184 Subtropical Gardening. 



^Rumex Hydrolapathum. — A very large native 

 water-plant of a size and habit sufficiently striking to 

 entitle it to a place amongst ornamental subjects by the 

 water-side. The radical long-stalked leaves, which are 

 sometimes 2 ft. or more in length, form erect tufts of a 

 very imposing character. The flowering-stem is fre- 

 quently 6 ft. in height, and bears a very large, dense, 

 pyramidal panicle of a reddish or olive-fawn colour. The 

 plant is most effective in autumn, when the leaves change 

 to a lurid red colour, which they retain for some time. 



*Saccharum aegyptiacum. — A vigorous perennial 

 grass, forming ample tufts of reed-like downy stems 6£ ft. 

 to 13 ft. high, and clothed with very graceful foliage, well 

 adapted for ornamenting the margins of pieces of water, 

 the slopes and other parts of pleasure-grounds, etc., in a 

 warm position. In our climate it does not flower, but 

 even without its fine feathery plumes it is a pretty plant 

 from its foliage and habit alone. Easily and quickly 

 multiplied by division in spring ; the offsets to be started 

 in a frame or pit. When established they may be planted 

 out in May or June. N. Africa. 



*Sagittaria sagittifolia. — A British water-plant, 

 affording the most remarkable example of the arrow- 

 shaped leaf to be met with among hardy plants. These 

 leaves stand erect, from 1 ft. to i^ ft. above the water, 

 and from the middle of the tuft the flowering-stem rises 

 in August to the height of i^ ft. to 2^ ft The flowers 

 are of a pale rosy-white colour. There is a variety with 

 double flowers (S. sagittifolia flore pkno), which resemble 

 the flowers of the double Rocket. Both the double and 

 single kinds should have a place among water or bog 

 plants. 



