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i. Asparagus 



i. A. officinalis (Common Aparagus). The only British species, 

 occurring sparingly on several parts of the sea-coast, especially near 

 the Lizard Point, Cornwall ; it differs only in size from the culti- 

 vated plant. Fl. July, August. Perennial. 



Asparagus Officinalis 

 (Common Asparagus) 



RUSCUS ACULEATOS 

 (Butcher's Broom) 



2. Ruscus (Butcher's Broom) 



i. R. aculeatus (Butcher's Broom, Knee Holly). The only 

 British species, and the only British shrub of Endogenous growth. 

 A low shrub, 3-4 feet high, with erect green stems, which are 

 branched and plentifully furnished with very rigid leaves, terminat- 

 ing each in a sharp spine. The flowers are minute, greenish white, 

 and grow singly from the centres of the leaves ; the berries are 

 two or three times as large as Holly berries, round, and of a brilliant 

 scarlet colour. Waste and bushy places ; not uncommon, especi- 

 ally in the south of England. Fl. April, May. Shrub. 



3. Convallaria {Lily of the Valley) 



1. C. majalis (Lily of the Valley). Leaves all from the root ; 

 flowers drooping in a long, one-sided cluster. A common and 

 universally admired garden plant, equally prized for its globular, 

 pure white flowers, and for its delicious perfume. Berries scarlet. 

 Woods, in a light soil ; not common. Fl. May. Perennial. 



