THE OXALIS. 55 



mostly trifoliate and slightly acid. Many of the species 

 are grown in the green-house, one of the most useful 

 being O. floribunda, which was introduced from Brazil in 

 1829. This very beautiful species requires the protection 

 of the green-house during the winter. It has bright rose- 

 colored flowers, which are produced in great abun- 

 dance during nearly the whole year. There is a variety 

 of this species with pure white flowers. Both are rapidly 

 increased by division of the root. 



Of the bulbous species, O. Bowiei is decidedly the 

 handsomest. The flowers are large and of a brilliant 

 rose color, and produced in the greatest profusion. There 

 is also a white variety of this species. O. Bowiei is gen- 

 erally cultivated as a green-house plant; it will, however, 

 endure our winters if planted in a rockery or in the border; 

 and so tenacious is it of life that it will dispute possession 

 with almost any other plant in the bed. This species 

 was introduced from the Cape of Good Hope in 1824. 

 Another most desirable kind for conservatory decoration is 

 O. lutea, also a Cape species, with large terminal clusters 

 of golden yellow flowers on long, slender scapes. O. versi- 

 color is still another beautiful species. It requires the 

 sunlight to expand its flowers ; but they are generally 

 thought to be more beautiful when closed than when 

 open. The colors are crimson, white, and a pale shade 

 of yellow. It is rapidly increased by offsets. There is 

 a number of other species that deserve a place in the 

 green-house. They are all of the easiest culture, and 

 grow freely in a sandy loam. The bulbous species take 

 a season of rest, and should be potted in fresh soil in 

 September or October. 



