GARDEN FLOWERS. 145 



D. batatas (the Chinese Yam) is a very ornamental climber 

 with cinnamon-scented flowers and neat glossy foliage. 

 Propagated by offsets from root and bulblets produced on 

 branches. 



D. batatas (Chinese Yam) ; hardy perennial herbaceous 

 climber ; 20 feet ; flowers greenish-white, in July ; China. 

 D. villosa (wild Yam) ; hardy perennial herbaceous climber ; 

 6 feet ; flowers greenish-yellow, in July ; North America. 



DIOSPYROS. [Ebenaceae.] The Persimmon of the Middle 

 and Southern States, useful as an ornamental tree, and of 

 some value for fruit. The trees differ much in the quality 

 of the fruit, and this tree offers much opportunity for im- 

 provement to the culturist ; and the time may come when 

 the Persimmon will be a market-fruit. Rich deep soil. In- 

 creased by seed. 



D. Virginiana (Virginia) ; hardy tree ; 25 feet ; flowers green- 

 ish-yellow, in June. 



The family is dioecious. There are many tender species. 



DIPHYLLEIA. [Berberidaceae] A pretty hardy herba- 

 ceous perennial, allied to Jeffersonia. Soil, sandy peat. 

 Increased by division. Requires a shady situation., 



D. cymosa (cyme-flowered) ; hardy perennial ; 6 inches ; flow- 

 ers white, in May ; North America ; 1812. 



DIPLACUS. [Scrophulariaceae.] Greenhouse or half-hardy 

 show} r shrubs, related to Mimulus, and blooming tolerably 

 well in the borders during summer if well established, or 

 if old plants are employed. Cuttings root readily in sandy 

 soil, put in a frame or hand-glass, and the striking is 

 hastened by a little warmth. They may be potted in com- 

 post of loam, lightened with turfy soil, or leaf-mould and 

 sand. Like other free-growing subjects, the young plants 

 must be shifted on, and frequently topped to keep them 

 bushy, until they get to a blooming size, or as large as may 



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