses, which come up to the pastern joint, and 
 cover the hoof. Bags made of Rushes are exten- 
 sively used in the Eastern countries. Sugar 
 sent from the Mauritius is always in bags made 
 of Rushes, which are very strong and durable. A 
 very handsome plant of the Bulrush family has 
 been lately introduced from Japan, with foliage 
 as strikingly variegated as Ealalut Japonica ze- 
 brina Like that plant, the variegation runs 
 horizontally around the hollow leaves. The 
 bands of bright yellow are about two inches 
 apart delicately shaded into the green, and the 
 whole appearance of the plant is one of unique 
 beauty It may prove to be hardy. It was in- 
 troduced here from Japan by Thomas Hogg, 
 but sent to England for distribution. See Scir- 
 pus. 
 
 June Berry. See Amelancher. 
 
 Juniper. See Juniperus. 
 
 KAU 
 
 Juniperus. Juniper. From the Celtic Juniperus, 
 rough. Linn. Dicetia-Monaddphia. Nat. Ord. 
 PinacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of evergreen trees and 
 shrubs, the more conspicuous of which are J. 
 commmiis, the common Juniper, indigenous in 
 dry, rocky places in New Jersey and northward. 
 The berries of this species are much used in the 
 manufacture of gin. J. Virginiana, the well- 
 known Red Cedar, is found in all parts of the 
 country, but more particularly from Virginia 
 southward. J. Bermudiana, Bermuda Cedar, 
 is used for lead pencils as well as the Red Cedar, 
 the latter being used for the best. 
 
 Justicia. Named after J. Justice, a celebrated 
 Scotch horticulturist. Linn. Diandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Acanlhacem. 
 
 An extensive genus of tender annuals and bi- 
 ennials, green-house herbaceous perennials, 
 and green-house shrubs. They are natives of 
 the East Indies, with a few in South America 
 and the West Indies. Many of the species are 
 mere weeds. Some of the green-house shrubs 
 are ornamental and desirable, their long spikes 
 of red and purple flowers being very showy. 
 They are easy of cultivation. Propagated by 
 cuttings. 
 
 Jute. See Corchoris. 
 
 K. 
 
 K 
 
 adsura. The Japanese name. Linn. Dkecia- 
 
 Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Schizandracece. 
 A small genus of half-hardy evergreen trail- 
 ing plants, with white or yellow flowers. Na- 
 tives of Japan. Some of the species -are under 
 cultivation, but are not of special interest. 
 
 Kaempferia. Named after Karmpfer, a German 
 naturalist. linn. Monandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Zingiberacece. 
 
 A genus of East Indian herbaceous peren- 
 nials, with singular tubular-shaped flowers, 
 that appear before the leaves, from very short 
 stems. The roots of some of the species have 
 an aromatic fragrance, and are used medici- 
 nally, and for perfumes. 
 
 Kale. See Borecole. 
 
 Kalanchoe. The Chinese name of one of the 
 species. Linn. Odandria-Tetragynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Crassulaceo'. 
 
 A very pretty genus of succulent plants, na- 
 tives of tropical Africa, but also found in tropi- 
 cal Asia, at the Cape, and in Brazil. They do 
 well in a light sandy loam, and produce rather 
 large flowers, usually in many-flowered panicu- 
 late cymes, the color being yellow, purple, or 
 scarlet. The leaves are fleshy, opposite, sessile, 
 or petiolate, entire cremate, or pinnatifid. They 
 are very interesting plants, and worthy of a 
 place in the green-house. K. acutifolia has di- 
 vided bronzy leaves, and altogether is a beauti- 
 ful plant. Propagated readily from cuttings 
 placed in sand. First introduced in 1781. 
 
 Kalmia. Named after Peter Kalm, a Swedish 
 botanist. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A genus of evergreen shrubs, growing from four 
 
 to ten feet high, common from Maine to Georgia, 
 usually found on mountain sides, or dry waste 
 
 S laces, but sometimes also along brook sides. 
 ". latifolia, Calico Bush, is the common Laurel 
 of the United States, and is certainly one of the 
 most beautiful of evergreens, whether we re- 
 gard the deep verdure of its foliage, or the 
 abundance of its exquisitely elegant, delicate 
 pink, rose, or nearly white flowers, produced 
 from May to July. It is generally supposed 
 that this shrub cannot be transplanted from the 
 woods with any certainty of success, but this is a 
 mistake. Take the precaution to prepare a rich 
 bed or border, with a soil as nearly like the one 
 you find them in as possible, and which is usually 
 composed in a great measure of leaf mould ; take 
 up plants of a small size, being careful not 
 to cut the roots, and not to let them get dry, 
 and get them into the border as soon as possi- 
 ble after taking them up ; then cut well back, 
 and very few will fail to make elegant plants, 
 
 ' which will flower freely the second year. After 
 one removal they may be taken up and shifted 
 as often as desirable, with as little difficulty or 
 danger as any of our border shrubs. K. angusti- 
 folia, Sheep Laurel, Lambkill, is a dwarf-grow- 
 ing, narrow-leaved species, with smaller flowers, 
 but of a bright crimson color. The leaves are 
 generally supposed to be poisonous to sheep 
 and lambs; hence the two common names. 
 
 Kalosantb.es. A synonym of Rochea, which see. 
 
 Kansas Gay Feather. See Liatris spicata. 
 
 Kaulfussia. In honor of Frederic Kaulfuss, M.D., 
 Professor of Botany at Halle. Linn. Syngenesia- 
 tiuperflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 A small genus of beautiful little hardy annu-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 113 
 
 KEF 
 
 als from the Cape of Good Hope. The flowers 
 are of various colors, blue, rose, white, and 
 violet, somewhat resembling an Aster; the ray 
 florets curl curiously back after they have been 
 expanded a short time. Their beauty is short- 
 lived, as the flowers are generally all faded and 
 the seeds ripened before the end of July. First 
 introduced in 1819. 
 
 Keferstenia. A synonym of Zygopetalum grami- 
 neum. 
 
 Kenilworth Ivy. See Linarea. 
 
 Xennedya. Named in honor of Mr. Kennedy, of 
 the firm of Lee and Kennedy, celebrated English 
 nurserymen. Linn. Diadelphia-Decandria. Nat. 
 Ord. FabacfCK. 
 
 A genus of free-flowering, evergreen green- 
 house climbers, remarkable for their beautiful 
 racemes of pea-shaped flowers, which are of 
 various colors, scarlet, blue, purple, pink, and 
 variegated. They are highly ornamental, and 
 useful in the green-house for cut flowers. They 
 are increased readily by cuttings of short side 
 shoots, well hardened. Introduced in 1824 
 from New Holland. 
 
 Kentia. In honor of Lieut.-Colonel Kent. TAnn. 
 Moncecia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. PalmacecK. 
 
 A small genus of Palms, separated from Areca, 
 chiefly on account of the shape and substance 
 of the seed; in all other respects they are ident- 
 ical. K. sapida is the most southern known 
 Palm, being found in New Zealand two or three 
 degrees further south than any representative 
 of the order in either hemisphere. The natives 
 use the young flower spikes as an article of food. 
 K. Canlerburyuna is an exceedingly ornamental 
 plant, useful for decorative purposes. It is 
 called in its native country the " Umbrella 
 Palm." A number of the species are now un- 
 der cultivation. Young plants are obtained 
 from seeds. 
 
 Kentucky Blue Grass. See Poa pratensis. 
 
 Kentucky Coffee Tree. See Gymnocladus. 
 
 Kerria Japonica. An old favorite in the garden, 
 with both single and double flowers, to which 
 has lately been added a very pretty variety with 
 variegated leaves. These have been transferred 
 to the genus Corchorus, which see. 
 
 Kidney Bean. See Phaseolus vulgaris. 
 
 Kinnikinnik. Common name of Cornus sericea. 
 
 Kleinia. Named by Linnaeus in honor of James 
 Henry Klein, a German botanist. Linn. Synge- 
 nesia-jEqualis. Nat. Ord. Asteraeece. 
 
 A small genus of curious succulent plants 
 from Africa. Some are of upright habit, and 
 others trailing or creeping. A few have been 
 introduced into the green-house, and are grown 
 for basket plants. K. articulata, or Candle Plant, 
 is very curious and easily grown. Propagated 
 by cuttings. 
 
 Knight's Star Lily. See IHppeastrum. 
 
 Kniphofia. A synonym of Tritoma, which see. 
 
 Kcelreuteria. Named after Koelreuter, a celebrat- 
 ed German botanist, the father of hybridizing 
 plants. Linn. Octandna-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Sapindacea;. 
 
 K. paniculata, the only species, is a deciduous 
 shrub or low-growing tree, a native of China. 
 It has pinnate foliage with an odd leaflet. The 
 flowers are yellow, disposed in terminal spread- 
 ing clusters, and are succeeded by large blad- 
 
 KRI 
 
 dery capsules, which render the tree conspicuous 
 till late in autumn. This tree is hardy in the 
 vicinity of New York and southward. 
 
 Kohlrabi. See lir(.(*nii'<i. 
 
 Knoxia. Named after Robert Knox, who lived 
 many years in Ceylon. Linn. Telrandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. UinchonacecK. 
 
 A small genus of rather pretty, low-growing 
 green-house evergreens. The flowers are small, 
 white, or pink. Propagated by cuttings. Intro- 
 duced from Bengal in 1828. 
 
 Koniga. Sweet Alyssum. In honor of CiMrles 
 Konig, F.R.8., L.S., Superintendent of the Nat- 
 ural History Department of the British Mu- 
 seum. Linn. Tetradynanda. Nat. Ord. Brassi- 
 
 K. maritima is a pretty and well-known hardy 
 annual. K. mariiima major has flowers nearly as 
 large as Candytuft. Sow the seed in early 
 spring. It usually sows itself, coming up freely 
 where once sown. A. maritima plena, a double 
 variety, is valuable for cut flowers. K. maritima 
 variegata has variegated leaves, and is a pretty 
 and useful plant. A more recent variety with 
 double flowers has even finer variegation. The 
 last three named are propagated by cuttings, as 
 they do not seed. 
 
 Kopsia. Named after Professor Kops, the author 
 of a Botanical Dictionaiy of reputation. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Apocyndvece. 
 
 K fndicosa, the only species, is a native of 
 Pegu, Japan. It is an exceedingly ornamental 
 green-house evergreen shrub, producing flowers 
 similar to the green-house species of Vinca, 
 several times during the season. The color is 
 red and extremely showy. It is increased by 
 cuttings. Introduced in 1818. 
 Krameria. Named after the two Kramers, Ger- 
 man botanists. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Polygalacece. 
 
 A small genus of ornamental green-house 
 evergreen shrubs. K. triandra is remarkable for 
 its entire, obovate, acuminate leaves, covered 
 on both sides with silky hairs. In Peru an ex- 
 tract, which is a mild astringent, is made from 
 it. An infusion of the roots of one of the spe- 
 cies is blood-red, and largely used in adulterat- 
 ing port wine. The species are natives of 
 South America. 
 
 Kuhnia. Dedicated to Dr. Kuhn, of Pennsylva- 
 nia, who brought the living plant to Linnaeus. 
 Linn. Syngenesia-^Equaliti. Nat. Ord. Asteracew. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, of 
 but little interest except in botanical collec- 
 tions. K. eupatvrioides is common in dry soils 
 from New Jersey to Wisconsin, and southward. 
 Kunthia. Named after C. S. Kunth, a Prussian 
 botanist. Linn. Monoecia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Palmacece. 
 
 A rare Palm, of one species only, allied to Are- 
 ca. It is a native of New Grenada. Propa- 
 gated by seed. It grows freely with ordinary 
 green-house treatment. 
 
 Krigia. Dwarf Dandelion. In honor of Mr. Da- 
 rn -vkl Kreig, a German botanist. Linn. Syngeneaia- 
 ^Equalis. Nat. Ord. Astvrucfo: 
 
 A very pretty little annual, with flowers re- 
 sembling miniature Dandelions. It is quite 
 common in dry grounds from New York south- 
 ward.
 
 114 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 LAB 
 
 Lablab. A genus of tropical pulse, more usually 
 included in Ddichos, which see. 
 
 Labrador Tea, Ledum latifdia. This is a shrub 
 growing from two to five feet high, common in 
 swamps and bogs, North and West. The leaves 
 were formerly used as ft substitute for Tea, 
 whence the common name. 
 
 Laburnum. See C)/lisus Laburnum. 
 
 Laceena. One of the names of Helen, applied be- 
 cause of the beauty of the plant. Linn. Gynan- 
 ^iri<^-^fonc^g^/n^a. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A genus of epiphytal Orchids. L. bicolor, the 
 original species, is a native of Guatemala, and 
 has long, pendulous racemes of flowers of a 
 greenish-yellow color, the lip marked with 
 purple about the center. They require a hot- 
 house, and should be grown in flat baskets or 
 pans, in leaf mould and sphagnum moss. In- 
 creased by division in spring, after blooming. 
 Introduced in 1843. 
 
 Lace Bark. See Lagetta. 
 
 Lace-leaved Plant. See Ouvirandra. 
 
 Lachenalia. Named after M.dela Chenal, a botan- 
 ical author. Linn. Htuindrla-Monoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of very interesting and 
 showy bulbous plants from the Cape of Good 
 Hdpe. L. pendula, L. tricolor, and L. quadricolor are 
 the kinds mostly cultivated in the green-house. 
 They have long lanceolate leaves, often spotted, 
 and erect flower scapes bearing pendulous flow- 
 ers, the yellow color predominating. They 
 should be potted in October, in light fibrous 
 soil, and only moderately watered until after 
 flowering, then more freely until they show 
 signs of ripening off. They should be kept in 
 the pots dry during summer. Propagated by 
 offsets. Introduced in 1774. 
 
 Lachnaea. From lachne, down, referring to the 
 downy clothing of the flower heads. Linn. Oc- 
 tandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Thymelacece. 
 
 An interesting genus of green-house ever- 
 green shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope, all 
 but one with white flowers. The heads of the 
 flowers are usually covered with fine wool, giv- 
 ing them a singular appearance. They are in- 
 creased by cuttings, and should be kept in shade 
 during summer. 
 
 Lachnanthes. The Red Root. From lachne, wool, 
 and anthos, a flower; in allusion to the flowers, 
 which are woolly. Linn. Triandria-Monoaunia. 
 Nat. Ord. Hamidoraceat. 
 
 L. tincloria, or Red Root, is common in sandy 
 swamps from New Jersey southward. The roots 
 ^were formerly used for a red dye, whence the 
 'popular name. " L. tindori/t, commonly known 
 as Paint Root, abounds in the Southern States, 
 iind is said to have an important bearing on the 
 agriculture of those States, from the singular 
 fact claimed for it, that when its roots are eaten 
 by white pigs, it fatally poisons them; while 
 black pigs eat the roots with impunity; and 
 hence the preponderance of black pigs in the 
 Southern States. This extraordinary statement 
 is made by Charles Darwin, who gives Dr. Jef- 
 fries Wyman as his authority. The same testi- 
 mony has recently been given by Dr. P. States- 
 bury, of Clinch Co., Geo. American ArjricuUur- 
 ist, March, 1876. 
 
 KZEL 
 
 Lactuca. Lettuce. From lac, milk; referring to 
 the milky juice. Linn. Syngenesia-Jfiqualis. Nat. 
 Ord. Asteracew. 
 
 The native country of the Lettuce is unknown ; 
 and from what species the garden varieties orig- 
 inated is merely conjectural. According to 
 Herodotus, it was in use 550 years before Christ; 
 yet Pliny says the ancient Romans knew but 
 one sort. In his time it was cultivated so as to 
 be had at all seasons of the year, and even 
 blanched to make it more tender. In the privy- 
 purse expenses of Henry VIII., in 1530, is men- 
 tion of a reward to the gardener of York Place 
 for bringing "Lettuze" and Cherries to Hamp- 
 ton Court. Gerarde, in his Herbal, 1597, gives 
 an account of eight sorts cultivated in his day. 
 Parkinson, in 1629, says: "There are so many 
 sorts, and so great diversitie of Lettice, that I 
 doubt I shall scarce be beleeved of a great many. 
 For I doe in this Chapter reckon up unto you 
 eleaven or twelve differing sorts; some of little 
 use, others of more, being more common and 
 vulgar; and some that ai-e of excellant use and 
 service, which are more rare, and require more 
 knowledge and care for the ordering of them, 
 as also for their time of spending, as some in 
 the spring, some in summer, others in autumne, 
 and some being whited for the winter. For all 
 these sorts I shall not neede many descriptions, 
 but only shew you which doe cabbage, and 
 which are loose; which of them are great or 
 small, white, greene, or red, and which of them 
 bear white seeds, and which of them blacke." 
 We cannot quote the whole chapter, but cannot 
 omit one of the "Vertuesof the Lettice," viz.: 
 " They all cool a hot and fainting stomacke." 
 Loudon says: " L. sat'wa is well known as fur- 
 nishing, among its numerous varieties, the best 
 vegetable of the salad kind grown in the open 
 garden. It is questioned by some whether the 
 greater number of what are set down as species 
 in this genus, are anything more than varia- 
 tions of one type; and, at all events, it is thought 
 L. virosa is the parent of our cultivated sorts." 
 All writers agree that the Cos Lettuce comes from 
 one of the Greek islands bearing that name. It 
 is by far the most delicately flavored of the whole 
 class, though not well suited for our hot sum- 
 mers. The best kinds at present for our climate 
 are "Silesia," " Curled India," and" While Cab- 
 bage." Hundreds of acres of glass are devoted to 
 the forcing of Lettuce in the United States. 
 The variety used mostly for that purpose is 
 known as " Boston Market. " 
 
 Ladies' or Venus's Slipper. See Cypripedium. 
 
 Ladies' Tresses. See tfpiranthes. 
 
 Lady Slipper. See Balsamina. 
 
 Ladies' Smock. See Cardamine. 
 
 Lady Washington Geranium. A variety name 
 for one of the large-flowered or fancy Pelargo- 
 niums, and for a long time in this country a com- 
 mon name for the whole of that class. It is to 
 some extent still in use, though the variety bear- 
 ing the name has long since been discarded; 
 consequently it is improper to thus continue to 
 use a specific name for a generic. 
 
 Lselia. Named by Lindley, who does not give 
 the derivation. Linn. OynondHo-JIbnonaria. 
 Nat. Ord. Orchidacece.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 115 
 
 LAG 
 
 This is a lovely genus of plants, most of tho 
 species being compact in their growth, with 
 evergreen foliage, resembling, in many respects, 
 the genus Cattleya, to which some of them are 
 equal in the beauty of their flowers. They pro- 
 duce their flowers, which are large, distinct in 
 color, and very handsome, on spikes of varied 
 length, from the top of their pseudo-bulbs. 
 These plants merit a place in every collection, 
 and will amply repay the cultivator for any cure 
 they may require ; indeed, the Lxlias are among 
 our finest Orchids, whether for winter or sum- 
 mer flowering. B. 8. William*. All the species 
 are natives of Mexico and South America, and 
 were first introduced in 1835. 
 Lagenaria. Bottle Gourd. From kijena, a bot- 
 tle ; referring to the shape of the fruit of some 
 species. Linn. Mpncetia-Mon f :ideli>hia. Nat. Ord. 
 CucurbitacefK. 
 
 An East Indian species of Gourd, sometimes 
 grown on account of its curious shape. Like 
 most of the order, the pulp is poisonous. The 
 common name does not indicate the shape of 
 all the species, some being pear-shaped, some 
 nearly round, and others egg-shaped. They 
 should have a trellis or brush to run upon. Sow 
 the seed at the same time as Melons and 
 Squashes . Introduced in 1597. 
 Lag^erstroemia. In honor of Magnus Lager strain 
 of Gottenburgh. Linn. Polyandrui-Monogynia . 
 Nat. Ord. Lrfhraceoi. 
 
 A genus of handsome, free-flowering shrubs 
 from India. L. Indica is commonly known as 
 Crape Myrtle, and is a favorite half-hardy shrub. 
 It can be planted out in the border in spring, 
 and will bloom profusely during midsummer. 
 At the approach of winter take it up, put it in a 
 tub or box, and keep it in the cool part of the 
 green-house or in a dry cellar, giving but very 
 little water. There are several varieties of this 
 species, haying purple, pink, and white flowers. 
 The latter is rather a shy bloomer, and is of 
 smaller habit. Propagated by cuttings. 
 Lagetta. Lace Bark. Lagetto is the name of the 
 species at Jamaica. Linn. Odandria-Jfonoijynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Thtjrndacece. 
 
 A genus of West Indian, tall-growing trees, in- 
 teresting from the peculiar formation of the bark 
 of some of the species. The inner bark of L. 
 lintearla consists of numerous concentric layers 
 of fibers which are interlaced in all directions, 
 mid thus presents a great degree of resemblance 
 to lace, whence the common name of the tree. 
 Lagurus. From l<t jos, a hare, and oura, a tail ; 
 on account of the resemblance of its heads. Linn. 
 Ti'i'indrki-Diijt/iiin. Nat. Ord. Graminacen'. 
 
 L. ovalus, the only species, is a common weed, 
 found in Guernsey and some parts of Asia. 
 Lalage. Named after L-timjr, a gay, witty dame 
 immortalized by Horace. Linn. M'jnadelpliin- 
 l.> : tn/lri'i. Nat Ord. Etbacetu. 
 
 A small genus of ornamontal shrubs, natives 
 of the southwest coast of Australia. The flowers 
 are either yellow or mixed orange, violet, or crim- 
 son, and are produced in axillary clusters. They 
 require the green-house, and are propagated by 
 cuttings. Introduced in 18:50. 
 Lambsrtia. Named in honor of A 7?. <//< V/V, 
 one of the most liberal botanists in Europe, and 
 whose extensive herbarium was open to every 
 man of science. Linn. TetrandrM-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Prot#*c&x. 
 
 Very handsome green-house evergreen shrubs 
 from tropical Australia. The flowers are mostly 
 produced in terminal clusters, sometimes sin- 
 
 LAB 
 
 gly, the prevailing color being dark red, with 
 occasionally an orange tint. Height of plant 
 three to four feet. They are readily increased 
 by cuttings, but must be grown with considera- 
 ble care, the principal caution being against 
 over-watering ; any excess in that is fatal to them. 
 Introduced in 1824. 
 
 Lamb's Lettuce or Corn Salad. See Valeriana. 
 
 Lambkill. See Kalinin. 
 
 Lainium. See Dt/td Settta. 
 
 Lantana. Ancient name for Viburnum. Linn. 
 Didynctmia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Verbena-oea*. 
 An extensive genus of ornamental, free-flower- 
 ing, tender shrubs, common from the West In- 
 dies to Brazil. The species are rapid growers, 
 and most constant bloomers. They are readily 
 increased by cuttings, and will grow freely in 
 the garden, preferring a sunny situation. Many 
 new varieties have been produced from seeds, 
 but we do not think there has been much im- 
 provement on the species. First introduced 
 from the West Indies in 1692. 
 
 Lapageria. Named after Josephine Lapagcrif, 
 wife of Napoleon I. Linn. HexandrittrMonof/ynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Philesim-nr. 
 
 L. rosea, and its white variety, are unquestion- 
 ably the most beautiful green-house twining 
 plants yet introduced. The stems are round, 
 branching, and will grow to almost any required 
 length, with proper treatment. The flowers are 
 large, lily or bell-shaped, and produced on soli- 
 tary one-flowered peduncles. L. rosea has deep 
 rose-colored flowers, spotted inside with white. 
 There has lately been introduced a double vari- 
 ety, the character of which has not yet been es- 
 tablished. They should be grown in a house 
 with a low temperature, and given plenty of air, 
 water, and root room ; the latter is a necessity. 
 
 , They do tolerably well grown in tubs, but are 
 seldom seen in pertection except when turned 
 into the border. The soil should be largely 
 composed of leaf mould and sand. They are in- 
 creased either by layers or from seeds, the lat- 
 ter being preferable ; plants from cuttings rarely 
 succeed. They are natives of Chili. Introduced 
 in 1847. 
 
 Lapeyrousia. See Pewousia. 
 
 Laportea. Wood Nettle. A genus of uninterest- 
 ing native plants, allied to Urtica, which see. 
 
 Lappa. See 'Burdock. 
 
 Larch. See Larix. 
 
 Lardizabala. In honor of At. Lardizabala y Uribe, 
 a Spanish naturalist. Linn. Dwecia-Hexandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Lirdizubalacea;. 
 
 Half-hardy evergreen climbers, natives of 
 Chili. L. biternata, the most beautiful of the 
 species, has dark, glossy, evergreen foliage, and 
 drooping spikes of deep purple flowers. In 
 Chili a very tough fiber is obtained from its 
 stems and made into cordage ; and its fruit, con- 
 taining a sweet-tasted pulp, is sold in the mar- 
 kets. This species would make a splendid 
 creeping plant for covering walls in the Southern 
 States, but would not be hardy north of Vir- 
 ginia. 
 
 Larix. Larch. From the Celtic, Inr, fat; on ac- 
 count of the tree producing plenty of resin. 
 Linn. .!/./,,,,';,<-. Monndelphia. Nat. Ord. Pinacece. 
 l.'h-'i.f Ami rii'it, the only species in this coun- 
 try, is a beautiful deciduous tree, growing to its 
 greatest perfection in the more northern States 
 and Canada, where it attains a height of from 
 eighty to a hundred feet, with a diameter of 
 from two to three feet. The wood of the Ameri- 
 can sperirs is popularly known as HoefcmafcMjfe,
 
 116 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 LAB 
 
 or American Black Larch, and is superior to any 
 of the species of Pine or Spruce for ship-build- 
 ing, for which purposes it is largely employed 
 in Maine and the British Provinces. The trees 
 are small and of but little value south of Maine. 
 Its southern limits are the mountains of Vir- 
 ginia. It is not so fine an ornamental tree as L. 
 Europcea, which is also a valuable timber-tree, 
 and worthy of a place on the lawn. There are 
 a number of varieties. 
 
 Larkspur. See Delphi mum. 
 
 Larrea. In honor of John Anthony de Larrea, a 
 Spanish promoter of the sciences. Linn. Decan- 
 dria-Monugyniti. Nat. Ord. Zyyophyllacece. 
 
 L. Afexicana, the Creosote plant, is a shrub 
 growing from four to six feet high, very abun- 
 dant in some parts of Mexico, forming a dense 
 and almost impassable scrub, particularly on 
 the borders of the Colorado desert, where its 
 luxuriant growth puts a stop to the drifting 
 sand. Its appearance is a sure indication of a 
 sterile soil, as nothing will grow beneath it, and 
 its strong Creosote odor is so repulsive that no 
 animal will touch it. It is with great difficulty 
 that it can be made to burn, and it is conse- 
 quently useless for fuel. 
 
 Lasiandra. From lasios, woolly, and aner, an 
 anther; alluding to the hairy stamens. Linn. 
 Dfcundria-Mon&jynia. Nat. Ord. Melastomacece. 
 
 A large genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
 with handsome foliage, and producing large pani- 
 cles of beautiful purple flowers. They are easily 
 propagated from cuttings. Introduced from Bio 
 Janeiro in 1836. 
 
 Lasthenia. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 Synfjenesia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy annuals from Califor- 
 nia. The flowers are pure golden yellow, mak- 
 ing a very pretty border plant. The seed should 
 be sown in autumn or early spring. Introduced 
 in 1834. 
 
 Lastreea. Derivation unexplained. Linn. Crm- 
 t'xjiimia-FUices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea:. 
 
 An extensive genus of Polypodiaceous Ferns, 
 formerly included in the genus Aspidinm. They 
 all require green-house treatment. Some of the 
 newly-introduced species from Australia grow 
 luiuriantly in the ordinary green-house. Like 
 all of the order, a moist atmosphere is favorable 
 to their perfect development. 
 
 Latania. Bourbon Palm. Laianier is the name 
 of the plant in the Isle of Bourbon. Linn. Due- 
 cia-jfonadelphia. Nat. Ord. Palmacece. 
 
 A genus of fine middle-sized Palms, with 
 plaited, fan-like fronds, with spiny leaf stalks. 
 L. Borbonica is the most commonly grown in our 
 green-houses, and makes a very beautiful plant 
 for the lawn in summer. When grown in tubs 
 or large pots, this Palm is the one best suited 
 .and most largely used for the decoration of 
 hotel verandas. Thousands are now in use 
 for that purpose. Exceedingly fine specimens 
 of this beautiful Palm are now growing in the 
 Botanic Gardens at Washington. L. rufira, from 
 Uauritms is a much smaller plant, and is re- 
 markable for its red, livid leaves. The species 
 are propagated by seed, which grows freely if 
 ven a mild bottom heat. They require but 
 little attention in winter. They can be kept in 
 the green-house during winter, and given but 
 little water. In the summer give them plenty 
 of__heat and water; their growth will be in 
 
 Lathyrus. From la, to add to, and ihauros, an 
 
 LAV 
 
 irritant; to increase excitement; the supposed 
 qualities of the seeds. Linn. Diaddphia-Decan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Fabacew. 
 
 A large genus of very beautiful, free-flowering 
 climbing annuals and perennials, found in the 
 temperate regions of both hemispheres. AJ. odor- 
 atus, the Sweet Pea of our gardens, is a native 
 of Southern Sicily, and was first introduced into 
 England in 1701. On account of its fragrance 
 it is the most desirable of the species. There is 
 now great diversity in the colors of the different 
 varieties, some of late introduction being the 
 best in cultivation; they include white, purple, 
 black, scarlet, blue-edged, and striped sorts. The 
 Sweet Pea delights in a heavy, stiff loam, and 
 will not succeed in a light soil unless planted 
 very deep, say five inches, and the earth well 
 packed down around the plants. L. latifolius, of 
 which there are three varieties, producing pur- 
 ple, rose, and white flowers, are pretty generally 
 distributed throughout Europe. They grow from 
 six to eight feet high when properly trained upon 
 a trellis; and if planted in a moist soil will pro- 
 long their season of flowering nearly the whole 
 summer. They are extensively used in New 
 York and other large cities as cut flowers. L. 
 Migellanicus, a perennial species from Cape 
 Horn, is remarkable for the beauty of its foliage, 
 as well as for its showy blue flowers. The per- 
 ennials are propagated by root division and 
 from seed. Seedlings do not usually get strong 
 enough to flower well before the third year; they 
 will, however, produce some flowers the second 
 year. There is one perennial species, L. tuberosa, 
 occasionally met in Europe, having edible 
 tubers, which, if baked or roasted, are said to be 
 great delicacies. The flowers of this species are 
 borne in clusters on long peduncles; they are of 
 medium size, and of a rosy-pink color. There 
 are several other species under cultivation. 
 
 Lattice Plant. See Ouvirandm. 
 
 Laurel. See La<irus. Also Gnidia, the ancient 
 name. 
 
 Laurel Magnolia. See Magnolia. 
 
 Laurestinus. See Virburnum tinus. 
 
 Laurus. Laurel. From the Celtic laur, green. 
 Linn. Enneandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Lauracece. 
 Under the common name of Laurel many dif- 
 ferent plants are met in fields and gardens, but 
 the Sweet Bay, or Noble Laurel, L. nobilis, is the 
 only one which is properly so called. It is a 
 native of Southern Europe, and is a beautiful 
 evergreen shrub or tree. In some localities it 
 grows to the height of fifty to sixty feet, always 
 retaining its shrub-like character. Its leaves 
 have an agreeable aromatic, slightly bitter taste ; 
 its flowers are yellowish and inconspicuous, and 
 its fruits are succulent, and of the size of a small 
 cherry. The leaves, because of their agreeable 
 flavor, are used in cooking and in various con- 
 fections. The dried figs that are imported into 
 this country are usually packed with these 
 leaves. This tree is not hardy enough to resist 
 the winters north of the Carolinas. Propagated 
 by layers, root cuttings, or by seed. 
 
 Lavendula. Lavender. From lavo, to wash, in 
 allusion to the use made of its distilled water. 
 Linn. Didynamia-Gymnosperinia. Nat. Ord. La- 
 miacece. 
 
 Mostly undershrubs, natives of the south of 
 Europe, but largely grown in England and 
 France for the sake of their perfume, and for 
 the oil,- on which this property depends. The 
 essential oil of Lavender is produced by distil- 
 lation from the flowers, and is much prized for
 
 HENDERSON'S' HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 117 
 
 LAV 
 
 its agreeable odor. When dissolved in spirits of 
 wine, and mixed with other perfumes, it forms 
 the much-appreciated Lavender Water. This 
 oil is the essential element in the Sweet Spirits 
 of Lavender of the druggists. L. nni is the 
 species grown for these extracts, and is prop- 
 agated by cuttings or from seed. L. np'ii-tt, 
 another species, yields the Oil of Spike. All the 
 hardy species are ornamental. 
 
 Lavatera. Named after the two Lavaters, Swiss 
 botanists. Linn. Monadelphia-Polyandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Malvaceae. 
 
 An extensive genus of herbaceous perennials, 
 biennials, and annuals, common throughout 
 Europe and Western Asia. They are mostly 
 coarse-growing, bushy plants, of little merit. 
 The annual species are rather showy, producing 
 large purple flowers, suitable only for back 
 grounds to other plants. The seed need only 
 be sown where wanted to grow. 
 
 Lavender. See Lavendu!a. 
 
 Lavender Cotton. See Santolina. 
 
 Laxmannia. Named after E. Laxmann, a Sibe- 
 rian traveler. Linn. Ilexandria-Honoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LUiacecK. 
 
 A small genus of low-growing, green-house 
 herbaceous plants, from New Holland. The 
 flowers, in terminal heads on slender scapes six 
 inches high, are either white or purple. They 
 are increased by division of root. Introduced 
 in 1824. 
 
 Lead Plant. See Amorpha. 
 
 Leather Flower. The common name of Clematis 
 Viorna. 
 
 Leatherwood. See Dirca. 
 
 Ledum. Labrador Tea. From ledon, the Greek 
 name of Cistus, which this genus resembles. 
 Linn. Decaiidria-Monogynki. Nat. Ord. Ericaceae 
 A small genus of hardy, evergreen, white- 
 flowering shrubs, natives of British America. 
 See Labrador Tea. 
 
 Leek. See Allium. 
 
 Lemon. See Citrus. 
 
 Lemon Grass. A popular name of one of the 
 species of Andropogon. 
 
 Lemonia. Named in honor of Sir Charles Lemon. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Eutacea>. 
 L. spectabttis, the only species, is a green-house 
 evergreen shrub from Cuba, producing axillary 
 clusters of beautiful rose-colored flowers in Sep- 
 tember. They require but little care during 
 winter. Place them in the green-house, and 
 give but little water. During summer they 
 will require plenty of heat and water. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings. 
 
 Lemon Verbena. See Aloyniu. 
 
 Leonotis. Lion's Ear. From leon, a lion, and 
 ous, an ear; some resemblance in the flower. 
 Linn. Didynainia-Gymnospei*mia. Nat. Ord. Lami- 
 acece. 
 
 A small genus of annuals and green-house 
 evergreen shrubs. Of the latter, L. leonurus is 
 a magnificent species from the Cape of Good 
 Hope, producing brilliant scarlet flowers. It 
 requires a rough sandy loam, with plenty of air, 
 and during the summer a liberal supply of 
 water, when it will not fail to grow and flower 
 finely. It is propagated by cuttings. The other 
 species are scarcely worth growing. L. cardiaca 
 is known in domestic medicine as Motherwort. 
 
 Leopard's Bane. See Doronicum. 
 
 Leopard Wood. See Brosimum. 
 
 Leopoldinia. Named after the late Empress of 
 Brazil. Linn. Mmaecio-Hexandria, Nat. Orel. 
 
 I'/lhll' !'((!. 
 
 LEP 
 
 A small genus of Brazilian Palms, compris- 
 ing three or four species, existing in consider- 
 able numbers on the Amazon and Eio Negro. 
 The trees are of medium size, bearing terminal, 
 smooth, pinnate leaves, and having the upper 
 part of their stems covered with a copious net- 
 work of fibers. L. Piassaba is one of the Palms 
 which yield the Piassaba or Piacaba fiber, now 
 so extensively employed by brush-makers as a 
 substitute for bristles, and also for making the 
 stout street brooms used in all large cities. Two 
 distinct varieties of this fiber are recognized in 
 commerce, one being a coarse kind obtained 
 from Attalea funifera and imported from Bahia; 
 and the other a finer kind brought from Para, 
 the produce of the Leopoldinia, which is found 
 growing in great abundance on the extensive 
 plains between the Rio Negro and Oronoco 
 Rivers, forming entire forests. It attains a 
 height of from fifteen to forty feet, and the 
 fiber, or beard, as it is usually called, which is 
 the envelope of the young leaves, hangs down 
 all round, and completely covers the trunk quite 
 to the ground, except in very tall trees, the 
 lower part of whose trunk is generally bare. 
 The brushes made from this fiber are known in 
 trade as Tampico, and for many purposes are 
 considered superior to those made from bristles. 
 
 Lepanthes. From lepos, bark, or lepis, scale, and 
 'rnthoti, a flo ver; the plants of this genus have 
 very small flowers, and grow uon the bark of 
 trees. Linn. Gynandria-Mono'jynia. Nat. Ord. Or- 
 chidacecr. 
 
 A genus of the dwarfest of Orchids, with the 
 habit of, and nearly related to, Pleurothattis . It 
 can only be grown under a bell-glass, among 
 damp moss, in a cool part of the house. Natives 
 of Mexico and the West Indies. Propagated by 
 division. Introduced in 1834. 
 
 Lepidium. Cress or Peppergrass. From lepis, a 
 scale; in allusion to the shape of the pods, 
 which appear like little scales. Linn. Tetrady- 
 namia. Nat. Ord. Bratsicacefv. 
 
 A very extensive genus of hardy annuals and 
 perennials, found distributed throughout the 
 temperate regions of the earth. The only species 
 of interest are L. sativum, the common garden 
 Peppergrass, whose nativity is attributed to 
 Persia; and L. Piscidium, found in the Society 
 and Sandwich Islands. This species, in com- 
 mon with many other plants, possesses prop- 
 erties that intoxicate fish, and the natives use it 
 for that purpose. When thrown into the water 
 it is eagerly eaten by the fish, which are, soon 
 after eating it, rendered insensible, and float 
 helplessly upon the water, and are easily taken. 
 There are several native and naturalized species 
 common in this country, all of them weeds. 
 
 Leptosiphon. From leptofi, slender, and siphon, 
 a tube; alluding to the tube of the flower. Linn. 
 I'entandrki-Moiiotjynia. Nat. Ord. Polenioniacea'. 
 Handsome dwarf-growing California annuals. 
 Some of the species make charming bedding 
 plants. When planted in masses they form an 
 entire sheet of pure white or lilac flowers, not 
 more than eight inches from the surface of the 
 soil. They succeed well in the open border, 
 and by successive sowings may be had in flower 
 the entire summer and autumn. They are flso 
 well adapted for growing in pots to bloom in 
 winter. 
 
 Leptotes. From leptos, slender; referring to the 
 leaves. Linn. Gynandri<t-Mon<Kjijitia. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidocece. 
 A small genus of Brazilian Orchids. The two
 
 118 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 LES 
 
 species known are pretty little epiphyt, >, pro- 
 ducine small rush-like leaves and lovely white 
 flowers, having a blotch of bright crimson on 
 the lip. They are of easy culture, growing in 
 the green-house, either on cork or in baskets ot 
 moss. They requir6 liberal watering during 
 the growing season. They are propagated b# 
 division. Introduced in 1831. 
 
 Leschenaultia. Named after M. Leschenault, a 
 French botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Monogyma. 
 Nat. Ord. Goodeniacea: 
 
 A small genus of very ornamental neatn-lit 
 shrubs, with rich blue or scarlet flowers, pro- 
 duced in summer. Natives of Australia. 
 
 Lespedeza. Named in honor of M. Letpedez, 
 once Governor of Florida, and a great patron of 
 botany. Linn. Diadelphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A genus of low-growing, pea-flowering shrubs, 
 annuals and herbaceous perennials, common 
 from South Carolina to Mississippi. Some of 
 the kinds are showy when in flower, but, as a 
 class, are not worth growing. 
 
 Lettuce. See Ladtica. 
 
 Leucanthemum. Ox-eye Daisy. From leukos, 
 white, and anthos, a flower; white flowers. Linn. 
 Syngenesia-Superjlua. Nat. Ord. Asteracea?. 
 
 This pernicious weed, L. vulgare, former- 
 ly included in the genus Chrysanthemum, (C. 
 leucanthemum,) is a native of Great Britain, but 
 has become thoroughly naturalized in many 
 parts of the United States. It is a perennial, 
 and increases rapidly from seed, or from the 
 roots. No matter how small the piece of root 
 may be when detached, if left in the ground it 
 will speedily make a plant. L. frutescens, 
 the "Marguerite" of France, although classed 
 as a weed, and a bad one at that, has been used 
 to a large extent for massing and ribbon lines in 
 the vicinity of Paris, and the flowers, when 
 forced, are now used for winter bouquets. They 
 are at the present writing much used in New 
 York and other large cities. 
 
 Leucadendron. From leukos, white, and dendron, 
 a tree; in allusion to the white leaves. Linn. 
 Dioecia-Telrandria. Nat. Ord. Proteaceo:. 
 
 An extensive genus of green-house evergreen 
 shrubs from the Cape of Good Hope. They are 
 cultivated for their silvery foliage, and their 
 large terminal clusters of yellow flowers, which 
 are produced in June and July. They all grow 
 freely in a cool green-house, if care be observed 
 not to over-water in winter; in fact, they are at 
 all times impatient of water. They are readily 
 increased by cuttings of ripened -wood. First 
 introduced in 1774. 
 
 Leucocorvne. From leukos, white, and koryne, 
 a club; because of the white sterile anthers. 
 Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. LUlacece. 
 
 Half-hardy bulbous plants, pretty, and deserv- 
 ing attention. They may be cultivated either 
 in pots or in the open ground, if they are taken 
 up and preserved in sand through the winter. 
 The flowers are large for the size of the plant, 
 and are either white or lilac. When planted in 
 the borders the bulbs should be set rather 
 closely together to insure a display. They are 
 increased by offsets. Introduced from Chili in 
 1851. 
 
 Leucojum. Snowflako. From leukos, white, and 
 ion, a violet ; in reference to the color of the 
 flower, whence the English name Snowflake. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Amarvl- 
 lidacece. 
 Hardy bulbs, growing to the height of twelve 
 
 LIA 
 
 and eighteen inches, and producing spikes of 
 pretty white flowers like the Snowdrop . They 
 increase by offsets from the bulbs. L. vernum, 
 Spring Snowflake, is one of our best early flow- 
 ering bulbs. It is a native of Germany and 
 Switzerland, where it is found wild in the woods 
 and other shady places. It was introduced in 
 1596; is dedicated to St. Agnes, the patron saint 
 of young virgins, from its loveliness and purity ; 
 and hence is called St. Agnes's Flower. In 
 Parkinson's time it was also known by the name 
 of the Great Early Bulbous Violet. It is said to 
 have become naturalized in the neighborhood of 
 Bridgport, Dorsetshire, England. These very 
 elegant and delightfully fragrant flowers greatly 
 resemble the Snowdrop, but they are much 
 larger, and are about a month later. There is a 
 yellowish green spot on each petal near the 
 point. They are among the most desirable of 
 early-growing bulbs, and are suitable for rock- 
 work or borders. A sheltered situation shotild 
 be chosen, and the soil should be well drained. 
 See Erinosma. 
 
 Leucopogon. From 1e>tkos, white, and pogon, a 
 beard; referring to the hairs on the flowers. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Jfonogynia. Nat. Ord. Ep:.icr>- 
 
 An extensive genus of evergreen shrubs, with 
 handsome white flowers, produced in terminal 
 or axillary spikes. The species are widely scat- 
 tered over Australia, Tasmania, and New Zea- 
 land. But few of the species are under cultiva- 
 tion. 
 
 Leucostegia. From leukos, white, and slega, a 
 covering; the fronds appear to be covered with 
 powder. Linn. Cryptogamia-FHices. Nat. Ord. 
 1'olypodiacea'. 
 
 A small genus of East Indian Ferns, allied to 
 Davattia, and requiring the same treatment. 
 
 Lewisia. Bitter Boot. Named after Captain M. 
 Lewis, the American traveler and companion of 
 Clark. Linn. Polyandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Mesembnjacece. 
 
 L. rediviva, the only species, is a succulent 
 perennial, with a fleshy, tapering root. Its 
 leaves are quite succulent, and from their center 
 arises a strong stalk bearing a solitary rose- 
 colored flower, surrounded by an involucre of 
 five to seven scales. As soon as the flower ap- 
 pears the leaves begin to wither and dry up, 
 usually lasting only a few days, the entire period 
 of the plant's existence above ground not exceed- 
 ing six weeks. This exceedingly curious plant 
 is a native of the Upper Oregon Territory, and 
 its roots, which are largely collected by the In- 
 dians, afford a wholesome though bitter tasted 
 food, being composed almost entirely of starch. 
 The specific name, rediviva, was given to the 
 plant in consequence of the growth of some 
 dried and apparently dead roots, taken from an 
 herbarium specimen. 
 
 Liatris. Derivation of the name unknown. Linn. 
 Syngenesior^Eqitalis. Nat. Ord. Aateract-ce. 
 
 This genus consists of some twenty species, 
 all hardy herbaceous perennials, common from 
 New York to Kansas and southward. Some of 
 the species are very ornamental border plants. 
 They all produce long spikes of purple flowers 
 from August until October. L. pycnostachya 
 (Kansas Gay Feather) is one of the finest of the 
 species. 1'he flowers are rosy purple, on a spike 
 three to tour feet high. They begin to flower 
 at the top of the spike, and continue to open 
 downward, which is characteristic of the species. 
 They are increased by seed, and will flower the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 119 
 
 LIB 
 
 second year. They will grow anywhere and 
 bloom well; the size and length of spike will, 
 however, be in proportion to the richness of the 
 soil. 
 
 Libertia. Named after Mademoiselle M. A. Lie- 
 bert de Malmedy, a Belgian lady and botanist. 
 Linn. Monadelphia-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Iri- 
 dacece. 
 
 A small genus of half-hardy bulbs, natives of 
 Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and Chili. 
 They are of dwarf habit, with delicate white 
 flowers, which are produced in umbels on a 
 scape one and a half feet high. They are in- 
 creased by offsets. Introduced in 1822. 
 
 Liebigia. Named after Liebig, the celebrated Ger- 
 man chemist. Linn. Didynamia-Anfjiospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Gesneracece. 
 
 A genus of hot-house evergreen plants, allied 
 to jEschynanthus, and requiring the same treat- 
 ment. They are natives of the East Indies. 
 
 Libonia. Derivation not given. Linn. Diandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AcanthacecK. 
 
 A recently introduced genus of handsome 
 flowering plants from Brazil. L. floribunda, the 
 only species now known, is a small suffruticose 
 plant, with elliptic oblong leaves, and very 
 abundant tubular yellow-tipped scarlet flowers, 
 one or two from each leaf axil. The calyx is five 
 cleft; the corolla tubular, with an erect bilabi- 
 ate limb; two stamens affixed to the middle of 
 the tnbe, with two-celled cordate-ovate anthers, 
 one cell inserted higher than the other; disk 
 annulate; style filiform, with a punctate stigma. 
 The flowers are drooping, very abundant, and 
 exceedingly ornamental. The leaves are apt to 
 drop if the plant is allowed to suffer for water. 
 L. 1'enrhosic-nsis, a seedling from the above, is in 
 many respects a decided improvement. The 
 plant is dwarfer and of denser growth ; the foli- 
 age is darker, larger, and more persistent; the 
 flowers are even more abundant, there being 
 from four to six at the axils instead of two, with 
 more red and less yellow ; and they make their 
 appearance earlier. These plants should be 
 grown in the green-house, where they will flower 
 from November till spring. They are also ex- 
 cellent sitting-room plants, and worthy of a* 
 place in any collection. They grow best in a 
 moderately rich loam, and should be regularly 
 and abundantly watered. They are easily raised 
 from cuttings. Introduced in 1864. 
 
 Lignum Vitae. See (Juaiacum. 
 
 Ligustrum. Privet. From ligare, to tie; refer- 
 ring to the use made of the flexible shoots. 
 Linn. Diaudria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Oleacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy shrubs. L. mdgare, the com- 
 mon Privet, extensively used for hedges, is a 
 native of nearly all parts of Europe, and is prop- 
 agated by cuttings of young shoots. L. Calif or- 
 nica, a species of recent introduction, is a shrub 
 remarkable for the beauty of its foliage. The 
 leaf is considerably larger than that of the com- 
 mon Privet, of a very dark waxy-green on the 
 upper surface, and the under surface pea-green. 
 The plant is of rapid growth. Singly, upon the 
 lawn, it is of great beauty, while its adaptation 
 for a hedge is perfect. When first introduced 
 its hardiness was questioned; it has, however, 
 in the park at Garden City, L. I., and elsewhere, 
 stood the past severe winters without the slight- 
 est injury. There arc on those grounds plants 
 twelve feet high and from ten to twelve feet in 
 diameter. This species, like the others, is in- 
 creased readily from cuttings. 
 
 Lilac. See Syringa vulyaris. 
 
 LIL 
 
 Liliurn. The Lily. From the Celtic word /;, 
 signifying whiteness; the lily having long been 
 considered an emblem of whiteness and purity. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. LUiaceas. 
 This genus, the type of an extensive order, 
 numbers upward of sixty species, and is emi- 
 nently distinguished for its surpassing loveli- 
 ness, its rare combination of grandeur and 
 chaste beauty. A remarkable feature in this 
 family of plants is, that it has no poor relations. 
 In a general collection of the species, all that can 
 be imagined desirable and perfect in floral 
 forms will be realized. A great inducement to 
 the cultivation of this genus is their ease of cul- 
 ture, and their almost perfect hardiness, thriv- 
 ing with all the vigor of indigenous forms when 
 planted in the flower border. All of them de- 
 light in light rich soil, such as is afforded by a 
 mixture of loam and well-rotted manure, and 
 one uniform treatment is applicable under all 
 circumstances to the whole of the species: all 
 may be grown together in the border, and re- 
 main undisturbed anumber of years, frequent re- 
 movals being injurious, by destroying the roots. 
 All the species thrive best when planted in partial 
 shade, the shrubbery border, or in large beds in 
 an open grove. Propagated by offsets. When the 
 old bulbs have several small ones formed around 
 them, take them up in October, divide them in- 
 to single bulbs, and replant the large flowering 
 bulbs immediately into fresh, rich earth, where 
 they are to flower. Plant the small bulbs in a bed 
 of the same kind of soil by themselves; let them 
 remain until sufficiently large and strong for 
 flowering, which should require but two years; 
 then take them up, select the larger bulbs, and 
 plant them where they are to remain, taking care 
 to enrich the earth with well decomposed ma- 
 nure, the small ones to be replanted as before. 
 L. candidum should be taken up and replanted 
 in August or first part of September, as the bulbs 
 make a growth in autumn, upon which in a great 
 measure depends their flowering the coming 
 season. In selecting the situation for the Lily- 
 bed, care should be taken to have the dryest 
 spot possible, where water is not liable to stand 
 in the winter. A good mulching of leaves, coarse 
 manure, or evergreen boughs will prove highly 
 beneficial. The species are pretty generally dis- 
 tributed throughout the temperate regions of 
 the northern hemisphere; a few only are found 
 in the mountains of sub-tropical Asia. Cali- 
 fornia has furnished several that are among the 
 more difficult to cultivate kere, because of the 
 difference in the seasons of growth. Japan has 
 furnished by far the greater number of really 
 excellent species, among which are L. auratmn, 
 or Golden Banded ; L. speciosum and its varieties ; 
 L. Kramerii, L. Leichtlinii, L. Tigrimnn flora plena, 
 L. Thunbergianum in variety, L. longifloium. L. 
 candidum, the oldest known species, comes from 
 the Levant. Asia furnishes L. Chalcedonicum; 
 Siberia the beautiful little L. tenuifolium, whichis 
 there grown as an article of food. The United 
 States contributes L. superbum, L. Canadense, L. 
 rhUadelphicum, L. Catfsba.'i, L. Caroiinianum, and 
 L. Columbianum, together with L. Washingtoni- 
 anum, L. Humboldtii, L. parvum, L. Californicum, 
 L. pardalinum, L. Roezlii, L. Parryi, and L. Wal- 
 kerii from California. Most other species are 
 found scattered throughout Europe. The great 
 popularity of this flower has induced the growers 
 and dealers to sub-divide the species and mul- 
 tiply varieties to such an extent as to bewilder 
 the amateur in making a selection. A prominent
 
 120 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 UL 
 
 European house offers sixty varieties of L. Thun- \ 
 bergianum, and nearly as many of L. lawifolmm , 
 (speaosum.) L. eandidum has eight varieties, L 
 umbettatum about thirty, any one of which would 
 well represent the family. All the varieties suc- 
 ceed well grown in pots; but two, L. eandidum 
 and L lonmflorum, bear what is termed forcing, 
 or are made to bloom out of their natural season. 
 L. eandidum, or the white panicled Easter Lily, 
 is the species so extensively forced for flowers 
 for Easter. The method is to plant the bulbs in 
 six inch pots, deep enough to merely cover the 
 bulb any time from September 1st to Decem- 
 ber 1st, plunging the pots of those potted early 
 to the rims out of doors in a sheltered, warm 
 spot and covering up with leaves as cold weath- 
 er approaches, so that they shall not get frozen 
 at any time. Those that are potted later, say 
 from the middle of November, should be plung- 
 ed in the same way either in the soil under the 
 benches in a cold green-house, or in a cold frame. 
 The object is in all cases to get them to fill the 
 pot with roots in a low temperature. When the 
 pots are well filled with roots, they may be 
 brought into a higher temperature, say 55 at 
 night and 10 or 15 higher in the daytime. If 
 the pots are well filled with roots they will come 
 in flower from eight to ten weeks after being 
 placed in the above temperature. When the 
 flower stems begin to ascend, the plants may be 
 liberally supplied with liquid manure once a 
 week or so, taking care, however, never to water 
 unless the plant shows indications of being dry. 
 The treatment given above for L. eandidum will 
 also answer for L. longifiomm, the white Trum- 
 pet Lily, except that the latter should first be put 
 in five-inch pots and remain until well filled 
 with roots, or until the plant is three to four inch- 
 es high; then shift into a six-inch, placing the 
 ball on the bottom, so that all, or nearly all, the 
 fresh mould is at the top. When the second 
 pot is well filled with roots, shift as before into 
 a seven-inch pot, where they can remain until 
 they come into flower. Soon after flowering, 
 this variety will show a disposition to rest, and 
 if allowed but a short period, and re-potted into 
 an eight-inch pot without disturbing the roots, 
 and kept in a cool house, they will again come into 
 flower in September and October; again, after a 
 short rest, they will, without a change, make a 
 new growth and flower in the following spring, by 
 which time the bulbs will have become so ex- 
 hausted as to need planting in the border for at 
 least two years. These Lilies may also be forced 
 by placing the bulbs at once in the pots in which 
 they are intended to flower. Large numbers of 
 them are forced for Easter. It may be added 
 here that the California Lilies often remain in 
 the ground a whole year before growing. 
 
 Lily. See Lilium. 
 
 Lily of the Amazon. Soe Encharis. 
 
 Lily, Easter. See L. eandidum. 
 
 Lily, Golden Banded. See L. auratum. 
 
 Lily, White Trumpet. See L. longiflorum. 
 
 Lily of the Nile. See Eichardia. 
 
 Lily of the Valley. See CoiwaUaria. 
 
 Liniatod.es. Name unexplained. Linn. Gynan- 
 dria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. OrchidacecK. 
 
 A genus of East Indian terrestrial Orchids, 
 nearly allied to Onlanthe. L. rosea is a very 
 beautiful plant. The flowers are from pure 
 white, to the deepest pink, produced on a tall 
 spike, which proceeds from the base of the bulb 
 after the foliage has died away. They require 
 the same treatment as the Calanlhe. 
 
 LIN 
 
 Lime Tree. See Citrus. 
 
 Limnanth.es. From limne, a marsh, and anthos, 
 a flower ; in allusion to the habitat of the plant. 
 Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Tropwo- 
 lacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy annuals from Cali- 
 fornia. They are of trailing habit, and produce 
 small white, and yellow and white flowers, quite 
 fragrant and neat, but not showy. They come 
 soon into nower after the seed is sown, and a suc- 
 cession of flowers can be kept up by occasional 
 sowings during summer. They are not at all 
 particular as to soil, but prefer a moist situation. 
 Limnobium. American Frog's Bit. From lim- 
 nobius, living in pools. Linn. Dioscia-Hexac/y- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Hydrocharulacete. A genus 'of 
 aquatic plants, floating in stagnant water, com- 
 mon almost everywhere. 
 
 Limnocharis. From limne, a pool, and chairo, to 
 delight in; referring to their habitat. Linn. 
 Polyandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Butomacecc. 
 
 A small genus of green-house aquatic plants, 
 with yellow flowers and heart-shaped leaves. 
 They are natives of Brazil. Two species only 
 have been introduced, and they are only to be 
 found in rare collections. 
 
 Limonia. From limoun, the Arabic name of the 
 Citron. Linn. Decandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Aurantiaceoe. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen shrubs from the 
 East Indies, China, and New Holland. L. acid- 
 issiina, typical of the genus, is a spiny shrub 
 growing eight or ten feet high, and having pin- 
 nate leaves with winged stalks, and racemes >f 
 pure white flowers. The fruit is about the siifr 
 of a damson plum, yellow, with a red or purplish 
 tint. The natives employ the extremely acid 
 pulp of these fruits as a substitute for soap. The 
 fruit is also used medicinally. 
 Linaria. Toad Flax. From linum, flax; on ac- 
 count of the similarity of the leaves. Linn. Di- 
 dynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Scrophularia- 
 cece. 
 
 A very large genus of hardy annuals, herba- 
 ceous perennials, and a few half-hardy and 
 . tender species. Many of them are exceedingly 
 ornamental. L. cymbalaria is the well-known 
 Kenttworth Ivy, or Coliseum Ivy, a valuable trail- 
 ing plant, and one of the best for various rustic 
 designs. There is a very pretty variegated form 
 of this species. L. triornithophora, remarkable for 
 the resemblance of its flowers to three little 
 birds attached to the spur. L. vulgaris, com- 
 monly known as Butter-and-Eggs, was intro- 
 duced into Philadelphia as a garden flower 
 many years ago, and has become thoroughly 
 naturalized, and a perfect nuisance in many 
 parts of the country. When once introduced 
 it takes almost complete possession of the soil. 
 It produces an almost innumerable number of 
 seeds, besides its rapid increase by means of its 
 numerous spreading roots. The useful species 
 are all readily increased from seeds. 
 Linden. See Tilia. 
 
 Lindera. Wild Allspice, Fever Bush. Named 
 after John Linder, a Swedish botanist. Linn. 
 DioRcia-Polygamia. Nat. Ord.Xawraceo?. A tall- 
 growing shrub, common in damp woods from 
 Virginia southward. 
 
 landleya. Named after Professor Lindley by 
 Humboldt and Kunth. Linn. Icosaiulria-Penta- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Rosacecu. 
 
 L. mespiloides, the only species, is an orna- 
 mental low-growing evergreen tree or shrub, na- 
 tive of the raountain regions of Mexico. It has
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 121 
 
 LIN 
 
 simple crenulate, shining leaves, and solitary 
 large white, sweet-scented flowers, borae on the 
 tips of its branchlets. 
 Lindsaea. Named after M. Lindsay, a distin- 
 
 fuished English botanist. Linn. Cryptogamia- 
 "ilices. Nat. Ord. PolypodiacecK. 
 An extensive genus of tropical Ferns, mostly 
 strong growing, and requiring the warm green- 
 house or hot-house to grow them. 
 Linnaea. Dr. J. F. Gronovius, with the concur- 
 rence of Linnaeus, selected this little depressed, 
 early-flowering, long-overlooked northern plant, 
 to transmit the illustrious name of Linnaeus to 
 posterity. Linn. D'tdynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Caprifoliacecv. 
 
 L. borealis, the only species, is a beautiful lit- 
 tle trailing evergreen plant, with long, slender 
 branches, bearing small ovate or obovate leaves, 
 slightly toothed at the top, and sending up erect, 
 thread-like flower stalks, which fork near the 
 top, and bear two gracefully drooping, very fra- 
 grant, bell-like flowers, of a pale pink or nearly 
 white color, and almost half an inch in length. 
 It grows almost exclusively in woods, in cold, 
 moist situations, and is common from New Jer- 
 sey northward, and is widely dispersed over 
 northern Europe and Asia. According to soine 
 writers, its scent is so powerful, especially at 
 night, that it may be discovered at a considera- 
 ble distance. The Laplanders use a decoction 
 of its flowers as a remedy in rheumatic com- 
 plaints. 
 
 Linum. Flax. From the Celtic word llin, a 
 thread ; whence the Greek linon, and the Latin 
 Union. Linn. Pentandria-Pentagynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Linacece. 
 
 This genus contains upward of fifty species 
 of various characters, some rising to be small 
 shrubs, hardy and tender perennials, biennials, 
 and annuals; all of them interesting, and 
 many very handsome. One species, L. usitatissi- 
 mum, affords the well-known and valuable pro- 
 duct Flax. The tender species require the ordi- 
 nary treatment of green-house plants. L. flavum 
 is one of the most beautiful of all our yellow flow- 
 ering plants; while L. grandiflorum, an annual, has 
 magnificent crimson flowers. The hardy spe- 
 cies delight in good loamy soil. The tall-grow- 
 ing ones should be placed in the borders, and 
 the dwarf kinds on rock-work. The latter are 
 somewhat impatient of wet in winter, and in 
 consequence are usually potted in autumn, and 
 kept in a cold frame during winter. 
 Lion's Ear. See Leonolis. 
 
 Liparis. From tiparos, unctuous; referring to the 
 leaves. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 OrchidacecK. 
 
 A small genus of terrestrial and epiphytal 
 Orchids, of no special merit. They have mostly 
 purplish or greenish flowers. Several of the 
 species are common in moist woodlands in the 
 Middle States and westward. 
 Lip Fern. See Ckeilanthes. 
 
 Iiiquidainbar. From liquidus, liquid, and amlxir, 
 amber; referring to the gum called liquid sto- 
 rax produced by some species. Linn. Monoscia- 
 Polijartdria. Nat. Ord. Altingiacea;. 
 
 A genus of beautiful deciduous trees. L. 
 styrac'iflua, our common Sweet Gum Tree, is one 
 of our finest forest treys, and one deserving moro 
 general cultivation on the lawn, and for a sha 1 ; 
 tree upon the roadsides. It is a tall, erect grow- 
 ing tree of elegant appearance, especially in au- 
 tumn, when its beautiful star-shaped leaves 
 change to a bright red, quite as conspicuous as 
 
 UV 
 
 those of the Maple, and remain on the tree much 
 longer. This is the tree whose rough, triangular 
 branches, are sold in the streets of New York as 
 the " Alligator Plant." These pieces of stick 
 are sold by the thousands every season at from 
 twenty-five to fifty cents each, to unsophisticat- 
 ed city men, with about as much chance of 
 growing as their fence pickets. There are but 
 two other species, one from the Levant, and 
 the other of late introduction from Formosa. 
 They are increased from seeds. 
 
 Liquorice. See Gtycyrrhiza. 
 
 Liriodendron. Tulip Tree. From leirion, a lily, 
 and dendron, a tree; the flower produced by this 
 tree bears some resemblance to a Lily, but is 
 more like a Tulip. Linn. Polyandrici-Polygynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Magnoliacece. 
 
 L. tulipifem, the only species, is one of our 
 most beautiful forest trees, and has no superior 
 for a shade tree where there is plenty of room 
 for its perfect development. It is common from 
 Canada to Louisiana in rich woodlands, where 
 it sometimes attains a height of two hundred 
 feet. The trunk is as straight as an arrow. 
 Its flowers are produced in June in the great- 
 est abundance. They are of the size and 
 shape of Tulips, and very fragrant. Color 
 greenish white, variegated with yellow and 
 orange. There are two varieties of the species, 
 one of which furnishes white, the other yellow- 
 ish lumber. The former is of but little value in 
 the mechanic arts, but the latter is highly es- 
 teemed for cabinet work, and is mostly used for 
 carriage bodies. Propagated by seed. 
 
 Lissochilus. From lissos, smooth, and cheilos, a 
 lip; in allusion to the lip of the flower. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. OrchidacecK. 
 
 A genus of terrestrial Orchids from Africa, 
 producing racemes of rather showy flowers from 
 the base of the pseudo-bulbs. The species 
 are not very numerous, and the few are only 
 met in large collections. 
 
 Lisianthus. From lysis, the termination of a 
 disease, and anthis, a flower; referring to its in- 
 tense bitterness and medicinal properties. 
 Linn. Perdandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Genlian- 
 acece. 
 
 This genus is composed of green-house an- 
 nuals and evergreens, mostly of little merit as 
 flowering plants, the exception being L. prin- 
 ceps, an evergreen shrub from New Grenada, 
 that has long hanging flowers of a rich scarlet, 
 shading into yellow at either end, and having 
 an emerald green, five-lobed limb. This species 
 is propagated by cuttings, and was introduced 
 in 1848. L. Eussellianus, an annual or biennial 
 from Mexico, is another very pretty species 
 with rich blue flowers shaded with purple. 
 Propagated by seeds. 
 
 Listera. Twayblade. Dedicated to Dr. Martin 
 Lister, an early British naturalist. Linn. Gynun- 
 dria-Moiui)idria. Nat. Ord. OrchidacecK. 
 
 A small genus of terrestrial Orchids, bearing 
 slender spikes of small green flowers. Of no 
 special interest except in botanical collections. 
 The several species are common throughout the 
 United States. 
 
 Litobrochia. A commemorative name. Linn. 
 Cryptogamia-ZUices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacw. 
 
 An extensive genus of tropical Ferns, differ- 
 ing from Pterui only in the reticulation of the 
 veins of the fronds. 
 
 Live-Forever. See Sedum. 
 
 Liver-Leaf. The popular name of Hepaiica triloba, 
 from a supposed resemblance of the leaves.
 
 122 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 LIV 
 
 lave Oak. See' Qucrrxs r-'/r/is. 
 Livistonia. In honor of Patrick Murray, of Liv- 
 istone, near Edinburgh. Linn. He.mndrki-1r>- 
 <runia. Nat. Ord. Palmacefe. 
 
 A eenus of very interesting Palms, inhabiting 
 the Upper Assam, Southern China, the Indian 
 Archipelago, and Australia. Two of the species; 
 attain a height of from ninety to one hundred 
 feet. The remaining species rarely exceed I 
 thirty or forty feet in height. L. Australts, also 
 called Corypha Australia, is one of the few Palms 
 found in Australia, and is principaUy found j 
 along the coast. It is the tallest of the species. ; 
 Its unexpanded leaves, prepared by being scald- 
 ed and then dried in the shade, are used for 
 making hats, while the younger and more ten- 
 der leaves are eaten like cabbages. In Assam 
 the leaves of L. Jenkinsiann are used for making 
 the peculiar umbrella hats worn in that coun- 
 try. Several of the species are under cultiva- 
 tion, particularly L. Australia, which is largely 
 grown for decorative purposes in all large cities 
 in the United States. Young plants are ob- 
 tained from seed. Introduced in 1846. 
 Llavea. In honor of M. La Have, the discoverer 
 of the only known species. Linn. Cryptogamia- 
 Fdices. Nat. Ord. PolypodlacecK. 
 
 L. cordifdla, the only species, is a very inter- 
 esting Fern, found in the higher elevations of ! 
 Mexico. It requires the same treatment as most 
 green-house Ferns. 
 
 Loasa. Meaning unknown; probably a com- 
 memorative name. Linn. Polyadelphia-Polyan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Loasacece. 
 
 A genus of very curious climbing or creeping 
 plants, of annual or biennial duration, having 
 yellow, white, or scarlet flowers. The seed should 
 t>e sown in March on a gentle heat, and after 
 being gradually hardened the plants may be 
 removed to the borders of the flower-garden. 
 The leaves of all the species have more or less 
 of the irritating qualities of the common Sting- 
 ing Nettle. They are all natives of Chili, and 
 were introduced in 1822. 
 
 Lobelia. Named in honor of Matthew Label, au- 
 thor of various botanical works. He was a na- 
 tive of Lille, became physician and botanist to 
 James L, and died in London in 1816. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Afonoyynia. Nat. Ord. Lobeliacece. 
 
 An extensive and varied group of interesting 
 plants. The genus consists of over eighty 
 species, many of which are highly ornamental 
 and useful in the garden and in the green- 
 house. L. erinus and its varieties are trailers, 
 and remarkable for their profusion of beautiful 
 blue flowers. They are usually treated as an- 
 nuals, and grown from seed, but succeed grown 
 from cuttings. This species was introduced 
 from the Cape of Good Hope in 1752, and from 
 it have sprung numerous varieties, running 
 through all shades of blue, rose, lilac, etc. A 
 very pretty double blue variety was originated 
 in 1870. L. Oirdinalis, Cardinal Flower, a native 
 species, common throughout the States, is one 
 of the most brilliant flowers in cultivation. 
 Though usually found in moist places, it will 
 grow well in the border, and is one of our best 
 plants to grow on the shady side of the house. 
 L. syphilitica, another species common to our 
 waste places, has beautiful blue flowers. L. 
 inflatu, (Indian Tobacco,) an annual species, 
 common in the Northern States, is perhaps the 
 best known of the whole family, because of the 
 medicinal properties it was formerly supposed 
 to possess. It is still largely used in medicine, 
 
 LOL 
 
 but is not now considered a specific for every 
 disease that flesh and blood are heirs to. 
 Loblolly Bay. See Gordonia. 
 Lobster-Leaved Cactus. See EpiphyUum. 
 Loco. See Astragalus. 
 Locust Tree. See liobinia. 
 
 Lodoicea. Named after Laodice, the daughter of 
 Priamus and Hecuba. Linn. Dmcia-Polyandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Palmacece. 
 
 L. Seychellarum, the only species of this genus, 
 is one of the most remarkable of the order. It 
 is found only on the islands Praslin and Curi- 
 ense of the Seychelles group. This Palm has a 
 nearly cylindrical trunk, scarcely exceeding a 
 foot in diameter, grows to the height of one hun- 
 dred feet, and bears a crown of fan-shaped 
 leaves, some of which are upward of twenty i'eet 
 long and twelve feet wide. Many marvelous 
 stories are told of this tree, its fruit, and its 
 uses. "We give the description and history of 
 this Palm, which is far more wonderful than 
 fiction, in the language of Thomas Moore, 
 F.L.S., as related in the "Treasury of Botany:" 
 " This magnificent Palm requires a great length 
 of time to arrive at maturity. The shortest 
 period before it puts forth its flower-buds is 
 thirty years, and a hundred years elapse before 
 it attains its full growth. From the age of fif- 
 teen to twenty-five years it is in its greatest 
 beauty, the leaves at this period being much 
 larger than they are subsequently. The stem 
 grows quite upright, straight as an iron pillar, 
 and in the male trees frequently attains a hun- 
 dred feet in height, the females being shorter. 
 At the age of thirty it first puts forth its blos- 
 soms, the males forming enormous catkins about 
 three feet in length and three inches in diam- 
 eter, while the females are set on a strong zig- 
 zag stalk, from which hang four or five, or 
 sometimes as many as eleven nuts, averaging 
 about forty pounds weight each. From the 
 time of flowering to the maturation of the fruit, 
 a period of nearly ten years elapses, the full 
 size, however, being attained in about four 
 years, at which time it is soft and full of a semi- 
 transparent, jelly-like substance. The arrange- 
 ments provided by nature for the roots of this 
 tree are of a most peculiar kind. The base of 
 the stem is rounded, and fits into a natural 
 bowl or socket about two and a half feet in 
 diameter and eighteen inches in depth ; this 
 bowl ia pierced with hundreds of small oval 
 holes about the size of a thimble, with hollow 
 tubes corresponding on the outside, through 
 which the roots penetrate the ground on all 
 sides, never, however, becoming attached to the 
 bowl, their partial elasticity affording an al- 
 most imperceptible but very necessary ' play ' to 
 the parent stem when struggling against the 
 force of violent gales. This bowl is of the same 
 substance as the shell of the nut, only much 
 thicker. It rots very slowly, for it has been 
 found quite perfect and entire in every respect 
 sixty years after the tree has been cut down." 
 Logwood. See Hcematoxylon. 
 
 i Loiseleuria. Alpine Azalea. Named for Lnise- 
 leur Delongchamps, a French botanist. Linn. Pent- 
 andria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Ericaceae. 
 
 L. procumbens, the only species, is a trailing 
 evergreen shrub with small elliptical leaves, and 
 terminal clusters of small rose-colored or white 
 flowers. It is found on the summits of the 
 White Mountains in New Hampshire, in the 
 most rocky situations. 
 ; Lolium. See Daniel.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 123 
 
 LOM 
 
 Lomaria. From loma, an edge; referring to the* 
 position of the spore or seed cases on the leaves. 
 Linn. Cryptotjami't-FiUcex. Nat. Ord. Polypodia- 
 cece. 
 
 An extensive and interesting genus of Ferns, 
 including hardy green-house and hot-house spe- 
 cies. They occur in most parts of the world, 
 and comprise examples with simple pinnatifid 
 and pinnate fronds, while one species, L. Fra- 
 seri, has a slender, tree-like stem, and bipin- 
 natifid fronds, but it is quite exceptional in 
 the genus. L. Gibbii, a dwarf species, is large- 
 ly grown for decoration. For culture see Bkch- 
 H tun, to which it is allied. Propagated by spores. 
 
 Lomatia. From loma, an edge; referring to the 
 winged edge of the seeds. Linn. Tetranaria- Mu- 
 iiogynia. Nat. Ord. Proteacecv. 
 
 A small genus of South American and Austra- 
 lian evergreen shrubs or small trees. They 
 have simple pinnate or bipinnate leaves of a 
 leathery texture. A few of the species are grown 
 in collections of plants, with variegated or orna- 
 mental foliage. They require ordinary green- 
 house treatment. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Lombardy Poplar. See Pop&ug, 
 
 Long Moss. See TUlandsio. 
 
 Lonicera. Honeysuckle. Named after Adam Lo- 
 nicer, a German botanist, who died in 1596. Linn. 
 Perian&iOrMonogyiaa. Nat. Ord. Oaprtfotiacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of climbing and upright 
 shrubs, inhabiting both the Eastern and Western 
 Hemispheres, and much cultivated for the sake of 
 ornament and the fragrance of their flowers. L. 
 tifmpwcireits, Trumpet Honeysuckle, a handsome 
 climbing species with sub-evergreen foliage and 
 scarlet flowers, is a native species, common 
 from New York to Florida, and one of the most 
 ornamental. L. Japonica, var. Hallli, from Japan, 
 is one of the best of the climbers, and L. brachy- 
 poda variegato, also from Japan, is prized for the 
 beauty of its variegated foliage. L. Tartarica, 
 Tartarian Honeysuckle, makes an ornamental 
 shrub, growing from six to eight feet high, of 
 compact habit, and is profusely covered with 
 flowers in May, and with orange-colored berries 
 during summer. All the species are worthy of 
 cultivation, and are readily increased by layers, 
 cuttings, or from seed. 
 
 Loosestrife. See Lysimachiu. 
 
 London Pride. See Saseifrttgn. 
 
 Long-tailed Ornithogalum. See Orntihogatum. 
 
 Lopezia. Named in honor of J. Lopez, a Spanish 
 botanist. Linn. Hexandria-Moiiogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Onagracece. 
 
 This is a genus of very handsome plants, dis- 
 tinguished by having two filaments, of which 
 one bears an anther, and the other is petal-like 
 and abortive. Tha seed vessel is four-valved, 
 four-celled, and many seeded. The species are 
 all natives of Mexico, bearing alternate, rarely 
 opposite toothed leaves, and terminal racemes of 
 small purple or red flowers. The biennials are 
 green-house plants. The seeds of the annuals 
 may be sown early in a hot -bed or in the green- 
 house, and transplanted when they have made 
 a couple of leaves. They make very pretty stand- 
 ards when trained and pinched during the 
 summer. On the approach of cold weather they 
 should be brought into the green-house, where 
 they will flower handsomely during the winter. 
 L. degans is one of the best. They may be 
 grown from cuttings as well as from seed. First 
 introduced in 1792. 
 
 Lophosperrnuni. From lophos, a crest, and spernia, 
 ;i seed ; the seeds are furnished with a crested 
 
 LUF 
 
 wing. Linn. Di<lynainia-<jrif>n/x}?;pt'i-mia. Nat. Ord. 
 ScrophulariacecK. 
 
 Handsome green-house climbers, bearing nu- 
 merous large rosy-purple flowers. They are also 
 adapted for the open air, and flower well when 
 trained against a wall or fence having a south 
 aspect in the flower garden, delighting in an airy 
 position, with rich earth to grow in. Seed is 
 also produced plentifully in such positions; and 
 when this is secured, it saves the trouble of pre- 
 serving plants through the winter, as , if it is sown 
 early in March, on heat, and brought forward in 
 pots, the young plants bloom quite as soon, and 
 are generally more vigorous than those which 
 have been kept from the preceding year. L. 
 scandens, the species best known, is a native of 
 Mexico, and was introduced in 1M34. 
 
 Lotus. From lotos of Theophrastus; the true Lo- 
 tus is Zizyphus Lotus. Linn. Diadelphia.-Deca.ndr ia. 
 Nat. Ord'. Fal>.;;,: 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy annuals and 
 herbaceous perennials, a few of which are orna- 
 mental, and are sometimes cultivated in the bor- 
 ders. Several of the species are forage plants. 
 Lotus Jacobeus, a green-house plant, has flowers 
 nearer black than almost any known flower. 
 They are all increased from seeds. 
 
 Lousewort. One of the vulgar names of Peilic- 
 ularis Canadensis ; also called Wood Betony. 
 
 Love Apple. A name used in England for the 
 Tomato, and formerly here. 
 
 Love-in-a-Mist. See Nigdla. 
 
 Love-lies-Bleeding. See Amaranthus caudatus. 
 
 Lucerne. See Medicago. 
 
 Luculia. Lueidi Swa is the name given to the 
 tree by the Nepalese. Linn. Pentandria-Mono- 
 ijynia. Nat. Ord. CinchonacecK. 
 
 The two species forming the genus are among 
 the finest winter-flowering plants we possess, as, 
 when well grown, they become covered with 
 large heads of lovely pink flowers. The plants 
 should be placed when young into large pots, 
 well drained, and filled with fibrous loam. The 
 encouragement of a slight bottom heat and a 
 rather elevated humid atmosphere will induce 
 them to grow with vigor. It is best, in this 
 early stage of their development, to stop the 
 shoots once or twice, so as to form handsome 
 specimens, and when the growth is nearly com- 
 plete, they should be removed to the green- 
 house to mature it and form their flowers, which 
 are usually unfolded about the end of autumn, 
 and with a little care may be preserved for a 
 long period. L. gratissima is the best known 
 species, and should find a place in every col- 
 lection. It bears numerous cymes of reddish- 
 pink flowers, which are very fragrant. There 
 are few more beautiful plants than this when in 
 bloom, and it should be more generally grown. 
 It does well in a loamy soil, to which leaf mould 
 and sand have been added. Natives of Nepal. 
 Introduced in 1823. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Luddemannia. Complimentary to M. Litddemann. 
 Linn. Vynandria-Monandria. Nat, Ord. Orchida- 
 cecK. 
 
 L. Pescatorei, the only species, was formerly 
 called Cycnochcs Pescatorei. It is a native of 
 South America. The flower spike is pendulous, 
 very long, producing thirty to forty buff-yellow 
 flowers, brown inside, with the sepals and lip 
 bright yellow. This species should be grown 
 in a basket in moss. It is increased by division. 
 
 Luffa. From louff, the Arabic name. Linn. 
 Moncecia-PentaHdria. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacecr. 
 A curious genus of Gourds, not often culti-
 
 124 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 LUN 
 
 vated because of their offensive odor. They are 
 ornamental climbers, covering and adorning the 
 trunks of the Palm trees in India. When ripe, 
 the inside of the fruit is closely netted and 
 fibrous, and is used for scouring cooking uten- 
 sils. Hence, some of the species are called 
 Spanqe Gourds and Dish-rw Plants. 
 Lunaria. Moonwort, Honesty. From tuna, the 
 moon ; referring to the shape of the seed-ves- 
 sels. Linn. Tetradynamta. w -* n ~ l -"- 
 
 Nat. Ord. Brassica- 
 
 Of this old garden plant there are but two spe- 
 cies, one a hardy biennial, L. biennis, with blue 
 and white, and white flowers, and interesting 
 for their large oval, silvery seed pouches, which 
 are quite ornamental, and are much used in bou- 
 quets of dried Ferns and Grasses, as they last a 
 long time if kept dry. The seed of this species 
 should be sown in early summer for flowering 
 the next year. It is a native of Germany, and 
 is mentioned by the earliest botanical writers. 
 The other species is a hardy herbaceous peren- 
 nial of but little merit. 
 
 Lupine. See Lnpinus. 
 
 Lupinus. Lupine. From lupus, a wolf; devas- 
 tates land as a wolf does the fold; literally, de- 
 stroyer. Linn. Moitaddpkia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A genus of herbaceous annuals and peren- 
 nials, which contain some of our most beautiful 
 border flowers; yellow, blue, white, and pink 
 Lupines are among the oldest border annuals. 
 L. nanus is n beautiful little annual, with dark 
 blue flowers, a native of California, and requires 
 the usual treatment of Californian annuals. L. 
 mutabilis and L. Orulkskankii are splendid 
 plants, growing to the height of four or five 
 feet, and branching like miniature trees ; L. 
 polyphyllus and its varieties are perennials, and 
 they are splendid and vigorous-growing plants, 
 with spikes of flowers from one foot to eighteen 
 inches in length ; L. Nootkatensis is a handsome 
 dwarf perennial, and L. arboreus, when trained 
 against a wall, will attain six feet in height, and 
 in sheltered situations it will grow with equal 
 vigor when trained as a bush tied to a stake; L. 
 latifolius is a perennial from California, with 
 very long spikes of blue flowers. 
 
 Luzula. From the Gramen Luzulw of Bauhin, the 
 Glow-worm Grass. Linn. Baundrta-Mmogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. tfcjMOGAEB. 
 
 A genus of herbaceous perennial plants allied 
 to the Rushes. They are of but little beauty. 
 They are common throughout the United States. 
 From their being usually found in dry grounds 
 and woods, they are commonly known by the 
 name Woodrush. 
 
 Lycaste. Named after a beautiful woman of Si- 
 cily. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 Very handsome epiphytes of the pseudo-bulb- 
 ous class. They grow with freedom when pot- 
 ted in a well-drained mixture of leaf-mould, 
 sphagnum, and rotten wood, interspersed with 
 which should be a considerable number of small 
 pieces of charcoal or potsherds. Being natives 
 of the Western Hemisphere, the species do not 
 require a very high temperature, that of an or- 
 dinary green-house being fully sufficient ; neither 
 do they require so decided a rest as some other 
 individuals of the order, but should be freely 
 supplied with both water and air when growing. 
 There are about twenty-five species in this 
 genus, all natives of Central and South America 
 First introduced in 1828. 
 
 LYG 
 
 Lychnis. From lyclims, a lamp; referring to the 
 brilliancy of the flowers of some of the species. 
 Linn. Decandria-Pentagynia. Nat. Ord. Oaryo- 
 phylkicecK. 
 
 A group of very ornamental herbaceous 
 plants, quite hardy, and deserving a place in 
 every garden. The species vary in character 
 very much, some of them attaining a height of 
 three or four feet, as in the case of the common 
 Scarlet Lychnis, (L. Ohalcedonica, ) an old garden 
 favorite from Russia, valuable because there are 
 so few flowers of that color among our hardy 
 herbaceous plants. There is a fine double va- 
 riety of this species, also a single white. L. 
 Haayeana is also fine. Many others are low -grow- 
 ing, not more than six inches in height. L. 
 fjmndiflora and L. fulgens are very handsome, 
 and the very pretty L. ccdi-rosea should be in- 
 cluded in the list of annuals for every garden. 
 L. Senna;, introduced from Japan in 1865, is 
 beautifully striped white and crimson. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings or seeds. 
 
 Lycium. Box Thorn. From lycion, a name given 
 "by Dioscorides to a thorny shrub, and applied 
 to the genus because of its containing some 
 thorny shrubs. Linn. Pentandria- Monogyniu. 
 Nat. Ord. SolanacecK. 
 
 There are numerous species in this genus, all 
 hardy or green-house shrubs, mostly of little 
 value as ornamental plants. L. barbantm is a 
 plant of rapid growth, green foliage, and small 
 lilac flowers. It is a climber, and was grown 
 considerably in England to cover trellises and 
 arbors. It is commonly called Tea Plant, and 
 its leaves were recommended as a substitute for 
 tea; the advice, however, was but little heeded. 
 L. Carolinianum, a handsome shrub, is common 
 in the swamps from Carolina to Florida. L. 
 vulgare, a native of Europe, and an escape from 
 our gardens into the hedge-rows and waste 
 places in some of the States, is popularly known 
 as Matrimony Vine. 
 
 Lycopersicum. See Tomato. 
 
 Lycopodium. Club Moss. From lykos, a wolf, 
 andpons, a foot; the roots having a resemblance 
 to that animal's paw. Linn. Cryptogamia-Lycopo- 
 dinea. Nat. Ord. Lycopodiacece, 
 
 An extensive genus of neat little evergreen, 
 moss-like herbaceous plants, some of which are 
 found in all parts of the world. Several of the 
 species are common in the green-house, and 
 are exceedingly ornamental and useful in fill- 
 ing Ferneries, Wardian Cases, and the various 
 devices in rustic work. L. detisum, one of the 
 most beautiful that has been introduced into 
 the green-house, is a native of New Holland, in- 
 troduced in 1820. L. dendroideum, remarkable 
 for its tree-like appearance, is largely employed 
 in making "Christmas greens," and in bouquet 
 work by the florists. It is very common in 
 swampy places, particularly in New England. 
 The spores of the common Club Moss are very 
 inflammable, and are used on the stage to pro- 
 duce artificial lightning. See SelagindUi. 
 
 Lycoris. The name of a woman in Roman his- 
 tory. Linn. Ilexandrla-Monogynla. Nat. Ord. 
 Aniaryttidacea;. 
 
 A small genus of hardy bulbs from China, 
 producing several showy flowers, in an umbel, 
 on a slender scape from twelve to eighteen 
 inches high, the color being yellow or light 
 straw, and pink. They are allied to the Valloto, 
 and require the same treatment. Introduced in 
 1758. 
 
 Lygodictyon. From Lygodiwn and dictyon, a
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 125 
 
 LYG 
 
 net; its net-like veins distinguishing it from 
 L lytdium. Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. 
 Potypodiacece. 
 
 L. Fursteri, a climbing Fern, common in the 
 South Sea Islands, constitutes this genus. It 
 is almost identical with the genus Lygodium. It 
 is also known as Uydroglosswm. 
 Lygodixim. Climbing Fern. From lyr/odes, flex- 
 ible ; in allusion to the twining habit of the 
 plants. Linn. Cryptogamia - Filices. Nat. Ord. 
 Polypodiacece. 
 
 A. genus of climbing Ferns, mostly of an or- 
 namental character, and widely dispersed over 
 the warmer parts of the earth. L. scandens, in- 
 troduced from Japan in 1830, is a favorite in the 
 green-house, and is well adapted to house cul- 
 ture, as it requires but little light, and is not 
 injured by "furnace heat' or gas, so fatal to 
 most plants introdxiced into tj^ drawing-room. 
 It is, moreover, a rapid grower. With a little 
 management this plant can be made to complete 
 its growth during the summer, and it may then 
 be placed in a cool room in the house or in the 
 hall, where it will remain an object of beauty 
 till spring, when it may be cut down for a new 
 growth. There is reason to suppose that L. 
 scandens is hardy, even in the vicinity of New 
 York. It is increased by spores or root division. 
 L. palmatuw, the only native species, is found 
 in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, and 
 Kentucky, It is pressed and sold in large 
 
 MAG 
 
 lor decoration, and is known in 
 the trade as the Hartford Fern. Many attempts 
 to cultivate this species have been made, but few, 
 if any, have been successful. A few plants, how- 
 ever, are growing in a garden at Man Chester, Conn. 
 
 Lysimachla. Loosestrife. From lysis, dissolu- 
 tion, and miclie, strife ; supposed soothing 
 Sualities. Linn. Pentundrla-Monoijynia. Nat. 
 rd. Primulacecv. 
 
 Hardy herbaceous perennials of the easiest 
 culture. L. mimmularia, Moneywort, is a well- 
 known evergreen trailer, a native of Great Brit- 
 ain. If kept in a pot of moist soil and suspend- 
 ed, it will produce shoots of two or three feet in 
 length, which hang down on every side. L. 
 nummularia aurea is a golden-leaved variety of 
 great beauty, now much used as a drooping 
 plant. L. verticillaia is an upright-growing plant, 
 with an abundance of showy yellow flowers 
 suitable for & large border. They all grow read- 
 ily from seed or from cuttings. 
 
 Lythrum. From It^thron, black blood; the pre- 
 vailing purple color of the flowers. Linn. Dode- 
 candria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Lythracece. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals and herbaceous per- 
 ennials. Several of this latter species are com- 
 mon in marshes and wet plac3S throughout the 
 Middle and Western States. The flowers pro- 
 duced in the gardens are finer than those grow- 
 ing wild. They flower freely in the autumn 
 months. Propagated by division. 
 
 M. 
 
 Mace. The envelope which surrounds Nut- 
 megs. See Myristica. 
 
 Madura. Osage Orange. Named after William 
 Muclure, a North American geologist. Linn. 
 Monoecia-Tetrandria. Nat. Ord. Moracea'. 
 
 A genus of handsome, low-growing trees, gen- 
 erally attaining the height of thirty feet. There 
 are but three species included in the genus, two 
 of which are common in the West Indies, and 
 not hardy here, excepting in the extreme South- 
 ern States. M. aurantiaca, the Osage Orange, is 
 a native of the Southwestern States, and forms 
 a spreading tree from thirty to sixty feet high, 
 but is easily kept dwarf by cutting back, and is 
 extensively used as a hedge plant in the West- 
 ern States, for which purpose, its rapid growth, 
 together with its strong spines, renders it suita- 
 ble. The wood is bright yellow and very elas- 
 tic. It is called Bow-wood, from its being used 
 by the Indians for making bows. Young plants 
 are grown from seed, which, if sown in good 
 soil, will make very strong plants for the hedge- 
 rows in two years. Many prefer setting them 
 one year from seed. This species is hardy in 
 the vicinity of New York, and is used for hedges 
 and on the lawn. 
 
 Macropiper. The word signifies large pepper. 
 Linn. Diandria-Triandria. Nat. Ord. Piptracea: 
 
 M. methi/sticum, formerly called Piper metliysli- 
 cum, furnishes the root called Ava by the Poly- 
 nesians. It has narcotic properties, and is em- 
 ployed medicinally, but is chiefly remarkable for 
 the value attached to it as a narcotic and stimu- 
 lant beverage, of which the natives partake be- 
 fore they commence any important business or 
 
 religious rites. It is used by chewing the root 
 and extracting the juice, and has a calming 
 rather than an intoxicating effect. Europeans 
 distil the juice, and use it as a beverage in mod- 
 erate quantities. By the more respectable of the 
 population it is considered a filthy preparation, 
 and is not indulged in. 
 
 Macrozamia. From makros, long, and zamia. 
 Linn. Dicecia-Icosandria. Nat. Ord. Cycadaceee. 
 
 This interesting genus is formed from a few 
 species of Zamia, and contains some of the most 
 beautiful plants under cultivation, for decorative 
 purposes. M. plumosa, plume-like, is one of the 
 most distinct and beautiful. M. corattipes is an- 
 other rare species. There are several species un- 
 der cultivation. They are all natives of Austra- 
 lia. For culture see Zamia. 
 
 Madder. See Rubia. 
 
 Madeira Nut. See Juglans. 
 
 Madeira Vine. See Boussingauttia baselloides. 
 
 Madia. Madi is the name of the original spe- 
 cies (M. saliva) in Chili. Linn. Syngenesia-Super- 
 flua. Nat. Ord. Asteracev. 
 
 A small genus of coarse-growing, hardy annu- 
 als, with bright yellow and white flowers, natives 
 of Chili and Northern California. They grow 
 freely in almost any soil or situation. The 
 seeds should be sown in the spring as soon as 
 the ground is in readiness and the weather suf- 
 ficiently warm Introduced in 1831. 
 
 Magic Tree. See Gintwi. 
 
 Magnolia. Named after Pierre Magnol, Profes- 
 sor of Medicine at Montpellier; he died in 1715. 
 Linn. Polyandria-Polygynia. Nat. Ord. Magnolia-
 
 126 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 , MAG 
 
 A magnificent genus of ornamental tr< * and 
 shrubs, thus far found only in the United States, 
 China, and Japan. It is composed of ever- 
 Tcen and deciduous hardy and half-hardy 
 trees and shrubs. The flowers are white, pur- 
 ple or greenish white, and are remarkable for 
 their fragrance. M. '" ll nnta (Cucumber Tree) 
 grows from thirty to fifty feet high, and is com- 
 mon in moist woods from New York to Ohio and 
 southward. M. ijlanca ^Small or Laurel Magno- 
 lia, Sweet Bay) is a low-growing deciduous 
 tree, in some localities called Swamp Sassafras. 
 It is also known by the name of Beaver Tree, 
 because the roots are eaten by beavers, which 
 animals also make use of the wood in construct- 
 ing their huts or nests. This species is common 
 in swamps in New Jersey and southward. The 
 flowers are single, produced on the ends of the 
 branches, greenish white, and delightfully fra- 
 grant. They are collected and Hold in the mar- 
 kets and streets of New York in large quantities. 
 ]f. cordata is the Yellow Cucumber Tree of Geor- 
 gia, M. orandijirira (Great Laurel) is justly en- 
 titled to its sp'ecific name, as it is one of the 
 most noble and beautiful of American evergreen 
 trees, remarkable for the majesty of its form, 
 the magnificence of its foliage, and the beauty 
 of its flowers. This is a large tree, growing from 
 sixty to one hundred feet high; the foliage is 
 thick, brilliant on the upper surface, and rusty 
 colored underneath; the flowers are pure white, 
 six to eight inches across, and very fragrant. 
 It is a native of the Carolinas and westward, but 
 not hardy north of Washington. There is one 
 specimen in Philadelphia, well protected, that 
 blooms annually. M. inacrophyUa is a compara- 
 tively rare species, being only occasionally met 
 in the woods from Florida to Tennessee. It 
 rarely attains a height of sixty feet. It is a de- 
 ciduous tree of perfect form, with leaves from 
 fine and a half to three feet long, clustered at the 
 summit of the branches. The flowers are pure 
 white, with a purple spot at the base of the 
 petals, and are from eight to twelve inches in 
 width, and deliciously fragrant. This species 
 is not considered sufficiently hardy to withstand 
 the severity of our winters. It is to be regretted 
 that it has such a reputation, as it is in a great 
 measare unjust. It might not succeed in the 
 more exposed situations, but there is scarcely a 
 fine suburban place around New York that has 
 not some sheltered, cosy corner in which this 
 noble tree would not delight to grow. There is 
 upon the Manice estate at Queens, Long Island, 
 r. tree of this species that was planted more 
 than fifty years ago, and is now fifty or more 
 feet high, with a boll a foot in diameter. There 
 is upon this tree every year hundreds of flowers, 
 and it is no less conspicuous in autumn, with 
 its large heads of bright scarlet fruit. It also 
 does well up the Hudson River. Young trees 
 are easily produced from seed. As soon as 
 the seed is ripe, it should be gathered, and kept 
 in common brown sugar during the winter, and 
 sown in early spring. M. conspicuft, or M. Yulan, 
 is a native of China, where it attains a height of 
 forty or fifty feet. It is perfectly hardy in this 
 latitude, and remarkable for the great number 
 of white flowers produced in spring, before the 
 leaves are developed. M. purpurea, a Japanese 
 species, has deciduous leaves, like the former, 
 and is in all respects similar, except that the 
 flowers are purple outside and white within. 
 These two species contrast finely when planted 
 together upon the lawn. M. fuscata, a green- 
 
 MAM 
 
 house evergreen from China, is a low-growing 
 shrub, with small glossy leaves, and dull purple 
 flowers of exquisite fragrance. There are many 
 other species and varieties, but those described 
 are the best representatives. 
 
 Mahernia. An anfc/rum of Hertnarmia, an allied 
 genus. Linn. MonaddphfarPentandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Byttneriacece. 
 
 A genus of neat little green-house shrubs, 
 growing about two feet high, and remarkable for 
 the profusion of their fragrant yellow, or red 
 and yellow flowers. M. odoratt, the yellow, is 
 the best known. They are easily grown in the 
 green-house with ordinary treatment. All the 
 species are from the Cape of Good Hope, and 
 were introduced early in the present century. 
 They are increased by cuttings. 
 
 Mahogany Tree^ See Sirietenia. 
 
 Maiden Hair Iwn. See Adiantum. 
 
 Maiden Hair Tree. See Srdisburia. 
 
 Maize. See Zea. 
 
 Malcolmia. Named after W. Malcolm, a celebrat- 
 ed nurseryman. Linn. Tetmdynamia. Nat. Ord. 
 Brassicacece. 
 
 A genus of herbaceous plants, mostly annuals. 
 The species are chiefly natives of the south of 
 Europe, and produce white or purple flowers 
 disposed in racemes. Most of the species are 
 but little grown. .17. niaritima is the well-known 
 Virginian Stock of our gardens. They all grow 
 from seed sown in spring. 
 
 Mallow. See Malm. 
 
 Malope. From nudos, soft or tender; referring 
 to tne texture of the leaves. Linn. M>nudclphia- 
 
 a. Nat. Ord. Malvaceae. 
 
 Annual plants with very handsome flowers. 
 M. trijida, of which there are two kinds, one with 
 crimson and the other with white flowers, is 
 rather dwarf ; but M. grandiflora will grow four or 
 five feet high in a good soil and an open situation, 
 bearing very large and showy brilliant crimson 
 flowers. All the kinds are quite hardy, and only 
 require sowing in April or May in the open 
 border, and thinning out and transplanting, 
 when the young plants are three or four inches 
 high. Natives of North Africa. Introduced m 
 1808. 
 
 Malva. Mallow. From inalacho, to soften; refer- 
 ring to their emollient qualities. Linn. Mona- 
 delpkia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Mali-acece. 
 
 This is a group of plants remarkable for then- 
 large, showy flowers ; but the coarseness of the 
 leaves and loose manner of growing deprive the 
 genus of much of the interest it would otherwise 
 have. The genus consists of tender, half-hardy, 
 and hardy perennials and annuals, all of the 
 easiest culture, according to their respective 
 kinds. M. moschata, the Musk-Mallow, derives 
 its name from the peculiar musky odor given off 
 by all parts of the plant when kept in a confined 
 situation, particularly in dry weather; but it is 
 seldom powerful enough to be smelt in the open 
 air. This species is a hardy herbaceous peren- 
 nial, common in waste places in Great Britain. 
 ^[. ratundffolia has become naturalized until it is 
 quite a nuisance in our gardens and yards. 
 
 Malvaviscus. See Achania. 
 
 Mammee Tree. See Maminea. 
 
 Mammee Apple. See Jfammea. 
 
 Mammea. Mammee Tree. Niamey is the native 
 name. Linn. Polyandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Gusiacea:. 
 
 M. Americanst, a native of the West Indies, 
 produces the Mammee Apple, or South Ameri- 
 can Apricot, which is very much valusd in
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 127 
 
 MAM 
 
 tropical countries. It often attains the size of a 
 (Child's head, and is of a yellow color. The outer 
 rind and the pulp which immediately surrounds 
 the seeds are very bitter, but the intermediate is 
 sweet and aromatic, and is eaten cut into slices 
 and steeped in wine, or made into preserves of 
 various kinds. 
 
 Mammillaria. From mamma, the nipple; in al- 
 lusion to the small tubercles. Linn. Icosandrla- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Gadacece. 
 
 Succulent plants, with almost globular stems 
 covered with prickles, but without leaves, the 
 flowers growing out of the stem without any 
 stalk. These plants are natives of the high table- 
 land of Mexico, where they are subject to very 
 few variations of temperature, aiid they should, 
 therefore, be kept in green-house heat all the 
 year. They are also found in Texas and Color- 
 ado. In their native country they grow in rich 
 loam, and therefore require a better soil than 
 the different kinds of Cereus and Echinocac- 
 tus, which grow among calcareous rocks, in 
 the mould formed by the deposition of vege- 
 table matter in the fissures. By attending 
 to these particulars the Mammillarias may 
 be easily grown in any situation where they 
 can be kept free from frost. When kept in 
 a room, they should be allowed as much air as 
 possible, and the dust which lodges among their 
 spines should be frequently blown off with a 
 small pair of bellows or the breath. There are 
 nearly one hundred species in this genus, and 
 nearly all confined to Mexico and South Amer- 
 ica. Propagated by offsets or by seeds. First 
 introduced from Peru in 1799. 
 
 Mammoth Trees of California. See Sequoia. 
 
 Mandarin Orange. See Citrus nobilis. 
 
 Mandevilla. Named after //. J. Mandevitte, an 
 English minister at Buenos Ayres, and a botani- 
 cal collector. Linn. Pentamlria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Apocynacece. 
 
 M. suaveolens, the only species, is a native of 
 South America, and is a desirable climber for 
 the green-house, as it is a rapid grower, and 
 produces clusters of very sweet-scented white 
 flowers during the summer. It should be al- 
 lowed to rest during winter. It is propagated 
 by cuttings of the small, stiff side shoots, taken 
 off close to the old wood. Introduced in 1837. 
 
 Mandrake. See Podophyllum, Mandragora, and 
 ifaborosa. 
 
 Manettia. In honor of Xavier Manetti, prefect of 
 the Botanic Garden at Florence, and author of 
 "Regnum Vegetabile," 1756. Linn. Tetrandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cinchonacece. 
 
 An elegant family of green-house climbers, 
 suitable for training over a wire trellis attached 
 to the pots in which the plants grow. The spe- 
 cies delight in a moderately warm and moist at- 
 mosphere when they are growing, and in the 
 case of having tuberous roots, like M. glabra or 
 M. cordata, are all the better for a decided drying 
 through the winter. The other species, from 
 having only fibrous roots, will not bear a reduc- 
 tion to the same extent. M. bicolor is a winter- 
 flowering plant. It should be grown freely 
 through the summer, and afterward be placed 
 in a dry, warm position to induce it to flower 
 freely, and to preserve its foliage from mildew, 
 to which it is very subject. The flowers of this 
 species are yellow and crimson; those of the 
 others are scarlet, except M. Lygistum, which has 
 pink blossoms. All the species do well here 
 planted out during summer, keeping up a con- 
 tinuous bloom. Propagated by cuttings, either 
 
 MAN 
 
 of the roots or shoots. Introduced from South 
 America in 1806. 
 
 Mangel Wurzel. Beta vulgaris macrorhua. 
 
 Mangifera. Mango Tree. From mango, the Hin- 
 doo name of the fruit, and fero, to bear. Linn. 
 Polygamia-MonoKcia. Nat. Ord. Anacardiacea;. 
 
 M. Indica grows abundantly in India, where 
 numerous varieties are cultivated. It is also 
 grown in Brazil and the Mauritius for the fruit, 
 which is highly esteemed for its grateful acidity 
 and sweet perfume. In the tropics it is the 
 principal fruit eaten. The tree grows about 
 twenty feet high, and the fruit is produced in 
 terminal clusters. 
 
 Manglesia. Named after Captain Mangle.*, and his 
 brother, Robert Mangle,'!, distinguished patrons 
 of botany. Linn. Tetrandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Proteacea>. 
 
 A genus of ornamental green-house shrubs 
 from Swan River. with very small flowers of 
 little beauty. It is grown only for its beautiful 
 foliage. 
 
 Mangosteen. See Oarcinia. 
 
 Mango Tree. See Mangifera. 
 
 Mangrove. See Rhizophora. 
 
 Manicaria. From manica, a glove, referring to 
 the spathe rolled around the inflorescence or 
 flower stem. Linn. Monceda-Enneandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Palmaceoi. 
 
 A noble genus of Palms inhabiting the tidal 
 swamps of the Lower Amazon River. M. saceifera, 
 the only species, has immense leaves, unlike 
 any others of the order, which are more or less 
 pinnated or fan-shaped ; these, on the contrary, 
 are entire, frequently growing thirty feet long 
 and from three to four in width ; and being of a 
 stiff habit, stand erect upon the summit of the 
 stout, crooked stem, which usually attains the 
 height of fifteen or twenty feet. The Indians 
 call the Palm Bussu, and its immense leaves are 
 invaluable to them for thatching their huts. The 
 fibrous spathes are also converted into useful 
 bags and caps by simply cutting round them 
 near the bottom, and pulling them off entire, 
 and afterward stretching them open as wide as 
 possible without tearing; they also supply a 
 coarse, but strong kind of cloth. On account of 
 its immense size this interesting species is rare- 
 ly met in collections. Propagated by seeds. 
 
 Man-of-the-Earth. See Ipomcea. 
 
 Manihot. Its Brazilian name. Linn. Moncecia- 
 Heptandria. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacece. 
 
 A genus of South American shrubs, largely 
 cultivated for their roots, which yield the Tapi- 
 oca of commerce, which is extracted from the 
 bitter variety, the roots of which are a virulent 
 poison. The poisonous juices are expelled by 
 pressure in the preparation. One of the species 
 has sweet, wholesome roots, that are used as 
 vegetables. 
 
 Manna. See Alliagi, Ornus, and Tamarix. 
 
 Manna Ash. See Ornus. 
 
 Mantisia. Opera Girls. Named after the insect 
 Mantis, to which the flowers have been com- 
 pared. Linn. Monamlria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 Hot-house herbaceous evergreens from the 
 East Indies. One of the species has long been 
 grown in some countries for the singularity and 
 beauty of its flowers, which present some ap- 
 pearance of a ballet dancer, hence the popular 
 name, Dancing Girls, applied to the plant. The 
 filament and anther, with its wing-like margins, 
 represent the head and neck of the lady, the 
 long inner segments of the corolla represent the
 
 128 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 MAP 
 
 arms, while the labellum corresponds to the 
 dress. The flowers are purple and yellow. 
 Propagated bv root division. Introduced in 
 1808 
 
 Maple. See Acer. 
 
 Maranta. Arrowroot. Named after B. Maranti, 
 an Italian botanist. Linn.Monandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Marantao " . 
 
 A genus of tropical herbaceous plants, pretty 
 extensively disseminated from the West to the 
 East Indies. Some of the species are among 
 the finest ornamental leaved plants in cultiva- 
 tion. M. zebrina has leaves two feet long and i 
 six inches wide, of a rich deep green, beauti- ! 
 fully shaded with a purplish green, and has a j 
 soft appearance, resembling the finest velvet, j 
 It is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in 
 1815. Many other well-known species are equally 
 ornamental, and occupy a prominent position 
 in choice collections. Several of the species are 
 cultivated in the East and West Indies for the 
 starch that is contained in their tubers, which is 
 very nutritive, and is commercially known as ] 
 Arrowroot. The term Arrowroot is said to be ! 
 derived from the fact that the native Indians ! 
 used the roots of these plants as an application I 
 to wounds inflicted by poisoned arrows. The j 
 green-house kinds are of easy culture, heat and i 
 water being the main requirements while grow- | 
 ing; they should also be shaded from the sun. j 
 We have found it an excellent and economical : 
 plan to grow them during the summer months j 
 in between large foliaged plants, such as Palms, 
 which gives them the necessary conditions of 
 shade and moisture. Increased by division. See 
 Calathea, to which many Marantas have been 
 transferred. 
 
 Marattia. Named after J. F. Maratti, an Italian 
 botanist. Linn. Cryptogamia-FUices. Nat. Ord. 
 PolypodiactfE. 
 
 Coarse-growing Ferns, of but little merit in a 
 collection. They require a hot-house. They 
 are natives of South America, aud the Eastern 
 and Pacific Islands. Propagated by spores. 
 
 Marcgravia. In honor of George Marcgram, a | 
 German who published a Natural History of 
 Brazil in 1718. Linn. Polyandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Marcgratnacea;. 
 
 M. umbellata, one of the best known species, is 
 a sub-parasitical creeping shrub. At first it is 
 radicant, like some Ferns; but as it advances 
 the stem becomes shrubby, adhering still by its 
 fibers to the trunk of some tree, to the top of 
 which it frequently runs, at length dividing 
 into loose pendulous branches, commonly ter- 
 minating with umbels of white flowers. It is a 
 native of the cool wooded mountains of Jamaica. 
 It appears in such a variety of forms that it has 
 been mistaken for different plants in the differ- 
 ent stages of its growth. The genus is remark- 
 able for the transformation of its smaller leaves 
 into hollow, tubular bodies, resembling the 
 pitchers of some other plants. It succeeds well 
 in the green-house, and is propagated by cuttings 
 
 Mare's Tail. See SfeprCj 
 
 Marianthus. From Marian, Mary, and anthos, a 
 flower; dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogunia. Nat. Ord. PUtisporacea>. 
 A small genus of green-house deciduous climb- 
 ers, natives of Australia. One species has pretty 
 pale blue, spotted flowers, but it is seldom cul- 
 tivated. Propagated by cuttings. Introduced 
 
 Marica. From maraino, to flag; referring to the 
 ephemeral nature of the flowers, which last 
 
 MAK 
 
 hardly a day. Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Irldacea;. 
 
 A small genus of fibrous-rooted plants, with 
 very beautiful, but transient flowers, somewhat 
 resembling the ligridla. They all grow freely, 
 and are increased by division, or from seed. 
 They require the protection of the green-house 
 while at rest during winter. They are natives 
 of Central and South America, and were first 
 brought into notice in 1782. 
 
 Marigold. See Calendula and Tagetes. 
 
 Marjoram. See Origanum. 
 
 Marking Nut Tree. See Semecarpits. 
 
 Marrubium. Horehound. From marrdb, a He- 
 brew word signifying a bitter juice; in allusion 
 to the extreme bitterness of the plants. Linn. 
 Didynamia-Gyrnnospermia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacff. 
 M. vulgare is the common Horehound of our 
 gardens. The plant is a native of Europe, but 
 has become naturalized, and is as familiar as 
 an indigenous plant in the United States. Of 
 the several species, this is the only one valued, 
 and this only for its tonic properties. 
 
 Marshallia. Named for Humphrey Marshall, of 
 Pennsylvania, author of Arbuytrum Americanum, 
 one of the earliest works on the trees and shrubs 
 of this country. Linn. Syngenesia-^Equalis. Nat. 
 Ord. Asferacece. 
 
 A genus of herbaceous perennials, common to 
 Virginia and southward. The leaves are alter- 
 nate, entire, and glabrous; flower scape about 
 one foot high, with a single terminal head of 
 purple or rose flowers, resembling those of the 
 Scabious. 
 
 Marsh Mallow. See AJOuea. 
 
 Marsh Marigold. See Galtha. 
 
 Marsh Rosemary. See < Statice. 
 
 Marsilea. Linnaeus dedicated this genus to the 
 Count L. F. Marsigli, founder of the Academy of 
 Sciences, Bologna. Linn. Oryptogamia-Musci. Nat. 
 Ord. MarsileacecK. 
 
 A genus of curious, low-growing aquatics, 
 inhabiting Brazil, Australia, Africa, and the 
 south of Europe. They are termed pseudo- 
 ferns, and are very interesting plants for the 
 aquarium. 
 
 Martinezia. In honor of Balthassar Martinez, a 
 Spanish naturalist. Linn. Moncetia-Hemndria. 
 Nat. Ord. Palmacece. 
 
 A small genus of Palms, mostly of dwarf 
 habit, natives of Central America. A few of the 
 species are under cultivation for decorative pur- 
 
 Martynia. Named after Dr. Marlyn, once Pro- 
 fessor of Botany at Cambridge, England ; he died 
 in 1768. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Pedaliacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy and half-hardy annuals, 
 growing from two to three feet high, branching, 
 with heart-shaped leaves, the whole being cov- 
 ered with clammy hairs. Some of the species 
 are quite ornamental, but too coarse-growing 
 for a handsome border plant. M. proboscidcn is 
 indigenous to southern Illinois and southward, 
 but is most common on the banks of the Missis- 
 sippi. It is grown in the garden for the young 
 seed pods, which are used to some extent for pick- 
 ling. They require to be placed three feet apart 
 each way; at that distance, in rich soil, the 
 plants will completely cover the ground. Seed 
 should be sown where it is to grow in April and 
 May. 
 
 Maruta. The generic name of May-weed. See also 
 Colula. 
 
 Marvel of Peru. See Mirabilis.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 129 
 
 MAS 
 
 Masdevallia. Named after J. Mnsdevall, a Span- 
 ish botanist. Linn. Gynandrla-Monandrht. Nat. 
 Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of epiphytal Orchids from 
 South America. The flowers are remarkable 
 for their singularity, and also for their beauty. 
 They require to be grown in a lower tempera- 
 ture than most Orchids, and are increased by 
 division. First introduced in 1835. 
 
 Massonia. Named after F. Masson, a botanical 
 traveler in South Africa. Linn. .lfexandria-Mo- 
 nogynia. Nat. Ord, LiliacecK. 
 
 A genus of small Cape bulbs. The leaves are 
 commonly two in number, lying flat on the 
 ground. The flowers are in an umbel-like head, 
 nearly sessile, between the leaves. The flowers 
 are sword-shaped, usually white, and of little 
 beauty. They are increased by offsets. They 
 may be wintered in a frame or kept in sand in 
 the green-house. Introduced in 1791. 
 
 Mathiola. Stock-Gilliflower. Named after P. 
 Mathioli, an Italian botanist. Linn. Tetradyna- 
 mia. Nat. Ord. Brassicacece. 
 
 In this genus we have the well-known Stock 
 in all its multifarious varieties. These, for the 
 purposes of culture, are classed in two divisions : 
 the biennial kinds, as the Brompton, Queen, 
 etc., and the annual or Ten-Week Stocks. The 
 former require to be sown the season previous 
 to that in which they are wanted to flower. 
 They do best when sown in May or June in the 
 open air, allowing them to grow up strong, and 
 when about two inches high they should be pot- 
 ted singly in small pots. This is for the pur- 
 pose of protecting them through the winter, as 
 in very severe weather, or a long continuance 
 of wet, they perish ; but being potted and 
 put in a frame they are perfectly safe, as 
 they become harder and better ripened, and 
 in the succeeding spring may be placed where 
 they are to bloom. The seeds of Ten- Week 
 .Stocks should be sown in a hot-bed or green- 
 house in February or March. As soon as the 
 plants have completed their second leaves, 
 prick out into shallow boxes, and in three or four 
 weeks they will be ready to pot in thumb pots, 
 and the plants will be sufficiently large for 
 transplanting by the end of the following April. 
 Much attention is paid to the saving of this 
 seed on the Continent, and as many as twelve 
 distinct colors may now be selected; a great 
 many more are advertised, but they are indis- 
 tinct, and we think it preferable to have a few 
 decided and brilliant colors than a multitude of 
 indefinite shades, several of which are nearly 
 duplicates of each other. The colors run through 
 nil the shades of crimson, lilac, rose, white, etc. 
 There are no true scarlets, though some cata- 
 logues continue yearly to offer such colors. One 
 of the first requisites to insure good double 
 Stocks is to put the ground intended for them 
 in the very best possible condition. It is a great 
 mistake, and but too common, to suppose that 
 the soil for flowers need not be rich; for we are 
 of opinion, from observation, that, to a great 
 extent, the double state is only brought about 
 by excess of vigor, and if this condition is lost 
 by planting in impoverished ground, it is only 
 reasonable to suppose that the flowers will de- 
 generate to their normal condition. Another 
 common error deserves notice, respecting the 
 choice of plants to bear seed. It is very gene- 
 rally supposed that, to insure seed which will 
 produce double flowers in the following season, 
 it is necessary that the seed-bearing plants 
 
 MAU 
 
 stand in close proximity to others which have 
 their flowers double, because it is supposed the 
 single flowers are impregnated with the pollen 
 of the double ones; but to prove the fallacy of 
 this supposition it is only necessary carefully to 
 examine the latter, and they will be found alto- 
 gether devoid of the organs bearing pollen. 
 The great secret in the production of seed likely 
 to bring double flowers is, we believe, to impart 
 extraordinary vigor to the single plants which 
 are to bear it, and every means available should 
 be resorted to for this end. There is no good 
 reason why as good seed should not be grown 
 in some portions of the United States as in any 
 part of the world. In fact, the finest Stocks we 
 have ever sesn grown were from seed saved in 
 the western part of the State of New York, and 
 that from Stocks that had been grown a number 
 of years in order to fairly test the question as 
 to whether that as well as other seeds cannot be 
 produced as well here as in Germany ; and the 
 question is settled, that one of our large dealers 
 grows and saves his own seed, and that which 
 gives the greatest satisfaction to his customers. 
 To save seed let the largest pods from the 
 strongest plants be selected, and the seed placed 
 in good ground, and there will be no lack of 
 double flowers. The Intermediate Stock is an ex- 
 cellent kind to grow in pots for early spring 
 decoration. The seed should be sown about 
 midsummer for this purpose, and the young 
 plants, after being potted, should be brought up 
 as robust as possible; keeping them in frames 
 through the winter until they are in bloom, 
 when they tend to make the green-house gay in 
 March, and in April may be turned into the 
 flower garden, whore they continue to bloom 
 for a length of time. Double varieties may be 
 perpetuated by striking the side shoots at mid- 
 summer, under a hand-glass, as is practiced 
 with pinks, but this trouble is hardly necessary 
 if the foregoing directions are observed. There 
 are several other species included in the genus, 
 only one of which, however, is often seen be- 
 yond the precincts of the purely botanical col- 
 lection; this one is the Mathiola tristis, or Night- 
 smelling Stock. It is a curious looking plant, 
 with narrow, glaucous foliage, and small, lurid 
 colored flowers, emitting an agreeable fragrance 
 in the evening, and on this account is yet pre- 
 served along Vith its more gay associates. It 
 requires to be grown in the green-house, with 
 the ordinary management of plants belonging 
 to this structure, and is readily increased by 
 cuttings. M. annua, is the original of all the 
 varieties of the Ten-Week Stocks, and M. Grceca 
 of the wall-leaved or smooth-leaved Annual 
 Stock; both of which are natives of the south 
 of Europe, and were favorably mentioned as 
 'flowers for the garden for pleasure" by Park- 
 inson in 1629. 
 
 Matricaria. Wild Chamomile. From matrix, the 
 womb. Linn. t>yngenesia-Digyni.a. Nat. Ord. As- 
 teracea;. A common weed. 
 
 Matrimony Vine. See Lycium. 
 
 Maurandya. Named after Professor Maurandy, 
 of Carthagena. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Serophutariaoecs. 
 
 A handsome genus of tender climbing peren- 
 nial plants from Mexico. The colors are violet, 
 pink, purple, and white. All the species are 
 profuse bloomers, and may be treated as annu- 
 als. The seed should bo sown in February 
 or March, in a hot-bed or in the green-house, 
 and pricked out into shallow boxes, and then
 
 130 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 MAU 
 
 into small pots, and grown on until it is time 
 to plant out tender annuals. They are admira- 
 ble for any sunny situation where a delicate 
 climbing plant is required. They commence to 
 flower in August, and continue until after there 
 has been six to eight degrees of frost. By tak- 
 ing the roots up in the fall, potting, and plac- 
 ing them in a cool green-house or warm cel- 
 lar, they can be planted out again in spring, 
 and will come into flower much earlier than 
 plants grown from seed. There are two erect 
 growing species from California that we have not 
 yet had an opportunity to test. The genus is, 
 allied to Antirrhinum, to which the flowers have 
 a great resemblance. The Maurandya is also 
 propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1796. 
 
 Mauritia. Named after Prince Maurice of Nas- 
 sau. Linn. Dicecia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. Pal- 
 macecK. 
 
 A genus of Palms peculiar to tropical South 
 America. They grow to an immense size, some 
 species attaining the height of a hundred or a 
 hundred and fifty feet. They bear a crown of 
 enormous fan-shaped leaves, from among which 
 the pendulous flower-spikes are produced. The 
 species are abundant on the banks of the Ama- 
 zon, Rio Negro, and Orinoco Rivers. They 
 usually occupy swampy tracts of ground, which 
 are at times completely inundated, and present 
 the appearance of forests rising out of the water. 
 
 Mawseed. See Papaver swnniferum. 
 
 Maxillaria. From maxilla?, the jaws of an insect, 
 referring to a resemblance of the columns and 
 labellum. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of epiphytal Orchids. Many 
 of the species are very beautiful, and of delicious 
 fragrance; others, on account of their small 
 flowers, are not worthy of cultivation. Some of 
 them have their flowers hanging down from the 
 roots, and are grown in baskets of moss or on 
 pieces of cork, or hung by wires to the rafters 
 of the Orchid house. All of them are adapted 
 to the cool house. 
 
 Maximiliana. Named after Prince Maximilian. 
 Linn.Polygamia-Moncecia. Nat. Ord. Palmacece. 
 M. regia, the only known species, is an immense 
 growing Palm of the Amazon. Its trunk often 
 exceeds a hundred feet in height, and is crown- 
 ed with leaves from thirty to fifty feet long, and 
 its woody spathes, when open, frequently meas- 
 ure as much as five or six feet in length, by 
 about two feet in width, tapering to a long 
 point or beak. These spathes are so hard that, 
 when filled with water, they will stand the fire, 
 and are sometimes used by the Indians as cook- 
 ing utensils, but more frequently as baskets for 
 carrying their stores. 
 
 May Apple. See PodophyUum. 
 
 May Flower. See Epigaia. 
 
 May Weed. The popular name of the genus 
 Hondo. 
 
 Meadow Beauty. See Ehexia. 
 
 Meadow Grass. See Poa pratensis. 
 
 Meadow Rue. See Thalidrum. 
 
 Meadow Saffron. See Colchicum. 
 
 Meadow Sweet. See Spiraea. 
 
 Meconopsis. From mekon, the poppy, and opsis, 
 like. Z&m. Polyandria-Monogynia, Nat. Ord 
 Papaveracea:. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials 
 common in Wales, where it is known as Welsh 
 Poppy. It is a showy plant, growing about one 
 loot high, with bright green pinnate, hairy 
 leaves, slender stems, and large terminal, re- 
 
 MEL 
 
 markably short-lived flowers, which droop 
 -while in bud, and are a delicate sulphur yellow 
 color. Propagated by seeds or by division. 
 
 Medeola. Indian Cucumber Root. Named after 
 Medea, the sorceress. Linn. He.mndria-Triyynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Trilliacece. 
 
 M. Virg'mica, the only species, is a hardy her- 
 baceous perennial, common from Virginia 
 southward. It has a creeping, tuberous root, 
 tasting like a Cucumber, from which the plant 
 derives its local name, Indian Cucumber. It 
 has an erect, simple stem, with sessile leaves 
 produced in whorls, with a terminal umbel of 
 small greenish-yellow flowers. 
 
 Medicago. Jledick. From mediko, a name given 
 by Dioscorides to a Median Grass. Linn. Diadel- 
 phia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A genus of weedy-looking plants, with yellow 
 pea-flowers, which are generally single or in 
 small clusters. The seed-pods of many of the 
 species are very curious, some resembling snails, 
 others hedgehogs, and others bee-hives. They 
 were formerly found in seedsmen's catalogues 
 tinder these various names, and recommended 
 to garnish dishes of meats, etc. They are now 
 seldom met, as the plants to which they belong 
 are found not worth growing. M. saliva is the 
 well-known Alfalfa, or Lucerne, now extensively 
 used in California and many other parts of the 
 world as a forage crop. It is particularly fitted, 
 from its deep-rooting properties, for dry, barren 
 soils. In some sections of California five crops 
 are cut annually, and at this writing it is con- 
 sidered the most valuable forage crop of the 
 State. 
 
 Medick. See Medicago. 
 
 Medinilla. Named after J. de Medinilla y Pineda, 
 Governor of the Marianne Islands. Linn. Decan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Melastomacece. 
 
 A small genus of East Indian evergreen shrub- 
 by plants, with large fleshy leaves, and large 
 panicles of white or rose-colored flowers. The 
 species generally met in our green-houses is M. 
 magnified, a plant that truly' deserves the name. 
 Its enemy in the green-house is the mealy bug, 
 which is very sure to find it. It requires con- 
 siderable heat to grow it in perfection. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings. Introduced in 1848. 
 
 Medlar. See M espilus. 
 
 Megaclinium. From megas, large, and kline, a 
 bed ; referring to the axis or rachis on which 
 the flowers are borne. Linn. Gynandria-Monan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of epiphytal Orchids of tropical 
 Western Africa, remarkable for the curious flat- 
 tened, sword-shaped flower stalks, upon which 
 the curious little flowers are seated in a straight 
 row along the middle on both sides. The flow- 
 ers are of a greenish or yellowish brown, spotted 
 more or less with purple. Some of them have a 
 fancied resemblance to little frogs or toads, 
 whence one species has been named M. bufo. 
 They are seldom met except in large collections. 
 
 Melaleuca. From melas, black, and leukos, white; 
 referring to the colors of the old and young 
 bark. Linn. Polyadelphia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Myrtacece. 
 
 The genus consists of evergreen trees and 
 shrubs, natives of Australia and the Islands of 
 the Indian Ocean. They have alternate flat or 
 cylindrical leaves, and yellowish, purple, or 
 crimson flowers, produced in axillary clusters. 
 M. cajeputi is one of the more important species, 
 the leaves of which, after fermentation, are dis- 
 tilled for the purpose of yielding the well-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 131 
 
 MEL 
 
 known Cajeput Oil, which is green, and has a 
 powerful aromatic odor, and is highly valued as 
 a preservative of all preparations of natural his- 
 tory. The leaves of this species are used as a 
 tonic, and the bark in used as oakum and for 
 thatching houses. Numerous species are grown 
 as green-house plants, on account of the simplic- 
 ity of their foliage and the beauty of their 
 clustered flowers. M. major is an old green- 
 house plant, the leaves of which have a peculiar 
 odor, which ha^ given it tha name of " Pease 
 Meal Plant." 
 
 Melanthium. From melos, black, and anthos, a 
 flower; referring to the dusky flowers. Linn. 
 lLe.mndria-Tri(jynia. Nat. Ord. Melanthacece. 
 
 A small genus of half-hardy bulbs, requiring 
 the protection of the green-house or pit dur- 
 ing winter. The flowers are white, yellow, or 
 pink, and some with nearly black flowers. All 
 have very much the appearance of small Ixias. 
 They grow in a light soil, and flower in early sum- 
 mer. They are increased by offsets. Intro- 
 duced in 1797. 
 
 Melianthus. Honey Flower. From mel, honey, 
 and anthos, a flower; the tubes contain a copious 
 supply of honey-like juice. Linn. Tetrandria- 
 Monotjynia. Nat. Ord. Zygophyttacecv. 
 
 A small genus of ornamental shrubs or small 
 trees from the Cape of Good Hope, producing 
 axillary or terminal clusters of purple flowers, 
 from which the natives obtain honey for food 
 by shaking the branches. They are rarely, if 
 ever, introduced into the green-house, and it is 
 difficult to make them flower. 
 Melilotus. Sweet Clover. From mdi, honey, 
 and lotus, the honey lotus. Linn. Diadelphia- 
 Decandria. Nat. Ord. Falxtcece. 
 
 This genus consists of about twenty species, 
 mostly belonging to Southern and Central Eu- 
 rope and Western Asia. Some of the species are 
 grown in their native countries as forage plants. 
 M. qfficirialis, with yellow flowers, and M. alba, 
 with white flowers, are common on the roadsides 
 in the United States, having become naturalized 
 from Europe. 
 
 Melissa. Balm. From mdissa, a bee; literally, a 
 bee-flower. Linn. Didynamia- Gymnospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Lamiacea;. 
 
 Hardy herbaceous perennials. Tho different 
 species are widely diffused, being found through- 
 out Europe, Middle Asia, and by naturalization 
 in the United States. M. Romans has varieties 
 having leaves finely marked with yellow and 
 white, known as Golden and Silver Balm. Both 
 are delightfully fragrant. They are all hardy 
 perennials, and are propagated by cuttings and 
 by dividing the roots. 
 
 Melocactus. Melon Thistle. From melos, a 
 melon, and cactus ; in allusion to the appearance 
 of the plants. Linn. Icosandria-Mbivxjynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Cactacece. 
 
 A sectional genus of Cactus, differing from 
 Echinocactus in having the flowers produced on 
 a head or cushion covered with dense, woolly, 
 and bristly hairs, called atomentosum, while 
 those of the Echinocactus issue from tho bare 
 ribs or angles. M. communis, tho Turk's Cap 
 Cactus, so called from the flowering portion on 
 the top of tha plant being of a cylindrical form 
 and red color, liko a fez cap, is a fair represent- 
 ative of this class. In South America and in 
 many of the West Indian Islands it is very com- 
 mon, covering large tracts of barren soil. Not- 
 withstanding the arid places in which they 
 grow, they contain a considerable quantity of 
 
 MEN 
 
 moisture, and the mules resort to them when 
 hard pressed for water, carefully removing the 
 spines with their fore-feet previous to quench- 
 ing their thirst with the juice. 
 
 Melon. See (Jucumis. 
 
 Melon Thistle. See Mdocadus. 
 
 Menispermum. Moon-seed. From mene, the 
 moon, and xpmtut, a seed; the fruit is kidney 
 or half -moon shaped; whence the English naiu a 
 Moon-seed. Linn. Diascm-Decandria. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A small genus of handsome climbing shrubs, 
 natives of the Northern States and Europe, with 
 curiously-shaped leaves, racemes of yellowish or 
 greenish-white flowers, and red or black berries, 
 which have somewhat of an intoxicating quality. 
 M. CoLnadense, which is the commonest species, 
 is a hardy, free-growing climber, admirably 
 adapted for covering a wall or arbor in a very 
 short time, and in a very ornamental manner. 
 It is well deserving of general cultivation, and 
 yet it is comparatively little known, perhaps on 
 account of the modest color of its elegant little 
 drooping racemes of flowers, which are gen- 
 erally hidden from common observers by the 
 leaves. It looks very well on a lawn trained up 
 a single pole, and with the extremity of its 
 branches left to spread themselves to the wind 
 at pleasure. It also looks very well trained to 
 form a pillar, or to a frame with an umbrella-top, 
 etc. Propagated by cuttings, or from seed sown 
 in spring. 
 
 Mentha. Mint. The Latin version of the Greek 
 name Minlha, borne by the daughter of Cocytus, 
 who, according to the poets, was metamorphosed 
 into a Mint plant by Proserpine in a fit of jeal- 
 ousy. Linn. Dldynainia- Gymnositermia. Nat. Ord. 
 Lamiacece. 
 
 A well-known genus of useful herbs. The spe- 
 cies are pretty generally distributed throughout 
 the cooler parts of the world, but most common 
 throughout Europe. They have, through natu- 
 ralization, become quite common in many parts 
 of the United States. M. pipertia, is the well- 
 known Peppermint. It is extensively culti- 
 vated in Wayne County, N. Y., for the sake of 
 its volatile oil, which is procured by distilling 
 its leaves. M. viridis, or Spearmint, is the plant 
 that is used for culinary purposes under the 
 name of Mint. This species is extensively forced 
 or forwarded under glass, and thousands of 
 dollars' worth of it are sold in the winter and 
 of New York. M. 
 
 is the trua Pennyroyal, a native of 
 Great Britain, like tho preceding species. (The 
 plant known as Pennyroyal of our woods is an 
 annual, lledeomv, pul&jioides, American Penny- 
 royal. ) The species are abundantly propagated 
 by suckers, division, or cuttings, md but rarely 
 produce perfect seed. The only difficulty in 
 their cultivation in the private garden is in keep- 
 ing them within bounds. M. citrata is the spe- 
 cies from which the Oil of Bergaiuot is extracted, 
 a native of Europe. 
 
 Mentzelia. Named in honor of C. Mentzd, a Ger- 
 man botanist. Linn. Icosandria-Jfonogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LtHisui-,' r. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals and perennials, 
 mostly with large white, showy flowers; com- 
 mon on the western plains. M. o#>icrtit-'i.s, a low- 
 branching plant from six to ten inches high, 
 with white polished stems, and deeply cut, 
 lance-shaped leaves, is found abundantly on the 
 arid, sandy plains of Oregon and California. It 
 produces oily seeds that the Indians pound up
 
 132 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 MEN 
 
 and make into cake, which forms part of their 
 food They are all easily raised from seed. 
 
 Menyanthes. Buck Bean. From m-n, a month, 
 and antlios, a flower; the time of duration. Linn. 
 Penta<lria~Mon<w>ua. Nat. Ord. Gentianacea^ 
 
 The European kinds have white flowers, but 
 gome of the exotic species, now called ViUarsM, 
 which are natives of Australia and the Cape, are 
 very handsome, with very showy yellow flow- 
 ers They are all marsh plants, and should be 
 sown or planted in the mud or soft ground left 
 by the water. Some of the kinds are only halt- 
 hardy. M. trifoliata, an escape from Europe, is 
 common in moist places from New England 
 north and westward. It produces racemes of 
 very pretty white or slightly reddish flowers, 
 about one foot high. 
 
 Menzesia Named after A. Menzies, surgeon and 
 naturalist to the expedition under Vancouver. 
 
 ' Linn Octandria-Monogyida. Nat. Ord. Ericacea;. 
 The several species that constitute this genus 
 are small, handsome, heath-like shrubs, natives 
 of the North American coast. The flowers are 
 larger and more globular than the common 
 Heath, and much handsomer; they are terminal, 
 cither singly or in clusters. Propagated by 
 layers in autumn, or by cuttings. Introduced 
 in 1810. 
 
 Merendera. A name given to Colchicum by the 
 Spaniards, and applied to this genus because of 
 its affinity. Linn. Hexandria-Trigynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Mdanthacew. 
 
 M. Caucasica, the only species, is a hardy bulb 
 with purple flowers, from the Caucasus. It 
 grows freely in the garden with the same treat- 
 ment as is given to other hardy bulbs. It is 
 usually classed with Bulbocodium. Propagated 
 by offsets. Introduced in 1823. 
 
 Mermaid Weed. The popular name of the 
 genus Proserpinaca, a common plant in sandy 
 swamps near the coast. 
 
 Mesembryanthemum. Fig Marigold, Ice Plant. 
 From meseinbria, midday, and anthemon, a 
 flower; referring to the flowers opening better 
 on sunny days. Linn. Icosandria-Dipentagynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Mesembryacece. 
 
 This genus consists of nearly four hundred 
 species, more than one hundred and fifty of 
 which have been introduced and highly recom- 
 mended for the flower garden. They are very 
 succulent, and grow in hot, sandy plains, the 
 genus being almost entirely confined to the 
 Cape of Good Hope. Their leaves are very 
 variable in form, but almost always of a thick, 
 fleshy texture; the flowers, which embrace all 
 shades of orange, crimson, pink, white, etc., are 
 most of them very beautiful, the petals of bril- 
 liant colors and of a lasting nature, with a hand- 
 some center. They only expand in the sun- 
 shine, and are well adapted for a hot situation, 
 one in which but little else would thrive well. 
 M. 'riislaUinum, a native of the Canary Islands 
 and Greece, as well as of the Capo of Good Hope, 
 is the common Ice Plant of our gardens, so 
 called in consequence of every part of the leaf 
 and stalk being covered with small watery pus- 
 tules, which glisten in the sun like fragments 
 of ice. Large quantities of the plant are collect- 
 ed in the Canaries and burned, the ashes being 
 sent to Spain for the use of glassmakers. The 
 English name of Fig Marigold is applied to M. 
 edule, the fruit of which is shaped like a fig, and 
 which is eaten by the Hottentots; and to the 
 flower, which resembles that of the Marigold in 
 shape, and sometimes in color. M. c&rdifolium 
 
 MIC 
 
 variegatum, a variety of late introduction, is re- 
 markable for the distinct variegation of its leaves, 
 white and green. It is a free-growing plant, well 
 adapted for rockeries, vases, or edgings to beds 
 or ribbon borders. This variety is increased by 
 cuttings, as the variegation is not constant in 
 plants grown from seed. All the species are 
 easily increased by cuttings. 
 
 Mesospinidium. From mesas, medium-sized, 
 and spinidi'im, a bird. Linn. Gtjnundria-Monan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Orchidaceai. 
 
 A small genus of beautiful little Orchids from 
 the Andes of Peru, nearly allied to Odonioylos- 
 sum. M. sanguineum is one of the most showy 
 species, and interesting on account of its nod- 
 ding racemes of rosy flowers. The species are 
 rarely seen in collections. They may be grown 
 in a cool house, and must be sparingly watered. 
 They are increased by division. Introduced in 
 1867. 
 
 Mespilus. Medlar. From mesos, half, and 
 pilos, a ball; referring to the shape of the fruit 
 of the Medlar. Linn. Icosandria-D'ipentagynin. 
 Nat. Ord. Pomacece. 
 
 A genus of low-growing, hardy deciduous 
 trees, common to Europe. They are ornament- 
 al, and produce an edible fruit of but little 
 value. They are grown in shrubberies, like the 
 Hawthorn, which they resemble. 
 
 Mesua. Named after Mesue, the father and son, 
 two celebrated Arabian physicians and botan- 
 ists, who resided at Damascus, and flourished in 
 the eighth and ninth centuries. Linn. Mona- 
 delphia-Dodecandria. Nat. Ord. Clusiacece. 
 
 A small genus of tender evergreen trees from 
 tropical Asia, remarkable for their beautiful foli- 
 age, and large, pure white axillary flowers, which 
 are highly fragrant. The flowers are sold in all 
 the Indian bazaars, both fresh and dried, under 
 the name of Nagkesur, being held in high esteem 
 on account of their fragrance. 
 
 Metrosideros. From meira, heart-wood, and side- 
 ros, iron; referring to the hardness of the wood. 
 Linn. Icosaniria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Myrta- 
 cece. 
 
 A genus of lofty trees, climbers, and shrubs, 
 natives of New Zealand. M. robusta is a tall 
 tree, with a stout, erect trunk, and a branching 
 head of myrtle-like foliage, and showy scarlet 
 or crimson flowers. The wood of this species 
 is very valuable for ship timber. M. tomentosd is 
 called the Fire Tree by the colonists, on account 
 of its brilliant flowers. One or two species ar j 
 under cultivation in green-houses, where their 
 bright scarlet flowers are very effective. Prop- 
 agated from cuttings of the young wood. In- 
 troduced in 1787. 
 
 Mexican Tea. See Chenopodium. 
 
 Mexican Thistle. See Erythroltena. 
 
 Mexican Tiger Flower. See Tigridia pavonia. 
 
 Mezereon. See Daphne Mezereon. 
 
 Michauxia. Named after A. Michaiu, a French 
 botanist. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Campanulacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy biennials chiefly found in 
 the Levant. They are allied to the Campanulas, 
 but inferior in merit. They are of easy culture. 
 Propagated by seeds. Introduced in 1787. 
 
 Michelia. Named after P. A. Micheli, a famous 
 Florentine botanist, who died in 1757. Linn. 
 Polyandi-ia-Polygynia. Nat. Ord. Mignoliace:>;. 
 
 A lofty evergreen tree, native of India and the 
 islands of the Eastern Archipelago. M. Cham- 
 pica,, the only known species, is cultivated 
 in India for the powerful fragrance of its flow-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 133 
 
 MID 
 
 ers, which is said to be so strong that bees sel- 
 dom if ever alight on them. The tree is sacred 
 to Vishnu, and is therefore an object of super- 
 stitious regard on the part of the Hindoos, who 
 adorn their dark hair with the rich orange-col- 
 ored flowers. It has seldom been introduced into 
 the green-house, and where tried it has not 
 proved an acquisition. 
 
 Midshipman's Butter. See Persea. 
 
 Mignonette, livseda odnrata. This well-known 
 plant is generally treated as an annual, and 
 sown every year as such ; but it is, in fact, a 
 shrub, and if preserved carefully through the 
 winter, in two or three years its stem will be- 
 come quite woody. In this state it is called the 
 Tree Mignonette, and is supposed by many to 
 be a different species. It is a native of Bur- 
 bary, and grows wild on the sandy shore of Al- 
 giers. The name Mignonette, which is French 
 for "the little darling," is supposed to have 
 been given to it on account of its seeds having 
 been first sent to England from Paris. It is 
 rather singular, however, that it should be 
 known by a French name in England, while in 
 France and Germany it is called by its Latin 
 name of Reseda. Mignonetto should always be 
 sown in light, sandy soil, if possible ; as, when 
 grown in a rich loam, it loses its fragrance. 
 
 ^With a little management, it may be contrived 
 to have Mignonette in flower every month dur- 
 ing the year without the aid of a regular gar- 
 dener. In order that the plants may flower in 
 winter, the seed should bo sown in the open 
 border in July; or, if it bo more convenient, 
 the seeds may be sown in pots in that month, 
 placing the pots in any situation where they 
 will have abundance of light and air. In Sep- 
 tember the plants should be put in the pots in 
 which they are to flower, and only a sufficient 
 number left in each to make tho pots look full 
 without tho plants being so crowded as to occa- 
 sion them to be drawn up. This number must, 
 of course, vary according to the size of the pot; 
 but it should never exceed eight, or be less 
 than three. The pots should then be taken into 
 the house, and placed in any convenient situa- 
 tion in a room without a fire, till they have 
 formed their flower-buds, which will be the 
 latter end of October, when they should be 
 removed to a window in a room whero tho tem- 
 perature does not exceed 50 at night, when 
 they will throw out an abundance of branches, 
 and will continue flowering beautifully during 
 November, December, and January ; and, if they 
 are regularly watered every day, till the follow- 
 ing March. The seeds of tho plants which are to 
 come into flower in March to succeed them, 
 should bo sown in pots at the latter end of Au- 
 gust, and the pots may be placed in a spare bed- 
 room, or in any place safe from frost, where they 
 will have plenty of light, and can have air occa- 
 sionally. Early in November they should be 
 thinned out, so as to leave only six or eight plants 
 in a pot. When it is wished to obtain a plant of 
 Tree Mignonette, a healthy, vigorous plant of 
 Mignonetto sown in a pot in April should bo se- 
 lected, and the flower-bud i should bo taken off 
 as fast as they appear. In autumn all the lower 
 side-shoots should be cut off, so as to shape tho 
 plant into a miniature tree, and it should bo 
 transplanted into a larger pot, with fresh soil, 
 formed of turfy loam broken small. It should 
 then be removed to a green-house or warm 
 room, and by being regularly watered every 
 day, and kept tolerably warm, it will remain in 
 
 MIL 
 
 a growing state all the winter, and by spring its 
 stem will begin to appear woody. It should be 
 treated in the same manner the following year, 
 all the side branches being cut off as they ap- 
 pear, except those that are to form the head of 
 the tree; and by the third spring it will have 
 bark on its trunk, and be completely a shrub. 
 It may now be suffered to bloom, and its flowers 
 will continue to be produced every summer for 
 a great many years in succession. Mignonette 
 does best in a cool climate, our summers some- 
 times being too warm to grow it in perfection; 
 but for fall flowering nothing can surpass its 
 luxuriance, beauty, or fragrance. For this pur- 
 pose, sow the seed in July or early in August, 
 in a well-prepared bed of deep rich soil. It is 
 of the utmost importance that the seeds of Mig- 
 nonette, when sown in the hot months, should 
 be well firmed. Our plan is to sow in drills two 
 or three inches deep and eighteen inches apart. 
 After sowing the seed it is carefully and regu- 
 larly trodden down with the foot, and then 
 raked lengthwise of the rows to make the ground 
 level. In this way the seed will germinate in 
 the hottest or dryest weather, while it is almost 
 certain to fail if left loose. Thin the plants out 
 to six inches apart each way, and from the first 
 of September until quite cold weather there 
 will be a profusion of flowers. 
 
 Mikania. Climbing Hempweed. Named after 
 Joseph Mikan, Professor of Botany at Prague. 
 Linn. Synrienesi/i-^qufdis. Nat. Ord. Asteracecn. 
 
 A genus of hardy and half-hardy twining 
 plants, allied to Eupatorium. M. scandens, com- 
 mon from Long Island to Kentucky and south- 
 ward, is a perennial, with axillary clusters of 
 flesh-colored flowers. M. violacen, a tender 
 species with dark velvet-like foliage, is now 
 much used as a drooping plant for baskets, vases, 
 etc. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Milla. Named after J. Mitta, a gardener to tho 
 Spanish Court. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Liliacea;. 
 
 A genus with fleshy fibrous roots, frequently 
 miscallel bulb*. They ara chiefly natives of 
 Mexico, and grow freely in the open border, 
 producing white flowers, in pairs, on a slender 
 scape about one foot high. They arc increased 
 by division. Introduced in 1826. 
 
 Milfoil. See Achillea. 
 
 Milium. Millet Grass. 
 
 Milk Tree. See Brosimum. 
 
 Milkweed. See Asclepias and Euphorbia. 
 
 Milkwort. See Polyijala. 
 
 Milk Veitch. See Astragalus. 
 
 Millet Grass. The common nruae of Jf//iKM. 
 
 Miltonia. Named after the Earl tttzujittinin. Linn. 
 (fi/n<tiidri<i-M<iH<i<i[inia. Nat. Ord. Orclii- 
 
 This small genus stands conspicuously prom- 
 inent, even in the magnificent order to whicli 
 it belongs, on account of the number and beauty 
 of its flowers. Nor are they at all difficult of 
 management, requiring only to be treated in the 
 manner recommended for Brassia, or Cattleya; 
 and when grown into a tolerably good speci- 
 men, nothing can exceed the grandeur of 3f. 
 ^H'rtnliUi.'i (a- .)/. < iiidldn, the large size- and deli- 
 cate white of the sepals and petals, contrasted 
 with the rich crimson marking of tho expansive 
 lip of the former, when seen in ana^quantity, 
 fully equal the most showy of tho order. Either 
 or both of the above should always bo included 
 in every collection of Orchids. The genus con- 
 sists of about a dozen species, all natives of Bra- 
 zil. Introduced in 1840.
 
 134 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 Mimosa. Sensitive Plant. From mimos, a mimic; 
 referring to the irritability of the lem 
 imitating animal sensibility. .Linn. Potygamta- 
 M.^n-cia. Nat.Ord. Rtki<;.<: 
 
 To this genus belongs the Sensitive Plant, ot 
 which there may be said to be three species, the 
 leaves of all of which shrink to the touch, viz. : 
 M. sensitiva, a native of Brazil, growing two to 
 three feet high, with pal 3 ball-like pink flowers; j 
 M. i-'tdicn, a native of Brazil, growing two to three 
 feet high, with pink flowers; and M. vista, a 
 native of the East Indies, growing about two 
 feet high, with pale yellow flowers. M. pudica is 
 the true Sensitive Plant, and the one that is 
 usually grown. It is cultivated as an annual, 
 and should be raised on a hot-bed or in the 
 grean-house in spring, with the tender annu- 
 als ; and cither kept in pots throughout the 
 summer, or turned out into the open border 
 about the end of May. Many species formerly 
 included under the genus Mimosa are now re- 
 moved to Acacia; the principal distinction be- 
 tween the genera being that Mimosa has a joint- 
 ed seed-pod, which Acacia has not. Several 
 other genera have also been formed out of Mi- 
 mosa. Some of the kinds are hot-house plants; 
 others thrive in a green-house; and M. margi- 
 nata, Dec., the M. prostrata of the nurseries, is 
 sufficiently hardy to stand the winter at the 
 South. They are propagated by cuttings ; the 
 annuals by seeds. A singular fact in connection 
 with the Mimosa pudica is said to be, that if chlo- 
 roform be applied to the plant, its sensitiveness 
 is suspended until the effects of the anaesthetic 
 have passed off. 
 
 Mimulus. Monkey Flower. From mimo, an ape 
 or actor; in reference to the ringent or gaping 
 mouth of the flower. Linn. D'iJdynamia-Ajujio- 
 sptrmia. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacew. 
 
 This genus is among the most ornamental of 
 our hardy and half-hardy herbaceous plants. 
 Two species have broken out into numberless 
 varieties: these are M. cardinalis and M. luteus, 
 and the former especially seems capable of 
 bringing a great deal of variety to the aid of 
 the flower-gardener. Both of these, and M. mos- 
 chatus, or Musk Plant, as it ia called, are valu- 
 able aids in that department, and are very gen- 
 erally grown for the purpose, being very prolific ' 
 of flowers. They are easil y propagated by seeds, j 
 cuttings, or division of the roots. All the spe- j 
 cieg are natives of this country, mostly of Lower 
 California, excepting M. Intea, which is a native I 
 of Chili, and was introduced in 1826. 
 
 Mint. See M;.tl,;. 
 
 Mirabilis. Marvel of Peru. From mirabilis, won- I 
 derful, an everything was at first considered that I 
 was sent from South America to Great Britain. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monog'jnia. Nat. Ord. Nuctanu- 
 metes. 
 
 The varieties of 31. Jalapn, or Marvel of Peru, 
 are valuable ornaments of the borders of the 
 flower garden. The seed should be sown in 
 May where they are to grow, or they may bo 
 sown for early blooming in a hot-bed and trans- 
 planted in May along with Dahlias and such 
 plants. Their after treatment closely resembles 
 that of the former; they should be staked and 
 tied in the same way, and on the approach of 
 winVr their large bulbous roots should be taken 
 up and stored away in dry sand until the follow- 
 ing spring, when in April they may be forwarded 
 on a moderate hot-bed, and again in May bo 
 planted into the borders of the flower garden, or 
 they may be planted at once in the border as 
 
 MOH 
 
 soon as danger from frost is past. The whole of 
 the genus are of one character, and may be 
 treated alike. Plants from the old roots will 
 come into flower much earlier than if grown 
 from seed. The colors of the Marvel of Peru 
 are various, one being pure white and very fra- 
 grant, while others are beautifully as well as cu- 
 riously striped. Gerarde first notices this genus 
 in 1596. 
 
 Mirbelia. Named after C. F. B. Mirbel a physi- 
 ological botanist of Paris. Linn. JDecandria-Mo- 
 nogynia,. Nat. Ord. FabucecK. 
 
 This genus consists of eight or nine species of 
 Australian shrubs, with handsome yellow, pur- 
 ple, or bluish flowers. A few of the species are 
 occasionally met in the more rare collections of 
 green-house plants. They are evergreens, and 
 produce their flowers in July. Propagated by 
 cuttings. Introduced in 1823. 
 
 Missouri Currant. See Hikes. 
 
 Mist Flower. See C'onodinum. 
 
 Mist Tree. See lihus cotinus. 
 
 Mistletoe. See Viscum album. 
 
 Mitchella. Partridge Berry Named in honor 
 of Dr. John Mitchell, an early correspondent of 
 Linnaeus, and an excellent botanist, who resided 
 in Virginia. Linn. Teirandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Cinchonacece. 
 
 M. repens, the only species, is a low, creeping 
 evergreen, widely distributed throughout the 
 United States and Canada in dry woods. The 
 flowers are white and fragrant, the fruit is scar- 
 let and edible, but nearly tasteless, and remains 
 on during the winter. The Partridge is very 
 fond of it, whence the local name. 
 
 Mitraria. From mitra, a initer ; referring to the 
 seed-pod. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Gesneracece. 
 
 M. coccinea, the sole representative of this ge- 
 nus, is a low-growing shrubby plant, native of 
 the island of Chiloe. Its leaves are small, oppo- 
 site, or sometimes trifoliate. The flowers are 
 solitary, and of a bright scarlet color. It is a 
 very beautiful plant for the green-house, or for 
 planting out during the summer. Propagated 
 by cuttings. Introduced in 1848. 
 
 Moccasin, Flower. The popular name of our na- 
 tive Oypripediums, from the fancied resemblance 
 of the flower to a moccasin or slipper. 
 
 Mock Orange Flower. See PhUadelphus. 
 
 Mock Orange. See Cacurbita. 
 
 Modecca. The East Indian name. Linn. Dioeda- 
 Pentandria. Nat. Ord. Papciyacece. 
 
 A genus of evergreen climbing shrubs resem- 
 bling Passion Flowers, natives of tropical Asia 
 and Africa. The flowers are small and greenish 
 white. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Modiola. From modiolus, the nave of a wheel; 
 referring to the formation of the seed-vessel. 
 Linn. Monadelphia-Polygynia. Nat. Ord. Malva- 
 ceoe. 
 
 A genus of annuals and herbaceous perennials 
 allied to the Mallow. They are mostly uninter- 
 esting plants, with a low, creeping habit, and 
 purple or crimson flowers. Natives of the 
 Southern States and Brazil. 
 
 Mohria. Named after M. Mohr, a German botan- 
 ist. Linn. Cryptogamia-l'ilices. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
 podiacece. 
 
 A genus of South African Ferns, consisting of 
 but one species, M. thurifraya, a beautiful Fern, 
 with the general appearance of iroodsi* obtusa. 
 It makes a splendid specimen plant, and maybe 
 grown in a cool green-house. Propagated by 
 seed.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 135 
 
 MOL 
 
 Moldavian Balm. See Dracocepkalum. 
 
 Moltkia. Named after Count Gadske Moltke, a 
 Danish noble. Linn. Pentandrior'Mfmogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. BorayhKH-nr. 
 
 M. ccerulea, the only species, is a hardy her- 
 baceous perennial, with beautiful blue flowers. 
 It is a native of Persia, and grows freely with 
 ordinary garden culture. Propagated by seeds 
 or root division. Introduced in 1829. 
 
 Momordica. Balsam Pear, Balsam Apple. From 
 mnrdeo, to bite ; the seeds have the appearance of 
 being bitten. Linn. Moncecia-Monadelphia. Nat. 
 Ord. Cuatrbitacece. 
 
 A small genus of annual and perennial climb- 
 ing herbaceous plants, with coarse leaves and 
 inconspicuous flowers, either white or yellow. 
 M. charanlia, an East Indian species, is the Bal- 
 sam Pear of our gardens. It has bright orange 
 yellow, pear-shaped fruit, from four to six inches 
 long, and covered all over with little wart-like 
 protuberances. When ripe the fruit splits open 
 and turns back, and its bright red seeds give it 
 a showy appearance. M. balsamina, Balsam Ap- 
 
 S'.e, is in all respects the same, excepting that 
 e fruit is smaller and nearly round. They 
 grow best in a light rich soil, with a sunny as- 
 
 Ct, and should be trained over a trellis or on 
 sh. Seed should be sown early in spring. 
 Monarda. Horse Mint. Named after M. Monar- 
 dez, a physician of Seville. Linn. Diandria-Mo- 
 notjynia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, com- 
 mon from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin. They are 
 mostly coarse-growing, and of but little beauty. 
 M. didyma, Oswego Tea, has bright red, showy 
 flowers, and is sometimes cultivated under the 
 name of Bee Balm. 
 Moneywort. See Lysimachia. 
 Monkey Flower. See Mhmtlus. 
 Monkey Puzzler. See Araucaria imbricata. 
 Monk's Hood. See Aconitnm. 
 Monochcetum. A synonym of Heterocentron, which 
 
 see. 
 
 Monogramma. From monos, one, and gramma, a 
 writing; referring to the spore or seed-cases. 
 Linn. Oryptoyamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodia- 
 cecK. 
 
 A small genus of very small Ferns from the 
 West indies, requiring a warm green-house. 
 Monolopia. From monolopus, a single covering; 
 referring to the flower covering. Linn. Synyene- 
 sia-Superftua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 California woolly annuals, allied to Chrysan- 
 themum. There are but two species: one, M. 
 major, with yellow flowers, is rather showy; the 
 other is a mere weed. 
 
 Monopsis. From monos, one, and opsis, a face; 
 the flowers are regular, not bilabiate. Linn. 
 Penfandria-Monotjynia. Nat. Ord. LobeliacecK. 
 
 This little annual deserves far more attention 
 than it has hitherto received. It bears a resem- 
 blance to the well-known Lobelia yracilis, except 
 that its flowers are round, the segments being 
 equal instead of bilabiate, as in Lobelia. The 
 Monopsis requires the treatment usual for the 
 other plant mentioned, and in the same situa- 
 tions has a much better effect, its flowers being 
 of the same color, but from their form are more 
 showy. It is from the Cape of Good Hope, and 
 at present is seldom seen. Introduced in 1812. 
 Monotropa. The generic name of the //<// 
 
 Pipe or CWp.se Plant. 
 
 Monsonia. Named after Lady Ann J/o//x//. Linn. 
 MMOddphia-Dodeecmdria. Nat. Ord. Grcrax 
 A genus of very beautiful herbaceous plants, 
 
 MOR 
 
 nearly allied to the Geraniums, but with much 
 larger flowers. They are now rarely seen, but 
 well de 
 
 in 1774. 
 
 Monstera. Name not explained. Linn. Heptan- 
 dria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Orontacece. 
 
 A genus of climbing stove epiphytes, former- 
 ly known as Dracontium. Several of the species 
 are cultivated in collections of plants with 
 ornamental foliage. M. deliciosa, a Mexican spe- 
 cies, has a succulent fruit, with a luscious pine- 
 apple flavor. It is better known among us as 
 Philodendron pertusum. Most of the species have 
 holes in their leaves at irregular intervals, the 
 natural causes of which are not at all under- 
 stood. Propagated by cuttings and seeds. 
 Montbrettia. In honor of M. Monibret. Linn. 
 Monodelphia-Triandria. Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 A small genus of bulbs with yellow flowers, 
 from the Cape of Good Hope. They have the 
 general appearance and habit of the Ixia. Un- 
 less protected by a frame during winter they 
 must be kept in the green-house. Propagated 
 by offsets. Introduced in 1825. 
 Moonseed. See Menispermum. 
 Moon-Flower. A popular name of Ipomcea Bona- 
 
 nox. 
 
 Moonwort. See Botrychium and Lunaria. 
 Moose Horn Fern. See Platycerium ^Ethiopica. 
 Moose-wood. See Dirca. 
 
 Morsea. Named after R. Moore, an English bot- 
 anist. Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Iridacece. 
 
 Bulbous plants with very handsome flowers, 
 nearly allied to Ixia, from which genus they 
 have been removed. They are generally grown 
 in pots. When they have done flowering, they 
 should be kept dry till they begin to grow in 
 spring. When planted in the open ground 
 they should be protected from frost and heavy 
 rains. Natives of the Cape of Good Hope. 
 Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1758. 
 Morenia. In honor of M. Moreno. Linn. Dicecia- 
 Hexandria. Nat. Ord. Palmacecv. 
 
 A small genus of hot-house Palms from Peru, 
 requiring the same treatment as the Chamce- 
 dorea. 
 
 Mprina. Named after L. Morin, a French botan- 
 ist. Linn. Diandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Dip- 
 sacacecv. 
 
 A. small genus of hardy herbaceous perennials. 
 M. lonyifolia, a native of the mountains of the 
 north of India, is a showy plant, growing two or 
 three feet high, and flowering freely from July 
 until October. Its habit of growth resembles 
 the Acanthus ; the flowers resemble those of the 
 Verbena, only they are larger, and produced in 
 whorls around the stem. The general appear- 
 ance of the plant is weedy. 
 
 Moringa. Horse-radish Tree. From moringo, 
 the Indian name. Linn. Decandria-Monoyynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Moringm-fr. 
 
 The three species that compose this genus are 
 green -house evergreens from North Africa, 
 Western Asia, and the East Indies. The root of 
 one of the species, M. pterygospermia, is pungent 
 and stimulant, and is used by the natives for 
 Horse-radish. The fruit of this species is called 
 Ben Nuts, from which is extracted a fluid oil 
 called Oil of Ben, used by watchmakers. 
 Mormodes. From mormo, a goblin ; referring to 
 the strange appearance of the flowers. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece.
 
 136 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 MOB 
 
 A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, with dark 
 purple, curiously-shaped flowers, from Mexico. 
 They are rarely met under cultivation, and when 
 grown it is more for their singularity than their 
 
 Morna. Named after Morna, one of Ossian's 
 heroines. Linn. Syngenesia-^Equalis. Nat. Ord. 
 
 This is a small genus of beautiful half-hardy 
 annuals, with yellow and white everlasting 
 dowers, 'allied to Hetichrynum. They are from 
 Swan River. Introduced in 1835. They should 
 be started in a hot-bed, and planted out in May. 
 
 Morning Glory. See Omvdvulus. 
 
 Morus. Mulberry. From inor, the Celtic for 
 black; referring to the color of the fruit. Linn. 
 Moncecia-Tetrandria. Nat. Ord. Mcracea>. 
 
 The species of the Mulberry grow from ten to 
 forty feet high, and are more celebrated as af- 
 fording leaves upon which the Silk-worm feeds 
 than for their fruit, which is, however, of a very 
 grateful quality. M. rubra, the Red Mulberry, 
 is very common throughout the United States, 
 and produces the best fruit of any of the species. 
 Charles Downing raised a seedling from M. alba 
 multicaidis, which is called " Everbearing, " and 
 justly so, as it ripens its fruit earlier than any 
 of the species, and keeps in bearing later. M. 
 nigra, the Black Mulberry, is the species that was 
 formerly cultivated for its fruit, and was an ob- 
 ject of much attention at a very early period in 
 the western parts of Asia and Europe. The 
 care bestowed upon it must have been solely 
 on account of its fruit; for the knowledge of the 
 mode of rearing silk-worms was confined to the 
 people of central and southern Asia till the 
 sixth century. It is mentioned in the Psalms 
 that the wrath of the Almighty destroyed the 
 "Mulberry trees with frost," and this must 
 have been recorded as a remarkable instance of 
 the Divine displeasure; for the Mulberry is uni- 
 versally known not to put forth its buds and 
 leaves till the season is so far advanced that, in 
 the ordinary course of events, all dangers from 
 frost are past. We also read in the Bible that 
 "David came upon the Philistines, and smote 
 them over against the Mulberry trees." This 
 species is found wild in the chains of the Cau- 
 casus and adjoining mountains, and also in 
 Persia and Asia Minor. M. alba, the White 
 Mulberry, is a native of China, and, with its 
 varieties, is cultivated for food for the Silk- 
 worm. Of all the varieties, M. alba multicaulis 
 is considered the best, and is the most grown in 
 silk-producing countries. It was this variety 
 that created such a mania in the United States 
 about forty years ago, when it was asserted that 
 silk was soon to take the place of cotton, and 
 that in p.ll the Middle States it could be profit- 
 ably produced. It is now largely grown in Cali- 
 fornia for raising the Silk-worm. 
 
 Mpscharia. From moschos, musk; a musk-smell- 
 ing plant. Linn. Syrujenes'ui-jEpMilis. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A half-hardy annual from Chili, interesting 
 only for the fragrance of the plant; the flowers 
 are white, but of little merit. 
 
 Moss Campion. One of the popular names of 
 . which see. 
 
 Moss Pink. See Phlox subidata. 
 
 Mother of Thousands. See Cymbakiria. 
 
 Motherwort. Leonwrim, an utterly worthless 
 weed, common in neglected and waste places. 
 
 Mountain Ash. See Pynts auaiparia. 
 
 Mountain Cowslip. See Primula. 
 
 MUS 
 
 Mountain Fringe. See Adlumia. 
 
 Mountain Mahoe. See ParUldm. 
 
 Mouse-ear C.hickweed. See Cemslium. 
 
 Mucuna. Cow Itch. The Brazilian name. Linn. 
 Diadetphia-Decandna. Nat. Ord. Faiin,-,,i'. 
 
 The plants of this genus are well known to 
 travelers in tropical countries from the exceed- 
 ingly annoying character of their seed-pods, 
 which are thickly covered with stinging hairs, 
 easily detached by the slightest shake, and 
 causing great irritation if they happen to fall 
 upon exposed parts of the body. 
 
 Mukia. Derivation unknown. Linn. Monosda- 
 Decagynia. Nat. Ord. CuciirbitacecK. 
 
 A small genus of Oucurbitacecr, nearly allied to 
 Bryonia. They are confined to the tropics of 
 the old world. M. scabrella is widely diffused. 
 It is an annual scabrous climbing herb, with 
 entire or lobed leaves, small yellow flowers, and 
 greenish fruit, half an inch in diameter, which 
 is yellow or reddish when ripe. 
 
 Mulberry. See Morus. 
 
 Mullein. See Verbascum. 
 
 Murraya. Named after Professor Murray, editor 
 of Linnceus's works. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Aurantiacece. 
 
 A small genus of hot-house evergreen trees 
 from India, Java, and China, producing showy 
 white flowers, which are very fragrant. 
 
 Murucuya. The name of the species in Brazil. 
 Linn. Monadelphia-Pentandria. Nat. Ord. Passi- 
 floracea?. 
 
 A small genus of green-house climbers, with 
 showy scarlet or purple flowers. The genus 
 was formerly included in Passifiora, and should 
 in all respects be treated the same. Natives of 
 Brazil. 
 
 Musa. Plantain Tree, Banana Tree. Altered 
 from maux, the Egyptian name, in honor of 
 Antonius Musa. Linn. Pentandria-Monogy?iia. 
 Nat. Ord. Musacect:. 
 
 The representative species of this interesting 
 and useful genus are M. paradisiaca, the Plan- 
 tain, and M. sapienttim, the Banana. The latter 
 has its stems marked with purple spots, and its 
 fruits are shorter and rounder than those of the 
 Plantain, and are red and yellow in color, but 
 otherwise the two plants are little different one 
 from the other. The fruit of the Plantain is 
 smaller and angular, and yellow in color. " They 
 have been cultivated from the most remote times 
 in tropical climates, in sub-tropical Asia, Amer- 
 ica, Africa, and the islands of the Atlantic and Pa- 
 cific Oceans, for the sake of their fruits, which they 
 produce in enormous quantities, with very little 
 attention. There are several varieties, the fruits 
 of which differ in color and taste. The starch in 
 the unripe fruit becomes converted, as it ripens, 
 into mucilage and sugar. They are highly nu- 
 tritious, and serve as the staple food of a large 
 number of the human race. Though less nutri- 
 tious than wheat or potatoes, yet the space oc- 
 cupied by their culture and the care required 
 are so very much less, that Huruboldt has cal- 
 culated the produce of Bananas compared to 
 that of Wheat as 133 to 1, and to that of Potatoes 
 as 44 to 1. Plantain meal is obtained by pow- 
 dering the dried fruit. It is very nutritious, as 
 it contains not only starch, but proteine or flesh- 
 forming material. The fruits of the Plantain 
 are stated by chemists to be most nearly allied 
 in composition and nutritive qualities to the Po- 
 tato, and the Plantain meal to Rice. The natives 
 in many parts of India live almost entirely on 
 Plantains, and the stems, laden with fruit, are
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 137 
 
 MUS 
 
 made use of at wedding festivities, in token of 
 
 Slenty." The Banana is not known in an uncul- 
 vated state. The wildest tribes in South 
 America, who depend upon this fruit for sub- 
 sistence, propagate the plant by suckers. Eight 
 or nine months after the sucker has been 
 planted, the BaJiana begins to form its clusters, 
 and the fruit is ready for picking in two or 
 three months thereafter. When the stalk is cut, 
 the fruit of which has ripened, a sprout is put 
 forth, which again bears fruit in three months. 
 The whole labor of cultivation that is required 
 for a plantation of Bananas, is to cut the stalks 
 laden with ripe fruit, and to give the plants a 
 slight nourishment once or twice a year by dig- 
 ging round the roots. The yield per acre, with 
 the little or no care bestowed, is between fifty 
 and sixty tons of ripe fruit. The Banana is of- 
 ten cultivated in the green-house. M. Cavendishu 
 is the best for this purpose; it is a dwarf species, 
 from China, rarely growing more than six feet 
 high, and is exceedingly ornamental. In a 
 warm house it ripens its fruit to perfection, and 
 the flavor is far superior to that which is found 
 in our markets, which is picked quite green, and 
 ripened in holds of vessels or in fruit stores. 
 M. Abyssinlm has foliage of magnificent pro- 
 portions, and is sometimes grown on the lawn 
 as an ornamental plant. It is of recent intro- 
 duction. 
 
 Muscari. Grape Hyacinth. From moschos, musk ; 
 the smell of the flowers. Linn. Hexandria-Mono- 
 gynifi. Nat. Ord. L'dificea',. 
 
 A small genus of bulbous plants, with small 
 white or blue globular flowers, in racemes, at 
 the end of a simple stalk. They only require 
 planting where they can remain for many years 
 without transplanting. They are natives of 
 middle Europe and the Mediterranean region. 
 They have become naturalized in many parts of 
 the United States. On the east end of Long Is- 
 land some fields are literally blue with the 
 flowers in early spring. From their peculiar 
 fragrance, the plant is often called " Baby's 
 Breath." 
 
 Mushroom. Agaricus campestris. See Agaricus. 
 The great interest now being taken in Mush- 
 room culture in the United States has induced 
 us to treat the subject as fully as the limits of 
 our space will permit. Mushrooms may be grown 
 either in a house specially erected for the pur- 
 pose, in cellars, out-houses, sheds, under green- 
 house stages, tables, or, as in France and other 
 parts of the world, in caves or other subterrane- 
 ous places, as light is not necessary to their 
 growth. There is a peculiar interest in Mush- 
 room culture to the amateur or beginner, from 
 the fact that, while in all other cultivated plants 
 we have something tangible to start with 
 either plants, seeds, or roots we have neither 
 here, as far as the naked eye can see; for the 
 white mouldy substance called spawn is not 
 easily imagined to be either, though we know, 
 by the use of the microscope, that tho germs or 
 spores are to be found in countless numbers on 
 the "gills" of the fully-developed Mushroom, 
 and these, without doubt, when falling in a con- 
 genial " noil," form the spawn which we plant to 
 develop the Mushroom. But an extended bo- 
 tanical or physiological inquiry is not necessary 
 to the subject of culture. As there is no neces- 
 sity for light in Mushroom culture, the usual 
 method of growing them, where them is a green- 
 house, is to use the sheds used for potting, 
 packing, or for covering tho boiler pits ; and the 
 
 MUS 
 
 portion of them used for Mushroom growing is 
 generally four feet from the back wall, starting 
 on the floor of the shed with the first bed, the 
 additional beds being formed of shelving of the 
 same width, and from twelve to fifteen inches 
 deep, raised one above another to the top of the 
 wall, like steamboat sleeping-berths. Of course, 
 if the shed is used for growing Mushrooms ex- 
 clusively, these beds will be formed in the mid- 
 dle and front of the shed, leaving say three feet 
 walks between each tier of Mushroom beds; for 
 example, if the shed is eleven feet wide, it will 
 give two Mushroom beds four feet wide on each 
 side, with a three feet walk in the center; or if 
 twenty-two feet wide, the beds for Mushrooms 
 should be four feet wide at front and rear, with 
 an eight feet bed in the center, and three feefc 
 walks all around, the eight feet bed being ac- 
 cessible from the walks on either side. When a 
 Mushroom bed is made under the green-house 
 bench, the bench must be made of slate or other 
 material, to prevent the water getting through, 
 otherwise Mushrooms could not well be raised 
 under it. The bed must also be formed under 
 such benches as have no pipe or flues tinder 
 them, as the heat from such near to the bed 
 would be hurtful. Where there is a superfluity 
 of cellar-room, there is no better place to raise 
 Mushrooms, as the cool moisture of the atmos- 
 phere and the uniform temperature of the cellar 
 is more congenial to the growth of this vegeta- 
 ble than structures above ground. The beds 
 may be formed of the size and depth above re- 
 commended; or, where portable Mushroom beds 
 are wanted, boxes may be used of the requisite 
 depth and of convenient size. The temperature 
 of the apartment where Mushrooms are to be 
 grown during the winter months should range 
 from 55 to 65, and, consequently, it would be 
 useless to attempt to grow the crop in the win- 
 ter months unless artificial means were used to 
 keep the temperature to that height; for though 
 the manure in the beds were up to 80 when first 
 made, it would only partially raise the tempera- 
 ture of an unheated building in winter. Proba- 
 bly the best time to begin making the beds for a 
 crop wanted in winter is during August and 
 September, as at that season the temperature is 
 high enough to cause the spawn to germinate 
 freely, so that the first beds made in August will 
 give the first crop during December; those in 
 September, in January or February; and so on. 
 The following plan, given in our work, " Gar- 
 dening for Profit," has been extensively prac- 
 ticed for the past fifteen years, with rare in- 
 stances of failure, even by those who never be- 
 fore attempted the culture of the Mushroom : 
 "Let fresh horse droppings be procured from 
 the stables each day, in quantity not less, per- 
 haps, than a good barrowful. To every barrow - 
 load of droppings add about the same weight 
 (which will be a little less than one-third in bulk) 
 of fresh loam from a pasture, or sod land of any 
 kind, in fact, that has not been manured; the 
 danger of old manured soil being, that it may 
 contain spurious fungi. Let the droppings and 
 soil be mixed together day by day as the drop- 
 pings can bo procured. If they can be had all 
 at once in quantity enough,' so much tho better. 
 Let the heap be turned every day, so that it is 
 not allowed to heat violently, until you have got 
 enough to form the bed of the dimensions re- 
 quired. Be careful that you keep it under cover, 
 so that it cannot possibly get wet. Now, from 
 the prepared heap of droppings and soil, spread
 
 138 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 MUS 
 
 over the bed a thin layer; pound this firmly 
 down with a brick, and so on till it reaches a 
 depth of eight inches. Be careful that it is not 
 more nor less than eight inches; more will cause 
 the mass to heat too violently, while less is hard- 
 lv enough. Into this bed plunge a thermome- 
 ter- in a day or two the bed will heat so that it 
 will run up to 100 or over; and as soon as it de- 
 clines to 90, take a dibble, or sharp stick, and 
 make holes three or four inches deep all over 
 the bed at twelve inches each way; into each 
 hole put a piece of spawn about the size of a 
 hen's egg, covering up the hole again with the 
 compost, so that it will present the same level, 
 firm surface as before the spawn was put in. Let 
 it remain in this condition for about ten or 
 twelve days, by which time the spawn will have 
 run' through the whole bed. Now spread 
 evenly over the surface of the bed nearly two 
 inches of fresh loam; firm it down moderately 
 with the back of a spade, and cover up the bed 
 with three or^four inches of hay or straw. This 
 completes the whole operation of ' planting the 
 crop.' Nothing now remains to be done but to 
 attend to the proper degrees of heat and moist- 
 ure. If yon can control the means of heating, 
 so that the place can be kept uniformly at a tem- 
 perature of 60, all the better; if not, it may 
 range from 40 to 60. It should never get be- 
 low 40, else the bed will become cold and de- 
 lay the crop until too late in the season to be 
 profitable. Unless the air of the house has been 
 unusually dry, the Mushrooms will appear be- 
 fore any water is required; but examination 
 should be made, and if the surface of the bed 
 appears dry, a gentle sprinkling of water, heat- 
 ed to about 100, must be given. With this 
 treatment, beginning in August, our first crop 
 is ready for use in December; while beginning 
 in September, the crop should be ready in Jan- 
 uary and February. The Mushrooms do not 
 come up all at once, but from three to four 
 weeks will be needed to get off the first crop. 
 After this, a slight dressing of fresh soil about 
 half an inch in depth is spread over the bed, 
 and again beaten down with the spade; this is 
 gently watered with tepid water when dry, and 
 a second crop of Mushrooms (often better than 
 the first) is gathered in March or April. To show 
 how a simple oversight in our operations may 
 defeat the whole work, I will state that in my 
 first attempt at Mushroom growing I labored for 
 two years without being able to produce a single 
 Mushroom. In my apprentice days I had known 
 no such word as fail in so simple a matter; but 
 here, on my first attempt, on my own responsi- 
 bility, I was met by total failure. Every author- 
 1 ity was consulted, all the various methods tried, 
 but with no better success. In all such cases 
 something must be blamed, and I pronounced 
 the spawn worthless; but this could not well 
 be, as a friend had abundant crops growing 
 from spawn received from the same source. 
 Driven into a corner by this information, I made 
 another exploration of my ' authorities ,' and was 
 fortunate to find in one of them a single sen- 
 tence that at once showed where my error had 
 been; it was to 'be careful to delay the cover- 
 ing with mould until ten or twelve days after 
 the bed had been spawned.' Now, in all the 
 different methods I had tried, I had in each in- 
 variably put in the spawn, and at once put on 
 the two-inch covering of soil, which had the ef- 
 fect to shut down the steam, thereby raising the 
 temperature in the bed to a degree that de- 
 
 MUS 
 
 stroyed the spawn, and consequently defeated 
 my whole operations. My excuse for this di- 
 gression is to show the importance of what 
 might otherwise bethought unnecessary details. 
 Although spawn is procurable at cheap rates in 
 all horticultural stores, yet .to such as desire to 
 make it themselves, I give the following brief 
 directions : Take equal portions of horse drop- 
 pings, cow dung, and fresh loam, and mix the 
 whole thoroughly together, as you would make 
 mortar; then form it into cakes about the size 
 of large bricks; place these on edge, under 
 cover, until they become half dry; then insert 
 into each a piece of spawn half an inch or so 
 square, and let the bricks remain until they are 
 quite dry; then spread about eight inches of 
 horse dung over the floor of the shed, on which 
 build the bricks in a pile three feet wide by 
 three feet high, keeping the side in which the 
 spawn has been put uppermost; then cover 
 them over with sufficient stable manure, so as 
 to give a gentle heat, not exceeding 100, 
 through the whole. In two or three weeks the 
 spawn will have spread itself through the whole 
 mass of each brick: they are then removed to a 
 dry place, and will retain their vital properties 
 for many years. There is not the least question 
 that the cultivation of Mushrooms for market, 
 forced in the manner detailed, will give a larger 
 profit for the labor and capital invested than 
 that from any other vegetable. The supply has 
 never yet been half enough, and sellers have 
 had prices pretty much as they pleased. I know 
 of no house that has been especially erected for 
 the purpose, and the markets have been sup- 
 plied from beds formed in out-of-the-way cor- 
 ners, giving only an uncertain and irregular 
 supply, very discouraging to buyers. I have no 
 doubt whatever that Mushroom houses, roughly 
 built, but exclusively devoted to that purpose, 
 would, in the vicinity of any of our large cities, 
 pay a profit of fifty per cent, per annum on the 
 cost of construction." The following method, 
 written by S. Henshaw, of New Brighton, Staten 
 Island, we can, with great confidence, recom- 
 mend, as Mr. Henshaw has long been known 
 as the most successful Mushroom grower in the 
 vicinity of New York. His plan, which we be- 
 lieve is entirely novel with him, of covering the 
 beds with green sods, is of great importance, 
 and we believe this is the first time this natural 
 and common sense method has been given to 
 the public. Mr. Henshaw writes as follows: 
 "Mushrooms are rapidly becoming a favorite 
 article of food, and, so far as I know, the demand 
 for them, in winter has never been supplied, that 
 is, in a fresh state; of course they can always be 
 had canned, but these are a very poor substitute 
 when one has become accustomed to cat them 
 fresh. Physicians tell us they are the nearest 
 approach to animal food of any vegetable, being 
 rich in phosphates and ammonia, and, as brain 
 food, superior to fish. Formerly, any out-of-the- 
 way place was thought good enough to grow 
 them in, and in the seedsman's catalogues in- 
 structions were given for growing them, often 
 only copied from European catalogues, recom- 
 mending the use of cold sheds, barns, etc., for 
 use in winter. This method is all good enough 
 in a milder climate than ours; but around New 
 York, in winter, it could only result in failure. 
 We have grown them in all sorts of places, and, 
 from experience, find that all the labor is thrown 
 away, for winter forcing, if the temperature is 
 anywhere below 50. Until lately my only place
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 139 
 
 MUS 
 
 was a cellar under a green-bouse, but in build- 
 ing houses for Ferns and Orchids, provision was 
 made to cover in and put a hot water pipe 
 through a shed, on the ground floor, about fifty 
 feet long by eight feet wide, without any shelves; 
 this, so far, answers the purpose admirably. At 
 other places there is n growing interest mani- 
 fested in their cultur?. I do not find it nec- 
 essary to exclude all the light, but only the rays 
 of the sun. In this house there are three sashes, 
 five feet long by two feet wide, put on the wooden 
 roof at equal distances apart, which give light 
 enough for working at all times. There are not 
 often more than two kinds sold around New 
 York; these are the Agaricus campfstris and the 
 small white Clmmpignon, the latter being a favor- 
 ite with the French people; but at some of the 
 fashionable restaurants several kinds are cooked, 
 and served to customers as a great delicacy. The 
 common ' Puff Ball " that comes un all over the 
 country in autumn is excellent eating, when 
 taken in its young state, sliced, and fried like 
 the Egg Plant, or broiled like the ordinary 
 Mushroom. The Spaniards eat several kinds 
 that we have always thought to be poisonous, 
 and the Russians cook a still greater number of 
 Fungi ; but no doubt the high seasoning some- 
 what neutralizes their poisonous qualities, and 
 makes them safe to eat under their mode of 
 preparing them for the table. Every year 
 we hear of some cases of poisoning by eat- 
 ing Toadstools, gathered by mistake for Mush- 
 rooms; so it is best not to risk eating any 
 that are not known to be genuine Mushrooms. 
 In my own practice I do not find it necessary to 
 have fresh droppings from the stable, as is so often 
 recommended by some growers. When we get 
 in our supply of horse manure in the autumn, 
 about the last of October, or the beginning of 
 November, I take care to have the finest portion 
 of it carted to an open shed, where there is suf- 
 ficient room to pile it in a loose heap, so as 
 to be turned as often as the heat becomes vio- 
 lent. This will not be so often as once a day; 
 but care is taken that it does not burn. If it is 
 fresh horse manure, it will take nearly a month 
 before it is sufficiently fermented to get rid of 
 the offensive smell, and prevent the danger of 
 burning when it is made into a compact bed. I 
 am not at all particular to shake out all the litter 
 and straws, as I find the spawn runs much bet- 
 ter and quicker than when made of nothing but 
 droppings. I never mix r.ny soil with the ma- 
 nure, either when turning it over to ferment or 
 in making the beds. Of course it takes a little 
 longer to prepare it than it would if soil were 
 mixed with it, but the after results are much 
 more satisfactory, the crops are better, and for 
 a longer period, than I have seen where soil was 
 mixed with the beds. In making the beds I 
 have a layer of manure spread about four inches 
 thick, which is all trodden down as firm as pos- 
 sible; and then another layer of the same thick- 
 ness, with another treading, or beating, and so 
 on, till the bed is from twelve to fifteen inches 
 deap. I then put in trial sticks, which are 
 pointed sticks about eighteen inches long, 
 driven into the bed about four feet apart; and 
 these are examined occasionally in order to know 
 when the bed is of the right temperature for 
 putting in the spawn. If the bed does not be- 
 gin to ferment within a week from the time of 
 making, it is covered with hay or leaves; but 
 this is not often necessary, for, as a rule, the 
 heat is very violent, and if there is any danger 
 
 MUS 
 
 of burning, that is, if it becomes white, or 'fire- 
 fangcd,' I make a few holes in the bed to let out 
 the steam. Usually, however, in about ten days 
 the bed will be cool enough to spawn, or about 
 blood heat, (98 a .) In spawning the bed, I pre- 
 fer what is called flake spawn, which is pro- 
 duced by breaking up the brick spawn into 
 pieces about two inches square, and mixing 
 them in a heap of manure that is fermenting 
 gently. After laying in this heap about three 
 weeks it will be found one mass of spawn, and 
 just in the right condition for running vigor- 
 ously all through the bed in a very short time. 
 The quality of the spawn may be very easily 
 detected by the Mushroom-like smell ; there 
 is nothing else smells like it, and after hav- 
 ing once become acquainted with its peculiar 
 odor, when in a state of activity, it is never 
 forgotten, and I should have no hesitation in 
 picking out good spawn in the dark. When 
 spawning the bed I lift up the droppings in 
 the bed about four inches deep, and put in 
 a handful of the flake spawn about one foot 
 apart all over the bed. After this I beat it all 
 down as hard as possible. If brick spawn is 
 used, I make holes about four inches deep, and 
 nine inches apart, and put in pieces about the 
 size of an egg, beating all well down as before. 
 When the spawn used is in a state of activity, 
 as it is when flake spawn is used, the appear- 
 ance of the crop is from two to three weeks ear- 
 lier than when brick spawn is used. If the 
 material of the bed has been properly prepared, 
 there is not much danger of overheating after 
 this time;fbut it is best to be on the safe side, 
 and defer putting soil on the bed until after the 
 spawn has begun to spread, which may be 
 known by lifting up a portion, and examining 
 it. If it has begun to run, the manure will be 
 found full of very fine white threads, and it 
 will have that peculiar Mushroom-like smell 
 spoken of above. Now comes, in my opinion, 
 a very important part of the preparation for a 
 crop of Mushrooms, and that is covering thi 
 bed with soil. Formerly I was very particular 
 to have the soil finely sifted, and spread evenly 
 over the bed about one inch deep. In a great 
 measure this 
 the bed firm, 
 
 if the surface of the bed once gets dry, all the 
 small ones wither, or, as the old gardeners say, 
 ' fog off. ' Of late years I have practiced what has 
 proved to be a much more reliable way of cover- 
 ing the bed, which consists in putting on fresh 
 grass sods cut about two inches thick; these are 
 liid all over the bed, grass side down, and trod- 
 den or beaten down as firmly as possible. With 
 this covering, I have never known the small 
 Mushrooms to wither before coming to matur- 
 ity. Another advantage over the old plan is, 
 the bed continues bearing longer, the Mush- 
 rooms are larger, and come through the sods in 
 a healthy, vigorous way that is pleasant to look 
 upon. In gathering the crop from a bed cov- 
 ered with sods, the largest can be twisted from 
 a cluster without disturbing the small ones, 
 which was often a great loss by the old plan. 
 After the bed begins to bear I never use any 
 covering, such as hay, or similar material, for, 
 if the placa is not absolutely dark, the small 
 blades of grass grow through the sods, and 
 form a sort of mulch, and the Mushrooms, as 
 they peep through the grass, appear much more 
 natural and cleanly than when covered with 
 rubbish; besides, in many cases the covering is 
 
 . 
 
 this plan defeats the object of making 
 rm, and when the Mushrooms appear,
 
 140 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 MUS 
 
 only a harboring place for vermin, such as 
 slugs, wood-lice, etc., which are all great ene- 
 mies to the crop, and will devour both the 
 Mushrooms and the spawn, if they can get at it. 
 Some growers put covering on their beds to 
 keep the surface moist; but this can be eftectu- 
 ally done bv sprinkling the sides of tho house, 
 the surface of the beds, and paths, if there are 
 any; but I do not have any paths in the Mush- 
 room house. The beds are made to cover all the 
 floor, and there are no beds on shelves, as was 
 formerly the case; the work, in the former case, 
 is so much more easily done; the beds can be 
 made firmer; and if any enemies make their ap- 
 pearance, it is much easier to get rid of them 
 when all the surface can be seen at once. In 
 watering tho beds I use warm water; that is, 
 water about 95. It is used either for watering 
 the beds or for sprinkling. The vapor arising 
 from warm water is very congenial to the growth 
 of the Mushroom. At night I frequently pour 
 water on the hot -water pipes in order to imitate 
 a fog in autumn. When a bed is in bearing the 
 surface is never allowed to get dry; and when 
 the bed shows signs of exhaustion I give a dose 
 of liquid manure, previously warmed, about 
 once a week. The drainage from the manure 
 heap is found to be the best; but if that cannot 
 be had, a weak solution of guano will do, say 
 one pound to twenty-five gallons of water. 
 Sometimes, if an old bed has almost ceased to 
 bear, I have started it afresh by making holes in 
 the surface, and pouring in a very liberal quan- 
 tity of liquid manure, which, with, another sod 
 on top, will almost make a new bed of it. It 
 sometimes happens, after all the trouble of pre- 
 paring the material, making, and spawning the 
 bed, etc., that a spurious fungi will take posses- 
 sion of the bed, and bear a wonderful crop of 
 toadstools in about three weeks after the bed is 
 made ; and as a natural consequence the seeds- 
 man who sold the spawn is blamed, and the vic- 
 tim feels very much as if he had been swindled 
 out of his money, time, and trouble. I have 
 had the same disappointment when the beds 
 have been spawned with bricks of my own 
 make, which have produced excellent crops 
 when used in other beds, so that I know it 
 could not have been the fault of the spawn. I 
 have always found, however, that if the spores 
 of other fnngi than the edible Mushroom are in 
 the manure or the soil, it is always first to pro- 
 duce a crop; so I am never in a hurry to disturb 
 a bed if covered with toadstools, for their crop 
 is of short duration, seldom lasting more than a 
 week, and after that the real Mushroom fre- 
 quently makes its appearance, apparently none 
 the worse for the previous intrusion . If, how- 
 ever, after waiting a reasonable time for some 
 sign of a crop, and nons appears, and there is 
 no evidence of the spawn being in an active 
 state, it is best to take out the material, and 
 start afresh. The manure, sods, etc., make an 
 excellent compost for potting, if exposed to the 
 weather for a short time to destroy any of tho 
 spores that might be in it. There is that much 
 time, of course, lost; but Mushrooms are some- 
 times very capricious as to their choice of local- 
 ity, and with the best of attention often refuse 
 to grow satisfactorily; at other times, with the 
 least attention they sometimes produce tho best 
 crops. I do not attempt to grow them after the 
 end of May, for after that time the temperature 
 gets warm enough to develop the small fly that 
 lays its eggs in the stem of the Mushroom, and 
 
 MUS 
 
 in an incredibly short time these arc hatched, 
 and burrow through the whole Mushroom, 
 which renders it unfit for tho table. I do not 
 suppose they would do any harm if eaten in 
 that state, but people prefer their animal and 
 vegetable food kept separate. As before stated, 
 I have no path in the Mushroom house. The 
 beds are made only on the floor, which is noth- 
 ing but earth, and I prefer that to either bricks 
 or wood, provided it is drained, so that no water 
 can lodge in any part. This plan makes it nec- 
 essary to walk on the beds to gather the crop, 
 as well as to water and syringe the walls, pipe's, 
 etc., but I never saw any harm done by it; and 
 frequently, where the surface is trodden down 
 the hardest, there the best clusters push their 
 way through. There is a door at each end for 
 removing the old beds and bringing in fresh 
 material, so that all this can be done without 
 disturbing the beds that are at work. Often , in 
 removing an old bed, I find Borne of the best 
 spawn at the bottom, and if I have not got a 
 good supply, this is packed in barrels, alter- 
 nately with a little fresh manure, the whole 
 pressed down tight, and put in n cellar or some 
 dry place until wanted; but neither this nor the 
 flake spawn will keep as long as that made into 
 bricks. In regard to temperature, I have had 
 the best success when it has been kopt from 
 60 to 65. If it is kept higher tho Mushrooms 
 come much smaller, and the beds are sooner ex- 
 hausted; and if kept lower than 50 the Mush- 
 rooms arc very slow to grow, and are not tender 
 in cooking. Mushrooms can bo propagated by 
 taking the overgrown clusters, drying them, and, 
 when wanted, burying them in a small heap of 
 gently fermenting manure, tho same as recom- 
 mended for flake spawn. Some years ago a 
 cluster of Mushrooms came up in ono of tho 
 beds, which were quite different from the rest 
 of the crop, being larger, heavier, and irregular 
 in shape, and of higher flavor. Wishing to per- 
 petuate this variety, I allowed them to develop, 
 and before the spores began to fall from the 
 gills, spread some thin white paper underneath, 
 which was soon covered with spores, and looked 
 as if covered with soot. When the clusters had 
 withered I took the paper, old Mushrooms, etc., 
 and covered them with warm manure ; in a few 
 weeks I had a quantity of good spawn of the 
 same variety, which can be used ta spawn beds 
 in future. This new variety of Mushroom, 
 which might be called A. campestris truinmtheria, 
 is three-angled, somewhat resembling tho old 
 Continental military hat. It is found to be 
 much finer flavored than the common Mush- 
 room, and is in every respect worthy of general 
 cultivation. There has none of it thus far been 
 put in the market." 
 
 Musk-Flower. See Mimulus moschatus. 
 
 Musk Mallow. See Malva. 
 
 Muskmelon. Oucumis melo. See Cucumis. 
 
 The cultivation of the Muskmelon was carried 
 on at a very remote period. It is said to be a 
 native of the central part of Asia, and to 
 have been brought into Europe from Persia; 
 but the date of its first culture is so remote 
 that there is no certain knowledge on the 
 subject. It appears to have been brought 
 into Italy early in the first century, if not be- 
 fore, as it is mentioned by Pliny, who died from 
 suffocation caused by the great eruption of Ve- 
 suvius in A. D. 79. In his works he describes 
 the methods by which Melons wero grown or 
 forced, so as to be obtained for the Emperor
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 HUB 
 
 Tiberius at all times of the year. Of the Melon 
 there are many varieties. Of the various d 
 of Melons, one of the oldest and best is the Can- 
 taloup, which, according to M. Jacquin, deri\< 
 its name from Cantalouppi. a seat belonging t> 
 the Pope, near Kome, where this sort, brought 
 from Armenia by the missionaries, was first cul- 
 tivated. The flesh of this, with its varieties, is 
 yellowish or pink. The Nutmeg and Citron va- 
 rieties, which are the more common in our 
 markets, are supposed to be the African or 
 Egyptian Melons of the early writers. The 
 Melons of Persia have long borne a high charac- 
 ter, and differ materially from the varieties 
 commonly cultivated. They are extremely rich 
 and sweet, and instead of the thick rind of the 
 common melons, they have a very thin and del- 
 icate skin, which makes a fruit of the same ap- 
 parent size contain nearly twice as much edible 
 flesh. From this peculiarity they are difficult 
 to handle and ship; and they are likewise more 
 difficult of culture, requiring a long, warm sea- 
 son to ripen to perfection. The most popular 
 Melon of the New York markets is the " Hacken- 
 sack, " a green-fleshed, finely netted variety, cul- 
 tivated in immense quantities in the vicinity 
 of Hackensack, N. J. 
 
 Musquash Hoot. One ot the popular names of 
 Cicuta metadata. 
 
 Musseenda. The Cingalese name of one of the spe- 
 cies. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Cinchonacece. 
 
 A small genus of tropical evergreen shrubs. 
 M. frondosa is a very pretty species, with ter- 
 minal clusters of yellow flowers, which are sur- 
 rounded by bracts of pure white, which give it 
 a very singular appearance. The leaves of some 
 of the species are esteemed for their medicinal 
 properties. They are natives of the East Indies. 
 Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1814. 
 
 Mustard Tree of Scripture. See Salvadora Per- 
 
 Mustard. See Sinapis. 
 
 Mutisia. Named after C. Mutis, a South Ameri- 
 can botanist. Linn. Syngenesia-Superftua. Nat. 
 Ord. Asltraceae. 
 
 A small genus of ornamental green-house 
 climbing plants, natives of South America, 
 chiefly confined to the Andes of the West, and 
 especially of Chili. The flowers are produced 
 in terminal heads or clusters, and are mostly of 
 a pink, purple, or yellow color. They require 
 a warm place in the green-house. Propagated 
 by cuttings. Introduced in 1832. 
 
 Myosotis. Forget-me-not. From mys, a mouse, 
 and otos, an ear; resemblance of the leaves. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Boragin- 
 acecK. 
 
 A genus of hardy and half-hardy annuals and 
 perennials, comprising numerous European, 
 Northern Asiatic, and one or two native species. 
 The lovely blue Forget-me-not is a member of 
 this genus, and a general favorite. The herba- 
 ceous species succeed best in moist places, but 
 all may be grown in pots, provided they are 
 kept well watered. They are usually grown, how- 
 ever, in cold frames like Pansies. A recent in- 
 troduction from the Azores ( M. Azoricum) bears 
 large, handsome flowers. It is the only tender 
 one of the genus. The whole are readily prop- 
 agated, either by division or by seed. 
 
 Myrica. Bayberry, Wax Myrtle, Sweet Gale. 
 From myrio, to flow; found on the banks of 
 rivers. Linn. Dioecia-Tetrandria. Nat. Ord. M\j- 
 ricaceai. 
 
 MYK 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen and hardy 
 shrubs. The former are not much grown. Of 
 the latter, M. cerifera is a shrub common to New 
 York and the Atlantic coast, growing four to 
 eight feet high. The foliage has a pleasant 
 fragrance, and is used to a large extent, in mixing 
 with flowers used in summer bouquets. In New 
 England the wax which invests the berries is 
 collected in considerable quantities. It is ob- 
 tained by boiling the berries in water, when 
 the wax melts and rises to the surface. Under 
 the name of Bayberry Tallow it is often used to 
 make candles, either alone or mixed with tal- 
 low; it is also employed in soap-making. 
 
 My ricaria. From murike, the Greek name of the 
 Tamarisk. Linn. Monaddphia-Octandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Tamaricacece. 
 
 Of the several species that are included in this 
 genus, M. Germanica is the only one of special 
 interest. It is a hardy evergreen shrub from 
 six to eight feet high, with very narrow, flat 
 leaves, and long spikes of delicate pink flowers. 
 It is indigenous throughout most parts of Eu- 
 rope and the Caucasus. It is of easy culture, 
 and very ornamental. Propagated by cuttings 
 of young shoots, either in spring or autumn. 
 
 Myriophyllum. Water Milfoil. From myrios, a 
 myriad, and phyllon, a leaf; division of the leaves. 
 Linn. Monoecia-Pdyandria. Nat. Ord. Haloraga- 
 cece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy aquatic plants, 
 allied to Hippuris. The several species are 
 common in ponds and ditches throughout the 
 United States. M. spicatum makes a desirable 
 plant for the aquarium. 
 
 Myristica. Nutmeg. From myristikos, sweet- 
 smelling. Linn. Dwecia-Monadelphia. Nat. Ord. 
 MyristicacecK. 
 
 M. moschata, a beautiful branching tree, grow- 
 ing about thirty feet high, produces the Mace and 
 Nutmegs of commerce. It is principally grown 
 in the Banda Isles, though common in Java and 
 the Molucca Islands. The male and female flow- 
 ers are on different trees. The flowers of both 
 are small, white, bell-shaped, and without any 
 calyx ; the embryo fruit appearing at the bottom 
 of the female flower in the form of a little red- 
 dish knob. The female flowers grow on slender 
 peduncles, two or three together, but it is rare 
 that more than one flower in each bunch comes 
 to maturity and produces fruit ; this resembles 
 in size a small peach, but it is rather more 
 pointed at both ends. The outer coat is about 
 half an inch thick when ripe, at which time it 
 bursts at the side and discloses the spices. 
 These are, the Mace, having the appearance of a 
 leafy net-work of a fine red color, which seems 
 the brighter by being contrasted with the shin- 
 ing black of the shell that it surrounds. This 
 is laid to dry in the shade for a short time ; but 
 if dried too much, a great part of its flavor is 
 lost by evaporation. On the other hand, if 
 packed too moist, it either ferments or breeds 
 worms. The Nutineg is contained in a shell 
 somewhat harder than that of the filbert, and 
 could not, in the state in which it is gathered, 
 be broken without injuring the nut. On that 
 account the nuts are successively dried in the 
 sun, and then by fire heat, till the kernel shrinks 
 so much as to rattle in the shell, which is then 
 easily broken, and the nutmeg released. After 
 this process they are several times soaked in sea- 
 water and lime, and then laid in a heap, where 
 they heat and get rid of their superfluous moist- 
 ure by evaporation. This process is pursued to
 
 142 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 MYB 
 
 preserve the substance of the nut, as well as to 
 destroy its vegetative power. When perfectly 
 cured they are packed in dry slacked lime, and 
 sent to market. 
 
 Mvrospermum. From myron, myrrh, an aromatic 
 bidsiuu, and sperma, a seed; the seeds yield a 
 strong-smelling resin. Linn. Decandria-Monoyy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 This is the genus which produces the .Balsam 
 of Tolu and the Balsam of Peru, used in per- 
 fumery and in the preparation of lozenges. 
 They are all from South America, and mainly 
 interesting for the drugs they furnish. 
 
 Myrsiphyllum. Suiilax. From myrs'me, a myrtle, 
 and pli</ll<i, a leaf; resemblance of the leaves. 
 Linn, llexamlria- TrlgijnM. Nat. Ord. LUiacecK. 
 
 M. tuparagoUks, the well-known Smilaxof the 
 florist, is a native of various parts of the Cape of 
 Good Hope. It was first introduced into Eng- 
 land in 1702, but was soon discarded. It was 
 again introduced by Mr. Cooper about 1861, who 
 sent it to Kew, where it flowered, and from 
 whence it was disseminated. It is now one of 
 the essentials of a florist's stock; in fact, it is of 
 greater importance than any flower, if we ex- 
 cept the Rose. It is of easy culture, as may be 
 inferred from the fact that it is treated in about 
 as many different ways as there are growers. 
 Sow the seed in the green-house in boxes of light 
 rich soil in January or early in February. As 
 soon as the plants are three inches high, prick 
 them out first into shallow boxes, and again in- 
 to thumb-pots when established, and grow on in 
 any convenient place, even partially under 
 benches, where little else would grow. When 
 required shift into a three-inch pot, and grow 
 on until about the first of August, and then plant 
 out in the bed where they are to grow, at about 
 six inches from plant to plant, and twelve inches 
 between the rows. This is about the right dis- 
 tance when strings of six or nine feet are used to 
 train on ; if higher, the strings may be set farther 
 apart. By the first of January following it will 
 have made a growth of eight or ten feet, and be 
 ready for cutting. A second growth will at once 
 commence, and a crop secured by March or 
 April. When the second crop has been cut, 
 give it a partial rest, clean the bed off, enrich 
 with a light top dressing, and put up the strings 
 for the next year's growth, which will commence 
 in August or September. When growing freely 
 it may be liberally supplied with manure water 
 
 NAN 
 
 once a week and syringed once a day. This treat- 
 ment never fails of giving at least two good cut- 
 tings a year; and with a succession of plantings 
 a supply can be had at all times of the year. The 
 strings used should be of a green color, so that 
 in festooning they may not be seen. Although a 
 second crop is often taken after the last cutting 
 in April, we prefer to use the space in spring for 
 other purposes, and plant the young plants of 
 Smilax each year, beginning the first planting 
 in August, as above mentioned. From August 
 to October a light shading should be used on 
 the glass. We find nothing better than naphtha 
 mixed with a little white lead, so as to give it 
 the color of thin milk. This shading can be put 
 on with a syringe in a few minutes. It costs 
 only twenty-five cents for each thousand square 
 feet of glass, and we consider it the best shading 
 for all green-house operations. One important 
 caution in growing Smilax must be given; it will 
 not stand tobacco nor any other kind of smoke 
 or gas, the leaves quickly getting yellow. If in- 
 fested by the Aphis (Green Fly) tobacco must 
 be used in the liquid state, by steeping the stems 
 till of the color of strong tea. When other plants 
 require to be fumigated in the same house with 
 Smilax, to save the Smilax from injury, it should 
 be first freely syringed, as the smoke will then 
 not hurt the leaves. The same plan should be 
 used with Heliotrope, or any other plant the 
 leaves of which are susceptible to injury from 
 fumigation. 
 Myrtle. See Myrtus. 
 
 Myrtus. Myrtle. From myron, signifying per- 
 fume. Linn. Icosandria-Monocjynui. Nat. Ord. 
 Myrtacece. 
 
 A genus of beautiful evergreen shrubs, na- 
 tives of Europe, Asia, South America, and some 
 of them of New Holland. The common Myrtle, 
 M. communis, of which there are eight or ten 
 very distinct varieties, is too well known to re- 
 quire any description. It is not surpassed in 
 beauty of foliage by any exotic shrub, and the 
 flowers are of a pure white, and, like the leaves, 
 fragrant. The fragrance arises from an oil which 
 is secreted in little cells, which appear as dots 
 when the leaves are held up to the light. The 
 handsomest varieties of the common Myrtle are 
 the Roman, or broad-leaved, the broad-leaved 
 Dutch, the narrow-leaved, and the double-flow- 
 ered. They are propagated "with facility by cut- 
 tings of the young wood, 
 
 "YTffigelia. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 
 11 Jcosandria-Dipentagynia. Nat. Ord. Oesner- 
 acece. 
 
 This genus was formerly included with Ges- 
 nera, of which the type is the well-known G. 
 ztbrina. They are deciduous green-house plants, 
 natives of Mexico. The leaves are oval-shaped, 
 of a green color, and have a velvety appearance, 
 being thickly covered with short crimson hairs, 
 which give them a rich velvet- like hue. They 
 have erect racemes of large, showy flowers, 
 mostly bright scarlet. Propagated and culti- 
 vated the same at; recommended for Gesnera. 
 
 Nagkesur. See Mesw. 
 
 Nandina. From Nandin, the Japanese name. 
 Linn. Hexandrw-Diqynid. Nat. Ord. Berberidacew. 
 A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
 with terminal panicles of white flowers. It is a 
 native of China and Japan, where it is exten- 
 sively grown in gardens. It is propagated by 
 cuttings of well-ripened wood. Introduced in 
 1804. 
 
 Nanod.es. From nanodes, a pigmy. Linn. Gynan- 
 drla-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Orckidacecn. 
 
 N. discolor, the only known species, is a curious 
 Orchid from the West Indies and Brazil, with 
 leaves and flowers very much alike. The plant, 
 which is only an inch or two high, has pale
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 143 
 
 NAP 
 
 glaucous foliage and purple fringed flowers. It 
 is exceedingly rare, but not particularly beauti- 
 ful. It should be grown on a block or cork, in 
 a oool house. 
 
 Napoleona. Named in honor of the Emperor 
 Napoleon. Linn. Polyandries Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Myrtacece. 
 
 A very singular genus of shrubs, natives of 
 western tropical Africa, whose place in the nat- 
 ural system is a contested point among botan- 
 ists. "Among the most remarkable plants that 
 have hitherto been discovered ranks this rare 
 species. It forms a bush about as large as a 
 Camellia ; and some idea of the structure of its 
 flowers may be formed when we state that the 
 species has been referred to the natural order 
 Passifloracea: by some botanists, and to Cacw-M- 
 taceai by others. The propagation of this plant 
 may be effected by cuttings, and in other re- 
 spects its treatment should resemble that of 
 Gardenia." Paxton. 
 
 Narcissus. Name of a youth said to have been 
 changed into this flower. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryUidacece. 
 
 In this genus we have a long list of estab- 
 lished favorites, remarkable alike for the ele- 
 gance, fragrance, and precocity of their flowers. 
 In one respect the species are all alike: they de- 
 light in rich soil made porous with plenty of 
 sand and well-rotted manure. All of them are also 
 quite hardy, and from the early period at which 
 their flowers are produced, they are of the ut- 
 most consequence to the flower gardener. Sev- 
 eral of the species are found to bear forcing 
 well, and for this purpose have become a staple 
 article in the Dutch florists' trade, and several 
 varieties have been originated by them, suited, 
 by the selection of their parentage, to bear this 
 trying course of treatment. Of those commonly 
 grown for forcing, we prefer the following: 
 Buzelman Major, SoleU d'Or, Grande Primo, and 
 Grande Monarque ; these, with the double Roman 
 and others, should be potted in September in a 
 mixture of equal parts of fresh loam, rotted 
 manure, and leaf mould, with half of either quan- 
 tity of sand. In potting, the neck of the bulb 
 should be kept above the surface of the soil, 
 that the roots may have so much more space in 
 the pot; and when the potting is completed 
 they should be placed together, either in a cold 
 frame or in some convenient place, so that they 
 may be covered a foot thick with fresh leaves. 
 These exclude light and prevent frost from get- 
 ting to the roots, both essential to a speedy 
 excitement into growth. After about a month 
 or six weeks it will be found that some of them 
 are growing, and these may be taken into gentle 
 heat to bring on their flowers; and if re-potted 
 when the first two leaves have grown a few 
 inches, the flowers will be considerably larger; 
 but before any plant is taken from the bed of 
 leaves, be sure that it has made a good stock of 
 healthy roots, or it will be spoiled by the forcing 
 process. Narcissi do not require a powerful 
 heat to bring out their flowers, (55 will do it 
 better than any other, ) and the supply of water 
 should be at once sufficient, but by no means 
 excessive. When grown in the open borders, 
 the bulbs should be planted in October, in 
 newly-dug and well-manured ground, at a depth 
 of three inches, reckoning from the top oi the 
 bulb to the surface of the soil. This will not be 
 too much for any, except, perhaps, the Jonquils, 
 which, from having smaller bulbs, may bo 
 placed an inch nigher to the top. At this depth, 
 
 NAS 
 
 and with plenty of mannre about them, water 
 will not be required, but they will grow strong 
 and flower finely. When planted in beds, and 
 it becomes necessary to remove them to make 
 room for other plants, it should be done as soon 
 as their beauty is past. As the bulbs are by no 
 means mature at this time, they should be " laid 
 in " in some slightly shaded place until the foli- 
 age is quite withered, when they may be taken 
 up, dried, and stored away until wanted for the 
 next planting season. Most of the species are 
 from the south of Europe, and are propagated 
 by offsets. They were among the earliest culti- 
 vated garden flowers. The Paper Narcissus, JV. 
 papyraceus, is now, perhaps, more extensively 
 forced than either of the above mentioned. It is 
 grown in immense quantities by the florists of 
 New York and other large cities, and, next to the 
 Koman Hyacinth, is the bulb most extensively 
 grown for this purpose. When grown on a large 
 scale it is planted in boxes of soil four inches 
 deep at a distance of three to four inches apart, 
 and treated as recommended above, 'ihis, like 
 nearly all other bulbs, is of no value after being 
 forced, and the roots may be thrown away. 
 
 Nasonia. From naso, a nose; in allusion to the 
 column. Linn. Q-ynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 OrchidacecK. 
 
 N. punctata, the only species that constitutes 
 this genus, is a very beautiful little epiphytal 
 Orchid. It is a native of Peru. It is a dwarf- 
 growing plant, with small green alternate 
 leaves. Flowers large, cinnabar-red, with center 
 of lip yellow, produced from the axils of the 
 leaves on a short scape. 
 
 Nasturtium. Water Cress. From nasus, the 
 nose, and tortns, tormented; referring to the 
 hot, acrid smell. Linn. Tetradynamia. Nat. 
 Ord. BrassicacecK. 
 
 This genus consists principally of dwarf, un- 
 interesting, weedy-looking plants. N. officinale 
 is the well-known Water Cress, a native of Great 
 Britain. It has become naturalized here, and is 
 common near springs or open, running water- 
 courses. The name of this genus is commonly 
 misapplied to 1\-opa!olwn. The culture of Water 
 Cress is still comparatively little known in the 
 United States, and as the subject was very fully 
 treated incur vegetable work, "Gardening for 
 Profit," in 1874, we here quote from that work 
 at length, believing that little else is needed for 
 a full understanding of its cultivation. "This 
 is a well-known hardy perennial aquatic plant, 
 growing abundantly along the margins of run- 
 ning streams, ditches, and ponds, and sold in 
 immense quantities in our markets in spring. 
 Where it does not grow naturally, it is easily in- 
 troduced by planting along the margins of 
 ponds or streams, where it quickly increases, 
 both by spreading of the root and by seeding. 
 Many a farmer, in the vicinity of New York, 
 realizes more profit from the Water Cresses cut 
 from the margin of a brook running through, 
 his farm, in two or three weeks in spring, than 
 from his whole year's hard labor in growing 
 Corn, Hay, or Potatoes. Water Cress can be 
 best cultivated in places where the streams run. 
 through a level tract. Supposing the stream to 
 be a foot deep on an average and six or eight feet 
 wide, running through a meadow, a good plan 
 for cultivation is to make excavations laterally, 
 say in beds five feet wide, (with alleys between 
 five feet,) to a depth of about eight inches, ordeep 
 enough to be flooded by the stream when it is 
 of average height, or, when shallow, by damming
 
 1M 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 NAV 
 
 it np so as to flood the beds. The advantage 
 of having the beds excavated at right angles to 
 the stream rather than parallel with it is, that 
 in the event of freshets the crop is less liable to 
 be washed away. The length and number of 
 the beds excavated must, of course, be deter- 
 mined by circumstances. Water Cress seeds 
 germinate freely in earth when kept saturated; 
 hence the beds, when properly leveled and pul- 
 verized by digging and raking, should be slight- 
 ly flooded (enough to saturate the soil only 
 when the feeds germinate;) for, of course, if the 
 beds were filled up with water the seeds would 
 be washed off. After the seedlings have started 
 so as to show green, the water may be gradually 
 let on as they develop. Probably the best time 
 of sowing the seed would be, for the latitude 
 of New York, about the middle of August. 
 When Water Cress is found growing naturally, 
 the beds can be made by setting the plants six 
 or twelve inches apart each way. When the cul- 
 tivation is once fairly begun there is no diffi- 
 culty about forming new beds, as few plants 
 grow more rapidly when proper conditions are 
 present. If the crop is planted or the seed sown 
 by the middle of August, it will have spread all 
 over the beds by November. The streams being 
 full in autumn, the beds will be fully flooded, 
 so as to protect the plants during winter. It is 
 always found wild growing best in clear, shal- 
 low, slowly-running water with a sandy or grav- 
 elly bottom ; and as Nature is always the surest 
 guide to successful cultivation, the nearer she 
 can be imitated the better the success. I find it 
 is one of the plants the culture of which is not 
 very easy to give by writing, as so much must 
 be determined by the circumstances of locality. 
 "Wherever a suitable stream is at command the 
 experiment of growing Water Cress is worth 
 trial, especially when we know that it, in many 
 cases, pays for a given area six or eight times 
 more than any other vegetable cultivated, pro- 
 vided it can be sold in the markets of New York 
 or Philadelphia. It is usually sold in baskets 
 containing about three quarts, which sell, when 
 first in market, at one dollar each; and two 
 hundred or three hundred such are carried in 
 an ordinary wagon, so that from a single load of 
 this simple vegetable, two hundred to three 
 hundred dollars are realized. The Water Cress 
 has a particularly pleasant pungent taste, agree- 
 able to most people in early spring. It is said, 
 that when Sir Joseph Banks first arrived in 
 England after his voyage around the world 
 among the first things he asked for were Water 
 Cresses, well knowing their value as a purifier 
 of the blood; and that he afterward presented 
 one of the largest Water Cress growers for the 
 London market a Banksian Medal, for energy 
 shown in the business, believing that, while he 
 had benefited himself, he had benefited the 
 community. I have no doubt whatever, that in 
 situations where irrigation could be used at 
 pleasure, and regular plantations made as for 
 Cranberries, if grown in this way, (judging 
 from the enormous price they sell at, picked up 
 as they are in the present hap-hazard way,) at 
 present prices, an acre would sell for four thous- 
 and or five thousand dollars." 
 Mayarrettia. Derivation of name unknown. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Pole- 
 moniacew. 
 
 Mostly coarse hardy annuals, with blue flow- 
 ers, from California. They are allied to Ipomo- 
 *w, and should have the same treatment 
 
 NEL 
 
 Navelwort. See Cotyledon. 
 
 Neapolitan Violet. See Viola odorata pallida 
 plena. 
 
 Necklace Tree. See Onnosia. 
 
 Nectarine. Persica terw. The Nectarine is al- 
 most identical with the Peach, and both owe 
 their origin to one and the same parent, Amyg- 
 dalus Persica. Most botanists consider them the 
 same species; the only difference between the 
 two being in the skin, the Nectarine having a 
 smooth and the Peach a downy one. Their 
 identity has often been confirmed by fruit of 
 both sorts being produced not only on the same 
 tree, but on the same stem; and instances are 
 recorded of the same occurring in one fruit, one 
 side of which was downy like the Peach, the 
 other smooth like the Nectarine; and the Boston 
 Nectarine was a seedling from a Peach stone. 
 The French have always considered them the 
 same, and designate them as smo6th and downy 
 Peaches. From the ravages of the insect known 
 as the Curculio, the Nectarine is rarely grown 
 to perfection in the open air in the United 
 States. For their history see Peach. 
 
 Nectaroscordum. Honey Garlic. From nectar, 
 honey, and skorodon, garlic; referring to honey- 
 pores in the flower of this onion-like plant. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Amaryl- 
 lidacece. 
 
 This genus of b.ulbs is allied to the Allium, and 
 was formerly called Allium siculum. It is a very 
 curious, hardy bulb, throwing up a flower scape 
 three to four feet high, quite slender, with a 
 cluster of long, pendulous, green or purplish 
 flowers. It grows freely in a light soil, and 
 flowers in June. Introduced from Sicily in 
 1832. It is increased by offsets. 
 
 Negundo. Box Elder, Ash-leaved Maple. Deri- 
 vation of name unknown. Linn. Dlcecia-Pen- 
 tandria. Nat. Ord. Aceraceiv. 
 
 A genus of hardy native deciduous trees, 
 allied to the Maple. N. fraxmifolium is com- 
 mon in Pennsylvania, and South and West. N. 
 folia var legato, a variety, is one of the handsom- 
 est variegated trees under cultivation in Eng- 
 land, but is rarely seen in the dry climate of the 
 United States in perfection, though a native. 
 The leaves are beautifully marked white and 
 green, and it is a plant of rapid and vigorous 
 growth. There are several variations, but none 
 so good as the above. They are all natives of 
 the United States. 
 
 Nelumbium. Nelumbo, Sacred Bean. From ne- 
 lumbo, the Cingalese name of N. speciosum. Linn. 
 Polyandria-Polygynia. Nat. Ord. Nelwnbiacece. 
 
 This genus contains several beautiful species, 
 which are aquatic plants, growing in ponds and 
 slow-running streams. N. speciosum is the Sa- 
 cred Bean or Sacred Lotus of India. It is a na- 
 tive of both the East and West Indies, China, 
 Japan, Persia, and Asiatic Russia. According to 
 Thunberg, it is esteemed a sacred plant in Japan, 
 and pleising to their deities, the images of their 
 idols being often represented as sitting on its large 
 leaves. The worship of the Lotus was com- 
 mon with the ancient Egyptians; it is not now, 
 however, to be met with on the Nile. Herodotus 
 described the plant with tolerable accuracy, 
 comparing the receptacle of the flower to a wasp's 
 nest. Sculptured representations of it abound 
 among the ruins of Egyptian temples, and many 
 other circumstances prove the veneration paid 
 to this plant by the votaries of Isis. The Chi- 
 nese have several varieties, the more beautiful 
 being the rose-colored flowering one. They
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 145 
 
 NEL 
 
 have always held it in sacred regard. That char- 
 acter has not, however, limited it to merely or- 
 namental purposes, for the rcots are not only 
 served up in summer with ice, but they are also 
 laid up with salt and vinegar for the winter. 
 The leaves are covered with a fine microscopic 
 down, which, by retaining a film of air over the 
 upper surface, prevents it from being wetted 
 when water is poured on it, the water rolling 
 off in drops; this has a very pretty appearance, 
 the drops of water looking like drops of mol- 
 ten silver. The Hindoos have a proverb founded 
 on this peculiarity of the leaves, to the effect 
 that the good and virtuous man is not enslaved 
 by passion nor polluted by vice ; for though he 
 may be immersed in the waters of temptation, 
 yet, like a lotus leaf, he will rise uninjured by 
 them. N. luteum ( Yellow Nelumbo or Water Chin- 
 quapin) is a very beautiful species, with yellow 
 flowers from six to ten inches in diameter, com- 
 mon in the Western and Southern States. It 
 has been introduced into the Delaware near 
 Philadelphia, and also in some parts of New 
 Jersey and Connecticut. It may be grown in a 
 large tub, or in a tank, in the same manner in 
 which the white Pond Lily is often grown. 
 Nelumbo. See Nelumbium. 
 
 Nem.atanth.u8. From nema, a thread, and anthos, 
 a flower; in allusion to the pendant, thread-like 
 peduncles on which the flowers are suspended. 
 Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Ges- 
 neracecK. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen trailing 
 plants, with large scarlet flowers, singly, in the 
 axils of the leaves. It requires a warm, humid 
 atmosphere, in which it is a rapid grower. It 
 is a native of Brazil. Introduced in 1841. 
 Nemesia. Name of a plant in Dioscorides. 
 Linn. Didynamia-Anyiospermia. Nat. Ord. Scro- 
 phnlariaceai. 
 
 A small genus of low-growing annuals from 
 the Cape of Good Hope. They have opposite or 
 whorled leaves, and terminal racemes of white 
 and purplish tinted flowers. They are of but 
 little interest. 
 
 Nemophila. From nemos, a grove, and phileo, to 
 love; the plants delight in a shady situation. 
 Linn. Petandrla-Monoijynia. Nat. Ord. Hydrophyl- 
 lacece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful hardy annuals 
 from California. N. insignis is a beautiful bor- 
 der plant, with lovely blue flowers. It should 
 be grown in a moist, partly shaded situation. 
 The seed should be sown very early in spring. 
 The Nemophilas make fine pot plants for flow- 
 ering in the green-house in winter; and for this 
 purpose the seed should be sown early in the 
 fall, and the plants kept rather cool in winter. 
 Neottia. From neottia, a bird's-nest; referring to 
 the interlacing of the numerous roots. Linn. 
 (j-yn'in'li'ln-Miin'iiidria. Nat. Ord. OrchidacecK. 
 
 A genus of hardy and green-house terrestrial 
 Orchids, of but little interest and rarely culti- 
 vated. 
 
 Neottopteris. From neottia, a bird's nest, and 
 pteris, a fern; founded on the Bird's Nest or 
 Spleenwort Fern. Linn. Cryptogainia-Filices. 
 Nat. Ord. Polj/podiacece* 
 
 A genus of rather interesting Ferns, from New 
 Zealand and the East Indies, rarely seen under 
 cultivation. 
 
 .Nepenthes. Pitcher Plant. From nepenthes, 
 grief-assuaging; its supposed medicinal quality. 
 Linn. Diwcia-Monadelplda. Nat. Ord. Xepentha- 
 
 NEP 
 
 Among the many curious forms which abound 
 in the vegetable kingdom, perhaps few arrest 
 more general attention than do the members of 
 this genus. The extraordinary appendage to 
 the apex of each leaf has obtained for it the ap- 
 propriate appellation of the Pitcher Plant. Con- 
 nected with the point of the leaf, by means of a 
 long, pendant, strap-like ligament, hangs a hol- 
 low tube, sometimes of the color and consistence 
 of the leaf, shaped much in the manner of some 
 antique vase, which will hold from half a pint to 
 near a quart of water, and extending over the 
 mouth of which is what may be readily likened 
 to a lid, the whole hanging loosely by the strap 
 before mentioned, and appear only as though 
 provided by a beneficent Providence to catch 
 and preserve the dews of heaven for the supply 
 of the animal population of the sultry clime 
 from which it is obtained. In cultivation, the 
 species require very similar treatment to what 
 is usual for East Indian Orchids. They are of 
 an upright, slender habit, requiring some sup- 
 port to their flexile branches ; and for this pur- 
 pose light iron rods should be fixed to the pot 
 or basket in which they are grown, and circular 
 hoops afford the easiest means of fastening the 
 leaves and pitchers in their respective places. 
 Leaf mould, with an equal quantity of decaying 
 Sphagnum moss, appears the most proper me- 
 dium for their roots, and with a damp atmos- 
 phere of about 80 in summer they grow vigor- 
 ously. The necessary reduction of heat and 
 moisture in winter must be observed with these 
 as with all other plants. The most common of 
 the species is N. distillatoria, but a recent intro- 
 duction (N. ampullacea ) is one of the finest, its 
 pitchers being nearly twice the size of those of 
 the first named. N. Loddiyes'd is also a new ar.d 
 very fine species. N. Rajflesiana, of late intro- 
 duction, is another very curious and handsome 
 species. Like many others, it has two kinds of 
 pitchers, those on the lower leaves being blad- 
 der-shaped, with two fringed wings in front, 
 about four inches long by two wide, and beauti- 
 fully spotted with rich brown ; while those on 
 the upper leaves are less beautifully colored, a 
 good deal longer, and funnel-shaped, narrowing 
 gradually to the base, where they gracefully 
 curve upward. Quite a number of remarkably 
 beautiful hybrids have been introduced within 
 a few years from seeds. The genus is distrib- 
 uted throughout Borneo, Sumatra, and the ad- 
 jacent islands of the Indian Archipelago. In- 
 crease is had by separating the offsets produced 
 near the base of the stems of the old plants; these 
 should b3 taken off and potted at once, in the 
 manner of mature specimens, and if allowed the 
 warmest part of the house, or a brisk bottom 
 heat, soon establish themselves. To believers 
 in the Darwinian theory of insect-eating plants, 
 the Pitcher Plants offer a good argument. In 
 nearly all the varieties a fluid is found at the 
 bottom of the "pitchers" that seems to attract, 
 and at the same time poison, ants that flock to 
 it in immense numbers, sometimes a thousand 
 being found in a single " pitcher." Mr. William 
 Smith, Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens, 
 Washington, D. C., holds to the belief that the 
 fluid intoxicates the insects. First introduced 
 in 1820. 
 
 Nepeta. Catnip, Cat Mint. From Nepet, a town 
 in Tuscany. Linn. Didynamia-Oymnospermia.. 
 Nat. Ord. LamiaceoK. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
 plants, properly classed with troublesome
 
 146 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 NEP 
 
 weeds. N. catara, the -well-known Catnip, 
 which is regarded as n useful herb, and N. gle- 
 choma, (Ground Ivy,) have become naturalized 
 throughout most of the States, until they have 
 become more troublesome than useful. The 
 former is now being grown in rough waste places 
 for Bee-food, for which it is said to be valua- 
 
 Nephelium. An ancient name for Burdock; ap- 
 plied in reference to the similarity of the heads 
 of the flowers and seeds. Linn. Odandria-JIono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Sapindacece. 
 
 A small genus of fruit-bearing trees from 
 China and the East Indies. The best variety 
 has fruit nearly round, about one inch and a 
 half in diameter, with a thin, brittle shell of a 
 red color, which is quite warty. When fresh, 
 they are filled with a white, almost transparent, 
 sweet, jelly-like pulp; after they have been 
 gathered some time, the fruit shrivels and turns 
 black, and then bears some resemblance to 
 Prunes. The Chinese are very fond of these 
 fruits, and consume large quantities of them, 
 both green and in the dried state, preserved. 
 
 Nephrolepis. From nephros, a kidney, and lep'is, 
 a scale; referring to the covering of the seed or 
 spore-cases. Linn. Cryplogamia-FUices. Nat. 
 Ord. 1'oli/podiacece. 
 
 A considerable genus of very handsome tropi- 
 cal Ferns. N. tvherosa is by far the finest of the 
 family, and the one best adapted for the ordi- 
 nary green-house. It has no equal for the sit- 
 ting room or conservatory, being a rapid grower, 
 of graceful habit, and not liable to be injured 
 by sudden changes of temperature. It is rapidly 
 increased by division or by spores. 
 
 Nerine. Guernsey Lily. Named after Nerine, 
 daughter of Nerius. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. AmaryUidacece. 
 
 Showy bulbous plants, the type of which is 
 the Guernsey Lily, and which are natives of the 
 Cape of Good Hope, China, and Japan. The 
 Guernsey Lily is a native of Japan, and the rea- 
 son why it has obtained its English name is said 
 to be, that a ship laden with these bulbs and 
 other plants from China was wrecked on the 
 coast of Guernsey; and that the bulbs being 
 washed on shore, took root in the sandy soil of 
 the beach, and flourished there so remarkably 
 as to be supposed to be natives of the island. 
 Whether this story be true or not, it is quite cer- 
 tain that for nearly two hundred years these 
 bulbs have been cultivated in Guernsey with 
 the greatest success, growing freely in the open 
 air, and producing abundance of offsets every 
 year, from which the market is supplied. The 
 bulbs are generally planted in spring, in pots of 
 very sandy loam, and placed in some window 
 or other situation where they will have plenty 
 of light. They flower in September and October ; 
 and as soon as they have flowered the bulbs are 
 generally thrown away, as they are said never 
 to flower well the second year. This is. how- 
 ever, entirely the fault of the grower, as, if they 
 were planted in a well-drained, sunny border in 
 the open ground, and allowed to mature their 
 new bulbs every year by the agency of the 
 leaves, there is no doubt that they would live as 
 long as any of the kinds of Narcissi, and flower 
 as freely. The true Guernsey Lily is N. sarnien- 
 sis. 
 
 Nerium. Oleander. From neros, moist; refer- 
 ring to their native places of growth. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Apocynac,ea>. 
 Nerium oleander and its varieties are old and 
 
 NIC 
 
 valued inhabitants of our green-houses; their 
 large and handsome flowers, either double or 
 single, pink or white, produced in the early 
 part of the vernal season, have made them gene- 
 ral favorites, and a late addition promises to give 
 an additional impetus to their culture; this is a 
 striped variety, with marks exactly like those of 
 the Carnation. It is of French origin, and is 
 called N. tangle. Undoubtedly it is a variety of 
 N. oleander, and requires just the same kind of 
 treatment, viz., to be grown in leaf mould and 
 loam, well watered, and kept rather warm while 
 growing, and to be moderately rested in 
 winter. The Oleander may be kept in a cool 
 cellar during the winter, and grown out of doors 
 in the summer, where it will flower freely. Not- 
 withstanding the beauty of the Oleander, it is 
 one of the most virulent of vegetable poisons. 
 It is common in the south of Europe. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings of well-ripened wood. 
 
 Nertera. A genus of Cinchonacece. A. depressa, 
 the only known species, a native of the southern 
 part of South America, is a creeping herbaceous 
 plant, with oval, fleshy leaves that are dense- 
 ly matted, flowers very small and white. The 
 plant is conspicuous for its orange scarlet ber- 
 ries, that contrast strongly with its bright green 
 foliage. Propagated by cuttings, seeds, or divi- 
 sion. 
 
 Nettle. See Uriica. 
 
 Nettle Tree. See Celtis. 
 
 New Jersey Tea. See Ceariothus. 
 
 New Jersey Tea. See Lycium. 
 
 New Zealand Flax. See Phormium. 
 
 New Zealand Spinach. Tetragonia expansa. 
 This is grown as a substitute for summer Spin- 
 ach, being of a delicate flavor, and continues 
 available the whole summer. This species is 
 found in Tasmania, Australia, Norfolk Island, 
 and on both sides of South America, as well as 
 in New Zealand and Japan. It is a half-hardy 
 annual under cultivation, and was introduced 
 into England from New Zealand in 1772 by Sir 
 Joseph Banks, on his return from accompanying 
 Captain Cook on his first voyage around the 
 world, and by the English seedsmen dissemi- 
 nated. 
 
 New Zealand Flax. See Phormium ienax. 
 
 Nicptiana. Tobacco. Named in honor of John 
 Nicot, of Nismes, ambassador from the King of 
 France to Portugal, who procured the first seeds 
 from a Dutchman, who had them from Florida. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Sola- 
 
 Of this extensive genus of annuals and per- 
 ennials, the best known and most generally 
 cultivated is N. tabacum, and its varieties. There 
 are, however, several other species largely culti- 
 vated, particularly in Mexico, Central America, 
 and the West Indies. The specific name, tabacum, 
 according to Humboldt, is derived from the 
 Haytian word for the pipe in which the herb is 
 smoked, and which has been transferred from 
 the instrument to the plant. N. repanda is 
 largely grown in the West Indies, and furnishes 
 the material for the celebrated Havana cigars. 
 " Smoking is a custom of very great antiquity in 
 both hemispheres, although, previous to the 
 discovery of America, it was not common 
 among the inhabitants of the Old World, and 
 the substances sraAked were either Hemp or such 
 herbs as Coltsfoot. But when Columbus and 
 his followers landed in Cuba in 1492, they dis- 
 covered the far-famed Tobacco in common use 
 among the natives; and subsequent explorers
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 147 
 
 NIE 
 
 found it was spread over the whole continent of 
 America, where it had been cultivated from 
 time immemorial. The pleasantly soothing ef- 
 fects of this new herb were so enticing that it 
 soon found patrons among the adventurers, and 
 in an almost incredibly short time after their re- 
 turn to Spain, tobacco-smoking began to be 
 practiced in Europe; but it did not gain much 
 ground among the nations of the North until 
 the famous Sir Walter Raleigh and his compan- 
 ions introduced the custom into England in 
 1586. At first it met with the most violent op- 
 position; kings prohibited it; popes fulminated 
 bulls against it; and sultans sentenced smokers 
 to the most cruel kinds of death. Persecution, 
 however, only helped to spread it. In spite of 
 all penalties, the custom rapidly progressed, un- 
 til, at the present day, it may be said to be almost 
 universally practiced by both civilized and un- 
 civilized man." 
 
 Nierembergia. In honor of John Eusebius Nie- 
 rembertj, a Spanish Jesuit, author of a History of 
 Nature, Antwerp, 1635. Linn. Pentandria-Monc- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. SolanacecK. 
 
 A very interesting genus of annuals and green- 
 house herbaceous perennials, natives of Central 
 and South America. These interesting little 
 plants well deserve attention. N. jUicaulis and 
 N. yracUis are among the most beautiful of the 
 class of plants adapted for embellishing the 
 flower garden in summer, or " turning out," as 
 it is termed. A few specimens of either, in a 
 tolerably good situation, will keep up a display 
 from June till cut off by the autumnal frosts; 
 nor are the other species, N. aristata and N. ca- 
 lycina, deficient in beauty, though not so well 
 adapted for this purpose, because of their more 
 extended habit. N. rivularis, more recently in- 
 troduced, is one of the best, bearing white flow- 
 ers with a pale yellow center. It is a low- 
 growing plant, and is in flower from June till 
 fall in the open border. This species is much 
 used in cemetery decoration. Cuttings should bo 
 taken about midsummer, and struck in a cold 
 frame, potting them off when well rooted, and 
 
 S reserving them through the winter on a dry, 
 ght shelf of the green-house. By a little 
 judicious management in autumn, such as 
 re-potting a tolerably good plant about the mid- 
 dle of September, and encouraging it to grow, 
 flowers may be had through a great part of the 
 winter. Cuttings may also be put in during the 
 winter in the green-house, which will make fine 
 plants for the border in the spring. 
 
 Nigella. Love-in -a-Mist, or Devil-in-the-Bush. 
 From nisjer, black; the color of the seeds. Linn. 
 Polyandria-Pentagynia. Nat. Ord. Rammculacea>. 
 Annual plants, with showy flowers, which are, 
 however, almost hidden by their leafy involu- 
 cres. N. Hiapanica is the handsomest species. 
 They only require sowing in March or April in 
 the open border; or they may be sown in 
 autumn, as they will stand the winter without 
 protection, and will thus be ready to flower early 
 in summer. They are mostly natives of the 
 south of Europe, and have long been in cult'va- 
 tion. 
 
 Night Blooming Cereus. See Cereus. 
 
 Night Blooming Jasmine. See Oestrum. 
 
 Nightshade. See Oolanum, 
 
 Niphaea. From niphos, snow; in allusion to its 
 pure white flowers. Linn. Dulyncm 'a-.lmjiosper- 
 miii. Nut. Ord. 
 
 A small genus of green-house herbaceous per- 
 ennials, with pure white flowers. The genus 
 
 NUY 
 
 is allied to AcMmenes ; it requires the same treat- 
 ment, and is increased in the same manner. In- 
 troduced from New Granada and Guatemala in 
 1841. 
 
 Niphobolus. From niphobolos, covered with 
 snow; referring to the white covering of the 
 spore cases. Linn. Oryplofjamia-Filices. Nat. 
 Ord. Potypodtacece. 
 
 A genus of Ferns found in the East Indies, 
 Australia, and Africa. They were separated 
 from Polypodium, to which they bear a close re- 
 semblance. Some of the species are very beau- 
 tiful, and well adapted for the Fern- case. They 
 may be grown in a warm and sunny house, but 
 must be sparingly watered. Propagated by 
 spores. 
 
 Nitraria. From nitrum, niter; first found by 
 Schreber near the niter works in Siberia. Linn. 
 Dodecandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Malpiyhwxce. 
 Low shrubs with white flowers, which are very 
 hardy, and will groV well in situations exposed 
 to the sea. In gardens, the ground in which 
 they grow should be occasionally watered with 
 water in which saltpetre has been dissolved. 
 
 Noisettia. Named after L. C. Noisette, a French 
 nurseryman. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. ViolacecK. 
 
 N. longifolia, the only species, is a green-house 
 evergreen shrub, introduced from Cayenne in 
 1824. The flowers are cream color, produced in 
 large clusters. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Nolana. From nola, a little bell ; the form of the 
 flowers. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Nolanacece. 
 
 Trailing annual plants, with pretty blue flow- 
 ers, that only require sowing in early spring in 
 the open border. N. atriplicifolta, the handsom- 
 est species, strongly resembles Convolvulus minor. 
 ' Natives of Chili and Peru. Introduced in 1825. 
 
 Norway Spruce. See Pinus excelsa. 
 
 Nothochlaena. From nothos, spurious, and c/ifcti- 
 na, a cloak; some of the species appear to have 
 an involucre. Linn. Utyployamia-FUices. 'Nat. 
 Ord. Polypodiacecu. 
 
 An extensive genus of green-house Ferns 
 found in almost every tropical and sub-tropical 
 country. It is related to Polypodium, differing 
 only in the sort. Several of the species have been 
 introduced into the Fern-house, and among 
 them, N. argcnten, a fine Silver Fern, and N. 
 flavens, a very beautiful miniature Golden Fern. 
 Propagated by spores. 
 
 Nuphar Yellow Water Lily. From naufar, the 
 Arabic for Water Lily. Linn. Polyandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Nymphacecv. 
 
 The several species included in the genns are 
 common in ponds and stagnant water in the 
 Middle, Northern, and Western States, and are 
 known as Yellow Water Lilies. 
 
 Nut Grass. See C'yperus. 
 
 Nutmeg. See Hyristica. 
 
 Nutmeg Geranium. See Pelargonium. 
 
 Nuttallia. Named in honor of Professor Nuiall of 
 Cambridge, Mass., an eminent botanist. Linn. 
 Monadelphia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Malvacea'. 
 
 A genus of very pretty hardy herbaceous 
 plants, with racemes of white, pink, or purple 
 flowers. They are natives of the Southern 
 States and California. They would, in this lat- 
 itude, require a slight protection during winter. 
 They are increased by seeds or division. 
 
 Nux Vomica. See Strychnos. 
 
 Nuytsia. Fire Tree. Named after T. Nuyts, a 
 Dutch navigator. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Loranthacece.
 
 148 
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 NYC 
 
 A eenus of verv handsome shrubs or small 
 trees from Swan River, Australia, remarkable as 
 being the only one in this order of parasites that 
 crows on the ground. From its abundance ot 
 brilliant orange-colored flowers, the colonists 
 call it the Flame-tree or Tree of Fire. 
 Nyctanthes. Sad Tree. From nyctos, night, j 
 and dttlhtM, a flower ; the flowers open in the i 
 evening. Linn. Diandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 ''''"'" -u v 
 
 The only species is a free-flowering shrub or 
 small tree, native of India. The flowers open 
 only in the evening, and drop before morning. | 
 Their fragrance perfumes the air at night. The 
 flowers are gathered in the morning, and worn 
 as necklaces, and in the hair, by the native wo- 
 men. As it loses its brightness during the day 
 it has received its specific name, X. arbor tristis, 
 or Sad Tree. 
 
 Nycterinia. From nyderinos, nocturnal; the 
 flowers being fragrant during the evening. Linn. , 
 ]>i<ly>M>nia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Scrophula- j 
 riacece. 
 
 A genus of half-hardy annuals, perennials, or 
 tinder-shrubs, natives of the Cape of Good Hope. 
 A few of the species have been under cultiva- 
 tion, but they are chiefly plants of little interest. 
 
 Nymphsea. Water Lily. From nymphe, a water 
 nymph. Linn. Polyandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 This genus consists of beautiful water plants 
 found in lakes, ponds, and rivers in almost all j 
 parts of the world. N. odorata is the double white I 
 Water Lily or Pond Lily so common and well- j 
 known throughout the Eastern and Southern 
 States. Of this species there are several varie- 
 ties, mostly having pure white flowers, remark- 
 able for their fragrance. There is, on the Island 
 of Nan tucket, also near Barnstable, Mass., a va- 
 riety with pinkish flowers, and rarely with bright 
 pink-red flowers. They are exceedingly beau- 
 tiful, and valued highly for their rarity. The 
 cultivation of all our native species in tubs on 
 the lawn, or wherever desired, is attended with 
 
 OCY 
 
 but little difficulty. The roots should be ob- 
 tained from their native habitat as early in spring 
 as possible, or at least before they have made 
 much growth. Take any tub or cask, say eigh- 
 teen inches in depth, put in good rich loam or 
 muck to the depth of six or eight inches, in which 
 plant the roots, barely covering them, and fill the 
 cask with water, replenishing it as it loses by 
 evaporation. In winter empty the water and re- 
 move to a cold cellar, or protect from hard freez- 
 ing by a covering of leaves. This is all the care 
 and trouble required to produce flowers almost 
 as fine as are found in their natural homes. Ar- 
 tificial ponds can be made upon the lawn with 
 biit little expense, in which the Nymp.haea may 
 be grown with less trouble even than in tubs. 
 Dig out a basin-shaped pond of any desired size, 
 to the depth of two and a half feet in the center, 
 cement in the same manner as for a cistern, put 
 in some earth, and plant the same as in a tub. 
 Cover over with boards upon the approach of 
 cold weather, and then cover all with leaves or 
 coarse litter sufficient to protect the cement from 
 frost. This will not only furnish beautiful aqua- 
 tic flowers, but will attract thousands of birds, 
 particularly robins, daily for their baths. The 
 Water Lily, when expanded, towards evening has 
 the peculiarity of enticing myriads of insects to 
 light on its petals, the petals gradually close as 
 evening falls, and the insects are imprisoned. 
 Nyssa. Tupelo, Pepperidge, Sour Gum. From 
 Nyssa, a water nymph; because of the habitat 
 of the species. Linn. Polygamfa-Dioecia. Nat. 
 Ord. Alanr/iacece. 
 
 A genus of beautiful low-growing trees, com- 
 mon in moist woodlands and low grounds 
 throughout the United States. The wood is 
 very tough and difficult to split, and on that ac- 
 count it is valued for hubs of carriage wheels, 
 hatter's blocks, and similar work. Tho foliage 
 of this genus is remarkable for its fine glossy 
 verdure during summer, and its rich crimson 
 tints in autumn, when it is one of the brightest 
 ornaments of the forest. 
 
 o. 
 
 /\ak. The popular name for the trees of the 
 
 \J genus tyiercus, which see. 
 
 Oat. See A < 
 
 Oak-leaved. Geranium. See Pelargonium. 
 
 Obeliscaria. From obelisk, obelisk, in allusion 
 to the elevated disk of the flower. Linn. >>//>/<- 
 nesin-Poli/'iitinifi-Fritstratiiii. Nat. Ord. Asterac&i'. 
 A small genus of half-hardy, showy peren- 
 nials, common in Texas. They too closely re- 
 semble their allied species, the Rudbeckui, to be- 
 come favorites in the garden. 
 
 Oberonia. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 Qynnnr't<i-M,m'i,,<lria. Nat. Ord. Orrhidacecr,. 
 
 A genus of Orchids, all epiphytal, having ter- 
 minal spikes of minute flowers, of but little in- 
 terest except to botanists. In reference to the 
 genus Dr. Lindley says: " The resemblance to 
 insects and other animal forms, which have 
 been perceived in the Orchidaceous plants of 
 Europe, and which have given rise to such 
 names as Fly Orchis, etc., may bo traced so 
 
 plainly in the genus Oberonia, in every species, 
 that it alone would furnish a magazine of new 
 ideas for the grotesque pencil of a German ad- 
 mirer of the wild and preternatural. If the 
 Brahmins had been botanists, one might fancy 
 they took their doctrine of metempsychosis 
 from these productions." They are chiefly na- 
 tives of India and Africa. 
 
 Ochroma. Cork-wood. From ochros, pale; refer- 
 ring to the flowers. Linn. Monadelphfa-Pentagy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Stercidiacece. 
 
 0. iM'jopns, a tree growing from thirty to fifty 
 feet high, is common in the West Indies and 
 Central America, and known as Cork-wood, 
 where it is employed as a substitute for cork 
 for stopping bottles, and it is also extensively 
 used for making rafts, floats for fishing nets, 
 and other purposes where light wood is required. 
 
 Ocymum. Basil. From oz<>, smell; alluding to 
 the powerful scent of the plants. Linn. Didyna- 
 mia-Gymuoiiperinia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacecu.
 
 HENDkERSON'8 HANDBOOK OF PLANTo. 
 
 149 
 
 ODO 
 
 A somewhat extensive genns of fragrant and 
 aromatic plants, mostly natives of India. The 
 most important of them are 0. basiiicum, the 
 Sweet or Common .Basil, a tender annual, intro- 
 duced from India in 1548, and . minimum, the 
 Dwarf or Bush Basil, a native of Chili , and in- 
 troduced in 1573. The leaves of both species 
 have a strong aromatic smell, and arc much used 
 in seasoning soups and various other djshes. 
 Odontoglossum. From rxlons, a tooth, and rjlossa, 
 a tongue; tooth-like processes on the lip or la- 
 bellum. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacfce. 
 
 A very extensive genus of epiphytal Orchids, 
 found principally in the cool mountain regions 
 of Mexico, Peru, New Grenada, and Venezuela. 
 Very many of the species have been introduced 
 into the green-house, and are greatly prized by 
 cultivators for their magnificent flowers, which 
 are remarkable both for their size and the beauty 
 of their colors. Many of the species have pure 
 white flowers, variously spotted; some have a 
 powerful odor of violets. With but few excep- 
 tions, they require to be grown in a moderately 
 cool house. Propagated by division. 
 GSnocarpus. From oinos, wine, and karpos, a 
 fruit; yields palm wine and oil. Linn. Moncecia- 
 Hexanaria. Nat. Ord. Palmacea?. 
 
 An exclusively South American genus of lofty 
 Palms, consisting of several species, some of 
 which yield largo quantities of sweet-tasted oil, 
 which is excellent for cooking, and is much used 
 for burning in lamps. 
 
 (Enothera. Evening Primrose. From oinos, wine, 
 and tlt.era, imbibing; the roots of (E. biennis were 
 formerly taken after meals as incentives to wine- 
 drinking. Linn. Odandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Onagracecn. 
 
 A genus of annual, biennial, and perennial 
 plants, many of which are common throughout 
 the United States, and others are natives of 
 South America and the Eastern Continent. 
 Some of the species are ornamental, and would 
 find favor in most gardens, but for the fact of 
 their being natives. Some of the annuals arc 
 truly magnificent, producing flowers nearly six 
 inches in diameter. Some of the species are 
 grown in the garden, and many more might be. 
 First introduced into Europe in 1629. 
 Oil of Ben. See Morinf/fi. 
 Oil of Bergamot.. See MentJia citrata. 
 Oil Palm. See E'ceis. 
 Oil of Origanum. See Origanum. 
 Okra. See Hibiscus escidentus. 
 Old Man's Beard. Sao Geropogon. 
 Old Witch Grass. See Panicum capttlare. 
 Olea. Olive. From daia, olive. Linn. Diandria- 
 Monoqynia. Nat. Ord. Oleacsce. 
 
 The tree that produces the Olives and Olive 
 Oil of commerce is a low-branching evergreen, 
 growing from twenty to thirty feet high. The 
 leaves bear some resemblance to those of the 
 Willow, only they are softer and more delicate. 
 The flowers are as delicate as the leaves, and are 
 produced in small axillary bunches, from wood 
 of the former year, and appear from June until 
 August. At first they are of a pale yellow; but 
 when they expand their four petals, the insides 
 are white, and only the center of the flower yel- 
 low. The matured wood of the Olive in hard 
 and compact, though rather brittle; its color is 
 reddish, and it takes a fine gloss; on which ac- 
 count the ancients carved it into statues of the 
 gods, and the moderns make it into snuff-boxes, 
 and various trinkets, tht-t find a ready sale to 
 
 ONC 
 
 travelers in Eastern lands. An observing vis- 
 itor to the Holy Land from New York says : 
 " There is annually more olive-wood sold from 
 the Mount of Olives to pilgrims than ever grew 
 there." The Wild Olive is found indigenous in 
 Syria, ,Greecc, and Africa, and on the lower 
 slopes of the Atlas. The cultivated one grows 
 spontaneously in many parts of Syria, and is 
 extensively cultivated in the south of France, 
 Italy, and Spain, and has been, from all the ac- 
 counts we can gather, from the earliest periods 
 of the earth's history. The young Olive bears 
 its fruit at two years old; in six years it pays 
 the expense of cultivation; after that period, in 
 good years, the produce is the surest source of 
 wealth to the farmer. A common saying in Italy 
 is, if you wish to leave a lasting inheritance to 
 your children's children, plant an Olive. Be- 
 sides its use for the production of oil, the unripe 
 fruit is used as a pickle. For this purpose they 
 are steeped in an alkaline solution, to extract 
 apart of the bitter flavor; they are next washed 
 in pure water, and afterward preserved in salt 
 and water, to which fennel, or some aromatic, is 
 sometimes added. The O.fragrans is a native 
 of China, and is highly odoriferous, both in the 
 foliage and flowers, and on this account is much 
 esteemed by the Chinese, who use the leaves to 
 adulterate and flavor tea. It is also a favorite 
 green-house plant. It is readily increased in 
 spring by cuttings of well-ripened wood. 0. 
 Americana, a native species, common from North 
 Carolina to Florida, is an evergreen shrub or 
 small tree, producing axillary racemes or pani- 
 cles of small white fragrant flowers, and a bitter, 
 astringent fruit about the size of a pea. 
 Oleander. See Cerium. 
 Olive. See Oka. 
 Olive Wood. See E'wodendron. 
 Olfersia. Named after Olfers, a German botanist. 
 Linn. Cryptogam'M-F dices. Nat. Ord. Polypodi- 
 acecK. 
 
 A genus of hot-house Ferns common in the 
 West Indies, South America, and occasionally in 
 the East Indies. There are many species, but 
 few of which are under cultivation. 
 Omphalobium. From omphnlox, the navel, and 
 lobofi, a pod. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Confiraceir. 
 
 'A small genus of tropical trees that furnish 
 the beautiful Zebra Wood of the cabinet-makers. 
 The species are mostly confined to Africa and 
 India. 
 
 Omphalodes. Venus's Navelwort. From ompha- 
 los, the navel, and eiJo.v, like ; the fruit resembles 
 the navel. Linn. Pentandria-Munogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. BoraginacecK. 
 
 An interesting genus of hardy annuals and 
 perennials. They are natives of Southern Eu- 
 rope, Asia Minor, and the Caucasxis. 0. linifolia 
 is a common border annual, known as Venus's 
 Xai-eluiort. The flowers are white, tinged with 
 blue. 0. verna is a charming, low-growing 
 perennial, with creeping shoots, heart-shaped 
 leaves, and brilliant blue flowers, like the For- 
 get-me-not; sometimes, from its habit, called 
 Ui-eeping Forget-me-not. It is propagated by di- 
 vision. 
 
 Oncidium. From ogkos, a tumor; the plants be- 
 longing to this genus have warts, tumors, or 
 other excrescences at the base of the labellum. 
 Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchida- 
 cea>. 
 
 This is perhaps the most extensive and varied 
 genus in the order to which it belongs. Some
 
 150 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ONI 
 
 of its species have extremely large pseudo-bulbs, 
 others have the pseudo-bulbs very small; another 
 portion are entirely destitute of these, and have 
 instead thick, leathery leaves, which again vary 
 in size from two feet long and nearly half as 
 much in breadth, to scarcely six inches m their 
 greatest measurement; a third group are dis- 
 tin^uished by their rounded, rush-like leaves, 
 about the thickness of a little finger, and from 
 two to four feet in length. Besides this, quite 
 as much disparity exists in the size and color of 
 the flowers, and in the length of the flower- 
 spike, which, in some species, will attain an 
 extent of twenty feet, while in others it is not 
 more than three or four inches; yet every indi- 
 vidual is beautiful and worthy a place wherever 
 Orchidacese are grown. 0. papilio, the Butter- 
 fly Orchid, is certainly as much like a butterfly 
 as it is possible to imagine a flower to be, and 
 as it is borne on a long, slender stem, which 
 quivers with every breeze, it forms no bad rep- 
 resentation of a beautiful insect fluttering over 
 the neighboring flowers. 0. altissimum has a 
 spike of flowers which is sometimes ten or 
 twelve feet in length. They are all natives of 
 South America, Mexico, and the West Indies, 
 and as they will thrive in a lower temperature 
 than the Dendrobiums, and some other Orchids, 
 they are very suitable for a small hot-house. It 
 is better to cultivate all the larger growing kinds 
 in pots or pans, and to place them in rather 
 large ones, that they may not require frequent 
 shifting, which, each time it is performed, in- 
 flicts a serious check upon the plants, in conse- 
 quence of the unavoidable breaking of the roots. 
 The soil for them should be leaf mould and 
 sphagnum, thoroughly mixed, but not broken 
 finely; this, with abundant drainage, a brisk, 
 moist temperature in the growing peason, shade 
 from strong light, a careful preservation from 
 insects and dirt, and a moderate rest in winter, 
 will not fail to form healthy flowering speci- 
 mens in a short time. The smaller species may 
 be placed on cork or in baskets. 
 
 Onion Lily. See Ornithogalum caudatum. 
 
 Onion. Allium cepa. The Onion has been known 
 and cultivated as an article of food from the very 
 earliest period. Its native country is unknown, 
 but it is believed to have originated in the East. 
 In the sacred writings we find it mentioned as 
 one of the things for which the Israelites longed 
 when in the wilderness, and complained to 
 Moses because they were deprived of their Leeks, 
 Onions, and Garlic, of which, said the mur- 
 murers, " We remember we did eat in Egypt 
 freely." To show how much it was esteemed by 
 the ancient Egyptians, we need only mention 
 that Herodotus says in his time (450 B.C.) there 
 was an inscription on the Great Pyramid, stating 
 that a sum amounting to 1,600 talents had been 
 paid for Onions, Radishes, and Garlic, which 
 had been consumed by the workmen during 
 the progress of its erection. Even at the pres- 
 ent duv, the people of Western Asia, as well as 
 the inhabitants of cold countries, are all large 
 consumers of Onions, which, for culinary pur- 
 poses, are more universally cultivated than al- 
 most any other vegetable. The garden varieties 
 that have been introduced are very numerous, 
 and their origin about as difiicult to trace as the 
 species. The justly celebrated Bermuda Onion 
 of our markets is grown from seed annually 
 imported from the south of Europe. On- 
 ions are also most extensively grown in the 
 United States, one seed firm alono soiling 
 
 ONO 
 
 twenty tons of the seed annually. The varieties 
 grown are the red, white, and yellow-skinned, 
 among which are numerous varieties, the favor- 
 ite kinds being known as Yellow Danvers, 
 White Globe, Red Globe, Wethersfield Red, 
 White Portugal. Beginners growing the Onion 
 for market had better consult works specially 
 devoted to Onion culture, or works specially on 
 Market Gardening, but for private use we will 
 briefly detail the methods. For the earliest 
 crop the " sets " or small bulbs should be planted 
 as early in spring as the ground is dry enough 
 to work, in beds four or five feet wide, and in 
 rows nine inches apart, with two or three inches 
 between the sets or bulblets, pressing these 
 down about an inch or so into the soil. Grown 
 in this way, the Onions are usually used in the 
 green state. For the main crop the seed proper 
 is thinly sown in drills, two or three inches 
 deep, the rows at the same distance apart as for 
 the sets. To insure quick and safe germination 
 after sowing the seed, the drills should be trod 
 along evenly with the foot, and then raked level. 
 This plan of treading in seeds with the feet we 
 invariably practice, particularly if the soil be dry. 
 If not done, our hot, dry atmosphere penetrates 
 the loose soil, partially drying up the seed, 
 which always impedes germination, and often 
 destroys the crop completely. The omission of 
 practicing the firming of the soil over seeds, 
 either by the feet, roller, or in any other manner 
 that will accomplish the purpose, is the loss of 
 many millions annually, not only to the garden, 
 but to the farm. The importance of this sub- 
 ject is our excuse for the digression. In ten to 
 twelve days after sowing, the Onion seed will 
 have started sufficiently to show the rows. The 
 ground should then be lightly hoed, so as to de- 
 stroy the weeds which germinate, many of them 
 simultaneously with the Onion seed. In the 
 seed rows, where the hoe cannot be used, 
 the soil should be stirred with the fingers, other- 
 wise weeds would quickly grow up and choke 
 the crop. When about three or four inches 
 high the Onions should be thinned out to two 
 or three inches apart. Kept entirely clear from 
 weeds, the crop is ripened off in June, Julv, or 
 August, according to the latitude in which it is 
 grown. It is a curious fact, however, that 
 Onions do not ripen their bulbs later than 
 August; consequently, though they will grow 
 well enough if sown late in the season, yet, if 
 wanted to ripen so as to keep during winter, 
 they must be sown in the first sowing of seeds 
 in the spring. 
 
 Onoclea. From onos, a vessel, and Jdeio, to in- 
 close; referring to the apparent capsules. Linn, 
 Cryptogamia-FUices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiaceai. 
 
 A small genus of hardy native Ferns, common 
 in moist places throughout the States. One of 
 the species is called the Sensitive Fern, for what 
 reason we cannot say, the plant certainly having 
 no claim to such a distinction. 
 
 Ononis. Best-harrow. From onos, an ass, and 
 onemi, to delight; the ass delights to browse on 
 the herbage. Linn. Honadelphia-Decandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of small herbaceous 
 plants, common to Europe. A few species are 
 tender annuals from the Cape of Good Hope. 
 They have white, pink, or yellow flowers, some 
 of them very pretty, but best suited to rough, 
 waste places. They are easily grown from seed, 
 and will adapt themselves to any place given 
 them.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 151 
 
 ONO 
 
 Onopordon. Cotton Thistle, Scotch Thistle. 
 From onos, an ass, and perdo, to destroy; refer- 
 ring to the supposed effects on the ass. Linn. 
 Syngenesia-jEqualis. Nat. Ord. Asteracea;. 
 
 0. acanthiiim, the supposed Scotch Thistle, is 
 a native of Europe, but has become naturalized 
 in many parts of the United States. It grows 
 from six to eight feet high, and is one of the 
 most showy of the Thistle family. According to 
 common tradition, the Danes or Norsemen, 
 while invading Scotland, came upon the Scots 
 unperceived at midnight, and halting while 
 their spies were thrown forward to discover the 
 undefended points of their enemy's camp, one 
 of them chancing to tread upon a Thistle of this 
 species, uttered a loud cry of pain, which 
 roused the Scots to their danger, who at once 
 attacked and repelled the invaders, gaining a 
 complete' victory; and henceforth they adopted 
 the Thistle as the national emblem. In 1540 
 James V. instituted an order of knighthood 
 called the Order of the Thistle. 
 Onychium. From onyx, a claw; shape of the lobes 
 of the fronds. Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. 
 Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 A small genus of very elegant Ferns found in 
 Japan, Africa, Australia, and the East Indies. A 
 few of the species are under cultivation, and 
 among them 0. Japoiiica, a delicate, funnel-like 
 Fern, fragile, fairy-like, yet one that succeeds 
 well with the most ordinary green-house treat- 
 ment. It requires deep shade. Propagated 
 from seed. Introduced in 1864. 
 Opera Girls. See Mantisia. 
 
 Ophelia. From opheleia, serviceable ; plants use- 
 ful in medicine. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Gentianacece. 
 
 This genus is composed of one species, a 
 pretty little annual, with starry pink flowers, 
 allied to the Gentian. Seeds should be sown 
 early in the hot-bed or in the green-house, and 
 planted out as soon as the border is ready for 
 tender plants. It is a native of the East Indies. 
 Introduced in 1836. 
 
 Ophiopogon. From ophis, a serpent, and pogon, 
 a beard. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 LiliacefK. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials from 
 China and Japan, having racemes of white, yel- 
 low, or purple flowers, on one-sided racemes. 
 The genus is allied to Convallaria. None of the 
 species possess great beauty. 
 
 Ophrys. From ophrys, eyebrows ; referring to 
 the fringe of the inner sepals. Linn. Gynan- 
 dria-Mona>tdria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of terrestrial Orchids, chiefly 
 natives of England. They are exceedingly dif- 
 ficult to manage, but produce their flowers, 
 which are of rare beauty, freely in early sum- 
 mer, in fields and dry pastures. 0. apifera 
 looks as though a bee were buried in the flower; 
 another, 0. arunifera, has the lip in the form of 
 a spider; and in a third, 0. muscifera, the whole 
 flower resembles a fly. 
 Opium. See Papaver somniferum. 
 Oporanthus. Frem apora, autumn, and anthos, a 
 flower. Linn. llexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Amaryllidacece. 
 
 A hardy, free-flowering bulb from the south 
 of Europe. The flowers bear a strong resem- 
 blance to the Yellow Crocus, for which, indeed, 
 if it flowered at the same season, it might easily 
 be mistaken. It is very ornamental, and should 
 be planted in beds with the Colchicum, as they 
 flower at the same season, and contrast finely 
 
 OPU 
 
 in color. It grows freely in a light soil, but 
 should have a slight protection in winter to per- 
 fect the bulbs. It generally comes into flower 
 with our first frosts, the leaves remaining green 
 during the winter. This bulb was formerly 
 classed as Amaryllis luteu, and none but the keen 
 eye of the botanist can see any difference. 
 Opuntia. Prickly Pear, Indian Fig. A Latin 
 name, of which the derivation is not applicable 
 to the species now placed under it. Linn. Ico- 
 sandria-AIonogynia. Nat. Ord. Cactacece. 
 
 There are upward of a hundred and fifty species 
 of the Opuntia or Prickly Pear, all of which are 
 natives of this continent. They are found chiefly 
 in Mexico, California, Peru, Brazil, the West 
 Indies, and a few in the United States. The 
 plants, when old, are hard and woody, but the 
 new growth remains succulent or fleshy for some 
 time. Some species grow erect and tree-like, 
 while others are procumbent or creep on the 
 ground, and nearly all have spines. The up- 
 right growers sometimes reach a height of ten 
 feet or more, and one kind even twenty feet. 
 Some of them ( 0. Tuna, for example, ) hrfve been 
 introduced into Southern Europe, Africa, and 
 other places, where they are cultivated for the 
 sake of obtaining Cochineal. The flowers (ex- 
 cept in Nopalea are generally a dull reddish 
 orange. The fruit is pear-shaped, two or three 
 inches long, and of a bright carmine color when 
 ripe. The fruit is edible, and has a pleasant 
 sub-acid flavor, being considered cooling and 
 refreshing, and is much used in the West Indies 
 and other places. The juice is sometimes used 
 as a water color, and also for coloring candies. 
 In Mexico the plant is used for hedges as well 
 as for the Cochineal insect, and from the fruit 
 is prepared a beverage called Colinche. Writers 
 tell us that in Algeria the French make from 
 the old wood a number of ornamental articles, 
 such as flower trays, fancy baskets, etc., and 
 even veneering. The Opuntia, it will be seen, 
 is a plant of considerable commercial value. 
 Botanists have taken three species from Opuntia, 
 to which they have given the generic name 
 Nopalea ; the reason of which may not be appa- 
 rent to the common observer. In the new genus 
 the flowers have erect petals, which are drawn 
 together at the top instead of being expanded, 
 as they are in Opuntia; the stamens are longer 
 than the corolla, but shorter than the style. The 
 stems are round, or nearly so, with jointed, 
 fleshy, flat branches; but, unlike Opuntia, the 
 tubercles upon the branches are not always 
 armed with spines. The flowers, instead of be- 
 ing yellow or orange, like Opuntia, are reddish or 
 crimson. Taking the characteristics all together, 
 we ought to be able to distinguish the one from 
 the other, and yet not be satisfied with the sep- 
 aration. In view of the commercial value of the 
 product, we shall next allude somewhat briefly 
 to the Nopalea ( Opuntia) as connected with the 
 cultivation of the Cochineal insect, Coccus Cacti. 
 There are two species grown chiefly for this pur- 
 pose, the Napolea cochinillifera and N. Tuna. The 
 first grows about eight feet high, and its branch- 
 es give it a tree-like appearance. The stem and 
 older branches ar,e nearly round and grayish in 
 color, but the younger growth is flat and deep 
 green in color. The joints are from six to twelve 
 inches long, oblong in form, mostly without 
 spines, but having, when young, a growth of 
 fleshy leaves, which soon drop off, leaving a scar 
 and a tuft of short wool and bristles. Though 
 the name cochinillifera, or cochineal bearing, has
 
 152 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 OBA 
 
 been given to this particular species, it is not 
 the only one upon which this insect feeds, for 
 in Mexico X. Tuna is even more largely grown 
 for the same purpose. Nopaleries is the name 
 given to plantations for rearing the Cochineal 
 Eond The male only is winged, and somewhat 
 resembles the Aphis, and the two are not very 
 distantly related to each other ; both feed in the 
 same way, drawing the juices of the plant through 
 a proboscis. It is the female, however, which 
 yields the highly-prized dye. A plantation will 
 sometimes contain from fifty to sixty thousand 
 plants. The plants are grown in rows, but are 
 not allowed to grow to their natural height for 
 convenience in handling. In the month of Au- 
 gust the female insects are placed on the plants, 
 and in about four months thereafter the first 
 crop is fit to be gathered, and another prepared 
 for, three being taken in the course of the year. 
 When fully grown the insects are brushed off 
 and dried in ovens, when they are ready for sale. 
 The value of this industry is such that the 
 Prickly Pear has been placed on the coat of arms 
 of the Mexican Republic. Though Mexico is the 
 native place of the Cochineal, it is now largely 
 grown in New Grenada and the Canary Islands, 
 and to a less extent in some parts of Southern 
 Europe and Africa. The annual produce 
 amounts to thousands of tons, the usual price 
 being about two thousand dollars per ton, which 
 gives us an idea pf the value of the industry. 
 There are many interesting facts connected with 
 the Coccus family, as regards both their natural 
 history and their commercial value, which we 
 must pass over, simply remarking that it is to a 
 member of this family that we are indebted for 
 some of the best shell and other lacs. It may 
 be said of them, as it cannot be said of most 
 insects, that they make some amends for the 
 injury they do to plants. Of our native species 
 of Prickly Pear, 0. vulgaris is the common 
 Prickly Pear of New York and some of the 
 Eastern States. It is very hardy and te- 
 nacious of life, growing among the rocks where 
 there is scarcely sufficient soil to cover the roots. 
 Its flowers are bright yellow, very handsome, 
 and produced freely. There are other Ameri- 
 can species which produce larger and even hand- 
 somer flowers than 0. vulgaris. The other mem- 
 bers of this order take precedence in the green- 
 house, on account of their rarity, and, in some 
 instances, more showy flowers. 
 Orache or Mountain Spinach. See Atriplex. 
 Orange. See Citrus. 
 
 Orchis. From orchis, testiculate; referring to the 
 two oblong, bulb-like roots of many of the spe- 
 cies. Linn. Gynandria-^lcmofjynia. Nat. Ord. 
 OrchidacetK. 
 
 A dwarf genus of terrestrial Orchids, mostly 
 unpretending, yet beautiful little plants. They 
 are common in England and throughout most 
 of Europe, 0. masvula and 0. macnluta being 
 among the most beautiful and interesting 
 plants of the British woods. With the excep- 
 tion of a few species, they are perfectly hardy, 
 and can be grown in the outside border, or in 
 pots, forced like the Hyacinth. They do not 
 like being moved from their native homes, but 
 are easily produced from seed, which, if sown 
 in a frame of light turfy loam, will make flower- 
 ing plants in three years. 0. spectabUis (Showy 
 Orchis) is common in rich woods throughout 
 the Northern, Eastern, and Western States. 
 This species does well under cultivation. Prop- 
 agated by division. 
 
 ORN 
 
 Oreodoxa. From oreos, a mountain, and doxa, 
 glory; alluding to the lofty stature of some of 
 the species. Linn. Moncecia-Monadelphia. Nat. 
 Ord. PahnacecK. 
 
 A small genus of very tall-growing and hand- 
 some Palms, inhabiting the West Indies and 
 tropical America. Some of the species are among 
 the most graceful of Palms. 1). retjia, the 
 Royal Palm, is a favorite cultivated species, and 
 is largely used in the decoration of rooms. 
 0. oleracece, the West Indian Cabbage Palm, 
 sometimes attains a height of one hundred and 
 seventy feet, with a very small trunk, perfectly 
 straight and cylindrical. The heart of the young 
 leaves is cooked like Cabbage, and the pith af- 
 fords Sago. Oil in considerable quantities is 
 obtained from the fruit. Young plants are ob- 
 tained from seed. 
 
 Oricola. See Primula, 
 
 Origanum. Marjoram. From oros, a mountain, 
 and ganos, joy; referring to the natural places 
 of growth. Linn. Didynamia-Grymnospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Lamiacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy and half-hardy herbaceous 
 plants and shrubs, natives of Europe and North- 
 ern India. 0. vidgare, the Wild Marjoram, com- 
 mon throughout Europe, and naturalized in this 
 country, furnishes the Oil of Origanum, which 
 is an acrid stimulant. 0. onites and 0. majorana 
 are inchided in the Pot or Seasoning Herbs, un- 
 der the name of Marjoram. They are natives of 
 Sicily and Portugal respectively. There are a 
 few ornamental species sometimes grown as 
 house plants, the more common of which is 
 0. sipyleum, a native of the Lavant, and popular- 
 ly known as Hop Plant. It is of easy culture, 
 and is propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Ormosia. Bead Tree. From ormos, a necklace; 
 in allusion to this use of the seeds. Linn. De- 
 candria-MoncHiynla. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A small genus of ornamental tropical trees, 
 natives of Guiana and the West Indies. They 
 are all too large for introduction into the green- 
 house. drtsycarna is the West Indian Bead 
 Tree, or Necklace Tree, the seeds of which, like 
 those of 0. coccinea, a native of Guiana and Bra- 
 zil, are nearly round, beautifully polished, and 
 of a bright scarlet color, with a black spot at one 
 end, resembling beads, for which they are sub- 
 stituted, being made into bracelets, necklaces, 
 or mounted in silver for studs or buttons. The 
 seeds are picked up on the seacoast in various 
 places, at very great distances from where they 
 grow, having been carried by strong oceanic 
 currents. They are usually mixed in with small 
 shells, and sold as " Sea Beans," the common 
 error being that they are the fruit of some sea 
 plant. 
 
 Ornithidium. From ornis, a bird, and eidos, like; 
 the upper lip of the stigma is beak-like. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea*. 
 
 A small genus of curious little Orchids, but 
 not of sufficient beauty or interest to warrant 
 their introduction into the Orchid house. They 
 are regarded as weeds among air plants. 
 
 Ornithogalum. Star of Bethlehem. From ornis, 
 a bird, and gala, milk. Linn.Hexandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. L'diacece. 
 
 A rather large genus of bulbous plants, the 
 species of which are natives of Southern Europe, 
 Western Asia, and the Cape of Good Hope. 
 Several of the species are hardy, and grow so 
 freely as to become a nuisance; this is particu- 
 larly so with 0. untbellntum, the pretty little Star 
 of Bethlehem, that has escaped in many places
 
 HENDEESON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 153 
 
 ORN 
 
 from the gardens into the meadows, and taken 
 almost complete possession, and become very 
 troublesome. 0. cuudatam, a tender species from 
 the Cape of Good Hope, has very large, watery- 
 looking bulbs; the leaves are broad and very 
 long, and they wither and shrivel up at the tip, 
 so as to have a round, tail-like appearance; 
 whence their common name, Long-tailed Orni- 
 thogalum. This species is sometimes called 
 Onion Lily, and is a favorite with the Chinese, 
 who grow it in dishes filled with water and 
 gravel. Its tenacity of life is most remarkable, as 
 it will grow anywhere and under almost any cir- 
 cumstances, in water or hung up against a wall 
 in a dry room, in rich earth or poor, indoors or 
 out, and, with slight protection, will endure our 
 winters. Its flower scape is from two to four 
 feet in length, and it keeps in bloom for several 
 months. There is but little beauty in the flow- 
 ers of most of the species. There are some, 
 however, that have long been grown in the 
 green-house, and are still esteemed. All the 
 species are increased by offsets. 
 
 Ornus. Flowering Ash. From oreinos, ancient 
 name of the Ash ; applied on account of the re- 
 semblance and aflinity. Linn. Diarulria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Oleacecv. 
 
 Hardy, white-flowered, deciduous trees. The 
 genus includes about a dozen species, all inter- 
 esting on account of their clustered panicles of 
 pure white flowers, borne at the extremities of 
 the branches. In Sicily several of the species 
 are extensively grown under the name of Manna 
 Ash, the trees yielding the saccharine substance 
 commercially known as Manna, the properties 
 of which are purgative instead of nourishing ; 
 consequently it could not have been the Manna 
 that sustained the Hebrews in the wilderness, 
 although it is the only substance known by that 
 name at the present day. 
 
 Orontium. Golden Club. Derivation of name 
 obscure. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 OrontiacecK. 
 
 This genus consists of two species of aquatic 
 plants. 0. aquaticniii, is common in ponds from 
 Maine to Florida, near the coast. 0. Japonicum, 
 a native of Japan and the East Indies, has 
 leaves like Lily of the Valley, green on the up- 
 per side, and covered with very minute hairs, 
 so that they look like fine velvet. These leaves 
 are readily eaten by cattle and swine in spring. 
 The seeds are boiled and eaten like Pease by 
 the natives. This species makes a beautiful 
 plant for the aquarium. 
 
 Orobus. Bitter Veitch. From oro, to excitq. and 
 bous, an ox; nourishing food. Linn. Dladdphia- 
 Decanlria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous per- 
 ennials. A well-known type is O. vernus. Mod- 
 ern botanists now include it with Lathyrus. 
 
 Osage Orange. See Madura. 
 
 Osbeckia. Named after Peter Osbeck, a Swedish 
 naturalist. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Meiastomaeeeit. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen and decidu- 
 ous shrubs and herbs, natives of tropical Asia, 
 Africa, and the adjoining islands. The flowers 
 are small, of rose, purple, or violet, borne in 
 terminal racemes. The plants are rarely met, 
 excepting in large collections. 
 
 Osier. See Salix vimiivilis. 
 
 Osmorhlza. Sweet Cicely. From osme, scent, 
 and rliiza, a root; roots sweet scented. Linn. 
 Pentandrin-Dii/i/nifi. Nat. Ord. Apinrxr. 
 A small genus of uninteresting herbaceous per- 
 
 OXA 
 
 cnnials. They are common in rich, moist woods, 
 and popularly known as Sweet Cicely. 
 
 Osmunda. Flowering Fern. From Osmunda, one 
 of the names of Thor, a Celtic deity. Linn. Oryp- 
 toijaniki-Fiices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacea;. 
 
 A genus of ornamental Ferns, found widely 
 distributed throughout the temperate regions of 
 both hemispheres. A well-known species is 0. 
 regalifi, or Royal Fern. There are several species 
 common in swamps and wet places through- 
 out the United States. Most of them bear trans- 
 planting well, and make beautiful plants for & 
 shady border. 
 
 Ostrya. Hop Hornbeam, Iron Wood. From 
 ostryos, a scale; scaly catkins. Linn. Monoecia- 
 Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Corylacea;. 
 
 O. Virginica, the only native species, is a tree 
 of moderate size, remarkable for the extreme 
 hardness of its wood. It is of slow growth, 
 forms a compact top, with small green leaves. 
 The furrows of its bark are extremely fine, by 
 which it is readily distinguished. 
 
 Oswego Tea. See Moneavta. 
 
 Othonna. Ragwort. From othone, linen ; refer- 
 ring to the soft, downy clothing of the original 
 plant. Linn. Syngenesia-Necessaria. Nat. Ord. 
 Asteracece. 
 
 An extensive genus, the species of which are 
 mostly coarse-growing green-house or frame an- 
 nuals, perennials, and low shrubs. With but 
 few exceptions the flowers ara yellow. They are 
 natives of the Cape of Good Hope and the Afri- 
 can shores of the Mediterranean. But few of the 
 species merit a place in the garden. 0. crassi- 
 folia, one of the Cape species, is a handsome and 
 showy plant, of a trailing habit, with singularly 
 glaucous and fleshy leaves, and handsome yellow 
 flowers, opening only in the sunlight. It is par- 
 ticularly well adapted for planting under shrubs, 
 or for baskets, vases, or rustic designs. It grows 
 freely in a light soil, and is increased by cuttings 
 and leaves. 
 
 Ostrich Fern. See Siruthiopteris. 
 
 Ouvirandra. Lattice or Lace-leaved Plant. From 
 ouuirandrano, the native name; signifying water- 
 yam, the roots being eatable. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Juncaginacece. 
 
 A genus of aquatic plants, natives of Madagas- 
 car. They are popularly known as the Lattice or 
 Lace-leaved Plants, from the singular appearance 
 of the leaves, resembling open lattice-work, or 
 apparently consisting of only a skeleton of 
 nerves. The leaves grow in radiating clusters 
 from the rhizome, and float just beneath the 
 surface of the water, presenting a flat side to the 
 light. The plant is not only curious, but a 
 valuable one to the natives of Madagascar, who 
 collect its fleshy, farinaceous roots as an article 
 of food. It grows on the margins of running 
 streams in shallow water. It is rare in collec- 
 tions. One of the most interesting plants for the 
 aquarium. 
 
 Oxalis. From oxys, acid ; the leaves have an. 
 acid taste. Linn. Decandria-Pentagynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Oxalidacere. 
 
 This genus comprises a great number of spe- 
 cies, differing widely in their habits and man- 
 ner of growth. Some are annuals, some herba- 
 ceous perennials, some green-house shrubs. 
 Many have tuberous roots, others are bulbs. 
 Some are tender, others perfectly hardy. The 
 flowers are always handsome in form and beau- 
 tiful in color. The leaves vary considerably, 
 but they are most commonly trifoliate, and 
 slightly acid. Many of the species are grown in.
 
 154 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 OXE 
 
 the green-honse, one of the most useful being 
 flaribunda, -which was introduced from Brazil 
 in 1829. This very beautiful species requires 
 the protection of the green-house during winter. 
 It has bright rose-colored flowers, which ore pro- 
 duced in great abundance during nearly the 
 whole year. There is a variety of this species 
 with pure white flowers. Both are rapidly in- 
 creased by division of the root. Of the bulbous 
 species, 0. Boiciei is decidedly the handsomest. 
 The flowers are large and of a most brilliant rose 
 color, and produced in the greatest profusion. 
 There is also a white variety of this species. 
 This is generally cultivated as a green-house 
 species ; it will, however, endure our winters if 
 planted in a rockery or in the border; and so 
 tenacious is it of life that it will dispute posses- 
 sion with almost any other plant in the bed. This 
 species was introduced from the Cape of Good 
 Hope in 1824. One of the most desirable for 
 conservatory decoration is 0. lutea, another Cape 
 species, with large terminal clusters of golden 
 yellow flowers, on long slender scapes. 0. versi- 
 cotor is still another beautiful species. It re- 
 quires the sunlight, to expand its flowers; but 
 they are generally thought to be more beautiful 
 when closed than when open. The colors are 
 crimson, white, and a pale shade of yellow. It 
 is rapidly increased by offsets. A. acetosella, our 
 common Wood Sorrel, is a native of Great 
 Britain, and by naturalization has become only 
 too common throughout the States. All the 
 species under cultivation are either from the 
 Cape of Good Hope or South America, and all 
 alike are of easy culture. 
 Ox-eye Daisy. See Leucanthemum, 
 Oxyanthus. From oxys, sharp, and anihos, a 
 flower; referring to the sharp-toothed calyx and 
 corolla. Linn. Pentandria-jfonogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 dnchonacece. 
 
 A genus of white-flowered evergreen shrubs 
 from Sierra Leone, allied to Gardenia, and re- 
 quiring the same treatment in cultivation and 
 propagation. 
 
 Oxycoccua. Cranberry. From oxys, shrrp, and 
 kokkos, a berry; sharp acid taste of the berries. 
 Linn. Octandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Vaccini- 
 acece. 
 
 " The Cranberry is a familiar trailing shrub, 
 growing wild in swampy, sandy meadows and 
 mossy bogs, in the northern portions of both 
 hemispheres, and produces a round, red, acid 
 fruit. Our native species, 0. macrocarpus, so 
 common in the swamps of New England, and on 
 the borders of our inland lakes, as to form quite 
 an article of commerce, is much the largest and 
 finest species; the European Cranberry, U. palus- 
 tris, being much smaller in its growth, and pro- 
 ducing fruit inferior in size and quality. Also 
 the Russian, 0. viridis, a medium-sized variety. 
 Of the 0. macrocarpus, there are three varieties: 
 the ' Bell-shaped,' which is the largest and most 
 valued, of a very dark, bright red color; the 
 4 Cherry,' two kinds, large and small; the large 
 one the best, of a round form, a fine dark red 
 berry, nearly or quite equal to the Bell-shaped- 
 and the Bugle Oval, or Egg-shaped, two kinds, 
 large and small, not so highly colored as the 
 Bell or Cherry, and not so much prized, but 
 still a fine variety." Downing. Cranberry cul- 
 ture, where the conditions are favorable is very 
 profitable; nnd as the subject is receiving much 
 attention, both in this country and in Europe 
 it may be of service to give a few facts in regard 
 to the best methods of raising Cranberries suc- 
 
 OXY 
 
 cessfully. The selection of land for the cultiva- 
 tion and growing of the plants is the first con- 
 sideration; for, unless it is adapted to their 
 growth, it will be useless to plant them. The 
 soil best adapted is low, moist land, suitably 
 drained, so that the water will be from twelve to 
 eighteen inches lower than the surface of the 
 ground. They will grow on moderately damp 
 soil that can be plowed or cultivated, so as to 
 make it friable and soft, or on the borders 
 of streams or ditches, as the plant draws its 
 nourishment from air and water; light sandy 
 soil, or muck, covered with two or three inches 
 of sand, is the best adapted to their culture. 
 They will not do well on dry sand or clay. If 
 planted on rich muck or loam, they grow rank 
 and strong, sometimes eight or ten feet, and 
 cover the ground with a net of vines three or 
 four inches thick. As the fruit grows on the 
 end of the shoot, the rank growth throws out 
 but few buds; but if sanded over, the shoots are 
 of short growth, and throw out more and stronger 
 fruit buds. There are large portions of land all 
 over our country that is now of but little value, 
 too wet or too cold for grass, that would grow 
 large quantities of fruit, if properly prepared by 
 draining and sanding. In preparing the ground, 
 if it be wet and spongy, it should be well drain- 
 ed, so as to leave the water about ten or twelve 
 inches below the surface. It can then be pre- 
 pared by burning over and removing the top 
 soil, carting it off for compost, or burning when 
 it is dry; by leveling the ground, and covering 
 it with pure sand (free from seeds of weeds) two 
 or three inches deep, to keep the surface loose, 
 and to prevent foul grass from choking the 
 plants. Some growers prefer to put on two or 
 three inches of sand, (on the ice,) and after two 
 years' growth, to put on one or two inches more, 
 which, we think, is an improvement. The sand 
 should not be mixed with the soil, but placed in 
 a layer of two inches over it; it will thus keep 
 down all weeds. The roots of the Cranberry are 
 very fine, and do not retain their vitality ; but 
 the plant throws out new roots from the stem. 
 In putting out the young plants, make a hole 
 four or five inches deep, with a stick or dibble, 
 in which place the plant, and press the soil 
 around it firmly with the foot. Leave an inch 
 to an inch and a half of the young vine above 
 ground. When planting, if practicable, water 
 freely, to settle the sand around the plant ; the 
 stem will soon begin to grow. They are very tena- 
 cious of life, and if, when received, they are ap- 
 parently dry, put them into water from five to 
 six hours before planting; they will regain their 
 freshness and be sure to grow. Where failures 
 have occurred, it has been owing to their having 
 been taken from the parcel and put out in a dry 
 soil. Another plan adopted by some growers, is 
 to take the vines up without roots, often four or 
 five feet in length, which they cut and sow in 
 drills, or lay the vines down *in a trench, and 
 cover with soil; or with a stick two inches wide 
 and half an inch thick crowd the vines down into 
 the soil three or four inches deep. It will take 
 eight to ten barrels of clean vines per acre. In 
 this case they are not planted so deep, and are 
 not so apt to live as when planted with a dibble, 
 as advised above, with the roots attached. They 
 are usually sold in parcels of one hundred each, 
 and will pack more closely, and cost much less 
 than barreled vines, and are the only kind that 
 can be forwarded by mail. Ten thousand of these 
 will plant more ground than eight or ten bar-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 155 
 
 OXY 
 
 rels of vines. If placed two feet apart each way, 
 10, 000 will plant an acre; they can be cultivated 
 with a cultivator or horse hoe, to keep down the 
 grass and weeds ; and after one or two years of 
 cultivation they will take care of themselves, or 
 it will only be necessary to pull out what little 
 grass may grow. If wanted in small patches or 
 in gardens, they can be planted a foot apart, 
 and will cover the ground much sooner. Vines 
 usually sold by the barrel have clinging to the 
 roots earth that is full of the seeds of weeds, 
 which are introduced into the soil, demanding 
 much labor to keep the plants clean; it is there- 
 fore better to purchase clean vines. The Cran- 
 berry can be planted out at almost any season of 
 the year when the ground is not frozen; in the 
 fall, from September until the ground freezes; 
 in spring, until July ; in the South or West, from 
 October to March. If the vines are received too 
 late for planting, or if frozen, they can be cov- 
 ered with earth or damp moss in a box, and 
 placed in a cellar until they can be planted out, 
 after being placed in water for a few hours. 
 Overflowing or flooding is desirable, if not in- 
 dispensable to complete success. The water may 
 remain en tie vines till the 10th of May in the 
 latitude of N. Y., or until there is no danger from 
 frost. It may cover the vines from one to two 
 feet or more, and if it can be let on or off at will 
 for a few hours during the season, it will pre- 
 vent drought, and also destroy the worm, which 
 is sometimes very destructive. The water should 
 not stand on them when in flower, as it would 
 injure the pollen and prevent fruiting, or when 
 the fruit is quite green. The best known and 
 most extensively cultivated is the Sell, of which 
 there are two or three varieties. The Cape Coil 
 Sell is the best known, and has been more ex- 
 tensively cultivated than any other variety. The 
 color is a dark red, but it often varies in color and 
 shape on different soils, but its bearing and 
 ripening qualities are the same, being of good 
 size and medium early. The Su/le is an old va- 
 riety, rather early, of medium size to large, a 
 good keeper, color dark scarlet, and a medium 
 bearer. The Cherry generally grows on wet soil 
 or moist upland. Of this there are a number of 
 varieties ; but the one most commonly planted 
 is of medium size, round shape, bright red color, 
 a good bearer, but rather later than other varie- 
 ties; it is a leading market sort. Another, call- 
 ed Mottkd BeU, pink on white ground, is a very 
 handsome fruit, but late and little grown. Two 
 new varieties have lately been introduced, which, 
 by a number of years' cultivation, we think su- 
 perior to the above in several particulars, being 
 early and constant bearers when others fail, ana 
 in the future they are likely to become Isading 
 sorts. In some sections there would have been 
 a short crop but for these kinds. The Elton's 
 Early Slack Sell stands first. It ripens very 
 early, is fully colored by the 5th of September 
 in New England, is uniform in color and shape, 
 of a very handsome dark red color, almost black, 
 of medium and uniform size, a great and con- 
 stant bearer, a good keeper, and the vines hardy; 
 and being early, it brings the highest price in 
 market. The Mansfield Creeper was first discov- 
 ered in a corn-field, and transplanted to a Cran- 
 berry bed. In its new position it was found to 
 be entirely different in its growth and habit 
 from all other varieties. It seemed to creep on 
 the ground and take root at every joint, pro- 
 ducing bearing shoots every two or three inches 
 on the vine, and throwing out fruit buds for a 
 
 OXY 
 
 fresh start another year. It is a few days later 
 than the Eaton Bell. Both are adapted to up- 
 land culture. It is of large size and a great 
 bearer; the flesh is more tender, and not so acid; 
 color dark scarlet on one side, the other side 
 nearly white, and slightly mottled; shaporound- 
 ish oval. It is a fine keeper. A writer in the 
 New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture describes 
 a plot of nearly three-fourths of an acre, com- 
 pletely covered with beds of Cranberries, the 
 vines ''thickly matted and in a flourishing 
 condition." The grounds, which were naturally 
 slightly moist, were prepared as for Strawber- 
 ries, and then planted with Cranberry vines. 
 They were placed in rows or beds, in the same 
 manner as Strawberry plants, and then served 
 with a top dressing of meadow mud, which had 
 been taken from its natural bed and exposed to 
 the frosts of one winter, by which it was ren- 
 dered very loose and friable. They were after- 
 ward cultivated with the hoe until they had 
 completely covered the ground, simply passing 
 between the beds, pulling out such weeds and 
 grass as might occasionally be seen growing 
 among them, and killing the worms, if any were 
 found on the plants. The proprietor succeeded 
 in obtaining a good crop, or an averageof 160 bush- 
 els to the acre. The fruit was of excellent quali- 
 ty, and cold readily for one-third more than the 
 common uncultivated Cranberry of the swamps 
 in that vicinity. The above writer considers 
 any soil that will produce a crop of Indian corn 
 suitable for a Cranberry plot. In regard to the 
 success of Mr. Bates in his m:thod of culture, 
 Mr. B. G. Boswell, of Philadelphia, gives the 
 following testimony, viz. : "As the plant natu- 
 rally grows in a very wet soil, it is generally 
 supposed that it will not thrive in a dry soil; 
 but this idea is erroneous. Mr. S. Bates, of 
 Massachusetts, has grown the Cranberry on a dry 
 soil for several years, with the utmost success. 
 His method is to plow the land, spread on a 
 quantity of swamp muck, and after harrowing 
 the soil thoroughly, set out the plants in drills 
 twenty inches apart, hoeing them the first sea- 
 son. After this no cultivation is needed. By 
 ' the above method the plants will cover the 
 ground in l hree years." It is hoped that the 
 above details T ill prove of service to those about 
 to embark iu he cul ire of this useful fruit. 
 The Cr"iberry . also adapted to garden cul- 
 ture. Every family can have a garden patch. 
 A moist but not clayey soil should be selected, 
 and the gr x und prepared by plowing or spad- 
 ing, as for . '* vwberries. The entire surface 
 should be covered one or two inches with fine 
 muck, or one or two inches of sand can be sub- 
 stituted. They can be planted one foot to eight- 
 een inches apart, and four to six inches in depth. 
 They are also highly ornamental in pots, the 
 fruit hanging on the vines until the flowers 
 appear for the next crop. Experiments in New 
 England indicate that the Cranberry can bo cul- 
 tivated on upland, though generally with mod- 
 erate success. On Long Island, however, there 
 are Cranberry patches of five or six acres, on 
 upland soil, that produce from 5 ) to 10(J bushels 
 per acre, which is considered a satisfactory re- 
 sult, as manure is unnecessary, and the trouble 
 of cultivating, gathering, and marketing the 
 Cranberry is less than that required by the 
 Strawberry or any of the small fruits. 
 Oxylobium. From oxys, sharp, and Inbos, a pod; 
 the seed-pods ending in a point. Linn. Decan- 
 dria-Monof/ynia. Nat. Ord. Ibbacece.
 
 156 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 OXY 
 
 Handsome spring - flowering green - house 
 planS from New Holland. They should be 
 occasionally stopped while young, to ensure 
 dwarf, bushy specimens. The flowers are or- 
 an^e and yellow, are freely produced and very 
 pretty. They are increased by cuttings or from 
 seed " Introduced in 1805. 
 Oxyura. Supposed to be from oxys, sharp, ar 
 
 PAL 
 
 oura, a tail; but the application is not very ap- 
 parent. Linn. Syngenesia-Superftiia. Nat. Ord. 
 Asttracece. 
 
 0. du-ysanthemoides, the only species, is a hardy 
 annual with yellow flowers, somewhat resem- 
 bling the Chrysanthemum. It is a showy plant, 
 and easy to grow. It is a native of California. 
 Introduced in 1834. 
 
 P. 
 
 "nachyphytum. From jnchy*, thick, andp&yfon, 
 a plant- referring to the fleshy leaves. Linn. 
 DeeandriarPentaijynia. Nat. Ord. Orcumlacece. 
 
 P. braeteosum is a green-house succulent, al- 
 lied to Echeceria, and grown for its unique ap- 
 pearance. There are other species, but they are 
 less ornamental than this. 
 
 Pseonia. Named after the Greek physician Pceon, 
 who is said to have employed it in medicine, 
 and used it to cure Pluto of a wound inflicted 
 by Hercules. Linn. Polyandria-Diyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. RanunctdacecK. 
 
 The Paaonies common in our gardens are di- 
 vided into two groups, viz., those which are al- 
 lied to the Tree Paeony, (Pawnia Moutan,) and 
 which are all more or less shrubby, and the 
 common herbaceous Peonies. The herbaceous 
 Pseonies are well-known ornaments of our gar- 
 dens, where they are great favorites, from their 
 showy flowers, their great hardiness, and their 
 easy culture: all essential qualities for a large 
 garden, and for such only are they desirable. 
 The roots of these plants are composed of bun- 
 dles of carrot-like tubers, which may be sepa- 
 rated from each other to increase any particular 
 species or variety , or the tubers of the common 
 Pseonies may be grafted with shoots of any 
 choice kinds. The Tree or shrubby species 
 are chiefly increased by grafting on the roots of 
 the herbaceous sorts. Of the herbaceous spe- 
 cies, P. officinalis, the old double crimson, was 
 the first introduced into English gardens, hav- 
 ing been brought from Switzerland in 1548, 
 where it is indigenous, as well as in many other 
 parts of Europe and Asia. P. afbiflora, the old 
 double white, is a native of Siberia, and was in- 
 troduced at about the same period. P. ienui- 
 fotia, the Fern-leaved Paeony, is a native of Rus- 
 sia, from whence it was introduced in 1765. The 
 fine, Fern-like foliage of this species renders 
 the plant a beautiful object independently of its 
 brilliant flowers. There is a double variety of 
 it. From a limited number of species, several 
 hundred hybrids have been produced, many of 
 which are very beautiful, but scarcely superior 
 to the species, yet necessary to keep alive the 
 interest in the genus. One or two herbaceous 
 species have been found in Oregon and Califor- 
 nia, but are inferior to the European species. 
 P. Moutaii and its varieties are natives of China 
 and Japan, principally on Mount Ho-an, where 
 it is reported they grow to the height of ten 
 feet. The native species is purple, but there 
 are white, pink, pale purple, and mottled varie- 
 ties. There have lately been raised some very 
 beautiful varieties of the Tree Pasony. The 
 shrubby species were first introduced in 1794. 
 
 Paeony. See Pceonia. 
 
 Paint Root. See Lnchnanfhes. 
 
 Palafoxia. Named by Lagasca in honor of Pala- 
 fox, a Spanish general. Linn. Synfjenesia-^qita- 
 'lis. Nat. Ord. Axteraccce. 
 
 A genus of rather coarse-growing herbaceous 
 and shrubby perennials, with white, flesh-col- 
 ored, or purple flowers, produced in rather 
 loose paniculate or corymbose heads. The sev- 
 eral species are common from Carolina to Texas. 
 
 Palestine Lily. Arum Palestinum. See Arum. 
 
 This is a singular and beautiful species of the 
 Calla tribe, called by some "Black Calla," as 
 its dark purplish-crimson flowers are almost 
 identical in shape with the well-known Calla, 
 (Richardia JEthiopica, } or Lily of the Nile. We 
 believe it was first introduced here in 1876, 
 though long known in Europe. It is prob- 
 able that it may yet become a plant of value, if 
 grown in the manner that our Callas are here 
 grown, its unique color being its great novelty. 
 Unlike many species of the genus, the odor is 
 very agreeable, somewhat resembling the Violet. 
 Propagated by offsets, 
 
 Paliurus. Christ's Thorn. Name of a town in 
 Africa. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Rhamnacece. 
 
 There are but two species in this genus, both 
 hardy deciduous shrubs, natives of Southern 
 Europe and Western Asia. They are handsome 
 shrubs, well adapted for shrubberies. The fruit 
 of P. acideatus is very singular, appearing like a 
 head with a broad-brimmed hat on, whence its 
 French name Porte Chapeau. This is the plant 
 that is supposed to have furnished the thorns 
 used for plaiting the crown placed upon Christ's 
 head before His crucifixion. It has flexible 
 branches, capable of being easily plaited; and 
 each leaf has two sharp spines at its base, one 
 of which is straight and erect, and the other 
 curved and bent downward so as to form a 
 hook. There is some difference of opinion as 
 to whether this is the plant that afforded the 
 "thorns," or whether it was Zizyphus <Spina- 
 Christi, for both of which the distinction has 
 been claimed. 
 
 Palms. The popular name for the plants be- 
 longing to the natural order Palmacece. They 
 are arborescent plants, with simple, rarely 
 branched trunks, marked with the scars of the 
 leaves, which are terminal, pinnate, or fan- 
 shaped, with plicate vernation and parallel sim- 
 ple veins, and often with spiny petioles. Na- 
 tives of tropical regions chiefly, they impart to 
 them much of their botanical features. The 
 greater part of them have unbranched steins, 
 which sometimes attain a height of a hundred
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 157 
 
 PAL 
 
 feet, and send out clusters of large leaves, from 
 the axils of which bunches of flowers proceed. 
 Although the flowers are small, the inflorescence, 
 taken collectively, very often has a most impos- 
 ing aspect. Linnrous called them the Princes 
 of the Vegetable Kingdom, a designation which 
 they well deserve. Martius estimates the spe- 
 cies at nearly six hundred, of which about one- 
 sixth have fan-shaped leaves. They have been 
 divided by him into various tribes, depending 
 chiefly on the nature of the ovary ovules and 
 fruit; and sections are formed according as the 
 leaves are pinnate or flabelliform, and the stems 
 spiny or not. The properties of the plants of 
 this order are quite various. In the countries 
 in which they grow, they are used for supplying 
 food and for forming habitations.. The fruit of 
 some is edible. Many supply oil, wax, starchy 
 matter, and sugar, the last being fermented so 
 as to form an intoxicating drink. Their fibers 
 are employed for ropes, and the reticulum sur- 
 rounding their leaves is sometimes manufac- 
 tured into brushes and brooms. These pro- 
 ducts also enter largely into commerce, and are 
 sources of very considerable wealth. The Palm 
 of the Bible seems to be Phosmx dctcti/lifera, <>r 
 Date Palm, the drupaceous fruit of which sup- 
 plies food to many of the inhabitants of Arabia 
 and Africa, and is largely exported to different 
 parts of th.e world, the United States receiving 
 a large share. Cocos nucifera, the Cocoanut 
 Palm, is one of the most useful of the family, 
 supplying food, clothing, materials for houses, 
 and utensils of various kinds, besides ropes and 
 oil. The Cocoamits form an important item of 
 commerce, and are now " desiccated " or dried 
 in very large quantities in New York and other 
 places. The Palm Oil imported from the west 
 coast of Africa is obtained by bruising the 
 fruits of E culs Guinvensis and E. melunococca. j 
 The Betel Nut is the produce of Areca catechu, \ 
 and from it an extract is prepared of an astrin- i 
 gent nature resembling Catechu. Fine Sago is i 
 said to be procured from tiagus Iwvls and 8. j 
 Rumphii, found in the eastern islands of the In- I 
 dian Ocean. Sago, sugar, and a kind of Palm i 
 wine are procured from Caryota urens. The date j 
 sugar of Bengal is the produce of Phoenix sylves- 
 iris. Ceroxylon or Iriarlea and/cola yields wax, 
 which forms a coating over its trunk. Cupernicia 
 ccrifera is another wax-producing Palm. Calamus 
 Rotang is used as cane under the name of Rattan, 
 and has a variety of uses in the mechanic arts. 
 Calamus rudentum, the Cable Cane, a native of I 
 the East Indies, Cochin-China, and the Moluc- j 
 cas, grows sometimes to the length of five hun- 
 dred feet. The fruit of Atlalea, funifera is known I 
 by the name of Coquilla Nut, and its hard peri- i 
 carp is used for ornamenting umbrella handles, i 
 etc. The spathe of Manicaria sacclfera comes off j 
 in the form of a conical cap, and is used as a 
 covering for the head in the West Indies. Cha- 
 mo'rops humilis is the only European species of 
 Palm. Hiii>lr,,v Tll><i)<-<t, the Doom Palm of 
 Egypt, has a trunk which divides in a dichot- 
 omous manner; its pericarp is used as food, and 
 has the taste of gingerbread. In the parched 
 districts between the Rivers Dande and Zenza, 
 in tropical Africa, Weiwitsch came upon a Palm 
 forest five leagues in length, which consisted 
 exclusively of the crowded stems of a branched 
 Palm belonging probably to Ht/phrrne. Like 
 most African Palms, it yields an excellent wine. 
 Riiphia has t^iven the gardener his best tying ma- 
 terial. Other examples might be added of the 
 
 PAN 
 
 usefulness of this noble family of plants; but 
 the above condensed view will probably suffice 
 to give the reader some proper conception of 
 the utility of a class of plants that are now 
 beginning to be largely used by us for orna- 
 mental and decorative purposes. 
 
 Palm Oil. See Elvis. 
 
 Palma Christi. See Ridnus communls. 
 
 Palmetto. See Sabal Palmetto and Chamcerops 
 1'iilmetto. 
 
 Palumbina. Named from palumba, a dove. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacea*. 
 
 P. Candida, the only species, is a beautiful 
 little epiphytal Orchid from Mexico. It was 
 formerly known as Oncidinm candiditm. The 
 flowers, which are produced on delicate stems, 
 are waxy white, with yellow center. This plant 
 succeeds well grown in a green-house. It is in- 
 creased by division. 
 
 Pampas Grass. See Gynerium. 
 
 Pampas Rice. See Sorghum cernuum. 
 
 Panax. Ginseng. From pan, all, and akos, rem- 
 edy; referring to the stimulant drug Ginseng, 
 to which miraculous virtue is ascribed by the 
 Chinese. Linn. Polyyamia-Dioecia. Nat. Ord. 
 AraliacffK. 
 
 A genus of coarse-growing herbs, shrubs, and 
 trees, mostly from tropical Asia and America. 
 P. quinquefolium, the American Ginseng, is a 
 hardy herbaceous plant, common in most of the 
 States. The wonderful medicinal properties at- 
 tributed- to it are not appreciated at home, and 
 its cultivation is consequently neglected. 
 
 Panama Hat Palm. See Carludovica. 
 
 Pancratium. From pan, all, and kratis, potent; 
 supposed medicinal qualities. Linn. Hexandr'w.- 
 Munogynia. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacecn. 
 
 An extensive genus of half-hardy and green- 
 house, lily-like bulbous plants, with long strap- 
 like leaves, mostly deciduous, a few only being 
 persistent. The flowers are white or greenish- 
 white, produced in an umbel on a solid scape 
 about two feet high. The species are found in 
 the south of Europe, North Africa, Syria, Ara- 
 bia, and in several of the more southern of the 
 United States. P. maritimum is the Sea Daffo- 
 dil, common in the sands on the coast of the 
 Mediterranean. Its flowers are pure white and 
 delightfully fragrant. P. Garoliniun-um is com- 
 mon in salt marshes from South Carolina to 
 Florida. Chapman, in his "Southern Flora," 
 makes no distinction in the two species. There 
 are several other species noticed in his Flora, 
 but these are the best representatives of the 
 genus. They all require green-house treatment, 
 and should be grown in light loam and leaf- 
 mould, and allowed a season of rest. They are 
 propagated by offsets. 
 
 Pandanus. Screw Pine. From pandang, a word 
 in the Malay language signifying conspicuous. 
 Linn. Dioacia-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Panda.ua- 
 
 fi ir. 
 
 An extensive genus of exceedingly ornament- 
 al, dwarf-growing trees, common in the East 
 Indian Islands. The leaves are imbricated, and 
 embrace the stem, bearing some resemblance to 
 those of the Pine-apple. They are from three 
 to five feet long, and are placed in three spiral 
 rows round the extremities of the branches. 
 The most remarkable peculiarity of the Screw 
 Pine is its singular method of propping itself 
 in the soil, by means of aerial or adventitious 
 roots, which are projected from the sides of the 
 trunk at an angle suited for its mechanical sup- 
 port. This is a beautiful provision for the exi-
 
 158 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PAN 
 
 cencies cf the plant, which acquires an enor- 
 mous top-weight by the accumulation of its 
 thick, fleshy leaves, and would lose its balance 
 but for its power of throwing down new roots 
 when they are required. The flowers of P. 
 odoratlssimus yield a most delightful fragrance, 
 for which it is largely cultivated in Japan. P. 
 utilis, which best deserves the name of Screw Pine, 
 is the species most frequently met in our green- 
 houses, and is perhaps the most valuable of any 
 plant used in decoration, as it withstands gas, 
 dust, and ill usage generally better than almost 
 any known plant. It is the most useful in its na- 
 tive country, the Mauritius, where it is not only 
 common, but is cultivated for the sake of its 
 leaves, which are extensively used in the man- 
 ufacture of the bags or sacks in which sugar is 
 exported. They are increased by seed, or may 
 be propagated by cuttings, the former being 
 the method by which a stock is usually obtained 
 in this country. There has lately been intro- 
 duced into the green-house two very ornament- 
 al kinds, P. Javanicus variegata and P. Veitchii, 
 both with foliage striped green 'and white. As 
 decorative plants they are exceedingly valuable, 
 both for the green-house and parlor. These 
 variegated kinds are yet scarce and high priced. 
 They are increased by cuttings, which root rath- 
 er slowly; the temperature in which they are 
 propagated should not be less than 75. 
 
 Pandanophyllum. Derivation of name obscure. 
 Linn. Triawlria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Gyperacece. 
 P. humite, the only described species, is a very 
 ornamental plant, having, as its name would im- 
 ply, very much the appearance of the Pandnnus. 
 It is a native of Java, and has glossy, deep 
 green, arching leaves, which are furnished with 
 two secondary ribs, giving the surface of the 
 foliage a peculiar channeled appearance. The 
 end of the leaf, which is from six to nine feet 
 long, and about two inches broad, is suddenly 
 narrowed down into a long thread-like termina- 
 tion. This is the only species under cultiva- 
 tion, though five or six others have been found. 
 
 Panic Grass. See Panicum. 
 
 Panicum. Panic Grass. From panicula, a pani- 
 cle; form of flowering. Linn. Triandria-Digynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Graminacea*. 
 
 An extensive genus of grasses, mostly used as 
 fodder plants. P. Germanicum is the well-known 
 Hungarian Grass. P. plicatuin varie>jatum is a 
 beautiful species for green-house culture, suit- 
 able for baskets and vases. It is propagated 
 freely by cuttings, and will grow in almost any 
 position given it. 
 
 Pansy. V ioln tricolor. The almost innumerable 
 varieties of Pansies, embracing every color, from 
 white to black, maroon, yellow, purple, blue, 
 self-colored, and those with the most delicate 
 markings, as well as the bold and showy faces of 
 others, are all hybrids between the annual spe- 
 cies, V. tricolor, a weed in English fields and 
 gardens, and the perennial kinds, V. altaicci, 
 from Tartary, V. amcena, from Scotland, and V. 
 f/rninlijlora, a native of Switzerland, V. lutea, of 
 Great Britain, V. ratlmnurjensis, of France, and 
 V. bicotor, of this country. The first attention 
 paid to the cultivation of the Pansy, and that 
 which resulted in making it a florist's flower, 
 was given by Mary Bennet, who had a little 
 flower-garden in the grounds of her father, the 
 Earl of Tankerville, at Walton-upon-Thames, 
 England. She had prepared a little bed, in 
 which were placed all the varieties of Pansies 
 which she accidentally discovered in her father's 
 
 PAP 
 
 garden. 
 
 Aided by the industry and zeal of the 
 gardener, Mr. Kichardson, several new varieties 
 were raised from seed and transplanted to this 
 little bed. From this small beginning in 1810 
 may be traced the rage which has since prevailed 
 in the cultivation of this popular flower. The 
 English, French, and German horticultural So- 
 cieties offered great inducements to the florist, 
 in the way of premiums, for the best flowers, 
 and as the race was free to all, the interest 
 awakened was of a most lively character; one 
 which every gardener of importance helped to 
 keep alive. The result has been, the Pansy of 
 to-day in contrast with the little V. pedata and 
 V. tricolor, the parents, so common in our woods 
 and roadsides. Our seedsmen and florists have 
 been so much absorbed in watching the race for 
 supremacy in the production of seed of this 
 flower, that they did not stop to consider 
 whether we could compete, and were only anx- 
 ious to know which country had merited the 
 honor, in order to send to her for our supply. 
 Our success with other things encouraged us to 
 try this, and the first trial was sufficient to as- 
 sure us what we have since proven, viz., that 
 the very best Pansies grown in this country were 
 from seed of our own growing. Pansies require 
 to be grown in a rich, moist loam, and protected, 
 as far as possible, from the mid-day sun, and 
 from winds, and during the warmer summer 
 weather should not be allowed to get dry. In 
 England special varieties of Pansies are grown 
 
 Ii 
 
 from cuttings for many years by name 
 
 the 
 
 climate of the United States this plan is hardly 
 practicable, even if desirable, as the ravages of 
 the Ked Spider during the summer months on 
 this plant virtually destroy it, and cause it to 
 be treated always as a plant never to be carried 
 over the second season after flowering. For this 
 reason it is here raised only from seed. This is 
 usually first sown in August, which gives plants 
 large enough to be pricked away in cold frames 
 during winter. Such plants give a profuse and 
 continuous bloom from March to June, or, if 
 sown earlier than August say July 1st they 
 will bloom from October throughout the entire 
 winter and spring months, if grown in a temper- 
 ature averaging 45 at night. For succession, 
 for late spring and summer flowering, we find 
 the best date to sow is the first week in January, 
 and if carefully handled, by growing in a low 
 temperature, (average not to exceed 50 at night,) 
 they will begin to flower in April, and will con- 
 tinue to flower longer than those sown in Au- 
 gust, which get exhausted by June, while the 
 January crop flowers right through the hottest 
 summer months. A number of years ago a fine 
 collection of Double Pansies originated with us, 
 but we failed to perpetuate them successfully by 
 cuttings, and they were ultimately lost ; but they 
 had no merit except novelty, as they were far in- 
 ferior in beauty to the single kinds. 
 Papaver. Poppy. From papa, pap, or thick 
 milk; the juice of the poppy was formerly used 
 in children's food to make them sleep. Linn. 
 Polyandria-Monor/ynia. Nat. Ord. PapaveracecK. 
 An extensive genus of hardy annuals and her- 
 baceous perennials. All the poppies are ex- 
 ceedingly showy and strong-growing plants. 
 The flowers are quite transient, many dropping 
 the day they expand. The annuals, being hardy, 
 only require to be sown where they are to grow, 
 as early in the spring as convenient. The an- 
 nuals are natives of Europe and Asia. P Orien- 
 tals is a herbaceous perennial, native of the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 159 
 
 PAP 
 
 south of Europe. Its several varieties are the 
 most showy and ornamental of the genus. The 
 flowers are often six inches in diameter, of bril- 
 liant scarlet, with a dark purple blotch at the 
 base of each petal. P. somiiiferum furnishes the 
 Opium of commerce. P. Oriental^ was intro- 
 duced from Armenia into England in 1714. 
 
 Papaw Tree. See Asimina. 
 
 Paper Mulberry. See Broussondia papyri/era. 
 
 Paper Narcissus. (See Narcissus papyraceus.) \ 
 This, like the Roman Hyacinth, Lily of the 
 Valley, and other bulbs, is largely forced for cut 
 flowers in all the principal cities of the United 
 States. The manner of doing this is exactly like 
 that practiced, with the Roman Hyacinth, I 
 which see under Hyacinth. 
 
 Paper Heed. See Papyrus. 
 
 Paphinia. From Paphia, a surname of Venus. 
 Linn. Gynandria-Moiwmdria. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
 
 The only species known, P. cristata, was for- 
 merly included in the genus Maxillaria, but on 
 a revision of that genus was separated by Dr. 
 Lindley as above. It is a splendid plant, bear- 
 ing richly-colored flowers, and is rather difficult 
 to cultivate. The best manner of managing it 
 is to pot it in a mixture of rotten wood and 
 sphagnum moss, elevating it considerably above 
 the rim of the pot, allowing it to stand in the 
 warmest part of the hot-house, and being care- 
 ful to avoid over-watering at any time. It de- 
 lights in a high, moist temperature while grow- 
 ing, but should be kept nearly dry when at rest. 
 The young shoots which spring from the base 
 of the pseudo-bulbs are very impatient of stag- 
 nated moisture, and should therefore be kept 
 clear of the surrounding mould. 
 
 Pappoose Boot. The popular name of Caulo- 
 phyllum. 
 
 Papyrus. From the Syrian babeer, pronounced 
 papeer, whence the Egyptian word papyrus, 
 paper. Linn. Triandna-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Cyperacea*. 
 
 A small species of aquatic plant*, mostly in- 
 habitants of tropical countries. P. aHtiquorum, the 
 Paper Reed, is the plant which yielded the sub- 
 stance used as paper by the ancient Egyptians. 
 The underground root -stalks spread horizon tally 
 under the mud where the plant grows, continu- 
 ing to throw up stems as they creep along. 
 These stems are from eight to ten feet high, a 
 portion of them being above the water. The paper 
 was made from thin slices, cut vertically from 
 the apex to the base of the stem, between its 
 surface and center. The slices were placed side 
 by side, according to the size required, and then, 
 after being watered and beaten with a wooden 
 instrument until smooth, were pressed and dried 
 in the sun. The stems were likewise vised for 
 ornamenting the Egyptian temples and crown- 
 ing the statues of their gods. This species has 
 been introduced into the green-house. Prop- 
 agated by seeds or by division. 
 
 Papyrus Plant. See Papynis. 
 
 Pardanthus. Blackberry Lily. From pardos, a 
 leopard, and anthos, a flower; referring to the 
 spotted flowers. Linn. Triftndri<i-Mono</ynia. 
 Nat. Ord. IrMw. 
 
 A handsome genus of hardy herbaceous 
 plants, with orange-colored flowers, spotted with 
 purple. The plants have branching flower 
 stems, and contimie to produce their lily-like 
 flowers for several weeks. The seed-pods have 
 the appearance of a Blackberry, whence the com- 
 mon name. The seeds will not drop for a long 
 
 PAR 
 
 time after the branches have been cut. When 
 dried they are useful to mix with dried grasses, 
 in arranging dried bouquets. They are native of 
 China and Nepal. Propagated by seed or from 
 cuttings. P. Chinensis has escaped from the gar- 
 den into waste places on Long Island and south- 
 ward. 
 
 Paritium. From pariti, the Malabar name of one 
 of the species. Linn. Monaddphia-Polyandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Malvacew. 
 
 P. datum, the only species of this genus, is an 
 evergreen tree found only in Cuba and Jamaica, 
 where it is called Mountain Mahoe. It affords 
 the beautiful lace-like inner bark called Cuba 
 Bast, formerly only used for tying around bun- 
 dles of Havana cigars, but now extensively used 
 by nurserymen and gardeners for tying up trees 
 and plants, more particularly in budding. It is 
 not so valuable, however, for this purpose as the 
 more recently introduced tying material known 
 aa Raffia. See Raphia. 
 
 Parkinsonia. Named in honor of John Parkinson, 
 author of " Theatrum Botanicum," published in 
 1629. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 FabacecR. 
 
 An ornamental spiny shrub, common to Low- 
 er California and Mexico. It is grown in the 
 West Indies for a hedge plant, and called Jeru- 
 salem Thorn. 
 
 Parnassia. Grass of Parnassus. Named after 
 Mount Parnassus, where they were fabulously 
 said to have first sprung. Linn. Pentandria-Te- 
 tragynia. Nat. Ord. Saxifragacea?. 
 
 A genus of swampy, herbaceous perennials. 
 Several of the species are common throughout 
 the United States in marshy places. P. palus- 
 tris, Grass of Parnassus, is the most beautiful of 
 the species. It bears from the root several 
 bright green, smooth, roundish leaves, heart- 
 shaped at the base, among which rises to the 
 height of about a foot a simple angular stem, 
 terminating with a single large flower of a 
 creamy white color delicately veined with green. 
 This species is common on the shores of Lake 
 Superior and northward, having been natural- 
 ized from Europe. 
 
 Parsley. Apium petroselinum. This well-known 
 seasoning herb is a hardy biennial, a native of 
 Sardinia, whence it was introduced into En- 
 gland in 1548. Its uses for culinary purposes, 
 such as sauces, soups, and in garnishing various 
 dishes, is becoming very general, and several 
 varieties of it are offered by seedsmen. Among 
 the ancient Greeks and Romans, Parsley always 
 formed a part of their festive garlands, on ac- 
 count of retaining its color so long; and Pliny 
 states that, in his time, there was not a salad or 
 sauce presented at the table without it. The 
 ancients supposed it absorbed the inebriating 
 fumes of wine, and by that means prevented 
 intoxication. Of the several varieties, the double 
 curled-leaved is preferred for use, as being more 
 ornamental than the common sort, of which it 
 is nothing more than a variety, obtained and 
 continued by careful selection. We have our- 
 selves gathered, for botanical specimens, plants 
 of Parsley from the ruined walls of Craigmuller 
 and Crichton Castles, near Edinburgh, evidently 
 the original species, as the leaves were perfectly 
 plain, having no trace of the curl that makes it 
 now BO attractive for garnishing, showing that 
 the warrior lords of these ancient battlements 
 had not troubled themselves to make any ad- 
 vance in the ornamental qualities of this vege- 
 table. Parsley is now grov/n in immense quan-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PAR 
 
 tities for spring and winter use, usually in cold 
 frames, where it is sown in February or March, 
 at the time the Lettuce is planted It is sown 
 between the rows of Lettuce, which IB planted 
 six inches apart. As the seed is slow to germin- 
 ate and crows slowly at that season of the year, 
 the Lettuce crop is cut off before the Parsley gets 
 large enough to be injured. It develops so as 
 to cover the ground usually about June 1st, and 
 is then cut off and marketed. It soon starts to 
 grow but is usually of little value until the late 
 fall months. To get a late fall crop, it is cut off 
 and thrown away by about September 15th, 
 which gives a full and heavy crop of leaves by 
 November. It is then covered with sashes, which 
 are raised up for ventilation in mild weather ; 
 and thus retarded, a full crop is easily obtained 
 for the holidays, when it is in its greatest de- 
 mand. Another plan is to sow Parsley in shal- 
 low boxes, say four inches deep, made of such 
 width and length as will fit in under the front 
 bench of the green-house stage ; far enough 
 under to get a fair proportion of light, say from 
 fifteen to twenty inches. In this position it will 
 grow finely, and, with a liberal use of liquid 
 manure, can be cut four or five times during the 
 winter in any green-house averaging 65. For 
 this purpose the seed can be sown in the boxes 
 as late ao August. 
 
 Parsnip. I'as'inaca sativa. The common garden 
 Parsnip is a hardy biennial, a native of Great 
 Britain and the south of Europe. It has also 
 become naturalized to a considerable extent in 
 the United States. The leaves of the wild kind 
 are hairy and dark green; in the cultivated Pars- 
 nip, smooth, and of a light, yellowish green. 
 The Parsnip has long been cultivated as an es- 
 culent root. According to Pliny, they were held 
 in such repute by the Emperor Tiberius that he 
 had them annually brought to Rome from the 
 banks of the Rhine, where they were then suc- 
 cessfully cultivated. A deep, rich, loamy soil, 
 free from stones, is requisite for the favorable 
 growth of the Parsnip; but when grown upon 
 poor land, it loses much of the rank flavor which 
 it acquires if cultivated in rich soils; and though 
 not nearly so abundant, is far more sweet and 
 agreeable. Parsnip seed is almost useless at two 
 years old, and fresh seed is even slow of germi- 
 nation, and is one of the seeds which should al- 
 ways be trodden in with the feet or firmly 
 rolled after sowing. Sow in drills three inches 
 deep and twelve inches apart. In England the 
 roots are used to make a domestic wine. 
 
 Partridge Berry. See Oaultkeria and Mitchella. 
 
 Partridge Pea. See Cassi't. 
 
 Pasque Flower. See Anemone rmlsalUla. 
 
 Passiflora. Passion Flower. From passio, suffer- 
 ing, and /ox, a flower; referring to the filaments, 
 or rays, and other parts, being likened to the 
 circumstances of Christ's crucifixion. Linn. 
 MorvHlelpkia-Pentandria. Nat. Ord. Passiflor- 
 acetK. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy, half-hardy, and 
 green-house climbers, mostly natives of tropical 
 America, a few only being indigenous to Asia. 
 The name was applied from the ^resemblance af- 
 forded by the parts of the plant to the instru- 
 ments of our Lord's Passion and its attendant 
 circumstances: thus the three nails two for the 
 hands and one for the feet are represented by 
 the stigmas; the five anthers indicate the five 
 wounds; the rays of glory, or, as some say, the 
 crown of thorns, are represented by the rays of 
 the " corona;" the ten parts of the perianth rep- 
 
 PAU 
 
 resent the Apostles, two of them absent, (Peter, 
 who denied, and Judas, who betrayed our Lord;) 
 and the wicked hands of His persecutors are 
 seen in the digitate leaves of the plant, and the 
 scourges in the tendrils. Had this genus been 
 named by modern scientists, it is probable their 
 imagination would have taken a somewhat dif- 
 ferent direction. All the Passion Flowers are 
 handsome, fast-growing, and free-flowering 
 
 Elants. P. incarnata is regarded as hardy in this 
 ititude, at least it is with but slight protection, 
 notwithstanding it is a South American species. 
 For green-house ornaments none are superior, 
 if equal, to P. racemosa, which is a native of 
 Martinique. Several of the species produce 
 edible fruits, some of them nearly as large as a 
 Nutmeg-melon, and are greatly esteemed in their 
 native countries. It is rather a rare thing for 
 them to ripen fruit in the green-house. All the 
 species are rapidly increased by cuttings of the 
 roots or young shoots, except P. princeps, which 
 roots feebly from cuttings, and does better 
 grafted on any of the free-rooting sorts. 
 
 Pastinaca. Parsnip. From pastinum, a dibble; 
 referring to the shape of the root. Linn. Pentan- 
 dria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Aplacea;. 
 
 See Parsnip, the only cultivated species. 
 
 Patersonia. Named after Cd. William Paterson, an 
 excellent botanist. Linn. Monadelphia-Triandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 A small genus of green- house herbaceous per- 
 ennials from New Holland, with purple, Iris- 
 like flowers, very showy, but of so short duration 
 that the plant is not worth cultivating. 
 
 Paullinia. Named after S. Paulli, a Danish botan- 
 ist. Linn. Octandria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. tiapin- 
 dacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of South American ever- 
 green climbers, not particularly interesting for 
 its flowers, but for the seeds of some of the spe- 
 cies. The seeds of P. sorbilis is the Guarana of 
 Brazil, of which the " Treasury of Botany " says: 
 "The Gnarana is extensively used in Brazil, 
 Gautemflfc Costa Rica, and other parts of South 
 America,' as a nervous stimulant and restorative. 
 The pounded seeds constitute Guarana. It is 
 used both as a remedy for various diseases, and 
 also as a material for making a most refreshing 
 beverage. Not only is the active principle of 
 Guarana identical with Theine, but, as far as is 
 known, no other substance yields it so abundant- 
 ly, the amount being 5.07 per cent., as against 
 good Black Tea, which yields 2.13, and Coffee 
 from .08 to 1.00. The mode of using the Gua- 
 rana is curious and interesting. It is carried in 
 the pocket of almost every traveler, and with 
 it the palate-bone or scale of a large fish, the 
 rough surfaces of which form a rasp, upon which 
 the Guarana is grated ; and a few of the grains 
 of the powder so formed are added to water, and 
 drank as a substitute for Tea. The effect is 
 very agreeable." 
 
 Paulownia. Named after the hereditary princess 
 of the Netherlands, daughter of the Emperor of 
 Russia. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. 
 Scrnphulariacea:. 
 
 P. imperiaUs comprises this genus. It is a 
 splendid hardy tree, both for foliage and flow- 
 ers. In habit and general appearance it resem- 
 bles the Catalpa, though less hardy. The young 
 shoots are liable to be killed by frost in this lat- 
 itude, but if protected for one winter, they 
 will not require further attention, and its rapid 
 growth after v/ill well repay for that little trou- 
 ble with a beautiful flowering shade tree. The
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 161 
 
 PAY 
 
 flowers are blue when first expanded, gradually, 
 turning to bluish lilac, about two inches in 
 length, and produced in terminal panicles.' 
 They resemble the Gloxinia. The young plants 
 are produced from root cuttings. It is a native 
 of Japan. The branches become very brittle 
 with age, and are easily broken by strong winds; 
 and this has been a great objection to its use as 
 an ornamental tree for the lawn, for which it is 
 otherwise admirably suited. Introduced in 1840. 
 Pavetta. The name of one of the species in Mal- 
 abar. Linn. Tdrandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 CinclioiuicecK . 
 
 A small genus of green-house, white-flowered 
 evergreens, allied to the Ixora, and requiring 
 the same treatment. P. lorhonica, a handsome, 
 species, is the one chiefly grown in our green- 
 houses. 
 
 Pavonia. Named after Josef Pavon, M.D., a 
 Spanish botanist. Linn. Monadelphia-Pdyandria. 
 Nat. Ord.Malvacece. 
 
 A small genus of low-growing shrubs and 
 herbaceous perennials, natives of South Amer- 
 ica. They are allied to the Mallow, and have 
 showy scarlet flowers. But one or two of the 
 species are considered worth cultivating. 
 Pea. Pisum sativum. The varieties of the com- 
 mon Pea are numerous, and differ widely, some 
 not growing more than one foot high, others 
 growing ten to twelve. The difference in the 
 seed contrasts as strangely, some being small, 
 hard, and nearly tasteless, while others ars 
 large, rich, and luscious. The history of the 
 Pea, like many of our most familiar garden veg- 
 etables, and even its native country, are involved 
 in obscurity. It is generally supposed to be a 
 native of the south of Europe, and to have been 
 introduced into English gardens at a very early 
 period. It is recorded in English history, that 
 when the English forces were besieging a cas- 
 tle in Lothian, in the year 1299, their supply of 
 provisions was exhausted, and their only re- 
 source was in the Pease and Beans of the sur- 
 rounding fields. This circumstance would war- 
 rant the belief that the Pea was one of the sta- 
 ple articles of produce for human food. The 
 more delicate kinds, however, do not appear to 
 have been cultivated until a much later period. 
 Mention is made of Pease being brought from 
 Holland in the time of Queen Elizabeth, that 
 were "fit dainties for ladies, they came so far 
 and cost so dear." In the reign of Henry VIH., 
 too, the Pea appears to have been somewhat of a 
 rarity, as in the privy purse expenses of that 
 king is an entry: "Paied to a man in rewarde 
 for bringing pcscodds to the king's grace, iiij.s. 
 viiid" The varieties and sub- varieties of this 
 vegetable are almost innumerable, and are 
 being constantly brought forward. That there 
 has been a steady improvement in the quality 
 of the Pea, every one that has given its cultiva- 
 tion the least attention must admit. That we 
 are indebted to the English gardeners and ama- 
 teurs for these improvements, must also be ad- 
 mitted. Our own seedsmen are beginning to 
 realize the fact, that it is discreditable to them- 
 selves and" their country to be outdone, even in 
 Pease, and have exhibited some new varieties of 
 superior merit. Pease for seeds are now grown 
 largely in New York State and Canada. Pre- 
 viously they were nearly all imported. 
 Peach. 1'trsica vulyaris. Persia is credited with 
 being the native country of the Peach, and to 
 have disseminated it largely. Columella says 
 the Peach, when first brought into the Roman , 
 
 PEA 
 
 empire from Persia, was poisonous, an opinion 
 that has been questioned by other writers. It 
 .vas early introduced into Greece, but at what 
 period is uncertain. The Romans brought it 
 direct from Persia during the reign of the Em- 
 peror Claudius. It was first mentioned by Col- 
 umella, and afterward described by Pliny. 
 From the best information we can obtain, the 
 natural fruit, or wild Peach, was much inferior 
 to the first introduced into the United States in 
 1G80. When, where,. or by whom improvements 
 were made, is not even a matter of conjecture. 
 What is positively known of the Peach at the 
 present day is, that the United States and China 
 produce the finest in the world. English gar- 
 deners, on corning to the United States, are at a 
 loss to understand, that while in latitudes here 
 where the thermometer falls 15 below zero, or- 
 prchards of Peach trees stand unprotected 
 in the open field, in England, where the ther- 
 mometer rarely reaches zero, the Peach must 
 have the protection of a brick wall, or it fails to 
 prove hardy. The reason is, that our hotter, 
 drier summer and fall months better ripen the 
 young shoots than the colder and moister 
 climate of Britain. 
 
 Peacock Iris. See Vieuss&una. In the catalogues 
 it is commonly called Iris pavonia, which is a 
 synonym 
 
 Peanut. See Arachis. 
 
 Pearl Millet. Penicillaria spicata. This fodder 
 plant has been largely grown during the past 
 few years, and promises to be most valuable for 
 that purpose, particularly in the Southern 
 States. It is a tender plant ; that is, being of 
 tropical origin, it will not grow until the soil 
 and atmosphere are in the condition to grow 
 Corn, Tomatoes, Melons, or such plants as re- 
 quire a high temperature for growth. Like all 
 plants grown for fodder, the richer the soil the 
 greater the product. We quote from our pub- 
 lished article on the subject in the "Ameri- 
 can Agriculturist, " November, 1878, the locality 
 of the experiment being on our grounds in Jer- 
 sey City, N. J.: "Pearl Millet has been culti- 
 vated for some years as a forage plant in some 
 of the Southern States, as 'African Cane,' 
 'Egyptian Millet,' Japan Millet,' and in some 
 places as 'Horse Millet,' and 'Cat-tail Millet.' 
 But little was known of it at the North before 
 last year, and then only in such small quanti- 
 ties as to hardly allow of a fair trial. From what 
 we saw of it in 1877, we determined to give it a 
 thorough trial this season. A piece of good, 
 strong, loamy ground was prepared as if for a 
 Beet or Turnip crop, by manuring with stable 
 manure at the rate of ten tons to the acre, plow- 
 ing ten inches deep, and thoroughly harrowing. 
 The Millet was then sown in drills eighteen 
 inches apart, at the rate of eight quarts to the 
 acre. We sowed on the 15th of May, about the 
 date we sow corn, and in twelve days the plants 
 were up so that a cultivator could be run be- 
 tween the rows, after which no further culture 
 was necessary, for the growth became so rapid 
 and luxuriant as to crowd down every weed that 
 attempted to get a foothold. The first cutting 
 was made July 1st, forty-five days after sawing. 
 It was then seven feet high, covering the whole 
 ground, and the crop, cut three inches above 
 the ground, weighed, green, at the rate of thirty 
 tons per acre; this, when dried, gave six and a 
 half tons per acre, as hay. After cutting, a sec- 
 ond growth started, and was cut August 15th, 
 forty-five days from the time of the first cutting.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PEA 
 
 Its height was nine feet. It weighed this time 
 at the rate of fifty-five tons to the acre, green, 
 and eight tons dried. The third crop started as 
 rapidly as the second, but the cool September 
 nights lessened its tropical luxuriance, so that 
 this crop, which was cut on October 1st, only 
 weighed ten tons green, and one and a half tons 
 dried. The growth was simply enormous, thus: 
 First crop in forty-five days gave thirty tons 
 green, or six and a half tons dry; second crop in 
 forty-five days, gave fifty-five tons green, or eight 
 tons dry ; third crop in forty-five days, gave ten 
 tons green, or one and a half tons dry; the ag- 
 gregate weight being ninety-five tons of green 
 fodder in one hundred and thirty-five days 
 from the date of sowing, and sixteen tons when 
 dried to hay. This exceeds the Clover meadows 
 of Mid-Lothian, which, when irrigated by the 
 sewage from the City of Edinburgh, and cut 
 every four weeks, gave an aggregate of seventy- 
 five tons of green Clover per acre. There is lit- 
 tle doubt that Pearl Millet is equally as nutri- 
 tious as Corn fodder, which it resembles even 
 more than it does any of the other Millets. We 
 found that all our horses and cattle ate it greed- 
 ily, whether green or dry. If sowing in drills 
 is not practicable, it may be sown broadcast, 
 using double the quantity of seed, say sixteen 
 quarts per acre. The ground should be 
 smoothed by the harrow, and again lightly har- 
 rowed after sowing: if rolled after harrowing, 
 all the better. I know of no farm crop that will 
 better repay high manuring, but so great is its 
 luxuriance, that it will produce a better crop 
 without manure than any other plant I know of. 
 In those parts of the Southern States where hay 
 cannot be raised, this is a substitute of the easi- 
 est culture; and being of tropical origin, it will 
 luxuriate in their long hot summers. Even 
 though our Northern seasons may be too short 
 to mature the seeds, our experiments in New 
 Jersey this summer show what abundant crops 
 may be expected if similar conditions are 
 secured. Pearl Millet as a fodder plant presents 
 a new feature in our agriculture, and I feel sure 
 that within ten years we shall wonder how we 
 ever got on without it. As we have had many in- 
 quiries as to the best manner of drying Pearl 
 Millet for ' Hay, ' we would state that our crop 
 was sown in a solid block, so that when cut it 
 had to be removed from the land where it grew, 
 and tied in sheaves, and hung up on an extem- 
 porized rail fence. This plan, of course, would 
 not answer when grown on a large scale, as the 
 crop is so enormous that such an expedient for 
 drying would be too expensive both for labor 
 and rails, and as it is too heavy and succulent 
 to be dried, like Timothy and Clover, on the 
 ground where it is cut, it must be removed, for 
 to attempt- to dry it where it grows would de- 
 stroy the second crop. Circumstances, of course, 
 must in a great measure be the guide, but we 
 would suggest that, when grown for the pur- 
 pose of being dried, it be sown in beds, say 
 twelve feet wide, with alleys six feet between, 
 where it may be dried ; this, of course, would be 
 a loss of one-third of the land for the first crop, 
 but it would be little or no loss of crop in the 
 second, for the Millet would spread so as to fill 
 up all the six feet of alley." 
 
 Pear. Pyrus communis. The Pear, like the Apple, 
 is indigenous to most parts of Europe. Histor- 
 ically speaking, it is not so ancient as the Apple. 
 At what period it became ameliorated, or re- 
 moved from its wild state, is unknown. In re- 
 
 PEL 
 
 gard to its hardiness and longevity, it is greatly 
 superior to the Apple or any other of our fruits. 
 There are trees existing, and in bearing condi- 
 tion, over three hundred years old. The Ro- 
 mans cultivated thirty-six varieties in the days 
 of Pliny, and Parkinson, in his Herbal, (1629,) 
 speaks of sixty -four sorts in the London nurser- 
 ies. The history of the cultivated Pear has 
 never been written. It was at an early period 
 common in Syria, Egypt, and Greece ; whence it 
 was imported into Italy, France, Germany, and 
 Great Britain. Pear culture in France has been 
 carried on to a most wonderful extent, thirty- 
 six hundred varieties having been offered from 
 one nursery. The Pear, though not indigenous 
 to the United States, grows here to the greatest 
 perfection, both as regards quality and quantity. 
 The leading horticulturists of the country hav- 
 ing made a specialty of its cultivation, aided by 
 congenial soil and climate, their efforts for the 
 production of perfect fruit have been happily 
 rewarded. The Seckel, the recognized standard 
 of perfection wherever the Pear is grown, is of 
 American origin, as are many other kinds of the 
 best quality. 
 
 Pecan-Nut. See Carya. 
 
 Pedicularis. From pedicidus, a louse; the sup- 
 posed effect on sheep eating it. Linn. JDidynamia- 
 Digynia. Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacece. 
 
 A genus of plants popularly known as Louse- 
 worts. P. syli-atica and P. palustris, indigenous 
 to Great Britain, were formerly supposed to pro- 
 duce in sheep eating them the disease which 
 gave name to the genus ; but there is no good 
 reason for such a belief. Some of the species are 
 beautiful little plants, with very regular, finely 
 cut leaves. They are propagated by seeds. 
 
 Pedilanthus. From pedUon, a slipper, and anthos, 
 a flower. Linn. Dodecandria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Euphorbiacece. 
 
 A small genus of curious plants, resembling 
 in habit and general appearance the Euphorbia, 
 to which genus they may be referred for culti- 
 vation. 
 
 Pelargonium. Stork's-bill. From pelargos, a 
 stork; referring to the beak-like formation of 
 the seed-pod. Linn. Monadelphia-Heptandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Geraniacea;. 
 
 A very extensive genus of green-house ever- 
 green shrubs, and a limited number of bien- 
 nials and annuals. They are mostly natives of 
 the Cape of Good Hope; a few occur in Austra- 
 lia, one in the Canary Islands, and one in Asia 
 Minor. The scarlet kinds are popularly called 
 Geraniums, though very different from the genus 
 of that name, when viewed in a botanical sense. 
 The greater number of kinds cultivated in the 
 green-house and garden are hybrids, which are 
 produced with great facility in this genus. The 
 great number of varieties already produced, em- 
 bracing a great range of form and color, is truly 
 astonishing, and every year adds to the number 
 new varieties in some respects superior to any 
 before introduced. The improvement in the fo- 
 liage even has been almost as marked as in the 
 flower. We have now a sufficient number of 
 varieties with ornamental foliage to constitute a 
 distinctive feature in the green-house, and which 
 are useful to the florist in making up his bou- 
 quets, baskets, and ornamental designs. All this 
 is due to the untiring zeal of the florist. We 
 cannot follow up the history of the introduction 
 of these choice hybrids, but must be content 
 with giving a brief account of the species to 
 which the various classes belong. All the spe-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 163 
 
 PEL 
 
 cies noted are natives of the Cape of Good Hope 
 unless otherwise mentioned. The Fancy or 
 Show Pelargoniums, that are strictly green- 
 house varietie^s, and unsuitable for the border 
 are descendants of P. yran/liflorum, introduced 
 in 1794. One of the hybrids was called "Lady 
 Washington, 1 ' which gave the whole class the 
 popular name, "Lady Washington Geraniums." 
 Some divisions of this class also have the dis- 
 tinctive appellation of French Pelargoniums 
 probably because they had their origin with th(' 
 French hybridists. As specimen plants, for green 
 house or conservatory decoration, these have de- 
 ci<4ed merit. There are few cultivated plants 
 that make a more beautiful display, when they 
 receive the care and attention they need. With 
 this adaptation their usefulness ends. P. inqui- 
 nans, Scarlet Pelargonium, is one of the parents 
 of that large and important class now known as 
 Bedding, Scarlet, or Zonal Geraniums, and for- 
 merly very generally called Fish and Horseshoe 
 Geraniums, and of which we now have an im- 
 mense variety of double and single, embracing 
 every shade of scarlet, crimson, rose, carmine, 
 violet, white, etc. This species has a splendid 
 habit, being dwarf and compact; the flowers are 
 intense scarlet, of good form and substance; it 
 has large reniform, indistinctly zoned leaves, 
 soft to the touch, and exhaling, when rubbed^ 
 an aromatic odor, which is unpleasant to most 
 persons. P. zonale, Zonal Geranium, or Horse- 
 shoe Geranium, so-called from a dark, discolored 
 zone on the surface of the leaf, is a smaller spe- 
 cies than the preceding, and has the leaves more 
 strongly marked. The petals of the flower are 
 narrower, and of a deep carmine color. A variety 
 of this, P. marginalum, is the well-known Silver- 
 leaved Geranium. All the " Tricolors," such as 
 Mrs. PoUock, Sunset, Golden Tricolor, etc., have 
 originated from the above few species. It must 
 not be supposed that all these beautiful colors, 
 both in foliage and flower, have been produced 
 hastily, or that they are in the true sense hy- 
 brids. Persistent cross fertilization of the many 
 varieties, that has been carried on for the last 
 thirty years, has given us the rare sorts enu- 
 merated in florists' catalogues. We think it 
 is not to be doubted, however, that some of the 
 "Tricolors" are simply "Sports." P. peltatwn 
 is the Ivy-leaved Geranium. Of this species 
 there are two varieties that were introduced in 
 1701, and from these have sprung several beau- 
 tiful sorts, which grow rapidly and flower free- 
 ly. From their graceful, trailing habit, they are 
 useful for window gardening and rustic work. 
 Many of the Ivy-leaved have handsome double 
 flowers. Of the species, besides those noted 
 above, we will briefly mention P. echinalum, in- 
 troduced into England in 1797, but mostly lost 
 sight of until recently, except in collections of 
 old plants. It is, indeed, an entirely distinct 
 species, and one of the best for general cultiva- 
 tion for cut flowers. The foliage is covered with 
 a white, silvery down ; the lower petals of the 
 flowers are pure white, and the upper ones 
 marked or blotched with dark purple or ma- 
 roon. In their habitat, several variations in 
 color appear, but are all of the same general 
 character. P. capitatum is the popular Rose 
 Geranium, which was introduced in 1690. P. 
 quercifolium is the larger Oak-leaved Geranium, 
 introduced in 1774. P. graueolens is the Lemon- 
 scented Geranium; P.'vitifolium is the Balm- 
 scented Geranium, receiving its specific name 
 from the resemblance of its leaves to those of 
 
 PEN 
 
 the Vine; P. fragrant is the Nutmeg-scented 
 Geranium, introduced in 1731; P. tomentosum is 
 the Pennyroyal Geranium; P. uniium is the 
 Citron-scented Geranium; P. odorata is the Ap- 
 ple-scented Geranium. Between some of the 
 above species hybrids have been produced, but 
 we cannot trace them with any degree of confi- 
 dence, and therefore make no mention of them 
 Pellitory of Spain. See Anlhemis. 
 Peltandra, From pelte, a buckler, and aner. a 
 man. Linn. Moncecia-Polyandriu. Nat. Ord. 
 AracecK. 
 
 P. Virginica, formerly called Arum Virginicum, 
 is a common aquatic plant, in shallow waters' 
 from New York southward. 
 
 Penicillaria. From penicillus, a pencil; in allu- 
 sion to the spikes. Linn. Triandria-Digynia. 
 Nat. Ord. GraminacecK. 
 
 A small genus of grasses, of which P. spicata 
 is the well-known Penrl Millet, which see. 
 Pennyroyal. See Mentha Putegium. 
 Pennyroyal Geranium. See Pelargonium. 
 Pentas. From pente, five; referring to the num- 
 ber of petals and stamens. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cinchonacete. 
 
 The only species known, P. carnea, is a very 
 handsome hot-house plant, with delicate flesh- 
 colored flowers, copiously produced in dense 
 corymbs or cymes. It is valuable not only for 
 the richness of its flowers, but also for the 
 lengthened period and ease with which they are 
 produced; and although it requires a hot-honse 
 to flower freely in winter, yet it may be kept in 
 a green-house, and will then bloom from April 
 till the following October. propagated by cut- 
 tings of young shoots in sandy soil in the hot- 
 bed or green-house in spring; the young plants 
 will bloom freely during the summer. Intro- 
 duced from South Africa in 1842. 
 Pentlandia. Named after J. B. Pentland, an 
 English consul-general in Peru. Linn. Hex/an- 
 dria- Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacece. 
 
 A small genus of very showy green-house bulb- 
 ous plants from Peru. P. miniata, the most 
 beautiful of the species, bears a solitary lancio- 
 lateleaf, appearing before the flowers, which are 
 borne on a solid scape supporting an umbel of 
 about half a dozen drooping vermilion-colored 
 flowers. They flower in early autumn, and 
 should rest during winter. They may be kept 
 in the same manner as the Amaryllis. Propa- 
 gated by offsets. Introduced in 1836. 
 Pentstemon. From j-ntr, five, and xtemon, a sta- 
 men ; there are four perfect stamens and one im- 
 perfect. .Linn. Diilynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. Scrophulariacta*. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy and half-hardy 
 herbaceous plants. Several of the species are 
 common from North Carolina to Florida. The 
 more showy species, those usually cultivated, 
 are natives of Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Rocky 
 Mountains, etc., and Mexico. Those introduced 
 into the garden are beautiful plants, growing 
 from one to three feet high, with white, pink, scar- 
 let, blue, or purple flowers, produced freely from 
 April until October. Most of them grow well in 
 a light loam. They should have as dry a situa- 
 tion as the garden affords, as they suffer more 
 from wet than cold during winter. Several of 
 the California species, of late introduction, are 
 very difficult to winter over in the border; being 
 found in a coarse, sandy soil, and their period 
 of rest being the dry season, they seem little in- 
 clined to adapt themselves to our climate. The 
 beauty and profusion of the flowers will, how-
 
 164 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PEP 
 
 ever, pay for the protection they may need 
 against the elements. Many of the species will 
 flower the first season from seed, if sown in the 
 green-house or an early hot-bed, and once trans- 
 planted before being transferred to the open 
 border. 
 
 Peperomia. From piper, pepper, and omoios, 
 similar. Linn. Dioeda-Triandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Piperacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of green-house evergreen 
 and herbaceous ornamental-leaved plants, 
 abundant in Central and South America, the 
 Sandwich Islands, Southern Africa, and the 
 East Indies. The majority are small creeping 
 plants with fleshy leaves, growing on trunks of 
 trees, or on damp rocks; others are more erect, 
 of a shrubby character, and are terrestrial in 
 their habits. Several of the species have been 
 introduced into the green-house for the sake of 
 their foliage; prominent among them is P. macu- 
 losa, a dwarf-growing species, with inconspicu- 
 ous flowers, but very beautiful foliage. This 
 species is readily increased by leaf cuttings, 
 treated in the same manner as Begonia Rex. It 
 is a native of St. Domingo. First introduced 
 in 1790. P. resedceftora, or Mignonette flowered, 
 recently introduced, bears small, spire-like 
 spikes of white flowers at the apex of pink stems, 
 the lower portions of which are furnished with 
 small velvety leaves. It is used for button-hole 
 bouquets, and is suitable for florists' work 
 generally. P. prostrata, introduced in 1880, has 
 small round leaves. Well-grown specimens 
 droop four to five feet, making a great acquisi- 
 tion to our basket or vase plants. 
 
 Pepper. See Piper. 
 
 Peppergrass. See Lepidium. 
 
 Pepperidge. See Nyssa. 
 
 Peppermint. Menlha piperita. 
 
 Pepper-root. See Dentaria. 
 
 Pepper, White, is Piper nigrum with the black 
 husks removed. 
 
 Pepperwort. See Lepidium. 
 
 Pereskia. Barbadoes Gooseberry. Named after 
 Nicholas F. Pieresk, a French patron of botany. 
 The generic name is sometimes written Pierescia. 
 Linn. Icosandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cactacecv. 
 This genus consists of about a dozen species, 
 and is allied to the Cactus. Some are tree-like 
 and have woody stems, but they are mostly 
 shrubs with fleshy stems, flat leaves, and round 
 branches armed with tufts of spines, and bear- 
 ing terminal solitary or clustered flowers, gene- 
 rally on short stalks. P. aculeata is indigenous 
 in the West Indies, where it is commonly known 
 as the Barbadoes Gooseberry or Gooseberry 
 Shrub. It grows about fifteen feet high, the 
 stem armed with bundles of straight spines, 
 and having trailing branches bearing oblong, 
 elliptical leaves and clusters of beautiful white 
 flowers, and yellow, eatable, and pleasant-tasted 
 fruit, which is used in making preserves, in the 
 same manner as the common garden Gooseberry 
 is used. This species is an excellent subject to 
 graft Epiphyllums, etc., on, and is much used 
 for that purpose. P. Bleo is called Bleo by the 
 natives of New Granada, where it is indigenous. 
 It is a shrub growing eight or ten feet high, with 
 rather soft, fleshy leaves, five or six inches long, 
 of an elliptical form, sharp pointed at the top, 
 and tapering to the base. It bears handsome 
 rose-colored flowers, with ten petals in two 
 series, the inner of which are the largest and 
 deepest colored. The leaves are eaten as a salad 
 in Panama. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 PER 
 
 Pergularia. From pergula, trellis-work ; referring 
 to its quick climbing growth. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Difjynia. Nat. Ord. Asdepiadacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house evergreen climb- 
 ers, allied to Stephanotis. Som'e of the species 
 are remarkable for their sweet-scented, greenish- 
 white flowers. They are natives of the East 
 Indies and Java, but are very little cultivated. 
 
 Perilla. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 Didynimia-Gymnofipermia,. Nat. Ord. Lamiacece. 
 A small genus of hardy annuals, natives of 
 China and the East Indies. P. Nankinensis has 
 deep purple leaves, and at one time was much 
 used as an ornamental border plant, but, from its 
 somewhat weedy appearance and wonderful pro- 
 ductiveness, it has been pretty generally dis- 
 carded. 
 
 Periploca. From periploke, an intertwining; re- 
 ferring to the habit of the plant. Linn. Pentan- 
 dria-Digynia. Nat Ord. Asdepiadacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy deciduous and green- 
 house evergreen twiners, inhabiting Southern 
 Europe, Asia, and Africa. P. Grceca is an orna- 
 mental species, and has long been known in the 
 garden. It is very common in the hedge-rows 
 of Southern Europe. It has purplish flowers, 
 arranged in axillary clusters. The juice of this 
 species is exceedingly poisonous, and is used in 
 the East for destroying wolves. Propagated by 
 layers or cuttings. 
 
 Peristeria. From peristera, a dove ; in allusion to 
 the dove-like appearance of the column. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Mmandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of splendid terrestrial Orchids. 
 The best known and most beautiful of the spe- 
 cies is P. elata, a native of Panama, where it is 
 known as El Spirito Santo, the Holy Ghost Plant. 
 The reason of this name is obvious on looking 
 at the flower; the central member exhibits a col- 
 umn, which, with its summit and the projecting 
 gland of the pollen masses, together with the 
 erect wings, bears a very striking resemblance to 
 the figure of a dove; hence the English name of 
 Dove Slower. It flower stem rises from the 
 base of the pseudo-bulbs, and attains a height 
 of from four to six feet, its upper portion, for 
 about one-third of the length, being covered 
 with nearly round, very sweet-scented flowers, 
 each about an inch and a half across, and of a 
 ereamy white, with small lilac specks on the base 
 of the lip. They should be grown in well- 
 drained pots of light, rich, fibrous loam, with a 
 liberal mixture of fine sand and broken char- 
 coal. They succeed well in an ordinary green- 
 house, but are impatient of much water, partic- 
 ularly when at rest. They flower during the 
 summer months, and remain in bloom several 
 weeks. Propagated by division. Introduced 
 in 1826. 
 
 Peristrophe. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Diandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Acanthacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house herbaceous 
 plants, natives of India, with small purple 
 flowers, produced in winter, and continuing in 
 full beauty for several weeks. P. angustifolia varie- 
 gata, of recent introduction, is an ornamental 
 plant, with foliage variegated with yellowish- 
 white and green. It is a very useful plant in 
 window gardening or rustic work. Propagated 
 readily by cuttings. 
 
 Periwinkle. See Vinca. 
 
 Pernettya. Named after Don Pernetti/, author of 
 " A Voyage to the Falkland Islands." Linn. De- 
 candria-Monoqiin'ui. Nat. Ord. Ericacecp.. 
 A genus of 'half-hardy evergreen, white-flow-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PL\M>. 
 
 165 
 
 PER 
 
 ering shrubs, natives of Mexico and Peru. They 
 are not sufficiently liarcly to endure our winters 
 without protection, and have not merits that en- 
 title them to a place in the green-house. 
 
 Persea. Alligator Pear. A name applied by i 
 Theophrastus to an Egyptian tree. Linn. Ennc- \ 
 ttn'lrin-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Lauraceae. 
 
 The Alligator Pear grows upon a tree about the ' 
 size of the Apple. It is a native of the West In- 
 dies. The tree has oblong, veiny leaves, and yel- 
 lowish-green flowers. The fruit, which is the size ' 
 of a large Pear, is considered by the natives one I 
 of the most delicious in the world, though ! 
 strangers do not at first relish it. They contain a 
 large quantity of firm pulp, possessing a buttery 
 or marrow-like taste, and are hence frequently 
 called Vegetable Marrow or Midshipman's But- 
 ter. It is usually eaten with spice, lime-juice, ; 
 or pepper and salt. The trees cannot be induced i 
 to grow, excepting in tropical or sub-tropical ! 
 countries. 
 
 Persica. The Peach. From Persia, its supposed i 
 native place. Linn. Icosandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Drupacea;. 
 
 To this genus belong the well-known fruits, 
 the Nectarine and the Peach, which see. 
 
 Persimmon. See Diospyros Virginiana. 
 
 Peruvian Bark. See Cinchona. 
 
 Peruvian Daffodil. See Ismene calathina. 
 
 Petrea. Linnteus dedicated this genus to Robert j 
 James, Lord Petre, a celebrated patron of bot- \ 
 any, who died in 1742. Linn. Didynamia-Angios- \ 
 permia. Nat. Ord. Verbenaceev. 
 
 A genus of twining shrubs or small trees, na- 
 tives of Mexico and South America. Some of 
 the species are very beautiful flowering climbers. : 
 The flowers arc large, of a deep violet color, and j 
 produced in graceful racemes. They are in- j 
 creased by cuttings in spring. Introduced in ! 
 
 Petunia. From Petun, Brazilian name for tobacco, 
 to which the Petunia is allied. Linn. Pentandria- ; 
 Jfonogynia. Nat. Ord. Solanacece. 
 
 A small genus of half-hardy herbaceous per- j 
 ennials, all natives of South America, and 
 mostly confined to Brazil. Though coming | 
 from a tropical country, where they are strictly j 
 perennial, they may be grown as hardy an- 
 nuals. In the whole range of what are called 
 "bedding plants," there is not an individual 
 that can be said to exceed in general usefulness 
 the Petunia. They are of the easiest culture, 
 seeding themselves when onco planted, growing 
 in any soil that will sustain plant life, and pro- 
 ducing the most showy flowers in the greatest i 
 profusion. Few, if any, plants have come so 
 rapidly into popular favor, or have been so 
 much improved by hybridization and cultiva- 
 tion. Only a few years ago they were compara- 
 tively unknown, and now there is not a garden, 
 either large or small, where they are not grown; 
 nor are they confined to the garden, as the win- 
 dows of the workshop and the humble tenement 
 so cheerily testify. P. nydaginifiora, the com- \ 
 mon White Petunia, was first introduced I 
 into England from Brazil in 1823. It was but j 
 little cultivated, and only in the green-houses I 
 as a perennial, until 1830. At this period, j 
 P. violacea, or P. Phoenicia, as it is some- 
 times called, was introduced from Buenos Ayres 
 by a Mr. Tweedie, a botanical collector, who 
 Kent seeds of it to the Botanic Garden at Glas- 
 gow. It was soon found that it would propa- 
 gate freely from seed, and in a short time it be- 
 ndely disseminated. It was figured and 
 
 PRE 
 
 sent out first as Salpiglosnis integrifolla. From 
 these two species all our garden varieties have 
 been produced. To Isaac Buchanan, of New 
 York, belongs the credit of having first hybrid- 
 izcd these species, the result being the magni- 
 ficent blotched and striped varieties now so ex- 
 tensively cultivated. His first effort was crowned 
 with the most complete success, the hybrids be- 
 ing as perfectly and distinctly marked as any 
 sinco produced. These were for a number of 
 years offered in seedsmen's catalogues as " Bu- 
 chanan's Hybrids." Many other splendid sorts 
 have been produced in this country, and among 
 them the "Fringed Petunia," from which the 
 Germans have succeeded in getting a double 
 variety, finely fringed. Many double varieties 
 are now sent out each season, claiming special 
 merit. They are well adapted for green-house 
 culture, but for massing or extended borders, 
 the best marked single varieties are far superior, 
 because they produce their flowers in greater 
 abundance. Where a mass of any particular 
 color is desired, it is better to striko cuttings of 
 the favorite kinds in the fall. For the mixed 
 border, the seeds may be sown where wanted 
 to grow ; or, if wanted to flower early, seed may 
 be sown in the green-house or in a hot-bed, and 
 transplanted into the border. If the soil is 
 rich, the plants should be set three feet apart 
 each way. A peculiarity of the blotched varie- 
 ties, particularly among the double ones, is that, 
 when propagated from cuttings for a few years, 
 the tendency is to run back to the d-irk color, 
 all white markings being obliterated. Plants 
 from cuttings will flower from June until after 
 they have had several degrees of frost. 
 
 Peyrousia. Named in honor of La Peyrouse, the 
 French navigator. Linn. Triandria-jfonoyynia. 
 Nat. Ord. IridacecK. 
 
 A small genus of showy flowering bulbs. 
 They are of blue, white, purple, or pink colors, 
 and in general habit resemble the Ixia, and re- 
 quire the same treatment. They are also known 
 as Lapeyrousia and Ovieditt. They are increased 
 by offsets. Introduced from the Cape of Good 
 Hope in 1825. 
 
 Phaca. From phcujo, to eat; a name adopted by 
 Dioscorides. Linn. Diade'phia-Decandriit. Nut. 
 Ord. Fabacea?. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials. 
 They are showy plants, suitable for the front of 
 shrubbery borders. Their flowers are of many 
 shades of white, yellow, rose, or purple. The 
 species are common throughout the States. They 
 are classed with Astrayahu. 
 
 Phacelia. From jAofcwM, a bundle; in reference 
 to the disposition of the flowers. Linn. /'/</<- 
 dri'i-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. HydrophyV 
 
 Very curious plants, which produce their 
 flowers in one-sided fascicles, which unroll 
 themselves slowly. i'he dowers are rather pret- 
 ty in themselves, but are half hidden by their 
 bracts and coarse-growing leaves. Some of 
 the species are perennials, and others biennial 
 or annual. The Californian species arc annuals 
 with blue flowers, but the South American kinds 
 are biennials or perennials with pink flowers. 
 
 Pheedranassa. From /./t i'nlrs, ^ay, and anassa, 
 queen. Linn. llejcandria-MonogynM. Nat. Ord. 
 AmarylUdaom, 
 
 A small genus of bulbs, natives of Peru and 
 Quito. They are found at an elevation of 9,000 
 feet above the sea, growing among tho rocks, 
 where there is not, seemingly, sufficient earth 
 to sustain vegetable life. They are handsome,
 
 HENDEESON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PHA 
 
 though not very showy plants. The flowers are 
 about two inches long, in the form of a slender 
 tube, of a light pea-green color, tipped with 
 pink. The bulbs require a long season of rest 
 after flowering, which is usually in winter. 
 They are easily grown in a cool green-house , 
 with the most ordinary care. They are increased 
 by offsets. Introduced in 1844. 
 
 Phaius. Fromphaios, shining; in allusion to the | 
 beauty of the original species. Linn. Gynan- 
 dria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 These are handsome, free-flowering Or- 
 chids, of easy management. They should be 
 potted in leaf mould, sphagnum moss, and 
 broken charcoal or potsherds. In winter, or 
 when at rest, they should be kept in a low tem- 
 perature, such as that of the green-house, and 
 while there should be nearly dry. In early 
 spring re-pot them, and place them in the hot- 
 house, where they soon grow and ultimately ; 
 flower. Plenty of pot room should be given to 
 all the species. P. WaUichii is one of the finest. I 
 P. albus may be propagated by cuttings of the ' 
 stems. The species are natives of China and the 
 East Indies, and were first introduced in 1778. | 
 The well-known Bletia TankervUlue is now placed j 
 here by botanists under the name of P. grandi- \ 
 folius. See Blelia. 
 
 Phaleenopsis. Indian Butterfly Plant. From 
 phalaina, a moth, and opsis, like ; in allusion to 
 the appearance of the flowers, which bear a 
 striking resemblance to that insect ; whence the : 
 common name Indian Butterfly Plant. Linn, j 
 Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord., Orchidacece. 
 
 One of the most magnificent of the order. 
 The flowers are borne from five to fifteen in j 
 number, on a half-pendent spike ; they are nearly I 
 circular in outline, about two inches and a half ' 
 in diameter, of a pure white, the central portion 
 being marked with delicate streaks of crimson ; j 
 the sepals and petals are thick and leathery, and, 
 as the name implies, a fancied resemblance may 
 be traced between the flowers of this plant and 
 a large white moth. In culture the species re- 
 quires a very high temperature ; it should be 
 grown in the hottest part of the hot-house, with 
 an abundant supply of moisture, especially in 
 the form of vapor, while in an active state ; but 
 at other times the quantity of each should bo 
 moderately reduced. In summer, when the 
 plant is growing, the thermometer should range 
 between 70 and 90, when it will grow rapidly, 
 and consequently flower in perfection. It may 
 be regarded as a very liberal bloomer. The ge- j 
 nus consists of several species, most of which 
 are of recent introduction. They are all natives 
 of the islands of the Indian Archipelago. First 
 introduced in 1836. 
 
 Phalaris. Canary Grass. From pJialaros, shin- 
 ing ; referring to the shining seeds. Linn. Tri- 
 andria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Graininacece. 
 
 A small genus of Grasses, mostly natives of 
 Central Asia. P. Caiiariensis produces the Cana- 
 ry Seed of commerce. Gardener's Garters is a I 
 beautiful variegated variety of this grass, known I 
 as P. arimdinacea picta, very common in English i 
 gardens, and has been long introduced here. I 
 Propagated by division. 
 
 Phalocailis. From phalos, a cone, and kallos, 
 beautiful ; beautifully cone-crested. Linn. Tri- 
 andria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacecx. 
 
 P. plumbea, the only known species, is a half- 
 hardy Mexican bulb, producing singular lead- 
 colored flowers, tinged with yellow in the center, 
 about three inches across, lasting only a few hours. 
 
 PHI 
 
 They expand before sunrise and close before 
 noon. This was formerly included in the genus 
 Cyphella, but separated by Dean Herbert. It re- 
 quires the same treatment and care as the. 27- 
 gridia. It is increased by offsets. Introduced 
 m 1837. 
 
 Pharbitis. One of the divisions of the genus 
 Ipomosa, which see. 
 
 Phaseolus. Kidney Bean. From phaselus, a lit- 
 tle boat ; fancied resemblance of the pods. Linn. 
 J)iMdelphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacea;. 
 
 This genus contains a few ornamental plants, 
 the remainder being agricultural or culinary 
 vegetables. Among the latter is the well-known 
 Kidney Bean. Of the former, P. Caracalla is 
 the most remarkable, on account of its singularly 
 twisted vexillum and keel, the appearance of 
 which has induced the popular name, Snail 
 Flower. It is a climber, and may be grown out 
 of doors in summer and in the green-house in 
 winter. It is propagated by cuttings and from 
 seed. The seed should be sown in spring in the 
 green-house, with a slight bottom heat, and af- 
 terward the plants may be placed in the borders 
 of the house where they are to bloom, or they 
 may be grown in pots. Its flowers are bluish 
 lilac. They are valued by florists for their 
 delicious fragrance and for their resemblance to 
 Orchids. There are several other ornamental 
 green-house kinds requiring the same treatment. 
 P. multiftorus is the common Scarlet Runner of 
 our gardens. It is a native of Mexico and South 
 America. There is a variety with white flowers. 
 P. vulgaris is our common Kidney Bean, the 
 origin of which is very uncertain. 
 
 Philadelphus. Syringa or Mock Orange. An 
 ancient name applied by Linnaaus for no obvious 
 reason. Linn.lcosandria-Monotjynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Phiiadelphacece. 
 
 A genus of native shrubs, common in shrub- 
 beries, the flowers of which smell like those of 
 the Orange, and the leaves taste like Cucumbers. 
 It is rather remarkable that one of the English 
 names of these plants is Syringa; which is the 
 botanical name of the Lilac, to which they have 
 not the slightest affinity. There are many spe- 
 cies, some of which have very large and hand- 
 some flowers, and some bear flowers without 
 any fragrance. They are all quite hardy, and 
 may be propagated by seeds, layers, cuttings, 
 or division. The species are common in the 
 mountains of Virginia and southward. 
 
 Philageria Veitchii. A recent hybrid between 
 Lapageria rosea and Philesia buxifolia, raised by 
 the Messrs. Veitch, of England. See Philesia. 
 
 Philesia. From philexios, lovely. Linn. Hexan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. SmilacecK. 
 
 P. buxifolia is the only species of this genus. 
 It is a dwarf shrub, native of the extreme south- 
 ern part of South America, being found from 
 Valdivia to the Straits of Magellan. It is an 
 evergreen with small leaves, and large, bell- 
 shaped, drooping flowers, of a beautiful bright 
 red color. It is allied to Lapageria rosea, from 
 the same region. Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, Eng., 
 have succeeded in raising a hybrid between the 
 two plants, which has been named Phllmjeria 
 Veitchii. It is proper to state that the plant is 
 inferior, in point of beauty, to either parent. 
 We do not know of its introduction into this 
 country. It would do well out of doors in the 
 Southern States, or in the green-house north. 
 
 Phillyrea. From phyllon, a leaf; literally, a leafy 
 plant, the flowers being inconspicuous. Linn. 
 Diandria-Monogytda. Nat. Ord. Oteaceai.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 \m 
 
 PHI 
 
 A genus of ornamental, com pact -growing, 
 hardy evergreen shrubs. The few known spe- 
 cies inhabit the shores of the Mediterranean. 
 The chief value of this shrub is its perfect har- 
 diness, and its adaptation for sea-side planting. 
 
 Philodendron. From phileo, to love, and dendron, 
 a tree; referring to the habit of the plants of 
 this genus to overrun trees in the South Ameri- 
 can forests. Linn. Moncecia-Triandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Aracece. 
 
 A singular genus of tropical plants, with 
 mostly scrambling stems, which attach them- 
 selves to the trunks of trees, whence the name 
 of the genus. They are all green-house ever- 
 green perennials, with large, irregular, singular 
 leaves, and showy flowers, some of which are 
 pure white, others white and bright rose. They 
 are natives of South America. Propagated by 
 cuttings of side shoots and from seeds. Intro- 
 duced in 1835. See Monstera. 
 
 Phlebodium. From phleps, a vein. Linn. Cryp- 
 toijamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 A genus of net-veined Ferns, separated from 
 Polypcdium. P.aureum, typical of the genus, is a 
 bold, glaucous-tinted Fern, with strong rhizomes, 
 which run upon the surface. It is a handsome 
 species, and will grow luxuriantly in a cool 
 green-house. It is increased by division or 
 from spores. The species have long been un- 
 der cultivation. 
 
 Phleum. Supposed to be the Greek name for 
 Typha. Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 GraminacecK. 
 
 A small genus of grasses. P. pratense is the 
 well-known Timothy, or Herds Grass, in New 
 England; it is also known as Cat's-tail Grass. 
 
 Phlogacanthus. From phlox, a flame, and akan- 
 thus, the type of this family; in allusion to the 
 long spike of yellow or flame-colored flowers. 
 Linn. Diandria-Monof/ynia. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
 thncece. 
 
 A genus of East Indian green-house evergreen 
 shrubs, allied to Justicia, and from which genus 
 a few species have been separated. They are all 
 ornamental winter-blooming plants, with bright 
 orange or yellow flowers. They are increased 
 in the same manner as the Justicia., and require 
 the same general treatment. 
 
 Phlomis. Jerusalem Sage. From phlogmos, a 
 
 flame; in reference to the down being used for 
 
 wicks. Linn. Didynamia-Gymnospermia. Nat. 
 
 Ord. LamiacecK. 
 
 A genus of herbaceous perennial and shrubby 
 
 Elants, with large, coarse-growing, glaucous 
 saves, greatly resembling those of the common 
 Sage, and yellow or purple flowers disposed in a 
 whorl round the joints. All the species are prop- 
 agated by layers or cuttings, or by root divi- 
 sion. They are mostly natives of Southern Eu- 
 rope. P. tuberosa is occasionally met in some 
 parts of the State of New York growing wild; it 
 is, however, an escape from our gardens. 
 Phlox. From phlox, aflame; in reference to the 
 brilliancy of the flowers. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Polemoniacece. 
 
 This extensive and interesting genus is exclu- 
 sively North American, and contains many of our 
 most valuable hardy herbaceous perennials, and 
 one invaluable hardy annual. What are com- 
 monly termed Perennial Phloxes are seedlings, 
 varieties from P.' paniculata, which is common 
 from Pennsylvania to Illinois and southward. 
 Of this species there are several varieties, all of 
 the same general character, producing immense 
 terminal clusters of white, pink, purple, and 
 
 PH(E 
 
 crimson flowers. From this species and from 
 P. miculata. a lower growing species, common 
 in the Middle and Western States, have origi- 
 nated the many rare and beautiful varieties that 
 are now attracting such universal attention. 
 The hybridizing of this class has chiefly been 
 done by European florists; a pleasant and 
 profitable work that should not have passed out 
 of our own hands, and would not out for the 
 too common error that plants, as well as all 
 other commodities, to be truly valuable, must 
 be stamped with a foreign seal. It is claimed 
 by some of the foreign horticulturists that the 
 finer hybrids are crosses between the annual 
 and perennial species, and the brilliant color so 
 characteristic of them gives some credence to the 
 assertion. Many of the species have long been 
 cultivated, and regarded as the most valuable 
 plants for the border. A few of the more valu- 
 able are worthy of special mention. P. subu'ata, 
 Moss Pink or Ground Pink. This is a beautiful 
 dwarf-growing species, rarely exceeding six 
 inches in height, and grows in dense tufts, pro- 
 ducing its pink, purple, or white flowers, which 
 usually have a dark center, in great profusion in 
 early spring. This species is very common from 
 New York to Michigan and southward. P. rep- 
 tans or stolonifera is another dwarf species, ofa 
 rambling habit, with neat foliage and numerous 
 clusters of bright crimson flowers. It is one of 
 our most showy early spring flowering plants, 
 blooming early in May. The flowers are nearly 
 as large as the late, tail-growing species. P. di- 
 varicata produces bluish-lilac flowers from April 
 to June, and grows about the same height as the 
 former species. This species is found in moist, 
 rocky woods in the Middle States, north and 
 west. P. pilosa grows about one foot high, and 
 produces its lovely pink flowers in May and June. 
 P. Di-ummondii, the only annual species, is a native 
 of Texas, where it was discovered in 1835 by 
 Mr. Drummond, a botanical collector sent out by 
 the Glasgow Botanical Society. The seeds of 
 this were sent home, and soon after the discov- 
 erer fell a victim to the fever in Cuba, and died. 
 For this reason Sir W. J. Hooker named the 
 plant Phlox Drummondii, that it might " serve as 
 a frequent memento of its unfortunate discover- 
 er." There can be no stronger proof of the 
 value and beauty of this species than the extent 
 to which it is grown. Each year new varieties 
 are added to the list, and, thus far, each year 
 shows a marked improvement over the past, 
 both in size and color of the flower, and in their 
 extraordinary markings and variations. The 
 varieties now include white, pink, rose, purple, 
 and scarlet colors, and a near approach to vel- 
 low. Some of the scarlets have pure white 
 eyes, and many of the others have the same dis- 
 
 tinctive marking. The only treatment required 
 for this species is to sow the seed in early 
 spring, where the plants are wanted to grow; 
 and for perfection of flower the plants should 
 be thinned out to one foot apart each way. 
 They may also be started in the green-house 
 or in a hot-bed, and pricked out in pots and 
 boxes, and earlier flowers thus secured. The 
 perennial species are increased by cuttings or 
 by division of roots in spring. They should in 
 no case be allowed to stand undivided more 
 than three years, and they produce larger and 
 finer flowers if separated every spring. 
 
 Phoenix Date Palm. The Greek name of the 
 Date. Ifan. DioBda-Triandria, Nat. Ord. Po/n- 
 acete.
 
 168 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PH(E 
 
 This genns, thongh not extensive, is one of 
 the most interesting of the order. The species 
 are chiefly confined to Northern Africa and 
 tropical Asia. Some of the species are dwarf- 
 growing, but they mostly attain the height of 
 from fifty to sixty feet. "The Date Palm. P. 
 dadylifera, is cultivated in immense quantities 
 all over the northern parts of Africa, and more 
 sparingly in Western Asia and Southern Eu- 
 rope; and in some of these countries its fruit, 
 though only known by us as a preserved fruit, 
 affords the principal food of a large proportion 
 of the inhabitants, and likewise of the various 
 domestic animals, dogs, horses, and camels be- 
 ing alike partial to it. The tree usually grows 
 about sixty or eighty feet high, and lives to a 
 great age, trees of from one to two hundred 
 years old continuing to produce their anmial 
 crop of Dates. The fruit, however, is not the 
 only valuable part of this widely dispersed tree; 
 for, as with the Cocoanut tree, nearly every part 
 is applied to some useful purpose. The huts of 
 the poorer classes are entirely constructed of its 
 leaves; the fiber surrounding the bases of their 
 stalks is used for making ropes and coarse cloth, 
 the stalks themselves for crates, baskets, brooms, 
 walking sticks, etc., and the wood for building 
 substantial houses ; the heart of the young 
 leaves is eaten as a vegetable; the sap affords an 
 intoxicating beverage, though to obtain it the 
 tree is destroyed ; and even the hard and appar- 
 ently useless pits or seeds are ground into food 
 for camels." This tree is very interesting to 
 botanists, because it was the first that drew 
 their attention to the sexes of plants. It is a 
 dioecious tree, that is, the male flowers are on one 
 plant and the female, or fruiting ones, on an- 
 other. The male flowers are considerably larger 
 than the female ; and the latter, instead of sta- 
 mens, have in the center the rudiments of the 
 Dates, about the size of small Pease. The two 
 distinct sexes of the Date tree appear to have 
 been known from the remotest antiquity, as 
 they are noticed by all the ancients who de- 
 scribe the tree. It is not a little remarkable 
 that there is a difference in the fructification of 
 the wild Date and the cultivated, though both 
 are precisely the same species. Wild Dates im- 
 pregnate themselves, but the cultivated ones do 
 not without the assistance of art. Theophrastus 
 and Pliny mention this fact; and in every plan- 
 tation of Dates one part of the labor of the cul- 
 tivator consists in collecting the flowers of the 
 male Date, climbing to the top of the female 
 with them, and dispersing the pollen on the 
 germs of the Dates. So essential is this opera- 
 tion, that though the male and female trees are 
 grown in the same plantation, the crop fails if 
 it be not performed. These trees do not suc- 
 ceed well where the mean temperature falls be- 
 low 80 ; hence, they require the warmest of our 
 hot-houses. Young plants may be grown from 
 the seeds taken from the Dates sold in the fruit 
 stores. 
 
 Phcenicophorum. Prom Phoenix, date, and 
 phoreo, to bear. Linn. Dicecia-Triandria. Nat. 
 Ord. PcdmacecK. 
 
 A genus of rare and beautiful Palms, natives 
 of the Seychelles Islands. P. Seychellarum, the 
 only representative of the genus, was formerly 
 called titevensonia grandiflara. It is a stemless 
 species, from whose base spring numerous 
 leaves with copper-colored stalks studded with 
 black spines. The blade of the leaf is wedge- 
 shaped, and of a bronzy hue. The young leaves 
 
 PHY 
 
 are of a rich cinnamon-brown color. This Palm 
 is beginning to be cultivated for decorative pur- 
 poses, and is one of the handsomest known 
 Palms. Young plants arc obtained from seed. 
 
 Phoenocoma. From phoinos, bloody, and kome, 
 hair; involucrum. Linn. Syngenesia-Supeiflua. 
 Nat. Ord. Asteraceaj. 
 
 P.prolifera, the only known species,was former- 
 ly called Hdichrysum proliferum, but formed into a 
 separate genus from some slight difference in 
 the central florets. It is a rather showy ever- 
 lasting, with crimson flower heads, a native of 
 the Cape of Good Hope. It is a green-house 
 shrub, and may be grown from cuttings or seeds. 
 Introduced in 1 1789. 
 
 Pholidota. Rattlesnake Orchid. From pholis, a 
 scale, and ous, (otos,) an ear; flowers arranged 
 like an ear of wheat, with scaly bracts, as the 
 tail of the rattlesnake. Linn. Gijnandria-Monan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. OrchidacecK. 
 
 A small genus of East Indian epiphytal Or- 
 chids, of easy culture, mainly requiring to be 
 grown on blocks or cork in a warm, moist 
 house. They must have frequent waterings 
 when growing. Flowers white, or white and 
 brown, produced in imbricated and two-ranked 
 drooping flower spikes. Propagated by divis- 
 ion. 
 
 Phoradendron. See Vlscum. 
 
 Ph,oriniurn. Flax Lily, or New Zealand Flax. 
 From phormos, a basket; use made of the plant 
 in its native country. Linn. Hexandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 P. tenax, the only known species, is a native of 
 New Zealand, where it is extensively used by 
 the natives instead of Flax. The plant is hand- 
 some. It has stiff, sword-shaped leaves, and 
 the flowers are orange colored, produced on 
 strong spikes, alternately branched, and grow- 
 ing from ten to fifteen feet above the leaves, 
 making it an exceedingly handsome and curious 
 plant for green-house culture. P. tenax, variega- 
 ta, more recently introduced, is a very beautiful 
 variegated leaved variety, which makes a magnifi- 
 cent plant for lawn decoration, or for the green- 
 house and conservatory. It requires a light 
 rich soil. Propagated by division. Introduced 
 in 1798. 
 
 Photinia. From photeiiws, shining; in reference 
 to the leaves. Linn. Icosandria-Dipsntagynia. 
 Nat. Ord. PomaeecK. 
 
 A very beautiful evergreen shrub or low tree, 
 formerly called Oratcsgus glabra, which is nearly 
 hardy, but thrives best when trained against a 
 wall in a sheltered situation. The plants are 
 propagated sometimes by cuttings of the ri- 
 pened wood, but more frequently by grafting or 
 inarching on some of the hardy kinds of Crata> 
 gus. The few species that constitute this genus 
 are natives of Northern India, China, and Ja- 
 pan, with one species from California. 
 
 Phragmites. Reed. From phraymos, a hedge; 
 forming hedges. Linn. I\riandria*Digynia, Nat. 
 Ord. OraminacecK. 
 
 P. communis, the only species, is a tall-grow- 
 ing, reed-like plant, common in the swamps and 
 marshes on the South Side of Long Island and 
 in New Jersey, and extending to Florida. The 
 plumes are gathered in great quantities in the 
 fall, and used with ornamental grasses for dried 
 bouquets and decorations. 
 
 Phycella. A diminutive of phykos, Red Alkanet; 
 alluding to the color of the flowers. Linn. Hex- 
 andria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. AmnryUldacecK. 
 A small genus of half-hardy bulbous plants
 
 HEXDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 169 
 
 PHY 
 
 from the mountain regions of Mexico and South 
 America. The several species have the same 
 general character, the flowers being red or scarlet, 
 marked with yellow, produced in early summer. 
 They should be planted as early in spring as 
 possible, in light, well-drained soil. After 
 flowering, and as soon as they show signs of rip- 
 ening, take up and store in the same manner as 
 Hyacinths. They may be increased by offsets. 
 Introduced in 1825. 
 
 Phylica. From phi/llikns, leafy ; in allusion to 
 the abundant evergreen foliage. Linn. Pentan- 
 dria-Monoqynia. Nat. Ord. Rhamnacea;. 
 
 Pretty little heath-like plants, natives of the 
 Cape of Good Hope, with narrow leaves, and 
 little terminal heads of fragrant white flowers, 
 which begin to appear in autumn, and continue 
 during winter and early spring. They are gen- 
 erally grown in a green-house, and require the 
 same treatment as the Cape Heaths. 
 
 Phyllanthus. From phi/lion, a leaf, and anthos, a 
 flower; the flowers are produced on the edges of 
 the leaves. Linn. Monoecia-Monaddphia. Xat. 
 Ord. Euphorbiacea;. 
 
 A large and very interesting genus of tropical 
 plants. The species include low, creeping an- 
 nuals, and moderate-sized trees. They are re- 
 markable for the neatness of their foliage and 
 general aspect. P. latifolius is frequently culti- 
 vated on account of the pretty and at the same 
 time singular appearance of its leafless, leaf-like 
 branches, covered over at the edges with multi- 
 tudes of pink flowers. It requires to be grown 
 in a warm green-house. 
 
 Ph.yllarth.ron. From phi/lion, a leaf, and arthros, 
 a joint; leaves supposed to be joined, or leaflet 
 articulated on leaf-stalk. Linn. Didynamia-Qyiii- 
 nospermia. Nat. Ord. Crescent iaceoe. 
 
 A small genus of shrubs or small trees, con- 
 fined to the islands of Eastern Africa. They 
 are remarkable for their peculiar jointed leaves. 
 The flowers are pink, and appear in terminal 
 and axillary racemes. They produce a fruit 
 much used in jellies. They require the same 
 treatment as the Bignonias, to which they are al- 
 lied. 
 
 Phyllocactus. From phyllpn, a leaf, and Cactus. 
 Linn. Icosandria-Mono<jyn>a. Nat. Ord. Cacta- 
 cece. 
 
 "Several species and varieties of this genus 
 of Cactacece are cultivated in hot-houses and 
 green-houses for the sake of their fine white or 
 crimson flowers, which are among the largest 
 and most showy of the order. Some confusion 
 exists in their nomenclature, owing to many of 
 the species having formerly been referred to the 
 genera Epipht/llum and Cereus. They are, how- 
 ever, distinguished from the latter by their cu- 
 rious, flat, broad, leaf-like branches; and from 
 the former by their flowers being produced from 
 the notches or indentures along the edges of the 
 branches instead of at the end, and having 
 small, sepal-like segments scattered wide apart 
 on the tube, and numerous long petals variously 
 expanded, so as to form a rose-like, or a funnel, 
 or salver-shaped corolla, with the stamens at- 
 tached to the orifice of the tube, the outer ones 
 being longer than the inner. The nine species 
 described by botanists are found in Mexico, 
 Central America, and Brazil. P. Ackermanni, a 
 native of Mexico, has flowers measuring as much 
 as seven inches across, and of a rich scarlet 
 color, like those of some varieties of Cer&is spe- 
 ciosissimns, with broad, very sharp-pointed, 
 slightly waved petals. Its stems are rounded at 
 
 PHY 
 
 the base, and bear little tufts of short brirtles, 
 and its flat branches are from two to two and a 
 half inches broad, and waved or deeply dented 
 along the margin. P. anguli,jer is a West Mexi- 
 can species, and is remarkable for having its 
 flat branches deeply and sharply lobed, so as to 
 resemble pinnately cut leaves, the lobes almost 
 forming right-angled triangles; its flowers, which 
 are large and fragrant, have brownish petals, 
 and pure white inner ones." P. spefiosti* has 
 beautiful rose-colored flowers. The species are 
 readily increased by cuttings, which should be 
 allowed to dry a day ortwo after being taken off. 
 
 Phylloteenium. Agenusof .draco*, established 
 on a New Grenadian species, formerly called 
 Xanthosma. It resembles the Cabtdiwn, but dif- 
 fers in its persistent leaves, acrid, milky juice, 
 and the absence of rudimentary organs. 
 
 Physalis. Ground Cherry, Strawberry Tomato. 
 From physa, a bladder; alluding to the calyx. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monotjynia. Nat. Ord. Solana- 
 
 This genus is composed principally of weeds. 
 One or two species have been introduced into 
 the green-house, with, however, but little inter- 
 est or profit. P. Alkelcensji is the Strawberry To- 
 mato, common in cultivated grounds and waste 
 places, having become naturalized from Europe. 
 Physianthus. From physo, a bladder, and an- 
 thos, a flower; alluding to the corolla being in- 
 flated at the base. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. 
 Nat. Ord. AsclepisidacecK. 
 
 A small genus of green-house climbing plants, 
 natives of Brazil and Buenos Ayres. P. aibens 
 bears immense quantities of pure white, fragrant 
 flowers, in axillary clusters, very much like a sin- 
 gle Tuberose, which are much used in the forma- 
 tion of bouquets during the summer months. 
 It is well adapted for covering trellises, or for any 
 situation where a climber is required, and suc- 
 ceeds best in the warmest situation. It has large 
 and handsome seed-vessels, which look like oval 
 gourds, and which, when opened, are found to 
 contain the seeds, enveloped in a quantity of 
 fine, silky substance, which looks like the co- 
 coons of si Ik -worms after the fine silk has been 
 spun off. They are rapid growers, sometimes 
 growing twenty feet in a summer. They re- 
 quire the protection of the green-house during 
 winter. A wonderful peculiarity of this plant 
 is its power to trap insects. For this reason 
 Professor George Thurber has well named it 
 " The Cruel Plant," and describes the trap con- 
 trivance thus: "The anthers are so placed that 
 their spreading cells form a series of notches in 
 a ring around the pistil. The insect, in putting 
 its proboscis down for the honey, must pass it 
 into one of these notches, and in attempting t<> 
 withdraw it, the end is sure to get caught in a 
 notch, boot-jack fashion, as it wore, and the 
 more the insect pulls, the more its trunk is 
 drawn towards the point of the notch." Thus 
 caught, the insect starves to death; hence the 
 well-deserved namo of "Cruel Plant." Prop- 
 agated by cuttings or by seeds. Introduced in 
 1830. 
 
 Physostegia. From physa, a bladder, and steye, 
 a covering; alluding to the calyx. Linn. Dithfr 
 Kiimi't-Gymnospermia. Nat. Ord. Lamiaeeee. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, na- 
 tives of North and South America. The several 
 species produce white, pink, purple, and red 
 flowers, in terminal, leafless clusters. They are 
 nearly allied to the Dracocephalum, and require 
 the same treatment.
 
 170 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PHY 
 
 Physurus. From physa, a bladder, and oura, a 
 tail. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of lovely little Orchids, both 
 epiphytal and terrestrial. They are natives of 
 South America. P. pictus is one of the most deli- 
 cately-beautiful objects which the researches of 
 modern botanists have furnished to our collec- 
 tions. Its leaves are a rich, tender green, retic- 
 ulated with numberless silvery-looking veins, 
 of the most exquisite markings, having the ap- 
 pearance of a net-work of silver on a ground of 
 bright green velvet. It requires the same treat- 
 ment as AnaictocMus, to which it is nearly al- 
 lied. 
 
 Phy telephas. Vegetable Ivory Nut. From phy- 
 ton, a plant, and elephas, ivory; buttons and toys 
 are made from the hard albumen of the nuts. 
 Linn. Polygamia-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Palmacea>. 
 P. inacrocarpa, the Ivory Plant of South Amer- 
 ica, is the representative of a curious genus 
 closely allied to the Palms, and having their 
 habit; but they differ from them in having an 
 indefinite number of stamens, and on that ac- 
 count are regarded by some botanists as the type 
 of a separate natural order, Phytelephantece. The 
 separation, however, has not yet been made. 
 There are two species, similar in all re- 
 spects, except in the size of the fruit, and 
 both inhabit the same locality. P. macrocar- 
 pa, the large-seeded species, is a native of 
 the northern parts of South America, and was 
 known to botanists long before the nuts had a 
 commercial value. It inhabits damp localities, 
 such as valleys and banks of rivers, and is found 
 not only on the coast region, as at Darien, but 
 also on mountains rising 3,000 feet above the 
 level of the sea. It is generally found in de- 
 tached groves, seldom intermixed with other 
 trees. The trunk is always pulled down, partly 
 by its own weight, and partly by its aerial roots, 
 which it possesses in common with the Panda- 
 nus, to which it is allied. It thus forms a 
 creeping stem, which is frequently twenty feet 
 long, but is seldom higher than six feet. The 
 top is crowned with from twelve to twenty leaves, 
 from twelve to eighteen feet long. The male 
 and female flowers are on separate trees, and 
 the trunk of the male plant is always more erect 
 and taller than that of the female. The flowers 
 are produced in axillary clusters, and emit a 
 powerful perfume. The fruit, a collection of six 
 or seven drupes, forms clusters, which are as 
 large as a man's head, at first erect, but ulti- 
 mately hanging down when the weight increases. 
 A plant bears at one time from six to eight of 
 these heads, each weighing, when ripe, about 
 twenty-five pounds. Each drupe contains from 
 six to nine seeds or nuts. The seed at first con- 
 tains a clear, insipid fluid, with which travelers 
 allay their thirst; afterward this liquor becomes 
 milky and sweet. When matured, it is almost as 
 hard as ivory. These nuts are gathered in large 
 quantities by the natives, and sold to traders, 
 who are allowed on shore only sufficiently long 
 to make their purchases, an d are compelled to 
 return to their vessels at night. 
 
 Phyteuma. Linnaeus adopted this name from 
 Dioscorides; meaning unknown. Linn. Pentan- 
 dria-Mbnogynia. Nat. Ord. Campanulacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
 plants, the majority of which are interesting 
 aids in the embellishment of rock-work or sim- 
 ilar places. They speedily extend themselves. 
 They are mostly natives of the temperate parts 
 
 PIL 
 
 of Europe and Asia, and have long been under 
 cultivation. Propagated by division. 
 
 Phytolacca. Poke Weed. From phyton, a plant, 
 and lacca, lac; the crimson color of the fruit. 
 Linn. Decandria-Decagynia. Nat. Ord. Phytolac- 
 cacecK. 
 
 P. decandria, our common Virginia Poke 
 Weed, is the type of the genus. At home it is a 
 rank weed. In Portugal it is said to be culti- 
 vated for the berries, the juice of which is used 
 to color Port wine. The root has medicinal 
 qualities. The young shoots in spring are of- 
 ten used by country people as a substitute for 
 Asparagus. 
 
 Piassaba or Piacaba Fiber. See Leopoldinia. 
 
 Pickerel Weed. Sae Pontederia. 
 
 Picotee. One of the florist's varieties of Dianthus 
 Caryophyllus. See Dianthus. 
 
 Pilea. From pileos, a cap; alluding to one divi- 
 sion of the perianth. Linn. Moncetia- Tetrandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Utricacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of annual or perennial 
 herbaceous plants, most of which may be de- 
 scribed as mere weeds. P. serpyllifolia is known 
 as the Artillery Plant. This species is a na- 
 tive of the West Indies, and is a useful, low- 
 growing, mossy-looking plant, remarkable for 
 the manner in which it discharges its pollen 
 grains. When the flowers are ready to expand, 
 the least moisture causes the calyx to expand, 
 and the pollen is thrown out with great force to 
 the distance of nearly a foot. By putting a 
 plant, when in flower, quickly in a vessel of 
 warm water, these discharges will be rapidly 
 kept up for some minutes, a perfect representa- 
 tion of miniature artillery, both in sound and 
 smoke. The plants are well adapted for bas- 
 kets, stands, or rockeries. P. muscosa, is now 
 extensively used for massing with Echeverias 
 and other plants used in "carpet bedding." 
 Propagated freely by cuttings. 
 
 Pilocereus. From pi!os, wool, and cereus ; allud- 
 ing to the long hairs upon the spine cushions. 
 Linn. Icosandria-Mbnoqynia. Nat. Ord. Cactacew. 
 The well-known Old Man Cactus, and a few 
 allied species, have been separated under this 
 name from the genus Cereus, but, as in other 
 genera of Cactacece, the distinguishing charac- 
 ters are scarcely of generic importance. All the 
 species are natives of Mexico and tropical Amer- 
 ica. P. senilis, the Old Man Cactus, the one met 
 in our green-houses, but by no means common, 
 is usually seen from one to two feet high, and 
 rarely three, but in Mexico, its native country, it 
 attains a height of from twenty to twenty-five 
 feet, with a diameter of nine or ten inches, and 
 its fluted character gives it somewhat the ap- 
 pearance of an architectural column. The stem 
 is divided into thirty or forty narrow furrows 
 with corresponding ridges, which are furnished 
 at very short distances with tufts of white spines, 
 surrounded by numerous long, flexible white 
 hairs, resembling the gray hairs of an old man's 
 head; hence has arisen not only the common 
 name of the plant, but also its scientific appel- 
 lation. When young the stems are fleshy and 
 succulent, but when they get old their tissue 
 becomes filled with an extraordinary quantity of 
 small sand-like grains, composed of oxalate of 
 lime, not less than from sixty to eighty per cent, 
 having been found in individual stems. This 
 genus requires the same culture as other Cacti, 
 and is increased in the same manner. 
 
 Pilogyns suayis. A very beautiful climbing 
 plant belonging to the Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacece.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 171 
 
 PIL 
 
 It is a rapid-growing plant, with small, glossy 
 green leaves, rendering it desirable for covering 
 verandas or trellises. It is also a splendid house 
 plant. The flowers are yellowish white, and 
 quite fragrant. This plant was introduced into 
 the United States about 1875, from Germany, 
 but its nativity is not known. There is no his- 
 tory of it in any English botanical work. It is 
 rapidly increased by cuttings or from seeds. 
 
 Pilumna. From pilos or pileos, a cap; shape of 
 the flowers. Linn. Crynandria-Monandria. Nat. 
 Ord. UrchidacecK. 
 
 A small genus of Peruvian epiphytal Orchids. 
 They have medium-sized flowers, of a white, or 
 greenish-white color, which are produced in 
 spikes of from three to five. They are remark- 
 able for their delicious fragrance. They suc- 
 ceed well in a cool house, and should be grown 
 in leaf mould and sphagnum moss. They are 
 increased by division. Introduced in 1843. 
 
 Pimelea. From pimele, fat; referring to the viscid 
 matter on the leaves of some species. Linn. Di- 
 andria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Thymelacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of green-house evergreen 
 shrubs, natives of Australia, Tasmania, and New 
 Zealand. They make handsome plants in Eng- 
 lish green-houses, and produce many terminal 
 clusters of white, rose, or yellow flowers of great 
 beauty, but our hot, dry summers are not con- 
 genial to them. Propagated by cuttings. In- 
 troduced in 1824. 
 
 Pimenta. Allspice Tree. From pimento, the 
 Spanish name. Linn. Icosandr'ia-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. MyrtacecK. 
 
 P. vulgaris, the only species, is an extremely 
 handsome tree, a native of South America and 
 the West Indies, especially of the island of Ja- 
 maica, whence the berries or Pimento of com- 
 merce are exported in large quantities. This 
 tree grows to the height of about thirty feet, 
 with a smooth brown trunk and shining green 
 leaves, resembling those of the Bay ; the branch- 
 es coming out on fill sides, the trees are clothed 
 in the most luxuriant foliage. The great profu- 
 sion of white flowers contrasts pleasingly with 
 the dark green leaves, the whole forming an ob- 
 ject of vegetable beauty rarely surpassed; while 
 the rich perfume which the flowers exhale ren- 
 ders an assemblage of these trees one of the most 
 delicious plantations of even a tropical clime. 
 The Pimento tree grows spontaneously in many 
 parts of Jamaica, but abounds more particularly 
 on the northern side of the island, in elevated 
 spots near the coast. When a new plantation is 
 to be formed, no regular planting or sowing 
 takes place. It is usual to appropriate a piece 
 of land either in the neighborhood of a planta- 
 tion already formed, or in a part of the wood- 
 lands where these trees are scattered in a native 
 state. The land is then cleared of all wood ex- I 
 cept these trees, which are left standing, and 
 the felled timber is allowed to remain, where it 
 falls to decay. In the course of a year young 
 Pimento plants are found springing up in all 
 parts of the land. At the end of two years the 
 land is thoroughly cleared, only those plants 
 being left that promise a vigorous growth; these 
 arrive at maturity in from five to seven years. 
 Plantations are thus formed with apparently lit- 
 tle trouble; this, however, can only be done in 
 those parts where the tree is of spontaneous 
 growth. This tree is purely a child of Nature, 
 and seems to mock all the labors of man in his 
 endeavors to extend or improve its growth: not 
 one attempt in fifty to propagate the young 
 
 PIN 
 
 plants or to raise them from the seed in parts 
 of the country where it is not found growing 
 spontaneously, having succeeded. The berries 
 have to be gathered very soon after the flowers 
 fade; if left to ripen on the tree they lose their 
 pungency, and become valueless. When picked 
 they are spread out thinly on floors, exposed to 
 the full heat of the sun, for about a week, or un- 
 til fit for exportation. 
 
 Pimpernel. See Anau^aUlt. 
 
 Pincenectitia. Lindiey says this is "a name un- 
 der which some plants allied to Cnrdi/line and 
 Dasylirion have been sent out by Belgian horti- 
 culturists. It is supposed to have arisen from 
 th. : blunders of ignorant gardeners, who mistook 
 the plant for a Freycinetln, but wrote the name 
 so badly that it was read as above." The species 
 are described as a genus of Liliaceae, under the 
 name of Beauc'irnea, which see. 
 
 Pine- Apple. See Ananassa. 
 
 Pine. See Finns. 
 
 Pinguicula. Butterwort. From pinguis, fat; re- 
 ferring to the greasiness of the leaves. Linn. 
 Diandria-Monngynia. Nat. Ord. Lentibulacece. 
 
 Curious and beautiful little plants very diffi- 
 cult to keep in an artificial state, although some 
 of them are indigenous. They are marsh 
 plants, and refuse to exist out of their native 
 position; but when seen in health, their beauti- 
 ful white, yellow, lilac, or violet-colored flowers 
 are the admiration of every beholder. The spe- 
 cies are common from New York to Florida. 
 
 Pink. See Dianlhns.. 
 
 Pink-root. See Spigelia. 
 
 Pinus. Pine Tree. From pinos, a Greek word 
 used by Theophrastus to designate a Pine tree; 
 and some authors derive it from the Celtic piw, 
 or pyn, a mountain or rock; alluding to the 
 habitat of the tree. Linn. Monwcia-Monadelphui. 
 Nat. Ord. Pinaceas. 
 
 This genus is very extensive, and contains 
 some of our most useful trees for economic pur- 
 poses, besides a number of species of an orna- 
 mental character. The genus is confined solely 
 to the northern hemisphere, and the more use- 
 ful and gigantic to the United States. Pimm 
 Australia is the Yellow or Pitch Pino of the South- 
 ern States. This species seems to be especially 
 assigned to dry, sandy soil, and it is found with- 
 out interruption from Virginiato Florida, cover- 
 ing a tract of more than six hundred miles long 
 from northeast to southwest, and more than one 
 hundred miles broad from the sea toward the 
 mountains of the Carolinas and Georgia. Tbe 
 average height of the trees is from sixty to 
 seventy feet, with a diameter of from fifteen to 
 eighteen inches. In Virginia, where this spe- 
 cies first makes its appearance, it does not grow 
 so large; but in Georgia and Florida it greatly 
 exceeds these dimensions. Besides the valuable 
 timber it affords, it also produces the pitch, tar, 
 turpentine, and rosin of commerce. The leaves 
 are about a foot long, of a beautiful brilliant 
 green, and produced in bunches at the extremity 
 of the branches. P. inops is the Jersey or 
 Scrub Pine, a species that grows from fifteen to 
 forty feet high, with a diameter of from six to 
 fifteen inches; its habit is straggling and rough. 
 Its only use is for fuel. P. initis. Yellow Pine, 
 is a fine tree, growing from fifty to sixty feet 
 high, furnishing a fine-grained, lasting timber, 
 which is especially used for flooring. Common 
 from New Jersey to Wisconsin and southward. 
 1'. iingens, Table Mountain Pine, is a large tree, 
 with skort, compact, pale green leaves, and re-
 
 172 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PIN 
 
 sembles the European Pines. Its cones are ; 
 borne in large clusters, and remain upon the i 
 trees for many years. It is valuable as a timber 
 tree. It is found upon the Blue Ridge in Vir- 
 ginia and southward. P. rigida is commonly I 
 known as Pitch Pine, and is common through- 
 out the Middle and Northern States, frequently 
 growing in swamps with the Red Cedar. It is 
 a species of medium growth, and of but little 
 value. P. resinosa, or Red Pine, commonly and 
 improperly called Norway Pine, is found in 
 most of the North ern States. It is a tall-growing, 
 erect, symmetrical tree, with light green leaves 
 and short cones. The wood is dark, compact, 
 and much esteemed for its durability. P. edulis, 
 the Edible Pine, or "Nut Pine "of California 
 and New Mexico, is an interesting species, 
 growing from fifty to sixty feet high, producing 
 great quantities of thin-shelled seeds, about the 
 size of Pease, very nutritious, and of a pleasant 
 flavor. P. monophyllus is another nut-bearing 
 Pine, discovered by Col. Ffemont in northern 
 California, where it is extensively diffused over 
 the mountains for a distance of about six hun- 
 dred miles. In some places it makes consider- 
 able growth, but is usually a small, slow-growing 
 tree, of but little value for its timber. P. tceda, 
 the Loblolly Pine of the Southern States, is a 
 tree that grows from eighty to a hundred feet | 
 high in the forests ; in open grounds its trunk | 
 is low and branches spreading. This species j 
 immediately takes possession of and completely 
 covers lands that are thrown out of cultivation. 
 P. Sabiniana, Sabine's Pine, is one of the noblest 
 California species, with a trunk a hundred and 
 forty feet high, and is remarkable for its large, 
 heavy cones,"the scales of which are produced 
 into long, recurved points. Its nut is large and 
 edible. This tree occurs on the western slopes 
 of the Sierra Nevada, and is one of the California 
 White Pines. Its foliage is thin and of a very 
 light green, which gives it a peculiar aspect, 
 different from all the other Pines of that coun- 
 try. Its timber is very tough, and highly es- 
 teemed. P. Lamberiiana is called Sugar Pine 
 from the sweetness of its resinous juice, which 
 exudes plentifully from this tree. This spe- 
 cies was discovered by the intrepid Douglas, 
 growing upon the most sterile, sandy plains, on 
 the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains in 
 California. He describes it as a tree of great 
 size, attaining a height of two hundred feet, j 
 and a circumference of about sixty feet. Its | 
 branches are pendulous, and form an open, 
 pyramidal head; the leaves are from four to five 
 inches long ; the cones pendulous from the ex- 
 tremities of the branches, and, when ripe, about 
 sixteen inches in length. The seeds are large, 
 sweet, and nutritious, and form an important 
 article of food to the Indians, who collect them. 
 The most valuable and useful of the many spe- 
 cies is P. strobiis, our common North American 
 White Pine. This is a handsome, slender tree, 
 growing from one to two hundred feet high, and 
 with a circumference of from three to twelve 
 feet. This treeis diffused, though not uniformly, 
 over a vast extent of country ; from Maine west- 
 ward to the Rocky Mountains, it is sectional. 
 For economical purposes, its value is greater 
 than all other timbers combined. There are 
 many species cultivated for their beauty as or- 
 namental trees for the lawn, and they are enti- 
 tled to more consideration than they have thus 
 far received. They thrive well in a sandy or light 
 loamy soil, and may be transplanted from the 
 
 PIS 
 
 nursery rows with perfect safety. Numerous 
 other species are given in nurserymen's cata- 
 logues, grown mainly for lawn decoration. 
 Pinxter Flower. A local name of Azalea nudi- 
 flora, common in the swamps of the Middle and 
 New England States. 
 
 Piper. Pepper. From pepto, to digest; referring 
 to the stimulating power. Linn. Diandria-Tri- 
 andria, Nat. Ord. Piperacece. 
 
 ' ' P. nigrum yields the Pepper of commerce, a 
 condiment that has been held in high esteem 
 from the earliest times. It is frequently men- 
 tioned by Roman writers of the Augustan age, 
 and it is related that in the fifth century Attila 
 demanded, among other things, three thousand 
 pounds of Pepper in ransom for the City of 
 Rome. Pepper is cultivated in the East and 
 West Indies, Sumatra, Java, etc., but that which 
 comes from Malabar is held in the highest es- 
 teem. The Pepper-vine will, if left to itself, 
 attain a height of twenty or more feet ; but in 
 cultivation it is found more convenient not to 
 allow it to exceed the height of twelve feet. The 
 plants are placed at the base of trees that have 
 rough or prickly barks, in order that they may 
 more readilaattach themselves to the trunk. In 
 three years they produce their spikes of fruit, 
 and continue to do so for some seven or eight 
 years, after which time they become less pro- 
 ductive. The fruit, when ripe, is of a red color. 
 It is gathered before it is fully ripe, and spread 
 on mats in the sun, when it loses its red color 
 and becomes black and shriveled, as when 
 offered in the market. This js Black Pepper. 
 White Pepper is the same fruit, freed from its 
 outer skin by maceration in water and subse- 
 quent rubbing. There are several species un- 
 der cultivation, but all of the same general 
 character. 
 
 Pipe Vine. See Aristolochia. 
 Pipsissewa. See Chimaphila. 
 Piscidia. Jamaica Dogwood. From piscis, a fish, 
 and ccedo, to kill ; the leaves, twigs, and bark are 
 used to stupefy fish. Linn. Monaddphia-Decan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen, white-flowered 
 trees, from the West Indies. All that is of in- 
 terest in this genus is included in the derivation 
 of the name. 
 
 Pistachio Nuts. See Pistacia. 
 Pistacia. Altered from Foustaq, its Arabic name. 
 Linn. JDicecia-Pentandria. Nat. Ord. Anacardia- 
 cece. 
 
 A genus of ornamental deciduous trees, in- 
 digenous to Asia Minor, and which are particu- 
 larly abundant in Syria. P. Lonticus yields the 
 Gum Mastic, and P. vera yields the eatable Pis- 
 tachio Nuts. The species are rarely cultivated, 
 except in botanical collections. 
 Pistia. Derivation of name obscure. Linn. Dicecia- 
 Monandrla. Nat. Ord. Pistiaceai. 
 
 Genus of tropical aquatics. P. stratiotes is very 
 common in the West Indies, where it is known 
 as Water Lettuce. It propagates itself with great 
 rapidity, and frequently completely covers trop- 
 ical ponds and water tanks with a coating of ver- 
 dure, keeping the water beneath fresh and cool. 
 Each plant sends out several runners, and tipon 
 the ends of these other similar plants are formed, 
 which, again, send out runners until, in a short 
 time, the surface of the water is covered. Its 
 flowers are very small, and borne in little spathes 
 at the base of the leaves. The plant is well 
 adapted for the aquarium. 
 Pisum. The Pea. From pis, the Celtic word for
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 173 
 
 TIT 
 
 pea, whence the Latin name, pisum. Linn. Dia- 
 delphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 For a description of this genus see Pea, its best 
 representative. 
 
 Pitcairnia. In honor of William Pitcairn, a phy- 
 sician of London. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Bromeliacea;. 
 
 A. handsome genus of green-house herbaceous 
 plants, remarkable for their long panicles of 
 bright red flowers, and for their long, narrow, 
 prickly, green leaves. They are natives of the 
 West Indies and South America. They will grow 
 freely in a rich sandy loam, but require partial 
 rest after having made their new growth previ- 
 ous to flowering. They are increased by divi- 
 sion or from seed. Introduced in 1820. 
 
 Pitch Pine. See Finns. 
 
 Pitcher Plant. See Nepenthes and Sarracenia. 
 
 Pittosporum. From pitto, to tar or pitch, and 
 sporus, seed; the seeds are covered with a resin- 
 ous pulp. Linn. Pentandna-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Pittosporacea;. 
 
 An extensive genus of half-hardy evergreen 
 shrubs, natives of China, Australia, the Canaries, 
 and the Cape of Good Hope. Most of the species 
 have terminal tufts of white, fragrant flowers, 
 and broadish, shining, dark green leaves, and 
 they are all very ornamental. They require the 
 protection of a cellar or cool house during the 
 winter. Propagated by cuttings. Introduced 
 in 1789. 
 
 Placea. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacea: . 
 P. ornata, the only species, is a delicate bulb 
 from Chili, producing on a slender scape, about 
 six inches high, .six flowers, which are snow 
 white on the outside, and striped with brilliant 
 vermilion lines within. It requires cool green- 
 house treatment. While flowering, and until it 
 shows symptoms of rest, it needs a warm and 
 humid atmosphere, after which it can be put 
 under a bench until January, when it should be 
 re-potted and moderately watered, and it will 
 flower in May. Propagated by offsets. Intro- 
 duced in 1840. 
 
 Plane Tree. See Platanus. 
 
 Plantago. From planta, the sole of the foot; re- 
 semblance in the leaves. Linn. Tetrandria-Mon- 
 ogynia. Nat. Ord. Plantaginacece. 
 
 The common Plantain of the door-yard, a 
 troublesome weed, naturalized from Europe. 
 
 Plantain. See Musa. 
 
 Plantain. See Plantago. 
 
 Plantia. Named by Dr. Herbert in honor of Mr. 
 Plant, a zealous and industrious experimental 
 cultivator and nurseryman at Cheadle, England, 
 who has raised some interesting hybrids among 
 this race of plants. Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Iridacecv. 
 
 P. flam, the only species, is a beautiful yellow 
 flowering bulb from the Cape of Good Hope. It 
 is a delicate growing plant, bearing numerous 
 pretty little flowers on a slender scape about one 
 foot high. It requires the same treatment as the 
 tender species of Iris. Propagated by offsets. 
 Introduced in 1842. 
 
 Platanthera. Native Orchids, now included in 
 the genus Ilabenaria, which see. 
 
 Platanus. Plane Tree, Button-wood, or Syca- 
 more. From platys, broad or ample ; in allusion 
 to the spreading branches and shady foliage. 
 Linn. MoncBcia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Platanacecc. 
 P. occidentalis is the well-known Button-wood 
 tree, and is common throughout the United 
 States east of the Rocky Mountains, P, racemosa, 
 
 PLA 
 
 a Californian species, is remarkable for its deep- 
 ly five-lobed leaves, the under surface of which, 
 even when they become old, is copiously clad 
 with woolly hairs. This species furnishes a 
 hard and durable timber, and is much less liable 
 to warp than that of P. occvlettt-jli.*. Some fine 
 specimens of this genus ore to be seen as street 
 trees in Washington, D. C. 
 
 Platycerium. Stag's Horn Fern. From platys, 
 broad, and keras, a horn ; referring to the form 
 of the fronds. Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat 
 Ord. Pdyvodiacea:. 
 
 A very distinct and remarkable genus of 
 Ferns, formerly grouped with Acrostichwn, but 
 now placed by themselves in a separate genus 
 under the name Platycerium, because they pro- 
 duce their sori in large amorphous patches, and 
 not, as in the true Acrostickea;, over the whole 
 fertile portions. The species are few in num- 
 ber, chiefly Eastern or Australian, and for the 
 most part tropical. "They have heteromor- 
 phous, coriaceous, laciniate, or lobate fronds, 
 clothed with stellate hairs, and the fertile fronds 
 are articulate. The broad fronds ore traversed 
 by several furcate ribs, between which there is 
 a close network of finer buried veins. The 
 ;e, shapeless masses of spore cases are at- 
 led to a plexus of crowded veins, and are 
 quite naked. In P. liforrne they occupy a sepa- 
 rate scutiforrn lobe, but in the other species 
 they arc variously situated near the margin." 
 P. alcicorne is the type of the genus, and was in- 
 troduced in 1808. It is best known under its 
 common name of Stag's Horn Fern, so called be- 
 cause of the striking resemblance of the fronds 
 to the horns of a stag. This is the species com- 
 monly seen in our green-houses. It is a native 
 of New South Wales, and was introduced in 
 1808. P. grande, a native of Moreton Bay, was 
 introduced into Europe in 1828, but is still quite 
 rare in the United States. It has broader and 
 larger fronds than P. alcicorne, and is a plant of 
 altogether grander proportions. To this species 
 has been given the name of Elk's Horn t'rrn. 
 Mr. F. W. Burbidge, a well-known botanist and 
 collector, in his recent book of travels in Borneo, 
 etc., ("The Gardens of the Sun,") thus speaks 
 of the Elk's Horn Fern: "I resided for some 
 time in a house which had been occupied by 
 Mr. Hugh Low, the garden and fruit orchard of 
 which afforded me most delightful walks morn- 
 ing and evening. I never saw the Elk's Horn 
 Fern (Platycerium grande) so luxuriant any- 
 where as it was on the boles of some large 
 Orange trees here. The barren fronds were 
 broad, like the horns of the giant Irish elk, and 
 the more slender fertile ones drooped on all 
 sides from the base of the nest formed by the 
 leafy expansions. I 'measured some of these fer- 
 tile fronds, and found them fully seven feet in 
 length. These splendid Ferns, and the choicest 
 of epiphytal Orchids, which had been planted 
 among the branches of the trees, made a walk 
 among them most enjoyable." This species is 
 still quite rare in the United States. Another 
 species, P. ^Elhwpicum, has been still more re- 
 cently introduced, and is to be found in few 
 collections as yet. The fronds of this species are 
 of still grander proportions than the preceding, 
 and has received the common name of Moose 
 Horn Fern. The above, with P. HfeUfeUi, ore 
 the best and most interesting of these grotesque 
 Ferns. All these species are worthy of a place 
 in any collection, however small. It is supposed 
 by many that they ore difficult to grow; but this
 
 174 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PLA 
 
 is not BO. There are very few plants that will 
 accommodate themselves to such varying con- 
 ditions of heat, moisture, and exposure, iney 
 are admirable room plants. They may be grown 
 in pots in a porous soil composed of leaf-mould, 
 sand and plenty of potsherds or pieces of char- 
 coal; or, better still, they may be grown on cork 
 or a piece of a tree log, two or three feet long 
 and about a foot in diameter. They are propa- 
 gated by division and by spores, the latter, 
 however, being an uncertain method of propa- 
 gation except by an expert. 
 
 Platvcodon From plati/s, broad, and kodon, a 
 3 the flowers are broad and bell-shaped. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Campan- 
 ulacece. . . .,, 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, with 
 large white flowers, natives of China and Dahu- 
 ria They grow readily in the garden, and are 
 increased from seeds or by division. In the 
 Northern States they should have a slight pro- 
 tection in winter. 
 
 Platylobium. Flat Pea. From platys, broad, and 
 lobos a pod; in reference to the broad legumes. | 
 Linn. Monadelphia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fdba- 
 
 A small genus of handsome evergreen shrubs 
 from Tasmania and New Holland. Like other 
 New Holland plants, these require alight sandy 
 soil, well drained. They should be carefully 
 watered, and have plenty of fresh air whenever 
 it can be admitted. A shelf near to the glass in 
 the most airy part of the green-house in winter, 
 and a shaded situation out of doors in summer, 
 will suit them. The slender branches of all the 
 species require some support, though they do 
 not look well when trained to a regular trellis. 
 It is, therefore, better to use slight sticks where 
 most wanted, allowing the points of the shoots 
 to hang in a graceful, pendent manner. The 
 prevailing color of the large pea-shaped flowers 
 is orange, and an occasional full red. The spe- 
 cies are rarely met in collections, though deserv- 
 ing of general cultivation. They are propa- 
 gated by cuttings or from seed. Introduced 
 about 1800. 
 
 Platyloma. From platys, broad, and lorna, a 
 fringe. Linn. Cryptogamia-FUices. Nat. Ord. 
 Pdypodiacece. 
 
 A small genus of tropical Ferns, some of 
 which are very beautiful. They require to be 
 grown in a shaded house, warm and moist. 
 Platyatemon. From platys, broad, and stemon, a 
 stamen. Linn. Pdyandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Papa.verac.ea;. 
 
 Very handsome yellow-flowering annuals, 
 quite hardy, of creeping habit, and free to 
 flower. The seed should be sown in March, on 
 a warm border, where the plants are required to 
 bloom. The two species that compose this 
 genus are natives of California and Siberia. 
 Platystigma. From platys, broad, and stigma, 
 the female organ. Linn. Polyandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Papavtraeece. 
 
 P. lineare, the only species, is a hardy annual, 
 found in California in 1833. It is a dwarf-grow- 
 ing and free-blooming plant. The flowers are 
 yellow, and, from their profusion, quite showy. 
 It requires no more care than any other hardy 
 annual. 
 
 Plectopomas. A new group of hybrid Gesneras, 
 which some writers have constituted a distinct 
 genus. They are a strong, erect-growing class, 
 with but little to distinguish them from others 
 of this interesting order. See Gesnera. 
 
 PLU 
 
 Plectranthus. From plektron, a cock's spur, and 
 anthos, a flower; referring to the shape of the 
 flower. Linn. Didynamia-Gymnospermia. Nat. 
 Ord. LamiacecK. 
 
 Green-house shrubs and herbaceous plants, 
 natives of Africa, South America, and Asia. 
 They all have purple flowers, produced in ter- 
 minal and axillary racemes. They are rarely 
 cultivated. 
 
 Pleione. A mythological name. Linn. Gynandna- 
 Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of dwarf epiphytal Orchids, 
 formerly classed with Coelogyne. They are found 
 growing in high altitudes in the mountains of 
 Northern and Northeastern India. They are 
 remarkable for their dwarf habit and richly-col- 
 ored flowers. The flowers are produced in au- 
 tumn or early winter, after a period of rest, and 
 immediately precede the new growth. They are 
 of easy culture, requiring a house of moderate 
 temperature, and alternate seasons of growth 
 and rest. Propagated by division. Introduced 
 in 1864. 
 
 Pleroma. From pleroma, fullness; referring to the 
 cells of the seed-vessel. Linn. Decandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Melastomacea;. 
 
 A small genus of handsome green-house ever- 
 green shrubs from Brazil. They are free flower- 
 ing, and of easy culture. A rich soil and liberal 
 watering during summer are essential that the 
 new growth may be strong ; they will then pro duce 
 their clusters of purple flowers freely in autumn 
 and winter. P. elegans is one of the best known 
 species, and bears beautiful flowers of a rich 
 
 Eurple color. They are increased by cuttings, 
 atroduced in 1821. 
 
 Pleurisy Boot. A popular name of Asdepias 
 luberosa, from its supposed medicinal qualities. 
 
 Pleurogyne. From pleuron, a side, and gyne, the 
 female organ; this issuing from the side of the 
 seed-vessel. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Gentianacece. 
 
 P. rotata, the only species, is a low-growing, 
 hardy annual from Siberia. 
 
 Pleurothallis. From pleuron, a side, and thdtto, to 
 flower; in allusion to the one-sided disposition 
 of the flowers of some of the species. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 This is one of the most extensive genus of 
 Orchids, comprising nearly three hundred spe- 
 cies, all epiphytes, and natives of the West In- 
 dies and South America. Though interesting 
 botanically, the flowers have not sufficient merit 
 to warrant their introduction into the Orchid 
 
 Plocostemma. Fromptofcos, curled, andsfemma, 
 a crown; referring to the crown of the stamens. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Asdepiada- 
 cece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house evergreen twin- 
 ers, allied to Hoya, and requiring the same gen- 
 eral treatment. They inhabit the forests of Bor- 
 neo and Java. Introduced in 1858. 
 
 Plum. The well-known Prunus domestica and its 
 varieties. The species from which have origi- 
 nated the Plums of our gardens are found 
 throughout Asia and Southern Europe. The 
 early history of the cultivated varieties is quite 
 obscure. They were introduced into England 
 from France early in the fifteenth century. Both 
 the French and English horticulturists have 
 
 f'tven this fruit considerable attention. New 
 ork has the credit, however, of having pro- 
 duced the greatest number of excellent varieties. 
 Dowing says: "That the soil and climate of the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 175 
 
 PLU 
 
 Middle States are admirably suited to this fruit 
 is sufficiently proved by the almost spontaneous 
 production of such varieties as the Washington, 
 Jefferson, Lawrence's Favorite, etc. ; sorts which 
 equal or surpass in beauty or flavor the most 
 celebrated Plums of France or England." There 
 are several species indigenous to this country, 
 some of which are of fair flavor, and are now be- 
 ing cultivated by some of our nurserymen. 
 Chickasaw Plum, Pnmus Chicasa, is a native of 
 Maryland and south-westward to Texas, where it 
 is known as the Dwarf Texas Plum. Beach 
 Plum, P. maritima. This species is a low, strag- 
 gling tree or shrub, from two to five feet high. 
 The fruit is nearly round, red or purple, and 
 covered with bloom. It is common in sandy 
 places on the sea-coast from Maine to Virginia, 
 and seldom ripens well elsewhere. The Wild 
 Ked or Yellow Phim is P. Americana. This spe- 
 cies grows from ten to twenty feet high, and is 
 common in hedge-rows from Canada to the Gulf 
 of Mexico. The fruit is pleasant-tasted, but has 
 a tough skin. It ripens in July and August. 
 The great difficulty in the cultivation of the finer 
 varieties of Plums is the Curculio, which punc- 
 tures the fruit in the green state, and lays its 
 eggs, which, by the time the fruit is ripe, de- 
 velops to the larvae state, completely destroy- 
 ing the fruit. The only effectual remedy thus 
 far is that so strongly recommended and prac- 
 ticed years ago by Mr. John J. Thomas and Dr. 
 Trimble, and so successfully practiced by Ell- 
 wanger and Barry, in their extensive Plum Or- 
 chard, to spread sheets under the trees and jar 
 the branches so as to shake off the insect. This, 
 to be effective, must be begun just after the fruit 
 has formed , and continued at least once a week 
 for thirty or forty days. 
 
 Plumbago. Leadwort. From plumbum, a dis- 
 order in the eyes, which some species were for- 
 merly said to cure. Linn. Perdandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Plumbaifmacece. 
 
 A genus consisting of green-house evergreens 
 and hardy herbaceous plants, natives of Europe, 
 Asia, and Africa. Three of the species are well 
 worth growing in the green-house. P. C'apensis, 
 with lavender-blue flowers.P. rosea, with rose-col- 
 ored flowers, and P. alba, with white flowers. 
 Each will grow well with ordinary treatment. 
 The former is a valuable plant, as it produces its 
 large panicles of lavender flowers nearly the 
 whole winter. P. Larpentoe has deep azure blue 
 flowers, flowering from September to November, 
 and is perfectly hardy. They are easily propa- 
 gated by cuttings of the roots or shoots and 
 division. Introduced in 1818. 
 
 Poa. Meadow Grass. From port, signifying grass 
 or herbage. Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Graminftcece. 
 
 An extensive genus of grasses, containing 
 some that are valuable for hay and pasture. P. 
 pratensis is the well-known Kentucky Blue Grass, 
 introduced from Europe, and now thoroughly 
 naturalized. P. annua is one of the worst weeds 
 of English gardens. 
 
 Pod Fern. See Ellobocarpus. 
 
 Podolepis. From pous, a foot, and lepis, a scale; 
 flower-stalk covered with scales. Linn. Synge- 
 nesia-Superflun. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 Very pretty Australian plants. They are all 
 nearly hardy. The perennials are increased by 
 dividing the root, and the annuals (P. gracilix, 
 etc.) by sowing in the green-house or on a hot- 
 bed in February or March, and transplanting in- 
 to the open border in May. 
 
 POI 
 
 Podolobium. From pous, a foot, and lobos, a pod; 
 the seed-pod stands on a foot-stalk within the 
 calyx. Linn. Decandria - Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Fabacece. 
 
 A small genus of New Holland evergreen 
 shrubs, with handsome red and yellow flowers. 
 Ordinary green-house treatment will grow them 
 successfully. They are best grown from seed. 
 Introduced in 1822. 
 
 Podophyllum. Duck's Foot. Abridged from 
 Anapodophyllum, a word signifying a duck's foot; 
 the leaves bear some resemblance to that; whence 
 the English name, Duck's Foot. Linn. Polyan- 
 dria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Ranunculacece. 
 
 This is a small genus of hardy herbaceous 
 plants, with thick creeping root-stocks, which 
 send up in spring a stem bearing two leaves, 
 with a solitary flower between them. P. peila- 
 tum, a native species, is common in moist, shady 
 woods, and is distinguished by the stamens be- 
 ing double the number of the petals. Its leaves 
 are from five to nine lobed; its flowers large, 
 white, and nodding; and its fruit egg-shaped and 
 yellowish, somewhat resembling a small lemon, 
 and hence sometimes called Wild Lemon, but 
 more generally May Apple, or Mandrake. Its 
 foliage is narcotic and poisonous, but the acid 
 pulp of the fruit is eatable, though of a mawkish 
 flavor. The roots possess active medical proper- 
 ties, highly esteemed by the Eclectic practition- 
 ers. 
 
 Pogogyne. From pogon, a board, and gym, the 
 female organ; the style is bearded. Linn. Didy- 
 namia-Gymnospermia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacea;. 
 
 P. multiflora, the only known species, is a 
 hardy annual. It is a native of California, and 
 was introduced in 1836. The flowers are lilac, 
 and produced in great numbers. It thrives 
 with the simplest garden culture. 
 
 Pogonia. From pogon, a beard ; alluding to the 
 fringed lip of the flowers. Linn. Gynandria- 
 Monandria. Nat. Ord. OrchidacerK. 
 
 A small genus of terrestrial Orchids, common 
 both in temperate and tropical regions. They 
 are small plants, with drooping flowers, on 
 slender pedicels, of a purple or greenish-yellow 
 color. Several of the species are found from 
 New York southward. 
 
 Poinciana. Flower Fence. Named after M. de 
 Poinci, once Governor of the Antilles. Linn. 
 Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. f'abacece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful green-house 
 evergreen shrubs, natives of South America arid 
 the East Indies. P. ptdcherrima, the Barbadoes 
 Flower Fence, is a really beautiful object when 
 well grown, as is also P. regia, the former hav- 
 ing large red and yellow flowers, and the latter 
 rich crimson. They require a strong heat 
 through the growing season to cause them to 
 flower freely. Propagated by seeds or from cut- 
 tings of half-ripened wood. Introduced in 1778. 
 Poinsettia. Named in honor of Joel R. Poinsette, 
 American minister to Mexico, who discovered 
 the plant in Mexico in 1828. Linn. Monoecia- 
 Afonandria. Nat. Ord. Eupfu>rbiacere. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen shrubs from Mex- 
 ico, producing large terminal bracts of fiery 
 scarlet leaves from December until February; 
 they give the plant a most splendid appearance. 
 There is a variety with white bracts, but it is 
 inferior to the species. Poinsettia pnlcherrima 
 plenissima, a new and double variety of recent 
 introduction, is a magnificent plant, remark- 
 able for the distinct character of its floral 
 bracts, the size of the heads in which they are
 
 176 
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 POI 
 
 produced, and their marvelous brilliancy of 
 color. Instead of the bracts being borne in a 
 single head and spreading out as in the old 
 form, in the new double kind they are gath- 
 ered into clusters, which fill up the center, so 
 that the whole inflorescence is full and rosette- 
 like in form. The double variety was discov- 
 ered by Mr. Boezl in Mexico, and was bought 
 by Mr. Isaac Buchanan, of New York, who sold 
 it to an English florist, by whom it was distrib- 
 uted. This plant is of the easiest culture. 
 After flowering cut back to within two buds of 
 the old wood, take up the plants, and put them 
 in a convenient place under a bench, and cover 
 the roots with sand or earth, and keep dry. Let 
 them remain until it is time to plant out ordi- 
 nary bedding plants, when they should be put 
 out in the open air, and planted in boxes six 
 inches deep, (say six plants in each box, ) a foot 
 or so apart, giving them good rich soil. They 
 should be taken into the house before the nights 
 begin to get cool. In the latitude of New York 
 they should be housed by the middle of Septem- 
 ber. They may be grown to flower in these 
 boxes by giving them plenty of manure water; 
 although, if wanted in large quantity, it is best 
 to place the boxes on a green-house bench, 
 knock off the sides and ends of the boxes, and 
 fill up to the level between with soil. After the 
 plants have become thus established, an occa- 
 sional- watering with liquid manure will add 
 greatly to their growth. At no time should the 
 temperature in the house fall below 50 at night 
 or 70 during the day. To propagate, allow the 
 cuttings to dry a day or two after they are taken 
 from the plants; then cut them into pieces of 
 two or three buds each, and insert them in an 
 ordinary propagating bench. Pot off as soon as 
 they are rooted, and grow on until the weather 
 will permit of their being put out of doors, 
 when they may be given the same care as the 
 older plants. With this treatment the plants 
 will usually be done flowering by New Year's, 
 and may be taken up to make room for other 
 plants. 
 
 Poison Bay. See Itticium. 
 
 Poison Dogwood or Poison Sumach. See Rhus 
 venenata. 
 
 Poison Hemlock. See Conium. 
 
 Poison Ivy. See Rhus toxicodendron. 
 
 Poison Oak. See Rhus toxicodendron. 
 
 Poivrea. Named after M. Poivre, a French bot- 
 anist. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 (JombretacecB. 
 
 A small genus of green -house evergreen 
 climbers of great beauty. The flowers are white 
 or scarlet, produced in terminal or axillary pan- 
 icles. They are natives of Africa and the East 
 Indies. They require the warmer part of the 
 green-house and a humid atmosphere. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings. Introduced in 1820. 
 
 Poke, Indian. See Veratrum viride. 
 
 Poke Weed, Virginian. See Phytolacca decan- 
 dria. 
 
 Polanisia. From polys, many, and anisos, un- 
 equal; many stamens of unequal lengths. Linn. 
 Dodecandria - Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cappari- 
 
 A genus of hardy, free-flowering annuals, al- 
 lied to Cleome, natives of the East Indies chiefly. 
 P. graveohns is common in the New England 
 States. None of the species has sufficient 
 beauty to warrant its introduction into the 
 flower border. 
 Polemonium. Greek Valerian. From polemos, 
 
 POL 
 
 war; Pliny says this plant gained its name from 
 having caused a war between two kings, each of 
 whom claimed the honor of having first discov- 
 ered its virtues. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Polemoniacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous per- 
 ennials. They are well-known border plants, 
 that have long been under cultivation. Flowers 
 are mostly blue and white, produced in large 
 terminal heads. The species are common 
 throughout the Northern States and Northern 
 Europe. P. ccerulium derives its common name 
 of Jacob's Ladder from its beautiful pinnately- 
 cleft leaves. It is common in moist places 
 throughout New York and New Jersey, and is a 
 favorite border plant. All the species are prop- 
 agated readily by division, or from seed, which 
 should be sown in June to flower the coming 
 
 Polianthes. The Tuberose. From poly, many, 
 and anihoft, a flower; an abundance of flowers. 
 Linn. Hexandria- Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacea;. 
 This interesting genus is composed of two 
 species, both properly green-house evergreen 
 perennials. One of the species, P. gracilis, a 
 native of Brazil, with pale yellow flowers, is but 
 little known, and has but little merit. The well- 
 known species, P. tuberosa, is a native of the East 
 Indies, from whence it was introduced early in 
 the sixteenth century. The first account given 
 of the Tuberose is in L'Ecluse's "History of 
 Plants," where it appears that it was brought 
 from the East Indies by Father Theophilus Mi- 
 nuti, a Catholic Missionary, about the year 1530, 
 who grew it at Boisgencier, near Toulon. Bern- 
 ard Paludanus, a distinguished physician at 
 Home, grew it in 1594, having obtained the 
 roots from the priests, who had, previous to 
 that date, refused all applications for it. This 
 was the single kind. The same, with variegated 
 foliage, is mentioned at nearly as 'early a date. 
 Parkinson, in that rare old book, his "Garden of 
 Pleasant Flowers," published in 1629, gives a de- 
 scription of it by its then known name, which 
 should not be lost. We quote in full, as it is quite 
 as amusing as instructive: "Hyacinthus Indicus 
 major tuberosa radice, 'the Greater Indian knob- 
 bed Jacinth.' I have thought fittest to begin with 
 this Jacinth, [Hyacinth,] both because it is the 
 greatest and highest, and also because the flow- 
 ers herof are in some likenesse neare unto a Daf- 
 fodille, although his roote be tuberous, and not 
 bulbous, as the rest are. This Indian Jacinth 
 hath a thicke knobbed roote, (yet formed into 
 several heads, somewhat like unto bulbous 
 roots,) with many thick fibers at the bottom of 
 them; from the divers heads of this roote arise 
 divers strong and very tall stalkes, beset with 
 divers faire, long, and broad leaves joyned at 
 the bottome close unto the stalk, where they 
 are greatest, and smaller to the very end, and 
 those that grow higher to the toppe, being 
 smaller and smaller. The toppes of the stalkes 
 are garnished with many faire, large, white 
 flowers, each wherof is composed of six leaves, 
 lying spread open as the flowers of the white 
 Daffodille, with some short threads in tho mid- 
 dle, and of a very sweet scent, or rather strong 
 and headee." The double-flowering Tuberose 
 was obtained from seed by Mons. Le Cour, of 
 Ley den, in Holland, (date unknown,) who for 
 many years would not, under any circumstances, 
 part with a root, even after propagating in such 
 quantities as to give him a surplus. He would 
 cause every tutor to be cut in pieces and de-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 177 
 
 POL 
 
 stroyed, in order to have the monopoly, and to 
 be the only possessor of the flower in the world. 
 The recently introduced variety, known as the j 
 Pearl, is a sport, having originated on the 
 grounds of Mr. John Henderson, of Flushing, 
 L. I. Its strong habit of growth, and dark, heavy 
 foliage attracted Mr. Henderson's attention, 
 causing him to give it every chance for perfect 
 development. The result was a variety far su- 
 perior to the* parent, both in size arid number of 
 flowers, with a marked superiority in habit of 
 growth, the flower-stalks not being so tall by 
 nearly a foot as the original, a feature making it 
 invaluable for green-house culture. The Tube- 
 rose delights in a strong, rich soil, deep and 
 moist. Manure, heat, and water are essential 
 to its perfect development. For cultivation in 
 the open border, the bulbs should be planted 
 about the first of June, covering the tuber about 
 one inch with light, fine soil. No other care is 
 needed than that usually given garden plants. ; 
 The only care required is in the selection of the j 
 "bulbs, which, if kept moist and cool during | 
 winter, are liable to rot away in the center, ren- j 
 dering them -worthless for flowering. Perfect 
 tubers will always be green at the top, or at 
 least sufficiently so to show signs of life; and 
 in choosing, all others should be rejected. Fore- | 
 ing the Tuberose, so as to have the flowers from j 
 January to March, is an exceedingly difficult 
 operation, and is now but little attempted here. | 
 The plant being of tropical origin, to have it at j 
 all times in a growing state requires a high tem- | 
 perature not less than an average of 80 C ; con- 
 sequently, few ordinarily-heated green-houses ' 
 or private sitting-rooms are at a temperature 
 high enough to insure the continued and unin- 
 terrupted growth necessary to the production of 
 flowers in the dark winter months. It is, how- | 
 ever, comparatively easily forced, so as to pro- 
 duce flowers during April, May, and June, and 
 again, by retarding the bulbs, during Novem- 
 "ber and December. By the first method, the ! 
 hulbs are, about the first of January, placed 
 closely together in boxes three inches deep, 
 having two inches or so of damp moss in the 
 "bottom. These boxes are placed in some warm 
 spot, where the temperature will average 75. 
 If for green-house culture, the best place is on 
 the hot-water pipes. In about four or five weeks 
 the Tuberoses will have rooted all through the 
 moss, and they should then be potted in four-or 
 five inch pots, or planted in a bench of soil four 
 or five inches deep, and kept in a temperature 
 at no time less than 75, and flowers will be had 
 in abundance in April. For succession crops, 
 place the dry bulbs in moss, at intervals of 
 three or four weeks. The last crops will usually 
 be the best, as by May and June the tempera- 
 ture will have increased, and less artificial heat 
 will be required. If flowers are wanted during 
 November and December, the retarding process 
 alluded to is resorted to. This is done by select- 
 ing such bulbs as ire wanted, (care being taken 
 to use only such as are sound and firm. ) and plac- 
 ing them in some cool, dry place until the middle 
 of August, when the first crop may be planted, 
 either in pots or in a bench of the green-house, i 
 as described above for the spring crop. This ; 
 planting will produce a crop by November. For 
 the succession crop for December, planting must 
 be delayed until the middle of September. The 
 same high temperature is indispensable as in 
 the spring crop, namely, an average of 75. 
 The variety best for forcing is the " Pearl, ' , 
 
 POL 
 
 which grows only about half the height, and has 
 flowers nearly twice the diameter of the old 
 sort; but for planting in the open ground in 
 the ordinary way, when the flowers are only 
 wanted for fall, the common double variety is 
 the best; as, being less full, the flowers open 
 better under the often unfavorably dry atmos- 
 phere that we have in October. Tuberoses are 
 often forwarded, so as to be got in flower in 
 the earlier fall months, in sections of the coun- 
 try where -the season is too short. This is done 
 exactly in the way recommended for the spring 
 forcing, by starting the bulbs in damp moss ; 
 but for this purpose the dry bulbs should not 
 be placed in the moss until the middle of May. 
 By the middle of June, when the weather has 
 become warm, and they are set out, they will 
 start to grow at once, and will in this way flower 
 from three to four weeks earlier than if the dry 
 bulb had been put in the open ground, cold as 
 it is in most of the Northern States in May. Of 
 course, it will be understood, that when the dry 
 bwlbs are placed in the moss to start, it must be 
 in a green-house, or in some place where the 
 thermometer will average 75 or 80, or they 
 will not start at all, or, at least, very feebly. It 
 will thus be seen, from the foregoing remarks, 
 that it will be utterly useless to attempt to 
 grow Tuberoses at any season unless in a tropi- 
 cal temperature, which at no time should be less 
 than 75. Many growers of this flower have 
 been sadly disappointed in the results, their 
 flowers coming single instead of double, and 
 they naturally ask the cause. We can only say, 
 there is a tendency in all sports and hybrids to 
 return to the original or type, and this plant is 
 no exception to the rule. The conditions of 
 growth may have much to do with it. We have 
 known large stocks that were wholly double one 
 year, to come nearly all single the next. We 
 cannot satisfactorily account for it, and only 
 know that the annoyance is common in every 
 place where they are grown. From a very close 
 observation, we believe much is due to poor 
 cultivation, and the best remedy is to be found 
 in giving them a very rich soil and good cultiva- 
 tion. Like many other plants, we have found 
 they do best when given a rotation of soil. 
 
 Polyanthus. See Primula. 
 
 Polybotrya. From poly, many, and botrys, a ra- 
 ceme; the appearance of the fertile or seed-bear- 
 ing frond. Linn. Ci-yptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. 
 PolypodiacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of tropical Ferns, some 
 very ornamental, and all requiring green-house 
 treatment. Propagated by division or from 
 spores. Mostly natives of the West Indies, and 
 first introduced in 1823. 
 
 Polygala. Milkwort. From poly, much, and 
 ii-t'u, milk; reputed effects of the plant on cat- 
 tle that feed upon it. Linn. Diadelphia-Octandria. ' 
 Nat. Ord. PofepdooK*. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy annuals, herba- 
 ceous perennials, and green-house perennials, 
 found inhabiting nearly all countries. A few 
 only are considered valuable as flowering plants, 
 and these few of little interest, except to botanical 
 collections. P. Senega, Seneca Snake Root, is 
 a species common in the Middle and Western 
 States, and has considerable reputation for its 
 medicinal properties. 
 
 Polygonatum. Solomon's Seal. From poly, 
 many, and gonu, a joint or knee; referring to 
 the numerous joints of the stem. Linn. Hexan- 
 (iri<i-Jlvno</ynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece.
 
 178 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 POL 
 
 A small genus of very handsome hardy her- 
 baceous plants, of easy culture and graceful 
 habit, not often seen in the borders, but deserv- 
 ing a place in every collection of hardy plants. 
 P. mufti/forum, a native of Great Britain, grows 
 from two to three feet high, and has a stout stem, 
 the lower part bare of leaves; the upper grace- 
 fully recurves, and produces from the axils of 
 its broad leaves numerous green and white 
 flowers, in clusters of two to four. P. gigan- 
 tenm, a native of the Western States, is a species 
 of similar habit, but with smaller flowers. They 
 thrive well in almost any soil or situation, but 
 prefer one that is shady and moist. They are 
 readily increased by root division or from seeds. 
 Polygonum. From poly, many, nnd gonu, a knee ; 
 referring to the numerous joints of the stem. 
 Linn. Oclandria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Polygona- 
 
 A very extensive and widely-distributed genus 
 of hardy plants, nearly all of which may be prop- 
 erly classed as weeds. P. hydropiper is our well- 
 known Smart Weed. P. or'ientile is the Ragged 
 Sailor or Prince's Feather of the old gardens, 
 which has escaped from the garden in some 
 places and established itself in the fields. P. scan- 
 dens, a green-house variety, is exceedingly useful 
 as a basket plant. Propagated by cuttings and 
 from seeds. 
 
 Polypodium. Polypody. From poly, many, and 
 )nin.f, a foot; referring to its numerous root-like 
 feet. Linn. Cryplogamia-Fdices. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
 podiacece. 
 
 An extensive and very interesting family of 
 Ferns, containing hardy and robust-growing spe- 
 cies, natives of our own woods. It also includes 
 some of the most delicate found in the moist 
 woods of the tropics, with others from every inter- 
 mediate clime. Among them are some very beau- 
 tiful species for green-house culture, as well as 
 for the shaded borders of the garden. They must 
 have plenty of water while growing, with a tern- I 
 perature proportionate to that of the country 
 from which they were obtained. Propagated by 
 division of root and by spores. 
 
 Polypody. See Polypodium. 
 
 Polysticnum. From pdy, many, and stichus, a 
 row; numerous rows of spore-cases. Linn. Oryp- 
 tognmia-Filir.es. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 A genus of tropical Ferns, formerly included 
 in Atpidium, and requiring the same general 
 treatment. 
 
 Pomegranate. See Punica granatum. 
 
 Pond Lily. See Nymphtxa. 
 
 Pontederia. Pickerel Weed. Named after J. 
 Poniedera, Professor of Botany at Padua. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Poniederiacerv. 
 A genus of native aquatic plants, common in 
 the borders of ponds or creeks. P. cordoto, our 
 common Pickerel Weed, is a beautiful plant, 
 with arrow-shaped leaves, producing in July 
 long spikes of intense blue flowers. This spe- 
 cies can be grown easily in tubs on the lawn, in 
 the same manner as the common Water Lily, 
 Nymphcea odorata. 
 
 Poplar. See Populus. 
 
 Poppy. See Papaver. 
 
 Populus. Poplar. Some derive the word Popu- 
 lus from paipallo, to vibrate or shake; others 
 suppose it obtained its name from being used 
 in ancient times to decorate the public places in 
 Rome, where it was called Arbor Populi, or the 
 tree of the people. Linn. Duncia-Octandria. 
 Nat. Ord. SalioacecK. 
 A genus of deciduous trees that attain a con- 
 
 POS 
 
 siderable height, natives of temperate climates 
 of both hemispheres. They are mostly of rapid 
 growtii, furnishing timber of a soft, inferior 
 quality. Among the best known and most com- 
 monly grown for ornamental and shade trees 
 are P. fasligiata, the Lombardy Poplar; P. tremu- 
 loides, American Aspen; and P. balsamimferacan- 
 dicans, Balm of Gilead. Of this species there is 
 a very old specimen at Newburgh, N. Y., sup- 
 posed to be one of the largest in the United 
 States. It is a tree of magnificent proportions. 
 It is over one hundred years old, and the trunk 
 is nearly ten feet in diameter. It is one of the 
 attractions of that city. The Cotton- Wood of 
 the Middle and Southern States belongs to this 
 genus. 
 
 Portlandia. Named after the Duchess of Portland, 
 a distinguished patroness of botany. Linn. Pen- 
 iandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cinchonaceat. 
 
 A small genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
 natives of the West Indies and Brazil. They are 
 rarely met in our green-honses, which is to be 
 regretted, as their flowers are splendid ; they are 
 long, pure white, trumpet-shaped, borne in ax- 
 illary clusters of from two to four each. P. pla- 
 tantha, a species of recent introduction from 
 Brazil, is of dwarf habit, and is nearly a constant 
 bloomer. They all require a warm house, and 
 are propagated by cuttings of young wood. In- 
 
 Portulaca. From porto, to carry, and lac, milk; 
 juicy nature of the plants. Linn. Dodecandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Portulacacefn. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy annuals, mostly 
 natives of South America. Many of them are 
 exceedingly showy and usefiil plants for the bor- 
 der. The genus also contains some of our most 
 troublesome weeds, among which is P. oleracea, 
 common Purslane. P. grand/flora is the parent 
 of pur'many garden varieties. It is a native of 
 Chili, from whence it was introduced in 1827. 
 The double varieties are of German origin. We 
 quote from "Hovey's Magazine" an excellent 
 article on this plant: "The double varieties are, 
 in fact, charming objects, and may well claim a 
 prominent place among the novel things of re- 
 cent introduction. The flowers are perfectly 
 double, about the size of a silver dollar, and a 
 bed of them in full bloom presents a gay ap- 
 pearance, not unlike that of the beautiful Ranun- 
 culuses, or the little Burgundy Rose, so that the 
 Germans call them ' Port ulaca Roses.' The Por- 
 tulacas need a warm and rather light soil and a 
 dryish situation to flower well. They need not 
 be planted early, unless in a frame or hot-bed, 
 as the seed will not grow freely till the ground 
 is warm. About the middle of June the plants 
 begin to appear in the open ground, and grow 
 with great rapidity, soon covering a large bed, 
 and making a dazzling display with their many- 
 hued flowers from July to frost. The seeds saved 
 from double varieties, like all other double 
 flowers, cannot be relied upon with certainty 
 to produce all double flowers, but the largest 
 part of them will be double, and the single sorts 
 may be pulled up and thrown away or trans- 
 planted, unless it is desired to retain them in 
 the same bed with the double kinds." 
 
 Posoqueria. Aymara posoqueri is the name of 
 P. tow? (flora among the natives of Guiana. 
 Linn. Pentundria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cincho- 
 nacecp,. 
 
 A small genus of shrubs or low-growing trees, 
 natives of the West Indies and Guiana. They 
 are remarkable for their very long, white, hang-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 179 
 
 POT 
 
 ing flowers, the corolla of which is funnel- 
 shaped, with a very long tube, a hairy throat, 
 and a five-parted limb. One or two of the spe- 
 cies are to be found in collections of rare plants. 
 P. revolida is one of the best, and should be 
 grown in the hot-house. Propagated by cuttings. 
 Introduced in 1822. 
 
 Pot Marigold. See Calendula. 
 
 Potato. Solatium tuberosum. The early history of 
 this important plant, as well as the various 
 stages of its development from a tuber not much 
 larger than a marble, watery and comparatively 
 tasteless, to the present great staple of food, is 
 very obscure. The most accurate and concise 
 account we find in the "Treasury of Botany," 
 written by Mr. W. B. Booth, from which we 
 quote : " The native country of the Potato, and 
 the date of its introduction into Britain, have 
 been subjects of much discussion. There can 
 be no doubt of its being indigenous in many 
 parts of South America, plants in a wild state 
 having been found on the Peruvian coast, as 
 well as on the sterile mountains of Central Chili 
 and Buenos Ayres. The Spaniards are believed 
 to have first brought it to Europe from Quito, 
 in the early part of the sixteenth century. It 
 afterward found its way into Italy, and from 
 thence it was carried into Mons in Belgium by 
 one of the attendants of the pope's legate. In 
 1598 it was sent from Mons to the celebrated 
 botanist Clusius at Vienna, who states that in 
 a short time it spread rapidly throughout Ger- 
 many. The first Potatoes that reached this 
 country (England) were brought from Virginia 
 by the colonists sent out by Sir Walter Raleigh 
 in A. D. 1584, and who returned in 1583. They 
 were planted on Sir Walter's estate near Cork, 
 and were used for food in Ireland long before 
 they were even known or cultivated in England. 
 Gerarde had a plant in his garden at Holborn, 
 and has given a figure of it in his Herbal, pub- 
 lished in 1597, under the name of Balata Vir- 
 giniamt. He recommends the roots to be eaten 
 as a delicate dish, and not as common food. In 
 the times of James the First they were so rare 
 as to cost two shillings (sterling) a pound, and 
 are mentioned in 1619 among the articles pro- 
 vided for the royal household. In 1633, when 
 their valuable properties had become more 
 generally known, they were deemed worthy of 
 notice by the Royal Society, which took meas- 
 ures to encourage their cultivation with a view 
 of preventing famine; but it was not until 
 nearly a century after the above date that they 
 were grown to any extent in England. In 1725 
 they were introduced into Scotland, and cultivat- 
 ed with much success, first in gardens and after- 
 ward, (about 1760,) when they had become more 
 plentiful, in the open fields. Since that period 
 the prejudices which so long existed against 
 their use, both in England and Scotland, have 
 gradually vanished, and for many years past the 
 Potato crop has been regarded as a most valu- 
 able addition to the staple commodities of life, 
 only second in importance to the cereals." 
 The Sweet Potato is the root of Batatas edulii*, of 
 the Nat. Ord. Gmvolvulacew, and its history is 
 quite as obscure as that of the common Potato. 
 The first mention of it is said to be by an author 
 named Pigafetta, who went to Brazil in 1519, 
 and found it in use as an article of food by the 
 Indians. It was soon afterward introduced into 
 Spain, where it has been extensively cultivated 
 ever since. Of this species there are several 
 varieties indigenous to both the East and West 
 
 PRI 
 
 Indies, and South America. The Sweet Potato 
 is extensively grown in the United States, espe- 
 cially in the Southern States. 
 
 Potato, Sweet. See Potato. 
 
 Potentilla. Cinquefoil, Five Finger. From 
 fiotfHS, powerful ; supposed medicinal quality 
 of some of the species. Linn. Icosandria-Trigy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. fiosacece. 
 
 This is a large genus of very desirable hardy 
 herbaceous plants, and it is somewhat remark- 
 able, when their number (upward of one hun- 
 dred and thirty species and varieties) and their 
 ornamental character are considered, that so few 
 of them are met with in gardens. They grow 
 without trouble in any tolerably good soil, and 
 produce their scarlet, orange, yellow, crimson, 
 and rose colored double and single flowers in 
 great abundance. The species are common to 
 both hemispheres, and are propagated readily 
 from seeds or by division. First introduced 
 in 1680. 
 
 Pothos. From Pathos, the name of a species in 
 Ceylon. Linn. Tetrandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Orontacece. 
 
 A genus of climbing shrubs, natives of India, 
 China, and New Holland. They are epiphytal, 
 and have cord-like stems, sending out false 
 roots here and there, and attaching themselves 
 to trees. A few of the species have very hand- 
 some foliage, and are grown in the green-house 
 for the sake of their leaves. The leaves of P. 
 palmata are three feet long, and the foot-stalks 
 four. They are increased by cuttings. Intro- 
 duced in 1790. 
 
 Pourretia. In honor of Abbe Pourret, a French 
 botanist and traveler in Spain. Linn. Hexan- 
 dr'M-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacece. 
 
 An ornamental genus of green-house plants, 
 differing but little from B'ulberyia, and requiring 
 the same management. All the species are na- 
 tives of South America. Propagated by suckers. 
 
 Prickly Ash. See Xanthoxylon fraxinewn, 
 
 Prickly Comfrey. See Symphytum, 
 
 Prickly Pear. See Opuntla. 
 
 Prickly Poppy. See Argemone. 
 
 Priestleya. Named in honor of the celebrated 
 Dr. Priestley. Linn. Diaddphia-Decandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A handsome genus of Cape plants, with bril- 
 liant yellow flowers. They grow best in very 
 sandy loam, which must be well drained. The 
 necessary water must be given cautiously at all 
 times, especially in winter, when great care must 
 be taken to keep the leaves dry, for if wetted 
 then they die off, and thus weaken the plant. 
 The ornamental character of the genus is suffi- 
 ciently great, however, to deserve all the neces- 
 sary attention. Propagated by cuttings of well- 
 ripened wood. Introduced in 1800. 
 
 Prim. One of the common names of Ligustrum. 
 
 Primrose. See Primula. 
 
 Primula. Primrose. From primus, the first; in 
 allusion to the early flowering of the plants. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynki. Nat. Ord. Priimir 
 lacece. 
 
 This extensive genus includes three of the 
 most popular and beautiful of florist's flowers, 
 viz., the Auricula, the Polyanthus, and the Prim' 
 rose. Of each, there are almost innumerable va- 
 rieties. The Auricula, Primula auricula, is a na- 
 tive of the Alps of Switzerland, and the mount- 
 ainous countries adjoining, whence it was called, 
 when first introduced in 1596, the Mountain or 
 French Cowslip. It was also called Bear's Ear 
 or Oricola, whence the modern name of Auric-
 
 180 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PRI 
 
 ula. Parkinson, in 1629, enumerates twenty va- 
 rieties, which he says were the best, though 
 " many other varieties were to be found with 
 those who are curious conservers of these de- 
 lights of nature." The Alpine Auriculas, though 
 hardy in Britain, will not, however, endure the 
 rigor of our winters without protection, and as 
 much care is needed to protect them against the 
 sun as the cold. For out-of-door culture, they 
 should be planted in a rich, heavy soil on the 
 north side of a house, where there is but little 
 or no sun. On the approach of severe weather, 
 say December 1st, cover the plants with an in- 
 verted sod. With this care we have seen a large 
 bed, planted for more than thirty years, that 
 has never failed of producing enormous crops 
 of flowers, in every variety and shade of color 
 known to the species. Notwithstanding they 
 may be grown easily in this manner, the florists 
 usually grow them in pots in cold pits or in 
 the green-house kept cold, in somewhat near 
 the same manner as the Chinese Primrose, in 
 order that they may be better able to control 
 them, and protect by frames from storms, that 
 destroy the powdery bloom upon the surface of 
 the flower, its greatest feature of beauty; and also 
 to enhance its commercial value. The Auricula 
 is propagated by division of the root, or by cut- 
 ting off slips with a portion of the root attached ; 
 but a still better plan is to sow seeds in March, 
 which make fine flowering plants the next sea- 
 son. We use this method exclusively. The 
 Polyanthus, Primula vulgaris, is pretty generally 
 distributed throughout Europe. There are a 
 great number of varieties, from a delicate straw 
 color to dark maroon and pure white, with an 
 endless variety of shades and markings. The 
 species is perfectly hardy, and grows freely in j 
 garden soil, either in the shade or in exposed | 
 situations. Propagated by division or by seeds ! 
 sown in March. P. prcunitens or Sinensis, and i 
 its varieties, are extensively grown as plants for 
 pot-culture for the sitting-room or the green- I 
 house, as well as for use in winter for cut flow- i 
 ers. To get strong plants it is best to sow the ! 
 seeds about March or April; the English plan of 
 sowing in July or August will not answer well 
 in our hot, dry climate. The seeds should be 
 sown in shallow boxes, which may be two inches i 
 or so in depth; the soil used may be good fri- 
 able loam, which should be sifted fine and press- | 
 ed down nicely with a smooth board, so that it 
 is perfectly level; on this smooth level surface 
 of soil sow the seeds thickly, and press them 
 down into the soil, which will sink them level 
 with the smooth surface. Next take sphagnum ! 
 moss (dry refuse hops or leaf mould will also i 
 do, but moss is best) and rub it through a ! 
 sieve as fine as musquito-wire, and sift this pul- 
 verized moss over the seed just thick enough to , 
 cover the seeds up, which will be something ' 
 about the one-sixteenth part of an inch. This 
 covering is light, and, at the same time, its 
 spongy character keeps the seeds in the neces- 
 sary condition of moisture for germination. We 
 have found that this methocf for the sprout- 
 ing of all seeds that are difficult of germination 
 is excellent, so that if the seeds have any vital- 
 ity whatever, germination is certain. After the 
 Primulas have started to a full development of 
 the seed leaf, they are " pricked off" in the same 
 sort of shallow box that the seeds were started 
 in, at a distance of half an inch or so apart. If 
 this is not promptly done there is great danger 
 of the young plants being attacked by a species 
 
 PRI 
 
 of fungus, which is quickly fatal. In from 
 four to six weeks after the young Primulas 
 have been growing in these boxes they will be 
 of sufficient size to be placed in two and a half 
 inch pots; and by about this time the weather 
 will have become warm, and the plants should 
 be placed in the coolest place to be obtained 
 with partial shade. If the plants will remain 
 without shifting until September, do not shift 
 them, as our experience has shown that they 
 keep best through the hot summer months if 
 rather cramped for pot room. As soon as cool 
 weather conies in fall they begin to grow rapidly, 
 and if judiciously shifted into larger pots as the 
 balls become filled with roots, they will make 
 beautiful plants, from twelve to eighteen inches 
 in diameter, which will flower in profusion from 
 November to May. Although the double varie- 
 ties are also raised from seed, yet, like nearly all 
 double flowers, quite a proportion of the seed 
 saved from double flowers will come single; and 
 though many fine double flowers are thus pro- 
 duced, yet exact types can never be depended 
 on from seed, so that, as a rule, the double 
 kinds, particularly the Double White, which is 
 the kind most valued for winter flowers, are 
 grown exclusively from cuttings or by division. 
 This variety has a tendency to break into from 
 six to twelve crowns or shoots, and the simplest 
 way to divide these up is to fill up to the lower 
 leaves with moss, which quickly induces the 
 crowns or shoots to root into it, and when thus 
 well-rooted, the plant is pulled apart, and each 
 shoot or crown separately potted. This moss- 
 ing process for division may be done at any sea- 
 son, but it is safest during the spring or fall 
 months: say during April and May in spring, or 
 September and October in the fall. As the 
 Primrose is at all times impatient of heat and 
 disturbance of the roots, this division of the 
 plant had better be avoided during hot weather. 
 The first Double White Primrose was originated 
 by John Henderson, now of Flushing, L. I., but 
 of London in 1836, when the Double White was 
 raised. Mr. Henderson has furnished us the 
 following brief but interesting particulars in re- 
 gard to its origin: "I raised the Double White 
 Chinese Primrose in 1836, and exhibited it at 
 the Horticultural Society of London in Janu- 
 ary, 1837, and was awarded the Silver Banksian 
 Medal for it. It was raised in this way: In the 
 winter of 1835-6 we had a fine strain of fimbri- 
 ated Primulas ; and in order to preserve the 
 stock true, I selected the finest, and placed on a 
 shelf near the glass, and during the flowering 
 season constantly impregnated the flowers. The 
 seeds were sown in June, and among the seed- 
 lings were about eighteen plants that came with 
 double flowers, both purple and white, some 
 plain-edged, others fimbriated. The one select- 
 ed as the best is that still in cultivation, and 
 known as the Double White." A double purple, 
 in the same style as the white, was also raised by 
 Mr. Henderson, and is still grown. The Japan 
 Primrose, Primula Japonica, is a noble species of 
 recent introduction, bearing flowers of a deep 
 crimson rose, arranged in from three to six 
 whorls, of many flowers each, on a strong, 
 straight stem from one to two feet high. This 
 plant is a favorite in England, but is worthless 
 in our dry, hot climate. Of the genus J'rimul'i 
 this country furnishes but few species, and they 
 are of little interest to its flora. Dr. C. C. Parry 
 found a beautiful low-growing species in the 
 Rocky Mountains, with purple and yellow flow-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 181 
 
 PHI 
 
 ers. It finds its home in very high latitudes, 
 where it is constantly watered from the melting 
 snow. From this peculiarity it cannot be suc- 
 cessfully grown in our houses or borders. There 
 are many other species included in this genus, 
 mostly interesting, but not of special import- 
 ance. We only add Primula veris, the common 
 English Cowslit), and P. elatior, the common 
 Ox-lip. 
 
 Prince's Feather. See Polygonum. 
 
 Prince's Feather. See Amaranthus hypochondri- 
 
 in-ns. 
 
 Prinos. Winter Berry. The ancient name of the 
 Holly, which some of the species resemble. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Aquifdia- 
 cece. 
 
 Very handsome berry-bearing hardy decidu- 
 ous shrubs, common from Maine to Virginia and 
 southward. P. verticillata is the Black Alder or 
 Winter Berry. It is covered with glossy red ber- 
 ries during most of the winte/. P. Icevigata is 
 the Smooth Winter Berry. The fruit is larger 
 than in the preceding, and ripens earlier in the 
 fall; but the berries are of the same glossy red. 
 These two species are beautiful plants, especial- 
 ly in the winter, and are worthy of a plaae in the 
 shrubbery or on the lawn. They are used in 
 the winter for decorative purposes, P. glabra is 
 the Ink Berry, the fruit of which is black. It is 
 a less desirable plant than the species named 
 above. Professor Gray has placed these plants 
 in the genus Ile.t. 
 
 Privet. See Ligustrum. 
 
 Promeneea. Derivation of name unknown. 
 Linn. Gynandrla-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchida- 
 
 CfCK. ;: : 
 
 A small genus of low-growing, very pretty Or- 
 chids from Brazil, formerly classed with Maxil- 
 laria. They are usually grown as curiosities 
 rather than for show; their height rarely ex- 
 ceeds three inches. 
 
 Pronaya. Named after M. Pronay, a French nat- 
 uralist. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Pittosporacete. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen climbers 
 from Swan River. P. degans, the best known 
 species, is a showy plant, with terminal clusters 
 of pale lilac flowers. It has the habit of SoUya, 
 to which it is nearly allied, but is inferior in 
 beauty. Propagated by cuttings. Introduced 
 in 1837. 
 
 Prosartes. From prosartao, to hang from ; in 
 allusion to the pendent ovules or flowers. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monofjyma. Nat. Ord. Liliacea;. 
 
 A small genus of hardy native plants, with yel- 
 low, drooping flowers, common in moist, rich 
 woods, from New York, west and south. 
 
 Prostanthera. From prostheke, appendage, and 
 anlhera, anther; connections of the anthers are 
 spurred. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospennia. Nat. 
 Ord. L'liiiiiiciii'. 
 
 Green-house evergreen shrubs from New Hol- 
 land, remarkable for the strong odor they emit. 
 Their flowers are produced in terminal racemes, 
 but are not of very great beauty. One of the 
 species has long been under cultivation, quite 
 as much for rarity as for beauty. Propagated by 
 seeds or from cuttings. 
 
 Prunus. Plum, Cherry. From prune, its Greek 
 name. Linn. Icosandria-Moivxjyina. Nat. Ord. 
 Jjrupacefr. 
 
 See Plum and Cherry. 
 
 Psidium. Guavn. Derived from psidion, the 
 Greek name of Pomegranate. Linn. Icosandrla- 
 Munorjynia. Nat. Ord. Jlyrtacece. 
 
 PUN 
 
 An extensive genus of low-growing evergreen 
 trees, confined chiefly to the West Indies and 
 South America. They are much esteemed for 
 their fruit. P. Guaiava produces the well- 
 known Guava fruits, so largely employed in the 
 preparation of jellies, a staple article of West 
 Indian commerce. The fruit is small, not unlike 
 an Orleans Plum. It is juicy, and in flavor some- 
 what resembles a Strawberry. 
 
 Pteris. Brake. From pteryx, a wing; the shape 
 of the fronds or leaves. Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. 
 Nat. Ord. Polypodiaceo}. 
 
 A very extensive genus of Ferns, widely dis- 
 tributed over the temperate and tropical regions, 
 and differing as widely in character. The genus 
 includes the common Brake or Bracken, and the 
 beautifully variegated P. argurea is one of the 
 most valued plants for green-house or conserva- 
 tory decoration. P. tricolor is one of the most 
 beautiful Ferns, but, from the difficulty in grow- 
 ing it, is rarely met. These two are natives of the 
 East Indies. There are several other species in 
 common cultivation. They are all propagated 
 from spores. 
 
 Ptychosperma. Derivation of name not given. 
 Linn. JJioecia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Palmacea;. 
 
 A. genus of elegant Palms with pinnate leaves, 
 natives of the Eastern Archipelago. P. Seemani 
 is a very beautiful dwarf Palm, well adapted for 
 table and general decorative purposes. The 
 leaves somewhat resemble those of the Caryola 
 in appearance, and are of a bright green color. 
 This Palm never attains large dimensions ; the 
 stem, when fully developed, is about an inch in 
 diameter, and is used, on account of its strength 
 and straightness, for spears by the natives of 
 New Guiana, from whence it was received. 
 Propagated by seed. 
 
 Pulmonaria. Lungwort. So named from the 
 supposed medicinal properties in diseases of 
 the lungs. Linn. Pentandria-Mon igynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Boraginacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous per- 
 ennials, common in the temperate regions of 
 both hemispheres. They are showy border 
 plants, with flowers of various shades of blue. 
 They grow freely in any good rich soil, and are 
 increased by seeds or root division. This is 
 placed in Mertensia by Professor Gray. 
 
 Pulsatilla. A synonym of Anemone patens, var. 
 Vuttotfunta. 
 
 Pulteneea. Named after W. Putteney, M.D., a 
 botanical author. Linn. Decandria-Jfonogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. FabacecK. 
 
 Green - house, yellow - flowered, evergreen 
 shrubs from New Holland. Of the fifty or sixty 
 species that make up this genus, but two or 
 three have been introduced into the green- 
 house, and these are only to be found in the 
 more extensive collections. 
 
 Pumpkin. C'ucurbita Pepo. A species of gourd; 
 but when, where, or how our present varieties 
 originated is past finding out. Three hundred 
 years ago they were made into pies by cutting 
 a hole in the side, extracting the seeds anf. fila- 
 ments, stuffing the cavity with apples and 
 spices, and baking the whole. 
 
 Punica. Pomegranate. From punicus, of ' ' Car- 
 thage," near which city it is said to have been 
 first found; or from puniceus, scarlet; referring 
 to the color of the flowers. Linn. Icosandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. J/v/^cw. 
 
 The Pomegranate is a very handsome decidu- 
 ous shrub or low-growing tree, a native of 
 Northern Africa and Western Asia. It thrives
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PUB 
 
 remarkably well in the Southern States, where it 
 is extensively grown for ornamental purposes. 
 In the Middle and Northern States it is grown 
 in pots or tubs, and used in summer for orna- 
 menting the border or lawn. There are few 
 species, but several varieties. The double flow- 
 ered scarlet is the most desirable. P. nana, a 
 dwarf double -flowered variety, is a favorite 
 green-house plant, suitable for lawn decoration 
 during summer, requiring the protection of a 
 cool house or cellar during the winter. This 
 species is a native of the East Indies, from 
 whence it was introduced into England in 1723. 
 It has sinco become naturalized in the West In- 
 dies and Southern States. A few years since it 
 was sent out as a new plant. The fruit of the 
 Pomegranate has been highly esteemed for its 
 quality and form from the earliest ages. It was 
 one of the most conspicuous ornaments directed 
 to be used in the construction of Solomon's 
 Temple, and is frequently mentioned in the 
 Bible. All the species are of easy culture, and 
 readily propagated from cuttings of the young 
 wood. 
 
 Purple Cone Flower. See Echinacea. 
 
 Purslane. See Portulaca. 
 
 Puschkinia. Named after Courd M. Puschkin, a 
 Russian botanist. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 P. scUloides is the only species now known. 
 It is a beautiful littlo bulbous plant, with light 
 purple flowers, like the small-flowered Scilla, as 
 its pecific name indicates. The leaves grow 
 from the bulb, and stand erect round the stem, 
 as though protecting the flower. It is a native 
 of Russia, and perfectly hardy. Propagated by 
 offsets. Introduced in 1819. 
 
 Putty-root. Seo Apleclrum, 
 
 Puya. Native name. This genus is the same as 
 Pourretia. Puya has been substituted for Pour- 
 retia, as being the older name. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Bromdiacece. 
 
 A genus of green-house herbaceous peren- 
 nials and epiphytes, with spikes of white and 
 yellow flowers, like the Pitcarnia, which they 
 resemble. They are natives of Mexico and 
 South America. P. Merophylla is a very pretty 
 and curious plant, bearing two distinct kinds of 
 leaves : one with tough, broad, horny kinds of 
 leaves, which overlie each other, forming a kind 
 of bulb, extended into narrow, serrated pro- 
 cesses about two inches long; the others, which 
 are last formed, are thin, bright green, and lan- 
 ceolate, more than eighteen inches long. A more 
 recent introduction, P. grandiflora, is also a fine 
 plant, and all are interesting. Propagated by 
 seeds or from suckers. Introduced in 1840 
 
 Pyrethrum. Feverfew. From pyr, fire; the roots 
 are hot to the taste. Linn. Sywjenesia-Superftua. 
 Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 A genus of very interesting plants, mostly 
 hardy herbaceous perennials, which only re- 
 quire planting in the open border and the usual 
 treatment of perennial plants. P. Parlhenmm is 
 the well-known Feverfew of our gardens, and 
 is hardy. It is common throughout Europe 
 and the Caucasus. The Golden Feather, so 
 much used as an edging plant, is a sport from 
 this species. P. carneum and its varieties are 
 beautiful hardy plants. The flowers are bright 
 rose and pink, as large as an Aster, and remark- 
 able for the length of time they remain perfect. 
 Many of them are very double. They are na- 
 tives of the Caucasus, perfectly hardy, and easily 
 propagated by division, or from seed, which 
 
 PYR 
 
 should be sown in June to flower the following 
 season. 
 
 Pyrola. Wintergreen. From pyrus, a pear-tree; 
 resemblance in the leaves. Linn. l)ecandria-Mo- 
 nogynia. Nat. Ord. Pyrolacetv. 
 
 A small genus of native evergreen, low-grow- 
 ing shrubs common in moist, sandy woods 
 throughout the Northern States. P. rotundifolia, 
 with its varieties, is the most common, and 
 yields the Wintergreen Berries so much sought 
 after. 
 
 Pyrolirion. Flame Lily. From pyr, fire, and 
 lirion, a lily; alluding to the color and form of 
 the. flowers. Linn. Jlexandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Amaryllidacece. 
 
 A small genus of rare and beautiful Peruvian 
 bulbs, allied to Zephyranthes. The flowers are 
 orange and yellow, produced in July and Au- 
 gust, before the leaves appear. They can be 
 grown in the open border. The bulbs require 
 to be kept dry and warm during the winter. If 
 grown in pots in the green-house, they must 
 have rest from December until April. They are 
 increased by offsets. Introduced into England 
 in 1833. 
 
 Pyrus.* Pear. Also Apple, which see. From 
 peren, the Celtic word for pear. Linn. Icosandria- 
 Monogynut. Nat. Ord. Pomacece. 
 
 The different kinds of Crabs and Pears are 
 very ornamental flowering plants, independent- 
 ly of the value of the fruit of some of the spe- 
 cies. The ornamental kinds are all low trees, 
 admirably adapted for the lawn or the shrub- 
 bery, and are all of easy culture. They are prop- 
 agated by grafting the finer on the more com- 
 mon kinds. To thrive and look well, however, 
 they require an airy situation, and not to be 
 crowded among other trees. Among the kinds 
 most worthy of notice are the following: Pyms 
 spectiibilis, the Chinese Crab or Garland-flower- 
 ing Wild Apple, producing the most showy flow- 
 ers of the whole genus in May, and as hardy as 
 the common Crab or wild Pear. P. coronaria, 
 the Sweet-scented Crab, with large and beauti- 
 ful pink blossoms, highly fragrant, as is the 
 first. P. coronarius angustifolia, the narrow- 
 leaved Sweet-scented Crab, with flowers as beau- 
 tiful as the former, and with the leaves sub- 
 evergreen. This and the two preceding kinds 
 have the fruit green when ripe, and fragrant, 
 but it is hardly edible. Pyrus baccata and P. 
 prunifoHa, the two kinds of Siberian Crab, have 
 very showy flowers, and small red or yellow 
 fruit. These are the principal ornamental spe- 
 cies of the Crabor Apple kind, unless we ex- 
 cept one, the Moscow or Transparent Crab, 
 Pyrus Astracanica, which has fruit almost as 
 large as a Golden Pippin, wax-colored when ripe. 
 The Crab, though commonly cultivated for its 
 fruit, as useful for the table, well deserves a 
 place on the lawn as an ornamental plant, from 
 the extraordinary beauty of the fruit, and is 
 sometimes used for that purpose. The orna- 
 mental Pears are the following: P. S'llvifolln, 
 which has woolly leaves like those of the Sage, 
 and, like all the Pears, white flowers ; this pecu- 
 liarity, independently of other marks, distin- 
 guishing them from the Apples, which have red- 
 dish flowers. P. amygdalwformis is another or- 
 namental species, which has silvery-white 
 leaves, and fruit shaped like that of the Al- 
 mond; and to these may be added P. ele>itjmfUa, 
 which has long, narrow, white leaves like those 
 of the Eleagnus, P. salicifolia, with long, nar- 
 row, silky leaves, like those of the Willow; and
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 183 
 
 QUA 
 
 P. nivatis, which has round leaves of a snowy 
 whiteness. All these species have small green 
 fruit not good to eat, but the trees are very or- 
 namental from their shape and the singular 
 color of their foliage. The following kinds of 
 Pyrus belong to the section Aria: P. Aria and 
 its varieties, P. a. anyustifolia and P. a. cretica, 
 the White Beam Tree, are valued for the beauty 
 of their leaves, which are green above and white 
 beneath, and for the bright scarlet fruit which 
 they produce in great abundance. P. vestita, 
 the Nepal White Beam Tree, is a rare and beau- 
 tiful object, as its leaves, which are clothed with 
 a thick white wool beneath, are of a large size, 
 and change in autumn to a most beautiful pale 
 yellow. Other ornamental species of Pyrus are 
 as follows: P. mrio/o.sa, remarkable for the vary- 
 ing forms of its foliage, which is sometimes 
 pinnate, like that of the Mountain Ash, and 
 sometimes deeply lobed and cut, like that of 
 the Hawthorn, or entire and cordate and point- 
 ed, like that of the Pear. It is somewhat ten- 
 der, and thrives best in a sheltered situation, 
 or against a wall. P. torminalis, the Griping 
 Wild Service Tree, is remarkable for the beauti- 
 ful form of its leaves, which, however, are un- 
 fortunately very apt to be eaten by insects. The 
 buds are large, of a beautiful green, and very 
 ornamental in the winter season. Pyrus aitcu- 
 paria, the Mountain Ash, is a well-known small 
 tree, beautiful both when in flower and in fruit, 
 and worth cultivating for its foliage alone. Py- 
 rus Americana, the American Mountain Ash, re- 
 
 QUE 
 
 sembles the common kind, but has larger leaves 
 and smaller fruit, though it is of a much deeper 
 red. 1'ijrus Sorbus, the common Service Tree, 
 has foliage like that of the Mountain Ash, but 
 larger; and the fruit resembles that of the com- 
 mon Pear but much smaller, and not orna- 
 mental, though it is eatable. Pyrus spuria, a na- 
 tive of Kamschatka, has leaves like the Elder, 
 and small black fruit; the leaves of this species 
 change in autumn to an intensely deep purple, 
 almost black. There is a pendulous variety, 
 P. s. pendula, which is one of the most orna- 
 mental of drooping-branched small trees; and, 
 as neither the variety nor the species exceeds 
 twelve or fifteen feet in height, they are admira- 
 bly adapted for small gardens. The following 
 kinds of Pyrus are shrubs, and very ornamental, 
 both for their fruit and flowers: P. arbutifolia 
 has white flowers and black fruit, and the leaves 
 of this become of a beautiful red in autumn; 
 there are six or eight varieties commonly treated 
 as species. All the plants belonging to the genus 
 Pyrus are quite hardy, and may all be raised 
 from seeds, or grafted on the Wild Crab, or Wild 
 Pear, or on the Hawthorn, which, though be- 
 longing to the genus Orataegus, is very nearly 
 allied to Pyrus. The most beautiful of all our 
 scarlet-flowering shrubs, now known as Cydonia 
 Japonica, was formerly classed in the genus 
 Pyrus. Of this species there is also a white va- 
 riety. The scarlet variety of Cydonia Japonica 
 makes a most beautiful hedge plant, looking at 
 a distance like a line of fire. 
 
 Q. 
 
 Quaking Grass. The common name of Briza 
 m/ixima, etc., which see. 
 
 Quamash. See Camassia esculenta. 
 
 Quamoclit. Cypress Vine. From kyamos, a Kid- 
 ney Bean, and Iditos, dwarf; the species of this 
 genus resemble the Kidney Bean in their climb- 
 ing stems, but are less tall. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynin. Nat. Ord. Convolvulacece. 
 
 A somewhat extensive genus of half-hardy 
 climbing annuals and green-house perennials. 
 Q. vulfjaris, perhaps better known as Ipomcea 
 (juamddit, is the beautiful Cypress Vine of our 
 gardens. Of this species there are three varie- 
 ties, with scarlet, white, and rose flowers, all 
 natives of the East Indies. The species are 
 quite common in the Southern States, having 
 escaped from the gardens into the fields and 
 hedgerows. These beautiful annuals are not as 
 much grown north of New York as they should 
 be, the difficulty having been to get them started 
 sufficiently early for a satisfactory season of 
 flowering. By sowing the seeds in pots, in the 
 house or in a hot-bed, early in April, they will 
 come forward early, and may be turned out into 
 the open border, when all danger from frost 
 is past. The plants thus started will grow 
 twenty feet high in a season, and be completely 
 covered with flowers for at least three months. 
 The seed may be sown where wanted to grow. 
 If the ground is made fine and rich, and the 
 seeds soaked in hot water before being sown, 
 there will be no difficulty in getting a very line 
 display, though not of as long duration as if 
 
 started in pots. Q. cnccinea is the small-flower- 
 ed, heart-shaped-leaved Ipomcea, or Star Jpomoea, 
 (see Ipomcea,) a very free-flowering species from 
 the East Indies. It is perfectly hardy, and dif- 
 ficult to exterminate when once planted. 
 
 Quassia. Linnaeus applied this name to a tree of 
 Surinam in honor of a negro slave Qu'issi, who 
 used its bark as a remedy for fever, and enjoyed 
 such a reputation among the natives as to be al- 
 most worshiped by some, and suspected of 
 magic by others. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Simarubaceai. 
 
 Q. amarn, the only known species, is a very 
 ornamental, low-growing tree, native of Guiana. 
 It produces long, upright racemes of bright 
 scarlet flowers, the petals of which are curiously 
 twisted together. They flower freely if in a 
 green-house with plenty of heat; their size, 
 however, will not warrant their general intro- 
 duction. The wood is intensely bitter, and the 
 extract is used as a substitute for hops in mak- 
 ing beer. Drinking cups are made from the 
 wood, for the tonic quality it is supp vsed to im- 
 part to the water if allowed to stand in them a 
 short time before drinking. The wood of this 
 tree is the Quassia of commerce. 
 
 Queen of the Meadows. See Spircea lobata. 
 Professor Gray gives Queen of the Prairies as 
 the common name of this species; but we think 
 this is a mistake. 
 
 duercitron. See Qttercus tindoria. 
 
 (Juercus. The Oak. From the Celtic quer, fine, 
 and cuez, a tree; others derive it from the Greek
 
 184 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 QUI 
 
 word choiros, a pig; because those animals feed 
 on the acorns. Linn. Moncecia-Polyandria. Nat. 
 On! i''/i'>d'it'enr. 
 
 An extensive genus of well-known trees, com- 
 prisinf about one hundred and fifty species, 
 chiefly confined to the northern regions of the 
 globe being rarely met in the Southern Hemi- 
 sphere. Ihey are mostly trees of large size; a 
 few only may be considered shrubs. A num- 
 ber of the species are evergreen, one of the most 
 valuable of the class being Q. virens, or Live 
 Oak, which grows from Virginia southward, and 
 the value of the timber increases, because of its 
 quality, the further south it is found. Q. alba, 
 White Oak, Q. castanea, Chestnut Oak, and Q. 
 tinctoria, furnish the most valuable timber for 
 the mechanic arts. Q. macrocarpa, the Over-cup 
 White Oak, and Q. coccinea, the Scarlet Oak, are 
 the most beautiful for shade trees. Q. ilwfolia 
 is the common Scrub Oak, that rarely attains a 
 height of eight feet. Q. wfectoria, a native of 
 the Levant, is a very common species, the 
 branches of which are liable tobe stung by insects, 
 causing the formation of the Gall Nuts of com- 
 merce. All the species are invaluable for tim- 
 ber or fuel, excepting the low-growing kinds. 
 The bark of the species contains large quanti- 
 ties of tannin, which . gives it a value exceeding 
 that of the timber. Q. suber, Cork Oak, a na- 
 tive of Southern Europe and Northern Africa, 
 furnishes the Cork of commerce. The outer 
 layers of bark in this tree increase annually, and 
 
 RAF 
 
 after eight or nine years fall off; but for com- 
 mercial purposes they are removed one or two 
 years previously. The bark of the tree is re- 
 moved by incisions round the top and bottom 
 of the tree, and by a long one connecting these 
 two, which allows the bark to be stripped off. 
 This is effected when the bark is most firmly at- 
 tached to the wood, in order that the innermost 
 layers of bark may not be injured, nor the health 
 of the tree impaired, more than is necessary. 
 The trees furnish a crop of bark once in eight or 
 nine years. 
 
 Quince. See Cydonia. 
 
 duisqualis. From quis, who, and qualis, what 
 kind ; referring to the fact that when the genus 
 was named it was uncertain to what class or or- 
 der it belonged. Linn. Dectindria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. ConibretacecK. 
 
 A genus of plants indigenous to tropical and 
 sub-tropical Asia and Africa, and consisting of 
 climbing shrubs, with opposite, rarely alternate 
 leaves, and axillary or terminal spikes of flow- 
 ers. These are very fine plants for the hot- 
 house or a warm green-house, and are great fa- 
 vorites with those who grow them. Q. Indica, 
 Q. glabra, and Q. Sinensis are among the best, 
 bearing brilliant red, orange red, and rose-col- 
 ored flowers. Propagated from cuttings of 
 young wood. First introduced into England in 
 1815. 
 
 Quitch or Quick Grass. The common name for 
 an intolerable pest. See Triticum. 
 
 R 
 
 Radish. The well-known esculent root of Ra- 
 phanus salivas, which see. The common 
 garden Radish is a hardy annual, entirely un- 
 known in its native state. It is usually cred- 
 ited to China. It has long been held in iiigh 
 esteem, and before the Christie n era, a. volume 
 was written on this plant alone. The ancient 
 Greeks, in offering their oblations to Apollo, 
 presented Turnips in lead, Beets in silver, 
 and Radishes in vessels of beaten gold. Pliny 
 observes that Radishes grow best in saline 
 soils, or when they are watered with salt water; 
 and hence, he says, the Radishes of Egypt are 
 better than any in the world, on account of their 
 being supplied with niter; modern experience, 
 however, does not allow us to endorse this. He 
 gives some account of the kinds grown at Rome 
 in his day, one of which he describes as being 
 so clear and transparent that one might see 
 through the roots. The Radish was introduced 
 into England during the sixteenth century. 
 Four kinds were cultivated by Gerarde in the 
 latter part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. 
 Since that time, many new varieties have been 
 introduced and disseminated by European 
 seedsmen and gardeners. The seed is exten- 
 sively grown in France and Germany, and to 
 those countries we are indebted for our supply 
 more than to any other. For a seed crop, the 
 plants are taken from a seed bed and trans- 
 planted when quite small, an operation that can 
 only be carried on profitably where labor is 
 very cheap. When ripe, the plants are cut to 
 the ground and stacked, and allowed to remain 
 
 SOB year before being threshed. If this care is 
 not observed, and the seed threshed out soon 
 after ripening, it will invariably become heated 
 and spoiled, and this is the chief cause of failure 
 in the germination of the seed. The seed re- 
 tains its vitality a number of years. The varieties 
 of Radish now most prized are: French Break- 
 fast, Early Round Dark Red, Early Scarlet Tur- 
 nip, Wood's Early Frame, White-tipped Scarlet 
 Turnip, and for winter the Rose Chinese. Rad- 
 ishes are largely grown in the Southern States 
 to be shipped north, as it is a vegetable probably 
 more than any other grown that is appreciated 
 for its earliness. Immense quantities are raised 
 under glass in green-houses, hot-beds, and cold 
 frames in the vicinity of all large cities. It is 
 estimated that upward of twenty acres are raised 
 under glass in the vicinity of New York. A 
 light, rather sandy soil, well enriched with short 
 stable manure, suits them best. Under glass the 
 temperature should not exceed 60 at night, with 
 ten to fifteen degrees higher during the day. 
 The variety most used for forcing is the Dark Red 
 Round. 
 
 Raffia. See Raphia. 
 
 Rafflesia. Patma-wort. Named after Sir Stam- 
 ford Raffles, who discovered the plant in the in- 
 terior of Sumatra, where it is called ambun- 
 ambun. Nat. Orel. Rqfflesiacecv. 
 
 A wonderful order of plants, parasitical, and 
 in general appearance resembling some species 
 of Fungi, but, according to the authority of the 
 celebrated English botanist, Robert Brown, it 
 is a true flower, having stamens in one plant
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 185 
 
 KAG 
 
 and pistils in another. R. Arnoldi was found 
 in the Island of Sumatra about sixty years ago, 
 and was then, as it is now, considered to be one 
 of the greatest wonders of the Vegetable King- 
 dom. It consists of five fleshy lobes or petals, 
 each three feet across, of a spotted or mottled 
 red color, the center forming a cup-like dish 
 capable of holding six quarts of water. It has 
 the offensive odor of some species of Fungi, and 
 was first supposed to belong to that order from 
 this fact, and its general resemblance to the 
 Fungus class. 
 
 Ragged Robin. Lychnis flos-cuadi. 
 
 Ragged Sailor. See Polyrjoniim. 
 
 Kagweed. See Ambrosia trijida. 
 
 Ragwort. See Othonna and Senecio Jacobcea. 
 
 Ramee or Ramie. See Bohmeria. 
 
 Ramondia. Named after L. Raymond, a French 
 botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Monoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Gesneracece. 
 
 R. Pyrenaica, the only known species, is a very 
 pretty little perennial, growing only three to 
 four inches high, with the flower stalks spring- 
 ing from a dense mass of rough, dark green 
 leaves. The general habit of growth of the 
 plant very much resembles that of a Primrose. 
 It is quite hardy, and admirably adapted for 
 rock-work; but it will grow in the border, where 
 it is not too warm and dry. It begins to flower 
 in May, and continues in bloom nearly the 
 whole summer. It is a native of the Pyrenees, 
 whence it was introduced about 1600. Parkin- 
 son describes it as the "Blew Beares Eares 
 with Borage leaves." The flowers, however, are 
 not blue, but pale lilac. Propagated by root 
 division or from seed. 
 
 Samstead. One of the common names of Lina- 
 ria. 
 
 Randia. Named after J. Rand, a London botan- 
 ist. Linn. Pentandria-Monorjynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Cinchonacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house evergreen 
 shrubs, natives of the East Indies, and allied to 
 Gardenia. They are rarely grown as flowering 
 or ornamental plants. The powdered root of 
 some of the species is sold as Indian Cockle, and 
 is used to intoxicate or stupefy fish, which per- 
 mits their easy capture. 
 
 Ranunculus. Crowfoot. From rana, a frog; 
 many of the species inhabit marshy places fre- 
 quented by frogs. Linn. Polyandria-Potygynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Ranuncvlacece. 
 
 The species may be divided into two kinds: 
 border flowers and florists' flowers. The latter 
 consist of some hundred of the varieties ob- 
 tained from the species Ranunculus Asiaticus, a 
 native of the Levant, with tuberous roots, which 
 is rather too tender to endure the winter in the 
 open air without some kind of protection. The 
 wild plant grows naturally in Persia, in mead- 
 ows which are moist during winter and in the 
 growing season, but dry during a great part 
 of summer. The usual season for planting the 
 Ranunculus is November. The roots may be 
 placed about six inches apart each way, covered 
 with two inches of soil, and protected by straw, 
 mats, or rotten tan, during severe frosts. The 
 plants will come into flower in June, and when 
 the leaves wither, the roots may be taken up, 
 dried in the shade, and preserved in a dry 
 place till they are wanted for replanting. As the 
 plant seeds freely, even when semi-double, new 
 sorts without end may be raised from seed, 
 which may be sown in pots or flat pans as soon as 
 it is gathered, and placed in a cold frame. The 
 
 RAP 
 
 tubers, if kept dry, will retain their vitality for 
 two or three years; and hence, if roots which 
 should be planted in November are kept out of 
 the ground till the November following, and 
 then planted in pots and protected from frost, 
 and when they appear above ground put into 
 green-house heat, they will flower at Christmas. 
 If not planted till December, they will flower 
 about the end of January ; and if not planted till 
 January, they will flower in March. In this 
 way, by always having a stock of old roots, and 
 planting some every month in the year, Ranun- 
 culuses may be had in flower all the year round. 
 The common mode of propagating the Ranuncu- 
 lus is by separating the offsets from the larger 
 roots. Several of the species are weeds with us, 
 and common in moist pastures, having been in- 
 troduced from Europe at an early day. They have 
 become extensively naturalized, so much so as 
 to be a nuisance to farmers in some places. 
 They are popularly known as Buttercups. R. 
 bulbosus, a double-flowering species, would be 
 regarded an acquisition to the flower garden if 
 it were half as difficult to get as it is to be got 
 rid of when once established. 
 
 Rape. See Brassica. 
 
 Raphanus. Radish. From ra, quickly, and 
 phainomai, to appear; alluding to the quick ger- 
 mination of the seeds. Linn. Tetradynamia. 
 Nat. Ord. Brassicacece. 
 
 A. very useful and widely grown genus of 
 plants, including the well-known Radish of the 
 garden. For culture, etc., see Radish. 
 
 Raphia. From the native name of the Madagas- 
 car species. Linn. Monaecia-Hexandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Palmacece. 
 
 The species forming this genus of Palms are 
 confined to three very limited but widely separat- 
 ed localities : one, R. tcvdigera, being found only 
 on the banks of the Lower Amazon and Para 
 Rivers in Brazil; another, R. vinifera, on the 
 west coast of Africa; while the third, R. Ruffia, 
 is only known as a cultivated plant in Madagas- 
 car and the neighboring islands. All three in- 
 habit low, swampy lands in the vicinity of the 
 sea or river banks, within the influence of the 
 tides. They have stout, unarmed, ringed trunks 
 of no great height, and bear gigantic pinnate, 
 spiny leaves, often fifty or more feet in length, 
 and erect, so that the entire trees are sometimes 
 sixty or seventy feet high. The flower spikes 
 are also of large size and much branched, hang- 
 ing down from among the leaves, and measur- 
 ing as much as sixty feet in length, the branches 
 being arranged in two opposite rows, and the ul- 
 timate ones bearing the flowers resembling flat- 
 tened catkins. Both sexes are borne on the 
 same spike. The fruit spikes sometimes weigh 
 as much as two or three hundred pounds, and 
 bear n large number of one-seeded fruits rather 
 larger than eggs, covered with shining, bony, 
 overlapping scales. These Palms furnish ma- 
 terial fora great variety of useful purposes, such 
 as the manufacture of baskets, boxes, mats, rope, 
 bags, etc., besides thatch for houses and other 
 uses. While one (R. vinifera) produces Palm wine 
 in abundance, another (R. Ritffia) has furnished 
 the gardener with his best tying material. This 
 species was introduced from Madagascar into 
 England as long ago as 1820, but it has only been 
 within the past ten years that its great value as 
 a fiber-producing plant has been known outside 
 of its native home. Raffia, as a tying material 
 for plants, either in the green-hoxise or the gar- 
 den, supersedes Cuba bast and Russia matting
 
 186 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 RAS 
 
 to such an extent that these fibers are now rarely 
 used for this purpose. It may be added here, 
 that Dr. Von Martius, the great authority on 
 Palmaceous plants, removed the above men- 
 tioned three species from Bogus, and placed 
 them together under the generic name haphia. 
 Saqns Rffia and Raplita Baffin are therefore one 
 and the same plant. These Palms require a high, 
 moist temperature for perfect development. 
 Propagated by seeds. 
 
 .Raspberry. See Rabus. 
 
 Rattan Palm. See Rhapis. 
 
 Rattlesnake Grass. See Glyceria Canadensis. 
 
 Rattlesnake Master. See Eryngium yuccce- 
 
 Rattlesnake Orchid. See Pholldota. 
 Rattlesnake Plantain. Local name of Goodycra, 
 
 which see. 
 
 Rattlesnake Root. See Nabalus albus. 
 Rattlesnake Weed. See Hieracium venosum. 
 Red Bay. See Laurus Carolinensis. 
 Red Bud. See C'ercts. 
 Red Cedar. See Juniperus Virginiana. 
 Red Gum Tree. See Eucalyptus resiniflora. 
 Red Hot Poker. See Trii&rw. 
 Red Lac. See Rhus succedanea. 
 Red Root or Blood Root. Popular names for 
 the fleshy rhizomes of Sanguinaria Canadensis, 
 which see. 
 
 Red Root. See Ceanothus. 
 Red Root. See Lacmnihes. 
 Red Snow. See Protococcus nivalis. 
 Red Top. The common name of Agrostis vul- 
 
 f/firi", which see. 
 
 Red Wood. An East Indian dye-wood, the pro- 
 duce of Pterocarpus santalinus, which see. 
 Reed. See Phragmites. 
 
 Reidia. An honorary name. Linn. Afoncecia- 
 Dlandna. Nat. Ord. Euphorbiacece. 
 
 A genus of about a dozen species of green-house 
 shrubs allied to Phyttanthus. They are small 
 bushes, having slender twigs furnished with 
 numerous small, entire leaves, bearing in their 
 axils, either singly or in clusters, small greenish 
 or whitish flowers, tipped with pink. Some of 
 the species are very pretty, though not consid- 
 ered useful flowering plants. They are mostly 
 natives of the East Indies. Introduced in 1864. 
 Propagated by seeds or cuttings. 
 Reineckia. A complimentary name. Linn. Ilex- 
 andria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. LUiacecK. 
 
 R. carnea, formerly called Sanseviera earned, 
 the only known species, is a very pretty hardy 
 herbaceous perennial inhabiting the marshy dis- 
 tricts of Japan. It has grassy leaves six inches 
 to a foot long, from the midst of which arises a 
 flower stalk three to four inches high, bearing a 
 number of rose-colored, or purple, fragrant 
 flowers, each seated in the axil of a bract. The 
 plants are well adapted for the aquarium or mar- 
 gins of fountains. Propagated by offsets. 
 Rein Orchis. See Habenaria. 
 Renanthera. From ren, a kidney, and anthem, 
 an anther or pollen-bag, in allusion to the kid- 
 dey or reniform shape of the anthers or pollen 
 masses. Linn. Gynandria-AIonogunia. Nat. Ord 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of epiphytal Orchids, mostly 
 rare, and exceedingly beautiful. R. Lowii is a 
 remarkable species, a native of Borneo. This 
 species grows to a great height, and has leaves 
 from two to three feet long, with pendulous 
 flower stems ten or twelve feet in length, clothed 
 with numerous large, conspicuous flowers, re- 
 sembling some large insect. It is allied to 
 
 RHA 
 
 Vanda, and requires to be grown in a high, 
 moist temperature. Introduced in 1843. 
 Reseda. Mignonette. From resedo, to calm or 
 appease. The Latins considered its application 
 useful in external bruises. Linn. Dodecandria- 
 Triqynia. Nat. Ord. Resedacea;. 
 
 For description of this genus see Mignonette. 
 Restharrow. See Ononis. 
 
 Restrepia. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of epiphytal Orchids from Cen- 
 tral America. They are very pretty little plants, 
 with curious, many-colored flowers. They are 
 of easy culture in a cool house. They should be 
 grown in pots, in leaf mould and sphagnum moss. 
 They all flower freely in summer. Propagated 
 by division. First introduced in 1813. 
 Resurrection Plant. See Selaginella convoluta. 
 Retinospora. Japan Cypress. From reline, resin, 
 and spora, spore or seed. Linn. Monoecia-Decan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Cimiferce. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful hardy evergreens, 
 mostly dwarf and compact, particularly adapted 
 for lawn decoration. They are closely allied to 
 Cupressus, and are propagated in the same man- 
 ner. The Retinosporas recently introduced 
 from Japan are among the most beautiful of 
 small evergreen trees. They are fine subjects 
 for the lawn, and are hardy in the latitude of 
 New York. They also make very pretty hedges, 
 especially R. aurea. They are worthy of being 
 largely planted. Introduced in 1864. 
 Rhamnus. Buckthorn. From rham, a Celtic 
 word, signifying a tuft of branches. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Rhtimnacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy deciduous and 
 green-house evergreen shrubs, the more useful 
 and common being R. catharHcus, common in 
 Great Britain, where it is much grown as a 
 hedge plant. The fruit of this species was for- 
 merly in great demand for its medicinal 
 properties. 
 
 Rhaphiolepis. Derivation of name not ex- 
 plained. Linn. Icosandria-Dipentagynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Rosacea;. 
 
 A genus of evergreen shrubs found in China 
 and Japan. They are nearly allied to Cratcegus, 
 from which they rare distinguished by their 
 flowers being produced in panicles instead of 
 clusters. R. Lulled and its varieties are nearly 
 smooth evergreen shrubs, with short terminal 
 panicles of white or pink-tinted flowers of the 
 size of those of the Hawthorn. They have been 
 introduced into the green-house. R. Juponica 
 is a beautiful large-leaved species, forming a 
 bush from six to ten feet high, and commonly 
 cultivated by the Japanese, who plant it either 
 with Azaleas and other bushes, or singly, as it 
 forms a beautiful object when covered with its 
 numerous bouquets of dark crimson flowers. 
 Hardy in the vicinity of New York with slight 
 protection. They are propagated by seed. First 
 introduced in 1864. 
 
 Rhapis. From rhapis, a needle; referring to the 
 acute awns of the corolla. Linn. Polygamia- 
 Moncecia. Nat. Ord. Palmacece. 
 
 A small genus of Palms closely allied to 
 Cluimcerops. They are nearly all natives of East 
 ern Asia, and mostly of dwarf habit and slender 
 growth. One of the species, R.flabetUfnrmia, in 
 popularly known as Rattan Palm, and furnishes 
 the walking canes so common on the streets. 
 R. hnmilus is a rare and beautiful species, not 
 often seen in collections. Propagated by suck- 
 ers. First introduced in 1765.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 187 
 
 RHE 
 
 Rheumatism Boot. See Jeffersonia. 
 
 Hheum. Rhubarb. From WKI, the Russian 
 name of the River Wolga, near which the Rhu- 
 barb was found. Linn. Enneandria - Trigynia. 
 Nat. Ord. PolygonacecK. 
 
 Some of the species of this well-known genus 
 have been cultivated from the earliest ages for 
 the medicinal properties they possess. Dioscor- 
 ides, who was physician to Antony and Cleo- 
 patra; wrote on its qualities, and recommended 
 it for use. The Turkish Rhubarb, so largely 
 employed in medicine, is the root of K. pa'ma- 
 tum, a native of China, and sent to Europe 
 through Russia, by the way of Kiachta. It was 
 formerly imported from Natolia, whence the 
 name Turkey Rhubarb. The Turks get the 
 credit of producing this important article of 
 commerce, when, in reality, it only passes 
 through their country. An inferior article used 
 in the adulteration of this drug is grown 
 throughout Southern Europe. The Rhubarb of 
 our gardens is a hybrid of K. Shaponticum, a 
 native of Asia, but of what particular part is not 
 known, nor the time of its introduction. It was 
 first cultivated in England by Dr. Fothergill in 
 1778, but did not come into general use as a 
 culinary vegetable until several years later. As 
 a market crop it has only been cultivated about 
 fifty years. Many varieties have been intro- 
 duced, for which we are chiefly indebted to the 
 English gardeners. Some of the varieties, un- 
 der high cultivation, produce enormous leaf- 
 stems; the size, however, is largely at the ex- 
 pense of quality. An ornamental species has 
 been lately introduced into England, and flow- 
 ered last season (1880) in the Botanic Garden at 
 Glasgow, Scotland. The flowers are hid beneath 
 stipules or scales, and these are said to be beau- 
 tifully colored. It is known as R. nobile. Dr. 
 Hooker, speaking of this Sikkim species as he 
 saw it growing wild, says that it has such a sin- 
 gular and showy appearance, that its introduc- 
 tion into cultivation is greatly to be desired. 
 He thus describes the plant: "The individual 
 plants of It. nobile are upward of a yard high, 
 and form conical towers of the most delicate 
 straw-colored, shining, semi-transparent, con- 
 cave, imbricating bracts, the upper of which 
 have pink edges; the large, bright, glossy, shin- 
 ing green radical leaves, with red petioles and 
 nerves, forming a broad base to the whole. On 
 turning up the bracts, the beautiful membran- 
 ous, fragile pink stipules are seen like red tissue 
 paper, and within these again the short-branch- 
 ed panicles of insignificant green flowers. The 
 root is very long, often many feet, and winds 
 among the rocks ; it is as thick as the arm, and 
 bright j r ellow inside. After flowering the stem 
 lengthens, the bracts separate one from another, 
 become coarse red brown, withered and torn; 
 finally, as the fruit ripens they fall away, leaving 
 a ragged-looking stem, covered with panicles of 
 deep brown, pendulous fruits. In the winter 
 these naked black stems, projecting from the 
 beetling cliffs or towering above the snow, are in 
 dismal keeping with the surrounding desolation 
 of the season." The natives, it is said, eat the 
 pleasantly acid stems, and call them Cliuh-a. 
 Rlmrbarb is a plant found in every well- 
 appointed garden. It is of the easiest culture, 
 and will grow in open sunshine or partial 
 shade; but for its best development a deep, 
 rich, well-drained soil in open sunshine is 
 indispensable. When wanted for private use 
 a couple of dozen plants, which can be procured 
 
 RHE 
 
 cheaply from almost any nurseryman, is the 
 best way to get a supply; but when wanted in 
 quantity for market purposes, the cheapest way 
 is to sow the seed in March or April in well- 
 prepared and richly manured land in rows four 
 feet apart. When the plants come up so as to 
 have covered the ground, thin them out to two 
 or three inches apart; and again later in the 
 season, say by August, to two feet apart, so that 
 they will now stand two feet between the plants 
 and four feet between the rows. The last thin- 
 nings, if needed, may be used for making per- 
 manent plantations. Another plan of raising 
 Rhubarb from seed is as follows: about the mid- 
 dle of March sow the seeds thickly in a cold pit 
 or frame, in light, fibrous soil, such as leaf- 
 mould, so that the young plants will make fibers 
 freely, and thus be easily transplanted. One 
 pound of seed will be enough to sow six 3x6 
 sashes, and will give about one thousand plants. 
 In four or five weeks after sowing the plants 
 will be fit for transplanting, which may be done 
 in richly-prepared beds of six rows each, at a 
 distance of one foot each way. By fall they will 
 have made fine, well-ripened roots, which may 
 be thinned out either in the fall or spring, leav- 
 ing the plants that stand at four feet between 
 the plants and six feet between the rows. The 
 plants that have not been moved will give a 
 partial crop the next year, or in about fifteen or 
 sixteen months after the seed was sown. The 
 roots lifted out as thinnings should be planted, 
 either in the fall or spring, for a permanent crop, 
 at the same distances apart; but, having been 
 disturbed, they will make a weaker growth, and 
 no crop should be taken the first year of plant- 
 ing, as removing the leaves of course weakens 
 the newly-planted root, which has not yet vigor 
 enough to endure it. The second year after 
 planting, however, a full crop will be obtained*, 
 if the ground has been in a proper, well-pulver- 
 ized, and enriched condition. The most profit- 
 able and simple part of Rhubarb growing is by 
 forcing after a supply of large roots has been 
 obtained; and if forcing is to be continued, a 
 succession of such supply should always be on 
 hand, as the roots, after forcing, are worthless. 
 All that is necessary in forcing Rhubarb is to 
 take the large three or four-year-old roots from 
 the open field, which, if well grown, will be 
 from fifteen to twenty inches in diameter, and 
 pack them upright as closely as they can be 
 wedged together, (with light soil shook in to fill 
 the interstices between the roots,) under the 
 stage or benches of the green-house, or in a 
 warm cellar, or, in fact, in any place where 
 there is a growing temperature; say an average 
 of sixty degrees. But little water is needed, and 
 none until the Rhubarb shows signs of healthy 
 growth. There is no necessity for light; in fact, 
 the stems being blanched by being grown in the 
 dark, are much more tender than when grown 
 in the light and air of the open garden, and are 
 therefore more valuable, besides being forced at 
 a season (from January to April) when they are 
 not obtainable in the open ground in the North- 
 ern States. Many of our market gardeners and 
 florists, who, once having a supply of Rhubarb 
 roots, pack them under the benches of the 
 green - house, where vegetable or flowering 
 plants are grown, realize nearly as much 
 profit from the space under the stage (usually 
 useless) as on it. It is also forwarded in an- 
 other way by those who have no green-house. 
 The roots are taken up in the fall and packed
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 closely together, as is done in forcing, in what is 
 known as a cold pit or sunken frame, which is 
 covered with leaves thick enough to keep out 
 the frost. By March 1st the leaves are all re- 
 moved except two or three inches, when sashes 
 are put on the frame or pit. By this forwarding 
 process Rhubarb may be had from three to four 
 weeks earlier than that grown out of doors. We 
 have in this article recommended raising Rhu- 
 barb from seed, as it is the cheapest and quick- 
 est way; and experience has shown us that the 
 varieties raised from seeds of either the "Vic- 
 toria" or " Linnseus" come true enough to the 
 originals for all practical purposes. Those, 
 however, who are particular to have these kinds 
 exactly correct, can obtain them by division. 
 
 Rhexia. Deer Grass, Meadow Beauty. From 
 rhexis, a rupture; from its astringent qualities 
 it is supposed to cure ruptures. Linn. Octandria- 
 Mono<jynia. Nat. Ord. Mdastomacece. 
 
 A small genus of very pretty hardy herbace- 
 ous perennials, common in sandy swamps from 
 New York west and south. The flowers are 
 bright pink, large and showy. The plants do 
 not grow above six or eight inches, but, from 
 their branching habit, completely cover the 
 ground with foliage and flower. 
 
 Rhinopetalum. From rhin, a nose, and petalon, a 
 petal; base of the upper sepal. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. LttiacecK. 
 
 K. Kardini, the only known species, is a small 
 bulbous plant from Che Ural Mountains, its 
 flowers are pale pink, spotted, somewhat resem- 
 bling the Fritillaria. It is inferior in beauty to 
 the majority of its allies. It grows freely if cul- 
 tivated in the same manner as the Lily. Propa- 
 gated by offsets. Introduced in 1834. 
 
 Rhipsalis. Coral Cactus. From rhlps, a willow 
 branch; referring to the flexible branches. Linn. 
 Icosamlria-Monofjynia. Nat. Ord. Cadaceoe. 
 
 Very curious succulent plants, which are na- 
 tives of South America and the West Indies. 
 As the Opuntias may be said to be all leaves, 
 and the different kinds of tree Cereus all stem, 
 so the Rhipsalis may be said to be all branches; 
 for the whole plant consists of a series of short, 
 round, articulated branches, spreading in all 
 directions. The flowers of this genus differ 
 from those of Cacti generally, in being small 
 and not very handsome. They are generally 
 pale yellow. They require the same soil and 
 treatment as other Cactaceous plants. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings. The species are all natives 
 of the West Indies and South America. Intro- 
 duced in 1818. 
 
 Rhipidopteris. From rhipis, a fan, and pteris, a 
 fern; referring to the formation of the fronds. 
 Linn.Crypto<jamiu-FUices. Nat. Ord. Polijpodiacece. 
 A small genus of Ferns allied to Polybotrya, 
 but differing in habit. The species are curious 
 little creeping plants, with small fronds from 
 one to three inches high. They are confined to 
 the West Indies and South America. They are 
 grown in the hot-house. 
 
 Rhizophora. Mangrove. From rhiza, a root, 
 and pfioreo, to bear; the branches send down 
 roots like the Banyan Tree. Linn. Dodecandria- 
 Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Rhizophoracece. 
 
 The only known species constituting this ge- 
 nus is a large tree inhabiting the muddy swamps 
 close to the sea-shore in tropical climates. Its 
 interesting character is thus described by Dr. 
 Hamilton : " In the economy of Nature the Man- 
 grove performs a most important part, wresting 
 annually fresh portions of the land from the do- 
 
 RHO 
 
 minion of the ocean, and adding them to the 
 domain of man. This is effected in a twofold 
 manner: by the progressive advance of their 
 roots, and by the aerial germination of their 
 seeds, which do not leave their lofty position 
 till they have assumed the form of actual trees, 
 and drop into the water with their roots ready 
 prepared to take possession of the mud, in ad- 
 vance of their parent stems. The progression 
 by means of the roots is effected by fresh roots, 
 which issue from the trunk at some distance 
 above the surface of the water, and arching 
 down, penetrate the mud, establishing them- 
 selves as the pioneers of fresh invasions of the 
 retiring element. In this manner the plants, 
 after their descent from the parent trees, con- 
 tinue during their early years to advance stead- 
 ily forward, till they have obtained a height of 
 about fifteen feet, and gained a position consid- 
 erably in advance of their parent trunks. After 
 this fewer additions are made to the roots, but 
 the head begins to expand in every direction, 
 spreading its branches on all sides. These 
 branches, in their turn, send down long, slender 
 roots, like those of the Banyan Tree, (Ficus In- 
 dica,) which, rapidly elongating, descend from 
 all heights, and, reaching the water, penetrate 
 the mud, becoming in time independent trees. 
 Thus a complicated labyrinth is at length 
 formed." The fruit of the species is edible, and 
 its fermented juice is made into a light wine. 
 In Borneo a coarse, bitter salt is extracted from 
 their aerial roots. 
 
 Rhodanthe. From rhodon, a rose, and anlhos, a 
 flower; in allusion to the color of the flower- 
 heads. Linn. Syngenesia-jEqualis. Nat. Ord. As- 
 teracece. 
 
 A very oeautiful genus of half-hardy annuals 
 found in Western Australia. R. Manglesii and 
 its varieties have white, rose, crimson, and pur- 
 ple flowers. These plants are admirably adapted 
 for the border in summer or the conservatory or 
 green-house in winter, as they come into flower 
 early, and continue for a long time. The flowers, 
 if gathered when young, and dried in the shade, 
 will retain their beauty during the winter, mak- 
 ing them valuable for bouquets of dried flowers. 
 For perfection of growth in the border, the seed 
 should be sown in March in the green-house or a 
 hot-bed, and carefully grown on in small pots 
 until all danger from frosts is past, when they 
 may be turned out into the open border. For 
 winter flowering the seed should be sown in 
 August or September. Introduced by Capt. 
 Mangles in 1832. 
 
 Rhodea. See Rohdea. 
 
 Rhodiola. From rhodon, a rose. Linn. Dicecia- 
 Tetrar/ynia. Nat. Ord. Crassulacece. 
 
 A genus of succulent plants, separated from 
 Sedum on account of their bearing fertile and 
 barren flowers on distinct plants. See Sedum. 
 
 Rhodochyton. A genus of Scrophnlariacea*, dif- 
 fering but little from Lophospermurn, the calyx 
 being less divided, and the corolla not so open. 
 See Lophospermum. 
 
 Rhododendron. Rose Bay. From rhodon, a rose, 
 and dendron, a tree. Linn. Decandria-Monofjynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Ericacete. 
 
 A genus of well-known evergreen shrubs and 
 low-growing trees, remarkable for their beauti- 
 ful flowers, and thick, luxuriant, glossy foliage. 
 The species are widely diffused^ being indige- 
 nous to the United States, Europe, Asia, and 
 the Indies. Some of the species are perfectly 
 hardy, and others require the protection of the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 189 
 
 EHO 
 
 green-house. Of our native species, R. maxi- 
 mum, (Great Laurel,) common from Maine to 
 Ohio, is a tall-growing shrub, with leaves from 
 four to ten inches long, very thick and glossy. 
 The flowers are a light rose color, nearly white, 
 with greenish throat, and spotted with yellow 
 or light red. E. Cntawbiense, common on the 
 Alleghanies from Pennsylvania southward, is 
 perfectly hardy, and flowers most profusely. It 
 seldom grows above four feet high, but forms a 
 symmetrical shrub, exceedingly ornamental for 
 a lawn plant. This species is the parent of all 
 our hardy varieties, having been hybridized with 
 the Nepal species, n. arboreum. From this cross 
 there has been raised a great number of beauti- 
 ful kinds, most of which are hardy in the lati- 
 tude of New York. The varieties include colors 
 from nearly pure white to dark crimson. All 
 the hardy sorts are of easy culture, growing 
 freely in almost any loamy soil, but they prefer 
 a moist situation, protected from cold winter 
 winds. When first planted they should be 
 mulched with any convenient material that will 
 prevent evaporation and keep the roots moist 
 and cool. Several fine species have been lately 
 introduced from the East, a few of them bearing 
 but little resemblance to the common Rhodo- 
 dendron, one being a climber. The plants are 
 propagated by seeds, cuttings, layers, or graft- 
 ing. 
 
 Rhodotypus. From rhodon, a rose, and typos, 
 type. Linn. Polyandria-Tetragynia. Nat. Ord. 
 HosacecK. 
 
 A genus of Eosacen; from Japan. They were 
 introduced in 1866. E. kerrioides, the only spe- 
 cies at present known, is a slender-branching, 
 hardy evergreen shrub, remarkable for its large, 
 terminal, pure white flowers. It is well adapted 
 for the lawn, contrasting finely with the Wei- 
 gela and other hardy ornamental shrubs. 
 
 Rhppala. From Roupdla, the Guianan name. 
 Linn. Tetrandria-Mono<jynia. Nat. Ord. Proteacew. 
 A gemis of South American trees or large 
 shrubs, having simple or pinnate coarse leaves, 
 conspicuous for their terminal or axillary ra- 
 cemes of yellow flowers, which are often covered 
 with a rich brownish wool. A number of the 
 species are under cultivation in the green- 
 houses, -but chiefly in botanical collections. 
 
 Rhubarb. See Rheum. 
 
 Rhus. Sumach. Derived from rous in Greek, 
 which is from rhudd, a Celtic word signifying 
 red; alluding to the color of the fruit, and also 
 of the leaves of some species in autumn. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Trirjynia. Nat. Ord. Anacardiucecn. 
 
 An extensive genus of deciduous shrubs, na- 
 tives of the United States, Europe, and Asia. 
 They are all interesting from the beautiful colors 
 their leaves assume in drying off in autumn. 
 The species are more or less poisonous. E. toxi- 
 codendron and its varieties, commonly called 
 J'oison Icy or Poison Oak, are about as danger- 
 ous as the fabulous Upas Tree of Java. There 
 is also a singular fact connected with this plant 
 that makes it distinctive: some persons can 
 handle it with impunity, while others, from 
 the slightest touch, or even from the wind blow- 
 ing over the plant, will have their arms, face, 
 and bodies fearfully and painfully swollen by 
 it. The same is true, though in a less degree, 
 when the leaves of Celery or Parsnip are touched 
 by the arms or face when damp. R venitia, or 
 Poison Eldrr, has so virulent a sap, that it is 
 said to occasion fever and inflammation in those 
 who cut it down. One of the most beautiful 
 
 RIB 
 
 species is R. cotinus, or Smok Tree, a native of 
 the south of Europe. It is remarkable for its 
 feathery inflorescence. This species also yields 
 the yellow dye-wood called Young Fustic. R. 
 verniclfera, a Japan species, is a small tree, and 
 yields the famous Lacquer so extensively em- 
 ployed by the Japanese for lacquering various 
 articles of furniture and small ware. It exudes 
 from wounds made in the tree, and is at first 
 milky white, but becomes darker, and ultimately 
 black on being exposed to the air. Nothing is 
 known respecting the mode of preparing it; 
 that is kept a profound secret, as one of their 
 sources of wealth. 
 
 Rhynchosia. From rhynchos, a beak; the keel of 
 the flower is beaked. Linn. Diadelphia-Decandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 An extensive genus 01 herbs and under-shrubs, 
 mostly of a twining habit. They are natives of 
 the West Indies, Mexico, South America, and 
 India. They are plants of but little beauty. 
 R. precatoria has pretty little half-black and half- 
 scarlet or yellow shining seeds, which the Mexi- 
 cans string into necklaces and rosaries. 
 
 Rhynchospermum. From rhynchos, a beak, and 
 sperma, a seed. Linn. Pentandria-Moniogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Apocynacece. 
 
 R. jasminoides is a very beautiful, free-flower- 
 ing, and sweet-scented green-house climber, a 
 native of India, China, and Japan. In habit it 
 resembles the Jasmine, as its specific name im- 
 plies. It is a rapid grower, requiring only ordi- 
 nary green-house culture. A variety with varie- 
 gated foliage is very ornamental. Propagated 
 by cuttings. Introduced in 1846. 
 
 Ribbon Grass. See Arundo and Phalaris. 
 
 Ribes. Currant, Gooseberry. From Ribas, the 
 name of an acid plant mentioned by the Arabian 
 physicians, and which is known to be Rheum 
 r'tbes. Linn. Pentandria-3fonotjynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Grossulariftceai. 
 
 Our garden varieties of Currants have all orig- 
 inated from E. rubrum, a native of Northern 
 Europe; and the same species is also indigenous 
 to the swamps of New Hampshire, north and 
 west to Wisconsin. The berries of this shrub 
 are uniformly red in their wild state. The 
 white, bronze, and other varieties, have been 
 produced under cultivation. To the Dutch we 
 are indebted for the first endeavors to improve 
 this fruit by cultivation, the nurserymen -of 
 other nations having paid but little if any atten- 
 tion to this branch of fruit-culture. At what 
 date any of our choice varieties were produced 
 we are unable to state ; but little improvement 
 was made, however, previous to the nineteenth 
 century, though the Dutch cultivated a white 
 Currant in 1729. The Black Currant, It. nigritm, 
 is a native of most parts of Europe, and abounds 
 in the woods of Russia and Siberia. Cultivation 
 has added but little to its quality; its taste is 
 peculiar, and to most persons disagreeable. It 
 is used chiefly for jellies. R. rubrum, the Red 
 Currant common in our woods, has fruit similar 
 to the above, but smaller. R. aureum, the Buffa- 
 lo or Missouri Currant, is an ornamental shrub, 
 remarkable for the spicy fragrance of its yellow 
 blossoms in early spring. It is widely cultivated, 
 and would be one of the most desirable shrubs, 
 were it not for its tendency to sucker and spread 
 itself beyond bounds. R. sanguined is another 
 ornamental variety, with rich crimson ftowem, 
 the plant growing to a height of eight or ten 
 feet. The Oo&sAeny, R. grossular'ut, is a native of 
 the United States, from Virginia northward,
 
 190 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 RIB 
 
 and west to Wisconsin, and also of northern 
 Europe. From this species most of our garden 
 varieties have originated. The natural fruit is 
 small, and has less flavor than the cultivated 
 sorts. The English have made great improve- 
 ments in the Gooseberry. Their favorite sorts 
 are not adapted to this climate, however, owing 
 to their tendency to mildew. An exception to 
 this, however, is found inPaterson, N. J., where 
 some English mechanics grow it in great perfec- 
 tion. P. hirlelhim is a smooth-fruited species 
 common in moist grounds from New England 
 to Illinois. Under cultivation this species, has 
 been greatly improved, and its varieties are now 
 generally grown in our gardens. There are sev- 
 eral species with rough or prickly fruit, common 
 throughout the Northern States; they are, how- 
 ever, of little value for their fruit. 
 
 Bib Grass. See Plantago lanceolate. 
 
 Rice. See Oryza sath-a. 
 
 Richardia. Calla, Egyptian Lily, Lily of the 
 Nile. Named after L. C. Richard, an eminent 
 French botanist. Linn. Heplandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Aradacece. 
 
 Calla, the popular name of this genus, was 
 given to it by Pliny. There are but three spe- 
 cies, all natives of Africa. The Calla, or Kich- 
 ardia ^Ethiopica, is a native of the Cape of Good 
 Hope, and was introduced into England in 1731. 
 It is a well-known plant of easy culture; the 
 only particular attention it requires is constant 
 watering, and as warm a room as can conven- 
 iently be given it. The Calla is largely grown 
 for winter flowers, and is of the easiest culture. 
 Although it will grow and flower during the en- 
 tire season without resting if sufficiently fed by 
 being re-potted, yet it is more profitable to dry 
 it partially off, say from June 1st to October 1st. 
 This is best done by placing the pots on their 
 sides, so as to prevent the rains from wetting 
 the soil, and covering them slightly with bay or 
 moss, so as to keep the sun from drying the 
 roots too much ; or, if a position of partial shade 
 can be had, there will be no need of covering 
 the pots. The roots thus rested will flower 
 more abundantly and produce fewer leaves, and 
 thus twice the number of flowers may be obtain- 
 ed from the same space. It is not well to give 
 the Calla too much pot room, else too much foli- 
 age is produced. We have found the best 
 method to be not to use too large pots, and to 
 use liquid manure freely. When an excess of 
 leaves occurs, cut them off freely, withholding 
 water somewhat for a week or so after cutting 
 the leaves off. By this method the plants can 
 be grown closely together, and a larger crop of 
 flowers obtained from the same space. The 
 Calla is one of the best of winter-flowering 
 plants for room culture, needing little care be- 
 yond abundant water, and an occasional syring- 
 ing or washing of the leaves, to keep them free 
 from dust. The summer treatment and re-pot- 
 ting will be the same as recommended above. 
 It is also a good plant for a large aquarium. R. 
 afoo-macuUita, a species with beautifully varie- 
 gated or spotted foliage, makes a shcwy plant. 
 The flowers are smaller than the Calla, and 
 white, with purple throat. It comes into flower 
 in June, making it valuable for a succession. It 
 is also desirable in a collection of plants with 
 variegated foliage. The species are all propa- 
 gated by offsets, which should be taken off when 
 the plant is at rest, and grown on in small pots 
 for one season. 
 
 Ricinus. Castor Oil Plant. From rlcimts, a tick 
 
 ROB 
 
 resemblance in the seeds. Linn. Monoscia-Mo- 
 nandria. Nat. Ord. Bnphorblacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of tall-growing, half-hardy 
 annuals, natives of Africa and the East Indies. 
 The best known species is R. communis, the seeds 
 of which yield Castor Oil. The plant is a native 
 of India, but is now extensively cultivated in 
 the warmer regions of the globe. It is largely 
 grown in Southern Illinois and Missouri, much 
 in the same manner as Indian Corn. The prod- 
 uce of seed per acre is about twenty bushels. It 
 is estimated that those States alone produce an- 
 nually half a million gallons of oil. There are 
 a number of varieties grown in the garden, dif- 
 fering but little in general appearance, but vary- 
 ing in color and size. It is a grand plant for the 
 center of a sub-tropical bed, the outer circles to 
 be of Cannas in variety. The plants are easily 
 grown from seeds, which should be started in 
 small pots in the green-house about the first of 
 March, and turned out as soon as all danger 
 from frost is past. The pomace is used as a 
 manure. Introduced in 1548. 
 Rigidella. From rigidus, stiff ; in allusion to the 
 stiffness of the flower stalk when supporting the 
 seed-vessels. Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 A small but very beautiful genus of plants, 
 natives of Mexico. R. flammea is one of the most 
 interesting species. It grows from three to five 
 feet high, with very broad and curiously plicate 
 leaves, which look as though they had been reg- 
 ularly plaited artificially. The flowers are nu- 
 merous, of a bright flame color, all issuing from 
 one spathe, and opening only one at a time. 
 The plant is of easy culture, requiring in all 
 respects the same treatment as the Tigridia. 
 Introduced into Britain in 1838. 
 Ripogonum. From ripos, flexible, and gonos, a 
 snoot. Linn. Hexandria-Motwgynia. Nat. Ord. 
 SmUacece. 
 
 Ornamental green-house evergreen climbers 
 from New Holland. The flowers are white, dis- 
 posed in axillary clusters, not unlike Smilax. 
 Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1820. 
 Rivea. Named after A. de la Rive, a Genevan 
 botanist. Linn. Penlandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 ConvolvulacecK. 
 
 Very beautiful green-house evergreen twiners, 
 allied to Ipomoea, natives of the East Indies. 
 The ease with which the many annuals of this 
 Natural Order are grown, causes the more tender 
 kinds to be neglected, or lost sight of altogether. 
 Rivina. Named after A. Q. Rivinus, a botanist of 
 Saxony. Linn. Tetrandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 PhytolaccacecK. 
 
 Green-house evergreen shrubs, natives of 
 South America and the West Indies. R. humUis 
 is commonly grown in green-houses for its beau- 
 tiful racemes of little bright scarlet berries. It 
 is called in the West Indies Rouge Plant, the 
 juice of the berries being used as a cosmetic. 
 R. rivularis is a stronger-growing plant than the 
 above, but in other respects is much the same. 
 Propagated by seeds or from cuttings. Intro- 
 duced in 1804. 
 
 Robinia. Locust Tree, Honey Bean. Named 
 in honor of Jmn Robin, a French botanist, once 
 herbalist to Henry IV. of France. Linn. Diadel- 
 phia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabac&x. 
 
 It. pseud-acacia, False Acacia, is the common 
 Yellow Locust, indigenous to the Middle and 
 Southern States. It is extensively grown in 
 many parts of the country for the valuable tim- 
 ber it furnishes, as being the most durable of
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 191 
 
 HOC < 
 
 all wood for posts, or where it comes in contact 
 with the earth. It is one of our most valuable 
 lumber trees, and is largely used for various 
 mechanical purposes. R. hispida, or Hose Aca- 
 cia, is a handsome shrub, with long racemes of 
 beautiful rose-colored flowers without fragrance ; 
 a marked contrast to the foregoing species. It 
 is a native of the Southern States, from Virginia 
 southward. It is commonly cultivated with or- 
 namental shrubs. 
 
 Rochea. Named after M. de la Roche, a botanical 
 writer. Linn. Pentandria-Pentayynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Orassidacea?. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen succulents, 
 allied to Crassida, and requiring the same gen- 
 eral treatment. They are natives of the Cape 
 of Good Hope. Several of the species are under 
 cultivation, their singular leaves and bright 
 flowers making them attractive specimens. H. 
 falcata is one of the best. Propagated by cut- 
 'tings. 
 
 Rocket. See Hesperis. 
 Rocket Larkspur. See Delphinium ajacis. 
 Rock Cress. See Arabia. 
 Rock Lychnis. See Viscaria. 
 Rock Rose. See Cislus. 
 
 Rodriguezia. Named after E. Rodriguez, a Span- 
 ish physician and botanist. Linn. Gynandrla- 
 Monandr'M. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 Epiphytal Orchids, natives of South America. I 
 There is but one species generally cultivated, 
 H. secunda, which has flower spikes from six to 
 nine inches long, with carmine red flowers ar- 
 ranged on one side. It blooms freely in the 
 autumn and winter months, requiring the same 
 care given the Cattle^a. Introduced in 1820. 
 Roella. In honor of William Roell, Professor of 
 Anatomy at Amsterdam. Linn. Peniandria-Mon- 
 ogyniu. Nat. Ord. Campanulacece. 
 
 Cape plants, generally with blue flowers, 
 which have somewhat of the dazzling glossy hue 
 of Venus's Looking Glass. The shrubby kinds 
 are of low growth, and rather difficult to propa- 
 gate ; but the annual species are of very easy 
 culture, and only require the usual treatment 
 of half-hardy annuals. 
 Roffia. See Raphia. 
 
 Rogiera. In honor of M. Charles Rogier, a Bel- 
 gian statesman. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Cinchonacecv. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen shrubs from Cen- 
 tral America, allied to Rondeletia. In general 
 appearance they resemble the Lauristinus. The 
 flowers are bright pink. They are very pretty 
 green-house plants. Increased by cuttings. 
 Rohdea. In honor of M. Rohde. Linn. Hexan- 
 dria-MonogynM. Nat. Ord. Orontacece. 
 
 R. Japnnica is the only known species of this 
 genus. It is a green-house herbaceous, nearly 
 aquatic plant, and a very interesting one for the 
 green-house, having dark green foliage and 
 spikes of creamy white flowers, which are suc- 
 ceeded by spikes of showy fruit. 
 Roman Hyacinth. See Hyacinth. 
 Romeria. Purple Horned-Poppy. In honor of 
 John James Romei; Professor of Botany at Land- 
 shut. Linn. Poly andria-Monotjy nut. Nat. Ord. 
 PapaveracecK. 
 
 This is a very beautiful purple annual flow- 
 er; but, unfortunately, its beauty is so very 
 short-lived that it is difficult to find a perfect 
 flower, as one or two of its petals drop almost 
 as soon as the flower expands. It is quite 
 hardy, and only requires to have its seeds sown 
 in the open border in April. 
 
 ROS 
 
 Rondeletia. In honor of William Rondelet, M.D., 
 a famous natural historian of Montpellier. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cincho- 
 nacece. 
 
 Beautiful hot-house plants, with white, blue, 
 or reddish flowers, natives of the East and West 
 Indies. 7?. odorata, which is the most common, 
 has terminal corymbs of scarlet flowers greatly 
 resembling those of Ixora coccinea. The flowers 
 are produced in great abundance. One of the 
 best known in our collections is R. speciosa, 
 bearing orange scarlet flowers freely. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings. Introduced in 1752. 
 
 Rosa. Rose. From the Celtic rhod, red, the pre- 
 vailing color of the flowers. Linn. Icosandria- 
 Polygynia. Nat. Ord. Rosacece. 
 
 We find mention of the Rose in the earliest 
 writings, both sacred and profane. So invaria- 
 bly have the writers seemingly been intoxicated 
 with its beauty that they have entirely forgot- 
 ten or ignored its early history and culture, 
 leaving us in profound ignorance as to the ori- 
 gin of some of our most highly-prized species 
 or varieties. It was undoubtedly very general- 
 ly esteemed, and used for ornamentation on 
 both public and private occasions. As an in- 
 stance, it may be mentioned that the Romans 
 put it to a very significant use at some of their 
 private feasts or dinners. A rose was placed over 
 the principal door, and he who passed under it 
 silently bound himself not to reveal anything 
 that was said or done within; hence arose the 
 saying, sub-rosa, under the Rose; and even now 
 to tell a friend anything sub-rosa implies that he 
 shall not reveal it. The limit of this work will al- 
 low but a brief history and description of the 
 various classes. The species, numbering up- 
 ward of one hundred, are found disseminated 
 throughout America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. 
 Australia, so prolific in rare and beautiful flow- 
 ers, has not as yet contributed a single species, 
 while Siberia, Iceland, Greenland, and Karnt- 
 schatka are fairly represented. China, Persia, 
 and India have furnished some of the finest spe- 
 cies. From all this material cultivators have 
 created varieties almost innumerable. From JR. 
 spinosissima, the type of thosa indigenous to 
 Great Britain, nearly three hundred varieties 
 have sprung, which are known as Scotch Roses, 
 though these are not as much valued as many 
 other classes. The Cabbage or Provence Rose 
 (R. centifolia) is one of the best known and old- 
 est of the family. It is a native of Eastern Cau- 
 casus. It is supposed to be the hundred-leaved 
 Rose of Pliny. It was introduced into the Brit- 
 ish gardens in 1596. More than a hundred fine 
 hybrid varieties have been produced by the 
 French and English gardeners between this and 
 R. Qallica, which are known under the general 
 name of Provence Roses. They are all very 
 beautiful and fragrant, and all distinguished by 
 their close, cabbage-like form, the curving in- 
 ward of their petals, and their slender foot- 
 stalks, which give a peculiarly graceful and 
 drooping appearance to the fully developed 
 flowers. The Unique Provence is claimed to be 
 of English origin, having been observed for the 
 first time in 1777, growing in a cottage garden. 
 It was probably one of those accidental varia- 
 tions of flowers commonly termed "sports," 
 which sometimes take place in plants, one 
 branch, shoot, or sucker producing striped or 
 variegated flowers, while the original remains 
 self-colored. The Unique Provence is pure 
 white, of full size, globular form, and exceed-
 
 192 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EOS 
 
 ingly fragrant. From this the Striped Provence 
 is said to have been a sport. Its flowers are 
 white, striped with deep rose. It is by no 
 means constant, as some of the flowers will be 
 wholly pink, others pure white, the two being 
 frequently met on the same branch. The Moss 
 Rose, (R. centit'oUa muMMa,)the history of which 
 is unknown, nas by common consent been con- 
 sidered an accidental sport from the Provence 
 Rose. This theory is strengthened by the 
 fact that plants produced by the seed of the 
 Moss Rose do not always show moss, probably 
 not more than one in three doing so; those that 
 do not, possess all the characteristics of the 
 Cabbage or Provence Rose. The earliest his- 
 tory we have of it is, that it was sent to England 
 from Holland in 1596, since which time many 
 new kinds have been produced from seed, and 
 from sports of the original. The Crested Moss 
 (R. cristata) is a sport accidentally found grow- 
 ing out of an old wall at Friburg, in Switzer- 
 land. This class, like the Provence, requires 
 the highest cultivation: a deep, strong, rich 
 loam is required for the perfection of these more 
 than any other class of Roses. The French (R. 
 Gallica) is indigenous to the hedges of France 
 and Italy. It is credited with being the R. Mil- 
 lesiana of Pliny, and is among the earliest culti- 
 vated garden Roses. This section contains a 
 large number of our variegated varieties, all 
 having their parentage in R. Gallica versicolor. 
 This family is very extensive, and unsurpassed 
 for perfection of form or richness of color. They 
 are compact, erect-growing plants, producing 
 large, open, flat flowers, borne on stiff, erect 
 flower-stalks, thus forming a marked contrast 
 to the Cabbage Rose. Of this there are proba- 
 bly two hundred varieties. They are exten- 
 sively grown in the neighborhood of Paris for 
 the purpose of making the Attar of Roses. The 
 Hybrid Provence Roses (R. centifolia hybrida) 
 are hybrids between the French and Provence 
 Roses. Nearly all the varieties are remarkable 
 for their large, well-formed, and very fragrant 
 flowers. They are mostly vigorous growers, re- 
 quiring but little care in cultivation. The Hy- 
 brid China Rose, (R. Indica hybrida.) This sec- 
 tion owes its origin to the Bourbon, China, and 
 Tea-scented Noisette, crossed with the French, 
 Provence, and other summer Roses, and also to 
 the latter crossed with the former. The varie- 
 ties first obtained from this crossing arose from 
 accident, the effect of which was a systematic 
 effort that resulted in producing some magnifi- 
 cent Roses. Mr. Rivers, a celebrated rosarian, 
 in speaking of these hybrids, remarks: " They 
 give a long continuance of bloom, but never put 
 forth secondary or autumnal flowers. This is a 
 most peculiarly distinguishing trait, and an in- 
 teresting fact. Impregnate a Bourbon, China, 
 or Noisette Rose, all abundant bloomers, with 
 the farina of a French or Provence Rose, and 
 you entirely take away the tendency of autumnal 
 blooming in their offspring." The plants of this 
 section are of very vigorous habit, and the flow- 
 ers combine all the properties desired in the 
 Hose, viz., size, form, fullness, and exquisite col- 
 i; in g- The Hybrid Bourbon, (R. Eorboniana hy- 
 brula.) This class owes its origin to the Bour- 
 bon Rose, which is itself a hybrid. There is 
 some uncertainty about the crossing; it is sup- 
 posed to have been R. Indica and R. Damascene 
 -They are a very beautiful class of Roses, large 
 i ra J ther flat> with rich > ^civet-like petals, 
 much darker inside than on the outside of the 
 
 ROS 
 
 flower. They flower moderately well in autumn. 
 The White Rose, ( Rosa alba.) The original spe- 
 cies is a native of the central part of Europe, 
 and was introduced into Great Britain in 1597. 
 The flowers are small; the e.lors are white, 
 blush, flesh, and pink. They are readily dis- 
 tinguished from all other Roses by the glaucous 
 appearance of the foliage, which appears as if 
 covered with a grayish, impalpable powder, and 
 by the shoots being almost spineless. They are 
 perfectly hardy, and of easy cultivation. A type 
 of this class is finely represented by the well- 
 known variety Madame Plantier. The Damask 
 Rose, (R. Damascena.) The original species is a 
 native of Syria, and was introduced into Europe 
 in 1573. It is now, as formerly, largely culti- 
 vated in the gardens of Damascus for the pur- 
 pose of making Rose-water, Attar of Roses, etc. 
 Nearly all the Perpetual Roses, now so much 
 sought after, owe their origin to the older mem- 
 bers of this family, which may readily be dis- 
 tinguished from other Roses by their rough, 
 spiny shoots, and leather-like leaves. They are 
 all of robust habit, and have large, well-formed 
 flowers. The Sweet Brier (R. rubiginosa) is in- 
 digenous to many parts of Great Britain, in its 
 native or single state ; it has become naturalized 
 in many parts of the United States. Not content 
 with the delightful fragrance of the foliage, art 
 has added several varieties with double bright 
 rose-colored and crimson flowers. The best of 
 them is Celestial Sweet Brier, with flowers very 
 double and fragrant. The Austrian Brier (R. 
 lutea) is a native of the north of Italy. Its stems 
 are spiny, and of a reddish-brown color; it has 
 a straggling habit of growth, leaves quite small, 
 and flowers of copper and yellow color. From 
 this species has sprung the Persian Yellow, 
 which is said to have originated in Persia, hence 
 its name; also the Harrison Rose, a variety that 
 originated in this country. These two are as 
 yet the best hardy Yellow Roses that have been 
 produced. The Double Yellow Rose, (R. sul- 
 phurea.) This Rose is very beautiful in warm 
 climates ; but the flowers are produced with so 
 much difficulty that it is rarely met. The origin 
 of this Rose is unknown. It is rarely seen in 
 collections. The Boursault Rose, (R. Alp'ma.) 
 The Alpine or Mountain Rose of the south of 
 France and the Alps is the type from which this 
 very distinct family of Roses sprung. It was 
 originated by M. Boursault, of Paris, in whose 
 honor it was named. They are remarkable for 
 the abundance of flowers they produce. They 
 are perfectly hardy, and well adapted for cover- 
 ing walls or trellises. The Banksian Rose, (R. 
 Bunksiami.) This Rose, a native of China, was 
 introduced in 1807, and was named in compli- 
 ment to Lady Banks. There are several varie- 
 ties, producing immense clusters of white, yel- 
 low, or rose-colored flowers. The plant is a 
 rapid climber, beautiful in foliage and graceful 
 in habit. As it is an annual flowering species, 
 and too tender to stand the severity of our win- 
 ters, even if protected, it does not meet with 
 favor among our Rose-growers. The Many-flow- 
 ered Rose, (R. multifiora.) The original of this 
 was introduced in 1804 from Japan by the cele- 
 brated botanist, Thunberg. Growers in France 
 and Italy have since then originated several va- 
 rieties, of which R. GreciHeiis a fair representa- 
 tive. They are annual bloomers, but too tender 
 to live out without protection north of Virginia. 
 The Prairie Rose, (R. rubiftora.) This family is 
 American, the type being the single-flowering
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EOS 
 
 Climbing Eose of the Prairies, from which have 
 originated several double-flowering sorts. The 
 best known is the Queen of the Prairies. The 
 flowers are light crimson, sometimes striped 
 with white. Though wholly devoid of fragrance, 
 it well deserves a place in a collection. It is per- 
 fectly hardy, of the easiest culture, and flowers 
 with great profusion. The origin of the Hybrid 
 Climbing Eoses is entirely unknown; and they 
 present traces of so many sections that conjec- 
 ture on this point is useless. Their hardi- 
 ness in this climate has not been tested suffi- 
 ciently to warrant an opinion as to their useful- 
 ness here. The Evergreen Eose (R. sempervirens) 
 is of Italian origin, though the French have 
 produced. many of the newer varieties. In our 
 Northern States it could scarcely be called an 
 " evergreen;" at the South it could. The varie- 
 ties are among the most valuable of Climbing 
 Eoses, being free growers, perfectly hardy, and 
 producing immense clusters in a variety of col- 
 ors. The Ayershire Eose, (R. arvensis.) The 
 origin of this, like many others, is unknown, 
 though it is generally credited to Scotland. 
 There are a number of varieties, all rapid grow- 
 ers, of easy culture, and well adapted for cover- 
 ing large trellises or arbors. The colors are 
 white, rose, blush, etc. They are rather tender 
 for this vicinity. The Hybrid Perpetual or 
 Eemontant Eose. This class has distanced all 
 others. In them we have beauty of form, fra- 
 grance, depth and variety of color, united with 
 a constitution so vigorous as to endure the se- 
 verity of our Northern winters. They have been 
 produced by crossing the Hybrid China Eoses 
 with different varieties of Chinas and Bourbons, 
 and, to a limited extent, with the Teas. This 
 crossing has resulted in imparting to the more 
 hardy Eoses, to some extent, the blooming qual- 
 ities of the tender sorts without impairing the 
 vigor of the former. It is a mistake to suppose 
 that all Eoses in this class are perpetual bloom- 
 ers, as their name would imply. They are, with- 
 out question, the most valuable for their abun- 
 dance of bloom in June, and most of them will 
 give an occasional flower during the summer, and 
 in favorable seasons, a fair show in autumn ; but to 
 expect continuous bloom, as the Chinas and Teas 
 afford, would be a sad disappointment. As a class 
 they are nearly all hardy in the Northern States, 
 and of easy culture, well adapted to be grown 
 either as dwarfs or standards, and can with the 
 greatest certainty be forced into bloom during 
 winter and spring. Of the General Jacqueminot 
 alone, which is a well-known representative of 
 this class, probably ten acres of green-house 
 surface are used for forcing the flowers for win- 
 ter for the city of New York alone, and in nearly 
 like proportion all over the Union. The Dam- 
 ask Perpetuals. The parentage of this family is 
 difficult to trace. It is generally credited in a 
 great measure to the old white and red Monthly 
 Eoses. There is no authority for this supposi- 
 tion, and no hint even as to the other Eoses 
 with which they were crossed. They are per- 
 fectly hardy, exceedingly fragrant, and free 
 flowering. The Perpetual Scotch. (/?. npinosis- 
 simi. ) These are hybrids, supposed to have been 
 produced by crossing the Scotch Eoses with 
 the Damask Perpetuals. But little success has 
 attended hybridizing those families, as there 
 are but one or two varieties worth cultivating. 
 The Bourbon Eose, or Isle de Bourbon, (R. Bor- 
 boni'tna.) Eoses of this section are remarkable for 
 their autumnal flowering, as they do not flower 
 
 EOS 
 
 well until the first of September, after which 
 they are in continuous bloom until checked by 
 heavy frosts. They derive their name from the 
 Isle of Bourbon, where they originated. The 
 type of the race is said to have been an accident- 
 al seedling from a quantity that were planted for 
 a hed^e by one M. Peirchon, an inhabitant of 
 the island. From many of its characteristics it 
 is a supposed cross between the common China 
 and one of the old Damask Perpetuals known as 
 the Eed Four-season Eose. The first plant was 
 introduced into France in 1822, and at once at- 
 tracted the attention of the leading Eose-growers 
 at Paris, who commenced its cultivation exten- 
 sively. Its tendency to vary was such, that 
 within a short time a large number of seminal 
 varieties were produced, from which some of our 
 most desirable Eoses have originated. Souvenir 
 de la Malmaison, a deep blush color, (introduced 
 about 1840,) that has yet no equal as an autum- 
 nal flowering Eose, and the well-known Her- 
 mosa, pink, belong to this class. The Bourbons 
 are distinguished for their fine foliage, compact 
 habit of growth, and for the profusion and long- 
 continuance of their blooming. They require a 
 dry soil, only moderately rich. They are not 
 perfectly hardy north of Washington, unless 
 under very favorable circumstances. The Per- 
 petual Moss, (R. centifolia.) There are but few 
 of this class, and those few are entitled to the 
 name only in the sense in which the Hybrid 
 Perpetuals are; that is, with grains of allowance, 
 which will be cheerfully granted for the pleas- 
 ure a Moss Eose in autumn affords. This sec- 
 tion is a cross between the old Moss and some 
 of the autumn-blooming varieties. The con- 
 tinuous or rather second flowering has been pro- 
 duced at some sacrifice of the moss. As a class 
 they are poor growers, requiring a strong, deep, 
 rich soil. A well-known type of this class is 
 James Veitch, deep crimson. The Musk Eose 
 (R. muscata) is one of the oldest Eoses in culti- 
 vation. The original is a native of Madeira, 
 Persia, and the north of Africa. The plants are 
 rapid growers and profuse bloomers, in habit 
 resembling the Noisette, requiring the same pro- 
 tection in winter, and the same treatment in 
 growing. They are late in flowering, not com- 
 ing into bloom until about the first of Septem- 
 ber. They receive their name from the fact of 
 their having a peculiar musk-like scent. They 
 are not very hardy in most Eose-grpwing coun- 
 tries, and, consequently, have received but lit- 
 tle attention from growers. The China Eose, 
 (R. Indica,) and the Crimson China Eose, (R. 
 sempei-florens.) These two families are so nearly 
 allied 'that their history, description, and treat- 
 ment are the same. They are both natives of 
 China, and were first introduced into Europe in 
 1789. The two species are the parents from 
 which a rather extensive and interesting family 
 of Eoses have sprung. They are of compara- 
 tively small growth, which is a distinctive fea- 
 ture in all the progeny. They are very gener- 
 ally known as Bengal Eoses. In our climate 
 they are not sufficiently hardy north of Wash- 
 ington to endure the winters without the most 
 careful protection. As garden Eoses they are 
 very desirable, being abundant and continuous 
 bloomers; but for cut flowers, they cannot be 
 highly recommended, although the deep crim- 
 son calor of s*ome of the varieties, as Douglas, 
 i"! > mi pie, makes them grown to a considera- 
 ble e'xtent, even though the buds are small. The 
 Tea-scented China Eose, (R. Indica odorata.)
 
 194 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ROS 
 
 Bosa o&wata, the type of this section, is a na- 
 tive of China, introduced into England in 1810, 
 and, with the Yellow China or Tea-scented Rose 
 previously introduced into France, became the 
 parents of the best known and most extensively 
 cultivated class in this country. They range 
 through all the shades of yellow, orange, white, 
 blush, pink, purple, and crimson, and have 
 nearly all a marked tea fragrance. From the 
 hundreds of varieties that have been produced 
 it is difficult to determine the varieties that can 
 be named as best. Those we name under the 
 head of "Winter Culture of the Rose" are, per- 
 haps, the best at the date of writing. Until 1877 
 no true striped Rose had been known to exist; 
 but in that year a sport from the crimson col- 
 ored Bon Silene came distinctly striped crim- 
 son and white, and has continued to hold to this 
 peculiar and beautiful form. It has been ap- 
 propriately named the "American Banner," and 
 as beginning to create quite a sensation in Eu- 
 rope from its decided novelty of coloring. The 
 whole class of Teas are the most tender of the 
 great Rose family. There is no sure protection 
 for them in the open border without more trou- 
 ble and expense than the plants would be worth 
 in spring time. Most amateurs have very sen- 
 sibly given up "protecting " this class of Roses, 
 and have found the more sure, easy, and inex- 
 pensive way to get Tea Roses is to procure young 
 plants in spring, not more than four inches high, 
 grown in thumb-pots ; these, if planted in a 
 good, strong, rich soil, will produce more flow- 
 ers during the summer and autumn months 
 than double their number of old plants "kept 
 over." At the present writing we have of the 
 many varieties of Teas several thousands; plants 
 that, when put out in April, could not be seen 
 half way across the nursery rows, but which are 
 now (October) averaging two Roses a day from 
 each plant, and have been for the past two 
 months. For out-of-door culture, treat Tea and 
 all other tender Roses the same as any bedding 
 plant; that is, to depend upon young plants for 
 the season's flowering. Tea Roses can be pre- 
 served without difficulty through the winter by 
 taking up, potting, or "heeling" in a box of 
 earth, and keeping them in a cool, dry cellar, 
 where the thermometer will not fall below 25. 
 When planted out in spring they should be well 
 cut back, and if carefully planted in a rich soil, 
 they will be nearly as good as young plants. In 
 California and nearly all States south of Rich- 
 mond, the Tea Rose requires no winter protec- 
 tion, and is there seen in the greatest perfection. 
 The Macartney Rose, (R. bracteata.) The origi- 
 nal of this small group is the single Macartney 
 Rose, a native of China, introduced into Eng- 
 land in 1795 by Lord Macartney, from whom it 
 took its name. It is a climbing evergreen Rose. 
 Like most of the China Roses, it is not hardy, 
 and its value for winter flowering is not suffi- 
 cient to warrant growing it under glass The 
 Miniature Rose, (R. Lawrenciana.) This is a 
 native of China, and was formerly considered by 
 botanists to be a distinct species. Mr. Rivers, 
 of England, whose knowledge of the Rose is sec- 
 ond to no one's, says it is but a dwarf variety of 
 the common China Rose, like the Bon de Meaux 
 and Pompon, which are dwarf varieties of R. 
 centifolia. "Many plants," he remarks, "that 
 have been long under cultivation have a tend- 
 ency to produce from seed these pigmy like- 
 nesses of themselves." If there is any value in 
 this class, it isaa a curiosity for pot culture. The 
 
 ROS 
 
 Cherokee Rose (R. Iccvifjaia) is a large-flowered 
 single variety, a native of China. In the South- 
 ern States, where it has become naturalized, it 
 is held in high esteem for the graceful habit of 
 the plant, with its vivid green, glossy leaves. 
 The flowers are of the purest waxy white, and 
 are produced in the greatest abundance. It is 
 often used for hedges, and for this purpose few 
 plants could be better adapted. The Noisette 
 Rose, (R. Noisettiana.) The type of this group, 
 the old Blush Noisette Rose, is a cross between 
 the Musk Rose and the common China Rose. It 
 was produced by M. Noisette, a French garden- 
 er, of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1817. The 
 seed was from the Musk Rose, and the plant 
 partakes of its nature, in its vigorous growth, 
 and, to a limited extent, its fragrance, together 
 with its habit of blooming in clusters: in all 
 other respects it is entirely dissimilar from either 
 parent. From this hybrid, some of our most 
 useful and beautiful half-hardy Roses have orig- 
 inated, embracing several green-house varieties, 
 the most superb of which is the Lamarque (white. ) 
 The group contains some of quite dwarf habit ; 
 all are noted for producing their flowers in large 
 clusters; this is particularly the case with the 
 Washington, Fellenburgh, and Aime Vibert. The 
 Marshal Neil Rose of this section is, like the 
 General Jacqueminot, most extensively forced 
 under glass for its buds ; probably three acres 
 of glass surface are used for it in the vicinity of 
 New York City, but it is likely to be superseded 
 by Perle des Jardins, which is nearly equal to 
 it, and which flowers continually. Though not 
 hardy north, nothing can exceed the beauty of 
 many of this class of Roses in some of the South- 
 ern States, where the thermometer does not fall 
 below 20. The finest of all these is probably 
 the old "Cloth of Gold," now rarely met true, 
 Solfataire being often sold for it. Marshal Neil, 
 another yellow, of late introduction, is very fine, 
 as are also Gloire de Dijon and many others of 
 this section. Standard Roses are produced by 
 budding any desired variety on the common 
 Dog Brier or Manetti stock, the strongest grow- 
 ers known; consequently they give to the Rose 
 the greatest amount of nourishment. In a 
 moist, cool atmosphere, like that of England, 
 Roses are grown in perfection upon standard, 
 half-standard, or dwarf stocks. In this coun- 
 try, the dry, hot winds and scorching sun of 
 summer, or the cold winds of winter, will de- 
 stroy the vitality of the stock, (particularly if on 
 high standards,) and they rarely live more than 
 three or four years, and in no case will they pro- 
 duce such Roses in this country as in England 
 or France, except in particularly favorable situ- 
 ations, such as a north aspect in our city gar- 
 dens. We have known them in such positions 
 to do exceedingly well, especially when the stem 
 of the plant had been wrapped around with moss 
 or straw to protect it against the summer sun. 
 Where grown in the greatest perfection in Eng- 
 land, stocks are selected that are the best adapted 
 to the soil and situation in which they are to 
 grow ; these are planted about the 1 st of Novem- 
 ber, and the highest cultivation possible is given 
 them. In the following July they are budded 
 with the most vigorous buds that can be had 
 from plants put out the previous year expressly 
 for the buds. In the following November they 
 cut the shoots back to five or six inches, and in 
 the following spring cut back to one or two buds, 
 which will give the flowering shoots. For exhi- 
 bition purposes but one bloom is allowed on
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 195 
 
 ROS 
 
 each shoot, and that will be the perfect flower; 
 and it is from such flowers, shown at the Lon- 
 don exhibitions, that our American travelers 
 give their orders, often paying enormous prices 
 for Roses that, when grown under ordinary treat- 
 ment here, never fail to disappoint. Were the 
 English amateurs to take their " Standards"from 
 nursery rows, and keep them out of the ground 
 for nearly two months, as is the case with us, 
 and then give them but indifferent treatment, 
 we doubt if their favorable climate would give 
 them a Rose that would be recognized by those 
 who have only grown them properly. R. rugosa, 
 a Japanese species, first sent to this country by 
 Commodore Perry in 1855, is one of the hand- 
 somest hardy shrubs in cultivation. It forms a 
 sturdy bush from four to five feet high, covered 
 with large, dark green, pinnate, glossy foliage, 
 and producing terminal chisters of ten to twenty 
 flowers, three inches in diameter, of a bright 
 rosy crimson color, and very fragrant. It con- 
 tinues in flower the whole summer, making a 
 very attractive object. If it never produced a 
 flower, it would still be entitled to a prominent 
 place on the lawn for the beauty of its foliage, 
 which scarcely resembles that of the Rose, but 
 is very heavy, rich, and shining, remaining on 
 until late in autumn. 
 
 CULTURE OF THE ROSE. 
 
 WINTER FORCING. The intense interest now so 
 generally taken in the culture of the Rose, not 
 only for outside decoration, but for the produc- 
 tion of Rose buds in winter, induces us to depart 
 from the general rule adopted in this work, and 
 give a full and detailed account of the methods 
 of cultivation practiced in the vicinity of New 
 York City, which is believed to be unequaled in 
 any other part of the world, particularly in the 
 methods in use for the winter forcing of the Rose. 
 For this purpose, strong, healthy cuttings are put 
 in to root any time from September to January. 
 We keep the sand in our cutting benches about 
 65 or 70, with the temperature of the house 10 
 less. Rose cuttings, under these conditions, 
 will root in from twenty to twenty-five days, 
 and are then potted in any good soil in two and 
 a half inch pots, and placed in a green-house 
 having a night temperature of about 50, with 
 10 to 15 more in the daytime. The young 
 Roses are regularly shifted into larger pots as 
 soon as the "ball " gets filled with roots, great 
 care being taken that the plants at no time get 
 pot bound. Syringing is done once a day to 
 keep down red spider, and fumigating by burn- 
 ing tobacco stems to kill the Aphis or Green 
 Fly must be done twice a week. With such at- 
 tention, plants which were put in as cuttings at 
 the season named above, by the middle of July 
 will be from one and a half to two feet in height, 
 with roots enough to fill a six-inch pot. Now, 
 if intended to be grown in pots, the shifting 
 into larger pots should be continued whenever 
 the ball gets filled with roots, (which is usually 
 in about five or six weeks after every shift, ) until 
 the 1st of October, when they will have reached 
 a size requiring a pot of eight or nine inches in 
 diameter. They are then in condition for win- 
 ter forcing, no further shifting being required. 
 But if they are to be planted out on benches, 
 or in solid beds of soil, the planting should be 
 made from the pots from the 15th of July to the 
 15th of August. There is quite a difference of 
 opinion as to whether the Roses can be best 
 grown in solid beds or on raised benches. We 
 
 ROS 
 
 believe that it really makes but little difference, 
 as we find them grown with nearly equal success 
 by both methods, although the method mainly 
 in use at Madison, N. J., where, at present writ- 
 ing, Roses are probably grown better than any- 
 where else in the country, is the raised bench 
 system. The green-houses used are about twen- 
 ty feet wide, and are what is known as three- 
 quarter span ; that is, three-quarters of the glass 
 roof slopes to the south at an angle of about 
 thirty degrees, while the other quarter slopes 
 north at an angle of twenty degrees, giving a 
 base space for the benches on which the Roses 
 are to be planted, taking out the walks, of 
 about fifteen feet. The benches may be either 
 a level platform, or divided into four or five 
 platforms, about three feet wide, or so as to 
 be about equal distances from the glass; the 
 bottom of the benches may be from five to six 
 feet from the glass, as desired. There is no 
 necessity for bottom heat for Roses, so that it is 
 best to have the pipes for heating run under 
 the front and back benches of the Rose house, 
 with none under the middle benches. The 
 soil in which the Roses are to be grown need 
 not be more than six or eight inches deep, 
 the boards so arranged as to allow free drainage 
 for the water. The soil is that made from sods 
 cut three or four inches deep from any good 
 loamy pasture land, well chopped up, and 
 mixed with about one-thirtieth of their bulk of 
 pure broken bones and bone dust. It is per- 
 haps best to let the sod be well rotted before 
 being used, although, if not convenient, it will 
 do fresh, if well chopped up. The distance for 
 Roses such as we describe (those that have been 
 grown in six-inch pots, and average twenty 
 inches high) should be one foot each way, so as 
 to get the full benefit of a crop. It is true that, 
 if planted twice that distance, they would be 
 thick enough before spring ; but they would not 
 fill up sufficiently until the middle of January 
 if planted much wider than one foot. The tem- 
 perature at which Roses are grown in winter is 
 an average of 50 to 55 at night, with 10 or 15 
 higher during the day. Watering is a matter 
 of the first importance, and requires some ex- 
 perience to know what is the proper condition. 
 As a guide, whenever the soil shows indications 
 of being dry on the top, a thorough watering 
 should be given, sufficient to completely satu- 
 rate the soil. Such a watering will not usually 
 be required more than once in two weeks. A 
 mulching of two or three inches of moss, mixed 
 with one-twentieth part bone dust, is very bene- 
 ficial. Syringing may be done once a day , suffi- 
 cient only to moisten the foliage. If done heav- 
 ily it would keep the soil too wet. Fumigating 
 with tobacco for the suppression of the Aphis 
 (Green Fly) should be done twice a week. The 
 varieties grown are changing every season, and 
 no list we can give to-day is likely to remain as 
 the best ten years hence. The favorite Tea 
 Roses now grown for winter are Perle des Jar- 
 dins, (yellow;) Niphetos, (white;) Catharine 
 Mermet, (rose;) Madame Welch, (blush;) Cor- 
 nelia Cook, (white;) Belle Allamande, (pink;) 
 and Bon Silene, (carmine.) There are still a 
 number of the older sorts, such as Safrano, 
 Douglas, and Isabella Sprunt, yet grown; but 
 they are fast giving way to what is known as 
 "fancy" Roses, of which the yellow variety, 
 Perle des Jardins, is a type. Of Climbing Roses, 
 which are grown on the rafters of the green- 
 house, Marshal Neil, (.yellow;) Lamarque,
 
 196 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ROS 
 
 (white-) James Sprunt, (crimson;) Gloire de 
 Dijon, (salmon yellow ;) and Red Gloire de Dijon, 
 (carmine, ) are the best. Another class of Roses, 
 the Hybrid Perpetuate, particularly the variety 
 known as General Jacqueminot, are now grown 
 in immense quantities. These, we think, will 
 soon be supplanted by a newer class, known as 
 " Hybrid Teas," of which Duchess of Edin- 
 burgh, (bright crimson,) La France, (light 
 pink,) Duke of Connaught, (crimson scarlet,) 
 Duchess of Connaught, (deep carmine,) Co- 
 quette de Alps, (white,) are at present types. 
 These require an entirely different treatment 
 from the Tea Roses proper, as they are not 
 evergreens, but drop their leaves in fall; and 
 hence, like all deciduous plants, require a 
 rest of at least two months, either by drying or 
 by a low temperature, before they can be forced 
 into flower. To get the Hybrid Perpetual and 
 the Hybrid Tea classes early (say during Janu- 
 ary) requires special skill and care, but well re- 
 pays it, as this class of Roses now bring an 
 average of $50 per hundred buds at wholesale, 
 from the 15th of December to January 15th. 
 The method found to be necessary is to grow 
 these Roses on in pots exactly as recommended 
 for the Evergreen or Tea Roses, except that, as 
 they have a tendency to grow tall, the center 
 should be pinched out of the leading shoots, 
 so that from five to six shoots run up, and thus 
 not only make the plant bushy, but, what is of 
 more importance, these slimmer shoots are less 
 pithy and ripen off harder, thus insuring with 
 more certainty a greater production of buds. 
 The plants, if started from cuttings any time 
 from September to January, which is the season 
 we prefer to root them in, will, if properly grown, 
 by August 1st (or at less than one year old) have 
 filled a seven or eight inch pot with roots. Now is 
 the critical point. The plants must be ripened 
 off and rested if a crop of buds is wanted by 
 January and February; so to do that at a season 
 as early as the 1st of September, the plants must 
 be gradually dried off sufficient to make them 
 drop their leaves, though not to so violently wilt 
 them as to shrivel the 'shoots. This we find 
 
 as outside the rains start them to grow. A rest 
 of two months is necessary, so that the plants 
 begun to be dried off by the 1st of August may 
 be started slowly by the 1st of October, and 
 those begun to be dried oft' by the 1st of Septem- 
 ber may be started, also at as low a temperature 
 as possible, by the 1st of November. One of 
 the Rose-growers of Madison, N. J., had, about 
 the middle of December, 1880, over one thousand 
 plants of General Jacqueminot Rose showing 
 color, averaging eight buds to a plant, for which 
 he averaged seventy-five cents per each bud. So 
 it will be seen, that when this method of forcing 
 this fine class of Roses is a success, it is very 
 profitable. Why it is profitable is from the 
 fact of unusual care and skill being required to 
 have the plants in the proper condition. We 
 may here state, that many failures have resulted 
 in the attempt to grow the Hybrid Tea Roses 
 without resting, notably the Duchess of Edinburgh 
 Rose, which was sent out from England some 
 five or six years ago as a "Crimson Tea." The 
 misleading name of "Tea "induced hundreds 
 of florists to attempt its growth under the same 
 con litions as the Safrano or Ron Silene class, 
 and the consequence was in every case almost 
 complete failure. This type evidently partakes 
 more of the Hybrid Perpetual than of the Tea 
 
 ROS 
 
 class, and as they are hardy and deciduous, re- 
 fuse to bloom in midwinter unless given the 
 rest that their nature demands. Roses, when 
 grown under glass with proper attention to tem- 
 perature and moisture, are not usually attacked 
 by mildew; but as a preventive it is well to 
 paint the hot-water pipes once every two or 
 three weeks with a mixture of sulphur and lime 
 or sulphur and guano, made of the.consistency of 
 whitewash ; (the guano or lime is merely to make 
 the sulphur stick better to the pipes.) The fumes 
 of sulphur, as radiated by the heated pipes, is a 
 never-failing means of destroying the germs of 
 mildew, or any other fungoid growth, and also 
 holds in check, to some extent, the Red Spider 
 insect, often so troublesome to the Rose. For 
 the Rose Bug, so destructive to success in Rose 
 growing under glass, there seems no remedy ex- 
 cept the slow and unsatisfactory one of catching 
 and killing the insect as soon as it is seen on 
 the leaves. It is not easily observed, as it gets 
 under the leaves and close to the shoots of the 
 plants. Its presence is known by the bitten 
 leaves showing where it is feeding ; but even 
 with the greatest diligence enough will usually 
 escape to deposit their eggs in the soil, which, 
 when hatched out to the grub or pupa state, 
 rapidly begin the work of destruction by feed- 
 ing on the roots. In this stage, all attempts to 
 destroy them have thus far, we believe, failed. 
 The only safety, when the Rose Bug is known to 
 be present in sufficient numbers to injure, is to 
 throw out the plants and start with young ones. 
 We have for two years past adopted this plan 
 exclusively, growing the plants only one year 
 old from cuttings rooted during the fall or 
 winter months, and have since then had no 
 trouble whatever from the ravages of this 
 insect. We know, of course, that there are many 
 Rose houses that are even nine to ten years old 
 that never fail to produce abundant crops, par- 
 ticularly such as Marshal Neil and other climbers ; 
 but in such cases it seems to be that the Roses 
 planted either had escaped the visitation of the 
 Rose Bug altogether, or had got so deeply and 
 strongly rooted before being attacked that they 
 could not injure the plants. There is some dif- 
 ference of opinion as to the propriety of shad- 
 ing Rose houses during the hot summer months. 
 We believe that a slight shading is beneficial, 
 and for that purpose use naphtha mixed with a 
 little white lead, just enough to give it the ap- 
 pearance of thin milk. This we throw on the 
 outside of the glass with a syringe. It costs 
 only about twenty-five cents for every thousand 
 square feet. This shading is the best we have 
 ever used; it is just enough to take the glare of 
 sunlight off, without much lessening the light; 
 and though it will hold on tenaciously during 
 the summer, is easily rubbed off in fall. 
 
 GARDEN CT7LTDBE OF THE EOSB. 
 
 But little need be said on this branch of the 
 subject, all that is wanted being a deep, rich soil, 
 in an unshaded position. For the dry climate of 
 the United States a class of Roses should be 
 grown very different from those grown in Eng- 
 land. There the "Remontants" or "Hybrid 
 Perpetuals," in their' humid atmosphere, with 
 few exceptions, flower nearly as freely as the 
 ' ' Monthly" Roses do here ; but with us experience 
 has shown that, after the first bloom in June, 
 no full crop of flowers is again obtained, unless 
 with the comparatively new class known as the 
 Hybrid Teas, of wLich "La France" and
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 197 
 
 ROS 
 
 "Duchess of Edinburgh" are types; so that, 
 when a continued bloom of Roses is desired 
 during the entire summer and fall months, 
 the class known as monthly (embracing Tea, 
 Bourbon, Bengal, and Noisette) are the best. 
 True, these varieties are not usually hardy, 
 unless in that portion of the country where 
 the thermometer never gets 20 below the 
 freezing point; but they can be saved through 
 the winter in almost any section if pegged 
 down and covered up with five or six inches of 
 leaves or rough litter. This covering, however, 
 should not be done until quite hard frost comes; 
 in the locality of New York, about the 1st week 
 in December. If done sooner, there is danger, 
 if the season is mild, (as it usually is here until 
 December 1st,) that the shoots may be smoth- 
 ered and decay by a too early covering. This 
 same rule we adopt in covering Grape Vines, 
 Clematis, Raspberries, Strawberries, or, in fact, 
 any other plant or shrub that we believe to be 
 benefited by winter protection, as we have never 
 yet seen injury done to half-hardy plants by 
 frost previous to that date. In this matter of 
 covering, the amateur in gardening often errs, 
 first from his anxiety to protect his plants be- 
 fore there is danger in the fall ; and next, in his 
 enthusiasm in spring, he is deceived by some 
 warm day in March to uncover what is not safe 
 until April. 
 
 Hose Acacia. See Robinia hispida. 
 
 Rose Bay. See Rhododendron. 
 
 Rose Apple. See Eugenia. 
 
 Rose Campion. See Lychnis. 
 
 Rose Geranium. See Pelargonium. 
 
 Rosemary. See Rovmarinus. 
 
 Rose of Heaven. See Lychnis cceli-rosa. 
 
 Rose of Jericho. See Anastatica. 
 
 Rosewood. A valuable South American timber, 
 produced from several species of Dalberqia. The 
 finest quality is from Rio Janeiro, the product 
 of D. niijra, which see. 
 
 Rosmarinus. Rosemary. From ros, dew, and 
 marinus, of the sea; on account of its maritime 
 habitat. Linn. Diandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 LamiacecK. 
 
 The Rosemary is a half-hardy, low-growing 
 evergreen, a native of the south of Europe. It 
 has long been cultivated and valued for the es- 
 sential oil it yields. The whole plant is aro- 
 matic, but the flowers, which are pale blue, are 
 chiefly used in distillation for the oil, which is 
 the principal ingredient of Hungary Water and 
 Eau de Cologne. There are several varieties 
 under cultivation in the gardens, R. officincdis 
 being the more common species. Propagated 
 by cuttings. 
 
 Rouge Plant. See Rivina tindoria. 
 
 Roupellia. Named in honor of Charles Roupel, a 
 distinguished botanist of South Carolina, l/nm. 
 Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Apocynacece. 
 
 This is the far-famed Cream-fruit tree of Sier- 
 ra Leone, a remarkable and showy green-house 
 climber. In its native home it is a most beau- 
 tiful and fragrant plant, but under artificial 
 cultivation its pure white flowers are of cream 
 color, and it is in all respects inferior to the 
 flattering accounts given by its discoverer, and 
 not worth the care and attention required to 
 grow it. 
 
 Roxburghla. Named after Dr. Roxburgh, once 
 director of the Botanic Garden, Calcutta. Linn. 
 OalandriarMonogytda. Nat. Ord. Roxburghtocece. 
 A genus of evergreen twining plants from In- 
 dia, where they are found six hundred feet long. 
 
 RUB 
 
 The leaves are broad and shining. The flowers 
 are produced singly and in small clusters on 
 short axillary peduncles, the color green; they 
 are large and handsome, but very fetid, and 
 this disagreeable feature prevents their intro- 
 duction into choice collections of hot-house 
 plants. 
 
 Royal Bay. See Laurus nobili*. 
 
 Royal Fern. See Osmunda regalis. 
 
 Royal Palm. See Oreodoxa reyia. 
 
 Royena. A name given by Linna5us in honor of 
 Adrian von Royen, Professor of Botany at Ley- 
 den. Linn. Decandria - Dlgynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 Ebenacece. 
 
 A genus of tropical shrubs or low-growing 
 trees, some of which are cultivated in the green- 
 house for their beautiful white flowers and 
 glossy foliage. The wood of the species is of 
 the nature of ebony, but not of sufficient size to 
 make it valuable. 
 
 Rubia. Madder. From ruler, red; the color of 
 the roots. Linn. Tetrandna-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 GaliacecK. 
 
 The perennial species, which are not remark- 
 able for their beauty, are quite hardy. There 
 are also some half-hardy shrubs, which -are 
 worth cultivating in a green-house for their 
 flowers, which are generally yellow. A red dye 
 is derived from the roots of all the species, but 
 principally from those of R. lincturium, which is 
 cultivated as a field-plant in the south of Eu- 
 rope. 
 
 Rubus. Bramble, Raspberry, Blackberry. From 
 the Celtic word rub, red; in reference to the 
 color of the fruit of some of the species. Linn. 
 Icosandria-Polygynia. Nat. Ord. Eosacece. 
 
 The species are mostly shrubs, trailing or 
 erect, with prickly stems, bearing edible fruit. 
 The plants of this family, growing in all situa- 
 tions, and almost every kind of soil, vary great- 
 ly, and are consequently very perplexing to the 
 botanist; and so little are authors agreed as to 
 which are species and which merely varieties, that 
 while Bentham reckons only five species, Bab- 
 ington enumerates forty-five. It is this tendency 
 to vary, however, that has given us many of the 
 most esteemed kinds of Blackberries, etc., found 
 in American gardens. The English garden vari- 
 eties of the Raspberry have all originated from 
 R. Idaius, & native of Europe and Mount Ida in 
 Crete, whence its specific name. The fruit of 
 this species is red. Cultivators, however, have 
 obtained varieties with crimson, brown, yellow, 
 and nearly white fruit. The Red Antwerp and the 
 White Antwerp (but which is pale yellow) have 
 been long and favorably known, both in Eng- 
 land and the United States; but they do not 
 survive the winter without protection in our 
 Northern States, and for that reason are little 
 'grown at the North. There are now a large 
 number of varieties raised from our native species 
 that possess qualities of goodness and hardiness 
 that entitle them to universal cultivation, though 
 they are inferior in quality to the foreign kinds. 
 Brinckle's Orange is an American seedling raised 
 by the late Dr. Brinckle, of Philadelphia. It is, 
 however, of foreign parentage, and consequently 
 tender, but the highest flavored of all Raspber- 
 ries. The wild Red Raspberry. /.'. .sV/v/o-vx, com- 
 mon in hedges and on the hillsides throughout 
 the Middle and New England States, closely re- 
 sembles the European species. Its fruit is ten- 
 der and somewhat watery, but the flavor is fine. 
 Some excellent varieties of this species are un- 
 der cultivation. The Black Raspberry, com-
 
 198 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 RUB 
 
 monly known as the Black Cap or Thimble- 
 berry is li occidental's, a species that is confined 
 wholly to America. It is most common trom 
 Virginia north and westward. This species and 
 its varieties bear a pleasant-tasted fruit in the 
 createst abundance with very little care. They 
 are the least troublesome of all Raspberries to 
 grow inasmuch as they increase themselves trom 
 the tips or ends of the shoots, and produce no 
 suckers. There are several varieties of the Black 
 Caps that bear reddish-crimson fruit. A num- 
 ber of hybrid Raspberries have been recently 
 introduced, partaking somewhat of the Black 
 Cap characteristics, particularly the peculiarity 
 of rooting from the tips of the green shoots; 
 and among these the most striking is the Caro- 
 line, which is propagated from suckers as well 
 as from the tips of the shoots, plainly showing 
 its hybrid character. It has been said by those 
 unacquainted with its origin that it is a hybrid 
 between Brinckle's Orange and the Catawissa; 
 but the originator disclaims any such origin, 
 and the plant itself and its fruit show that the 
 Catawissa was not one of its parents. It was 
 raised in 1877 by S. P. Carpenter, of New Ro- 
 chelle, Westchester Co., N. Y., and is a natural 
 cross between Brinckle's Orange (the seed par- 
 ent) and the Yellow Cap, a variety of li. occiden- 
 tals. The plant is thoroughly hardy, a strong 
 grower, and wonderfully productive. The fruit, 
 when ripe, is a fine salmon color, tender, and of 
 excellent quality, though not equal to the Brinck- 
 le. Another of S. P. Carpenter's seedlings is 
 the well-known New Rochelle, a seedling of the 
 Catawissa. It is hardy, very productive, and of 
 good quality, being slightly acid. Another 
 Westchester County seedling is the Cuthbert, 
 newly introduced, and which at this time prom- 
 ises to become a leading market variety, being 
 hardy, productive, and of fine quality, and the 
 fruit firm enough to bear long carriage. The 
 Gregg, another recent introduction, of the Black 
 Cap division, was raised in Ohio in 1876, is a 
 very fine large fruit, and has already taken its 
 place as the best of its class as a market berry. 
 The Pride of the Hudson is a fruit of high fla- 
 vor, of the Idmus family, but too tender to grow 
 anywhere except in a sheltered spot in the gar- 
 den. The Mammoth Cluster and many others 
 are more or less grown, but need, not be spe- 
 cially noted here. The Blackberry, of which 
 there are several native species, is now largely 
 grown for market, and is a profitable crop. 
 Until the appearance of the New Rochelle 
 Blackberry (sometimes called Lawton) our mar- 
 kets were supplied with Blackberries from the 
 woods. R. villosus, the High Blackberry, is the 
 common Blackberry of the country, being found 
 almost everywhere. It is given to variation, and 
 is the parent of nearly all the varieties now un- 
 der cultivation. The* first of these was the New 
 Rochelle, discovered by Mr. Secor growing in a 
 hedge at New Rochelle, Westchester County, 
 N. Y. It is an interesting fact, as showing the 
 estimation in which improved Blackberries were 
 held at that time, that Mr. Secor grew the plants 
 in his garden for about nine years without be- 
 ing able to prevail upon his neighbors to accept 
 a plant as a gift, when at last Mr. Lawton, a 
 shrewd lawyer, still living, took hold of it, ex- 
 hibited the fruit in New York, got up a sensa- 
 tion, and finally made a little fortune out of the 
 sale of the plants. Hundreds of acres of it were 
 planted. It is a large, handsome, and excellent 
 fruit, but the plants are at times injured in the 
 
 RUD 
 
 winter at the North. Some years later a clergy- 
 man of New Jersey discovered another variety 
 of R. villosus growing in the edge of the woods 
 on the Kittatinny Mountains, removed it to his 
 garden, and increased it largely. This was 
 placed in the hands of E. Williams, of Mont- 
 clair, N. J., who sent it out, and the public 
 were thus put in possession of the famous Kit- 
 tatinny, which still remains the best fruit of its 
 class. The Boston High Bush is a fruit of fine 
 flavor, but has never been popular as a market 
 berry. The Wilson is an earlier berry than 
 either of the preceding, but not equal to them 
 in quality. A very recent introduction from the 
 West is the Snyder. This is an early kind, im- 
 mensely productive, and perfectly hardy in all 
 parts of the country. The fruit is smaller than 
 the Kittatinny, but is very sweet, and ripe as 
 soon as colored, which is not true of those above 
 named. We have named the most of those that 
 are valuable for field culture, as far as they have 
 been tried; but there are others about being in- 
 troduced, of which we as yet know nothing. 
 Among these is the Crystal White, the fruit of 
 which is tender and sweet, but not high flavored. 
 R. Canadensis, the Running Blackberry, is pop- 
 ularly known as the Dewberry. The fruit is of 
 an excellent quality, and ripens about two 
 weeks earlier than most of the preceding species. 
 R. cuneifolius, or Sand Blackberry, is one of the 
 more common species, growing from two to 
 three feet high, and ripening an abundance of 
 well-flavored fruit in August. This species is 
 common in sandy woods in Southern New York 
 and southward. R. Chamtxmorus, Cloudberry, 
 is a species with large orange-red fruit, found 
 growing on the White Mountains and similar 
 elevations in the Northern and Eastern States. 
 This species, or something very near it, is also 
 abundant in Lapland, where the fruit is held 
 in high esteem. There are several other spe- 
 cies, without, however, any special distinctive 
 features. Propagated by root cuttings, tips of 
 the shoots, or suckers, according to the kind. 
 Rudbeckia. Cone Flower. Named in honor of 
 Professors Rudbeck, father and son, predecessors 
 of Linnaeus at Upsal. Linn. Syngenesia-Frus- 
 tranea. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous perennials, 
 growing from two to seven feet high, with nu- 
 merous showy flower-heads of bright yellow, 
 with a black disk in the center. They are na- 
 tives of the Western States, and becoming com- 
 mon in our meadows, having been introduced 
 by the seed being mixed with the various grass 
 seeds coming from the West, principally from 
 Kentucky. This genus acquired an enviable 
 reputation in Europe as an ornamental flower- 
 ing plant, and the seed was distributed by the 
 Department of Agriculture at Washington, 
 through the members of Congress, to several of 
 the States that had passed stringent laws against 
 the dissemination of "weeds." 
 Rudolphia. Named after W. Rudolph, a Prussian 
 botanist. Linn. Diaddph'.a-Decandria. Nat. Ord. 
 FabacefK. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful green-house 
 evergreen twiners, from Mexico and the West 
 Indies. The genus is allied to Erylhrina, and is 
 remarkable for its brilliant scarlet flowers, pro- 
 duced in axillary racemes. Propagated by cut- 
 tings or from seeds. 
 
 Rudgea. Commemorative of M. F. Rudge. Linn. 
 Peniamlria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Cinchonacece. 
 A genus of green-house shrubs or low-growing
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 199 
 
 KITE 
 
 trees, with dense terminal panicles of -white 
 flowers, natives of Brazil. R. macrophyUa is oc- 
 casionally seen in the green-house. It is also 
 known as R. leucocephala. See also Psychotrii. 
 
 Rue. See Ruta. 
 
 Ruellia. In honor of John Rudle, of Soissons, 
 botanist and physician to Francis I. Linn. Di- 
 dynamiarAngiospermia. Nat. Ord. Acanthacecu. 
 
 Herbaceous plants with pretty tube-shaped 
 blue flowers. Some of the species require a hot- 
 house, and others a green-house; but they 
 should all be grown in light, rich soil. They 
 are propagated by cuttings. They are natives 
 of South America and the East Indies. Intro- 
 duced in 1830. 
 
 Rumex. Dock, Sorrel. From rumo, to suck; in 
 allusion to the practice among the Romans of 
 sucking the leaves to allay thirst. Linn. Hexan- 
 dria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Polygonacece. 
 
 Most of the species are common weeds. The 
 leaves of E. crispus are often used as a pot-herb, 
 or "greens." R. acetosella is a small-growing 
 species, well known for its acidity, and popu- 
 larly called Son-el. It is justly regarded as a 
 nuisance. 
 
 Running Blackberry. See Evhus. 
 
 Running Cedar. See Lycopodium dendroidium. 
 
 Ruscus. Formerly Bruscits. Butcher's Broom. 
 
 From bruscus, derived from the Celtic beus, box, 
 
 andfcefen, holly; Box Holly or Butcher's Broom. 
 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Lttfacece. 
 
 Very curious evergreen shrubs, most of which 
 
 SAC 
 
 bear their flowers and fruit on their leaves. All 
 the species prefer shady situations under the 
 drip of trees, where but few other plants will 
 grow ; and they are all readily increased by suck- 
 ers from their roots, which they throw up in 
 abundance. One of the kinds is sometimes 
 called the Alexandrian Laurel. 
 
 Rush. See Juncus. 
 
 Russelia. Named in honor of Dr. Alexander Rus- 
 sel, author of a Natural History of Aleppo. Linn. 
 Didynamia-Atigiospermia. Nat. Ord. ticrophulari- 
 acece. 
 
 A genus of small shrubs and herbaceous 
 plants from Mexico and the Antilles. R. Juncea 
 is a very pretty species, with bright scarlet flow- 
 ers, produced in axillary corymbs. It is a plant 
 of slender habit, and well adapted for basket 
 work. Propagated by cuttings. First intro- 
 duced in 1812. 
 
 Ruta. Rue. From the Greek rate, from ruo, to 
 flow; probably some reputed medicinal qualities 
 of the plant. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Rutacea;. 
 
 R. graveolens is a well-known glaucous-leaved 
 plant, having a very unpleasant smell and a bit- 
 ter taste. The leaves are nearly blue, and from 
 their peculiar color sometimes produce a good 
 effect in a shrubbery. The flowers are yellow- 
 ish. 
 
 Ruta-Baga. See Brassica. 
 
 Rye. See Secale. 
 
 Rye Grass. See Lolium. 
 
 s. 
 
 Sabal. Derivation of name unknown ; supposed 
 to be the South American name of one of the 
 species. Linn. Hexandna-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Palmaceee. 
 
 This interesting genus of Palms has three 
 species common to the marshy districts of the 
 southern coast, from North Carolina to Florida, 
 which are popularly known as the Palmetto, the 
 inblem on the seal of South Carolina. The 
 most conspicuous of the species is S. Palmetto, 
 indigenous to North Carolina and southward. 
 It attains a height of fifty feet, with a diame- 
 ter of twelve to fifteen inches. The timber is 
 said to be valuable in ship-building, being in- 
 destructible in salt water, and not liable to the 
 attack of the ship-worm. The leaves are from 
 five to six feet long, and are used in the manu- 
 facture of hats, (Palm leaf,) baskets, and mats, 
 and various other purposes of domestic econ- 
 omy. This species is also called Cabbage Palm, 
 the young, unexpanded leaves constituting one 
 of the most delicious vegetables of the table. 
 The Saw Palmetto is S. sfrmlatn, nnd the Dwarf 
 Palmetto is 8. Adansonil The Blue Palmetto 
 belongs to the genus Chamaerops, C. hystri.r, 
 also common on the southern coast. 
 Sabbatia. Named in honor of L. Sdbbati, a cele- 
 brated Italian botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Mono- 
 gynid. Nat. Ord. GentianacefK. 
 
 A genus of native hardy annuals and bien- 
 nials, some of which, though rather coarse-grow- 
 ing, are quite ornamental plants, suitable for the 
 border. The flowers are purple, rose, white, red, 
 and yellow. S, campestris, a native of Texas, 
 
 with rose and yellow flowers, is a desirable bor- 
 der plant. S. angularis is held in high esteem 
 as a tonic medicine. Being biennials, they are 
 more apt to be lost than either annuals or peren- 
 nials. Propagated by seeds. 
 
 Saccharum. Sugar Cane. From soukar, its Ara- 
 bic name. Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Qra/minaoKB. 
 
 A genus of strong growing, reed-like grasses, 
 indigenous to South America and the East and 
 West Indies. The most important species is 
 Saccharum officinarum, a native of India, the 
 Sugar Cane of commerce. We have but little 
 knowledge of the Sugar Cane previous to the 
 thirteenth century. Humboldt tells us it was 
 cultivated in China in the remotest times, and 
 that, under the name of honey, it was known to 
 the Greeks and Romans, though they never cul- 
 tivated it as an article of luxury. It is supposed 
 that Theophrastus alludes to it when he says 
 that, besides being produced from bees, honey, 
 or sweet juice, it is also the product of canes. 
 The Sugar Cane, however, seems to have been 
 early cultivated in China and India, and from 
 the latter region it was introduced into Europe. 
 Before the discovery of the West Indies in 14i)2, 
 or of the East Indies in 1-197, sugar was manu- 
 factured from the Sugar Cane in considerable 
 quantities in the islands of Sicily, Crete, Rhodes, 
 and Cyprus. Soon after the discoveries of Co- 
 lumbus, plantations were established in the 
 West Indies and Brazil, and in the Southern 
 States immediately after their settlement. The 
 plant was first cultivated on the banks of the
 
 200 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SAC 
 
 Mississippi about the year 1751, when some 
 Jesuits brought it from St. Domingo . These Jes- 
 uits settled just above the present site of New 
 Orleans. In 1758 the first sugar-mill was built 
 near that locality by M. Dubreuil on his sugar 
 plantation. That was the commencement of 
 one of the largest and most profitable of Ameri- 
 can industries. The cane is always propagated 
 from cuttings. Many attempts have been made 
 to raise plants from seed, but they have always 
 proved unproductive. It seems strange that 
 the seed should be of no use, when Nature has 
 been so lavish in bestowing it. From cuttings 
 the plants come to maturity in about two 
 months, and a plantation well cared for and 
 properly manured will last a number of years. 
 The successful planter makes plantings nearly 
 every year for a constant succession. For plant- 
 ing, the ground is prepared and marked out the 
 same as for corn, with rows about four feet 
 apart, and the plants two feet apart in the rows. 
 In cultivation the plow and cultivator are almost 
 wholly used in place of the hoe, as formerly was 
 the custom. 
 
 Saccolabium. From saccus, a bag, and Idbium, a 
 lip; in allusion to the bagged labellum of all the 
 species. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of epiphytal Orchids, 
 chiefly natives of India. The "Orchid-Grower's 
 Manual" says: "This genus contains some of 
 the finest Orchids in cultivation. They are 
 very compact in their growth, and are furnished 
 with long, thick, and pendent evergreen foliage. 
 From the axils of the leaves their long, graceful 
 racemes of flowers, which measure from one to 
 two feet in length, are produced. Their habit 
 of growth is the same as that of the Atrides, and 
 they require the same treatment, except that 
 they are grown in baskets suspended near the 
 roof, so they may receive all the light possible, 
 and not too much shade, only enough to pre- 
 serve their foliage from being injured. The 
 various species of this genus mostly inhabit the 
 hottest parts of India, and are found growing 
 on the branches of trees. They are propagated 
 in the same manner as the Strides," 
 
 Sacred Bean. See Ndumbium. 
 
 Sacred Lotus. See Ndumbium. 
 
 Sad Tree. See Nydanlhus. 
 
 Safflower. See Gurthamus tindoria. 
 
 Saffron. See Oroci 
 
 Sage. See Salviu officinalis. 
 
 Sagittaria. Arrow-head. From sagitta, an ar- 
 row ; the leaves of some species resemble an ar- 
 row-head. Linn. Monoecia-Polyandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Alismacea*. 
 
 A genus of handsome green-house and hardy 
 aquatics, with white flowers. Several of the 
 species are common to our marshes, from 
 Maine to Florida. They make beautiful plants 
 for the aquarium or any situation where they 
 can have an abundant supply of water. Some 
 of the more tender varieties have been introduced 
 into the green-house, though rarely 
 
 Sago. See Oreodoxa, JKhaphis flabelliformis, Raohia, 
 and Sagus. 
 
 Sago Palm. See Cycas revdufa. 
 
 Sagus. From Sagu, the Malay name of various 
 Palms. Linn. Moncecia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. 
 PalmacecK. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful, tall-growing Palms, 
 natives of India and Madagascar. The species 
 furnish a large portion of the Sago of commerce, 
 which is prepared from the soft inner portion of 
 
 SAL 
 
 the trunk. It is obtained by cutting the trunk 
 into pieces about two feet long, the pieces being 
 then split in half, and the soft substance scooped 
 out and pounded in water till the starchy mat- 
 ter separates, when it is drained off with the 
 water, allowed to settle, and afterward purified 
 by washing. These trees produce their flower 
 spikes when about fifteen years old, and the 
 fruit is nearly three years in ripening, after 
 which they die. In order to procure the great- 
 est quantity of Sago, the trees must be cut 
 down immediately after the flower spike makes 
 its appearance. Introduced in 1800. 
 
 Sailor Plant. See Saxifraga sarmeniosa. 
 
 St. A gnes's Flower. See Erinosma. 
 
 St. John's Bread. See Ceratonia. 
 
 St. John's Wort. See Hupericum. 
 
 Salicornia. Glasswort. From sal, salt, and cornu, 
 a horn. Linn. MonandriarHonogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 ChenopodiacecK. 
 
 A genus of succulent plants common to salt 
 marshes in various parts of the globe. They 
 grow from six to ten inches high, and are much 
 branched and jointed. The various species of 
 this genus grow abundantly on the coasts of 
 Northern Africa and Southern Europe, and yield 
 large quantities of soda, which is employed in 
 making both soap and glass. From its use in 
 the latter the genus derives its common English 
 name, Glasswort. The genus is represented in 
 this country by several species, the more com- 
 mon being S. hetbacea, which is considerably 
 used when young for pickling. On the New 
 England coast it is known by the name Samphire. 
 
 Salisburia. Maiden-hair Tree. In honor of 
 Richard A. Salisbury, a distinguished English 
 botanist. Linn. Moncecia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Taxacece. 
 
 This very remarkable tree was formerly called 
 Ginkgo biloba, G/inkgo being its name in Japan. 
 The only species that has been described, and is 
 to be found in collections of ornamental trees, 
 is S. adianlifolia, the leaves resembling in form 
 those of the Maiden-Hair Fern, the botanical 
 name of which is Adiantum. This is one of the 
 most beautiful and peculiar of all hardy exotic 
 trees, and one so entirely different in habit and 
 foliage from all others belonging to this order, 
 that, were it not for the flowers and fruit, it 
 would have been difficult to find its proper po- 
 sition in the vegetable kingdom. Without re- 
 gard to its botanical position, it is beyond ques- 
 tion one of the most beautiful trees under culti- 
 vation. It attains a height of eighty feet, and 
 has a straight trunk, with a pyramidal head. 
 This tree is a native of China and Japan, and 
 was introduced into England in 1754. It is not 
 yet as common in this country as it should be, 
 on account of its price and scarcity, b\at is now 
 being more largely propagated and planted. 
 There is a fine specimen on Mr. Manice's place 
 at Queens, L. I., fully fifty feet high, with a 
 full, symmetrical head. There is also a noble 
 specimen on the old Downing place at New- 
 burgh, supposed to be the largest in the States. 
 It is propagated in this country by layers. As it 
 is dioecious, and there being no male plant in 
 this country, there has been no fruit borne. 
 The fruit is common >in Japan, and is highly es- 
 teemed for its astringent properties, and for the 
 reputation it has of promoting digestion. 
 
 Salix. Willow. From the Celtic sal, near, and 
 lis, water; in allusion to its place of growth. 
 Linn. Dicecia-Diandria. Nat. Ord. tfaliacea:. 
 The Willow is a large and varied genus of de-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 201 
 
 SAL 
 
 cicluous trees and low-growing shrubs. Some 
 are timber trees, that attain a height of eighty' 
 feet, with a diameter of trunk from four to six 
 feet. One of the species, .S. herhacea, creeps so 
 near the ground that it forms on the Swiss 
 mountains a kind of turf, not rising more than 
 an inch in height. The genus consists of up- 
 ward of two hundred species, but few of which 
 claim special notice. The Weeping Willow is 
 8. Babylonica, a native of the Levant. The Os- 
 ier or Basket Willow is S. viminalis, common 
 throughout Europe. 5. laurifolia is a low-grow- 
 ing tree or shrub with broad glossy foliage, and 
 is a tine subject for the lawn. All the species 
 grow rapidly in moist places. They are freely 
 propagated from cuttings, every one rapidly 
 making a rooted plant when well firmed in the 
 soil. In this manner the Osier Willow is often 
 grown on banks of rivers and streams to prevent 
 the washing away of the banks. The Colt place, 
 near Hartford, is protected in this way, and a 
 willow-ware factory has been established in con- 
 nection with it. The cuttings may be twelve to 
 eighteen inches long, inserted half their depth 
 in the soil at a foot or so apart each way. 
 
 Salpiglossis. From salpinx; a tube, and ylossa, a 
 tongue; alluding to the tongue-like style in the 
 mouth of the corolla. Linn. Didynamia-Angios- 
 permia. Nat. Ord. Scraphulariacece. 
 
 Very beautiful half-hardy annual plants, na- 
 tives of Chili. The seeds should be sown in 
 February on a slight hot-bed, or in the green- 
 house, and the young plants should be planted 
 out in May. When grown in pots it should be 
 frequently shifted, always into a pot only a lit- 
 tle larger than the previous one, so as to make 
 the plant bushy. It varies very much accord- 
 ing to the soil and situation in which it is 
 grown; and if kept through the winter in a 
 green-house, it will become partly woody. 
 There are many different kinds, some of which 
 are made species by some botanists, but which 
 are now generally allowed to be only varieties. 
 Many gardeners sow the seeds in autumn, and 
 keep the plants in frames all the winter, that 
 they may flower early in spring. They flower 
 freely in autumn, if the seed is sown about May 
 where it is to grow. Introduced in 1824. 
 
 Salsify. Oyster Plant. See Tragopogon porrifo- 
 lius. Cultivation same as for Carrot or Parsnip. 
 
 Sal via. Sage. From salvo, to save; in allusion 
 to the healing qualities of the Sage. Linn. Di- 
 andria-31onogynia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacecn. 
 
 This extensive genus is composed of hand- 
 some flowering plants, some of which are hardy 
 and herbaceous, while, others are tender, and 
 assume a half shrubby character. They are par- 
 ticularly useful for filling large beds in the 
 flower garden through the summer, where such j 
 kinds as S. patens, blue; & splendens, scarlet; 
 and S. fulgfns, red, are very showy. 8. s)>le>iden.-> 
 is a native of Mexico, and was introduced in 1822. 
 It is one of the best for garden decoration. Of 
 S. splendens, within the past few years, we have 
 had many singular and beautiful varieties, one 
 being pure white, another scarlet and white 
 striped, and last year, 1879, gave us a distinct 
 crimson color. There are also several beautiful 
 species that were grown in the green-house for 
 the sake of their flowers in winter, but are not 
 much valued now for that purpose. S.cfficinQlis 
 is the common culinary herb. There is a very 
 pretty variegated variety of this, grown in the 
 border as an ornamental plant. Propagated by 
 seeds or cuttings. 
 
 SAN 
 
 Sambucus. Elder. From sambuca, a musical in- 
 strument, which is supposed to have been made 
 of Elder-wood. Linn. Penlandria-IYigynia. Nat. 
 Ord. CaprifoliacecK. 
 
 The common Elder of our hedgerows is S. 
 Canadensis, and it may be considered typical of 
 the order. Few of the species are considered 
 of much value, though S. Canadensis is used to 
 some extent to make a domestic wine. The 
 most ornamental of the species is ,S. pubens, 
 which has large, loose panicles of bright scarlet 
 berries. This species is occasionally found in, 
 moist high grounds from New York southward. 
 It is very abundant and beautiful on the slopes 
 of the Alleghany Mountains. 
 
 Samphire. See Salicornia. 
 
 Eanchesia. Derivation of name not given. Linn. 
 Diandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AcanihaceoK. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen green-house shrubs 
 from Bolivia. There are but two described spe- 
 cies. S. nobilis varieyata, the only one intro- 
 duced to any extent into our green-housos, is a 
 very beautiful free-growing plant. The leaves 
 are large, oblong, deep green, and boldly striped 
 with rich golden yellow. The flowers are clear 
 yellow, issuing from crimson bracts. It re- 
 quires to be grown in a warm, moist house, in 
 light, rich soil. It is readily increased from 
 cuttings. 
 
 Sandal-wood. See tiantalum. 
 
 Sanguinaria. Blood-root. From sanguis, blood; 
 all the parts of the plant yield a red juice when 
 cut or broken. Linn. Polyandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Papaveracece. 
 
 The only described species of this genus is 6'. 
 Canadensis, popularly known as Blood-root. It 
 is a beautiful hardy herbaceous plant, found in 
 the woods throughout the United States. Ite 
 flowers are pure white, borne singly on a slen- 
 der stem about six inches high. It is one of the 
 earliest and most attractive "Wild Flowers." 
 It can be easily transferred to the flower gar- 
 den. The petals are greatly increased in size 
 and number by good cultivation. It should be 
 planted in rich soil and partial shade. 
 
 Sanicula. Sanicle, Black Snakeroot. From sano, 
 to heal ; supposed healing effects of Sanicula 
 Europea. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Apiacea;. 
 
 A genus of weeds of no special interest beyond 
 their supposed medicinal qualities. 
 
 Sanseviera. In honor of M. Sansevier, a Swed- 
 ish botanist. Linn. Ikxandrui-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LUiacece. 
 
 A very singular genus of plants, found chiefly 
 in Africa and the East Indies. They are stem- 
 less perennial plants, throwing out runners, and 
 having only root-leaves, which are thick, fibrous, 
 and fleshy, and usually sword or lance-shaped, 
 from two to three feet long, and from two to 
 four inches wide. When young they are marked 
 with pale-colored cross-bands, but ultimately a 
 uniform shining green. S. Zeylanica is the spe- 
 cies mostly grown in the green-house, the mark- 
 ings being more distinct and positive. The na- 
 tives call the plant Bow-string Hemp, because 
 of the strong and fine quality of the fiber it 
 yields, and which is used in the manufacture of 
 cordage and fine string. They should be grown 
 in strong heat, with plenty of moisture. Propa- 
 gated by division. Introduced in 1731. 
 
 Santalum. Sandal-wood. From its Persian 
 name, sandul, signifying useful. Linn. Tetran- 
 dria-Monoytinia. Nat. Ord. Santalacea*. 
 
 The species of this genus are trees or shrubs.
 
 202 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SAN 
 
 natives of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Is- 
 lands. The flowers of S. album, the true Sandal- 
 wood are small, and produced in spikes or ra- 
 cemes ; but the chief value of the plant consists 
 in the fragrance of the wood, which is so great 
 that the wood is burned for incense, and is said 
 to be destructive to all noxious insects. The 
 same species grown under glass with artificial 
 heat, has very little of the fragrance for which 
 the species is remarkable. 
 
 Santolina. Lavender Cotton. From sanctus, 
 holy, and limm, flax ; in allusion to its medi- 
 cinal qualities. Linn. Syngenesia-^qualis. Nat. 
 Ord. Asteracftv. 
 
 A genus of dwarf evergreen shrubs, natives of 
 the south of Europe. Some of the species are 
 valuable bedding plants, and particularly useful 
 in ribbon borders, contrasting finely with plants 
 of dark foliage. Propagated from cuttings. 
 
 Sanvitalia. Derivation unknown ; probably a 
 commemorative name. Linn. Syngenesia-Super- 
 fiua. Nat. Ord. AsteracerK. 
 
 S. procitmbens is a beautiful little Mexican an- 
 nual, well adapted, from its dwarf and compact 
 habit of growth, for covering a bed in a flower- 
 garden. The flowers are large in proportion to 
 the size of the plant, and they are of a rich 
 brown and yellow. It is quite hardy, and only 
 requires sowing in March or April in the open 
 border. Introduced in 1798. 
 
 Saponaria. Soapwort, Bouncing Bet. From 
 sapo, soap ; the bruised leaves of S. officinalis 
 form a lather like soap, when agitated in water. 
 Linn. Decandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Caryophyl- 
 lacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals and herbaceous 
 perennials, mostly natives of Europe. One 
 species, S. ocymoides, deserves, for its neat hab- 
 it, and the profusion with which it bears its 
 pretty pink flowers in summer, to be cultivated 
 in every garden. It is a trailing plant, and 
 therefore suitable for rock-work, the front of the 
 borders, or for small beds ; and being at the 
 same time quite hardy, and not particular as to 
 soil or situation, it is well adapted for suburban 
 gardens. The double variety of S. officinalis is 
 also a showy plant, of the easiest management, 
 and continues to produce its numerous flesh- 
 colored flowers from June to November. This 
 species has become naturalized, until, notwith- 
 standing its beauty, it has in some places be- 
 come troublesome as a weed. 
 
 Sarcanthus. From sarx, flesh, and anthos, a 
 flower ; in allusion to the fleshiness of the flow- 
 ers. Linn. (Jynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidat-ea'. 
 
 A genus of epiphytal Orchids, natives of Chi- 
 na and the East Indies. The flowers are mostly 
 small, but rather showy. S. erinaceus is a beau- 
 tiful species, with pink and white flowers ; lip 
 with purple markings. The flowers are pro- 
 duced freely on drooping spikes. There are 
 several species under cultivation. They succeed 
 best when grown in wooden baskets with sphag- 
 num moss. They require plenty of heat and 
 copious waterings. During their season of rest 
 they may be kept in a cool house, and given 
 but very little water. 
 
 Sarcochilus. From sarx, flesh, and cheilos, a lip; in 
 allusion to the fleshy lip or labellum. Linn. Oy- 
 nandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A genus of small epiphytal Orchids from Aus- 
 tralia and the East Indies. The flowers are 
 white, or white and yellow. The species are not 
 usually found in collections. 
 
 SAT 
 
 Sarcopodium. A small genus of Orchids, now 
 included in Bolbr.phyUum, which see. 
 
 Sarmienta. Named after Mart. Sarmiento, a Span- 
 ish botanist. Linn. Dvindrw-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. GesneracecK. 
 
 S. repens, the only known representative of 
 this genus, is a dwarf-trailing Chilian herb, very 
 beautiful, and suitable for growing in baskets. 
 It has fleshy, oblong leaves, about an inch long, 
 and numerous drooping, tubular, axillary flow- 
 ers of a xight scarlet color. In all respects it 
 requires the same treatment as the Gesnera, and 
 is propagated in the same manner. Introduced 
 in 1862. 
 
 Sarracenia. Side-saddle Flower, American Pitch- 
 er Plant. Named in honor of Dr. Sarrasin, a 
 French physician at Quebec. Linn. Polyandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Sarmceniacece. 
 
 A small genus of curious and interesting 
 plants common in boggy situations from Maine 
 to Florida. S. purpurea is found in great num- 
 bers throughout the New England States, New 
 York, and New Jersey, S.flavannd 8. rubra being 
 confined to the Southern States. They have their 
 leaves folded spirally, in the manner of the Pitch- 
 er Plant, Nepenthes. They are of various heights, 
 some being from four to six inches Mgh, while 
 othera are nearly or quite two feet. They have 
 no proper leaf stems, but the foot stalk is 
 lengthened in some cases so as to serve the same 
 end. The flower scape is in all the species 
 longer than the leaves ; the flowers are globose, 
 nodding, colors purple, red, or yellow. The 
 curious leaves of these plants are often partly 
 filled with water and drowned insects, which 
 has given them a reputation for usefulness that 
 is to be taken with some grains of allowance. 
 The same may be said of the medicinal properties 
 claimed for them. 
 
 Sarsaparilla. See Smilax, Sarza, etc. 
 
 Sarsaparilla, False. See Aral'ui nudicaulis. 
 
 Sassafras. The name is said to be a corruption 
 of the Spanish word for Saxifrage. Linn. En- 
 neandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord.' Lauracece. 
 
 S. officinale, the only known species, is com- 
 mon throughout the United States. In the more 
 , northern parts the tree is small, the diameter 
 rarely exceeding eight inches; but in the South- 
 ern States it attains a height of fifty feet, with a 
 diameter of trunk more than two feet. The Sas- 
 safras is well known by its aromatic, spicy bark, 
 which has stimulant and sudorific properties, 
 and is extensively used in medicine and confec- 
 tionery. The leaves are also used in the manu- 
 facture of " Home-made beer," and also in some 
 sections as a seasoning in sauces, while their mu- 
 cilaginous properties render them useful in 
 thickening soups. 
 
 Satin-wood. A beautiful veneering wood of In- 
 dia, obtained from Chloroxylon Swietenia, which 
 
 Satureia. Savory. 
 
 labiate plants. Linn. Didyiwmut- 
 
 From Ssattar, the Arabic 
 name for all labiate plants. Linn. 
 Oymnospermia. Nat. Ord. Lamiftcece. 
 
 The Summer Savory, S. hortcnsis, is a hardy 
 annual, a native of the south of Europe, and has 
 been well-known in the kitchen garden for the 
 last three hundred years. Having escaped from 
 the garden, it has become naturalized in many 
 parts of this country, especially in Ohio and Il- 
 linois. The Winter Savory, /S. montana, is a 
 hardy evergreen shrub, growing about a foot 
 high, and very branching. It is a native of the 
 south of France, is easily cultivated, and hns all 
 the essential properties of the Summer Savory.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SAT 
 
 Grown from seeds, like Thyme and Sage, or 
 other herbs. 
 
 Satyrium. Supposed to be from satyrus, a satyr. 
 Linn. Gynondna-Monemdria. Nat. Ord. Orchid- 
 aeeae. 
 
 Terrestrial Orchidaceous plants from the Cape 
 of Good Hope. The leaves are very curious 
 from the flat manner in which they spread 
 themselves on the surface of the pot; and the 
 flowers, which are generally yellow, are very 
 handsome. They should be grown in very 
 sandy loam or leaf mould, and they are generally 
 kept in a green-house. They are very apt to 
 damp off if over-watered. Propagated by divi- 
 sion. 
 
 Savannah Flower. See Echiies suberecta. 
 
 Savin. See Junipenis sabina. 
 
 Savory. See Satureia. 
 
 Savoy Cabbage. See Cabbage. 
 
 Savoy Spinach. See Spinacia. 
 
 Saxifraga. Saxifrage. From saxum, a stone, and 
 frango, to break; its reputed medicinal qualities 
 in that disease. Linn. Decandria-Digynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Saxifragacece. 
 
 In this very extensive genus, numbering 
 more than a hundred and fifty species, we have 
 some very beautiful hardy perennials, admir- 
 ably suited for rock-work, or any rough bor- 
 ders, where it is difficult to make most plants 
 grow. Some of the species are valuable for city 
 gardens, particularly S. umbrofa, as it will 
 grow in the shade, and is not injured by soot 
 or smoke. The flowers are not brilliant, but the 
 whole plant is showy and vigorous, which well 
 compensates for a short season of flowers of a 
 more showy character. This species is the Lon- 
 don Pride of our gardens. S. sarmentosa, a na- 
 tive of China, is a desirable plant for hanging 
 baskets, or other rustic designs. It is a pretty 
 plant when in flower. It is popularly known 
 as Strawberry Geranium, Beef-steak Plant, and 
 several other local names without much signifi- 
 cance. S. sarmentosa variegata, a variety intro- 
 duced in 1870, has beautiful variegated white 
 and rose-colored markings on the leaves, but is 
 apt to run back to the original species. There 
 are several very pretty species of Saxifraga in 
 our woods and waste places, possessing more 
 real beauty than some more sought after. All 
 the species grow with very little care or atten- 
 tion, requiring only -a sandy, moist, and shady 
 situation. Propagated from runners and divi- 
 sion. 
 
 Saxifrage. See Saxifraga. 
 
 Scabipsa. Scabious, Mourning Bride. From 
 scabies, the itch ; the common kind is said to 
 cure that disorder. Linn. Tetrandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Dipsacea*. 
 
 A small genus of hardy annual and herbace- 
 ous perennials, mostly natives of Europe and 
 the East Indies. S. atropurpurea is the well- 
 known Mourning Bride. All the species grow 
 freely in the garden, and are grown from 
 seeds sown early in spring. The German flor- 
 ists have succeeded in raising some dwarf vari- 
 eties with very handsome double flowers in a 
 variety of colors, from nearly pure white to dark 
 purple maroon. It is a useful plant for sum- 
 mer flowers. 
 
 Scarlet Geranium. See Pelargonium. 
 
 Scarlet Oak. See Qufrcus. 
 
 Scarlet Runner. See Phascolus mult i floras. 
 
 Scirpus. From the Celtic ci'r.v, rushes. Linn. 
 Trvmdria^Monogynia. Nat. Ord. '////>/< ./. 
 A genus of sedge grasses, usually found in 
 
 SCH 
 
 bogs. This genus, as adopted by some authors, 
 has a wide geographical distribution. S. lacus- 
 tris, the well-known Bulrush, is extensively 
 used for making bottoms of chairs, floor mats, 
 etc., in most parts of Europe, and to a limited 
 extent in this country. S. Japonica va i go, a, a 
 beautiful variegated plant, sent home from Japan 
 by Mr. Thomas Hogg, has been referred to this 
 genus. It was subsequently sold to an English 
 florist for distribution. It is a plant of singular 
 beauty. The variegation, like that on /<///</ 
 zebrina, instead of running lengthwise, runs at 
 right angles with the leaf; or, in other words, 
 the variegation is horizontal instead of vertical. 
 The Eulalia zebrina and the Scirpus are the only 
 two known plants that are striped in this re- 
 markable manner. The Scirpus will probably 
 prove to be hardy. 
 
 Schizanthus. From schizo, to cut, and anthos, a 
 flower ; in allusion to the irregularly divided 
 corolla. Linn. Diandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Scrophulariacece. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful half-hardy annual 
 flowers, which may be sown either in autumn 
 or spring. If wanted to flower in spring, the 
 seed should be sown in August or September as 
 soon as it is ripe, in light, rich mould; and the 
 young plants should be kept in well-drained pots 
 in a frame or green-house during winter. \\Tien 
 the seeds are sown in spring, it should be on a 
 hot-bed or in the green-house, and the young 
 plants should be removed into the open air in 
 May, when they will flower in autumn. The 
 plants are much larger in the open ground, and 
 the flowers are finer, if the soil be sufficiently 
 rich and light ; but care should be taken to 
 plant them in a sheltered situation, or to tie 
 them to stakes, as the stems are very brittle and 
 liable to be broken off by high winds. The prin- 
 cipal kinds of Schizanthus are S. ptmuBM, with 
 its varieties, all of which have purplish flowers; 
 jS'. retusns, with scarlet and yellow flowers; and 
 8. Priestii, with white and yellow flowers. Of 
 these, S. p'mnatus and its allied species or vari- 
 ety, S.porrigens, are the hardiest. The genus is 
 confined to South America, and are mostly found 
 in Chili. Introduced in 1822. 
 
 Schizopetalon. From schizo, to cut, and petcdon, 
 a petal; the petals are cut. Linn. Tetradynamia. 
 Nat. Ord. Brassicacece. 
 
 An annual flower, with curiously cut petals, 
 and a strong tap root. It is rather difficult to 
 grow, as it does not bear transplanting well, 
 unless when quite young. It should be sown 
 in spring, and, if possible, where it is to re- 
 main. There is but one known species, S. Wul- 
 
 . kerii, a native of Chili. This is rather a singu- 
 lar plant. The flowers are flat, and look as if 
 they had been cut out with a stamp. The color 
 of the flower is white. Introduced in 1822. 
 
 Schizophragma. Climbing Hydrangea. Deriva- 
 tion of name not given. Linn. Decandria~Digy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. flydrang< </. 
 
 S. Hydrangeoides is a hardy climbing shrub, 
 introduced from Japan by Thomas Hogg. It is 
 a handsome, rapid-growing plant, with almost 
 all the characters of the Hydrangea, having simi- 
 lar white flowers as in the shrubby species. It 
 clings with tenacity to any tree or building by 
 which it may be planted, and attains a height 
 of fifty feet. It remains a long time in flower, 
 making it, a conspicuous and desirable plant. 
 It is perfectly hardy. It is rapidly increased by 
 cuttings or by seeds, which, however, have as yet 
 to be procured from its native country, Japan.
 
 204 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SCH 
 
 Schizostylis. Derivation of name not known. 
 Linn. Trian>lria-.M<i<><iynia. Nat. Ord. Irviacea;. 
 
 S. coccinea, the only known species, is a very 
 pretty half-hardy Cape bulb, belonging to the 
 Gladiolus family. The leaves are neat and 
 glossy, and the flowers are rosy-scarlet, nro- 
 duced in December. Many efforts have been 
 made to bring this bulb into flower in summer 
 or autumn, which would make it one of the 
 most popular of the natural order to which it 
 belongs. Every effort has, however, failed, and 
 it must consequently be grown in the green- 
 house. It is rapidly increased by offsets. In- 
 troduced in 1846. 
 
 Schlimmia. In honor of M. Schlimm, one of M. 
 Linden's plant collectors, who discovered the 
 plant. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orchidacea;. 
 
 8. jasminodora, the only described species that 
 composes this genus, is an epiphytal Orchid 
 from Central America, remarkable for its ex- 
 treme fragrance. Its flowers are pure white, 
 borne on flower-stalks about a foot high. It re- 
 quires to be grown in a warm house. 
 Schomburgkia. Named after Sir Robert H. 
 Schomburgk, a zealous naturalist, and a traveler 
 in British Guiana on account of the Royal Geo- 
 graphical Society. . Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Orchidacea;. 
 
 A very handsome genus of epiphytal Orchids, 
 with large pseudo-bulbs, and strong, leathery 
 leaves. The flower spikes are produced from 
 the apex of the pseudo-bulbs, and are from three 
 to four feet in length, bearing large, rich-color- 
 ed flowers of singular form. The plants should 
 be attached to a piece of cork and suspended 
 from the roof of the hot-house. They require a 
 high, moist atmosphere in the growing season, 
 and a very dry one when at rest. There are but 
 a few species in this genus, the most desirable 
 being ,S'. tibitinus, a native of Honduras. Intro- 
 duced in 1834. 
 
 Schrankia. Sensitive Brier. In honor of Fran- 
 cis Paula von Schrank, a famous German botan- 
 ist, and author of many botanical works. Linn. 
 Polygamin-Monoecia. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house herbaceous per- 
 ennials, common from Virginia southward. The 
 flowers are small, and not unlike those of the 
 Mimosa. These plants are very interesting on 
 account of their leaves, which, like those of the 
 Sensitive Plant, fall at the slightest touch. A 
 few of the species are under cultivation in 
 botanical collections. 
 
 Schubertia. Named after M. Schubert, a Polish 
 botanist. Linn. Peniandrva-DigynvjL. Nat. Ord. 
 Asc'epi/tdacea;. 
 
 A small genus of hairy, milky, twining shrubs 
 from South America. The leaves are opposite, 
 and the flowers, produced in handsome umbels, 
 are cream-colored and white. They are funnel- 
 shaped, large, and fleshy, and remarkable for 
 their fragrance. They require to be grown in a 
 warm house, in well-drained pots. Propagated 
 by cuttings. 
 
 Sciadocalyx. Derivation of name not given. 
 Linn. Dklynamia-Angios-permki. Nat. Ord. Gesner- 
 acecv. 
 
 8. Warscewiczii, the only known species was for- 
 merly known as Ctarnera Regdiana. It is a very 
 ornamental green-house plant, a native of New 
 Grenada, and conspicuous for its bright pink- 
 ish-scarlet flowers, which are produced freely 
 during the winter. Like all the plants of this 
 natural order, it requires a warm house, plenty 
 
 SCO 
 
 of moisture, and partial shade to grow it to per- 
 fection. It is increased by cuttings or from 
 
 Scilla. Squill. From skyllo, to injure; the bulbs 
 of some of the species are said to be poisonous. 
 Linn. Hexandr'M-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Litincew. 
 An extensive genus of very pretty bulbous 
 plants, nearly all of which are hardy, and very de- 
 sirable on account of their early habit of flowering. 
 They should be planted in October, either in the 
 open ground or in pots. They prefer a light, 
 rich soil. Among the more desirable species 
 are 8. campanulaia, a native of Spain, with beau- 
 tiful blue flowers, of which there are varieties 
 with white and pink flowers. 8. amoen r j, with 
 blue flowers, from the Levant, is a very early 
 flowering species. S. bifolia, with red, blue, or 
 white flowers. 8. Siberica, with intense blue 
 flowers. These are all beautiful plants, and 
 well adapted to the open border. They come 
 into flower with the Crocus, and continue in 
 bloom much longer. They may remain undis- 
 turbed where planted for a number of years, as 
 crowding from their natural increase does not 
 seem to injure them. & Peruviana is one of the 
 best for pot culture. It is a native of Italy and 
 Spain, and, not of Peru, as is generally supposed, 
 and as its name would imply. Its flowers are 
 dark-blue, produced in long racemes. S. c'diaris 
 is also desirable for growing in pots. The last 
 two are not hardy. All the species are well 
 worth a place in the garden or green-house. 
 Propagated by offsets. 
 
 Scindapsus. From skinaapsos, an ivy-like 
 
 ' climber. Linn. Monoecia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Orontiacece. 
 
 A genus of climbing herbaceous plants, na- 
 tives of India. They have perforated or pinnated 
 leaves, on long, channeled stalks. The species 
 are cultivated in their native countries for their 
 fruit, which is considered to have powerful me- 
 dicinal properties. They are mostly known un- 
 der the name Pothos. Several of the species are 
 to be found in collections of plants with orna- 
 mental foliage. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Scoke Berry. See Phytolacca. 
 
 Scolppendrium. Hart's Tongue. From scolopen- 
 dria, a centipede; the appearance of the seed or 
 spore-cases. Linn. Oryptoyamia-FUices. Nat. Ord. 
 PolypodiacecK. 
 
 A genus of small-growing Ferns, which, with 
 one exception, are hardy. They are common to 
 Great Britain. One of the species, S. vulgare, 
 is occasionally met in Central New York and 
 some other localities in this country. They are 
 low-growing plants, requiring a moist, somewhat 
 shaded situation. They are very desirable for 
 pot culture. 
 
 Scorpion Grass. A popular name for the Myoso- 
 tis, which see. 
 
 Scorpion Senna. See Coronilla Emerus. 
 
 Scorzonera. Viper's Grass. From scurzon, a 
 viper; supposed remedy for the bite of a viper. 
 Linn. Sytigenesia-sEyualis. 'Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 Handsome hardy perennials, with purple, 
 pink, or yellow flowers. They are indigenous 
 to the south of Europe and temperate parts of 
 Asia. One of the species, 8. Hispanica, is grown 
 to some extent as a garden vegetable, under the 
 name of Black Oyster Plant. Though a peren- 
 nial, it should be treated like an annual or bien- 
 nial, and grown in the same manner as Salsify 
 or Carrot, only the seed should not be sown so 
 early, (in the latitude of New York, in the mid- 
 dle of May, ) as the plants have a tendency to
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 205 
 
 SCO 
 
 "run up " to seed, which renders the roots unfit 
 for use. There are other species under cultiva- 
 tion in their native countries as articles of food, 
 and held in high esteem. 
 
 Scorpiurus. Caterpillars. From scorpios, a scor- 
 pion, and oura, a tail; alluding to the twisted 
 form of the legumes. Linn. Diaddphia-Decan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A small genus of very curious half-hardy an- 
 nuals, natives of the Mediterranean regions. 
 The flowers are yellow, pea-shaped; the pods 
 have- a fancied resemblance to caterpillars, 
 whence their common name. The pods are 
 used to garnish dishes of salads or meats. They 
 may be cultivated in the same manner as Rad- 
 ishes. 
 
 Scotch Pine. See Finns. 
 
 Scotch Thistle. See Onopordon. 
 
 Scotch Kale. See Brass'ica. 
 
 Screw Pine. See Fandanus. 
 
 Scrub Oak. See Quercus. 
 
 Scurvy Grass. See Cochlearia. 
 
 Scutellaria. Skull-cap. From scutella, a little 
 saucer; alluding to the form of the calyx. Linn. 
 Didynamia-Anfjiosperinia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacecv. 
 An extensive genus of herbaceous perennials, 
 many of which are indigenous to, and common 
 throughout the United States. A few of the 
 species are suitable for edgings to flower-beds. 
 The hardy kinds have their flowers for the most 
 part blue, and are quite showy. Among the 
 tender or green-house species, S. Mocciana is 
 bright scarlet and exceedingly handsome, though 
 often affected with rust. S. pulchella, another 
 green-house variety, is crimson. Propagated 
 by cuttings. 
 
 Scuticaria. From scutica, a whip; leaves round 
 as a whipcord. Linn. Gynandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. OrcMdacece. 
 
 S. Steelii, one of the best known species of this 
 genus, is an epiphytal Orchid from Demerara, 
 with long, thong-like, pendulous leaves, and 
 large, solitary, dingy-yellow, purple-spotted 
 flowers, which grow on very short stalks. There 
 are a few other species of the same general char- 
 acter, but which are rarely cultivated. 
 
 Scyphanthus. From scyphos, a cup, and anthos, 
 a flower; in reference to the shape of the flower. 
 Linn Polyadelphia-Folyandria. Nat. Ord. Loasa- 
 cea;. 
 
 A small genus of Chilian and Peruvian plants, 
 allied to Laosa, and formerly included in that 
 genus. S. degans is a very pretty twining an- 
 nual, with bright yellow flowers, produced 
 singly from the axils of the leaves. This is a 
 synonym of Grammatocarpus, under which name 
 it is pretty generally known. 
 
 Seaforthia. Named after Francis Lord Seaforth, 
 a patron of botany. Linn. Folygamia-Moncecia. 
 Nat. Ord. Palmacea;. 
 
 #. elegans, the only known species, is a native 
 of Australia, and one of the most beautiful of 
 the Palm family. The plant attains a height of 
 thirty feet, with leaves from two to ten feet in 
 length. "The whole plant is perfectly smooth, 
 leaves drooping and feather-like, and is one 
 of the finest subjects in cultivation for the con- 
 servatory, green-house, or sub-tropical garden. 
 It may be placed in the open air from the first 
 of June until the first of October." It can be 
 kept in the conservatory or ordinary green- 
 house during winter. It is of rapid growth. 
 Plants one year from seed, when well grown, 
 attain a height of three feet. Propagated by 
 seeds only. Introduced in 1822. 
 
 SEC 
 
 Sea Bean. See Entada. 
 
 Sea Bean. See Onnosia. 
 
 Sea Daffodil. See Pancratium. 
 
 Sea Eryngo. See Erynyium. 
 
 Sea Heath. See Franlcenia. 
 
 Sea Holly. See Erynrtium. 
 
 Sea Island Cotton. See Gossypium. 
 
 Sea-Kale. Crambe maritima. (See Crambe.) Sea-Kale 
 is only cultivated as yet in the United States by 
 private gentlemen employing gardeners, and is 
 very rarely seen in our markets. Still, there is no 
 reason why it may not be cultivated here equally 
 as well as in Europe, as it grows quite as freely 
 during our aummer months here as there; and 
 being perfectly hardy, it can be got into condi- 
 tion to blanch which is the only way in which 
 it is used the first season, if the following plain 
 directions are strictly followed: Prepare the 
 ground exactly as if for a Cabbage or Cauliflower 
 crop ; for it is a plant of the same family, and 
 requires very similar treatment. As early as 
 the ground is dry enough to Avork in spring, 
 after having well leveled and raked the soil, 
 strike out lines three feet apart, and of any 
 length required, and at these lines draw shal- 
 low drills, two or three inches deep. In these 
 drills sow the Sea-Kale seed about as thick as 
 Turnip seed; say one ounce to every hundred 
 and fifty feet of drill. After sowing, and before 
 covering, tread the seed in the drill with the 
 foot, and then cover and level with the rake. 
 After the plants are up, and show the rough 
 leaf, thin put to eight or nine inches apart, and 
 keep cultivating, so as to encourage the best 
 growth possible during the summer. The plants 
 will have completed their growth by November, 
 when the leaves will begin to wither and dry 
 off", as Rhubarb or Asparagus does. When the 
 leaves have become completely dried, it is well 
 to cover with two or three inches of leaves, to 
 prevent them being frozen hard. About the 
 first of December, or first of January, the blanch- 
 ing or forcing process may be begun. To do 
 this, horse manure and leaves must be got to- 
 gether in quantities sufficient to heat, and 
 enough to cover the Sea-Kale to be forced, to a 
 depth of three or four feet ; but, preparatory to 
 placing this hot-bed over them, boxes one foot 
 wide and one and a half to two feet high should 
 be placed along the rows of the Sea-Kale, so that 
 the manure is kept off them. Into these boxes 
 the tender white shoots of the Sea-Kale will be 
 forced up and protected from the manure ; or, if 
 the expense of boxes is not advisable, strong 
 bush stakes, such as are used for staking Pease, 
 may be used; in fact, anything that is strong 
 enough to prevent the hot-bed pressing against 
 and impeding the growth of the plants. The 
 hot-bed of three or four feet high, placed over 
 the Sea-Kale beds in December or January, will 
 produce the Sea-Kale in the proper blanched 
 condition in from ten to twelve weeks. If not 
 wanted early, it may be blanched by covering 
 with boxes, inverted flower-pots, leaves, or any- 
 thing that will exclude the light, placed over 
 the plants in spring at the time they start to 
 
 row. The young shoots, when cooked, have a 
 avor something between Asparagus and Cauli- 
 flower, but in England they are much preferred 
 to either. 
 
 Sea Lavender. See Statice. 
 Sea Onion. See rnUho/ialum. 
 Sea-Side Grape. See Cuccoloba. 
 Sechium. Choko. From sekiio, to fatten; the 
 fruit serves to fatten hogs in the mountains and
 
 IM 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 inland parts of Jamaica, where the plant is 
 much cultivated. Eton. Monatia-Monadelphta. 
 Nat. Ord. Cucttrbitac(a>. 
 
 S edule, the type of this genus, is an annual a 
 native of the West Indies, where it is extensively 
 grown for its fruit, which is considered extreme- 
 ly wholesome, and commonly used as an article 
 of food by all classes. The plant is climbing 
 supporting itself by tendrils. The fruit is about 
 four inches long, nnd in substance between 
 succulent and fleshy, and is exceedingly nutri- 
 tious. Besides its utility as food for man, it is 
 much used for fattening animals. The roots are 
 large, and in substance resemble the Yam. They 
 are also used as an article of food. 
 
 Sedum. Stonecrop. From sedere, to sit; the plants 
 are found growing upon stones, rocks, walls, and 
 roofs of houses. Linn. Decandria-Pentagynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Crassulacece. 
 
 A very extensive genus of succulent annual, 
 hardy herbaceous perennial, and evergreen 
 plants, common to almost every country and 
 climate. The hardy species of this genus are 
 well adapted for ornamenting rock-work. Some 
 of the species are remarkable for their varie- 
 gated foliage, of which S. Sieboldii variejatum is 
 one of the prettiest. It grows about one foot 
 high, the leaves being blotched with yellow. It 
 is hardy. It is a variety of S. Sieboldii, a native 
 of Japan. There are a number of beautiful spe- 
 cies indigenous to this country. All the spe- 
 cies are of the easiest culture, and may be grown 
 from cuttings put in the place where they are 
 to grow, or by division. Nearly all the species 
 are worthy of a place in the garden. S. Tele- 
 phium is the common Live-forever of our gar- 
 dens, a native of Europe, but has escaped from 
 cultivation, and become naturalized in many 
 localities. Most of the species are, from their 
 succulent character, and resisting drought, well 
 adapted for vases, or for covering rough walls 
 or rocks. S. acre, a beautiful yellow flowered 
 variety, is a well-known type of the genus, and 
 its variety, S. acre variegalum, is even more beau- 
 tiful. S. nlbida has beautiful white flowers early 
 in spring. Propagated by cuttings or division. 
 
 Seeds. Geographical distribution of the localities 
 where iliey are grown in the United Stales. The 
 subjoined article from the Report of the De- 
 partment of Agriculture at Washington for 
 1878 was written by us in that year, and we be- 
 lieve it will be found to be of sufficient interest 
 and importance to warrant a place here. It is 
 entitled, "IswWes Best Suited for Maturing Seed," 
 and is as follows: 
 
 Seed-growing is now getting to be one of 
 the industries of the United States, as it has 
 long been of Europe. Our great variety of lati- 
 tude, soil, and climate is such that in many 
 things we are now supplying Europe with that 
 which a few years ago we imported; and I think 
 it is safe to predict that in a majority of the 
 seeds of the garden the balance of trade will 
 ultimately be in our favor, as it is now with a 
 majority of the seeds of the farm. I say a ma- 
 jority, for as seed-growing is a matter of lati- 
 tude, there always will be some kinds that will 
 attain perfection better in Europe than America, 
 particularly such seeds as require a low tem- 
 perature for perfect development. Hence, when- 
 ever a full variety of seeds is attempted to be 
 grown in any one district, either here or in Eu- 
 rope, some crops will be a complete failure and 
 many partially so, for we might as well attempt 
 to "acclimatize "the white bear of Iceland to the 
 
 SEE 
 
 jungles of Africa, or the Bengal tiger to the for- 
 ests of Norway, as to perfectly develop the seeds 
 of Oats in our Southern States, or the seed of 
 Maize in Northern Europe. Still, we find these 
 attempts are made, and will be made by inex- 
 perienced cultivators of seeds, resulting not 
 only in ultimate failure to the grower, but also 
 seriously injuring those to whom such unde- 
 veloped seeds are sold. When seeds are grown 
 in a latitude unsuited to their development, 
 they will invariably perpetuate weak progeny. 
 A marked case in point is the Oat, a grain re- 
 quiring a low temperature for perfect develop- 
 ment; hence the superiority of the Scotch or 
 Irish Oats over those grown in the hot and dry 
 summers of the United States. The average 
 weight per bushel of Scotch Oats may be given 
 as forty-four pounds, while the average of Oats 
 grown in the United States is about thirty-two 
 pounds per bushel; yet we find that Scotch Oats 
 weighing forty-four pounds per bushel, when 
 sown in the Middle States under favorable 
 conditions, deteriorate to forty pounds per 
 bushel during the first season from the imported 
 seed; that product being again sown, they still 
 further deteriorate to thirty-five or thirty-six 
 pounds per bushel, which again being sown the 
 third year, falls down to the normal condition 
 of the American Oats, say thirty or thirty-two 
 pounds per bushel. These facts suggest the 
 query whether it would not pay our farmers io 
 import their seed Oats in order to get this im- 
 proved quality. In my opinion there is no other 
 way to do it; for no matter how carefully the 
 selection of seeds is made, deterioration will 
 take place when the crop is grown under cir- 
 cumstances uncongenial to it. A lifetime spent 
 in' the practical study of horticulture, which is 
 close akin to agriculture, has forced me to the 
 conclusion that there is no such thing as accli- 
 matization of plants. The Maize of the Ameri- 
 can continent resists all attempts to bring the 
 crop to full maturity in the climate of Great 
 Britain, while the Oat (Avena saliva) gives com- 
 paratively abortive results when grown in our 
 semi-tropical summers. Hundreds of instances 
 in families of plants grown for their fruits, flow- 
 ers, or seeds, could be given to show that, when- 
 ever any attempt is made to change character- 
 istics incident to their natural origin, no per- 
 ceptible advance is ever made. We all know 
 that in attempts to acclimatize the Fig, the 
 Olive, and the Orange tree in the open air in 
 any locality where the thermometer falls below 
 zero, the complete destruction of the trees would 
 be the result, unless artificially protected. This 
 result is marked and complete, and is univer- 
 sally known, even to such as have not made 
 these matters a special study. But every culti- 
 vator of large experience knows that the eame 
 rule runs through all grades of vegetation, and 
 that the hardening or acclimatizing of plants has 
 not advanced, as far as the records go. We re- 
 member when the Chinese Wistaria was grown 
 only in our green-houses; now it is seen every- 
 where as a hardy vine ; but it was in ignorance 
 of its hardy nature that it was ever protected, 
 for it was equally as " hardy " the day of its first 
 introduction as it is to-day. The garden and 
 farm seeds in general use in the United States, 
 I have said, are mainly grown here, though some 
 are better grown in other countries. I will 
 briefly state the localities so far found to be best 
 suited to the greatest development of the differ- 
 ent kinds, and the sources from which seedsmen
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 207 
 
 SEE 
 
 draw their supplies. I am indebted for much 
 information on this subject to Mr. William Meg- 
 gat, seed-grower, of Hartford, Conn., who has 
 given this subject special study for the past 
 twenty years. 
 
 Asparagus is grown in New Jersey, on Long 
 Island, and in other portions of New York, and 
 probably other parts of the Northern and Mid- 
 dle States. 
 
 Beets are grown in Central New York, Penn- 
 sylvania, and Connecticut. The Mangel and 
 Sugar Beets are as yet mostly imported. 
 
 Beans (Bush) are mostly grown in New York 
 State, though Michigan, Wisconsin, and Penn- 
 sylvania are beginning to grow considerable 
 quantities. 
 
 Beans (Pole) are grown in Connecticut, New 
 Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, 
 and States further south. 
 
 The Cabbage, one of our most important crops, 
 gives its best development near the sea-coasfe. 
 That grown on rich soils inland is never so sat- 
 isfactory. Hence our market gardeners and 
 farmers in the vicinity of New York, from ex- 
 perience dearly bought, prefer their Cabbage 
 seed for an early crop to be always grown on 
 the easterly side of Long Island, on the Atlan- 
 tic coast, to that from any other source. There 
 is considerable grown in Pennsylvania, New 
 Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, but 
 such has never come to be held in any favor by 
 our market gardeners in the vicinity of New 
 York, who, perhaps, are as critical in such mat- 
 ters as anywhere in the world. But little Cab- 
 bage seed is now imported, though it is sold 
 much cheaper in Europe than here ; but the 
 crop is too important to risk any consideration 
 of price, for we find that what are grown as the 
 favorite varieties in Europe are not to be com- 
 pared, for our purpose, with those we have our- 
 selves originated here. 
 
 Cauliflower seed is all imported from Europe. 
 AH attempts that we have made to grow the seed 
 here have proved nearly abortive. It requires a 
 cool and rather moist climate, and even under 
 the best conditions seeds sparingly, few vari- 
 eties being imported at less than $6 per pound, 
 and some of the famous early kinds, such as 
 "Snowball," costing nearly $100 per pound to 
 import. 
 
 Celery is another important crop of which the 
 seed is raised almost exclusively here; at least 
 that in use among commercial gardeners, many 
 of them growing a few pounds for their own use 
 annually at five times the cost they could buy 
 imported seed for; the danger being so great of 
 getting a spurious sort that they prefer doing so 
 rather than run the risk. Now, however, as the 
 varieties best suited for our climate become 
 known, it is largely grown by our regular seed- 
 growers in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecti- 
 cut, and New Jersey. 
 
 Gicum'iers are now grown entirely here, except 
 a few of the fancy sorts. The best seed is grown 
 on the maiden soil of the prairies; and though 
 still grown to some extent in Pennsylvania, 
 Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, Illi- 
 nois and Michigan will, in all probability, event- 
 ually be the section used to grow all species of 
 the so-called "vine" family of vegetables. 
 
 The Carrot is grown almost exclusively in the 
 States of New York, Rhode Island, Massachu- 
 setts, and Connecticut. 
 
 The Bjij-plaitt, as yet, is mainly grown in 
 Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Mary- 
 
 SEE 
 
 land, but, being a plant of tropical origin, the 
 seeds, no doubt, would be better matured if 
 grown further south. 
 
 The Endive is all imported from Germany and 
 France. 
 
 The Leek is partly grown here in the Eastern 
 and Middle States, though some is also im- 
 ported. The American grown is found to have 
 the greater vitality. 
 
 Lettuce, when grown in the Atlantic States, 
 matures best in the vicinity of our large lakes, 
 in New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illi- 
 nois. California, however, is better fitted for 
 seeding Lettuce than any of the Atlantic States, 
 and large quantities are already being grown 
 there. Quantities are yet imported, but in this 
 case, as in the case of Cabbage and Celery, mar- 
 ket gardeners rarely risk imported Lettuce until 
 first proving the variety to be correct. 
 
 Melon (Nutmeg) is grown the same as the Cu- 
 cumber. 
 
 Melon (Water) is grown the same as the Cu- 
 cumber, though rather more of it is grown in 
 States farther south. 
 
 Okra is of tropical origin, and the seed is best 
 grown in the Southern States. 
 
 Onion is one of the most important of all our 
 vegetable crops grown from seed, and as it rap- 
 idly loses its vitality, being of little value the 
 second year, it is now almost entirely grown 
 here. The seed from which to grow Onions of 
 a marketable size is raised mainly in Connecti- 
 cut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Michi- 
 gan ; while that raised from which to grow Onion 
 sets is mostly grown in Pennsylvania and New 
 Jersey. California has begun to grow Onion 
 seeds to some extent, but as the quality of the 
 seed greatly determines the weight of crop, 
 confidence is not yet fully established in, the 
 eeed grown there. 
 
 Parsley is nearly all imported, as the plant is 
 not quite hardy enough to stand our northern 
 winters, while the hot summers of our South- 
 ern States is against its irat iring there. 
 
 The Parsnip is grown m .inly in Pennsylva- 
 nia, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. 
 Pease, a most important crop, are mainly 
 grown in Canada and in New York State, on 
 the immediate line of Lake Ontario. Large 
 quantities are yet imported from Britain, but 
 the great bulk used are grown as stated above. 
 
 Pepper is grown mainly in New Jersey, Penn- 
 sylvania, and New York, but may be grown al- 
 most anywhere. 
 
 Radish is nearly all imported, or should be; 
 for when grown in this climate, like Oats, it de- 
 generates very fast. 
 
 Salsify can be grown anywhere where Let- 
 tuce is grown, but as there is no danger of 
 mixing varieties, it is cheaper to import it from 
 France. 
 
 Spinach is nearly all imported from England, 
 France, or Germany, as it cannot be so profita- 
 bly grown here, for the same reason that we 
 cannot profitably grow Parsley, mainly because 
 our winters in the North are often such as to 
 kill off the plants, while in the Southern sec- 
 tion the summers are too hot for maturing the 
 seed. 
 
 Tobacco is grown in Virginia, Connecticut, 
 and Kentucky, in the United States, and in 
 Cuba and other tropical latitudes. It is some- 
 times believed to be a peculiarity of Tobacco 
 that location changes the character of the varie- 
 ty. This we are inclined to doubt, and believe
 
 20S 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SEG 
 
 that the varieties grown in Cuba, Connecticut, 
 and Virginia, are botanically distinct, and are 
 Buch as have been selected as the kinds best 
 suited to the sections in which they are grown. 
 
 Tomato seeds are mostly grown in New Jersey, 
 Connecticut, Michigan, and Illinois ; but they 
 may be grown with nearly the same success in 
 almost all the States of the Union. 
 
 Turnip seeds are grown in Pennsylvania, 
 Ehode Island, Connecticut, and Michigan. A 
 little is grown in Virginia and Maryland, but 
 that is less popular than that grown farther 
 north; not much is now imported. 
 
 Pearl Millet is now creating a wide-spread in- 
 terest. As the plant is tender, we are inclined 
 to think the seeds will be grown exclusively in 
 Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and other 
 Southern States, as a long season and high tem- 
 perature are necessary to fully mature the seed, 
 though the plant as a fodder-plant does well in 
 any section where Maize will grow. Last sea- 
 son, (1878,) under the most favorable condi- 
 tions, we found that the seed did not ripen with 
 us in New Jersey. 
 
 Hungarian Millet, or Hungarian Grass, is en- 
 tirely different from Pearl Millet, bearing no re- 
 semblance to it. The plant is hardy. Saeds 
 are grown in New York, New Jersey, and in 
 many of the Western States. 
 
 Timothy Grass is grown largely in Illinois, 
 Wisconsin, and New York. 
 
 Slue Grass is grown in Kentucky, Ohio, and 
 other Western States. 
 
 Bed Top is grown in New Jersey, Kentucky, 
 Ohio, and Ehode Island. 
 
 Orchard Grass is grown in Kentucky, Ohio, 
 and the Western States. 
 
 Red Clover is grown in Michigan, New York, 
 Ohio, etc. 
 
 White Clover is grown in Wisconsin, Illinois, 
 and Ohio, but the greater portion of it is yet 
 imported from Germany and France. 
 
 Lucerne, or Alfalfa, is grown in California 
 mainly. 
 
 These localities are now the principal ones 
 where seeds of commerce are grown ; but every 
 year, to some extent, these latitudes are chang- 
 ing, as we find that other latitudes are better 
 suited for special kinds. For example, the long, 
 dry seasons of California are found to mature 
 many kinds of seeds far better than any section 
 yet tried in the Atlantic States, particularly so in 
 many of the more delicate kinds of flower seeds, 
 that are yet nearly exclusively grown in Ger- 
 many and France, and sold to us at rates of 
 many times their weight in gold. Tens of 
 thousands of acres are devoted to the raising of 
 flower seeds in Southern Europe, which could 
 probably be far better done in California; but 
 the industry must be one of slow growth, for 
 seeds are different from nearly all other mercan- 
 tile commodities, inasmuch as no examination 
 can certainly tell whether or not seed will ger- 
 minate, or, if it does germinate, can it be known 
 whether it is the variety specified until it ma- 
 tures; hence seed merchants dare not purchase 
 from the growers until not only their honesty, 
 but, what is of equal importance, their knowl- 
 edge of the business in which they are engaged 
 is assured. 
 
 Segar Plant. See Cuphea. 
 Selaginella. A diminutive of Sdtuio, an ancient 
 name of a Lycopodium, from which this genus 
 has been separated. Linn. Cryptogamto-Lycopo- 
 dmea, Nat. Ord. Lycopodiaceci, 
 
 SEN 
 
 A genus of Club Mosses, formerly included 
 inthe genus Lycopodium, and differing only by 
 their two-ranked stems, and the form of the 
 fruit. Many of the species are of taller growth, 
 and have a more metallic luster. Many of them 
 are very beautiful, and are favorite plants for 
 the fern-house or Wardian case. >'. convoluta has 
 the fronds curiously curled in and contracted 
 when dry, so as to form a ball somewhat like 
 the Hose of Jericho, but expands again when 
 moistened. It is commonly called the Resur- 
 rection Plant, and is a native of Panama. S. mu- 
 tabilis has the remarkable property of changing 
 its color during the day: in the morning it is a 
 bright green, but as the day advances it gradu- 
 ally becomes pale, and at night resumes its 
 deeper tint. ti. ccesli has a beautiful metallic 
 luster ric*hly shaded wU.h blue, resembling the 
 tints of a peacock's feathers. 8. ccesii arborea 
 has the same beautiful tints as the preceding, 
 but is a climbing plant of grand proportions. 
 These two should be grown in a hot-house. The 
 nature of all demands a moist atmosphere and 
 partial shade. All the species are readily in- 
 creased by cuttings, which strike root readily. 
 
 Selago. From the Celtic st-l, sight, and jach, sal- 
 utary; supposed medicinal qualities. Linn. Di- 
 dynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Selaginacece. 
 
 A very pretty genus of low-growing hardy 
 green-house shrubs from the Cape of Good 
 Hope, with beautiful spikes of rose-colored, 
 yellow, violet, or white flowers. They require 
 but little care or attention, flowering freely in 
 early summer. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Self-heal. See Prunella. 
 
 Semecarpus. Marking Nut-tree. From semeion, 
 a mark, and karpos, fruit; the black, acrid juice 
 of the nut is used by the natives for marking 
 cotton cloths. Linn. Polygamia-Dicecia. Nat. 
 Ord. Anacardiacece. 
 
 \ small genus of East Indian evergreen trees, 
 the "unripe fruit of which is employed in mak- 
 ing a kind of ink. The hard shell of the fruit 
 contains a corrosive juice, which is employed 
 externally by the natives for sprains and rheu- 
 matic affections. When dry it forms a black 
 varnish, much used in India, and, among other 
 purposes, it is employed, mixed with pitch and 
 tar, in the calking of ships. The seeds, called 
 Mulacca Beans or Marsh Nuts, are eaten, and 
 are said to stimulate the mental powers, and es- 
 pecially the memory. 
 
 Sempervivum. Houseleek. From semper vivo, 
 to live forever; referring to the tenacity of life 
 of these plants. Linn. JDodecandria-Dodecagynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Crassulacece. 
 
 A genus of shrubby, herbaceous succulent 
 plants, the most beautiful of which are natives 
 of the Canary Islands. The genus is composed 
 chiefly of hardy plants. The tender kinds are 
 interesting plants, and deserve o place in the 
 green-house. Many of the hardy kinds are ex- 
 ceedingly pretty when in flower, and some be- 
 come beautifully tinted in winter when fully ex- 
 posed to the weather, as they always should be, 
 for they are impatient of covering of any kind. 
 They require very little water, except when 
 about to flower; and they are propagated by 
 cuttings, which must be laid ta dry for some 
 days before they are planted. They are very 
 suitable for rock-work, and are occasionally used 
 for "carpet bedding." Young plants are also 
 freely produced by su jkers from the old ones. 
 
 Seneca Snake-root. See Poll/gala. 
 
 Senecio. Groundsel. From seiiex, an old man;
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SEN 
 
 the receptacle is naked, and resembles a bald 
 head. Linn. Syngenesia-Superflna. Nat. Ord. 
 Agteraceoe. 
 
 This is a large genus of varied character, some 
 of which are of an ornamental character. 8. ele- 
 </ans, a native of the Cape of Good Hope, was 
 introduced about 1700, and has long been a fa- 
 vorite in cottage gardens under the name of Ja- 
 cobcea. It is properly an annual, though easily 
 kept as a perennial, and made to assume almost 
 a shrubby appearance. There are several varie- 
 ties of the species, as the double white, double 
 purple, or double red, all of which are pretty, 
 and useful for their long-continued flowering. 
 S. vul'jaris, the Groundsel of British gardens, is 
 there one of the most troublesome weeds. It 
 has been introduced here by seeds in the soil of 
 imported plants; but, fortunately, does not in- 
 crease freely with us. There are several spe- 
 cies indigenous to this country, but all mere 
 weeds. 
 
 Senna. See Cassia. 
 
 Sensitive Brier. See Schrankia. 
 
 Sensitive Fern. See Onoclea sensibilis. 
 
 Sensitive Plant. See Mimosa pudica. 
 
 Sequoia. The generic name is a supposed modi- 
 fication of See-qua-yah, the name of a celebrated 
 Cherokee chief. Linn. Moncecia-Octandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Coniferce. 
 
 The two species that at present constitute 
 this genus are gigantic evergreen trees, natives 
 of California. 8. gigantea is the far-famed Mam- 
 moth Tree, which was discovered by an Ameri- 
 can hunting party in the Sierra Nevada, Upper 
 California, in 1850. The so-called Mammoth 
 Grove is in Calaveras. This was the first dis- 
 covery; and though found in various parts, 
 none have attained the height of those the as- 
 tonished hunters first beheld. "The tallest 
 tree of the Mammoth Grove, stripped of its bark 
 for the purpose of exhibition, was 337 feet high, 
 and at the base was 90 feet in circumference. 
 The greatest dimensions seems to have been at- 
 tained by a tree which was found broken at a 
 height of 300 feet, and which measured at that 
 place eighteen feet in diameter. Considering 
 it was one hundred and twelve feet in circum- 
 ference at the base, and tapered regularly to the 
 point where broken, it is calculated to have 
 been, when in the fullness of its growth, four 
 hundred and fifty feet high. By actual count- 
 ing of the concentric rings, this tree was found 
 to have been 1,100 years old." 8. sempervirens 
 is the Redwood of the timber trade, and extends 
 from Upper California to Nutka Sound. It at- 
 tains gigantic dimensions, being frequently 
 more than three hundred feet high, and imparts 
 to the woods a peculiar character; as Douglas 
 said, '-Something that plainly shows we are not 
 in Europe." This species furnishes most of 
 the lumber used in house-building, cabinet 
 work, and for various other work in which pine 
 is employed east of the Rocky Mountains. 
 These trees have been introduced into our nurs- 
 eries, and are found to be hardy around New 
 York, though no such extraordinary dimensions 
 are ever likely to be attained as in their native 
 habitat. 
 
 Sericographis. From serikos, silk, and grapho, 
 to write. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. 
 Ord . AcanihacecK. 
 
 This genus consists of a few species of under- 
 shrubs and herbaceous evergreens. >'. (;/<;*- 
 breghtiann is a handsome winter-flowering plant, 
 requiring the same treatment as the Kuellia. 
 
 SHE 
 
 Service Berry. See Amelanchier. 
 
 Service Tree. See Pyrus. 
 
 Sesamum. Bene Plant. From sempsen, the 
 Egyptian name of one of the species. Linn. 
 Didy/imi<t-A,j!<>spermia. Nat. Ord. Pedaliacece. 
 8. Orientate, a native of the East Indies, is the 
 Bene Plant of our gardens, and of domestic 
 medicine, being used with excellent results in 
 severe cases of dysentery. It is now grown for 
 that purpose in the vicinity of New York and 
 other large cities. A dozen leaves put in a tum- 
 bler of water quickly give out a mucilaginous, 
 starch-like substance, in which condition it can 
 be freely used. Cultivation the same as for other 
 tender annuals, that is, by so wing in March in a 
 hot-bed, if wanted early, or in the open border 
 in May for general crop. It is a tender annual, 
 with flowers of a whitish color, shaped some- 
 what like those of the Foxglove, and produced 
 in loose terminal spikes. In the Southern 
 States and in Africa this species was, and is yet 
 to some extent, considerably grown for the oil 
 the seed yields, which oil will keep many years 
 without acquiring any rancid taste or smell. 
 "When first made it is quite heating, and is used 
 as a stimulant; but after two or three years it 
 becomes quite mild, and is used as a salad oil. 
 The seeds are also used by the negroes for food, 
 which they prepare in various ways. In Japan 
 the oil is used as we use butter in cooking. 
 
 Setania. Bristly Fox-tail Grass. From seta, a 
 bristle; the involucrum is bristly. Linn. Trian- 
 dria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Graminacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of grasses, mostly annu- 
 als, and of but little interest. 
 
 Shad-Bush. See Amelanchier. 
 
 Shaddock. See Citrus decumana. 
 
 Shallot. Allium Ascalonicum. The Shallot is a 
 native of Palestine, especially near the once fa- 
 mous city of Ascalon, whence its specific name. 
 It was first introduced into England in 1548, 
 and has ever since been cultivated to a consid- 
 erable extent, and used in the same manner as 
 the Onion. It is highly esteemed for pickles. 
 Several varieties have been noticed; the only 
 difference, however, seems to be in the size, 
 which may properly be attributed to cultiva- 
 tion, as it is largely upon this that the size de- 
 pends. Shallots are grown to a considerable 
 extent in the vicinity of New York. The bulbs 
 are planted one foot between the lines and six 
 inches between the plants, in October, and are 
 marketed in the green state the following May. 
 From the early maturing of the crop, they are 
 always very profitable, though grown to a much 
 less extent than Onions. Increased only by 
 division. 
 
 Shamrock. While some say that this is Trifolium 
 repens, others assert that the true Shamrock is 
 Oxalis acetoselUt. The preponderance of opinion 
 is, however, that it is T. repens, (Clover.) The 
 Shamrock is the national emblem of Ireland. 
 
 Sheep Berry. See Viburnum lentago. 
 
 Sheep Laurel. See Kalmia angustifdia. 
 
 Sheep's Scabious, See Jasione. 
 
 Shepherd's Purse. Capsetta, one of our most 
 
 common weeds. Introduced from Europe. 
 Shepherdia. Named after the late John Shepherd, 
 curator of the Botanic Garden of Liverpool. 
 Linn. Diwin-l'itrnmlnii. Nat. Ord. Elceagnacece. 
 A small genus of native shrubs, or low-grow- 
 ing trees, common on the banks of the Missouri 
 River. They are favorite shrubs on account of 
 their blooming very early in spring, and their 
 fine appearance in autumn, when their branches
 
 210 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SHE 
 
 are thickly clad with rich clusters of crimson 
 berries, resembling somewhat, in color and 
 size, the common red Currant. They are popu- 
 larly known as Ahe Buffalo-berry, Babbit-berry, 
 and sometimes as Beef-suet Trees. 
 
 Shell-bark Hickory. See Juglans. 
 
 Shield Fern. See Ajmdatm. 
 
 Shooting Star. A Western name of the Dodeca- 
 i!i'''H ineadi'i, which see. 
 
 Showy Orchis. See Orchis. 
 
 Siberian Crab. See Pyrus prunifolia. 
 
 Sibthorpia. Named after Dr. Humphrey Sibihorp, 
 formerly Professor of Botany at Oxford. Linn. 
 Didynajnia-Angiospennia, Nat. Ord. Scrophularia- 
 cece. 
 
 A genus of trailing herbaceous plants, natives 
 of South America, Europe, and Africa. A few 
 of the species are under cultivation. S. Europea 
 is a very pretty low-growing species, with yel- 
 low flowers and dark green foliage. It is a good 
 plant for the shady border or for pot culture. 
 The pot being suspended, it will droop all 
 around it to a distance of three feet. There is a 
 beautiful variety, with variegated foliage, but it 
 is more difficult to grow. 
 
 Sickle-pod. See Arabis Canadensis. 
 
 Side-saddle Flower. See &irracenia. 
 
 Sieversia. Named after M. Sievers, a Russian bo- 
 tanical collector. Linn. Icosandria-Polygynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Rosacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy herbaceous peren- 
 nials. The species from Austria and Switzer- 
 land have large yellow flowers, solitary, and are 
 quite handsome. They are propagated by divi- 
 sion. 
 
 Silene. Catchfly. From sialon, saliva; in allu- 
 sion to the viscid moisture on the stalks of 
 many of the species, by which the smaller kinds 
 of flies are entrapped; and hence the common 
 name of the genus, Catcltfly. Linn. Decandria- 
 Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacece. 
 
 This, the type of an extensive and highly in- 
 teresting order, is in itself a genus of much 
 beauty. It numbers above a hundred and fifty 
 
 E' 38, which are chiefly hardy herbaceous 
 }, or annuals of the same character. The 
 , however, contain many which are mere 
 weeds. Bed of various shades is the prevailing 
 color of the flowers, though both white and pur- 
 ple are found in it. S. viscosa is a popular bi- 
 ennial, frequently grown for the backs of large 
 borders, and the old Lobel's Catchfly (8. armeria) 
 is still occasionally met with. 8. Sckafta com- 
 bines every good quality to be desired in bor- 
 der flowers, being hardy, herbaceous, trailing 
 closely to the ground, and bearing a profusion 
 of crimson red flowers. It is easy to grow either 
 as a pot plant or in the open ground, and will, 
 doubtless, occupy a prominent place when bet- 
 ter known. The shrubby species of this genus 
 are easily increased by cuttings; and though 
 hardy enough to resist almost any amount of 
 frost, they are sometimes injured by excessive 
 wet, and for this reason a few should be potted 
 and kept in a cold frame. Such of the annuals 
 as are worth cultivating need only to be sown j 
 where they are to flower. Several species are ' 
 common throughout the United States, but they ! 
 are of less importance than those from Southern i 
 Europe and Africa. First introduced in 1640. 
 
 Silk Tree. Acacia Julibrissin, a native of the Le- 
 vant. See Acacia. 
 
 Silk Oak. See Grevillea. 
 
 Silk Weed. See Asdepias cornuti. 
 
 Silphium. Rosin Plant, Rosin Weed, Compass 
 
 SIP 
 
 Plant. From silphion, the Greek name applied 
 to an Asafoetida plant. Linn. tiyngenesia-Seces- 
 saria. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 A small genus of strong-growing herbaceous 
 perennial plants, common in the Western and 
 Southern States, ti. laciniatum is said to present 
 its leaves exactly north and south, which gives 
 it the name of Compass Plant. The leaves and 
 stems of some of the species exude a large 
 amount of resin, whence the common name 
 Rosin Weed. All the species are of far more 
 interest to the botanist than the florist. 
 
 Silver Balm. See Melissa. 
 
 Silver Bell Tree. See Halesia. 
 
 Silver Fern. See Chettanthes. 
 
 Silver Fir. See Picea and Abies. 
 
 Silver Weed. See Impatiens. 
 
 Sinapis. Mustard. From the Celtic nap, a des- 
 ignation applied to all plants resembling the- 
 Cabbage or Turnip. Linn. Tetradynamia. Nat. 
 Ord. Brassicacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy yellow-flowered annuals. S. 
 nigra is the common Black Mustard, and S. alba 
 the White Mustard of commerce, both natives 
 of Europe, and most common on the shores of 
 the Mediterranean. The former yields a greater 
 portion of the Mustard in general use. Both 
 species are extensively grown in England as 
 field crops, and also in many other parts of 
 Europe. These species are common in fields 
 and waste places in this country, having es- 
 caped from the garden and become naturalized. 
 There are several other species, but they are all 
 of the same general character. 
 
 Sinningia. In honor of William Sinning, gardener 
 to the University of Bonn, on the Rhine. Linn. 
 Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Gesneracetv. 
 The species that make up this genus are now 
 included in Gloxinia, though still retaining their 
 old name in many of the dealers' lists. 
 
 Siphocampylus. From siphon, a tube, and kam- 
 pylos, curved; in allusion to the curved shape 
 of the flower. Linn. Pentandria-Jfonogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LobeliacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of handsome low-growing 
 evergreen shrubs, natives of South America. 
 The flowers are mostly tubular, scarlet, or yel- 
 low, solitary on axillary stalks, or in dense ra- 
 cemes or clusters. Several of the species are 
 cultivated for their showy flowers, among whick 
 is S. bicolor, a well-known species. They are 
 propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 1842. 
 
 Siphonia. From siphon, a tube or pipe ; the use 
 made of the exudation, which constitutes In- 
 dia Rubber. Linn. Moncecia-Monadelphia. Nat. 
 Ord. Eitphorbiacece. 
 
 S. Cahuchu, an evergreen tree indigenous to 
 tropical South America, is the most remarkable 
 species of the gfiius. It is to this tree that we are 
 indebted for the greater part of our supply of 
 Caoutchouc or India Rubber. It is a native of 
 French Guiana, and attains a height of seventy- 
 five feet, rarely a hundred. The mode in which 
 the rubber is obtained by the natives, is by 
 making incisions through the bark of the lower 
 part of the trunk of the tree, from which the sap, 
 which is a fluid resin, issues in great abundance, 
 appearing of a milky whiteness as it flows into 
 the vessel prepared to receive it. On exposure to 
 the air, this milky juice gradually thickens into 
 a soft, reddish, elastic resin. This substance is 
 poured into a mould, in small quantities at 
 first, and is then exposed to a dense smoke, pro- 
 duced by the burning of nuts from several of 
 the Palms, until it is sufficiently hard to bear
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 211 
 
 SIS 
 
 another coat, when the process is repeated, un- 
 til the mass is of a convenient size to handle for 
 shipment. There are several other species of 
 this genus that yield large quantities of rubber, 
 common from Central America to Brazil. The 
 first discovery of this valuable tree and its uses 
 was made by M. de la Condamine in 1736, but 
 it is only within the last fifty years that it has 
 become an important article of commerce. Ficus 
 elastica also produces the India Rubber of com- 
 merce, and is the best known of the rubber- 
 producing trees, ; n consequence of being largely 
 grown under glass for ornamental purposes. 
 
 Sisyrinchium. Blue-eyed Grass. From sys, a 
 pig, and rygchos, a snout ; so called on account 
 of the fondness that swine have for the roots. 
 Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 A. genus of very pretty hardy herbaceous 
 plants, common throughout the United States. 
 When out of flower the plant resembles a tuft of 
 low-growing, coarse grass. The flowers are 
 small, of a delicate blue, changing to purplish, 
 and occasionally pure white. This genus makes 
 a beautiful clump in the garden. It is in its 
 greatest perfection of flower in June, but will 
 flower sparingly during the whole summer. 
 
 Skimmia. From Skimmia, a Japanese word, sig- 
 nifying a hurtful fruit. Linn. Tetrandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Aurantiacea>. 
 
 A genus of half-hardy evergreen shrubs, na- 
 tives of Japan and Northern India. S. Japonica 
 is a pretty dwarf-growing, holly-like shrub, with 
 dark, shining, evergreen, entire flat leaves, and 
 clusters of bright red berries, which give the 
 plant a very handsome appearance. It would 
 not stand our winters north from Washington. 
 It is increased from seeds. Introduced in 1845. 
 
 Skullcap. See Scutellaria. 
 
 Skunk Cabbage. See Symplocarpus fostidus. 
 
 Sleep- at-noon. See Tragopogon pratensis. 
 
 Slipperwort. See Calceolaria. 
 
 Smart Weed. See Polygonum. 
 
 Smeathmannia. In honor of Smeathman, a natur- 
 alist, who traveled in Africa, and collected many 
 botanical specimens. Linn. Polyandria-Polygy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Passifloraceee. 
 
 A small genus of white-flowered green-house 
 evergreen shrubs from Sierra Leone. Like all 
 this natural order, the flowers are quite as re- 
 markable for singularity of form as for beauty. 
 This genus, unlike any others of the order, are 
 upright shrubs instead of twining plants. They 
 require a warm house, and to be well cut back 
 to force into flower. Propagated by cuttings. 
 Introduced in 1823. 
 
 Smilacina. False Solomon's Seal. From smite, 
 a scraper; alluding to the roughness of the 
 stems. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Liliacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy herbaceous plants, 
 with terminal racemes of small white flowers. 
 They are common in moist woods in the North- 
 ern and Western States. S. bifolia is a beautiful 
 little plant, about six inches high, and is popu- 
 larly known in the New England States as Wild 
 Lily of the Valley. All the species are worthy 
 a place in the garden for their long bunches of 
 beautiful light-red, purple-speckled berries. 
 which remain until late in autumn. Propagated 
 from seed or root division. 
 
 Smilax. See Myrsiphyllum asparagoides. 
 
 Smilax. Green Brier, Cat Brier. From smilf, 
 a scraper ; the stems are rough from prickles. 
 Linn. DifKCM-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. isruUucew. 
 The many species of this genus are coarse- 
 
 SOB 
 
 growing, troublesome, hardy climbers, justly 
 regarded as pests by farmers and gardeners. 
 The common Cat Brier of our hedgerows and 
 woods, a prominent member of this family, has 
 its reputation too well established to need fur- 
 ther description. The gjenus includes some spe- 
 cies celebrated for their medicinal properties. 
 S. officinalis, a native of Columbia, Guatemala, 
 and Lima, furnishes the drug known as Sarsa- 
 parilla ; besides this, there are several other 
 species, the roots of which are sold as Sarsapa- 
 rilla. 8. medico, is the Mexican Sarsaparilla, and 
 8. papyracea is the Brazilian Sarsaparilla. 8. 
 China has esculent roots, which are eaten by the 
 Chinese, and also used in the manufacture of 
 domestic beer. The roots of several species of 
 the Aralia are used in the adulteration of Sarsa- 
 parilla. " Smilax," popularly known as such, is 
 the plant so extensively grown for festooning, 
 and is described under its proper name, Myr- 
 sip! t yllum, which see. 
 
 Smoke Tree. See Khus cotinus. 
 
 Snail Flower. See Phaseolus Caracatta. 
 '- Snail Plant. Medicago scutettata and M. helix, the 
 pods of which are called Snails from their re- 
 semblance to those mollusks. 
 
 Snake Gourd. See Trichosanthes. 
 
 Snake Root, Virginian. See Aristdochia serpen- 
 taria. 
 
 Snake Boot, White. See Eupatoriumageratoides. 
 
 Snake's Head. See Fritillaria meleagris. A. local 
 name applied also to Chelone, which see. 
 
 Snake-wood. See Brosima. 
 
 Snapdragon. See Antirrhinum. 
 
 Sneezeweed. See Polygonum bistorta. 
 
 Sneezewort. See AcltVlea Ptarmica. 
 
 Snowball Tree. See Viburnum opulus. 
 
 Snowberry. See Symphoricarpus. 
 
 Snowdrop. See Galanthus nivalis. 
 
 Snowdrop Tree. See Halesia. 
 
 Snowflake, Spring. See Leucojum. 
 
 Snowflake Flower. See Styrax Japonica. 
 
 Snowflower. See Chionanthus Virginica. 
 
 Soapwort. See Saponaria. 
 
 Sobralia. Named after Don F. M. Sobral, a Span- 
 ish botanist. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 The flowers of the principal species (S. ma- 
 crantha) are gorgeously colored of a rich rosy pur- 
 ple and the most intense crimson, and they are 
 at the same time of immense size. All the spe- 
 cies belong to the class of terrestrial Orchids, 
 being found on the margins of streams, growing, 
 like our reeds, in the alluvial deposit common 
 to such places. This habit requires to be im- 
 itated in cultivation, and it is therefore best to 
 pot them in very sandy loam, and either to place 
 the pot for a few inches- of its depth in a saucer 
 of water, or to supply the roots by other means 
 abundantly with water while they are in an ac- 
 tive state. The flowers are produced near the 
 apex of the long, reed-like stems, and in the spe- 
 cies mentioned are produced in daily succession, 
 each one lasting a day, when it has been ob- 
 served necessary to remove the decaying flower 
 as soon as its beauty is past, or it rots, and con- 
 sequently spoils the next in succession. Being 
 natives of, the milder parts of Guatemala, they 
 do not require a very high temperature at any 
 time, the ordinary one oC a green-house being 
 sufficient in summer, and from 45 to 50 in 
 winter, when the plants should be kept nearly 
 dry. There are three other species known, >'. 
 decora, >'. l'>H<tstr>nii, and >'. \cx.s-;/;.v, all of them 
 beautiful, but far surpassed by the first men-
 
 212 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SOL 
 
 tioned. They are all natives of Central and 
 South America, and were introduced in 1836. 
 
 Solandra. Nightshade. Named after Dr. Solan- 
 der, a Swede, companion of Sir Joseph Banks in 
 his voyage around the world, and collector of the 
 botanical notes made during the expedition. 
 They are preserved in the British Museum, and 
 exhibit deep learning and great research. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Monoffynia. Nat. Ord. Solanacece, 
 
 A genus of coarse-growing green-house ever- 
 green shrubs and climbers, natives of tropical 
 America and the East Indies. The flowers are 
 large and trumpet shaped, like the Datura, to 
 which they are allied. They grow readily in the 
 green-house, and make showy plants, the objec- 
 tion to them being that they are coarse. They 
 are increased readily from cuttings. Introduced 
 in 1820. 
 
 Solanum. The derivation of this word is quite 
 uncertain; some derive it from Sol, the sun; 
 others say it is Sulanum, from sus, being service- 
 able in the disorders of swine; and others assert 
 that it is from solor, to comfort, referring to its 
 soothing, narcotic effects. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Solanacece. 
 
 This very extensive genus is composed of a 
 great number of varied forms, from that of a 
 tropical tree to the creeping indigenous weed, 
 Nightshade ; and it also includes plants whose 
 active property is a most decided poison, and 
 at the same time yields several very important ar- 
 ticles of food. The Potato, S. tuberosum, the Egg 
 Plant, 8. mdongena. are some of the species, and 
 the Tomato, Lycopersicon esculenlum, is hardly a 
 distinct genus. But very few species of Solanum 
 can be recommended for ornamental purposes. 
 S. Jasminoides, from South America, is a desir- 
 able climber for the green-house. It produces, 
 with but little trouble, an immense number of 
 axillary clusters of pure white flowers, and the 
 plant continues in bloom a long time. It is 
 a rapid grower, and suitable for a back wall, or 
 to train around pillars. S. Dulcamara is the 
 ehrubby Bitter-Sweet of the hedges, the fruit of 
 which is a deadly poison. It is not indigenous, 
 but has become naturalized from Europe. S. 
 ciliatum, a native of China, is a pretty shrubby 
 species, on account of its fruit, which is of the 
 size of the Siberian Crab Apple, of a bright red 
 color, and remarkable for the long time it lasts 
 on the plant, which is more than two years. S. 
 capsicastrum is the Jerusalum Cherry of the 
 cottage garden. S. Carolinense, or Apple of 
 Sodom, has beautiful scarlet fruit, and is well 
 worthy of cultivation as an ornament for our 
 gardens or green-houses at the north, though in 
 some of the Southern States it is deemed one of 
 the worst weeds. 
 
 Soldanella. A diminutive of solidus, a shilling- 
 shape of the leaves. Linn. Pe>itanfhia-Mononunia 
 Nat. Ord. Primulacece. 
 
 A small genus of beautiful little Alpine plants 
 very suitable for rock-work. They are half-hardy 
 herbaceous perennials, with purple or blue flow- 
 ers, natives of Switzerland. They will not stand 
 the hot, dry weather of this country unless great 
 care is taken to keep them shaded from the 
 mid-day sun, and they must not be allowed to 
 get dry. Propagated by division or from seeds. 
 
 Solea. Green Violet. In honor of W. Sole, author 
 of an essay o: A the genus Mentha. Linn. Pentan- 
 dna-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. ViolacecK. 
 _ 8. concolor, the only known species, is common 
 in woods from New York southward. 
 
 . olidago. Golden Hod. From solidarc, to unite; 
 
 SOP 
 
 supposed healing properties. Linn. 
 Superflua. Nat. Ord. AsteracecK. 
 
 A very extensive genus of hardy herbaceous per- 
 ennials, indigenous to and common throughout 
 the United States. There are fifteen species on 
 Long Island. The beauty of the plant would 
 warrant its cultivation, had not nature's hand 
 rendered it entirely unnecessary. 
 
 Sollya. Named in honor of Richard Horsman 
 Solly, a vegetable physiologist and anatomist. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Pittos- 
 poracecK. 
 
 A small genus of slender, twining evergreen 
 shrubs of much beauty. Their leaves are nar- 
 row, quite smooth, of a deep glossy green on the 
 upper surface, and paler beneath. The flowers 
 are deep blue, and produced in terminal cymes 
 or clusters of from six to ten flowers each. Though 
 properly green-house plants, they are well adapt- 
 ed for summer flowering in the open border. 8. 
 heterophylla, typical of the genus, is a native of 
 the Swan River country, where all the species 
 are found. It was discovered by Mr. Drummond, 
 and sent to England in 1836. It is increased 
 either by cuttings or from seed, the latter being 
 preferable. All the species are hardy from Vir- 
 ginia southward. 
 
 Solomon's Seal. See Polygonaium multiflorum. 
 
 Sonchus. Sow Thistle. From somphos, hollow; 
 the stems are hollow. Linn. Syngenesia-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Asteraceoe. 
 
 The more common species of tl is genus are 
 coarse roadside weeds, naturalized from Europe. 
 One or two species with yellow flowers, from the 
 Madeira and Canary Isles, are very ornamental. 
 They belong to the green-house, but are rarely 
 met. 
 
 Sonerila. From Sootli-Soneri-tta, the Khassee name 
 of one of the species. Linn. Ociandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Mdastomaceas. 
 
 A very extensive genus of East Indian plants, 
 remarkable in the order for having all the sev- 
 eral parts of their flowers in whorls of three, 
 or trimerous, as it is technically called. The 
 plants are mostly herbaceous, though sometimes 
 sub-shrubby, and of variable habit; some with 
 and others without stems; some glabrous and 
 others hirsute; and some with different kinds of 
 leaves on the same plant. Their flowers are 
 mostly purple or violet, borne on a scaphoid ra- 
 ceme. Some of the hot-house species are beau- 
 tiful plants, 8. Hendersonii, with its handsomely 
 marked foliage, being one of the best. It re- 
 quires a warm, moist atmosphere to succeed 
 well. It will grow best in a soil composed 
 chiefly of leaf mould and sand. Propagated by 
 cuttings and from seeds. 
 
 Sophora. Altered from sophera, the Arabic name 
 of a leguminous tree. Linn. Decandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A genus of deciduous trees, hardy herbaceous 
 plants, and green-house evergreens. The Sopho- 
 ra Japonica is a medium sized tree, grows freely, 
 and produces its large bunches of cream-colored 
 flowers in August and September. The droop- 
 ing Sophora, however, though only considered a 
 variety of the tree, is very distinct. It is a trail- 
 ing shrub, sending out shoots six feet or eight 
 feet long in a single season; and when it is graft- 
 ed on a stock of 8. Japonica, ten or twelve feet 
 high, these long, sweeping shoots, the bark of 
 which is a bright green, have a peculiarly graceful 
 appearance. The Sophora will grow in any soil, 
 but a poor one suits it better than a rich one, its 
 leaves seldom drop even in the driest seasons.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 213 
 
 SOP 
 
 The evergreen species are not considered worth 
 the attention they demand. 
 
 Sophronitis. From sophrona, modest; referring 
 to the pretty little flowers of the original spe- 
 cies. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 OrchidacecK. 
 
 Pretty little epiphytes, having a creeping 
 stem, which should be attached to a block of 
 wood, on which the root soon securely fastens 
 itself. The leaves are sessile and comparatively 
 small, while the flowers, especially those of 8. 
 grundifiora, are large and very handsome, of a 
 rich orange-red, marked with darker bars. 
 The plants should have the treatment of the 
 smaller kinds of Cuttleya, and are well deserving 
 adoption. The four species included in this 
 genus are natives of Brazil. Introduced in 1827. 
 
 Sorghum. From Sorghi, its Indian name. Linn. 
 Poli/gamia-Monoecia. Nat. Ord. Graminacece. 
 
 A genus of strong-growing, reed-like grasses, 
 chiefly represented in this country by 8. saccha- 
 ratum, our well-known Broom Corn, a native of 
 India, from whence it was introduced into Eu- 
 rope in 1759. The introduction of Broom Corn 
 into this country as an agricultural product is 
 attributed to Dr. Franklin. He is said to have 
 accidentally seen an imported whisk of corn in 
 the possession of a lady of Philadelphia, and 
 while examining it as a curiosity, found a seed, 
 which he planted, and from that single seed has 
 sprung this important article of agriculture and 
 manufacture in the United States. This spe- 
 cies is grown almost exclusively for the manu- 
 facture of brooms; the seed is, however, valued 
 highly for feeding to sheep, cattle, and fowls. 
 The seed crop is a precarious one, often com- 
 pletely failing, being injured by the frost before 
 it is ripe. The crop is usually harvested before 
 the seed is fairly ripe; hence there is consider- 
 able loss in that way. The seed-crop is, how- 
 ever, only a secondary matter, and the profit that 
 accrues from the seed is regarded an extra divi- 
 dend on the profits of the farm. 8. sucre is the Chi- 
 nese Sugar Cane, or Imphee, a species introduced 
 into the United States from France in 1856, and 
 distributed by the Patent Office Department at 
 Washington, but more extensively by an enter- 
 prising publisher in New York as a premium to 
 his subscribers throughout the United States, 
 for the purpose of growing the plant for the 
 manufacture of sugar in our Northern States, 
 which its advocates said could be done more 
 profitably than sugar was produced at the 
 South from the ordinary cane. The Abolition- 
 ists at the North, who could not conscientiously 
 use the products of slave labor, were particularly 
 active in introducing Sorghum, and were greatly 
 disappointed when they found that the labor of 
 the slave was not to be lessened by the with- 
 drawal from the South of one of its most profit- 
 able industries. 8. vulyare, another species, is 
 the grand Millet of Arabia, known here as 
 Durra, and has been introduced into the United 
 States, Southern Europe, China, and the West 
 Indies, where it is extensively grown and much 
 esteemed as food for laborers, and is called in 
 the latter country Negro Guinea Corn. It is also 
 grown extensively as a forage plant. 8. halepense 
 is naturalized in the Southern States, where it 
 is known as Guinea Grass or Cuba Grass. 8. 
 cernuum is also grown there, and is known as 
 Drooping Sorghum and Pampas Rice. All the 
 species are grown in the same manner as our 
 common field corn. The cultivation of Sorghum 
 for the production of sugar and syrup has re- 
 
 SOR 
 
 ceived a good deal of attention within a few 
 years past, and many experiments have been 
 made, and continue to be made, with various 
 kinds of Sorghum, to ascertain not only their 
 adaptability to particular soils and locality, but 
 their sugar-producing capacity. The "Report 
 of the Department of Agriculture " for last year 
 contains a very interesting and instructive re- 
 port from the chemist of the department, giving 
 the results not only of the yield per acre of the 
 four leading kinds of Sorghum, as grown on the 
 experimental grounds, but also the quantity of 
 sugar and syrup extracted from each kind. The 
 report is accompanied by many very useful tables. 
 Believing the matter of this report to be valuable 
 to those interested in the culture of Sorghum, 
 we have condensed a portion of it, and herewith 
 present it: "During the past season (1879) 
 there have been made several series of investi- 
 gations for the purpose of determining the de- 
 velopment of sugar in the juices of several vari- 
 eties of Sorghum, Maize, and Pearl Millet. These 
 investigations appear to demonstrate that there 
 exists little difference between the various kinds 
 of Sorghum as sugar-producing plants; and, 
 what is quite a surprising result, each of them 
 is, at a certain period of its development, nearly, 
 if not quite, as rich in sugar as the very best 
 of Sugar-cane. It is a matter, also, of extreme 
 practical importance that this maximum content 
 of sugar is maintained for a long period, and af- 
 fords sufficient time to work up a large crop. 
 Another result of these investigations has been 
 to satisfactorily explain the cause of repeated 
 failure in the production of sugar during the 
 past quarter of a century, and to give the as- 
 surance that, in the future, such failure need 
 not attend this industry. For the purpose of 
 making clear the above points, the results ob- 
 tained in the laboratory and in out-of-door ex- 
 periments are appended. The varieties of Sor- 
 ghum grown and subjected to continuous inves- 
 tigation during the season were Early Amber, 
 White Liberian, Chinese, and Honduras, and the 
 Pearl Millet. Besides the above there were 
 made very many examinations of other speci- 
 mens of Sorghums and Corn-stalks; all the re- 
 sults of which only confirmed the general prin- 
 ciple above stated, viz., the practical equality 
 and great value of every variety of this plant. 
 The Early Amber Sorghum is the favorite vari- 
 ety with planters in Minnesota and the North- 
 west. What is now called the Minnesota Early 
 Amber cane is claimed as an improvement upon 
 the Early Amber varieties grown formerly in 
 different parts of Minnesota, by Hon. Seth M. 
 Kenny and Mr. C. F. Miller of that State. Act- 
 ing on the theory that cane in a high latitude 
 will degenerate if grown continuously from its 
 own seed, these gentlemen selected the finest 
 specimens of seed from their own crops, and 
 sent them to a southern latitude to be grown. 
 The seed product of this southern growth was 
 returned to Minnesota. By this alternation of 
 seed, and by other intelligent processes of cul- 
 ture, they have succeeded in establishing a new 
 and permanent variety, which they claim to be 
 more productive in weight of cane and to con- 
 tain a higher per cent, of saccharine matter than 
 any other grown in that State. This claim 
 needs to be substantiated by more careful and 
 extended observations before it can be said to 
 be fully established. Messrs. Kenny and Mil- 
 ler describe the Early Amber cane as presenting 
 'the characteristics of both Sorgho and Imphee.'
 
 214 ' 
 
 HENDEBSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SOU 
 
 ^ the White Liberian and its kindred 
 Afr?can varieties. The Early Amber receives its 
 name from its early ripening, and from the 
 bright amber color which characterizes its syrup 
 whfn properly made. The Early Amber cane 
 on the department grounds did not grow quite 
 so tall as the White Liberian. Its seed-heads 
 were of moderate fullness and of very dark 
 color The Chinese Sorghum grew on the de- 
 partment grounds to about the same height as 
 the Early Amber. Its seed-heads are fuller and 
 more compact, and somewhat resemble a head 
 of Sumac; hence the synonym, 'Sumac Cane 
 It is also known as ' Chinese Cane.' The White 
 Liberian Sorghum is rather taller than the 
 Early Amber. The stalk curves at the top, 
 leaving the head pendent; hence the synonym, 
 ' Gooseneck.' The seed-heads are shorter, more 
 compact, and of lighter color than the Early 
 Amber. The Honduras Sorghum grows about 
 one-half taller than either of the above varieties. 
 Its seed-top is reddish-brown and spreading; 
 hence the synonym, ' Sprangle Top.' It is also 
 called 'Mastodon' and 'Honey Cane.' The 
 results of the analysis of each of the plants in 
 the successive stages of development show that 
 the amount of glucose (or uucrystallizable sugar) 
 diminishes, and the amount of sucrose (or true 
 cane sugar) increases. It may also be observed 
 that the plants differ widely in the date when 
 the sucrose is at its maximum, but are alike in 
 this, that this maximum is attained at about the 
 same degree of development of the plant, viz., 
 at full maturity, as indicated by the hard, dry 
 seed, and the appearance of offshoots from the 
 upper joints of the stalk. It may also be ob- 
 served that the heavy frost of October 24, which 
 was sufficient to produce one-half inch of ice, 
 did not cause any marked diminution of sugar. 
 For the purpose of comparison analyses were 
 made of three varieties of Sugar-cane received 
 from Louisiana, which arrived in excellent con- 
 dition, and doubtless fairly represented the av- 
 erage character of this famous sugar-plant. It 
 will be understood that the results are to be 
 taken as a whole, since it was practically impos- 
 sible to secure in each case specimen stalks for 
 examination in the laboratory, the development 
 of which in every case corresponded to the date 
 when the plant was cut, and, therefore, it 
 doubtless happened that plants taken from the 
 same row upon September 15, for example, were 
 in reality no further developed than those se- 
 lected a week earlier; but, taken as a whole, the 
 several series of analyses are convincing, as 
 showing the rate and progress of development 
 of saccharine matter in the plant. The analyses 
 of the several Sorghums under date of October 
 29 were made after they had been subjected to 
 a very hard frost, sufficient to have formed ice 
 one-half inch in thickness, and this cold weath- 
 er continued for four days before this examina- 
 tion was made. There appeared to be no dimi- 
 nution of sucrose in either of the stalks exam- 
 ined, and no increase of glucose, as the result 
 of this freezing and continued exposure to a low 
 temperature. An examination was made on the 
 8th of November, after a few days of warm 
 weather had followed this cold spell, and the 
 influence of this subsequent thaw was notice- 
 able in the diminution of sucrose and the in- 
 crease of glucose in each specimen examined. 
 From this it would appear that the effect of cold, 
 even protracted, is not injurious to the quality 
 
 SOU 
 
 of the canes, but that they should be speedily 
 worked up after freezing and before they have 
 again thawed out. This is a matter of such 
 practical importance that some experiments 
 should be made to learn whether the syrup pre- 
 pared from the juice of frozen cane diners from 
 that prepared from cane not frozen, but in other 
 respects of like quality. The Early Amber, 
 Chinese, Liberian, and Honduras Sorghums 
 and the Pearl Millet examined, mentioned as 
 having been grown upon the department grounds, 
 were all planted the same day, May 15, 1879. 
 The relative weights of the different kinds of 
 Sorghum experimented upon are as follows: 
 
 Pounds. 
 
 Early Amber, average of 40 stalks 1.73 
 
 White Liberian, average of 38 stalks 1.80 
 
 Chinese, average of 25 stalks 2.00 
 
 Honduras, average of 16 stalks 3.64 
 
 Since these were all grown side by side, and 
 
 afford the data for calculating the relative 
 amount of each variety to be grown per acre. 
 For more clearly presenting the facts developed 
 by the examinations of the four kinds of Sor- 
 ghum, it may be observed that the Early Amber 
 and Liberian correspond in their development, 
 being almost identical, and yet clearly distinct 
 varieties. It may also be stated, that while these 
 two varieties attain a content of sugar in their 
 juices equal to the average content in the juice 
 of Sugar-cane by the middle of August, the Chi- 
 nese does not reach this condition until the last 
 of September, while the Honduras does not 
 reach this point until the middle of October. 
 After having attained approximately the max- 
 imum content of sugar, this condition is. main- 
 tained for a long period, affording ample time 
 to work up the crop. It is doubtless true that, 
 had the season been longer, it would have been 
 found that the Chinese and Honduras, having 
 once attained this full development of sugar, 
 would also have retained it; but the heavy 
 frosts and subsequent warm weather, which hap- 
 pened about November 24, caused a rapid dimi- 
 nution of sucrose in each variety, and a corre- 
 sponding increase of glucose. The converse of 
 what is found true of the sucrose is true as to 
 the development of the glucose, and a minimum 
 quantity, once attained, is continued along time, 
 and this minimum is quite as low as the average 
 amount found present in the sugar-canes. It is 
 obvious that the results are not to be taken as 
 entirely exact, but the general fact is, without 
 doubt, true. An average of all the examinations 
 made of these four Sorghums during the periods 
 when they were suitable for cutting, gives the 
 following results: Early Amber, from August 
 13 to October 29 inclusive, 15 analyses, extend- 
 ing over 78 days, 14.6 per cent, sucrose. Libe- 
 rian, from August 13 to October 29 inclusive, 13 
 analyses, extending over 78 days, 13.8" per cent, 
 sucrose. Chinese, from September 13 to Octo- 
 ber 29 inclusive, 7 analyses, extending over 46 
 days, 13.8 per cent, sucrose. Honduras, from 
 October 14 to October 29 inclusive, 3 analyses, 
 extending over 16 days, 14.6 per cent, sucrose. 
 Besides the investigations above mentioned, 
 there have been made 35 experiments in making 
 sugar from Corn-stalks, Sorghums, Pearl Millet, 
 etc., in all of which there have been used over 
 23 tons of stalks. The result of these experi- 
 ments has been to fully confirm all the experi- 
 ments not only of the previous year, but also to
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 215 
 
 SOR 
 
 help towards the Solution of Certain questions of 
 the highest practical importance. In every case 
 it has been found that the quality of the syrup 
 obtained has been precisely such as the previous 
 analysis in the laboratory of the juice used made 
 probable. An average of the nine best syrups 
 obtained showed a percentage of Cane sugar 
 present equal to 92.7 of the amount originally 
 present in the juice, while an average of the 
 nine poorest (i. e., containing the lowest per- 
 centage of Cane sugar) showed a percentage of 
 Cane sugar present equal to 90.1 of the amount 
 present in the juice. This must not be under- 
 stood to mean that there has been no loss of 
 sugar in the process of manufacture, as such 
 conclusion would be quite erroneous. An ex- 
 periment was also made to determine whether 
 splitting the canes before they were passed 
 through the mill would increase the percentage 
 of juice obtained from the stalks. One hun- 
 dred pounds of butt ends of Honduras Sorghum 
 were split lengthwise, and then passed through 
 the mill. Another parcel of one hundred pounds 
 of butts of the same variety of Sorghum, equal 
 in all respects to the previous lot, was passed 
 through the mill without splitting them. The 
 results obtained were as follows: Percentage of 
 juice obtained from split stalks, 54 per cent.; 
 percentage of juice obtained from unsplit stalks, 
 57 per cent. ; from which it would appear that 
 in this case at least the previous splitting of the 
 stalks occasioned an appreciable loss in jivce. 
 A few of the experiments made giveareasonuole 
 basis for estimating the probable yield of syrup 
 and sugar to the acre; and, therefore, an ap- 
 proximate estimate of the cost of producing su- 
 gar. Below is a tabulated result of a few of the 
 experiments from stalks grown upon the grounds 
 of the department. These stalks were grown in 
 rows three feet apart and in drills, and although 
 a good crop, there is no doubt but that, upon 
 good land, the estimated yield, to the acre could 
 be obtained: 
 
 The first and second columns give the results 
 actually secured, but the several juices were not 
 in their best condition. The third column is 
 the amount of syrup the same weight of stalks 
 would have yielded had they been cut at the 
 proper time. The juice obtained from the stalks 
 by the imperfect means at command of the de- 
 partment was little more than half the amount 
 present in the stalks. The fourth column rep- 
 resents the results attainable by the use of a 
 mill that would give 70 per cent, of juice from 
 the stalks; a result which is possible, and which 
 is claimed by manufacturers of mills. There is 
 no doubt that, when the present industry shall 
 have secured the employment of the capital and 
 scientific ability which have developed the beet- 
 
 Varieties. 
 
 Founds stalks 
 per acre. 
 
 Syrup obtained. 
 
 jj 
 
 Syrup, Juice _ 
 !i> per cent. 
 
 Chinese Sorghum 
 
 38,600 
 33 727 
 
 2,096 
 
 2 472 
 
 2,397 
 2 609 
 
 3,673 
 
 Early Amber Sorghum 
 Honduras Sorghum 
 Pearl Millet 
 
 32,415 
 66,151 
 
 2,100 
 3,652 
 
 2,615 
 5,168 
 3 128 
 
 3,661 
 7,537 
 
 JFieldCorn 
 
 27 240 
 
 1 166 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 SPA 
 
 sugar industry, even these results, which may 
 appear extravagant to many, will be assured." 
 There is much more of this report, but so inti- 
 mately connected with large tabular statements 
 that the two could not be separated, and the 
 tables are too large to be transferred to these 
 columns. We therefore suggest to all engaged 
 in the cultivation of Sorghum to procure this 
 report. It will be of great assistance to them in 
 helping to determine many points relating to 
 culture and the manufacture of syrup and sugar. 
 
 Sheep Sorrel. See Rumex acetosa, the common 
 Field Sorrel. 
 
 Sorrel. See Rumex. 
 
 Sorrel Tree. See Oxydendrum arbvreum, (Androm- 
 eda nrborea.) 
 
 Sour Gum. See Nyssa. 
 
 Sour Gum Tree. See Nyssa. 
 
 Southern Wood. See Arttmesia Abrotanum. 
 
 Sow Bread. See Cyclamen Europceum. 
 
 Sow Thistle. See txmchus. 
 
 Spanish Bayonet Plant. See Yucca. 
 
 Spanish. Lily. See Hymenocallis. 
 
 Sparaxis. From sparasso, to tear; alluding to 
 the lacerated spathes. Linn. Triandria-Afono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 This genus is fast rising in the estimation of 
 both the florist and the gardener. Varieties, 
 very pleasing in color, are annually raised in 
 Europe. It is a dwarf bulbous family of plants 
 from the Cape of Good Hope, producing flowers 
 about the size and shape of those of the Crocus, 
 the colors of which are now of infinite variety; 
 
 Eure white, yellow, orange, red, purple, and vio- 
 ;t, are to be found.either separate or blended in 
 pleasing variations. They succeed best planted 
 in a frame, where they can have a slight protec- 
 tion during winter. They succeed well also 
 grown in pots in a cool green-house. The bulbs 
 should be potted in September, and kept under 
 a bench until they begin to grow, when they 
 should be given light and water. Three or four 
 bulbs may be put into a five-inch pot with good 
 effect. They increase rapidly by offsets. In- 
 troduced in 1811. 
 
 Sparganium. Bur Reed. From spargan&n, a 
 fillet; because of the ribbon -like leaves. Linn. 
 Moncecia-Triandria. Nat. Ord. Typhacece. 
 
 A genus of marsh plants, of which the Bur 
 Heed is typical, found in almost every part of 
 the world. The root of 8. ramosum and of S. 
 simplex was formerly used medicinally under 
 the name of Radix sparganii, and was supposed 
 to cure snaKe bites. The stem has been used for 
 making paper. 
 
 Sparmannia. In honor of Dr. A. Sparmann, a 
 Swedish botanist, who accompanied Captain 
 Cook in his second voyage around the world. 
 Linn. Polyandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. FUiacea;. 
 S. Africana, the only described species of this 
 g nus, is a very beautiful evergreen green -house 
 shrub, introduced into Europe from the Cape of 
 Good Hope in 1790. It is a shrub from six to 
 twelve feet high, with long-stalked, heart-shaped 
 leaves, and clothed with soft, downy, and pretty 
 white flowers in umbels. It is an old favorite 
 in the green-house. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Spartina. Cord Grass. From spartine, a rope 
 made from broom. Linn. Triandria-Monogynta. 
 Nat. Ord. GrnminacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of perennial grasses, com- 
 mon throughout North America and some parts 
 of Europe. They chiefly inhabit wet or marshy 
 places. Some o the species furnish a valuable 
 fiber.
 
 216 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SPA 
 
 Suatalanthus. From spalnlos, delicate, and <m- 
 thos, a. flower. Linn. Monadelphia-Triandria. Nat. 
 
 A very rare and beautiful Cape bulb, allied to 
 Trichonema. There is but one species known, 
 and that is rare in its own country. The flow- 
 ers are red, with a yellow and black star in th< 
 
 duced in 1825. 
 
 Spathoglottis. From sjxtthe, a spathe, and glottis, 
 a tongue. Linn. Gynandria-Jfonandria. Nat. 
 Ord. OrchidacecK. 
 
 A small genus of Asiatic terrestrial Orchids, 
 allied to BMia. They have generally yellow 
 flowers, and are not of special interest in the 
 Orchid House. 
 
 Spatter Dock. See Nuphar. 
 Spear Grass. See Poa. 
 Spearmint. See Mentha viridis. 
 Spearwort. See Ranunculus. 
 Specularia. From the ancient name Speculum 
 Veneris, or Venus's Looking-Glass. Linn. Pen- 
 tandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Campanulacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy annuals, formerly in- 
 cluded in Campanula. S. speculum is a distinct 
 and pretty species, with purplish-lilac flowers, 
 varying to rose-colored and white. They are 
 among the many old garden favorites now rarely 
 met, though deserving a place in the border. 
 They grow readily from seed, and a succession 
 of sowings will keep up a continuance of bloom 
 during the whole summer. One of the species, 
 S. perfoliata, is a native of this country; the 
 others are from Central and Southern Europe. 
 Speedwell. See Veronica. 
 
 Sphagnum. A name given by Pliny for some 
 Idnd of moss. Linn. Cryptogamia-Pentagynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Bryacece. 
 
 The species belonging to this genus are found 
 in bogs or swamps ut all seasons. S. palustre 
 is a white-leaved species. The Gray Bog Moss 
 is S. obiusifdium. It is an excellent material for 
 packing plants in, being extremely retentive of 
 moisture, and yet contains so much astringency 
 as to check decay. It is also used for potting 
 Orchidaceous and some other plants. This 
 material has been long used in the packing 
 of plants by both florists and nurserymen, 
 and in various other operations connected with 
 Horticulture; but it was only in 1880 that we 
 began to use it extensively as a mulch, to be 
 placed on the top of the soil of plants in pots, 
 and in beds planted out, a description of which 
 we published in the October number of the 
 "Gardener's Monthly" of that year, and which 
 we here give at length. 
 
 Moss Mulching. For want of a better name we 
 have given this to a practice that we have recent- 
 ly introduced into our green-house department. 
 Some time about the first of January of this year 
 one of our young men suggested mulching with 
 Moss (Sphagnum) a lot of Roses, grown in seven- 
 inch pots, that had become somewhat exhausted 
 by being forced for flowers for the holidays. Be- 
 lieving the idea to be a good one, we at once had a 
 lot of nearly three thousand plants so mulched, 
 mixing, however, with the Moss a good portion of 
 bone dust, perhaps one part weight of bone dust 
 to thirty parts of Moss. In two weeks the effect 
 began to be easily perceived on all the Roses 
 that had been so mulched, and without shifting 
 they were carried through until May with the 
 most satisfactory results, many of the plants 
 
 SPH 
 
 having by that time attained a height of four and 
 five feet; and though they had bloomed profusely 
 during a period of nearly six months, they were 
 in the most perfect health and vigor. Believing 
 that if this system proved so satisfactory in a 
 plant refusing such careful handling as the Rose, 
 that doubtless it would do well with many other 
 plants, we at once, almost without exception, 
 adopted the Moss and bone mulch on nearly 
 every plant cultivated, whether planted out in 
 borders or grown in pots, and the result, with- 
 out a single exception, has been in the highest 
 degree satisfactory. Among the plants so treated 
 are Azaleas, Begonias, Caladiums, Carnations, 
 Crotons, Dracaenas, Eucharis, Gloxinias, Palms, 
 Pandanus, Poinsettias, Primulas, Roses, hot- 
 house Grape Vines, and hundreds of other gen- 
 era. All plants are mulched as soon as we can 
 reach them, from three-inch pots upward. In 
 strong-growing plants the roots can be seen, 
 striking upward into the mulch in four or five 
 days after it is put on, and in nearly all cases 
 within two weeks. One great advantage is, that 
 by this system plants can be grown as large and 
 fine in a four-inch pot as in a six-inch pot with- 
 out the mulch, for the reason that the plant is 
 now fed by the Moss and bone from the surface 
 of the pot, the best feeding point, as most cul- 
 tivators of experience well know. Another 
 advantage of the mulching system is its great 
 saving of labor, for it just takes about one-fourth 
 of the time to mulch the surface of a pot as it 
 does to shift it. Another, its saving of watering: 
 the Moss acts as a sponge, retaining and giv- 
 ing out the moisture to the plant just as it is 
 wanted. Another, that it crowds down all 
 weeds, and does away with the necessity of stir- 
 ring the soil in the pots or borders. Another 
 and most important advantage to us who are 
 shippers is, that it lightens the weight of our 
 goods by one-half; that is, we get as large a 
 plant with half the weight of soil. For ama- 
 teurs who grow plants in rooms, or small con- 
 servatories, who have not the conveniences at 
 hand to shift their plants when their condition 
 demands it, this Moss mulching will be of great 
 advantage, not only in keeping plants in good 
 growing condition for many months longer with- 
 out re-potting, but also in the great advantage it 
 has in counteracting the dry atmosphere usual- 
 ly found in rooms or small conservatories. In 
 my practice of thirty years I have never seen a 
 method of culture that I believe to be of such 
 importance ; hundreds who have visited us this 
 season have been equally impressed with its 
 value, for the "proof of the pudding" is most 
 apparent in its results. We have used already 
 over twenty team loads of Moss, and about one 
 ton of bone dust, but never before have we made 
 an investment that has been so satisfactory. If 
 any think we are too sanguine in this matter, 
 we cordially invite them to come and examine. 
 It may be that this Moss and bone mulching is 
 nothing new in the culture of plants, as it is an 
 idea, from its simplicity, that may very likely 
 before have occurred to others, and may have 
 been long ago practiced ; but it is new with us 
 and new to us, and if any one has before done 
 so and withheld the knowledge from the pub- 
 lic, more shame to him, if the result with him 
 has been as gratifying as it has been to us. 
 In our uses of Sphagnum we found another 
 method of using it, the value of which will be 
 apparent to those who have had experience in 
 raising seeds under glass. Our method is as
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 217 
 
 SPH 
 
 follows: in preparing the soil for seeds we get 
 it as fine and rich as possible, passing it through 
 a very fine sieve. This soil is placed in boxes 
 only two or three inches deep, and it is then 
 made perfectly level and as smooth as possible; 
 on tjis smooth surface of soil the seeds are 
 sown, and then pressed down into the soil with 
 a smooth board. The seed being thus sunk 
 just to the surface of the soil, we now sift dry 
 Sphagnum, that has been run through a mos- 
 quito net wire, over the seed, just thick enough 
 to well cover it. This Moss forms a light, 
 spongy covering, and affords just the best con- 
 dition needed for germination; and we have 
 found that any seeds having any vitality in them 
 are certain to germinate by this method. 
 
 Sphserogyne. From sphaira, a globe, and gyne, 
 a female. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. 6rd. 
 NdaxtomacecK. 
 
 This genus is remarkable for the color of its 
 foliage. 8. latifolia has large, broad, and flat 
 leaves, deep green on top, the under side cinna- 
 mon brown, the leaves and stem being very 
 hairy. It makes a magnificent specimen plant. 
 A few other species are to be found in choice 
 collections of ornamental-leaved plants. They 
 are natives of tropical America. Propagated by 
 cuttings. Introduced in 1864. 
 
 Sphenogyne. From sphen, a wedge, and gyne, a 
 female. Linn. Syngenesia-Frustranea. Nat. Ord. 
 Asteracecp,. 
 
 A genus of hardy annuals and green-house 
 evergreen perennials, mostly natives of the Cape 
 of Good Hope. They have large, spreading, 
 rayed flower-heads, of an orange color barred 
 with black. They are rarely cultivated. 8. 
 speciosa is a showy annual, a native of South 
 America, and resembles the Anthemis. First 
 introduced in 1768. 
 
 Spice Bush. See Lindera. 
 
 Spiderwort. See Tradescanlia. 
 
 Spigelia. Worm Grass. Named after Adrian 
 Spigdius, a botanist at Padua. Linn. Pentandria- 
 JUonogynia. Nat. Ord. Loganiacea*. 
 
 An extensive genus of half-hardy annuals and 
 herbaceous perennials, some of which are or- 
 namental border plants. The Pink Root, Worm 
 Grass, or Indian Pink, is S. Ufarilandica, com- 
 mon in Pennsylvania and southward. It is well 
 known for its medicinal properties. 
 
 Spikenard. See Aralia racemosa. 
 
 Spinach. See Spinacia oleracea. 
 
 Spinacia. From spina, a prickle; in allusion to 
 the prickly processes of the seeds. Linn. Dice- 
 cia-Peniandria. Nat. Ord. ChenopodiacecK. 
 
 The common Spinach is a hardy annual, and 
 supposed to be a native of Western Asia, from 
 the fact that in the early works of the Arabian 
 physicians this plant is mentioned in connec- 
 tion with its medicinal properties, without the 
 slightest allusion to its uses as a vegetable. 
 Spain is supposed to have been the first Euro- 
 pean country into which it was introduced; for 
 many of the old botanists call it Olus Hispanicum, 
 and some of the old writers call it Hispanach, or 
 Spanish plant. Beckmann, who wrote about 1790, 
 says the first notice of its being used as a vege- 
 table was in 1351, in a list of the different vege- 
 tables consumed on fast days by the monks. 
 Turner, who wrote in England in 1538, men- 
 tions its being in common cultivation, and pre- 
 pared for the table in precisely the same man- 
 ner as it is at present. Spinach is an annual 
 plant, having large and succulent leaves; the 
 flower-stems rise to the height of two or three 
 
 SPI 
 
 feet. The male and female flowers grow on 
 different plants, the female yielding the seed. 
 The former are produced in long, terminal 
 spikes, and the latter in close clusters at the 
 joints of the stem or axils of the leaves or 
 branches. 8. oleracea is the only known spe- 
 cies, and from this the several garden varieties 
 have been obtained. The smooth Round Leaf 
 is the variety mostly grown for market; the 
 Prickly Leaved is more hardy, and is, there- 
 fore, the kind which used to be sown in the fall 
 for a first early spring crop, until the variety 
 known as the Savoy Spinach was introduced in 
 1875. This has a crumpled leaf resembling Savoy 
 Cabbage, and is now extensively cultivated, par- 
 ticularly as a fall or winter sort, as it has proved 
 hardier than any of the others, and produces a 
 greater weight of crop. It has the fault, how- 
 ever, of running up sooner to seed than the 
 Round Leaved, and, for that reason, is not so 
 good to sow in spring. Spinach in the latitude 
 of New York should be sown from the 5th to 
 the 15th of September, in rows twelve to fifteen 
 inches apart. It is important with this, as with 
 most other seeds, to firm the soil by treading 
 on the rows with the feet, or using a heavy 
 roller after sowing, as otherwise, if the weather 
 is dry, the seed may be shriveled so that it will 
 not germinate if loosely covered. In all sections 
 of the country where the thermometer falls be- 
 low zero, and where there is not a certainty of 
 snow for a covering, the Spinach should be cov- 
 ered up on the approach of severe weather 
 (which is usually about the middle of Decem- 
 ber) with hay, straw, or leaves, to the depth of 
 two or three inches, which covering should be 
 allowed to remain until the Spinach begins to 
 show green through it in the spring. The 
 Viroflay and the Thick Leaved Spinach are 
 promising new kinds of French origin. 
 Spindle Tree. See Euonymus. 
 Spiraea. From speirao, to become spiral; in al- 
 lusion to the flexile branches being suitable for 
 twisting into garlands. Linn. Icosandria-Dipen- 
 tagynia. Nat. Ord. ftosacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy herbaceous 
 plants and deciduous shrubs. Of the former, S. 
 lobala, Queen of the Meadows, is one of our best 
 hardy plants, and the most stately of all the 
 herbaceous Spiraeas. (Dr. Gray gives the com- 
 mon name as Queen of the Prairies; but we are in- 
 clined to think this a misprint. ) It is common in 
 meadows in Pennsylvania, and south and west- 
 ward. The flowers are very handsome, of a deep 
 peach-color, produced in clustered panicles on 
 long, naked peduncles. It is greatly improved 
 by garden cultivation. There are many who 
 think it finer than S. palmata, a species from 
 Japan, and not so recent as some think it. 8. 
 ulmaria, flowers white, is the Meadow Sweet. It 
 is a native of Britain. 8. JUipendida, also white, 
 and a native of Britain, is known as Drop Wort. 
 Many of the shrubby species, with white and 
 pink flowers, make beautiful clumps for the 
 lawn and shrubbery, as they grow without diffi- 
 culty, and continue a long time in bloom. Some 
 of the best species are indigenous to the Mid- 
 dle States. Several choice species have been in- 
 troduced from Japan, among which may be 
 mentioned S. Reevesiana, S. prunifolia, S. Doug- 
 lasii, S. Thunbei-gii, 8. callosa, etc. 8. Japonica, 
 sometimes called AstUbe and Holeia Japonica, and 
 Aslilbe barbata, though best known here as Spiraea 
 Japonica, is the most useful of the genus. It 
 belongs to the herbaceous division, forms a most
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SPI 
 
 beautiful hardy border plant, about two feet in 
 height, with branching spikes of pure white, 
 feather-like flowers. This species is most ex- 
 tensively forced for winter flowers, and is one 
 of the plants most used for decoration at the 
 Easter Holidays. Although it can be grown 
 nearly as well here as in Europe, still, at pres- 
 ent, the demand for it is so great that our home- 
 crown stock has been altogether insufficient to 
 meet the demand, and probably 50,000 roots are 
 annually imported from England, Holland, and 
 Germany. The roots best suited for pot cul- 
 ture are those having a diameter of from four to 
 six inches. These are potted in five and six 
 inch pots in fall, and covered up so that they 
 do not freeze, but yet have no artificial heat. 
 A dry, sheltered spot against a south fence or 
 wall is best; then, covered with ten or twelve 
 inches of leaves, they can be got at at any time 
 during winter, and should be taken into a cool 
 house say an average of 45 at night and wa- 
 tered sparingly until free indications of growth 
 are shown. When well rooted, and the flower 
 stems begin to show, they will stand a higher 
 temperature, but at no time should it be higher 
 than 55 at night, if the best development of 
 flower is desired. It is not very easy to say 
 what time it takes the plant to be at its best 
 flowering from the time it is placed in the 
 green-house ; hence it is best to have them come 
 in in succession. At an average of 50 at night 
 and ten degrees higher during the day, from 
 four to ten weeks will be required to get the 
 plant in full development of bloom. A beauti- 
 fully variegated leaved variety of S. Japonica was 
 introduced into the United States about 1865, 
 from Japan, but it did not take kindly to our 
 hot and dry climate, and has now nearly disap- 
 peared; but, we believe, in the more congenial 
 atmosphere of Britain, it makes a beautiful 
 plant, as, added to its fine variegation, the 
 flower spikes are more dense and compact than 
 in the plain-leaved species. Another Spiraea, 
 sent to the United States some ten years ago 
 from London as S. palmata, is now well known, 
 more from the fact of its being sent out as new, 
 and at a very high price, than as being of any 
 special merit in itself. The facts of the case are, 
 that 8. pcdmata had been introduced into En- 
 gland as early as 1822, and was to be found in 
 every herbaceous plant collection in Britain, of 
 any note. Some one had probably again found 
 it in its native habitat, had not known of its 
 long introduction, offered it as a new plant to 
 some not over-scrupulous or not too well-posted 
 nurseryman in London, and out it came on us 
 at the modest price of half a guinea apiece, and 
 sickly little morsels at that, while the same 
 plant was offered with the same name in half a 
 dozen catalogues at one-twentieth the price. 
 We never yet have been able to understand this 
 error, if error it was, as it was virtually endorsed 
 by a score of the leading nurserymen in En- 
 gland, by their offering it as new in their cata- 
 logues, besides being described and lauded in 
 several of the leading horticultural and botani- 
 cal magazines in Europe as well as in this coun- 
 try. Evidently the botanist (?) who collected 
 it was a tyro at his work, or he would have 
 known enough to look up the genus, so as not 
 to stumble on some old name for his new-found 
 bantling; but this he evidently did not do; for, 
 if he had looked up London's Encyclopedia of 
 Plants, or any of the more recent works, he 
 would have seen that S. palmata was introduced 
 
 SPU 
 
 in 1822; and if he had carried his investigations 
 further, he would have found that his S. palmata 
 was identical with that of 1822. Our excuse for 
 treating this matter at leugth is, that many are 
 not yet aware of the true state of the case, and 
 continue to import S. palmata as a comparatively 
 new plant, and yet at a high price. We may 
 state further, that all the plants of this division 
 of the genus are unsuited to our hot, dry cli- 
 mate, unless planted in partial shade. 
 
 Spiranthes. Lady's Tresses. From speira, a spi- 
 ral, and anthos, a flower; in allusion to the spi- 
 ral manner in which the flowers are arranged. 
 Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orcliid- 
 acece. 
 
 A genus of terrestrial Orchids,numbering about 
 fifty species. Some require green-house treat- 
 ment, and others are perfectly hardy herbaceous 
 plants. All the species are very pretty, but not 
 of sufficient merit to warrant their introduction 
 into the green-house. Of the hardy species, 
 several are indigenous in the Middle States, 
 three or four being found on Long Island. The 
 flowers are small and white, produced on a spi- 
 rally-twisted spike, by which the genus is easily 
 recognized. S. cernua is a pretty native species. 
 
 Spleenwort. See Aspleninm. 
 
 Spqndias. Hog Plum. The Greek name for a 
 Kind of plum; the fruit resembles a plum. Linn. 
 Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Anacardiacece. 
 A genus of evergreen trees common in the 
 tropics of both hemispheres, chiefly interesting 
 for their fruits. S. Mombin yields an eatable 
 fruit, called Hog Plum in the West Indies. The 
 taste is said to be peculiar, and not very agree- 
 able to strangers. They are chiefly used to fat- 
 ten swine. S. dulcis, a native of the Society 
 Islands, yields a fruit the flavor of which is 
 compared to that of the Pineapple. The flower 
 buds of S. Mombin are used as a sweetmeat with 
 sugar. Several of the species are esteemed for 
 their medicinal properties, and one or two are 
 cultivated as ornamental plants. 
 
 Sponge G-ourd. See Luffa. 
 
 Spoonwood. See Kalmia latifoUa. 
 
 Sprekelia. Named after Dr. Sprekel, a German 
 botanist. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Amaryllidacece. 
 
 8. formosissima, commonly known as Amaryllis 
 formosissima, or Jacdbcean LUy, the only described 
 species of this genus, is a bulbous 'plant, with 
 splendid dark scarlet flowers. It is called Ja- 
 cobsean on account of the brilliant scarlet of its 
 flowers, which the Spaniards in Peru thought 
 resembled the scarlet swords worn by the knights 
 of the order of St. James, (Jacobasus.) These 
 bulbs succeed well planted in the open border 
 in May. They produce their flowers in June, 
 and the bulbs ripen off by fall, when they 
 should be taken up and dried with the tops on, 
 and stored in a dry room free from frost, until 
 time for planting out again. They are desirable 
 for pot culture, or for growing in glasses like 
 Hyacinths, requiring the same culture. They 
 are increased by offsets. They are natives of 
 Guatemala. Introduced in 1658. 
 
 Spotted Cowbane. See Cicuta maculata. 
 
 Spotted Wintergreen. See Chimaphila maculata. 
 
 Spring Beauty. A local name for Claytonia, 
 which see. 
 
 Spring Snowflake. See Leucojum vernum. 
 
 Spruce. The popular name of the genus Abies, 
 which see. 
 
 Spurge. See Euphorbia. 
 
 Spurge Nettle. See Jatropha and Lrora.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 219 
 
 SPU 
 
 Spurred Gentian. See Ilalenia deftexa. 
 
 Squash. (L'ucurbita melopepo.) The history of the 
 Squash is more obscure than that of any other 
 vegetable of equal importance in the garden. It 
 was found in cultivation by the Indians on the 
 Island of Nantucket by the earliest settlers; 
 there was, however, but one kind, the small 
 warted Pumpkin. From this peculiar variety 
 the common Field Pumpkin is supposed to 
 have originated. Several varieties have been 
 introduced from South America, and among 
 them the Mammoth Squash from Valparaiso, the 
 seed of which was sent here by Commodore 
 Perry. Several other of our best sorts have been 
 received from there and the West Indies. Their 
 parentage, however, is entirely unknown. A 
 large number of varieties are grown under dis- 
 tinctive names, many of which are cross-breeds. 
 One hybrid variety of superior quality has been 
 produced by one of our seedsmen, who has 
 made that vegetable a specialty. 
 
 Squaw Root. See Canopholis. 
 
 Squaw Weed. See Senecio aureus. 
 
 Squill. See Sc'dla. 
 
 Squirrel Corn. See Dicentra Canadensis. 
 
 Squirrel Tail Grass. See Hordeum. 
 
 Stachys. Hedge Nettle. From stachys, & spike; 
 their manner of flowering. Linn. Didynamia- 
 Gymnospermia. Nat. Ord. Lamiacecv. 
 
 A genus of shrubby and herbaceous plants, 
 common throughout the United States and Eu- 
 rope. None of the species has any special merit, 
 except S. lanala, which is used to a considerable 
 extent in the formation of white lines for rib- 
 bon borders or massing. Propagated by cut- 
 tings. 
 
 Stadmannia. In honor of M. Siadmann, a Ger- 
 man botanical traveler. Linn. Octandria-Mono- 
 r/ynia. Nat. Ord. Sapindacece. 
 
 A genus of lofty-growing trees, with large, 
 showy leaves, natives of Australia. The species 
 have been united with Cupania by modern bot- 
 anists. See Cupania. 
 
 Staff Tree. See Cdastrus. 
 
 Stag's Horn Fern. See Plalycerium alcicorne. 
 
 Stagger Bush. See Andromeda mariana. 
 
 Standing Cypress. See Ipomopsis. 
 
 Stanhopea. In compliment to Earl Stanhope. 
 Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. (hchtda- 
 cece. 
 
 A very beautiful genus of epiphytal Orchids, 
 remarkable for their extraordinary flowers, curi- 
 ous in form and richly colored, and also for their 
 singular habit of throwing the flower-stem 
 from the base of the pseudo-bulbs in a down- 
 ward direction. When first introduced (1830) 
 the plants were placed in pots in the usual man- 
 ner, and were supposed to be difficult to flower, 
 until the accidental breaking of a pot exposed 
 the flowers perishing in the soil beneath the 
 plants. This circumstance led to the prevalent 
 method of growing them in baskets made of 
 small sticks of Cedar, Locust, or other woods 
 not liable to decay, which, being open at in- 
 tervals, allows the flower spikes to protrude 
 in their natural position. Baskets about a foot 
 and a half in diameter and six inches deep are 
 sufficiently large for well-grown specimens. The 
 soil should be leaf mould and sphagnum moss, 
 about one-fourth of the latter, with small pieces 
 of charcoal intermixed for perfect drainage. 
 Some successful growers use only the moss and 
 charcoal, or potsherds. Stanhopeas require 
 plenty of water while growing. The moss should 
 be thoroughly soaked every day, and a slight 
 
 STA 
 
 syringing, or, what is better, a dense applica- 
 tion of steam every night and morning. Most 
 of the species make two growths in a year, and, 
 with proper management, will also bloom twice ; 
 but some care is required to have the latter 
 growth duly formed before the winter sets in, 
 or there is much danger of their rotting. If an 
 active growth can be started about the first of 
 February, the first pseudo-bulbs will be formed, 
 and the flowers fully perfected in May, which 
 leaves good time to complete the second flower- 
 ing. A temperature of from 70 to 85 will grow 
 them best, and for the winter, or resting period, 
 from 55 to 60 is sufficient. They do not re- 
 quire to be frequently shifted, but when this 
 is done, the plant should be put, basket and 
 all, into a larger one, as it is impossible to re- 
 move them without serious injury to the roots. 
 They are increased by division. 
 
 Stapelia. Named by Linnceus after Boderus 
 Mapel, a physician of Amsterdam and commen- 
 tator on Theophrastus. Linn. Pentandria-D'ujy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Asclepiadacece. 
 
 This is a genus of very curious green-house 
 plants, with showy, star-like flowers proceeding 
 from the base, which smell so much like carrion 
 that flies have been known to lay their eggs up- 
 on them. As these plants are very succulent, 
 they are apt to damp off if they are grown in 
 rich soil or receive too much water. They are 
 propagated by cuttings, which should be laid 
 on the shelf for two or three days tt shrivel be- 
 fore they are planted. All the Stapelias are na- 
 tives of the Cape of Good Hope. The flowers 
 are very singular as well as showy, and would be 
 highly prized were it not for their offensive 
 odor; but, notwithstanding, they are very inter- 
 esting plants, and the odor is of no long contin- 
 uance. Introduced in 1710. 
 
 Staphylea. Bladder Nut. Abridged from Staphy- 
 loaendron, its ancient name, from staphyle, a 
 bunch, and dendron, a tree; the flowers and fruit 
 are disposed in clusters. Linn. Pentandria- Trlgy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Staphykuxce. 
 
 A genus of deciduous shrubs, which are 
 widely dispersed. One species, IS. trifoliata, is 
 indigenous in the United States. It is a hand- 
 some shrub, with terminal panicles of white 
 flowers, produced in May. 
 
 Star Flower. See Trientalis Americana. 
 
 Star Grass. See Hypoxis. 
 
 Star of Bethlehem. See Ornithogalum. 
 
 Star Thistle. See Ceniaurea Calcitrapa. 
 
 Starwort. See Aster and Stettarla. 
 
 Statice. Sea Lavender, Marsh Rosemary. From 
 statizo, to stop ; in allusion to the powerful as- 
 tringency of some of the species. Linn. Penian- 
 dria-Pdygynia. Nat. Ord. Plumbaginacece. 
 
 Singular plants, the foot-stalks of the flowers 
 of which are colored so as to resemble flowers, 
 while the real flowers are the white part at the 
 extremity of the purple. The handsomest spe- 
 cies belonging to the genus is <S. arboreti, a na- 
 tive of the Canaries, which is quite shrubby. 
 This splendid plant should have plenty of room 
 for its roots, and thus, when there is not a con- 
 servatory for it to be planted in, it does better 
 in the open border, with a sli ght protection dur- 
 ing winter, than in a pot in a green-house. The 
 common kinds of Statice are generally increased 
 by seeds, or by dividing the root, and they 
 should be allowed plenty of space, as they are 
 easily killed when crowded by other plants. S. 
 Limonium, the only species that is a native of 
 this country, is common in salt marshes along
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 STA 
 
 the Southern coast, and is gathered in consid- 
 erable quantities for making winter bouquets. 
 
 Stauntonia. In honor of Kir George Staunton, 
 Bart., who introduced numerous plants from 
 China. Linn. Monoecia-Hexandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Lardizabalacece. 
 
 This genus consists of but two known spe- 
 cies, both woody climbing shrubs, from China 
 and Japan. The flowers are produced from the 
 axils of the leaves, and are apetalous. The 
 plants are of easy culture, but of no special in- 
 terest, excepting in botanical collections. 
 
 Stellaria. Chickweed, Star Wort. From steUa, a 
 star; the flowers are star-like. Linn. Decandria- 
 Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Caryophyllacece. 
 
 With the exception of S. Holostea, a pretty lit- 
 tle white, early spring flower, this genus is a 
 family of weeds of the most troublesome charac- 
 ter. There are several species indigenous in 
 this country, all well known. & media, common 
 Chickweed, is the most troublesome weed of 
 the garden, particularly in the fall months. 
 
 Stenactis. Probably from stene, narrow, and ak- 
 tin, a sunbeam; from the narrow and sunlike 
 rays of the expanded flower. Linn. Syngenesia- 
 Superftua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 A small genus of California hardy herbaceous 
 perennials. The flowers are purple and showy. 
 It is a desirable plant for the border. Propa- 
 gated by division or from seed. 
 
 Stenia. From slenos, narrow ; in allusion to the 
 form of the pollen masses. Linn. Gynandria-Mo- 
 nandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of very handsome epiphytal 
 Orchids from New Grenada. S. fimbrwia is a 
 very showy plant. The leaves are long, narrow, 
 and dark green; the flowers are blight yellow, 
 with a paler lip, beautifully spotted with car- 
 mine, and are produced on slender scapes. 
 There are one or two other species under culti- 
 vation. Propagated by division. 
 
 Stenomesson. From stenos, narrow, and messon, 
 the middle ; the flowers contracted in the mid- 
 dle. Linn. JIcxandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 AmaryUidacece. 
 
 A genus of very pretty half-hardy South 
 American bulbs, with orange, scarlet, and yel- 
 low flowers, in umbels on a slender scape. The 
 bulbs may be planted out in early spring in a 
 moist situation, and they will soon come into 
 flower. They require perfect rest during win- 
 ter. Propagated from offsets. Introduced from 
 Peru in 1843. 
 
 Stephanophysum. From Stephanos, a crown, and 
 physa, a bladder ; alluding to the inflorescence. 
 Linn. Didynamia-Gymnospermia. Nat. Ord. Acan- 
 thacece. 
 
 A genus of tropical herbaceous plants, natives 
 of Central America and Africa. The flowers are 
 mostly scarlet, produced in axillary clusters. 
 They are very rarely cultivated. 
 
 Stephanotis. From stephnnos, a crown, and olotis, 
 eared; the ear-like processes on the crown of 
 the stamens. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Asdepladacece. 
 
 These noble green-house climbers grow with 
 great freedom when allowed sufficient root room. 
 They may either be planted in the border of the 
 house, and trained over the pillars and roof or 
 placed in a large pot having a good-sized trellis 
 attached to it. In either position the effect pro- 
 duced by their deep green and ample fleshy 
 leaves, enriched by numerous clusters of pure 
 white waxy flowers, is, perhaps, unsurpassed. 
 The flowers of 6'. jlorttmnda have a strong, deli- 
 
 STO 
 
 cious perfume, and are much valued by the bou- 
 quet-makers. This species was introduced from 
 Madagascar in 1830, and is the only one gener- 
 ally cultivated. It is much subject to the insect 
 known as Mealy Bug, and to keep it in health 
 this insect must be sponged off the stems and 
 leaves as soon as it is seen. Propagated by seeds 
 or cuttings. 
 
 Sternbergia. Named in honor of Count Caspar 
 Sternberg, a celebrated German botanist. Linn. 
 Hexandna-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryUidacece. 
 This genus is usually known as Amaryllis Men, 
 and is sold as such by the seedsmen. There 
 are only a few species, and but little difference 
 between them ; none that an amateur would be 
 likely to notice. They are perfectly hardy, and 
 flower in the autumn before the leaves start. 
 The flowers are pure golden yellow, much like 
 a Crocus, but larger, and the petals more fleshy. 
 In the latitude of New York the bulbs should 
 have a generous covering of salt hay or coarse 
 litter before the ground freezes hard in the early 
 winter. They are natives of the South of Europe 
 and Africa. Introduced in 1596. 
 
 Steudnera. A genus of Aracece, closely resem- 
 bling the Colocasia, which see. 
 
 Stevensonia. A synonym of Phcenicophorium, 
 which see. 
 
 Stevia. In -honor of Peter James Esteve, M.D., 
 Professor of Botany at Valencia. Linn. Syngene- 
 sia-jEqualis. Nat. Ord. A&teracece. 
 
 An extensive genus of green-house perennials, 
 nearly all natives of Mexico, and chiefly white 
 flowered. 8. compacta, early flowering, and S. 
 serrata are grown in large quantities by the flor- 
 ists of New York for cut flowers for early winter 
 sales. 8. serrata variegata, a recent introduction, 
 has beautiful white and green foliage, the white 
 predominating, and it is now used very largely 
 as a white-leaved plant for massing. It can be 
 used at any height from one to three feet, by 
 ciitting back. Its flowers are equally useful as 
 the green-leaved variety. The species are all of 
 easy culture, and are propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Stigmaphyllon. From stigma, a stigma, and 
 phytton, a leaf ; the stigma foliaceous. Linn. De- 
 cundriu-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. MalpighiacecK. 
 
 A small genus of tropical trees and shrubs. 
 Some of the latter are clambers. They are na- 
 tives of Brazil and the West Indies. A few of 
 the species are cultivated for the sake of their 
 fine yellow flowers and beautiful foliage. 
 
 Stipa. Feather Grass. From stipe, feathery or 
 silky. Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Gram- 
 inacecB. 
 
 8. pennata, the species chiefly grown as an or- 
 namental plant, is a hardy herbaceous perennial, 
 a native of Great Britain, and is grown for the 
 sake of its beautifully feathered beards, which 
 are used for winter bouquets, both in the nat- 
 ural color and dyed. This species is propa- 
 gated by division, or from seeds sown in spring. 
 
 Stitchwort. See SteUaria. 
 
 Stock and Stock-Gilliflower. See Mathiola. 
 
 Stokesia. In honor of Dr. Jonathan Stokes, the 
 coadjutor of Withering in his arrangement of 
 British plants. Linn. tSyngenesia-^Equalis. Nat. 
 Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 S.cyanea, the only knbwn species, is a pretty lit- 
 tle herbaceous perennial evergreen, found rarely 
 in the wet pine barrens of South Carolina and 
 westward. Flowers bright blue, produced in 
 large terminal heads. Propagated by division 
 or from seeds. 
 
 Stone Crop. See Sedum.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 221 
 
 STO 
 
 Storax. See Styrax. 
 
 Stork's-Bill. See Pelargonium. 
 
 Stramonium. See Datura. 
 
 Stratiotes. Water Soldier. From stratos, an army; 
 in allusion to its long, sword-like leaves. Linn. 
 Dioecia-Dodecandria. Nat. Ord. Hydrocharidacece. 
 A genus of hardy aquatics. S. aloides, a native 
 of England, is a very singular plant. It resem- 
 bles our Aloes in miniature ; hence its specific 
 name. It is attached to the mud by a cord-like 
 runner, or is suspended free in the water, 
 elevating only its flowers and a portion of its 
 leaves above the surface. It increases very fast, 
 and will grow freely in the aquarium. It in- 
 creases too fast for small ponds, as it will soon 
 choke out all other plants. 
 
 Strawberry. See Frayaria. Strawberries will 
 grow on almost any soil, but it is all-important 
 that it be well drained, either naturally or arti- 
 ficially; in fact, this is true for the well-being 
 of nearly all plants, as few plants do well on 
 soils where the water does not freely pass off. 
 Thorough culture requires that the soil should 
 be first dug or plowed, then spread over with at 
 least three inches of thoroughly rotted stable 
 manure, which should be dug or plowed under, 
 so far as practicable, to mix it with the soil. If 
 stable manure cannot be had, artificial manure, 
 such as ground bone dust, etc. , should be sown 
 on the dug or plowed ground, thick enough to 
 nearly cover it, then harrowed or chopped in with 
 a fork, so that it is well mixed with the soil to 
 at least six inches in depth. This, then, is the 
 preliminary work before planting, to insure a 
 crop the next season after planting in nine or 
 ten months. The plants must be such as are 
 layered in pots, and the sooner they are planted 
 out after the loth of July, the better, although, 
 if not then convenient, they will produce a crop 
 the next season even if planted as late as the mid- 
 dle of September; but the sooner they are planted 
 the larger will be the crop. They may be set 
 from pot layers either in beds of four rows each, 
 fifteen inches apart, and fifteen inches between 
 the plants, leaving two feet between the beds 
 for pathway; or be set out in rows two feet apart, 
 the plants in the rows fifteen inches apart; and 
 if the plants are properly set out, ( care being 
 taken to firm the soil around the plant, which 
 is best done by pressing the soil against each 
 plant with the foot, ) not one plant in a thous- 
 and of Strawberry plants that have been grown 
 in pots will fail to grow. For the first three or 
 four weeks after planting nothing need be done 
 except to hoe the beds, so that all weeds are 
 kept down. Be careful to do this once in every 
 ten days; for if the weeds once get a start, it 
 will treble the labor of keeping the ground 
 clean. In about a month after planting they 
 will begin to throw out runners, all of which 
 m<tst be pinched or cut off as they appear, so that 
 by the end of the growing season (1st of Novem- 
 ber) each plant will have formed a complete 
 bush one foot or more in diameter, having the 
 necessary matured "crowns" for next June's 
 fruit. By the middle of December the entire 
 beds of Strawberry plants should be covered up 
 with salt-meadow hay (straw, leaves, or any- 
 thing similar will do as well) to the depth of 
 two or three inches, entirely covering up the 
 
 giants and soil, so that nothing is seen but the 
 ay. By April the plants so protected will show 
 indications of growth, when the hay around each 
 plant is pushed a little aside, to assist it in getting 
 through the covering, so that by May the fully 
 
 STK 
 
 developed plant shows on the clean surface of 
 the hay. This " mulching," as it is called, is 
 indispensable to the best culture, as it protects 
 the plants from cold in winter, keeps the fruit 
 clean, keeps the roots cool by shading them 
 from the hot sun in June, and, at the same 
 time, saves nearly all further labor after being 
 once put on, as few weeds can push through it. 
 By this method we prefer to plant new beds 
 every year, though, if desired, the beds once 
 planted may be fruited for two or three years, 
 as by the old plans ; but the fruit the first sea- 
 son will always be the largest in size, if not 
 greatest in number. Another advantage of this 
 system is that, where space is limited, there is 
 
 ?uite time enough to get a crop of Potatoes, 
 ease, Beans, Lettuce, Radishes, or, in fact, any 
 summer crop off the ground first before planting 
 the Strawberries, thus taking two crops from 
 the ground in one year, if desired, and there is 
 also plenty of time to crop the ground with Cab- 
 bage, Cauliflower, Celery, or other fall crop after 
 the crop of Strawberries has been gathered. 
 The plan of getting the pot layers of Straw- 
 berries is very simple. Just as soon as the 
 fruit is gathered, if the beds are well forked up 
 between the rows, the runners or young plants 
 will begin to grow, and in two weeks will be fit 
 to layer in pots. The pots, which should be 
 from two to three inches in diameter, are filled 
 with the soil in which the Strawberries are 
 growing, and "plunged "or sunk to the level 
 of the surface; the Strawberry layer is then laid 
 on the pot, being held in place with a small 
 stone. The stone not only serves to keep the 
 plant in its place, so that its roots will strike 
 into the pot, but it also serves to mark where 
 each pot is ; for, being sunk to the level of the 
 surface, rains wash the soil around the pots, 
 so that they could not well be seen unless 
 marked by the stone. In ten or twelve days after 
 the Strawberry layers have been put down the 
 pots will be filled with roots. They are then 
 cut from the parent plant, placed closely to- 
 gether, and shaded and watered for a few days 
 before being planted out. Some plant them out 
 at once when taken up, but, unless the weather 
 is very suitable, some loss may occur by this 
 method; by the other plan, however, of harden- 
 ing them for a few days, not one in a thousand 
 will fail. Strawberries for field culture are usu- 
 ally planted from the ordinary layers, either in 
 August and September in the fall, or in March, 
 April, or May in the spring. They are usually 
 planted in rows, two to three feet apart, and 
 nine to twelve inches between the plants. In 
 planting, every plant should be well firmed, or 
 great loss is almost certain to ensue, as the 
 Strawberry is a plant always- difficult to trans- 
 plant. They are usually worked by a horse cul- 
 tivator, and generally two or three crops are 
 taken before the beds are plowed under; but 
 the first crop given (which is in the second year 
 after planting) is always the best. The same 
 care must be taken as in planting by pot layers, 
 the ground must be kept clear of weeds, and 
 the runners pinched or cut off to make fruiting 
 crowns. By the usual field method of culture, 
 it will be seen that there is a loss of one season 
 in about three; for in the year of planting no 
 fruit, of course, is produced, and for this reason 
 we incline to the belief that, if a portion were 
 set aside to produce early plants, so that pot 
 layers could be set out by the 15th of July, a 
 full crop of the finest fruit could be had every
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 STK 
 
 season, and with less cost, we think; for the 
 only labor after planting is to keep the ground 
 clean and pinch off the runners from July to 
 October, with the certainty of getting a full crop 
 next June, or in less than a year from the 
 time of planting, while by planting by ordinary 
 layers, if planted in August, we have three 
 months of fall culture, and six or seven months 
 of the next summer's culture, before a crop is 
 produced. Again, if the crop is continued to 
 fruit the second or third year, every one who 
 has had experience with the nature of the plant 
 knows that the labor of keeping the plants free 
 from weeds is enormous; while by the pot lay- 
 ering method of taking a fresh crop each year, 
 all such labor is dispensed with. It is useless 
 to name any special varieties of the Strawberry 
 as best to cultivate. We have now thousands 
 under cultivation, and such kinds as we might 
 now name as the best will, a few years hence, 
 be superseded. It is best to select from the an- 
 nual catalogues of some responsible nurseryman 
 or florist, where descriptions are usually fully 
 given. 
 
 Strawberry Bush. See Eaonymus Americanus. 
 
 Strawberry Shrub. See Calycanthus floridus. 
 
 Strawberry Tomato. See Physalis Alkekengi. 
 
 Strelitzia. Named in honor of the Queen of 
 George ILL., from the house of Mecklenburgh- 
 Strelitz. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Musacece. 
 
 These are handsome plants, with large, pale- 
 green leaves, and singular, richly-colored flow- 
 ers. S. regince is the most common, and per- 
 haps the most beautiful ; its flowers are bril- 
 liant orange and purple. It is usual to grow the 
 species as hot-house plants, but they succeed 
 almost equally well in the green-house, placed 
 in large pots of rich loam, and kept in a light 
 part of the house at all times, except for a couple 
 of months, between June and September, when 
 they are best out of doors. They will thus 
 grow and flower finely. The species are all na- 
 tives of the Cape of Good Hope, and were intro- 
 duced in 1773. Propagation is slow, and is 
 effected by suckers, or from seed, when it can be 
 obtained. 
 
 Streptocarpus. From streptos, twisted, and car- 
 pos, a fruit; referring to its long, twisted seed 
 pods. Linn. Diandria - Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 A very neat and pretty dwarf plant, with vel- 
 vety leaves and lilac flowers, produced freely 
 all the summer. It may be grown in the green- 
 house, or used as a bedding plant for the open 
 border, where, in a warm situation, it will pro- 
 duce a multitude of flowers. It will bear almost 
 any treatment, but does best in pots of light, 
 sandy soil, and with plenty of heat in the early 
 stages of its growth, say from March to May, 
 after which a cool house or the open air will 
 preserve its flowers for a long time, and, being 
 produced in rapid succession, the plant will 
 be an object of beauty for at least four or 
 five months. They should have rest during 
 winter, like other green-house herbaceous per- 
 ennials. They are all interesting plants. In- 
 troduced from Natal in 1854. Propagated by 
 division. 
 
 Strumaria. From struma, a tubercle; the style is 
 enlarged at the bottom. Linn. Hexandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. AmaryQidacece. 
 
 A small genus of interesting bulbs from the 
 Cape of Good Hope. The flowers are red, white, 
 or pink, somewhat resembling the Nerine, to 
 
 STY 
 
 which this genus is allied. They are of dwarf 
 habit, well adapted for green-house culture, 
 and succeed with but little care, the main requi- 
 site being to secure a good growth of foliage af- 
 ter flowering, as the flowers for the coming sea- 
 son will correspond, in size and strength, to the 
 growth of leaves. Propagated by offsets. Intro- 
 duced in 1812. 
 
 Struthiopteris. From strmdhws, an ostrich, and 
 pteris, a fern ; resemblance of the leaves, or 
 fronds, to its feathers. Linn. C'ryptogamia-FUices. 
 Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy Ferns, with strong, 
 erect-growing fronds. S. Germanica, popularly 
 known as the Ostrich Fern, is common in most 
 of the Northern States. The species are also to 
 be found in India and Japan. Professor Gray 
 makes S. Pennsylvania, Willd., and Onocka 
 Struthiopteris, L., synonymous with S. Germanica. 
 Strychnos. Nux Vomica. The Greek name of 
 the Solanum. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Apocynacece. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen trees, natives of 
 the East Indies. S. Nux-vomica is well known, 
 from the seeds that bear that name, and which 
 contain an active principle called Strychnia, a 
 virulent poison. This species is a tree of mod- 
 erate size, much branched, and covered with 
 dark gray, smooth bark. The flowers are small, 
 bell-shaped, and nearly white. The tree has 
 nothing of special interest, if we except its 
 power for evil. The seeds of -S. potatorum show 
 a marked contrast to the preceding. They are 
 an important article of merchandise in the In- 
 dian bazaars, being sold for the purpose of 
 clearing muddy water, the vessels containing the 
 water being rubbed for a minute or two round 
 the inside with one of the seeds; after which, 
 by allowing the water to settle for a short time, 
 however impure and muddy it may have been 
 before, it becomes clear and wholesome. 
 Stuartia. Named after John Stuart, Marquis of 
 Bute. Linn. Monaddphia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. 
 TernstromiacecK. 
 
 A small genus of hardy deciduous shrubs, 
 with axillary white flowers. They are indige- 
 nous in Virginia and southward. 
 Stylidium. From stylos, a column ; the stamens 
 and style are joined into a column Linn. Gynan- 
 dria-Diandria. Nat. Ord. Stylidiacecv. 
 
 A genus of evergreen and herbaceous plants 
 from New Holland. They are all neat little green- 
 house plants, each of the numerous stems pro- 
 ducing a copiously-filled spike of small rose- 
 colored flowers. They should be cut down an- 
 nually after flowering, and require some care to 
 preserve them free from mildew through the 
 damp weather of winter. A light, airy shelf is 
 the best preventive, and a sprinkling of sulphur 
 on the affected parts will generally remove it. 
 Propagated by cuttings of young shoots. In- 
 troduced in 1824. 
 
 Styphelia. From slyphelos, hard ; referring to the 
 wood. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 EpacridacecK. 
 
 A genus of green-house evergreen shrubs, 
 harsh, erect, and low-growing. They have usu- 
 ally pink or scarlet flowers, axillary and droop- 
 ing. <S. tubiftora and a few other of the species 
 are very beautiful plants, their showy flowers 
 completely covering the stems, and remaining 
 several weeks in perfection. They should be 
 grown and propagated like the Epacris. 
 Styrax. Storax. From the Arabic. Linn. Decan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Styracece.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 sue 
 
 A genus of handsome flowering, hardy decidu- 
 ous shrubs and low-growing trees, well adapted 
 for the shrubbery border. Several of the spe- 
 cies are common on the margins of swamps from 
 Virginia southward. The most important spe- 
 cies is 8. Benzoin, a native of Borneo and Su- 
 matra. It yields the resin called Benzoin, which 
 is employed medicinally, and also in the manu- 
 facture of perfumes. It is used in the Bx>man 
 Catholic Churches in the composition of in- 
 cense. iS. qfficinale, a native of the Levant, 
 yields a balsamic resin called Storax. Among 
 some of the species of recent introduction is <S. 
 Japonica, known, from its feathery white blos- 
 soms, as "Snow-flake Flower." It is a shrub 
 growing about four feet in height, and is hardy 
 in the vicinity of New York. All are propagated 
 freely from cuttings. 
 
 Succory. See Cichorium. 
 
 Sugar Beet. See Beta. 
 
 Sugar Berry. The fruit of Celtis occidentals, 
 which see. 
 
 Sugar Cane. See Saccharum officinarum. 
 
 Sumach. See Rhus. 
 
 Summer Savory. See Satureta hortensis. 
 
 Sundew. See JJrosera. 
 
 Sundrops. See (Enotliem fruticosa. 
 
 Sunflower. See Hdianthus. 
 
 Sun Rose. See Hdianthemum. 
 
 Sutherlandia. Named in honor of James Suther- 
 lawl, one of the first superintendents of the 
 Royal Botanical Garden at Edinburgh, and au- 
 thor of a botanical catalogue. Linn. Diaddphia- 
 Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 Very showy half-hardy evergreen shrubs, pro- 
 ducing freely during summer axillary clusters 
 of scarlet flowers. The plants are too large for 
 ordinary green-house culture, and do not repay 
 the cost of winter protection in the border. 
 S. microphylla is one of the best. Introduced 
 from the Cape of Good Hope in 1800. 
 
 S wainsonia. In honor of Isaac Suxtinson, F.R.S., 
 L.S., a celebrated cultivator of plants about the 
 end of the last century. Linn. Dladelplda-Decan- 
 drifi. Nat. Ord. Fabacecv. 
 
 This genus closely resembles the preceding. 
 It is, however, better adapted for pot culture in 
 the green-house, in which case the young wood 
 should be frequently cut back in spring; and 
 after flowering the stems should be cut down to 
 prevent the plants from becoming straggling 
 and unsightly. There are four species under 
 cultivation, having purple, red, or white flowers, 
 produced singly or in pairs on short axillary pe- 
 duncles. S. galegifolia is a well-known species. 
 They are all from Australia. Propagated from 
 cuttings and by seeds. Introduced in 1826. 
 
 Swamp Honeysuckle. See Azalea viscosa. 
 
 Swamp Moss. See Sphaynum. 
 
 Swamp Sassafras or Laurel. See Magnolia 
 glanca. 
 
 Sweet Alyssum. See Koniga. 
 
 Sweet Basil. See Ocynwm. 
 
 Sweet Bay. See Lauras nobilis and Magnolia 
 (fauna, 
 
 Sweet Brier. See Rosa rublginosa. 
 
 Sweet Cicely. See OsmorhiM, 
 
 Sweet Clover. See Meliloii.is alba. 
 
 Sweet Fern. See Comptonia. 
 
 Sweet Flag. See Acorus. 
 
 Sweet Gale. See Myrica gale. 
 
 Sweet Gum Tree. See Liquidambar styraciflna. 
 
 Sweet Leaf. See fym/JnC'is tnidoria, the leaves of 
 which are sweet, and greedily eaten by cattle. 
 
 Sweet Marjoram. See Origanum majorana. 
 
 SIM 
 
 Sweet Pea. See Lathyrus odoratus. 
 
 Sweet Pepperbush. See Clethra. 
 
 Sweet Potato. See Potato. 
 
 Sweet-scented. Shrub. See Calycanthus noridus. 
 
 Sweet Sultan. See Centaurea moschala. 
 
 Sweet Vernal Grass. See A,itko.cantham odoratum. 
 
 Sweet William. See Diunihua barbatus. 
 
 Swertia. Named after E. Sucert, a famous cultiva- 
 tor of bulbs and flowers in Holland. Linn. Pen- 
 iandriu-Diyynia. Nat. Ord. GentianacecK. 
 
 A genus of herbaceous perennials, mostly 
 hardy. They are natives of Europe, Asia, and 
 Northern India. The leaves are used in their 
 native countries medicinally. None of the spe- 
 cies are valuable as flowering plants. 
 
 Swietenia. Mahogany. In honor of Gerard Van 
 Swieten, a Dutch botanist and author. Linn. De- 
 candria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. CedrdacecK. 
 
 "The Mahogany Tree, -S. mahagoni, is a native 
 of the West Indies, Central America, and Mex- 
 ico, and is one of the most majestic of trees; for 
 though some rise to a greater height, this tree, 
 like the Oak and the Cedar, impresses the spec- 
 tator with the strongest feelings of its firmness- 
 and duration. In the rich valleys among the 
 mountains of Cuba, and those that open upon 
 the Bay of Honduras, the Mahogany expands to 
 so huge a trunk, divides into so many massive 
 arms, and throws the shade of so many shiny 
 green leaves, spotted with tufts of pearly flow- 
 ers, over so vast an extent of surface, that it is 
 difficult to imagine a vegetable production com- 
 bining in such a degree the qualities of elegance 
 and strength, of beauty and sublimity. The 
 Mahogany tree is found in great quantities on 
 the low and woody lands, and even upon the 
 rocks in the countries upon the western shores 
 of the Caribbean Sea, about Honduras and Cam- 
 peachy. It is also abundant in the islands of 
 Cuba and Hayti, and it used to be plentiful in 
 Jamaica, where it was of excellent quality, but 
 most of the larger trees have been cut down. It 
 was formerly abundant on the Bahamas, where 
 it grew to a great height, with the trunks four 
 feet in diameter. When it grows in favorable 
 situations the timber is larger and plain; the 
 better portion, such as is used for veneers, 
 comes from the junction of the branches with 
 the body, or crotches, as they are commonly 
 termed. The trees that grow in rocky and ex- 
 posed situations do not grow as large, but the 
 timber is more solid, has a greater variety and 
 shade of grain, is much stronger, and in all 
 ways preferable for cabinet work." The Bay- 
 wood and Spanish Cedar of commerce are of the 
 same species, but are of larger growth, and the 
 wood is very coarse and soft. It is used princi- 
 pally in making segar boxes or similar work. 
 
 Swiss Chard. See Seta. 
 
 Sycamore. See Plattmus occidentalis. 
 
 Symphoricarpus. Snowberry. From symphareo, 
 to accumulate, and karpos, a fruit ; in allusion 
 to its clustered bunches of fruit. Linn. Pentan- 
 ilrin-MoiiO'ii/iii'i. Nat. Ord. Caprifoliucece. 
 
 A genus of hardy deciduous shrubs, common 
 in most of the States. Some of them are quite 
 ornamental, and are cultivated in the shrubbery 
 border. They grow so freely, and sucker so- 
 much, that it is difficult to keep them under 
 subjection. >'. ;',, /<>..-(, the Snowberry, has 
 pinkish flowers, disposed in loose racemes, which 
 are succeeded by large white berries, which are 
 very ornamental, and remain on the bush un- 
 til nearly winter, making it conspicuous in the 
 border. The variegated variety is a fine plant.
 
 224 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SYM 
 
 Symphytum. Comfrey. From symphyo, to make 
 unite, and phyton, a plant ; in reference to the 
 healing qualities of the plant. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Boraginacece. . 
 
 A genus of coarse-growing, weedy plants, for- 
 merly esteemed for their medicinal properties, 
 and of the first importance in a collection of 
 herbs. They have become naturalized in this 
 country from Europe, and are common around 
 old gardens and in moist places. S. asperrimum 
 was introduced into this country for use as a 
 forage plant in 1875, but does not as yet seem 
 to be much valued. Propagated by seeds or by 
 roots. 
 
 Symplocarpus. Skunk Cabbage. From symploke, 
 connection, and karpos, fruit; descriptive of the 
 plant. Linn. Tetrandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 OronliacccK. 
 
 A worthless, coarse-growing weed, common in 
 swamps and wet meadows from Virginia to 
 Maine. S.fcetidus, the only known species, is the 
 common Skunk Cabbage, and is readily known 
 by its skunk-like odor when the leaves are 
 bruised. 
 
 Synadenium. A genus of Euphorbiacece, closely 
 allied to Euphorbia, and of which there are but 
 three species known. S. Grantii, an African 
 species, introduced in 1867, is cultivated for its 
 bright crimson flowers, which are showy and 
 attractive. 
 
 Syngonium. From syn, together, and gonu, an 
 angle. Linn. Moncecia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Aracece. 
 
 & auritum, the only known species, is a na- 
 tive of South America, and has been a long 
 time under cultivation as Caladium auritum. 
 
 Syringa. The Lilac. From syrinx, a pipe; the 
 branches are long and straight, and filled with 
 medulla; hence the old name of the Lilac, Pipe 
 Tree. The English name of the genus is from 
 
 TAG 
 
 lilac or lUag, the Persian word for the flower. 
 Linn. Diandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Oleacece. 
 
 A genus of well-known deciduous shrubs, 
 with purplish or white flowers, natives of South- 
 eastern Europe, Persia, Northern India, and 
 China. All the species are perfectly hardy, and 
 are easily grown. S. vulg&ris, the common L/ilac, 
 with purple or white flowers, is of doubtful ori- 
 gin, though generally credited to Persia. It 
 has been under cultivation for more than three 
 hundred years, and from the species several va- 
 rieties have been obtained, but without any 
 marked peculiarities. IS. Chinensis is an allied 
 species, differing only in size. It does not grow 
 as high, has narrower leaves, and the inflores- 
 cence is more profuse, and of a reddish- violet 
 hue. S. Persica, Persian Lilac, is a very distinct 
 species, of much smaller size, rarely growing 
 more than six feet high; the branches are slender 
 and straight, the leaves are smaller and nar- 
 rowed at the base. The flowers are produced in 
 looser panicles, and the florets are smaller, giv- 
 ing the whole plant a more graceful appearance. 
 The white Persian Lilac is now forced for winter 
 flowers, which are highly prized for baskets and 
 bouquets. A great variety of well-marked seed- 
 lings has recently been raised by a Canadian 
 nurseryman, some of which promise well. All 
 the species are rapidly increased from layers, or 
 from suckers, the only trouble being, that they 
 increase so fast as to be troublesome. That the 
 Lilac has been cultivated for centuries there is 
 plenty of evidence. We have personally gathered 
 specimens growing with Parsley (Apiumpetroseli- 
 nurri) in the debris of castles in Great Britain that 
 had been in ruins for over three hundred years, 
 showing that the warlike barons, or their wives, 
 had some taste for the ornamental as well as 
 the useful, even in those early days. 
 Syringa. See Philadelphus. 
 
 T. 
 
 rpabernsemontana. Named in honor of James 
 Ji Theodore Taberncemontanus, a celebrated phy- 
 sician and botanist. Linn. Pentandria~Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Apocynacecv. 
 
 This genus is composed of very handsome 
 hot-house shrubs, with deep green foliage and 
 large white or yellow flowers possessing an 
 agreeable fragrance. After blooming they should 
 receive a moderate pruning to keep them bushy 
 and increase the number of flower heads. The 
 large, leathery leaves of this and other similar 
 genera are inducements, in the way of shelter, 
 to many troublesome insects, such as thrips, 
 scale, and mealy bug ; to eradicate these, and 
 keep the plants healthy, they should be frequently 
 washed, each leaf separately, with a sponge and 
 soap and water, or the latter alone, and at inter- 
 vals receive a sprinkling with a syringe to clean 
 them of dust, which in itself is prejudicial to all 
 plants, and gives encouragement to the insects 
 by causing a languid action in the leaves The 
 several species are mostly natives of the East 
 Indies, but a few are distributed throughout 
 the West Indies and South America. Propa- 
 gated by cuttings. Introduced in 1770. 
 Tackamahack, Balsam Poplar. See Populus 
 balsamijera. 
 
 Tacca. The Malay name of the species. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Mbnogynia. Nat. Ord. Tuccacece. 
 
 A genus of East Indian plants, grown by the 
 natives for their bulbs, which resemble new 
 Potatoes, and contain a large amount of starch. 
 The various species grow in the open country. 
 T. pinnatifida is generally found in sandy places 
 near the sea. The leaf-stalks of this spe'cies are 
 plaited into bonnets by the natives of the Socie- 
 ty Islands, but the principal use made of all the 
 species is that of their tubers, which, resembling 
 new Potatoes, contain a great deal of starch, 
 known as South Sea Arrowroot, and far prefera- 
 ble to any other Arrowroot in cases of dysen- 
 tery. The tubers are dug up after the leaves 
 have died away, and are rasped and macerated 
 four or five days in water, when the fecula sep- 
 arates in the same manner as Sago does. It is 
 largely employed as an article of diet through- 
 out the tropics, and is a favorite ingredient for 
 puddings and cakes in the South Seas. The 
 species are rarely seen in plant collections. 
 
 Tacsonia. From Tacso, the name of one of the 
 species in Peru. Linn. Monadelphia-Pentandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Passiftoracea;. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful climbing plants, 
 closely related to Passiftora, having the same
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TAG 
 
 general appearance, and the same structure of 
 stamens, pistils, and fruit, but differing in the 
 usually long, cylindrical tube of the calyx, 
 which is furnished with two crowns, one at the 
 throat, and the other near its base. In T. mani- 
 cata, however, a very handsome species, the 
 tube scarcely exceeds in length that of a Passion 
 Flower. The species are natives of Central 
 America and the West Indies. The fruits of 
 several of them, as T. mollissima, T. Iripartila, and 
 T. speciosa, are edible. T." Buchanuni is now 
 Passiflora racemosa, and is one of the most beau- 
 tiful plants of the order. (See Passiflora.) It 
 was raised from seed by Mr. Isaac Buchanan of 
 New York. The Tacsonias are all beautiful 
 plants, and worthy of a place in any collection. 
 They require the same general treatment as 
 Passiflora, and are propagated in the same way. 
 Introduced in 1815. 
 
 Tagetes. Marigold. From the beauty of its 
 flowers, this genus was named after Tages, a 
 Tuscan divinity. Linn. Syngenesia-Superftua. 
 Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 Marigolds are old favorites in our gardens, 
 particularly those known as African and French 
 Marigolds. The former (T. ereclft) have uni- 
 formly large yellow or orange-colored flowers, 
 and usually attain a couple of feet in height; 
 the latter ( T. patula) are more dwarf, and have 
 their flowers striped of a deep brown purple and 
 yellow. They are all showy, especially in mass- 
 es, and are effective for distant groups. There 
 is, however, another species, T. tenuifolia or T. 
 signaki, preferable for bedding; it ia more com- 
 pact in habit; and though its flowers do not 
 boast the vivid coloring of the French Marigolds, 
 (being entirely yellow,) yet they are produced 
 in such long succession as to amply compen- 
 sate for the deficiency; besides which, the scent 
 so frequently complained of in the others is in 
 this so much reduced as to be no longer un- 
 pleasant. The pheasant-eyed variety of T. 
 daucioides is also occasionally grown in gardens, 
 and is very showy. These comprise all that 
 are worth cultivating as ornamental plants, and 
 require precisely the same treatment as other 
 hardy annuals. 
 
 Talinum. Supposed to be from thalia, a green 
 branch ; referring to its durable verdure. Linn. 
 Dodecandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Portulacacece. 
 A genus of annual and biennial succulent 
 plants, inhabiting the warmer parts of both 
 hemispheres, but chiefly confined to sub-tropi- 
 cal America. T. patens, with its variety with 
 variegated foliage, a native of Brazil, is a desir- 
 able plant for the border, or as a basket or vase 
 plant, being well adapted to stand hot, dry 
 weather, and does not suffer badly if neglected. 
 The variegated variety is often used as a white 
 line for ril/bon borders. This species is used in 
 Brazil as a pot-herb. They are readily propa- 
 gated by seeds or cuttings. Introduced in 1776. 
 
 Tallow Tree. See Xtillingia. 
 
 Tamarack. American or Black Larch, Hack- 
 matack. See Larix Americana. 
 
 Tamarind. See Tamarindus. 
 
 Tamarindus. Tamarind Tree. Tamar, in Arabic, 
 is the name of the Date, and Indus, Indian, In- 
 dian Date. Linn. Monadelphia-Decandria. Nat. 
 Ord. PapilionacecK. 
 
 The tree that furnishes the Tamarinds for pre- 
 serves is a native of the East Indies, West 
 Indies, Egypt, and Arabia. It is a large, spread- 
 ing, and beautiful tree, and its graceful pinnat- 
 ed foliage, and racemes of fragrant flowers, 
 
 TAB 
 
 which are yellow striped with red, with purple 
 stamens, give it an elegant appearance. T. In- 
 dica is the only known species, and this varies 
 but little in the different countries in which it 
 abounds. Propagated from cuttings and by 
 seeds. Introduced in 1633. 
 
 Tamarisk. See Tamarix. 
 
 Tamarix. Tamarisk. From Tamaris, now Tam- 
 bro, the name of a river where it grows, on the 
 borders of the Pyrenees. Linn. Pentaiidria-Tri- 
 rjynia. Nat. Ord. Tamaricacecn. 
 
 Tall-growing shrubs, mostly natives of Eu- 
 rope. A great many species are enumerated, but 
 two only are usually met in collections of orna- 
 mental shrubs. These are T. Gallica, the French 
 Tamarisk, and T. Gennanica, the German 
 Tamarisk. The French Tamarisk is far the 
 handsomest, and will thrive in almost any soil 
 or situation ; in bleak exposed places on the sea- 
 shore, in the poorest sandy soils, it never fails 
 to succeed, and produce its long, terminal, 
 graceful spikes of pinkish flowers. It will do 
 equally well in city yards, that are exposed to 
 sun, soot, and smoke. It is, in short, one of 
 our most valuable ornamental shrubs. The 
 Manna of Mount Sinai is produced by a variety 
 of T. Gallica; it consists wholly of pure, mucilag- 
 inous sugar. T. Africana is quite commonly 
 grown. The plants are increased by cuttings 
 taken off in the fall and put out in nursery rows. 
 
 Tampico Fiber. See Leopoldinia. 
 
 Tanacetum. Tansy. Derivation of name un- 
 known. Said to be altered from Athanasia. 
 Linn. Syngenesia-Superftua. Nat. Ord. AsteracecK. 
 All the species that compose this genus are 
 hardy herbaceous plants, or what might properly 
 be called weeds. T. vulgare is the common 
 Tansy of the old gardens and roadsides. It 
 was formerly introduced as a garden plant, and 
 took a prominent position among domestic 
 medicines, but is now pretty generally discard- 
 ed. It has escaped from the gardens, and has 
 long been naturalized in the United States. It 
 is a native of Europe. 
 
 Tansy. See Tanacetum. 
 
 Tape Grass. See VaUisneria. 
 
 Tapioca. See Jatropha. 
 
 Taraxicum. Dandelion. Name supposed to be 
 from the Greek taraxo, to disquiet or disorder; 
 in allusion to the medicinal effects of the plant. 
 Linn. Syngenesia-^Efjualis. Nat. Ord. Asteraceai. 
 
 The common Dandelion, T. Dens-leonis, is a 
 native of Europe, but has become so thoroughly 
 naturalized as to be a very troublesome weed. 
 The roots have powerful medicinal properties, 
 and are held in high esteem by the Eclectic 
 practitioners. .The leaves are used as a pot-herb, 
 for which purpose the plants are grown in frames 
 by the market gardeners of nearly all large 
 cities. It is also used as an early spring 
 "greens," and is cultivated for this purpose in 
 both private and market gardens. This was one 
 of the plants selected by Linnaeus for his floral 
 clock, as the flowers open and close at a regular 
 hour, morning and evening. Propagated by 
 
 Tare. See Vicea sativa. 
 
 Tarragon. (Artemisia Dracunculus.) This, like 
 many garden plants that have been under culti- 
 vation for at least 400 years, is of unknown origin. 
 Opinions are divided as to whether it is a na- 
 tive of Siberia or the south of Europe. It is a 
 hardy herbaceous perennial, cultivated for its 
 leaves and young shoots, both of which are used 
 as an ingredient in salads, soups, stews, pickles,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TAR 
 
 and various other compounds. Tarragon vin- 
 egar, so much esteemed as a fish-sauce, is 
 made by an infusion of the leaves in common 
 vinegar. It is propagated from seeds, or from 
 pieces of the root, every portion of which, how- 
 ever small, will grow if a single bud is left on. 
 
 Tartarian Lamb. See Cibotium. 
 
 Taxodium. Bald Cypress, Deciduous Cypress. 
 From taxus, the Yew, and o'ules, like ; trees re- 
 sembling the Yew. Linn. Monoecia-Odandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Pinacece. 
 
 T. distichum, the deciduous Cypress, abounds 
 in the Southern States, growing as far north as 
 Delaware and Southern Illinois. It is one of the 
 most valuable trees for timber, and is consider- 
 ably grown as an ornamental tree for the lawn. 
 It is perfectly hardy as far north as New York. 
 Beautiful specimens are often seen on lawns, 
 where their feathery foliage renders them at- 
 tractive objects. 
 
 Taxus. Yew. From taxon, a bow ; the wood an- 
 ciently used for bows; or from taxis, arrange- 
 ment, the leaves being arranged on the branches 
 like the teeth of a comb. Yew is supposed to 
 be from the Celtic word iw, signifying verdure ; 
 alluding to the Yew being an evergreen. Linn. 
 D'uecia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. Taxacece. 
 
 A genus of well-known evergreen trees, popu- 
 larly known as the Irish Yew. They are com- 
 pact in habit, their branches being densely 
 crowded with leaves; they are also upright, the 
 branches all perpendicular, giving the tree a 
 small circumference for its height. On this ac- 
 count, it is a favorite tree for cemeteries and 
 church-yards. There is a native species, T. bac- 
 cata, var. Canadensis, commonly known as 
 Ground Hemlock or American Yew, common in 
 the more Northern States, on moist banks and 
 hills. It rarely grows more than tour feet high, 
 and is branching and straggling in habit. T. bac- 
 cata, the Common Yew of England, is the spe- 
 cies from which the ancient English bows were 
 made. Loudon says: " In the days of archery 
 the Yew was the principal wood used for the 
 bow in Britain, and in the reign of Henry VTTT. 
 of England, the demand was so great that it had 
 to be imported from the Continent of Europe 
 
 into England, and various laws were passed 
 concerning it from the days of Edward IV. to 
 Elizabeth/' 
 
 Tea. See Thea. 
 
 Tea- Berry. A local name sometimes given to the 
 NYmtergreen, Gaultheria, procumbens, which see 
 
 Teak Tree. See Teciona. 
 
 Tear Thumb. A name commonly applied to 
 several species of Polygonum, on account of their 
 rough bearded stems, which lacerate when 
 handled. 
 
 Teasel. See Dipsacus. 
 
 Tecoma. From TecomaxochUl, the Mexican name 
 of tho species. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Bignoniacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy deciduous and green-house 
 evergreen climbing shrubs, consisting of up- 
 ward of fifty species. They are mostly South 
 American plants. T. radioing, or Trumpet 
 Creeper, m general cultivation, is a native spe- 
 cies common from Pennsylvania to Illinois and 
 southward It is well adapted for covering 
 walls or arbors IE the open border, being per- 
 fectly hardy and a rapid grower; the flowers 
 are large, tubular, and a brilliant orange T 
 arancliflora is nearly allied to T. radians', but 
 has larger flowers, of a deeper shade of orange 
 These two species are commonly known among us 
 
 TEP 
 
 as Bignonias. Some of the green-house species 
 are objects of great beauty, but as they flower 
 in summer, they are not as generally grown as 
 they should be. All the species are propagated 
 from cuttings of the root or suckers. 
 
 Tectona. Teak Tree. From Tekka, its Malabar 
 name. Linn. Pentandria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Verbenucece. 
 
 This is a celebrated timber tree of the East 
 Indies, used for ship-building in preference to 
 all other woods, -because of its strength, great 
 durability, the ease with which it can be worked, 
 and its non-liability to be injured by the attacks 
 of Fungi. Some of the species have been intro- 
 duced into the green-house. They are very 
 handsome trees, with purple or white flowers. 
 Their size prevents their general introduction. 
 
 Telfairia. Named in honor of Mrs. Tel/air. Linn. 
 Diwcia-Monadelphia. Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacece. 
 
 T. pedfita, the only known species, is a tall 
 climbing plant, a native of Zanzibar, introduced 
 in 1825, but rarely grown, the room and care re- 
 quired in the green-house being considered too 
 valuable for a plant only remarkable for its curi- 
 ous fruit, which often grows three feet long, 
 and six to eight inches in diameter, containing 
 upward of two hundred and fifty circular seeds, 
 about an inch in diameter. These seeds yield 
 an excellent oil, and they are, moreover, as palat- 
 able as almonds. See Joliffia. 
 
 Telopea. Warratah. From telopas, seen at a dis- 
 tance; alluding to the great distance at which 
 its crimson-colored flowers may be seen in its 
 native country. Linn. Telrandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Proteacecv. 
 
 The brilliant scarlet flowers of this plant, 
 which are conspicuous even at a great distance, 
 are said to have been one cause why the coast of 
 New South Wales was distinguished by its first 
 visitors as Botany Bay in allusion to the great 
 accession to botany likely to be denved from a 
 country where the plants appeared so different 
 from those of Europe. The flower of the War- 
 ratah may be compared to a gigantic head of 
 clover of the most intense and brilliant scarlet, 
 but it is not common, probably because it is a 
 very difficult plant to man ige. The first point 
 to be attended to is to have the pot in which it 
 is grown thoroughly well drained, and the next, 
 to allow it abundance of light and air. It is 
 propagated by cuttings or suckers, which it 
 throws up in abundance. It should be regular- 
 ly watered in the flowering season, but it may 
 be kept almost dry during the winter months. 
 
 Teosinte. Euchlceana luxurians. The seeds of this 
 were received here in 1879 from the Royal Gar- 
 dens at Kew, England. It had been previous- 
 ly sent to the British colonies in Africa and 
 other tropical latitudes, where the reports 
 from it as a fodder crop were of the most 
 extravagant kind. When fully developed, it 
 reaches a height of twelve feet, each seed 
 making a plant having from one hundred to 
 one hundred and twenty shoots, when planted 
 five or six feet apart. It somewhat resembles 
 the Pearl Millet, and, like it, will admit of re- 
 peated cuttings during the growing season. 
 Although perennial, it will probably do better 
 if treated as an animal, sowings to be made 
 every season, as any plant of that luxuriance 
 would quickly exhaust the soil if allowed to re- 
 main the second year. As it is closely allied 
 to our Maize, or Indian Corn, it will likely be 
 best suited for the Southern States. 
 
 Tephrosia. Hoary Pea, Goat's Rue. From te-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TER 
 
 phros, ash-colored: in allusion to the color of the 
 foliage of some of the species. Linn. Diadelphia- 
 Dodecandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy and green-house 
 herbaceous plants. Of the hardy species, T. Vvr- 
 giniana is the more common and beautiful. It 
 is usually found in clumps from one to six feet 
 in diameter, growing on dry, sandy soils, in 
 which it succeeds finely, and is a valuable bor- 
 der plant. Its flower stalks are about a foot 
 high, and flowers creamy white and rosy pur- 
 ple, produced in terminal clusters in July. It 
 is very common in the Northern States, and 
 is far more showy and attractive than many of 
 our prominent garden flowers. The tender va- 
 rieties, requiring the protection of the green- 
 house, are difficult to manage, and do not repay 
 the trouble by their short season of flowers. 
 
 Terminalia. From terminus, end ; the leaves are 
 in clusters at the ends of the branches. Linn. 
 Polytjamia-Moncecia. Nat. Ord. Gombretacecti. 
 
 An extensive genus of tropical evergreens, 
 found occasionally in botanical collections. The 
 fmits of several of the species form an import- 
 ant article of commerce in India, being exten- 
 sively used for tanning and dyeing purposes. 
 They are known in commerce under the name 
 of Myrobalans, and are used by calico-printers 
 for the production of a permanent black. 
 
 Testudinaria. Elephant's Foot. From testudo, a 
 tortoise; resemblance of the outside roots. Linn. 
 Diaecia-IIexandria. Nat. Ord. Dioscoreacece. 
 
 A very singular genus of plants, with enor- 
 mous scaly roots above ground, some of the spe- 
 cies resembling an elephant's foot, whence the 
 common name. From these roots rise slender 
 climbing stems to the height of thirty or forty 
 feet, with small heart-shaped leaves, and axil- 
 lary racemes of inconspicuous, greenish-yellow 
 flowers. The plants are natives of the Cape of 
 Good Hope, and are rarely met in collections. 
 
 Tetragonia. New Zealand Spinach. From letra, 
 four, and gonia, an angle; in allusion to the 
 fruit being four angled. Linn. Icosandna-Di- 
 penlagynia. Nat. Ord Tetragoniacece. 
 
 Plants not worth cultivating, except T. ex- 
 pansa, which is used as a Spinach. See New 
 Zealand Spinach. 
 
 Teucrium. Germander, Wood Sage. Named 
 after Teucer, a Trojan prince, who first used it 
 medicinally. Linn. Didynamut - Gymnospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Lamiacece. 
 
 Hardy, half-hardy, and tender perennial, bi- 
 ennial, annual, and shrubby plants, the smaller 
 kinds of which are suitable for rock-work. 
 Some of the kinds are showy border flowers, 
 and others handsome green-house shrubs, par- 
 ticularly those that are natives of Madeira. " T. 
 Betonicum is perhaps one of the best of thece, 
 as it has loose spikes of fragrant crimson Covers. 
 T. Qtnadense, American Germander, is common 
 in low grounds, along fence-rows or waste 
 places. It is a species that will become trouble- 
 some if not exterminated. It is not worthy a 
 place in the garden. 
 
 Thalia. Named in honor of J. Thaliits, a German 
 physician. Linn. Monandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Marantacece. 
 
 A small genus of aquatic plants, natives of 
 South Carolina and the West Indies. T. deal- 
 bata is an aquatic plant, a native of South Caro- 
 lina, with very curious black and white fragrant 
 flowers. It is about as hardy as Richardia jElhio- 
 pica, and requires the same treatment. 
 
 Thalictrum. Meadow Rue. From thaUo, to grow 
 
 THE 
 
 green; in allusion to the_color of the young 
 
 nculacew. 
 
 shoots. Linn. Pdyandria-Polygyma. Nat. 
 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous plants, common 
 throughout the United States and Europe. None 
 of our native species have been much intro- 
 duced into the flower garden, although many of 
 them are worthy of a place there. T. alpinum 
 is a dwarf species with white or yellow flowers, 
 and makes a pretty plant for rock-work. There 
 are several of the species that are grown for the 
 same purpose. T. aquilegifolium, & native of Aus- 
 tria, is a very pretty border plant, with light pur- 
 ple flowers. It is propagated by division or from 
 seeds. 
 
 Thatch Palm. See Sabal Blackburniana. 
 
 Thea. Tea. From Tcha, the Chinese name for 
 Tea. Linn. Monadelphia-Polyandria. Nat. Ord. 
 Ternstromiacece. 
 
 Thea and Camellia belong to the same natural 
 order, and there is so little difference between 
 the two, botanically, that they were formerly 
 classed as one. Besides the well-known Tea 
 plant, there are but five species, all natives of 
 India, China, and Japan. They are all ever- 
 greens, either shrubs or small trees, with thick, 
 shining leaves, and white or rose-colored flow- 
 ers. We are indebted to the Treasury of Botany 
 for the following concise history of this plant: 
 " The native country of the Tea plant, like that 
 of many others which have long been cultivated 
 by man, is uncertain. Hitherto the only coun- 
 try in which it has been found in a really wild 
 state is Upper Assam ; but China, where it has 
 for so many centuries been most extensively 
 
 " cultivated, has not yet received so thorough an 
 exploration by botanical travelers as to warrant 
 the assertion that it is not indigenous to any 
 part of that vast empire. A Japanese tradition, 
 however, which ascribes its introduction into 
 China to an Indian Buddhist priest who visited 
 that country in the sixth century, favors the 
 supposition of its Indian origin. It was at one 
 time commonly supposed that the two well- 
 marked sorts of Tea, Black and Green, were the 
 produce of distinct species; but Mr. Fortune 
 has proved that the Chinese manufacture the 
 different kinds indiscriminately from the same 
 plant; and botanists are now pretty generally 
 agreed that the two supposed Chinese species, 
 called T. Bohea and T. viridis, are nothing more 
 than varieties of one and the same species, for 
 which the Linnaean name, T. Chinensis, is adopt- 
 ed, and of which the Assam Tea plant (some- 
 times called T. Assamica) is merely a third va- 
 riety, or perhaps, indeed, the wild type. Though 
 the produce of the same variety of the Tea 
 plant, the Black and Green Teas prepared for 
 exportation are mainly the growth of different 
 districts of China, the Black Tea district being 
 situated in the provinces of Fokien and Kiangsi, 
 and the Green in Chekiang and Nganwhi ; but 
 the two kinds may be produced in either dis- 
 trict, the difference being caused solely by the 
 diverse methods of preparation. For the manu- 
 facture of Black Tea, the freshly-gathered leaves, 
 freed from extraneous moisture by a short ex- 
 posure in the open air, are thrown, in small 
 quantities at a time, into round, flat iron pans, 
 and exposed to gentle tire-heat for about five 
 minutes, which renders them soft and pliant, 
 and causes them to give off a large quantity of 
 moisture. After this they are emptied out into 
 bamboo sieves, and while still hot, repeatedly 
 squeezed and rolled in the hands to give them
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 THE 
 
 their twist or curl. They are next shaken out 
 into large screens, and placed in the open air m 
 the shade for two or three days; and finally ex- 
 posed in iron pans to a slow and steady fire-heat 
 until completely dried, care being taken to 
 keep them in constant motion to prevent burn- 
 ing. The chief difference in the manufacture 
 of genuine Green Tea consists in the leaves be- 
 ing so long exposed to the air after rolling that 
 fermentation does not take place, and in not 
 being subjected to such a high temperature in 
 the final drying; but the greater part, if not the 
 whole, of the Green Tea consumed in Europe 
 and America is colored artificially by the Chi- 
 nese to suit foreign trade. The Chinese distin- 
 guish a great number of varieties of Tea, some 
 of which sell for $12.50 per pound; but these 
 fine kinds will not bear a sea-voyage, and are 
 used only by the wealthier classes in China and 
 Russia, to which country they are carried over- 
 land. In ordinary commerce four kinds of 
 Black and six of Green Tea are recognized ; but 
 the difference Between them consists chiefly in 
 size, the seven*! kinds being obtained by sift- 
 ing." The Agricultural Department at Wash- 
 ington in the past four years has distributed 
 hundreds of thousands of Tea plants in differ- 
 ent sections of the Southern States, and experi- 
 ments a'j this date of writing are under way that 
 may yet result in great value to the country. 
 
 Thepbroma. Chocolate Tree. Linnaeus named 
 this tree fromTheos, a god, and broma, food; poet- 
 ically, food for the gods. Chocolate ic the Mex- 
 ican name of the beverage made from the 
 pounded seeds. Linn. Polyaddphia-Decandria. 
 Nat. Ord. Sterculiacea}. 
 
 T. Cacao is the important species of this genus, 
 a native of the West Indies and Central and 
 South America. It is a u Dutiful tree, growing 
 from twelve to sixteen feet high ; the leaves are 
 lanceolate, oblong, bright green ; the flowers are 
 small, reddish, and quite inodorous. The fruit 
 is smooth, of a yellow or red tinge, from six to 
 ten inches in length, and about three inches in 
 diameter; the rind is fleshy, about half an inch 
 in thickness; within the flesh is a white sub- 
 stance of the consistence of butter, separating 
 from the rind when ripe, and adhering only to 
 it by filaments, which penetrate it and reach to 
 the seeds. Hence it is known when the seeds 
 are ripe by the rattling of the capsule when 
 shaken. The pulp has a sweet and not unpleas- 
 ant taste, with a slight acidity. It is sucked and 
 eaten raw by the natives. The seeds are about 
 seventy-five in number. When fresh they are 
 of a flesh-color; gathered before being quite 
 ripe, they make a delicious preserve. The tree 
 bears leaves, flowers, and fruit, all the year 
 through ; but the principal seasons for gather- 
 ing tho fruit are June and December. When 
 ripe, the fruit turns yellow outside, and is then 
 gathered by hand, and afterward split open 
 and the seeds removed. They are then made 
 to undergo a slight amount of fermentation, or 
 sweating, lasting from one to two days, for the 
 purpose of developing their color, and are after- 
 ward exposed to the sun daily for about two 
 weeks, or until they are thoroughly dry, when 
 they are packed for exportation. 
 
 Theophrasta. Named after Theophrastus, the 
 father of natural history. Linn. Pentandria-Mo- 
 nogynia. Nat. Ord. Myrsinacece. 
 
 A small genus of tropical shrubs, with un- 
 branched stems, bearing on top tufts of holly- 
 like leaves, from the axils of some of which the 
 
 THU 
 
 racemes of flowers are produced. Several of the 
 species are in cultivation in the green-house, 
 and are highly esteemed for their beautiful foli- 
 age. One of the species, T. Jussieui, a native of 
 San Domingo, yields a seed from which the na- 
 tives make a kind of bread. Young plants are 
 obtained from seeds or from cuttings. Intro- 
 duced in 1818. 
 
 Thibaudia. Named in honor of Thldbaut de Ber- 
 neaud, Secretary of the Linnaean Society of Paris, 
 and a botanical writer. Linn. Octandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Vaccinwcece. 
 
 A beautiful genus of evergreen shrubs, in- 
 habiting Peru and New Grenada, a few species 
 being also found in the East Indies. They have 
 thick, leathery leaves, and axillary racemes of 
 very handsome tubular flowers, mostly scarlet, 
 sometimes tipped with green or yellow. But 
 few of the species are under cultivation. 
 
 Thimble-bci ^y . Sec llubus occidentalis. 
 
 Thin Grass, See Ayrostis perennnis. 
 
 Thistle. Se3 drsium. 
 
 Thorn. See Cratasgus. 
 
 Thorn Apple. TJee Datura. 
 
 Thoroughwort. See Eupatorium perfoliatum. 
 
 Three-leaved Ni<? it-shade. See Trillium. 
 
 Three-seeded Mercury. See Acalypha. 
 
 Three-thorned Acacia, or Honey Locust. See 
 Gkditschia. 
 
 Thrinax. From thrinax, a fan; the shape of the 
 leaves. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Palmacecv, 
 
 A genus of West Indian Palms, commonly 
 called, in Jamaica, Thatch Palms, from their 
 leaves being used for thatching. One of the 
 species, T. argentea, the Silver Thatch Palm, fur- 
 nishes the leaves, which are cut before they ex- 
 pand, that are used in the manufacture of Palm- 
 leaf hats, or chip hats. This species is often 
 met in the green-house in a collection of Palms. 
 It is increased by seeds. Introduced in 1778. 
 
 Thuja. Arbor Vitae. From thyon, a sacrifice-, 
 the resin of the Eastern variety is used instead 
 of incense at sacrifices. Linn. Monoecia-Decan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Pinacece. 
 
 This well-known genus of evergreens includes 
 some of the most beautiful and useful evergreen 
 shrubs we have in cultivation, not only for sin- 
 gle plants for the lawn, but for hedges, either 
 high or low, for which they are most admirably 
 adapted. The common Arbor Vitae, T. occidenta- 
 lis, is the parent of most of the varieties grown 
 for ornamental purposes. It is common from 
 New York to Maine, in moist or swampy lands. 
 In some localities it makes a tree of considerable 
 size, valuable for the timber it yields, known as 
 White Cedar. Of this species there is a beauti- 
 ful sport, of globular form, with golden green 
 foliage, known as Parson's Arbor Vitae. It is of 
 slow growth, broad and compact, and suitable 
 for cemeteries, or any situation where a beauti- 
 ful evergreen is wanted. Hovey's Arbor Vitae is 
 a seedling from the common Arbor Vitse. Its 
 dwarf, compact habit of growth makes it a splen- 
 did plant for growing in tubs for winter decora- 
 tion. There are other varieties, with golden fo- 
 liage, which are very beautiful. The Siberian 
 Arbor Vitae is one o'f the best for hedges or 
 lawns. It is perfectly hardy, has a deeper color, 
 is more compact, and in most respects is more 
 desirable than the common sort. Where, when, 
 or how this species or variety originated is un- 
 known to the best authority we have on ever- 
 greens, Josiah Hoopes, who claims it to be a va- 
 riety of T. occidentalis. That it did act come from
 
 HENDEUSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 THU 
 
 Siberia, as its name would indicate, is certain. 
 There are several species from the Pacific coast, 
 and from China. Biaia orienlalis, known as the 
 Chinese Arbor Vitae, is peculiar from its flattened 
 branches. Thirty years ago, when flat bouquets 
 were in fashion, this was iised almost exclusively 
 as a " back " or " frame " for the flowers, and is 
 yet, in some parts of the country, used for that 
 purpose. There are a number of seedling vari- 
 eties, differing considerably in habit, form, and 
 shades of color of foliage, all desirable, and well 
 adapted for ornamental purposes. 
 Thunbergia. Named in honor of Charles P. Thun- 
 berg, a celebrated botanist and traveler. Linn. 
 Didynamia-Angiospermia. Nat. Ord. Acanthacece. 
 A genus of very handsome climbing plants. 
 Some of the species, such as T. alata, T. alba, T. 
 aurantiaca, and the varieties of the same, maybe 
 treated as half-hardy annuals. They usually 
 seed freely ; the seed should be sown in March in 
 heat, bringing the young plants forward in the 
 same temperature till May, when they may either 
 be transferred to the borders of the flower gar- 
 den to be trained against a wall, or suffered to 
 creep over rock-work, or they may be placed in 
 large pots having a trellis attached, where they 
 form very ornamental subjects for the green- 
 house through the summer. The remaining 
 species, as they do not produce seed in any 
 quantity, require to be grown in the green- 
 house. They should be frequently syringed to 
 keep down attacks of red spider. At the end of 
 the growing season they should be pruned 
 closely back, and kept dormant through the 
 winter. The green-house species, T. chrysops, 
 however, does better when allowed to grow on 
 without pruning, nor should it be re-potted 
 more than once a year, or it will not flower. 
 T. Harrisit, of recent introduction here, with 
 flowers tubular in form, two inches in length, of 
 a bright porcelain blue, with yellow throat, is 
 one of the best green-house climbers we have. 
 It is a rapid grower, and continues in flower the 
 whole summer. It blooms in profusion from 
 November to May, its rare blue color making it 
 one of the most attractive green-house plants. 
 Propagated by cuttings. 
 Thyme. See Thymus. 
 
 Thymus. Thyme. From thumos, courage, strength, 
 the smell of Thyme being reviving , or from thuo, 
 to perfume; being formerly used for incense in 
 the temples. Linn. Didynamia-Gymnospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Lamiaceai. 
 
 The common Thyme of our gardens is a low- 
 growing under-shrub, a native of Spain and 
 Italy, and has been known for centuries. The 
 lemon-scented Thyme is a hardy trailing ever- 
 green, and possesses the most agreeable per- 
 fume of any of the species. There are probably 
 a hundred acres of Thyme grown in the vicinity 
 of New York, and dried for flavoring purposes. 
 The spreading variety is the kind used, the up- 
 right being useless for this purpose. The seed 
 is thickly sown as soon as the ground gets 
 warm in spring, and the plants are transplanted 
 in July, in rows one foot apart, with nine inches 
 between the plants. The crop matures by Oc- 
 tober of the year it is planted. It is common 
 throughout Europe, and has to some extent be- 
 come naturalized in this country. The varie- 
 gated-leaved varieties of this species the Gold 
 and Silver variegated-leaved varieties make 
 pretty border plants, and are also used in bas- 
 kets and rustic designs. 
 Thyrsacanthus. From thyrsos, a thyrse, and 
 
 TIL 
 
 acanthus. Linn. Diandria-Jfonogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Acanthacece. 
 
 A fine genus of hot-house plants, containing a 
 number of shrubs or herbs, natives of tropical 
 America. They have large leaves, and red fas- 
 cicled or cymose flowers, in a long, terminal ra- 
 ceme. The calyx is divided to the middle into 
 five equal short lobes ; the corolla is tubular and 
 incurved, with a five-lobed or two-lipped spread- 
 ing limb, and the two fertile stamens are usually 
 included, and have parallel anther cells, blunt 
 at the base. The upper portion of the capsule is 
 without seeds, while the lower portion, being 
 swollen, gives it a spathulate form ; it contains 
 only four (sometimes two) seeds. T. rut'dans 
 is one of the finest, and highly prized for 
 its long racemes of carmine-scarlet flowers. 
 They require the same treatment as Justicia. 
 First introduced in 1823. 
 
 I Thysanotus. From thysanotos, fringed; the three 
 inner sepals being fringed. Linn. Uexandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house herbaceous per- 
 ennials from New South Wales, producing sin- 
 gular, purple, Iris-shaped flowers, on slender 
 scapes about a foot high. They are not much 
 cultivated. Introduced in 1823. 
 
 Tick Trefoil. See Desmodium. 
 
 Tiger Flower. See Tigridia. 
 
 Tigridia. Tiger Flower. Fron tigris, a tiger, and 
 eidos, like; in reference to the spotted flowers. 
 Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Ir'ulacein. 
 A small genus of very beautiful Mexican bulbs, 
 introduced in 1796. The flowers are indeed re- 
 markable; and though they are of very short 
 duration, lasting only about half the day, they 
 are produced in such abundance in succession 
 as to make their culture desirable and interest- 
 ing. One plant will continue flowering for two 
 or three months in succession, and during the 
 whole of that time will make a splendid display 
 in the garden. Of the several species or varie- 
 ties introduced into the garden there are but 
 two that succeed really well, and they rarely, if 
 ever, fail of producing an abundance of flowers; 
 these are T. conchiflora, with yellow flowers, and 
 T. pai-onia, with bright, dark orange-red flow- 
 ers. T.pavonia grandiflora, a variety of the pre- 
 ceding, has larger flowers of the same color. 
 Each of these is spotted, characteristic of the or- 
 der. They grow freely with ordinary garden 
 culture, preferring a light, rich, and moist soil, 
 and will not succeed in a very dry situation. 
 These bulbs flower during the rainy season in 
 Mexico, and they consequently require consid- 
 erable water when under cultivation. The 
 bulbs require to be taken up soon after the first 
 frost, tied up in bunches of convenient size, 
 without cutting off the stems, and hung up in 
 any dry room free from frost, where they can 
 remain until the time for re-planting. A place 
 must be selected where they cannot be reached 
 by mice, which are very destructive to the bulbs. 
 
 Tile-root. See Gkissorhiza. 
 
 Tilia. Basswood, Linden. Derivation of name 
 unknown; in Dutch it is called Linden, in Anglo- 
 Saxon Lind, and in English Lime Tree. Linn. 
 Polyandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. TUiacece. 
 
 A genus of tall-growing deciduous trees com- 
 mon throughout this country and Europe. The 
 European Linden, '/. urop<ra, has larger leaves 
 than our native species, and is the one that is 
 usually planted as an ornamental tree. T. Amer- 
 icana grows to a great size in this country, and 
 furnishes a large amount of lumber, used chiefly
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TIL 
 
 in cabinet work. It is soft, of <i reddish tinge, 
 and unfit for work requiring strength, or where 
 it is exposed to the weather. This is the species 
 so extensively used as a street tree at Washing- 
 ton, D. C., where it luxuriates. T. heterophylla 
 has larger leaves than the preceding; they are 
 smooth and bright green above, and silvery 
 white underneath. It does not grow to so great 
 a size, but the lumber is far more valuable, be- 
 ing almost pure white, and works more easily 
 and smoother. The two species are designated 
 as Red and White Basswood. The inner bark 
 of the Linden is popularly known as Bass, and 
 was formerly much used for tying, but is now 
 almost entirely superseded by Kqffia, which see. 
 
 Tillandsia. Long Moss, Black Moss, Gray Moss, 
 and Florida Moss. Named in honor of Elias 
 Tillands, Professor of Physic at Abo. Linn. Hex- 
 andria-Monoyynia. Nat. Ord. Bromeliacece. 
 
 An interesting genus of epiphytal plants, na- 
 tives of the United States from the Carolinas and 
 southward, the West Indies, and South America. 
 They generally grow upon trees in dense forests. 
 "Some of these plants serve as reservoirs for 
 water, which flows down the channeled leaves ; 
 these are dilated at the base, so as to form a 
 bottle-like cavity capable of holding a pint or 
 more. Travelers tap these vegetable pitchers 
 for the sake of the grateful fluid they contain. 
 T. utriculata, a native of Jamaica, and many 
 others, have this desirable property of storing up 
 water. Dr. Gardner, in his Travels in Brazil, re- 
 lates that a certain species of Utricularia grows 
 only in the water collected in the bottom of the 
 leaves of a large Tillandsia. The aquatic plant 
 throws out runners, which direct themselves to 
 the nearest Tillandsia, and there form new plants; 
 and in this way no less than six Tillandsias may 
 sometimes be seen connected together." Florida 
 Moss is T. tutneoides, and grows as far north as 
 the Dismal Swamp in Virginia. It is collected 
 in great quantities, steeped in water, or buried 
 in the earth, until the outer surface is rotted off, 
 when it leaves a dark, coarse, tough fiber, not 
 unlike horse-hair, which is used for stuffing 
 cushions, mattresses, and various forms of up- 
 holstery. This moss, as gathered, is used to or- 
 nament frames or rustic work in drawing-rooms, 
 and for these and other ornamental purposes 
 large quantities of it are sent annually to all our 
 large cities. In moist rooms like a conservatory, 
 it will grow very well when thrown loosely over 
 a frame, or suspended in any other way. It is a 
 singular circumstance that two such widely dif- 
 ferent-appearing plants as the "Florida Moss" 
 and the delicious Pineapple should belong to 
 the same natural order. 
 
 Timothy. Herd's Grass, PMeumpratense, which see. 
 
 lipilaria. Crane-Fly Orchis. Name from a fan- 
 cied resemblance of the flowers to. insects of the 
 genus Tipitla. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria Nat 
 Ord. OrckidacfCK. 
 
 A low-growing Orchid, rarely met, a native of 
 the Northern States from Massachusetts to Mich- 
 igan. The flower scape is from twelve to eigh- 
 teen inches high, and bears numerous small 
 greenish flowers tinged with purple. 
 
 Toad Flax. See Linaria. 
 
 Toad Stools. The common name of various spe- 
 cies of Fungi, frequently mistaken for Mush- 
 rooms. 
 
 Tobacco. See Nicoliana. 
 
 Todea. In honor of Hmry Julius Tode, of Meck- 
 lenburg, an able and experienced mycologist. 
 Linn. Oryplogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypodiacece. 
 
 TOE 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful Ferns from 
 Africa and New Zealand. They are only oc- 
 casionally met in choice collections in this coun- 
 try, but are now beginning to receive the atten- 
 tion they deserve. They require special treat- 
 ment, however, and are rarely found in good 
 condition, unless in places where great care and 
 attention can be given. 
 
 Tofieldia. False Asphodel. Named after Mr. 
 Tqfteld, an English botanist of the last century. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Melan thacea;. 
 A small genus of native herbaceous perennials. 
 The flowers are small and whitish, borne on 
 slender racemes. The plants are not very orna- 
 mental. 
 
 Tomato. (Lycopersicum escidentum.) The Tomato 
 belongs to the Nat. Ord. Solanacece, and to the 
 class Feniandria, and order Monogynia, of the 
 Linnaean arrangement. The genus is composed 
 of a number of species, all natives of South 
 America. The name is derived from lykos, a 
 wolf, and persicon, a peach; in allusion to the 
 beautiful appearance and deceitful value of the 
 fruit. This application; at the present day, when 
 we consider the importance of the Tomato to 
 the household, seems to be rather inappropriate. 
 Its first introduction into England was in 1596, 
 and it was for many years grown only as an or- 
 namental plant, or for its medicinal properties. 
 It was then known by the common name of Love 
 Apple. The " Virtues " of the Tomato were de- 
 scribed as follows by Parkinson in 1629: ' In hot 
 countries, where they naturally growe, they are 
 much eaten of the people, to coole and quench 
 the heate and thirst of their hot stomaches. The 
 Apples are also boyled, or infused in oyle in the 
 sunne." The Tomato was first used as a vege- 
 table in Italy, and soon after in France and Eng- 
 land; it is, however, but comparatively little 
 grown in the open air in England, as their sum- 
 mers are not warm enough to ripen the fruit to 
 anything like perfection; but it is a favorite 
 food there grown under glass. The Tomato has 
 not been in general use in this country for more 
 than fifty years, and most of our choice varieties 
 are of recent introduction. New varieties, ob- 
 tained by selection, are offered annually, each 
 one claiming to be superior in earliness and 
 
 Sroductiveness ; but there has really been but 
 ttle improvement in the past ten years, and 
 we are almost inclined to believe that we have 
 reached the point where "improvement" must 
 stop. Tomatoes are now extensively grown for 
 canning, and tens of thousands of acres are used 
 in growing them for that purpose. 
 
 Tonquin Bean. See Dipterix, odorata. 
 
 Toothache Grass. See Otenium Americanum. 
 
 Toothache Tree. See Zanthoxylum. 
 
 Toothwort, Pepper-root. See Dentaria. 
 
 Torenia. In honor of Olof Toren, a Swedish cler- 
 gyman, who discovered T. Asiatica and other 
 plants in China. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacen. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful trailing an- 
 nuals and perennials, natives of China and the 
 East Indies. For the green-house or conserva- 
 tory these plants, with their numerous dark 
 purple flowers, are a- great attraction. They 
 also succeed well in a moist, shady border, but 
 will not endure our hot, sunny weather. They 
 are all readily increased by cuttings or from 
 seed. T. Fbttrnierii, of recent introduction, is an 
 upright-growing plant, of branching and grace- 
 tul habit, with a profusion of beautiful violet 
 flowers. T. Baillonia, introduced in 1878, is an
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 231 
 
 TOU 
 
 entirely distinct species, having deep yellow 
 and maroon-colored flowers. All make excellent 
 basket or vase plants. They must be kept at a 
 temperature in winter of not less than 60 at 
 night, and they are at all times impatient of being 
 chilled. Propagated by seeds or cuttings. 
 
 Touch-me-not, Balsam, Jewel Weed, is Impa- 
 tii us i a ,/i-i/i- -tii nijere, a marshy plant, common 
 from New York southward. See Imputiens. 
 
 Torreya. Named in honor of Dr. John Torrey, 
 one of the most distinguished of American bot- 
 anists. Linn. Dioecia-Monadelphia. Nat. Ord. 
 TaxacecK. 
 
 This genus is a branch of the Yew family, 
 and is represented in this country by T. taxifu- 
 li.a, a native of Florida, a perfectly hardy and 
 beautiful species, and one of the most attractive 
 and desirable evergreens. T. Calif ornica is known 
 as the California Nutmeg. 
 
 Tournefprtia. In memory of Joseph Pitton de 
 Tournefort, the distinguished author of an 
 arrangement of plants under the title of "Insti- 
 tutiones Rei Herbaria]," and other botanical works, 
 from 1694 to 1717; his first work, the "Institu- 
 tiones,'' laid the foundation of the arrangement 
 now followed, called the Jussieuan or Natural 
 i-iystem. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 EhretiacetK. 
 
 A genus of evergreen twining shrubs inhabit- 
 ing the tropics of both hemispheres, and ex- 
 tending as far north as the Canaries and Central 
 Russia. T. heliotropioides, from Buenos Ayres, 
 is a very beautiful species, and is occasionally 
 
 frown in the green-house for its pale lilac 
 owers, which are arranged similar to those of 
 the Heliotrope. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Tower Mustard. See Arabis perfoliata. 
 
 Toxicodendron. See Rhus toxicodendron. 
 
 Trachelium. Throatwort. From Irachelos, the 
 neck; in allusion to the efficacy of the plant in j 
 diseases of the throat; hence the common name, i 
 Throatwort. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. I 
 Ord. Carnpanulacece. 
 
 Very pretty half-hardy biennial plants, with ! 
 showy bell-shaped blue flowers, varying from 
 very dark blue to nearly white. They are na- 
 tives of the Mediterranean coast. Seeds should ! 
 be sown in spring for flowering the next season, 
 and the plants protected by a frame in winter. 
 
 Tradescantia. Spiderwort. Named after John j 
 Tradescant, gardener to Charles I. Linn. Hex- 
 andna-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. CommdynacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of green-house and hardy 
 herbaceous perennials. Of the tender sorts, 
 T. zebrina, a native of South America, and its ; 
 varieties, are grown largely for basket plants, i 
 and also as a house plant, thriving well in a ' 
 shady, moist place. T. Buchanani resembles 
 the preceding, but is a stronger grower T. I "/;- 
 ginica, and its varieties, are hardy herbaceous 
 plants, interesting for the border, on account of 
 the continual succession of their blue or white 
 flowers, which are produced every morning from 
 May to September. They have long, grass-like 
 foliage, and the flowers are borne on stems from 
 one to two feet high in terminal clusters. T. ' 
 repent* vittutd, 'J'. m/i/a/ica, and their varieties, ; 
 are among the best known of our house plants, i 
 where they are known as "Wandering Jew." 
 They grow freely in water, making n drooping 
 fringe of from two to four feet, and are used in a 
 variety of forms in the window culture of plants. 
 The green-house species are propagated readily 
 by cuttings, and the hardy species by division 
 in early spring. First introduced in 1629. 
 
 TRI 
 
 Tragopogon. Goat's Beard, Vegetable Oyster. 
 From tragos, a goat, and pogon, a beard ; in al- 
 lusion to the long, silky beards of the seeds. 
 Linn. Syngenesia-^Equalis. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 Ornamental biennial plants, natives of Eu- 
 rope, which only require to receive the usual 
 treatment of similar plants. Of the British spe- 
 cies, the most remarkable are T. pratensis, the 
 popular name of which is Go-to-bed-at-noon, 
 from the flowers closing in the middle of the 
 day, and which has large yellow flowers, and a 
 very curious feathery head of seeds; and T. pvr- 
 rifolius, the common Salsify, or Oyster Plant, 
 which has purple flowers, and the roots of 
 which are extensively grown, and highly valued 
 as a vegetable. It is a hardy biennial, native of 
 Great Britain and most other parts of Europe. 
 The seeds should be sown early in deep, rich 
 soil. Culture the same as for Carrots or Parsnips. 
 Trailing Arbutus. See Epigcea repens. 
 Trapa. Water Caltraps, Water Chestnut. From 
 calcilrapa, an ancient instrument in warfare 
 with four spikes; fruit of some species armed 
 with four spikes or horns. Linn. Tetrandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Haloragacece. 
 
 A genus of aquatic plants, natives of Europe, 
 India, China, and Japan. They are remark- 
 able for the shape of their seeds, some of which 
 resemble a bullock's head and horns. The 
 seeds of all these plants abound in starch, and 
 are much used as food. Those of T. natans, 
 called Jesuit's Nuts at Venice, are ground into 
 flour and made into bread in some parts of 
 Southern Europe. In Kashmir, a large portion 
 of the inhabitants subsist on these nuts for 
 several months in the year. 
 Traveler's Joy. See Clematis vitaJba. 
 Traveler's Tree. See Urania. 
 Treacle Mustard. See Erysimum. 
 Tread-Softly. Spurge Nettle. See Jatropha 
 
 wens. 
 
 Tree of Heaven. See Ailantus. 
 Trefoil. See Trifolium. 
 
 Tremandra. From tremo, to tremble, and andros, 
 a male; the anthers vibrate with the least move- 
 ment of the air. Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Tremandracecp. 
 
 This genus consists of but two known species, 
 both small green-house shrubs, natives of New 
 Holland. They are delicate shrubs, covered 
 with stellate down, and have axillary purple 
 flowers. They are but rarely cultivated, except 
 T. verticillata, which is a very beautiful plant, 
 and has long been a favorite in choice collec- 
 tions. Propagated by cuttings. Introduced in 
 1845. See Tetratheca. 
 
 Trichinium. From trichinos, hairy ; flowers cov- 
 ered with knotted hairs. Linn. Pentandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Amarantacece. 
 
 A genus of annuals and herbaceous perenni- 
 als from Australia. The flowers of some of the 
 species are extremely ornamental. Their yel- 
 low, crimson, white, or pink flowers, are pro- 
 duced in terminal heads or spikes. The peren- 
 nials require to be grown in the green-house. 
 The annuals should be started in seed boxes in 
 February, as our seasons are too short for their 
 development if the seed is sown in the border. 
 Trichocentron. From thrur, a hair, and centron, 
 a spur or center; reference not clear. Linn. 
 Gynandria-Mnnandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacew. 
 
 A considerable genus of epiphytal Orchids 
 from South and Central America. Most of the 
 species are not considered worth growing. T. 
 atropurpureum, from the Rio Negro, is an ex-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TRI 
 
 ceedingly beautiful plant. Petals maroon 
 brown inside, and yellowish green outside; lip 
 large, white, with two bright purple spots. 
 One or two other species have very beautiful 
 flowers. They should be grown on blocks or 
 cork, or in small baskets in a moderate tempera- 
 ture. They bloom freely, and require but little 
 care. Introduced in 1835. 
 
 Tricholeena. From thrix, a hair, and cUaina, a 
 cassock. Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. 
 tframinaceai. 
 
 A small genus of very pretty grasses, gener- 
 ally included in the genus Panicnm. A few are 
 found in collections of ornamental grasses in the 
 green-house. 
 
 Trichomanes. From thrix, a hair, and manos, 
 soft; the shining stems appear like soft hair. 
 Linn. Cryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Polypo- 
 diacece. 
 
 An extensive, varied, and beautiful genus of 
 Ferns, found abundantly in the moist, shady 
 woods of the tropics in both the Old and 
 New Worlds. T. radicans, a beautiful species, 
 is found on the coast of Ireland. Many of the 
 species are cultivated for the beauty of their 
 fronds, which have an almost transparent ap- 
 pearance. Propagated by division or from 
 spores. 
 
 Trichonema. From ihrix, a hair, and nema, a 
 filament; stamens clothed with minute hairs. 
 Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 A genus of beautiful little crocus-like, bulbous 
 plants, with red, yellow, purple, and white 
 flowers, borne singly on slender scapes. They 
 are natives of Spain, Italy, and the Cape of Good 
 Hope. Like most bulbs from those localities, 
 they require to be grown in the green-house. 
 Propagated by offsets. Introduced in 1818. 
 Trichopilia. From Ihrix, a hair, andpilion, a cap ; 
 in allusion to the anther being concealed below 
 a cap surmounted by tufts of hair. Linn. Gy- 
 nandria-lfonandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful epiphytaFOr- 
 chids, natives of Central America and the West 
 Indies. The flowers are white, yellow, pale 
 pink, or greenish white. T. snavis, a species 
 from Central America, is one of the finest of the 
 genus. Its flowers are very large, pale nankeen 
 color, with white lip very clearly marked with 
 clear lilac. It is very beautiful and fragrant. 
 All the species may be grown in a cool house, 
 and succeed best in pots. 
 
 Tricb.08antb.es. Snake Cucumber. From thrix, a 
 hair, and anthos, a flower ; the flowers are ciliat- 
 ed. Linn. Monoecia^Decandria. Nat. Ord. Cacur- 
 bitacefK.. 
 
 A genus of climbing annuals from China and 
 the East Indies, commonly known as Snake Cu- 
 cumbers. T. colubrina is a very curious plant 
 with white flowers, every petal of which appears 
 surrounded with long, knotted fringe. The 
 leaves and tendrils resemble those of the com- 
 mon Cucumber; but the fruit is curiously 
 striped, and is so long and narrow as to resem- 
 ble a snake. Specimens have, indeed, been 
 g rown , more than 8ix feet Ion 8> and not thicker 
 than the body of a common snake. The plant 
 is an annual, a native of China, and it should be 
 grown like a common Cucumber or Melon. It 
 is of no use, and only worth cultivating as an 
 object of curiosity. 
 
 Tricyrtis. From treis, three, and kurtos, convex ; 
 alluding to the three outer sepals having bags 
 at their bases. Linn. HemndrUi-Trigynia Nat. 
 Ord. Afelanthacece. 
 
 TRI 
 
 T. hirfa, the best known species, is a very- 
 beautiful hardy herbaceous plant, found in 
 China and Japan. The flowers are axillary, in 
 panicles about six inches long, resembling, in 
 their peculiar form and markings, some of the 
 more singular Orchids. This plant is very de- 
 sirable for the open border. It produces its 
 flowers in October and November, at which time 
 the plant may be removed to the sitting room, 
 and they will remain several weeks in flower, 
 after which they may again be returned to the 
 border. It is much used by the bouquet mak- 
 ers in the fall months. Propagated by division. 
 Introduced in 1855. 
 
 Trifolium. Clover, Trefoil. From treis, three, 
 and folium, a leaf ; three-leaved. Linn. Diadd- 
 phia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacem. 
 
 Of this very extensive genus there are several 
 species under cultivation as forage plants. They 
 include T. pratense, the common Red Clover, a 
 native of Great Britain; T. reflexum, Buffalo Clo- 
 ver, indigenous in New York and westward ; T. 
 repens, White Clover, introduced from Europe, 
 but indigenous in the Northern States ; and T. 
 hybridum, or Alsike Clover, a hybrid variety in- 
 troduced from near Stockholm, Sweden. Be- 
 sides these there are a number of other species 
 that have been considerably cultivated, but those 
 named are almost wholly preferred for pasture 
 and hay. Those who are accustomed to consider 
 the Trefoil as only the common Clover of the 
 meadows, will probably be surprised to learn 
 that there are nearly a hundred and fifty spe- 
 cies, all more or less ornamental. Some of these 
 are perennials and some annuals; and the color 
 of their flowers varies from dark crimson, and 
 sometimes scarlet, to purple on the one hand, 
 and to white, cream-color, and pale yellow on 
 the other. Some of our dealers in hardy herba- 
 ceous plants have catalogued some of the more 
 showy species, and highly recommend them for 
 border plants. 
 
 Trillium. From irttix, triple ; the parts of the 
 flowers in threes : the calyx has three sepals, 
 the corolla three petals, the pistil three styles, 
 and the stem three leaves. Linn. Hexandria- 
 Trigynia. Nat. Ord. TrUliacece. 
 
 A singular and beautiful genus of hardy herba- 
 ceous plants, belonging exclusively to the United 
 States and the Canadas. The stems have three 
 leaves, and the flowers three petals. The flow- 
 ers are large, white, purple, or pink, produced 
 from April to June. They are common in moist 
 woods, but are improved with ordinary garden 
 cultivation. They are tuberous rooted, and do 
 not divide readily, but may be increased rapidly 
 from seed, which should be sown as soon as ripe 
 in a frame, where it may be shaded, or sown in 
 the open ground and slightly covered with leaves. 
 Triosteum. Feverwort, Horse Gentian. From 
 tre'is, three, and osieon, a bone ; three bony 
 seeds. Linn. Pentandria-Mbnogynia,. Nat. Ord. 
 Caprifoliacece. 
 
 A genus of coarse-growing, hardy herbaceous 
 plants, common in the Middle and Southern 
 States. The roots of one of the species were es- 
 teemed by the Indians as a medicine. They 
 are not now considered either ornamental or 
 
 Triteleia. From treis, three, and teleios, complete ; 
 parts of the flower and fruit in threes. Linn. 
 Hexandria-^^onogynia. Nat. Ord. LUiaccce. 
 
 A small family of very pretty bulbs, natives of 
 California and South America. They are quite 
 hardy. The flowers are yellow, blue, and white.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TEI 
 
 T. uniflora has very pretty white flowers with a 
 greenish-gray stripe on each petal. They are 
 borne on slender scapes. The plants continue 
 in flower a long time, and in the open border 
 appear early in spring. T. laxa, the Californian 
 species, has glaucous leaves, and a inany-flow- 
 ered umbel of deep blue flowers. All the spe- 
 cies are desirable, and suited either to green- 
 house culture or the open border. Propagated 
 by offsets. First introduced in 1832. 
 
 Triticum. Wheat. From tritum, rubbed; in al- 
 lusion to its being originally rubbed down to 
 make it eatable. Linn. Triandria-Digynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Grantinacece. 
 
 This genus includes annual and perennial 
 grasses, some of which are the most useful and 
 important plants in cultivation, while others 
 are the most troublesome pests the farmer and 
 gardener have to contend against. T. vulgare, 
 Wheat, has more intrinsic value than any other 
 plant grown. The native country of the Wheat 
 is unknown. In its present form it is older 
 than history. There is no record of its having 
 been found growing icild. Those who have 
 given the most time and study to ascertain its 
 origin, presume it is a native of Southern Europe 
 and Western Asia, a development of the genus 
 JEijilops. This is, however, mere speculation. 
 Many varieties of Wheat have been produced by 
 culture and cross-breeding, without, however, 
 materially changing the grain. T. repens is the 
 pest commonly known as Couch or Quick Grass, 
 a perennial that is most tenacious of life, and 
 which, when once established, will destroy all 
 other crops, and can be exterminated only with 
 the greatest exertion and difficulty. 
 
 Tritoma. From treis, three, and tenmo, to cut ; 
 in allusion to the three sharp edges at the ends 
 of the leaves. Linn. Hexandria-Afonogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LiliacecB. 
 
 The Tritoma, or Red-Hot Poker plant, and also 
 Flame Flower, as it is popularly known, is a 
 very beautiful half-hardy herbaceous plant, na- 
 tive of the South of Africa. The genus consists 
 of about half a dozen species, the finest being 
 T. uvaria grandiflnra, a plant admirably adapted 
 for single clumps on the lawn, or among shrub- 
 bery, where its tall spikes of orange-red flowers 
 make an effective display from August until De- 
 cember. This plant will usually live through the 
 winter in the latitude of New York without pro- 
 tection, if planted in a dry soil; but it will well 
 repay the slight protection required (by three or 
 four inches of dry leaves around the root) to 
 secure it against /all danger from frost. The 
 flowers are not at'all injured by a few degrees of 
 frost, and it is not an uncommon sight to see its 
 tall spikes in perfect flower in December. They 
 are readily increased by seed or by division of 
 the roots, which should be done in early spring. 
 .This genus was first introduced in 1707, though 
 it has not been long common in our gardens 
 here. 
 
 Tritonia. From trtton, a weather-cock; in allusion 
 to the variable direction of the stamens in the 
 various species. Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. IridacecK. 
 
 A very pretty genus of low-growing bulbous 
 plants from the Cape of Good Hope. The flow- 
 ers are tubxiliir, borne on slender scapes, the 
 colors being orange, white, yellow, and blue. 
 They are half-hardy, and should have the pro- 
 tection of a frame during winter, and may be al- 
 lowed to remain undisturbed for a number of 
 years. T. aurea, bearing beautiful orange-col- 
 
 TRU 
 
 ored flowers, is one of the best, and much es- 
 teemed. This is now Crocosmia aurea. They 
 are increased by offsets. Introduced in 1815. 
 
 Trollius. Globe Flower. From fro/, the German 
 for round; globular flowers. Linn. Polyandria- 
 Polygynla. Nat. Ord. Ranuncidacece. 
 
 A genus of hardy, yellow-flowered, herbaceous 
 plants. T. laxus, the only native species, has 
 flowers twice the size of the Buttercup, of a pale 
 greenish-yellow color. T. Earopceus, a native of 
 Great Britain, has much larger flowers, and of a 
 brighter color, and is common in old cottage 
 gardens. Propagated by seeds or division. 
 
 Tropeeolum. Nasturtium. From tropaion, a 
 trophy; the leaves resemble a buckler, and the 
 flowers an empty helmet. Linn. Octandria-Mo- 
 nogynia. Nat. Ord. Tropceolacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy annuals and 
 green-house tuberous and herbaceous peren- 
 nials, all natives of tropical America. The 
 tuberous-rooted varieties are confined to Peru. 
 The well-known annual plants called the Nas- 
 turtium are common in every garden, and only 
 require sowing with the other hardy annuals in 
 spring. There were formerly only two kinds 
 of the annual Tropreolums, T. major and T. 
 minor, but since 1830 numerous varieties have 
 been raised. One, with very dark flowers, is 
 called T. minor atrosanguineum, and another, 
 with dark stripes, is T. minor venustiim. The 
 young shoots of these plants are succulent, and 
 taste like the common land Cress, the botanical 
 name of which is Nasturtium, and hence they 
 have received their popular name. Besides the 
 hardy annual kinds, there are several tender 
 species, most of which are kept in the green- 
 house. The best known of these is Tropeeolum 
 tricolorum, with flowers marked red, black, and 
 yellow, which has tuberous roots, and such very 
 weak and slender stems, that it is found neces- 
 sary always to train them over a wire frame, as 
 they are quite unable to support themselves. 
 In Paxtons "Magazine of Botany" it is stated 
 that the tuber of the root should not be buried, 
 but only placed on the surface of the soil, so that 
 the fibrous roots may penetrate it. This, it is 
 said, will enlarge the size of the tuber in " a truly 
 astonishing manner;" and though the plants 
 will not appear healthy the first season, they 
 will afterward become extremely vigorous. It 
 is also recommended to use double pots for 
 these plants, and fill up the interstices w.ith 
 river sand, which should always be kept moist. 
 Substantially the same plan has been followedin 
 this country for many years, and found to succeed 
 well. T. brackyceras may be treated in the same 
 manner, and it would probably succeed with T. tu- 
 berosum, aspecies which it is very difficult to throw 
 into flower under ordinary treatment, but which 
 grows best in the open ground, in rich soil, and 
 with plenty of air and light. T. peregrinum, 
 the Canary Bird Flower, was formerly considered 
 a green-house plant, but it is now found much 
 better to treat it as a half-hardy annual, raising 
 the seeds on a hot-bed, and planting them out 
 in May near some trellis-work or other sup- 
 port, which the plant will soon cover in the 
 most graceful manner, producing hundreds of 
 its elegant, fringe-likes pale-yellow flowers. 
 Propagated from cuttings and by seeds. Intro- 
 duced in 1596. 
 
 Truffle. (See Tuber.) A species of Fungus found 
 in various parts of Europe, and much esteemed 
 as a rare dish. It grows under the ground, and 
 was formerly sought after with dogs trained for
 
 234 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TUB 
 
 the purpose, but is now usually discovered 
 by a particular species of fly hovering over the 
 place of its growth. It is said that the Truffle 
 has been found in the State of New York. 
 
 Tuber. Truffle. An ancient Koman name. Lirm 
 Cnil>togamia Fungi-Gasteromycetes. Nat. Ord. Hel- 
 veuacta'. 
 
 T. cfarium, a native of Europe, is the well- 
 known Truffle, which see. 
 
 Trumpet Creeper, Trumpet Honeysuckle. b 
 Tccoma. 
 
 Trumpet Flower. See Tecoma. 
 
 Trumpet Lily. See Lilium longiftorum. 
 
 Trumpet Weed. See Eupatorium purpureum. 
 
 Tuberose. See Polianthes tuberosa. 
 
 Tulbaghia. In honor of Tulbagh, a Dutch gov- 
 ernor of the Cape of Good Hope. Linn. Hexan- 
 dria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 A small genus of evergreen perennials, natives 
 of the Cape of Good Hope. T. violacea is a very 
 beautiful plant. The flowers are violet-purple, 
 produced in many-flowered umbels, somewhat 
 like those of the Agapanthus, to which the genus 
 is allied. Propagated by division. 
 
 Tulip. See Tulipa. 
 
 Tulipa. The Tulip. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. LiliacecK. 
 
 The Tulip derives its name from the Persian 
 word Thoulyban, a turban; an Eastern head- 
 dress, sometimes made in the form of a well- 
 shaped Tulip. Tulips are divided into several 
 classes, and of these we shall speak in the order 
 of their flowering. The single and double vari- 
 eties of the Due Van Thol, of which the type is 
 Tulipa suaveolens, (from the Latin suavis, sweet,) 
 are the earliest and most suitable for pot culture 
 or forcing. If, in autumn, they are planted 
 singly, in small pots of light, rich soil, they 
 will flower extremely well in an ordinary room, 
 and contrast finely with Hyacinths in glasses. 
 They should be frequently exposed to fresh air, 
 and will flower in water like the Hyacinth, but 
 with less certainty and less luxuriance; hence 
 they are better grown in pots of soil. The Due 
 Van Thol was introduced into English gardens 
 from the South of Europe in 1603. The Single 
 Early Tulip, ( Tulipa Gesneriana, ) the parent of 
 our ordinary garden varieties, is a native of Asia 
 Minor, the Caucasus, Calabria, and Central Italy. 
 Conrad Gesner, a Swiss naturalist, in whose 
 honor it was named, first made it known by a 
 description and drawing in April, 1559. He 
 obtained his specimen in a garden at Augsburg, 
 where it was grown from seed brought from 
 Constantinople. It was first flowered in Eng- 
 land by Mr. James Garret, an apothecary, in 
 1577. Of this class of Early Single Tulips there 
 is almost an endless variety. They have received, 
 for more than two hundred years, all the care 
 and attention that could possibly be bestowed 
 on a plant, not only by the Dutch florists, but 
 by every skilled gardener throughout the Old 
 World. Notwithstanding the "mania" has 
 safely passed over, one of the Haarlem florists 
 this season (1880) offers eighteen hundred vari- 
 eties. To select from a list s.o large with a view 
 of pleasing, or of securing the most desirable, 
 would be to play a game of chance. Every color 
 and shade, except black, is represented, either 
 alone or mixed, striped, or shaded ; in fact, every 
 possible combination of color may be obtained. 
 Double Tulips are almost as common as the sin- 
 gle, many of them very showy and desirable. 
 But, like all others who have made a specialty 
 of the Tulip, we could never admire the double 
 
 TUL 
 
 as much as the single varieties. Late flowering 
 or Show Tulips, of which so much has been said 
 and written, have been grown from seed by 
 millions, the result of which has been the acqui- 
 sition of many superb varieties. There is a 
 singularity in Tulips which belongs to no other 
 flower. The seedlings generally, when they 
 first bloom, produce flowers without any stripes 
 or markings, but with a' yellow base, the up- 
 right portion of the petals being self-colored, 
 brown, red, purple, scarlet, or rose. In this 
 state, when they have been grown for years 
 without variation, they are called Breeders or 
 Mother Tulips. These are planted every year 
 Tintil they break into stripes, when, if the mark- 
 ings are fine, or different from any known, they 
 are named. It is often so many years before 
 they break, and the multiplication in the breeder 
 state is so rapid, that the border soon becomes 
 filled with this self-colored variety. Each per- 
 son who has broken one claims and has a 
 perfect right to give it a name; but much con- 
 fusion naturally exists, because of the fact that 
 different names have been given to those that 
 have broken almost exactly alike. In a bed of 
 a hundred seedlings, it is not probable that any 
 two will be very nearly alike in their markings. 
 This uncertainty adds greatly to the charm of 
 Tulip cultivation. The hope of something new 
 in the markings and penciling is a sufficient 
 stimulant for the enthusiast to persevere in his 
 labor of love until he has found one worthy of a 
 name. One singular feature in the Tulip is, 
 that after it breaks it ever remains the same. 
 Show Tulips are divided into three classes: 1. 
 Byblcemens, such as have a white ground, varie- 
 gated with purple, the edges well feathered, the 
 leaflets erect, and the whole forming a perfect 
 cup. 2. Bizarres, having a yellow ground, varie- 
 gated with scarlet, purple, rose, or violet. 3. 
 Roses, with white ground, variegated with rose- 
 color, scarlet, or crimson. The properties of a 
 good Tulip, as a florist's flower, are: 1. The cup 
 should form, when quite expanded, from half to 
 a third of a round ball. To do this, the petals 
 must be six in number, broad at the ends, 
 smooth at the edges, and the divisions between 
 the petals must scarcely show an indenture. 2. 
 The three inner petals should set closely to the 
 three outer ones, and the whole should be 
 broad enough to allow of the fullest expansion 
 without quartering, as it is called, or exhibiting 
 any vacancy between the petals. 3. The petals 
 should be thick, smooth, and stiff, and keep 
 their form well. 4. The ground should be clear 
 and distinct, whether white or yellow. The 
 least stain, even at the lower end of the petal, 
 renders a Tulip of less value. 5. Whatever be 
 the disposition of colors or marks upon a Tulip, 
 all the six petals should be marked alike, and 
 be, therefore, perfectly uniform. 6. The feath- 
 ered flowers should have an even, close feath- 
 ering all round; and whether narrow or wide, 
 light or heavy, should reach far enough round 
 the petals to form, when expanded, an unbroken 
 edging. 7. If the flower have any marking be- 
 sides the feathering at the edge, it should be a 
 bold mark down the- center, but not reaching 
 the bottom of the cup. The mark must be simi- 
 lar in all the six petals. 8. Flowers not feath- 
 ered, and with the flame only, must have no 
 marks on the edges of the flowers. None of the 
 colors must break through to the edge. The 
 color may be disposed in any form, so that it 
 be perfectly uniform in all the petals, and does
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 235 
 
 TUL 
 
 not go too near the bottom. 9. The color, what- 
 ever it may be, must be dense and decided. 
 Whether it be delicate and light, or bright, or 
 dark, it must be distinct in -its outline, and not 
 shaded, or flushed, or broken. 10. The height 
 should be eighteen to thirty-six inches; the 
 former is right for the outside row in a bed, 
 and the latter is right for the highest row. 11. 
 The purity of the white and the brightness of 
 the yellow should be permanent; that is to say, 
 should stand until the petals actually fall. 
 Where Parrot Tulips originated we have not 
 learned. They are ignored by those florists 
 Avho claim the right to say what is and what is 
 not beautiful. Not being bound to observe the 
 "laws" that regulate the form, shape, and 
 "perfect markings," we prize this class very 
 highly, on account of their singularly pictur- 
 esque appearance. The flowers are very large, 
 and the colors exceedingly brilliant. They are 
 unequaled for groups in mixed borders, or con- 
 spicuous places in front of shrubs. The vari- 
 eties of this class are limited, but they are, nev- 
 ertheless, particularly beautiful. 
 
 Culture of the Tulip. The best soil for the cul- 
 ture of the Tulip is a rich, rather light, well- 
 drained loam. A bed of sufficient size for plant- 
 ing the bulbs should be dug at least twelve inches 
 deep. The Tulips should then be planted six 
 inches apart each way; pressed deep-enough to 
 keep them in their places, and covered with ; 
 mould to the depth of three inches on the sides 
 of the bed, and five inches in the center. This 
 precaution is necessary, that water may not stand 
 on the bed during the winter. When the bed is 
 planted and covered, it maybe left to the weath- 
 er until the Tulips come up, or about the first of 
 March. A slight protection of litter is then re- 
 quired, as the frost has a tendency to check the 
 bloom. Our climate is so variable cold at night 
 and hot at mid-day that it will well repay the 
 cost to cover at night and remove in the morning. 
 Leaving them covered during the day has a ten- ; 
 dency to draw them up and otherwise weaken '. 
 them. When the flowers appear, if they are 
 protected from the sun by a light canvas, the 
 period of bloom may be kept up for three or four 
 weeks. The colors are generally better if not 
 shaded at all, but in that case the bloom would 
 be soon over. Sometimes a single day's hot sun 
 would completely spoil them. When the flow- 
 ers begin to fade, they should be cut away 
 and removed from the bed. As soon as the 
 stems of the Tulip turn yellow, and the leaves 
 begin to dry, they may be taken up and put in 
 a cool, dry place. When dry, thoroughly clean 
 off the old skin and dirt, and put in paper bags, 
 ready for planting out again in October. The 
 Tulip is also now extensively forced for cut 
 flowers during the winter and spring months. ! 
 The method of culture is identical with that of 
 the Roman Hyacinth and Paper Narcissus. The i 
 only important point is to grow only the kinds j 
 known as Kindle Early, such as "Snow Flake," 
 " Marechal Neil," " Rose Queen," etc. 
 
 Tulip Tree. See Liriodendron. 
 
 Turmeric. See Curcuma. 
 
 Tunica. From tunica, a coat; referring to the j 
 calyx. Linn. Decandria- Triyyaia. Nat. Ord. Gary- \ 
 ophyQaoece. 
 
 Hardy herbaceous perennials, natives of 
 Southern Europe and Central Asia, and allied 
 to Dianthus. A few of the species have showy j 
 flowers in spring. They are increased by divi- 
 sion or from seed. 
 
 TUR 
 
 Tupelo. See Nyssa. 
 
 Tupa. Tupa is the name of T. Faillei in Chili. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Lobdia- 
 cece. 
 
 This is a genus of pretty plants, chiefly natives 
 of Chili and Peru. They are worth cultivating 
 on account of the beauty and singularity of their 
 flowers. They are treated and propagated like 
 the Lobelia. 
 
 Turkey's Beard. See Xerophyllum. 
 
 Turkish Rhubarb. See Rhubarb. 
 
 Turnera. Dedicated by Linnaeus to the memory 
 of William Turner, Prebendary of York, Canon of 
 Windsor, etc., and author of "A New Herbal," 
 1551. Linn. Pentandria-Trigynia. Nat. Ord. Tur- 
 neracecK. 
 
 A genus of very handsome plants when in 
 flower. Some are annuals, and others green- 
 house shrubs and herbaceous plants, with yel- 
 low flowers, some of which resemble those of 
 the Thunbergia. They should be grown in a 
 light, rich soil. They are propagated by cut- 
 tings or by seeds. Introduced from South Amer- 
 ica in 1774. 
 
 Turnip. (See Brassica.) The field and garden 
 Turnip is supposed to have originated by long 
 cultivation of the wild Brasslca raf>a, a native 
 of Great Britain and other parts of Europe. At 
 what period it was first brought into notice in 
 its native countries, or how its improvement 
 from its native wild and useless state was 
 brought about, is entirely unknown. It was in 
 use as a vegetable before the Christian era, but 
 we have no account of its being cultivated to 
 any extent as a field crop previous to 1 300. It 
 does not seem that there was any rapid develop- 
 ment in its improvement worthy of mention by 
 the early writers previous to 1650, but from that 
 period its increase in cultivation was rapid, and 
 many new sorts are mentioned. At the present 
 day, every country adapted to its growth boasts 
 of the varieties it has produced. The Swedish 
 Turnip, or Ruta Baga, one of the best known, 
 originated from B. campestris; its varieties 
 are numerous, and generally cultivated. The 
 French Turnip is considered sweeter and freer 
 from any acrid properties than most others, and 
 is highly prized for the table. Several varie- 
 ties are designated as American, and the Pur- 
 ple and White Strap-leafed Turnips justly so, 
 but where or by whom they originated, or the 
 parentage, we are without knowledge. We only 
 know that they were long grown here previous 
 to their being known in Europe, and that they 
 have always been regarded as American varieties 
 there. A variety of recent introduction, known 
 as the White Egg Turnip, is one of the best for 
 the table. The Turnip is used both as a spring 
 and fall crop. For spring, sow as early as the 
 ground is dry enough, and for fall, in the lati- 
 tude of New York, sow Ruta Bagas in July, and 
 other varieties during the latter part of August 
 and in September, according to the kind. Seeds 
 may be sown as the ground becomes vacant. In 
 every case, when the soil is dry, firm the seeds 
 well in the soil by the feet or by rolling. 
 Turreea. Named in honor of George Turra, once 
 Professor of Botany at Padua and author of sev- 
 eral botanical works. Linn. Monadelphia-Hex- 
 andria. Nat. Ord. Meliacece. 
 
 A genus of tropical shrubs and large trees con- 
 fined to the old world. Some of the species 
 have edible fruit, and a few are grown for the 
 beauty of their flowers. 
 Turpentine. See Pinus.
 
 HENDEESON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TUB 
 
 Turtle-Head. One of the popular names for 
 CheUme, which see. 
 
 Tussilaeo. Colt's Foot. From lussis, a cough; for 
 curing which the flowers have been employed. 
 Linn. Sunqenes ia- Superflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracca?. 
 Hardy 'and half-hardy perennials, natives of 
 Central Europe. One of the species, T. Farfara, 
 is common in wet places in the Middle and New 
 England States, having become thoroughly nat- 
 uralized. They all grow readily in the garden, 
 and some of them are quite ornamental. Prop- 
 agated by division of the roots, which are in- 
 clined to increase rapidly. 
 
 Twayblade. See Listera. 
 
 Twig Rush. The popular name of the common 
 bog or marsh plant, Cladium mariscoides. 
 
 Twin Flower. A name applied to Linnaxi bore- 
 <dis, which see. 
 
 Twin Leaf. The local name of the genus Jeffer- 
 sonia, which see. The plant is also sometimes 
 called hheumatism Root. 
 
 Tydsea. Derivation not given. Linn. Didynamla- 
 Dlfjynia. Nat. Ord. Qesmracece. 
 
 A genus of beautiful herbaceous plants, na- 
 tives of the mountains of New Grenada. There 
 are at present only four described species, which 
 
 UMB 
 
 are better known under their old name of Achi- 
 menes, the best known being T. picta. ' ' They ore 
 erect, robust herbs, with fine blotched leaves, and 
 axillary, bright-colored flowers. The calyx is con- 
 nate with the ovary, the corolla almost fun- 
 nel-shaped, and five-lobed ; the stamens are in- 
 cluded, the ovary surrounded by five glands, 
 the stigma five-cleft, and the fruit a capsule." 
 The Gesneracece have been much cut up and di- 
 vided of late years, so that one hardly knows 
 where to look for the plant he wants to find. 
 See Achimenes and Gesnera. 
 
 Typha. Cat-Tail Flag. From typhos, a marsh; 
 referring to the habitat of the species. Linn. 
 Moncecia-Triandr'M. Nat. Ord. Typhacece. 
 
 T. latifolia, the common Cat-Tail Flag of our 
 marshes, a native of Europe and the East, has 
 become naturalized in almost all parts of the 
 United States. It is also common in Europe. 
 A species with narrow leaves is more rare. The 
 pollen of Typha is inflammable, like that of Ly- 
 copodium, and is used as a substitute for it. The 
 " Cat-Tail," in the minds of most boys, is closely 
 associated with the "Fourth of July," being 
 largely used by them for "setting off" their 
 fireworks and crackers. 
 
 u. 
 
 TTlex. Furze. Said to be taken from the Celt- 
 
 U ic ac, a point ; in allusion to its prickly 
 branches. Linn. Monadelphia-Decandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A genus of very beautiful evergreen shrubs, 
 with yellow flowers, both double and single, 
 indigenous to Great Britain and the South of 
 Europe. They are highly esteemed for hedge 
 plants, and the young tops are cut and fed to 
 cattle and horses ; but their value as a food 
 plant is considerably questioned. None of the 
 species thrives in this country, being too tender 
 for our Northern States, and too impatient of 
 our tropical summers in the South. 
 
 Ulmus. Elm. Supposed to be from the Saxon 
 word dm or vim, a name which is applied, with 
 very slight alterations, to the trees of this genus 
 in all the dialects of the Celtic tongue. Linn. 
 Pentandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Ulmacece. 
 
 This genus takes the first rank in the great 
 army of American trees. When asked, ' ' What 
 is the handsomest tree in America?" we unhes- 
 itatingly say, " U. Americana, the American 
 Weeping or White Elm." Of the several species 
 that make up this genus, none in any respect 
 compares with this. U. fulua is the common 
 Red or Slippery Elm.' U. racemosa is tho Corky 
 White Elm. U. alata is the Winged Elm or 
 Whahoo of the South and West. The celebrated 
 English Elm is U. campestris. All the species 
 are propagated from seeds. 
 
 Umbilicus. From umbilicus, the navel; in allu- 
 sion to the concave leaves of some of the species. 
 Linn. Decandria-Tetragynia. Nat. Ord. Crassula- 
 cece. 
 
 A genus of interesting plants, natives of South- 
 ern Europe, the Levant, and tropical Africa, and 
 now usually placed in Cotyledon, which see. In 
 some of the species the radical leaves are rosu- 
 late, or disposed like the petals in the flower of 
 
 a double Rose; others have them alternate on 
 the stalk; in all they are fleshy. The flowers, 
 which are either white or yellow, grow in branch- 
 ed or simple racemes. They grow naturally in 
 dry, stony places, and are used in rock-work, 
 and lately have come into use in England for 
 ' carpet " work and edging. They grow well in 
 pots, and require the same treatment as Echeve- 
 rias and Sewpervivums. Introduced in 1732. 
 Umbrella China Tree. Melto Azedarach. Linn. 
 Didynimia-D;cagynia. Nat. Ord. Meliacece. 
 
 A small genus of tropical trees and shrubs, 
 with alternate pinnate or bipinnate leaves, and 
 flowers borne in panicles. M. Azedarach, com- 
 monly known as the Pride of India, False Syca- 
 more, Holy Tree, Arbre a Chapelet, Bead Tree, 
 Hill Margosa, and in our Southern States also 
 as Umbrella China Tree and China Berry, is, 
 says Dr. Masters, widely diffused over the globe, 
 having been carried to America, Africa, and dif- 
 ferent parts of Southern Europe. It is from 
 thirty to fifty feet high, with bipinnate leaves, 
 and large bunches of fragrant, lilac-colored 
 flowers, which are sucaeeded by a fruit about 
 the size of a Cherry, with an external pulp and 
 a hard nut within. In Southern France and 
 Spain the tree thrives well in the open air, as it 
 does in our Southern States. The Arabic name, 
 Azedarach, implies a poisonous plant, and the 
 fruit is generally considered so. The root is 
 bitter and nauseous, and is used as an anthel- 
 mintic. The tree is supposed to possess febri- 
 fugal properties, and N a decoction of the leaves is 
 used as a remedy for hysterics. From a recent 
 number of the American Agriculturist we make 
 the following extract: "The tree is not hardy 
 north of Virginia, but southward it is a com- 
 mon street tree, and frequent ar6und country 
 places. The ease with which it may be trans- 
 planted and its rapid growth are somewhat off-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 237 
 
 UMB 
 
 set by the readiness with which its branches are 
 broken by high winds. Its wood makes excel- 
 lent fuel, is durable, and is used for furniture. 
 There has been introduced from Texas, within 
 a few years, a marked variety called the Um- 
 brella China Tree. Several years ago we saw a 
 small specimen of this in the extensive collec- 
 tion of P. J. Berckmans, near Augusta, Ga., 
 which promised to be valuable, and now we 
 have a photograph of a tree in Abbeville, Ala., 
 taken by J. C. Mangold, to show the remarkably 
 compact habit and umbrella-like form. Mr. J. 
 A. Clendinen sends an account of the tree, from 
 which we learn that the foliage is so dense that 
 it will turn almost any rainfall. It does not 
 fruit so abundantly as the ordinary form of the 
 tree, but, what is quite remarkable, the variety 
 is reproduced from the seed. This variety of the 
 favorite China Tree will commend itself to our 
 readers in the Southern States, as it has natu- 
 rally the com pact habit that is sometimes imper- 
 fectly produced in the ordinary form of the tree 
 by severe cutting. China Berries, as the fruit 
 of the tree is usually called, are eaten by sheep 
 and goats, which in winter require but little 
 other food; cows are fond of them, but they im- 
 part an unpleasant taste to the milk. The hard 
 stone is sometimes bored and strung to make 
 ' rosaries ' and necklaces, hence the tree is 
 known in some countries as the Bead Tree." 
 
 Umbrella Grass. The common name of Fuirena, 
 squarrosa, which see. It is common in sandy 
 wet places from Massachusetts southward. 
 
 "Umbrella Palm. See Kentea. 
 
 Umbrella Tree. See Magnolia umbrdla. 
 
 Unicorn Plant. See Martynia. 
 
 Upas Tree. See Antiaris. 
 
 Urania. Traveler's Tree. From ouranios, sub- 
 lime ; in allusion to the stateliness of the tree. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monocjynia. Nat. Ord. Musacece. 
 U. speciosa, the only known representative of 
 this genus, was formerly called ftavenata Mada- 
 gascariensis. It is a magnificent plant, having a 
 palm-like appearance, and is called in Madagas- 
 car the Traveler's Tree, because the leaves, when 
 cut, yield an abundant and refreshing juice, 
 with which travelers allay their thirst. The 
 leaves are of gigantic size, somewhat like those 
 of Musa ensete, but arranged in two rows on op- 
 posite sides of the stems. Young plants are ob- 
 tained by suckers or from seed. 
 
 Urceolina. From urceolus, a small cup or pitcher ; 
 in allusion to the smallness of the cup, or nec- 
 tary, inside the flower. Linn. Hemndria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Amarylliducece. 
 
 A small genus of handsome summer-blooming 
 Peruvian bulbs. The flowers are yellow, red, 
 and green. They grow freely in the open bor- 
 der, and require a long season of rest. They 
 may be kept during winter like the ligridias, 
 and planted out in the border after all danger 
 from frost is past. Propagated by offsets. In- 
 troduced in 1837. 
 
 Uropedium. From oitra, a tail, and podlon, a 
 slipper ; in allusion to the long-tailed petals. 
 
 VAC 
 
 Linn. Oynandria-Digynia. Nat. Ord. Orchida- 
 cea'. 
 
 A genus of terrestrial Orchids nearly related 
 to Cypripedium. It consists of only one described 
 species, U. Lindeni, a native of New Grenada, 
 and is found growing at an elevation of 8,500 
 feet above the sea level. It differs from Cypripe- 
 dium in its broader, flattened lip, and extremely 
 long-tailed petals. The leaves are about a foot 
 long, oblique at the extremity, shining, and 
 fleshy in texture. The flowers are solitary, pro- 
 duced on long peduncles; the sepals are ovate- 
 lanceolate, yellow, streaked with orange ; the 
 petals are linear-lanceolate, extended into a long, 
 narrow tail, a foot or more in length, and pur- 
 ple orange at the base. This is a remarkable and 
 very interesting plant, which should find a place 
 in every collection. It requires the same treat- 
 ment as Cypripedium. Introduced in 1849. 
 
 Uropetalon. From oura, a tail, and petition, a 
 petal; the petals are lengthened into tail-like 
 appendages. Linn. Hexandria-Monoyynia. Nat. 
 Ord. LiliacecB. 
 
 A small genus of Cape bulbs, very singular 
 and interesting. The flowers are green, or green 
 and orange, borne on slender scapes in terminal 
 racemes. They are tender, and must be kept 
 warm and dry during winter, and planted out 
 in the border in early spring. Propagated by 
 offsets. Introduced in 1808. 
 
 Urtica. Nettle. From uro, to burn ; in reference 
 to the stinging properties of most of the species. 
 Linn. Monaecla- Tetrandria. Nat. Ord. Urticacecp. 
 
 The Roman Nettle, U. pilitlifera, is sometimes 
 grown in gardens as an ornamental annual, but 
 the sting is much worse than that of U. dioir,a, 
 the common Nettle. Some of the exotic species 
 are very handsome ; as, for example, U. reticu- 
 lata, a native of Jamaica, which has red and yel- 
 low flowers and deep green leaves. There are 
 several native and naturalized species, all trou- 
 blesome weeds. 
 
 Utricularia. Bladderwort. From utriculus, a lit- 
 tle bladder; applied to the small inflated ap- 
 pendages of the roots. Linn. Diandria-Monogy- 
 nia. Nat. Ord. Anonacect}. 
 
 A genus of curious aquatic plants, common 
 throughout the United States. They are with- 
 out interest, except that during the early rtage 
 of the plant, the small, bladder-like appendages 
 at the roots are filled with water; but when the 
 flowers are ready to expand they become filled 
 with air. After the season of flowering, the 
 vesicles become again filled with water, and the 
 plant descends to ripen its seeds at the bottom. 
 
 Uvularia. Bellwort. The plants were formerly 
 used in diseases of the uvula ; whence the name. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacern. 
 A small genus of very handsome hardy herba- 
 ceous perennials, with lily-like flowers, borne 
 solitary, or rarely in pairs, on slender peduncles, 
 from the uppermost leaves. The flowers are 
 bright and greenhh yellow. There are several 
 species common throughout the United States, 
 in rich, rather moist woods. 
 
 Y. 
 
 Vaccaria. Cow Herb. Named from vecca, a 
 cow. Linn. Dexindria-Digynict. Nat. Ord. 
 Caryophyllacea;. 
 A coarse-growing hardy herbaceous perennial, 
 
 formerly called Saponaria Vaccaria. It was in- 
 troduced into the garden, but has escaped and 
 become common in waste places. 
 Vaccinium. High-bash Cranberry, Blueberry,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 VAL 
 
 Bilberry. An ancient Latin name, whether of a 
 berry or a flower is not satisfactorily known. 
 Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Vaccini- 
 acece. 
 
 An extensive genus of interesting shrubs, 
 many of which are indigenous to the United 
 States, and others to Europe and, the East and 
 West Indies. V. macrocarpa is the High-bush 
 Cranberry, common in bogs North and West. 
 V. stamineum is the Squaw Huckleberry, com- 
 mon in dry woods from Maine to Michigan. 
 V. uUginosum is the Bog Bilberry, a low-growing 
 species, common in high elevations in New 
 England and New York. V. corymbosum is the 
 common or Swamp Blueberry, everywhere com- 
 mon except southward. There are many other 
 species and varieties, the slight difference in 
 them noticeable only by the botanist. For the 
 common Cranberry and its culture, see Oxy- 
 coccus. 
 
 Valerian. See Valeriana. 
 
 Valeriana. Said by some to be named after Va- 
 lerius, who first used it in medicine; others as- 
 sert that it is derived from yalere, to be in 
 health, on account of the medicinal qualities of 
 V. officinalis. Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord? ValerianacecK. 
 
 Hardy perennials, most of them showy border 
 
 - plants of easy culture. Some of them have long 
 been in cultivation. Those best known are na- 
 tives of Switzerland. There are several native 
 species, from which the tincture of Valerian is 
 obtained. All the species are propagated by 
 division. 
 
 Valerianella. Lamb's Lettuce, Fetticus, Corn 
 Salad. A diminutive of Valerian. Linn. Trian- 
 dria- \fonofjynia. Nat. Ord. Vulerianacece. 
 
 A small genus of succulent herbs, natives of 
 Great Britain. V. olitoria, generally known here 
 as Fetticus, is largely grown under glass as an 
 early spring crop. The cultivation is very sim- 
 ilar to Spinach. Several of the species are under 
 cultivation. 
 
 Vallisneria. Eel Grass, Tape Grass. Named in 
 honor of A. VaUisneri, an Italian botanist. Linn. 
 Dicecia-Diandria. Nat. Ord. Hydrocharidacece . 
 
 A genus of aquatic plants, common in slow- 
 running waters, remarkable on account of the 
 extremely curious manner in which the process 
 of fertilization is effected. The male and female 
 floweraare on different plants, and the latter 
 rise on long spiral stalks, which gradually un- 
 coil above the surface of the water, while the 
 latter are produced at the bottom. Before, how- 
 ever, the anthers burst to discharge the pollen, 
 the male flowers detach themselves from their 
 stalks and rise up to the surface, on which they 
 float like little white bubbles. After the pollen 
 has been distributed over the stigmas, the male 
 flowers wither, and the spiral stalks of the fe- 
 males coil up again so as to draw the seed-vessel 
 under the water, that it may ripen at the bottom, 
 and burst when just in the proper place to de- 
 posit its seeds. Nothing can be more beautiful 
 than the whole arrangement; and nothing can 
 show more strikingly the admirable manner in 
 which the wonderful economy of nature is car- 
 ried on. V. spircdia, the best known and only 
 species in our waters, is admirably adapted for 
 growing in the aquarium. Besides being a beau- 
 tiful evergreen, one of the essentials for the 
 aquarium, one can, by growing it, witness that 
 wonderful and interesting phenomenon in plant 
 life. 
 
 Vallota. Named in honor of Pierre VaUot a 
 
 VAN 
 
 French botanist. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Amaryllidacea;. 
 
 V. purpurea, the only known species, is a na- 
 tive of the Cape of Good Hope, where it is 
 found in boggy places. It is an evergreen 
 bulb, producing its splendid spikes of brilliant 
 scarlet blossoms (not purple, as the name im- 
 plies) in August, and occasionally at other 
 periods. It is one of the most showy of the in- 
 teresting family to which it belongs, and the 
 little care required to grow it makes it particu- 
 larly desirable. It does best with ordinary pot 
 culture, requiring liberal watering, except a few 
 months in winter. The bulbs should not often 
 be separated, but occasionally shifted into larger 
 pots when they become thoroughly root-bound. 
 Too frequent shiftings are injurious to this bulb; 
 they do much better when pinched, and it is not 
 an uncommon occurrence to see twenty-five 
 flower spikes, with five to eight flowers each, 
 at one time, from a ten-inch pot of the bulbs. 
 They increase rapidly from offsets, which may be 
 picked off the top of the pot without disturbing 
 the main bulbs. They may be grown success- 
 fully in the border, and dried off in winter like 
 the Gladiolus, except that they should be taken 
 up after a slight frost and packed away in boxes 
 of earth, without disturbing the tops, watering 
 only once or twice during the winter. There 
 are two or three varieties, differing only in the 
 size of the flowers. Introduced in 1774. 
 
 Vanda. Vanda is the Sanscrit name of the origi- 
 nal species of this genus. Linn. Gymndria- 
 Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidacece. 
 
 A genus of magnificent epiphytal Orchids 
 from tropical Asia. Several of the species are 
 found in our best Orchid houses, where they are 
 most conspicuous objects, both on account of 
 the size and beautiful colors and markings of 
 the flowers, and for their delicious fragrance. 
 The plants may be attached to blocks of wood 
 or cork, and suspended from the roof of the 
 house. From March till May the heat should 
 range from 70 to 90. or even more in sunny 
 weather, and every morning and evening they 
 should be surrounded with vapor, besides an 
 application of water from the syringe once a 
 day. From May till September, which with us 
 is the blooming season, the same degree of heat 
 should be maintained, but with a diminution of 
 the moisture as the flowers advance; and after- 
 ward, through the winter, moisture may be 
 withheld, and the temperature reduced to 60. 
 Some of the species have been under cultiva- 
 tion since 1810. V. tricolor, one of the best, was 
 introduced in 1846. Of this species there are 
 some fifteen or more varieties, all of great 
 beauty. They are propagated by carefully de- 
 taching the lateral shoots when about six inches 
 long, and fastening them to a cork. 
 
 Vanilla. An alteration of Vaynilla, which is a 
 diminutive of Vaina, a Spanish word, signifying 
 a sheath; in reference to the cylindrical pod 
 being like the sheath of a knife. Linn. Gynan- 
 dria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. Orchidftfea;. 
 
 A small genus of tropical, climbing Orchids, 
 one of the most important of the whole family, 
 not because of its flowers, but for the commer- 
 cial value of the fruJt, which is universally used 
 in the preparation of extracts for flavoring. 
 The best Vanilla is the produce of V. planifolia, 
 a native of Mexico, but several other South 
 American species are also used. The flowers 
 of this genus are white striped with red, and 
 quite insignificant; these flowers are succeeded
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 VAN 
 
 by pods about six inches in length and one- 
 fourth of an inch in diameter. The pod con- 
 tains, besides its numerous seeds, a substance 
 which is black, oily, and balsamic; and when 
 recently gathered this is humid, and its odor is 
 said to produce intoxication. The pods are 
 gathered during the last three months of the 
 year, and are carefully dried by exposure to the 
 sun s rays until they are made warm, in which 
 state they are wrapped in woolen cloths to pro- 
 mote and absorb evaporation. When thoroughly 
 cured, they are ready for shipment. The extract 
 is obtained by cutting the pods in small pieces, 
 and pulverizing in a mortar containing about 
 four parts of fine glass to one of Vanilla. It re- 
 quires a great amount of labor to get the Vanilla 
 fine enough for the dilute alcohol to act upon it 
 in a manner that will secure the whole. After 
 the pulverized mass has been in alcohol for 
 several days, it is filtered through paper, and is 
 fit for use. 
 
 Vanilla or Seneca Grass. See Hierochloa borealis. 
 Vanilla Plant. The popular name of Liatris 
 
 odor at is sun a, which see. 
 Variegated Bulrush. See Scirpus. 
 Variegated Laurel. See Aucuba. 
 Vegetable Oyster. See Trayopogon porrifolius. 
 Vegetable Hair. See T'dlandsia usneoides. 
 Vegetable Ivory Nut. See Phytelephos macro- 
 cur pa. 
 
 Vegetable Marrow. See Persea. 
 Vegetable Marrow. An English name for a va- 
 riety of summer Squash. The one usually grown 
 is about nine inches long and four to five in di- 
 ameter. It is used in every stage of its growth, 
 and is particularly tender and sweet. It is 
 grown in all respects like the several varieties 
 of our summer Bush Squashes. 
 Vegetable Mercury. See Franciscea. 
 Veitchia. A name applied by Dr. Lindley to a 
 curious Japanese conifer, since proven to be 
 merely a deformed state of some Abies. 
 Vellozia. Derivation of name unknown. Linn. 
 Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. HcemodoracecK. 
 The Vellozias are like perennial Lilies, and 
 grow from two to ten feet high, having trunks 
 as large as a man's body, branching, and having 
 tufts of leaves on the top like the Yucca. The 
 flowers are large, white, blue, or violet, pro- 
 duced singly or on slender scapes from the tips 
 of the branches. They are showy and attractive 
 features in the mountain regions of Brazil and 
 Australia. 
 
 Veltheimia. Named in honor of F. A. VeUheim, 
 a German botanist. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. LUiacecv. 
 
 Large-growing bulbs from the Cape of Good 
 Hope. The flowers are flesh-color and of but 
 little beauty, though of long duration. The 
 bulbs rest the entire summer, and come into 
 bloom in early winter. They are grown from seed, 
 which they produce freely. The bulbs rarely 
 divide or make offsets. Introduced in 1781. 
 Velvet Grass. See Holcos. 
 Venus's Fly-trap. See Dionwa muscipula.. 
 Venus's Looking-Glass. See Specularia speculum. 
 Venus's Navelwort. See Omphalodes. 
 Venus's Slipper. See Cypripfdium insigne. 
 Veratrum. Hellebore. From vere, truly, and 
 a'.ex, black; in allusion to the color of the roots. 
 Linn. Polygamm-Monoida. Nat. Ord. Melaiithacece. 
 A genus of hardy herbaceous, coarse-growing 
 plants, with large, coarse, fibrous roots, which 
 are very poisonous. V. viride, a species com- 
 mon in swamps and marshy grounds, is popu- 
 
 VER 
 
 larly known as White Hellebore or Indian Poke. 
 The powdered roots of this species are used to 
 destroy Caterpillars, Rose Beetles, and other in- 
 sects. It is the base of some of the so-called 
 Persian Insect Powders, which should there- 
 fore be used with care. 
 
 Verbascum. Mullein. Said to be from barbas- 
 cum, bearded; in allusion to the bearded fila- 
 ments. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Scrophulariacece. 
 
 An extensive genus of coarse-growing, weedy 
 biennial herbs, common in neglected fields and 
 roadsides. They are natives of Europe, but 
 thoroughly naturalized in most parts of this 
 country. 
 
 Verbena. Vervain. Said to be from its Celtic 
 name, terfaen. Linn. Didynamia-Angiospermia. 
 Nat. Ord. Verbenacece. 
 
 The beauty of this extensive genus is well 
 known, and needs no comment. They are all 
 peculiarly adapted for growing in beds in the 
 flower-garden, and are extensively grown for 
 that purpose. As a garden plant they are, com- 
 paratively, of recent introduction. Our garden 
 varieties have all originated from the following 
 species: V. melindres, a low, creeping plant, 
 with intense scarlet flowers, introduced from 
 Buenos Ayres in 1827. V. Tweediana, of freer 
 growth and more upright habit, umbels larger, 
 and florets more profuse, but of a less vivid 
 color, was introduced in 1834 from Brazil. V. 
 teucrioides, a taller growing species, of much 
 coarser habit, with flowers of pure white, in nar- 
 row-pointed spikes, and very fragrant, was in- 
 troduced from Monte Video in 1837. V. mullifida, 
 with lilac-purple flowers, was introduced from 
 Peru in 1818. The late Robert Buist, Sr., of 
 Philadelphia, was the first to introduce Verbena 
 culture into this country. He received seeds 
 from South America of the species named, and 
 from these have sprung the many thousand 
 named varieties that have from time to time 
 been offered for sale by plant-growers. Several 
 species have been found in the United States, 
 and among them V. montana, a hardy perennial 
 from the Rocky Mountains, a very free-flower- 
 ing species, with flowers of a bright rose, chang- 
 ing to lilac; a decided acquisition to the flower- 
 garden. V. aubletia, with spikes of showy pur- 
 ple flowers, a hardy biennial, is found in Illinois 
 and westward. Verbenas are easily grown from 
 seed, which should be sown in a hot-bed or the 
 green-house in early spring, and at once prick- 
 ed out before planting in the flower-bed. Plants 
 from seed will be more vigorous than from 
 cuttings; but when special colors are wanted 
 seedlings cannot be depended upon. At the 
 low price the plants are now sold in the markets, 
 it is cheaper to buy them than to grow them 
 from seed; but when the amateur is not con- 
 venient to the florist, the supply can be easily 
 kept up from seed. In growing Verbenas, suc- 
 cessive plantings should not be made on the 
 same ground ; the less frequently the better. It 
 is not that they exhaust the soil that renders a 
 change necessary, but when grown more than 
 once on the same spot, they are far more liable 
 to be attacked by the Aphis at the roots, which 
 is fatal to them. The varieties selected by florists 
 in the United States are far superior to those of 
 Europe, so that for the past ten years hardly any 
 importations have been made of either seeds or 
 plants. The plant is better suited to our cli- 
 mate, and is far more extensively cultivated here 
 than in Europe. The Verbena delights in a.
 
 240 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 sweet, turfy loam; clayey or sandy soils should 
 be avoided in the selection of the bed. 
 
 Verbena, Sweet-Scented. See^l%sia. 
 
 Verbena, Lemon. See Aloysia. 
 
 Veronica. Speedwell. The derivation of the 
 word is unknown. Linn. Diandria-Monogyniu. 
 Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacea>. 
 
 An extensive genus of, for the most part, 
 hardy ornamental plants, well adapted for the 
 borders of the flower garden. Their stature va- 
 ries from creeping plants to others three or four 
 feet high. The prevailing color is blue, though 
 white, pink, red, and purple are found among 
 them. The green-house species deserve atten- 
 tion, being easy to grow and flower, and they 
 are handsome in foliage, habit, and inflorescence. 
 This class delights in a mixture of leaf mould and 
 loam, and with plenty of root room speedily 
 make fine specimens. The species usually met 
 in the green-house are from New South Wales. 
 The hardy herbaceous species are distributed 
 throughout the temperate regions of both conti- 
 nents. Propagated by cuttings. 
 
 Vervain. See Verbena. 
 
 Verschaffeltia. A genus of very beautiful Palms 
 from the Seychelle Islands, formerly known as 
 Regelia. 
 
 Vetch. See Ficia. 
 
 Vetchling. Everlasting Pea. See Laihyras. 
 
 Viburnum. Arrow-wood, Laurestinu8 t From 
 weo, to tie, because of the pliability of some of 
 the branches. Linn. Pentandria-Trigynia. Nat. 
 Ord. CaprifoliacecK. 
 
 An extensive genus of ornamental shrubs, gen- 
 erally with terminal corymbs of white flowers. 
 One of the best known species is V. tinus, popu- 
 larly known as Laurestinus, an evergreen bush 
 or low shrub, with white flowers that are rose- 
 colored in the bud. It is a desirable house 
 plant, (when it can be kept at a low tempera- 
 ture,) as it is easy of cultivation and keeps in 
 flower nearly the whole winter. It will thrive 
 finely in the Southern States, planted in the 
 open border. V. Lentago, a native species, com- 
 mon from Maine to Georgia, is a very handsome 
 low-growing tree, and well worth a place on the 
 lawn. Its rich green foliage and profusion of 
 flowers in spring, its numerous clusters of fruit 
 and richly- colored foliage in autumn, enhance 
 its value as an ornamental tree. This is com- 
 monly known as Sweet Viburnum, or Sheep Berry 
 The Wayfaring Tree, or Wild Guelder Rose, ( V, 
 lanianoidei, ) is another interesting small tree ; and 
 V. cotinlfolium is a beautiful species from Nepal 
 The most interesting kind of Viburnum grown 
 in small gardens is, However, the Guelder Rose, 
 or Snowball Tree, V. opulus. This is a deciduous 
 shrub, a native of Europe and part of Asia, and 
 is usually found in swampy thickets. In a wild 
 state its principal beauty lies in its bright red 
 berries; but m a state of cultivation its heads of 
 
 most desirable of the species, and is of a better 
 nabit than the preceding. Most of the Vibur- 
 nums are hardy. They are generally propagated 
 by layers but cuttings will strike freely if kept 
 moist, and in a shady situation. When trans- 
 planted, the evergreen species should be re- 
 moved m October or November, as they have 
 lew fibrous roots, and are very apt to be killed 
 by a continuance of dry weather if they are 
 transplanted in spring. 
 Vicia. Vetch. From vincio, to bind together; re- 
 
 VIO 
 
 ferring to the clasping tendrils. Linn. Diadel- 
 phia-Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A very extensive genus of hardy climbing 
 annuals* and herbaceous climbing perennials. 
 Some are common weeds, while others are grown 
 for food for all kinds of cattle. They are mostly 
 natives of Europe, one or two only being found 
 in this country. The ornamental species are 
 generally pretty climbing plants, with purplish 
 flowers. They are natives of Europe. Some of 
 the kinds, however, have white, some pink, 
 others blue, and others pale yellow flowers. All 
 the kinds grow freely, though they thrive best 
 when the soil is deep and sandy. They are prop- 
 agated by seeds or division of the roots. 
 Victoria. Named in honor of her Majesty, Queen 
 Victoria of England. Linn. Polyandria-M&no- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Nymphcnacece. 
 
 A magnificent genus of plants, consisting of 
 one species, as some think, or three species, ac- 
 cording to others. Dr. Masters, in the Treasury 
 of Botany, speaking of these noble plants, says: 
 "They are aquatic plants, with thick, fleshy 
 root-stocks, marked with the scars of former 
 leaves, and sending upward numerous long, 
 cylindrical leaf-stalks, which are traversed in 
 the interior by several air-canals, the larger of 
 them arranged with much regularity, and are 
 thickly covered on the outside by stout conical 
 prickles. These prickles have spiral vessels and 
 a small cavity in their interior, opening by a little 
 pore at the top. From the under surface of the 
 base of the leaf-stalks numerous adventitious 
 roots are given out. The blade of the leaf is pel- 
 tate, circular in outline, and when fully developed 
 is from six to twelve feet in diameter, its mai-gin 
 uniformly turned upward to the extent of two 
 or three inches, so that the leaves, when float- 
 ing, have the appearance of so many large, shal- 
 low trays. The upper surface of the leaf is of a 
 rich green color, and studded with little boss- 
 like prominences. The lower surface is of a 
 deep purple or violet hue, and traversed by 
 several very prominent nerves, which radiate 
 from the center to the margin of the leaf, and 
 are connected one with another by smaller 
 nerves running transversely, so that the whole 
 of the under surface is divided by compart- 
 ments into a number of irregularly quadrangu- 
 lar spaces or cells. The nerves themselves are 
 permeated by air canals, and covered by strong 
 spines. Thus the enormous leaves are well 
 adapted to float on the water; and the extent of 
 surface exposed is so great that a considerable 
 weight can be supported without submerging 
 them. Even a child of twelve years of age may 
 be borne up, if the precaution be taken of first 
 placing on the leaf a small piece of board, to 
 prevent the feet from tearing and slipping 
 through its surface. The flower-stalk has a 
 similar outward appearance to that of the leaf, 
 but is stouter, and its air-canals are arranged in 
 a different manner. The flower bud before ex- 
 pansion is pear-shaped. The calyx is adherent 
 below to the ovary, and is here covered with 
 prickles; its limb, however, is destitute of these 
 appendages, and is divided into four ovate de- 
 ciduous sepals, of n, rich purple tint externally, 
 and whitish internally. The petals are very 
 numerous, in several rows, and (as in our com- 
 mon Water Lily) exhibit a gradual transition 
 in their form to that of the stamens, so that it 
 is somewhat difficult in all cases to decide where 
 the one set of parts ceases and the others begin. 
 The outer petals are rather larger than the sepals
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 241 
 
 VIC 
 
 or lobes of the calyx, oblong, concave, and white, 
 the inner ones gradually becoming narrower, 
 more pointed, and of a beautiful deep rose color. 
 When fully expanded the outer petals are bent 
 downward, while the central rose-colored ones, 
 with the stamens, remain erect; and thus a no- 
 ble appearance is presented, as of a central rose- 
 colored crown supported by a series of pure 
 white and most gracefully curved petals. The 
 stamens are numerous, the outer ones some- 
 what lance-shaped, gracefully curved, of a fine 
 rose-color, and having two linear anther cells 
 on the inner face, near, but not quite extending 
 to the top. Within these fertile stamens are 
 other sterile ones, smaller in size, less highly 
 colored, arching over the stigmas, to which they 
 approximate also in color and form. The ovary 
 is adherent to the calyx tube, somewhat globular 
 or top-shaped, its upper portion hollowed like a 
 cup, and presenting in the center a little round- 
 . ed or conical knob. Along the upper margin of 
 the cup are placed the stigmas, fleshy, pointed 
 "bodies, somewhat flattened at the sides, and 
 bent in the middle, so that their points project 
 over the cup toward the center. Each stigma 
 has a prominent line along its upper surface, 
 running down to the central knob, which is 
 thus the focus of a series of ridges, radiating 
 toward the stigmas. The interior of the ovary 
 contains numerous cavities corresponding to 
 the stigmas, and each containing several ovules. 
 The fruit, when ripe, is a sort of globular berry, 
 thickly beset with formidable prickles. The 
 seeds escape by the rotting of the outer por- 
 tions of the fruit. These noble plants inhabit 
 the tranquil rivers of South America, especially 
 those which are tributary to the Amazon. They 
 differ in the size of the seeds and other particu- 
 lars; but when it is remembered how variable 
 aquatic plants are, it is better, for the present 
 at least, to consider them as forms of one rather 
 than as distinct species. Generically, Victoria is 
 most nearly allied to Euryale, but it is distinguish- 
 ed by the deciduous sepals, by the gradual transi- 
 tion in the form of the petals to that of the sta- 
 mens, by the more numerous cavities of the 
 ovary, and other particulars. The leaf of Eury- 
 ale is, however, an exact miniature copy of that 
 of the Victoria, save that it is not turned up at 
 the margin. 
 
 " The earliest traveler who discovered this plant 
 was Hasnke, in 1801. Bonpland subsequently 
 met with it; but M. D'Orbigny was the first to 
 send home specimens to Paris in 1828. They 
 were, however, neglected or overlooked. In a ! 
 work published some few years after this time, j 
 M. D'Orbigny mentions having discovered the | 
 plant in the River Parana in Guiana. It was j 
 known, he says, to the natives by the name of j 
 Irupe, in allusion to the shape of the leaves, j 
 which resembles that of the broad dishes used j 
 in the country. The Spaniards call the plant | 
 Water Maize, as they collect the seeds, and eat i 
 them roasted. In 1832 a German traveler found ! 
 it in some tributaries of the Amazon; but it was , 
 not until the late Sir Robert Schomburgk dis- 
 covered it in the Berbice River, in British 
 Guiana, in the year 1837, that public attention j 
 was drawn to the magnificent plant." Sir \ 
 Robert, in a letter to the Royal Geographical i 
 Society, thus describes his first sight of the i 
 plant: "It was on the first of January, 1837, 
 while contending with the difficulties that na- 
 ture interposed in different ways to hinder our 
 progress up the River Berbice, that we arrived i 
 
 VIC 
 
 at a part where the river expanded and formed 
 a currentless basin. Some object on the south- 
 ern extremity of this basin attracted my atten- 
 tion, and I was unable to form an idea what it 
 could be; but, animating the crew to increase 
 the rate of their paddling, we soon came oppo- 
 site the object which had raised my curiosity, 
 and, behold, a vegetable wonder! All calami- 
 ties were forgotten. I was a botanist, and felt 
 myself rewarded ! There were gigantic leaves, 
 five to six feet across, flat, with a broad brim, 
 light green above and vivid crimson beneath, 
 floating on the water; while, in character with 
 the wonderful foliage, I saw luxuriant flowers, 
 each consisting of numerous petals, passing in 
 alternate tints from pure white to rose and pink. 
 The smooth water was covered with the flowers; 
 and as I rowed from one to the other I always 
 found something new to admire." In 1845 
 Mr. Bridges, an English traveler, while riding 
 along the River Yacouma, a tributary of the 
 Mamore, came across a large colony of the Victo- 
 ria, and succeeded in collecting a quantity of 
 the ripe seeds, which he took with him, soon 
 thereafter, to England. Some of them he in- 
 trusted to Sir Joseph Paxton at Chatsworth, who 
 succeeded in producing the plant in November, 
 1849, and presented a flower to the Queen at 
 Windsor Castle, where a brilliant assemblage 
 met to admire the new and beautiful treasure. 
 The Victoria regia has been successfully grown 
 in several private collections of plants in the 
 United States, and about twenty years ago was 
 publicly exhibited at Tripler Hall, in the City of 
 New York, by the New York Horticultural Soci- 
 ety, where it attracted thousands of wondering 
 admirers. There was a little romance connected 
 with this exhibition of the plant, the particulars 
 of which have been furnished by Mr. Peter B. 
 Mead, as follows: "I will tell you briefly the 
 particulars connected with the exhibition of the 
 Victoria reqia by the New York Horticultural So- 
 ciety at Tripler Hall. I was chairman of the 
 committee of arrangements. Mr. Caleb Cope, of 
 Philadelphia, was the first to grow and flower 
 the Victoria in the United States. I was one of 
 his correspondents, and just at the time'of our 
 exhibition he informed me that his Victoria was 
 in full bloom . I wrote him, begging a leaf and 
 a flower for our exhibition. The answer came, 
 with a liberality that always characterized Mr. 
 Cope, that I could have a plant, with all the 
 flowers and buds, if I would send for it. I con- 
 cluded to go myself, and my associates under- 
 took to build a tank some twenty-five feet in di- 
 ameter, and send notices to all the papers that 
 the Victoria regia would be on exhibition the 
 next day. I took Mr. Lenoir with me, and we 
 met Mr. Cope at Tacony (opposite Philadelphia) 
 waiting for us. We rode up to Mr. Cope's coun- 
 try seat, where, to my surprise, I found the Vic- 
 toria already splendidly packed in moss in a 
 box about seven feet square and nearly two feet 
 deep. There was about an hour to spare, and 
 that was devoted almost entirely to the large 
 Lily house, built expressly for the Victoria, but 
 containing many other aquatics, Ferns, Orchids, 
 etc. The tank was about thirty feet in diame- 
 ter, the chill taken off the water by a hot-water 
 pipe, and the water kept in motion by a small 
 water-wheel placed at the point where the water 
 entered the tank. It was a miniature of the 
 water-wheel that you will see at almost any grist 
 mill. The whole house was so fascinating that 
 even now it makes me forget my adventure with
 
 242 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 VIC 
 
 the plant in the box. The plant had preceded 
 us to the railroad station, and when we arrived 
 there I immediately sought the conductor, to 
 make arrangements for the transportation of the 
 box He said his train was a passenger train, 
 and he could not take it. I explained to him 
 the nature and urgency of the case, and pointed 
 to an empty truck as being just the thing. He 
 began swelling fearfully with the pride of a lit- 
 tle brief authority, as most small men do, said 
 he would not take it anyhow, and walked off. I 
 felt that I was in a ' fix.' I looked at Lenoir, he 
 looked at me, but neither said a word. There 
 was no freight train till past midnight. The 
 time was getting short, as the boat with the 
 Philadelphia passengers was approaching the 
 dock. I looked again at the empty truck, and in 
 doing so saw two idle men near by. In an in- 
 stant I had made up my mind what to do. I re- 
 quested Mr. Lenoir to take a seat in the car. I 
 approached the two men, put a liberal amount 
 of money in their hands, and told them I want- 
 ed that box put on the empty truck. I waited 
 till the conductor was out of sight, and just then 
 the train began to move. I gave the word to the 
 men, the box went on the truck, and I went on 
 the top of the box, and there I remained till the 
 train reached Jersey City, about midnight, de- 
 termined that the box should not go off unless I 
 went with it, and that I would not go without a 
 fight. I had a dismal time of it, for the night 
 was dark and chilly; but I had Her Majesty, Vic- 
 toria reqia, under my care, and did not mean to 
 abandon her; besides, I was anxious that the So- 
 ciety should keep its faith with the public. In 
 a certain sense it was an affair of honor. I was 
 in a measure cheered by seeing Lenoir's anxious 
 face occasionally at the door of the car immedi- 
 ately in front of me. The darkness favored me, 
 for it was not till we reached Elizabeth that the 
 conductor discovered me on the box. He came 
 near me with his lantern, but seemed suddenly 
 to change his mind, and walked away. After a 
 while I began to suspect that he was fixing a 
 trap for me. Arrived at Jersey City, Lenoir 
 came to me immediately. I told him to go quick 
 for some men, and he soon returned with three. 
 They took off the box, and we got to the gate 
 just as the last two passengers went out, and the 
 keeper was closing the gate after them. I took 
 hold of the gate and told him to stop, as I want- 
 ed to get that box through. He pushed and I 
 pulled. He said the conductor had ordered him 
 not to let the box pass. I thought I was caught 
 at last, but my good nature (or good genius) did 
 not at this moment desert me; if it had, the pub- 
 lic of New York would have missed the pleasure 
 of seeing the most magnificent of water plants. 
 I said to the man, coaxingly, ' See here, neigh- 
 bor; the conductor don't understand this thing 
 at all. That box contains a very valuable plant, 
 and it will die in that box before morning. Now 
 do move a little further back, so the men can 
 get through.' All this time I was pushing him 
 back. gently, till at length the gate was open 
 wide enough for the box to pass, when I said to 
 the men, 'Now quick, or the boat will be off.' 
 I ran ahead, paid the fares, had the large gate 
 opened, and the box was placed on the boat just 
 as it was leaving the bridge; but the men got 
 caught, and had to go to New York; and I was 
 soon glad of it, for they proved to be very helpful 
 on the other side. Lenoir and I went into the cab- 
 in, and congratulated ourselves on the end of our 
 troubles; but we anticipated, for the end was not 
 
 VIL 
 
 yet. On arriving in New York, not a vehicle of 
 any kind was to be found, owing to the lateness 
 of the hour. We were in a quandary, but I said 
 to Lenoir, ' Well, we've got so far, and that box 
 is going to Tripler Hall to-night, somehow.' 
 Just then a hack hove in sight, and was stopped. 
 I told the driver I wanted him to take that box 
 to Tripler Hall. He said he couldn't. I thought 
 this was my last chance, and told him he must. 
 It all ended by placing the box on the top of the 
 hack, and securing it by ropes and straps. Le- 
 noir and I got inside, and we all, box included, 
 arrived safely at Tripler Hall about half past 
 twelve, and were warmly congratulated. The 
 tank was done and filled with water. The box 
 was soon unpacked, and Lenoir and I had the 
 supreme pleasure of seeing the magnificent 
 plant, with its charming flower and buds, peace- 
 fully floating in its native element. We were 
 abundantly rewarded for all our anxiety and 
 trouble. It will give point to this little adven- 
 ture when I state that I dared not leave the box 
 long enough to purchase a ticket, and Victoria 
 and myself consequently came through without 
 paying so much as a penny. At that time Mr. 
 Geo. Win. Curtis was our Corresponding Secre- 
 tary, and also city editor of the New York Tribune* 
 He waited at the Hall until our return; and 
 after hearing our adventures, went to the office, 
 and the whole thing appeared in print the next 
 morning, and had something to do with the 
 great crowds that for three days came to see the 
 Victoria. And this is how the plant came to be 
 exhibited by the New York Horticultural Socie- 
 ty. Mr. Cope very kindly gave me two young 
 plants of the Victoria, and some ripe seeds. One 
 of these was presented to the late William Niblo, 
 who made a small tank for it ; but in a couple of 
 years it outgrew the tank, became sickly, and 
 died, and a similar fate overtook the other. I 
 succeeded in growing some of the seeds in a 
 firkin filled one-third with leaf mould and sand 
 and the rest water. The plants died for want of 
 room. The Victoria was grown one season, if 
 not more, in a tank in the open air; but the 
 proper place for it is under glass. Its manage- 
 ment is not so difficult as was at first supposed, 
 and it may now be found in several collections. 
 It requires treatment similar to that of the 
 NelunHAum. 
 
 Vieusseuxia. Named in honor of M. Vieussewx, 
 a Swiss botanist. Linn. Triandria- Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Iridacecc. 
 
 Small bulbs from the Cape of Good Hope, 
 usually known as the Peacock Iris, on account 
 of their very brilliant flowers, varying from 
 white to crimson and purple. They are not 
 hardy, but will grow well with partial protec- 
 tion, like most of the Cape bulbs. They are rap- 
 idly increased by offsets. Introduced in 1776. 
 
 Vigna. In memory of Dominic Vigni, a commen- 
 tator on Theophrastus. Linn. Diadelphia-Decan- 
 dria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A few trailing and climbing plants, allied to 
 Dolichos, the principal distinction being the 
 yellow flowers and cylindrical seed pods, while 
 the Dolichos has purple and white flowers, and 
 flattened pods. The genus is chiefly South 
 American, one or two species being found in 
 the Southern States. Propagated by seeds. 
 
 Vilfa. See Rash Grass. 
 
 Villarsia. Named in honor of D. ViUars, a fa- 
 mous French botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Mono- 
 gynia. Nat. Ord. Gentianacece. 
 A small genus of aquatic plants and herba-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 243 
 
 VIN 
 
 ceous perennials. The flowers are in axillary 
 clusters or terminal panicles, and mostly of a 
 yellow color. V. nymphoides, a native of Eng- 
 land, and one of the finest species, is an aquatic 
 of easy culture, and well adapted for the aqua- 
 rium. 
 
 Vinca. Periwinkle, Creeping Myrtle. Probably 
 from vinculum, a band ; in allusion to the suit- 
 ableness of the shoots for making bands. Linn. 
 Pentandrla-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Apocynacece. 
 
 A well-known genus of hardy herbaceous, ever- 
 green, trailing plants, and green-house, low- 
 growing, woody herbs. V. major and V. minor 
 are respectively the Large-leaved Periwinkle and 
 the Cjmmon Periwinkle, known in cottage gar- 
 dens as Myrtles. They are natives of Europe, 
 and have long been in cultivation. They are 
 much used in cemeteries for covering graves, 
 the deep green of the leaves contrasting with 
 the delicate blue flowers. There are varieties 
 with gold and silver-edged leaves, not quite 
 hardy in the Northern States, but considerably 
 grown for basket plants and conservatory deco- 
 ration. V. rosea is a beautiful green-house 
 plant, with flowers pure white, white with rose 
 eye, and plain rose-colored. They grow from 
 twenty to thirty inches high, and are com- 
 pletely covered with flowers the entire sum- I 
 mer. They do quite as well planted in the 
 open border as when grown in the green-house. 
 They are natives of the East indies, and are, 
 consequently, tender, requiring nearly as high 
 a temperature as Coleus or Bouvardia. Intro- 
 duced in 1776. These plants may be grown 
 from cuttings or from seed, the latter being 
 preferable. The seed should be sown in the 
 hot-house or hot-bed about the first of January, 
 in an average temperature of not less than 70, 
 and grown on in the same manner, and planted 
 in the flower garden at the same time as other 
 tender bedding plants. Planted eighteen inch- 
 es apart each way, they completely cover the 
 ground. 
 
 Vine. See VUis. 
 
 Viola. Violet, Heartsease, Pansy. Latin name of 
 the flowers. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. ! 
 Ord. Violacece. 
 
 This genus consists of more than one hundred 
 and fifty species, indigenous in North America, 
 Europe, Asia, China, and Japan. Some of the 
 species occupy a prominent position in the 
 flower garden and the commercial green-house. 
 The genus includes V. odorata, the well- 
 known hardy English Violet, and its many vari- 
 eties, so common in cultivation. This species, 
 by common consent called English Violet, is , 
 indigenous throughout Europe, parts of Asia, i 
 China, and Japan. It is unquestionably the j 
 Violet of the ancients, as it is correctly de- i 
 scribed by Dioscorides, who recommends it for 
 its medicinal virtues, as well as for its fragrance i 
 and beauty. Of this species there are many 
 varieties, and of these some are white, some ] 
 blue, some purple, light and dark, and both ; 
 single and double. The most interesting and 
 the most generally cultivated are the Neapolitan 
 and Russian Violets, and of each of these there 
 are varieties with distinctive names, and among 
 them the Maria Louise, a dark purple, is promi- 
 nent. (The Russian Violets are credited to the 
 species V. suavis by some writers. Loudon, 
 however, says they are varieties of V. odorata.) 
 The Neapolitan, light blue, and Maria Louise, 
 dark blue, are the Violets most generally culti- 
 vated, as they can be made to flower all the win- I 
 
 VIR 
 
 ter. They are grown in frames and in green- 
 houses with and without artificial heat. For- 
 merly they were more grown in cold frames than 
 in green-houses, but many of the growers have 
 abandoned frames, and grow them in small 
 houses, giving only sufficient heat to protect the 
 plants from frost. Some grow them in pots, 
 while others plant them out on the bench; 
 each way has its earnest advocates, and either 
 way will give good flowers, largely in propor- 
 tion to the care given; and there is no plant 
 grown that requires more, or will usually better 
 repay that which is given. The essential in 
 Violet culture is a strong calcareous soil, one 
 that will retain moisture without becoming sod- 
 dened; a low temperature (not to exceed 40 at 
 night or 60 during the day, ventilating when- 
 ever practicable) without bottom heat, the water 
 applied without wetting the foliage, and the 
 plants kept clean from decayed leaves and run- 
 ners. With these attentions, failures in Violet 
 culture will be rare; without them success will 
 be equally rare. Thus far there have been no 
 free-flowering double white varieties worthy of 
 cultivation. There are several of our native 
 species worthy of cultivation in the border, par- 
 ticularly where there is considerable shade; the 
 best of these is Viola pedata, or Bird's-foot Violet, 
 a species that abounds in many parts of the 
 country, but nowhere more plentifully than what 
 is termed the Plains of Long Island, where, in 
 early spring, may be seen acres of ground com- 
 pletely covered with these mauve-colored flow- 
 ers, sparingly mixed with its varieties, with pure 
 white, and light blue with purple striped flow- 
 ers. This species improves by cultivation, and 
 can be removed from its native home without the 
 slightest danger of failure. An important feat- 
 ure is that it will grow anywhere, in Bun or 
 shade, preferring a light sandy soil. In a favor- 
 able situation the flowers will be an inch across, 
 and produced in such abundance as to com- 
 pletely cover the bed. Where they can be used 
 as a border plant, they are very effective. The 
 species of the greatest importance as a florist's 
 or as a garden flower is V. tricolor, or Pansy, 
 which see. All of the species are interesting, 
 but too numerous to be specially noticed. 
 
 Viper's Bugloss. See Echium. 
 
 Virgilia. 1 ellow Wood. Lamarck dedicated this 
 genus to the poet Virgil, whose "Georgics" 
 contain many things interesting to botanists. 
 Linn. Decandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. FabacecK. 
 This genus includes several species, none of 
 which are of special interest excepting V. hitea, 
 a native species, indigenous in East Kentucky 
 and southward. It is a moderate-sized tree, 
 with a compact head, which usually has a ten- 
 dency to be heavier on one side than the other. 
 It has compound leaves, not unlike the Hickory, 
 though of a brighter color, which it retains un- 
 til frost. The flowers appear in May, in large 
 panicles or clusters, from six to eight inches 
 long, pure white, pea-shaped, and in such pro- 
 fusion as to almost clothe the tree, making it a 
 beautiful object for the lawn. A noticeable fea- 
 ture of this tree is, that it commences to flower 
 when only a small shrub, making it desirable 
 for the lawn. It seems to be perfectly hardy, 
 though in many places it does not thrive well; 
 but for that it would have few superiors for the 
 lawn. Recent botanists have transferred Virgilia 
 lutea to Uadrastift tindoria, a new genus. Propa- 
 gated from cuttings or from seed. 
 
 Virginia Cowslip or Lungwort. The common
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 VIB 
 
 MW of Mertensia Virginica, sometimes called 
 Pulmonaria rmjinica, a rather pretty herbaceous 
 plant, occasionally grown in the ornamental 
 border. See Mertentia and Pulmonaria. 
 
 Virginia Creeper. See Ampelopsis hederacea. 
 
 Virginian Snakeroot. See Aristolochia serpen- 
 
 Virgin's Bower. See Clematis Virginiana. 
 
 Virginian Stock. See Malcomia. 
 
 Viscaria. Rock Lychnis. From viscus, bird- 
 lime; in allusion to the glutinous stems of the 
 species. Linn. Decandria-Decagynia. Nat. Ord. 
 (Mruophyllacecp,. 
 
 These are handsome hardy annuals, particular- 
 ly V. ocidata, whose pretty pink and purple flow- 
 ers are very pleasing. They make the best ap- 
 pearance when sown in masses, which may be 
 done in April and May, to afford a display 
 through the whole of the summer months. 
 Many of the plants of this genus are now in- 
 cluded in Lychnis, which see. 
 
 Viscum. Mistletoe. From viscus, bird-lime; on 
 account of the sticky nature of the berries. 
 Linn. Viwcia-Pentandria. Nat. Ord. Loranthacece. 
 We copy from Mrs. Loudon's " Gardening for 
 Ladies "a description of V. album: "This curi- 
 ous parasite can hardly be called ornamental, 
 though it may be sometimes introduced with 
 effect' to give an air of antiquity to newly- 
 planted pleasure-grounds. It grows best on old 
 cankered Apple Trees, but it may be made to 
 take root on even a young tree, by pressing a 
 berry on a crack in the bark, and then tying 
 oiled paper over it. As, however, the male and 
 female flowers of the Mistletoe are on separate 
 plants, the berries are not always fertile. It is 
 a vulgar error to suppose that the Mistletoe 
 grows generally on the Oak, as it is extremely 
 rare on that tree in England. It is found most 
 commonly on the Apple, and next on the Haw- 
 thorn ; it is also found on the Lime, the Syca- 
 more, the Willow, the -Poplar, and the Ash, 
 occasionally on the Cherry and sometimes, 
 though rarely, on Pines and Firs. When the 
 seeds begin to grow, they send out first one or 
 two roots, which ascend for a short time, and 
 then turn back to the bark, on which they fix 
 themselves, like the sucker of an insect. The 
 other end afterward detaches itself from the 
 tree, and becomes leaves and shoots. The roots 
 of the Mistletoe descend between the bark and 
 the young wood, and no intimate union takes 
 place between the old wood of the parasite and 
 its supporter. The wood of the Mistletoe is of 
 a very fine pale yellowish tinge, and it is as hard 
 and of as fine a grain as box, which it greatly re- 
 sembles, while that of the thorn is dark brown." 
 The never-lessening demand for the Mistletoe 
 for use at the Christmas Holidays in England 
 has of late years induced nurserymen to begin 
 its cultivation on the Apple, which is now done 
 to an extent that keeps the " boughs " at a rea- 
 sonable rate. The English steamers often bring 
 over a supply for Christmas in New York, but we 
 have never seen it arrive in perfection, the ber- 
 ries, the chief attraction of the plant, having most- 
 ly dropped off. The American Mistletoe, or False 
 Mitlletoe, is Pluoradendron fl'ivescens, common in 
 New Jersey, southward and westward, where it 
 has in many instances proved destructive to the 
 forest trees upon which it fastens itself. In the 
 more northern sections where it- grows, it is oc- 
 casionally killed out by severe cold weather, but 
 soon reappears. It is the most destructive to 
 the Elms, Hickories, and Wild Cherries. It is 
 
 VTT 
 
 not so ornamental as the English Mistletoe, and 
 cannot be used as a substitute. 
 
 ! Vitex. From vieo, to bind; in allusion to the 
 flexible branches. Linn. Didynamia-Digynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Verbenacece. 
 
 A genus of interesting plants. They are 
 mostly tender evergreen shrubs, natives of the 
 tropical regions of both hemispheres. They are 
 aromatic plants. V. Agnus Gastus, with whitish- 
 blue flowers, is perhaps the best-known species. 
 Propagated from cuttings. 
 
 | Vitis. The Vine. From the Celtic gwid, pro- 
 nounced vid, signifying the best of trees. Wine 
 is derived from the Celtic word gwin. Linn. Pen- 
 tandna-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Vitacecv. 
 
 Although the hardy varieties of Grapes do 
 well in nearly all parts of the country, there are 
 few sections, with the exception of California, 
 where the European or foreign Vine does well 
 in the open air. For this reason, the only cer- 
 tain method of obtaining these fine varieties in 
 Perfection is by the use of the Cold Grapery. 
 here is no addition to a country home from 
 which such a large amount of satisfaction cnn be 
 obtained at so small an outlay as from a Grapery 
 for growing the different varieties of foreign 
 Grapes. Besides the luxury of the European 
 Grape as a table fruit, the Vines, when loaded 
 with the ripe fruit of the various rich colors 
 found in the foreign Grape, are ornaments more 
 pleasing to most people than the gaudy flowers 
 of the conservatory. And as this fruit can be 
 obtained at a trifling original outlay, and with 
 but little attention in the cultivation afterward, 
 we will briefly describe the methods in use 
 here, which are much simpler than those in Eu- 
 rope, from our having brighter sunshine during 
 the summer months. Our climate being so well 
 adapted to the cultivation of vines under glass 
 without fire heat, the wonder is that Cold Grap- 
 eries are not in more general use even by people 
 of moderate means. A Cold Grapery 75 feet long 
 by 20 wide, finished in very good style, would 
 cost but little more than $1,000. If planted in 
 June, the third year from planting upward of 
 400 pounds of fruit can be taken from it; the 
 next season it will yield nearly double that 
 weight. The building is begun by setting locust 
 posts four feet apart; on these the sill is framed, 
 on the front of which are placed upright sashes 
 two and a half feet in height, and on these the 
 gutter. From the gutter is sprung the bars, ten 
 inches apart each way, running on the east side 
 clear to the ridge pole; on the west, framed to 
 within two feet of it, so as to give room for lift- 
 ing sashes. These are two feet wide by six long. 
 To these sashes, twelve in number, is attached 
 the ventilating apparatus, which, by turning a 
 crank, opens these sashes from one to twenty- 
 four inches, as desired. The front sashes may 
 be made so that every alternate one can open 
 outward. The glass used is known as second 
 quality American, 8 by 10 inches, and put in 
 without the use of any putty on the top of the 
 glass, the manner of glazing being to bed the 
 pane in soft putty, pressing it down tightly, 
 and then tacking in the glass with large glazing 
 points. We find it an excellent plan in glazing 
 to turn the edge of- these points, so that they 
 can catch on the edge of the overlapping pane, to 
 keep it in place, otherwise it would slip down, 
 and give a great deal of trouble. Glass should 
 never be lapped more than one-eighth of an 
 inch; if much more, the water gew between the 
 laps, and when it freezes the glass is cracked.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 245 
 
 VIT 
 
 With these instructions about the erection of the 
 glass and wood-work, any intelligent mechanic 
 should be able to build a house. If hydrant water 
 is not obtainable, provision should be made by 
 building a cistern inside the grapery, say six feet 
 deep by ten feet in diameter, or that capacity in 
 any shape desired. This cistern is supplied by 
 water from the roof, having a waste-pipe for 
 overflow. These general directions for such a 
 structure are applicable for any size or style of 
 Grapery. The structure should face east and 
 west, with equal span on each side. Some are 
 built in the form of a " lean-to," as it is called, I 
 facing south or southeast, and wherever there | 
 is a building, wall, or perpendicular rock, this 
 style can be constructed very cheaply. If a base 
 width of twenty feet is desired for the Grapery, 
 the height at front should be from two to three 
 feet; the slope of the roof, which should be at 
 an angle of forty degrees, would thus give the 
 height at the back. Such a structure, where the 
 back wall is already up, may be put up at a cost 
 of from $5 to $10 per running foot, according to 
 locality. 
 
 The formation of the border in which the 
 Vines are to be planted is a matter of the first 
 importance; for if that has been improperly 
 made, all else, no matter how well done, will fail 
 to accomplish good results. It used to be 
 thought that it was necessary to have borders 
 made to the depth of three or four feet, but 
 experience has well demonstrated that such a 
 depth is not only unnecessary, but injurious. 
 The outside border for the Grapery (and for Cold 
 Graperies that is all that is required) need not 
 be more than one and a half feet in depth; and 
 the width, to begin with, need not be more than 
 ten feet, though twenty feet are none too much 
 for the necessities of the roots when the Vines 
 have attained two or three years' growth, so that 
 it is just as well, when time will permit, to make 
 the border of its full width at once. In forming 
 the border the natural ground should be exca- 
 vated to the required depth of eighteen inches, 
 the bottom having a fall of at least half an 
 inch to the foot from the front wall of the Grap- 
 ery to the extremity of the border, where a 
 drain of sufficient capacity must be made to 
 rapidly carry off the water. In our own prac- 
 tice we prefer to cover the bottom over with an 
 inch or two of cement, to prevent the roots 
 penetrating into the cold subsoil; though, if the 
 subsoil is of sand or gravel, there is no particu- 
 lar necessity for this. An excellent compost for \ 
 the formation of the Vine border is made by 
 using say nine parts of sod taken from the sur- 
 face of any good pasture land; if the soil be 
 heavy, however, it should be liberally mixed 
 with lime rubbish, brick bats, or any material 
 of that nature, so that it does not become too 
 heavy and sodden. To the nine parts ef such 
 compost one-tenth part of broken bones should 
 be thoroughly mixed through it. When filling 
 the excavation, at least five inches shoiild be al- 
 lowed for settling; so that, if the excavation is 
 eighteen inches deep, the compost should be 
 filled in to a depth of twenty-two or twenty- 
 three inches. The border being entirely on the 
 outside of the grapery, it is there, of course, that 
 the roots must be set, while the tops are drawn 
 inside through holes made by arching or other- 
 wise in the front wall . The Vines should be 
 planted at three or four feet apart, and should 
 be plants at least four to five feet long and 
 thoroughly ripened. It makes but little differ- 
 
 VTT 
 
 ence what the age of the Vine is, provided it is 
 of the required size and ripeness. The best 
 time for planting is in April, though, when 
 that is not practicable, it will do as late as the 
 middle of June, as the main growth of the Vine 
 is made during the warm months of the sum- 
 mer. Vines set out even as late as June, if the 
 preparations of the border have been rightly 
 made, will have grown a single shoot twenty- 
 five to thirty feet by October. Only a single 
 shoot is allowed to grow, and this is cut back in 
 November or December to the bottom of the 
 rafter, or about three or four feet from the 
 ground. If desirable, a bunch or two may be 
 taken from each of the Vines the second year, 
 although it will somewhat weaken them to do 
 so. It is therefore preferable to repeat the same 
 operation of growing one shoot only again to 
 the top of the rafter. This shoot may now be 
 cut back to say eight feet from the ground, and 
 will this year (the third after planting) give a 
 good crop, which is taken from the lateral or 
 side shoots, still allowing the main or leading 
 shoot, as before, to get to the top of the rafter; 
 for the Vine is not strong enough yet to bear 
 fruit the whole length of the cane. The fourth 
 year after planting it may be cut back to within 
 five or six feet of the top, and the fifth year will 
 be able to bear a full crop the entire length of 
 the rafter, which, in a house of twenty-five feet, 
 span roofed, will be about sixteen feet long, or 
 in a lean-to of twenty feet wide, about twenty- 
 five feet. The variety best fitted for the Cold 
 Grapery is the Black Hamburgh. In a house 
 requiring twenty vines we should advise twelve 
 Black Hamburgh, and the balance selected from 
 the following list of old and established kinds : 
 Muscat Hamburgh, Royal Muscadine or Chas- 
 selas de Fontainebleau, Grizzly and White Fron- 
 tignan, Trentham Black, Charlesworth Tokay. 
 
 In the fall, in November or December, the 
 vines are laid down along the front wall after 
 being pruned, and covered completely with soil 
 until May, when they are taken up and tied to 
 the wires, which are & galvanized iron, and run 
 across the rafters fifteen inches apart and fif- 
 teen inches from the glass. The training fol- 
 lowed is what is called the "spur" system, 
 which is simply to allow one cane or shoot to 
 each Vine, (planted three or four feet apart, ) and 
 pruning the side shoots or ' ' bearing wood" annu- 
 ally back to one eye. In the summer treatment 
 of the Cold Grapery the principle must never be 
 lost sight of, that to keep the Vines in perfect 
 health, a temperature of not less than 65 at 
 night, with 10 or 15 higher during the day, is 
 always necessary. Any rapid variation down- 
 ward is certain to result in mildew. The floor 
 of the Grapery should be kept dashed with water 
 at all times, unless in damp weather, from the 
 time the buds start until the fruit begins to 
 ripen, except during the period the Vines are in 
 flower, when it should be dispensed with until 
 the fruit is set. In dry weather, copious water- 
 ing is necessary for the border outside. The 
 
 in cutting off the laterals, or side shoots which 
 start from where the leaf joins the stem, to one 
 leaf. In winter, three or four inches of well- 
 rotted stable manure is spread over the border, 
 and over that six inches of leaves or litter; this 
 is raked off in spring, and the manure forked in, 
 the object being to feed the roots from the top 
 of the border. We are so much impressed with 
 the advantage of covering up the Vines, both
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 VTT 
 
 tops and roots, that we practice it even with the 
 hardy varieties out of doors, with the very best 
 results, having found, by actual experiment, that 
 when covered up they are less subject to mildew. 
 All plants of a half-hardy character may be kept 
 in the cold Grapery, such as Roses, Pomegranates, 
 Oranges, Crape Myrtles, Pampas Grass, Tri- 
 tomas, Carnations, etc., care being taken that 
 the pots or tubs in which they are planted are 
 plunged in leaves, tan, or some such substance, 
 KO that the roots do not freeze. The Cola Grapery 
 makes an excellent poultry-house in winter, 
 only, if put to that use, care must be taken that 
 the buried Vines are secure against the scratch- 
 ing of the hens. 
 
 In the construction of the Grapery for forcing 
 by artificial heat, the best plan is the "lean-to" 
 style, previously described. This should face 
 the south, or southeast, so that it will be able to 
 get all the sunlight possible in the winter and 
 spring months, for forcing is often begun in 
 December and January, so as to have the fruit 
 ripe in April and May. A skillful grower will 
 usually ripen his crops in four months or a lit- 
 tle more, but not all kinds alike, as some natu- ! 
 rally ripen earlier than others with precisely the 1 
 same treatment. In forcing Grapes, it is essen- | 
 tial to have the border outside covered up with | 
 leaves or manure of sufficient depth to prevent 
 the frost getting to the roots; as, if heat is ap- 
 plied inside to the Vines while the roots are 
 frozen, it will injure them seriously. When 
 Vines are started to force very early, say Janu- 
 ary 1st, sufficient covering of manure and 
 leaves should be placed on the border to raise 
 the temperature of the soil to at least 60, if the 
 best results are to be obtained. If started five | 
 or six weeks later, so much covering would not | 
 be necessary. No matter at what season the 
 Grapery is started, the temperature to begin 
 with, say for the first three weeks, should not 
 exceed fifty degrees at night, with the usual day 
 temperature of 10 to 15 higher, increasing 
 gradually until the buds begin to be developed, 
 which will be from five to six weeks, to a tem- 
 perature of 65 degrees at night, with 15 
 higher in the daytime. In another four or five 
 weeks the fruit will be set, when the tempera- 
 ture may run from 70 to 75 at night, with the 
 10 to 15 higher during the day. When the 
 berries are about the size of small pease, it is in- 
 dispensable to thin nearly half of them out with 
 the Grape scissors, else they will not attain half 
 their size, and the bunches will be so compact 
 that it will be impossible to detach the berries 
 without mashing them. Inexperienced Grape- 
 growers almost invariably err in leaving the 
 berries too thick on the bunch, and often, also, 
 too many bunches on the Vines, which not only 
 results in the fruit being inferior in quality, but 
 no more weight even is obtained. In regard to 
 kinds to plant, we should here, as in the Cold 
 Grapery choose a large proportion of the Black 
 Hamburgh, next the Muscat of Alexandria, Mad- 
 dresfield Court Muscat, and then Trentham 
 Black, Muscat Hamburgh, Lady Downe for 
 late, Chasselas de Fontainebleau for early, 
 Grizzly Frontignan, Alicante, Black Damascus, 
 and similar good kinds. For market, Black 
 Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria are found 
 to be the most profitable. 
 
 If proper attention has been given in forcing the 
 Grapery to the right degrees of temperature and 
 moisture, there should be no mildew; but as a 
 preventive in case of accidents, it is safest, as 
 
 VIT 
 
 soon as firing begins, to paint the hot-water 
 pipes with a mixture of lime and sulphur. The 
 pipes, when heated, evaporate the sulphur fumes, 
 which are certain to destroy the germs of mil- 
 dew. Accidents often occur by leaving the 
 water in the pipes in the Graperies at the sea- 
 son they are resting and exposed to frost, which 
 is often severe enough to freeze the water, which, 
 expanding, bursts the pipes. It is always safest 
 not to wait until fall to empty them, but to do 
 so as soon as firing is stopped in the spring and 
 summer. It is often customary, after pruning 
 the Vines, to peel the loose bark from the canes 
 and wash them with a mixture of sulphur and 
 lime, to destroy insects; but there is no neces- 
 sity for this, in our opinion, if the practice of 
 burying up the stems in the soil is resorted 
 to, as described in our instructions for the Cold 
 Grapery. We have resorted to this practice for 
 many years, and though we have never either 
 peeled off the rough bark or washed them, we 
 have never been troubled with insects of any 
 kind. 
 
 Having briefly presented an outline of the 
 methods pursued in the cultivation of the for- 
 eign Grape under glass, we propose to treat the 
 hardy native Grape in the same brief manner. 
 The vineyard culture of the native Grape has 
 made rapid strides within the past fifteen years, 
 and is fast assuming a chief place among the 
 industrial interests of the country, not alone 
 for food, but for wine. Just now the subject of 
 wine has a peculiar significance for the Ameri- 
 can vineyardist. The Phylloxera having de- 
 others, some of the most noted vineyards in Eu- 
 rope, especially in France, real wine has be- 
 come rare, except in some old cellars, where it 
 has been stored for years. To keep up the 
 supply resort has been had to factitious wines 
 of all descriptions, and adulterations of a very 
 hurtful nature have been practiced to such an 
 extent that the French government has lately 
 interfered to prevent it as far as possible. If 
 the American vineyardist shall now step forward 
 and supply the home market withpwre high class 
 wines, he will not only be able to retain it, but 
 also find a foreign market for all not wanted at 
 home. The Grape should be regarded as an ar- 
 ticle of food rather than a luxury, and it is be- 
 coming more and more regarded in that light; 
 and there need be no fear, with our rapidly in- 
 creasing population, that the demand will not 
 always be in advance of the supply. That many 
 portions of the country are suited to the success- 
 ful culture of the Grape, is abundantly shown 
 by the vineyards already established; in fact, 
 there are but few States in the Union where 
 some one variety of the Grape may not be profit- 
 ably grown, and even unfavorable localities may 
 often be made to yield a supply for the family, 
 by affording a little protection above ground and 
 proper drainage beneath. For the vineyard, 
 however, the selection of a proper locjition is a 
 matter of the first importance. The soil should 
 be naturally dry, or, if not, it should be made so 
 by artificial means, such as underdraining. It 
 is nothing to the purpose to say that Vines are 
 sometimes found growing wild in moist places, 
 unless you are content to eat Wild Grapes with 
 all their wild flavor and indigestible pulp. Fla- 
 vor and tenderness are promoted by a well- 
 drained soil as well as by culture. In addition, 
 the grade should be such that no water can re- 
 main on the sxirface at any time of the year. Low
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 247 
 
 VIT 
 
 grounds should be avoided as much as possible. 
 They are always colder than uplands, and are 
 subject to cold vapors and fogs, and early and 
 late frosts, all of which more or less promote 
 mildew. A location near large bodies of water, 
 either fresh or salt, is desirable, because of the 
 ameliorating influence of the water. Some of 
 the best vineyards in the country are so located. 
 Hillsides may always be safely chosen. They 
 usually afford a longer season of growth. 
 
 Exposure is also an important matter to deter- 
 mine. Some difference of opinion exists on this 
 point. We have no doubt that a southern ex- 
 posure is to be preferred; and southeast is bet- 
 ter than southwest. The exposure, however, 
 must in some cases be determined by the local 
 surroundings, but should be as far to the south 
 as possible. Shelter, in this connection, must 
 not be overlooked, for it has an important bear- 
 ing on the healthy growth of the Vines. It does 
 not receive the attention it ought to. It may be 
 safely said that some well located vineyards 
 have proved generally unremunerative for the 
 want of proper shelter. Many reasons can be 
 given for this, some of which will naturally sug- 
 gest themselves to a thoughtful man, and not 
 the least important is the protection it affords 
 against the prevalence of mildew. Where shel- 
 ter is not afforded naturally by woods or trees 
 growing near by, it must be provided by plant- 
 ing trees, and there are none better than Balsam 
 Firs. The Arbor Vitse will do in a small way, or 
 even a high board fence. Large trees, however, 
 should not be planted so near the Vines as to in- 
 terfere with their roots. The shelter should be 
 so placed as to protect the Vines from the pre- 
 vailing cold and high winds, the rest of the 
 vineyard being left open. There are some lo- 
 calities so favored that little or no artificial pro- 
 tection is needed. The owner must, in all cases, 
 -use a good judgment. 
 
 The best Soil for the Grape is undoubtedly 
 a sandy or gravelly loam. A loam is always to 
 be preferred to clay. If necessity compels the 
 use of a clayey soil, it should be thoroughly 
 underdrained, and will be much improved by a 
 liberal addition of sand. Always seek to give the 
 Vine a "dry foot." One of the oldest and best 
 vineyards in the vicinity of New York is planted 
 in a soil (if it may be so called) that was origin- 
 ally a pure sand to the depth of eight feet or 
 more. Clay, muck, and leaf mould were nearby 
 and abundant, and the sand was liberally treat- 
 ed to each when the vineyard was made, and a 
 top dressing every few years since. It will thus 
 be seen that a valueless sand may be converted 
 into a profitable vineyard. The preparation of 
 the soil, whatever its nature, should be m:>st 
 thorough before the Vines are planted. A vine- 
 yard is planted for a future as well as the pres- 
 ent generation; everything connected with it 
 should therefore be done in the most thorough 
 manner, except such things as may afterward be 
 done on the surface, in the way of top-dressings, 
 etc. 
 
 There are three methods of preparing the 
 ground for the Vine, viz., trenching, trench plow- 
 ing, and subsoiling. The first is confined to the 
 garden and small plots of ground. It is done 
 with the spade, and is expensive. It consists, 
 briefly, in spading two spades deep, and revers- 
 ing the soil, or placing the good top soil at the 
 bottom, and the poor subsoil at the top, which 
 must then be enriched with manures. In many, 
 if not all cases, what is sometimes called bas- 
 
 VIT 
 
 tard trenching will answer all purposes. In. 
 this the top and bottom soils are not reversed; 
 the bottom soil is simply stirred up to the depth 
 of the spade. This is a comparatively inexpen- 
 sive way of putting the ground in very good 
 condition for any kind of plant. Trench plow- 
 ing requires plows of peculiar make, of which 
 there are few or none in the market, being sel- 
 dom made except to order. It makes thorough 
 work, but requires strong double teams, and is 
 expensive, except in very light sandy soils, and 
 in such it is not so much needed. It consists 
 in opening a furrow as deep as it can be ran, 
 even up to the beam of the plow; another plow 
 follows in the same furrow, and is driven as deep 
 as four oxen can put it. The ground should 
 then be cross-plowed. SubsoUing is generally 
 followed, and consists in opening a furrow with 
 a common plow, and following in the same fur- 
 row with a subsoil plow, which moves and pul- 
 verizes the subsoil without changing its posi- 
 tion. It puts the soil in excellent condition, 
 and is inexpensive compared with the perma- 
 nent good that is done. In all these cases ma- 
 nures or composts must be more or less liberal- 
 ly applied, according to the necessities of each 
 csse. The preparation of the soil is undoubted- 
 ly one of the most important operations in the 
 establishment of a vineyard, and one of its ob- 
 jects should be to get the soil of a uniform tex- 
 ture and richness throughout, but not over-rich. 
 This deep stirring of the soil puts it very much 
 in the condition of a sponge, which enables it to 
 draw moisture from the soil beneath and the at- 
 mosphere above, and hold it for the wants of the 
 plants; hence soils that are drained and deeply 
 stirred, keeping the good soil on the surface, 
 are less subject to the evils that accompany and 
 follow a drought than those that are not so 
 treated. It is of the first importance, therefore, 
 that vineyards and orchards at least should be 
 put in the best condition for the reception of 
 the Vines and trees, if the best results are aimed 
 at. 
 
 A few words may be added here in regard to 
 manures. The Vine is said to be a gross feeder, 
 and in a certain sense this is true; but it may be 
 doubted whether carrion will, at the present 
 day, find much favor among Grape-growers. 
 It must not be forgotten, however, that a Vine 
 under the protection of glass will bear more 
 and grosser feeding than a Vine growing in the 
 open air in our cold and fickle climate. Over- 
 feeding begets soft and spongy wood and feeble 
 buds or eyes, which are always in danger of be- 
 ing winter killed ; and what is gained in size 
 of bunch and berry is lost in quality and flavor. 
 Hence it happens that the best Grapes at our 
 public exhibitions - do not always get the first 
 prize. Gross, unfermented manures are not 
 best for the Grape, on account of the sappy 
 growth they produce. There is perhaps nothing 
 better than a compost made of old barn-yard 
 manure, leaf-mould, broken bones, muck, etc., 
 laid up to rot and frequently turned. Top 
 dressings of lime, ashes, bone dust, etc., can be 
 applied at any time. 
 
 A few remarks may be added here in regard to 
 laying out the vineyard. There is some difference 
 of opinion as to whether the rows should run 
 east and west or north and south. A brief rule, 
 of general application, may be stated thus : 
 where it is convenient, let the rows so run as to 
 receive the full benefit of the morning sun. 
 This is a matter, however, that must be some-
 
 248 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 VIT 
 
 what modified to meet the circumstances of par- 
 ticular cases ; and it is not to be denied that 
 good Grapes have been grown with the rows 
 running, in various directions. That the rows 
 are generally found running east and west is ow- 
 ing to the fact that ground sloping to the south 
 is usually selected for a vineyard, and in such 
 cases east and west is the proper way. For ob- 
 vious reasons, on a hillside the rows should run 
 at right angles with the slope of the hill, or 
 nearly so. Good taste and neatness will nat- 
 urally suggest that the rows should be straight 
 and even; if, however, as sometimes happens, 
 it becomes necessary to run the rows on curved 
 lines, all the lines should run parallel with each 
 other. It not only looks better, but saves labor 
 in cultivation. A straight line is as easily plant- 
 ed as a crooked one. 
 
 There is considerable diversity of opinion 
 among cultivators as to how far apart the rows 
 should be, as well as the distances at. which the 
 plants should be put in the rows. This is ow- 
 ing a good deal to the system of training pur- 
 sued, and still more to the varieties of Grapes 
 planted. A Concord, a Highland, or a Diana 
 will require many times as much room as a Del- 
 aware. It will make a difference, too, whether 
 the Vines are grown on stakes or a trellis. Keep- 
 ing these things in view, the rows may be from 
 six to eight feet apart, and the Vines from four 
 to ten feet apart in the rows. Vines grown on 
 stakes may be planted closer than those grown 
 on a trellis. In determining these matters of 
 distance, the soil, varieties of Grapes, methods 
 of training, etc., should il 1 . be taken into con- 
 sideration. We have gone a little into detail 
 thus far, because the matters treated of form the 
 foundation of a good vineyard, and, if not done 
 at the beginning, can not afterward be reached. 
 Having prepared the ground for the reception 
 of the Vines, it will now be in order to consider 
 the kind of plants to purchase, and the way to plant 
 them. By " kind of plants " we do not mean va- 
 rieties, but the method by which they have been 
 Sroduced. Young plants are generally pro- 
 uced in four ways : 1, from single eyes ; 2, 
 from cuttings with a single eye ; 3, from cuttings 
 with two eyes, the lower one being rubbed out; 
 4, from green wood, a practice which is now 
 very generally and very properly abandoned, 
 except occasionally in the case of new and rare 
 varieties grown under glass. The single eye 
 with a shank of yearling wood (No. 2) is gener- 
 ally to be preferred. No. 1 makes a good Vine, 
 but No. 4 should not be bought if anything else 
 can be had. When No. 3 are grown in the open 
 air, the number of eyes is increased to three, 
 and sometimes four, but the plants are not im- 
 proved by it. In addition to these methods 
 Vines are also propagated by layers, which are 
 good for special purposes, but not for general 
 planting. In regard to age, we prefer a well- 
 grown Vine one year old, or, if two years old 
 one that has been cut down and grown to a sin- 
 gle cane. It is a great mistake to buy old Vines 
 and one often committed by novices. A Vine 
 four or five years old, when lifted from the 
 ground, is placed in the condition of a yearling 
 with this difference, that the younger plant will 
 always make a stronger and bettergrowth. And 
 we may add that we prefer a well-grown pot- 
 vine to any other. The great object is to get a 
 young Vine well furnished with ripe fibrous 
 roots. 
 
 Having procured the Vines, the next operation 
 
 vrr 
 
 will be the planting. The roots should be placed 
 from five to eight inches beneath the surface, 
 according as the soil is light or heavy, the 
 greater depth being for light, sandy soils. Dig 
 a hole sufficiently deep, and large enough to al- 
 low all the roots to be spread out in a natural 
 position, and it is well to elevate the soil a little 
 in the middle of the hole. Have at each hole 
 some good fine soil. Trim up all decayed and 
 injured roots; then spread them out in the hole, 
 and let your assistant sprinkle some of the fine 
 soil over the roots, while you work it in with 
 your hands firmly till the roots are all covered, 
 and the hole may then be filled up with the 
 spade. Next cut the cane down to two or three 
 eyes or buds above the surface, and the plant- 
 ing is completed. A little practice will enable 
 one to do all this rapidly, and do it well. It is 
 better to put a light stake at each Vine while the 
 planting is being done, as the roots will be in- 
 jured and displaced if done afterward. If the 
 weather should be dry, the roots may be watered 
 as soon as set, and before the hole is filled up, 
 or some litter may be spread on the surface. Do 
 not commit the too common mistake of putting 
 manure in contact with the roots when planting ; 
 it does more harm than good. ' If there should 
 be two layers of roots, gather the upper layer in 
 your hand, and hold it there till the bottom 
 layer has been covered, and then spread it out 
 and cover it. This little extra labor will be well 
 repaid in the future growth of the plant. 
 
 In regard to the best time to plant there is 
 some difference of opinion; but, as a rule, we 
 prefer to do it in the fall and cover the Vines. 
 There is usually more time to do it in the fall, 
 and it is consequently better done. The Vines 
 are at this time in better condition for handling, 
 and suffer less from exposure of the roots ; and 
 many other reasons might be added. In the 
 spring there is always much work to be done; 
 the Vines are received in a bundle, have, per- 
 haps, heated on the way, the buds have swol- 
 len, and in the handling many are rubbed off, 
 and usually those most wanted. The fall, there- 
 fore, would seem to be the best time to plant 
 the Vine. If not done in the fall, the Vines 
 should be "heeled in" and covered with litter. 
 In the spring they can be taken out as wanted, 
 and will not, in this way, suffer from long ex- 
 posure to the air at a time when exposure is de- 
 cidedly hurtful. From this it may be inferred 
 that it is better to purchase the Vines in the fall, 
 and of this we have no doubt. When Vines are 
 heeled in, it should be in a dry place, where 
 \vater will not be likely to settle about the roots 
 during the winter. They may be kept in a cool 
 cellar, packed in sand that is simply moist, but 
 not wet. 
 
 Whatever system of training may be ulti- 
 mately adopted, only a single cane is grown 
 during the first year. At the time of planting, 
 the cane was cut down to two or three buds, all 
 of which should now be allowed to grow. 
 When they have attained a growth of three or 
 four inches, select the strongest one and break 
 the others off. This ,shoot must be tied to a 
 stake to prevent its loss by strong winds or 
 accident. The tying must be repeated, as the 
 young cane increases in length, till there is no 
 longer any danger of its loss. After a while 
 little shoots will make their appearance in the 
 axils of the leaves. These little shoots are 
 called laterals. These laterals should be allowed 
 to grow till the second leaf has attained about
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 VIT 
 
 an inch in diameter, when the lateral should 
 be pinched back to its first leaf. The bud in 
 the axil of this will soon begin to swell, and ere 
 long produce another shoot, which must also 
 be pinched back to its first leaf, which in time 
 will produce another shoot, to be treated in the 
 same way. As cool weather approaches the 
 laterals may be allowed to have their own way. 
 We have spoken of only one lateral from the 
 young cane, but there will be a lateral from the 
 axil of almost every leaf, and these should all 
 be treated as above directed. The cane itself, 
 however, should be allowed to extend itself at 
 pleasure. This pinching really requires but 
 little time, but insures a strong cane with well- 
 developed eyes. In the fall, after the leaves 
 have fallen, the cane should be cut down to 
 three or four eyes, and covered for the winter 
 before the ground freezes hard. This comprises 
 the training for the first year. Culture consists 
 in keeping the ground mellow and free from 
 weeds by the use of the cultivator. Cabbage 
 or a root crop of some kind may be grown be- 
 tween the rows this year, but not Corn or any 
 
 other plant that grows high. 
 In the spring 
 
 spring of the second year the first 
 thing to be done is to uncover the Vines ; butthis 
 must not be done too early, especially at the 
 North and in exposed localities. It is better, in 
 such places, to wait till danger from frost is past. 
 Keeping them covered retards growth up to a 
 certain point. If the pruning were not done 
 last fall, it should be done now. We propose 
 the second year to grow two canes. We have 
 three or four buds or eyes to start with. Let 
 them all grow till they are three or four inches 
 long, and then select the two strongest, one on 
 each side, or opposite each other. If the two 
 upper ones should be of about equal size, (as 
 they will generally be the strongest,) select them 
 in preference to the lower ones, and rub the 
 others off. These two canes should be tied up, 
 and the laterals pinched in, precisely as was di- 
 rected for the single cane during the first year. 
 There may be a number of canes sufficiently 
 strong to bear a single bunch of fruit this year; 
 but, as a rule, it will be better to remove the 
 fruit from most of the canes, and take a larger 
 crop in the third year, unless it be intended to 
 grow the Vines to stakes and a single cane. It 
 happens at times that a Vine here and there will 
 grow too weak during the first year to produce 
 two good canes during the second; and in such 
 cases it is better to grow only one cane during 
 the second year. If everything has gone well 
 we shall have in the fall two strong canes as the 
 beginning of any system of training that may 
 bo adopted, and the system must be selected be- 
 fore the next pruning can be properly done. 
 
 There are many systems of training of varying 
 degrees of merit; some simple and some com- 
 plicated; some adapted to the vineyard and 
 others to the garden, or a wall, or the side of a 
 house. Few of these could be made intelligible 
 without much detail and the aid of illustrations, 
 and would require a good deal more room than 
 could be given to the subject in a work like this. 
 We have carried the treatment of the Vine up to 
 a point where any of these methods can be 
 adopted, either for the vineyard or the garden. 
 We will, however, mention a few of these, and 
 refer the reader for details to some work spe- 
 cially devoted to the training of the Vine. To 
 begin with, there is the Double Horizontal Arm 
 System, which is one of the best either for the 
 
 VIT 
 
 vineyard or the garden. It consists of two 
 horizontal arms running in opposite directions 
 on the same level. These are spurred. It is 
 better to reverse these arms when laying them 
 down, as it makes the spurs stronger near the 
 stock. The Single Horizontal Arm is the same 
 in principle, only there is one arm instead of two. 
 The Guyot System consists in growing three 
 canes each year from a low stock. One of these 
 canes is laid down horizontally, and the other 
 two are grown upright. There may be three of 
 these upright canes, but two are better. The 
 horizontal cane is shortened to about four feet, 
 and fruited its whole length. A new horizontal 
 arm is laid down every year. It is a kind of re- 
 newal system, and has decided advantages. It 
 is susceptible of several variations, and an im- 
 provement consists in making the horizontal 
 arm permanent, and "spurring" it. This sys- 
 tem is also a good one for the vineyard. The 
 Upright Stock System is a good one for either 
 the vineyard or the garden, and is a very neat 
 method for covering trellises, walls, arbors, etc. 
 It is adapted to either stakes or wires, and can 
 be made quite ornamental. The Bow System 
 is practiced at the West, and was introduced by 
 the Germans. Stakes are used instead of wires. 
 It consists in growing two canes, one of which 
 is cut to a spur, and the other bent in the form 
 of a bow around a stake. It may be modified 
 by making two bows instead of one. The bows 
 are renewed each year. This system is not prac- 
 ticed as much as it used to be. The Jura Plan 
 is simple, and better than the preceding, and 
 gives more fruit. The Vines are grown to 
 stakes, one to each Vine. The plan consists of a 
 single upright stock two or three feet high, 
 which is double spurred. This plan enables 
 one to plant a Vine here and there about the gar- 
 den without taking up much room. We men- 
 tion next the celebrated Thomery System, which 
 takes its name from Thomery in France, where 
 it originated and is found in perfection. It 
 consists in growing Vines with horizontal arms, 
 one above the other in tiers, no Vine having 
 more than two arms. It is a beautiful plan 
 for covering arbors, high walls and trellises, 
 sides of dwellings and barns, etc. Any attempt 
 to describe the methods of its formation without 
 the aid of illustrations would be simply futile. 
 It is a beautiful system of growing the Vine, but 
 is complicated, and demands knowledge, skill, 
 and care. There are many other systems of 
 training, the most of them, however, interesting 
 chiefly to the amateur and experimentalist, but 
 requiring too much time and labor for the vine- 
 yard. 
 
 The reader must examine the different meth- 
 ods named above, make his selection, and prune 
 his two canes, as we left them, to meet the re- 
 quirements of the system he adopts; and to da 
 this intelligently he will require the aid of some 
 good book or specialist. We may add, however, 
 that though the native Vine is hardy, it will be 
 better at the North, as a rule, to lay the Vines 
 down, and cover them with a few inches of earth 
 or litter. This laying down should be begun 
 while the Vines are young, as it keeps the stock 
 somewhat pliable. If left till the Vine is old it 
 is apt to crack and be injured, unless the opera- 
 tion is carefully performed. We may also add, 
 that the varieties of Grapes should be selected 
 with reference to the climate and location in 
 which they are to be grown, there being a great 
 difference in varieties in this respect. So many
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 vrr 
 
 new kinds of more or less excellence are being 
 introduced every year, that we do not venture 
 to present a list, but refer the reader to cata- 
 logues and the current grape literature; and 
 even with these aids a wise selection will be a 
 difficult matter to make. It will always be well 
 to learn which Grapes do well in the neighbor- 
 hood, or under conditions similar to your own. 
 The perfect Grape is yet to come. 
 
 It will not be out of place to add here a cau- 
 tion against overcropping, a mistake quite com- 
 monly made by the novice. He quite as often 
 makes another mistake in allowing a cane to 
 fruit before it is strong enough to ripen the 
 berries without injury to its future well-doing. 
 Sometimes he will combine these two mistakes 
 in the same Vine, and ruin it. In the end noth- 
 ing is lost by patient waiting; rather there is 
 much gain, at least as regards the Grape. While , 
 speaking of mistakes we may allude to two 
 others connected with planting, both of which 
 have caused the loss of many Vines. One con- 
 sists in planting too deep and the other too 
 shallow. If the young Vines are planted too 
 deep, root-action is enfeebled, the Vines make a 
 puny growth, and are either winter killed or 
 die a lingering death. If they are planted too 
 shallow, the frost throws the crown to the sur- 
 face, and the plant is winter killed: a result 
 that is only too common where the young 
 plants are not covered. This latter mistake 
 may be avoided as follows: when a hole is dug 
 in newly-prepared ground to the proper depth, 
 make the bottom firm by pressure with the 
 foot, but do not pack it hard ; then sprinkle on 
 this firmed surface a little fine soil as a bed for 
 the roots to rest on, and finish in the usual way. 
 It must be understood that when it is said that 
 a Vine must be planted at a certain depth, it is 
 meant that the crown or neck of the plant must 
 be at that depth. If the ground to be occu- 
 pied as a vineyard could be prepared a month 
 or so before being planted, so as to allow time 
 for the soil to settle, we should hear of fewer 
 failures in planting. Where Vines are to be 
 planted only two or three feet apart, as in the 
 Thomery system, it is better to open a trench 
 the whole length of the row, to avoid disturb- 
 ing the roots of the vines already planted by 
 digging holes so close to each other. In plant- 
 ing on a large scale, it is an excellent plan to 
 select the best men to "set" the plants, with 
 earth enough around them to hold the plants in 
 place, while the others follow and finish filling 
 up the holes. On hillsides it is better to make 
 the bottom of the hole very nearly of the slope 
 of the hill; the canes will grow upright, and 
 that is all that is needed; but being placed in 
 the proper position at the time of planting, the 
 roots will be saved the labor of working their 
 way there, as they will be sure to do. If the 
 hillside should be steep, it should be partly 
 terraced, if it can be done. In all these cases 
 something must be left to the judgment of the 
 planter. 
 
 In regard to the support for the Vine, some 
 systems of training, such as the Bow and Single 
 Upright Stock, need nothing more than a dur- 
 able stake, or sometimes two, and there is noth- 
 ing better than Cedar poles. Trellises of vari- 
 ous kinds and materials have been tried, but 
 there is nothing so good as wire stretched on 
 Chestnut or Locust posts, where these can be 
 had. The first cost of a wire trellis is greater 
 than most others, but, on account of its durabil- 
 
 VIT 
 
 ity and convenience, it is much the cheapest in 
 the end. We know of no other that will make 
 a permanent support for the Vine. Others can 
 be used where wood is plenty, but not because 
 they are cheaper. It is a matter, however, in 
 which many must consult their means. 
 
 The subject of cultivation is one of great 
 importance, and not appreciated by beginners 
 as it should be. They see the native Vine 
 growing wild all around them, and conclude 
 that the Vine in the vineyard will thrive 
 under the same neglect. Many have found 
 this to be an expensive mistake. The vineyard 
 should be cultivated just as any other crop. 
 Take the same care of it as you would of a crop 
 of Corn, and it will give y ju satisfactory and re- 
 munerative crops ; otherwise it will not. After 
 the Vines become established the plowing should 
 be shallow. The cultivator should be used for 
 the destruction of weeds and keeping the sur- 
 face soil mellow. The hoe will be needed to 
 kill the weeds immediately around the plants. 
 There are plows and other implements pecu- 
 liarly adapted for use in the vineyard, which do 
 the work better than those in common use. In 
 plowing, always do it so as to leave the dead 
 furrow in the middle. This may be done by 
 beginning on the upper side, and throwing the 
 furrow slice to the Vines ; then pass to the lower 
 side, and also throw the furrow slice to the 
 Vines; again pass to the upper side, and then 
 to the lower, till the space between the two rows 
 has been plowed, and the dead furrow will come 
 in the middle. At the next plowing reverse 
 this order by beginning in the middle, and the 
 ground will be level. 
 
 Where Vines are covered, the pruning should 
 be done in the fall, before the Vines are laid 
 down. In this case, plowing to the Vines in the 
 fall, as just described, will help to cover the 
 canes, besides affording additional protection to 
 the roots; but the plowing should be reversed 
 in the spring when this is done. This method 
 combines the advantages of fall plowing and 
 winter covering so well, that it is worthy of 
 general consideration. Top dressings will at 
 times be needed, and are best applied in the 
 fall in connection with this plowing to and 
 from the Vines. Plowing in the vineyard should 
 never be so deep as to injure the roots of the 
 Vines. This is an important matter, and has 
 much to do with the health and fruitfulness of 
 the Vines. On steep hillsides, where a plow 
 cannot be used, recourse is had to a strong two- 
 pronged hoe to loosen the soil when necessary. 
 It may be useful to state here that Vines may be 
 fitted for laying down while they are being 
 trained. Let the trellis or stake be set about a 
 foot from the Vine, and the latter carried to it 
 at an angle of about forty-five degrees, and the 
 Vine can be bent to the ground with compara- 
 tive ease at the time of covering. 
 
 We add a few words about marketing, the point 
 where the profit comes in. The Grapes, first of 
 all, should be ripe before they are gathered. A 
 shallow basket is best to place the Grapes in 
 when gathered. The bunches should be cut 
 with grape-scissors, and handled so carefully as 
 not to rub off the bloom. They should be taken 
 to the packing house or some place under cover, 
 and assorted and packed for market. All the 
 bruised and imperfect berries should be cut out, 
 and the bunches laid in separate places, as first 
 and second best. The packer then places them 
 in boxes made for the purpose, and these are
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 251 
 
 VIT 
 
 put in crates or large boxes for shipment. There 
 should be no sham allowed to enter here. Let 
 the first quality be all first quality, and so on. 
 Parties can always be found to pay an extra 
 price for a uniformly good thing ; besides, a 
 reputation will be established that is worth more 
 than money. There will be some bunches too 
 small and others too loose for market, besides 
 the bruised berries cut out, etc. These can be 
 consumed at home, or pressed and fermented for 
 vinegar, which will meet with a ready sale. 
 Skill in handling and packing is acquired by 
 practice only, but an expert in these things is a 
 valuable man to have about a place; for his skill 
 goes a great ways in creating a demand for a 
 particular "brand " of Grapes. Boxes holding a 
 pound and a half and five pounds each are much 
 used ; but others of a larger size are also used. 
 The customer buys basket and Grapes together. 
 There are various styles of baskets, and it would 
 be hard to say which is best. 
 
 Preserving Grapes in the winter has not been, 
 generally, as satisfactory as could be wished; 
 still some kinds are kept in pretty good condi- 
 tion till January. The keeping quality depends 
 upon the composition of the Grape, and the 
 fleshy kinds are found to keep best. Many of 
 our natives will not keep at all beyond their sea- 
 son of ripening. Grapes like the Catawba, Di- 
 ana, and lona keep well, the latter being at 
 present our best keeping kind, unless it should 
 be equaled by some of the fleshy varieties re- 
 cently introduced, which, we are inclined to 
 think, will be the case. The conditions for 
 keeping Grapes are a moderately cool, dry, still 
 air of uniform temperature. Sulphite of lime is 
 successfully employed for absorbing the moisture 
 of fruit rooms, and it is also used in the Grape- 
 room. The French use bottles filled with water 
 and suspended by the neck, in which they place 
 some four or five inches of cane with the bunch 
 attached. It has been tried here with reason- 
 able success, the Grapes being found to keep 
 well for a considerable time. A good plan for 
 keeping a small quantity of Grapes in a cool 
 room is to bend a stout wire (a No. 6 or 7) into 
 a hoop or circle, and provide it with wire hooks, 
 on which suspend the Grapes, stem end down. 
 The bunches should not touch each other. On 
 a larger scale make a frame with four corner 
 posts, and cover the top with movable slats a 
 few inches apart, to which attach hooks, and 
 suspend the bunches as in the preceding plan. 
 The bunches being all in sight, they can be 
 looked over readily, and the decaying berries, 
 if any, removed without much handling. A 
 still better method for a room is to make a box, 
 with drawers deep enough to admit a bunch of 
 Grapes. The box or bureau may be large enough 
 to hold from fifty to two or three hundred 
 pounds of Grapes. The top and the front should 
 be set with hinges, and the bottom of the draw- 
 
 WAC 
 
 ers made of slats. Lay the bunches on the bot- 
 tom so that they do not touch each other, first 
 having removed all imperfect berries. When 
 filled, raise the lid and prop it up, and open the 
 door ; let them remain so till the weather gets 
 cold, and then close the door and the lid. Oc- 
 casionally, on warm days, the lid and the door 
 may be opened for a while for ventilation. A 
 little frost will do no harm, but freezing may be 
 prevented by throwing a blanket over the fruit 
 bureau. Some kinds of Grapes have been kept 
 in this way nearly all winter. Expensive struc- 
 tures, combining a fruit and an ice house, are 
 in use in some places, which keep large quanti- 
 ties of Apples, Pears, Grapes, etc , in good con- 
 dition nearly all winter. 
 
 There are many things, more or less important, 
 connected with Grape culture, which we must 
 pass over for want of room. A few more words 
 about manures, however, seem to be called for. 
 For the vineyard, barnyard manure should be 
 relied on chiefly, with all the liquid portions 
 carefully preserved. This should be composted 
 with leaves, muck, etc., and the whole frequent- 
 ly turned and worked over before being applied. 
 The prunings should be burned and added to 
 the heap. Manure should be used more or less 
 frequently, according to the nature of the soil ; 
 but it should not be applied so often or in such 
 quantities as to produce a succulent growth of 
 wood difficult to ripen in the open air, as there 
 is always danger of its being winter killed. 
 Special manures, such as ashes, bone dust, etc., 
 can be applied to the surface and harrowed in. 
 The best time to do this is in the fall of the 
 year, when rains will dissolve and carry it down 
 within reach of the roots. The vineyard, when 
 fully established, cannot be deeply plowed 
 without doing great damage to the roots of the 
 vines. 
 
 We have now gone over the chief and most 
 important operations connected with the estab- 
 lishment of a vineyard of the native Grape. 
 This has necessarily been done in a brief man- 
 ner, but we trust in such a way as to convey so 
 much knowledge of the subject as will enable 
 the reader to make an intelligent beginning. 
 Vriesia. Named in honor of Dr. W. de Vriese, 
 Professor of Botany at Amsterdam, Holland. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Mfmogynla. Nat. Ord. Brome- 
 lia-cece. 
 
 This genus is the most remarkable of the Nat- 
 ural Order to which it belongs. There are but 
 few species, the most interesting being V. speci- 
 osa, a native of Brazil. The beauty of this spe- 
 cies consists in the tall spike of brilliant scarlet 
 bracts, from which the flowers are produced. 
 The flowers are yellow, and quite transient, 
 but the rich color of the bracts continues a long 
 time. The plant has the general appearance of 
 the Billbergia, and requires the same treatment. 
 Introduced in 1844. 
 
 W. 
 
 Waahoo, or Burning Bush. See Euonymus 
 atropurpureus. 
 
 Wachendorfia. Named in honor of J. E. Wach- 
 endorf, a Dutch botanist. Linn. Hexandria-Mono- 
 f/ynla. Nat. Ord. LiHacece. 
 
 A small genus of Cape plants, usually offered 
 in seedsmen's catalogues as bulbs, more from 
 their Ixia-like flowers than the shape of their 
 roots. They all have rhizomes or underground 
 stems, in the scales of which buds, like little
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 WAR 
 
 bulbs, form, by which, when detached, some 
 of the species are propagated. The flowers are 
 yellow or violet, scattered on slender scapes 
 about a foot high. The species are nearly ever- 
 green, but not hardy. ' They should be grown 
 m pots, which should be large for the size of 
 the plant, and allowed a partial rest soon after 
 flowering, which is in midsummer. Introduced 
 in 1770. 
 
 Wake Robin. One of the popular names of the 
 Trillium, which see. 
 
 Walking Fern. See Lycopodlnm alopecuroides. 
 
 Wahlenbergia. Named in honor of Dr. George 
 Wahlenterg, author of "Flora Lapponica," etc. 
 Linn. Pentandria-Moiwgynia. Nat. (3rd. Gampan- 
 ulacece. 
 
 This genus consists of hardy annuals and per- 
 ennials, with a few tender annuals. They are 
 
 the whole of the order, these are very pretty 
 plants. The perennial herbaceous species, one o"f 
 the best of which is IV. gramdiflora, of which there 
 are white and blue varieties, are very handsome. 
 Seed sown in June will give fine flowering plants 
 the next season. The annuals should be raised 
 in heat in the spring, and planted out when 
 danger from frost is past. Propagated by seed. 
 Introduced in 1816. 
 
 Walnut. See Juglans. 
 
 Wall-flower. See Ckeiranthus. 
 
 Wandering Jew. See Tradescantia. 
 
 Warratah. See Telopea. 
 
 Warrea. Named after F. Warre, a botanical col- 
 lector. Linn. Gynandria-Monandria. Nat. Ord. 
 OrchidacecK. 
 
 A small genus of Orchids from Central and 
 South America, resembling Mnxillaria. They are 
 of neat habit, and produce their showy flowers 
 freely. W. cyanea is remarkable for the deep 
 blue color of its lip, pure blue being rarely found 
 among Orchids. This genus succeeds best in pots 
 in leaf mould and sphagnum moss. They require 
 no rest, and may be grown in a moderately warm 
 house. 
 
 Water Arum. See Calla palustris. 
 
 Water Beech. A popular name for Carpinus Amer- 
 icana, which see. 
 
 Water Chestnut. See Trapa. 
 
 Water Chinquapin. See Nelumbium. 
 
 Water-cress. See Nasturtium. 
 
 Water Hemlock. See Cicuta. 
 
 Water Hemp. See Acnida cannabina. 
 
 Water Horehound. See Lycopus. 
 
 Water Leaf. A common name for the genus 
 ayamwtum, which see. 
 
 Water Lily. See Nymphcna odorata 
 
 Water Locust. One of the species of GHedUsehia, 
 popularly known as Honey Locust. See Glcdti- 
 teUa. 
 
 Watermelon. See Cucumis. 
 
 Water Maize. See Victoria regia 
 
 Water Milfoil. See Myriophyilum. 
 
 Water Nymoh. One of the popular names of 
 -\!/mpha>a odorata, which see. 
 
 Water Parsnip. The common name of the genus 
 
 Mum, 
 
 poisonous aquatic plants. 
 Pennywort. A nonnW 
 
 Water Pennywort. A popular name for aquat- 
 ic plants belonging to the genus Hydrocotule, 
 which see ; and also Hymenocattis. 
 
 Water Pepper. A common name of the Polwo- 
 1 
 
 See Hudropiper. 
 Pin 
 
 Water Pimpernel or Brookweed. The common 
 
 h belonging to the * enus 
 
 WEI 
 
 Water Plantain. See Alisma plantago, 
 
 Water Purslane. See Ludwigia palustris. 
 
 Water Bice. See Zizania. 
 
 Water Shield. A common name of one of the 
 Water Lily family, of the genus Brasenia, which 
 see. 
 
 Water Soldier. See Stratiotes. 
 
 Water Violet. Hottonia inftata, a white-flowered 
 aquatic perennial, common in the Southern 
 States. 
 
 Water-wort. See E'.atine Americana. 
 1 Watsonia. Named in honor of W. Watson, a 
 celebrated London apothecary. Linn. Triandria- 
 Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 A genus of half-hardy bulbs from the Cape of 
 Good Hope, formerly classed with the Gladiolus, 
 to which genus they are closely allied, and to 
 which they bear a close resemblance. They re- 
 quire the protection of a frame during winter, 
 or they may be grown successfully in the green- 
 house, where their long spikes of brilliant flow- 
 ers, scarlet, pink, flesh, white, and purple, 
 make a magnificent appearance. This, like 
 others of its class, receives but little attention 
 in this country, where flowers are so abundant 
 from early spring until winter, that do not re- 
 quire any special care or protection. The beauty 
 of the flower garden in June would be far 
 greater if a little attention were paid to the 
 growing of what is known as Cape Bulbs, the 
 only requirement being a cold frame of any 
 desired size, and the bulbs protected against 
 hard frosts, but more particularly against rains, 
 too much moisture during the season of rest 
 being very destructive to the whole class. The 
 gorgeous flowers that the many species and 
 varieties afford in June amply repay the slight 
 cost and care in producing them. The Wat- 
 sonias are produced freely from offsets. Intro- 
 duced in 1754. 
 
 Wax Myrtle. See Myrica. 
 
 Wax Palm. See Ceroxylon. 
 
 Wax-work. The climbing Bitter-Sweet, Cdastrus 
 scandens, is sometimes called Wax-work, from 
 the appearance of its orange-colored pods. See 
 Gelastrus. 
 
 Wayfaring-Tree. See Viburnum lantaiwides. 
 
 Weigela. Named in honor of C. E. Weigel, a 
 botanical writer, and author of "Observ. Botan." 
 in 1772. Linn, Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 Caprifoliacece. 
 
 This genus of very ornamental hardy decidu- 
 ous shrubs was introduced from China and Ja- 
 pan in 1843 by Mr. Fortune, to whom we are in- 
 debted for many rare and beautiful plants and 
 flowers. It is safe to say there is no shrub more 
 deservedly popular, or one that has been more 
 rapidly disseminated. All the species are orna- 
 mental, and should be found in every collection 
 of choice shrubs. W. rosea is the original spe- 
 cies; its flowers are produced in great profusion 
 in axillary clusters. W. amabilis is the largest of 
 the species, is looser and more spreading in hab- 
 it, with very dark-red flowers. W. hortensis 
 nivea, a species introduced from Japan in 1863, 
 is one of the best. It is a vigorous grower of 
 drooping habit ; the flowers are pure white, pro- 
 duced in great abundance in June and July, 
 with occasional flower.8 during the summer. 
 W. rosea variegata is a splendid variety, with 
 variegated foliage, green mottled with yellow, 
 contrasting finely with dark-leaved shrubs or 
 evergreens. To make this genus flower freely 
 they should be well pruned in during summer, 
 thus giving the shorter shoots thus formed a
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 253 
 
 WEL 
 
 chance to ripen off. All the species are increased 
 by cuttings, which will grow if taken off in au- 
 tumn and planted in the open border. 
 Welfia. Named in honor of the last King of 
 Hanover, Wdf or Guelph. Linn. Dioscia-Hexan- 
 (Iria. Nat. Ord. Palmacece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful Palms, allied 
 to Geonoma. The foliage has a peculiar and 
 beautiful bronzy color while unfolding. In the 
 younger stages the leaves are simply bilobed; 
 but as the piants develop they become pinnate. 
 They are natives of Costa Rica and New; Gre- 
 nada. Young plants are obtained from seed. 
 "Welsh Poppy. See Meconopsis. 
 Western Wall-Flower. This name has been 
 applied to the flowers of the Erysimum aspernum, 
 (Treacle Mustard,) because they are as large as 
 those of the Wall-Flower. See Erysimum. 
 West Indian Cabbage Palm. See Oreodoxa. 
 Whahoo or Winged Elm. See Ulmus alaia. 
 Wheat. See Tritictim. 
 Whin. A popular name of Genista Anglica, which 
 
 see. 
 White Alder. One of the popular names of the 
 
 genus Cletkra, which see. 
 White Ash. See Fraxinus. 
 White Cedar. A name applied to Thuja occident- 
 
 aili and Capressus thyoides, which see. 
 White Clover. See 'TrifoHum repens. 
 White Daisy, Ox-Eye Daisy. See Leucanthe- 
 
 mum fidgare. 
 White Lettuce, Rattlesnake Boot. See Naba- 
 
 lus albas. 
 
 White Hellebore. See Veratrum viride. 
 White Laurel. See Magnolia glauca. 
 White Oak. See Qutrciis. 
 
 White Snake Boot. See Eupatorium ageratoides. 
 White Spruce. See Finns alba. 
 White Thorn, Hawthorn. See Cratcegus. 
 White Water Lily. See Nymphtsa. 
 White Weed. See Leucanttiemum vulgare. 
 Whitlavia. Named in honor of F. Whitlaw, an 
 Irish botanist. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Hydrophyllacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy annuals from Califor- 
 nia, of low growth, producing freely handsome 
 white or violet-blue flowers. They are very ef- 
 fective in any department of the flower garden, 
 whether in beds, borders, or ribbons. They re- 
 quire the same treatment as other hardy annu- 
 als. Introduced in 1854. 
 
 Whortleberry. See Gaylussacia and Vaccinium. 
 Wigandia. Named in honor of John Wiqand, a 
 Bishop of Pomerania. Linn. Pentandria-Digynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Hydrolf.ace<x. 
 
 A small genus of ornamental-leaved plants j 
 from Mexico and Caraccas. The leaves are im- j 
 mense, being three feet long by one and a half j 
 in width, richly veined, and the stems covered 
 with crimson hairs. W. Caracasana is the most j 
 beautiful species, and is a magnificent plant for 
 massing on large lawns, or for planting for sin- 
 gle specimens on smaller grounds. Plants of 
 this genus should be grown annually from seed, 
 though the plant is a perennial ; old plants lose 
 all their beauty of foliage and get scraggy. 
 Young plants may be had by sowing the seed 
 in the green-house or a hot-bed, and growing 
 them on until the time for planting out. For 
 small gardens none of the plants are desirable, 
 as they require room, light, and air to grow 
 them in perfection. They were introduced in 
 1837. 
 
 Wild Allspice, Fever Bush. Local names of 
 the genus Lindera, which see. 
 
 WIS 
 
 Wild Apple, Garland Flowering. .See Pyrus 
 
 spectabitis. 
 
 Wild Balsam Apple. The fruit of Echinocystis 
 lr,bata, a genus of Cacurbitacece. See Echinocystis. 
 Wild Bean. See Phaseolus perennis. 
 Wild Bergamot, Horse Mint. See Monarda 
 
 fistuhsa. 
 
 Wild Chamomile. See Mairlcaria. 
 Wild Comfrey. See Oynoglossum Virginicum, a 
 troublesome, obnoxious weed, common, espe- 
 cially westward. 
 Wild Elder. See Aralia hispida, sometimes called 
 
 Bristly Sarsaparilla. 
 Wild Geranium. See Erodium. 
 Wild Ginger. See Asarum Canadense. 
 Wild Guelder Bose. See Viburnum. 
 Wild Hyacinth. See Camassia. 
 Wild Lily of the Valley. See Smilacina. 
 Wild Liquorice. See Galium lanceolatum. 
 Wild Liquorice. See Abrus. 
 Wild Mustard. See Sinapis. 
 Wild Marjoram. See Origanum. 
 Wild Oat Grass. A popular name of the genus 
 
 Danthonia, which see. 
 Wild Pink. See Silene Pennsylvanica. 
 Wild Potato Vine. See Ipomosa panduraia. 
 Sometimes called Man of the Earth, on account 
 of the size and shape of the tubers. 
 Wild Badish. See Raphanus raphanistrum. 
 Wild Bice. See Zizania. 
 Wild Sarsaparilla. See Aralia nudicaulis. 
 Wild Sensitive Plant. See Cassia nictitans, a 
 low growing annual plant, closely resembling 
 the Sensitive P<ant. 
 Wild Service Tree. See Pyrus. 
 Willow. See Salix. 
 Willow Herb. See Epilobium. 
 Willow Oak. See Quercus Phellos. 
 Wind Flower. See Anemone. 
 Winter Aconite. See Eranthis. 
 Winter-berry, Black Alder. See Prinos and 
 
 Ilex. 
 
 Winter Cherry. See Physalis. 
 Winter Cress. (Barbarea vulgaris.) This is the 
 common Winter Cress, a plant that is sometimes 
 used as a salad, but rarely cultivated. The spe- 
 cies was probably introduced, but is quite com- 
 mon in the North and West. 
 Wintergreen. See Gauliheria. 
 Wistaria. Named in honor of Caspar Wistar, 
 once Professor of Anatomy in the University of 
 Pennsylvania. Linn. Diadelphia-Decandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 A small genus of hardy deciduous climbers, 
 unquestionably the most ornamental hardy 
 flowering climbers we possess. Their lovely 
 panicles of dark purple, light purple, and pure 
 white flowers, single and double, produced in 
 the most wonderful profusion under almost any 
 circumstances, are altogether without a rival. 
 With one exception, they are all natives of 
 China and Japan. W. Sinensis was introduced 
 in 1818, and for many years was grown as a 
 green-house plant, until it was accidentally 
 found to be hardy. In 1844, W. Sinensis alba, 
 a variety with pure white flowers, was origi- 
 nated. A variety with double flowers was in- 
 troduced from Japan, its native country, in 
 1869, by Francis Parkman, of Boston. The 
 flowers of this species are quite fragrant, and 
 very beautiful. It is still quite rare. There 
 are several other species or varieties from the 
 same countries, all meritorious. W. fridescens is 
 a native species, with bluish purple flowers, of 
 which there is also a white variety. Common
 
 254 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 WIT 
 
 from Virginia to Illinois and southward. It is 
 an elegant plant of similar habit, though not 
 quite so productive of flowers, and, unlike the 
 other species, the flowers are developed with 
 the foliage. W. mngn(fica is a very fine late- 
 flowering variety with purple flowers. The Ja- 
 n Wistarias are nmch finer than the Chinese. 
 >w years since Mr. Thomas Hogg sent home 
 from Japan a very choice collection, and among 
 them Tr. Japonica, with purple flowers; W. Ja- 
 ponica allxt, with white flowers; W. longi-race- 
 mosa, purple, with panicles exceeding thirty 
 inches in length; also a double variety of this, 
 with fragrant flowers. In addition to these, he 
 sent a species with glossy leaves dotted with 
 gold; and another species which grows only 
 three or four feet high, and flowers in July 
 and August. The English Sparrow is very fond 
 of the buds of the Wistaria, and sometimes robs 
 the plant of much of its beauty. All the Wis- 
 tarias are increased readily from seeds or from 
 layers. 
 
 Witch Hazel. See Hamamelis. 
 
 Withe-Bod. See Viburnum nudum. 
 
 Witsenia. In honor of JH". Witsen, a Dutch pa- 
 tron of botany. Linn. Triandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. Iridacece. 
 
 A small genus of green-house herbaceous 
 plants, with showy blue, purple, or yellow flow- 
 ers, natives of the Cape of Good Hope. They 
 closely resemble the Iris, but have small flowers. 
 Propagated by division. 
 
 Wolf-berry. The popular name of Symphoricar- 
 piis occidental}.*, which see. 
 
 Wolfsbane. See Aconitum reclinatum. Known 
 also by the common name of Monkshood. 
 
 Wood Betony. Common name of Peduncularis 
 Canadensis, which see. 
 
 Woodbine. The popular name of the Lonicera 
 grata, one of our native Honeysuckles. See 
 Lonicera. A name also inappropriately applied 
 
 XER 
 
 to the Ampelopsis quinquefolia, the Virginian 
 Creeper. 
 
 Wood Fern. See Aspidium. 
 
 Wood Grass. A common name of some of the 
 varieties or species of Sorghum, or Broom Corn. 
 See Sorghum. 
 
 Wood Nettle. See Lyportea Canadensis. 
 
 Woodruff. See Asperula. 
 
 Wood Bush. See Luzula. 
 
 Wood Sage. See Teucrium. 
 
 Woodsia. Named in honor of Joseph Woods, a 
 British botanist. Linn. Cryplogamia-Fi!i<r*. 
 Nat. Ord. Polypodiaeece. 
 
 A small genus of very beautiful low-growing 
 Ferns. Several of the more beautiful species 
 are natives of this country , and are common in 
 the mountains North and West. The species 
 are also found in Europe and Brazil. It is with 
 much difficulty that they can be grown in the 
 green-house. They are increased by division 
 or from spores. 
 
 Wood Sorrel. See Oxalis. 
 
 Wood- Waxen. One of the common names of 
 Genista tinctoria, which see. 
 
 Wocdwardia. Chain Fern. Named in honor of 
 Ihomas Jenkinson Woodward, an English botan- 
 ist. Linn. Oryptogamia-Filices. Nat. Ord. Poly- 
 podiacecK. 
 
 Very handsome native and exotic Ferns of 
 easy culture. Some of the species produce lit- 
 tle hairy bulbs at the axils of the leaves, which 
 either drop off and strike root in the ground, 
 or vegetate while attached to the parent plant, 
 a feature that is common in many other Ferns. 
 
 Woolly Beard Grass. See Erianthus. 
 
 Worm Grass. See Spigelia. 
 
 Worm Seed. The seed of Chenopodium anthelmin- 
 ticum, which see. The utricle which surrounds 
 the seed contains a volatile oil, which is con- 
 sidered a worm-destroying medicine. 
 
 Wormwood. See Artemisia. 
 
 Vanthorhiza. (Some adopt the ortnogra 
 A Xnnthorrldza, following the analogy of Xan- 
 thorraia, etc.) Yellow Root. From xanthoa, yel- 
 low, and rhiza, a root; the roots being of a deep 
 yellow color. Linn. Pentandrui-Polugunia. Nat. 
 Ord. Ranunculacece. 
 
 X. apifolia, the only known species, is an in- 
 teresting half-hardy evergreen shrub, with pret- 
 ty, dark purple flowers in early spring. It is 
 common along the mountains from Florida 
 northward. It is propagated by suckers 
 Xanthoxylum. Prickly Ash, Toothache Tree 
 From xnnthos, yellow, and xylon, wood; the roots 
 are yellow. Linn. Dioecia-Pentandria. Nat. Ord 
 Xanthoxylncea- . 
 
 This is a rather extensive genus, having a 
 wide geographical range, with representatives 
 m most of the tropical countries of the world 
 and in some parts of the temperate regions. 
 The species differ considerably in appearance 
 some being very large trees, while others are 
 erect or climbing shrubs; and they are often 
 furnished with prickles on their branches and 
 leaf-stalks. The leaves are alternate and com- 
 
 pound, either pinnate, (, either with or without 
 an odd terminal leaflet,) trifoliate, or rarely re- 
 duced to a single leaflet, the leaflets being usu- 
 ally marked with pellucid dots. Their flowers 
 are small, unisexual, and disposed in variously 
 formed axillary or terminal panicles. The ripe 
 fruits split into two pieces, and contain one or 
 two shining black seeds. The fruits of most of 
 the species have an aromatic, pungent taste, 
 like pepper. Those of X. piperitum, a Japanese 
 species, are called Japan Pepper; and those of 
 X. hastile are the Tej-bul of Northern India, 
 where they are used for intoxicating fish. The 
 genus is represented in the United States by 
 a few species. X. Americanum, Northern Prick- 
 ly Ash, is a prickly shrub with yellowish green 
 flowers, which appear before the leaves. It is 
 remarkable for its pungent qualities. The bark, 
 when chewed, is said to cure the toothache; 
 whence one of its popular names, Toothache 
 Tree. X. Carolinianum, the Southern Prickly 
 Ash, is a small tree with very sharp prickles, 
 found on the coast of Virginia and southward. 
 Xeranthemum. From xervs, dry, and anthemon,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 255 
 
 XER 
 
 a flower; alluding to the dry nature of the 
 flower, which retains its form and color for 
 years. Linn. Syngenesici-Supeiflua. Nat. Ord. 
 AsteracecK. 
 
 Hardy annuals of the cosiest culture, merely 
 requiring to be sown where they are desired to 
 bloom. Tke flowers, from their peculiar dry 
 character, may be preserved a very long time 
 after they are cut from the plants, and this cir- 
 cumstance has given rise to the English name 
 Everlasting. The several species are natives of 
 the south of Europe and the Levant. Some of 
 them have been under cultivation more than 
 two hundred years. Sow through April and 
 May in the open border, or in a hot-bed, and 
 transplant in March. 
 
 Xerophyllum. Turkey's Beard. From xeros, 
 dry, and phytton, a leal; in reference to the dry 
 grassy leaves. Linn, Hexandria-Trigynia. Nat. 
 Ord. MdantJiacece. 
 
 ZAM 
 
 A small genus of interesting hardy herbaceous 
 plants, mostly natives. X. asphoddoides, one of 
 the most interesting species, is a native of the 
 Pine barrens of New Jersey and southward. It 
 has long, very narrow, bristle-shaped leaves, 
 which form a dense tuft, from which rises a stem 
 bearing a large raceme of showy white flow- 
 ers in June. They are propagated by seeds or 
 from division, and succeed well in any dry sit- 
 uation. 
 
 Xyris. From xyros, acute; the leaves terminate 
 in points. Linn. Triandria-Jfonofjynia. Nat. 
 Ord. XyridacecK. 
 
 A genus of curious plants, mostly indigenous, 
 though some are natives of tropical Asia and 
 Africa. They are all sedge-like plants, with 
 narrow, radical leaves, and small flower heads 
 terminating the simple scapes, the yellow petals 
 being very fugacious. They are of no special 
 interest. 
 
 Y, 
 
 Yam. The common name of the large tuberous 
 roots of several species of Dioscorea, used as 
 food. See Dioscorea. 
 
 Yard Grass. A common name for the genus 
 Eleusine. It is also known as Crab Grass. See 
 Eleusine. 
 
 Yarrow. See AchUlea miUefolium. 
 
 Yaupon. The name of a tea or drink made from 
 the leaves of the Ilex Cassine by the North Caro- 
 lina Indians. 
 
 Yellow-eyed Grass. The common name of the 
 genus Xyris, a curious rush-like plant, common 
 im New Jersey and southward. See Xyris. 
 
 Yellow (False) Jessamine of the Southern 
 States is Gelsemium sempervirens, which see. 
 
 Yellow Pond Lily. See Nuphar. 
 
 Yellow Battle. A common weed. See Rhinan- 
 thns Crista-galli. 
 
 Yellow Boot. See Xanthorhiza. 
 
 Yellow Wood. Cladrasiis tinctoria, or Virgilea 
 lutea, a small and handsome deciduous tree, with 
 showy white flowers drooping from the ends of 
 its branches, common on the rich hillsides from 
 Kentucky southward. See also Podocarpus. 
 
 Yew. See Taxus. 
 
 Yucca. Adam's Needle, Spanish Bayonet, Bear 
 Grass. Yucca is the name of the plant in Peru. 
 Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. Liliacece. 
 
 An extend re genus of evergreen plants, with 
 leaves somewhat like the Aloe. Y.filamentosa, pop- 
 ularly called Adam's Needle, is common from 
 Virginia southward, and is a beautiful plant for 
 cemetery or lawn decoration. Many of the spe- 
 cies are hardy enough to withstand our winters 
 North, and are desirable plants, as well for the 
 flowers as the foliage. The flowers are pro- 
 duced on an erect, branching spike, often six 
 feet high, proceeding from the heart of the 
 plant. It is not uncommon for a single spike 
 to furnish three hundred blossoms, which are 
 creamy white and very showy. The half-hardy 
 or tender species may be grown in pots or tubs, 
 and kept dormant through the winter in a cel- 
 lar or room free from frost. They grow freely 
 in any soil, preferring a light sandy one. Y. 
 aloifolia variesjata is one of the most beautiful 
 of our green-house ornamental leaved plants. 
 Its propagation, which is by cuttings, is slow, 
 and hence it is always a scarce and expensive 
 plant. Y. faimentosa vftriegata somewhat resem- 
 bles it in its young state, and has occasionally 
 been sold for it; but it is far inferior. Most of 
 the herbaceous species of the genus seed freely, 
 and are thus rapidly increased. 
 Youth and Old Age. A popular name of the 
 Zinnia, which see. 
 
 z. 
 
 Zamia. From zamia, loss; in allusion to the bar- 
 ren appearance of the male flowers. Linn. Di- 
 wift-lcosandria. Nat. Ord. Cycadacew. 
 
 An extensive genus of very beautiful and re- 
 markable plants, intermediate between the Ferns 
 and Palms. They are natives of the West Indies, 
 Central America, the Cape of Good Hope, and 
 Southeastern Africa, where they frequently con- 
 stitute a conspicuous feature in the vegetation. 
 These extraordinary plants are remarkable for 
 
 their bony fronds or leaves, which are for the 
 most part armed with spines or sharp angles. 
 The species Z. horrida has thorns several inches 
 in length, and as hard as horn. Several of the 
 species are known in cultivation, and are ob- 
 jects of much interest. They require a hot- 
 house, and should be grown in sandy loam. 
 Rapid progress in growth is material to the per- 
 fect development of the leaves, and this is only 
 secured by heat and moisture. They may be
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ZAN 
 
 propagated by suckers. But these, with all the 
 Cycads, are now largely imported by firms in 
 New York and other largo cities, mostly 'from 
 Central America, and thus plants are obtained 
 at once from their native habitat that would 
 take many years to grow by the slow processes 
 of artificial propagation. When received they 
 are, of course, in a dormant state, without roots 
 or leaves, and should be placed in partially 
 damp moss, in a temperature of 70, until they 
 begin to grow. They are then potted in small- 
 sized pots, amply drained, in a soil mixed with 
 half its bulk of Sphagnum (moss.) 
 
 Zanthoxylum. See Xanthoxylitm. 
 
 Zauschneria. Named in honor of M. Zauschner, 
 a German. Linn. Octandria-Monogynia. Nat. Ord. 
 
 Z." Californica, the only, known species, is a 
 hardy herbaceous plant, native of California. It 
 is of branching habit, and produces large ra- 
 cemes of Fuchsia-like flowers, bright crimson 
 and very showy. It makes a handsome pot 
 plant, and is also very showy in the border. 
 Propagated by division or from seed. Intro- 
 duced in 1847. 
 
 Zea. Maize, Indian Corn. Linnaeus named this 
 genus from zao, to live; in reference to the nu- 
 tritive properties of the plants. Linn. Monoscia- 
 Iriandria. Nat. Ord, Graminacece. 
 
 Indian Corn, Zea Mays, is unquestionably an 
 American plant, having been found under culti- ' 
 vation by the Indians on the discovery of the j 
 New World. It is said to grow wild in some of 
 the West Indian Islands and in Central and 
 South America. There is only one ascertained | 
 species, although numerous varieties have been 
 produced. The many varieties are so distinct 
 in their general habit of growth, size, and shape 
 of the kernel, as to raise the question of their 
 "being distinct species, which, however, is not 
 probable. We know of no other plant that so 
 readily adapts itself to circumstances, or one 
 that will so completely change its habit of growth 
 in so short a time. The writer once brought a 
 few ears of Corn from near Quebec, the farthest 
 point north that Corn is known to ripen. The 
 stalks from which the ears were taken were not 
 three feet high, yet each produced two small 
 ears of very hard Corn of excellent quality. This 
 seed was sown in Central New York at the same 
 time and under the same conditions as other 
 Corn, only in a separate field. This crop came 
 to maturity in less than sixty days after plant- 
 ing, ready for the harvest. The next year the 
 best seed of the crop were sown, in confidence of 
 similar results; but, on the contrary, it adapted 
 itself to the climate, and took the same length 
 of time to grow and ripen as the common sorts, 
 and it also grew to as great a height, which was 
 fully two feet higher than it grew the first year. 
 From that fact it is easy to see what great changes 
 may be brought about by cultivation. The va- 
 rieties known as Sweet or Sugar Corn are best 
 suited for use in the unripe state. They have 
 been greatly improved in the past twenty years 
 "by careful selection, and thousands of acres of 
 these kinds are grown for canning, particularly 
 the variety known as Stowell's " Evergreen." Z. 
 Japomwi, varier/ata, of recent introduction, is 
 beautifully striped white and green, and is un- 
 surpassed as a "Variegated Grass." It requires 
 exactly the same culture as the ordinary Maize; 
 though, being variegated, its growth is weak- 
 ened, and, under the same conditions, it grows 
 one-third lower than the ordinary green sorts. 
 
 ZIN 
 
 It can be used with fine effect for the ' ' back 
 row " or " center " of large beds in massing. 
 Zebra Grass. See Eulalia zebrina. 
 Zebra Wood. See Omphalobium. 
 Zephyranth.es. From zephyros, the west wind, 
 and anfhos, a flower. Linn. Hexandria-Monogynia. 
 Nat. Ord. AmaryllidaceoK. 
 
 A very beautiful genus of hardy and half- 
 hardy bulbous plants, natives of the Southern 
 States, South America, and the West Indies. 
 The flowers are white, pink, and rose-colored, 
 and are produced singly on slender scapes 
 about six inches high. One of the best species 
 is Z. Atamasco, generally known as Amaryllis 
 Atamasco, and in our cottage gardens as Fairy 
 Lily. This species has beautiful pink flow- 
 ers, which are produced in great abundance 
 during the entire summer. The bulbs may be 
 planted in the open border early in spring, and, 
 with slight protection during winter, they may 
 remain undisturbed a number of years. The 
 bulbs are about one and a half inches in diame- 
 ter and two inches long. It is a native of the 
 Southern and Southwestern States. It increases 
 rapidly by offsets. Z. Candida, a species with 
 pure white flowers and small, rush-like leaves, 
 is a native of Lima and Buenos Ayres. The 
 bulbs are quite small, and grow in large clus- 
 ters. It is very free flowering, and nearly 
 hardy. Introduced in 1822. 
 
 Zichya. In honor of Countess Molly Zichy, a noble 
 Austrian lady, fond of botany. Linn. Diadelphia- 
 Decandria. Nat. Ord. Fabacece. 
 
 These are handsome green-house climbers, 
 closely related to Kennedya, from which they are 
 chiefly distinguished by having their flowers ar- 
 ranged in whorls on the end of an attenuated 
 foot-stalk. They require plenty of water, both 
 at the roots and over the foliage in dry, hot 
 weather, and a support for their flexile stems. 
 The trellis should be as large as may be conven- 
 iently attached to a pot, as they extend over a 
 considerable space. In the autumn the branches 
 should be pruned closely back, and the plants 
 kept torpid through the winter. The several 
 species that constitute this genus are natives of 
 Swan Eiver, and were introduced in 1834. Prop- 
 agated by seeds or cuttings. 
 
 Zingiber. Ginger. The Indian name. Linn. 
 Honandria-Monogynia: Nat. Ord. ZingiberacecK. 
 
 The most important species of this genus is 
 Z. qfficinale, the roots or rhizomes of which fur- 
 nish the well-known Ginger of commerce. This 
 plant is believed to be a native of Asia. It was 
 naturalized in the West Indies soon after their 
 discovery by the Spaniards ; indeed, at so early 
 a period that it is scarcely believed to be an ex- 
 otic, and is supposed to have been found in- 
 digenous on the islands. Acosta relates that a 
 person named Francisco de Mendoza first trans- 
 planted it from the East Indies into New Spain, 
 where its cultivation was diligently pursued by 
 the Spanish Americans to a considerable extent, 
 as, from the testimony of the same author, 
 22,053 cwt. were exported thence to Europe in 
 1547. This plant is now extensively cultivated 
 in the West Indies, especially in Jamaica, from 
 whence we receive our main supply. Thero are 
 several varieties of Ginger known in commerce; 
 they are, however, of the same species, as the 
 white and black Ginger simply indicates a .dif- 
 ferent method of preparation. Ginger is also 
 largely grown in the East Indies and Africa, but 
 not of so good a quality as that of the West In- 
 dies.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 257 
 
 ZIN 
 
 Zinnia. Named in honor of John Godfrey Zinn, a 
 Professor of Botany at Gottingen. Linn. Synge- 
 nesia-Superflua. Nat. Ord. Asteracece. 
 
 An extensive genus of hardy annuals, natives 
 of Mexico. When first introduced the Zinnia 
 received but little attention, as the flowers were 
 single, the colors not so bright, nor the plant so 
 effective as the double varieties now under cul- 
 tivation. The double varieties were first ex- 
 hibited by Messrs. Vilmorin in Paris in 1861. 
 They originated in India from the common sin- 
 gle Mexican varieties, and the seeds were sent 
 to France in 1858. Great improvement has 
 been made within the last ten years in this 
 flower, and our own florists and seed growers 
 have been foremost in this work. The finest 
 strains of this flower are now to be had of the 
 seed growers near New York. Some of the vari- 
 eties are truly magnificent; the dull, dingy col- 
 ors have given place to bright scarlet, clear rose, 
 pure white, orange, canary yellow, etc., and the 
 flowers are perfect in shape, and evenly imbri- 
 cated like a Camellia. Zinnias require but lit- 
 tle attention, and will grow well almost any- 
 where. For perfection of flower, the seed should 
 be sown early in a hot-bed or the green-house, 
 and once or twice pricked out before planting 
 in the open border. Set the plants two feet 
 apart each way, and they will completely cover 
 the ground early in summer. They will com- 
 mence to flower in June, and remain until killed 
 by frost. The flower lasts a long time, looking 
 cheerful until the seed is quite ripe. The fact 
 of the flowers remaining so long perfect has 
 given the plant one of its common names, 
 " Youth and Old Age." 
 
 Zizania. The Greek name of Darnel. The mod- 
 ern plants have no relation to the ancient, being 
 natives of America. Linn. Monwcia-Hexagynia. 
 Nat. Ord. Graminacece. 
 
 These are native plants. Z. aquatica is a large 
 reed-like aquatic plant, and is quite common in 
 marshes and on the margins of waters at the 
 South and West, and was formerly largely col- 
 lected by the Indians for food. It is a favorite 
 food with wild ducks and other aquatic birds 
 during the fall and winter months, and is a famil- 
 iar object to sportsmen. A correspondent of the 
 "American Agriculturist," Mr. K. Valentine, of 
 Wisconsin, says he has sold a thousand bushels 
 of this Wild Rice during the past five years. The 
 "Agriculturist" says : " It is the thick growth 
 of this Rice that makes the borders of the Dela- 
 ware such a favorite resort for gunners in the 
 Heed Bird season, and elsewhere it attracts nu- 
 merous ducks. Mr. V. says that he has sent the 
 seeds to nearly every State and Territory, to be 
 planted along water courses to attract wild fowl. 
 It is also sown in artificial fish ponds to afford 
 cover and shade for the young fry, a purpose for 
 which it is especially suited. It succeeds best 
 where there is a muddy bottom, and six inches 
 to two feet of water, and care should be taken to 
 place it where its roots will be covered with wa- 
 ter at all times." 
 
 Zizyphus. Jujube. Zizouf, in Arabic, is the name 
 of the Lotus. Linn. Pentandria-Monogynia. Nat. 
 Ord. RhamnacecK. 
 
 ZYG 
 
 An interesting genus of plants, inhabitants of 
 both hemispheres. They are all very pretty, and 
 deserve to be grown in every collection of plants. 
 The green-house and hot-house species do well 
 with ordinary treatment. The genus is chiefly 
 characterized by having a fleshy, berry-like frnit, 
 containing a one, two, or three-celled stone, with 
 a single flattened seed in each. The species are 
 mostly stiff shrubs, or sometimes small trees 
 with more or less spiny branches, their alter- 
 nate three-nerved leaves being furnished with 
 one or two thorny stipules. The fruits of sev- 
 eral of the species have an agreeable flavor. Z. 
 vulgaris, the best known species, when fully de- 
 veloped attains a height of thirty feet. The 
 fruits of this species are commonly eaten in 
 Europe, both in a fresh and dried state, and af- 
 ford the Jujubes of the shops; or rather used to, 
 for they are now chiefly made up of gum and 
 sugar, and a little tartaric acid, without the 
 Jujubes. The fruits are rather acid when fresh, 
 but when dried they are more agreeable, and 
 are given to allay cough. Perhaps the most 
 useful purpose to which this species can be ap- 
 plied is as a hedge plant. Mr. William Smith, 
 the superintendent of the Botanic Garden at 
 Washington, D. C., has been experimenting 
 with it for upward of ten years, and thinks it 
 has no equal as a hedge plant, and predicts that 
 it is certain to be largely used for that purpose. 
 It is perfectly hardy at Washington, and it is 
 Mr. Smith's opinion that it is likely to prove 
 hardy a great deal farther north. Z. Jujuba, an 
 East Indian species, yields an excellent dessert 
 fruit, and is largely cultivated by the Chinese, 
 who recognize a great number of varieties, dif- 
 fering in the shape, color, and size of the fruits. 
 Those of one variety are called Chinese Dates, 
 from their resemblance to that fruit. Z. Lotus, 
 an African species, is one of the plants supposed 
 to have yielded the seductive sweet fruits from 
 which the ancient Lptophagi took their name. 
 Another African species, Z. Badei, is the Lotus 
 mentioned by Mungo Park as being used for 
 making into bread, tasting like gingerbread, 
 and also for the preparation of a pleasant bever- 
 age. Z. spina- Chris ti is supposed by some to 
 have furnished the crown of thorns put on our 
 Savior's head. Propagated by cuttings or from 
 seed. First introduced in 1640. 
 
 Zonal Geranium. See Pelargonium. 
 
 Zygopetalum. From zygos, a yoke, and petakw, 
 a petal; in allusion to the adhesion of the seg- 
 ments of the perianth by their bases in the orig- 
 inal species. Linn. (Jynandria-Monandria. Nat. 
 Ord. Orchi(l('fd'. 
 
 A genus of very handsome, free-flowering Or- 
 chids, natives of South America. They are ter- 
 restrial evergreens, and generally flower during 
 the winter or early spring months, which makes 
 them desirable. The pseudo-bulbs should be 
 well elevated in potting, and have plenty of 
 water in the growing season, which is usually 
 from May to September; after which less mois- 
 ture is required until their season of blooming. 
 They will succeed well in an ordinary green- 
 house. Propagated by division. Introduced iu 
 1828.
 
 GLOSSARY 
 
 OF 
 
 BOTANICAL AND GENERAL HORTICULTURAL TERMS AND PRACTICES, 
 
 SYNOPSES OF THE NATURAL ORDERS, ETC. 
 
 A. In composition, a, privative, is used in 
 Botany as a negative, and signifies with- 
 out; as, aphyllous, without leaves; acaulis, 
 without a stem. 
 
 Abbreviate. Used in comparative descrip- 
 tions to indicate that one part is shorter 
 than another. 
 
 Aberrant. Something which differs from 
 the customary or usual structure, or de- 
 viates from the natural or direct way. 
 Also, a group of plants which stands in- 
 termediate, as it were, between two other 
 groups; e. g., Fumariacece, which are by 
 some regarded as an aberrant group of 
 Papaveracece. The term is applied in Nat- 
 ural History to species or genera that de- 
 viate from the usual characters of their 
 neighbors. 
 
 Abnormal. Opposed to the usual structure. 
 Thus, stamens standing opposite to petals, 
 and nowhere else, as in Rhamnads, (which 
 see,) are abnormal, it feeing usual for sta- 
 mens to be alternate with petals, if equal to 
 them in number. Leaves growing in pairs 
 from the same side of a stem, as in Atro- 
 pa Belladonna, and flower stalks adhe- 
 rent to the midrib of a bract, as in Tilia, 
 are also abnormal. 
 
 Aboriginal. Plants which have their origin 
 or spontaneous production in any coun- 
 try. The same as indigenous. 
 
 Abortion. Signifies an imperfect develop- 
 ment of any given organ. 
 
 Abortive. Imperfectly developed; as abor- 
 tive stamens, which consist of a filament 
 only; abortive petals, which are mere 
 bristles or scales. 
 
 Abraded. Rubbed or worn off. 
 
 Abrupt. Suddenly terminating ; as, abrupt- 
 ly pinnated, when several pairs of leaf- 
 lets are formed without any intermediate 
 one at the end. 
 
 Absorption. The function by which the 
 spongioles imbibe the moisture which 
 
 Abstergent. Cleansing, having a cleansing 
 quality. 
 
 Acanthacece. An order of monopetalous ex- 
 ogens, belonging to Lindley's Bignonial 
 Alliance, and nearly related to Scrophu- 
 lariads, (which see.) In tropical regions 
 they are very common, constituting a large 
 part of the herbage. Nevertheless the 
 genus Acanthus is found in Greece, and 
 one species inhabits the United States. 
 In a majority of cases Acanthaceoe are to 
 be recognized by the presence of large 
 leafy bracts, in the axils of which the 
 flowers are partly concealed, and also by 
 their calyx being composed of deeply im- 
 bricated sepals forming a whorl. But 
 their most exact difference from other
 
 GLOSSARY 
 
 OF 
 
 BOTANICAL AND GENERAL HORTICULTURAL TERMS AND PRACTICES, 
 
 SYNOPSES OF THE NATURAL ORDERS, ETC. 
 
 A. In composition, a, privative, is used in 
 Botany as a negative, and signifies with- 
 out; as, aphyllous, without leaves; acaulis, 
 without a stem. 
 
 Abbreviate. Used in comparative descrip- 
 tions to indicate that one part is shorter 
 than another. 
 
 Aberrant. Something which differs from 
 the customary or usual structure, or de- 
 viates from the natural or direct way. 
 Also, a group of plants which stands in- 
 termediate, as it were, between two other 
 groups; e. g., Fumariacece, which are by 
 some regarded as an aberrant group of 
 Papaveracece. The term is applied in Nat- 
 ural History to species or genera that de- 
 viate from the usual characters of their 
 neighbors. 
 
 Abnormal. Opposed to the usual structure. 
 Thus, stamens standing opposite to petals, 
 and nowhere else, as in Rhamnads, (which 
 see,) are abnormal, it fceing usual for sta- 
 mens to be alternate with petals, if equal to 
 them in number. Leaves growing in pairs 
 from the same side of a stem, as in Atro- 
 pa Belladonna, and flower stalks adhe- 
 rent to the midrib of a bract, as in Tilia, 
 are also abnormal 
 
 Aboriginal. Plants which have their origin 
 or spontaneous production in any coun- 
 try. The same as indigenous. 
 
 Abortion. Signifies an imperfect develop- 
 ment of any given organ. 
 
 Abortive. Imperfectly developed; as abor- 
 tive stamens, which consist of a filament 
 only; abortive petals, which are mere 
 bristles or scales. 
 
 Abraded. Rubbed or worn off. 
 
 Abrupt. Suddenly terminating; as, abrupt- 
 ly pinnated, when several pairs of leaf- 
 lets are formed without any intermediate 
 one at the end. 
 
 Absorption. The function by which the 
 spongioles imbibe the moisture which 
 becomes sap. 
 
 Abstergent. Cleansing, having a cleansing 
 quality. 
 
 Acanthacece. An order of monopetalous ex- 
 ogens, belonging to Lindley's Bignonial 
 Alliance, and nearly related to Scrophu- 
 lariads, (which see.) In tropical regions 
 they are very common, constituting a large 
 part of the herbage. Nevertheless the 
 genus Acanthus is found in Greece, and 
 one species inhabits the United States. 
 In a majority of cases Acanthacece are to 
 be recognized by the presence of large 
 leafy bracts, in the axils of which the 
 flowers are partly concealed, and also by 
 their calyx being composed of deeply im- 
 bricated sepals forming a whorl. But 
 their most exact difference from other
 
 260 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ACA 
 
 orders of the Bignonial Alliance consists 
 in the singular structure of their placen- 
 ta, which expands into hard processes, 
 which are most commonly hooked. In 
 the form of their embryo they agree with 
 Bignoniacece. They are of little import- 
 ance to man. The greater part are mere 
 weeds, but some are plants of great beau- 
 ty, especially the species of Justicia, Aphe- 
 landra, and Emilia. For the most part 
 they are mucilaginous and slightly bitter; 
 occasionally the bitterness increases, and 
 they become pectoral medicines; and 
 some are dyers' plants. The genuine 
 Acanths, or plants belonging to genus 
 Acanthus, are emollients, as also is Ani- 
 sote* trisulcus, an Egyptian plant. About 
 1,500 species are mentioned in books. 
 
 Acaulis. Having a very short stem; lit- 
 erally, stemless ; but a plant without a 
 stem cannot exist, unless it is a mere 
 vesicle. 
 
 Accessory. Something added to the usual 
 number of organs, or their parts. 
 
 Acclimatize. To accustom a plant to live in 
 the open air without protection, in a 
 country where it is not indigenous. We 
 give the meaning attached to the term, 
 though we question the popular belief. 
 Plants may become acclimatized in the 
 course of ages, but not perceptibly in any 
 one generation. It is true we can tem- 
 porarily and gradually harden off a plant 
 so that it will stand a great degree of 
 cold, but the product of that plant, whether 
 from cuttings or seeds, will not be hard- 
 ier than the original individual. 
 
 Accrescent. Growing larger after flower- 
 ing. The calyx of Melanorrhcea, which is 
 small and green when in flower, becomes 
 large and leafy when the fruit is ripe, 
 and is, therefore, accrescent. 
 
 Accrete. Grown together. 
 
 ACH 
 
 Accretion. The growing of one thing to 
 another. 
 
 Accumbent. Lying against anything ; used 
 in opposition to incumbent, or lying 
 upon something. This term is employed 
 in describing the embryo of Crucifers. 
 
 Aceracece, (Acera, Acerinece, the order of 
 Maples.) A natural order of trees and 
 shrubs inhabiting Europe, the temperate 
 parts of Asia, the north of India, and 
 North America. The order is unknown 
 in Africa and the southern hemisphere. 
 The most important product is the sweet 
 sap of some species, (the Maples,) from 
 which sugar is extracted. They yield a 
 light, useful timber. In the United States 
 large quantities of excellent sugar and 
 syrup are made from the sap of the Ma- 
 ple. The bark of some is astringent, 
 and yields reddish brown and yellow col- 
 ors. The order only contains three gen- 
 era, and rather more than fifty species. 
 
 Acerose. Needle-shaped, fine and slender ; 
 applied especially to the leaves of the 
 Fir tribe. In the Southern States the 
 leaves of the Pine are known as " Pine 
 Needles." 
 
 Acescent. Sour, tart, acid. 
 
 Acelabuliformis. Saucer shaped. 
 
 Acetabulum. The receptacle of certain Fun- 
 gals or Fungi. 
 
 Acetarious. Anything belonging to the 
 salad tribe of plants, as Lettuce, etc. 
 
 Acetose. Sour, tart, acid; or something that 
 produces acidity. 
 
 Achegones. Urn-like organs produced on 
 some Acrogens. See Acrogens. 
 
 Achene. The same as Achenium, which see. 
 
 Achenium. This term is applied, by differ- 
 ent authors, to two distinct kinds of fruit: 
 1. Where the fruit is superior, and, con- 
 sequently, the pericarp is not invested 
 by the calyx. It is dry, hard, single-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 261 
 
 ACH 
 
 seeded, and indehiscent. This is other- 
 wise termed a nut. 2. Where the peri- 
 carp is inferior, and, consequently, in- 
 vested by the calyx; in other respects 
 resembling the last, but usually not so 
 hard. The seeds of the Composite are 
 the best examples. 
 
 Achlamydeous. Having neither calyx nor 
 corolla, so that the essential parts of the 
 flower are without a covering. Applied to 
 flowers without any distinct perianth; as 
 in the Willows, where the stamens and 
 pistil are merely subtended by a bract. 
 
 Acidolus. Where the branches or other 
 organs terminate in a spine or hard 
 point. 
 
 Acicula. A bristle. The bristle-like abor- 
 tive flower of a Grass. 
 
 Acicular. Of a slender form, shaped like a 
 needle. 
 
 Aciculated. Marked by fine impressed lines, 
 as if produced by the point of a needle. 
 
 Acies. The edge of anything. The angles 
 of certain stems. 
 
 Acinaciform. Cimeter- shaped; that is to 
 say, curved, rounded toward the point; 
 thick on the straighter side, thin on the 
 convexity. 
 
 Acinarious. When a stem or branch is 
 covered with little spherical and stalked 
 vesicles looking like grape seeds; as in 
 some sea-weeds. 
 
 Acini. The small stones or seeds in Grapes, 
 Strawberries, etc. 
 
 Acinus. A bunch of fleshy fruits, as of 
 Currants or Grapes, now confined to the 
 berries of such bunches. 
 
 Acotyledonous. Having no cotyledons or 
 seed lobes, as in Cuscuta. In systematic 
 botany, applied to spore-bearing plants 
 which do not produce cotyledons, as 
 Ferns; also to spores themselves, which 
 are embryos without cotyledons. 
 
 ACK 
 
 Acotyledons. A name often applied to 
 Cryptogamia, or flowerless plants, in conse- 
 quence of their reproductive organs or 
 spores, when germinating, having no seed 
 leaves or cotyledons. There are, how- 
 ever, few rules without an exception, and 
 some Lycopods present, when young, 
 something very like cotyledons. Though 
 Cryptogamia have no true cotyledons, 
 their spores produce, mostly by cell divi- 
 sion, a mass of threads, a leafy expansion, 
 or a solid body, to which the name false 
 cotyledons (pseudo-cotyledons) has been 
 given, and such productions, as the false 
 cotyledons of Mosses for example, have 
 often been considered as distinct plants, 
 belonging to a distinct natural order 
 from the parent plant. Under this name 
 are included all those plants called by Lin- 
 naeus Cryptogamia, because he was unable 
 to discover their organs of fertilization, if 
 they had any. They comprehend Sea- 
 weeds, Fungi, Lichens, Mosses, Ferns, 
 and their allies, which see. It is now 
 known that all are multiplied by a sexual 
 apparatus in structure wholly different 
 from that of Phaenogamous plants, but in 
 function the same. In the higher orders, 
 that is to say, in Ferns, Lycopoias, and 
 Horsetails, the plant, properly so called, 
 does not proceed directly from the spore 
 or seed, but from a rudimentary inter- 
 mediate organ, called prothallium, on 
 which the organs of fertilization are 
 formed, these organs not producing a 
 spore or seed, but the very plant itself. 
 
 Acramphibrya. Plants that grow both at 
 the point and along the sides, as Endo- 
 gens and Exogens. 
 
 Acrobrya. A term used by Endlicher, sy- 
 nonymous with Acrogena 
 
 Acrocarpi. A division of Mosses containing 
 those species in which the female fruit
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ACR 
 
 terminates the branches. Unfortunate- 
 ly, even in the same genus, as Fissidens, 
 species with lateral and terminal fruit 
 occur, so that the distinction is not with- 
 out grave exceptions. 
 
 Acrogens. A large and most important 
 division of Cryptogamia, distinguished for 
 the most part from Thallogens, as Fun- 
 guses, Sea-weeds, and Lichens, by their 
 herbaceous growth, the presence of leafy 
 appendages, which are frequently fur- 
 nished with stomates, the different mode 
 of impregnation, and the presence of vas- 
 cular tissue. A few acrogenous Liver- 
 worts have the habits of Lichens, but 
 differ totally in structure. The most im- 
 portant distinction, however, undoubtedly 
 is, that the impregnation takes place 
 somewhat after the manner of Phseno- 
 gamia, by an impression made upon the 
 contents of the embryonic sac, and not 
 upon the spore itself, as is decidedly the 
 case among Thallogens where the mode 
 of impregnation has been ascertained, as 
 in Algce. In Characece alone the spore 
 seems to be immediately impregnated, 
 though even in this case it is uncertain 
 whether impregnation does not take 
 place before the spore is perfected. In 
 Mosses, Liverworts, and Ferns, the spore 
 after germination produces at first either 
 a web of threads, a solid mass, or a mem- 
 branous expansion, (prothallium.} In 
 the two former a distinct plant arises 
 from the threads, with frequently sym- 
 metrical leaves, and on these plants urn- 
 shaped organs are produced (called 
 archegones) analogous to pistils, which 
 contain at their base a cell which, after 
 impregnation, produces the proper fruit. 
 In perennial species a fresh crop of ar- 
 chegones may be produced in two or three 
 successive years, which require a distinct 
 
 ACR 
 
 act of impregnation for the development 
 of the capsules. In Ferns and their 
 allies, on the contrary, the archegones 
 give rise to a new plant, which for one 
 or for many successive years produces a 
 fresh crop of fruit without further im- 
 pregnation. The result of impregnation 
 in the two cases, then, is quite different. 
 In Mosses the whole plant is, as to func- 
 tions, a prothallium; in Ferns, merely 
 the membranous expansion immediately 
 produced on the germination of the 
 spores. Further details may be reserved 
 for each successive group. In those spe- 
 cies of Fungi, as Puccinia, Podisoma, etc., 
 where a prothallium is produced, it has 
 the nature of a spore, and germinates in 
 the same manner. 
 
 As regards the tissues, it may be ob- 
 served that the stem of many Acrogens 
 contains distinct vascular tissue. In Jun- 
 gennannice, where such tissue is rare else- 
 where, it almost universally accompanies 
 the spores. In Mosses, as in fiphagnum, 
 there are sometimes distinct spirals in 
 the cells of the leaves. The vascular tis- 
 sue in most of the higher Cryptogamia is 
 scalariform; but in Iso'etes and Equisetum 
 it is annular, with transitions to short 
 spirals ; while in Selaginella and Lycopo- 
 dium there is a transition from short 
 spiral and reticulated cells to elongated 
 cells, which may be called spiral vessels. 
 In the stem of Sphagnum there is tissue 
 closely resembling the glandular tissue 
 of Conifers. The spiral coats of the spores 
 in Equisetum will be noticed hereafter. 
 The impregnating bodies or spermato- 
 zoids have always nagelliform append- 
 ages, sometimes nuich more highly devel- 
 oped than in the spermatozoa of animals. 
 The principal divisions of Acrogens are 
 the following:
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ACK 
 
 1. Characece. Spores solitary. 
 
 2. Eicciacece. Capsules valveless, with- 
 out spiral cells or elaters. 
 
 3. March antiacecK. Capsules depend- 
 ent, containing elaters. 
 
 4. Jungermanniacece. Capsules erect, 
 containing elaters. 
 
 5. Musci. Capsules mostly valveless, 
 without elaters. 
 
 In these five orders the archegones give 
 rise to the capsule. 
 
 6. Filices. Capsules mostly with an 
 elastic ring, but sometimes densely 
 crowded and ringless. 
 
 7. Ophioglossacece. Capsules ringless, 
 bivalvate. 
 
 8. Equisetacece. Capsules dependent. 
 Coat of spores spiral. 
 
 9. Marsileaceae. Capsules multilocular. 
 
 10. Lycopodiacece. Capsules axillary, 
 unilocular. 
 
 In these five orders the spores produce 
 a prothalliuni bearing archegones, which 
 yield new plants and not capsules. For 
 further details see Berkeley's Cryplogamic 
 Botany, p. 421. 
 
 Acrospire. The first leaf that appears when 
 corn sprouts. It is a developed plumule. 
 
 Acrostichece. A section of polypodineous 
 Perns, in which the sori occupy almost or 
 quite the whole fructiferous surface, and 
 are not confined to distinct and determi- 
 nate points of the veins. 
 
 Aculeate. Furnished with aculei or prickles, 
 as distinguished from spines. 
 
 Aculei. The plural of Aculeus, which see. 
 
 Aculeus. A prickle; a conical elevation of 
 the bark or skin of a plant, becoming 
 hard and sharp pointed, as in the Rose. 
 Aculei, or prickles, proceed from the 
 bark; spines or thorns proceed from the 
 wood. The former fall off when ripe ; 
 the latter do not. 
 
 ADU 
 
 Acuminate. A term applied to leaves or 
 other flat bodies which narrow gradually 
 till they form a long termination. If the 
 narrowing takes place towards the base, 
 it is so stated, as, acuminate at the base ; 
 if toward the point, the term is used 
 without qualification. 
 
 Acute. Terminating abruptly in a sharp 
 point. 
 
 Acutangular. Having sharp or acute angles. 
 Sometimes used also where the leaves are 
 divided into many narrow lobes. 
 
 Adelphia. A fraternity; a Linnsean term 
 denoting a collection of stamens. Mona- 
 delphia means one such collection; Dia- 
 delphia, two such collections, and so on. 
 
 Adelphic. When the stamens are united by 
 their filaments into one bundle, as in the 
 Mallow ; or more, as in Hypericum. 
 
 Adelphous. United in pairs or bundles by 
 filaments ; as, adelphous stamens. 
 
 Adherence. The complete union or graft- 
 ing together of parts, which originally, or 
 in their nascent state, were distinct. 
 
 Adglutinated.See Agglutinated. 
 
 Adiantece. A section of polypodiaceous 
 Ferns, in which the receptacles to which 
 the spore cases are attached, are placed 
 on the under surface of the mdusium it- 
 self, so that the fructification is, as it were, 
 upside down, and is hence said to be re- 
 supinate. 
 
 Adnate. Adhering; growing to anything 
 by the whole surface ; when an ovary is 
 united to the side of a calyx it is adnate. 
 Applied to parts of different whorls ad- 
 herent one to another, and to anthers 
 when they are attached to the filaments 
 by their whole length. 
 
 Adpressed. Brought into contact with any- 
 thing without adhering. 
 
 Adult. The full-grown of anything ; full- 
 grown leaves are adult leaves.
 
 264 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ADV 
 
 Adventitious. A term used to denote some 
 part or organ that is developed in an un- 
 usual position ; as the leaf-buds that ap- 
 pear on various parts of the surface of 
 the stem, instead of being confined, as is 
 generally the case, to the axils of the 
 leaves. Applied also to roots, etc. ; for 
 example, the Ivy throws out adventitious 
 roots from along the stems, by which it 
 clings to walls or trees for support. 
 
 Adverse. "When one part is placed directly 
 opposite or over against another. Thus j 
 of the anther, when the suture is turned 
 towards the center of the flower, which 
 is the most usual case. 
 
 jEgaricacece.A. class of Fungi resem- 
 bling the common Mushroom. 
 
 JSqualis. This term signifies equality or 
 similarity in size, and is also used in the 
 sense of uniformity; thus, an equal um- 
 bel is an umbel of which the florets are 
 all alike. 
 
 Equilateral Equal sided. See Equilateral. 
 
 Aerial. Plants or parts of plants which 
 grow entirely above the surface of the 
 earth or water. 
 
 Aerocysls. The air-cells ot Algce. 
 
 Aerophytes. Plants growing wholly in the 
 air, such as epiphytal Orchids, many 
 Lichens, Bromeliads, etc., which are com- 
 monly called air plants, and the roots of 
 which cling to the bark of trees, etc. , and 
 absorb moisture from the atmosphere. 
 
 sEruginous. Having a color like that of 
 (erufjo or verdigris, as Curcuma cerugi- 
 nosa. 
 
 fatuous. Scorching, glowing, hue summer. 
 sJ&tical. Of or belonging to the summer. 
 ^Estivation. The manner in which the parts 
 of a flower are folded up before the flower 
 expands; applied to the calyx and corolla 
 of a flower when in the bud, before ex- 
 pansion. 
 
 AKE 
 
 Affinity. A term used in systematic botany, 
 signifying that one resembles another in 
 the principal part of its structure, as 
 is the case with Crowfoots and Poppy- 
 worts. See Analogy. 
 
 Agglomerated. Heaped up, or collected 
 closely together into a head or mass ; as 
 the stamens in Anona and Magnolia, or 
 cones on a Scotch Pine, or the flowers of 
 a Scabious. 
 
 Agglutinated. Glued to anything. Gener- 
 ally applied to filaments and anthers. 
 The same as adglutinated. 
 
 Aggregated. Several things collected to- 
 gether into one body ; as the achenes in 
 the fruit of the Strawberry or Mulberry, 
 or the flowers of the Cuscuta. Applied to 
 the inflorescence. 
 
 Agrestic. Pertaining to fields or the coun- 
 try, in opposition to the city ; rural. Ap- 
 plied to wild flowers, whether indigenous 
 or naturalized. 
 
 Air-cells. Cavities in the cellular tissue, 
 which are sometimes irregular, but often 
 constructed with great beauty and regu- 
 larity in the form of hexagonal prisms. 
 They are filled with air, and in aquatics 
 serve the purpose of floating the stem 
 and leaves to the surface of the water. 
 In terrestrial plants, they give some 
 stems, as those of Bushes, a spongy 
 structure. 
 
 Air Plants. A common name for Aerides. 
 The name is also applied to Epiphytes, 
 or plants which grow on trees and other 
 elevated objects, not in the earth, and 
 derive their sustenance from atmospheric 
 moisture. They are to be distinguished 
 from terrestrial plants, or those growing 
 in earth, and from, parasites, which de- 
 rive nourishment directly from other 
 plants on which they grow. 
 Akenium. See Achenium.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 265 
 
 ALA 
 
 Ala. One of the lateral petals of a papilio- 
 naceous flower. Also a membranous ex- 
 pansion of any kind, as that round the 
 seed of a Bignonia, from the summit or 
 side of a seed vessel, or on the angles of 
 a stem. Formerly, the axil, but not now 
 employed in that sense. The word is 
 generally used in the plural, alee. 
 
 Alabastrus. A flower bud. 
 
 Alangiacece. A natural order of plants in- 
 habiting tropical Asia. "With the excep- ! 
 tion of the genus Nyssa, a native of this 
 country, all are trees or shrubs with in- 
 conspicuous flowers, structurally similar j 
 to those of certain Myrtles. Their fruit 
 is succulent and eatable, but not agree- ' 
 able to the taste. The principal genera 
 are Alangium and Nyssa. Eight or nine 
 species are all that are known. 
 
 Alate. Winged ; bordered by a membran- 
 ous or leafy expansion, as the seeds of 
 the Maple, etc. 
 
 Alatus. Winged. See Alate. 
 
 Albefactio.A. condition of plants induced 
 by absence of light, commonly called 
 blanching, in which little or no chlorophyl 
 is formed, the peculiar secretions are di- 
 minished, and the tissues are tender and 
 unnaturally drawn out ; and thus some 
 plants, such as Celery and Sea-Kale, 
 which in a state of health a: - e tough, 
 unwholesome, and unfit for food, be- 
 come palatable and wholesome. If 
 light be restored, the plant may gradually 
 recover its tone ; but if it is absent for 
 any great length of time death is sure to 
 ensue. Some succulent plants, and those 
 which have tubers, will sometimes sur- 
 vive the first season, but in general the 
 confinement of a few months at the time 
 of growth is fatal. Flowers, when bleach- 
 ed, as of the flat-leaved Cacti, some- 
 times recover their color when exposed 
 
 ALG 
 
 to light, but Lilacs which are blanched 
 for ornamental purposes remain white, 
 though their leaves acquire a yellowish- 
 green tinge. 
 
 Albescent. Where any color assumes a pale 
 tinge, or has a hoary appearance. 
 
 Albumen. The matter that is interposed 
 between the skin of a seed and the em- 
 bryo, or the vitellus, if there is one. It 
 is of a farinaceous, oily, or horny consist- 
 ency, and surrounds the embryo wholly 
 or in part, and affords nourishment to 
 the young plant during the earliest stages 
 of germination. It is the floury part in 
 Corn, WTieat, Eye, and like grains ; the 
 oily part in Poppy seeds, etc.; and the 
 fleshy part in the Cocoanut. 
 
 Albuminous. Furnished with albumen 
 when perfectly ripe. A term exclusively 
 applied to seeds. 
 
 Alburnitas. A tendency to remain like al- 
 burnum. A disease of trees, when white 
 rings of wood are interposed among heart- 
 wood. 
 
 Alburnum. The white and softer part of 
 wood, between the inner bark and heart- 
 wood, commonly known as sap-wood ; 
 the young wood before it conies to a 
 proper consistence. 
 
 Algce. A large and important tribe of 
 Cryptogamia, by far the greater part of 
 which live either in salt or fresh water, a 
 few only deriving their nourishment from 
 the moisture contained in the surround- 
 ing air. Though many of them are con- 
 fined to particular kinds of rocks, and 
 have something resembling a root, it is 
 not probable that they draw any impor- 
 tant part ,of their nourishment from the 
 ^substance on which they grow. The 
 higher Algce have a distinct stem, from 
 which arise variously shaped expansions, 
 which often assume the semblance of
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ALG 
 
 leaves; but, though these are often strict- 
 ly symmetrical, they never follow the 
 spiral arrangement which is so marked 
 in Phcenogamia, and which exists even 
 among Mosses. In many the stem is 
 quite obliterated, and the whole plant 
 consists of an expanded membrane, con- 
 sisting of one or more strata of cells, as 
 the case may be. Frequently there is no 
 expansion, and the whole plant, whether 
 solid or fistulose, simple or branched, is 
 everywhere more or less cylindrical. In 
 other cases, again, it consists of a mere 
 string of articulations ; while in others 
 the whole is reduced to an adnate crust 
 or a shapeless jelly, or to single cells. In 
 one curious division, the frond, though 
 often much divided, consists of a single 
 cell only, however complicated, filled with 
 endochrome, (which see. ) Whatever the 
 color of Algce may be, it appears that they 
 act upon the atmosphere in the same way 
 as Phcenogamia, ; that is to say, they ab- 
 sorb carbonic acid and give out oxygen 
 under the influence of light. 
 
 Algce, whatever may be their outward 
 form, or whatever their degree of com- 
 plication, are cellular plants, in a very 
 few instances only presenting anything 
 like vessels, though the cell-walls them- 
 selves have frequently a spiral structure. 
 The spores are often nothing more than 
 the endochromes of cells, whether termi- 
 nal or chained together like the beads of 
 a necklace, more consolidated than usual, 
 and occasionally broken up into four or 
 more distinct reproductive bodies. There 
 are often two sorts of fruit upon the same ! 
 or on different fronds, one being regular- ! 
 ly tetraspermous, (which see,) the other 
 variable in character, presenting often the 
 appearance of a capsule perforated at the 
 apex. Among the lower Algce the spores ' 
 
 ALG 
 
 are often furnished with one or more 
 flagelliform processes, or with vibrating 
 cilise, by means of which they move from 
 place to place for a greater or less time, 
 as if endowed with spontaneous motion, 
 till they become attached and germinate. 
 In most of the subdivisions sexual differ- 
 ences have been observed; the antheridia, 
 or male organs, containing bodies often 
 closely resembling the spermatozoa of 
 animals. In some of the species fructifi- 
 cation does not take place till the threads 
 throw out little processes, by means of 
 which a complete union with one another 
 is established, the endochrome of the 
 joint of one thread passing through their 
 lateral tube and uniting with that of an 
 opposite joint, and then forming a per- 
 fect spore. In many of the lower Algw, 
 as, indeed, in some of the higher, repro- 
 duction takes place for an indefinite 
 time by repeated subdivision ,of the orig- 
 inal individual. At times, however, the 
 proper fruit makes its appearance, and 
 sometimes in such an anomalous form as 
 to cause much perplexity. 
 
 Algce are related, on the one hand, to 
 Funguses, and on the other to Lichens. 
 Distinctive characters are more easily de- 
 rived from their respective habits than 
 from differences of structure. The term 
 Algce had formerly a far wider range than 
 at present, and it is now almost entirely 
 confined to aquatic Cryptogamia. There 
 is no English word that will comprise the 
 whole. The most convenient, perhaps, 
 is that of Hydrophytes, which, however, 
 does not apply to the aerial species, and 
 is objectionable because there are many 
 plants with a submerged habit which are 
 not Algce. Algce are divided into three 
 great classes, each of which comprises a 
 number of very distinct groups, the more
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 267 
 
 ALG 
 
 prominent of which will be noticed in 
 their proper order. These three classes 
 are characterized by the color of their 
 seeds, which correspond for the greater 
 part with the general tint of the plants. 
 
 1. Melanospermece, or olive-spored. 
 
 2. Rhodospermeq?, or rose-spored. 
 
 3. Chlorospermece, or green-spored. 
 
 The first of these comprises the olive- 
 colored species, which, from their size and 
 abundance, are so conspicuous on our 
 shores, or which float in dense masses, 
 sometimes many leagues in extent, on the 
 surface of the ocean. On our own coasts 
 they attain the length occasionally of 
 twenty feet and more, and specimens 
 have been exhibited in New York even 
 larger than this. In the genus Laminaria 
 individuals are sometimes large enough 
 to be a load for a man; but this is noth- 
 ing to the size attained iu the southern 
 seas, or even in some parts of the north- 
 ern hemisphere. Individuals of the genus 
 Macrocystis attain the length of a hun- 
 dred feet or more, and Lessonia forms 
 submarine forests, the stems resembling 
 the trunks of trees. Some of the lower 
 species have nothing like leaves, and are 
 reduced to mere articulated threads, or 
 a shapeless mass. 
 
 The second class comprises those 
 charming seaweeds, remarkable for their 
 elegance of form, delicacy of texture, and 
 brilliancy of color, which attract the atten- 
 tion of all wanderers along the sea-shore. 
 These are often very abundant, but they 
 seldom attain any considerable size, and 
 some of them are as delicate as Moulds. 
 The third class contains most of the small- 
 er species, in which the frond seldom as- 
 sumes the form of a membrane, but is 
 more frequently reduced to a mere thread, 
 or even to single articulations. A few 
 
 ALG 
 
 only are conspicuous objects, among 
 which the genus Caulerpa is most remark- 
 able, affording, on warm, sandy coasts, 
 an abundant supply of food for tur- 
 tles. Of the smaller and more obscure 
 species, in which there is often no point 
 of attachment, we have the most exqui- 
 site microscopical objects, exhibiting an 
 almost inexhaustible variety of form 
 and outline. In the two latter classes, 
 more especially, many species are so 
 marked by calcareous matter as to pre- 
 sent the appearance of corals, with which 
 productions they have accordingly been 
 arranged. A weak solution of hydro- 
 chloric acid, however, soon changes 
 the fixed carbonate of lime into soluble 
 chloride of calcium, and the structure 
 and fruit are then unmasked, and found 
 to correspond with those of true Alga;. 
 In Diatomacece, silex instead of lime is 
 imbedded in the substance of the cells. 
 Among the productions which appear 
 upon rocks exposed to the action of the 
 atmosphere, the lower Algoe are often the 
 first to make their appearance. Even the 
 cold surface of snow and ice produces the 
 bright red Alga known under the name 
 of Bed Snow, while allied species appear 
 on darker grounds. These gradually, by 
 their decomposition, afford soil for higher 
 growths.- 
 
 The larger species of Algae afford a 
 useful though coarse article of food to 
 men and domestic animals, not to men- 
 tion the numberless tribes which they 
 support in their own element. The Laver 
 is, however, considered by many an ob- 
 ject of luxury; though, like Olives, it is 
 not in general relished at first. With use, 
 however, it is esteemed by many a most 
 acceptable condiment Many of the rose- 
 colored Algce abound in gelatine, and in
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ALG 
 
 consequence they are collected to make a 
 fine kind of glue, or as a substitute for 
 isinglass. Carrageen, or Irish Moss, 
 which consists, in great measure, of com- 
 mon species of Chondrus, is a most use- 
 ful article in cattle feeding, when boiled 
 and mixed with other nutritious matters. 
 Among the Chlorosperms, besides the 
 Laver above mentioned, a species of 
 Nostoc is much used as an ingredient in 
 soup by the Chinese ; but it seems not to 
 have much to recommend it beyond the 
 quantity of commercial bassorine which it 
 contains. Durvillcea ulilis is employed 
 for the same purpose in Chili. The si- 
 liceous coats of Diatomacece, of which the 
 substance called Tripoli is entirely com- 
 posed, form a capital substance for pol- 
 ishing, and the close parallel lines of ex- 
 treme fineness with which they are fre- 
 quently grooved, make them very useful 
 in microscopical researches as a test. 
 
 The larger Algce were formerly much 
 employed in the manufacture of kelp. 
 More advanced chemical knowledge has, 
 however, entirely suspended the practice, 
 carbonate of soda being now obtained 
 from other sources, to the great detri- 
 ment of many of the proprietors on the 
 sea-coasts of Scotland and elsewhere. 
 They form also a very valuable manure, 
 and it has been proposed in England, by 
 the Rev. J. M. Berkeley, to manufacture 
 a portable manure from Algce partially 
 dried, and then ground down with coni- 
 cal crushers, the pulpy mass being mixed 
 with peat ashes, and dried in strongly- 
 ventilated sheds. Algce, best known as 
 "Sea- weed," have long been used as 
 manure by farmers along the coast of 
 New England, Long Island, New Jersey, 
 etc., immense quantities being thrown 
 ashore in the fall of the year. It is 
 
 ALI 
 
 generally worked over in the pig-pen, 
 and then composted with the barn-yard 
 manure. It is also used as a covering 
 for Strawberries and other plants during 
 the winter. 
 
 Some of the lower Algce approach, as 
 before observed, very pear to Moulds, and 
 in consequence many of the latter, when 
 submerged and barren, have been as- 
 signed to Algae. Such productions, how- 
 ever, as yeast, and other matters which 
 occur in fermenting bodies, are now 
 pretty well understood, and are referred 
 to a more befitting place in the vegetable 
 kingdom. It is very doubtful if any true 
 Alga is parasitic on animals, those which 
 have been supposed to be so, as Sarcina, 
 etc., being in all probability Fungi. The 
 curious productions which grow on fish 
 and other aquatic animals, as Leptomitus, 
 etc., are the only exception, if, indeed, 
 these also should not be excluded. Algce 
 extend to the utmost limits of vegetation, 
 and some of them are found at great 
 depths in the sea. The limits of the dis- 
 tribution of species are not so extensive 
 as in Fungi, though some have a very 
 wide range. Many fossil species are de- 
 scribed, but "* the nature of the greater 
 part is obscure. 
 
 Algols. The English term for Algce. 
 Alismacece. A small group of aquatic 
 plants, with tripetaloid flowers and supe- 
 rior ovaries, each containing only one or 
 two seeds. In some respects, though En- 
 dogens, (see Endogens,} they much resem- 
 ble ranunculaceous Exogens, (see Exo- 
 gens,) Ranunculus Parnassifohus having 
 altogether the appearance of an Alisma. 
 Although for the most part natives of 
 the northern parts of the world, some 
 species of Sagittaria and Damasonium in- 
 habit the tropics. Alisma and Sagittaria
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ALK 
 
 have a fleshy rhizome, which is eatable; a 
 species of the latter genus, S. Sinensif, is 
 cultivated for food in China, although its 
 herbage is acrid. Various Brazilian Sa- 
 gittarias are very astringent; and their ex- 
 pressed juice is even employed in the 
 preparation of ink. The whole number 
 of species does not exceed fifty, divided 
 among the genera Alisma, Sagittaria, and 
 Damasonium, which see. 
 
 Atkal< ' scent. Having the properties or ef- 
 fects of an alkali. 
 
 Alkali. Any substance which, mingled 
 with acid, produces fermentation. 
 
 Alliaceous. Having the smell of Garlic or 
 Oniona 
 
 Alpine. Strictly speaking, this term refers 
 to the higher part of the Alps, in contra- 
 distinction to " mountainous," which 
 designates the middle portion of the 
 higher Alps, or tops of inferior mount- 
 ains. Plants found in very high eleva- 
 tions are called Alpine Plants. 
 
 Alsinaceous. Applied to a petal having a 
 short but distinct claw, like those of Al- 
 sine. 
 
 Alternating. Alternate with anything men- 
 tioned. 
 
 Alternative. A term applied to aestivation 
 (which see) when of the pieces of a flower 
 being in two rows, the inner is so covered 
 by the outer that each exterior piece 
 overlaps half of two of the interior row. 
 
 Alternate. Placed on opposite sides of an 
 axis, on a different level, as in alternate 
 leaves. Placed between other bodies on 
 the same or different whorls, as in an um- 
 belliferous plant, where the stamens are 
 alternate with, that is between, the pet- 
 als. 
 
 AUernately-pinnate. When the leaflets of a 
 pinnate leaf are not exactly opposite 
 each other. 
 
 AMA 
 
 Altingiacece, (Liquidambars, Balsamaceae, 
 Balsamifluae.) A solitary genus, Liquid- 
 ambar, represents this Natural Order, of 
 which three species only are known, all 
 trees of some magnitude, producing a 
 fragrant resin called Storax, or resem- 
 bling that substance. They are nearly 
 related to Plane Trees and Willows, from 
 which they differ in having seed vessels 
 with two distinct cells instead of one, 
 and seeds with broad membranous wings. 
 
 Alveolate. Socketed,honey-combed,aswhen 
 a flat surface is excavated into conspicu- 
 ous cavities resembling a honey-comb, as 
 in the receptacles of many Composites. 
 
 Amaranihacece, (Amaranthi, Polycnerneae.) 
 Under this name are included about 
 500 species of weeds, or, occasionally, 
 showy annual plants, (very seldom under- 
 shrubs,) with inconspicuous apetalous 
 flowers, in almost all cases of a scarious 
 or shriveled texture, and most commonly 
 with a white color, now and then pink, 
 orange, or crimson. They are very near- 
 ly the same as Chenopods, (see Cheno- 
 pods,) and belong to Lindley's Chenopo-* 
 dal Alliance. They occupy dry, stony, 
 barren situations, or thickets upon the 
 borders of woods, or even salt marshes; 
 are much more frequent within the trop- 
 ics than beyond them, and are unknown 
 in the coldest regions of the world. 
 Many of the species are used, with the 
 addition of Lemon juice, as pot-herbs, on 
 account of the wholesome, mucilaginous 
 .qualities of the leaves. Gomphrena offi- 
 cinalis and G. macrocephala in Brazil, 
 where they are called Para toda, Perpetua, 
 and Kaiz do Padre Salemia, are esteemed 
 useful in all kinds of diseases, especially 
 in cases of intermittent fever, colic, and 
 diarrhoea, and against the bite of ser- 
 pents. The species of Gomphrena and
 
 270 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 AMA 
 
 Amaranthus afford beautiful border plants, 
 and are well known. 
 
 Amaryttidacece, (Narcissi.) A large Natural 
 Order, consisting for the most part of 
 bulbous plants, but occasionally forming 
 a tall, cylindrical, woody stem, as in the 
 genus Agave. They differ from Irises in 
 having six introrse stamens, and from 
 Liliaceous plants in their ovary being in- 
 ferior. A few species of Narcissus and 
 Oalanthus are found in the north of Eu- 
 rope and the same parallels. As we pro- 
 ceed south they increase. Pancratium 
 appears on the shores of the Mediterra- 
 nean, and on our own Southern coasts; 
 Grinum and Pancratium in the West and 
 East Indies; ffcemanthus is found for the 
 first time, with some of the latter, on the 
 Gold Coast ; Hippeastras show them- 
 selves in countless numbers in Brazil and 
 across the whole continent of South 
 America; and, finally, at the Cape of Good 
 Hope the maximum of the order is be- 
 held in all the beauty of Hcemanthus, Gri- 
 num, Olivia, Cyrlanthus, and Brunsmgia. 
 A few are found in New Holland, the 
 most remarkable of which is Doryanthes. 
 Poisonous properties occur in the viscid 
 juice of the bulbs of Buphane toxicaria 
 and Hippeastra; those of Leucojum ver- 
 num, the Snowdrop, and Daffodil and 
 other kinds of Narcissus, are emetic. 
 Nevertheless, the Agave, or American 
 Aloe, as it is called, has an insipid, 
 sweet juice. Others are detergent, and a 
 few yield a kind of arrow-root. Between 
 300 and 400 species are known. 
 
 Amaryttids. An English form for Amarylli- 
 dacece. This form of words is in quite 
 common use in England, but only to a 
 very limited extent in this country. It 
 is intended thereby to shorten and popu- 
 larize the scientific terms, though they do 
 
 AMP 
 
 not seem to be taken to very kindly, or, 
 rather, they are not understood. We have 
 thought it best to make the reader ac- 
 quainted with some of them, which may 
 best be done by placing before him some 
 familiar examples: Orchids is used for 
 Orchidacece; Lycopods for Lycopodiaceoe ; 
 Oncids for Oncidiums; Bromeliads for 
 Bromeliacece; Fungals for Fungi; Acan- 
 thads for Acanthacece. Bearing these fa- 
 miliar examples in mind, the reader will 
 seldom be at a loss to know what order 
 of plants is referred to. Some of these 
 words have an uncouth sound. 
 
 Ambiparus. Producing two kinds, as 
 where a bud contains both flowers and 
 leaves. 
 
 Amboyna Wood. The beautifully mottled 
 wood of Pterospermum Indicum. 
 
 Amenta. Plural of amentum, which see. 
 
 Amentacece. Under this name were once 
 comprehended all apetalous, unisexual 
 plants, whose flowers grow in catkins or 
 amenta. Modern botanists find it more 
 convenient to distribute them through 
 several different orders, the chief of 
 which are Salicaceoe, CorylacecK, Betula- 
 cece, Casuarinacece, AltingiaceoK, Myrica- 
 cece, which see. 
 
 Amentum. A catkin. A deciduous spike 
 of unisexual, apetalous flowers, such as 
 appear in the spring on the Hazel and 
 Willow. 
 
 Amorphous. Where the form is not well- 
 defined or distinct; having no definite 
 form. 
 
 Amnios. The fluid that is produced with- 
 in the sac which receives the embryo ru- 
 diment and engenders it. 
 
 Amphibious. Growing either in water or 
 on dry land. 
 
 Amphigastria. The so-called stipules of 
 Scale Mosses, or Jungermannice.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 271 
 
 AMP 
 
 Amphisarca. A many-seeded, many-celled, 
 superior, indehiscent fruit ; woody on 
 the outside, pulpy within. 
 
 Amplexicaul. Stem-clasping; as when the 
 base of the leaf surrounds the stem, as in 
 Oestrum auriculatum, Lonicera, etc. 
 
 Ampulla. The metamorphosed, flask-like 
 leaves found on certain aquatics, such as 
 Utricularia ; not different from Ascidium. 
 A flower, etc., that is swollen in the mid- 
 dle like an ampulla or flask. 
 
 AmpuUaceous. Having some part, as the 
 monopetalous corolla of certain Heaths, 
 (Erica, ) swollen out like a flask. 
 
 Amylaceous. Having the properties of 
 starch. 
 
 Amylaceous Granules. Grains of starch. 
 
 Amylidece. Cells in Algals or Algce, secret- 
 ing starch. 
 
 Amyloid. A substance analogous to starch, 
 but becoming yellow in water, after hav- 
 ing been colored blue by iodine. 
 
 Amylum. Starch; that organized, granular 
 matter of plants which iodine stains vio- 
 let or blue. 
 
 AmyridaceoB, (Terebintacese, Burseraceae, 
 Amy rids.) With the appearance of 
 Oranges, and sometimes with the dotted 
 leaves of that order, these plants differ in 
 their fruit, forming a shell whose husk 
 eventually splits into valve-like'segments. 
 The genera collected under the name 
 of Amyridacece are by no means per- 
 fectly known, and demand a scrupulous 
 revision. The tropics of India, Africa, 
 and America exclusively produce the spe- 
 cies. Their resinous juice is of great im- 
 portance, forming an ingredient of frank- 
 incense and other preparations demand- 
 ing a fragrant combustible matter. See 
 Amyris, Bursera, Boswellia, Bahamoden- 
 dron, Idea, and Canarium. 
 
 Anacanthous. Spineless. 
 
 ANA 
 
 Anacardiacece, (Terebintacese, Cassuvieae, 
 Spondiacese, Anacards, Terebinths. ) 
 When trees or bushes have a resinous, 
 milky, often caustic juice, dotless leaves, 
 and small, inconspicuous flowers, with an 
 ovary containing a single ovule, suspend- 
 ed at the end of an erect cord, it is pret- 
 ty certain that they belong to this order, 
 of which more than 400 species are de- 
 scribed, inhabiting the tropics both north 
 and south of the equator, but not known 
 to occur in Australia. Pistacia and some 
 kinds ofEhus inhabit temperate latitudes. 
 Among the products of the order are the 
 Mango fruit, and that called in the West 
 Indies the Hog Plum; the nuts named 
 Pistachios and Cashews, the Black Var- 
 nish of Burmah and elsewhere, Mastic, 
 Fustic, etc. These varnishes are ex- 
 tremely acrid, and produce dangerous 
 consequences to persons who use them 
 incautiously. See Melanorrhcea, Spondias, 
 Rhus, Anacardium, Schinus, etc. 
 
 Analogy. Resemblance to. a thing in form, 
 but not in function, or in function, but 
 not in form. Corresponding with a thing 
 in many points, but differing in more, or 
 in points of more importance. Thus the 
 flowers of PotentUla and Ranunculus are 
 analogous. 
 
 Anandrce. A name sometimes given to 
 Cryptogamia on the supposition that they 
 have no male organs. See Asexual 
 Plants. 
 
 Ananthus. Flowerless. 
 
 Anasarca. A condition of plants analo- 
 gous to dropsy, though not always at- 
 tended by extravasation. In extreme- 
 ly wet weather the tissues get gorged 
 with fluid, and as the vegetative powers 
 are generally lowered by the decrease of 
 temperature, the contents of the cells are 
 badly supplied, and, in consequence,
 
 372 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 ANA 
 
 their walls, unconsolidated, become sub- 
 ject to decay, which is soon exhibited in 
 a variety of untoward symptoms. Fruit, 
 in consequence, which has been produced 
 in a wet season is notoriously subject 
 to decay, except compensated by a 
 high state of the hygrometer, a circum- 
 stance which may perhaps account for 
 the small quantity of decay which has 
 been experienced in autumnal fruits. 
 In some cases, as in Elms, there is direct 
 extravasation, and then the fluid accumu- 
 lates, and at length forces its way through 
 the bark, producing permanent ulcers. 
 
 Anastomosis. The union of veins or the 
 angle formed by their union, or of their 
 branches. 
 
 Anastomosing. The uniting of veins, vessels, 
 or nerves. 
 
 Anatropal. When an ovule is turned down 
 upon itself, so that the foramen, or true 
 apex, points to the base, and the chalaza 
 (which see) is at the apex. 
 
 Anbury. A gouty, nodular condition of cer- 
 tain roots, such as Turnips,Cabbages, etc. , 
 commonly known as " Club Boot," (which 
 see,) arising from the presence of grubs. 
 It must not be confounded with dactyl- 
 orhiza, which is a very different affection, 
 and entirely independent of the attack of 
 insects. 
 
 Anceps. Two-edged. 
 
 Ancipital. Flattened or compressed; with 
 two edges more or less sharp; as the 
 stems of Sisyrinchium anceps. 
 
 Ancipitous. Two-edged, as the stem of an 
 Iris, 
 
 Ander. In names formed from the Greek, 
 ander is equivalent to the male sex or sta- 
 men; thus mon-ander signifies having one 
 stamen. 
 
 Andreceacece. A natural order, or, accord- 
 ing to some, a distinct tribe of Mosses. 
 
 ANE 
 
 They do not, however, differ essentially, 
 being distinguished mainly by the longi- 
 tudinal splitting of the valves at maturity. 
 It consists of but two genera, Andrecea 
 and Acroschisma, an Antarctic genus, dis- 
 tinguished by the cylindrical capsule 
 splitting into four or eight valves at the 
 apex only. All of the species are of a pe- 
 culiar dark blue, and the leaves, which 
 are of a close texture, are of a beautiful 
 yellow or golden brown under the micro- 
 scope. 
 
 Andrcecium. The male system of a flower. 
 The stamens taken collectively. 
 
 Androgynous. A term applied to such 
 kinds of inflorescence as consist of both 
 male and female flowers; producing male 
 and female flowers on the same plant, or 
 on the same spike or head. 
 
 Androphore. The tube formed by mona- 
 delphous filaments, as in the Mallow. 
 
 Androus. In the composition of words de- 
 rived from the Greek, androus refers to 
 the stamens; thus, mon-androus signifies 
 having one stamen, etc. 
 
 Anemosis. The condition known in timber 
 by the name of wind shaken. A trunk 
 which is apparently sound externally, 
 proves, when felled, to have given way 
 in the direction of the concentric layers 
 of which it is composed, so that the con- 
 nection between them is more or less 
 completely broken. This occurs in many 
 kinds of exogenous timbers, and is no 
 less common in foreign woods than in 
 those of native growth; being, as it is 
 supposed, due to the pressure of extreme- 
 ly violent gales. This, however, is very 
 doubtful, the effect being more probably 
 due to frost or lightning. Wind, how- 
 ever, may be injurious to trees without 
 producing absolute fractures, or separa- 
 tion of parts, by causing too rapid evapo-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 273 
 
 ANF 
 
 ration, and, in consequence, chilling the 
 tissues to such a degree as to retard de- 
 velopment, or induce an unhealthy con- 
 dition, or temporary sterility. 
 
 Anfractuose. Twisted or sinuous; full of 
 turnings and winding passages. The 
 anthers of Gourds and Cucumbers are 
 anfractuose. 
 
 Angiopteridece. A section of the maratti- 
 neous division of marattiaceous Ferns, 
 (see Marattiacece,} in which the spore-cases 
 are free, and set close together, face to 
 face, in two opposite contiguous lines. 
 
 Angiospermia. The second order of the 
 fourteenth class (Didynamia) of the Lin- 
 nsean System. In modern classification 
 all Exogens are divided into those whose 
 seeds are inclosed in a seed vessel, and 
 those with seeds produced and ripened 
 without the production of a seed-vessel. 
 The former are Angiospermia, and consti- 
 tute the principal part of the species; 
 the latter are Gymnospermia, and consist 
 chiefly of Conifers and Cycads. The Oak, 
 Apple, Beech, etc., are Angiosperms; 
 while the Pines, Spruces, Hemlock, etc., 
 are Gymnosperms. See these terms. 
 
 Angiosperms. The English term for Angio- 
 spermia. 
 
 Angle. This term is not limited in botany 
 to the inclination of two lines, but is 
 often used to express the inclination of 
 two planes forming an edge, as in " An- 
 gular stems," like those of the Passiflora 
 quadrangular^. 
 
 Anguinea. Signifying a snake. 
 
 Angular. Composed of or furnished with 
 angles. 
 
 Angulo-dentate. Angularly toothed, or an- 
 gular and toothed. 
 
 Angustifolio us. Where the breadth of a leaf 
 is small when compared to its length, as 
 in Epilobium angustifoUum. 
 
 ANO 
 
 Anisomerous. When the parts of a flower 
 are unequal in number. The same as 
 Unsymmetrical, which see. 
 
 Aniostaminous. Where the number of sta- 
 mens in a whorl is different from the 
 number of parts in the whorl of the 
 perianth. Thus in Scabiosa, the corolla 
 is formed by the adhesion of five petals, 
 while there are only four stamens. 
 
 Annotinous. A year old. Rami annotini 
 are branches one year old. 
 
 Annual. Applied to aplant, annual signifies 
 that it flowers, produces seed, and dies 
 within the same year in which it first ger- 
 minates. An annual leaf is one which falls 
 in the autumn, as contra-distinguished 
 from an evergreen leaf, which lasts 
 through the winter. 
 
 Annular. Having the form of a ring, as in 
 certain embryos. 
 
 Annulate. Surrounded by elevated rings 
 or bands, or by scars in that form. 
 
 Annulaiions. Eings or circles. 
 
 Annulus. A ring, as that which surrounds 
 the spore-case of a Fern, or the peri- 
 stome (which see) of a Moss; or the 
 membrane remaining round the stipe of 
 an Agaric when the cap has expanded. In 
 the latter case it is a membranous or fila- 
 mentous veil, inserted on the one hand 
 round the stem, and on the other into the 
 edge of the pileus, (which see,) so as to 
 cover the organs of reproduction. 
 
 Anomalous. Irregular, unusual, contrary to 
 rule; as where a plant is very unlike the 
 great majority of those to which it is 
 most nearly allied; or where some organ 
 is remarkable for the singularity of its 
 shape, which cannot readily be assimilat- 
 ed to any common object for the purpose 
 of comparison; as in the petals of Del- 
 phinium and Aconitum. 
 
 Anonymous. A name occasionally given by
 
 174 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 ANT 
 
 the older botanists to various plants 
 which they could not readily compare 
 with any one that had a name already. 
 
 A nterior. Refers both to time and position. 
 In the latter application those parts are 
 anterior which are placed in front of 
 others, or outwardly, with respect to the 
 axis about which they are arranged. 
 
 Anther. The male part of a flower, con- 
 taining the fecundating matter; the case 
 which contains the pollen of a plant; the 
 terminal hollow of a stamen. 
 
 Antheridia. The male organs or stamens. 
 
 Antheriferous. Bearing anthers. 
 
 Aniherifarm. Having the form of anthers. 
 
 Antheroid. Resembling an anther. 
 
 Antheromania. An unnatural development 
 of stamens. This may take place with- 
 out any detriment to the plant As thfe 
 petals are multiplied, the stamens are 
 usually multiplied ; but where the sta- 
 mens are epigynoxis, (which see,) or upon 
 the ovary, the addition will sometimes 
 materially disturb the normal construc- 
 tion of the flower. In some double flow- 
 ers the apparent multiplication of the 
 petals is really a multiplication of the 
 stamens ; and as such petaloid stamens 
 are generally devoid of anthers, the fer- 
 tility of the plant may in consequence be 
 affected. 
 
 Anthocarpous. Composed of flowers and 
 fruit blended into a solid mass, as in the 
 Pineapple. 
 
 Anthoceridece, (Anthoceros.) A small nat- 
 ural order and genus of Liverworts, dis- 
 tinguished by the capsule, which is 
 threaded by a linear columella, (which 
 see,) bursting longitudinally on one or 
 both sides, and by the fronds being with- 
 out the pores which are so conspicuous in 
 Marchantiacece. It consi sts of about three 
 genera only, which occur in different 
 
 ANT 
 
 parts of the world, one of which, Carpo- 
 boliti*, is remarkable for the absence of 
 the spiral vessels or elaters in the cap- 
 sule, that are so characteristic of the 
 tribe. Two species, Anthoceros Icevis and 
 A. punctatus, occur on the ground in Eng- 
 land, principally in the eastern counties. 
 No species bears anything like the true 
 leaves of the higher Jungermanrdce. 
 
 Anthocyane. The blue coloring matter of 
 plants. 
 
 Anthodium. The head of flowers or capit- 
 ulurn of Composites. 
 
 Antholysis. The retrograde metamorphosis 
 of a flower; as when carpels change to 
 stamens, stamens to petals, petals to 
 sepals, and sepals to leaves, more or less 
 completely. 
 
 Anthoptosis. Most flowers are mere tempo- 
 rary organs, which, when they have per- 
 formed their functions, are destined to 
 fall In many cases, however, the flowers 
 fall before impregnation has taken place, 
 or shortly after, involving with them the 
 pistil, and so inducing sterility. This 
 may arise from various causes, as excess 
 or want of moisture, but more frequently 
 from late frosts or cold winds. In many 
 instances the fall of the flower naturally 
 follows impregnation, and cannot be re- 
 garded as a disease ; indeed, the time of 
 its fall seems to depend upon the process 
 of fertilization, for even in cases where 
 the flowers naturally fade very rapidly, 
 their duration may be prolonged by pre- 
 venting the access of pollen to the style. 
 
 Anthoxanthine. The yellow coloring mat- 
 ter of plants. 
 
 Antica/. Placed in front of a flower, the 
 front being regarded as the part most re- 
 mote from the axis. Thus, the lip of an 
 Orchis is antical. 
 
 Antitropal. Same as Orihotropal^ which see.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 275 
 
 ANT 
 
 Ants. See In &< /.*. 
 Apertus. Open, expanded. 
 Apetdous. Having no petals. Also ex- 
 tended to plants that have neither calyx 
 nor corolla. 
 Apex. The summit; generally applied to 
 
 anything terminating in a point. 
 Aphis. See Insects. 
 Aphthous. Resembling something covered 
 
 with little ulcers. 
 
 Aphyttce. A name applied to that portion 
 of cryptogamic plants comprehended un- 
 der the term Thallogens, (which see,) in 
 consequence of the greater part of them 
 being destitute of such modifications of 
 leaves as occur in Mosses, Ferns, etc. 
 Some Sea- weeds, or Algce, indeed, have 
 leaf-Like organs, but these differ in many 
 respects from leaves, and are mere ex- 
 pansions of the common stem. 
 Aphyllfws. Destitute of leaves. It some- 
 times signifies their partial or imperfect 
 production. 
 
 Apiacece, (Umbellifera, Umbellifers. ) Under 
 this name is collected a very large num- 
 ber of plants, inhabiting for the most 
 part, in the northern regions of the north- 
 ern hemisphere, woods, bogs, marshes, 
 and dry places. As we approach the 
 equator they become less and less known, 
 and in the southern hemisphere are com- 
 paratively rare. They all have a dou- 
 ble (didymous) inferior ovary, separat- 
 ing, when ripe, into two similar parts, 
 commonly called seeds, surmounted by a 
 superior calyx, which is generally scarce- 
 ly, and often not at all, observable; five 
 separate petals ; five intervening epigy- 
 nous stamens; and two styles proceed- 
 ing from what is not very correctly term- 
 ed a double epigynous disk. Hemlock, 
 Carrot, Parsley, and Parsnip are famihar 
 examples. 
 
 API 
 
 Although the order numbers at least 
 1,500 species, divided among nearly 300 
 genera, not a tree is known among them, 
 a very few only attaining the condition 
 of woody bushes. Many are important as 
 producing articles of food ; many are 
 poisons ; most are merely unimportant 
 weeds ; a few, like Astrantia, are furnish- 
 ed with gay colors, and thus become ob- , 
 jects of decoration. One of them, Bolax 
 Gkbaria, forms huge tussocks in the Falk- 
 land Islands, resembling hay-cocks. Of 
 the harmless species, in which, with a 
 little aroma, there is no inconsiderable 
 quantity of acrid watery matter or gum- 
 resinous secretion, must be more particu- 
 larly named Celery, Fennel, Samphire, 
 Parsley, and the roots of the Carrot, Pars- 
 nip, and Skirret, (Sium Sisarum.) The 
 root Eryngium campestre and E. mariti- 
 mum, commonly called Eryngo, is sweet, 
 aromatic, and tonic. The aromatic roots 
 of Meum athamanticum and M. MiUettina 
 form an ingredient in Venice treacle. 
 Angelica Root, belonging to Archangelica 
 fjfficindis, is fragrant, sweet when first 
 tasted, but leaving a glowing heat in the 
 mouth. Others are gum-resinous, as the 
 species of Ferula, yielding Asafoetida, the 
 fetid odor of which is supposed to be 
 owing to sulphur in combination with 
 a peculiar essential oil. 
 
 Of aromatic and carminative fruits, 
 the most celebrated are Anise, (Pimpi- 
 netta Anisum,) Dill, (Anethum graveolens,) 
 Caraway, (Car urn carui,) and Coriander, 
 (Coriandrum sativum.) Besides these, 
 great numbers of less note are also em- 
 ployed for the same reason, the chief of 
 which are the Ajwains or Ajowains of 
 India, (species of Ptychotin,} Honey wort, 
 (Sison Amomum,) whose fruits smell of 
 bugs, and Cummin, (Cumin umCyminum,)
 
 276 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 API 
 
 now only used in veterinary practice. 
 Among poisons, Hemlock (Conium macu- 
 latum) holds the first place. Anthriscus 
 vulgaris and A. sylvestris are not so dan- 
 gerous. Mhusa Cynapium, (Enanthe cro- 
 cata, CE. PMlandrium, Cicuta maculata, 
 and C. virosa are other fatal speciea 
 
 Apical \i or relating to the apex. 
 
 Apicutate. Terminating abruptly in a little 
 point. See Apiculus. 
 
 Apiculatum.The flowers resembling a bee. 
 
 Apiculus. A small point. This term is 
 generally used when the midrib projects 
 beyond the leaf, forming a little point, or 
 when a small point is very suddenly and 
 abruptly formed. 
 
 Apifera. Like a bee. 
 
 Apocarpus. Having their carpels, or at least 
 their styles, disunited. 
 
 Apocynacece, (Contortce, Vincece, Apocynece, 
 Dogbanes.) A natural order of corolli- 
 floral Exogens, with a superior ovary, 
 free epipetalous stamens, a pulley-shaped 
 (trochlear) stigma, and unequal-sided 
 lobes of the corolla, on which last account 
 Linnseus called them contorted or twist- 
 ed-flowered plants, the corolla having 
 some resemblance to a Catharine-wheel 
 firework in motion. Most of the species 
 inhabit tropical countries ; the northern 
 forms are the Vinca or Periwinkle, Nerium 
 or Oleander, and a few more. In general 
 the species form a poisonous, acrid, milky 
 secretion, which renders them dangerous; 
 but others are mild enough in their ac- 
 tion to be useful in medicine, and in a 
 few cases the milk is bland enough to 
 form a palatable beverage. Some yield 
 the gum-elastic Caoutchouc, (see Vahea ;) 
 while some Hancornias and Carissas pro- 
 duce an eatable, and, as travelers say, a 
 pleasant fruit. See Tanghinia, Tabernce- 
 montana, Hancornia, etc. The commoner 
 
 APO 
 
 forms in cultivation are those of Attaman- 
 da, Parsonsia, Vinca, and Taberncemontana. 
 About 600 species are known, distrib- 
 uted through about 100 genera. 
 
 Apophysis. A name given to a swelling, 
 often hollow, or of extremely loose tex- 
 ture, at the base of the capsules in several 
 Mosses. It is developed extremely in the 
 natural order Splachnei, where it often ex- 
 ceeds in size the true capsule. It attains 
 its maximum in Splachnum lateum and S. 
 rubrum, where it is a most conspicuous 
 object, hanging down like an umbrella or 
 the vesicle of Ascophora. In CEdipodium 
 almost the whole of the stem consists of 
 apophysis, which is confluent at once 
 with it and the capsule. - 
 
 Apostasiacece. This is a very small group, 
 bordering on the limits of the vast Orchi- 
 daceous order, from which it differs 
 mainly in its stamens not being gynan- 
 drous, but distinct from each other and 
 from the style. It stands near the genus 
 Cypripedium, some of the reputed species 
 of which, now called Selenipedium, have 
 a three-celled ovary. The flowers of all 
 the known species are small and incon- 
 spicuous, while the leaves are strongly 
 marked by stout parallel, larger veins, 
 as in Curculigo, or any similar plant. 
 
 Apostaxis. Unusual discharge of the juices 
 of plants. This may arise merely from 
 an extreme abundance of fluid, which is 
 in consequence discharged, as in Indian 
 Shot and the Vine, from the point or ser- 
 rated top of the leaves. If, however, it is 
 elaborated sap which flows out, either 
 from injury or weakness of the tissues, 
 the effect may be injurious. And this is 
 exactly the case on what is called gum- 
 ming ; a condition which may be induced 
 artificially by allowing water to drop con- 
 stantly over a branch- This always pro-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 277 
 
 APO 
 
 ceeds from injured or diseased tissues, 
 and is with difficulty arrested when once 
 set up, and, if so, is the certain forerun- 
 ner of fatal canker. In some cases, as in 
 the Tragacanth Plant, the gum is organ- 
 ized, and is derived apparently from the 
 medullary rays. In Conifers a flow of 
 resin is often attended with the same 
 fatal results as gumming in Plums and 
 other allied plants. In this case it seems 
 to arise generally from root confinement 
 and a consequent check of circulation. 
 Apothecia. The shields of Lichens ; firm, 
 horny disks arising from a thallus, etc., 
 containing spores. 
 
 Apothecium. The organ of fructification 
 peculiar to Lichens, which contains their 
 sporules, and is frequently cup-shaped. 
 Appendages. Leaves and all their modifica- 
 tions are appendages of the axis. Hairs, 
 prickles, etc., are appendages of the part 
 which bears them. 
 
 Appendant. Hanging, approaching pendu- 
 lous. 
 Appendiculate, Appendiculated. Furnished 
 
 with appendages. 
 Appense. Being hung up, as a hat upon a 
 
 pin; an approach to pendulous. 
 Appleworts. An English name proposed for 
 
 the order Pomacece. 
 
 Appressed. Placed close upon something 
 else; when hairs lie flat upon the surface 
 of a plant they are said to be appressed. 
 Synonymous with adpressed, which see. 
 Approximate. Parts which are close to- 
 gether, but not united. 
 Aptandraceoe. Out of the genus Aptandra, 
 Mr. Miers has proposed to form a natural 
 order bearing this name. Only one spe- 
 cies is known, a tree with alternate 
 leaves and minute flowers, a native of the 
 banks of the Eiver Amazon. It is usual- 
 ly referred to Humiriads. Its great fea- 
 
 AEA 
 
 ture is having anthers opening by re- 
 flexed valves, as in Lauracece. 
 Apterous. Without the membranous mar- 
 gins which botanists call wings. 
 Aquatic. Applied to all plants which grow 
 in the water, whether they are entirely 
 submerged, float on its surface, or, hav- 
 ing the roots fixed in the soil, raise their 
 leaves and flowers above the water, as the 
 Water Lilies, (Nymphcea.) 
 
 Aquifoliacece, (Ilicinece, Holly worts.) The 
 common Holly Tree is the type of a small 
 natural order of shrubs and trees, with 
 rotate monopetalous flowers, a definite 
 number of epipetalous stamens, and a 
 fleshy fruit. The species may be said to 
 possess in general emetic qualities, vari- 
 ously modified in various instances. Bird- 
 lime is obtained from the bark of the 
 common Holly, and the beautiful white 
 wood is much esteemed by cabinet-mak- 
 ers for inlaying. A decoction of Ilex vom- 
 itoria, called Black Drink, was used by the 
 Creek Indians at the opening of their 
 councils, and it acts as a mild emetic. 
 But the most celebrated product of the 
 order is Mate, or Paraguay Tea, the dried 
 leaves of Ilex Paraguay ensis. The old ge- 
 nus Aquifolium, now Ilex, is the type of 
 this natural order. 
 
 Aquilariacece, (Aquilariads.) These consist 
 of fragrant tropical Asiatic trees, with 
 small, apetalous flowers, resembling 
 those of a Rhamnus. Only ten species 
 are known, of which the most important 
 is the genus Aquilaria. 
 
 Aracece, (Aroidece, Arads.) These are in- 
 complete plants of the Endogenous class, 
 with numerous naked unisexual flowers, 
 closely packed upon a spadix, shielded 
 when young by the hooded leaf called a 
 spathe, as is seen in the common Wake- 
 robin, (Arum maculatum.) They are com-
 
 278 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ARA 
 
 mon in tropical countries, but rare in 
 those with a cold or temperate climate. 
 Botanists have mixed them with Oron- 
 tiads, (OrontiacefK,} from which their her- 
 maphrodite flowers distinguish them. 
 Most have tuberous roots, (corms,) but 
 some acquire the stature of little trees, 
 the most interesting of which is the Dumb 
 Cane, a species of the genus Dieffenbachia. 
 The acrid, poisonous qualities which have 
 given rise to the latter name, are charac- 
 teristic of the order. Nevertheless, 
 the whole contain starch in such 
 abundance, that it may be separated in 
 the form of Arrow-root, or used as food in 
 the combined state, only, however, after 
 very careful washing, to remove the 
 acrid juices. Thus, the common spotted 
 Arum was eaten in time of scarcity, and 
 yields a kind of Arrow-root, and the Colo- 
 casias are grown everywhere in hot coun- 
 tries as common field crops. See all 
 these names. 
 
 One of the peculiarities of the order is 
 to extend the end of the spadix into a 
 soft, cellular, enlarged process, which is 
 the growing point of the flower branch, 
 and analogous to the succulent recepta- 
 cle of the Strawberry, the spongy excres- 
 cence called the Oak Apple, and even the 
 stiff, hard spine of the Gleditschia. 
 Scarcely more than 200 species are 
 known. The Caladium, Richardia &thio- 
 pica, (Calla,) Arum, Colocasia, etc., are ex- 
 amples of this order. 
 
 Arachnoid. Eesembling cobwebs in ap- 
 pearance; composed of soft downy hairs 
 or fibers; resembling the web of the 
 gossamer spider; as the pubescence on 
 the leaves of Sempervivum arachnoideum, 
 Calceolaria arachnoidea, etc. 
 
 Arachnoidem. Covered with capillary fila- 
 ments. 
 
 ARC 
 
 Arads. An English name for the Aracece, 
 which see. 
 
 Araliac&x, (Araliads, Ivyworts.} These form 
 a small natural order closely approaching 
 Uinbellifers, from which they in reality 
 differ in little, except in their fruit al- 
 ways consisting of more carpels than two, 
 and having no double epigynous disk. 
 They are also more generally arborescent, 
 many of them being trees or large 
 shrubs, and very few herbs. Several are 
 conspicuous for their broad, noble foliage. 
 The species are found in the tropical and 
 sub-tropical regions of the world, and in 
 some of the coldest, as in Canada, the 
 northwest coast of America, and Japan. 
 Aralia polaris even occurs in Lord Auck- 
 land's Islands, in 50| south latitude. 
 They have aromatic qualities, usually 
 slight, but occasionally intense. One of 
 them forms a soft, white, spongy pith, 
 which, when cut into thin plates and flat- 
 tened, becomes the famous so-called Rice 
 Paper of the Chinese. Hedera, Aralia, 
 Panax, Gunnera, Adoxa, etc., are exam- 
 ples of this order. 
 
 Araniferous. Resembling a spider. 
 
 Ara-root.The same as Arrow-root, which 
 see. 
 
 Arboreous. Being a tree, as distinguished 
 from frutesaent or shrubby. 
 
 Arborescent. Having a tendency to become 
 a tree. 
 
 Arbuscula. A small shrub with the appear- 
 ance of a tree, like many Heaths. 
 
 Archegone. A term applied to the long- 
 necked, cellular sacs which occur in the 
 higher, or acrogenous Cryptogamia, and 
 which are analogous to the pistils of 
 Phsenogarns, (which see.) They contain at 
 the base of their cavity a cell which is an- 
 alogous to the embryo sac of Phcenogamia, 
 and which is impregnated by the agency
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 279 
 
 ARC 
 
 of sperm atozoids. From this cell, either 
 the young plant, as in Ferns, or the cap- 
 sule, as in Mosses, is formed by means of 
 repeated cell division. 
 
 Archil or Orchil. A coloring matter ob- 
 tained from various species of Lichens, 
 especially Eoccella tinctoria. 
 
 Arcuate, Arcuated. Curved, or bent like a 
 bow. 
 
 Ardens. Bright, glowing, burnished. 
 
 Ardisiads. An English name for the order 
 Myrsinacece. 
 
 Arenaria. Growing among sand. 
 
 Areolce. Little spaces, or areas on the sur- 
 face of a thing; the surface of crustaceous 
 Lichens is often cracked in every direc- 
 tion; the spaces between the cracks are 
 the areolse. 
 
 Areolate, Areolated. Divided off into dis- 
 tinct spaces, usually more or less angu- 
 lar. The skin of a plant is areolate. 
 
 Argenteus. "White, with a tinge of gray, and 
 glittering with somewhat of a metallic 
 luster, as the silky hair on the leaves of 
 Evolvulus argenteus. 
 
 Arid. Exhausted of moisture. This term 
 is used to denote a dry atmosphere in 
 plant houses or under glass. 
 
 Arietinum. Resembling a ram's head. 
 
 Aril, Arttlua. An expansion of the funicu- 
 lar chord; a body which rises up from 
 the placenta and encompasses the seed, 
 like the Mace in Nutmeg, and the red sac 
 in Euonymus. 
 
 Arillode. A false aril ; a coating of the 
 seed proceeding from its own surface, and 
 not from the placenta. 
 
 Arillate. Having that peculiar appendage 
 called the arillus, which see. 
 
 Arista. The awn or beard of Wheat or 
 Barley, or any such like process. 
 
 Aristate, Aristated. Bearded, as the glumes 
 of Barley, etc. 
 
 ART 
 
 Arislolochiacece, (Aristolochice, Asarinece, Pis- 
 tolochincB, Birthworts.) In the tropical 
 parts of both hemispheres, and occasion- 
 ally beyond those limits, occurs a race of 
 plants with singularly inflated, irregular 
 flowers, consisting of a calyx only, of a 
 dull, dingy color, varying from yellow to 
 shades of chocolate, purple, or brown, 
 and often emitting an offensive odor. A 
 hot summer appears to be one condition 
 of their existence, with a few exceptions, 
 the most striking of which are Asarums, 
 little stemless plants, wild in Europe and 
 North America, and the Aristolochia Clem- 
 
 atitis, which has become, as it were, natu- 
 ralized in England. The wood of these 
 plants, when they have any, consists of 
 parallel plates, held closely together by 
 soft, medullary processes. The ovary is 
 inferior, with many ovules, and for the 
 most part consist of six cells, the number 
 three being, as in Endogens, characteris- 
 tic of the floral apparatus of the order. 
 In medicine these plants are slightly aro- 
 matic, stimulating tonics, useful in the 
 latter stages of low fever; the taste is bit- 
 ter and acrid; the odor strong and disa- 
 greeable. The principal genera are Aris- 
 tolochia and Asarum, which see. 
 
 Arma. Such appendages as prickles, 
 thorns, etc., which serve as defenses to 
 protect plants against the attacks of ani- 
 mals. 
 
 Armature, Arms. Any kind of defense, con- 
 sisting of spines, prickles, etc. 
 
 Armeniacm. Apricot-colored; also, native 
 of Armenia. 
 
 Armillaris. Like a bracelet. 
 
 Aroma. The spicy quality of flowers, fruits, 
 foliage, etc. 
 
 Arrhosus. Gnawed, bitten. 
 
 Articulate, Articulated. Jointed, having 
 joints.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ART 
 
 Articulations. The places where one thing 
 is joined with another. 
 
 Artocarpacece, (Artocarpece, Artocarpads.) 
 A group of apetalous trees, belonging to 
 Lindley's Urtical Alliance, not unlike the 
 Plane Trees of Europe; but for the 
 most part inhabiting the tropics. They 
 abound in a milky juice, and have, 
 for the most part, their female flowers 
 collected into fleshy masses or heads. 
 Moreover, they have great sheathing, 
 convolute stipules, like those of a Fig 
 Tree. The more important genera are 
 Artocarpus and Anliaris. 
 
 Artocarpads. The English term for Ario- 
 carpacece. 
 
 Asafodida. A drug formed of the concreted 
 milky juice of Narthex, and of various spe- 
 cies of Ferula. 
 
 Asarinece. A synonym of Aristolochiacece. 
 
 Ascending, Ascendent. Directed upward, 
 as the stem, which is the ascending axis; 
 rising upward with a curve from the hori- 
 zontal to a vertical position, as many stems. 
 
 Asci. The name of the fruit-bearing cells 
 in the important division of Fungi called 
 Ascomycetes. These may be thread- 
 shaped, cylindrical like little sausages, 
 clavate, or sub-globose. In the latter 
 case they are mostly few in number, and 
 are occasionally reduced to one in each 
 cyst or perithecium, as in Sphcerotheca, to 
 which genus belongs the felted Mildew 
 of Kose-leaves and the Hop Mildew. 
 This is the species known as the Fungus 
 of the Cutting Bench. See " Propaga- 
 tion of Plants by Cuttings." 
 
 Ascigero us. Having asci, which see. 
 
 Aaddium. A pitcher; various modifica- 
 tions of leaves containing or capable of 
 holding fluid, such as are found in Sarra- 
 cenia, Nepenthes, Cephalotus, or even Utric- 
 ularia. 
 
 ASC 
 
 AsclepiadacecB,(Asclepiadeoe, Asclepiads, Apo- 
 cynece in part.) Among monopetalous 
 Exogens with a superior ovary, the very 
 large natural order which bears this name 
 is known by its pollen being collected in 
 the form of waxy masses or bags, derived 
 from the separable inner lining of the 
 anther cells, and by the fruit consisting 
 most commonly of a pair of divaricating 
 follicles. The species differ from Apocy- 
 nacese, or Dogbanes, in the peculiar struc- 
 ture of the stamina! apparatus, the sta- 
 mens in the latter order being distinct, 
 the pollen powdery, the stigma not par- 
 ticularly dilated, and all these parts dis- 
 tinct the one from the other. But in 
 Asclepiads the whole of the sexual appa- 
 ratus is consolidated into a single body, 
 the center of which is occupied by a 
 broad, disk-like stigma, and the grains of 
 pollen cohere in the shape of waxy bod- 
 ies, which become attached finally to the 
 five corners of this stigma, to which they 
 adhere by the intervention of peculiar 
 glands. 
 
 Fully 1,000 species are known, for the 
 most part inhabiting the tropics of the 
 Old and New Worlds. Two genera only 
 are found in northern latitudes, one of 
 which, Asclepias, has many species, and 
 is confined apparently to North Amer- 
 ica ; the other, Cynanchum, is remarkable 
 for extending from 59 north latitude 
 to 32 south latitude. A. Stapelia is 
 found in Sicily. They vary extremely 
 in appearance, many being leafless suc- 
 culents, like Stapelia; others (and they 
 are more numerous) consisting of twiners 
 like Hoya; while another portion con- 
 sists of upright herbaceous plants, such 
 as Asclepias and Vincetoxicum ; a few are 
 tropical trees. As a general rule the spe- 
 cies are poisonous ; an acrid milk which
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 ASC 
 
 pervades all their parts being eminently 
 emetic and purgative. 
 
 The genera Sfapelia, Hoya, Asclepias, 
 Vincetoxicum, Ceropegia, Periploca, are 
 good examples of the order. The man- 
 ner in which the ovules of these plants 
 are fertilized by the pollen is among the 
 most curious phenomena known in plants. 
 Instead of the grains of pollen falling on 
 a viscid stigmatic surface, and then pro- 
 ducing tubes of impregnation, the tubes 
 are formed inside the pollen bags, whence 
 they ultimately find their way by a spon- 
 taneous emission, and reach the surface 
 of the stigma without being projected 
 upon it, conducted by some inherent 
 vital power. For a full account of this 
 extraordinary fact, see Lindley's In- 
 troduction to Botany, fourth edition. 
 
 Asdepiadece. A synonym of Asclepiadacece. 
 
 Asdepiads. The English name for Asdepi- 
 adacece. 
 
 Asexual. This term was once applied to 
 Cryptogamice, but since the discoveries 
 which have been made during the last 
 thirty years, it is no more applicable to 
 them than to Phcenogamice. Sexual or- 
 gans have now been discovered in 
 every branch of Cryptogamios. Among 
 Fungi alone they are still obscure in 
 several divisions; but if such genera as 
 Leptomitus really belong to Fungi, of 
 which there is little doubt, there is even 
 among them the same type as among the 
 higher Cryptogamice. It is, moreover, 
 singular that the impregnation of Cryp- 
 togamice comes nearer the type of that in 
 animals than in Plwsnogamice. Their 
 spermatozoids resemble closely those of 
 animals, and, indeed, are often more 
 complicated. Among Fungi alone, and 
 Lichens, which nearly approach Fungi, 
 they are mere cells, without motion, anal- 
 
 ASP 
 
 ogous to pollen grains, though they do 
 not germinate like them, at least so 
 far as has been observed at present. 
 
 Aspect. This term is used to denote the posi- 
 tion of garden or grounds. When choice 
 can be made, it should be towards the 
 south or southeast, and if it has a gentle 
 slope to the south or southeast, say one 
 foot in a hundred, so much the better ; 
 and if well sheltered by hills or woods 
 from the northwest, many plants can be 
 safely grown that would not be sufficient- 
 ly hardy without that shelter. Such an 
 aspect also permits operations to be be- 
 gun earlier in spring, and will longer re- 
 sist the fall frosts, than if such shelter 
 was not present. Such aspect is equally 
 important for all glass structures. 
 
 Asperifolice. An old name for what are now 
 called Borageworts, or Boraginacece, de- 
 rived from the remarkable roughness of 
 the leaves of the greater part of the spe- 
 cies. 
 
 Asphodelece. An order of herbaceous plants 
 now merged in Liliacece, from which they 
 were found to differ in no essential char- 
 acters; a group of monocotyledons, which 
 may be considered as a distinct natural 
 order, or referred to Liliaceee as a subor- 
 dinate tribe. 
 
 Aspidiece. A section of polypodineous 
 Ferns, in which the sori are punctiform 
 or dot-like, and covered either by reni- 
 form or peltate indusia. See Indusia. 
 
 Aspkniece. A section of polypodineous 
 Ferns, in which the simple linear or ob- 
 long sori are parallel with the veins, and 
 oblique to the midrib, produced on one 
 side of the veins, and covered by indu- 
 sia of the same form. The modern group, 
 Aspleniece, is nearly synonymous with 
 the genus Asplenium of the older and 
 some modern writers.
 
 284 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 B. 
 
 BAG 
 
 r._A berry ; that is to say, a suc- 
 culent seed-vessel filled with pulp, 
 in which the seeds nestle, as in the 
 Tomato. Bacca corticata is a berry hav- 
 ing a rind, as an Orange. Bacca swca is 
 a fruit which is a berry when unripe, but 
 becomes a dry body when ripened. Bacca 
 spuria is any fleshy fruit which is not a 
 true bacca or berry; as the Juniper, 
 Strawberry, Raspberry, etc. 
 
 Baccate. Having a pulpy or succulent tex- 
 ture ; a term only applied to the parts of 
 a flower or fruit ; berried, fleshy. 
 
 Baccate Seeds. Seeds with a pulpy skin. 
 
 Baccatus. Berry-bearing. 
 
 Baccaularius. Such a fruit as that of the 
 Mallow, viz., several one-seeded or two- 
 seeded dry carpels cohering round an 
 
 Bacilli. The separable, moving, narrow 
 plates of which the genus Diatoma is com- 
 posed. 
 
 Bacillus. The little bulbs found on the 
 inflorescence of some plants; a term 
 rarely employed. 
 
 Badious. Chestnut brown. 
 
 Bagged. Resembling a bag or sack. 
 
 Balanophoracece, (Cynomoriums.) A small 
 natural order, consisting of about thirty 
 species, of singular-looking, succulent, 
 leafless plants, usually highly colored, of 
 various shades of yellow or red ; all para- 
 sites on roots, and rising from an inch 
 or two to about a foot above ground. 
 Their color and consistence, the absence 
 of all leaves, except in a few species, 
 imbricated scales of the color of the rest 
 of the plant, and the greatly reduced 
 structure of the flowers, had induced 
 some botanists to consider them as Cryp- 
 
 BAL 
 
 togamia allied to Fungi ; but their struc- 
 ture is now much better understood, and 
 has been fully described, especially by 
 Dr. J. D. Hooker. He has shown them 
 to be most nearly connected with Halor- 
 agece, and to have no real affinity with 
 Rafflesiacece, Orobanchacece, or any other 
 root parasites, which assume something 
 of a similar color and consistence. The 
 flowers are, in nearly all the species, uni- 
 sexual, of very simple structure, and pro- 
 duced in considerable numbers, in com- 
 pact terminal heads or cones ; the small 
 perianth, usually simple and inferior in 
 the females, more or less three-cleft or 
 six-cleft in the males, is in some species 
 wholly wanting ; the stamens, usually 
 few, are very variable in number and 
 form ; the ovary has one or two styles, 
 and always a single cavity with one pen- 
 dulous ovule. 
 
 The Balanophoracece are natives of hot 
 climates, in various parts of both the 
 New and the Old World, one species 
 only, the Cynomorium coccineum, or 
 Fungus melitensis of old authors, being 
 found as far north as the southern shores 
 of the Mediterranean. They have been 
 distributed into fourteen genera. The 
 most remarkable, for the size or beauty 
 of the species, or for the use made of 
 them, are Sarcophyte, Lopkophytum, Om- 
 brophytum, Langodorffia, and Cynomorium. 
 
 Balanophagi. The ancient feeders on acorns 
 and similar food. 
 
 Bald. Destitute of pubescence or downy 
 appendages. 
 
 Ball. The round central part of the flower 
 of the Stapelia, etc. 
 
 Balsam. A name given to various gum-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BAL 
 
 resinous or oleo-resinous substances. 
 Bayee Balsam, a product of Balsamoden- 
 dron pubescens. Canadian Balsam, a pro- 
 duct of Abies balsamea. Carpathian Bal- 
 sam, a product of Pinus Cembra. Copalm 
 Balsam, a product of Liquidambar styraci- 
 flua. Garden Balsam, Impatiens Balsami- 
 na, sometimes called Balsamina hortensis. 
 Hungarian Balsam, an oleo-resinous pro- 
 duct of Pinus Pumilio. Balsam of Acou- 
 chi, a product of Idea Aracouchini. Bal- 
 sam of Copaiva, an acrid production of 
 various species of Copaifera. Balsam of 
 Maria, a product of Verticillaria acuminata. 
 Balsam of Peru, a product of Myrospermum 
 Peruiferum. Balsam of Quinquino, a pro- 
 duct of Myrospermum pubescens, sold as 
 White Balsam. Balsam of Tolu, a product 
 of Myrospermum toluiferum. Balsam of 
 Umiri, a product of Humirium floribun- 
 dum. Tamacoari Balsam, a product of 
 a Brazilian species of Caraipa. White 
 Balsam, the same as the Balsam of Quin- 
 quino above. 
 
 Balsaminacece, (Hydrocerece. ) The large 
 genus Impatiens, and a single species sep- 
 arated from it under the name of Hydro- 
 cera, included by Jussieu in the Geranium 
 family, have been raised to the rank of a 
 distinct order, on account of the remark- 
 able irregularities in the flowers, which 
 have been variously explained by differ- 
 ent botanists. The sepals and petals, all 
 colored, consist usually of six pieces, 
 two outer ones, small, flat, and oblique ; 
 the next large, hood-shaped, ending be- 
 low in a conical spur ; the fourth oppo- 
 site to it, small, but yet very broad and 
 concave, the two innermost very oblique, 
 and more or less divided into two un- 
 equal lobes. It has been a matter of 
 much dispute which of them should be 
 considered as sepals and which as petals. 
 
 BAB 
 
 It has now, however, been proved by the 
 examination of some Asiatic species, 
 where there are two additional small se- 
 pals, and especially of the Hydrocera, 
 where the flowers are less irregular, that 
 the two outer pieces, and the large spur- 
 red one, with the two occasional additional 
 ones, are the sepals, that the two inner- 
 most lobed pieces consist each of two 
 united petals, and that the broad concave 
 one is the fifth petal, thus bringing the 
 structure more into conformity with that 
 of our true Geraniacece, with which Bal- 
 sams agree also in their ovary, and in the 
 fruit which, in bursting open, leaves the 
 attachment of the seeds adhering to the 
 persistent axis. The Balsaminacece may 
 therefore be again considered as a tribe 
 only of Geraniacece. 
 
 Banded. Marked with cross-bars of color ; 
 when stripes of color are arranged trans- 
 versely. 
 
 Bands. Applied to the spaces between the 
 lines or ribs of the fruit of umbelliferous 
 plants. 
 
 Band-shaped. Narrow and very long. 
 
 Barb. A hooked hair; a double hook at 
 the end of some bristles, as on the fruit 
 of Echinospermum Lappula. 
 
 Barbate. Having long, soft hairs in one or 
 more tufts. 
 
 Barbatus. Bearded, having tufts of soft 
 hairs, as in Chelone barbata. 
 
 Barbettce. The hairs of the pappus of Com- 
 posites, when they are short, stiff, and 
 straight 
 
 Barbellulce. Small, conical, spine -like pro- 
 cesses of the pappus of Composites, as in 
 Aster. 
 
 Barbula. The inner row of fringes or teeth 
 in the peristome (which see) of such 
 Mosses as Tortula. Also the name of a
 
 286 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BAR 
 
 Bark. AH the outer integuments of a 
 plant beyond the wood, and formed of 
 tissue parallel with it. The only true 
 bark is that of Exogens. In Endogens, 
 False Bark, also called Cortical Integu- 
 ment, stands in the place of bark, from 
 which it is known by the fibrous tissue 
 of the wood passing into it obliquely. 
 
 B<trk. The officinal name given to the cor- 
 tical layers of various plants, used chiefly 
 for medicinal and tanning purposes. The 
 name is, par excellence, applied to the Pe- 
 ruvian or Cinchona barks, the source of 
 Quinine. Of these there are many varie- 
 ties, namely: Calisaya Bark, Royal Yel- 
 low, Cinchona Calisaya; Light Calisaya, 
 C. Boliviano, C. scrobiculata ; Peruvian 
 Calisaya, C. scrobiculata, (Delondriana;) 
 Carabaya Ash, Jaen, C. ovata ; Dark Jaen, 
 C. villosa; Hard Carthagena, C. cordifolia; 
 Woody Carthagena, C. Condaminea ; 
 Spongy Carthagena, Coquetta, Bogota, C. 
 lancifolia, (Condaminea;) Crown, C. Cal- 
 isaya; Select Crown, C. chahuanguera ; 
 Ashy Crown, C. macrocalyx, C. rotundi- 
 folia; Fine Crown, C. crispa; Loxa Crown, 
 C. Condaminea; Wiry Crown, C. hirsuta; 
 Cinnamon, C. coccinea ; Cusco, Ariza, C. 
 pubescens; Red Cusco, St. Ann's, C. scro- 
 biculata ; Huanuco, Gray, C. micrantha, 
 C. glandulifera, C. nitida ; Original Loja, 
 C. uritusinga ; Negrilla, C. heterophylla ; 
 Red, G. conglomerata; Genuine Red, C. 
 tfuccirubra ; Spurious Red, C. magnifolia. 
 The principal sorts are sometimes classed 
 thus: Gray Barks: Crown or Loxa, C. 
 condaminea, C. scrobiculata, C. macrocalyx; 
 Lima, Huanuco, Silver, C. micrantha, C. 
 lanceolata, C. glandulifera, and probably 
 G.purpurea. Red Barks: C. nitida. Yel- 
 low Barks: C. Calisaya, C. micrantha, C. 
 Condaminea, C. lancifolia. Rusty Barks : 
 C. hirsuta, C. micrantha, C. owlifoha, and 
 
 BAR 
 
 probably C. purpurea. White Barks : C. 
 ovata, C. pubescens, C. cordifolia. For a 
 complete account of the medicinal Cin- 
 chona Barks, see Mr. Howard's splendid 
 volume, entitled, The Nueva Quinologia of 
 Pavon. 
 
 The following Barks are also employed 
 officinally or economically : Alcornoco or 
 Alcornoque, the astringent bark of several 
 species of Byrsonima, or, according to 
 some authorities, of Bowdichia virgilli- 
 oides. Angostura Bark, the febrifugal 
 bark of Galipea Cusparia or G. officinalis. 
 Babul Bark, the astringent bark of Acacia 
 Arabica. Bastard Cabbage Bark, the bark 
 of Andira inermis ; the same as Worm 
 Bark. Bastard Jesuit's Bark, the bark of 
 Iva frutescens. Bonace Bark, the bark of 
 Daphne tinifolia. Canella Bark, the stim- 
 ulant aromatic bark of Canella alba. Ca- 
 ribcean Bark, the astringent bark of Ex- 
 ostemma caribceum. Cascarilla or Sweet 
 Wood Bark, the aromatic bark of Croton 
 Cascarilla and C. pseudo-China. China 
 Bark, the febrifugal bark of Buena hexan- 
 dra. Conessi Bark, the astringent bark 
 of Wrightia antidysenterica. Culilawan 
 Bark, the aromatic stimulant bark of (7m- 
 namomum Culilawan. Eleuthera Bark, the 
 aromatic bark of Croton Cascarilla. False 
 Angostura Bark, the bark of Strychnos 
 nux-vomica. French Guiana Bark, the 
 febrifugal bark of Portlandia hexandra. 
 Hemlock Bark, the astringent bark of 
 Abies Canadensis, used for tanning leather. 
 Jesuit's Bark, the same as Peruvian Bark. 
 Juribali Bark, an astringent bark of Dem- 
 erara, supposed to be the produce of some 
 Cedrelaceous plant. Melambo Bark, the 
 aromatic febrifugal' bark of some species 
 of Galipea, or one of its allies. Mesereum 
 Bark, the acrid, irritant bark of Daph- 
 ne Mezereum. Monesia Bark, the bark
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 287 
 
 BAB 
 
 of some South American Sapotacece. 
 Muruxi Bark, the astringent bark of 
 Byrsonima spicata, used by the Brazilian 
 tanners. Niepa Bark, the febrifugal bark 
 of Samadera Indica. Panococco Bark, the 
 sudorific bark of Sioarlzia tomentosa. Quer- 
 citron Bark, the yellow dye bark of Qwer- 
 cus tinctoria. Quillai Bark, the bark of 
 Quillaia saponaria, used as a substitute 
 for soap. Stringy Bark of Tasmania, 
 Eucalyptus gigantea. Sweet Wood Bark, 
 the same as Cascarilla Bark. Nine Bark, 
 an American name for Spircea opulifolia. 
 White Wood Bark, the same as CaneUa 
 Bark. Winter's Bark, the tonic aromatic 
 bark of Drymis Winteri. Worm Bark, 
 the bark of Andira inermis, formerly 
 used as an anthelmintic. There are 
 other barks, but these are the principal 
 ones having a commercial or medicinal 
 value. 
 
 drred. Crossed by a paler color in spaces 
 resembling bars, as in Sanseviera Ja- 
 vanica. 
 
 arringtoniacece, (Barringtoniads.) A small 
 family, usually considered as forming a 
 tribe of Myrtacece, with which they agree 
 in the structure of their ovary and 
 perianth, and in the numerous perigy- 
 nous (which see) stamens, turned inward 
 on the bud; the chief difference consisting 
 in the presence of albumen in the seed. 
 The leaves are alternate, not dotted, and 
 often serrated; these characters, how- 
 ever, also occur occasionally in true Myr- 
 tacece. There are about five hundred and 
 twenty species. They are all trees or 
 shrubs, and inhabit the tropics of the 
 New and the Old World. Some of them 
 bear large flowers of considerable beau- 
 ty. The principal genera are Barring- 
 tonia and Careya in the Old World, and 
 Gustavia in the New. 
 
 BAS 
 
 Barringtoniads. The English term for Bar- 
 ringtoniacece. 
 
 Baru. A woolly material found at the base 
 of the leaves of Saguerus saccharifer, 
 sometimes called Arenga saccharifera. 
 
 Basal. Growing at the base of anything, 
 or attached to the base of any organ or 
 part. 
 
 Base. The end nearest to the point of at- 
 tachment; the lowest part. 
 
 Base-burning Water Heater. The name of a 
 boiler in use for small green-houses or 
 conservatories. See Heating by Hot 
 Water. 
 
 BaseUacece, (Basellads.) A small family con- 
 sisting chiefly of herbaceous climbers, 
 with leaves more or less succulent, and 
 small, inconspicuous flowers. They are 
 distinguished from Chenopodiacece by 
 what has been called a double calyx, and 
 the perigynous stamens; but the so-called 
 outer calyx consists merely of the two 
 bracts, which are here attached to the 
 perianth, instead of being free, or at some 
 distance from it; and stamens more or 
 less perigynous occur also in other che- 
 nopodiaceous genera. BaseUacece have, 
 therefore, been now reunited with that 
 family as a tribe. The perianth is usu- 
 ally thick and fleshy, and the style is 
 three-cleft, while in true Chenopodiacece 
 it is more frequently, but not always, 
 only two-cleft. There are about seven- 
 teen species, all of which are tropical, 
 and have been distributed into six gene- 
 ra, of which the most important are Ba- 
 sella, Boussingaultia, and Anredera. 
 Basellads. The English name for BaseUa- 
 cece. 
 
 Basibractwlate. A term applied chiefly to 
 the involucre of a Composite when it is 
 surrounded at the base by a distinct or- 
 der of bracts, as in Dandelion.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BAS 
 
 Basfidia. Little elevations found among 
 
 Fungi, consisting of a single cell, having 
 one or more points at its apex, each 
 bearing a spore. Synonymous with Spor- 
 ophores. 
 
 Basidwspores.The spores which stand 
 upon the basidia, which see. 
 
 Basilar. Seated at the base of anything; 
 usually applied to the embryo when situ- 
 ated at the bottom of the seed. 
 
 Basineroid. When the ribs of a leaf all 
 spring from its base, as in most Melasto- 
 macece. 
 
 Basisolute.L term applied to leaves 
 which, like those of Sedum and Echeveria, 
 are extended downward below their 
 true origin. 
 
 Bassorine. A constituent part of a species 
 of gum from Bassora, as also of Gum 
 Tragacanth and some other gum resins. 
 It is also found in the roots of some tu- 
 berous Orchids, etc. 
 
 Bast. A strong woody fiber, much used in 
 some places for making brooms, brushes, 
 etc., obtained from the leaf stalks of At- 
 talea funifera and of Leopoldinia Piassaba. 
 Also the inner bark of the Lime Tree, of 
 which the Kussian mats used in gardens 
 are made. Cuba Bast is the fibrous in- 
 ner bark of Paritium datum, much used 
 for tying up cigars, and by gardeners for 
 tying up plants, etc., as is also the bast of 
 the Lime Tree. Eaphia, however, is now 
 fast superseding these materials among 
 gardeners for tying purposes. See Ea- 
 phia. 
 
 Baueracece. The genus Bauera, belonging 
 to the Hydrangea family, has been 
 thought by some botanists to possess 
 characters sufficiently distinct to estab- 
 lish it as a separate family, under the 
 name of Baueracece, but it has not been 
 generally adopted. 
 
 BEA 
 
 Beak. Anything which resembles the beak 
 of a bird; a hard, short point; a long, 
 pointed projection. The seed-pods of the 
 Radish furnish an example. 
 
 Beaked. Ending in a long, sharp, or an- 
 gular point. 
 
 Bean. The common name for Faba. Bog 
 Bean, the Buckbean, Menyanthes trifolia- 
 ta. Cujumary Bean, the tonic seed of 
 Aydendron Cujumary. Egyptian or Pyth- 
 agorean Bean, the fruit of Nelumbium 
 speciosum. French or Bush Bean, Phase- 
 olus vulgaris. Haricot Bean, the seed of 
 Phaseolus vulgaris. Honey Bean, the 
 seed-pods of Gleditschia triacanthos. In- 
 dian Bean, an American name for Catal- 
 pa. Kidney Bean, the common name for 
 Phaseolus, especially for those kinds cul- 
 tivated as esculents. Lima Bean, an 
 American name for Phaseolus lunatus. 
 Locust Bean, the pod of Ceratonia siliqua. 
 Molucca Bean, the seed of Guilandina 
 Bonducetta. Ordeal Bean of Old Calabar, 
 the seeds of Physostigma venenatum. 
 Ox-eye Bean, the seed of Mueuna urens. 
 Pichurim Bean, a commercial name for 
 the cotyledons of Nectandra Puchury. Sa- 
 cred Bean, the common name for Nelum- 
 bium. Sahuca Bean, the seeds of Soja 
 hispida. St. Ignatius's Bean, the seed of 
 Strychnos multiflora ; also a Brazilian 
 name for the seeds of Fevillea cordifolia. 
 Scarlet Runner Bean, the seeds of Phaseolus 
 multiflorus. Smoking Bean, the seed- 
 pods of Catalpa syringcefolia. Tonga or 
 Tonquin Bean, the seed of Dipterix odor- 
 ata. Underground Kidney Bean, Arachis 
 hypogcea, commonly called Pea-nuts. 
 Water Bean, an English name for the 
 family of Nelumbiacece. Wild Bean, 
 a common name for Apios. Algaroba 
 Beanis Ceratonia siliqua.- -Asparagus Bean, 
 or Yard Long, is Dolichos sesquipedalis.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 289 
 
 BEA 
 
 Hibbert Bean is Phaseolus lunatus, (same 
 as Lima Bean.) Horse Bean is Canavatia 
 gladiata. Horse-eye Bean is Mucuna urens. 
 Inga Bean is the pod of the Bastard 
 Cassia. Malacca Bean is the seed of 
 Semecarpus anacardium. Mesquit Bean is 
 the seed of Prosopis glandulosa. Pigeon 
 Bean is the small-seeded field Bean. 
 Ham's Horn Bean is Dolichos bicontortis. 
 Bed Bean is Vigna unguiculata. Sea Bean, 
 Florida Bean, a common name for the 
 seed of Eutada scandens and of Ormosia 
 dasycarpa. Seaside Bean is Canavalia 
 obtusifolia and of Vigna luteola. Sugar 
 Bean is Phaseolus saccharatus and P. luna- 
 tus. Sword Bean is Eutada scandens and 
 Canavalia gladiata. Tick Bean is the com- 
 monfieldBean, Faba vulgaris. Tree Bean 
 of Australia is Bauhinia Hookerii. Yam 
 Bean is Dolichos tuberosus. Year Bean is 
 Phaseolus vulgaris. Vanilla Bean is Va- 
 nilla planifolia, etc. 
 
 Bearded. Having long hair like a beard. 
 
 Beardleted. Having small awns. 
 
 Bedding. This term is used by florists, 
 mostly when plants are set out in what is 
 known as the " Carpet," " Kibbon Line," 
 or " Massing in Color " style of decorative 
 planting. The "Carpet Style" is that 
 produced by planting low-growing plants 
 of different colors and forms of leaves, 
 mainly succulent plants. Sedums, Eche- 
 verias, and Sempervivums are used for 
 the purpose. To form carpet-like patterns, 
 they must be such plants as present a 
 smooth, well-defined color,and not exceed- 
 ing three or four inches in height. To 
 produce the proper effect by this style of 
 planting the plants must be set close 
 enough to form a mass, covering the soil 
 completely up, or the effect will not be 
 so good. Bedding in " ribbon lines " is 
 usually done along margins of drives ' 
 
 BEG 
 
 or walks, in widths from, one to ten feet, 
 as desired, the plants used being such as 
 to give the most pleasing contrast in 
 color. The plants usually selected are 
 such as will either form a slope to the 
 walk by planting the highest at the back 
 with the lowest growing in front, or else, 
 if the line is a wide one, such as, by plac- 
 ing the highest plants in the center and 
 the others on each side, will slope to each 
 side of the line. But to keep the lines of 
 color well defined and smooth, the plants 
 must be carefully pinched back, so as to 
 keep each line to its proper height. Bed- 
 ding by " massing in color " is on the 
 same principle, only that, instead of the 
 plants being planted in lines, they are set 
 in contrasting masses of different colors, in 
 any number of shades desired, though 
 the effect is most marked when but few 
 colors are used in one bed. Large beds 
 are often formed of one color, such as 
 scarlet, maroon, blue, pink, or yellow, 
 which, seen at a distance, in contrast 
 with the green of the lawn, is by many 
 more admired than when the colors are 
 placed together. 
 
 Bedeguar. Sweet-brier sponge ; a sponge- 
 like gall or excrescence on the branches 
 and leaves of some Roses, coated with 
 fibrous .expansions of the tissue. This 
 appearance is occasioned by the punc- 
 ture of a Gall-fly. 
 
 Begoniacece, (Begoniads.) A natural order 
 of dicotyledonous plants, belonging to 
 the monochlamydeous (which see) sub- 
 class of De Candolle. Lindley places the 
 order in his Cucurbital (Cucumber) Alli- 
 ance. The order contains herbaceous 
 plants or succulent under-shrubs. The 
 leaves have an oblique form, and are 
 placed alternately on the stem, having 
 stipules at their base. The flowere con-
 
 290 
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BEG 
 
 sist of a single colored perianth, usually 
 pink, which is placed above the ovary or 
 seed vessels. Some flowers have stamens 
 only, and others pistils only. In the for- 
 mer the perianth has from two to four 
 divisions; in the latter from two to eight. 
 The stamens are numerous, and collected 
 in a head. There are three stigmas, and 
 the fruit is winged, and has three divi- 
 siona Soine of the plants produce buds 
 which are easily detached so as to con- 
 stitute new plants. The species are com- 
 mon in the East and West Indies and 
 South America; and a few are found in 
 Madagascar and South Africa. They are 
 said to possess bitter and astringent 
 qualities. According to Klotzsch, the or- 
 der contains forty-two genera and nearly 
 four hundred species. The following 
 gene,ra illustrate the order: JBursa, Bego- 
 nia, Diploclinium, Ewaldia, Mezieria, and 
 Gireondia. De Candolle admits only 
 Casparya and Mezieria of Klotzsch's gen- 
 era, referred to above, retaining about 
 three hundred and fifty species in Bego- 
 nia proper, distinguishing them by cer- 
 tain peculiarities of the placenta and the 
 capsules. 
 Begoniads. The English term for Begonia- 
 
 cece. 
 
 Bell Glass. Bell Glasses were formerly ex- 
 tensively used in propagating the more 
 difficult kinds of woody plants, but are 
 now rarely used unless to cover circular 
 Ferneries or some delicate plants like the 
 AnoBctochilus. They vary in size from 
 eight to twenty inches in height, and 
 from six to fifteen inches in diameter. 
 See Hand Glass. 
 
 Bell-shaped. Having a tubular and inflated 
 form, so as to resemble a bell, as in Cam- 
 panula. 
 Bellworts. A common name for the group 
 
 BEE 
 
 Campanulacece. The term is also used in 
 the United States for Uvularia. 
 
 Bellying. When a round body is more 
 prominent on one side, or at one point, 
 than at another. 
 
 Bents. A common country name in Eng- 
 land for the dried stalks or culms of vari- 
 ous grasses occurring in pastures, espe- 
 cially those of Agrostis and Cynosurus. 
 
 Berberidacece, (Berberids.) A natural order 
 of Exogens, belonging to the Thalamiflo- 
 ral sub-class of De Candolle. Lindley in- 
 cludes the order in his Berberal Alliance 
 along with Vineworts and Fumeworts. 
 The family is composed of shrubs and 
 herbaceous perennials, with alternate 
 compound leaves, which are often spiny. 
 The sepals are three, four, or six in a 
 double row; the petals are equal to the 
 sepals in number, or twice as many; the 
 stamens are equal in number to the pet- 
 als, and opposite to them; the anthers 
 have two lobes, each opening by a 
 valve, which rolls up from the bottom 
 to the top. The ovary is solitary and 
 one-celled, and the stigma orbicular. 
 The fruit is either a berry or a capsule, 
 with one, two, or three seeds. These 
 plants are found in South America as far 
 as the Straits of Magellan, and in the 
 mountainous parts of the northern hemi- 
 sphere. They are common in the north- 
 ern provinces of India, but none are 
 found in Africa, Australia, or the South 
 Sea Islands. The fruit of some of the 
 species is used as a preserve, and is some- 
 times eaten in a fresh or dried state. 
 They possess acid, bitter, and astringent 
 qualities, and oxalic acid occurs in some. 
 The stem and bark of several species are 
 used in dyeing yellow. The astringent 
 substance called Lycium by Dioscorides 
 is supposed to be furnished by the root
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BER 
 
 of various species of Berberry, and a 
 similar preparation is much used in India 
 as a febrifuge. The pinnate-leaved Ber- 
 berries form the sub-genus Mahonia. The 
 order contains twelve genera and a hun- 
 dred and ten species, among which are 
 Berberis, Leontice, Epimedium, Nandina, 
 Jejfersonia, etc. 
 Berberids. The English term for Berber- 
 
 Berry. A pulpy fruit containing seeds, as 
 the Strawberry. See Bacca. 
 
 Betonica. An old Linnsean name for vari- 
 ous plants, now referred to Stachys. 
 
 Betuline. Birch Camphor, a peculiar resin- 
 ous substance, principally furnished by 
 the Birch Tree. 
 
 Betulacece, (Birchworts.} A natural order 
 of Exogens, belonging to the Monochla- 
 mydeous sub-class of De Candolle, and 
 to the Amental or Catkin-bearing Alli- 
 ance of Lindley. The order consists of 
 trees or shrubs, which have alternate, 
 simple, stipuled leaves, often with the 
 primary veins running straight from the 
 midrib to the margin. The flowers are 
 in catkins, some having stamens only, 
 and others pistils only; and they have 
 scales instead of a perianth, or floral en- 
 velope. The Alder, however, has a four- 
 leaved perianth. The stamens are oppo- 
 site the scales. The ovary is two-celled, 
 with a single pendulous ovule in each 
 cell; there are two stigmas. The fruit is 
 dry, does not open, and is one-celled and 
 one-seeded. The plants are found in the 
 woods of Europe, Northern Asia, the 
 Himalayas, and North America. They 
 also inhabit the mountains of Peru and 
 Columbia, and the antarctic regions. 
 They are mostly timber trees with decid- 
 uous leaves. The bark possesses tonic 
 qualities, and is occasionally employed as 
 
 BIG 
 
 a substitute for paper, and is used by the 
 Indians for making their canoes. It is 
 also used as an astringent for gargles, and 
 for dyeing and tanning. Betula alba is^ 
 the common Birch. Its sap contains su- 
 gar, and by fermentation yields a kind of 
 so-called wine. The empyreumatic oil 
 of the Birch has been recommended in 
 various affections, and is used in the 
 preparation of Russia leather, to which 
 it gives a peculiar odor. The Alder (Al- 
 nus glutinosus) grows in moist places, and 
 the wood has been used for the piles of 
 bridges, on account of its resistance to 
 the action of water. The Eialto of Ven- 
 ice is built on Alder piles, as are many 
 houses in Amsterdam. Sabots are also 
 made of the wood. There are two gen- 
 era, (Betula and Atnus,) and upward of 
 sixty species. 
 
 Beurre. A general name applied to a 
 class of dessert Pears, which have their 
 flesh of what is called a buttery texture, 
 as the name itself indicates. 
 
 Bi. This prefix, in compound words, means 
 turice, as bi-pinnate, twice pinnate. 
 
 Biacuminatus, Biacuminate. Having two 
 diverging points. 
 
 Bialata, Two winged. 
 
 Biarticulate. T wo-j ointed. 
 ! Biaurite. Having two little ears. See 
 Auriculate. 
 
 Bicattose. Having two callosities, as the lip 
 of many Orchids. 
 
 Bicarinate. Having two elevated ribs or 
 keels on the under side, as in the pales of 
 many grasses. See Pales. 
 
 Biceps. Having two heads; a term some- 
 times applied to the keel of a papiliona- 
 ceous corolla, when the ungues of the two 
 petals of which it is composed are dis- 
 tinct. See Ungues. 
 
 Biconjugate. Twice-paired, as when each
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BIC 
 
 of two secondary petioles bears a pair of 
 leaflets. 
 
 Bu-onjugate-pinnaie. When each of two 
 secondary petioles is pinnated. 
 
 Bicornis, Bicornute. Having two horn-like 
 processes. 
 
 Btcrural. Having two legs or narrow 
 elongations, as the Up of the Man Orchis. 
 
 Bicuspidate. Twice-pointed. 
 
 Bidentaie. Having two teeth, or a double 
 row of teeth. 
 
 Bidigitaio-pinnate. The same as Biconju- 
 gate-pinuate. 
 
 Biduous. Lasting two days only. 
 
 Biennial. Lasting two years. A biennial 
 plant requires two years to form its flow- 
 ers and fruit; growing one year, and 
 flowering, fruiting, and dying the next. 
 This, however, is not true of all climates. 
 Many plants that are classed as biennials 
 in England, when sown in the southern 
 parts of the United States, or in a hot- 
 bed in March, at the North, and planted 
 out in summer, will flower, seed, and die 
 just as many annuals do. 
 
 Bifarious, Bifariam. Arranged in two 
 rows. This term is frequently applied to 
 flowers and to ovules. 
 
 Bifariously Imbricated. Overlapping in two 
 rows. 
 
 B if ems. Double-bearing; producing flow- 
 ers or fruit twice in the same season. 
 
 Bif orate. Having two pores or apertures. 
 
 Biforines. Oblong cells, with an aperture 
 at each end, through which raphides are 
 expelled. See Raphides. 
 
 Bifidus, Bifid. Divided half way down into 
 two parts. 
 
 Biflorus. Having two flowers on the same 
 footstalk. 
 
 Bifoliate. Having two leavea 
 
 Bif Violate. Having two leaflets only to a 
 leaf, as in some compound leaves. 
 
 BIG 
 
 Bifolliculm. A double follicle. 
 
 Bifr&ns. Growing on both surfaces of a 
 leaf. Also appearing equally like two dif- 
 ferent things. A term seldom used. 
 
 Bifurcate. Twice forked; having two pairs 
 of diverging horn-like arms. 
 
 Bigeminate. The same as biconjugate, 
 which see. 
 
 Bigeminous. In two pairs; as the placentae 
 of many plants. 
 
 Bigeners. Mule plants obtained by cross- 
 ing species of different genera. This 
 kind of hybridism has been said to be 
 impossible. Kolreuter in particular ad- 
 duced examples of failure in the attempt; 
 but modern experiments seem to show 
 the possibility of such a union. 
 
 Biglandular. Double-glanded. 
 
 Biglumis. Consisting of two of the scales 
 called, among grasses, glumes. 
 
 Bignoniacece, ( Bignoniads ; the Trumpet 
 Flower family. ) A natural order of Di- 
 cotyledonous or Exogenous plants be- 
 longing to the sub-class Corolliflorae of De 
 Candolle, and to the Bignonial Alliance 
 of Lindley, which includes also Scroph- 
 ulariacece, Acanthacece, and Gemeracece. 
 The order contains trees and twining or 
 climbing shrubby plants, with usually 
 opposite compound leaves, and showy, 
 often trumpet-shaped flowers. The calyx 
 is divided or entire, sometimes in the 
 form of a spathe; the corolla is usually 
 irregular, four to five lobed, and with a 
 swollen portion below its mouth; the 
 stamens are five in number, and unequal, 
 one generally, two occasionally, being 
 abortive. The ovary has two cavities, 
 surrounded by an expansion at its base; 
 the ovules are attached to the central 
 part of the ovary. The fruit is a two- 
 valved, often pod-like capsule, divided by 
 a spurious expansion of the placenta; the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BIG 
 
 seeds are usually numerous and winged; 
 the embryo is without albumen, and has 
 broad, leafy cotyledons. The plants are 
 found in the tropical regions of both 
 hemispheres, but most largely in the 
 eastern. In America they extend from 
 Pennsylvania in the north to Chili in the 
 south. They are not found wild in Eu- 
 rope. The plants produce an abundance 
 of showy, finely-colored flowers. Some 
 yield dyes, and others supply timber. 
 Some have medicinal qualities. There 
 are forty-six genera and four hundred 
 and fifty-two known species. Bignonia, 
 Calalpa, Eccremocarpus, Tecoma, Catosan- 
 thes, and Jacaranda are representative 
 genera. 
 
 Bignoniads. The English term for Bigno- 
 niaceae. 
 
 Bijugous. A pinnate leaf with two pairs of 
 leaflets. 
 
 Bilamellate. Consisting of two plates, as 
 many placentae, stigmas, etc., or bearing 
 two vertical plates, as the lip of some Or- 
 chids. 
 
 Bilobiate. Having two lips; a corolla di- 
 vided into two separate parts or lips, 
 placed one over the other, as in Sage, 
 Bugle, and similar plants. 
 
 Bilobed. Divided into two lobes, as the 
 anthers of most flowers. 
 
 Biinestml. Existing for two months only. 
 
 Bimus. Lasting two years. 
 
 Binate, Binus. In pairs ; growing two to- 
 gether. It also has the same meaning as 
 Bifoliate, which see. 
 
 Binato-pinnate. The same as bipinnate. 
 
 Bini. Two together; twin. 
 
 Biniftorous. Bearing flowers in pairs; a 
 term now seldom used. 
 
 Binodal. Consisting of two nodes, or ar- 
 ticulations, and no more. 
 
 Biovidate. Containing two ova, or young 
 
 BIS 
 
 seeds. Seeds before they are matured 
 are called ova. 
 
 Bipaleotate. Consisting of two small scales 
 or palse, as in grasses. See Pake. 
 
 Bipartible. Capable of being parted into 
 two. 
 
 Bipartite. Divided nearly to the base into 
 two parts. 
 
 Bipentaphyllous. Having from two to five 
 leaflets. 
 
 Bipes. The same as Bicruris, which see. 
 
 Bipinnate, Bipinnatisected. Twice pinnate; 
 as when the primary and secondary di- 
 visions of a leaf are pinnated. 
 
 Bipinnaiifid, Bipinnatiparted. When both 
 the primary and secondary segments of 
 a leaf are pinnatifid. 
 
 Bipinnatipartito-laciniate. Being bipinnati- 
 fid with the divisions laciniated. 
 
 Biplicate. Having two folds or plaits. 
 
 Biporose. Opening by two round holes. 
 
 Biradiate. Consisting of two or more rays, 
 as in certain umbels. 
 
 Birchworts. A name given by Lindley to 
 the Betulaceous order. 
 
 Birdlime. A preparation of the bark of the 
 Holly, Ilex aquifolium. It is also ob- 
 tained from the viscid berries of the Mis- 
 tleto, Viscum album. 
 
 Birimose. Opening by two slits, as in most 
 anthers. 
 
 Birth worts. A name given by Lindley to 
 A rtstolochiacece. 
 
 Bisaccate. Having two little sacks, bags, or 
 pouches. 
 
 Bixeptate. Having two partitions. 
 
 Jliwiilate. Resembling two bucklers (scuta) 
 
 placed side by side, as in Biscutella. 
 Biserial. Arranged in two rows not on op- 
 posite sides of an axis, as on a flat sur- 
 face. 
 
 Bwerrate. When serratures are themselves 
 serrate.
 
 294 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BIS 
 
 e. Doubly furrowed. 
 Biternate. Divided into three twice over, as 
 when the principal divisions of a leaf are 
 three, each of which bears three leaflets. 
 
 Bi-tri-crenate. Crenate twice or thrice. 
 
 Bi-tri-pinnatifid. Pinnatifid twice or thrice 
 over. 
 
 Bi-fri-hrnate. Growing in threes twice or 
 thrice over. 
 
 Bitten. Terminated irregularly and ab- 
 ruptly; applied to leaves and roots. 
 
 Bivaginate. Having double sheaths or cov- 
 ers. 
 
 Bimlved. Two-valved. 
 
 Bwittate. Having two vittse. See Vitke. 
 
 Bixacece, Bixinece. A name sometimes 
 given to the order of Bixads, more gen- 
 erally called Flacourtiacerp, -vrhich see. 
 
 Black RusL See Rust. 
 
 Blade. The lamina or expanded part of a 
 leaf; the limb of a leaf. 
 
 Blanching. A whitening of the usually 
 green parts of plants, to which the term 
 Albefactio is applied. See Albefactio. 
 Earthing up Celery is a familiar example j 
 of blanching. 
 
 Bland. Fair, beautiful, as Mesembrt/anlhe- 
 mum blandum. 
 
 Blastema. The axis of an embryo, compre- 
 hending the radicle and plumule, with 
 the intervening portion; also the thallus 
 of a Lichen. See Thallu*. 
 
 Blastidia.The secondary cells generat- 
 ed in the interior of another cell. 
 
 Blantus. The plumule. 
 
 Blepharce.The teeth or fringes belonging 
 to the peristome (which see) of an Urn I 
 Moss. 
 
 Blotting. That kind of change in tissue \ 
 which results in the formation of a brown 
 color without putrefaction, as in the fruit 
 of the Medlar. The term Hyposathria \ 
 (which see) is applied to this change. 
 
 BLU 
 
 Blight. As used by cultivators this term is 
 of vague significance. It is applied to those 
 diseases of grain, etc., which usually de- 
 pend upon the presence of parasitic Fun- 
 gi. The Pear Blight, so destructive to 
 Pear Trees for many years past, is now 
 generally believed to be owing to the 
 presence of a Fungus, though not a few 
 still believe that it is to be attributed 
 to a diseased condition of the sap. There 
 have been several theories put forth to 
 account for this destructive disease, and 
 the subject still remains more or less of 
 a mystery. Insects have also been 
 charged with producing the disease; 
 but whatever the cause, all know the 
 results to be only too fatal, and, thus 
 far, without remedy. Blight is not 
 confined to the field and the orchard, but 
 also finds its way to plants in the garden. 
 If Fungi are not the cause of the disease, 
 they may be said to be always present as 
 a result. 
 
 Blind Shoot. This is the term used for a 
 young shoot which terminates without a 
 flower bud, as in some shoots of Roses, 
 Camellias, etc. 
 
 Blistered. Having the surface raised as the 
 skin is when blistered. 
 
 Blood and Bone Fertilizer. See Fertilizers. 
 
 Blood Fertilizer. See Fertilizers. 
 
 Bloodroots.A. name applied by Lindley to 
 the order Hcemadoracece. 
 
 Blotched. Where color is irregularly dis- 
 posed in broad patches. 
 
 Blue Mould. This name is commonly ap- 
 plied to Aspergillus glaucus, when grow- 
 ing upon cheese. There are people who 
 think it so necessary to a good cheese, 
 that they will set even a poor one aside 
 till it becomes mouldy, assuming that it 
 thereby becomes better, and some 
 even inoculate the cheese with Blue
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BOA 
 
 Mould. On the other hand, many peo- 
 ple regard this Mould with suspicion. 
 Bread and meat affected with it have 
 been known to produce serious conse- 
 quences when eaten, though it is possi- 
 ble that the meat may have been dis- 
 eased before the Mould made its appear- 
 ance. It is stated, again, that persons 
 have collected the Mould, and eaten it 
 without serious results. The question 
 of its poisonous nature is one of so much 
 importance that farther and closer inves- 
 tigation would seem to be desirable. 
 
 Boat-shaped. Having the figure of a boat 
 in miniature, with its keel. 
 
 Boilers. See Heating. 
 
 .Bofo.The trunk of a tree. 
 
 BombacecK. The Silk -cotton family, a group 
 of Thalamifloral Dicotyledons or Exogens 
 belonging to Lindley's Malval Alliance, 
 and usually considered as a sub-order of 
 Sterculiacece, which see. 
 
 Bombycine. Silky; feeling like silk. This 
 term is not applied to hairiness of any 
 sort. 
 
 Bone Dust. One of the safest and best con- 
 centrated fertilizers. When used broad- 
 cast, it should be sown on the soil after 
 digging or plowing, just thick enough 
 to cover it with a thin layer, about as 
 thickly as sawdust or sand is used on a 
 floor. If used on dug ground, it should 
 be well chopped and mixed through the 
 soil, so as to mix it to a depth of five or 
 six inches. If on ground that has been 
 plowed, a thorough harrowing will mix it 
 to the required depth. This thickness 
 will require at the rate of from fifteen 
 hundred to twenty-five hundred pounds 
 per acre. If tobe used in drills or " hills," 
 or only where seed are to be sown or 
 plants planted, and not over the whole 
 ground, it will take only about from one 
 
 BOR 
 
 hundred and fifty to three hundred 
 pounds per acre, which should be mixed 
 in the soil in the same manner. 
 
 Borageivorts. A name applied by Lindley 
 to the boraginaceous family. See Bora- 
 ginacew. 
 
 Boraginacece, (Boragewort*, Asperifolice.} A 
 natural order of Corollifloral Dicotyle- 
 dons or Exogens belonging to Lindley's 
 Echial Alliance. They are herbs or 
 shrubs with round stems, alternate rough 
 leaves, and spirally coiled inflorescence. 
 The calyx is four to five divided, and per- 
 sistent; the corolla is generally regular 
 and five-cleft; the stamens are five, in- 
 serted in the corolla, and alternate with 
 its divisions ; the ovary is four-lobed, 
 with a style arising from the base of the 
 lobes. The fruit consists of distinct seeds 
 without albumen. This order was for- 
 merly called Asperifolwe, from the rough- 
 ness of its leaves. The plants are princi- 
 pally natives of northern temperate re- 
 gions. They are found in Southern Eu- 
 rope, the Levant, and Central Asia. In 
 high northern latitudes they are less fre- 
 quent, and nearly disappear within the 
 tropics. The plants abound in mucilagi- 
 nous and demulcent qualities. Some 
 yield dyes, as Alkanet, (Anchusa tincto- 
 ria.) The common Borage, (Borago offi- 
 cinalis,) when steeped in water, imparts 
 coolness to it, and is used in the beverage 
 called cold tankard. Mertensia maritima 
 is cultivated as a vegetable under the 
 common name of Oyster Plant. The 
 species of Myosotis are universally prized 
 under the name of Forget-me-not. There 
 are fifty-eight known genera of this order, 
 and 688 species. Myosotis, Borago, Gy- 
 noglossum, Lithospermum, Gerinthe, Sym- 
 phytum, Anchum, are examples of this 
 order.
 
 296 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BOR 
 
 Bordered. When the margin is character- 
 ized by a distinction in color, texture, or 
 other consideration, from the rest of any 
 part. 
 
 Bossed. Circular and flat, with a promi- 
 nent center, like a target, as in the fruit 
 of Paliurus australis. 
 Botnjlacece.A.n order of Fungi, usually 
 
 known as mildew and blight. 
 Botrys.The term applied in Greek com- 
 pounds to the raceme. A bunch. 
 Bot uliform. Sausage-shaped. 
 Bouquet. This is the name given to vari- 
 ous forms of artificially-constructed cut 
 flowers. They are made with great skill 
 and taste in the City of New York, in va- 
 rious forms, but usually in the round 
 parasol or Mushroom-like form, ranging 
 in size from six to twelve inches in diam- 
 eter. Many decry this artificial arrange- 
 ment of flowers, but it cannot well be 
 otherwise ; for the moment we cut them 
 from the plant and begin to tie them to- 
 gether, we leave nature, so that any at- 
 tempt to make a bouquet, or, in fact, any 
 arrangement of cut flowers, in a natural 
 manner, is utter nonsense. The most 
 cultivated tastes have long decreed that 
 the best style of bouquet is the formal, 
 where different colors are used in consec- 
 utive rings, or alternating with each 
 other, in geometrical forms, rather than 
 a mixed, unsystematic blending of color. 
 In detailing the modus operandi of bou- 
 quet making it is necessary to give the 
 following details. So many flowers have 
 short stems, or grow so close to buds 
 which the grower cannot afford to cut, 
 that artificial stems must be used. Even 
 where stems are available, the bouquet 
 maker prefers having another added to 
 hold the flower in position, the strength 
 of the stem being proportioned to the 
 
 BOU 
 
 weight of the flower it bears. Thick 
 stems must be avoided, else the bouquet 
 handle becomes clumsy. The stems com- 
 monly used are of broom-corn,or very small 
 sticks like tooth-picks, cut in lengths as 
 desired, from four to eight inches. With 
 this and hair wire cut to three inches, the 
 " stemmer " goes to work. By a rapid 
 twist one end of the wire is fastened on 
 the straw, and the flower is attached by a 
 whirl of the stem between finger and 
 thumb. Stemming is a large part of the 
 labor of bouquet making, and occupies 
 the greater part of the time needed in the 
 operation, one bouquet maker requir- 
 ing two stemmers. The flowers thus 
 stemmed, a Rose or other prominent 
 flower is taken for the center of the bou- 
 quet, which is tied securely to the bou- 
 quet stem, (a thin stiff twig,) and is then 
 wound with Moss, to keep the flower 
 from outer pressure, the Moss running 
 to a point about two inches below the 
 flower. Six smaller Rose-buds or Carna- 
 tions are now set at regular intervals 
 around and on a line with the outer pet- 
 als of the large center Rose, and the 
 spaces between these each filled with a 
 small piece of White Alyssum, a very small 
 Geranium leaf or point of delicate green 
 being set by each bud. A little Moss is 
 now wound lightly, close under the flow- 
 ers, to prevent crowding, a pink Carna- 
 tion set behind each Rose-bud, with Lily 
 of the Valley or Hyacinths between, apiece 
 of Eupatorium being inserted under the 
 edge of each to fill out. Six Roses, alter- 
 nately pink and white, of equal size and 
 form, stemmed as described, are now set 
 at regular intervals around, particular 
 care being taken to form with the face of 
 these flowers the correct outline of the 
 bouquet, and their stems tightly bound
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 297 
 
 BOX 
 
 to prevent working out of place. Be- 
 tween each Rose-bud, on the inner side, 
 another white flower is set, filled out with 
 a piece of pink under each side; more 
 Moss is added, and a bright piece of 
 crimson Bouvardia forms the sole dividing 
 line between the centers of the Rose-buds, 
 which nearly touch each other. A Saf- 
 frano Rose-bud follows, with Violets set 
 in Sweet Alyssum on one side and a small 
 Geranium leaf in the same on the other; 
 a white Carnation is set behind each bud, 
 with a piece of Bouvardia in Eupatorium 
 on each side. A light border of Stevia is 
 now set around the whole, and,with Smilax 
 or Camellia leaves stemmed, and projected 
 nearly half their length, the bouquet is 
 finished. The back is trimmed with bou- 
 quet green, or fine leaves of any ever- 
 green. The handle is cut to about four 
 inches, and is wrapped with tinfoil, and 
 tied above with a ribbon of white satin. 
 This is only one of a dozen ways of con- 
 structing bouquets, and is by no means 
 given as the best. Fashion is constantly 
 changing the kinds of flowers used; for 
 example, twenty years ago no bouquet was 
 supposed to be complete without the use 
 of the Camellia Japonica flowers, but to- 
 day fashion entirely ignores these sym- 
 metrical and beautiful flowers, and they 
 are rarely used, unless for large table 
 bouquets, or other designs in cut flowers. 
 Boxes for Seeds. Seeds, particularly flower 
 seeds, when sown under glass, do much 
 better when sown in shallow boxes than 
 in flower-pots. A convenient size is the 
 ordinary soap-box, cut into four, making 
 a depth of from one and a half to two 
 inches. These are filled nearly full with 
 finely-sifted soil, which is made as level 
 and smooth as possible. On this smooth 
 surface the seeds are sown, and then 
 
 BEA 
 
 pressed down level into the soil, and over 
 the seeds is sifted dry moss, leaf mould, 
 or cocoanut fiber, (which has been run 
 through a sieve as fine as mosquito wire,) 
 in quantity enough to fairly cover the 
 seeds. This, from its spongy nature, re- 
 tains moisture, while its lightness offers 
 but little resistance to the tender seed 
 germ. The same style of box is used for 
 " pricking off," which see. 
 
 I Brachialis. An ell long; twenty-four inches 
 long. 
 
 \ Brachiate. Having arms or branches usu- 
 ally placed opposite each other, nearly 
 at right angles with the main stem, and 
 crossing each other alternately. 
 Brachium. An ell or two feet. 
 
 ! Brachypodom. Having a short foot or 
 stalk. 
 
 | Brachys. In words of Greek origin signi- 
 fies short. 
 
 I Bracken or Brake. A common English 
 name of Pteris aquilina. 
 
 i BracteoB or Bracts. The leaves placed im- 
 mediately below a calyx, if they are at all 
 altered from their usual form. 
 Bracteolce, Bracteoles, or Bractlets. Bracts 
 of a second order, usually smaller and 
 more changed than the true bracts; also 
 any small bracts. 
 Bracteate. Furnished with bracteae or 
 
 bracts. 
 
 Bracteolce. Little bracts. 
 Branch. The developed state of a leaf 
 bud, when similar to the main stem or 
 trunk. Though branches are usually 
 considered to be subdivisions of the 
 trunk itself, they more closely resemble 
 an aggregation of separate individuals 
 grafted upon it. 
 Branchlets. Small branches. 
 Brassicacece. The Cabbage family, a natu- 
 ral order of Thalamifloral (which see)
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BRE 
 
 Exogens, to which the name of Cruciferce 
 is usually given. See Cruciferce. 
 Brexiacece. The genera Brexia, Ixerba, Ar- 
 gophyttum, and Rousscea, containing only 
 one or two species each, have been 
 proposed as a small family allied to Saxi- 
 fragacece. They are not, however, very 
 closely connected with each other, and do 
 not seem to have any well-marked 
 characters in common. See Escalloniece. 
 Brimstone, Vegetable. The inflammable 
 spores of Lycopodiufii clavatum and L. 
 Selago, sometimes employed in the man- 
 ufacture of fireworks. 
 Bristles. Rigid hairs. 
 Bristleworts. A name applied by Lindley 
 
 to the Desueauxiacece. 
 Bristly. Covered with stiff, sharp hairs or 
 
 bristles. 
 
 Bristly-toothed. Having bristles like teeth, 
 or with the teeth ending each in a bris- 
 tle. 
 
 Bromeliacece, (Bromelice, Bromeliads, Tilland- 
 sice, Bromehvorts, the Pine-apple family.) 
 A natural order of Epigynous Mono- 
 cotyledons included in Lindley's Narcis- 
 sal Alliance. The order consists of short- 
 stemmed plants, with rigid, channeled, 
 and often scurfy and spiny leaves and 
 showy flowers. The outer perianth or 
 calyx is three-parted and persistent; the 
 inner, or corolla, consists of three with- 
 ering petals; the stamens are six, in- 
 serted in the tube of the perianth, with 
 the anthers opening on the side next the 
 pistil; the style is single. The fruit is 
 either a dry capsule or succulent, three- 
 celled, and many-seeded; the embryo is 
 very small, at the base of mealy albu- 
 men. They are natives of the American 
 continent and islands, whence they have 
 been distributed to Africa and the East 
 Indies. Ananaiva aatiw, the Pine-apple or 
 
 BRO 
 
 Ananas, is one of the oest known and 
 most delicious of this or any other order. 
 The fruit is composed of the pistils and 
 bracts of several flowers united into a 
 succulent mass, and crowned by a se- 
 ries of green leaves. The fibers of the 
 plant are used in manufacture. The 
 Pine-apple is grown under glass very 
 successfully in Europe, but the fine con- 
 dition in which they are received here 
 from Jamaica and other places, makes 
 their culture under glass here unneces- 
 sary. Some of the Bromeliads grow at- 
 tached to the branches of trees, and are 
 called Air Plants, the best known here be- 
 ing Tillandsia usneoides, the Tree Beard of 
 South America. Under the name of Flori- 
 da Moss it is very largely used for deco- 
 rative purposes. It is also used for 
 stuffing cushions, etc., under the name of 
 Spanish Moss, Black Moss, or Long 
 Moss. There are twenty-eight known 
 genera, and one hundred and seventy -six 
 species of this order. Bromelia, Ananassa, 
 Bilbergia, JEchmea, Tillandsia, Bonaparlea, 
 are examples of the order. The bracts 
 of some of the species are exceedingly 
 beautiful. 
 
 Bromeliads. The English term for Brome- 
 liacece. 
 
 Broom. A name applied to Gytisus or 
 Sarothamnus scoparius, and also to Ly- 
 geum Spartum. African Broom is a com- 
 mon name for Aspalathus. Butcher's 
 Broom is Ruscus aculeatus, and is also a 
 common name for Ruscus. Dyer's Broom 
 is Genista tinctoria. New Zealand Broom 
 is Carmichaelis australis. Rush Broom is 
 a common name for Viminaria; it is also 
 applied to Spartium junceum. Spanish 
 Broom is Spartium junceum. Broom Corn 
 is Sorghum vulgare, the branched pani- 
 cles of which are made into carpet
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BRO 
 
 brooms and clothes brushes; and also I 
 Sorghum saccharatum. 
 
 Brownian Motion. A phenomenon some- ' 
 times called molecular motion, which oc- | 
 curs in minute particles both of vegetable i 
 and mineral origin, consisting, says the \ 
 Eev. Mr. Berkeley, in a rapid, whirling i 
 motion, the nature of which is obscure, 
 but is certainly independent of evapora- 
 tion, or other appreciable internal causes 
 which produce motion in minute bodies. 
 It may be seen admirably in a weak solu- 
 tion of gamboge with a power of 250 lin- ! 
 ears. It is frequently observed in the 
 minute anatomy of vegetables, especially 
 when the tissues are diseased. 
 
 Bruniaceae. A small family, not differing 
 in any important character from Hama- 
 meliacece, though quite different in habit. 
 See Hamameliacece. 
 
 Brunneus. Deep brown, not much differ- 
 ent from chestnut brown. 
 
 Bryacece. A large group of Acrocarpous 
 Mosses, distinguished by the capsules 
 having a double row of teeth, the inner 
 of which are united at the base by a 
 common plicate membrane. Very rarely 
 there is only a single row, or the teeth 
 are obsolete. The capsule is almost 
 always pendulous. The stem is at 
 first simple, but at length becomes 
 branched by means of new shoots, called 
 innovations, given off near the tip, or the 
 base, sometimes from subterranean 
 creeping shoots. The leaves have a large 
 central nerve, and consist of large reticu- 
 lations, and are mostly serrated at the 
 margin and thickened. Very rarely the 
 fruit is lateral, as in Mielichofena. Many 
 of the species of Mnium, as M. puncta- 
 tum, M. rostrafum, M. undulatum, are 
 great ornaments to woods and rocks from 
 their lar^e leaves and handsome capsules, 
 
 BUD 
 
 while various species of Bryum attract 
 notice on walls, gravel walks, and marshes, 
 by their tufted habit and abundant pen- 
 dulous capsules. Sometimes the term 
 Bryacece is applied to the whole of the 
 true Mosses. 
 
 Bryology. That part of botany which treats 
 of Urn Mosses. 
 
 Buccce. The lateral sepals or wings of the 
 flower of an Aconite; now seldom used. 
 
 Bud. The young undeveloped branch or 
 flower; as, a leaf bud, a flower bud. 
 
 Budding. This is the practice in use of 
 placing a bud of one variety of plant on 
 another. The shoot or stock to be bud- 
 ded upon must always be in a thrifty, 
 growing state, so that the bark can be 
 raised freely from the wood, and the bud 
 to be inserted must be in such a state 
 that it shows prominently at the axil of 
 the leaf. Select a smooth portion of the 
 stem of the shoot to be budded upon, 
 strip it of leaves (or thorns, if any) suffi- 
 cient to allow room for the operation; 
 then make a cut through the bark to the 
 wood in length sufficient to admit the 
 bud, with a cross cut at the top. Above 
 this cross cut make a slight sloping cut 
 in the bark, about a quarter of an inch 
 in length, so as to admit the easy inser- 
 tion of the bud. This custom is not gen- 
 eral, but it will be found to be easier, and, 
 we think, safer. Next take the shoot 
 from which the bud to be inserted is to be 
 cut, and selecting such as have the prop- 
 erly developed condition of bud, cut it 
 from the shoot about half an inch on each 
 side of the bud, just deep enough to get 
 about as mucli thickness of the wood as 
 the bark. If the portion of the shoot 
 from which the bud is taken is well ri- 
 pened, it is best to separate the wood 
 from the bark; but if not, it will do quite
 
 300 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BUL 
 
 as well not to remove it, but insert the 
 bud in the stock just as it is cut. The 
 edges of the cut in the stock are lifted 
 and slightly pressed outward by the point 
 of the budding-knife, the bud inserted, 
 and pushed down by the ivory handle. 
 To keep the bud in place it is wrapped 
 neatly round with any soft tying mate- 
 rial, the fiber known as Eaphia being 
 the best In two or three weeks after the 
 bud has been put in it will be safe to re- 
 move the tying. All shoots starting be- 
 Imv the bud must be rubbed off as soon 
 as they start, and when the bud begins to 
 grow, the portion of the stock above the 
 graft must be cut off, so that the inserted 
 bud may get the full benefit of growth. 
 Bulb. An underground bud, consisting of 
 numerous fleshy scales placed one over 
 the other; a modified form of the leaf 
 bud. A bulb is usually placed partly or 
 entirely underground. There are seve- 
 ral kinds of bulbs, the following being the 
 most common: A Naked Bulb is a bulb 
 whose scales are loose and almost sepa- 
 rate, as in the Crown Imperial. A Tuni- 
 cated Bull) is one whose fleshy scales 
 overlap each other, forming concentric 
 layers, the outer ones being thin or mem- 
 branous, such as Hyacinths, Onions, Tu- 
 lips, etc. A Solid Bulb is properly a 
 Corm, which see. 
 
 Bulbiferous. Bearing or producing bulbs. 
 Bulbil or BnWlus.k.n axillary bulb with 
 fleshy scales, falling off its parent spon- 
 taneously, and propagating it. Applied 
 more especially to those buds on the 
 stem, which occasionally assume the char- 
 acter of bulbs, as in Lilium tigrinum. 
 Bulbodium.The solid bulb of old botan- 
 ists; the same as a conn, which see. 
 Bulbosi Pill Hairs that proceed from a 
 swollen base. 
 
 BUS 
 
 Bulbosus. Having the structure of a bulb; 
 having bulbs. 
 
 Bidb-tuber. A corm, which see. 
 
 Bullate. Blistered, puckered; as when the 
 parenchyma (which see) of a leaf is larger 
 than the area within which it is formed. 
 
 Bulrushworts. A name given by Lindley 
 to the Typhacece. 
 
 Burmanniacece. A family of Monocotyle- 
 dons, which are allied to Orchids in 
 their inferior ovary, (which is either three- 
 celled or with three parietal placentas,) 
 in their trimerous flowers, (see Trimer- 
 ous, ) and especially in their minute seeds, 
 with a loosely netted testa (which see) 
 inclosing an apparently homogeneous 
 nucleus or embryo; they differ, however, 
 in their perfectly regular flowers, with 
 from three to six distinct stamens and a 
 central simple or three-cleft style. They 
 are all herbaceous plants, bearing blue or 
 white flowers, and inhabit marshy or 
 
 . shady places. The slender annual stems 
 in some genera have no leaves except 
 small colorless scales, which led former 
 botanists to regard them as parasites; 
 but it has been ascertained that they 
 grow on rotten leaves and other decayed 
 vegetable substances, and not on living 
 plants. There are about thirty species of 
 Burmanniacece, all of which are tropical 
 except one North American Burmannia. 
 There are ten or eleven genera, including 
 Tacca, which some botanists regard as a 
 distinct family under the name Taccacece. 
 
 Burry. Covered with hooked stiff hairs, 
 like the heads of Bur or Burdock. 
 
 Bursicula, (adj. Bursiculate.) A small 
 purse. A pouch-like expansion of the 
 stigma, into which the caudicle (which 
 see) of some Orchids is inserted. 
 
 Bush. A low shrub, densely branched 
 from the very surface of the ground.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 301 
 
 BUT 
 
 Butomacece, (Butomads; the Flowering Bush 
 family.) A natural order of Hypogynous I 
 Monocotyledons belonging to Lindley's 
 Alismal Alliance. They are aquatic plants, 
 often milky, with very cellular leaves and 
 umbellate, showy flowers. The perianth 
 consists of six pieces, the three inner, or 
 corolla, being colored like petals. The 
 stamens are either below or above twenty 
 in number, and hypogynous. The ovaries 
 are three to six or more, either separate 
 or united; the ovules are numerous. The 
 fruit consists of achenes or follicles, sepa- 
 rate or united. The seeds are numer- 
 ous, attached to a net-like placenta, 
 which is spread over the whole inner 
 surface of the fruit, and are without albu- 
 men. The plants are natives of the 
 marshes of Europe, the northwestern 
 provinces of India, and equinoctial Amer- 
 ica. Butomus uinbellatus, the Flowering 
 Bush, is an ornamental aquatic common 
 in England. Its underground stem is 
 roasted and eaten in Asia. There are 
 four genera and seven species. Butomus 
 and Limnocharis are examples of this 
 order. 
 
 Butomads. The English term for Butoma- 
 cece. 
 
 Byssaceous. Composed of fine entangled 
 threads. 
 
 Byssi. A name which formerly included 
 
 CAB 
 
 a heterogeneous mass of perfect and im- 
 perfect plants of various affinities, but is 
 not now used, the term byssoid alone be- 
 ing retained to express a peculiar fringed 
 structure, in which the threads or fascicles 
 of threads are of unequal lengths. 
 
 Byssoid. See By*#i. 
 
 Bysms. The stipa of certain Fungi. 
 
 Byttnenece, (Buettneriece.) A tribe of the 
 natural order Sterculiacece, regarded by 
 some botanists as a distinct order, and 
 referred by Lindley to his Malval Alli- 
 ance of Thalamifloral Exogens. The 
 Chocolate and Cocoa of commerce be- 
 long to this tribe, being prepared from 
 the seeds (called Cocoa Baans) of Theo- 
 broma Cacao, a small tree found in the 
 forests of Demerara. The seeds contain 
 a tonic substance called theobromine, al- 
 lied to theine, while a fatty oil is ex- 
 pressed from them called the butter of 
 Cacao. From the pulp of the fruit a 
 kind of spirit is distilled. The following 
 genera are examples of this tribe: Glos- 
 sostemon,-with palminerved leaves; Abroma, 
 with palmilobed or entire leaves; Theo- 
 broma, with simple penninerved leaves; 
 Herrania, with palmated or digitate 
 leaves; Guazuma, with simple leaves; 
 Buettneria, with simple, more or less 
 heart-shaped leaves; and Rulingia, with 
 simple or lobed leaves. 
 
 c. 
 
 /~Yabbage Worm. A worm very destruc- 
 tive to the Cabbage. See Insects. 
 
 Cabombacece, (Cabombece, Hydropeltidece, 
 Water Shields. ) A natural order of Tha- 
 lamifloral Dicotyledons, belonging to 
 Lindley's Nymphal Alliance. They are 
 
 aquatic plants with shield-like leaves; 
 sepals and petals three or four, alternat- 
 ing; stamens six to thirty-six. Carpels 
 distinct, two to eighteen; seeds not nu- 
 merous; embryo in a membranous bag, 
 outside abundant fleshy albumen. The
 
 302 
 
 HENDEESON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAC 
 
 plants are allied to the Water Lilies, and 
 are found in America from Cayenne to 
 New Jersey, as well as in New Holland. 
 There are two genera, Cabomba and Hy- 
 dropeltis, which comprise three genera. 
 Cactacece, (Cacti, Cactece, Opuntiacece, Nopa- 
 lece; Indian Figs, the Cactus family.) A 
 natural order of Calycifloral Dicotyledons, 
 consisting of succulent shrubs, with re- 
 markable spines clustered on the stems, 
 which are angular, round, two-edged, or 
 leafy, and have their woody matter 
 often arranged in a wedge-like manner. 
 The calyx consists of numerous sepals, 
 combined and epigynous, (which see;) 
 the petals are numerous; the stamens are 
 numerous, with long filaments. The 
 ovary is one-celled, with parietal placen- 
 tas; the style is single, and the stigmas 
 several. The fruit is succulent, and the 
 seeds without albumen. They are na- 
 tives of various parts of America, but 
 have been introduced into many parts of 
 the world. The fruits of the Opuntias 
 are called Indian Figs, and are edible, 
 having a subacid and refreshing juice. 
 The stems of some of the species are eat- 
 en by cattle. These stems vary greatly 
 in form, some being spherical, others 
 jointed, while still others are triangular, 
 and some send polygonal shafts sixty 
 feet or more into the air. These stems 
 are very succulent or fleshy, and the 
 plants are thus adapted to dry climates, 
 or, rather, such as have a "dry season." 
 Among the tall-growing kinds may be 
 mentioned Cereus giganteus, growing 
 sixty or more feet high, and from one 
 to two feet in diameter; C. Peruvianus, 
 with stems thirty to forty feet high; C. 
 Thurberi, with stems ten to fifteen feet 
 high, and C. Schotlii, with stems eight to 
 ten feet high. The spines on some Cac- 
 
 CAL 
 
 ti are very formidable, and on others very 
 numerous. The spines and bristles on a 
 specimen of Echinocackus platyceras were 
 reckoned at 51,000, and those of a Pilo- 
 cereus senilis at 72,000. Opuntia vulgaris, 
 our common Prickly Pear, bears an edi- 
 ble fruit. 0. cochinillifera, (Nopalea,) the 
 Nopal plant, is very largely grown for 
 rearing the Cochineal insect, (Coccus 
 Cacti. ) The number of known genera is 
 eighteen, and 800 species. Cereus, Epi- 
 phyttum, Phyllocactus, Mammittaria, Melo- 
 cactus, Peres/cia, etc., are examples of this 
 order. 
 
 Caducous. When a part falls off very early 
 compared with other parts with which it 
 is associated. Thus the sepals of many 
 Poppies fall as soon as the flower begins 
 to expand. 
 
 Ccesius. A pale blue; a blue metallic lus- 
 ter seen on some leaves, as those of Sela- 
 ginella ccesia. 
 
 Cceruleus or Cozruleus. Blue ; the clear 
 blue of the sky. 
 
 Ccespitose. Growing in little tufts or patch- 
 es. 
 
 Calamarice. Fossil plants resembling 
 weeds. 
 
 Calambac. The commercial name of Aloes- 
 wood, Eagles-wood, or Lign Aloes, 
 which is produced by Aloexylum agalloch- 
 um. 
 
 Calamus, (a Reed.) This word has been 
 restricted to hollow, inarticulate stems, 
 like those of Hushes. 
 
 Calathida, Calathus, Calathidium.The head 
 of flowers borne by Composites; as, for 
 example, the Aster. 
 
 Calcar. A spur; a hollow process of some 
 part of a flower. 
 
 Cakarate. Spurred; having a spur. 
 
 Calcareous. A dead or dull white, like 
 chalk. Also growing in chalky places,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 303 
 
 CAL 
 
 or having the substance of chalk, or car- 
 bonate of lime. 
 
 Calcariform. Shaped like a calcar or spur. 
 See Calcar. 
 
 Calceiform. Formed like a little shoe, as 
 Cypripedium. 
 
 Calceolate. Having the form of a slipper or 
 round-toed shoe, as in Cypripedium in- 
 signe, Venus's Slipper. 
 
 Calceous. Dead white, like chalk. 
 
 Calicate. Furnished with a calyx. 
 
 Calicinar. When a flower becomes double 
 by an increase in the number of lobes of 
 the calyx or sepals. 
 
 Calicular. A term of aestivation, (which 
 see,) when the outer bracts of an involu- 
 cre are much shorter than the inner. 
 
 Catti. Small callosities or rough protuber- 
 ances. 
 
 Callose. Callous, hardened. 
 
 Calloso-serrate. When serratures are callos- 
 ities. 
 
 Callously - glandula. Having hardened 
 glands. 
 
 Cillously-serrated. Having hardened serra- 
 tures. 
 
 Callus, (adj. Callose.) A hardened part ; 
 anything which has acquired unusual 
 hardness and toughness; also used in the 
 sense of verruca, (which see,) meaning a 
 wart; also the hymenium, (which see,) or 
 fructifying surface of certain Fungi. This 
 term is best known as used to denote the 
 cambium that forms at the cut end of a 
 slip or cutting before the roots appear, 
 and heals the wound over. It has a gran- 
 ular or warty appearance, and hence the 
 name. 
 
 Calvous. Quite naked; bald; having no 
 hairs, or other such processes. 
 
 Calybio, Calybium. A hard, one-celled, in- 
 ferior dry fruit, seated in a cupule; as, 
 for example, an acorn or a hazel-nut. 
 
 CAL 
 
 Calycanthacece, (Calycanths.)The Carolina 
 Allspice family, a natural order of Caly- 
 cifloral Dicotyledons belonging to Lind- 
 ley's Bosal Alliance. Shrubs with square 
 stems having four woody axes (which see) 
 surrounding the central one, opposite en- 
 tire leaves without stipules, and solitary 
 lurid flowers. The calyx consists of numer- 
 ous colored sepals compounded with the 
 petals, and all united below with a fleshy 
 tube bearing numerous stamens on its 
 rim; the outer stamens open outwardly; 
 the inner ones are barren. There are 
 several ovaries, which are one-celled and 
 adherent to the caly cine tube ; the ovules 
 are one or two. The fruit consists of 
 achenes inclosed by the calyx; the seeds 
 are without albumen. The flowers have 
 an aromatic fragrance. The plants are 
 natives of North America and Japan. 
 The bark of Calycanthusjloridus (Carolina 
 Allspice, Sweet-scented or Strawberry 
 Shrub) is sometimes used as a substitute 
 for Cinnamon. There are only two known 
 genera, the Calycanthm of America and 
 the Chimonanthus of Japan, the two con- 
 taining six species. 
 
 Calycanths. An English name for Calycanth- 
 acece. 
 
 Calyceracece, (Boopidece.) The Calycera 
 family, a natural order of gamopetalous 
 Calycifloral Dicotyledons included in 
 Londley's Campanal Alliance. They con- 
 sist of herbs with alternate leaves with- 
 out stipules, and with flowers collected in 
 heads. The order occupies an interme- 
 diate place between Composites and Dip- 
 uacacece, differing from the former in their 
 seed, which is pendulous and albuminous, 
 as in Dipsacacece, and from the latter in 
 their anthers being united around the 
 style, as in Composites. They are natives 
 of South America, but have no special
 
 304 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAL 
 
 interest Calycera, Adcarpha, and Boo- 
 
 Calycine, Calyainal.Ot or belonging to a 
 calyx; also a calyx of unusual size; or 
 having the texture of a calyx. 
 
 Calycatus. Furnished with a calyx; or 
 where the calyx is large or remarkable. 
 
 Calyciform. Formed like a calyx. 
 
 Cdycaideous. Besembling a calyx. 
 
 Calyculate. When the flower appears as 
 though it possessed a double calyx, as 
 Myoseris. 
 
 Calyptra. Literally, an extinguisher; ap- 
 plied to the body which tips the theca of 
 a Moss, and the like; having a calyptra. 
 
 Calyptra, (adj. Calyptrate^The, hood of an 
 Urn Moss. 
 
 Calyx. The most external of the floral en- 
 velopes; it is called adherent or superior 
 when it is not separable from the ovary; 
 free or inferior when it is separate from 
 that part; and calyculate when it is sur- 
 rounded at the base by bracts in a ring. 
 Also the receptacle of some kinds of 
 fungi. 
 
 Calyxulus. A partial involucre, containing 
 but one, or perhaps two flowers. Also 
 the external bracts of a capitulum, (which 
 see,) when they form a distinct ring or 
 rings. 
 
 Calyplriformis.Lik.e a calyptra or an ex- 
 tinguisher, as the calyx of Eucalyptus. 
 
 Camara. A carpel; the core of the Ap- 
 ple, etc. 
 
 . Cambium. The viscid fluid which appears 
 between the bark and wood of Exogens, 
 when the new wood is forming. Also the 
 mucus of vegetation out of which all new 
 organs are produced. 
 
 Campaniform. Shaped like a bell; the 
 same as Campanulate, which see. 
 
 Campanulacece, (Campanula;, Sellworts, 
 Hare-bell family.) A natural order of 
 
 CAM 
 
 Calycifloral Gamopetalous Dicotyledons, 
 and characterizing Lindley's Campanal 
 Alliance. They are milky herbs or un- 
 dershrubs, with alternate leaves, having no 
 stipules, and usually bearing showy blue 
 or white flowers. The calyx is above the 
 ovary, (superior,) and is commonly five- 
 cleft, persistent; the corolla regular, bell- 
 shaped, and usually five-lobed, wither- 
 ing; stamens, five, distinct; style with 
 hairs. The fruit is one or two-celled, or 
 many-celled, the capsule opening by slits 
 at the sides, or by valves at the apex; 
 the seeds are numerous, albuminous, and 
 attached to a central placenta. The 
 plants are chiefly natives of the north of 
 Asia, Europe, and North America, and 
 are scarcely known in hot regions. The 
 chains of the Alps, Italy, Greece, the 
 Caucasus and the Altai, are their true 
 homes. Several are found at the Cape 
 of Good Hope. The species opening 
 with lateral slits in the seed vessels are 
 chiefly natives of the northern hemi- 
 sphere; while those opening by valves at 
 the top of their seed-vessels belong to the 
 southern hemisphere. The plants have 
 a milky, acrid juice, but the roots and 
 young shoots are often cultivated as arti- 
 cles of food, as, for example, the Ram- 
 pion, ( Campanula Eapunculus.} There are 
 twenty-nine known genera, and five hun- 
 dred and forty species. Some of them 
 furnish handsome flowers for the border. 
 Jasione, Phyteuma, Campanula, Adonopho- 
 ra, and Platycodon are examples of the 
 order. 
 
 Campanulate. Bell-shaped, as the corolla 
 of Campanula. 
 
 Campaniform. The same as campanulate. 
 
 Camptotropal. An orthotropal ovule, 
 curved downward like a horseshoe, with 
 the sides adherent. See Orthotropal.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 305 
 
 CAM 
 
 Campylospermous. When a seed or seed- 
 like fruit is so rolled up as to have a fur- 
 row in the longer diameter of one side. 
 
 Campylotr&pal. An ovule, one of whose 
 sides grows much faster than the other, 
 so that while the chalaza (which see) re- 
 mains at the hilum, the foramen (which 
 see) is brought nearly into contact with 
 it, 
 
 Canaliculate. Channeled or furrowed, like 
 the petioles of many leaves. 
 
 Gancellate. Latticed; resembling lattice- 
 work; comprised of veins only, all the 
 parenchyma or intervening web being 
 absent; as where the single fibers, of which 
 the whole plant of Byssus cancellatus is 
 composed, cross each other. 
 
 Candidus. A pure white; but not so clear 
 as snow-white. 
 
 Canescens. More or less gray, verging on 
 white; grayish-white; hoary; a term ap- 
 plied to hairy surfaces. 
 
 Ganescent. Hoary; approaching to white. 
 
 Canker. A rather indefinite term, used to 
 denote a disease resulting in the slow de- 
 cay of trees or other plants attacked by 
 it. 
 
 Cannabinacece, (Cannabinece, Hempworts.) 
 A natural order of Monochlamydeous 
 Dicotyledons, belonging to Lindley's TJr- 
 tical Alliance. They are rough-stemmed 
 herbs with watery sap, alternate and 
 lobed leaves with stipules, and small, in- 
 conspicuous flowers. The plants have 
 some flowers with stamens without pis- 
 tils, and others with pistils without sta- 
 mens. The staminate flowers are in 
 clusters called racemes or panicles; 
 the calyx is herbaceous and scaly; the 
 stamens are few and opposite the sepals; 
 the filaments are filiform. The pistillate 
 flowers are in spikes or c-oiies, with a sin- 
 gle sepal; the ovary is one-celled, and 
 
 CAP 
 
 contains a solitary, pendulous ovule; 
 there are two stigmas. The fruit is a 
 single-seeded nut; the embryo is hooked 
 or spiral, without albumen. The plants 
 are natives of the temperate parts of the 
 East Indies and Europe. They posseas 
 narcotic qualities and yield valuable 
 fibers. Cannabis sativa yields the well- 
 known Hemp, one of our most valuable 
 fibers. It is imported in large quanti- 
 ties from Russia, and is produced in a 
 small way in this country. The plant 
 grows naturally in the cooler parts of In- 
 dia, and there develops narcotic qualities, 
 which seem to reside in the resin which 
 covers the leaves. What are called 
 Hemp Seeds, used for the food of birds, 
 are in reality Hemp fruits, each contain- 
 ing a single seed. ffumulus Lupulus, 
 the well-known Hop, possesses both ton- 
 ic and hypnotic properties, that is, a 
 power to produce sleep. The scales of 
 the Hop heads are covered with resinous 
 matter, which has an aromatic odor. 
 There are but two known genera in the 
 order, Cannabis and ffumul.ua;, and two 
 species. 
 
 Cannacece. The Indian Shot family, a nat- 
 ural order of Epigynous Monocotyledons 
 belonging to Lindley's Amomal Alliance. 
 The name of Marantacece is also given to 
 the order. See Marantacece. 
 
 Canua. Grayish white or hoary; a term 
 applied to hairy surfaces. 
 
 Cap. The convex part of an Agaric or 
 other similar Fungi. 
 
 Capittaceous, Capillary. Having the form of 
 a thread; very slender; resembling a 
 hair. 
 
 Capillaceoux, Capillary. Very slender, like 
 a hair. 
 
 Capillary-multifid. Divided into slender, 
 hair-like segments.
 
 306 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAP 
 
 Capillaie. Hairy, stringy. 
 
 GapiUitium. Entangled filamentary matter 
 in Fungi. 
 
 ( V//KS, (adj. Capillaris.) The breadth of a 
 hair; the twelfth part of a line. 
 
 Capitate. Having a head ; pin-headed, as 
 the stigma of the Primrose, or as certain 
 hairs. Also, growing in a head, or close 
 terminal clusters, as the flowers of Com- 
 posite?, etc. When a style is swollen at 
 the apex, as if capped, it is said to be 
 capitate. 
 
 Capitdlate, Capitular, Capitulate. Growing 
 in small heads. 
 
 CapUuii. Small heads. 
 
 Capituliform. Formed like a small head. 
 
 Capitulum. A close head of sessile flowers. 
 The term is also vaguely applied among 
 Fungi to the receptacle, pileus, or peri- 
 dium, which see. 
 
 Capparidiacece, (Capparids.) A natural or- 
 der of Thalamifloral Dicotyledons belong- 
 ing to Lindley's Cistal Alliance. The or- 
 der is composed of herbs, shrubs, or trees 
 with alternate leaves and solitary or clus- 
 terad flowers; there are four sepals, im- 
 bricate or valvate; four petals, arranged j 
 crosswise, sometimes eight; the stamens i 
 are usually numerous, and a multiple of ; 
 four, placed at the top of a stalk-like re- 
 ceptacle; the disk is much developed. ! 
 The ovary is usually supported on a stalk, 
 and is one-celled, with parietal placentas, j 
 The fruit is either pod-like and opening, 
 or berried; the seeds are often kidney- 
 shaped, and without albumen. The order 
 is divided into two sub-orders: Cleomcn; 
 with dry, dehiscent (splitting) fruit, and 
 Capparece, with a berry fruit. The plants 
 are chiefly tropical, and abound in Africa 
 and India. Some are found in Europe 
 and in North America. They have pun- 
 gent and stimulant qualities, and lmv<> 
 
 CAP 
 
 been used for scurvy. The flower buds 
 of Capparis spinosa furnish the well-known 
 Capers. C. JEgyptiaca is thought by some 
 to be the Hyssop of Scripture. There 
 are thirty-three known genera and three 
 hundred and fifty-five species. Capparis, 
 Cleome, Polanisia, and Cratceva, are exam- 
 ples of the genera. 
 
 Capparids. Another name for Capparidia- 
 cece, which see. 
 
 Capreolus. A tendril. 
 
 Caprification. A fertilization of flowers by 
 the aid of insects, as that of the Fig by a 
 small fly. 
 
 Caprifoliaeece, (Lonicerece, Capri/oils, the 
 Honeysuckle family.) A natural order of 
 gamopetalous (which see) Calycifloral 
 Dicotyledons belonging to Lindley's Ci- 
 chonal Alliance. They are shrubs or 
 herbs, often twining, with opposite leaves 
 which have no stipules; the calyx is ad- 
 herent to the ovary, its limb four to five 
 cleft, and usually with small leaves 
 (bracts) at its base; the corolla is supe- 
 rior, regular or irregular; the stamens 
 are four or five, alternate with the lobes 
 of the corolla. The ovary is usually three 
 to five celled, and the stigmas three or 
 five. The fruit is generally a berry, with 
 one or more cavities, and crowned with 
 the calyx lobes; the albumen is fleshy. 
 They are natives of the northern parts of 
 Europe, Asia, and America, found spar- 
 ingly in Northern Africa, and unknown in 
 the southern hemisphere. Some are as- 
 tringent, and others have emetic and 
 purgative qualities. Many have showy 
 and fragrant flowers. The common 
 Honeysuckle (Lonicera) is one of the 
 most esteemed of our climbing or twin- 
 ing plants. Among other plants of the 
 order may be mentioned the Snowball or 
 Guelder Kose, (Viburnum opulus,) the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 307 
 
 CAP 
 
 Snowberry, (Symphoricarjms racemosu*,) 
 the Elder, (Sambucus nigra,) and the 
 Laurustinus, (Viburnum Tinus,) as well 
 as Linncea borealix. The black berries of 
 the species of Viburnum found on the 
 Himalaya Mountains are eatable and 
 agreeable. 
 Caprifoils. The English name of C'aprifoli- 
 
 Capsomania, An unnatural development of 
 pistils, which may consist of an excessive 
 multiplication or of such a derangement 
 as impedes their functions. In the first 
 case the unusual demands for nutritive 
 matter cannot be met, and the fruit be- 
 comes small and abortive; in the latter, 
 as in green-centered Roses, bladder 
 Plums, etc., the ovules, being imperfect, 
 do not come to perfection. 
 
 Capsule. Any dry, dehiscent (which see) 
 seed vessel, with one or more cells. A 
 spurious capsule is any dry seed vessel 
 that is not dehiscent, or does not split 
 open. Also employed to denote, among 
 Fungi, certain kinds of receptacles. 
 
 Gaput. The peridium (which see) of cer- 
 tain Fungi. Caput radicis means the 
 crown of a root; also, the very short 
 stem, or rather bud, which terminates 
 the roots of herbaceous plants. 
 
 Carageen or Carrageen, (Irish Moss.) A 
 name given in Ireland to Gkondrus cris- 
 pus and some other allied Algae. Vast 
 quantities are collected for sale, and sup- 
 ply a useful article for feeding cattle and 
 making jelly for invalids. Its decided 
 sea taste and odor are against its being a 
 perfect substitute for isinglass. There is 
 no doubt, however, that in the sick cham- 
 ber it is a far better substitute than gela- 
 tine, as that has very small, if any nutri- 
 tive qualities, a fact not perhaps suffi- 
 ciently known. 
 
 CAB 
 
 Carcerule. An indehiscent, many-celled, 
 superior fruit, such as that of the Lin- 
 den. Also employed among Fungi to 
 denote their spore-cases. 
 
 Carcinodes. A term applied to what is 
 commonly called Canker in trees, which 
 may be characterized as a slow decay, 
 and in regard to which the Rev. M. J. 
 Berkeley, an excellent authority, says: 
 " The appearances are very different in 
 different plants, and the causes different. 
 The same plant, as the Apple, may even ex- 
 hibit three or four different kinds of Cank- 
 er. One form arises from the attack of the 
 Woolly Aphis; a, second from the devel- 
 opment of bundles of adventitious roots, 
 whose tips decay and harbor moisture, 
 and contaminate the subjacent tissues; 
 a third exhibits itself without any appar- 
 ent cause, in the form of broad, dark, 
 or even black patches, spreading in every 
 direction; while a fourth shows pale, de- 
 pressed streaks, which soon become con- 
 fluent, and eventually kill, first the bark, 
 and then, as a necessary consequence, 
 the underlying wood. The only remedy 
 is to cut out completely the affected parts, 
 and that is not always efficacious. The 
 Canker of the Plum and Apricot is 
 brought on by gumming. In many cases, 
 Canker arises doubtless from the roots 
 penetrating into some ungenial soil, 
 which vitiates the juices and induces 
 death to the weaker cells, from which it 
 spreads to surrounding tissue. The rug- 
 ged appearance is generally due to a 
 struggle between the vital powers of the 
 plant and the diseased action." 
 
 Carcinoma. A disease in trees when the 
 bark separates, an acrid sap exuding and 
 ulcerating the surrounding parts. 
 
 Carcithium. The mycelium (which see) of 
 certain Fungi.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAR 
 
 Carcytes. The same as mycelium, which see. 
 
 Caries. A. word used in vegetable pathol- 
 ogy to denote decay of the walls of the 
 cells and vessels, whether attended by a 
 greater or less degree of moisture. 
 
 Carina, (adj. Carinafe.)k keel like that of 
 a boat; the two anterior or lower petals 
 of a papilionaceous flower, the three an- 
 terior in a Milkwort, etc. Also, the thin, 
 sharp back of certain parts, as that of a 
 glume of Phalaris, etc. 
 
 Connate. Keel-shaped. See Carina. 
 
 Carinately-concave. Hollowed, so as to re- i 
 semble a keel externally. 
 
 Carinately-winged. Haying a wing like a 
 keel 
 
 Carinato-plicate. So plaited that each fold 
 is like a keel, as in the peristome (which 
 see) of some Urn Mosses. 
 
 Cariopsis. A one-celled, one-seeded, supe- i 
 rior fruit, whose pericarp is membranous I 
 and united to the seed, as in Wheat, 
 Maize, and other kinds of grain. 
 
 Carneus. Pale red, or flesh-color. 
 
 Carnose, Carnosus. Fleshy. 
 
 Carious. Decayed. 
 
 Caro. The fleshy part of fruit, or that 
 which is edible. Also, the flesh or tissue 
 of which Fungi consist. 
 
 Carpadelium. An inferior, indehiscent, 
 (which see,) two or more celled fruit with 
 solitary seeds, and carpels which, when 
 ripe, separate from a common axis, as in 
 Umbellifers. 
 
 Carpet Bedding. See Bedding. 
 
 Carpel, CarpeHa, (adj. Carpellaris.)One of | 
 the rolled-up leaves of which the pistil is 
 composed, whether they are combined or 
 distinct; the small parts of which com- 
 pound fruits are formed. 
 
 Carpockmium. A free case or receptacle of I 
 spores found in certain Algae. 
 
 Carpofagy.Th&t part of botany which ! 
 
 CAR 
 
 treats of the structure of fruits and 
 
 Carpomania. A term used to denote the 
 grittiness of Pears, Quinces, Medlars, etc. ; 
 a condition which always exists, and can- 
 not be altogether removed by cultivation, 
 though it may make the fruit more juicy. 
 Grittiness depends on the deposit of lay- 
 er after layer of new matter within cer- 
 tain cells till they become hard. In the 
 warm climate of Italy Quinces are often 
 so full of these cells as to become uneat- 
 able. 
 
 Carpomorpha. Those parts in cryptogam- 
 ic plants which resemble true fruits with- 
 out being such receive this name, as the 
 spores of Lichens. 
 
 Garpophorum. The stalk of the pistil above 
 or beyond the stamens. 
 
 Carpophyttum. The same as carpel, which 
 see. 
 
 Carpopodium. A fruit stalk. 
 
 Carpoptosis. This term is used in reference 
 to the sudden arrest of growth and fall- 
 ing off of fruit and grain after impregna- 
 tion has taken place, and more or less 
 growth has been made. This result 
 will sometimes happen in consequence of 
 more fruit setting than the plant is able 
 to nourish; and in other cases the growth 
 of the plant will be so vigorous as to di- 
 vert the flow of the sap from the fruit, 
 and, in consequence, it falls off or fails 
 to mature; a matter of very common oc- 
 currence in both fruits and flowers. 
 There are, doubtless, other causes for the 
 falling of fruit aside from insects, which 
 are not yet well understood. 
 
 Carpostomium. The opening into spore 
 cases of Algae. 
 
 Cartilaginous. Hard and tough like the 
 skin of an apple-seed or a piece of parch- 
 ment.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAR 
 
 Caruncula, (adj. Carunculate, Caruncular.) 
 A wart or protuberance round or near the 
 hilum (which see) of a seed. 
 
 Cart/ophyllacece, (Silenece, Alsinece, Queriacece, 
 Miitttartiece, Molluginece, Steudelue, Sile- 
 nads, Cloveworts, the Chickweed family.) 
 A natural order of Thalamifloral Dicotyle- 
 dons belonging 1 to Lindley's Silenal Al- 
 liance. The plants of this order are 
 herbs with stems swollen at the joints, j 
 entire and opposite leaves, and a definite 
 (cymose) inflorescence; the sepals are 
 four to five, separate or cohering; the 
 petals are four to five, with narrow claws, 
 which are sometimes wanting; the sta- 
 mens are usually as many or twice as 
 many as the petals. The ovary is often 
 supported on a stalk, (gynophore, which ! 
 see,) usually one-celled, with a free cen- 
 tral placenta; the styles are two to five, 
 with papillae on their inner surface. The 
 fruit is a capsule, opening by two to five 
 valves, or by teeth at the apex, which are 
 twice as many as the stigmas; the seeds 
 are usually indefinite; the embryo is 
 curved round mealy albumen. There are 
 three sub-orders, viz.: 1. Silenece, the 
 Pink tribe, with united sepals opposite 
 the stamens, when the latter are of the 
 same number. 2. Alsinece, the Chick- 
 weed tribe, with separate sepals, bearing 
 the same relation to the stamens as in 
 Silenece. 3. Mottuginece, the Carpet-weed 
 tribe, in which the petals are wanting, 
 and the stamens are alternate with the 
 sepals when of the same number. The 
 plants of this order are natives principal- 
 ly of temperate and cold regions. They 
 inhabit mountains, rocks, hedges, and 
 waste places. Humboldt says that Clove - 
 worts constitute a twenty-secondth part 
 of the flowering plants of France, one 
 twenty- seventh of those of Germany, one 
 
 CAS 
 
 seventeenth of Lapland, and one seventy- 
 secondth of North America. The order 
 has no very marked properties. There 
 are some very showy flowers in the order, 
 such as the well-known and popular Pinks 
 and Carnations; but the greater number 
 are mere weeds. The Clove Pink (Dian- 
 thus Caryophyllux) is the origin of all the 
 cultivated varieties of Carnations, as Pi- 
 cotees, Bizarres, and Flakes. The com- 
 mon Chickweed (Stellaria media) and 
 Spurry, (Spergula arvensis,) the latter 
 used as fodder for sheep, are other ex- 
 amples. There are about sixty genera 
 and 1,100 species. Dianthus, SUene, 
 Lychnis, Cerastium, Arenaria, Alsine, Sa- 
 ponaria, are examples of this order. 
 
 Caryophyllaceous, Carophylla'tts. A corolla 
 whose petals have long, distinct claws, as 
 in the Clove Pink. 
 
 Cassideous. Having the form of a helmet; 
 as the upper sepal in the flower of an 
 Aconite. 
 
 Castratus. When an important part is 
 missing, as in the case of filaments which 
 have no anthers. 
 
 Casuarinacece. A group of about a score of 
 species of jointed, leafless trees or shrubs 
 which, in their striated internodes and 
 toothed-ribbed sheaths, have some re- 
 semblance to Equisetums, while in other 
 respects they are allied, in some meas- 
 ure, to Ephedra and the Coniferce, under 
 which they were formerly classed, and 
 still more with Myricacece and other 
 amentaceous groups, near to which they 
 are now placed as a small, distinct fam- 
 ily. Their flowers are unisexual, the 
 males, in distinct whorls, forming a cylin- 
 drical spike; each stamen is inclosed in 
 four scale-like leaflets, the two outer 
 ones considered as bracts, persistent at the 
 base of the stamen, while the two inner
 
 310 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CAT 
 
 ones, or sepals, firmly cohering at the 
 tips, are carried upward by the anthers 
 as the filament is produced. The female 
 flowers are in dense axillary heads with- 
 out any perianth. The ovaries, sessile 
 within the bracts of the head, are 
 one-celled, with a single ascending ovule, 
 and bear two styles united at the base ; 
 the winged nuts are collected in a cone 
 hidden under the thickened bracts. The 
 Casuarinas are natives of Australia, New 
 Caledonia, and the Indian Archipelago. 
 
 Cataclesium. A one-celled, one-seeded 
 fruit inclosed within a hardened calyx, 
 as in Mirabilis. 
 
 Catapetalous. Having the petals slightly 
 united by their inner edge near the base, 
 as in the Mallow. A form of polypeta- 
 lous, which see. 
 
 Catemdate. Formed of parts united end to 
 end, like the links of a chain. 
 
 Catkin. A deciduous spike, consisting of 
 unisexual apetalous flowers; an amen- 
 tum, which see. The flowers of the Wil- 
 low, Hazel, etc., are Catkins. 
 
 Catidus. A catkin or amentum, which see. 
 
 Cauda. Any long, soft, narrow terminal 
 appendage resembling a tail, as that of 
 the corolline lobes of Strophanthus or the 
 lateral sepals of Cypripedium caudatum. 
 
 Caudatus, Caudate. Tailed, or having a 
 long terminal appendage. See Cauda. 
 
 Caudex. The axis of a plant, consisting of 
 the stem and root. Applied also to the 
 trunk of Palms and Tree Ferns. Caudex 
 repens is a creeping stem, or what is 
 now called a rhizome. Caudex descendens 
 is the root 
 
 Caudicula. The cartilaginous strap which 
 connects certain kinds of pollen masses 
 to the stigma, as in Maxillaria. 
 
 Caulescent. Acquiring a stem. 
 
 Caulicle.A. portion of the axis intermedi- 
 
 CED 
 
 ate in structure and position between 
 the true root and stem, and called the 
 hypocotyledoiiary axis; the space between 
 the radicle and cotyledons. 
 I Caulicule. The little stem of the embryo 
 which unites the cotyledons with the rad- 
 icle. 
 
 Caidigenous. Arising from a stem. 
 
 Cauline. rOf or belonging to the stem. 
 Cauline stipules are such as adhere to the 
 stem as much as to the petiole or leaf. 
 
 Caulis. The stem or ascending axis; a 
 name given only to the part in its cus- 
 tomary state, growing in the air. Caulis 
 deliquescens, a stem which at a distance 
 above the earth breaks into irregular 
 ramifications, as in the Oak. Caulis ex- 
 currens, a stem which shoots straight 
 from the ground to the summit, having 
 branches on the sides, as in Abies. 
 \ Caulocarpous. A stem which Lives many 
 years, repeatedly bearing flowers and 
 fruit; as a shrub or tree. 
 
 Cauloma, The stem of a Palm Tree; the 
 stem-like portion of the thallus (which 
 see) of such Algce as some Fuci. 
 
 Caulon. In Greek words equivalent to 
 stem. 
 
 Cavernuli. The pores of certain Fungi. 
 
 Cavus. Hollow, full of holes. The peridi- 
 um (which see) of certain Fungi. Cavus 
 superus is the hymenium (which see) of 
 certain Fungi. 
 
 Cedrelacece, ( Cedrelads, the Mahogany family. ) 
 A natural order of Thalamifloral Dico- 
 tyledons belonging to Lindley's Rutal 
 Alliance. The order consists of trees 
 with alternate pinnate leaves, without 
 stipules. The flowers in panicles; the 
 calyx four to five cleft; the petals four to 
 five; the stamens eight to ten, inserted on 
 a disk, ..The ovary is three to five celled. 
 The fr*ut>. is, a capsule opening by valves,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 311 
 
 CED 
 
 which separate from a thick axis; the 
 seeds ai'e numerous, flat, winged, and 
 anatropal, that is, with the opening near 
 the hilum, (which see,) and the chalaza 
 (which see) at the opposite end. There 
 are two sub-orders, viz. : Smeteniece, with 
 the filaments of the stamens united. 2. 
 Cedrelece, in which the filaments are not 
 united. They are natives of the tropics 
 of America and India, and very rare in 
 Africa. The plants of this order are 
 generally fragrant, aromatic, and tonic. 
 Many supply compact, beautifully- veined 
 timber, such as the well-known Mahoga- 
 ny of tropical America, (Swietenia Mahag- 
 oni,) the Satin-wood of India, (Chlorox- 
 ylon Swietenia,) the Yellow-wood of New 
 South Wales, (Oxleya xanthoxyla,} the 
 Red-wood of Coromandel, (Soymidafebri- 
 fuga,) and the Toon of India, or Simal- 
 Kun of the Lepchas, (Cedrela Toona.) 
 A kind of oil is procured from Satin- 
 wood, and the barks of Cedrela febrifuga, 
 as well as the Mahogany Tree, and others, 
 are used medicinally in intermittent fe- 
 vers, etc. There are nine known genera 
 and twenty-five species. Swietenia, Ce- 
 drelea, Flindersia, and Soymida are exam- 
 ples of the order. 
 Gedrelads. The English name for Cedre- 
 
 Celastracece, (Gelastrinece, Spindle Trees.) 
 A natural order of the Calycifloral Poly- 
 petalous Dicotyledons belonging to Lind- 
 ley's Ehamnal Alliance. The order con- 
 sists of shrubs or small trees with alter- 
 nate, rarely opposite simple leaves, hav- 
 ing stipules which fall off. The flowers 
 are in axillary cymes, and are small, 
 either green, white, or purple; the sepals 
 and petals are four to five, imbricate, the 
 petals being sometimes wanting; the 
 stamens are four to five, inserted on a 
 
 GEL 
 
 large disk, which surrounds the ovary 
 and incloses it. The fruit is two to five- 
 celled, capsular or drupaceous, (cherry- 
 like;) the seeds usually with an aril, 
 (which see,) albuminous, with a large, 
 straight embryo. The plants are natives 
 of the warmer pails of Europe, North 
 America, and Asia, and far more abund- 
 ant beyond the tropics than within them. 
 There are two sub-orders, viz. : Euon- 
 ymeae, the fruit dry and capsular. 2. 
 Elceodendrece, the fruit drupaceous or 
 cherry-like. They are more or less acrid 
 in their properties, and some yield oils. 
 The Spindle Trees have a beautiful scar- 
 let aril, (which see,) which is derived 
 from the sides of the opening in the seed. 
 The species of Euonymus in America, 
 from their crimson capsules and arils, are 
 called Burning Bush. Celastrus scandens, 
 which is common in our woods, is often 
 called Wax-work. The wood of the Eu- 
 ropean Spindle Tree is used in France 
 for making a coarse gunpowder. There 
 are thirty-five known genera and two 
 hundred and eighty species. Celastrus, 
 Euonymus, and Ekeodendron are exam- 
 ples of this order. 
 
 Cella. A name sometimes given to a form 
 of the penthecium (which see) among 
 Fungi. 
 
 Cells, Cellules. Cavities in the interior of a 
 plant. The cells of tissue are those 
 which form the interior of the elemen- 
 tary vesicles. Cells of the stem, air-cells, 
 etc., are spaces organically formed by a 
 peculiar building up of tissue for various 
 vital purposes. 
 
 Cellular. Composed of cells. 
 
 Cellulares. A name given to Cryptogamiae, 
 from an idea that they consist entirely of 
 cells; but it is now known that vascular 
 tissue exists in many of the higher forms.
 
 312 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CEL 
 
 Cellular System. That part of the plant 
 which consists of cells or elementary vesi- 
 cles. 
 
 Cellulose. The primitive membrane, free 
 from all deposits of sedimentary or other 
 matter. 
 
 Celsus. Upright, stately, tall. 
 
 Cenobium, (adj. Cenobionar, Cenobioneus.) 
 Such fruits as those of Labiates, Borage- 
 worts, etc., which consist of several dis- 
 tinct lobes, not terminated by a style or 
 stigma. 
 
 Central Placenta. A column in the center of 
 fruits to which the seeds are attached. 
 
 Centrifugal. A term applied to those kinds 
 of inflorescence which, like the cyme, 
 (which see,) flower first at the point or 
 center, and last at the base or circumfer- 
 ence. 
 
 Centripetal. A term applied to those kinds 
 of inflorescence which, like the spike or 
 capitulum, (which see,) flower first at the 
 base or circumference, and last at the 
 point or center. 
 
 Gentron or Centrum. In Greek compounds 
 equivalent to calcar, a spur. 
 
 Cephalanthum.The capitulum or flower 
 head of Compositea 
 
 Cephalium. A peculiar woolly enlargement 
 of the apex of the stem of Melocactus, 
 among whose hairs the flowers appear. 
 
 Cephalodium. A knob-like shield, such as 
 occurs in the genus Scyphophorus. Also, 
 the capitulum or flower heads of Com- 
 posites. 
 
 Cephalophorum.A. term employed among 
 Fungi, sometimes to denote their recep- 
 tacle, sometimes their stipe. 
 
 Cephalotacece. The Australian Pitcher 
 Plant, Cephalotus follicularis, a very curi- 
 ous herb, with radical leaves mingled 
 with pitchers, is a plant of very doubtful 
 affinity. It has been considered provis- 
 
 CHA 
 
 ionally as a distinct family, bearing the 
 name Cephalotaceae. It has been com- 
 pared with Rosacece, Crassulacece, and Ra- 
 nunculacece ; but, according to the latest 
 authorities, (Benthani and Hooker,) it is 
 now classed with the Saxifragacece. 
 
 Cephalum. In Greek compounds equiva- 
 lent to the head or terminal mass, or 
 thickened end of anything. 
 
 Ceraceus, Cereus. Having the consistence 
 or appearance of wax. 
 
 Cercidium. The mycelium or spawn of cer- 
 tain Fungi. 
 
 Cereals. A term applied to all edible grains. 
 
 Cerinus. The color of yellow wax. 
 
 Cerium, Cerio. The same as Caryopsis, 
 which see. 
 
 Cernuous. Inclining a little from the per- 
 pendicular; generally applied to droop- 
 ing flowers; nodding, drooping, or pen- 
 dulous. 
 
 Cervinus, Cervine. Dark tawny, such as the 
 dark part of a lion's hide; deep yellow 
 with much gray. 
 
 Chceta. A bristle. The slender stalk of the 
 spore cases of Mosses; also called Seta, 
 which see. 
 
 Chaff. Small membraneous scales, the de- 
 generated state of bracts. See Paleaceous. 
 
 Chailletiacece. A family of Dicotyledons 
 belonging to Lindley's Khamnal Alliance, 
 differing from Celastracece in their usually 
 notched petals, in the five distinct glands 
 which take the place of the perigynous 
 (which see) disk, and generally in the 
 want of albumen to the seeds. They are 
 remarkable also for the great tendency of 
 the peduncles to combine with the peti- 
 oles, so that the flowers, which are really 
 axillary, appear to spring from the leaf 
 itself at the summit of the petiole. The 
 flowers are small, in paniculate cymes or 
 compact clusters. There are usually five
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 313 
 
 CHA 
 
 sepals, petals, and stamens, regularly al- 
 ternating with each other; but these 
 numbers are, in one genus, (Tapura,) 
 irregularly reduced. The ovary is supe- 
 rior, with two or three cells, and two 
 pendulous ovules in each cell; the style 
 is simple; the fruit a rather dry drupe 
 with one to two seeds. There are nearly 
 twenty species, natives of tropical regions, 
 and dispersed over both continents. 
 Chailletia, Moacarra, and Tapura are ex- 
 amples of the order. 
 
 Chalaza, (adj. Chalazinus.) A spot on the 
 seed, indicating where the vessels of 
 the raphe (which see) terminate. That 
 part of the seed where the nucleus joins 
 the integuments; it represents the base 
 of the nucleus, and is invariably opposite 
 the end of the cotyledons. 
 Channeled. Hollowed out, so as to resem- 
 ble a gutter; as in the leaves of Trades- 
 cantia Virginica. 
 
 Channel-leaved. Folded together so as to 
 resemble a channel for conducting water. 
 Characece. A small natural order of Aero- 
 gens, consisting of two, or at most three 
 genera. The species are all aquatic, and 
 are found in almost all parts of the world, 
 but are most common in temperate 
 countries. The species are either monoe- 
 cious or dioecious, the two kinds of fruit 
 being often seated close to each other. 
 The genera Nitella and Chara are exam- 
 ples of the order. 
 
 Character. A short phrase expressing the 
 essential marks by which a given plant 
 or group of plants is distinguished from 
 others. A specific character distin- 
 guishes one species from other species, 
 and so on. 
 
 Chartaceous. Thin, flexible, and membra- 
 neous, resembling paper or parchment, as 
 the pericarp of Anagallis arvensis. 
 
 CHL 
 
 Chenopodiacece, (Chenopods, the Goose-foot 
 family.) A natural order of Monochla- 
 mydeous Dicotyledons, characterizing 
 Lindley's Chenopodal Alliance. Herbs 
 or undershrubs, with alternate, some- 
 times opposite leaves, without stipules, 
 and small flowers, which are sometimes 
 unisexual, that is, have stamens and pis- 
 tils in separate flowers. They are incon- 
 spicuous plants, found in waste places in 
 all parts of the world, but abounding in 
 extra-tropical regions. Some of them 
 are used as pot-herbs, as, for instance, 
 Spinach, (Spinacia oleracea,} Orach, (Atri- 
 plex hortensis,) Beet, (Beta vulgaris,) and 
 others. The Mangel-wurzel is a variety 
 of Beet used for the food of cattle. The 
 Beet is cultivated in France and the Unit- 
 ed .States for the manufacture of sugar. 
 Some of the plants of this order yield so- 
 da, and others supply essential oils. The 
 seeds of Chenopodium Quinoa are used 
 as food in Peru. They abound in starch, 
 but have a bitterish taste. The seeds of 
 Chenopodium Bonus Henricus are used 
 in the manufacture of shagreen. There 
 are seventy-four known genera and 533 
 species. Salicornia, Spinacia, Beta, Che- 
 nopodium, and Atriplex are examples of 
 this order. 
 
 Chenopods. The English term for Cheno- 
 podiacece. 
 
 Chermesine. A kind of crimson. 
 
 ChkenaceoB. A small family consisting of 
 only four genera of one or two species 
 each, all from the island of Madagascar, 
 and as yet but very imperfectly known. 
 
 Chloranthacece. A small family of Dicotyle- 
 dons, with flowers of a very simple struc- 
 ture, allied to those of Piperacece and 
 SaururacecK. They are trees, shrubs, or 
 rarely herbs, with opposite leaves, con- 
 nected by sheathing stipules. The mi-
 
 314 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CHL 
 
 nute flowers are in simple or branched 
 terminal spikes, often articulate, as in 
 Gnetum. There are but very few species, 
 all tropical, and contained in two genera, 
 Chloranthus in Asia and Hedyosmum in 
 America. 
 
 Chloranihia.A. monstrous development of 
 the floral organs, where they become 
 more or less green, and partially assume 
 the character of leaves, as in Eoses, 
 Dahlias, etc. 
 
 Chloro. In Greek compounds chloro 
 means green. 
 
 Chlorochrous. Having a green skin. 
 
 OUorophyL The green resinous coloring 
 matter of the leaves and other parts, con- 
 sisting of minute grains, lying loosely in 
 the cells of the tissue. 
 
 Chlorosis. A disease to which plants are 
 subject, and often admitting no cure. It 
 consists in a pallid condition of the plant, 
 in which the tissues are weak and unable 
 to contend against severe changes, and 
 the cells are more or less destitute of 
 chlorophyL It is distinct from blanching, 
 as it is also from the white color in orna- 
 mental-leaved plants, of which, however, 
 it may be a modification. Plants may be 
 affected by chlorosis as soon as the cotyl- 
 edons make their appearance. The best 
 culture will not always restore such 
 plants to health. The most promising- 
 remedy is to water them with a very weak 
 solution of sulphate of iron. An example 
 of this condition is to be found in cases 
 where the variegated leaves of Pelargoni- 
 ums, etc., run to pure white without any 
 green. In all such cases death is cer- 
 tain to ensue, unless the leaves again be- 
 come more or less green. 
 
 Chlorospermece. One of the three great di- 
 visions of Algce, characterized by the 
 green color of the spores. See 
 
 CIL 
 
 Chorda Pistittaris. A line of tissue reaching 
 from the stigma down to the cavity of the 
 ovary. 
 
 Chorion. A carpel; also the pulpy matter 
 which fills the interior of a young seed 
 before impregnation. 
 
 Choristophyllous. Separate leaved. 
 
 Chromatidium. The coloring matter of 
 plants. 
 
 Chromism. A preternatural coloring of 
 plants, as that of leaves when they be- 
 come red, etc. 
 
 Chromule. The fluid coloring matter of 
 vegetation. 
 
 Chrysaloideus. Rolled up and folded up at 
 the same time. 
 
 Chrysanthus. Yellow flowered. 
 
 Chryso. In Greek compounds chryso is 
 equivalent to golden yellow. 
 
 Chrysobalanacece. A family of Dicotyledons 
 closely allied to Eosacece, or more gener- 
 ally considered as a tribe of that order 
 taken in its most extended sense. They 
 are distinguished from the other tribes 
 by a frequent irregularity in the stamens, 
 and more especially by their solitary car- 
 pels, with the style always proceeding 
 from the base, and containing two as- 
 cending ovules. The fruit is free, either 
 drupaceous or capsular. There are 
 twelve genera and nearly a hundred 
 known species. 
 
 Chrysochrous. Having a yellow skin. 
 
 Cicatricule. The scar formed by the sepa- 
 ration of a leaf from its stem. 
 
 Cicatrisate, Cicatricose. Marked with scars. 
 
 Cicatrix, Cicatrice. Any kind of scar formed 
 by the separation of one part from an- 
 other. 
 
 Cilice. Somewhat "-stiffish hairs, which 
 form a fringe on the margin of an or- 
 gan, as those on the leaf of Semj)ervivum 
 tectorum.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 315 
 
 CIL 
 
 Ciliated. Margined with hairs. 
 
 Ciliary-scabrous. Having rough ciliated 
 margins. 
 
 Ciliately-toothed. The same as ciliato-den- 
 tate, which see. 
 
 CHiately-plumose. Having long hairs on the 
 margin like the feathers of a quill. 
 
 Ciliato-dentate. Toothed and fringed ; 
 when the teeth of anything are finely 
 serrated as if fringed. 
 
 Cilio-serrate. When the serratures of any- I 
 thing end in a hair. 
 
 Cimicine. Smelling of bugs, as Coriander. 
 
 Cinchonacece, (Rubiacece, Cinchonads, the 
 Peru vian Bark family. ) A natural order of 
 gamopetalous (which see) Calycifloral Di- 
 cotyledons, characterizing Lindley's Cin- 
 chonal Alliance. The order is sometimes 
 considered as a sub -order of the natural 
 family of R ubiacece, or Madderworts. The 
 order consists of trees, shrubs, or herbs, 
 with simple opposite leaves, having glan- 
 dular stipules placed between the 
 bases of the leaf-stalks, (interpetiolar,) 
 and flowers arranged in panicles or 
 corymbs. The calyx is adherent, entire, 
 or toothed; the corolla is irregular; the 
 stamens are attached to the corolla. The 
 ovary is two-celled; style one. The fruit 
 is inferior, either dry or succulent, 
 splitting into two, or not opening; the 
 seeds are either definite in number, or 
 numerous, containing a small embryo in 
 horny albumen. They are found chiefly 
 in tropical regions, where they constitute 
 about one twenty-seventh of the flower- ; 
 ing plants. The plants furnish many im- 
 portant products. They supply rem- i 
 edies for intermittent fevers, some are 
 emetic and purgative, while others act in 
 strengthening the tone of the stomach. 
 The famous Peruvian Bark or Quinine is 
 yielded by species of Cinchona, which 
 
 Cffi 
 
 grow in the Andes, between three thou- 
 sand and nine thousand feet above the 
 level of the sea. Coffea Arabica supplies 
 Coffee, which is the hard albumen of 
 the seeds. From Cephaelis Ipecacuanha we 
 get the well-known Ipecacua-n root, so 
 commonly used as an emetic. Among 
 flowering plants may be mentioned the 
 Gardenias, well known for their delicious 
 fragrance, and also the Ixoras. Cincho- 
 na, Coffea, Cephaelis, Ixora, Pentas, Gar- 
 denia, Musscenda, are examples of this or- 
 der. , 
 
 Cinchonads. An English term for Cincho- 
 nacece. 
 
 Cinctus. A term applied to albumen when 
 surrounded by an annular embryo. 
 
 Cinenchyma. That kind of tissue in which 
 latex, (which see,) or the proper juice of 
 plants, is supposed by some to be con- 
 veyed from place to place . It is proba- 
 bly a f onn of the intercellular passagea 
 
 Cinereous, Cineraceous. Ashy gray; a mix- 
 ture of white and black. 
 
 Cinerously-canescent. Between white and 
 ash-colored. 
 
 Ginerouxly-glaucous. Between sea-green 
 and ash-colored. 
 
 Cinerously-pul)escent. Covered with gray 
 pubescence. 
 
 Cinnabar. Scarlet touched with orange. 
 
 Cinnabar inous. The same as Cinnabar. 
 
 Cnnidinomeus. The color of cinnamon. 
 
 Circmal. Resembling a circle. 
 
 Circinalis, Circulate. Bent like the head of 
 a crosier, as in the young leaf of a Fern 
 when it begins to grow. 
 
 Circinately-re volute. Curled round like a 
 circle. 
 
 Gircumpositio. A technical term for what 
 gardeners call a layer, a branch laid into 
 the ground, or layered, in order that it 
 may strike root. See Propagation.
 
 316 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GIB 
 
 Oircumscissile, Circumseissu*. Cut circular- 
 ly around the sides, as in some seed-ves- 
 sels. 
 
 Circumscriptio. The outline of anything. 
 
 Oircumsepientia folia. A term applied to 
 leaves when they rise up like a funnel, 
 and surround the stem as if to protect the 
 young shoots, as in the Mai*vel of Peru. 
 The term is rarely used. 
 
 Cirrhose or Cimhous. Either furnished with 
 a tendril, as the Grape-vine or the leaves 
 of Gloriosasujwba; or assuming the form 
 and functions of a tendril, as the peduncles 
 of Clematis cirrhosa; or where the ten- 
 drils are in some way remarkable, as the 
 ascidia cirrhalia of Nepenthes. 
 
 Cirrhiferous. Bearing a tendril. 
 
 Cirrhiform. Shaped like a tendril. 
 
 Cirrhis. A tendril; a slender, twining or- 
 gan by which a plant climbs. 
 
 Cirrhositas. The production of tendrils. 
 
 Cistacece, (the Mock Rose family.) A natu- 
 ral order of Thalamifloral Dicotyledons, 
 characterizing Lindley's Cistal Alliance. 
 They are shrubs or herbs, often viscid, 
 with simple entire leaves and showy 
 flowers. There are three to five sepals, 
 which are persistent and unequal, the 
 three inner being twisted in the bud. 
 There are five petals, rarely three, falling 
 off, often crumpled, and twisted in an 
 opposite direction from the sepals. The 
 stamens are numerous, not united. The 
 fruit is a one-celled capsule with parietal 
 placentas, or imperfectly three to five- 
 celled with central placentas. Seeds with 
 mealy albumen; embryo curved or spiral. 
 The plants are found chiefly in the south 
 of Europe and the north of Africa, and 
 rarely in North or South America. They 
 are usually resinous, and have a balsamic 
 fragrance. Helianthemum vulgare, the 
 common Kock Rose of England, has re- 
 
 CLA 
 
 markably irritable stamens, which in sun- 
 ny weather move on being touched. 
 There are eight genera and about one 
 hundred and ninety species. Cistus, He- 
 lianthemum, Fumana, are examples of 
 this order. 
 
 Gistella, Cistula. A cell-like shield found 
 among Lichens in the genus Sphaero- 
 phoron. 
 
 Cistome. A membraneous sac which, accord- 
 ing to some, penetrates stomates, (which 
 see,) and reaches the bottom of the sub- 
 jacent chamber. If this statement be 
 correct, the cistome must be a fold of the 
 cuticle. 
 
 Gistophorum. The stipe of certain Fungi. 
 
 Gistusrapes. A name given by Lindley to 
 the group of Cytinaceous parasites. 
 
 Ciireous, Citrinous. Lemon-colored. 
 
 Citronworts. A name given by Lindley to 
 the family of Aurantiacece, to which the 
 Orange and Citron belong. 
 
 Clados. In Greek compounds this word 
 means a branch. 
 
 Glathrus. A lattice; a membrane pierced 
 with holes and forming a kind of grating, 
 as in the leaves of Ouvirandrafenistralis. 
 
 Glathrate. Latticed; divided like lattice- 
 work 
 
 Clausile. A name given by Richard to his 
 macropodal (which see) embryo when its 
 radicle is united by the edges and en- 
 tirely closes all the rest of it. 
 
 Clavate, Clavatus, Claviformis. Club-shaped, 
 as where any organ, slender at the base, 
 gradually enlarges towards the apex, as 
 the filaments of Thalictrum clavatum. 
 
 Glavellose. Clubbed, or having club-like 
 
 Glavicula. A tendriL 
 
 Glavula. The receptacle or spore-case of 
 
 certain Fungae. 
 Glavus. The disease which produces ergot
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 317 
 
 OLA 
 
 in grasses; so called because it causes 
 the young grain to grow into the form of 
 a nail or club. 
 
 Claw. The long narrow base of some pet- 
 als, analogous to the footstalk of leaves, 
 as in Dianthus. 
 
 destines. Large cells of parenchyma, in 
 which raphides (which see) are often de- 
 posited. 
 
 Cleft. Divided, but not to the base ; split. 
 
 Cliff or tiacecK. A name sometimes given to 
 Rosacece proper, including Sanguisorbece, 
 as distinguished from Amt/rjdalacece and 
 Pomacece. 
 
 Climber. A plant that grows upright upon 
 trees, walls, etc., and supports itself by 
 tendrils or by air-roots; an example of 
 the former being the Grape Vine, ( I '///., ) 
 and of the latter the Virginia Creeper, 
 (Ampelopsis. ) 
 
 Clinandriutn. The bed of the anther of 
 Orchids; an excavation of the top of a 
 column, in or on which the anther lies. 
 
 Clinanthium. A flat or broad space on 
 which flowers are packed closely; the 
 receptacle of Composites; a shortened, 
 widened axis. 
 
 Clinium. In Greek compounds this word 
 means receptacle. It also denotes an ac- 
 cessory part of certain Fungi, consisting 
 of very small, long, simple or branched 
 cells, bearing a spore at their end. 
 
 Clouded. When colors are unequally blend- 
 ed together. 
 
 Cloves. The small bulbs formed within the 
 mother-bulb of certain plants; such as 
 garlic. 
 
 Cloveijvorts. A name sometimes used for 
 Caryophyllacece, to which the clove Gilli- 
 flower belongs. 
 
 Club Root. A disease of the most destruc- 
 tive character, which frequently attacks 
 Cabbage, Cauliflower, and other plants 
 
 CLU 
 
 of the Brassica tribe. There is a great 
 deal of misconception as to what is the 
 cause of Club Boot, it being attributed 
 variously to wet land, dry land, hog 
 manure, and several other causes that 
 have got nothing to do with it whatever. 
 All observing horticulturists who have 
 had experience in the cultivation of Cab- 
 bage or Cauliflower, in any vicinity where 
 there is an oyster-shell deposit, know 
 that the Club Root is never seen in any 
 soil wherein there is an admixture of 
 oyster shells. Thousands of acres on the 
 shores of the Atlantic coast, on Long 
 Island and in New Jersey, have just such 
 soils, and there Cabbage crops have been 
 grown for upward of fifty years succes- 
 sively without a sign of this disease; 
 while in other soils, only a few hundred 
 yards distant, but having no mixture of 
 oyster shell in the soil, it is found that 
 Cabbages cannot be grown successively 
 on the same soil without being attacked 
 by Club Root, The inference is, there- 
 fore, plain, that the insect causing the 
 disease called Club Root cannot exist in 
 contact with, the lime of the oyster shell ; 
 for that the disease is caused by an in- 
 sect is well proven, as it is found that 
 the excrescence known as Club Root, 
 when examined, is found to contain a 
 small, whitish, grub-like larva. It is evi- 
 dent that the growing crop of Cabbage 
 invites in some way the perfect insect; 
 for it is found, that if Cabbage is planted 
 for the first time on new soil, it is rarely 
 attacked by Club Root, while if planted 
 the next year on the same soil, if lime is 
 not present, it is almost certain to be at- 
 tacked; and for this reason it is fair to 
 presume that the perfect insect, allured 
 by the Cabbage crop, deposits its eggs in 
 the soil, which remain undeveloped un-
 
 318 
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CLU 
 
 til the next season, when they are hatch- 
 ed and attack the -roots of the Cabbage 
 plants, and thus bring on the disease. 
 As an evidence of the correctness of this 
 belief, we never fail to find, for example, 
 if we plant alongside of each other, a 
 crop of Cabbage and a crop of Potatoes 
 or Beets, that if the succeeding year we 
 plant the whole with Cabbage, the part 
 only that was planted with Cabbage the 
 year before will be affected by Club Root, 
 and the parts planted with Potatoes or 
 Beets will escape. From our experience 
 that Cabbage planted in soils mixed with 
 oyster shells is exempt from Club Boot, 
 it is evident that the lime in the oyster 
 shells is the agent destructive to the in- 
 sect; therefore, in soils having no oyster 
 shells, we have found, if air-slacked lime 
 is put on at the rate of 150 bushels to the 
 acre after plowing, and well harrowed in, 
 so as to mix it with the soil, that it in 
 most cases will destroy the larv$e which 
 causes Club Root. We have also found, 
 from its containing large quantities of 
 lime, that Bone Dust, used as a fertilizer 
 at the rate of one to two tons per acre, is 
 another almost certain antidote against 
 Club Root. We would advise the use of 
 lime after fall plowing, but the Bone 
 Dust should only be put on before the 
 crop is planted in spring. 
 
 Club-shaped. The same as Clavate, which 
 see. 
 
 Clufriacece. The Gamboge family, a natu- 
 ral order belonging to Thalamifloral Di- 
 cotyledons, usually called GuUifene, 
 which see. 
 
 Clustered. Where numerous similar parts 
 are collected in a close, compact manner, 
 as in the flowers of Cuscufa. 
 
 Clypeate. Having the form of an ancient 
 buckler, the same as Scutate, which see. 
 
 COC 
 
 Coaceri-ate. (lathered together in a round 
 mass; the same as clustered, which see. 
 
 Coadnale, Coadunafe. The same as connate, 
 which see. 
 
 Coagulants. Congealing together. 
 
 Coalifio. The growing of one thing to an- 
 other; as when petals grow together to 
 form a monopetalous corolla. 
 
 Coarctate. Contracted, or drawn close to- 
 gether. 
 
 Coarclure. The neck of a plant. See Col- 
 lum. 
 
 Coated. Where the external parts are hard- 
 er than the internal; or are composed 
 of a distinct layer, as the bark on the 
 trunk, the rind of fruit, etc. 
 
 Cobwebbed. Covered with loose, white, en- 
 tangled, thin hair, resembling the web of 
 a spider, as inSempervivumarachnoideum 
 and other plants. 
 
 Coccidia. A peculiar form of the concepta- 
 cles (which see) in the rose-spored Algae, 
 which consists of globur tubercles with a 
 cellular wall continued from the sub- 
 stance of the frond, whether partly con- 
 fluent with it or free, and not opening in 
 general by a terminal spore, as in Rho- 
 dymenia and Gracilaria. The elongated 
 processes in such Algce as Gigartina mam- 
 millosa are called tubercles. In this 
 species at least there is a pore for the 
 exit of the spores. 
 
 Coccineus. A pure carmine color, slightly 
 tinged with yellow. 
 
 Coccodis. Resembling pills; consisting of 
 
 spheroidal granulations. 
 Coccus. A shell; a carpel, which separates 
 with elasticity from an axis common to 
 itself and others, as in Euphorbia, Rici- 
 nus, etc. 
 
 Cochlear. A term used in describing aesti- 
 vation, (which see,) when one piece, be- 
 ing larger than the others and hollowed
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 319 
 
 COG 
 
 like a helmet or bowl, covers all the others, 
 as in Aconitum. 
 
 Cochleate. Twisted in a short spire, resem- 
 bling the convolutions of a snail-shell, as 
 the pod of Medicago cochleata, or the seed 
 of Salicorma. 
 
 Cochlidiospermale. Seeds that are convex 
 on one side and concave on the other, 
 owing to unequal growth or anomalous 
 structure, as in Veronica. 
 
 Godiophyllus. "Where the leaf is covered 
 with a woolly pubescence. 
 
 Cceruleus. The same as Cseruleus, which see. 
 
 Ccesius. See Ccesius. 
 
 Cohering. Connecting. 
 
 Cohesion. The union or superficial incor- 
 poration of one organ with another. 
 
 Cold Frame. This is the term used for 
 the low glass structure in use for pro- 
 tecting such plants as are not sufficiently 
 hardy to withstand the winter in the 
 Northern States. They are used to pro- 
 tect Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Pars- 
 ley, etc., among vegetables, and Violets, 
 Pansies, Daisies, Primroses, Carnations, 
 Auriculas, etc., among flowers. The boxes 
 or frames used are simply two boards, 
 running parallel with each other, and 
 nailed to posts to secure them in line, the 
 one at the back or north side being ten 
 to twelve inches in height, and that 
 for the front, or south side, being seven 
 or eight inches, which gives pitch enough 
 to carry off the rain and to catch the sun's 
 rays. The width between these lines of 
 boards should be enough to take the 
 length of a six-foot sash, which is the 
 most convenient size. All the plants of 
 the character above named can be pro- 
 tected in the district of New York, where 
 the thermometer rarely falls lower than 
 8 below zero, with the glass alone; but in 
 colder sections the protection of light 
 
 COL 
 
 shutters in addition, over the glass, will be 
 necessary. In the Southern States, in dis- 
 tricts where the thermometer never falls 
 lower than 15 above zero, many of the har- 
 dier green-house plants, such as Fuchsias, 
 Geraniums, Azaleas, Camellias, Verbenas, 
 Abutilons, etc., may be kept equally well 
 in cold frames, as our so-called hardy 
 plants are kept at the North. 
 
 Cold Pits. Are identical with cold frames, 
 except that an excavation of from two to 
 four feet is made below the general level 
 of the ground, so as to admit of larger 
 plants being placed in them. The sunk- 
 en pit, however, is a better protection 
 than the cold frame on the surface ; for, 
 when sunk to the depth of two or three 
 feet, and covered with glass, it will resist 
 a much heavier frost than the frames on 
 the surface. Care must be taken that 
 both cold frames and cold pits are well 
 drained, either from the nature of the 
 soil or otherwise, as water standing in 
 them would be destructive to the plants, 
 whether planted in the soil or growing in 
 pots. 
 
 Coleophylor Coleoptile. The first leaf which 
 follows the cotyledons in Endogens, and 
 ensheaths the succeeding leaves. 
 
 Coleorhiza. The sheath formed at the base 
 of an endogenous embryo, where it is 
 pierced by the true radicle. 
 
 Coleitula. The small bag which contains 
 the spore-case of Liverworts. 
 
 Cottar. The ring upon the stipe of an 
 Agaric. See Collum. Also applied to 
 the neck or line of junction between the 
 root and stem of a tree, etc. 
 
 Cottare. The ligule or transverse mem- 
 brane that stands in grasses at the junc- 
 tion of the blade and the sheath of the 
 leaf. 
 
 Collateral. Standing side by side.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 COL 
 
 CoHapsion. The act of closing or falling to- 
 gether. 
 
 Collectors. The hairs found on the style of 
 such plants as the Campanula, and which 
 collect or brush out the pollen from the 
 anthers. 
 
 Collemaceoe. A natural order of Lichens, 
 distinguished principally by their gelati- 
 nous substance, and the green globules 
 which are so distinctive a mark of Li- 
 chens in general, forming necklace-like 
 threads. They are found in various 
 parts of the world. They attract little 
 notice when dry, but a few hours' rain 
 swells them out into beautiful objects. 
 One of the most curious genera is Myr- 
 langium, found in the south of England, 
 Algeria, Australia, and the United States. 
 It grows on the trunks of living trees, 
 and is remarkable for the high develop- 
 ment of the sacs or asci, in which the 
 sporidia (which see) are contained. The 
 species grow on trees, rocks, and the 
 bare ground, and, if Lichina be included, 
 in situations exposed to frequent immer- 
 sion in the sea. 
 
 CoUenchyma. The cellular matter in which 
 the pollen is generated. It is usually 
 absorbed, but remains and assumes a def- 
 inite form in some plants, as in Orchids, 
 or delicate threads, as in CEnothera. 
 
 Cottinus. Growing on low hills. 
 
 Collum. The point of junction between the 
 radicle and plumule, or the root and 
 stem; the point of departure of the 
 ascending and the descending axes, 
 (which see,) or the stem and root, which 
 is commonly called the collar. Also, the 
 lengthened orifice of the ostiolum (which 
 see) of a Lichen ; colliform is sometimes 
 applied to an ostiolum whose orifice is 
 lengthened into a neck. 
 
 Color, (adj. Colored, Coloratus.) Botanically, 
 
 COM 
 
 this term is used to denote any color ex- 
 cept green. In technical botany white is 
 regarded as a color, but green is not. 
 
 Colorans. Changeable, colored. 
 
 Colorate. Colored, painted. 
 
 Colpenchyma. Sinuous cellular tissue. 
 
 Colum. An obsolete term for the placenta. 
 
 Columbinus. Resembling a dove in shape 
 or color. 
 
 Columella. A little column; the firm cen- 
 ter of the spore-cases of an Urn Moss, 
 from which the spores separate; the axis 
 or stem of the fruit of Mosses. The long 
 axis around which the parts of a fruit are 
 united; in reality, the ripened growing 
 point.' A slender axis over which the 
 spore-cases of such Ferns as Trichamanes 
 are arranged. Also, an axis to which a 
 carpel of a compound pistil may be at- 
 tached, as in the Geranium. 
 
 Column, Columna. The combined stamens 
 and styles forming a solid central body, 
 as in Orchids, etc. 
 
 Columnai~is. Having the form of a column, 
 as the stamens of a Mallow. 
 
 Coma. The hairs at the ends of some 
 seeds; the empty leaves or bracts at the 
 end of the spike of such flowers as those 
 of the Pineapple. 
 
 Comatus. Tufted. 
 
 Comose. Furnished with hairs at the end. 
 See Coma. 
 
 Combinate-venose. When the lateral veins 
 of a leaf unite before they reach the mar- 
 gin. 
 
 Combretacece, (Myrol)alans.) A natural or- 
 der of polypetalous Calycifloral Dicotyl- 
 edons belonging to Lindley's Myrtal 
 Alliance. They are trees or shrubs, 
 with alternate or-- opposite entire leaves 
 without stipules. The flowers are some- 
 times imperfect, some having stamens 
 only, and others pistils only, and occa-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 321 
 
 COM 
 
 sionally the petals are wanting. The fruit 
 is succulent or dry, one-celled and one- 
 seeded. The seeds are without albumen; 
 the cotyledons of the embryo are rolled 
 up. They are natives of the tropical 
 parts of Asia, Africa, and America. Some 
 of the plants are cultivated for ornament, 
 and others furnish timber. They have 
 astringent qualities, Terminalia Bellerica 
 and T. Chebula yielding the astringent 
 fruit called Myrobalan. The bark of 
 Bucida Buceras is used for tanning. ; 
 There are twenty -three known genera and 
 upward of two hundred species. Com- 
 bretum, Terminalia, and Gyrocarpus illus- 
 trate the order. 
 
 Comb-shaped. The same as pectinate, 
 which see. 
 
 Commelynacece, (bpiderworts.) A natural 
 order of hypogynous Monocotyledons 
 belonging to Lindley's Xyridal Alliance. ! 
 They are herbs with flat leaves, usually 
 sheathing at the base. The outer peri- 
 anth (calyx) consists of three parts, her- j 
 baceous; the inner (corolla) also consists 
 of three, colored; the stamens are six or 
 three, the anthers opening on the side 
 next the pistil. The ovary is three- 
 celled with a central placenta; there is 
 one style. The fruit is a two to three- 
 celled capsule, opening by two or three 
 valves, which bear the partitions on the 
 middle; the seeds have a linear hilum, 
 (which see;) the embryo is pulley-shaped. 
 They are natives of New Holland, the j 
 East and West Indies, and a few are 
 found in North America, but none in 
 Northern Asia or Europe. The under- 
 ground stems of many yield starch and 
 are used for food. The filaments of the 
 Tradescantias have jointed hairs, in which 
 a granular movement is seen under the j 
 microscope. There are sixteen known | 
 
 COM 
 
 genera, and two hundred and sixty 
 species. Commelyna, Tradescantia, and 
 Cyanotis are examples of the order. 
 
 Commissure. The face by which the car- 
 pels come together or cohere, as in Um- 
 bettiferce. 
 
 Common Petiole. The first and principal 
 leaf-stalk in compound leaves; the sec- 
 ondary petioles are called partial 
 
 Compact. Close, hard. 
 
 Complexus. The name for tissue of various 
 kinds; as, Complexiis cellulosus, cellular 
 tissue; C. membranaceus, the thin mem- 
 brane which is the foundation of all tis- 
 sue, elementary membrane; C. tubularis, 
 tubular tissue or woody fiber; C. utricu- 
 laris, angular cellular tissue; C. vascular- 
 is, spiral vessels, properly so called, but 
 often extended to all sorts of tubes with 
 markings on the side, thus losing pre- 
 cision, and with it its value as a scientific 
 term. 
 
 Complicate. Folded up upon itself. 
 
 Complicato-carinate. Folded together so as 
 to form a sort of keel. 
 
 Compositce, (Composites.) The more famil- 
 iar name of Asteracece, a large natural or- 
 der of gamopetalous Calycifloral Dicotyl- 
 edons belonging to Lindley's Campanal 
 Alliance. The order consists of shrubs and 
 herbs with alternate or opposite leaves 
 having no stipules; the stamens and pistils 
 are either in the same or in separate 
 flowers, which are collected into a head 
 on a common receptacle, (hence the name 
 Composite or compound flowers,) and 
 surrounded by a set of floral leaves or 
 bracts called the involucre. The fruit is 
 single seeded, crowned with the limb of 
 the calyx. The plants were included by 
 Linnaeus in his class Syngenesia. They 
 are natives of all parts of the world, and 
 sometimes assume an arborescent form
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 COM 
 
 in warm countries. They possess various 
 properties, but bitterness seems to pre- 
 dominate, accompanied with tonic, stim- 
 ulant, aromatic, and sometimes narcotic 
 qualities. See Asteracece. 
 
 Composites. The English term for Gompo- 
 xitce. 
 
 Composition. The arrangement of organs, 
 or their order of development, or their 
 manner of branching, etc. 
 
 Compound, Composite. Formed of several 
 parts united in one common whole; as 
 pinnated leaves, and all kinds of inflor- 
 escence beyond that of the solitary flow- 
 er. A compound umbel is formed of 
 several simple umbels, etc. 
 
 Compressed. Flattened lengthwise; as the 
 pod of a pea. 
 
 Concave. Hollow. 
 
 Conceptacle. A term sometimes applied to 
 the capsular fruit of red-spored Algo3. 
 
 Concentric. Points or lines at equal dis- 
 tances from a common center. 
 
 Conchiform. Shaped, like one valve of a 
 common bivalve shell. 
 
 Concolor. Of the same color as some other 
 thing compared with it. 
 
 Concrete. Formed into one mass; joined to- 
 gether. 
 
 Condensate. Bundled, growing close. 
 
 Conduplicant. Doubling up; as when the 
 leaflets of a compound leaf rise up and 
 apply themselves to each other's faces. 
 
 Conduplicate, Conduplication. A term of 
 aestivation, (which see,) when the sides of 
 an organ are applied to each other by 
 their facea 
 
 Condylium. The antherid of a Chara. 
 
 Cone. A dense aggregation of scale-like 
 carpels, arranged symmetrically round an 
 axis, as in the Pine tribe. 
 
 Conenchyma. The conical cells which con- 
 stitute hairs. 
 
 CON 
 
 Conferruminate. Glued together. 
 
 Confertus. When parts are pressed closely 
 round about each other; packed close. 
 
 Confervacece. A division of the green- 
 spored Algce, characterized by their sim- 
 ple or branched articulated threads, dif- 
 fused endochrome, (which see,) and 
 small zoospores. They are found in all 
 parts of the world, but are most numer- 
 ous in temperate regions. They are 
 sometimes so abundant that, after floods, 
 they form a thick coat like paper on the 
 ground, to which the name meteoric pa- 
 per has been given. See Algce. 
 
 Confluent. The fastening together of homo- 
 geneous parts ; gradually uniting organic- 
 ally. 
 
 Conformis, Conform. Of the same form as 
 some other thing; where one part closely 
 resembles another with which it is asso- 
 ciated or compared. 
 
 Congested. Crowded very closely. 
 
 Conglobate, Conglobated. Collected into a 
 ball, as the florets of Echinops. 
 
 Conglomerate. The same as clustered. 
 
 Conglutinate. Glued together; not organic- 
 ally united. 
 
 Conically-subulate. Between cone and awl- 
 shaped, thickest at the base. 
 
 Conico-cylindrical. Of the form of a cylin- 
 der, but tapering to a point. 
 
 Conico-hemispherical. Between conical and 
 round. 
 
 Conico-ovaf^. Between conical and ovate. 
 
 Conico-subulate. Awl-shaped and conical; 
 tapering to a point. 
 
 Conidium. The gonidium of a Lichen. 
 See Gonidium. 
 
 Coniferce, (Conacece, Pinacece, Conifers, the 
 Pine family. ) A %rge and important 
 family, constituting, with the smaller 
 groups of Cycadece and Gnetacece, the sub- 
 class gymnosperms (which see) of Dicotyl-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CON 
 
 edons. It consists of trees or shrubs, 
 mostly with resinous secretions. The 
 leaves are stiff, sometimes linear or needle- 
 shaped, sometimes short and scale-like, 
 or more rarely broad, lobed, or divided. 
 The flowers are unisexual, either in cy- 
 lindrical or short catkins with closely 
 packed scales, or the females are solitary. 
 There is no perianth. The male flowers 
 have the stamens either inserted on the 
 axis of the catkin under the scales, or the 
 anther cells are sessile on the inside of the 
 scales themselves, which then form part 
 of the stamens. The ovules and seeds 
 are naked, that is, without ovary, style, 
 or pericarp, although sometimes more or 
 less inclosed in two bracts, or in a fleshy 
 or hardened disk. The seeds are albu- 
 minous, with one or sometimes several 
 embryos in the center, each embryo hav- 
 ing sometimes more than two cotyledons. 
 There are nearly two hundred known 
 species, distributed over a great part of 
 the globe, several of them forming large 
 forests in temperate climates, or, more 
 rarely, within the tropics; while some of 
 them extend almost to the limits of woody 
 vegetation in high latitudes, or at great 
 elevations. They are distributed into 
 about twenty-five genera, forming three 
 tribes or sub-orders, viz. : Atmtince, with 
 the fruits collected in cones and inverted 
 ovules; of this the principal genera are 
 Pinus, (including Abies,} Araucaria, Gun- 
 ninghamia, Sequoia, etc. 2. Gupressinece, 
 with the fruits collected in cones and 
 erect ovules, including Juniperus, Calli- 
 tris, Thuja, Cupressus, Taxodium, Grypto- 
 meria, etc. 3. Taxinece, sometimes con- 
 sidered as a distinct family, with the 
 fruits solitary or loosely spiked, including 
 Podocarpus, Dacrydium, Phyllocladus, 
 Salisburia, Taxus, etc. 
 
 CON 
 
 The Coniferee are very useful and im- 
 portant, yielding valuable timber and 
 resin, oil, pitch, and turpentine. Some 
 attain a vast height, as Sequoia gigantea 
 in California, specimens having been 
 measured more than 450 feet high and 
 116 feet in circumference at the base. 
 Taxodium sempervirens also attains a very 
 great size. The Pines have their leaves 
 in clusters of two, three, four, five, or six, 
 surrounded by a membraneous sheath at 
 the base. Pinus sylvestris, the common 
 Scotch Fir, abounds in cold climates, and 
 supplies timber, turpentine, and pitch, as 
 well as a hemp-like fiber from its leaves, 
 which is used for stuffing pillows and 
 cushions under the name of pine wool. 
 Pinus pinaster, or the Bordeaux Pine, 
 thrives well \ on the seashore. Abies in- 
 cludes different species of Fir and Spruce, 
 in all of which the leaves come off from 
 the stem and branches singly. Abies ex- 
 celsa is the Norway Spruce; A. balsamea 
 is the Balm of Gilead Fir; A. Canadensis 
 is the Hemlock Spruce; and A. 'pectinata 
 is the Silver Fir. Gedrus comprises those 
 Cedars which have clustered persistent 
 leaves. Gedrus Libani is the Cedar of 
 Lebanon, the Eres of the Bible; Cedrus 
 Deodara is the sacred Cedar of India. 
 Larix includes the species of Larch, which 
 have clustered deciduous leaves. Larix 
 Europea is the European Larch ; L. Amer- 
 icana is the American Larch, commonly 
 called Hackmatack; L. Griffithii is the 
 Himalayan Larch. The Araucarias have 
 single-seeded scales, with adherent seeds 
 and many-celled anthers. Araucaria im- 
 bricata is a Chilian species; A. Bidivittiiis 
 from Moreton Bay: both have edible 
 seeds. Eutassa excelsa is the Norfolk Is- 
 land Pine, which yields valuable wood. 
 Cryptomeria Japonica is the Japan Cedar,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CON 
 
 of which there are several beautiful forms, j 
 Cupressus sempervirens is the common 
 Cypress. The Junipers have a peculiar ' 
 succulent fruit. Janiperm Bermudmna \ 
 and J. Virginiana furnish the Cedar for 
 lead pencils. The species of Thuja are 
 known by the name of Arbor Vitse. 
 
 Conifers. The English name for the order 
 Coniferce. 
 
 Coniocysts. Closed spore-cases resembling 
 tubercles, and containing a mass of 
 spores. 
 
 Coniothecce.The cells of an anther. 
 
 Conjugates. A tribe of green-spored Algce. 
 See Algce. 
 
 Conjugate. Paired; joined in pairs, as 
 when the petiole of a leaf bears one pair 
 only of leaflets; a term chiefly applied to 
 leaves. 
 
 Conjugato-palmate.Wheu. a leaf divides in- 
 to two arms, each of which is palmate. 
 
 Conjugato-pinnate. When a leaf divides in- 
 to two arms, each of which is pinnate. 
 
 Conjunctorium. Theoperculum (which see) 
 of the spore-case of an Urn Moss. 
 
 Connaracece, (Connarads.) A family of 
 Calycifloral Dicotyledons, belonging to 
 Lindley's Rutal Alliance. They are close- 
 ly allied, on the one hand, to Xanthoxy- 
 lece, and on the other to Leguminosce, dif- 
 fering from the former chiefly in the 
 more completely apocarpous ovary, and 
 from the latter in the perfectly regular 
 flowers, and in the seed, in which the 
 radicle is always at a distance from the 
 hilum. They are trees or shrubs, some- 
 times climbing, with alternate, usually 
 pinnate leaves; the stipules are either 
 small and deciduous, or wanting; the 
 flowers are small, in terminal or axillary 
 racemes or panicles. There are five se- 
 pals and petals, ten stamens, and one to 
 five carpels, with two ovules in each, and 
 
 CON 
 
 distinct terminal styles. They are na- 
 tives of the tropics of both hemispheres. 
 Zebra-wood is obtained from Omphalo- 
 bium Lamberti. There are about forty 
 species and six or seven genera. Con- 
 narus, Rourea, and Cnestis are representa- 
 tive genera. 
 
 Connate, Connatus. When the bases of two 
 opposite leaves are iTiiited together. Also, 
 when any parts, originally distinct, be- 
 come united in after-growth. 
 
 Connective^. Of or belonging to the connec- 
 tive, which see. 
 
 Connective. The part which intervenes be- 
 tween the two lobes of an anther, and 
 holds them together; it is subject to a 
 great diversity of form. It seems to be 
 analogous to the midrib of a leaf, and is 
 only absent when an anther is strictly 
 one-celled; that is, when the whole of the 
 interior of the end of the stamen is con- 
 verted into pollen. 
 
 Connivent. Convergent; having a gradu- 
 ally inward direction, as many petals. 
 
 Conniving. Converging. See Connivent. 
 
 Conocarp. A fruit consisting of a collec- 
 tion of carpels, arranged upon a conical 
 center, as the Strawberry. 
 
 Conoidal. Resembling a conical figure, but 
 not truly one, as the calyx of Silene 
 conoidea. 
 
 Conservative organs. The parts or organs 
 of a plant employed in carrying on the 
 function of nutrition; as the root, stem, 
 and leaves. 
 
 Conservatory. The term usually applied to 
 a green-house structure when attached 
 to the dwelling-house, or when it is used 
 as a house wherein specimen plants are 
 grown or displayed; it is usually of an 
 ornamental character and of various 
 sizes. When detached, a convenient size 
 is twenty feet wide by fifty feet in length,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CON 
 
 with side sashes and curvilinear roofs 
 sloping equally to east and west at an ', 
 angle of about 35 degrees. The height I 
 from the floor to the ridge may be from 
 twelve to fifteen feet, according to cir- 
 cumstances. The height of the front, in- 
 cluding three feet of glass, from five to 
 six feet. 
 
 Conspersus. Scattered or sprinkled. 
 
 Constricted. Tightened or contracted in 
 some particular place. 
 
 Contiguous. Where two neighboring parts 
 are in contact through the whole length 
 of their edges or surfaces; as the sepals 
 of Raphanus and the cotyledons of many 
 species of plants. 
 
 Continuous. The reverse of articulated. A 
 stem is said to be continuous which has 
 no joints. 
 
 Contorted.- Twisted back upon itself; ar- 
 ranged so as to overlap other parts; an 
 arrangement of petals or corolline lobes, 
 when each piece, being oblique in form and 
 overlapping its neighbor by one margin, 
 has its other margin, in like manner, 
 overlapped by that which stands next to 
 it, as in the flower of the Oleander, etc. 
 A flower is contorted when one edge of a 
 petal is exposed, and the other edge is 
 covered by the adjoining petal. 
 
 Gontortuplicatus, Contortuplicate. Twisted 
 back upon itself. 
 
 Convergenti-nervose. "When simple veins 
 diverge from the midrib of a leaf and 
 converge towards the margin. 
 
 Convergi-nerved. "When the ribs of a leaf 
 describe a curve and meet at the point, 
 as in Plantago lanceolala. 
 
 Convex. Rising in a circular form. 
 
 Convolute, Convolutive. When one part is 
 wholly rolled up in another, as in the 
 petals of the Wallflower, or the spathe of 
 an Arum. 
 
 COR 
 
 Convolvulacece, (Bindweeds.} A natural or- 
 der of corollifloral Dicotyledons, included 
 in Lindley's Solanal Alliance. Herbs or 
 shrubs, usually twining, and with a milky 
 juice, having alternate leaves, without 
 stipules, and regular flowers, the flower 
 stalks (peduncles) bearing one or many 
 flowers. They are abundant in tropical 
 countries and rare in cold climates. They 
 twine around other plants, and creep 
 among weeds, etc., along the seashore. 
 The plants are characterized chiefly by 
 their purgative qualities, and many of 
 them are used medicinally. Jalap is pro- 
 duced from the root or underground 
 stem of Exogonium(Ipomo2a) purga, while 
 the gum resin called Scammony is pro- 
 duced by Convolvulus scammonia. Ipo- 
 mcea Bona-nox, which produces its pure 
 white flowers at night, is the Moon-flower 
 of Ceylon and other warm countries. Ba- 
 tatas edulis; the Sweet Potato, or Batatas, 
 is cultivated in the United States, Japan, 
 and China, and also in Spain and Portu- 
 gal. In the Philippine Islands the Bata- 
 tas or Camotes are used for making soup, 
 as well as roasted. This order comprises 
 forty-six known genera, and nearly 
 seven hundred species. Convolvulus, 
 Ipomoza, Calystegia, Exogonium, Batatas, 
 and Pharbitis are illustrative genera. 
 
 Coracinus. Deep shining black. 
 
 Corattiform, Corattoid. Resembling coral in 
 general appearance. 
 
 Corculum. The embryo; and also the 
 small axis of growth in such dicotyledo- 
 nous embryos as the Walnut. 
 
 Cordate. Heart-shaped in outline; applied 
 to a plane or flat body having two round 
 lobes at the base. 
 
 Cordato-hastate. Between cordate and has- 
 tate. 
 
 Cordato-ovate. Between cordate and ovate.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 COB 
 
 Cordato-sagittate. Between cordate and 
 sagittate. 
 
 Cordiform. When a solid has the form of 
 cordate. 
 
 Cordleafs.A. name given by Lindley to the 
 group Restiaceoe. 
 
 Coreses. Dark red, broad, discoid bodies, 
 found beneath the epicarp or external 
 membrane of grapes. 
 
 Coriaceous. Having the consistence of 
 'leather. 
 
 Corky. Resembling cork in texture. 
 
 Corm. A fleshy, solid underground stem, 
 having the appearance of a bulb, and 
 often called a bulb, from which it is distin- 
 guished by not being scaly. See Bulb. The 
 Gladiolus, Crocus, Babiana, and most of 
 the Iridaceae are Corms. ACorrn is only 
 a solid mass of feculent matter, which 
 modern botanists do not allow to be a 
 bulb, but call it an underground stem. 
 Corms do not require taking up so often 
 as bulbs; and when they are intend- 
 ed to remain for several years in the 
 ground they should be planted from four 
 to six inches deep at first, as every year a 
 new Corm will form above the old one; 
 and thus, if planted too near the surface, 
 the Corm, in a few years, will be pushed 
 out of the ground. 
 
 Cornacece, (Dogwood.) A. small natural or- 
 der of polypetalous Calycifloral Dicotyle- 
 dons, belonging to Lindley 's*TJmbellal 
 Alliance. They are trees or shrubs, usu- 
 ally with opposite leaves having no stip- 
 ules. The flowers are produced in cy- 
 mose clusters, or in heads, surrounded 
 by an involucre. The fruit is a two-celled 
 drupe, (like a cherry. ) They are natives 
 of the temperate parts of Europe, Asia, 
 and America. The plants are used as 
 tonics and in aguea Cornus mescula is 
 the Akenia of the Greeks, and the Kizzil- 
 
 COR 
 
 jiek of the Turks. From the wood of 
 this plant the Turks obtain the dye for 
 their red fez. Some species are grown 
 as ornamental plants, and the common 
 Dogwood, which is very heavy and solid, 
 is much too commonly used in the United 
 States for baling hay, those who buy the 
 hay very properly esteeming it a fraudu- 
 lent practice. There are nine known gen- 
 era and forty species. Cornus, Aucuba, 
 and Benthamia are illustrative genera. 
 
 Corneous. Horny; hard and very close in 
 texture, but capable of being cut with- 
 out difficulty, the parts cut off not being 
 brittle; as the albumen of the Date, and 
 most other Palm seeds. 
 
 Corniculate. Terminating in a process re- 
 sembling a horn, as the fruit of Trapa bi- 
 cornis. If there are two horns the word 
 bicornis isnised; if three horns, tricornis, 
 and so on. 
 
 Cornu, (adj. Cornutus.) A horn-like pro- 
 cess, commonly solid, and usually a meta- 
 morphosed state of some organ. Also 
 employed in the -sense of Calcar, which 
 see. 
 
 Corolla, (adj. Corollaris, Corottine.) That 
 part of a flower which intervenes between 
 the calyx and the stamens. Its parts are 
 called petals, which are almost always 
 colored. 
 
 Corolliflorce. A sub-class of Dicotyledons or 
 Exogens, characterized by the petals be- 
 ing united, so as to form a monopetalous 
 corolla, inserted below the ovary, and by 
 the stamens being usually attached to the 
 corolla, but Sometimes inserted separate- 
 ly below the ovary. Such orders as the 
 Heath family, the Gentians, and the La- 
 biates, may serve ds illustrations. 
 
 Corona A coronet; literally a crown. Any 
 appendage that intervenes between the 
 corolla and stamens, as the cup of a Daf-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 327 
 
 COK 
 
 foclil or the rays of a Passion Flower, or 
 the crown-like cup which is found at the 
 orifice of the tube of the corolla of the 
 Narcissus, etc. Corona xtaminea, a coro- 
 net formed from transformed stamens. 
 
 Coronans. Situated on the top or crown 
 of anything. Thus, the limb of the calyx 
 may crown an ovary; a gland at the apex 
 of the filament may crown a stamen. 
 
 Coronate. Furnished with a coronet or 
 crown. Also used in the sense of Coro- 
 nans, which see. 
 
 Coronule. The small calyx-like body which 
 crowns the nucule (which see) of Chara, 
 etc. 
 
 Corpus. The mass of anything; thus cor- 
 pus ligneum or lignosum signifies the mass 
 of the woody tissue of a plant, and corpus 
 medullare the mass of its cellular tissue in 
 the pith. 
 
 Corpuscle. A small body; a particle of 
 anything. 
 
 Corpuscules. The spore cases of certain 
 Fungi. Vermiform corpuscules are the 
 spiral vessels in a contracted, strangled, 
 or distorted condition. 
 
 Corrugated, Corrugative. When the parts 
 are crumpled up irregularly, as the petals 
 of the Poppy or the skin of some seeds. 
 
 Cor Seminis. An old name for the embryo. 
 
 Cortex. The bark. Also the peridiuni 
 (which see) of certain Fungi. 
 
 Cortical Of or belonging to the bark. 
 
 Cortical Integument. The bark or false bark 
 of Endogens. 
 
 Cortical Stratum. The superficial layer of 
 tissue in the thallus (which see) of a Li- 
 chen. 
 
 Corticate. Like bark; harder externally 
 than internally; having a ruid, as the 
 Orange. 
 
 Cortina. The filamentous ring of certain 
 Agarics or Mushrooms. 
 
 COT 
 
 Cortinate, Cortinarious. Having a cobweb- 
 like texture. 
 
 Corymb, (adj. Corymbose.) A raceme whose 
 pedicels grow gradually shorter as they 
 approach the summit, so that the result 
 is a flat-headed inflorescence or flower 
 head, as in Candytuft, etc. A compound 
 corymb is a branched corymb, each of 
 whose divisions is corymbose. 
 
 CorymbifercK. Corymb-bearing Composite 
 plants, a sub-order of the natural order 
 Qompositoe or Atteracece, containing plants 
 with numerous flowers on a common re- 
 ceptacle, forming a head surrounded by 
 a set of floral leaves or bracts called an 
 involucre. Such plants as Chamomile, 
 the Ox-eye Daisy, the Dahlia, Sunflower, 
 Cineraria, Ragwort, Groundsel, etc., be- 
 long to this sub-order. See Asteraceae. 
 
 Corymbose. Formed or arranged after the 
 manner of a corymb, as in Lopezia coro- 
 nata. 
 
 Corymbosely-cymose. Between a corymb 
 and a cyme. 
 
 Corymbulose. Formed or arranged in many 
 small corymbs, as in Crassula corymbulosa. 
 
 Corynidia. Processes sunk into the mar- 
 gin of the germinating leaf of Ferns, and 
 containing spiral threads. 
 
 Costa. The midrib of a leaf; that part 
 which is a direct extension of the petiole, 
 and whence the veins arise ; a leaf may 
 have several costce. 
 
 Costate. When there is only one rib, as 
 in most leaves. The term is also the 
 adjective of costa, and then means ribbed. 
 
 Costato-venose. When the parallel side veins 
 of a feather-veined leaf are much stouter 
 than those which intervene. 
 
 Cottony. When the pubescence is com- 
 posed of long, soft hairs, which are en- 
 tangled or interlaced, resembling raw 
 cotton in appearance.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 COT 
 
 Cotyledons. The seed lobes; the primor- 
 dial leaves in the rudimentary plant or 
 embryo; the fleshy leaves that appear 
 above ground when a seedling plant be- 
 gins to grow, commonly called seed 
 leaves. Monocotyledons have only one 
 such leaf, as Grasses, Lilies, Palms, etc.; 
 Dicotyledons have two, as the Maple, 
 Elm, Pea, Bean, etc. 
 
 Gotyliform. Dished; resembling rotate, 
 but with an erect limb. 
 
 Cowled. See Cucuttate. 
 
 Crass, Crassus. Something thicker than 
 usual. Leaves are generally papery in 
 texture; the leaves of cotyledons, which 
 are much more fleshy, have been called 
 
 Crassulacece, (Semper vivce, Succulentce, 
 Houseleeks, Stonecrop family.) A natural 
 order of polypetalous Calycifloral Dicotyl- 
 edons, included in Lindley's Violal Alli- 
 ance. The order consists of succulent 
 herbs or shrubs with exstipulate (no 
 stipules) leaves and clustered flowers, 
 which are often turned toward one side; 
 sepals three to twenty, more or less com- 
 bined; petals three to twenty, separate 
 or united; stamens equal in number to 
 petals, or twice as many; ovary composed 
 of numerous one-celled carpels, hav- 
 ing scales at their base; fruit consisting 
 of follicles, (which see.) They are natives 
 of dry places in all parts of the world. 
 They are found on rocks, old walls, or 
 hot, sandy plains, exposed to the heaviest 
 dews at night, and the scorching rays of 
 the midday sun. Some species are as- 
 tringent. Sedum acre is very acrid, and 
 is hence called Wall Pepper. Sempervi- 
 vum tectorum, the Houseleek, is so called 
 from being grown in some places on the 
 tops of houses. Bryophyllum cdycinum 
 property of producing leaf- 
 
 CRE 
 
 buds or young plants along the margins 
 of its leaves. There are twenty-four 
 known genera and about 470 species. 
 Crassula, Sedum, Sempervivum, Bryo- 
 phyllum, and Penthorum are examples of 
 this order. 
 
 Cratera. The cup-shaped receptacle of cer- 
 tain Fungi. 
 
 Crateriform. Concave, hemispherical, a lit- 
 tle contracted at the base. 
 
 Cream color. White, verging to yellow, 
 with little luster. 
 
 Creeper. Properly, a plant that trails on the 
 ground. 
 
 Creeping stem. In common usage, applied 
 to stems growing horizontally, both 
 above and under ground. An under- 
 ground stem. See Stem and Rhizome. 
 
 Cremocarp. Fruit consisting of two or 
 more indehiscent, (which see,) inferior, 
 one-seeded carpels, adhering round a 
 distinct and separable axis, like the fruit 
 of Umbelliferse. 
 
 j Crena, Crenature, Crenel. A round or con- 
 vex flat tooth. 
 
 I Crenate, Creneled. Having convex flat 
 teeth, or rounded or scolloped notches; 
 applied especially to the indentations on 
 the edges of leaves. When these teeth 
 are themselves crenated, bicrenate is the 
 word used. Compare Serrate. 
 
 Crenato-dentate. Divided at the edge into 
 
 triangular notches. 
 
 j Crenato-serrate. When serratures are con- 
 vex and not straight. 
 
 Crenulate. Having the edge divided into 
 small crenels or round notches. 
 
 Crested. Having an elevated, irregular, or 
 notched ridge resembling the crest of a 
 helmet; a stamen is crested when the 
 filament projects beyond the anther and 
 becomes dilated. This term is chiefly 
 applied to seeds, and to the appendages
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ORE 
 
 of anthers. It also belongs to bracts 
 which form with their edges an appear- 
 ance like that of a crest. The term is 
 often applied to the Moss Rose. 
 
 Cretaceous. A very dull white, with a little 
 touch of gray; chalky. 
 
 Cretaceously^pruinose. Covered with white 
 glittering spots or pustules. 
 
 Cribrose, Cribriform. Pierced like a sieve 
 with numerous close, small apertures. 
 
 Grinite, Crinitus. Having tufts of long, 
 weak hairs, growing from different parts 
 of the surface. 
 
 Crispate, (adj. Crispus.} When the edge is 
 excessively and irregularly divided and 
 puckered; also when the surface is much 
 puckered and crumpled. Well-known 
 examples are afforded by Curled Parsley, 
 Curled Endive, Curled Kale, etc. Crisp- 
 ate is also a diminutive of Bullate, which 
 see. 
 
 Cristate. The same as Crested, which see. 
 
 Cristato-rugose. When the wrinkles of a ! 
 surface are deep and sharp-edged. 
 
 Croceus, Crocatus. Saffron-colored. 
 
 Crops, Eotation of. See Rotation. 
 
 Crowded. When subordinate parts thickly 
 surround a common support or axis. 
 
 Cruciate, Cruciform. Having the form of a 
 cross with equal arms, as the flowers of 
 the Radish or the Wallflower. 
 
 Cruciferce, (Brassicacece, Crucifers, the Cru- 
 ciferous family.) A natural order of 
 Thalamifloral Dicotyledons belonging to 
 Lindley's Cistal Alliance. They are herbs 
 with alternate leaves having no stipules, 
 and flowers, usually yellow or white, ar- 
 ranged in racemes or corymbs without i 
 bracts; sepals four, falling off; petals 
 four, arranged like a cross; stamens six, 
 of which four are long and two short. 
 Fruit a siliqua or silicula, that is, a long 
 or short pod opening by two valves, with 
 
 CRU 
 
 a partition (septum) in the center; seeds 
 without albumen; embryo with its radicle 
 folded on the cotyledons. The plants of 
 this very natural order were included by 
 Linnaeus in his class Tetradynamia. They 
 are very generally distributed, but abound 
 most in cold and temperate regions, es- 
 pecially in Europe. This order has been 
 divided into sub-orders and tribes, ac- 
 cording to the nature of the fruit or the 
 embryo. Considering the fruit, we have 
 these six divisions: 1. Siliquosce,& siliqua 
 or long pod opening by two valves from 
 below upward. 2. Siliculosce latiseptce, a 
 silicula or short pod opening with two 
 flat or convex valves, the septum (parti- 
 tion) being in the broadest diameter. 3. 
 Siliculosce angustiseptce, a silicula with 
 folded or keeled valves, the septum in the 
 narrow diameter. 4. Nucumentacece, a 
 silicula whose valves do not open, one- 
 celled, having no septum. 5. Septulatce, 
 valves with transverse partitions on their 
 inside. 6. Lomentacece, a pod dividing 
 transversely into single-seeded portions, 
 the beak sometimes containing one or 
 two seeds, while the true pod is abortive. 
 The nature of the embryo gives rise to 
 five subdivisions, viz.: 1. Pleurorhizece, 
 the radicle folded on the edge of the 
 cotyledons. 2. Notorhizece, the radicle 
 folded on the back of the cotyledons. 3. 
 Orthoploceae, the cotyledons folded on 
 the radicle. 4. Spirolobece, cotyledons 
 twice folded. 5. Diplecolobece, cotyledons 
 thrice folded. Crucifers are pungent, and 
 occasionally acrid in their properties. 
 Not one of them is poisonous, but many 
 are culinary vegetables. They contain 
 much nitrogen and sulphur, and conse- 
 quently give out a fetid odor while de- 
 caying. 
 
 The order contains some well-known
 
 330 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CRU 
 
 flowering plants, such as the Stock, Wall- 
 flower, Kocket, etc. Brassica oleracea is 
 the origin of the Cabbage, Cauliflower, 
 Broccoli, Savoy, and Curled Kale. Bras- 
 ,fu-a Rapa is the origin of the Turnip, but 
 the Swedish Turnip is thought by some 
 to be a variety of Brassica campestris, 
 while others think it to be a hybrid be- 
 tween B. Rapa and B. Napus, the wild 
 Naveu Rape, or Coleseed. Grambe marit- 
 ima supplies Sea-Kale, which is blanched 
 to fit it for the table. Some plants of 
 the order are pungent, as Sinapis nigra, 
 Black Mustard, from the seeds of which 
 the best Mustard is made; 8. alba, White 
 Mustard, is less pungent. Other pungent 
 plants are Lepidium sativum, common 
 Cress; Nasturtium qfficinale, Water Cress; 
 Cochlearia Armoracia, Horseradish; and 
 Baphanus sativus, the Radish. Isatis tinc- 
 toria, Woad, yields a blue dye; and /. in- 
 digotica is used as Indigo in China. 
 Cochlearia officinalis grows on the sea- 
 shore, and has been used by ships' crews 
 affected with scurvy, and has hence been 
 called Scurvy Grass. The seeds of many 
 species yield an oil, such as oil of Mus- 
 tard, Rape oil, and Camelina oil; and the 
 cake left after pressing the oil from Rape 
 seed is used as food for cattle. There are 
 206 known genera and about 1,730 spe- 
 cies. Brassica, Cheiranthus, Erysimum, 
 Arabis, Lunaria, Draba, Teesdalia, Hespe- 
 riis, Isatis, Capsella, etc., are illustrative 
 
 Cruciform. The same as Cruciate, which 
 
 see. 
 Cruentus. Marked wih red blotches; also 
 
 where any part is wholly red. 
 Crusta. The upper surface of Lichens. 
 Crustaceous. Hard, thin, and brittle, as 
 
 the seed skin of Asparagus, and the thal- 
 
 lus of many Lichens. 
 
 CRY 
 
 Crypta, (a vault.) The sunken glands or 
 cysts which occur in dotted leaves ; re- 
 ceptacles for the oily and other secre- 
 tions of plants, like those which occur 
 in the leaves of Myrtacece. The same as 
 Cyst, which see. 
 
 Cryptogams, (Cryptoganua.} Many names 
 have been applied to the vast class of 
 plants comprehended under this name, 
 such as Asexual or Flowerless Plants, 
 Acrogens, Agamse, Anandrse, Acotyledons, 
 Cryptogams, Cryptophyta, Cellulares, 
 Exeinbryonata, etc. Of these, the term 
 Cryptogam has been adopted by Berkeley 
 and others, as being the least objection- 
 able in our present state of knowledge. 
 "The distinctive point in Cryptogams 
 does not consist in the absence of decided 
 male and female organs, nor in their mi- 
 nuteness, for in the greater part their 
 presence has been ascertained beyond all 
 doubt, and the analogous organs in Phae- 
 nogams often require the assistance of 
 the lens to make out even their external 
 form clearly. The main point is, that the 
 reproductive organs are not true seeds 
 containing an embryo, but mere cells 
 containing one or two membranes in- 
 closing granular matter. These bodies, 
 whether called spores or sporidia, pro- 
 duce by germination a thread or mass of 
 threads, a membrane, a cellular body, 
 etc., as the case may be, which either at 
 once gives rise to the fruit, or to a plant 
 producing fruit. Indeed, the differences 
 are so great, that these spores seem 
 rather to be relatives, or what is techni- 
 cally called homologues, of pollen grains, 
 than of true seeds." Cryptogams are di- 
 vided into two great classes, Thallogens . 
 and Acrogens, the distinctive characters 
 of which will be found under those 
 heads.
 
 HENDEESON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 331 
 
 CRY 
 
 Cryptonemata. Small, cellular threads, 
 produced by cryptostomata, which see. 
 
 CryptonemiacecK. One of the largest natu- 
 ral orders among the rose-spored Algce, 
 belonging to the section Oongylospermece. 
 The genera and species are numerous and 
 occur in all climates. Ghondros crispus, 
 with several species of Iridcea and Oigar- 
 tina, abound in gelatine, and are useful 
 for many domestic purposes. See Algce. 
 
 Cryptophytes. A synonym of Cryptogams. 
 
 Gryptos. In Greek compounds this word 
 means concealed; thus, Cryptogams are 
 plants with concealed sexes. 
 
 Cryptostomata. Little circular nuclei on the 
 surface of some Algce. 
 
 Crystalline. Consisting of or resembling 
 crystals, as the prominences on Mesem- 
 bryanthemum crystallinum. 
 
 Crystahvorts. A name given by Lindley to 
 the Bicciacece. 
 
 Cuba Bast. See Bast. 
 
 Cubicus. Cubical, die-shaped. 
 
 Cucuttate. When the apex or sides of any- 
 thing are curved inward, so as to resem- 
 ble the point of a slipper or a hood, as in 
 the lip of Cypripedium, the spathe of an 
 Arum, etc. 
 
 Cucullus. A hood or terminal hollow. 
 
 Gucurbitacece, (Nhandirobece, Cucurbits, 
 the Cucumber and Gourd family.) A nat- 
 ural order of polypetalous and gamopeta- 
 lous Calycifloral Dicotyledons, character- 
 izing Lindley's Cucurbital Alliance. They 
 are succulent, climbing plants with ten- 
 drils in place of stipules, alternate pal- 
 mately- veined, rough leaves.and staminate 
 and pistillate flowers. The fruit is suc- 
 culent, a pepo, (gourd.) They are chief- 
 ly natives of hot countries, especially of 
 India and South America; a few are 
 found in the north of Europe and in 
 North Am erica, and some are also met 
 
 CHL 
 
 with at the Cape of Good Hope and in 
 Australia. The plants of this order gener- 
 ally possess a certain amount of acridity. 
 The pulp of the fruit of Citrullus Colocyn- 
 this is the Colocynth of the shops; this is 
 supposed to be the wild gourd of the Bi- 
 ble. Ecbalium purgans or agreste (Mo- 
 mordica elaterium) is called Squirting Cu- 
 cumber, on account of the elastic force 
 with which its seeds are scattered. Cu- 
 cumis sativus is the common Cucumber, 
 C. melo is the Muskmelon, and C. Gitrul- 
 lis is the Watermelon. Cucurbita Pepo, 
 the Gourd, is a scrambling plant, to 
 which belong the Vegetable Marrows, 
 ' which are edible, the Orange Gourds, 
 which are bitter, the Egg Gourds, Gi- 
 raumons, Crooknecks, Turk's Caps, and 
 Warted Gourds. C. maxima is the 
 Pumpkin, and C. Melopepo the Bush 
 Squash. The seeds of Hodgsonia are 
 eaten in India. Lagenariavulgaris is the 
 Bottle or Dipper Gourd. The fruit of 
 Luff a jEgyptiaca is cut up when dry, and 
 used as a flesh brush under the name of 
 Towel Gourd. Sechium edule yields an 
 edible fruit called Choco or Chaca. The 
 species of Bryonia are purgative. There 
 are three divisions of this order, viz. : 
 1. Nhandirobece, anthers not wavy, pla- 
 centas adhering in the axis of the fruit, 
 seeds numerous. 2. Cucurbitece, anthers 
 wavy, placentas and seeds as in the first. 
 3. Sicyece, seeds solitary from the tops of 
 the cell. There are about seventy known 
 genera and 340 species. Cucurbita, Cu- 
 cumis, Citrullus, Momordica, Goccinia, Tri- 
 cosanthes, Luffa, and Bryonia are exam- 
 ples of the order. 
 
 Cucurbits. The English term for Gucurbita- 
 cece. 
 
 Culm. The straw of Wheat, Eye, etc.; a 
 kind of hollow stem.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CUL 
 
 Culmiferous. Producing culms. 
 
 Cultivator. This is the general name ap- 
 plied to implements for stirring the soil, 
 other than hoes, whether used by hand 
 or by horse-power. There are scores of 
 kinds in use known under different 
 names. The one we most prefer for use 
 in garden operations for cultivating be- 
 tween rows is what is known as the Ad- 
 justable Triangular Harrow. It is of the 
 same shape as the ordinary shovel- 
 toothed Cultivator, having instead the 
 ordinary harrow teeth, (about eight 
 inches long,) from ten to fourteen in num- 
 ber. This implement can be so adjusted 
 as to work with a horse between rows, 
 either at eighteen or forty inches apart. 
 In ordinary pulverized soil the teeth sink 
 down from three to four inches, so as to 
 stir the soil to that depth. When extra 
 depth is wanted a weight is put on to 
 sink it deeper. The same implement is 
 made light enough to use by hand, hav- 
 ing a wheel in front. When soils are al- 
 lowed to get weedy, the shovel-toothed 
 Cultivators answer the purpose better 
 than the harrow toothed. 
 
 Cultrate, CuUriform. Shaped like a prun- 
 ing-knife, as in Crassula cultrata. 
 
 Cumulate. Heaped, overflowed. 
 
 Cuneiform-ovate. Between wedge-shaped 
 and egg-shaped. 
 
 Cuneate, Cuneiform. Wedge-shaped; in- 
 versely triangular, with roundel angles. 
 
 Cunieulate. Traversed by a long passage, 
 open at one end, as the peduncle of Tro- 
 pceolum. 
 
 Cunix. The separable space which inter- 
 venes between the wood and bark of Ex- 
 ogens. The word is now obsolete. 
 
 Cunoniacece, (Ochranthacece, Cunoniads.) 
 A family of Dicotyledons, closely allied 
 to Saxifragacece, and very generally con- 
 
 CUR 
 
 sidered as a tribe only of that family, dif- 
 fering more in their habit than in the 
 structure of their flowers or fruit. They 
 are shrubs or trees with opposite leaves, 
 simple or compound, and have stipules 
 between the leaf stalks. The fruit is cap- 
 sular or indehiscent. They are mostly 
 natives of tropical regions, or of the 
 southern hemisphere, and especially of 
 Australia. There are about twenty gen- 
 era and upward of a hundred species. 
 Cunonia, Belangera, Callicoma, Acrophyl- 
 lum, and Weinmannia are examples of the 
 order. 
 
 Cupreus. Of a copper color, yellowish-red 
 with a considerable mixture of gray. 
 
 Gupulate. Shaped like a cup. 
 
 Cupule, Cupula, Cup. The cup or husk of 
 the Acorn, Spanish Chestnut, and simi- 
 lar plants; a collection of bracts; a sort 
 of involucre; a cup-like body found in 
 such Fungi as Peziza. 
 
 Curl. A disease in Potatoes, referrible to 
 Chlorosis. The tubers produce deformed, 
 curled shoots, of a pallid tint, which are 
 never perfectly developed, and give rise to 
 minute tubers. It is a local disease, how- 
 ever, and its cause is not certainly known, 
 It is distinct from the curled foliage pro- 
 duced by the presence of Aphides. This 
 term is also applied to a serious disease 
 affecting the leaves of the Peach tree, in 
 which they are curled and blistered. 
 Some attribute the disease to Aphides, 
 and others to Fungi. There is no known 
 remedy but the destruction of the tree. 
 
 Curia. Broken off, curtailed. 
 
 Curvative. When the margins are slightly 
 turned up or down without any sensible 
 bending inwards. 
 
 Curve-ribbed. When the ribs of a leaf de- 
 scribe curves, and meet at a point, as in 
 Plantago lanceolata.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CUR 
 
 Curvi-nerved, Curve-veined. The same as 
 Convergenti-nervose, which see. 
 
 Cuscutacece, (Dodders.) A natural order of 
 corollifloral Dicotyledons, belonging to 
 Lindley's Solanal Alliance. The plants 
 are included by some in a sub-order of 
 Convolvulacece. They are leafless, para- 
 sitic, twining herbs, with flowers in dense 
 clusters. The fruit is two-celled, either 
 capsular or succulent; seeds with fleshy 
 albumen; embryo spiral, filiform, having 
 no cotyledons. The seeds germinate in 
 the soil in the usual way, and afterward 
 become true parasites by attaching them- 
 selves to plants in their vicinity, and 
 growing at their expense. They are very 
 destructive to some kinds of plants. They 
 are found in the temperate regions of both 
 hemispheres. There are four known 
 genera and upward of fifty species. Cus- 
 cuta, Lepidanche, and Epilinella are exam- 
 ples of the order. 
 
 Cuspidate. Tapering gradually into a rigid 
 point; also, abruptly acuminate, as the 
 leaflet of many Ruhi. A leaf is cuspidate < 
 when it suddenly tapers to a point, as 
 Tritonia rosea. 
 
 Cut. Where the incisions are rather deep 
 and regular, as those in the margins of 
 leaves, which extend to a greater depth 
 than where they are said to be "toothed," 
 but not so deep as " laciniate." 
 
 Cuticle. The external homogeneous skin 
 of a plant, consisting of a tough mem- 
 brane overlying the epidermis. The 
 word is also used for the skin of any- 
 thing, including the epidermis. 
 
 Cutis. The peridium of certain Fungi. 
 
 Cutting. A portion of a young branch 
 which, when inserted into the earth un- 
 der suitable conditions, emits roots, and 
 is developed as a distinct individual. See 
 Propagation by Cuttings. 
 
 CYC 
 
 Cut-toothed. Cut and toothed at the same 
 time. 
 
 Cya/mium. A kind of follicle resembling a 
 legume. 
 
 Cyaneous, Cyanceus, Cyalinus. In composi- 
 tion Cyano. A clear bright blue. 
 
 Cyanochrous. Having a blue skin. 
 
 Cyathiform. Cup-shaped, concave. 
 
 Cyatheinece, Cyathece. The former is a 
 principal sub-division or tribe of polypo- 
 diaceous Ferns. The latter is a section 
 of this group. 
 
 Cyathus. The cup-like body which con- 
 tains propagula, (which see,) or the re- 
 productive bodies of Marchantia. 
 
 Cycadacece, (Cycads.) A natural order of 
 achlamydeous Dicotyledons, belonging to 
 the Gymnospemious (naked-seeded) Alli- 
 ance. They are small, palm-like trees or 
 shrubs with unbranched stems, occasion- 
 ally dividing into two, marked with leaf- 
 scars, and having large rays in the wood 
 along with punctated ligneous tubes. The 
 leaves are pinnate, and usually rolled up 
 like a crozier while in bud. The flowers 
 are staminate or pistillate, and without 
 any envelope, (achlamydeous;) the stam- 
 inate flowers in cones, the scales bearing 
 one-celled anthers on their lower surface, 
 the pistillate flowers consisting only of 
 ovules on the edge of altered leaves, or 
 placed below or at the base of scales. 
 The seeds are either hard, or with a soft, 
 spongy covering; the embryo hanging 
 by a long cord in the cavity of the albu- 
 men; the cotyledons are unequal. The 
 plants are chiefly natives of the tropical 
 and temperate regions of America and 
 Asia, but are also found in southern Afri- 
 ca and in Australia. The plants are mu- 
 cilaginous and starchy. Cycas reuoluta, 
 one of the best known, is a native of Ja- 
 pan, and supplies a kind of starch which is
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CYC 
 
 used as Sago; and a similar kind of false 
 Sago is supplied by C. circinalis in the 
 Moluccas. Caffre bread is made from 
 the starch of a Cape species of Encepha- 
 lartos. In the West Indies a kind of Ar- 
 row-root is obtained from some species of 
 Zamia. There are seven known genera and 
 about fifty species. Cycas, Zamia, En- 
 cephalartos, and Dion are examples of the 
 order. 
 
 Cycads. The English term for Cycaaacece. 
 
 Cyclanthaceoe. A name sometimes given to 
 the family of Pandanacece, of, which the 
 Cyclantheae are a tribe. 
 
 Cycle. A term employed in the theory of 
 spiral leaf arrangement to express a com- 
 plete turn of the spire, which is assumed 
 to exist. 
 
 Cyclical. Rolled up circularly, as manv em- 
 bryos. 
 
 Cylindraceous. Having the*ormof a cylin- 
 der. 
 
 Cylindrenchyma. Cylindrical cellular tis- 
 sue, such as that of Confervce, of many 
 hairs, etc. 
 
 Cylindrical. Cylinder-shaped ; approacn- 
 ing closely to the form of a cylinder, as 
 the stems of grasses, etc., which, however, 
 all taper more or less, although by insensi- 
 ble degrees. 
 
 Cylindricatty-globose. A form between a 
 cylinder and a sphere. 
 
 Cylindrico-campanulate. Cylindrically bell- 
 shaped. 
 
 Cymbdlce. Reproductive locomotive bod- 
 ies, of an elliptical form, found in some 
 Alga. 
 
 Cymbiform. Having the figure of a boat in 
 miniature; that is to say, concave, taper- 
 ing to each end, with a keel externally, as 
 the glumes of Phalaris Canariensis. 
 Cyme. A kind of inflorescence, produced 
 by the rays of an umbel forming one 
 
 CYP 
 
 terminal flower, and then producing sec- 
 ondary pedicels from below it, in the 
 centrifugal manner, as in the Laurustinus 
 and the Elder (Sambucus. ) 
 
 Cymose. Flowering in cymes. 
 
 Cyperacece, ( Cyperoidece, Sedges.) A natural 
 order of glume-bearing Monocotyledons 
 belonging to Lindley's Glumal Alliance. 
 They are grass-like, tufted plants, having 
 solid, usually jointed, and frequently an- 
 gular stems; leaves with their sheaths 
 entire, (not split, as in Grasses;) and 
 flowers either perfect or incomplete, 
 (staminate and pistillate,) each borne on 
 a solitary bract or scale, and all united 
 in an imbricated manner, so as to form a 
 spike. Stamens hypogynous, varying 
 from one to twelve, usually three; anthers 
 attached at their base to the filament. 
 Ovary superior; ovule one, style two to 
 three cleft. Fruit a crustaceous or bony 
 achene; embryo lens-shaped, and lying 
 at the base of fleshy or mealy albumen. 
 The plants are very generally distributed 
 over the world, and abound in moist 
 places. Some of the Sedges are demul- 
 cent, others are bitter and astringent. 
 Some, by means of their creeping under- 
 ground stems, bind together the loose 
 sands of the seashore. Their cellular 
 tissue is sometimes used for paper, and 
 the underground stems of several species 
 of Cyperus are used for food. The un- 
 derground stems of Carex arenaria are 
 used for Sarsaparilla. The species of 
 Eriophorum, or Cotton Grass, have long, 
 white, silky hairs surrounding the fruit. 
 Papyrus antiquorum (also called Cyperus) 
 appears to be one of the plants called 
 Bulrush in the Bible. It formerly grew 
 abundantly at the mouth of the Nile, 
 which was hence called papyriferous by 
 Ovid, but it is now gone. The cellular
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 CYP 
 
 tissue of its stems was used in place of 
 paper. Scirpus lacrustis, the Bulrush, is 
 used for making mats, baskets, and 
 the bottoms of chairs. In South America 
 it is used for making balsas or boats, and 
 a similar use is referred to in Isaiah, xviii., 
 1, 2. There are 120 known genera and 
 upward of 2,000 species. Cyperus, Papy- 
 rus, Carex, Scirpus, Eriophorum, and 
 Gladium are examples of the order. 
 
 Cyphelia. Collections of gonidia (which 
 see) in the form of cups; a term only 
 used of Lichens. 
 
 Cyphellce. Pale wart-like spots found on 
 the under surface of the thallus (which 
 see) of some Lichens. 
 
 DEC 
 
 Cypsela. The dry, one-celled, one-seeded, 
 inferior fruit of Composites. 
 
 Cyst. The spore-case of certain Fungi; 
 also the hollow spaces in parenchyma, 
 (which see,) in which the oily matter 
 collects, as in the rind of the Orange. 
 
 Cystidia. Salient cells accompanying the 
 basids or asci (which see) of Fungi ; by 
 some regarded as antherids, (which see.) 
 
 Cystocarpum. A case including a great 
 many spores. The term is confined to Algce. 
 
 Cytoblast. That elementary spherule, de- 
 rived from organic mucus, which pro- 
 duces a cell from its side, according to 
 Schleiden. It is the nucleus of R. Brown 
 and others. 
 
 D. 
 
 / jcedaleus. When a point has a large 
 circuit, but is truncated and ragged; 
 or wavy and irregularly plaited, as the 
 hymenium (which see) of some Agarics. 
 
 Danceacece. The name of a natural order 
 of Ferns, also called Marattiacece, which 
 see. 
 
 Daphnacece. A natural order of monochia- 
 mydeous dicotyledonous plants, synony- 
 mous with Thymelceacece or Thymelacece, 
 which see. 
 
 Daphnads. A name used by Lindley for 
 the Thymelaceos, 
 
 Dasycarpos. Hairy-fruited. 
 
 Dasycladece. A small natural order of 
 green-spored Algce, which are either 
 naked or coated with carbonate of lime, 
 and have a one-celled simple or branched 
 axis, which is whorled either throughout 
 its whole length or near the summit with 
 jointed branchlets. The fruit is con- 
 tained in free or laterally united spor- 
 angia. See Algce. 
 
 Dealbate. Covered with a very opaque white 
 powder. 
 
 Deca. In Greek compounds means ten ; as 
 Decagynia, having ten pistils. 
 
 Decagynia. An' artificial order in the Lin- 
 nsean system, consisting of plants which 
 have either ten pistils, or whose pistil has 
 ten free styles. 
 
 Decandria. The tenth artificial class in the 
 Linnsean system, including certain flow- 
 ers with ten stamens, not belonging to 
 other classes. Decandrous flowers in 
 the classes Monadelphia, Diadelphia, 
 Monoscia, Dicecia, form the orders " De- 
 candria," severally subordinate to those 
 classes. 
 
 Decandrous. Having ten stamens. 
 
 Decaphyllous. Having ten leaves. 
 
 Deciduous. Falling off. Leaves which are 
 shed annually are said to be deciduous ; 
 as are also trees that annually lose their 
 leaves. So also the calyx and corolla of 
 Cruciferce.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DEC 
 
 Declinate.Bent downwards. 
 
 Decompound, Decomposite. Having various 
 compound divisions or ramifications ; a 
 leaf is said to be decompound when it is 
 twice pinnated; a panicle, when its 
 branches are also panicled. 
 
 Decumbent. Reclining upon the earth and 
 rising again from it; applied to stems 
 when they recline upon the surface of the 
 earth, but have a tendency to rise again 
 at the extremities; applied to stamens, it 
 is a synonym of Declinate, which see. 
 
 Decurrent. Where the limb of a leaf is pro- 
 longed down the stem on each side, be- 
 low the point of insertion, or where the 
 midrib quits it; as though the leaf were 
 partially united to the stem by its mid- 
 rib. Common in the Thistles. 
 
 Decursively pinnate. When a petiole is 
 winged by the elongation of the base of 
 the leaflets; hardly different from pin- 
 natifid. 
 
 Decussate, Decussated. Arranged in pairs 
 that alternately cross each other; when 
 two right lines cross each other at right 
 angles they are said to be decussate; 
 leaves are often placed in this position, 
 as in Ixora parmftora, Phlox decussata, etc. 
 
 Deferent. Conveying anything downwards. 
 
 Deftexed. Bending gradually downwards 
 through the whole length. 
 
 Defoliation. The casting off of leaves. 
 
 Deformation. An alteration in the usual 
 form of an organ, by accident or other- 
 wise. 
 
 Degeneration. Some peculiarity in the 
 condition of an organ, induced by a mod- 
 ification of the circumstances under 
 which its more usual and healthy devel- 
 opment is effected. 
 
 Degradation. A change, consisting of an 
 abstraction, loss, abortion, or non-devel- 
 opment of usual organs. 
 
 DEP 
 
 Dehiscence. The opening of pods and of 
 the cells of anthers at maturity, so as to 
 emit seeds, pollen, etc. 
 
 Dehiscent. Opening, gaping; an expression 
 applied to the mode in which the anthers 
 or the capsule burst open and discharge 
 their contents. 
 
 Deliquescent. Branched, but so divided that 
 the principal axis is lost trace of in ram- 
 ifications, as the head of an Oak tree. 
 
 Deltoid. A solid, the transverse section of 
 which has a triangular outline. Also ap- 
 plied to the outline of thin bodies. 
 
 Demersed. Buried beneath water. 
 
 Dendroid. Divided at the top into a num- 
 ber of branches, so as to resemble the 
 head of a tree; only applied to small 
 plants like Mosses. 
 
 Dendron. In Greek compounds dendron 
 means a tree. 
 
 Dens. A toothing. 
 
 Densum. Thick, tufted, bundled. 
 
 Dentate. Having sharp teeth with concave 
 edges. When these teeth are themselves 
 toothed, the part is duplicato-dentate ; not 
 bidentate, which means two-toothed. 
 
 Dentato-crenate. The same as crenato-den- 
 tate, which see. 
 
 Dentato-laciniate. When toothings are ir- 
 regularly extended into long points. 
 
 Dentato-serrate. When toothings are taper- 
 pointed and directed forwards, like ser- 
 ratures. 
 
 Denticulate, Denticulatus. Having very fine 
 marginal teeth. 
 
 Denudate, Denudatus. When a surface 
 which has once been hairy, downy, etc., 
 becomes naked. 
 
 Deoperculate. A term used in describing 
 Mosses, when the operculum will not 
 separate spontaneously from the spore- 
 
 Depauperate. When some part is less pei-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 337 
 
 DEP 
 
 fectly developed than is usual in plants 
 of the same family; thus, when the lower 
 scales of the head of a cyperaceous plant 
 produce no flowers, such scales are said 
 to be depauperated or starved. 
 
 Dependent. Hanging down. 
 
 Depressed. Pressed downward; having the 
 appearance of being flattened vertically, 
 as the tuber of the Turnip. 
 
 Derma. In Greek compounds derma means 
 the bark or rind. 
 
 Dennis. The skin of a plant. 
 
 Descending. Tending gradually down- 
 ward ; as some branches and leaves. 
 Also, penetrating more or less vertically 
 into the earth; as with the root, the de- 
 scending axis of vegetation. 
 
 Desmos. In Greek compounds desmos 
 means anything bound to another, or 
 brought into close contact with it. 
 
 Development. That gradual extension of 
 parts by which any organ or plant pro- 
 ceeds from its nascent state to maturity. 
 
 Dewy. Where a surface appears as if cov- 
 ered with dew, arising from small, irreg- 
 ular, and pellucid expansions of cellular 
 tissue. 
 
 Di. In Greek compounds di means two, 
 as Digynia, two pistils. 
 
 Diachyma. The green cellular matter of 
 leaves. 
 
 Diadelphia. An artificial class in the Lin- 
 nsean system, characterized by the sta- 
 mens being united by their filaments into 
 two distinct bundles. 
 
 Diadelphous. Consisting of two parcels or 
 fraternities of stamens. 
 
 Diagnosis. The short character or descrip- 
 tion by which one plant is distinguished 
 from another. 
 
 Dialypetalce. Plants with distinct petals, in 
 contra-distinction to GamopetaUv, which 
 have the petals united into a single co- 
 
 DIC 
 
 rolla. The term is a modern one, pro- 
 posed to be substituted for Polypetalce, 
 which is more generally used in the same 
 sense, although it signifies literally plants 
 with many petals. 
 
 Dialypetalous. The same as polypetalbus, 
 which see. 
 
 DialyphyUous. The same as polysepalous. 
 
 Diandria. An artificial class in the Lin- 
 nsean system, containing plants whose 
 flowers have only two stamens. 
 
 Diapeasiacece, (Diapensiads.) A small or- 
 der of corollifloral Dicotyledons, estab- 
 lished by Lindley in 1836, and by him 
 referred to his Gentianal Alliance, and re- 
 cently reconstructed by Dr. Asa Gray. 
 Perennial herbs, sometimes suffruticose, 
 with alternate leaves and pentamerqus 
 gamopetalous flowers. The plants inhab- 
 it the northern parts of Europe and 
 North America. 
 
 Diaphanous. Transparent, or nearly so. 
 
 Diaphysis. A preternatural extension of 
 the center of the flower, or of an inflores- 
 cence. 
 
 Diatomacece. A very distinct natural order 
 of green-spored Algae, remarkable for the 
 enormous quantity of silex contained in 
 their frond, and for their yellow-brown 
 color. See Algw. 
 
 Dibber. This is the pointed implement 
 used for setting out vegetable plants 
 that have long roots, such as Cabbage, 
 Celery, etc. , and also seedling trees and 
 flowering plants. It is best made in the 
 form of a pistol handle, about ten inches 
 long, one and a half inches in diameter, 
 and shod with three or four inches of iron 
 tapering to a sharp point. 
 
 Dichlamijdeous. Having both calyx and co- 
 rolla. 
 
 Dichogamous. When the florets of an in- 
 florescence are of two separate sexes.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DIG 
 
 Dichotomia, Dii'hrtomous. Having the divi- 
 sions always in pairs; a term equally 
 applied to branches, or veins, or forks. 
 
 Ifalesium.A. one-seeded indehiscent fruit 
 inclosed within a hardened perianth, as 
 in the Marvel of Peru. 
 
 DirliiinuH. Having the stamens in one 
 flower and the pistil in another. 
 
 Dicotyledonous. Having two cotyledons. 
 
 Dicotyledons, Dicotyledonece. Plants having 
 two seed leaves, which are called cotyle- 
 dons. This is one of the primary divi- 
 sions or classes of the vegetable king- 
 dom, including about 7,000 known gen- 
 era, and about 70,000 known species of 
 flowering plants. The class also receives 
 the name of Exogence or Exogens, from 
 the structure of the stems. The plants 
 of this great class have spiral vessels; 
 their stems are formed by additions ex- 
 ternally in the form of zones or rings; 
 stomata or pores exist in the leaves, which 
 have a reticulated or netted venation. 
 The plants have stamens and pistils, 
 either in the same or in different flowers. 
 The symmetry of the flowers is repre- 
 sented by five or two, or multiples of 
 these numbers. The ovules are contained 
 in an ovary, or more rarely are naked; 
 and the embryo has two, sometimes more, 
 cotyledons. 
 
 Dictyogens, (Dictyogena?.} A sub-class of 
 Monocotyledons or Endogens, according 
 to Lindley. 
 
 Didymouf,. Double; growing in pairs, as 
 the fruit of Umbellifers. 
 
 Didynamia.An artificial class in the Lin- 
 nnean system, characterized by the flow- 
 ers being irregular, and containing four 
 stamens, of which two are longer than 
 the other two. 
 
 Didynamous. Having two long stamens 
 and two short ones in the same flower. 
 
 DIM 
 
 Dijformis. Having an unusual shape, or 
 remarkable for some singularity of shape. 
 
 Diffuse. Scattered, widely spread, as in 
 Veronica saxatilis. 
 
 Digamous. When two kinds of flowers, 
 some male and others female, are placed 
 on the same receptacle in Composite. 
 
 Digging. This is now nearly all done by 
 the digging fork in place of the spade, 
 unless in soils that are being broken up 
 from sod. The fork pulverizes the soil 
 much better, (the only object to be at- 
 tained by digging,) is much lighter to 
 handle, and the wonder is why, for gen- 
 erations, the spade was used, when the 
 manure fork, at the same time in use, 
 had not suggested its value for digging 
 purposes. 
 
 Digilaliform. Like campanulate, but longer 
 and irregular, as the corolla of Digitalis. 
 
 Digitate. Where several distinct leaflets 
 radiate from the point of a leaf-stalk; 
 applied to a simple leaf, where the lobes 
 are very narrow, deeply cut, and all ex- 
 tending nearly to the base of the limb, 
 like the extended fingers of the human 
 hand, as in the Horse-Chestnut, Lupins, 
 Spircea palmata, etc. 
 
 Digitinerved. When the ribs of a leaf radi- 
 ate from the top of the petiole. 
 
 Digitus, (adj. Digitalis.) The length of the 
 index finger ; about three inches in length. 
 
 Digynia. An order, in some of the classes 
 of the artificial system of Linnseus, char- 
 acterized by the flowers having two pistils, 
 or at least two different styles. 
 
 Digynous. Having two styles or female 
 organs. 
 
 Dimidiate. When one half of an organ is 
 so much smaller than the other as to 
 seem as if missing; hardly different from 
 oblique, except in degree; also slit half 
 way up.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 339 
 
 DIM 
 
 Dimidiato-cordate. When the larger half of 
 a dimidiate leaf is cordate. 
 
 Dimorphous. Where similar parts of the 
 same plant assume different shapes or 
 characters. 
 
 Dicecia, (adj. Dicecioux, Dioicus.) W T hen the 
 sexes of a plant are borne in different 
 flowers by distinct individuals; the dif- 
 ferent sexes on different plants. A sepa- 
 rate class, and also an order of another j 
 class, iu the artificial system of Linnaeus, ; 
 characterized by the unisexual flowers of j 
 the same species being produced on dis- 
 tinct individuals, as in Willows. 
 
 Dioico-poli/gamotif. When some of the flow- 
 ers of a dioecious plant produce her- i 
 m aphrodite flowers. 
 
 Dioscoreacece, (Yams.) A natural order of 
 monocotyledonous or endogenous plants, 
 belonging to the sub-class of Dictyogence. 
 They are twining shrubs or herbs with ! 
 tubers either above or below ground, 
 usually alternate leaves with reticulated \ 
 venation, and small staminate and pistil- j 
 late flowers growing in spikes. Perianth 
 six-cleft, in two rows, herbaceous and j 
 adherent; stamens six, inserted into the i 
 base of the perianth; ovary inferior, ; 
 three-celled; ovules, one or two, sus- 
 pended; style three-cleft. Fruit com- 
 pressed, three-celled, two cells of ten abor- | 
 tive; seeds albuminous; embryo in a | 
 cavity. They are chiefly natives of trop- | 
 ical countries. Tamus, however, is a na- 
 tive of Europe and of the temperate parts i 
 of Asia. The plants are mostly acrid, but 
 contain also a large amount of starch. 
 Several species of Diosoorett produce edi- j 
 ble tubers, which are known as Yams, 
 and are eaten like Potatoes. Tarn us com- I 
 munis, black Bryony, has an acrid, pur- 
 gative, and emetic tuber, and a berried 
 fruit of a red color. Text ud inarm /<'/i/mn- 
 
 DIP 
 
 lapsus has a remarkably tuberculated 
 stem, and is called Elephant's Foot or the 
 Tortoise Plant of the Cape. The central 
 part is eaten by the Hottentots. There 
 are seven known genera and one hundred 
 and sixty species. Dioscorea, Tamus, and 
 Testudinaria are examples of the order. 
 
 Dipetalous. Consisting of two petals. 
 
 Diphyllom. Two-leaved. 
 
 Diploe. That part of the parenchyma of a 
 leaf which intervenes between the two 
 layers of epiderm. 
 
 Diplostemonous. Having twice as many 
 stamens as petals. 
 
 Diplotegia. An inferior capsule. 
 
 Dipsacacece, (Teazleivorts.) A natural order 
 of gamopetalous Calycifloral Dicotyle- 
 dons or Exogens, belonging to Lindley's 
 Campanal Alliance. They consist of 
 herbs or undershrubs with opposite or 
 whorled exstipulate leaves, and flowers 
 in heads surrounded with an involucre. 
 Fruit dry, not opening, crowned by the 
 poppus-like calyx; seed albuminous. 
 They are mostly natives of the South of 
 Europe, Barbary, the Levant, and the 
 Cape of Good Hope. Some of the species 
 are astringent. Some are used in dress- 
 ing cloth. Dipsacus Futtonum is the 
 Fuller's Teasel, the dried heads of which, 
 with their hooked, spiny bracts, are used 
 in fulling cloth. The opposite leaves of 
 the wild Teasel, D. sylvestris, unite at 
 their bases so as to form a basin, in which 
 water collects; hence the plant was called 
 Dipsacus, or thirsty. There are six known 
 genera and about 170 species. Dipsacus, 
 AofawMO) Marina, and Gephalaria are ex 
 amples of the order. 
 
 Dipteracece, (DipterocarpecK, Dipterads.) 
 A natural order of thalamifloral Dicotyle- 
 dons or Exogens, belonging to Lindley's 
 Guttiferal Alliance. They are large trees
 
 340 
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DIP 
 
 with resinous juice, and alternate invo- 
 lute leaves with convolute stipules. The 
 fruit is leathery, one-celled; seeds single, 
 without albumen. They are tropical In- 
 dian trees, found especially in the islands 
 of the Indian Archipelago. They yield a 
 resinous, balsamic juice. Dryabalanops 
 Camphora or aromatica, a tree from a 
 hundred to a hundred and thirty feet 
 high, supplies the hard Camphor of Su- 
 matra, which exists in a solid state in the 
 interior of the stem, sometimes in pieces 
 weighing from ten to twelve pounds. It 
 also yields by incision a resinous, oily 
 fluid called the Liquid Camphor or Cam- 
 phor Oil of Borneo. Sometimes five gal- 
 lons of the fluid are found in a cavity in 
 the trunk. Several others yield valuable 
 resins. There are seven known genera 
 and forty-seven species. Dipterocarpus, 
 Valeria, Dryobalanops, and Shorea are ex- 
 amples of the order. 
 Dipterous. Having two wing-like processes, 
 
 as the seeds of Halesia diptera. 
 Dipyrenous. Containing two stones or py- 
 
 rense, which see. 
 
 Disciform. Flat and circular; the same as 
 orbicular, which see. Also a name 
 given to the chambered nuts of such 
 plants as the Walnut. 
 
 Discocarpium. A collection of fruits placed 
 within a hollowed receptacle, as in many 
 Roseworts. 
 
 Discoidal. Orbicular, with perceptible 
 thickness, slightly convex, and a rounded 
 border. 
 
 Discolor. Parts having one surface of one 
 color, and the other surface of another 
 color. Also, any green color altered by a 
 mixture of purple, as in Oissus discolor. 
 Discopodium.The foot or stalk on which 
 some' kinds of disks are elevated, 
 ooth, without thorns. 
 
 DIV 
 
 Disk. An organ intervening between the 
 stamens and ovary. It assumes many 
 forms, the most common of which is a 
 ring or scales, and it is apparently com- 
 posed of metamorphosed stamens. Also, 
 the receptacle of certain Fungi, or the 
 hymenium (which see) of others. 
 
 Disomorphous. Two-shaped. 
 
 Dispermus. Two-seeded. 
 
 Dissected. Cut into many deep lobes. 
 
 Dissectus. Where the segments, as in some 
 leaves, are very numerous and deeply cut. 
 
 Dissemination. The manner in which ripe 
 seeds of plants are naturally dispersed. 
 
 Dissepiments. The partitions in a fruit 
 caused by the adhesion of the sides of 
 carpellary leaves. Spurious dissepiments 
 are any partitions in fruit which have not 
 the origin just explained. 
 
 Dissimilar. When similar organs assume 
 different forms in the same individual; 
 as some of the anthers in the genus 
 
 Distachyon. Two-spiked. 
 
 Distichous. When pai-ts are arranged in 
 two rows, the one opposite the other, as 
 the florets of many grasses. 
 
 Distinct. When any part or organ is 
 wholly unconnected with those near it. 
 
 Distractile. Divided into two parts as if 
 torn asunder, like the connective of some 
 anthers. 
 
 Diurnal, Diurnus. Enduring only a day, 
 as the flowers of Tigridia and Hemero- 
 callis, (Day Lily.) 
 
 Divaricate,Divaricating. -Straggling ; spread- 
 ing abruptly; branching off at an acute 
 angle, and spreading irregularly in various 
 directions, as in Veronica pinnata. 
 
 Divergent. Growing far asunder; applied 
 to branches and leaves. 
 
 Diversiflorus. When a plant or inflores- 
 cence bears flowers of two or more sorts.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DIV 
 
 Divided. Where incisions or indentations 
 extend nearly to the base. 
 
 Dodecagynia. An order in the artificial 
 system of Linnaeus, characterized by 
 flowers which have twelve pistils. 
 
 Dodecandria. The eleventh class in the 
 artificial system of Linnaeus, including 
 flowers with twelve stamens, or rather 
 those which have between twelve and 
 twenty, provided they are not attached 
 to the calyx. 
 
 Dodecandrous. Having twelve stamens. 
 
 Dolabriform. Ax-shaped. 
 
 Dorsal. Attached to, or growing on, the 
 back of any organ. 
 
 Dorsiferous. Bearing something on the 
 back. 
 
 Dor sum. The back of anything. 
 
 Dotted. Furnished with transparent recep- 
 tacles of oil, looking like dots; marked 
 with punctures. 
 
 Double. When applied to the entire flower, 
 it signifies that monstrous condition in 
 which the parts of the inner floral whorls, 
 the stamens or carpels, become converted j 
 into petals. Applied to the calyx or 
 corolla separately, it refers to certain 
 examples in which these organs appear 
 to consist of more than the usual normal 
 number of subordinate parts, and thus 
 seem as if they were double. Double 
 flowers are most common in the natural 
 order Composites. 
 
 Double-bearing. Producing twice in the 
 same season. 
 
 Doubly. Having a form or structure re- 
 peated ; doubly - toothed means teeth 
 themselves toothed, and so on. 
 
 Downy. Covered with very short, weak, 
 close hairs. 
 
 Downy^pubescent. Having soft, short down, 
 closely pressed to the surface. 
 
 Draconis. Spotted like a serpent. 
 
 DRA 
 
 Draining. This is one of the most import- 
 ant operations in horticulture. No mat- 
 ter how fertile the normal condition of 
 the soil; no matter how abundantly it is 
 fertilized; no matter how carefully and 
 thoroughly it is tilled, if water remains in 
 it at the depth at which roots penetrate, 
 all labor will be in vain ; for no satisfac- 
 tory result can ever be attained until 
 the water is drained off. The subject is 
 one of such importance that we cannot 
 give it full attention here, and to such as 
 require to operate on a large scale, works 
 specially devoted to the subject should be 
 consulted, or a draining engineer em- 
 ployed. Soils having a gravelly or sandy 
 sub-soil ten or twenty inches below the 
 top soil do not usually need draining; 
 but in all soils underlaid by clay or hard 
 pan, draining is indispensable, unless in 
 cases where there is a slope of two to 
 three feet in a hundred; and even in such 
 cases draining is beneficial if the sub-soil 
 is clay. 
 
 In soils having a clay or hard-pan sub- 
 soil, drains should be made three feet 
 deep and not more than twenty feet 
 apart. If stones are plenty, they may 
 be profitably used to fill up the drains, 
 say to a depth of twelve or fifteen inches, 
 either placed so as to form a " rubble " 
 drain, if the stones are round, or built 
 with an orifice at the bottom, if the 
 stones are flat. In either case, care must 
 be used to cover the stones carefully 
 up with inverted sods, or some material 
 that will prevent the soil being washed 
 through the stones and choking up the 
 drain. 
 
 Drain tiles, when they can be obtained 
 at a reasonable price, are the best mate- 
 rial for draining. The horseshoe pat- 
 tern is generally used. If the drain
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 DBA 
 
 has a hard bottom they can be placed di- 
 rectly on it when leveled to the proper 
 grade; but if the ground is soft and 
 spongy, a board must be laid in the bot- 
 tom, on which to place the tiles. It is 
 often a very troublesome matter to get 
 the few drain tiles necessary to drain a 
 small garden, and in such cases an excel- 
 lent and cheap substitute can be had by 
 using one of boards. Take ordinary 
 rough boards, Pine, Hemlock, or Spruce, 
 and cut them into widths of three or four 
 inches, and nail them together so as to 
 form a triangular pipe, taking care to 
 "break the joints " in putting the lengths 
 together. Care must be taken that the 
 boards are not nailed together too close- 
 ly, else they might swell so as to prevent 
 the water passing into the drain to be 
 carried off. These drains are usually set j 
 with a flat side down, but they will keep 
 clear better if put with a point down, i 
 though it is more trouble to lay them. 
 Drains made in this way will last twenty i 
 years or more. 
 
 Of course, in draining, the greater the 
 fall that can be got the better, though, if 
 the grading is carefully done by a com- 
 petent engineer, a very slight fall will 
 suffice. Some of the trunk or main sew- 
 ers in our cities have only a grade of one 
 foot in a thousand. 
 
 Drainage in flower pots is essential for 
 most plants whenever the pot is over 
 five inches in diameter. Charcoal broken 
 into pieces from one-half to one inch in 
 diameter we prefer to every other kind 
 of drainage, which should be in depth 
 from one inch to three inches, according 
 to the size of the pot to be drained, 
 an extra quantity being necessary if the 
 plant is being shifted into a pot too 
 large; then ample drainage is indispen- 
 
 DEU 
 
 sable to admit of the quick escape of 
 water. This drainage, so called, is not 
 alone of use as a means for the rapid es- 
 cape of water, but also for the admission 
 of air to the roots, which brings in 
 another important matter in connection 
 with the drainage in pots, the necessity 
 to stand the pots on some rough ma- 
 terial, such as gravel or cinders; for if 
 placed on sand, soil, or anything that will 
 close up the orifice in the bottom of the 
 pot, all the drainage placed in it will 
 avail nothing. It is far better to use no 
 drainage at all, and stand the pots on a 
 rough surface, than to use the drainage 
 and place the plants on some material 
 that will close the outlet. 
 
 Droseracece, (Sundews.} A natural order of 
 thalamifloral Dicotyledons or Exogens 
 belonging to Lindley's Berberal Alli- 
 ance. They are herbs, which are often 
 covered with glandular hairs. They 
 have alternate leaves with fringes at their 
 base, and a fern-like growth. The 
 plants inhabit marshes in Europe, India, 
 China, the Cape of Good Hope, Mada- 
 gascar, North and South America, and 
 New Holland. They have acid and 
 slightly acrid properties. The species of 
 Drosera are remarkable for their glandu- 
 lar hairs, which are covered with drops of 
 fluid in sunshine. Dioncea muscipula is 
 a still more remarkable plant, commonly 
 called Venus's Fly-trap, which see. Some 
 include Parnassia in this order. There 
 are seven known genera and about one 
 hundred species. Drosera, Dioncea, Droso- 
 phyllum, and Aldrovanda are examples of 
 the order. 
 
 Drupacece, (Drupiferis, Amygdalece, Almond- 
 worts.} According to Lindley, this is a 
 distinct natural order, while other bot- 
 anists regard it as a sub-order of Rosacew.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLA.NTS. 
 
 343 
 
 DKU 
 
 The order belongs to the class of Dico- 
 tyledons, and the sub-class Calyciflorce 
 Polypetalce, and to Lindley's Rosal Alli- 
 ance. They are trees and shrubs with 
 simple alternate stipulate leaves. The 
 flowers are white or pink, in umbels or 
 single. The fruit is a drupe, with a hard 
 endocarp; the seed usually solitary; no 
 albumen. The plants are found in cold 
 and temperate climates of the northern 
 hemisphere. The leaves, flowers, and 
 seeds yield hydrocyanic or prussic acid. 
 The fruit is in many cases edible. Amyg- 
 dalus commums, the Almond Tree, a na- 
 tive of Asia and Barbary, is cultivated in 
 the south of Europe. There are two 
 varieties, the one producing sweet, the 
 other bitter Almonds. From the kernels 
 prussic acid is obtained. Cerasus corn- 
 munis yields the common or cultivated 
 Cherry. C. Lauro-cerasus, the Cherry 
 Laurel or Bay Laurel, yields a hydrocy- 
 anated oil. Prunus communis furnishes 
 the common or cultivated Plum, and P. 
 Armeniaca the Apricot. Amygdalus Per- 
 sica supplies the Peach, and a variety 
 gives the Nectarine. There are five 
 known genera and a hundred and ten 
 species. Amygdalus, Cerasus, and Prunus 
 are examples of the order. 
 Drupe, (adj. Drupaceous.) A kind of fruit 
 consisting of a fleshy, succulent rind, and 
 containing a hard stone in the center, > 
 like the Olives, Plums, Apricots, etc. 
 
 EBE 
 
 Drupel, Drupeole. A very small Drupe. 
 The fruit of the Blackberry is composed 
 of several drupels, seated on a pulpy re- 
 ceptacle. 
 
 Ducts. Tubular vessels marked by trans- 
 verse lines or dots; apparently, in some 
 cases, modifications of spiral vessels, 
 when they are called closed, annular, retic- 
 ulated, and scalariform; sometimes analo- 
 gous to pitted tissue, when they are 
 called dotted, and form bothrenchyma, 
 which see. 
 
 Dulcis. Sweet, nectariferous. 
 
 Dumus, (adj. Dumose.) A low brandling 
 shrub. 
 
 Duplicate, Duplicaio. Growing in pairs. 
 When compounded with the words Cre- 
 nate, Dentate, Serrate, it implies that the 
 incisions on the margins of leaves bear- 
 ing these names are themselves crenated, 
 dentated, and serrated. 
 
 Duplo. Twice as much as, or twice as 
 many as. 
 
 Duramen. The heart- wood, or that part of 
 the timber of a tree which becomes hard- 
 ened by the matter deposited in it. It is 
 next the center in Exogens and next the 
 circumference in Endogens. 
 
 Dusty. Where an otherwise smooth sur- 
 face is covered with minute granular in- 
 crustations resembling dust. 
 
 Dwarf. Of small size compared with other 
 species of the same genus, or with other 
 varieties of the same species. 
 
 E 
 
 777 Ex. In compound words the mean- I Ebenacece, (Ebenads.) A natural order of 
 
 J ing is without; as ex-albuminous, Corolh'floral Dicotyledons, belonging t<> 
 
 without albumen. Lindley's Gentianal Alliance. They are 
 
 Eared. Having ears; the same as auricu- ! trees or shrubs, not milky, with alternate 
 
 late, which see. exstipulate, leathery, and entire leaves.
 
 344 
 
 HENPEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EBR 
 
 The flowers are hermaphrodite, (perfect,) 
 or pistillate and staminate. The fruit is 
 a round or oval berry with albuminous 
 seeds. They are chiefly natives of the East 
 Indies, but are also found in tropical Africa, 
 at the Cape of Good Hope, in South 
 America, Brazil, Australia, Northern Asia, 
 and China. The trees yield a hard and 
 durable timber. The heart- wood of differ- 
 ent species of Diospyros is the Ebony of 
 commerce, of which there are many varie- 
 ties. The Keg-fig of Japan is the edible 
 fruit of Diospyros Kaki, and our common 
 Persimmon is the fruit of Diospyros Vir- 
 giniana. There are five recognized genera 
 and about 250 species. Diospyros, Eoyena, 
 Euclea, and Maba are examples. 
 
 Ebracteate. Having no bracts. 
 
 Eburneus. Of the color of ivory. 
 
 Ecalcarate. Not having a spur. 
 
 Ecaudate. Spikeless; without a stem. 
 
 EcblaMesis. The production of buds with- 
 in flowers, in consequence of monstrous 
 development ; or on inflorescences. 
 
 Echinate, Echinaled. Furnished with nu- 
 merous rigid hairs or straight prickles; 
 as the fruit of Costarica vesca, Amomum 
 subulatum, etc. 
 
 Ecoslate. Not having a central or strongly 
 marked rib or costa. 
 
 Eddoes. The tuberous stems of various ara- 
 ceous plants, as Colocasia esculenta, Gala- 
 dium bicolor, etc. 
 
 Edentate. Not having teeth. 
 
 Edentulus.Not toothed. 
 
 Edged. When one color is surrounded by 
 a very narrow rim of another color. 
 
 Efflorescent. The action of beginning to 
 flower. 
 
 Effoliation. The removal of leaves. 
 
 Effuse. Applied to inflorescence, and means 
 a kind of panicle with a very loose ar- 
 rangement 
 
 ELL 
 Efulcrate. Said of buds from below which 
 
 the customary leaf has fallen. 
 Egg-shaped. The same as ovate, which see. 
 Eglandulose. Not having glands. 
 Ehretiacece, (Ehretiads.) A natural order of 
 Dicotyledons, belonging to De Candolle's 
 sub-class Corolliflorce, and to Lindley's 
 Echial Alliance. The plants are closely 
 allied to the Borageworts. They are 
 trees, shrubs, or herbs. They are chiefly 
 tropical plants, though some occur in 
 the south of Europe and others in our 
 Southern States. The Heliotrope, a na- 
 tive of Peru, was introduced in 1740, 
 and is universally esteemed for its de- 
 lightful fragrance. There are fifteen 
 known genera and about 330 species. 
 Ehretia, Heliotropium, and Tournefortia 
 are examples of the order. 
 Ehretiads. The English term for Ehreti- 
 
 acece. 
 
 Elceagnacece, (Oleasters.) A natural order 
 of monochlamydeous Dicotyledons, be- 
 longing to Lindley's Amental Alliance of 
 diclinous Exogens. They are trees or 
 shrubs, chiefly natives of the northern 
 hemisphere. There are four known gen- 
 era and thirty species. Shepherdia, Eke- 
 agnus, and Hippophae are examples of the 
 order. 
 
 Elaio. In Greek compounds this word 
 means olive color, a mixture of green and 
 brown. 
 
 Elaturs. Cells containing a double spiral, 
 which occur in the capsules of Junger- 
 manniacece and Marchantiacece in com- 
 pany with the spores. 
 Elatus. Tall. 
 Eleidheros. In Greek compounds means 
 
 distinct, separate. 
 
 Ellipsoid, Ellipsoidal. A solid with an ellip- 
 tical figure; like an ellipsis, as in Nastur- 
 tium amphibium.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 345 
 
 ELL 
 
 Elliptic. A flat body which is oval and 
 acute at each end. 
 
 Elliptic-lanceolate. A form between elliptic 
 and lanceolate, as in Olea Americana. 
 
 Elongate, Elongated. Lengthened or 
 stretched out; when any part of an organ 
 is in any way remarkable for its length 
 in comparison with its breadth. 
 
 Emarcid. Flaccid, wilted. 
 
 Emarginate. Having a small notch in tha 
 end, as if a piece had been taken out, as 
 in Canna coccinea. 
 
 Embolus. A plug; a process which projects 
 downward from the upper part of the 
 cavity of the ovary in Armeria, and closes 
 up the foramen of the ovule. 
 
 Embossed. Projecting from the surface, 
 like the boss or umbo of a round shield 
 or target. 
 
 Embracing. Clasping with the base. The 
 same as amplexicaul, which see. 
 
 Embryo, (adj. Embryonal.) The rudiment 
 of a plant contained in the seed. Ic 
 makes its first appearance soon after the 
 pollen has fertilized the ovule. Fixed 
 embryo, a leaf bud. 
 
 Embryo buds. Spheroidal solid bodies, re- 
 sembling woody nodules, formed in the 
 bark of trees, and capable of extending 
 into branches under favorable circum- 
 
 Embryotegium, Embryotega. A little papilla, 
 often separating as a lid, which covers 
 over the radicle of some kinds of embryo. 
 It is the hardened apex of the nucleus. 
 
 Empetracece, (Crowberriea.) A natural or- 
 der of monochlamydeous Dicotyledons 
 belonging to Lindley's Euphorbia! Alli- 
 ance. They are shrubs with heath-like, 
 evergreen leaves without stipules, and 
 small axillary flowers, Avhich are usually 
 imperfect. The fruit is fleshy, with two 
 to nine nucules; seed solitary. They are 
 
 END 
 
 natives chiefly of the northern parts of 
 Europe and America. There are four 
 known genera and five species. Empe- 
 trum, Ceratiola, and Corema are examples 
 of the order. 
 
 Emphysematose. Bladdery; resembling a 
 bladder. 
 
 Endeca. In Greek compounds means 
 eleven. 
 
 Endecagynous. Possessing eleven pistils. 
 
 Endecandrous. Possessing eleven stamens. 
 No flowers are strictly characterized by 
 possessing either eleven stamens or 
 eleven pistils, but as such conditions oc- 
 cur from accidental abortions or mon- 
 strous developments, the terms are in use. 
 
 Endocarp. The lining of a carpel; the in- 
 ner surface or lining of a fruit, represent- 
 ing at that time the upper surface of a 
 carpellary leaf. The stone of a Cherry is 
 its endocarp. 
 
 Endogens. A large class of plants to which 
 the names of Monocotyledones and Amphi- 
 bryce are also given. " They have a cel- 
 lular and vascular system, the latter 
 exhibiting spiral vessels. Their stem 
 is endogenous, that is to say, increases 
 in diameter by the addition of woody 
 vessels towards its interior, the outer 
 part being the oldest and densest, and 
 hence the name Endogens, inward grow- 
 ers; bundles of woody, spiral, and pitted 
 vessels are scattered throughout the cel- 
 lular tissue; there is no pith, no separ- 
 able bark, no woody rings or zones, and 
 no true medullary rays. The age of 
 woody Endogens cannot be determined 
 by counting concentric rings, as in Exo- 
 gens. The leaves are usually continuous 
 with the stem, and do not fall off by ar- 
 ticulations; and when at length they sep- 
 arate, their bases leave marks or scars at 
 definite intervals on the stem, as may be
 
 346 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 END 
 
 seen in Palms. The stems of Endogens 
 are often subterranean, in the form of 
 Conns, Rhizomes, or Bulbs. The leaves 
 have stomates, and their venation is usu- 
 ally parallel, though in a few cases it is 
 slightly reticulated. The flowers have 
 stamens and pistils, and three-membered 
 symmetry. The ovules are contained in 
 an ovary, and the embryo has one cotyle- 
 don or seed lobe, whence they are called 
 monocotyledonous. 
 
 "The class has been divided into two 
 sub-classes: 1. Petaloideoe or Florida?, in 
 which the flowers consist either of a col- 
 ored perianth or of scales arranged in a 
 whorl. 2. Glumiferce, in which the flow- 
 ers, in place of sepals and petals, have 
 imbricated bracts or scales called glumes, 
 (which see.) Lindley has added a third 
 sub-class called Dictyogence, on account 
 of the net-veined leaves. Among the 
 PetaUridece there are three sections: 1. 
 Epigynce, having perfect flowers and a 
 superior perianth, as Orchids, Gingers, 
 Irids, Amaryllids, etc. 2. Hypogynce, 
 having perfect flowers and an inferior 
 perianth, as Lilies, Bushes, and Palms. 
 3. Incomplete, with imperfect flowers 
 without a proper whorled perianth, as 
 Screw Pines and Arums. Among Glumif- 
 erce are included the two orders of 
 
 Endophlceum. The liber of bark; the inner 
 layer, containing woody tissue, lying next 
 the wood. 
 
 EndophyUous. Formed from within a 
 sheathing leaf; as the young leaves of 
 endogenous plants. 
 
 Endopleura. The innermost skin of a seed 
 coat. 
 
 Endoptile. Said of an embryo whose plu- 
 mule is rolled up by the cotyledon, as in 
 Endogens. 
 
 EPA 
 
 Endorhizal. That kind of germination in 
 which the original radicle forms a sheath 
 round the first root which comes from 
 within the former. 
 
 Endos. In Greek composition means with- 
 in, or in the inside of anything. 
 
 Endosmose. That force which causes a 
 viscid fluid lying within a cavity to attract 
 to itself a watery fluid through an or- 
 ganic membrane. 
 
 Endosperm. The albumen of a seed. 
 
 Endostome. The aperture in the inner in- 
 tegument of an ovule. 
 
 Endolhecium. The lining of an anther. 
 
 Enervis. When there are no ribs or veins 
 visible. 
 
 Ennea. In Greek compounds means nine. 
 
 Enneagynia. An artificial order, charac- 
 terized by flowers with nine free pistils, 
 styles, or stigmas. 
 
 Enneandria. The ninth class in the artifi- 
 cial system of Linnaeus, containing a few 
 plants which have nine stamens in each 
 flower. 
 
 Enneapetdotis. Having nine petals. 
 
 Ensiform, Ensate. Quite straight, with the 
 point acute, like the blade of a broad- 
 sword or the leaf of an Iris. 
 
 Enodis. Where a stem, or other part, is 
 without joints or knots. 
 
 Entangled. Intermixed in so irregular a 
 manner as not to be readily disentangled, 
 as the hairs, roots, and branches of many 
 plants. 
 
 Entire. Having no kind of marginal divi- 
 sion. 
 
 Entophyte. A plant which grows from 
 within others, as some rhizanths and 
 Fungi. 
 
 Epacridacece, (Epacrids.) A natural order 
 of Corollifloral Dicotyledons belonging to 
 Lindley's Erical Alliance. They are 
 shrubby plants, with usually simple al-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 347 
 
 EPH 
 
 ternate leaves, and regular and perfect 
 flowers in spikes or racemes. The fruit is 
 either fleshy or capsular; embryo with 
 albumen and very small cotyledons. The 
 plants are natives of the Indian Archi- 
 pelago and Australia. The Epacris is a 
 beautiful flowering green-house plant. 
 There are thirty-two known genera and 
 336 species. Epacris, Styphelia, and-Draco- 
 phyllum are examples of the order. 
 
 Ephemerus, Ephemeral. Existing for, or 
 less than, one day ; as where a corolla 
 expands for a few hours at most, and 
 then fades. 
 
 Epi. In Greek compounds means upon. 
 
 Epiblast. A small transverse plate (a sec- 
 ond cotyledon) found on the embryo of 
 some grasses. 
 
 Epiblema. An epidermis consisting of 
 thick-sided flattened cells. 
 
 Epicalyx. The involucelluni, or external 
 series of envelopes beyond the calyx, as 
 in Malva. 
 
 Epicarp. The outer skin or coat of the 
 pericarp, when ripened into a fruit. 
 
 EpichUe. The upper half of the lip of an 
 Orchid, when that organ is once jointed 
 or strangulated. 
 
 Epiclinal. Placed upon the disk or recep- 
 tacle of a flower. 
 
 Epidermis. The true skin of a plant, im- 
 mediately underlying the cuticle. 
 
 Epigceus. Growing on land, in contradis- 
 tinction to growing in the water. Also 
 when any part of a terrestrial plant grows 
 close to the earth. 
 
 Epigenous. Growing upon the surface of a 
 part, as many Fungi on the surface of 
 leaves. 
 
 Epigone. The membraneous bag or flask 
 wliich incloses the spore-case of a Liver- 
 wort or scale Moss when young. Also, 
 the nucleus of a Chara. 
 
 EQU 
 
 Epigynom. Upon the ovary; a term ap- 
 plied when the outer whorls of the flower 
 adhere to the ovary, so that their upper 
 portions alone are free, and appear to be 
 seated on it, as in Cmbelliferce, etc. 
 
 Epipelalous. Inserted or growing on a 
 petal 
 
 Epiphlwum. The layer of bark immediately 
 below the epiderm. The cellular integu- 
 ment of the bark. 
 
 Epiphragm. A membrane drawn over the 
 mouth of the spore-case in Urn Mosses, 
 and closing it up. 
 
 Epiphyllous. Either growing upon or in- 
 serted on a leaf. 
 
 Epiphyte, (adj. Epiphytal.) Plants which 
 grow upon the surface of others, without 
 deriving any nutriment from them, as 
 many Mosses and Orchids. 
 
 Epipterous. Having a wing at the summit. 
 
 Epirhizous. Growing on a root. 
 
 Epispertn. The skin of a seed. 
 
 Epiapore. A skin that covers some spores. 
 
 Epithelium. An epidermis consisting of 
 young, thin-sided cells, filled with homo- 
 geneous, transparent, colorless sap. 
 
 Equal. Where one part is of the same gen- 
 eral form, disposition, and size, as some 
 other part with which it is compared; 
 applied to petals and sepals when they 
 are equal in size and shape with each 
 other. 
 
 Eqw&ateraL Having equal sides. 
 
 Equinoctial. Plants whose flowers expand 
 and close at particular hours of the day. 
 
 EquisetaceoB, (Equisetum.) A natural order 
 and genus of the higher Cryptogamia, re- 
 markable for the external resemblance 
 which they bear in habit to Gasuarina or 
 Ephedra, and, as regards the heads of 
 fructification, to Zanua. All resemblance, 
 however, ceases there, and the natural 
 affinities of the plants are with Ferns.
 
 348 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EQU 
 
 Equitant. A mode of vernation, or of ar- 
 rangement of leaves with respect to each 
 other, in which the sides or edges alter- 
 nately overlap each other, as in Morcea 
 iridioides. 
 
 Erectly-spreading. Between erect and 
 spreading. 
 
 Erecto-patent. Between erect and spread- 
 ing. 
 
 Eremus. A ripe carpel separating from its 
 neighbors and standing apart. 
 
 Ergot. A disease of Corn, Rye, etc., pro- 
 duced by Fungi. 
 
 Erianthus. When some parts of a flower 
 are covered with a woolly or cottony pu- 
 
 Ericacece, (Heathworts.)A. natural order of 
 CoroUifloral Dicotyledons, typical of 
 Lindley's Erical Alliance. They are shrubs 
 or undershrubs, with evergreen, rigid, 
 entire, whorled, or opposite leaves with- 
 out stipules. Arbutus Unedo is the Straw- 
 berry Tree. Rhododendron arboreum some- 
 times reaches in India a height of forty 
 feet, and some species grow at an eleva- 
 tion of 16,000 to 18,000 feet in the Hima- 
 layas. Several species of Azalea, Rhodo- 
 dendron, and Kalmia are natives of the 
 United Statea The plants of this order 
 are highly prized for the beauty of their 
 flowers. There are about fifty known 
 genera and nine hundred species. Erica, 
 Rhododendron, Kalmia, Clethra, Arbutus, 
 and Ledum are examples of this order. 
 
 Erinus. Prickly, rough. 
 
 Eriocaulacece, (Pipeworts.)-A. natural order 
 of incomplete Monocotyledons, included 
 in Lindley's Glumal Alliance among the 
 Endogens. They are marsh plants, with 
 narrow, spongy leaves. There are ten 
 known genera and two hundred and 
 twenty species. Eriocaulon, Cladocaulon, 
 and Philodice are examples of the order. 
 
 EST 
 
 Erion. In Greek compounds means woolly. 
 
 Erisma. The rachis or axis of grasses. 
 
 Erose, Eroded. Having the margin irregu- 
 larly toothed, as if bitten by an animal; a 
 term used to express a particular kind of 
 denticulation, as in Salvia pinnata. 
 
 Erosely-toothed. "When the teeth are gnaw- 
 ed or erose. 
 
 Eroso-dentate. Toothed in a very irregular 
 manner, the toothing being eroded. 
 
 Erostrate. Not having a beak. 
 
 Erubescent. Reddish, blush-colored. 
 
 Erythrine. A coloring matter found in 
 Lichens. 
 
 Erythro. In Greek compounds means any 
 pure red. 
 
 Eryfhrophyl. The red coloring matter of 
 plants. 
 
 Erythrostomum. Any aggregate fruit like 
 that of a Strawberry or a Ranunculus. 
 
 Escalloniacece, (Carpodetece, Escalloniads.) 
 A natural order of Calycifloral Dicotyle- 
 dons belonging to Lindley's Grossal Alli- 
 ance of epigynous Exogens. They are 
 evergreen shrubs, often odoriferous, with 
 alternate exstipulate leaves, and axillary, 
 conspicuous flowers. The order is con- 
 sidered by Bentham and Hooker as a 
 tribe of Saxifragacece, with which they 
 similarly unite Ribesiacece. The plants are 
 chiefly natives of South America, but some 
 are found in the southern parts of Aus- 
 tralia and New Zealand. There are seven 
 known genera and about sixty species. 
 EscaUonia, Itea, and Carpodetus are exam- 
 ples of the order. 
 
 Escens. A termination equivalent to the 
 English ish ; thus, rabescens, reddish. 
 
 Essential,. The most prominent character- 
 istics by which a particular species or a 
 particular group of plants is separated 
 from all others. 
 
 Estivation. The manner in which the parts
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 349 
 
 are arranged in a flower bud. See ^Esti- 
 vation. 
 
 Etcerio, Etairium. Such a kind of aggregate 
 fruit as that of the Strawberry or the 
 Ranunculus. 
 
 Etiolated. Deprived of color by being kept 
 in the dark; blanched. 
 
 Euphorbiacece, ( Pseudanthece, Trewiacece, 
 Spurgeworts.) A natural order of mono- 
 chlamydeous Dicotyledons, typical of 
 Lindley's Euphorbial Alliance of dicli- 
 nous Exogens. They are trees, shrubs, or 
 herbs, with opposite or alternate, often 
 stipulate leaves, and involucrate, incom- 
 plete, sometimes achlamydeous flowers. 
 The plants abound in South America, 
 and are also found in North America, 
 Africa, India, and Europe. They are gen- 
 erally acrid and poisonous, and contain 
 much milky juice. Some yield starch, 
 and others oils and Caoutchouc. Castor 
 Oil is obtained from the seeds of Ricinus ' 
 communis and Croton Oil from Croton \ 
 Tiglium. The seeds of Jatropha Curcas, j 
 the Physic Nut, are purgative. Stillingia , 
 sebifera is the Tallow Tree of China, the j 
 fatty matter being procured from the ! 
 fruit. Dyes are supplied by Crozophora 
 tinctoria and Rottlera tinctoria. African Oak 
 or Teak is yielded by Oldfieldia Africana; 
 Caoutchouc by Siphonia elastica, S. lutea, 
 S. brevifolia, S. Braziliensis, and S. 
 Spruceana ; and the poisonous Manchi- 
 neel by Hippomane MancineUa. Janipha 
 Manihot or Manihot utilissima furnishes 
 Cassava and Tapioca, which consist of 
 starchy matter from its root. Colliguaja 
 odorifera has peculiar jumping seeds, ow- 
 ing to their becoming the habitation of 
 the larva of an insect. Box-wood is the 
 product of Buxiis wmpcrvirens. There 
 are other useful and curious species, 
 some of which are cultivated for their 
 
 EXC 
 
 beautiful flowers. There are 230 known 
 genera and about 2,600 species. Euphor 
 bia, Phyllanthus, Croton, Jatropha, Siphonia, 
 JRicinus, Hura, Andrachne, and Poinsettia 
 (which see) are examples of the order. 
 
 Emnescenti-venose. When lateral veins dis- 
 appear within the margin. 
 
 Evittate. Not striped; destitute of vittse. 
 
 Evolutio. The act of development. 
 
 Evolved. Unfolded. 
 
 Ex. See E. But exo signifies outward or 
 external, as in Exogens and exintine, quasi 
 exointine. 
 
 Exalbuminose. Having no albumen. 
 
 Exanthemata. Skin diseases, blotches of 
 leaves, etc. 
 
 Exareolate. Not spaced out. 
 
 Exarillate. Without arils. 
 
 Exaristate. Destitute of an arista, awn, or 
 beard. 
 
 Excentrical. Out of the center; flying off 
 from the center, as in Agaricus. 
 
 Exasperate. Covered with hard, short, stiff 
 points. 
 
 Excipide. That part of the thallus of a 
 Lichen which forms a rim and base to 
 the shield. Also a similar part in certain 
 Fungi. 
 
 Excisa. Bluntly cut off. 
 
 Excitability. That faculty by which living 
 beings take cognizance of external stim- 
 uli, and obey their influence. This is 
 considered by some vegetable physiolo- 
 gists to be the sole vital property distin- 
 guishable in plants. 
 
 Excoriate, Excoriated. Stripped of the bark 
 or skin. 
 
 Excretion. Any superfluous matter thrown 
 off" by the living plant externally; the ac- 
 tion by which a superabundance of se- 
 creted matter is rejected from a secreting 
 vessel. Also the matter itself thus ex- 
 creted; gum, resin, etc., are examples.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EXC 
 
 Excurrent. Projecting or running beyond 
 the edge of anything; running out. When 
 a stem remains always central, all the 
 other parts being regularly disposed 
 round it, as in the stem of a Fir Tree. 
 
 E.rigttus. Small, slender, minute. 
 
 Exindusiate. Without an indusium. 
 
 K.rinfine.The middle coat of a pollen 
 grain; or, if three or four coatings are 
 present, then that next the intine, which 
 see. 
 
 Exogens. A name given to one of the great 
 classes of the vegetable kingdom, corre- 
 sponding with the Dicotyledons. The 
 name Exogen is from the Greek, and 
 signifies out, ward and to grow, meaning 
 growing outwardly, and has reference to 
 the manner in which the woody circles 
 are produced, viz. , from the center out- 
 wardly toward the circumference. The 
 age of an exogenous tree, especially in 
 temperate climates, may be determined 
 by counting the number of zones or cir- 
 cles in the woody stem, each circle mark- 
 ing one year's growth, and the last-formed 
 circle being external. The characters of 
 the class are given under Dicotyledon.*, 
 which see. 
 
 Exogenous. Growing by addition to the 
 outer parts of the stem. 
 
 Exorhixu. That kind of germination in 
 
 FAL 
 
 which the point of the radicle itself be- 
 comes the first root. 
 
 Exosmose. That force which causes a vis- 
 cid fluid Iving on the outside of an or- 
 ganic membrane to attract watery fluid 
 through it. 
 
 Exostome. The aperture in the outer in- 
 tegument of an ovule. 
 
 Exotic. Plants that are brought from for- 
 eign countries. 
 
 Expanded. When a flower is fully blown. 
 See Diffuse. 
 
 Exscapus. Without a stalk. 
 
 Exserted. Where one part protrudes beyond 
 another by which it is surrounded; as 
 the stamens or styles beyond the mouth 
 of some tubular corollas. 
 
 Exsuccous. Juiceless. 
 
 Exterior. Exposed, and not invested by 
 any part or covering. 
 
 Extine. The outer coat of a pollen grain. 
 
 Extra. On the outside of or beyond; as, 
 extra-ax illar is, beyond the axil; extra- 
 foliarius, 'beyond a leaf; extra-medianus, 
 beyond the middle. 
 
 Extrorse. Turned outward fi-om the axis of 
 growth of the series of organs to which it 
 belongs. 
 
 Eye. A term in gardening for a leaf -bud; 
 also for the center or the central markings 
 of a flower. 
 
 F. 
 
 ~7y ahacecE. The Bean or leguminous 
 family, a natural order of Calycifloral 
 Dicotyledons, better known by the name 
 Leguminosce, under which head their pe- 
 culiar characteristics are described. The 
 plants are distinguished either by their 
 papilionaceous (pea-like) flowers, or by 
 
 their fruit being a legume, a pod like that 
 
 of the Pea or Bean. 
 ! Fades. The general habit or appearance 
 
 assumed by each particular species. 
 Fwcula. The farinaceous matter which 
 
 forms starch, etc. 
 Falcate, Falciform,. Plane and curved in
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 351 
 
 FAL 
 
 any degree, with parallel edges, like the 
 blade of a sickle; as the pod of Medicago 
 falcata. 
 
 Falxe Bark. That layer on the outside of 
 the stem of an Endogen which consists 
 of cellular tissue, into which fibrous tis- 
 sue passes obliquely. See Bark. 
 
 False-nerved. When veins have no vascular 
 tissue, but are formed of simple, elongat- 
 ed cellular tissue, as in Mosses, Seaweeds, 
 etc. 
 
 Family. A synonym for "Order." 
 
 Fan-shaped. Plaited like a fan, as the leaf 
 of Brassus flabelliformix. 
 
 Fan-veined. When the veins or ribs are 
 disposed like those of a fan. 
 
 Fariam. In rows: thus, bifariam, in two 
 rows; trifariam, in three rows, etc. 
 
 Farinaceous. Having the texture of flour, 
 as the albumen of Wheat. 
 
 Farinose. Covered with a white, mealy 
 substance, as the leaves of the Auricula, 
 Primula farinoxa. 
 
 Fascia, (adj. Fasciate.) A cross band of 
 color. 
 
 Faseiarius. Narrow; very long, with the 
 two opposite margins parallel, as the 
 leaves of the Seawrack. 
 
 Fasciated. When a stern becomes much 
 flattened, instead of retaining its usual 
 cylindrical figure, as in the Cockscomb, 
 the Lilium monstrosuni, etc. Used also 
 for Banded and Band-shaped, which see. 
 
 Fascicle, Fascicled, Fasciculated. Where 
 several similar parts proceed from, or 
 originate at the same spot, and are collect- 
 ed, as it were, into a bundle, as the tubers 
 of the Dahlia, or the leaves of the Larch. 
 
 Fasciculato-ramose. When branches or 
 roots are drawn closely together, so as to 
 be almost parallel. 
 
 Fastigiafc. Tapering to a narrow point, py- 
 ramidal; as where many like parts are 
 
 FEU 
 
 parallel, and point upwards, as the 
 branches of Populusfastigiata. 
 
 Feather-veined. Having veins which pro- 
 ceed from a midrib at an acute angle. 
 
 Feathery. Consisting of long hairs which 
 are themselves hairy, as the pappus of 
 the Dandelion. 
 
 Faux. The orifice of a calyx or corolla. 
 
 Faveolate. Honeycombed; the same as Fa- 
 vose, which see. 
 
 Favose. Excavated in the manner of a sec- 
 tion of honeycomb, as the receptacle of 
 many Composites. 
 
 Favoso-areolate. Divided, into spaces re- 
 sembling the cavities of honeycomb. 
 
 Fa voso-dehiscent. Appearing honeycombed 
 after dehiscence, as the anther of the Mis- 
 tletoe, ( Viscum.) 
 
 Fenestra, (adj. Fenestrate. ) An opening 
 through a membrane, like a window in a 
 wall. 
 
 Fer, Ferus. A Latin termination signifying 
 the carrying of something, Q&florifer, the 
 carrier of flowers. 
 
 Fernery. See Wardian Case. 
 
 Ferns. The highest of the sub-groups of 
 Acrogens, technically called Filices, 
 which see. 
 
 Ferrugino us. Iron-colored ; rusty ; light 
 brown, with a little mixture of red. 
 
 Fertile. Producing fruit. Also, capable of 
 effecting the process of fertilization; or of 
 producing perfect seeds, as the anthers 
 when filled with pollen; fertilized. 
 
 Fertilization. The reproductive function by 
 which the action of the pollen renders 
 the ovule fertile. 
 
 Fertilizi'i's. This word is generally used 
 only in connection with commercial fer- 
 tilizers, or concentrated fertilizers, 
 though, of course, in its full significance 
 it refers to any substance suitable for the 
 food of planis. The best known fertiliz-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLA.NTS. 
 
 FER 
 
 era of commerce are Peruvian Guano and 
 Bone Dust, though there are numbers 
 of others, such as Fish Guano, Dry Blood 
 Fertilizer, Blood and Bone Fertilizer, 
 with the various brands of Superphos- 
 phates, all of more or less value for fertil- 
 izing purposea It is useless to go over 
 the list, and we will confine ourselves to 
 the relative merits of pure Peruvian Gua- 
 no and pure Bone Dust Guano at $65 
 per ton we consider relatively equal in val- 
 ue to Bone Dust at $40 per t6n, for in the 
 lower-priced article we find we have to 
 increase the quantity to produce the same 
 result. Whatever kind of concentrated 
 fertilizer is used, we find it well repays 
 the labor to prepare it in the following 
 manner before it is used on the land: to 
 every bushel of Guano or Bone Dust add 
 three bushels of either leaf mould, (from 
 the woods,) well pulverized dry muck, 
 sweepings from a paved street, stable 
 manure so rotted as to be like pulverized 
 muck,or,if neither of these can be obtained, 
 any loamy soil will do ; but in every case the 
 material to mix the fertilizers with must be 
 fairly dry and never in a condition of mud; 
 the meaning of the operation being, 
 that the material used is to act as a tem- 
 porary absorbent for the fertilizer. The 
 compost must be thoroughly mixed, and 
 if Guano is used, it being sometimes 
 lumpy, it must be broken up to dust be- 
 fore being mixed with the absorbent. 
 The main object of this operation is for 
 the better separation and division of the 
 fertilizer, so that, when applied to the soil, 
 it can be more readily distributed. Our 
 experiments have repeatedly shown 
 that this method of using concentrated 
 fertilizers materially increases their value, j 
 probably twenty per cent The mix- , 
 ing should be done a few months pre- \ 
 
 FEE 
 
 vious to spring, and it should, after being 
 mixed, be packed away in barrels, and 
 kept in some dry shed or cellar until 
 wanted for use. Thus mixed, it is par- 
 ticularly beneficial on lawns or other 
 grass lands. The quantity of concen- 
 trated fertilizer to be used is often per- 
 plexing to beginners. We give the fol- 
 lowing as the best rules we know, all de- 
 rived from our own practice in growing 
 fruits, flowers, and vegetables: Taking 
 Guano as a basis, we would recommend 
 for all vegetables or fruit crops, if earli- 
 ness and good quality are desired, the 
 use of not less than 1,200 pounds per 
 acre, (an acre contains 4,840 square yards, 
 and cultivators for private use can easily 
 estimate from this the quantity they re- 
 quire for any area,) mixed with two tons 
 of either of the materials recommended. 
 If Bone Dust is used, about one ton per 
 acre should be used, mixed with three 
 tons of soil or the other materials named. 
 When used alone, without being mixed 
 with the absorbent, it should be sown on 
 the soil after plowing or digging, about 
 thick enough to just color the surface, or 
 about as thick as sand or sawdust is sown 
 on a floor, and then thoroughly harrowed 
 in if plowed, or, if dug, chopped in with 
 a rake. This quantity is used broadcast 
 by sowing on the ground after plowing, 
 and deeply and thoroughly harrowing in, 
 or if in small gardens, forked in lightly 
 with the prongs of a garden fork or long- 
 toothed steel rake. When applied in 
 hills or drills, from 100 to 300 pounds 
 should be used to the acre, according to 
 the distance of these apart, mixing with 
 soil, etc. , as already directed. 
 
 When well rotted stable manure is 
 procurable at a cost not to exceed $2 or 
 $3 per ton, whether from horses or cows,
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 353 
 
 FIB 
 
 it is preferable to any concentrated fertil- 
 izer. Rotted stable manure, to produce 
 full crops, should be spread on the 
 ground not less than three inches thick, 
 and should be thoroughly mixed with the 
 soil by plowing or spading. The refuse 
 hops from breweries form an excellent 
 fertilizer, at least one-half more valuable, 
 bulk for bulk, than stable manure. Other 
 excellent fertilizers are obtained from the 
 scrapings or shavings from horn or 
 whalebone manufactories. The best way 
 to make these quickly available is to 
 compost them with hot manure in the 
 proportion of one ton of refuse horn or 
 whalebone with fifteen tons pf manure. 
 The heated manure extracts the oil, which 
 is intermingled with the whole. 
 
 The manure from the chicken or 
 pigeon house is very valuable, and when 
 composted as directed for Bone Dust 
 and Guano, has at least one-third their 
 value. Castor oil pomace is also valuable. 
 
 Poudrette is the name given to a com- 
 mercial fertilizer, the composition of 
 which is night soil and dried swamp 
 muck or charcoal dust as an absorbent. 
 It is sold at about $12 to $15 per ton, and 
 at that price may be equal in value, if too 
 much of the absorbing material is not 
 used, to Bone Dust at $40 per ton. 
 
 Salt has little or no value as a fertiliz- 
 er, except as a medium of absorbing 
 moisture. For experience shows that 
 soils impregnated by a saline are no 
 more fertile than those inland out of the 
 reach of such an atmosphere. 
 Fiber, Elementary. That thread which is 
 turned round the interior of the tubes 
 that are called spiral vessels, or of any 
 similar kind of tissue. 
 
 Fibril, Fibrittce, (adj. Fibrillose.) The roots 
 of Lichens; any kind of small thread- 
 
 FIL 
 
 shaped root; a fine, ultimate, hair-like 
 subdivision of the root, or hair-like ap- 
 pendages to its branches. 
 j Fibrous. Containing a great proportion of 
 woody fiber, as the rind of a Cocoanut; 
 composed of fibers. 
 
 Fibro-wscular. Consisting of woody tis- 
 sue and spiral or other vessels. 
 
 Fiddle-shaped. Obovate, with one or two 
 deep recesses or indentations on each 
 side, as the leaves of the Fiddle Dock, 
 Rumex pulcher. 
 
 Fidus, Fissus. Divided half ivay into two 
 or more parts. 
 
 Filament. The stalk of the anther; any 
 kind of a thread-like body. 
 
 FHices. One of the principal groups of 
 Cryptogams, some of the leading pecu- 
 liarities of which will be found explained 
 in the article Acrogens. They are com- 
 monly called Ferns, and consist of arbor- 
 escent or herbaceous perennials, very 
 rarely annual plants, those of arborescent 
 habit having a trunk varying from two 
 or three to sixty or eighty feet in height, 
 and formed of the consolidated bases of 
 the fronds, surrounding a soft central 
 mass of tissue. Those of herbaceous 
 habit either have a caudex formed on a 
 plan similar to the arborescent kinds, 
 but on a smaller scale, the young fronds 
 forming the growing point, or have a 
 more or less fleshy rhizome, whose grow- 
 ing point is in advance of the develop- 
 ment of the fronds, which are produced 
 from its sides instead of its apex. All 
 true Ferns may be recognized by the 
 circinate growth of their young fronds 
 or leaves, and by their hypophyllous 
 fructification. 
 
 Many schemes have been proposed for 
 the classification of Ferns, but that seems 
 to be preferable which is based on the
 
 364 
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 FIL 
 
 modifications of the vascular system in 
 conjunction with the fructification. All 
 Ferns may be referred to one of the 
 groups Ophioglossacece, Marattiaceoe, or 
 Polypodiacece, of which the first two, 
 sometimes called pseudo-Ferns, are very 
 limited, while the latter, containing the 
 true Ferns, includes the greater portion 
 of all the known species. 
 
 Filicales. That alliance of Acrogens to 
 which the Ferns belong. 
 
 Filiform, Filiformis. Cylindrical and slen- 
 der, like a thread. 
 
 Filipendulous. Where tuberous swellings 
 are developed in the middle or at the 
 extremities of filiform rootlets, as in Spi- 
 rceafilipendula. 
 
 Fimbria. A fringe. An elastic toothed 
 membrane situated beneath the opercu- 
 lum in Urn Mosses. 
 
 Fimbriate. Fringed. 
 
 Fimbrialo-laciniate. Having the edge cut 
 up into divisions which are fimbriated. 
 
 Fimbrittiferous. Bearing many little fringes, 
 as the receptacle of some Composites. 
 
 Fimetarious. Growing on or amid dung. 
 
 Fingered. The same as digitate, which see. 
 
 Fish Guano. See Fertilizer. 
 
 Fissidentece.A. natural order of Mosses, 
 remarkable for their peristome being like 
 that of Dicranum, or almost rudimentary, 
 accompanied by a totally different habit, 
 due to the flat, broad-keeled, sheathing 
 leaves. The species grow in running 
 water, and one only has at present been 
 found in Europe. Drepanophyllum, a 
 magnificent Moss, is found in Cayenne. 
 
 Fissiparous. Propagating by a sub- division 
 of the interior of a cell into two or more 
 other cells, by the production of a mem- 
 braneous partition or septum, from the 
 lining of the mother cell. 
 
 Fissus. Divided half way, usually into a de- 
 
 FLO 
 
 terminate number of segments. We say, 
 bifidus, split in two; trifidus, in three, and 
 so on; or multifidus, when the segments 
 are very numerous. 
 
 Fistular, Fistulous. This is said of a cylin- 
 drical or terete body which is hollow, 
 but closed at each end, as the leaves and 
 stem of the Onion. 
 
 Flabdlat us, Flabelliformis. ^Fan-shaped. 
 
 Flaccid. Feeble, weak; bending without 
 elasticity, as some peduncles under the 
 weight of flowers; wilted or relaxed in 
 consequence of the loss of moisture. 
 
 Flagelliform. Flexible, narrow, and taper- 
 ing, like the thong of a whip, as the run- 
 ners of many plants. 
 
 Flagellum. A twig or small branch; also a 
 runner like that of a Strawberry. 
 
 Flammeus, Flame-colored, Very lively scar- 
 let; fiery red. 
 
 Flavedo. YeUowness; a disease in plants 
 in which the green parts assume that 
 color. 
 
 Flavescens, Flavidus, Flavus. Pale yellow, 
 or pure yellow diluted. 
 
 Flavo-virens. Green, much stained with 
 yellow. 
 
 Fleshy. When the flesh is firm and succu- 
 lent. 
 
 Flexible. Capable of being bent, but re- 
 turning with elasticity to its original 
 state. 
 
 Flexuose. Ziz-zag; having a wavy direc- 
 tion, gently bending alternately inward 
 and outward. 
 
 Flocci. Woolly threads found mixed with 
 sporules in Fungi; also any wool-like 
 hairs. 
 
 Floccose. Covered with little tufts of hair, 
 like wool. 
 
 Flora, (the goddess of flowers.) The aggre- 
 gate of all the species of plants inhabit- 
 ing a particular country.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 355 
 
 FLO 
 
 Floral. Of or belonging to the flower. 
 Floral envelopes, the calyx and corolla, 
 one or both. 
 
 Florets. When many small flowers are col- 
 lected in clusters or heads, each flower is 
 called a floret. The florets of the disk 
 are those which occupy the center of the 
 head of a Composite; while florets of the 
 ray occupy the circumference. 
 
 Florifer. Flower bearing. 
 
 Floriparous. Producing flowers. 
 
 Florist's Flowers. "Flowers which, by their 
 beauty or fragrance, power to produce 
 permanent varieties, and facility of culti- 
 vation, are so largely in demand as to 
 render them especially worthy of cultiva- 
 tion as an article of comm erce. " The term 
 is most generally applied to flowers that 
 have " broke " from the original species 
 into varieties, such as the Dahlia, Ver- 
 bena, Pelargonium, Gladiolus, etc., in 
 distinction from such plants as still hold to 
 their natural condition without variation. 
 
 Florus. In composition is equivalent to 
 flowered; thus, uniflorusis one-flowered; 
 biflorus, two-flowered; triflorus, three- 
 flowered; multiflorus, many-flowered. 
 
 Flos. A flower. 
 
 Flosculi, (adj. Flosculose.) The same as 
 florets, which see. 
 
 Flower. That assemblage of organs in a 
 plant, of which the stamens or pistils, or 
 both, form part. 
 
 Flues, single and double. See Heating. 
 
 Fluitans. Floating on the surface of water. 
 
 Fluvial, Fluviatile. Of or belonging to the 
 water. 
 
 Fwmineus. Female, bearing pistils only. 
 
 Foliaceous. Having the form of leaves. 
 
 Foliage Plants. A popular term, though an 
 incorrect one, given to distinguish such 
 plants as are used for decorative pur- 
 poses, for the beauty of their foliage 
 
 FOV 
 
 rather than for the beauty of their flowers. 
 It is more particularly used for such 
 plants as are used for massing in color; 
 for example, the Achyranthes, Centau- 
 reas, (Dusty Millers,) Pyrethrum aureum, 
 (Golden Feather,) Coleus, and plants of 
 that class used in " ribbon line " bed- 
 ding, are called " foliage " plants; though, 
 among plants for inside decoration, the 
 Crotons, Dracaenas, Pandanus, Fancy 
 Caladiums, etc., are sometimes so named; 
 but the proper designation for all such 
 plants, whether used for outside or in- 
 side decoration, is " Ornamental-leaved 
 Plants," or " Ornamental-foliaged Plants." 
 
 Foliar. Inserted upon, or proceeding from, 
 the leaf; thus a cirrhusfoliaris is a ten- 
 dril growing from a leaf. 
 
 Foliate. Clothed with leaves. 
 
 Foliation. The act of leafing; the period 
 when the buds begin to expand. 
 
 Foliiparous. Producing leaves only, as leaf 
 buds. 
 
 Foliole, (adj. Foliolate.)A. leaflet; the sec- 
 ondary divisions of a compound leaf. 
 
 Foliose. Covered closely with leaves. 
 
 Follicle. An inflated seed-vessel; as that 
 of the Colutea. 
 
 Foramen. An aperture. The foramen of 
 an ovule is an aperture through the in- 
 teguments, allowing the passage of the 
 pollen tubes to the nucleus. 
 
 Foraminule. The ostiolum (which see) of 
 certain Fungi. 
 
 Forcipate. Forked, like a pair of pincers. 
 
 Forked. Separating into distinct branches, 
 more or less apart. 
 
 Fornix. Little arched scales in the orifice 
 of some flowers. 
 
 Fovea, (adj. Foveate, dim. Foveolate.) A 
 small excavation or pit; hence pitted. 
 
 Foveole. The perithecium (which see) of 
 certain Fungi.
 
 356 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 FBA 
 
 Fracid.Ot a pasty texture; between fleshy 
 and pulpy. 
 
 Frankeniacece, (Frankeniads.) A natural or- 
 der of thalamifloral Dicotyledons, be- 
 longing to Lindley's Violal Alliance of 
 hypogynous Exogens. Herbs or under- 
 shrubs, with branching stems and 
 opposite exstipulate leaves with a 
 sheathing base. They are chiefly na- 
 tives of North Africa and the south of 
 Europe; a few are found in South Africa, 
 South America, Australia, and the tem- 
 perate parts of Asia. They have few 
 properties of importance. There are six 
 known genera and upward of thirty spe- 
 cies. Frankenia, Beatsonia, and Hyperi- 
 copsis are examples. 
 
 Free. Not adhering to anything else; not 
 adnate to any other body. 
 
 Fringed. The same as fimbriate, which see. 
 
 Frond, Frons. A combination of leaf and 
 stem, as in many Algce and Liverworts; 
 also improperly applied to a leaf which 
 bears reproductive bodies, as that of 
 dorsiferous Ferns; generally applied to 
 Ferns. Linnseus applied it to Palm 
 leaves, and thus destroyed its meaning. 
 
 Frondose. Covered with leaves; bearing a 
 great number of leaves. 
 
 Frondiparous. A monstrosity, consisting 
 in the production of leaves instead of 
 fruit. 
 
 Frosted. Covered with guttering particles, 
 as if fine dew had been congealed upon 
 it. 
 
 Fructification. The parts of the flower, or, 
 more properly, the fruit and its parts; 
 the phenomena which attend the devel- 
 opment of the 'fruit from its first appear- 
 ance to maturity. The distribution or 
 arrangement of the fruit itself on any 
 plant 
 
 Fructiparous. A monstrosity, consisting in 
 
 FUM 
 
 the production of several fruits, instead 
 of the one which is metamorphosed. 
 I Fruit. That part of a plant which consists 
 of the ripened carpels, and the parts ad- 
 hering to them; the seed vessel with its 
 ripe contents. Spurious fruit is any kind 
 of inflorescence which grows up with the 
 fruit, and forms one body with it, as a 
 Pine cone. 
 
 Frustules. The joints into which the Brit- 
 tleworts separate. 
 
 Frustidose. Consisting of small fragments. 
 
 Frutex, (adj. Fruticose, Frutescent.) A 
 shrub; a woody plant which does not 
 form a trunk, but divides into branches 
 nearly down to the ground. 
 
 Fruticulus. A small shrub. 
 
 Fucaceae. A natural order of dark-spored 
 Algce, consisting of olive-colored, inar- 
 ticulate Seaweeds, whose spores are con- 
 tained in spherical cavities in the frond. 
 See Algce. 
 
 Fugacious, Fugax. Soon falling off, or per- 
 ishing very rapidly. 
 
 Fulciens. Supporting or propping up any- 
 thing; said of one organ which is placed 
 beneath another. 
 
 Fulcra, (adj. Fulcrate.) Additional organs, 
 such as pitchers, stipules, tendrils, 
 spines, prickles, hairs, etc. 
 
 Fulcraceous. Of or belonging to the fulcra. 
 
 Fuliginous, Fuliginose. Dirty brown, verg- 
 ing upon black. 
 
 Fulvous. Tawny yellow or fox-colored, as 
 in Sansevierafulvocincta. 
 
 Fumariacece, (Fumeworts.) A natural or- 
 der of thalamifloral Dicotyledons belong- 
 ing to Lindley's Berberal Alliance of hy- 
 pogynous Exogens. They are herbs with 
 brittle stems, watery juice, alternate, cut, 
 exstipulate leaves, and irregular, unsym- 
 metrical flowers. They are chiefly na- 
 tives of the temperate regions of the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OP PLANTS. 
 
 357 
 
 FUM 
 
 northern hemisphere; a few occur at the 
 Cape of Good Hope. They possess slight 
 bitterness and acridity. There are 
 eighteen known genera and about 160 
 species. Fumaria, Dielytra, Corydalis, 
 and Hypecoum are examples of the order. 
 
 Fumous, Fumose. Gray, changing to brown ; 
 smoke-colored. 
 
 Fumeworts. The plants of the order Fu- 
 mariacece. 
 
 Fumigating. See Insects. 
 
 Funalis. Formed of coarse fibers resem- 
 bling cords. 
 
 Function. The peculiar action induced by 
 the agency of vitality upon any pa,rt of a 
 living plant, when placed under certain 
 influences. 
 
 Fundamental. Constituting the essential 
 part of anything ; in a plant, the axis 
 and its appendages. Fundamental or- 
 gans, the nutritive organs essential to 
 the existence of the individual. 
 
 Fundus Plantce. The collar, or place of 
 juncture of the root and stem. 
 
 Fungals. The plants of the order Fungi, 
 including Lichens. 
 
 Fungi, (Fungals.} A large class of Crypto- 
 gams, distinguished from Algce more by 
 habit than by any general character. 
 They are divided into a number of 
 
 GAL 
 
 Fungiform, Fungilliform.-r-Cylindric&l, hav- 
 ing a rounded, convex, overhanging ex- 
 tremity. 
 
 Funginous. Of or belonging to a Fun- 
 gus. 
 
 Funicular. Having threads or Funiculse, 
 which see. 
 
 Funiculus, Funicle. The cord or thread 
 which sometimes connects the ovule or 
 seed to the placenta. 
 
 Funiliform. Formed of cord-like fibers ; 
 resembling a cord. 
 
 Funnel-shaped. A calyx or corolla, or other 
 organ, in which the tube is obconical, 
 gradually enlarging upward into the 
 limb, so that the whole resembles a fun- 
 nel, as in the Convolvulus or Morning 
 Glory. 
 
 Furcate. Having long terminal lobes, like 
 the prongs of a fork, as Ophioglossum 
 pendulum. 
 
 Furfuraceous. Scurfy ; covered with soft 
 scales, which are easily displaced. 
 
 Furrowed. Marked by longitudinal chan- 
 nels, as the stem of the Parsnip. 
 
 Fuscous. Brown, with a grayish or black- 
 ish tinge. 
 
 Fusiform. Spindle-shaped; thick, taper- 
 ing to each end, like the root of a long 
 Radish. Sometimes conical roots are 
 called fusiform. 
 
 S~Yala, Galacto. In Greek compounds is 
 
 equivalent to milk or white as milk. 
 
 Galea. The helmet or arched part of a 
 
 flower, always placed at the back, that is, 
 
 next to the axis. 
 Galeworts. Lindley's name for the Myri- 
 
 cacece. 
 
 Galiacece, (Stdlates, Madderworts.) A natu- 
 ral order of calycifloral Dicotyledons be- 
 longing to Lindley's Cinchona! Alliance 
 of epigynous Exogens. Natives of the 
 northern parts of the northern hemi- 
 sphere, and of high mountains in South 
 America and Australia. Some of the
 
 358 
 
 HENDEBSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GAL 
 
 plants have tonic qualities and others are 
 used for dyeing. There are ten known 
 genera and about 380 species. Galium, 
 Asperula, and Rubin are examples of the 
 order. 
 
 Galls. Excrescences of various kinds and 
 forms produced in plants by the presence 
 of the larvse of different insects. 
 Gamo. In Greek compounds means, united 
 by the edges ; thus, gamophyllus signifies 
 leaves united by their edges; gamosepa- 
 lous means monosepalous; gamopetalous, 
 monopetalous. 
 
 Ganglia. The mycelium (which see) of cer- 
 tain Fungi. 
 
 Gas Tar or Coal Tar. This has been used 
 to a considerable extent on wood-work 
 as a preservative, such as benches, gut- 
 ters, posts, and other parts of green- 
 house structures. We are inclined to 
 believe it is of very little value for that 
 purpose, unless for gutters or other out- 
 side wood- work, and then only if it is put 
 on annually, so as to form a skin or coat- 
 ing to prevent the penetration of moist- 
 ure. Its use inside is often fraught with 
 danger, particularly whenever exposed to 
 a high temperature, say 100 degrees, as 
 a gas is evolved that is quickly destruc- 
 tive to plants. A not unusual blunder in 
 putting hot-water pipes in the green- 
 house or grapery is to paint them with 
 coal tar; and many fall into this error 
 every season, in spite of all the warnings 
 given. When the hot-water pipes have 
 been painted with coal tar, just as soon 
 as the pipes are heated up by firing, gas 
 is emitted most destructive to plants, 
 which is seen in the showers of falling 
 leaves and flowers, after a few hours of 
 firing. When any one has been unfor- 
 tunate enough to fall into this blunder, 
 there is no remedy but to take down the 
 
 GEN 
 
 pipes and build strong fires under them 
 sufficient to drive out every particle of 
 the gas tar. We have seen every im- 
 aginable remedy tried, but all was of no 
 avail; for the tar penetrates through the 
 pores of the metal; and though the sur- 
 face is scraped entirely clean, the gas is 
 given out on the application of heat just 
 as bad as if the surface had not been 
 scraped. So that, as we have before 
 said, there- is no known remedy except 
 the troublesome and expensive one of 
 taking the pipes down, and burning the 
 tar out of them, which is always effectual 
 if properly done. 
 
 Gas Lime. This is the refuse lime thrown 
 out from the gas-houses, to which has 
 been ascribed great qualities, not only as 
 a fertilizer, but, at the same time, as .an 
 insect destroyer. We much doubt the 
 last quality ascribed to it, and know that 
 it is not only worthless as a fertilizer, but 
 that its use, particularly when it has been 
 used fresh, is most injurious to vegeta- 
 tion, and would therefore advise strongly 
 against its use on land for any purpose. 
 
 Geminate. Growing in pairs. 
 
 Gemini. Two together. 
 
 Geminiftorous. When two flowers grow 
 together. 
 
 Gemma. A leaf bud; leaf buds are also 
 sometimes called foliiferce gemmce, and 
 flower buds floriferce gemmce. 
 
 Gemmule. The plumule; also the ovule. 
 
 Gemmatio. The act of budding; the man- 
 ner in which young leaves are folded up 
 in the bud prior to its unfolding. 
 
 Gemmation. Either the disposition of the 
 buds on plants, or the period of their ex- 
 pansion. 
 
 Geniculate. Where any part is bent abrupt- 
 ly, so as to form a decided angle, as the 
 stems of many grasses.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 359 
 
 GEN 
 
 Gentianacece, (Gentianwortx.) A natural or- 
 der of corollifloral Dicotyledons belong- 
 ing to Lindley's Gentianal Alliance of 
 perigynous Exogens. They are herbs, 
 rarely shrubs, with opposite, entire, exstip- 
 ulate, usually ribbed leaves, and showy 
 flowers. They are found in almost all 
 parts of the world, some at high eleva- 
 tions, and others in hot tropical plains. 
 They are generally bitter ; some are 
 narcotic. There are about seventy known 
 genera and upward of 590 species. Gen- 
 tiana, Lisianthus, Menyanthex, Villarsia, 
 Swertia, and Chlora are examples of the 
 order. 
 
 Genus. A family of plants agreeing in their 
 flower and. fruit; an assemblage of spe- 
 cies possessing certain characters in com- 
 mon, by which they are distinguished 
 from all others. 
 
 Geraniacece, (Cranesbills.)' A natural order 
 of thalamifloral Dicotyledons, character- 
 izing Lindley's Geranial Alliance of hy- 
 pogynous Exogens. They are herbs or 
 shrubs with swollen joints, and opposite 
 or alternate leaves, which are usually pal- 
 mately veined and lobed, often stipulate. 
 The plants are distributed over various 
 parts of the world. The species of Pe- 
 largonium are abundant at the Cape of 
 Good Hope. It is this genus that has 
 furnished the beautiful varieties that or- 
 nament the green-house in winter and the 
 garden in summer, one class of which are 
 commonly known as Scarlet Geraniums. 
 The species of Geranium and Erodium 
 : are mostly natives of Europe, North 
 America, and Northern Asia. There are 
 .about 540 species. Geranium, Pelargo- 
 nium, Erodium, and Monsonia are exam- 
 ples of the order. 
 
 Germination. The first act of vegetation in 
 a peed, commonly called " sprouting." 
 
 GLA 
 
 Gesneracece, ( Cyrlandraceoe, Didymocar- 
 pece, Gesnerworts.) A natural order of 
 corollifloral Dicotyledons belonging to 
 Lindley's Bignonial Alliance of perigy- 
 nous Exogens. They are herbs or shrubs, 
 often growing from scaly tubers, with 
 wrinkled, usually opposite leaves and 
 showy flowers. They are natives of va- 
 rious parts of the world, but chiefly the 
 warmer regions of America. The succu- 
 lent roots are occasionally edible, and 
 some of the species yield a dye. The 
 leaves of some of them produce buds 
 when laid on the soil, similar to Begonias 
 of the Hex type. There are upward of 
 eighty genera and nearly 300 species. 
 Gesnera, Gloxinia, Achimenes, Streptocar- 
 pus, and Cyrtandra are examples. 
 
 Gesnerworts. A name proposed by Lindley 
 for the Gesneracece. 
 
 Gibber. A pouch-like enlargement of the 
 base of a calyx, corolla, etc. 
 
 Gibberose, Gibbous, Gibbose. More convex 
 or swollen in one place than another. 
 
 Gills. The lamellae or plates growing per- 
 pendicularly from the cap or pileus of an 
 Agaric or Mushroom. 
 
 Gilvus. Dull yellow, with a mixture of 
 gray and red. 
 
 Githagineus. Greenish-red. 
 
 Glabrous. Without hair or other covering, 
 as the Camellia leaf. 
 
 Gladate. Sword-shaped, as the leaves of an 
 Iris. 
 
 Qlans. An inferior fruit, one-celled by 
 abortion, not dehiscing, (which see,) con- 
 taining one or two seeds, and seated in a 
 cupule, as in the acorn. 
 
 Glands, Glandules. Wart -like swellings 
 found on the surface of plants, or at one 
 end of their hairs, serving the purpose 
 of secreting organs. They are extremely 
 various in form.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GLA 
 
 Glandular. Furnished with glands. 
 
 Glandulose, Glanduliferous.Besuing glands. 
 
 Glandidososerrate. Having serratures tip- 
 ped by glands. 
 
 Glareose. Growing in gravelly places. 
 
 Glaucescent. Dull green, passing into gray- 
 ish blue. 
 
 Glaucous. Covered with a fine bloom, like 
 that of the Plum or Echeveria secunda 
 glauca. 
 
 Glazing. The operation of glazing green- 
 houses is now well understood in the vi- 
 cinity of large cities; but in many sec- 
 tions of the country the awkward and 
 imperfect methods of twenty years ago 
 are still in use. The plan now almost 
 universally adopted is to "bed" the 
 glass in thin putty, lapping only about 
 one-sixteenth part of an inch, and using 
 large-sized glazier's " points " to keep the 
 glass in position. These are triangulai', 
 and one corner is turned down, so that, 
 when driven into the wood, it keeps the 
 glass in place, preventing it from slip- 
 ping down. No putty is used on the 
 top, but two coats of thick white lead are 
 put on, so as to fill up any crevice that 
 may be between the glass and the wood. 
 The size of glass varies according to 
 what it is wanted for. If for portable 
 3X6 feet sashes, they will be stronger by 
 using 6X8 inch glass put in the 6-inch 
 way; but if for green-houses or graperies, 
 requiring as much light as possible dur- 
 ing the winter months, not less than 
 10X12 glass should be used, put in the 
 12-inch way. The quality of the glass is 
 a matter of cost; when that is not of con- 
 sequence, the first quality double thick 
 American or French glass should be 
 used. For such, however, as begin with 
 limited means, or who wish to be eco- 
 nomical in such matters, second quality 
 
 GRA 
 
 single thick American glass will answer, 
 provided it is clear from blotches, such 
 as will form a lens to concentrate the 
 sun's rays, and burn the foliage. This is 
 one of the most important points in 
 choosing glass, and from which the un- 
 initiated often suffer. 
 
 Globose. Bound like a globe, as the heads 
 of flowers of Echinops. 
 
 Globuline. Elementary cells; starch 
 grains. 
 
 Glochis, (adj. Glochidate.) A barb; 
 hooked back at the point like a fish-hook 
 
 Glomerate. Collected into close heads or 
 parcels. 
 
 Glomeruli. The same as Soredia, which 
 . see. 
 
 Glomerulus. A cluster of capitules in- 
 closed in a common involucre, as in Echi- 
 nops. 
 
 Glossology. That part of botany which 
 teaches the meaning of technical terms. 
 
 Gluma, Glume. The exterior series of the 
 scales which constitute the flower of a 
 grass. 
 
 Glumaceous. Plants are said to be gluma- 
 ceous when their flowers are like those 
 
 Glutinium. The flesh of certain Fungi. 
 
 Glutinose. Covered with a sticky exuda- 
 tion. 
 
 Gnomonical. Bent at right angles. 
 
 Gongyhdes. Having an irregular, round- 
 ish figure. 
 
 Gracilis. Slender, applied to parts which 
 are long and narrow. 
 
 Grafting. This differs only from budding, 
 (which see,) inasmuch as the operation 
 is usually performed on deciduous plants 
 when in a partially dormant condition, 
 and that larger portions of the shoots are 
 taken. The different forms of grafting 
 are known as "wedge," "whip," "side"
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 361 
 
 GRA 
 
 grafting, etc. "Wedge grafting consists 
 in sawing off the stock to be grafted, and 
 shaping the "cion" or "graft" like a 
 wedge, splitting the sawed off stock an 
 inch or two, and inserting the wedge- 
 shaped graft, being careful to let the 
 bark of the graft join the bark of the 
 stock. If the stock is more than an inch 
 in diameter a graft should be placed on 
 each side. The whip graft is used for 
 small stocks, which are of the thick- 
 ness of the cions to be grafted. The 
 stock and cion are cut with a similar 
 slope, an inch or more in length; to best 
 keep them in place before being covered 
 with wax or wax cloth, it is well to cut 
 what is called a " tongue" in the center 
 of each, so that, when placed to- 
 gether, the cion will keep in place, the 
 tongues being interlocked. The whip 
 system is that mostly used in root graft- 
 ing Roses, Apples, Clematis, etc. After 
 the cion has been attached to the stock 
 by any of the methods of grafting, it is 
 covered over either with a mixture of ad- 
 hesive clay and cow dung or grafting 
 wax, so as to keep it in position until it 
 starts to grow. 
 
 Grafting wax can be purchased in most 
 seed stores, but when wanted in quantity 
 it is made according to the following for- 
 mula: four pounds rosin, thi-ee pounds 
 bees-wax, and two pounds of tallow. 
 This, heated and mixed, will give the 
 grafting wax of the shops. A conven- 
 ient way to use the grafting wax is to dip 
 in it thin calico or muslin cloth, which 
 can be torn into strips readily, and 
 wrapped around the graft so as to ex- 
 clude the air. 
 
 Graft Hybrids. This is the term used by 
 Mr. Chas. Darwin, in his work, " Plants 
 and Animals under Domestication," to 
 
 GRE 
 
 describe what he believes to be an amal- 
 gamation of the stock and the graft, so 
 that there is a seeming blending of the 
 individualities in some few cases, which 
 he cites. This theory of Mr. Darwin's is 
 by no means universally accepted, and it 
 is to be regretted that it should have 
 been propounded with such a sparse ar- 
 ray of examples in illustrating such a 
 novel theory. 
 
 Grammicus. When the spots upon a sur- 
 face assume the form and appearance of 
 letters. 
 
 Graniform. Formed like grains; granu- 
 lar. 
 
 Granular, Granulate. Divided into little 
 knobs and knots, as the roots of Saxifra- 
 ga granulate; covered as if with small 
 grains. 
 
 Granules. Any small particles; grains; the 
 hollow shells which constitute pollen. 
 
 Graveolens. Strong-scented; having a smell 
 which is unpleasant because of its in- 
 tensity. 
 
 Green-house. The name generally given to 
 all kinds of glass structures. For private 
 purposes the styles are so varied that it 
 would be useless, in this work, to give 
 examples, as in such cases it is always 
 economy to employ a competent green- 
 house architect; but for commercial pur- 
 poses, in our own establishment, we use 
 exclusively the ridge and furrow style; 
 that is, the houses are joined to each 
 other by a ten or twelve inch gutter. 
 Each house is twenty feet wide at base, four 
 feet high at the gutter, and eleven feet 
 high at the apex, giving an angle to the 
 glass roof of about thirty-five degrees, 
 which slopes equally to east and west. 
 When green-houses are wanted for forc- 
 ing Roses or other flowers in winter, it is 
 better not to connect them together, fcut
 
 362 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 GKE 
 
 to make them say twenty feet wide at 
 base, the roof forming what is known as 
 a three-quarter span; that is, the long 
 slope of the roof, which must face south, 
 is about eighteen or nineteen feet long, 
 while the short slope to the north is six 
 or seven feet, both at an angle of about 
 thirty degrees. The front or south wall 
 should be four or five feet high, and 
 the rear or north wall seven or eight feet 
 high, making the apex from the ground 
 level about ten feet. Our space will not 
 admit of details of construction, for 
 which see our work, Practical Floricul- 
 ture, pages 53 and 266. 
 
 Greens. The common name for Spinach, 
 Cabbage, Kale, and other leafy esculents. 
 
 Griseus. Pure gray, a little verging to blue. 
 
 Grossification. The swelling of the ovary 
 after fertilization. 
 
 Grossus. Coarse; larger than usual; thus, 
 grosse crenatus, coarsely crenated; grosse 
 serratus, coarsely serrated. 
 
 Growing Point. The soft center of a bud, 
 over which the nascent leaves are formed; 
 and all modifications of it. 
 
 Grumous. Divided into little clustered 
 grains; as the fecula in the stem of the 
 Sago Palm. 
 
 HAN 
 
 . A vegetable secretion which may be 
 detected in the sap of most plants, and 
 which is excreted by many, and hardens 
 on their surface. 
 
 Guttatus. Spotted. 
 
 Gyrnnogynous. Having a naked ovary. 
 
 Gymnos. In Greek compounds means 
 naked or uncovered. 
 
 Gymnosperm. Bearing naked seeds. 
 
 Gynandrous. Having the stamens, and 
 style, and ovary all blended into one 
 common body, as in Orchids, Aristolochia, 
 etc. 
 
 Gynixus, Gynizus. The depressed stig- 
 matic surface of Orchids. 
 
 Gynobase. The growing point inserted be- 
 tween the base of carpels, in a conical 
 manner, so as to throw them into an 
 oblique position. 
 
 Gyncecium. The pistil and all that belongs 
 to it. 
 
 Gynophore. The stalk of the ovary, within 
 the origin of the calyx. 
 
 Gynostemium. The column of Orchids; 
 that is to say, the part formed by the 
 union of stamens, style, and stigma. 
 
 Gyrate. The same as Circmate, (which 
 see;) curled inward like a crozier. 
 
 Gyrose. Turned round like a crook. 
 
 H. 
 
 x 
 
 JIlTabit. The general appearance of a 
 plant; its manner of growth, with- 
 out reference to details of structure. 
 
 Habitat. The situation in which a plant 
 grows in a wild state. 
 
 Hcemattiieus. Doll red, with a slight mix- 
 ture of brown. 
 
 Hand Glass. This is used to protect Mel- 
 <ons, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, or other ten- 
 
 der plants, on being set out early in the 
 open ground. They are usually about 
 twenty inches square, with a flat or 
 conical top. A cheaper contrivance for 
 the same purpose is a wooden frame of 
 about the same size, having a small sash 
 to fit the top. Thousands of these are 
 used by the London and Paris gardeners 
 to forward Cucumbers and Melons, but
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 HAN 
 
 they are less used here than formerly, as 
 the growing of vegetables in the South- 
 ern States for Northern markets renders 
 their use no longer profitable. See Bell 
 Glass. 
 
 Hanging Baskets. These are made in a 
 great variety of styles. Those known as 
 "rustic" baskets are made with a wood- 
 en bowl to hold the soil, covered with 
 roots of grotesque shapes. They are 
 mostly made of Laurel roots, and are 
 well fitted to give the basket the neces- 
 sary rough -looking outer covering. The 
 bowls to hold the soil are from six to fif- 
 teen inches in diameter, and of a propor- 
 tionate depth; the three handles form 
 a triangle, meeting at the top, in 
 which an eye is fixed by which to sus- 
 pend it. Another form is made of wire, 
 and these, when lined with moss to pre- 
 vent the soil from being washed out, are 
 far the best for the well-being of the plants. 
 Many other beautiful forms are made from 
 pottery ware to represent stumps, logs, 
 rocks, and other natural objects. The 
 plants used for filling hanging baskets of 
 course vary in accordance with the purpose 
 for which they are wanted. If for shady 
 rooms, shady verandas, or shady places 
 out doors, where there is not exposure 
 to drying winds, Mosses (Selaginellas) 
 and Ferns are sometimes used exclusive- 
 ly; or, for the same places, Ivies of all 
 sorts, Tradescantias, Moneywort, (Lysi- 
 machia,) Vincas, Ivy-leaved Geraniums, 
 Smilax, Climbing Fern, Fittonias, etc., are 
 plants suited to droop over the sides, while 
 the center plant should be a Dracaena 
 indwisa or D. terminalis, or some well- 
 marked Croton or Caladium, but not to 
 exceed one foot in height. 
 
 For baskets to be placed in the sun- 
 light or partial sunlight, Coleus, Bego- 
 
 HEA 
 
 nias, or bright Geraniums should be used 
 as center plants, with Lobelias, Tropae- 
 olums, Petunias, Torenias, Peristrophe, 
 Sedums, etc., to droop. It will be found 
 of great benefit, after setting out the 
 plants in baskets, to cover the soil with 
 an inch or two of (Sphagnum) Moss, to 
 prevent it drying up too quickly; for 
 when the basket is hung in the air, 
 of course it dries up much quicker than 
 when placed on a shelf in the green- 
 house or on the ground; and one of the 
 main reasons for success with hanging 
 baskets is the careful attention to water- 
 ing, which is quickest and most thor- 
 oughly done by taking the basket down 
 and immersing it in a tub of water, so 
 that the soil is thoroughly soaked 
 through. This will be necessary once, 
 twice, or thrice a week, according to the 
 position the basket is placed in, the 
 condition of the atmosphere, or the state 
 of the plants; for, if in a shaded position, 
 it will require less water; if the atmos- 
 phere is damp, less; or if the plants have 
 not attained vigor of growth, less; the 
 opposite of these conditions, more. The 
 soil used in hanging baskets need in no 
 way differ from that used in the general 
 culture of plants. 
 
 Hardy Annuals. This term applies to those 
 plants that perfect their growth and 
 ripen seed the same year they are sown in 
 the open ground. 
 
 Hastate. Shaped like the head of a hal- 
 bert; enlarged at the base into two 
 lobes directed nearly horizontally, as in 
 the leaf of Sheep's SorreL 
 Head. A close terminal collection of flow- 
 ers surrounded by an involucre, as in 
 Composite flowers. 
 
 Heating by Flues. This is now but little 
 done, except by beginners whose means
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 HEA 
 
 are limited, or where a temporary green- 
 house is erected. The objection to heat- 
 ing by flues is, that unless carefully con- 
 structed, there is danger from fire, or 
 escape of gas injurious to the plants; 
 still, many large green-house establish- 
 ments are yet heated by flues, in which 
 plants are grown quite as well as by hot- 
 water heating. In constructing the fur- 
 nace for flue heating, the size of the fur- 
 nace doors should be from ten to sixteen 
 inches square, according to the size of 
 space to be heated; the length of the fur- 
 nace bars from eighteen to forty inches; 
 the furnace should be arched over, the 
 top of the inside of the arch from sixteen 
 to twenty-four inches from the bars. The 
 flue will always " draw " better if slightly 
 on the ascent throughout its entire 
 length ; it should be elevated in all 
 cases from the ground, on flags or 
 bricks, so that its heat may be given out 
 on all sides. The inside measure of the 
 brick flue should not be less that 8X14 
 inches; if tiles can be conveniently pro- 
 cured, they are best to cover with; but, 
 if not, the top of the flue may be con- 
 tracted to six inches, and covered with 
 bricks. After the flue has been built of 
 brick to twenty-five or thirty feet from 
 the furnace, cement or vitrified drain- 
 pipe, seven, eight, or nine inches in diam- 
 eter, should be used, as they are not only 
 cheaper, but radiate the heat quicker 
 than the bricks; they are also much easi- 
 er constructed and cleaned. Care should 
 be taken that no wood-work is in con- 
 tact with the flue at any place. We i 
 have known cases where wood-work has 
 caught fire after the house had been in 
 operation for years; but an unusually 
 strong draft intensified the heat, and the i 
 charred timber ignited and totally de- I 
 
 HEA 
 
 stroyed the green-house and its contents. 
 It should be taken as a safe rule, that 
 wood-work should in no cases be nearer 
 the flue or furnace than eight inches. In 
 constructing do not be influenced by 
 what the mechanics will tell you, as few of 
 them have any experience in such mat- 
 ters, and are not able to judge of the 
 dangers resulting from wood-work being 
 in close contact with the heated bricks. 
 The position in which the flue is placed 
 in the green-house depends upon its 
 size. Presuming that the green-house to 
 be heated is an equal span of twenty 
 feet wide by fifty feet long, the best way 
 is to start the furnace at the north end, 
 so that the flues will run under the cen- 
 ter or middle bench, the top of the fur- 
 nace being inside the green-house, the 
 fire, of course, being applied in the shed 
 outside. A comparatively new plan of 
 constructing flues is to have the flue run 
 to the end of the green-house, and, re- 
 turning, connect with the chimney, which 
 is placed on the top of the arch of the 
 furnace. By this method, as soon as a 
 fire is lighted in the furnace, the brick- 
 work forming the arch gets heated, and 
 at once starts an upward draft, which 
 puts the smoke-flue into immediate ac- 
 tion and maintains it ; hence there is 
 never any trouble about the draft, as in 
 ordinary flues, having the chimney at the 
 most distant point from the furnace. It 
 will be seen that by this plan we not 
 only get rid of the violent heat given out 
 by the furnace, but at the same time it 
 insures a complete draft, and the heated 
 air from the furnace is so rapidly carried 
 through the entire length of the flue, that 
 it is nearly as hot when it enters the 
 chimney as when it left the furnace. This 
 perfect draft also does away with all
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 366 
 
 danger of the escape of gas from the I 
 flues into the green-house, which often j 
 happens when the draft is not active. I 
 Formerly the flues used to be run along | 
 one side or end of the green-house, emp- | 
 tying into a chimney placed there; but j 
 this method is rarely satisfactory, as the 
 cold outside air, rushing down the chim- 
 ney, throws back the heated air, particu- 
 larly in high winds, so as to nearly de- 
 stroy the heat; but by the method of 
 constructing the chimney on the top of 
 the arch of the furnace, and returning 
 the flue back into it, no such difficulty 
 can occur. 
 
 Heating by Hot-Beds. The preparation of 
 the heating material for the hot-bed is a j 
 matter of importance. It should be 
 manure fresh from the horse-stable, and j 
 when they can be procured, it is better j 
 to mix it with about an equal bulk of j 
 leaves from the woods, or refuse hops. 
 If the weather is very cold, the bulk of 
 manure must be of good size, from five to 
 six wagon loads, thrown into a compact 
 round heap, else the mass may be so 
 chilled that heat will not generate. If a 
 shed is convenient, the manure may be 
 placed there, especially if the quantity is 
 small, to be protected from cold until 
 the heat begins to rise. The heap should 
 be turned and well broken up before be- 
 ing used for the hot-beds, so that the 
 rank steam may escape, and the manure 
 become of the proper ' ' sweetened " con- 
 dition. It is economy of the heating ma- j 
 terial to use a pit for the hot-bed. This 
 should be made from two to three feet i 
 deep, six feet wide, and of any required 
 length. After the heating material has j 
 been packed in the pit to the depth of j 
 twenty to twenty-four inches, according ; 
 to the purpose for which it is wanted, or j 
 
 the season of the year, (the earlier in the 
 season, the deeper it is needed,) the sashes 
 should be placed on the frame, and kept 
 close until the heat generates in the hot- 
 bed, which will usually take twenty-four 
 hours. Now plunge a thermometer into 
 the manure, and if all is right it will in- 
 dicate 100 degrees or more; but this is 
 yet too hot as bottom heat for the growth 
 of seeds or plants, and a few days of de- 
 lay must be allowed until the thermome- 
 ter indicates a falling of eight or ten de- 
 grees, when the soil may be placed upon 
 the manure, and the seeds sown or 
 plants set out in the hot-bed. Amateurs 
 are apt to be impatient in the matter of 
 hot-beds, and often lose their first crop 
 by sowing or planting before the first vio- 
 lent heat has subsided. Another very 
 common mistake is in beginning too 
 early in the season. In the latitude of 
 New York nothing is gained by begin- 
 ning before the first week in March, and 
 the result will be very nearly as good if 
 not begun until a month later. There are 
 two or three important matters to bear 
 in mind in the use of hot-beds. It is in- 
 dispensable for safety to cover the glass 
 at night with shutters or mats until all 
 danger of frost is over; for it must be re- 
 membered that the contents of u hot- 
 bed are always tender, from being forced 
 so rapidly by the heat below, and that the 
 slightest frost will kill them. Again, 
 there is danger of overheating in the 
 daytime by a neglect to ventilate when 
 the sun is shining. As a general rule, it 
 will be safe in all the average days of 
 March, April, and May, to have the sash 
 of the hot-bed tilted up from an inch to 
 three inches at the back from 9 A.M to 4 
 P.M. Much will, of course, depend upon 
 the activity of the heating material in the
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 HEA 
 
 hot-bed, the warmth of the weather, and 
 the character of the plants in the bed, so 
 that we can only give a loose general 
 rule. Numbers of inexperienced ama- 
 teur cultivators often lose the entire 
 contents of the hot-bed by having omit- 
 ted to ventilate their hot-bed, and on 
 their return home from business at night 
 find all the contents scorched up. Or the 
 danger of the other extreme is, that the 
 plants are frozen through neglect to 
 cover them at night. A hot-bed requires 
 a certain amount of attention, which 
 must be given at the right time, or no 
 satisfactory results can be expected. 
 Heating by Hot Water. This is now the 
 method in use in nearly all well-appoint- 
 ed green-house structures. But little de- 
 tail need be given, as this branch of heat- 
 ing is done almost exclusively by firms 
 who make a special business of it, and 
 who generally understand the construc- 
 tion and requirements necessary in heat- 
 ing, better than those who employ them 
 usually do; but there are some points 
 which it is perhaps as well to state. In 
 any section of the country where the 
 thermometer falls below zero, if a green- 
 house ten feet high, twenty feet wide, 
 and 100 long, is to be heated by hot 
 water, and a temperature of sixty degrees 
 is required, there should be not less than 
 eight " runs " of four^inch pipes running 
 the length of the house; if fifty degrees 
 are required, six "runs " of pipe; if forty 
 degrees, four " runs " of pipe. The styles 
 of boilers in use are so varied that we for- 
 bear to give any one in particular a prefer- 
 ence here. For small green-houses, or 
 
 contrivance known as the Base-burning 
 "Water Heater is very convenient. The 
 boiler takes up no more room than an 
 
 HEA 
 
 ordinary stove, and the fire requires no 
 more skill or attention than any ordinary 
 base-burning stove, being fed by coal 
 from the top. It can be left with safety 
 ten or twelve hours withoiit any atten- 
 tion. At present prices, a Base-burning 
 Water Heater, with pipes sufficient to 
 heat a green-house 10X50 feet, will cost 
 about $200, or twice that size about $350. 
 Heating by Steam. Few green-houses are 
 as yet heated by steam, though the cost 
 of construction is much less, and it is also 
 claimed that there is greater economy in 
 fuel ; but though we have had green-houses 
 heated for the past forty years, both in 
 Europe and America, by hot water, steam 
 heating for glass structures has made 
 little progress. It has been successfully 
 done, however, both in Pittsburg, Penn- 
 sylvania, and in Chicago, Illinois, and ex- 
 periments with it on a large scale are 
 now being tried in several parts of the 
 country. We have but little doubt that 
 in erecting green-houses on an extensive 
 scale at one time it is economy to use 
 steam heating; but nearly all such struc- 
 tures are progressive, a few being added 
 each year, and the heating by the ordi- 
 nary hot-water pipes is as yet believed by 
 the uninitiated to be the safer mode. It 
 must be some such reason as this, whether 
 right or wrong, that has so long caused 
 green-houses to be heated by hot water 
 in this age of steam. 
 
 The following is from E. H. Bochman, 
 Pittsburg, Penn., who has been eminent- 
 ly successful with Steam Heating for 
 green-houses. He is strong in the belief 
 that it will eventually supersede all other 
 methods: 
 
 " The New System of Heating Green- 
 houses by Low-pressure Steam, by which 
 are gained important advantages in every
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 367 
 
 HEA 
 
 essential requisite in a heating apparatus, 
 viz., efficiency, economy of fuel and 
 attention, safety, and simplicity, con- 
 sists of a series of steam tubes of not less 
 than two inches diameter, placed under the 
 benches or suspended along the walls, as 
 may be best suited, in such a manner as 
 to drain themselves into a water and 
 steam-tight vessel, which, therefore, has 
 to be situated at the lowest convenient 
 point. These tubes or pipes should pre- 
 sent a radiating surface of about one 
 square foot to ten square feet of glass 
 surface; or, better expressed, one square 
 foot to seventy cubic feet of space to be 
 heated to at least fifty-five degrees in any 
 weather up, or rather down to twenty- 
 five degrees below zero, and at a pressure 
 of steam not to exceed fifteen pounds io the 
 square inch. If a higher temperature is 
 desired, say from sixty-five to seventy 
 degrees, make the radiating surface equal 
 say one square foot to fifty cubic feet for 
 the same pressure of steam. The form 
 of boiler is immaterial; whichever is best 
 suited and most economical for the par- 
 ticular fuel you use, is the one to adopt, 
 and its capacity should not be less than 
 one-horse power to 120 square feet of ra- 
 diating surface, which, represented in 
 two-inch pipe, is, in round numbers, 240 
 lineal feet. This boiler should be provided 
 with an automatic and positive-acting steam 
 trap, to return the condensation which 
 gathers in the vessel above-mentioned to 
 the boiler, thereby maintaining at all times 
 sufficient water; in fact, establishing com- 
 plete circulation, much the same as by 
 hot water; and when you add to this an 
 efficient automatic damper-regulator, (do 
 not let yourself be humbugged into any 
 diaphragm nuisance,) you have 'The 
 coming heating apparatus,' compared to 
 
 HET 
 
 which any other hitherto in use, of what- 
 ever form, is a cumbersome, wasteful, and 
 inefficient affair. Five seasons' use speaks 
 volumes for its superiority, and it has 
 already the entire endorsement of some 
 of the most successful and progressive 
 commercial florists of the country." 
 
 Hederacece. Another name for Araliacece, 
 which see. 
 
 Heliotropiacece. A group of corollifloral Di- 
 cotyledons, considered by most botanical 
 writers as a sub-order of Ehretiacece, 
 which see. 
 
 Helmet. The hooded upper part of some 
 flowers, as in the Monkshood; the same 
 as Galea, which see. 
 
 HemerocallidecB. The Hemerocallis family, 
 a sub-division of the natural order Lilia- 
 cece. HemerocaUis, Funkia, Agapanthus, 
 and Tritonia are examples. See LUiacece. 
 
 Hemi. In Greek compounds means half 
 or halved. 
 
 Hepta. In Greek compounds means 
 seven. 
 
 Heptagynia. Having seven pistils. 
 
 Heptandria. Having seven stamens. 
 
 Herb. A plant that does not possess a 
 woody stem. 
 
 Herbaceous. Merely green, or thin green 
 and cellular, as the tissue of membran- 
 eous leaves. Also producing an annual 
 stem from a perennial root. 
 
 Hermaphrodite. Having both stamens and 
 pistils in one bloom, as in most common 
 plants. 
 
 Heterocarpus. Where a plant bears fruit 
 more or less distinguishable into two 
 separate forms. 
 
 Heterocephalous. Bearing in the same indi- 
 vidual, heads of entirely male flowers, and 
 others entirely female. 
 
 Heterogamous. Bearing flowers of different
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 HEX 
 
 Hexa. In Greek compounds means six. 
 Hexagynia. Having six pistils. 
 Hexandria. Having six stamens. 
 Hill. This is a term used to designate the 
 place where Tomatoes, Corn, Potatoes, 
 Melons, etc., are planted; and the use 
 of the term often leads the novice to 
 serious errors in planting, as it gives the 
 impression that a hill or mound must be 
 made to sow and plant on, and which is 
 often done to the detriment of the crop, 
 as in our hot and dry climate, if a mound 
 of four or five inches is raised above the 
 general level, the plants suffer often se- 
 verely in dry weather. If a "hill" is 
 formed at all, it should only be by draw- 
 ing the soil up to the plant to support 
 it after it has well started to grow; such 
 a mound will then do less harm, as the 
 foliage shades the ground. In planting, 
 then, particularly on light, dry soils, the 
 " hills " for sowing or planting should be 
 made nearly on the level surface. 
 Hirsute, Hirtus. Hairy; covered with 
 
 stiff hairs. 
 
 Hispid. Covered with long, soft hairs. 
 Hoary. Covered with white down. 
 Hoe. This consists of the " draw " and the 
 " push " or " scuffle " hoe. There are a 
 great many modifications of these. For 
 deep hoeing the steel-pronged draw hoe 
 is the best implement, being much pref- 
 erable to the blade draw hoe, as it not 
 only pulverizes the soil better, but its 
 
 IMM 
 
 points penetrate the soil easier, and the 
 work is thus made much lighter for the 
 operator. The blade draw hoe should 
 never be used, except when the ground 
 is overgrown with weeds, (a condition of 
 things which, if possible, should never 
 be allowed,) or to draw earth up to 
 plants, such as Celery or Cabbages. After 
 the ground is newly planted, before it is 
 allowed to get hard, the " scuffle " or 
 " push hoe " is far more effective than 
 the draw hoe, particularly between rows; 
 nearly twice the amount of work car. be 
 done than with the draw hoe, but of 
 course that is simply stirring the surface ; 
 for deep cultivation, the steel pronged 
 hoe is the best implement. 
 Homogeneous. Having a uniform nature or 
 
 principle. 
 Honey-pore. The pore in flowers which 
 
 secretes honey. 
 Hooded. Flowers formed into a hood at 
 
 the end, like the Aconites. 
 Horn. Any appendage which is shaped 
 somewhat like the horn of an animal; as 
 the spur of the petals in Linaria. 
 Humilis. Low. 
 Hyacinthus. Blue with a violet tinge; blue 
 
 with a little red. 
 
 Hybrids, Hybridce. Plants obtained by ap- 
 plying the pollen of one species or vari- 
 ety to the stigma of another; the com- 
 mon offspring of two distinct species. 
 Hypo. In Greek compounds means under. 
 
 J~cos. In Greek compounds means 
 
 I. 
 
 twenty. 
 
 Icosandria. Having twenty stamens or 
 
 more. 
 
 Imbricate, Imbricated. When bodies over- 
 lap each other, like the tiles or shingles 
 on a roof. 
 
 Immersed. Growing entirely under water.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 IMP 
 
 Imperfect. Where certain parts are not 
 developed. As the stamens in some, and 
 the carpels in other flowers. 
 Incised, Incisus. Kegularly divided by 
 
 deep incisions. 
 
 Included. Inclosed in anything; not ex- 
 tending beyond the organs surrounding 
 it. 
 
 Incrusted, Incrustate. Where the outer en- 
 velope is firmly attached to the part it 
 covers, as when a pericarp invests the 
 seed so closely that it seems to form a 
 portion of it. 
 
 Incurved, Incurvus, Incurvate. Bending in- 
 wards; as where the stamens curve to- 
 wards the pistil. 
 
 Indefinite. Many, but uncertain in num- 
 ber, like the stamens of some Cacti. 
 Indigenous. A plant which is the natural 
 
 production of any country; not exotic. 
 Individual. Whatever is capable of sepa- 
 rately existing, and reproducing its 
 kind. 
 Indusium. The membraneous covering of 
 
 the spore-cases of many Ferns. 
 Inferior. When one organ is placed be- 
 low another; thus an inferior calyx 
 grows below the ovary, while an inferior 
 ovary grows, or seems to grow, below a 
 calyx. 
 
 Inflated. Thin, membraneous, slightly 
 transparent, swelling equally, as if inflat- 
 ed with air. 
 Inflorescence. The general arrangement or 
 
 disposition of the flowers in a plant. 
 Insects. In the green-house or grapery, or 
 any place where plants are grown under 
 cover, insects, with few exceptions, are 
 under control ; but when in the open 
 field or garden, we are often powerless 
 against their ravages, particularly when 
 they attack the roots of plants. We can 
 manage many of them, even outside, 
 
 INS 
 
 when they attack branches or leaves; but 
 with others we are as powerless as with 
 those attacking the roots. There is no 
 doubt that the encouragement of birds 
 on farms and in gardens, by feeding and 
 sheltering them, well repays, in the re- 
 turn for the insects they destroy. In 
 nearly all the large cities in this country, 
 since the introduction of the European 
 Sparrow, though in part a seed-eater, 
 there has been a marked absence of .the 
 "Measuring Worm," "Rose Slug," and 
 other caterpillar-like insects. The Rose 
 Slug (Selandria rosea) is a light green in- 
 sect; when fully developed it is about an 
 inch in length. There are apparently 
 two kinds, one of which eats only the 
 outer skin of the leaf on the under side, 
 the other eats it entire. The first is by 
 far the most destructive. In a few days 
 after the plants are attacked, they ap- 
 pear as if they had been burned. An 
 excellent application for the prevention of 
 the Rose Slug is whale oil soap dissolved 
 in the proportion of one pound to eight 
 gallons of water; this, if steadily applied 
 daily for a week with a syringe on Rose 
 plants, in early spring, before the buds 
 begin to develop, will never fail to pre- 
 vent the attacks of this insect If this 
 precaution has been omitted, and the 
 insects are seen on the leaves, white 
 Hellebore powder dusted on the plants 
 will quickly destroy them without in- 
 jury to the plants. The Rose Beetle, 
 (Aramigus Fulleri,) or Bug, as it is com- 
 monly called, however, is a much more 
 difficult insect to deal with. For infor- 
 mation regarding it see page 196. The 
 Rose or Grape Vine Beetle (Melolontha 
 subspinosa) is another pest, usually de- 
 stroying the flowers on the Rose, and 
 both flowers and young fruit on the vine.
 
 370 
 
 HENDEESON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 INS 
 
 The only certain remedy is to destroy 
 them by hand. 
 
 The Green Fly, or Aphis, is one of 
 the most common, but most easily de- 
 stroyed of almost any insect that infests 
 plants, either indoors or out. In our 
 green-houses, we fumigate twice a week, 
 by burning about half a pound of refuse 
 tobacco stems (made damp) to every five 
 hundred square feet of glass surface, but 
 in private green-houses or on plants in 
 rooms, fumigating is often impracticable. 
 But Tobacco in any form is quickly fatal 
 to the Green Fly; so in private green- 
 houses or in rooms, where the fumes of 
 Tobacco would be objectionable, Tobacco 
 stems can be used by steeping one pound 
 in five gallons of water, until the water 
 gets to be the color of strong coffee. This 
 is applied over and under the leaves with 
 a syringe, and destroys the insect quite 
 as well as by fumigating, only in either 
 case the application should be made be- 
 fore the insects are seen, to prevent their 
 coming rather than to destroy them 
 when established; for often by neglect 
 they get a foothold in such legions that 
 all remedies become ineffectual to dis- 
 lodge them, unless by brushing them off 
 the leaves with a light brush. Another 
 means of preventing the Green Fly is to 
 apply Tobacco in the shape of dust or 
 snuff. The sweepings of Tobacco ware- 
 houses can be bought in most places at 
 a cost of five to ten cents per pound. 
 This, applied once or twice a week to an 
 ordinary sized private green-house, would 
 effectually prevent any injury from the 
 Green Fly. No special quantity of this 
 need be prescribed, as it is in no way 
 hurtful to the plant; all that is necessary 
 is to see that it is so dusted on that it 
 reaches ah 1 parts of the plant, and on 
 
 INS 
 
 both sides of the leaves. It is best to 
 slightly moisten the leaves beforehand, 
 so that the dust will adhere to them. 
 When applied to plants out-doors, it 
 should be done in the morning when the 
 dew is on, or after a rain. Fruit trees of 
 many kinds, shrubs, and Eoses of all 
 kinds, out of doors, are particularly lia- 
 ble to injury from some species of Aphis, 
 but the application of Tobacco in any of 
 the forms alluded to, if made in time, 
 will be found a cheap and effectual rem- 
 edy. 
 
 Ground or Blue Aphis is another spe- 
 cies of Aphis that gets its living from 
 the roots down in the soil, which may 
 have the effect of changing its color, 
 while the Green Aphis feeds in the air 
 on the leaves. The Blue Aphis attacks 
 a great many varieties of plants, both 
 flower and vegetable, particularly in hot, 
 dry weather, and whenever Asters, Ver- 
 benas, Petunias, Centaureas, Beets, Rad- 
 ishes, Lettuce, etc., begin to droop, it 
 will be found on examination, in three 
 cases out of four, that the farthest ex- 
 tremities of their roots are completely 
 surrounded by the Blue Aphis. The 
 only remedy we have ever found for 
 this pest is a strong decoction of Tobacco 
 stems, made by being boiled until it gets 
 to the color of strong coffee, and poured 
 on, when cold, in quantity enough to 
 reach the extremity of the roots. There 
 is no fear of injuring the plants by this 
 application, as it acts as a fertilizer to 
 some extent. 
 
 The Verbena Mite is an insect that can 
 only be seen by the use of a powerful 
 microscope, and its presence is only 
 known by the appearance of the leaves 
 known as " Black Rust," which see. 
 
 The Mealy Bug, as it is familiarly
 
 HENDERSON'S. HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 371 
 
 INS 
 
 known, from its white, inealy-like appear- 
 ance, belongs to the same family as the 
 Cochineal insect, (Coccu* Cadi,) from 
 which the Cochineal dye is obtained. 
 , It is one of the most troublesome of all 
 insects to dislodge. The only certain rem- 
 edy we have ever been able to get to kill 
 Mealy Bug without injury to the leaves, 
 is a mixture known as "Cole's Insect De- 
 stroyer," the ingredients of which we do 
 not know, as the inventor so far has been 
 able to keep his secret. This, put on 
 with a barber's atomizer, never fails to 
 destroy them. The great objection to 
 this remedy is its price, which is entirely 
 too high to admit of its being used on a 
 large scale. The common method to 
 get rid of Mealy Bug is to brush it off 
 the leaves with a brush, made soft 
 enough not to scratch the leaves ci- 
 sterns. 
 
 Ants. These are sometimes very de- 
 structive to vegetation, particularly in 
 dry, sandy soils. We have repeatedly 
 suffered serious losses from them, both in 
 our green-houses and out of doors. The ! 
 most efficacious remedy we have tried is 
 to saturate pieces of sponge with sugar, i 
 or to place fresh bones around their | 
 haunts; they will leave everything else to 
 feed on these, and when they are thus 
 trapped, can be destroyed by dipping in j 
 hot water or burning. 
 
 Thrips (Tettigonia) vary in color, be- ! 
 ing light green, brown, and black. It 
 is much more active in its movements 
 than the Green Fly, and more difficult 
 to destroy, and when it once gets a foot- 
 hold is one of the most destructive ene- 
 mies to the grapery or green-house. To- 
 bacco smoke that will destroy the Aphis, 
 has but little effect on Thrips; bufe in our 
 experiments in destroying insects in the 
 
 winter of 1881 in our green-houses, -we 
 found that Tobacco stems boiled, so that 
 the liquid from them was as dark as 
 strong coffee or porter, was certain 
 death to the Thrips. * We had a large 
 house of Dracaenas and other tropic- 
 al plants badly affected by Thrips; we 
 syringed the plants freely with the Tobac- 
 co water for ten or twelve days with the 
 most satisfactory results, as at the end of 
 that time not an insect was to be seen, 
 and the plants at once began to grow 
 with unwonted vigor. 
 
 The Red Spider (Acarus tellarius) is 
 another well-known pest to the green- 
 house, and, like the Thrips, seems per- 
 fectly indifferent to the fumes of To- 
 bacco. It is one of the most insidious 
 of all our insect enemies, as it works 
 nearly always on the under part of the 
 leaves, and often has got a firm foothold 
 before its presence has been discovered. 
 The experienced gardener knows that 
 the main cause of Bed Spider is a dry, 
 hot atmosphere, as it is never present to 
 injure in a moist atmosphere and low 
 temperature. So the preventive is at 
 all times an atmosphere in the green- 
 house that will prevent the attacks of the 
 Red Spider, which at the same time is 
 most congenial to the health of the plants, 
 for it is certain that if the Eed Spider is 
 present in force, then the atmosphere 
 has been too dry for the well-being of 
 the plants. To avoid this in private 
 green-houses, where the walks cannot be 
 splashed with water, evaporating pans 
 should be placed on the pipes, or any 
 other method that may suggest itself to 
 increase the moisture of the atmosphere. 
 Last season we filled the space between 
 the rows of pipe with Sphagnum Moss, 
 from which, when wet, a steady moisture
 
 372 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 INS 
 
 was given out. When the Bed Spider is 
 present, the best way to destroy it is ; 
 repeated forcible syringingsof the leaves, i 
 with applications of a sulphur wash to the 
 pipes, as recommended for Mildew, 
 which see. 
 
 "Carnation Ticitter" is an insect but 
 little known, and in this district only 
 by its local name of " Carnation Twit- 
 ter," given from its rapid and nervous 
 motion. As seen by the naked eye, it 
 is about the twentieth part of an inch 
 in length, and of a thickness not more 
 than that of a needle point. It is of vari- 
 ous shades of color, from green to black. 
 It is never very numerous on the plants, 
 but most destructive, and evidently poi- 
 sonous in its attacks on all varieties of 
 the Carnation or Dianthus family. Its 
 effects on plants somewhat resemble 
 those of the Bed Spider, except that, 
 when attacked by the "Twitter," the 
 leaves have a cankered and twisted ap- 
 pearance, easily distinguishable from the 
 browning effects of the Spider; and it is 
 far more destructive. We have often 
 seen thousands of Carnation plants de- 
 stroyed by it in a season. We regret to 
 say that, so far, we have found nothing 
 that will destroy this insect that does not 
 at the same time injure the plant. We 
 have tried Tobacco in all forms, lime, 
 soot, Hellebore, Paris Green, Quassia, 
 Aloes, and all the nostrums usually bane- 
 ful to insect life, without seeming in the 
 slightest to disturb the " Twitter." We 
 have found, however, that its ravages are 
 worst on light soils; on heavy, stiff clay 
 land we have never known it to do much 
 injury. 
 
 Brown and White Scale Insects are often 
 troublesome on old plants of Oleanders, 
 Orange trees, and some hot-house plants, i 
 
 INS 
 
 They are best destroyed by being wash- 
 ed or rubbed off. 
 
 The Angle Worm, or the common red 
 worm, seen in nearly every soil, in pots 
 or in the open ground, is harmless as 
 far as feeding on the plant goes, for it 
 does not feed on the plants, but bores and 
 crawls around in a way which seriously 
 disturbs the roots of plants, particularly 
 when growing in pots. Some savant has 
 recently given it as his opinion that the 
 Angle Worm is highly beneficial in pul- 
 verizing the soil, and that Nature has 
 placed it there for that purpose. We are 
 afraid that there are few cultivators that 
 feel grateful to the Angle Worm for such 
 service, and that most of us would rather 
 be allowed to do our own pulverizing 
 without this " natural " assistance. The 
 Angle Worm is easily destroyed with 
 the following solution: one peck of shell 
 lime in forty gallons of water, allowing 
 the residue to settle at the bottom, and 
 watering the plants with the clear lime 
 water. The caustic of the lime acts on 
 the cuticle of the worms, and is quickly 
 fatal to them. 
 
 There are many insects that attack 
 the Cabbage tribe, among the best known 
 of which is that which causes the dis- 
 . ease known as " Club Boot," (which see.) 
 Another enemy of the Cabbage plant, 
 and one that is sometimes even more de- 
 structive than the Club Boot, is the Cab- 
 bage Caterpillar or Cabbage Worm. This 
 insect is comparatively a new comer in 
 the vicinity of New York, having been, it 
 is believed, imported from Europe. It is 
 produced by a small Avhite butterfly that 
 is seen hovering over the Cabbage 
 patches in spring. It attacks the leaves 
 of the plant, and is such a voracious 
 feeder that it will quickly destroy a whole
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 373 
 
 INS 
 
 plantation. We find an excellent remedy 
 for this pest to be White Hellebore powder, 
 which must, however, be put on in the 
 early stage of the plant's existence, as 
 when heading up of course it would not 
 be safe to apply it. The past fall and 
 winter our cold frame Cabbage and Cau- 
 liflower plants were attacked by the Cab- 
 bage Worm, both in the seed bed in the 
 open field, and also after being trans- 
 planted into the frames. One good dust- 
 ing of White Hellebore powder destroyed 
 them completely on both occasions. 
 There are three kinds of insects which 
 attack the roots of Cabbages after being 
 planted out in the field to head. One is 
 a species of Wire Worm, that imbeds it- 
 self in the stem; another, a white mag- 
 got-like grub, that eats the bark of the 
 root a few inches below the surface of 
 the ground; another still, of a dull gray 
 color, resembling a caterpillar somewhat 
 in shape, that cuts the root clean off. We 
 regret to say that for none of these dan- 
 gerous insects can we suggest anything 
 that will kill them without at the same 
 time killing the plant. The only conso- 
 lation we can give cultivators is, that by 
 some kind provision of nature it is rare 
 that they follow up their attacks in suc- 
 cessive years; and in many sections they 
 disappear for many years. In long cul- 
 tivated grounds, that are continually be- 
 ing turned up by the plow and culti- 
 vator, they now do but little harm, as the 
 continued stirring of the ground no doubt 
 disturbs them so as to prevent their in- 
 
 The Phylloxera, which has been so de- 
 structive to the Grape vine in Europe, is, 
 fortunately, mostly localized with us 
 thus far, and its ravages have been 
 far from alarming, though many feel ap- 
 
 mi 
 
 prehensive of the future. Its depreda- 
 tions, which are of a deadly nature, are 
 confined chiefly to the roots, and thus 
 far no certain means for its destruction 
 have been discovered. The Phylloxera 
 nas, in a few places, been found quite de- 
 structive to the foreign vine grown under 
 glass, especially in parts of Rhode Island, 
 making it necessary, in some cases, to re- 
 new both the vines and the borders. 
 
 Colorado Bug, or Potato Beetle, so de- 
 structive some years ago, has now been 
 well-nigh driven off by the persistent use 
 of Paris Green by farmers and gardeners. 
 
 Insertion. The manner in which one part 
 is inserted into, or adheres to, or origi- 
 nates from another; as the leaf on the 
 branch, the branch on the stem, etc. 
 
 Integument. A portion closely investing or 
 merely surrounding another. 
 
 Internode. The space between two nodes. 
 
 Interstices. Spaces between one thing and 
 another. 
 
 Inverted. Having the apex in an opposite 
 direction to that of some other thing, as 
 many seeds. 
 
 Involucre, Involucrum. A ring or rings of 
 bracts surrounding several flowers, such 
 as the whorled bracts at the base of an 
 umbel, a head, or a single flower. 
 
 Involute, Involutive. Rolled inward; when 
 edges are rolled inward on each side. 
 
 Iridaceoe, (Ensatce, Inds.) A natural order 
 of Monocotyledons belonging to Lind- 
 ley's Narcissal Alliance of Endogens. 
 They are herbs with corms, rhizomes, or 
 fibrous roots, and mostly with equitant 
 leaves, and flowers in sheaths. They are 
 found in warm and temperate regions, 
 and abound at the Cape of Good Hope. 
 There are about fifty genera and upward 
 of five hundred species.. Iris, Oladwlus, 
 Crocus, and Ixia are examples.
 
 374 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 JA6 
 
 ~T~asm,inaceoe, (Jasminece, Bolivarwce, Jas- 
 minwortif.) A natural order of corol- 
 lifloral Dicotyledons belonging to Lind- 
 ley's Echial Alliance of perigynous Exo- 
 gens. They are shrubs, often twining, 
 with opposite or alternate, usually com- 
 pound leaves. They are found chiefly 
 in the tropical parts of India. There 
 are six known genera and above a hun- 
 dred species. Jasminum and Nyctanthes 
 are examples of the order. 
 Joints. Certain parts where the uniformity 
 of the tissue is altered, and where it 
 may readily be ruptured or fall asunder 
 in decay. 
 
 LAT 
 
 Juglandacece, (Juglands.) A natural order 
 of monochlamydeous plants belonging to 
 Lindley's Qusrnal Alliance of diclinous 
 Exogens. They are trees with alternate 
 pinnate stipulate leaves and unisexual 
 flowers. They are chiefly natives of 
 North America and the Indies. Juglans 
 regia is the English "Walnut or Madeira 
 Nut of the fruit stores. Carya alba is the 
 American Hickory Nut. Juglans nigra is 
 the Black Walnut. They are valuable 
 timber trees. There are few known 
 genera and about thirty species. Jug- 
 lans and Carya are examples of the or- 
 der. 
 
 K 
 
 ~T7~~ed. When the midrib of a leaf or 
 petal is sharp and elevated exter- 
 nally it is called a keel. 
 Keeled. Formed in the manner of the 
 keel of a boat; that is to say, with a 
 
 sharp projecting ridge, arising from a 
 flat or a concave central plate, as the 
 glumes of grasses. 
 
 Knot. A swelling iu some stems where the 
 attachment of the leaves takes place. 
 
 L. 
 
 J~abettum.lAy ; or rather the lower Up 
 only. The third petal of an Orchid, 
 usually turned toward the lower front of 
 the flower, and very different from the 
 remainder; also a similar petal in other 
 flowers. 
 
 Labiate. Having lips; a term applied to 
 that form of a monopetalous calyx or 
 corolla which is separated into two un- 
 equal divisions, the one anterior and the 
 other posterior; with respect to the axis. 
 
 Laciniate. Cut or divided into segments; 
 
 fringed. 
 Lactescent. Containing or yielding a milky 
 
 juice. 
 Lana, Lanugo, (adj. Lanate, Lanuginose.) 
 
 Long, dense, curled, and matted hairs, 
 
 resembling wool 
 Lanceolate. Shaped like the head of a 
 
 spear; narrow and tapering at each end. 
 Lanuginosus. Downy; cottony. See Lana. 
 Latent. Lying dormant till excited by
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 375 
 
 LAT 
 
 some particular stimulus; as the adventi- 
 tious buds occasionally developed in 
 trees. 
 
 Lateral. Proceeding from, or fixed on, or 
 near the side of a stem or other organ. 
 
 Lauracece, (Laurinece, Lauri, Laurels.) A 
 natural order of Dicotyledons belonging 
 to Lindley's Daphnal Alliance of perigy- 
 nous Exogens. They are trees, with ex- 
 stipulate, usually alternate, dotted leaves. 
 They are tropical, aromatic, and fragrant 
 plants. Cinnamomum Zeylanicurn yields 
 Cinnamon Bark. C. cassia supplies Cas- 
 sia Bark. Camphora officinarum, a na- 
 tive of China, Japan, and Cochin China, 
 yields Camphor. Persea gratissima fur- 
 nishes the fruit called Avocado Pear or 
 Alligator Pear. Sassafras cfficinale is the 
 American Sassafras Tree. Laurus nobttis 
 is the Sweet Bay. There are about fifty 
 genera and between four and five hun- 
 dred species. Laurus, Cinnamomum, 
 Camphora, and Sassafras are examples 
 of the order. 
 
 Laurenciacece. A natural order of rose- 
 spored Algae. See Algoe. 
 
 Lawn. Is the name given to the open grass 
 space surrounding a dwelling. The 
 preparation of the lawn should be pre- 
 liminary to the laying out of flower-beds 
 in grounds having pretensions to what is 
 called Landscape Gardening. The for- 
 mation of the lawn is too often hastily 
 and imperfectly done; it is the founda- 
 tion of all subsequent operations, and if 
 badly done at first, the fault can never 
 be remedied afterward. The first thing 
 to be done is to get the ground shaped 
 
 t to the desired grade, taking care in 
 grading, that when hills or rocks are re- 
 moved, sufficient subsoil is also removed 
 to be replaced with top soil; so ,that at 
 least five inches of good soil will overlay 
 
 LAW 
 
 the whole in all places. When the grad- 
 ing is finished, if the nature of the ground 
 requires it, (see Draining,) drains should 
 be laid wherever necessary; then the 
 whole should be thoroughly plowed, a 
 sub-soil following in the wake of the com- 
 mon plow, until it is completely pulver- 
 ized. A heavy harrow should then be 
 applied until the surface is thoroughly 
 fined down; all stones, roots, etc., should 
 be removed, so that a smooth surface 
 may be obtained. The lawn is now 
 ready to be sown. When the seed is 
 sown, a light harrow should again be 
 applied, and after that a thorough roll- 
 ing given, so that the surface is made as 
 smooth and firm as possible. In the lat- 
 itude of New York, the seed may be sown 
 any time during the months of April and 
 May, and will form a good lawn by Au- 
 gust, if the preparation has been good. 
 If sown in the hot months of June or 
 July, a sprinkling of oats should be sown 
 at the same time, so that the shade given 
 by the oats will protect the young grass 
 from the sun. Lawns are also some- 
 times sown during the early fall months 
 (September being the best) with excel- 
 lent results. The formula for seed for 
 lawn grass now known in New York as 
 Central Park Mixture, is as follows: 
 Eight quarts Rhode Island Bent Grass; 
 three quarts Creeping Bent Grass; ten 
 quarts Red Top Grass; ten quarts Ken- 
 tucky Blue Grass; one quart White Clo- 
 ver. For small plots, of course, digging, 
 trenching, and raking must be done, in- 
 stead of plowing, sub-soiling, and harrow- 
 ing. In sloping banks it is often neces- 
 sary to use sod, as the rains wash the 
 soil off before the grass seed has time to 
 germinate. It is sometimes even neces- 
 sary, in sodding very steep banks, to use
 
 376 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 LAX 
 
 pins eight or ten inches in length, to pin 
 the sods in place, to prevent them from 
 being washed down by excessive rains 
 before the grass roots have had time to 
 fasten in the soil. 
 
 Lax, Laxus. Loose ; said of parts which are 
 distant from each other, with an open ar- 
 rangement, such as the panicle among 
 the kinds of inflorescence. 
 Leaf. An appendage to the stem, consid- 
 ered as an expansion of the bark, com- 
 posed of cellular tissue, and generally 
 with fibers of vascular tissue intermixed. 
 Leaflets. The subdivisions of compound 
 
 leaves. 
 
 Leathery. "With a consistency more or less 
 resembling the toughness of leather; the 
 same as coriaceous. 
 
 Legume. A name given to the seed-vessel 
 of the Pea family, opening in two valves, 
 and having the seeds attached to the 
 ventral suture. 
 
 Leguminosce, (Fabaceas, Leguminous plants. ) 
 A natural order of Dicotyledons belong- 
 ing to Lindley's Rosal Alliance of perigy- 
 nous Exogens. They are herbs, shrubs, or 
 trees, with alternate, usually compound 
 exstipulate leaves. The plants occur in 
 all parts of the world, but are abund- 
 ant in tropical countries. The order is 
 a large one, and has been divided into 
 three sub-orders, viz. : Papilionaceas, Cces- 
 alpiniece, and Mimosece. They supply 
 food, timber, fiber, gums, dyes, and vari- 
 ous economical substances. Some are 
 poisonous. Among the useful plants may 
 be mentioned Beans, Peas, Lentils, Pulse 
 of various kinds, Lupins, Clover, Lu- 
 cerne, Sainfoin, Tragacanth, Indigo, and 
 others. There are about 550 genera and 
 7,000 species. Phaseolus, Vicia, Pisum, 
 Lotus, Cassia, and Acacia are examples 
 of the order. 
 
 LIM 
 
 Lenticular, Lentiform. Shaped like a lens; 
 resembling a double convex lens. 
 
 Leprous. Covered with spots or scales. 
 
 Leucanthus. Bearing white flowers. 
 
 Leuco. In Greek compounds means white. 
 
 Liber. The inner lining of the bark of Ex- 
 ogens, where alone its woody matter re- 
 sides. 
 
 Ligneous, Lignose. Having the texture of 
 wood; of or belonging to wood. 
 
 Lignum. The wood; that central part of a 
 stem which lies beneath the bark, or its 
 equivalent, the cortical integument 
 
 Ligula. A membrane at the base of the 
 blade of the leaf of Grasses. 
 
 Ligulate. Strap-shaped; narrow, moderate- 
 ly long, with the two margins parallel. 
 
 Lilac. Pale, dull violet; blue and red, with 
 a little gray. 
 
 Liliacece, (Hemerocallideae, Tulipacece, Coro- 
 narice, Asphodelece, Asparaginece, Conval- 
 lariacece, Lilyworts, etc.) A natural order 
 of monocotyledonous plants belonging to 
 the sub-class Petaloidece, and constituting 
 the type of Lindley's Lilial Alliance of 
 Endogens. They are herbs, shrubs, or 
 trees, with bulbs, corms, rhizomes, or 
 fibrous roots, simple sheathing or clasp- 
 ing leaves, and regular flowers. They are 
 natives of both temperate and tropical 
 regions, and possess medicinal qualities. 
 Onions, Leeks, Garlic, Chives, Shallot, 
 Rocambole, Tulips, Hyacinths, Lilies, 
 etc., are all furnished by plants belong- 
 ing to this extensive order. There are 
 upward of 150 genera and 1, 200 species. 
 LUium, Tulipa, Hyacinthus, Yucca, Aga- 
 panthus, Asphodelus, and Draccena are 
 examples of the order. 
 
 Limb. The flattened, expanded part of a 
 
 leaf or a petal. 
 
 Limbate. Having one color surrounded by 
 an edging of another.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 377 
 
 LIN 
 
 Linear. Narrow, short, with parallel mar- 
 gins, as the leaf of the Yew. 
 
 Lineate, Lineolatus. Lined; marked with 
 fine parallel lines. 
 
 L qyped. Having a distinct lip or labellum, 
 like the Snapdragon. 
 
 Livid. Of a pale lead color. 
 
 Lobe. A rounded projection or division of 
 a leaf or other organ. 
 
 Lobed. Divided into lobes. 
 
 Loculaments. Partitions or cells of a seed- 
 vessel. 
 
 Lorate. Shaped like a strap. The same as 
 ligulate. 
 
 Low. When a plant is of smaller dimen- 
 sions than other species with which it is 
 aUied. 
 
 MF.T, 
 
 Lucid. Bright, shining. 
 
 Lunate, Lunulate. Shaped like a half moon ; 
 crescent-shaped. 
 
 Lurid. Of a dingy brown; gray with 
 orange. 
 
 Luxuriant, Luxuria. A rank or unnatural- 
 ly exuberant growth. A luxuriant flower 
 is one which multiplies the covers of the 
 fructification so as to destroy the essen- 
 tial parts. 
 
 Lymph. Sap ; the crude, unelaborated 
 fluid of vegetation. Lymphceducts are 
 
 Lyrate, Lyre-shaped. A lyrate leaf is pin- 
 natifid, with the upper lobes much larger 
 than the lower, and ending in one still 
 larger. 
 
 M. 
 
 ~j\/f acula, (adj. Maculate, Maculose.) A 
 broad, irregular spot or blotch. 
 
 Male System. All that part of a flower 
 which belongs to the stamens. 
 
 Manicate. Covered with hairs. 
 
 Many-headed. When many distinct buds 
 are seated on the crown of a. root. 
 
 Marcescent, Marcid. Not falling off till the 
 part which bears it is perfected, but with- 
 ering long before that time, as the flow- 
 ers of Orobanche. 
 
 Marker. This is a simple implement used 
 mostly by market gardeners to line out 
 drills. It is often home made by taking 
 a piece of joist 3X4 inches, and about 
 six feet in length, and to each side nail- 
 ing pointed slats eight or nine inches 
 long, at a width apart usually, on one 
 side of fourteen inches, and the other 
 of nine inches. Two handles four or five 
 
 feet in length are fastened to it, by which 
 it is dragged, the teeth marking the rows* 
 If wanted deep, a weight is placed on the 
 joist. In operating it, a line is stretched 
 across the bed to be sown or planted, the 
 first teeth being guided by the line ; it is 
 steadily dragged along the bed, making 
 from four to six lines at once, in a much 
 more uniform manner than can be done 
 with the hoe. 
 
 Maturation. The process of ripening; also 
 the time when fruits are ripe. 
 
 Mealy. Covered with a scurry powder. 
 
 Mealy Bug. See Insects. 
 
 Medulla, (adj. Medullary. ) The pith of a. 
 plant; that central column of cellular 
 matter over which the wood is formed in 
 Exogens. 
 
 Melanospermece. One of the three great di- 
 visions of Algae.
 
 378 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 MEL 
 
 Melliferous. Honey-bearing. 
 Membrane. A delicate pellicle of homoge- 
 neous tissue. Also, a very thin layer of 
 cellular tissue. 
 
 Meshes. The openings in any tissue. 
 Midrib. The large vein extending along 
 the middle of a leaf, from its petiole 
 nearly or quite to the other end. 
 Mildew. The term used for the parasitical 
 fungus so common to vegetation, both 
 under glass and in the open air. Like 
 nearly all other parasites hurtful to 
 plants, it seems to us that Mildew only 
 attacks plants when, from some cause or 
 other, they are in an abnormal state. For 
 instance, we find that if some varieties of 
 Hoses and Grape Vines, either under glass 
 or in the open air, are exposed to exces- ! 
 sive drought, so as to enfeeble the leaf j 
 action, or if exposed to a sudden change 
 of temperature, they are almost certain 
 to be attacked with Mildew. Many years 
 ago, in our green-houses at Jersey City, 
 N. J., we had a. marked instance well illus- 
 trating this belief. We had a Hose house, 
 on which the sashes had been slid down 
 for ventilation; it came up suddenly cold, 
 and before the green-house could be 
 closed, some six or eight square spaces of 
 3x3 feet, where the sashes had been let 
 down, were frozen so severely that the 
 young shoots of the Roses hung down, 
 and we thought they were ruined. The 
 next morning, however, they appeared 
 all right; but in a few days after Mildew 
 appeared in the square space (3x3 feet) 
 with the lines nearly as closely defined as 
 if struck out with a rule, the other por- 
 tions of the Rose house being entirely 
 free from it. Now we reason from this 
 incident, and others nearly as marked, 
 that spores or germs of mildew are near- 
 ly always present, floating in the atmos- 
 
 MIL 
 
 phere, and that when a congenial soil, so 
 to speak, is formed by a relaxed condition 
 of the plant, the floating germ is sown on 
 the enfeebled leaves, and the parasite 
 starts into the low organic life known as 
 Mildew. Fortunately, we have a rarely- 
 failing antidote against Mildew. Sulphur, 
 applied in various forms, is almost a cer- 
 tain specific. For Grape Vines, Roses, or 
 other plants affected by Mildew outdoors, 
 the flowers of sulphur applied by the 
 sulphur bellows, when used in the early 
 stage of the attack, will at once check it; 
 but when Mildew attacks Roses or Grape 
 Vines under glass in winter, the best plan 
 is to paint the hot water pipes with a wash 
 of sulphur and lime or sulphur and Gua- 
 no (the Guano or lime is only used to 
 make the sulphur stick to the pipes) 
 every eight or ten days. The fumes of 
 the sulphur, evolved by the heated water 
 in the pipes, (about 200 degrees,) is cer- 
 tain destruction to the germ producing 
 Mildew. We find it also valuable, when 
 so applied, in preventing the ' ' fungus of 
 the cutting bench," often so annoying 
 to the propagator. When flues are used 
 instead of hot-water pipes, the sulphur 
 wash may be used on them; but care 
 must be taken that it is only on the end 
 of the flues farthest from the furnace, as, 
 if much hotter than 200 degrees, it will 
 injure the leaves; but no harm can ever 
 ensue from its use on the hot- water pipes 
 or on the smoke flue, if not hotter than 200 
 degrees. At seasons when no fires are used, 
 the following preparation will usually be 
 found a prompt remedy against Mildew: 
 take six pounds each of flowers of sul- 
 phur and lump lime, put together and 
 slake the lime, adding ten gallons of 
 water. Boil all together until it is re- 
 duced to four gallons; allow the liquid
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 371) 
 
 MIN 
 
 to settle until it gets clear, and then bot- 
 tle for. use. One gill only of this is to 
 be mixed with five gallons of water, and 
 syringed freely over the plants, care being 
 taken not to let it drop on expanded 
 flowers or ripe fruit, as its odor is very 
 disagreeable. 
 
 Miniatus. Of a vermilion color; pure red 
 with a little yellow. 
 
 Mitnform. Formed like a miter. 
 
 Mdli*. Soft. 
 
 Man. In Greek compounds means one; 
 as monanthes, one-flowered. 
 
 Monadelphous. Having all the stamens 
 united by their filaments into a tube. 
 
 Monandrous. Having only one stamen. 
 
 Monanthus. Either where each peduncle 
 bears a single flower, or where the plant 
 produces only one flower. 
 
 Moniliform. Formed like a necklace ; that 
 is to say, with alternate swelh'ngs resem- 
 bling beads. 
 
 Monocarpous. Producing fruit but once in 
 its life, as an annual. 
 
 Monochlamydeous. Having but one floral 
 envelope. 
 
 Monocotyledons, (Endogenas, Endogens, Am- 
 phihrya.) One of the primary classes in 
 the natural system, consisting of plants 
 having only one cotyledon. The sub- 
 classes are, Dictyogence, Petaloideat or 
 Floi-idce, and Glumiferce or Glumacece. 
 
 Monoecious. Having male and female or- 
 gans in different flowers on the same 
 plant. 
 
 Monogamic. Having flowers distinct from 
 each other, and not collected in a head. 
 
 Monogynous. Having but one style, even 
 though many carpels be present. 
 
 Monopetcdous. Having one petal; having 
 all the petals united by their edges. 
 
 Monosepalous. Having one sepal; having 
 all the sepals united by their edges. 
 
 MUL 
 
 Morphology. That department of botany 
 which treats of the forms and modifica- 
 tions of the organs of plants. 
 
 Moschatus. Possessing the odor of musk. 
 
 Mucous, Mucose. Covered with a slimy se- 
 cretion, or with a coat that is readily sol- 
 uble in water, and becomes slimy; re- 
 sembling mucus. 
 
 Mucronaie. Abruptly terminated by a hard, 
 sharp point; thus, mucronato-serrate is 
 when the serratures terminate in a hard, 
 sharp point. 
 
 Mulching. Placing leaves or rough litter 
 around newly planted trees to prevent 
 evaporation from the soil has been long 
 practiced. Good cultivators apply leaves, 
 rough manure, etc., to the surface of the 
 soil to protect the roots of certain plants 
 against the action of frost, it being useful, 
 not so much against freezing as to pre- 
 vent alternate freezing and thawing. In 
 Strawberry culture, the mulch applied in 
 the fall protects the roots during winter; 
 it is allowed to remain on the bed, where, 
 if thick enough, it keeps down weeds, 
 and prevents the evaporation of moisture 
 from the soil during the dry time we are 
 apt to have between the flowering and 
 the ripening of the Strawberry. The 
 utility of a mulch is not confined to the 
 Strawberry among fruits; Raspberries 
 and Currants are much benefited by it; 
 and the finer varieties of English Goose- 
 berries, a fruit with which very few suc- 
 ceed in our hot summers, can be success- 
 fully grown when so treated. Newly 
 planted trees, whether of fruit or orna- 
 mental kinds, are much benefited by a 
 mulch, and its application often settles 
 the question of success or failure. We 
 have known a whole Pear orchard to be 
 mulched, and the owner thought its cost 
 was more than repaid by saving the fall-
 
 HENDEKSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 MUL 
 
 en fruit from bruises. Spinach is pro- 
 tected in the same way, and Carnations, 
 Pansies, Roses, and other partly hardy 
 plants, are mulched in the same manner. 
 The rooting of a layer is by some gar- 
 deners thought to be facilitated by plac- 
 ing a flat stone over the buried branch; 
 the fact being that the stone acts as a 
 mulch, and prevents the soil around the 
 cut portion from drying out, and greatly 
 favors the rooting process. Even in the 
 vegetable garden mulching is found use- 
 ful, especially with Cauliflowers, which 
 find our summers quite too dry. The 
 material of the mulch is not of much im- 
 portance; mostly one kind of litter will 
 answer nearly as well as another. The 
 material will be governed in great meas- 
 ure by locality; those living near salt 
 water will find salt hay, as hay from the 
 marshes is called, the most readily pro- 
 cured; those who live near Pine forests 
 use the fallen leaves, or Pine needles, as 
 they are called; in the grain-growing 
 districts straw is abundant, and nothing 
 can be better; it can be applied more 
 thoroughly if run through a cutter. 
 Leaves are Nature's own mulch, and 
 answer admirably; if there is danger of 
 
 NEE 
 
 their being blown away, brush laid over 
 them, or even a little earth sprinkled on 
 them, will keep them in place. One of 
 the best materials to use for summer 
 mulching is the green grass mowed from 
 lawns. This, applied to the thickness of 
 two or three inches around the roots of 
 all kinds of small fruits, will be found not 
 only to greatly benefit the crop, particu- 
 larly in dry weather, but will save great- 
 ly in labor by preventing the growth of 
 weeds. Stable manure, particularly that 
 of cows, is extensively used in Eose 
 growing in winter, two or three inches of 
 which is placed over the soil when grow- 
 ing in pots or benches; Moss mulching is 
 also used for this and other purposes. 
 See page 208. 
 
 Multifid. Divided half-way into many 
 parts or segments. 
 
 Multiplex. Where many of the same parts 
 or organs occur together. 
 
 Muricated. Covered with sharp points, as 
 in Panicum muricatum. 
 
 Musci. An important tribe of Cryptogams, 
 comprising the true Mosses. 
 
 Mycelium. A word equivalent to spawn. 
 
 Myurus. Long and tapering, Like a mouse's 
 tail 
 
 . Where a surface is destitute 
 of pubescence. 
 Naked Seeds. Seeds having no pericarpel 
 
 covering, as in Conifers and Cycads. 
 Nanus. Dwarf. 
 Napiform. Turnip-shaped. 
 Nebulous, Nebulose. Clouded. 
 Neck. The upper tapering end of bulbs is 
 
 called the neck, as in Crinum, Amaryllis, 
 etc. 
 
 Nectarium, Nectary. An organ which se- 
 cretes honey. 
 
 Nervation. The manner in which veins are 
 arranged. 
 
 Nerves, Nervures. The ribs or principal 
 veins of a leaf.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 381 
 
 NIG 
 
 Niger. Black, or black a little tinged with 
 gray. 
 
 Nigricans. Blackish. 
 
 Niveus. Snow-white; the purest white. 
 
 Nocturnal. Lasting through a night. 
 
 Nodding. Having the top bent downward; 
 drooping. 
 
 Node. That part or point in a stem from 
 which a leaf, whether complete or incom- 
 plete, arises. 
 
 Nodose, Nodulose. Knotted; having many 
 nodes or knots. 
 
 Nodules. Small hard knots. 
 
 Normal. When the ordinary structure pe- 
 culiar to the family or genus of a plant 
 is in nowise departed from. 
 
 ORC 
 
 Nucamentojceous. Having the hardness of a 
 nut. 
 
 Nucleus. The kernel. The term has a va- 
 riety of applications. 
 
 Nudicaulis. When a stem has no leaves. 
 
 Nut. A hard, indehiscent pericarp, usu- 
 ally containing only one seed; the same 
 as Glans and Achene, which see. 
 
 Nvtans, Nutant. Nodding; inclined very 
 much from the perpendicular, so that the 
 apex is directed downward, as the flower 
 of the Snowdrop. 
 
 Nutrition. The vital function by which the 
 development of the various parts of the 
 vegetable structure is effected. 
 
 Nux. The same as nut. 
 
 o. 
 
 x signifying inversion. 
 Thus, obovate means inversely ovate. 
 Oblong. Elliptical or long oval, equally 
 
 blunt or round at each end. 
 Obscure. Of a dark, dingy color. 
 Obtuse. Blunt or rounded. 
 Occidental. Coming from or relating to the 
 
 west, as Platinm Occidentalis. 
 Ocellated. Spotted in a manner somewhat 
 
 resembling the iris of an eye. 
 Ochraceous. Having the color of clay or 
 
 yellow ochre. 
 
 Octandrous. Having eight stamens. 
 Octo. In composition means eight. 
 Octogynous. Having eight styles. 
 Oculus. An eye; that is, a leaf-bud. 
 Oculatus. Marked with concentric spots 
 
 of different colors or tints. 
 Officinalis. Applied to plants which are 
 
 useful in medicine or the arts. 
 Oleaginous. Fleshy in substance, but filled 
 
 with oil. Also, like oil. 
 
 Oleus. Strong smelling, whether agreeable 
 or nauseous. 
 
 Oleraceous. Esculent, eatable. 
 
 Opaque. When the surface is dull, or not 
 at all shining. 
 
 Opercular. Covered with a lid. 
 
 Operculum. The lid of anything, as in the 
 pitcher of Nepenthes. 
 
 Orbicular. Nearly round and flat. 
 
 Orchard Baler. This name is given to an 
 invention that promises to be of great 
 value to the fruit-growing interest of the 
 United States. It is a machine by which 
 the branches of fruit or other trees are 
 tied in a pyramidal form, and in this shape 
 thatched with straw or hay, as a protec- 
 tion in winter against the severe frosts 
 which cause so much injury to the buds 
 of Peaches and other fruit trees. Thus 
 thatched and excluded from the sun, the 
 flower buds of fruit trees will be held 
 back from opening for nearly a week,
 
 382 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 ORC 
 
 which will often be sufficient to save 
 them from late spring frosts. It is 
 claimed that Peach Trees so protected 
 never fail to produce annually a crop of 
 fruit A pair of these machines cost 
 from $25 to $50; and it is claimed that 
 two men can bale and thatch fifty trees 
 per day. The time for the operation is 
 after the leaves have fallen in autumn, or 
 any time except when the limbs are fro- 
 zen. Of course, it is equally applicable 
 to ornamental trees, and for such trees 
 as the Magnolia grandiftora, which is 
 rarely seen in good condition south of 
 Richmond, it would be particularly valu- 
 able. 
 
 PAK 
 
 Organ. A general name for any defined 
 subordinate part of the vegetable struc- 
 ture, external or internal; as cell, fiber, 
 leaf, root, etc. 
 
 Orifice. An opening. 
 
 Osseous. Bony, hard, brittle, and very close 
 in texture, as the stone of a Peach. 
 
 Ovary. That part of the pistil which con- 
 tains the ovules or seeds. 
 
 vote. Egg-shaped. 
 
 Ovule. The young seeds of plants con- 
 tained in the ovarium. 
 
 Oxycanthus. Furnished with many sharp 
 thorns or prickles. 
 
 Oxycarpus. Where the fruit is sharp- 
 pointed. 
 
 \ 
 
 P. 
 
 / Ja/ote. The prominent parts of the j 
 base of the lower lip which closes j 
 the mouth of a ringent flower. 
 
 Pofea.^The leaf-like parts of the flower of ; 
 Grasses, inclosing the stamens, pistils, 
 and hypogynous scales. 
 
 Palmacece. See Palms in the body of this 
 work. 
 
 Palmate. Having five lobes, the midribs of i 
 which meet in a common point, so that 
 the whole bears some resemblance to the 
 human hand. 
 
 Panduriform. Having the figure of a fid- 
 dle. 
 
 Panicle. A compound raceme. 
 
 Papilionaceous. Having such a corolla as 
 that of the Pea; butterfly-shaped flowers. 
 
 Papillose. Producing small glandular ex- 
 crescences like nipples. 
 
 Pappus. The calyx of Composites, varying 
 from a ring of membraneous scales to i 
 
 bristles or hairs. It is very frequently of 
 a downy texture, as in Thistles. 
 
 Papulose. Producing small glands like 
 pimples. 
 
 Parasite. A plant which obtains its nour- 
 ishment directly from the juices of some 
 other plant to which it is attached. 
 
 Parenchyma. Cellular tissue which has a 
 spheroidal, not tubular form; all the 
 parts of plants which consist of cellular 
 tissue only. 
 
 Parlor Gardening. In parlor gardening, or 
 the keeping of plants in private rooms, 
 one of the most essential things, for satis- 
 faction to the owner, is to start with 
 young, healthy plants, rather than old 
 and matured specimens. One of the 
 most common errors in keeping plants 
 in rooms is that of keeping the tempera- 
 ture too high. Very few plants suitable 
 for. the -parlor guow well in a temperature
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PAR 
 
 above 50 degrees at night. To be sure, 
 there are quite a number of plants grown 
 in private rooms, that require a much 
 higher temperature; but to have satisfac- 
 tory results, the two divisions should be 
 kept in separate rooms, at the differ- 
 ent temperatures, say 50 degrees at i 
 night for the so-called green-house 
 plants, and 65 degrees at night for the 
 tropical or hot-house. A few of the 
 best green-house plants suited for par- 
 lor culture, the average temperature at ; 
 night being 50 degrees, are as follows: 
 Azalias, Abutilons, Ageratums, Callas, j 
 Cinerarias, Carnations, Cyclamen, Camel- i 
 lias, Echeverias, Ferns, (green-house,) 
 Ferns, (climbing,) Feverfews, Fuchsias, 
 Geraniums, (Pelargoniums,) Hoy as, (Wax 
 Plant,) Holland Bulbs of all kinds, Ivies, j 
 (Parlor and Hardy,) Lobelias, Passifloras, ! 
 Roses, etc. A limited list of the best 
 suited tropical or hot-house plants for I 
 parlor culture, the temperature at night j 
 to average 65 degrees, is as follows: Alia- j 
 mandas, Begonias, Bouvardias, Ca^,di- j 
 urns, Cissus, Crotons, Coleus, Dracaenas, j 
 Ferns, (tropical,) Heliotropes, Hibiscus, i 
 Poinsettia, Torenias, Tropaaolums, Palms, 
 etc. The instructions for Propagating, I 
 Watering, Potting, Killing of Insects, ! 
 Soil, Mulching, and all other operations i 
 given for culture of plants, will be found ; 
 under these different heads, and will be , 
 found equally applicable to the culture of 
 plants in rooms as in green-house or hot- 
 house culture. Saucers in which to place 
 the pots are sometimes a necessity in 
 rooms to save the floors from getting wet; 
 but care must be taken not to allow the 
 water to stand for any length of time in 
 the saucers. Plants in rooms during the 
 winter months, when grown in a tempera- 
 ture of 50 degrees, will not usually re- 
 
 PER 
 
 quire water more than twice a week, and 
 in the temperature of 65 degrees perhaps 
 thrice a week; but in no case water un- 
 less the lightness of the color of the soil 
 on the top gives indications that the plant 
 is dry, and then water sufficiently to go 
 through the pots; those that seem less dry 
 water more sparingly, and those that are 
 wet give none whatever until they be- 
 come dry, no matter how long the time 
 may be. As plants grown in rooms have 
 only one side to the light, it will conduce 
 to the health and symmetry of the plant 
 to turn it around at least once a week, so 
 that each side will have a like proportion 
 of light 
 
 Parvus. Small; applied relatively, where 
 some object is small by comparison with 
 similar objects. 
 
 Patens, Patent. Spreading wide open, as 
 petals from the calyx. Patentissimus is 
 spreading open so much as to fall back. 
 
 Patulus. Slightly spreading. 
 
 Pedate. A modification of the palmate leaf, 
 when its lower lobes are again divided 
 and directed downwards, as in Saxifraga 
 pedatifida. 
 
 Pedicel, Pedicide, (adj. PedicilMe, Pedicu- 
 late. } A peduncle of a second or higher 
 order, as in the raceme, where the prin- 
 cipal flower stalk is the peduncle, and 
 the lateral secondary ones are pedicils. 
 Pediculus antherce is the filament of the 
 stamen. 
 
 Peduncle. The common stalk of flowers. 
 
 Peltate. Attached by the middle, as the 
 leaf of Tropceolum. 
 
 Penciled. Marked in lines, as if with a 
 pencil. 
 
 Pentagynoiis. Having five styles. 
 
 Pentandrom. Having five stamens. 
 
 Perennial, Perennans, Perennis. Lasting 
 many years, yet flowering, every year.
 
 384 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PEB 
 
 Perfect. Complete in all its parts; where 
 every part of a flower is developed, and 
 none abortive. 
 
 Perfoliate. When the two basal lobes of an 
 amplexicaul leaf are united together, the 
 leaf completely surrounding the stem, so 
 that the stem seems to pass through the 
 leaf, as in Eupaioriumperfoliatum, (Bone- 
 set) 
 
 Perianth. The calyx and corolla combined; 
 that is to say, when they look so much 
 alike that they cannot be readily distin- 
 guished, as in a Hyacinth. 
 
 Pericarp. The shell or rind of all fruits 
 taken as a whole. When it separates in- 
 to layers, each layer may have a different 
 name, but the whole is still the peri- 
 carp. 
 
 Perigynous. Growing upon some part 
 which surrounds the ovary, usually the 
 calyx, though sometimes the corolla is 
 also included within the meaning. 
 
 Persistent. Not falling off, but remaining 
 green until the part which bears it is 
 wholly matured, as the leaves of ever- 
 greens, etc. 
 
 Personate. A term applied to a monopeta- 
 lous corolla, the limb of which is une- 
 qually divided, as in the Antirrhinum. 
 
 Petals. The divisions of the corolla or 
 flower when they are not united to each 
 other by their edges. 
 
 Petiole, (adj. Petiolate. ) The stalk of a leaf. 
 
 Phcenogamous. Having manifest flowers. 
 
 Piceus. Black with a brownish tinge. 
 
 Pictus. Painted. 
 
 Pileate, PHeiform. Having the form of a 
 cap or lid, like the cap of a Mushroom. 
 
 Pinnate. When simple leaflets are arranged 
 on each side of a common petiole; a 
 compound leaf. 
 
 Pinnatifid. A leaf deeply cut into segments 
 nearly to the midrib. 
 
 PLA 
 
 Pinnules, Pinnulce. The secondary divi- 
 sions of a pinnate leaf. 
 
 Pistil The female part of a flower, con- 
 sisting of ovary, style, stigma, and ovules. 
 
 Pitcher. A hollo wed-out leaf, so called, as 
 in Nepenthes, Sarracenia, etc. 
 
 Pith. The same as medulla, which see. 
 
 Pitted. Having numerous small, shallow 
 depressions or excavations. 
 
 Placenta. The place or part on which 
 ovules originate. 
 
 Plane. Where the surface is flat or level. 
 
 Planting. This is an operation performed 
 by the fingers, dibber, trowel, or by the 
 spade. The condition of soil for plant- 
 ing should be similar to that for Sowing, 
 (which see.) And here, too, as in sow- 
 ing, the same necessity for moderately 
 firming the soil to the roots is as impor- 
 tant as in firming the soil over seeds, and, 
 as advised in seed sowing, no better 
 method can be used in firming the soil 
 after planting than by the feet. In the 
 driest weather in July hundreds of acres 
 of Celery, Cabbage, etc., are planted by 
 our market gardeners on newly plowed 
 ground, without using a particle of water, 
 by the system of firming the plants with 
 the foot after planting. The planter sets 
 the plants with the dibber, and on finish- 
 ing the row, returns on it, pressing the soil 
 to each plant firmly with the side of his 
 foot. This prevents the dry air penetrat- 
 ing the loose soil, and plants so set will 
 strike out new roots in thirty or forty 
 hours, after which they are safe. The same 
 rule should be adopted in setting out all 
 plants, shrubs, trees, or anything else, 
 particularly if the weather is hot and dry. 
 Countless millions of plants are lost every 
 season by want of the simple operation 
 of firming the roots after planting. In 
 planting out plants that have been grow-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PLE 
 
 ing in pots, there is perhaps not so much 
 necessity, as the roots are not mutilated, 
 and hence make a quicker start; still cir- 
 cumstances must be the guide in the 
 operation; and if the soil is very dry and 
 the weather warm, a moderate amount of 
 pressure around the ball of earth will be 
 necessary. Sometimes, in planting out 
 plants from pots, the ball is so hard as to 
 prevent the inner roots getting easily to 
 the surface: in such cases the ball should 
 be crushed or beaten, so as to render it 
 partially loose, which greatly conduces to 
 the growth of the plant. 
 Plenus, Plena. Double, as in double flowers. 
 Plicate, Plicative. Plaited or folded to- 
 gether lengthwise, like a closed fan. 
 Plowing. Many gardeners yet ignore the 
 plow in the garden, even where it is per- 
 fectly practicable to use it. We have 
 used the plow and harrow for pulveriz- 
 ing on every foot that it was possible to 
 use them in, in all our operations in the 
 ground, whether for fruit, flowers, or 
 vegetables, for the past thirty years, and 
 feel convinced that their use for that pur- 
 pose is far better than the spade or dig- 
 ging fork, besides the immense saving in 
 labor. 
 
 Plumose. Feathery, resembling feathers. 
 Plumule. The bud of a seed; the youngest 
 bud in a plant; the bud or growing point 
 of the embryo. 
 
 Pod. The capsule or seed-case of legumi- 
 nous and cruciferous plants, those of the 
 former (Pease, Beans, etc.) being called 
 legumes, and those of the latter (Cab- 
 bage, Turnip, etc.) siliques and silicules, 
 which see. 
 
 Pollen. The powdery or other matter 
 usually contained in the cells of an an- 
 ther, by whose action on the stigma the 
 fertilization of the ovules is accomplished. 
 
 POT 
 
 Polyadelphous. Having many parcels of 
 stamens. 
 
 Polyandrous. A flower having more than 
 twenty stamens inserted in the recepta- 
 cle. 
 
 Polyanthemus. Bearing many flowers. 
 
 Polycotyledonous. Having more than two 
 cotyledons. 
 
 Polygamous. Having on the same plant 
 some flowers that are male, others that 
 are female, and others hermaphrodite or 
 perfect. 
 
 Polygynous. Having many styles. 
 
 Polymorphous. Where a part or an entire 
 species are subject to considerable diver- 
 sity of form; assuming various forms. 
 
 Polypetalous. Having many separate or 
 distinct petals. 
 
 Polypodiacece. See Filices. 
 
 Polysephaloua. Having many separate se- 
 
 Pome. An inferior fleshy, many-celled 
 fruit, like that of the Apple. 
 
 Pores. Small, often roundish holes or aper- 
 tures. 
 
 Potting. The first operation of potting is 
 when the rooted cutting is transferred 
 from the cutting bed, or the seedling 
 from the seed box to the pot. 
 
 Almost without exception, cuttings or 
 seedlings should be placed in pots not 
 exceeding two and a half inches in diam- 
 eter. We, in our own practice, invaria- 
 bly use pots two and a quarter inches in, 
 diameter at the top and of the same 
 depth. Rooted cuttings do much better 
 in this smaller size, for the reason that 
 the small amount of soil in the 2^-inch 
 pot allows the moisture to pass off quick- 
 ly, and thus prevents the soil from be- 
 coming sadden for want of air, which 
 would be the case if the cutting had 
 been potted in a 3 or 4-inch pot, as ama-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 POT 
 
 teur gardeners sometimes do. The pot- 
 ting of cuttings is very simple, and in 
 commercial gardens is performed with 
 great rapidity, average workmen doing 
 300 plants per hour. One of our work- 
 men has obtained almost national fame 
 in this operation, as he has repeatedly 
 potted 10,000 plants in ten hours, his av- 
 erage being 6,000 per day. The pot is 
 filled to the level with soil, a space made 
 with the finger in the center of the soil 
 of sufficient size to admit the root, which 
 is placed in the opening thus made; the 
 soil is closed in again by -pressing with 
 the thumbs close to the neck of the cut- 
 ting, which firms the soil around the 
 root. Bat when plants are required to 
 be grown as specimens, or of larger size, 
 they must be repotted at intervals, as 
 the condition of their growth demands. 
 For example, to grow a Geranium of a 
 height of 3 feet and 3 feet in diameter, a 
 pot of at least 8 inches across at top, 
 and 8 inches in depth, would be neces- 
 sary, but it would not do to move from 
 the 2J-inch cutting pot to this size at 
 once; three or four different shifts are 
 necessary. These shifts should be made, 
 as a general thing, not greater than from 
 a 24-inch size to a 3 inch, and so on. 
 
 The time to shift a plant from a smaller 
 to a larger pot is known by the roots be- 
 ginning to show around the outer surface 
 of the ball. It is not necessary to shift 
 when the first roots touch the side of 
 the pot; let them curl pretty well around 
 the ball, but they must not be allowed to 
 remain long enough to become hard or 
 woody. They must be of that condition 
 which we call " working roots, " a condi- 
 tion not very easy to describe, unless to 
 say that the appearance of such roots is 
 white, soft, and succulent. In most cases, 
 
 PKI 
 
 the slightest tap on the edge of the pot 
 is sufficient to turn out the ball of earth. 
 Soil, in depth according to the size of the 
 plant, should be placed in the bottom of 
 the pot, the ball placed in the center, and 
 the soil packed moderately firm in the 
 space, either by the fingers, or by a stick 
 made of suitable size for the purpose. 
 When plants are first potted off, or shift- 
 ed, they should be stood with the pots 
 touching each other, if the diameter of 
 the plant is less than that of the pot; but, 
 as they begin to develop growth, the 
 plants should be spread an inch or so 
 apart to admit air between the pots; 
 this greatly strengthens the plants, and 
 inclines them to a stocky growth. Though 
 we, in our own practice, use drainage in 
 few kinds of plants except Koses, yet 
 it is perhaps safer to the unpracticed 
 cultivator to use it. See Drainage. 
 
 Pouch. A little sack or bag at the base of 
 some sepals and petals. 
 
 Powdery. Covered with a fine bloom or 
 powdery matter, as the bloom on Plums, 
 and the leaves of some plants and the 
 flowers of others. 
 
 Prcecox. Early; appearing or flowering 
 earlier than other allied species. 
 
 Pratensis. Belonging to or growing in 
 meadows. 
 
 Pricking off. This is a term used by gar- 
 deners for the process of transplanting 
 small seedlings as soon as they are fit to 
 handle, and replanting them closely to- 
 gether, preparatory to being planted in 
 pots or in the open ground. It is distin- 
 guished from planting proper, inasmuch 
 as the " pricking off" process is always 
 preparatory to the final planting. For 
 example, when Tomatoes come up thickly 
 in the seed bed, they must be pricked off 
 at a distance of an inch or so apart in a
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 387 
 
 PRI 
 
 hot-bed, again to be planted, either 
 wider or in the open air. If this is not 
 done as soon as they are fit to handle, 
 the plants will spindle and get weak, and 
 often will die off altogether from damp- 
 ing. 
 
 Primary, Primarius. The part which is 
 first developed, or the principal division 
 of any organ. 
 
 Process, Processus. Any extension or pro- 
 jection from a surface. 
 
 Procumbent. Lying flat on the ground. 
 
 Proliferous. A plant is said to be prolif- 
 erous when it forms young plants in 
 abundance about its roots. 
 
 Propagation by Seeds. The most natural 
 way of increasing plants is by seeds; and 
 whenever it is practicable to do so, it is 
 preferable to all others, so that in our own ! 
 practice, any plant of which we can pro- 1 
 cure the seed, we rarely increase in any ; 
 other way, unless, of course, in cases j 
 where particular varieties are wanted that [ 
 we know will not reproduce themselves i 
 from seed, so as to be certain of color or 
 form ; but in all cases where seed taken 
 from a variety or species will reproduce 
 itself exactly, or in cases where a gen- 
 eral variety is wanted, the propaga- 
 tion by seed is invariably practiced. As 
 propagation by seeds refers more usually 
 to ornamental plants cultivated under 
 glass, we will briefly relate our own prac- 
 tice, which we have greatly improved 
 during the past few years, and in 
 which we have attained almost unfailing 
 satisfactory results. We have found that 
 seeds sown in shallow boxes, from one 
 and a half to two inches deep, can be 
 given a far more uniform degree of moist- 
 ure than when sown in earthen flower 
 pots, or earthen seed pans made specially 
 for that purpose. These boxes are made 
 
 PRO 
 
 from the ordinary soap box, from four to 
 five being made from each, with the bot- 
 tom boards so put on as to allow free es- 
 cape of moisture, though, of course, not 
 so wide apart as to allow the soil to wash 
 through. These boxes are filled with 
 finely sifted soil, such as has been run 
 through a sieve fine as mosquito netting. 
 This surface is then made perfectly level 
 and smooth, and the seeds sowed on it 
 as evenly as possible, and in thickness 
 corresponding to the variety sowed, 
 though it must be here remembered that 
 in " union there is strength," and that, 
 if sown too thin, weak seeds may fail to 
 press up the soil if isolated too much. 
 After the seeds are sown, and before they 
 are covered, they are pressed down by a 
 smooth board into the soil, so that the 
 surface is again smooth and level 
 
 The seed box is now ready for its cov- 
 ering. For the past year we have used 
 finely-sifted Moss (Sphagnum) exclusively 
 for covering. To prepare this it is rub- 
 bed through a mosquito wire sieve when 
 dry, and sifted over the seed only thick 
 enough to cover it, usually about one- 
 sixteenth part of an inch. In the absence 
 of Moss, dry refuse hops, cocoanut fiber, 
 or leaves will answer, prepared in the 
 same manner, the great object being to 
 use a material light in weight, having 
 non-conducting properties, and that will 
 thus hold the moisture uniformly. Of 
 all these, we think Moss the best, and 
 now use nothing else, as its sponge-like 
 character keeps just the right degree of 
 moisture wanted. These seed boxes 
 should be placed in the open sunlight, in 
 the windows of the dwelling room, in the 
 hot-bed or green-house, and never shaded, 
 in a temperature running from 55 de- 
 grees to 65 degrees at night, with 10 de-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PRO 
 
 grees higher during the day; and if a 
 proper degree of moisture is applied, say 
 a light sprinkling once a week, if there is 
 life in the seed, germination is certain. 
 As soon as the seeds have grown so as 
 to attain the first true leaves, (that is, 
 the first leaves that show after the seed- 
 leaves,) they must be "pricked off" 
 (which see) carefully in soft, light soil, 
 similar to that used for the seeds, at from 
 one to two inches apart, according to the 
 kind. This will not only prevent them 
 from damping off, as many of them are 
 very apt to do, but they will be much 
 strpnger and suffer less when put into 
 flower pots or replanted in the open 
 ground. We prefer to replant the seed- 
 lings in the shallow boxes already de- 
 scribed. And here we again find, that if 
 the soil is mixed with half its bulk of 
 sifted Sphagnum, we get a far better 
 development of fibrous roots. They are 
 more portable thus than if planted again 
 in the soil of the hot-bed, or bench of the 
 green-house, though, of course, after 
 planting in the boxes these are put again 
 in the hot-bed or green-house. After the 
 seedlings have been planted in these 
 boxes, lightly water them and shade for 
 two or three days. 
 
 To such as have not the convenience 
 of a hot-bed or green-house, vegetable or 
 flower seeds may be sown in the shallow 
 boxes above mentioned, and placed in 
 the window of a south or east room, 
 where the thermometer does not average 
 less than 70 degrees. Success would be 
 more complete, however, if panes of glass 
 were placed over the seeds, resting on 
 the edge of the box an inch or so from 
 the soil. This would prevent evapora- 
 tion, and render watering less necessary. 
 Propagation of Plants by Cuttings. As now 
 
 PRO 
 
 understood, this is a simple matter. 
 Formerly no operation in horticulture 
 was more befogged by ignorant pretend- 
 ers, who, in writing or speaking on the 
 subject, so warped the operation with 
 troublesome conditions as to discourage, 
 not only amateurs in horticulture, but 
 inexperienced professional gardeners as 
 well. 
 
 One of the first necessary conditions in 
 <Jie propagation of plants by cuttings is, 
 that the plant from which the cutting or 
 slip is taken must be in vigorous health. 
 If weak or tainted by disease, failure is 
 almost certain to result. If, for exam- 
 ple, we wish to root cuttings of green- 
 house or bedding plants, such as Bou- 
 vardias, Chrysanthemums, Fuchsias, Gera- 
 niums, Heliotropes, Salvias, Verbenas, etc., 
 one of the best g aides to the proper con- 
 dition is when the cutting breaks or 
 snaps clean off instead of bending or 
 kneeing; if it snaps off so as to break, 
 then it is in the condition to root freely; 
 if it bends, it is too old, and though it 
 will root, it will root much slower, and 
 make a weaker plant than the slip that 
 snaps off on being bent. With excep- 
 tions so few, and those of so little import- . 
 ance that it is hardly worth while to al- 
 lude to them, cuttings of all kinds root 
 freely from slips taken from the young 
 wood, that is, the succulent growth, before 
 it gets hardened, and when in the 
 condition indicated by the " snapping 
 test," as it is called. We believe we 
 were the first to call attention to this 
 valuable test of the condition of the cut- 
 ting (snapping) in our work, Practical 
 Floriculture, first published in 1868. 
 A very general idea is current, that 
 cuttings must be cut at or below an 
 eye or joint. The practice of this sys-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PRO 
 
 tern leads undoubtedly to many cases 
 of failure; not that the cutting at or be- 
 low a joint either hinders or assists the 
 formation of roots ; but from the fact 
 that, when a slip is cut at a joint, the shoot 
 often has become too hard at that point, 
 while half an inch higher up or atwve the 
 joint, the proper condition will be found. 
 We know that it will root even when in 
 the too hard condition, but the roots 
 emitted will be hard and slender, and, as 
 a consequence, will not be likely to make 
 a plant of the same vigor as that made 
 from the cutting in the proper state; be- 
 sides, as the hard cutting takes double 
 the time to root, its chances of damping 
 off from unfavorable atmospheric condi- 
 tions are thus increased. With these in- 
 structions for the proper state of the cut- 
 ting, we now proceed to describe the 
 medium wherein it is to be placed, and 
 the conditions of temperature, moist- 
 ure, etc. If these are strictly followed, 
 failure is an impossibility; for the laws 
 governing the rooting of a slip are as 
 certain as those governing the germina- 
 tion of a seed. In our own practice, 
 when these conditions are strictly fol- 
 lowed, failure is unknown. 
 
 The most proper condition of tempera- 
 ture to root cuttings of the great major- 
 ity of green-house and bedding plants is 
 65 degrees of bottom heat, indicated by 
 a thermometer plunged in the sand of 
 the bench, and an atmospheric tempera- 
 ture of 15 degrees less. A range of 10 
 degrees may be allowed, that is, 5 de- 
 grees lower or 5 degrees higher, but the 
 nearer the heat of the sand can be kept 
 to 65 degrees, and that of the rest of the 
 house to 50 degrees, the more perfect the 
 success will be. 
 Sand is the best medium in which to place 
 
 PRO 
 
 cuttings; color or texture is of no special 
 importance. What we use is the ordi- 
 nary sand used by builders; this is laid 
 on the hot-bed or bench of the green- 
 house to the depth of about three inches 
 and firmly packed down. When " bot- 
 tom heat" is wanted, the flue or pipes 
 under the bench of the green-house are 
 boarded in, so that the heat strikes the 
 bottom of the bench, thus raising the 
 temperature in the sand. 
 
 From the time the cuttings are in- 
 serted in the sand until they are rooted, 
 they should never be allowed to get dry: 
 in fact, our practice is to keep the sand 
 soaked with water, the cutting bench be- 
 ing watered copiously every morning, 
 and often, when the atmosphere is dry, 
 again in the evening. Kept thus satu- 
 rated, there is less chance of the cutting 
 getting wilted, either by heat from the 
 sun or from fire heat; for if a cutting 
 once gets wilted, its juices are expend- 
 ed, and it becomes in the condition of a 
 hard cutting, in the condition in which, 
 when bent, it will not snap nor break, 
 which has already been described. To 
 avoid this wilting or flagging of the cut- 
 ting, every means that will suggest itself 
 to the propagator is to be used. Our 
 practice is to shade and ventilate in the 
 propagating house or hot-bed just as soon 
 in the forenoon as the action of the sun's 
 rays on the glass raises the temperature 
 of the house to 65 degrees or 70 degrees. 
 Tin's practice of ventilating the propagat- 
 ing house or hot-bed is, we are aware, 
 not in very common use; many contend- 
 ing that the place where the propagating 
 is done should at all times be kept close. 
 We have tried both methods long enough 
 and extensively enough to satisfy us be- 
 yond all question, that ventilating and
 
 390 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PRO 
 
 propagating at a low temperature is ca- 
 pable of producing a larger number of 
 plants during the season than at a high 
 temperature and in a close atmosphere. 
 There need be no failures; and it has the 
 important advantage of producing a 
 healthy stock, which the close or high 
 temperature system would fail to do in 
 the case of many plants. We have often 
 heard propagators boasting of rooting 
 cuttings in five days. We are well aAvare 
 that this may be done, but we are also 
 aware that it is often done in damp and 
 cloudy weather at the risk of the whole 
 crop, and it must be done at a high tem- 
 perature, which at all times causes the 
 plants to draw up slender, and thus im- 
 pairs their vigor. 
 
 Permitting a moderate circulation of 
 air in the propagating house tends to 
 prevent the germination of that spider- 
 web-like substance, which, for want of a 
 better term, is known among gardeners 
 as the "fungus of the cutting bench." 
 Every one who has had any experience 
 in propagating knows the baneful effects 
 of this; how that, in one night, it will 
 often sweep off thousands of cuttings that 
 a few hours before were in healthful vig- 
 or. But this dangerous enemy of the 
 propagator requires, like vegetation of 
 higher grades, conditions suitable to its 
 development, which evidently are a calm 
 atmosphere and a temperature above 55 
 or 60 degrees. Hence, to avoid this 
 pest, we make every effort by shading, 
 airing, and regulation of fire heat, to keep 
 the atmosphere of the house so that it 
 shall not exceed 60 degrees. This, of 
 course, is not practicable when the out- 
 side temperature in the shade is above 
 60 degrees; but the temperature can be 
 reduced considerably by dashing water 
 
 PRO 
 
 on the pathways and other parts of the 
 house. It is rarely, however, that the 
 outside temperature ever exceeds 60 de- 
 grees in the shade for any length of time 
 in the district of New York before the 
 middle of May, and all propagating had 
 better be finished previous to that time, 
 unless of tropical plants. In the fall 
 months, about the middle of September, 
 operations in propagating may again be- 
 gin. 
 
 The temperature is prevented from ris- 
 ing in the house in various ways, some 
 using canvas, or bast-matting, or paint- 
 ing the glass with lime or whitewash. 
 We find the best and most convenient 
 shading to be that formed by flexible 
 screens made of common lath, planed 
 and attached together like Venetian 
 blinds, the laths being an inch or so 
 apart; these can be quickly rolled or un- 
 rolled, and give an ever-varying modified 
 shade, sufficiently cooling to the house, 
 yet not darkening the cutting enough to 
 impair its vigor. These are not un- 
 rolled in the morning until the tempera- 
 ture inside indicates it to be necessary, and 
 are rolled up in the afternoon as soon as 
 the sun ceases to shine on the glass, for 
 it is of the utmost importance that the cut- 
 tings receive as much light as they will 
 bear without becoming wilted. The time 
 required by cuttings to root varies from 
 eight to twenty days, according to the va- 
 riety, condition of the cutting, and tem- 
 perature. Verbenas, Fuchsias, or Helio- 
 tropes, put in in proper condition, and 
 kept without ever being allowed to wilt, 
 will root, in an average bottom heat of 65 
 degrees, in eight days, while Roses, Pe- 
 largoniums, or Petunias will take at least 
 double that time under the same condi- 
 tions.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PRO 
 
 It is best to pot off the cuttings at 
 once when rooted, no matter how small 
 the roots may be; half an inch is a much 
 better length for them to be when potted 
 than two inches, and the operation is 
 much quicker performed when the roots 
 are short than when long. But the main 
 evils of delaying the potting off of cut- 
 tings are, that when left too long the cut- 
 tings grow up weak and spindling, the 
 roots become hard, and do not take as 
 quickly to the pot. The same care is re- 
 quired in shading and watering after 
 potting, nearly, as in the cutting bench; 
 for no matter how carefully taken 
 up, in the operation of potting the 
 delicate roots get less or more injured, 
 and until they begin to emit roots are 
 nearly as liable to wilt as the unrooted 
 cuttings. Cuttings should always be 
 placed in small pots, the best size being 
 from two to two and a half inches wide 
 and deep; if placed in larger pots the 
 soil dries out too slowly, and the tender 
 root, imbedded too long in a mass of wet 
 soil, rots and the plant dies. Though 
 we generally prefer soil to be unsifted in 
 potting large plants, yet for newly potted 
 cuttings it is better to be sifted fine, not 
 only that it is more congenial thus to the 
 young roots, but also that the operation 
 is quicker done with finely-sifted soil. 
 After potting, the cuttings are placed on 
 benches covered with an inch or so of 
 sand, watered freely with a fine Kose 
 watering pot, and shaded for four or five 
 days; by that time they will have begun 
 to root, when no further shading is ne- 
 cessary. These methods of propagating 
 by cuttings are such as are now practiced 
 by commercial florists, but for amateurs 
 in horticulture, or gardeners who have 
 charge of private green-houses, there is j 
 
 PRO 
 
 usually no necessity for a regular propa- 
 gating house, unless the requirements for 
 plants are unusually large, as the 
 
 " Saucer System " of Propagation will 
 answer every purpose, and it is the safest 
 of all methods in inexperienced hands, 
 We were, we believe, the first to intro- 
 duce this system some twenty years ago, 
 and here repeat the directions first given 
 in one of the horticultural journals at 
 that time. " Common saucers or plates 
 are used to hold the sand in which the 
 cuttings are placed. This sand is put in 
 to the depth of an inch or so, and the 
 cuttings inserted in it close enough to 
 touch each other. The sand is then wa- 
 tered until it becomes in the condition of 
 mud, and placed on the shelf of the 
 green-house, or on the window-sill of the 
 sitting-room or parlor, fully exposed to 
 the sun, and never shaded. But one con- 
 dition is essential to success: until the 
 cuttings become rooted the sand must be 
 kept continually saturated, and kept in the 
 condition of mud; if once allowed to dry 
 up, exposed to the sun as they are, the 
 cuttings will quickly wilt, and the whole 
 operation will be defeated. The rules 
 previously laid down for the proper con- 
 dition of the cuttings are the same in this 
 case, and those for the temperature near- 
 ly so; although, by the saucer system, a 
 higher temperature can be maintained 
 without injury, as the cuttings are in re- 
 ality placed in water, and will not droop 
 at the same temperature as if the sand 
 was kept in the regular condition of moist- 
 ure maintained in the propagating bench. 
 Still, the detached slip, until rooted, will 
 not endure a continuation of excessive 
 heat, so that we advise, as we do in the 
 regular method of propagating, that the 
 attempt should not be made to root cut-
 
 HENDEESON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 PEO 
 
 tings in this way, in this latitude, in the 
 months of June, July, or August, unless 
 with plants of a tropical nature. When 
 the cuttings are rooted, they should be 
 potted in small pots, and treated care- 
 fully by shading and watering for a few 
 days, as previously directed." 
 
 Propagation by Layering. Although layer- 
 ing may be done with the ripened wood 
 of vines or shrubs of the growth of the 
 previous season, yet it is preferable to 
 use the shoot of the present year in its 
 half green state; for example, a Eose or 
 flowering shrub is pruned in the usual 
 way in spring; by June or July it will 
 have made strong shoots one, two, or 
 three feet in length from or near the base 
 of the plant. Take the shoot then in the 
 left hand, (after having stripped it of its 
 leaves for a few inches on each side of 
 where it is to be cut,) keep the fingers 
 under the shoot, and make a clean cut 
 on the upper part, an inch or so in length, 
 and to about half the thickness of the 
 shoot, then slightly twist the " tongue " 
 or cut part to one side. Having opened 
 a shallow trench, fasten the branch down 
 with a hooked peg, and cover with 
 earth. It is a good plan to place a flat 
 stone over the layer to prevent the soil 
 from drying out. This plan of cutting 
 the shoot on the upper side we have 
 never seen in illustrations showing the 
 manner of layering, it being usually 
 either on the side or under; but we have 
 found in practice that it is much the 
 safest plan, as the " tongue," when cut on 
 the top part of the shoot, has far less 
 chance to be broken off. 
 
 Propagation by Layering in Pots is the pro- 
 cess of layering shoots or runners of 
 plants in pots, so that, when the root 
 forms in the pot, the plant can be de- 
 
 PKO 
 
 tached without injury to it, as the roots 
 are confined exclusively to the soil in the 
 pot. Layering plants in pots can be 
 done with Koses, vines, or shrubs of any 
 kind, with always more certainty of mak- 
 ing a plant quicker than by the ordinary 
 way of layering the shoot in the soil. This 
 system of propagating Strawberries has 
 been largely practiced during the past 
 ten years in the United States, and is 
 now a favorite method. For details, see 
 Strawberry, p. 221. 
 
 Propagation by Layering in the Air. About 
 twenty years ago we published a method 
 of propagating Geraniums, that we be- 
 lieved originated with us, and which we 
 called, for want of a better term, " Lay- 
 ering in the Air." It consists in tongu- 
 ing the shoot to be used as a cutting 
 half through with a knife, as in the ordi- 
 nary layering; the shoot so treated formed 
 granulations, or " callus, " on the cut 
 surface, and was in a condition to form 
 roots immediately on being detached and 
 put into the earth. A year or two ago 
 we bethought ourselves of our long- 
 forgotten plan of " layering in the air," 
 but this time we improved upon the 
 former way of doing it. Instead of 
 tonguing the shoot to be used for a cut- 
 ting, as before, it was merely snapped 
 short off at a point where the condition 
 of the shoot or slip would make it hang 
 on to the plant by the merest shred of 
 bark. Slight as this strip of bark is, it is 
 sufficient to sustain the cutting, without 
 any material injury from wilting, until it 
 forms the " callus," or granulated condi- 
 tion, which precedes the formation of 
 roots. The cutting, or slip, may be de- 
 tached in from ten to twelve days after 
 it has been broken in the manner de- 
 scribed, and then potted in two or three
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 393 
 
 PRO 
 
 inch pots. If watered and shaded rather 
 less than required by ordinary cuttings, 
 it will form roots in ten or twelve days 
 more, and not more than two per cent, 
 will fail. Plants of the Tricolor Gerani- 
 ums, which all know are difficult to root 
 under the ordinary modes of propaga- 
 tion, particularly in hot weather, do ex- 
 cellently by this plan. 
 
 The advantage of this method is not 
 only that the slips root with far greater 
 facility, but the injury to the stock or 
 mother plants is far less than if the slips 
 had been cut clean off instead of be- 
 ing only partly detached. Many other 
 plants can be thus propagated with safe- 
 ty, notably Begonias, Petunias, Poinsettias, 
 and such plants, the cuttings of which s 
 have a tendency to damp in hot weather. 
 Prothallus. A term intended to indicate 
 
 BAD 
 
 the first results of the germination of the 
 spores in the higher Cryptogams. 
 
 Pseudo. In Greek compounds means spu- 
 rious. 
 
 Pseudo-bulb. A stem having the appear- 
 ance of a bulb, but not its structure, seen 
 in the thickened above-ground stem of 
 many Orchids. 
 
 Pterocarpus. When a fruit is winged. 
 
 Pulverulentus, Pulverulent. Covered with a 
 powdery substance. 
 
 Pumilus. Short, dense, or close-growing, 
 as compared with other species of the 
 same genus or family. 
 
 Pungent. Terminating gradually in a hard, 
 sharp point. 
 
 Puniceus. Pure red. The same as Phce- 
 niceus, which see. 
 
 Pustular, Pustulate. Covered with glandu- 
 lar excrescences, like pustules. 
 
 Q 
 
 Q. 
 
 uadrifarious. Arranged in four rows 
 or ranks. 
 
 Quadrifid. Divided four times. 
 Quinate. Arranged in fives. 
 
 E. 
 
 7-) M^ A term applied to varieties of 
 ~~^ plants as distinguished from spe- 
 cies, when they can be perpetuated by 
 seed through a series of generations, 
 when they become permanent varieties. 
 The Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, etc., 
 are distinct races which have sprung from 
 the species Srassica oleracea. 
 Raceme. An inflorescence in which the 
 flowers are arranged singly on distinct 
 pedicels along a common axis; a spike 
 with stalked flowers, as the Laburnum. 
 
 Racemose. Flowering in a raceme. 
 
 Rachis. The axis or central stem of some 
 kinds of inflorescence. 
 
 Radiant. A flower is said to be radiant 
 when, in a cluster or head of florets, 
 those of the circumference or ray are 
 long and spreading, and unlike those of 
 the disk. 
 
 Radical. Springing from the root, or from 
 its crown. 
 
 Radicans. Booting from the stem. 
 
 Radix. The root; the descending axis.
 
 394 
 
 HENDEBSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BAK 
 
 Bake. This is the implement usually used 
 for leveling the soil after digging, or in 
 cleaning up walks, etc., but for many 
 years we have found the steel rake, 
 of a size suitable to the work to be done, 
 to be the most effective tool used in our 
 grounds for the prevention of weeds. 
 
 Nearly all our first " hoeing " is done by 
 these rakes; that is, the ground, in from 
 three to four days after planting or sowing, 
 is raked over, thus destroying the weeds 
 just as they begin to germinate and before 
 they appear on the surface. In from five 
 to ten days, according to the state of the 
 weather, the ground is again gone over 
 with the rakes. We are no believers in 
 deep hoeing in newly-planted ground; it 
 is only when plants begin to grow, and 
 when the soil gets hard, that deep hoeing 
 is beneficial. By the use of the steel 
 rake in this manner, three times as much 
 work can be done as by the hoe. It can- 
 not be used, of course, if the weeds are up, 
 but if it is thus used before the weeds 
 appear on the surface, one man will do 
 more than six will if delay has been 
 made until the weeds have to be cut 
 down by the hoe. 
 
 Ramose. Branching. 
 
 Ramuli. Twigs or small branches. 
 
 Ray. Parts diverging in a circle from a 
 central point. The outer flowers when 
 differently formed from the inner in um- 
 bels. 
 
 Receptacle. That part of the fructification 
 which supports the other parts. 
 
 Reniform. Kidney-shaped in outline. 
 
 Repens. Creeping. 
 
 Reticulate, Setiform. Besembling net-work. 
 
 Retrorse. Backwards. 
 
 Retuse. Terminating in a round end. 
 
 Rewlute. Rolled back; as certain tendrils 
 and the sides and ends of some leaves. 
 
 BOG 
 
 Rhizome, Rhizoma. A prostrate, more or 
 less subterranean stem, producing roots 
 and leafy shoots. 
 
 Rhomboid, Rhombeus, Rhomboidal. Besem- 
 bling a rhombus; oval, a little angular in 
 the middle, as the leaf of Hibiscus rhom- 
 bifolius. 
 
 Bib. The principal vein or nervure which 
 proceeds from the petiole into a leaf; also 
 any firm longitudinal elevation. 
 
 Ringent. Gaping. 
 
 Riparious. Growing on the banks of rivers 
 or lakes. 
 
 Rock-work. Often, on cleaning up after the 
 formation of new grounds, masses of rock 
 and stumps are present, which are often 
 difficult materials to get rid of; such may 
 be arranged in natural-looking mounds 
 or screens for wind-brakes, which, when 
 the interstices are filled in with soil and 
 planted with bright leaved or bright 
 flowering plants, can be made most at- 
 tractive; or in locations where rocks exist 
 in their natural condition, they can be 
 made highly interesting and ornamental 
 by setting out plants of a drooping or 
 creeping habit to overhang among them. 
 The rocky caves in the grounds of the Na- 
 tional Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio, 
 have been so utilized both inside and out, 
 and are one of the most attractive objects 
 of that grandly kept place. Purely ar- 
 tificial "rock- work" may be made by 
 clinkers from iron or other furnaces be- 
 ing dipped in hot lime, which gives a 
 coloring of pure white to their grotesque 
 shapes. These are used in building the 
 " rock-work " to the shape and dimen- 
 sions wanted, care being taken that, in 
 forming the upper courses, cavities eight 
 or twelve inches deep and wide be left 
 to be filled with soil in which to grow 
 the plants. For this style of rock-work
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 EOO 
 
 bright colors should be used to contrast 
 with the ground- work of white. A simple 
 yet elegant effect is produced by plant- 
 ing with Scarlet Geraniums, and nothing 
 else. But if desired to be varied, bright 
 colored Verbenas, Coleus, Lobelias, Rose- 
 colored Geraniums, Golden Moneywort, 
 and many other similar plants can be 
 used with effect. A rockery so formed 
 and planted, without having any preten- 
 sions to being natural, is always an at- 
 tractive and interesting object on a well- 
 kept lawn. If cement or " water-lime " 
 is used instead of lime, the rock-work 
 can be made of a pleasing drab color. 
 Boot. The descending axis. See Radix. 
 Rotate, Rotceform. Resembling a wheel. 
 Rotation of Crops. All observing cultivators 
 soon discover that, no matter how fertile 
 a soil may be, the same kind of crop can- 
 not be grown so well on it successively, 
 as if it were alternated with a crop of an 
 entirely different character. No satisfac- 
 tory reason can be assigned for this that 
 we know off, unless in the familiar case 
 of the Cabbage crop. We find that if 
 Cabbages on most soils are grown two 
 years in succession, the crop will be af- 
 fected by the disease known as "Club 
 Root," (which see;) but in this particular 
 instance we get at a tangible cause. A 
 great many theories have been assigned 
 why the same crops deteriorate by being 
 grown successively on the same soil, but 
 they have been far from satisfactory, and 
 in no case that we know of, unless in the 
 case of the Cabbage, or Brassica tribe, have 
 they led to any beneficial practical re- 
 sults. The following general rules have 
 been laid down as a guide : 
 
 First. Plants of the same natural order 
 should not be planted to succeed each 
 other. Second. Crops which for a num- 
 
 KUS 
 
 ber of years occupy the ground, such as 
 Strawberries, Rhubarb, or Asparagus, 
 should be succeeded by annual crops, 
 such as Cabbages, Lettuce, or Radishes. 
 Third. Crops grown for their heads, such 
 as Cabbage, Cauliflower, or Lettuce, 
 should be succeeded by plants grown for 
 their roots, such as Parsnips, Carrots, or 
 Beets. It is not always practicable to 
 vary crops according to rules, nor should 
 such rules be taken as arbitrary, but only 
 as a guide. When vegetables or fruits 
 are grown for market, the necessities of 
 the cultivator compel usually double 
 crops of the land each season, and that, 
 with heavy manuring and deep cultiva- 
 tion, seems to do away, to a considerable 
 extent, with any need for systematic ro- 
 tation, which would often be found to be 
 impracticable. As has been previously 
 said, the crops of afl others that we find 
 most benefited by change are the Cab- 
 bage tribe, together with the allied fam- 
 ilies of Turnip, Radish, etc. While, on 
 the other hand, Onions never seem to be 
 injured by successive plantings on the 
 same soil When space is limited, or 
 when it is not convenient to rotate crops, 
 the next best thing is deep culture, by 
 trenching or subsoiling, which see. 
 
 Rudimentary. In an incomplete condition. 
 
 Ruga. A wrinkle; hence rugose, covered 
 with wrinkles. 
 
 Rupestris. Growing on or near rocks. 
 
 . This term is used for a destructive 
 form of disease affecting many widely 
 different kinds of plants. It is known by 
 the dry, shriveled, or curly appearance 
 of the foliage, the leaves being less or 
 more discolored with blackish blotches 
 or spots. It is not always easy to deter- 
 mine the cause, but we think it safe to say 
 that in many plants it is owing to a weak-
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 BUS 
 
 ened condition of the plant that invites 
 the attacks of parasites, causing the 
 "rust." This we have proved to be the 
 case so often in our practice, that we 
 now no longer doubt on the subject. 
 
 We find, for example, if we leave such 
 plants as Heliotrope, Verbenas, Lanta- 
 nas, Pelargoniums, or other plants subject 
 to the disease known as "black rust," so 
 that they become enfeebled for want of 
 pot room, they are almost certain to be 
 affected. A few years ago we tried an 
 experiment on one hundred each of He- 
 liotrope and Verbena plants, (that were 
 in fine healthy condition, growing in two- 
 inch pots,) of shifting one-half of each lot 
 into three-inch pots, the other half being 
 allowed to remain unshifted. The shift- 
 ed plants grew vigorously, and in six 
 weeks were twice the size of the others, 
 and in fine, vigorous health; while those 
 unshifted, becoming impoverished for 
 want of new soil, were stunted, and near- 
 ly all became affected by "black rust." 
 
 The examination of the diseased leaves 
 by a powerful microscope revealed num- 
 bers of crab-like mites feeding on the 
 leaves, while on healthy leaves of the 
 same plant not a parasite could be found. 
 The inference then is, that the weak- 
 
 SCA 
 
 ened condition of the plant made it a 
 congenial soil for the deposit of the germ 
 of this parasitical insect. Another kind 
 of "rust," evidently distinct from the 
 preceding, is now one of the most serious 
 obstacles to the forcing of Lettuce under 
 glass, whole crops being utterly destroy- 
 ed by it. We are inclined to believe that 
 the Lettuce rust is the work of a vegeta- 
 ble parasite, as a microscopic examina- 
 tion of the diseased leaves show a fungoid 
 structure very similar to Eose mildew. 
 The only remedy we can advise in this 
 case is to work with young plants on fresh 
 soil, as far as practicable. The usual 
 method of obtaining Lettuce plants for 
 forcing, is to use plants sown or planted 
 in cold frames in fall, for all the plantings 
 during the entire winter; but we have 
 found that such plants are more liable to 
 the disease than those sown later; and 
 now the most successful growers of Let- 
 tuce for winter, use only the cold frame 
 (fall sowed plants) for their first crop, 
 which is usually ready at Christmas, 
 while for the succession crops, new sow- 
 ings are made about six weeks before the 
 plants are needed, it being found that 
 these fresh young plants are less liable to 
 the rust than the others. 
 
 s. 
 
 , Sabulosus. Growing in sandy 
 places. 
 
 Saccharate. Having a sweet taste. 
 Sacciform. Having the form of a bag. 
 Sagittate. Shaped like an arrow. 
 Samara. An indehiscent fruit producing a 
 wing-like expansion from its back or end. 
 Sap. The juice of a plant. 
 
 Sapid. Having an agreeable taste. 
 Sapor. The taste which a thing has. 
 Sarmentum. A runner. 
 Sarmentose. Producing runners. 
 Sujcatttis. Growing on rocks or stones. 
 Scabrous. Hough with little asperities. 
 Scales. Minute rudimentary leaves. 
 Scandens. Climbing, but not twisting.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 397 
 
 SCA 
 
 Scape. A stem rising from the crown of a ! 
 root, and bearing nothing but flowers. 
 
 Scion. A cutting intended for a graft. 
 
 Secretion. Any organic but unorganized 
 substance produced in the interior of j 
 plants. 
 
 Secund. All the flowers or leaves, or other 
 organs, turned toward the same side. 
 
 Seed Dritt. This is the implement used in 
 sowing field crops of Onions, Carrots, | 
 Turnips, etc. It can be adjusted so as to | 
 sow all sizes of seeds. To use the seed 
 drill successfully, the ground must be 
 soft and smooth. It is never safe to use 
 it in harsh clayey or stony soils. By its 
 use only about one-fourth the quantity 
 of seed is required than when sown by j 
 hand; and the plants coming up in less 
 numbers, they are easier thinned out. It ; 
 is rarely used in small gardens. 
 
 Sedges. A tribe of marsh plants. 
 
 Semi. As a prefix denotes half. 
 
 Seminal. Belonging to the seed. 
 
 Senarious. Arranged in six together of the j 
 same kind. 
 
 Sepals. The divisions of the calyx. 
 
 Sepaloid. Resembling a sepal. 
 
 Septum. The partition that divides the in- 
 terior of the fruit. 
 
 Sessile. Sitting close upon the body that 
 supports it, without any sensible stalk. 
 
 Seta. A bristle of any kind ; a bristle tip- 
 ped with a gland; a slender prickle. 
 
 Shading. A great many plants are invigor- 
 ated by a moderate amount of shade from 
 the intensity of the sun's rays during the 
 summer months, requiring more or less, 
 according to their nature, those whose 
 native habitat is shady woods requiring 
 more than those that grow partly or 
 fully exposed to sunlight. Such plants 
 as Dracaenas, Ferns, Palms, Fuchsias, 
 Camellias, Orchids, and the greater part 
 
 SIL 
 
 of cultivated tropical plants, when grown 
 under glass, are benefited by a light shade, 
 even in the winter months, and a heavier 
 one as the hot weather advances. Such 
 plants as Roses, when grown under glass, 
 only require a very slight shading during 
 the summer months, (say June, July, and 
 August,) which requires to be removed 
 when the fall months begin. A simple 
 and cheap shading, which we have found 
 excellent in every respect, is Naphtha 
 mixed with a little white lead, so as to 
 give it the color of thin milk. It is 
 syringed over the outside of the glass, 
 and costs only about twentv-five cents 
 for every 1,000 square feet of surface. 
 This shading modifies the intensity of the 
 sun's rays without much lessening the 
 light; and though it adheres tenaciously 
 to the glass, it is easily rubbed off in fall, 
 particularly after the first frost. Shading 
 is sometimes necessary with such plants 
 as are set but of doors in summer, and 
 for this purpose a light framework is 
 constructed and covered on the top with 
 portable screens, made of common lath, 
 or strips of that width, which are nailed 
 to light frames. A convenient size is 
 four by six feet. They are sometimes 
 tacked on to the framework, but are bet- 
 ter portable, as in dull weather the plants 
 are better without additional shade. 
 
 Sheath. A part which is rolled round a 
 stem or other body, as the lower part of 
 the leaf that surrounds the stem. 
 
 Shoot. Any fresh branch, more especially 
 one given off immediately from the up- 
 per extremity of the root. 
 
 Shrub. A woody plant wluch does not. form 
 a true trunk like a tree, but has several 
 stems rising from the roots. 
 
 Silique. The long taper pod of Cruciferw. 
 
 Silky. When hairs are glossy, like silk.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SIL 
 
 Silvery. Having a whitish metallic luster. 
 
 Simple. Not compound; not branched. 
 
 Sinuate. Having many large blunt lobes. 
 
 Sioshed. Where a surface is divided by 
 deep and very acute incisions. 
 
 Slugs. A. certain remedy against Slugs is 
 salt strewn along the edges of the bench 
 or table. It is a sure dead line, the 
 crossing of which is fatal to the slugs. 
 
 Smooth. Free from asperities or hairs. 
 
 Sobole. A creeping rooting stem. 
 
 Soboliferous. Producing young plants from 
 the roota 
 
 Soil. A good soil is the base of success in 
 all operations of the garden. What are 
 the properties of a good soil is not very 
 easy to convey in writing, as quality is 
 not always confined to a particular color j 
 or texture, though the practical horticul- 
 turist can nearly always tell, by turning 
 up with a spade, the relative qualities of 
 a soil. If selection can be made for gen- 
 eral purposes, a rather dark-colored soil 
 should be chosen, neither too sandy nor 
 too clayey, and as deep as can be found, 
 but not less than ten inches, or the 
 chances are that it will not be of first 
 quality. It should overlay a sandy loam 
 of yellowish color, through which water 
 will pass freely. The condition of the 
 subsoil is of the first importance in choos- 
 ing soil. Sandy loam we believe to be the 
 best; next to that a porous gravel, and 
 the least to be desired is a stiff blue clay. 
 Land having a clay subsoil is always later 
 in maturing crops than one having a sandy 
 or gravelly subsoil; and if, the land is at 
 all level, draining is indispensable at 
 every fifteen or twenty feet, or no satis- 
 faction can be had in culture. It is a 
 common belief that poor land can be 
 brought up by cultivation. A portion of 
 the land used by us has the blue clay 
 
 SOI 
 
 subsoil above referred to, and although in 
 the past twenty years we have expended 
 large sums in draining, subsoiling, and 
 manuring, we have failed to get it into 
 the condition of other portions of our 
 grounds, having the proper subsoil, and 
 do not think that any culture would 
 bring it into as good shape. 
 
 The soil for potting plants in is often a 
 matter causing great anxiety to the ama- 
 teur florist, many of the books giving ad- 
 vice on the subject insisting that special 
 kinds are indispensable fpr different 
 families of plants. We are glad to tell 
 our readers that in our own establish- 
 ment, where upward of two millions of 
 plants are now grown annually in pots, 
 we do not find it necessary to make these 
 nice distinctions. The great bulk of the 
 soil we use in potting is composed of 
 sods cut about three inches deep from 
 any good sod land, preferring such as is 
 known as sandy loam. The sods are 
 heaped up in alternate layers of one-fourth 
 of thoroughly rotted horse or cow manure, 
 or rotted refuse hops from breweries, when 
 such are obtainable. Either of these 
 three manures will do separately or 
 mixed together, as convenient. This 
 compost is better to stand six or eight 
 months, but often our necessities compel 
 us to use it much sooner, which makes no 
 material difference, provided it is at a sea- 
 son of the year when the sod will rot. 
 The manure and sods are thoroughly 
 mixed and chopped up, and for the small- 
 er plants is run through a fine sieve. 
 
 Peat, so much insisted on as a necessi- 
 ty for Azaleas, Ferns, and other fine 
 rooted plants, we rarely use, substituting 
 instead either mould formed from thor- 
 oughly rotted refuse hops, or dried Moss 
 (Sphagnum) run through a fine sieve;
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SOW 
 
 either of these, mixed in about equal parts 
 with our sod mould,we use instead of peat 
 for all thread-like rooting plants. Besides, I 
 true peat is rarely to be found in this i 
 country, and is well replaced by leaf ! 
 mould, if necessary. 
 
 Souring. Is one of the operations of the 
 garden that it is easy to give instructions j 
 in; and if they are carefully followed, there j 
 need never be failure. One of the most 
 important things is the condition of 
 the soil, which should be as thoroughly 
 broken up and pulverized by plowing 
 and harrowing, digging or raking, as 
 its nature will admit, care being taken 
 that it is worked when in that state 
 that is neither too dry nor too wet. If 
 too dry, particularly if the soil is of a 
 clayey nature, it cannot well be got in 
 the proper friable condition without an 
 unusual amount of labor; and, on the j 
 other hand, if too wet, it clogs and bakes, 
 and becomes so hard that the air cannot 
 penetrate, leaving it in a condition from 
 which good results cannot be obtained. 
 We have seen stiff, clayey land that has 
 shown bad results for years after, by be- 
 ing plowed and harrowed while too wet. 
 Another condition of the soil, before sow- 
 ing seeds, is to have the surface as 
 smooth and level as possible. Seeds can 
 either be sown broadcast or in drills, and | 
 for all garden operations the sowing is 
 mostly done in drills. If sowing such 
 vegetables as Parsnips, Onions, Beets, or 
 Carrots is to be done on a large scale, 
 the use of the Seed Drill (which see) 
 will save seed and labor; but if for ordi- 
 nary garden use, it had better be done 
 by hand. If only a small quantity is 
 wanted, the drills can be made with a 
 hoe; but if larger, a simple implement 
 known as a Marker (which see) had bet- 
 
 SPO 
 
 ter be used. It is often given as a rule, 
 that seeds should be covered with soil 
 only as deep as their own bulk; but this 
 rule can hardly be followed in our dry 
 climate, as many kinds would dry up or 
 shrivel with such' a slight covering. As 
 an example, Onion or Carrot seed should 
 be covered from a half inch to an inch, 
 while Beans or Pease should be covered 
 from two to three inches. For sowing 
 of flower seeds, see "Propagation of 
 Plants by Seeds. " But the most import- 
 ant matter of all in sowing seeds in the 
 open ground is, that they be properly 
 firmed in the soil. A simple way is to 
 tread the rows, after the seed is sown, 
 with the feet. This is detailed fully in 
 Onion culture, page 150. 
 Spadix. A succulent spike bearing many 
 sessile, closely placed flowers; a spike in- 
 closed in a spathe. 
 
 Spathe. A large bract rolling over an in- 
 florescence, and guarding it while young, 
 as in the Calla and Arum. 
 Sperma, Spermum. In Greek compounds, 
 
 a seed, or any seed-like part 
 Spherical. Kound like a sphere. 
 Spica. A spike, which see. 
 Spicate. Having a spike. 
 Spike, Spica. A. long simple axis with many 
 sessile flowers. A compound spike is a 
 collection of spikes arranged in a race- 
 mose manner. 
 
 Spikelet. The small terminal group of 
 florets in Grasses inclosed within one or 
 more glumes. 
 
 Spine. A. stiff, sharp-pointed body, con- 
 sisting of woody tissue covered with cel- 
 lular tissue; a thorn. 
 Spiral. Twisted like a screw. 
 Spongiole, Spongekt. The young, tender 
 extremity of a root, by which fluid food 
 is absorbed from the earth.
 
 400 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 SPO 
 
 Sponge. Having the texture of a sponge. 
 
 Sporadic. When a given species occurs in 
 more than one of the separate districts 
 assigned to particular Floras. 
 
 Spare, Sporule.The reproductive body in 
 cryptogamous plants, analogous to the 
 seed of phaenogamous plants 
 
 Spur. A tubular extension of the lower 
 part of a petal or monopetalous corolla; 
 a loose prolongation of the base of a leaf 
 beyond its point of attachment. The 
 same as Calcar, which see. 
 
 Squarrose. Eough with projecting scales. 
 
 StaUc. The stem or support to an organ, as 
 the petiole of a leaf, the peduncle or 
 pedicel of a flower, etc. 
 
 Stamen. That organ of the flower which 
 contains the pollen. 
 
 Staminode, Staminodium. A rudimentary 
 stamen, or what appears to be so. 
 
 Standard. The fifth petal of a papilionace- 
 ous flower. 
 
 Stellate. Radiating from the center like a 
 star. 
 
 Stem. The ascending axis of a plant, from 
 which leaves, flowers, and fruit are de- 
 veloped. 
 
 Stigma, (pi. Stigmata.} That surface of a 
 style, usually at its extremity, to which 
 the pollen adheres when it fertilizes the 
 ovules. 
 
 Stimuli. Stinging hairs, as in Nettles. 
 
 Stipe. The stalk of Terns up to the first 
 pinnae. 
 
 Stipules. Processes or appendages of vari- 
 ous kinds, usually leaf-like, arising from 
 the base of a leaf, usually from its sides; 
 leaf-like appendages at the base of the 
 petiole. 
 
 Stock. Synonym for a race. A plant to 
 which a graft or bud has been applied. 
 
 Stole, Stolon. A sucker; a lax trailing branch 
 given off at the summit of the root, and 
 
 sue 
 
 taking root at intervals, whence fresh 
 buds are developed. 
 
 Stoloniferous. Producing many stoles. 
 
 Stool. A plant from which " layers " are 
 propagated, by bending its branches into 
 the soil, so that they may take root. 
 
 Strictus. Perfectly straight or upright. 
 
 Structure. The peculiar manner in which 
 the several organs, elementary or com- 
 pound, are disposed in plants. 
 
 Style. The part which bears the stigma; the 
 narrowed upper end of a carpellary leaf. 
 
 Sub. In composition means somewhat or 
 approaching; as sub-rotund, somewhat 
 round; sub-globose, approaching globular. 
 
 Subsoiling. This is indispensable to the 
 best culture, either in the garden or on 
 the farm. On soils having a clayey or 
 hard-pan subsoil, the subsoil plow should 
 be used at least every two years. It ac- 
 complishes the work of loosening and 
 pulverizing, and thus admitting air to a 
 depth of eighteen or twenty inches, or 
 twice the usual depth turned up by the 
 surface plow. In our own practice in 
 our stiff clay soil, we use it nearly every 
 alternate year. The subsoiler now used 
 stirs, loosens, and pulverizes the soil only, 
 but does not invert it, following immedi- 
 ately behind in the furrow made by the 
 surface plow of course, or the necessary 
 depth could not be attained. The im- 
 plement is made for one and two horses. 
 On light sandy subsoils the one horse 
 size is sufficient, but for clay or hard-pan 
 two powerful horses are necessary to get 
 to the proper depth. See Plowing. When 
 subsoiling is done by the spade it is 
 called trenching, which see. 
 
 Subulate, Subuliform. Awl-shaped; linear, 
 tapering from a broadish base to a fine 
 point; a long, narrow triangle. 
 
 Succulent. Very cellular and juicy.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PIANT3. 
 
 401 
 
 sue 
 
 Succulents. Plants possessing thick, fleshy 
 
 leaves, such as Cacti, Sedums, Sempervi- 
 
 vums, Crassulas, etc. 
 Suffruticose. Half-shrubby ; having a 
 
 somewhat shrubby habit. 
 Sulcate. Furrowed, channeled. 
 Superior. Growing above anything. An 
 
 ovary is superior when it grows above 
 
 the origin of the calyx. 
 Surculi. Young shoots. 
 
 TEM 
 
 Suture. The line of junction of two differ- 
 ent parts. 
 
 Sylvestris, Sylvaticus, Sylvan. Growing in 
 woods. 
 
 Syn. In Greek compounds means union, 
 adhesion, or growing together. 
 
 Syngenesious. Having the anthers united 
 at their edges, so as to form a tube; be- 
 longing to the nineteenth class in the 
 Linnsean system. 
 
 T. 
 
 riTJ able, Stage, and Bench. These are the 
 different terms used for the struc- 
 ture whereon plants are set in the 
 green-house. The bench or table more 
 particularly refers to one flat platform, 
 which, if in the front of the green-house, is 
 from three to four feet wide ; if in the 
 middle or center of the house, seven 
 or eight feet wide, and from two to 
 three feet in height, according to the 
 style of the house. These widths and 
 heights are important as being the 
 most convenient for use, as well as to 
 show the plants to the best advantage. 
 The Stage is a series of platforms, placed 
 usually in the center of the green-house, 
 being of various widths, from one to 
 three feet. For instance, if the base 
 width of the platform be nine feet, three 
 stagings of three feet each would be re- 
 quired (each elevated a foot above the 
 other) to make the width. This style of 
 green-house benching, however, is less 
 to be recommended than one platform of 
 the same height, as the latter is not only 
 more convenient to work with, but the 
 plants show on it to better advantage 
 than if elevated too high. 
 
 The green-house benches are usually 
 made of inch boards, but in our own 
 practice we have for the past three years 
 had all the " sheeting " for our benches 
 made of rough roofing slate, over which 
 is laid half an inch of cement. These ma- 
 terials cost only about 25 per cent, more 
 than the board benches, and will be an im- 
 mense saving, as the wooden benches' 
 rot out from the heat and moisture in 
 four or five years. The skeleton or 
 frame-work of the benches we make of Yel- 
 low Pine. If the frame-work were made of 
 iron, such benches would be indestructi- 
 ble; but even with the pine wood frame- 
 work they will stand for twenty years, as 
 the cement covering laid over the slates 
 prevents the water getting to the wood 
 work. Care, however, must be taken to 
 leave spaces every ten feet or so, where 
 the water can escape through the bench. 
 For the material covering the bench on 
 which to set the plants, see Drainage. 
 
 Tegmen. The inner skin which covers the 
 seed; the glumes of grasses. 
 
 Tegmentum. The outer scales of a leaf bud. 
 
 Temperature. A temperature suited to the 
 nature of the plant is one of the most im-
 
 402 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TEM 
 
 portant conditions to the well-being of 
 plants under cultivation, and the nearer 
 we can come to the conditions of tem- 
 perature and moisture of the native hab- 
 itat of the plant, the nearer we come to 
 perfection in cultivation. Thus we find 
 that in our garden weeds, the Chickweed 
 (Alsine or Stettaria media) is only trouble- 
 some in early spring and in the fall, when 
 the average temperature is perhaps 50 
 or 60, because it is a native of a country 
 (Britain) where there is no higher aver- 
 age; while our too familiar Purslane 
 (Portulaca oleracea) only rears its head to 
 injure in the dog days, when the ther- 
 mometer averages 70 or 80, because it 
 is an importation from the tropics. 
 
 A large proportion of Lima Beans, 
 Sweet Corn, and other tropical vegetable 
 seeds annually perish by being sown two 
 to three weeks too early by our impatient 
 amateur horticulturists; while, on the 
 other hand, the colder blooded Parsnip 
 or Carrot all but refuse to germinate, 
 and often fail to grow in the hot summer 
 weather. Seeds of Calceolarias, Cinera- 
 rias, Primroses, Pansies, etc., which in 
 England are sown and germinate freely 
 in July, will in a majority of cases utter- 
 ly fail if attempted at the same date 
 here, where we have 15 to 20 higher 
 temperature and a drier atmosphere. 
 "We hear of hundreds of failures of this 
 kind every season, which are laid to the 
 quality of the seeds by Scotch and Eng- 
 lish gardeners, who have not yet had 
 experience with our American climate. 
 The same seeds, sown during the months 
 of Februar}% March, or April, or Septem- 
 ber or October, would germinate without 
 trouble, because the temperature and at- 
 mosphere then can be made inside con- 
 genial to their nature. 
 
 TEM 
 
 The same necessity for congenial tem- 
 perature exists in growing matured 
 plants, and one of the main causes of 
 want of success in cultivating plants un- 
 der glass is a want of knowledge, or care- 
 lessness in keeping a temperature un- 
 suited to the growth of the plants. In 
 ordinary green-house collections the fault 
 is oftener in the temperature being kept 
 too high than too low, for it is usually much 
 easier, requiring far less watchfulness 
 by the person in charge to keep up a 
 high temperature. The injury done by 
 this is gradual, and will not, like the ac- 
 tion of frost on the plants, show in the 
 morning. In consequence of this, we 
 often see the green-houses containing 
 Camellias, Azaleas, Pelargoniums, Carna- 
 tions, etc., sweltering under a continued 
 night temperature of 60 or 65, when 
 their nature demands 15 lower. In 
 large establishments, where there are a 
 number of green-houses, this is made an 
 easy matter by placing the proper num- 
 ber of four-inch pipes in a green-house 
 to suit the different temperatures; for 
 example, in our own establishment, where 
 our houses are uniformly twenty feet 
 wide, for a temperature of from 35 to 
 40 in coldest weather, we use four runs 
 of pipes, that is, two pipes on each side; 
 for 40 to 45 we use five pipes; for 45 
 to 50 we use six pipes; for 55 to 60 
 we use eight pipes; and for 65 to 70 
 we use ten pipes. 
 
 It is true, we too often see collections 
 of hot-house and green-house plants in- 
 termingled, and attempts made to grow 
 them, which, of necessity, result in failure 
 to one or the other. The temperature to 
 grow, in healthy condition, Dracaenas, Cro- 
 tons, Coleus, Bouvardias, or Poinsettias, 
 (hot-house plants,) would not be likely to
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 403 
 
 TEP 
 
 maintain Azaleas, Camellias, Verbenas, 
 Carnations, or Geraniums long in a 
 healthy state. The same rules follow as 
 to the propagating-house, showing the 
 necessity of observing the requirements 
 of their different natures. See Propaga- 
 tion of Plants by Cuttings. 
 
 The subject is one that relates to so 
 many varieties and different conditions 
 of organism at the different seasons of 
 growth, that it is impossible to convey to 
 the inexperienced what these varieties 
 and conditions are; but our object is to 
 impress upon inexperienced readers what 
 we have long believed to be an important 
 truth, that the supplying the proper con- 
 ditions of temperature to plants under 
 glass, according to their different natures 
 and conditions, has as much to do with 
 their welfare as any other cause, if not 
 more ; and that often, when ascribing the 
 unhealthy state of a plant to uncongenial 
 soil or defective drainage, or the " damp- 
 ing off" of some favorite cutting to the 
 way it was cut or the sand it was put in, 
 the true and sole cause of failure was 
 nothing more than condemning them to 
 an atmosphere uncongenial to their na- 
 ture. 
 
 Tephrosius. Of an ash gray color. 
 
 Teres, Terete. Tapering; free from angles; 
 cylindrical, or nearly so. 
 
 Ternaie, Ternary. Growing in threes; a 
 whorl of three. 
 
 Tetra. In Greek compounds means four. 
 
 Tetrachotomous. A stem that ramifies in 
 fours. 
 
 Tetradynamous. Having six stamens, of j 
 which four are longer than the two 
 others. 
 
 Tetragynous. Having four styles. 
 
 Thallus. A fusion of root, stem, and leaves 
 into one general mass; the cellular mass 
 
 TRE 
 
 of which the lower cryptogamous plants 
 are entirely composed. 
 
 Thyrse, (adj. Thyrsiform.) A kind of dense 
 panicle like that of the Lilac. 
 
 Tomentose. Covered with cottony hairs. 
 
 Tomentum. The down which produces the 
 tomentose character. 
 
 Toothed. Dentate; having small divisions 
 on the margin. 
 
 Top Dressing. See Fertilizer*. 
 
 Tree. Any woody plant of perennial dura- 
 tion with a trunk or single stem rising 
 from the ground. 
 
 Trenching. This is a means of preparing 
 the soil but little practiced in the United 
 States, though still much in use in old 
 English gardens. It consists in making 
 a trench from one and a half to two feet 
 deep, and of nearly the same width, the 
 earth from which is wheeled to the rear 
 of the ground to be trenched; then a 
 line is set across the bed to the width of 
 the excavation, (one and a half or two 
 feet, as it may be;) the top spit of this is 
 thrown in the bottom of the trench, the 
 under part being thrown on the top; in 
 a word, trenching is simply reversing the 
 soil, turning it upside down to such a 
 depth as may be decided on. The prac- 
 tice is proper enough in soils that are 
 deep enough; but when trenching is 
 practiced in say a top soil only twelve 
 inches deep, and a clayey subsoil is 
 thrown on the top, or even mixed well 
 with the top soil, injury may be done to 
 the soil from which it will never recover. 
 A subsoil of sand is not quite as bad 
 thrown on the top or mixed with the soil, 
 but in either case the subsoil should only 
 be loosened, as in Subsoiling, (which see,) 
 and allowed to remain without being 
 mixed with or thrown on the top of the 
 soil proper.
 
 HENDEESON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 TEI 
 
 Triadelphous. Having the stamens collect- 
 ed into three distinct bundles, the fila- 
 ments of those in separate bundles co- 
 hering. 
 
 Triandrous. Having three stamens. 
 
 Trianthus. When the peduncle has three 
 flowers. 
 
 Trichophyllus. Where a leaf is either hair- 
 like, or terminates in a hair. 
 
 Tricotyledon.A. plant whose embryo is 
 furnished with three cotyledons. 
 
 Tricuspidatus. Having three points. 
 
 Triftd. Divided into three. 
 
 Trifoliate. Composed of three leaflets, as 
 the leaves of Clover. 
 
 VAS 
 Trigynous. Having either three pistils or 
 
 at least three distinct styles. 
 Tripartite. Divided into three parts nearly 
 
 to its base. 
 Tripetalous. When a corolla consists .of 
 
 three petals. 
 Tripinnate. When the leaflets of a bipin- 
 
 nate leaf become themselves pinnate. 
 Truncate. Blunt, as if cut off at the end, 
 
 as the leaf of the Tulip tree. 
 Truncus, Trunk. The bole or principal 
 
 stem of a tree. 
 Tuber. An underground fleshy stem, like 
 
 the Dahlia. 
 Tubercles. Little round knobs. 
 
 TJ. 
 
 ~T~Tmbel. An inflorescence in which the 
 
 /"^ stalks radiate from a common point, 
 and form a flat or convex surface above, 
 as in the Carrot. It is simple or com- 
 pound. 
 
 Umbettiferce. See Apiacece. 
 
 Umbilicus. The hilum of a seed. 
 
 Unarmed. Destitute of spines or prickles. 
 
 .Undershrub. A woody plant of small size, 
 
 the ends of whose branches perish every 
 
 year. 
 
 Uniflorus. Supporting a single flower. 
 Unilateral. Turned to one side; one-sided. 
 Unisexual. A plant producing flowers of 
 
 one sex only. 
 Urceolate. Pitcher-shaped, contracted at 
 
 the mouth. 
 Urens. Stinging. 
 
 Y, 
 
 ~V7~alvular. Consisting of val 
 vessels. 
 
 VanabUis, Varians. Presenting a variety 
 of character; as when leaves are various- 
 ly modified on the same plant. 
 
 Variety. A term indicating a lower grade 
 of subdivision, next to the species; as the 
 different sorts of Pears, Apples, Gerani- 
 ums, Roses, etc. 
 
 Vases. These are formed of iron, stone, 
 
 earthenware, etc., and are usually raised 
 on a pedestal to a height of four or five 
 feet. They are of various sizes and pat- 
 terns. The bowls for the soil vary in 
 depth from six to eighteen inches; but in 
 all cases holes must be made in the bot- 
 tom, (if not already there,) to allow free 
 drainage for water; for without these 
 (and some are made without them) the 
 soil would soon get saturated and sour.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 408 
 
 YEN 
 
 Almost the same character of plants is I 
 used for planting vases as for window 
 boxes, (which see.) A very beautiful 
 practice is now in use to plant them in 
 early spring with Pansies, which remain 
 in bloom until June, the time at which 
 the summer plants are ready to be 
 planted to take their place. Vases are 
 usually exposed to the full force of the 
 sun on the open lawn, and, consequently, 
 require a great deal of watering to keep 
 them in good condition. By the use of 
 Moss on the surface (see Moss Mulching) 
 a great deal of labor will be saved. 
 
 Venation. The arrangement of veins in a 
 leaf, etc. 
 
 Ventilating. Or " Airing," as gardeners call 
 it, is an important operation in growing 
 plants under glass, and ignorance or 
 carelessness in the work often results in 
 dire disaster to the contents of the hot- 
 bed, green-house, or grapery. It often 
 happens, when inexperienced country 
 carpenters undertake the erecting of 
 green-house structures, that they are 
 built with entirely inadequate means of 
 ventilation, so that, no matter how care- 
 ful the person in charge may be, he has 
 not the means allowed to provide suffi- 
 cient ventilation. In a span-roofed green- 
 house or grapery, having a base width of 
 twenty feet, the glass roofs sloping to the 
 east and west will be each about thir- 
 teen feet, making twenty-six feet in the 
 span. To properly ventilate a structure 
 of this kind, movable sashes, two feet in 
 width, extending the entire length of the 
 roof, should be hinged to the apex on the 
 east side. The sashes, when lifted up by 
 the patent ventilating apparatus, are 
 raised from one inch to two feet, as de- 
 sired, the entire length; thus, when fully 
 
 VOL 
 
 up, about one-thirteenth part of the en- 
 tire glass roof is thrown open for venti- 
 lation ; and in hot days this is often found 
 to be none too much. In a series of 
 green-houses, requiring different temper- 
 atures, it is a good plan to mark the 
 maximum and minimum allowed for 
 ventilation, close to each thermometer, 
 so that the workman in charge of venti- 
 lating can be held to accountability; for 
 example, if 70 is the degree required, let 
 the maximum of temperature be 75 and 
 the minimum 65, allowing a range of 
 ten degrees. The patent ventilating ap- 
 paratus usually costs about seventy-five 
 cents or one dollar per running foot; but 
 it is indispensable to a well-regulated 
 green-house or grapery, from its power 
 to grade the amount of ventilation to 
 suit all weathers. In the use of portable 
 sashes for hot-beds or frames, the best 
 way to ventilate is to raise the sash at 
 the back by pieces of wood so notched 
 that from one inch to five or six inches 
 can be given, as required. 
 
 Ventricose. Swelling unequally on one side. 
 
 Vernation. The arrangement of leaves in a 
 bud. 
 
 Verucosus, Verucose. Warty. 
 
 Versatile. Affixed by the middle; swinging 
 freely, as the oscillating anthers of grasses. 
 
 Verticittate. Arranged in whorla 
 
 Vesicle. A little cell or bladder, one of the 
 ultimate atoms of which the bulk of 
 vegetable tissue is built up. 
 
 Villous. Shaggy, with loose, long, soft hair. 
 
 Virens. Green. 
 
 Virgatus. Twiggy. 
 
 Viridis. Green. 
 
 Viscous. Clammy. 
 
 Vitreous. Iran sparent. 
 
 VoluMis. Twisting.
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 W. 
 
 WAL 
 
 \A/ alkx. It was Downing, we believe, 
 
 who laid down the common-sense , 
 rule, that in the laying out of walks or 
 drives in the garden or pleasure-ground, j 
 there "never should be any deviation from j 
 a straight line unless from some real or i 
 apparent cause." So, if curved lines are 
 desired, trees, rock, buildings, or mounds 
 must be placed at the bend or curve, 
 as a reason for going round such ob- 
 stacles. If any one doubts the necessity 
 for this rule, let him observe the effect 
 produced on level ground, where a line 
 runs in corkscrew fashion, as is sometimes 
 seen in the space between the house and 
 the street. The absurdity is apparent, 
 for no matter what leisure one may have, 
 to be compelled to go a roundabout way 
 to reach a point where there is no appar- 
 ent reason or necessity for it, is certain 
 to grate on the senses; yet, ridiculous as 
 this is, such cases are by no means rare, 
 as there is a prevailing notion that such 
 walks or drives must be curved lines, 
 (the curve being the line of beauty,) 
 whether the necessities, naturally or ar- 
 tificially formed for such lines, are pres- 
 ent or not. Often the formation of new 
 grounds is totally ruined in this way. 
 The proprietor, entirely ignorant of what 
 is wanted, places himself in the hands of 
 some ignorant gardener, who pretends to 
 a knowledge of what strictly belongs to 
 the trained landscape engineer. As well 
 might he expect the average brick-layer, 
 working for two or three dollars per day, 
 to plan and supervise the erection of his 
 dwelling house as the average gardener, 
 to whom he pays $50 or $60 a month, 
 
 WAL 
 
 to lay out his carriage drives and lawn; 
 for the one is oftentimes equally as much 
 a matter of taste and skill as the other. 
 In suburban residences, where the house 
 is not more than a hundred feet or so 
 from the street, a drive is best made by 
 having an entrance at each side of the 
 lot, so that the carriage can enter at one 
 gate and go out at the other, presuming 
 that the width of the ground is 500 feet, 
 and the distance from the street to the 
 front door is 1 50 feet. Then the foot- walk 
 should be in a straight line direct from 
 the street to the front door. The width 
 of the roads or walks must be governed 
 by the extent of the grounds. For the 
 carriage-way the width should not be less 
 than ten feet, and for foot-walks five feet. 
 Often gardens of considerable pretensions 
 have the walks not more than three feet 
 wide, where it is utterly impossible for 
 two persons to walk abreast without get- 
 ting their dresses torn cr faces scratched 
 by overhanging branches. Of course, it 
 is another matter when the garden plot 
 is limited to the width of a city lot, (25 
 or 50 feet;) then such economy of space 
 is perfectly excusable. The character of 
 the soil must in a great measure deter- 
 mine the manner of making the walk or 
 road. Every one must have noticed that, 
 after a heavy rain, unpaved streets in 
 some districts remain next to impassable 
 for many hours, while in others, after the 
 same amount of rainfall, they are com- 
 paratively dry. This is entirely due to 
 the nature of the subsoil, which, if grav- 
 elly or sandy, will quickly allow the Welter 
 to pass off; if, however, the subsoil is of
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 407 
 
 WAR 
 
 clay, then provision must be made for 
 ample drainage, else, no matter of what 
 material the walk or road is composed, 
 unless the water passes through it or off j 
 it rapidly, it will never be satisfactory. 
 As the formation of walks and roadways 
 cannot well be explained without illustra- 
 tions, we beg to refer the reader to our 
 work, Practical Floriculture, page 20. 
 Wardian Case. This is a neat contrivance, 
 used for such plants as require a moist, 
 still atmosphere, such as Ferns, Mosses, 
 the so-called " insect eating " plants, such 
 as Nepenthes, Sarracenias, Dionceas, etc., or 
 tropical plants grown for the beauty of 
 their leaves, as Draccenas, Crotons, Maran- 
 tas, Caladiums, etc. The Wardian Case 
 has a base or tray made of Black Wal- 
 nut, Oak, or other ornamental wood about 
 six inches deep, and lined with zinc, and 
 glass sides and hinged top; or the tray 
 is made of terra cotta or other earthen- 
 ware. They are made of various sizes, 
 the average, however, being about twen- 
 ty-four inches long, and sixteen inches 
 in width and heigh't. They should be 
 elevated on a stand to a height that will 
 allow its contents to be best seen, as the 
 plants used for that purpose should be 
 such as will bear the closest inspection 
 for richness of shading or curious con- 
 struction of leaves. When the Wardian 
 Case is first filled with plants, it should 
 be given water sufficient to reach to the 
 bottom of the soil, but not enough to 
 make the soil too wet The top of the 
 case is hinged, so that it can be lifted to 
 allow the escape of moisture, which, when 
 in excess when the case is closed, will be 
 known by its trickling down the sides of 
 the glass. Usually it will be sufficient to 
 raise the lid an inch or so every day or 
 two to keep the glass free from this 
 
 WAT 
 
 moisture; and no ventilation is necessary 
 except to get rid of this excess, as the 
 closer it is kept the better it is for the 
 welfare of the peculiar class of plants 
 suited for it. The effectiveness of the 
 Wardian Case depends a great deal on 
 the arrangement of the plants, the tallest 
 and most conspicuous being in the cen- 
 ter, with the smallest towards the edges, 
 varying the interest on all sides of it by 
 contrasting the different colorings and 
 forms of the leaves. The Wardian Case 
 should be placed in a position where it 
 does not get the direct sunlight The 
 plants with which it is usually filled are 
 natives of shady woods or marshes, where 
 they are sheltered from winds and in 
 partial shade, and the nearer their natu- 
 ral condition can be imitated in the 
 Wardian Case the better. Ferneries, so 
 called, require substantially the same 
 character of plants and the same treat- 
 ment, the only real difference being that 
 they are round, and the glass covering is 
 what is known as a bell glass, which see. 
 
 Wart. A firm glandular excrescence or 
 hardened protuberance on the surface. 
 
 Watering. This is one of the most import- 
 ant operations in the indoor culture of 
 plants, and one that it is almost impossi- 
 ble to get a proper knowledge of without 
 actual experience, as the circumstances 
 are so various when water should be 
 given or withheld, that, were we to write 
 a volume on the subject, it would not be 
 of as much value as a year's actual prac- 
 tice. There are, however, some general 
 rules that it will help the beginner to keep 
 in mind. One important rule is, never 
 to water a plant until it is dry. What 
 this condition of dryness is, is governed 
 not altogether by the indications of the 
 soil being dry on the surface, but also by
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 WAT 
 
 the vigor of the plant. A luxuriant plant, 
 growing in a temperature of 70 or 80, 
 with indications of dryness on the surface 
 of the pot, should receive sufficient water 
 to saturate the soil to the bottom; while 
 a plant that has been cut down for cut- 
 tings, or by any other reason defoliated, 
 and thus lessened in vigor, should not be 
 watered until almost at the point of wilt- 
 ing. Again, experience tells us that soft- 
 wooded plants, such as Geraniums, Fuch- 
 sias, or Heliotropes, will recuperate 
 even when dried to wilting if thoroughly 
 soaked, while hard-wooded plants, such 
 as Azaleas, Heaths, or Camellias, under 
 the same circumstances would fail to re- 
 cover. All succulent plants, such as 
 Cacti, Sedums, Echeverias, etc., will ad- 
 mit of being kept nearly entirely dry 
 during the dormant season; and although- 
 they will exist with but little water even 
 for twelve months, yet, when their proper 
 season of growth begins, (which will be 
 indicated by the developing of the buds 
 or shoots,) they require water nearly as 
 regularly as the ordinary class of soft- 
 wooded plants. 
 
 The degree of atmospheric moisture kept 
 in the green-house greatly determines 
 the amount of water required at the 
 roots, and a proper degree of atmos- 
 pheric moisture is indispensable for the 
 welfare of the plants. When firing in 
 winter sufficient to raise the temperature 
 to 50 degrees, or in dry weather at other 
 seasons, this moisture can either be had 
 by evaporating pans on the pipes, or by 
 Moss packed between the pipes, and kept 
 moistened, or by syringing, judgment be- 
 ing used, of course, by the state of the at- 
 mosphere; for in wet or muggy weather 
 the artificial means of producing mois- 
 ture should be stopped. It is claimed by 
 
 WEE 
 
 some that plants should be watered or 
 syringed by water at the same tempera- 
 ture as the house. When this can be 
 done without inconvenience, it may be 
 as well to do so: but we have proved by 
 over twenty-five years' extensive experi- 
 ence, that it is not a necessity, for we 
 rarely use water at a higher temperature 
 than 45 degrees either in watering or 
 syringing, and have never known an in- 
 stance where injury was done. The ordi- 
 nary watering of plants from sowings or 
 plantings in the open ground in dry 
 weather we believe to be of little avail, 
 if it is not sometimes a positive injury, 
 -unless the circumstances are such that 
 the plants can be completely flooded or 
 irrigated. 
 
 Weeds. All plants are so called that come 
 up spontaneously in the ground where 
 crops are sown or planted, no matter 
 what they are ; for, if not wanted there, 
 no matter how ornamental they may be, 
 they are out of place, and should be cut 
 down as weeds. Annual weeds are the 
 most troublesome on cultivated grounds, 
 but, if taken in time, are easily kept down 
 by use of the steel rake, which, if used 
 before the weeds appear above the sur- 
 face, makes this part of cultivation a sim- 
 ple matter. (See Rake.} It is of the ut- 
 most importance for the welfare of crops 
 that weeds should never get a headway; 
 for not only is the labor of destroying 
 them doubled or quadrupled, but they 
 are generally the grossest kind of feeding 
 plants, which thus deprive the crop of 
 its legitimate food. The evil of neglect 
 to destroy weeds is not confined to one 
 season; for when allowed to go to seed, 
 the penalty is paid year after year, often 
 for four or five years after, the seeds 
 coming up as plowing or digging
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 409 
 
 WHO 
 
 brings them to the surface for germina- 
 tion. We can call to mind instances 
 where market gardens, cultivated in close 
 seed crops, were rendered almost useless 
 in the hands of slovenly owners. When 
 ground gets into this condition, the only 
 remedy is to grow crops such as Cabbage, 
 Potatoes, or Corn, which have vigor 
 enough to crowd down an excessive crop 
 of weeds. If land is filled with the seeds 
 of weeds, such crops as Onions, Carrots, 
 Parsnips, Strawberries, or Spinach, will 
 rarely pay for the labor of cleaning. 
 
 Whorl Similar organs arranged in a circle 
 round an axis, as the leaves of some Lilies. 
 
 Window Gardening. This is yearly becom- 
 ing more popular with us, and in all our 
 best appointed hotels window boxes or 
 stands of plants are seen, often arranged 
 with exquisite taste. The plants selected 
 are usually such as are attractive for their 
 beauty of foliage rather than flower, as it 
 is found that few plants can be found 
 whose flowers will long remain perfect 
 in the dry atmosphere and gas of such 
 rooms as our dining halls in hotels. The 
 plants best fitted for such purposes are 
 found to be Palms, Crotons, and Dra- 
 caenas. The Screw Pine, Climbing Fern, 
 etc., for winter, and Caladiums, Coleuses, 
 fancy-leaved Begonias, etc., for summer. 
 When flowering plants are used for tem- 
 porary decorations, Primulas, Azaleas, 
 Camellias, Mignonette, Sweet Alyssum, 
 Heliotrope, Carnations, Roses, or other 
 flowering plants having fragrance are se- 
 lected. The boxes used in window garden- 
 ing are made of a great variety of mate- 
 rials, such as wood, terra cotta, iron, rustic 
 wicker work, etc. But as the box is only 
 a medium to hold the plants, the latter 
 should be the object of attraction, and 
 not the box, so that any ordinary box 
 
 WOR 
 
 made of pine will answer a temporarv 
 purpose just as well as an expensive one, 
 as the sides soon become covered up 
 with the drooping or creeping plants. 
 
 The window box should be made of a 
 length to suit the size of the window sill, 
 and from eight to twelve inches wide, 
 with a depth of from four to six inches. 
 On a visit to London a few years ago we 
 found that the rivalry of the occupants 
 of houses in window gardening even ex- 
 ceeded that in their door yards, the win- 
 dows of the houses on each side of the 
 street to four and five stories in height, 
 for miles in length, presenting a scene of 
 bright colors perfectly dazzling, markedly 
 among which were the blue of the Lo- 
 belia, the yellow of the golden Money- 
 wort, and the scarlet of the Tropseolum, 
 forming drooping curtains of these bril- 
 liant colors, often to a length sufficient 
 to reach the window below. The plants 
 used in arranging the window box 
 are so much a matter of taste that we 
 will not here make suggestions, other 
 than to say that the best effect is had by 
 planting the inner row of plants of a 
 bushy nature, say Geraniums or Mignon- 
 ette, while for the outer row to droop, 
 Lobelias, Nasturtiums, Golden Money- 
 wort, Petunias, etc. 
 
 Wings. The lateral petals of a Pea flower; 
 the flat, membraneous appendages of 
 some seeds, as those of many Conifers 
 and the Maples. 
 
 Working Hoots. This term, we believe, was 
 first used by the author in Practical 
 Floriculture, to distinguish the young 
 white roots emitted from the dry or old 
 roots, and is well applicable from the 
 fact that it is only when these young 
 white roots are emitted that a plant be- 
 gins to grow, the buds or shoots starting
 
 410 
 
 HENDERSON'S HANDBOOK OF PLANTS. 
 
 WOB 
 
 simultaneously with these young roots. 
 For example, when we take a dormant 
 Kose that has been grown in a pot, no 
 matter how well it may be supplied with 
 old roots, there is no healthy develop- 
 ment of leaves and flowers until the 
 emission of young roots. When we 
 plant out such plants as Celery, Cabbage, 
 or Strawberries, in the garden, the young 
 or " working roots " emitted from the 
 main roots are certain indications that 
 the plant has started, and that their 
 
 WOK 
 
 growth and future development is fairly 
 assured against drought or other causes; 
 but if the " working roots " are not 
 emitted, then there is yet danger of the 
 plants failing. 
 
 Wort. A term applied to plants generally, 
 and sometimes especially to those of her- 
 baceous habit, or herbs. It is now chief- 
 ly used in compounds, as Liver-ioort, 
 Money-wor, Lung-wort, Mug-tcorf, etc. 
 The term is also used to designate a 
 sweet infusion of malt or grain.
 
 INDEX 
 
 [To give additional value to the Handbook it was deemed advisable to add to the Glossary a num- 
 ber of brief articles relating to the best methods of culture, the most useful implements now in use, 
 insects and their destruction, modes of propagation, and other useful subjects, which, placed as they 
 are, seemed to require an Index for more convenient reference; and in addition mention is also made in 
 tho Index of some of the more popular and important plants in the body of the work, and which are 
 now extensively grown by the florist, the fruit grower, and the market gardener.] 
 
 Acclimatize ....................... . ..................... 260 
 
 Air Plants .............................................. 264 
 
 Amaryllis ............................................... 12 
 
 Annual ................................................. 273 
 
 Aspect ................................................. 281 
 
 Bark 
 
 286 
 
 Bean 288 
 
 Sodding 289 
 
 Begonia 25 
 
 Bouoh 401 
 
 Biennial 292 
 
 Blight 294 
 
 Bone Dust 295 
 
 Bouquet 298 
 
 Budding 
 
 lib. 
 
 .301) 
 
 Calla 190 
 
 Camellia 36 
 
 Campanula 37 
 
 Caiina 37 
 
 Cattley a 40 
 
 Celosi.i 41 
 
 Chinese Prim rose 17D 
 
 Chrysanthemum 45 
 
 Cineraria 46 
 
 Clarkia 48 
 
 Clematis , 48 
 
 Clerode n dron 49 
 
 Clian thus 49 
 
 Climbing Fern 125 
 
 Club Root 317 
 
 Coffee Tree SI 
 
 ColdFramo 319 
 
 Cold Pit 319 
 
 Conservatory 324 
 
 Coral Tree (Erythrinum) 80 
 
 Cranberry 154 
 
 Crocus 5'J 
 
 Cultivator 332 
 
 Cyclamen 62 
 
 Cypress Vino 183 
 
 Dahlia 65 
 
 Dondrobium 67 
 
 Dian thus 68 
 
 DraciBna 73 
 
 Draining 341 
 
 Egg Plant 76 
 
 Epacris 77 
 
 Eueharis 81 
 
 Fertilizers 351 
 
 Florist's Flowers 355 
 
 Fuchsia 86 
 
 Gas Lime 358 
 
 Gas Tar 358 
 
 Gladiolus 90 
 
 Glazing 360 
 
 Gloxinia 94 
 
 244 
 
 360 
 
 Green-Souse 361 
 
 Hand Glasses 361 
 
 Hanging Baskets 3ii3 
 
 Heath. . 78 
 
 Heating by Flues 3i!: 
 
 ' ' Hot-bods :!.-> 
 
 " Hot Water :iii 
 
 " Steam 3fiti 
 
 368 
 
 ufiiii 
 
 Grafting 
 
 in- House.. 
 
 Hill. 
 
 .105 
 
 Hyacinth 
 
 Hydrangea 
 
 Insects 36) 
 
 Larkspur 67 
 
 Lilium ................................................... 119 
 
 Lily of the Valley ....................................... 54 
 
 Marker ........................................ 377 
 
 Moss Mulching 
 
 6 
 
 Mushroom 137 
 
 Karcissus 143 
 
 Nasturtium 143 
 
 Onion 150 
 
 Orchard Baler 381 
 
 Pansy 158 
 
 Parlor Gardening 382 
 
 Parsley 159 
 
 Pearl Millet.... 
 
 Petunia 
 Phlox 
 
 161 
 165 
 167 
 Planting ................................................ 384 
 
 Plowing ................................................ 385 
 
 Poinsettia .............................................. 175 
 
 Port ulaca ............................................... 178 
 
 Potting ................................................. 385 
 
 Pricking Off ............................................. 386 
 
 Primrose, Chinese ............................ ,...179 
 
 Propagation by Seeds 3K7 
 
 " Cuttings 388 
 
 " the "Saucer System" 391 
 
 " Layering 392 
 
 inPots 393 
 
 " intheAir 392 
 
 Radish 184 
 
 Rake 394 
 
 Raphia, Rattia 18 i 
 
 Ranunculus 185 
 
 Rhubarb 187 
 
 Rock- work 394 
 
 Roue 191 
 
 Rotation of Crops ....395 
 
 Rust ...395 
 
 Sea-Kale 205 
 
 Seed Drill 397 
 
 Shading 397 
 
 Shallot 20!) 
 
 Srailax 142 
 
 Soil 398 
 
 Sorghum 213 
 
 Sowing 399 
 
 Spinach 217 
 
 Spiraea 217 
 
 Stage 401 
 
 Strawberry ..821 
 
 Stock-Gilliflower Ii9 
 
 Subsoiling 400 
 
 Table 401 
 
 Temperature 401 
 
 Trenching 403 
 
 Tritoma -'33 
 
 Tuberose 176 
 
 Tulip 231 
 
 Turnip 235 
 
 Vases 404 
 
 Ventilation 406 
 
 Verbena 39 
 
 Viola 243 
 
 AValks 406 
 
 WardianCaso 407 
 
 Watering 407 
 
 AVater Lily 148 
 
 Weeds 403 
 
 Window Gardening 409 
 
 Working Roots 409
 
 By PETER HENDERSON. 
 
 For those who have not seen our other works on Gardening, we give below a brief statement of 
 their scope and contents: 
 
 "QAMDEMNQ FQB PROFIT." 
 
 To such as are intending to begin the business of Market Gardening, wo offor for their instruction 
 our work "Gardening for Profit," published first in 1S66, and new edition in 1873. " Gardening for 
 Profit" has had a larger sale, probably, than any work ever published on tao subject of Horticulture. 
 Upwards of fifty thousand copies have been sold, and we have hundreds of grateful testimonials from 
 those who have been benefited by its teachings. The subjects of its contents are: 
 
 The Men fitted for the Business; Amount of Capital Re- 
 quired nd Working Force per Acre; Profits of Market 
 Gardening; The Market Gardens near London; Location, 
 Situation, and Laying Out; Soils, Drainage, and Prepara- 
 tion: Manures; Implements: The Uses and Management 
 of Cold Frames; The Formation and Management of Hot- 
 
 bels; Forcing Pits anl Q-oon-houses; Seeds an:l Reed 
 Raisin';; How, Waeri. and Wnerj to Sow Seeds; Trans- 
 planting: racking ot' Vegetables for Shipping; Preserva- 
 tion of Vegetables in Winter: Insects; Vegetables, their 
 Variety and Cultivation; Monthly Calendar of Operations. 
 
 Our second work, written in 1868, second edition in 1873, and the third edition December, 1878, is 
 entitled 
 
 and it, like its contemporary, was written to teach how flowers and plants can bo best " grown for prof- 
 it." The success of this has been even more marked than the first, when we consider that it only refers 
 to a business that is exclusively a luxury. Upwards of twenty-five thousand copies of this work havo 
 been sold, and it has been the means of establishing thousands of persons in an agreeable and, in a ma- 
 jority of cases, profitable business. Its contents embrace : 
 
 quets. Baskets, et~.: Wire Designs for Cut Flowers: Hang- 
 ing Baskets; Parlor and Window Gardening; Wardian 
 Cases. Ferneries, etc.; Formation of Rock- work; Insects; 
 Ars Plants rajurious to Ijalt.i? Natur-3's i-aw of Colors; 
 Packing Plants; Plants by Mail ; The Profits of Floricul- 
 ture; How to Be-io'me a Florist; Short Descriptions of 
 Soft-Wx>dedor Bedding Plants of the Lea ling Kinds: What 
 Flowers will Grow in the Shade; Green-house and Stove 
 or Hot-house i. lants. Annuals, Hardy Herbaceous, Peren- 
 nial, anl Biennial Alan's: Ornamental Shrubs and Climb- 
 ers; CuUu-a of Graoe Vims under Glass; Diary of Oper- 
 ations for Kacu Day in the Year. 
 
 Aspect and Soil; Laying Out the Lawn and Flower Garden; 
 Designs for Ornamental Grounds; Planting of Flower 
 Beds; Soils for Pot ting; Temperature an:l Moisture; Tho 
 Potting of Plants; Cold Frames Winter Protection: Con- 
 struction of Hot-beds; Green-house Structures; Grean- 
 honses Attached to Dwellings; Modes of Heating; Base 
 Burning Water Heater; Propagation of Plants by Seeds; 
 What Varieties come True from Seed: Propagation of 
 Plants by Cuttings; How Plants and Flowera are Grown; 
 Propagation of Lilies; Culture of the Rose ; Culture 01 
 the Verbena; Culture of the Tuberose; Orchid Culture; 
 Holland Bulbs: Cape Bulbs, Varieties and Culture; Cul- 
 ture of Winter-Flowering Plants; Construction of Bou- 
 
 Our first two books fell into the hands of many who had no desire to make gardening a business, 
 "but who yet wished for information on the subject for their private use. To such it was found that a 
 book detailing operations on a smaller scale, yet embracing, as far as possible, all the information on 
 the subject, was much wanted. To supply this want we, in 1875, wrote 
 
 "QABDEXIN& 
 
 the Valley: Green-houses Attached to Dwellings; A De- 
 tache 1 Grean-houa 3 or Grapery; Heating by Hot Water; 
 Gr33n-hous3 Pits without Artificial Heat; Combined Cel- 
 lar and Green-house: Hot-bals; Shrubs; Climbers and 
 Trees; Hardy Herbujeous Perannials; Annual Flowering 
 Plaats; Timers which will Grow in the Shade; Insects: 
 Mildew; Fro^eo. Plants: Mulching; Are Plants in Rooms 
 Injurious to Health? Shading: .The Laws of Colors in 
 Fiowsrs: Pruning; Harly Grapes; Cold Grapery; The 
 Ho'-houss or Fining Grapery; The Strawberry; Cottage 
 G araenin.; A Digression: The Vegetable Garden; Garden 
 Implements; Monthly Calender of Operations. 
 
 flowers, and vegetables. Its contents include : 
 
 Soil and Location; Drainage: Preparation of the Ground; 
 Walks; Manures; How to Use Concentrated Fertilizers; 
 Special Fertilizers for Particular Plants; The Lawn- De- 
 sign for Garden ; Planting of Lawns and Flower Beds ' Fall 
 or Holland Bulbs; Propagation of Plants by Seeds; Prop- 
 agation of Plants by Cuttings; Propagating by Layering- 
 About Grafting and Budding; How Grafting and Balding 
 are Done; Treatment of Tropical Bulbs, Seeds, etc.; The 
 Potting of Plants; Winter-Flowering Plants; Unhealthy 
 Plants the Remedy; Plants Suited for Summer Decora- 
 tion: Hanging Baskets; Window Gardening; Parlor Gar- 
 dening, or the Cultivation of Plants in Rooms; War.lian 
 Cues; Ferneries, Jardinieres; Winter-Forcing the Lily 01 
 
 All these works were written by Peter Henderson, tlio senior member of our firm, and are simply a 
 relation of his extensive experience of over a quarter of n century, in all departments of Horticulture. 
 They are written in the plainest language, so that the instructions can be at once understood, no mat- 
 ter how ignorant the reader mav bo of the subject. The price of "Gardening for Profit," "Practical 
 Floriculture," and "Gardening for Pleasure," is $1.50 each, (prepaid by mail;) but to all ordering seeds, 
 plants, or other articles to the value of $10.00, (in one order,) from our Catalogues, either one of them 
 will be added gratis. 
 
 PETER HENDERSON & CO., 
 
 Matrket Gariteiieffs, and! Florists* 
 
 35 CORTLANDT ST., NEW YORK.
 

 
 FOR REFERENCE 
 
 NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THE ROOM