408 GAftDEN PLANTS. PAST 11. 



Alstonia. 



A. nereifolia. A small shrub, with neat foliage, much re- 

 sembling that of the Oleander, but with the leaves somewhat 

 broader ; flowers of moderate size, star-like, pure-white, scent- 

 less, though unpretending in themselves, yet cheerful-looking 

 opposed to the dark-green leaves. May be raised from seed. 



Nerium. 



N. odorum OLEANDER KOSE-BAY Kunel. A large 

 spreading shrub, six to eight feet high ; throws up from the 

 ground its numerous rod-like stems, upon the summit of which 

 is borne its foliage of narrow lanceolate leaves, surmounted by a 

 profusion of large cheerful flowers. There are several varieties 

 of this delightful shrub, namely, those with pink, deep-red, 

 white, and variegated flowers, both single and double of each. 

 The double white, however, is a great rarity, though it is said to 

 exist. This shrub may be considered the glory of the gardens 

 of Upper India, where, during the Hot season, it thrives 

 vigorously, and being always covered with blossom, scents the 

 whole air around with its fine perfume. In the vicinity of 

 Calcutta it thrives not nearly so vigorously. In the Deccan it 

 may be often seen growing wild by the margins of rivers and 

 jheels, where it looks extremely beautiful. The juice of the 

 stem is said to be a deadly poison. Propagated easily by layers 

 or by division. It also yields seed abundantly. 



Rhyncospermum. 



R. jasminoides. A native of China, but recently introduced 

 into this country. A slender climbing shrub, growing to about 

 six or eight feet high, with oval, 'pointed, deep-green, smooth 

 leaves, about an inch and a half long ; bears in the Hot season, 

 in unbounded profusion, pure-white, sparkling, delightfully 

 fragrant, salver-shaped flowers, nearly an inch across, with the 

 lobes of the corolla curiously twisted ; produced in corymbs. A 

 most choice and ornamental plant; requires a trellis for its 

 support. Propagated easily in the Eains by cuttings. 



Echites, 

 1. E. earyophyllata CLOVE-SCENTED ECHITES Malutee. A 



