Petasitcs — Phoenix — Phormium. 171 



way up and near the base, which is not usually the 

 case ; and of course every variation of this kind is valu- 

 able, as it helps us to produce variety. Planted in rich 

 ground and treated specially to secure a subtropical 

 effect, greater dimensions than the above may readily be 

 obtained, and older plants when cut down may be ex- 

 pected to produce stronger stems and leaves. They 

 should be cut down every year in winter or spring, and 

 confined to one stem. 



*Petasites vulgaris. — A native plant of vigorous 

 growth and striking appearance, forming dense spreading 

 tufts of enormous radical leaves, usually about 2 ft. or 

 2tj ft. high. The leaves are heart-shaped in outline, and 

 sometimes 3 ft. in width. A suitable subject for planting 

 in any position where the soil is moist and deep, as on 

 the margins of pieces of water or in damp glades. There 

 is a variety (P. v. nivens) which has white, instead of 

 rosy, flowers. This is also quite hardy, but does best in 

 a slightly shaded position in deep clayey or sandy-clay 

 soil. 



Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm). — A handsome 

 palm with a rugged stem, and pinnate dark-green leaves 

 from 6 ft. to 12 ft. long; the divisions linear-lance-shaped, 

 very much pointed, and standing out quite straight. 

 Easily increased from seed. Suitable for the greenhouse 

 in winter and the open garden in summer, from the end 

 of May till the beginning of October. Africa and India. 



Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax). — A hardy 

 plant, with something of the habit of a large Iris, form- 

 ing tufts of broad, shining, leathery leaves from 5 ft. to 

 6i ft. high, gracefully arching at the top. The flowers, 



