—<—)- ~ 
VIII 
THE CALLA FAMILY 
{ , UEER little Jack-in-the-Pulpit and his family form 
an interesting set of plants. They are chiefly re- 
markable for their beautiful foliage, which is often 
richly and finely colored. There are some fine 
tropical climbers with fleshy stems and aérial roots, 
but most Aroids are low, herbaceous plants with 
succulent roots. ‘The flowers are inconspicuous, disposed on 
a fleshy axis called a spathe, and protected by large colored 
bracts, which in the case of the com- 
mon Calla are white, and in the Fla- 
mingo plants deep scarlet. Some 
plants of this family, when flowering, 
emit a strong, disagreeable odor, and 
are therefore not desirable as house 
plants; others are of too delicate a 
nature, and require plenty of moisture. 
The Calla; Richardia  cethio- 
pica, is one of the most useful 
plants for a house. It should be 
grown on steadily, summer and win- 
Anthurtum crystallinum. 
ter, but may be kept somewhat dry 
during the earlier winter months. Callas require rich soil and 
plenty of water during the summer. ‘There are a couple of 
varieties considerably smaller than the common form. The 
