28 



species can be grown in the ordinary open border. Almost 

 all can be cultivated successfully as pot-plants in a cold 

 frame. In a dry climate, if the roots are wrapped in wet 

 Sphagnum moss before planting, there is a greater chance of 

 success than if planted unmossed. Many of the species are 

 worthy of a little trouble, since they are amongst the finest 

 alpine plants in the world. Here comparatively few species 

 are dealt with, and generally those most amenable to cultiva- 

 tion. 



<1.) Acaena microphylla. 



A rather pretty hardy plant for forming glaucous-coloured 

 mats on rockwork. The spines of the ripe heads of fruits 

 are bright red, rendering the plant conspicuous. There are 

 several distinct varieties, in some of which the leaves are of a 

 pleasing brownish hue. 



(2.) The Species of Aciphylla. 



The genus belongs to the carrot family, and is remarkable 

 for the yucca-like form possessed by some of the species, 

 which renders them ornamental objects in any mixed border. 

 The most important for gardens are A. squarrosa, A. Colensoi, 

 A. maxima, and A. conspicua. All have great rigid spinous 

 pinnate leaves, and tall flower-stalks which in A. maxima 

 attain a height of 6-10 ft. A. Monroi is a charming little rock- 

 plant, a few inches tall, looking like a palm in miniature. 



(3.) The Species of Anisotome. 



The most important is A. latifolia, a. magnificent plant 

 with thick leathery dark-green fern-like leaves 2 ft. or more 

 long, and a stout flower-stalk 3 ft. or more high, bearing a 

 massive head of rosy-purple or rosy-lilac flowers. 



A. antipoda is very similar, but the leaves are more finely 

 cut and the flowers of a blighter colour. Both species demand 

 moisture and shade. They are quite hardy. 



<4.) Arthropodium cirrhatum (Rengarenga, Mabel Island Lily). 



A rather showy herb with moderately broad smooth leaves 

 1-2 ft. long, above which is raised the flowering- stem, its 



