210 SOLAN ACE^. 



one of the least valuable in its normal state for ornamental 

 purposes, the flowers being ineffective dull yellow. There is a 

 purple-flowered variety, more ornamental ; but both these are 

 only fit for the most common use in decorating woods and the 

 banks of streams, or suchlike places. There is, however, an 

 important variegated form w^orthy of a place in mixed borders, 

 and might be used with good effect in large borders and beds 

 in bedding out, as the variegation is decided and distinct, and 

 the foliage ample. 



SOLANACE^ 



There is very little in this order that may be considered 

 good ornamental perennials and hardy, but there are one or 

 two which we cannot pass by without some notice, although it 

 need take up but little time and space. 



Physalis Alkekengi (IVmter Cherry). — A not uncommon 

 plant in old-fashioned gardens, valuable solely on account of 

 its pretty fruit, which resembles a red cherry very much in 

 colour and size. The fruit is very useful in early winter for 

 room and table decoration, where that is in demand ; and for 

 this purpose the plant should be grown in beds or patches suf- 

 ficiently large to meet the required supply. The plant may also 

 be used in the mixed border ; but except in very extensive col- 

 lections it may well be dispensed with, for its beauty requires 

 to be looked for, as the berries are enclosed in the inflated blad- 

 der-like calyx. Flourishes best in dry warm soil and a sunny 

 situation. Propagate very freely by division. 



PhysocMaina. — Two or three species of this genus are known 

 to cultivation, but very rarely beyond the precincts of botanic 

 gardens, or a few large private collections. They are useful 

 early spring or summer flowering plants, though not exactly 

 what would be termed first-rate ornamental subjects ; still they 

 are quite hardy, and being accommodating as regards soil and 

 situation, and sufficiently beautiful for border decoration, they 

 are desirable plants w^here room may be spared them. 



P. grandiflora {Large- Flozu er cd F.) — The plant grows about 

 I foot high, forming rather dense masses of dark-green, egg- 

 shaped, glutinous, hairy leaves. The flowers are borne in ter- 

 minal panicles, and are longish, bell-shaped, pale yellow, and 

 veined with livid purple. The flowers appear in April and 

 May. Native of Thibet. 



