CEREUS. 35 



distinct kind, with stems similar to those of the last-named, but 

 thicker and slightly less spiny, and flowers 4 inches wide, bright red, 

 with pale yellow stamens. They are produced in abundance, a 

 large specimen making a very attractive display for several weeks 

 in the summer. 



C. serpentinus. 



The stems of this plant (Fig. 12) are at first erect and stout 

 enough to support themselves ; but as they lengthen they fall 

 over and grow along the ground ; they have numerous ridges, with 

 clusters of hair-like spines, which are usually purplish. Flowers large, 



Fig. 12. Cereus serpentinu*. 



handsome, fragrant ; tube l> inches long, green ; petals and sepals 

 spreading and forming a star 3 inches in diameter, the petals 

 purplish on the outside, and pinkish-white inside. Small specimens 

 are ornamental even when not in flower, the bright green, sinuous 

 striate stem, with little clusters of fine spines, and short tufts of 

 white wool, being both curious and pretty. It flowers freely in 

 summer. South America, 1814. 



GLOBOSE AND COLUMNAR-STEMMED SPECIES. 

 C. aggregates. 



Stems egg-shaped, 2 inches to 4 inches high, occurring wild 

 in dense c^spitose masses of from 100 to 200 stems " like a bushel 



D 2 



