PART IV 

 Descriptive List of the Best Kinds 



Acaena (New Zealand Bur). A creeping plant, 

 native of New Zealand, belonging to the rose family 

 (Rosaceae), that is of the easiest cultivation in light 

 sandy soil, and useful for the margin of the rock garden. 

 The leaves are tiny, and the leaflets, having prettily 

 incised margins, show a fern-like appearance. The 

 flowers, which appear in May, are small and incon- 

 spicuous on two-inch stalks ; the chief beauty of the 

 plant lies in the brownish or reddish spines which develop 

 on the flower heads in late summer, and continue attrac- 

 tive throughout autumn. This is a dainty little plant 

 that spreads rapidly. Roots form on the creeping 

 stems, and an increased stock is easily raised by cutting 

 off and replanting pieces of stem having roots attached. 

 There are several sorts, of which the best is Acaena Novae 

 Zealandiae, with brownish foliage and crimson spines. 

 A. microphylla is similar, but with less brilliant spines ; 

 Buchanani has pretty glaucous green leaves and brownish 

 heads of spines. A. argentea has also nice glaucous 

 leaves. 



Acantholimon (Prickly Thrift). An attractive little 

 plant, native of Armenia, forming spreading tufts of 



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