14 Gardening in Egypt. 



Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. A very suitable plant 

 for hedges, with handsome foliage and large dark-red 

 flowers. It strikes easily from cuttings in the autumn, 

 and is much grown in the gardens of Cairo. 



Duranta Plumieri The Blembago of the Arabs. 

 A quick growing plant, with hanging clusters of 

 pretty mauve flowers, thorny stems, and bunches of 

 orange-coloured berries. It may be propagated either 

 by seed or cuttings, and is one of the best plants for 

 a hedge. It is an evergreen plant, but in very 

 exposed positions it sometimes loses its leaves in 

 winter, 



Myrtus communis The Common Myrtle. This 

 plant is often used for the purpose of hedges, its 

 foliage and flowers having a pretty effect in spring, 

 but unfortunately its leaves are often attacked by in- 

 sect pests. It thrives best in rich alluvial soil. 



Schinus terebinthifolia The Filfil. A useful 

 plant for tall screens ; it also lends itself readily to 

 arching. To these may be added : 



Ligustrmn japonica^ the " Privet " ; Viburnum 

 odoratissimum ; V. tinus ; Lantana Camara, and its 

 varieties ; Nerium oleander ; Justicia Betlonica ; 

 Laurus nobilis, the " Sweet Bay " ; Elceagnus 

 hortensis (for screens) ; Opuntia Ficus-Indica, 

 "Indian Fig"; and Arundo Donax, "Bamboo Grass," 

 for windy positions. All the above-mentioned plants 

 may be used either for hedges or screens. 



