"^^B 



■VL'rn'ATiox 



r ' 



IRE-POKER plant i.^ the familiar name ot' what is scientitically 

 known as the Tritoma uvaria. Tiitoma signilies thrice-cut, in the 

 lST~jf V* original Greek, and is supposed to represent the three sharp edges ot" 

 the leaf, namely, the two margins and the keel ; and uvaria, from the 

 Latin, denotes the not very close resemblance of its raceme of flowers 

 I'lj- to a bunch of grapes. At a distance, the spike-like raceme looks more 

 ike a red-hot poker (whence its very expressive nickname), and, with its 

 ipporting stalk rises to a height of from two to four feet, nearly one-half being 

 covered with the bloom. The flowers at their first appearance are a bright red, 

 and change through all the shades of that color down to a light yellow, in which 

 they continue the best part of the season. They are conspicuous at quite a dis- 

 tance, and never fail to attract attention by their peculiar manner of growth; near at hand 

 they are no less striking by the oftensiveness of their smell. The leaves, unlike those of 

 most of the other Liliaceous plants, are narrow and grass-like, looking very much like a 

 large tuft of dark-green pampas-grass; but they make up in numbers for what they lack 

 in width. The Tritomas are often set out as ornamental plants in landscapes, lawns and 

 gardens; but are scarcely ever introduced into the parlor or displayed in the window. 

 This is another of those Cape of Good Hope buUis that contribute so largely to the 

 diversification of our Flora; and by its hardy habit is easily cared for even in our colder 

 northern latitudes. Placed in a box, with a slight covering of earth to protect the roots, 

 and an equally light covering of hay or straw for the head, it will vur\ i\(.- any ordinary 

 winter in a common cellar; and can be again planted early in spring as socm as all danger 

 of the heavier frosts has disappeared. The Tritoma will flourish with the same soil and 

 treatment as other Liliaceous plants; and may be propagated in the manner described 

 under the head " Lily." 



^' 



TROP^OLZ-M. 



^^ASTURTIUM, from the Latin, meaning nose-twisted, is perhaps 

 a more significant name for this genus of plants than the one given 

 ^\v '-.'^ it in science. It was probably intended to express by that word 

 V5Ap^a\i^ ' the pungent odor; while the scientific name Tropffiolum, from the 

 v"^-^ ^'^^ Greek tropceon, a trophy, seems to have no special application, 



xWi\ ^^ unless it be because of the shield-like shape of the leaves; and 

 perhaps an observable, though not very striking, resemblance between the 

 flower and an inverted helmet. In ancient Greece, trophies raised on the field 

 of battle were composed largely of captured shields and helmets. It is nick- 

 named Indian Cress on account of its sharp, pungent taste and its occasional 

 use as a salad. The beauty of the flowers and leaves make it an excellent 

 adornment for fences and rock work, while the fresh leaves may be used as a table vege- 

 table, possessing marked anti-scorbutic properties. The T. Lobbianum, so called after Mr. 



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