184 Subtropical Gardening. 



*Rumex Hydrolapathum. A very large native 

 water-plant of a size and habit sufficiently striking to 

 entitle it to a place amongst ornamental subjects by the 

 water-side. The radical long-stalked leaves, which are 

 sometimes 2 ft. or more in length, form erect tufts of a 

 very imposing character. The flowering-stem is fre- 

 quently 6 ft. in height, and bears a very large, dense, 

 pyramidal panicle of a reddish or olive-fawn colour. The 

 plant is most effective in autumn, when the leaves change 

 to a lurid red colour, which they retain for some time. 



*Saccharum aegyptiacum. A vigorous perennial 

 grass, forming ample tufts of reed-like downy stems 6i ft. 

 to 13 ft. high, and clothed with very graceful foliage, well 

 adapted for ornamenting the margins of pieces of water, 

 the slopes and other parts of pleasure-grounds, etc., in a 

 warm position. In our climate it does not flower, but 

 even without its fine feathery plumes it is a pretty plant 

 from its foliage and habit alone. Easily and quickly 

 multiplied by division in spring ; the offsets to be started 

 in a frame or pit. When established they may be planted 

 out in May or June. N. Africa. 



*Sagittaria sagittifolia. A British water-plant, 

 affording the most remarkable example of the arrow- 

 shaped leaf to be met with among hardy plants. These 

 leaves stand erect, from i ft. to i ft. above the water, 

 and from the middle of the tuft the flowering-stem rises 

 in August to the height of i* ft. to 2* ft. The flowers 

 are of a pale rosy-white colour. There is a variety with 

 double flowers (S. sagittifolia fl ore pleno], which resemble 

 the flowers of the double Rocket. Both the double and 

 single kinds should have a place among water or bog 

 plants. 



