IN FLORIDA 167 
winter should rest, hence it is probable that they could be grown 
generally over the state. They like rich soil, moisture and 
shelter. 
Agapanthus umbellatus, African Lily. <A fine bulbous-rooted 
plant from the Cape region of Africa which bears umbels of hand- 
some blue flowers in spring and early summer. I have never 
succeeded with it but from reports it seems to do well elsewhere 
in the state. 
Agave, Century Plant. A large genus of striking succulents 
wholly from the warmer parts of America. In the north they 
are grown in pots and tubs and require many years to bloom but 
here they often blossom at four or five years. A few such as 
A. americana sometimes do well in sheltered places to the north 
_ limit of the state while A. szsalina is quite tender. Both are 
cultivated in lower Florida with A. salmiana, A. densiflora, A. 
macracantha, A. filifera and others. A. victoriae-reginae is a 
gem. The flower stems should be cut down before the bulblets 
ripen, otherwise one’s whole garden will become overrun with 
young plants. They grow in pine and hammock land. 
Ageratum. Plants cultivated in the north as annuals for their 
heads of blue or white flowers. Here they sometimes become 
established in grounds and take care of themselves and are usu- 
ally perennial. 
Alocasia. Handsome tropical Aroids which require plenty of 
heat, shade and moisture. <A. macrorhiza and its variegated 
variety are much used in lower Florida for tropical effects, the 
former tolerating some sun; A. cuprea has lovely dark metallic 
leaves, rich purple beneath; A. violacea has very dark leaves 
tinted purple; A: sanderiana has deeply lobed leaves, white bor- 
dered and veined. They make a fine show on the walls of fern 
pools. 
Aloe. Succulent plants of which a few species are grown in 
Florida. Schnabel reports that they are tender at Gainesville: 
A. vera is the most commonly grown species and like es rest 
needs a dry, sunny situation. 
Alpinia. Plants belonging to the Ginger family, of which a 
couple of species are sometimes planted in Florida. They have 
ong, lanceolate leaves and terminal spikes of odd flowers. A. 
