74 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



shaped, and in some species edible, known as Indian figs and prickly 

 pears. A very large number of species are grown, some of the most 

 distinct being 0. arborescens, aurantiaca, candelabriformis, cylindrica, 

 decumana, ferox, Ficus-indica t glaucophylla, grandis, leucotricha, nigri- 

 cans, and Dillenii. 



Pereskia is a climbing genus, very distinct by reason of its leafy 

 stems and terminal panicles of flowers. P. aculeata and P. Bleo are the 

 best known. They are often used as stocks for Epiphyllums, either as 

 standards or trained on a roof with tufts of Epiphyllum inserted here 

 and there. For a small house they are not serviceable plants, being 

 very strong growers. 



PhyllocactUS. A group of showyaflowered plants, having flattened 

 jointed stems, from the edges of which the flowers are borne. The 

 flowers are usually brilliantly coloured, six to eight inches across, with 

 long, thin tubes. A mixture of loam, peat, and rotten manure, with 

 plenty of sand, makes a suitable compost, and during the growing season 

 a warm moist house is to be recommended. The plants should be kept 

 on the dry side in winter, but not thoroughly dried off. A number of 

 species are in cultivation, among the best being P. biformis, crenatus, 

 grandis, latifrons, and phyllanthoides. A large number of garden 

 hybrids are in cultivation, exhibiting a very wide range of colour. 



Rhipsalis. This family has round thin stems, or flattened Phyllo- 

 cactus-like stems, small inconspicuous flowers, and mistletoe-like fruit, 

 which is the chief attraction. R. Cassytha, with numerous white berries, 

 is one of the best. It makes a handsome basket plant, and should be 

 grown like an Epiphyllum. 



The following Cacti may be grown in a warm sunny place out of 

 doors, with a covering of mats in frosty weather : Cereus viridiflorus, 

 Echinocactus Simpsoni, Simpsoni var minor, and Mamillaria vivipara. 



