382 Iberbaceous plants. 



a dense rosette close to the ground. Flowers white, bell- 

 shaped, more or less open, drooping, disposed in a crowded 

 panicle rising several feet above the ground. Of the sev- 

 eral varieties, the following are most beautiful : Maxima, 

 flowers larger than in the type, of a purer white ; orcJiioides, 



FIG. 170. ADAM'S NEEDLE (YUCCA FILAMENTOSA). 



a small, large-flowering variety, with flowers disposed in a 

 simple raceme two feet high or less ; flaccida, leaves shorter, 

 with more fibres on the margin, panicles looser and more 

 regular, flowers less open. The yuccas will thrive in any 

 soil not too moist, and are among the most useful plants 

 in the hand of a landscape-gardener. 



THE SPIDERWORT FAMILY. 



Day-Flower, Commelina Virginica. A very attractive 

 little plant with bright sky-blue flowers ; petals two, con- 



