346 The Caladiuni and Calocasia. 



A far different plant, in its uses and availability, is the Calocasia, 

 although the two genera are closely allied — indeed, are regarded as 

 identical by botanists, and both are merged in caladium. 



The best known species are Calocasia aborescens^ odorata^ and 

 esczilenta. The two former are very showy stove plants ; of these C. 

 odorata is the more desirable, and is a tall growing species, with de- 

 lightfully fragrant flowers. The species most useful in the garden is 

 C. esaileiita. It is a stout growing plant, bearing huge leaves, of a 

 rich glaucous green, and is unsurpassed as an effective bedding plant. 

 The treatment is veiy simple. In May the tubers should be potted, 

 and plunged in a gentle hot-bed ; where there are green-house facilities 

 they may be started much earlier. Plenty of water should be given 

 after the plants begin to grow, and the glasses of the frame should be 

 drawn on every night, and in chilly weather. About the first of June 

 the plants should be set out in a rich soil, and be plentifully watered. 

 They will soon develop their immense leaves, and increase in size all 

 summer. After the first slight frost the plants should be taken up, 

 and the roots presei-ved until spring in dry loam in a frost-proof cellar. 



The plants increase rapidly, and each bit of root will make a plant. 



We know of no better or more effective j^lant for decorative planting. 



In good moist soil the leaves attain enormous dimensions — fre- 

 quently measuring two feet in diameter. Plenty of water is, however, 

 necessary to produce very large foliage. 



As an edging to a bed of cannas or castor oil beans, this plant is 

 particularly fine, and grown as a specimen, it makes a mai^ked feature 

 in the lawn. The flower is of no value. 



We consider Calocasia esctdenta as one of the best-foliaged plants. 

 A few years ago it was scarce, but now good plants may be obtained for 

 about fifty cents each. So every garden can boast a specimen calocasia. 



We have said the roots should be started in a hot-bed ; that is not 

 necessary ; they may be brought forward in a cold frame, or even 

 planted out in the garden, after the soil becomes warm ; but in this 

 case the foliage will not attain great size, as our season is so short, that 

 to develop its full beauty the plant needs to be well advanced when 

 planted out. 



Glen Ridge, May, 1870. 



