XV. 



THE TUBEROSE, CYCLAMEN, DAHLIA, COMMELINA, AND 

 VARIOUS TUBERS. 



THE TUBEROSE. 



HILE generally called a bulb, the 

 tuberose is properly a tuber ; but 

 this and some other plants of 

 similar nature may well find a 

 place in the present volume. 



There are two species of tuberose, that commonly grown, 

 Polianthes tuberosa, a native of the East Indies, and its 

 double variety, much more common but no handsomer than 

 the single ; and P. gracilis, a native of Brazil, with light 

 yellow flowers. 



The whole secret of blooming the tuberose successfully is 

 in giving the roots plenty to feed upon, and in keeping them 



215 



