Agathophyllum 



( 23 ) 



Agave 



The native name for trees and timber is Dammar. 

 The Kauri Pine (australis) is perhaps the best 

 known species. All can be grown in large con- 

 servatories in loam and peat. 



Principal Species : 

 australis, 1')' to 2JO'. Moorei, 30'. 



Other Species : 



loranthifolia, .">(>'. obtusa, 50'. 



macrophylla, 40'. robusta, 100'. 



AGATHOPHYLLUM. 



The only species of note is an evergreen stove 

 tree (urtt. Lanrineic), remarkable for the Clove-like 

 odour of its leaves, and the fragrance of its bark 

 and dried fruits. Peat, or leaf soil, and loam 

 form a suitable rooting medium. Cuttings are 

 easily rooted in sandy soil, in heat. 



Principal Species : 



aromaticum, 30', Jy., wh. (Correctly known as 

 B&vensarn arornatica,.) 



AGATHOSMA. 



(Or//. Kutaeeu.'.) Evergreen greenhouse shrubs 

 from South Africa. All have a powerful odour, but 

 few are now cultivated. Firm potting in peat 

 and sand is necessary ; it is advisable to afford 

 shade; during summer. Cuttings are best struck in 

 sand, under a bell-glass, in a cool frame. 



Principal Species : 



hirta pin pnrea, 2', My., Je., pur. 



imbricata, 3', My.. Je., pinkish pur. 



acumiimta, :V. My., Je., vio. 



rugosa. 2', My., Je., wh. 



Other Species: 



brevifolia, 2',My. ,Je. ,pur. hirta, 2', My., Je., wh. 

 cuspidiita hruniades, 2', hispida, 1', My., Je., vio. 



pur. vnst.itji >' Mv Tn i;i 



ciliata, 2', My., Je., wh. 

 erecta, 2', bl., wh. 



AGAVE. 



Description. A genus of plants (ord. Amaryl- 

 lidea>) not properly appreciated in gardens, where 

 they produce a fine effect, either under glass or for 

 sub-tropical gardening outdoors in summer. The 

 best for the latter purpose is probably americana, 

 though others might be largely used. "Large speci- 

 mens in tubs or vases may be employed to produce 

 a massive effect on terraces or at the top of flights 

 of steps in the garden. Under glass they are very 

 striking, and it, is unfortunate that, good collections 

 are so seldom met with in private gardens. Their 

 fleshy leaves, often decorated with spines and 

 prickles, are very handsome. They flower so seldom 

 that the popular tradition is applied to them, as to 

 the Aloe, that they only flower when 100 years old. 

 This is a fallacy, as some bloom frequently even 

 when young. Sartori may be cited as one of this 

 free-flowering class. The flowers are funnel shaped, 

 an:l are mostly greenish yellow. They often remain 

 in a small state for many years, so that they are 

 very suitable for amateurs. 



Propagation. By suckers, when obtainable, taken 

 c iff ami put into pots filled with loam, leaf mould, 

 and sand, with a little peat ; or by seeds sown in 

 heat in spring. 



Soil. That given in the directions for propa- 

 gating is suitable, with the addition of a little 

 thoroughly decayed cow manure, previously heated 

 so as to destroy any pests which may be in it. 



Agathyrms (see Lactuca). 

 Aijati (sec tSesbania). 



vestita, 2', My., Jc./lil. 

 villosa, 2', My., Je., vio. 



Some add a little brick rubbish to the compost. 

 Ample drainage is necessary. 



Other Cultural Points. The greater number will 

 thrive in a greenhouse temperature, only a few re- 

 quiring more heat. The hardiness of many has not 

 yet been tested, so that a number might do with a 

 lower temperature than is at present thought neces- 

 sary. In summer they ought to have free supplies 

 of water, but these should be gradually reduced 

 on the approach of winter, when they need very 

 little. Plants outdoors must be housed before frost. 



Principal Species : 



[The nomenclature is that of Mr. J. G. Baker's 

 " Handbook of the Amaryllidese," to which work 

 specialists might refer for full descriptions.] 



americana, 20' to 30', leaves 2J' to 6' long, with 

 sharp, dark br. point and prickles. The best 

 varieties are picta (syn. ornata), which has golden 

 yel. leaves, bordered with deep grn. ; and 

 variegata, with a grn. centre and a yel. border 

 to the leaves. According to Mr. Baker, americana 

 was introduced into Europe about the middle of 

 the sixteenth century, anil flowered at Hampton 

 Court in 1714. One of the hardiest and most useful. 



dasylirioides, 10', yel., leaves 1J' to 3', glaucous. 

 A desirable Agave. 



filifera, 4', grn., leaves 0" long, with grey, wiry 

 threads along the margin. The form called fila- 

 mentosa is even preferable to this. 



Kerchovei, a variable and widely grown plant, 

 almost stemless, with leaves 1' long, dull grn. 

 with grey margin. Diplacantha is one of the 

 best forms (syn. Beaucaruei). 



* 



J'li. .!>: li. X t',.^,, K,liiil>iinih. 



AGAVE ATTENUATA, SHOWING PORTION OF FLOWER SPIKE. 



