Decorative Plants. I. — The Aral ia. 263 



They are herbaceous, though the lower part of the stem of the former 

 often sui"vives the winter. They are common phints, with no special 

 ornamental features. 



A. guinqucfolia^ formerly Panax, is the Ginseng, and is not a 

 common plant. The flowers are small, in an umbel from the centre 

 of a whorl of leaves, and are followed by bright scarlet fruit. 



A. trifolla (Panax) is a delicate, pretty little plant, which springs 

 from a small pea-shaped root. The flower resembles the last except 

 in size, and is followed by j-ellowish berries. We have twice within 

 a few weeks had this pretty plant brought to us to be named, it 

 having come up in Wardian cases which had been stocked with jDlants 

 from the White Mountains. 



Both of these species would do well in a shady border of rich soil, 

 and are interesting plants, but neither is very showy. 



A. spinosa is the only hardy species which attains the dignity of a 

 'ree. The common name is Angelica Tree or Hercules Club, and 

 the plant is generally grown in nurseries as an ornamental tree. 

 The stem is covered with prickles, as are also the ribs of the leaves, 

 which are large, compound pinnate. It is a very sliowy plant, and 

 well worth growing. The soil should be rich, in order that the leaves 

 may grow large. The plant has a tendency to produce many stems, 

 but it is far handsomer if only one is allowed to grow. The foliage 

 jDUshes early in May, and remains in good condition all summer, in 

 autumn changing to a rich yellow. The plant is hardy, and requii'es 

 no protection. 



While by no means as showy as the exotic species, it is the only 

 one of arborescent habit which will take care of itself, and as such 

 it should be extensively planted. It is seen to best advantage standing 

 alone, with plenty of space for the graceful spread of its foliage, but 

 should be somewhat sheltered from violent winds, which are apt to 

 break the leaf-stems, and thus disfigure the plant. 



Of exotic species, A. edulisy of herbaceous habit, and somewhat 

 resembling A. racemosa^ is worth growing. The stems attain the 

 height of three to seven feet, and the foliage is very ornamental, droop- 

 ing slightly, which gives the plant a very graceful appearance. It is 



