CHAP. V. ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, ETC. 341 



ficant flowers ; but is ornamental for the curious ash-coloured 

 zigzag bands upon its leaves. 



Pitcairnia. 



A genus of plants with sedge-like leaves, bearing during the 

 Hot and Eain seasons handsome racemes of large tubular bril- 

 liant crimson flowers. Not particular as to soil, though probably 

 that recommended for the preceding plants of this order would 

 suit them best. Multiplied to any extent by division. 



1. P. bromeliaefolia. The largest growing plant of all, and best 

 adapted to the open border ; conspicuous for the white, mealy 

 appearance of the under-surface of the leaves. 



2. P. Olfersii. Has broad leaves, and is in most respects 

 similar to the preceding. 



3. P. punicea. A much smaller plant, and preferable to all 

 perhaps for the size of the flowers and the compactness of the 

 racemes. 



4. P. integrifolia. Has narrow leaves without spines on their 

 edge as those of other species have. The racemes of flowers are 

 long, lax, and diffuse, and consequently not so handsome as in 

 some other species. 5. P. fruticosa. 



6. P. latifolia. Described as producing a bunch of from fifty 

 to sixty flowers of a dazzling red. 



7. P. Altensteinii. Said to bear a thick short flower-stalk, 

 supporting long tubular yellowish-white flowers, contrasting 

 finely with their dazzling crimson velvet bracts. 



AMARYLLIDACE^]. 



A very numerous order of bulbous plants, most of which at 

 different periods appear to have been introduced into this 

 country, though but a very limited number have long survived. 

 Some have proved unsuited to the climate, and soon perished. 

 Some have continued to thrive for many years, but without 

 ever producing a flower, and so at last have become neglected 

 and lost. Some few are indigenous to this country, and these 

 blossom beautifully each season without any especial care being 

 required in their cultivation. Those that are natives of the 

 Cape of Good Hope almost all fail of blossoming here ; and the 

 trouble and expense of importing them to grow near Calcutta is 



