IN FLORIDA 115 



Polypodium pectinatum is a lovely fern found as far south as 

 Pumpkin Key, P. plumula is also beautiful and both occur spar- 

 ingly in peninsular Florida. 



Nephrolepis exaltata, Sword Fern, is widely distributed through- 

 out the tropics and is abundant in southern Florida in hammocks, 

 both on the ground and in the tops of cabbage palmettos. N. 

 biserrata is a stronger growing species found quite generally in 

 hammocks in Dade County. It occasionally grows on reclining 

 tree trunks in damp hammocks. 



A large number of other native ferns are attractive and worthy 

 of cultivation, though some of them are rare or local. All the 

 species I have mentioned with the exception of Cheiroglossa may 

 be grown in hammocks in any part of the state where they are 

 hardy. 



NATIVE ORNAMENTAL HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 



Piaropus crassipes, Water Hyacinth. Introduced from Brazil 

 and now a nuisance over large areas of the state. If confined to 

 pools or ponds it can do no harm, and the flowers and foliage are 

 very attractive. 



Tillandsia fasciculate. A lovely Bromeliad witbr maroon or 

 purplish bracts and bluish corollas, common on trees in hammocks 

 in South Florida and will grow on any tree if it is firmly fastened 

 to it. 



Lilium catesbaei is one of the members of this beautiful genus 

 which grows in low pine land throughout the northern two- 

 thirds of the state, and would doubtless do well almost any- 

 where in Florida in similar soil. The bulbs should be taken up 

 when the plants are dormant and disturbed as little as possible 

 afterwards. 



Agave sisalina, A. decipiens and A. neglecta, all century plants, 

 make fine ornaments but like the Yuccas it will not do to be too 

 neighborly with them. A . decipiens is more hardy than the others 

 and would probably succeed all over the south half of the state. 



Zephyranfhes atamasco, Atamasco Lily, is a native of Florida 

 and is quite common in general cultivation. It is hardy through- 

 out the state and will do well in any good soil, preferably that 

 which is a little damp. Z. treatei and Z. simpsonii are pretty 

 plants and will do well generally in Florida. 



