2 HARDY PERENNIALS AND 



parts which, after the seed organs have performed their func- 

 tions, become elongated and of a fine rosy-crimson colour ; they 

 form stiff and rather stout spines, often fin. long ; they bristle 

 evenly from every part of the little globe of seed vessels, and are 

 very pretty. The spines are produced in great abundance, and 

 they may be cut freely ; their effect is unique when used for 

 table decoration, stuck in tufts of dark green selaginella. On 

 the plant they keep in good form for two months. The leaves 

 are lin. to 2in. long, pinnate ; the leaflets are of a dark bronzy 

 colour on the upper side and a pale green underneath, like 



PIG. 1. AC^NA Nova: ZEALANDLE. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



maidenhair, which they also resemble in form, being nearly 

 round and toothed. They are in pairs, with a terminal odd one ; 

 they are largest at the extremity, and gradually lessen to rudi- 

 mentary leaflets ; the foliage is but sparingly produced on the 

 creeping stems, which root as they creep on the surface. 



The habit of the plant is compact and cushion-like, and the 

 brilliant spiny balls are well set off on the bed of fern-like but 

 sombre foliage. During August it is one of the most effective 

 plants in the rock garden, where I find it to do well in either 

 moist or dry situations ; it grows fast, and, being evergreen, it 

 is one of the more useful creepers for all-the-year-round effect ; 

 for covering dormant bulbs or bare places it is at once efficient 

 and beautiful. It requires light soil, and seems to enjoy grit ; 



