288 MY GARDEN. 



winters. The edible fruit of two species (figs. 384 and 385) are shown 

 amongst the fruit-trees. 



Allied to the passion-flowers, the Tacsonia Van Volximi must 

 not be forgotten. Each scarlet flower depends from a pedicle six 

 inches long, and the effect is splendid. It managed one year to 

 creep out of the fernery through a crack, and grew over a cherry- 

 tree, whence the flowers depended naturally. 

 I have seen the Tacsonia Bncanni exhibited. 

 It has leaves more like a passion-flower 

 than a Tacsonia, but it has not as yet 

 flowered with me. 



In the fernery I have many species of 

 Hoya. The common H. carnosa (fig. 596) 

 is perhaps the best of all, and is a climber 



FIG. 596. Hoya carnosa. 



of large dimensions, and there is also a 



variegated form of this plant. H. bella (fig. 597) and H. Paxtoui are 

 exquisite small-growing species, with flowers highly scented ; of which 

 a preference may be given to the first-named ; but it is difficult to 

 keep in winter, as it is apt to rot at the root. The H. impcrialis is 



Fir,. 597. Hoya bella. FIG. 598. Combretum purpureuin. 



a large flowering species, and we grow others ; but //. bella and 

 H. carnosa are indispensable. 



The Combretum pnrpnremn (fig. 59^) is a handsome creeper, but 

 it does not always grow freely, and without care is liable to be 



attacked with the red spider. It requires a damp atmosphere and 

 stove heat. 



