Gardening in California 



MESEMBRYANTHEMUM. 



Mesembryanthemum spectabilis. 



A genus of over three hun- 

 dred species, mostly succulent 

 perennials or annuals which 

 make excellent plants for cover- 

 ing dry banks or borders, and, 

 where water is scarce, and where 

 they are not likely to be tram- 

 pled over, a good substitute for 

 grass, many species being of a 

 creeping spreading habit, hug- 

 ging the ground closely and 

 forming a carpet of rich green. 

 Mesembryanthemum spectabilis 

 and Mesembryanthemum versi- 



color are chiefly grown for the blaze of color they give during 

 sunshine. Mesembryanthemum sequilaterale, Mesembryanthe- 

 mum austral is, etc., are mostly used for covering rocky banks, 

 sand flats, and slopes, etc. 



The Mesembryanthemum is not used so freely as it ought 

 to be. Many waste pieces of ground, dry shifting steep slopes, 

 railroad embankments, etc., now of a neglected, unkempt appear- 

 ance, could be planted with any of the stronger-growing, thick- 

 leaved species of this genus which, in addition to making a 

 covering for the ground, would hold the slopes or embankments 

 from sliding or from being moved by the elements. Mesembry- 

 anthemum austral is (white-flowered) is the best for this purpose 

 as it is a hardy, strong grower and a deep rooter, forming a 

 dense, thick carpet of heavy stems difficult to move or wash out 

 of position. 



Propagate by inserting cuttings, in Spring, about six inches 

 apart, where they are to bloom, or where wanted, first preparing 

 the ground by cultivating (either by plowing or spading) and 



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