CACTUSES AND OTHER SUCCULENTS 



109 



Aloe (pronounced Al-o-e). — A genus very similar to 

 agave, and often confused with it. A. variegata is a popular 

 pot-plant, and; can be grown with little or no artificial heat. 

 It is frequently seen in cottage windows. The leaves are 

 smaller than those of Agave americana, and are mottled with 

 white, and have a white edge with small teeth instead of 

 prickles. Like all of the class, it should be kept nearly dry 

 in winter. 



Cereus. — A genus of cactuses with woody stems and very 



Fig. 46. — Echeveria (Cotyledon), with offsets, which can be 

 planted separately ; also a leaf cutting. 



handsome flowers of many different colours, many of them 

 opening in the evening and collapsing before the morning. 

 C. gra7idiflonis is one of the finest, and has a powerful perfume. 

 In C. 7iycticalus^ the Night-flowering cactus, they are larger, 

 but scentless. C. flagelliformis (Rat's-tail cactus) is a common 

 window plant, and well suited for hanging baskets. 



Cotyledon (Navelwort). — In this genus Echeveria is now 

 included. C. atropurpiirea has red flowers ; C. 7netallica^ 

 yellow and red flowers and metallic purple leaves ; C. fi(lge?is, 

 coral flowers and pale green leaves ; and C. grandiflora, 

 orange flowers and mealy white leaves. C. secunda, under 

 the name of Echeveria secmida, is largely used for summer 



