The richly coloured spike arises from the centre of the base of — 
the upper petioles, it is cylindrico-oblong, erect. Bracteas ovate, 
5-fariously arranged, very obtuse, green, the apex reflexed, 
much darker, the upper ones forming a coma (sterile), rich 
violet, with a deep purple or blood-coloured spot. The struc- 
ture of the flowers will be better understood by a reference to 
the figure. W. J. H. 
Cur. A herbaceous tropical plant, having tuberous roots 
which lie dormant during the dry season, and start into growth 
on receiving the stimulus of moisture. It requires to be grown 
in a tropical house. In spring, the tubers, having been first 
deprived of the last year’s mould, should be repotted in a fresh 
mixture composed of light loam and leaf-mould or turfy peat, 
the pots being well drained, and placed in a warm pit or frame 
in bottom-heat. Water should be given very sparingly till after. 
the plant has made some growth ; and as the young roots are of 
a soft and succulent nature, we must not allow the mould to con- 
tinue long wet during the whole period of growth, for fear the 
roots should rot off. After flowering, the leaves soon show symp- 
toms of decay; water must then be gradually withdrawn, and 
ultimately the pots require to be placed beyond. the reach of 
- moisture, while care must be taken that the mould does not 
become dust-dry ; for if long kept in such a state, the tubers 
will gradually part with their moisture, and become shrivelled 
and decayed. The plant is increased by separating the tubers 
when repotted in the spring. J. &. 
Fig. 1. Flower and bracteole. 2, Stamens and pistil. 3. Stigma :—magnijied. 
