168 GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT. 



ASPIDISTRA. 



This genus, of which Aspidistra lurida, with its 

 variegated form (Fig. 64), is the best known species, is 

 of value as a house plant, and to the florist, to be used 

 in decorations, on account of its hardiness and its ability 

 to stand rough treatment. It is propagated by division, 

 and with an abundance of moisture and a moderate 

 temperature, it makes a rapid growth. A compost of 

 rotten sods, sand and manure in equal parts seems 

 adapted to it. 



CHAPTER XII. 



DRACAENAS AND CORDYLINES. 



The value of these plants is each year more and 

 more recognized by florists, as their use for decorations 

 is better understood ; their increased popularity is also 

 undoubtedly due to the many distinct and beautiful 

 varieties that have been brought out in recent years. In 

 these two genera are found a large number of plants, 

 most of which are commonly known as Dracaenas, but 

 which are properly termed Cordylines. It is not strange 

 that the nomenclature should be confused, as the genera 

 contain many plants that can only be distinguished by 

 their flowers and fruits, both of which are small and 

 inconspicuous. The Dracaenas, as a rule, have but a 

 single ovule in each cell of the ovary, while the Cordy- 

 lines have many ; the flowers of the Cordyline are also 

 much smaller than those of the Dracaena. 



In the genus Dracaena, we find only a few species in 

 cultivation, D. concinna, D. Draco, D. elliptica, D. 

 fragrans and its varieties, D. Ooldiana and D. margi- 

 nata being best known. Among the Cordylines are 

 the following species and varieties : C. amabilis, Aus- 



