descriptive list op flowers. 285 



MESEMBRYANTHEMUM-Ice-Plant. 



[From the Greek, meaning flowering at mid-day.] 



Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. — Ice Plant. — Is 

 about the only one of the many species cultivated in the 

 border. 



" With pellucid stutls, the Ice-flower gems 

 His rimy foliage, and his candied stems." 



This is a singular and very curious annual, with thick 

 fleshy leaves, that have the appearance of being covered 

 with ice-crystals. The stems of the plant are also stud- 

 ded with crystal gems, and have the appearance of rock- 

 candy. The whole plant is peculiarly brilliant in the sun- 

 shine. It succeeds Avell in the border when forwarded in 

 small pots, in light sandy soil, in a hot-bed. When the 

 young jilants have filled the pots with roots, they must 

 be shifted into those of a larger size. They may be 

 turned out into the border the first of July, or before, if 

 the weather is very warm ; they will continue to increase 

 in size and beauty all the season. The plant is highly 

 ornamental and curious, but there is not much beauty in 

 the flower. Few green-houses, however small, are with- 

 out the Ice-plant ; from its glittering surface, it is some- 

 times called the Diamond-plant, Diamond ficoides^ and 

 Spangled-beau : — 



" G.eraninm boasts 



Her crimson honours, and tlie Spangled-beau, 



Ficoides. glitters bright the winter long. 



All plants of every leaf, that can endure 



The winter's frown, if screened from his shrewd bite, 



Live tliere and prosper."— Coif;?er. 



MIMOSA. — Sensitive Plant. 



[From the Greek, for mimic, as the irritable leaves imitate the sensibility of 

 animals.] 



Mimosa pudica. — Sensitive Plant. — A native of Brazil, 

 and well-known for the extreme irritability of the leaves, 

 which, when touched, immediatelv fold themselves to- 



