0?i the Ctdture of the Clerodendron. 255 



been placed more suitable for its development, and conse- 

 quently to be adopted. There are very few plants that show- 

 so strikingly the effects of good culture over bad treatment 

 and neglect. Clerodendrons, if not grown well, are scarcely 

 worth growing at all. For the benefit of those who may not 

 be acquainted with the tribe, I shall describe a few of the 

 most desirable kinds, and the method of management by 

 which 1 have grown them to great perfection. 



Fragrans. — A beautiful pink, and highly odoriferous. 



Paiiicidatum and squamdtiiin are bright scarlet. 



Macrophylhim and sinuata are pure white ; the latter is 

 very fragrant. 



Scandens. — A pretty climber, finely adapted for the green- 

 houses of this country. The stem and branches of this spe- 

 cies are nearly quadrangular, and slightly pubescent; leaves 

 in pairs somewhat downy ; flowers are borne abundantly in 

 corymbs which spring from the axils of the leaves; the blos- 

 soms are white, and tinged with purple. It produces flowers 

 abundantly in winter. This is a most valuable species, and 

 should be in every collection of greenhouse plants. 



Capiidta. — This is a truly noble flowering plant. It forms 

 a handsome bush, with obtusely tetragonous branches, and 

 large, dark green leaves. The young leaves are subovate ; 

 the larger ones oblong and acuminate, covered with ferru- 

 ginous or brown hairs, bearing, on terminal peduncles, a 

 dense head of purely white blossoms, and delightfully fra- 

 grant. This species has the merit of flowering when very 

 small, and remains a long time in bloom. 



Bethunidna. — This is, perhaps, the most beautiful of all 

 these beautiful plants. It is a native of Borneo, and was im- 

 ported from thence into England a few years ago. It grows 

 to the height of ten or twelve feet, bearing, at the point of 

 every branch, a large spike of rich crimson-colored flowers. 

 The spike itself is frequently three feet in height, and seldom 

 under two, forming with its bracts, which are also crim- 

 son, a magnificent pyramid of bloom, each blossom being re- 

 lieved by the delicate white centre of long protruding stam- 

 ens. The foliage is also fine, being heart-shaped, dark, 

 dense, and of elegant appearance. This is by far the noblest 

 plant I ever saw, and, when in flower, is worth a day's jour- 

 ney to see. 



