ECHINOPSIS. (55 



E. Eyriesii. 



Stein the size of a cricket ball, with about a dozen ridges, the 

 ddges sharp, and bearing little tufts of whitish wool and red, hair- 

 like spines. Flower large, the tube 6 inches long, funnel-shaped, 

 pale green, with tufts of brown hairs, scattered over the surface ; 

 petals numerous, narrow-pointed, spreading, pure white ; stamens 

 pale yellow, and the star-li^e stigma white. Mexico. " Remarkabla 

 for the rich, delicate odour the flowers exhale at night, at which time 

 the glorious blossoms expand. When young, they resemble long, 

 sooty-grey horns, covered over with a black, shaggy hairiness, and 

 would never be suspected to conceal a form of the utmost beauty 

 and a clear and delicate complexion. When the hour of perfection 

 has arrived, and the coarse veil of hair begins to be withdrawn by 

 the expansion of the unfolding petals, one is amazed at the 

 unexpected loveliness which stands revealed in the form of thin 

 vegetable star, whose rays are of the softest white " (Lindley). This 

 plant requires greenhouse treatment, with plenty of fresh air and 

 as much light as possible. 



E. E. fiore-pleno. 



A form with several rows of petals, which give the flowers a 

 doubled appoarance. (Fig. 31.) 



E. oxygonus. 



Similar to E. Eyriesii. Stem globular in shape and divided 

 into about fourteen acute-edged ridges, upon which are tufts 

 of brown spines, varying from J to 1| inches in length. Flower 

 8 inches long, the tube slightly curved, covered with little scales 

 and hairs, and coloured green and red ; petals broad, with pointed 

 tips, forming an incurved cup ; their colour a bright rose, paler 

 towards the centre of the flower. Brazil. Introduced about 1850. 

 It should be treated as advised for E. Eyriesii ; its flowers develop 

 in summer. 



E. Pentlandi. 



Stem globose, 3 inches wide, divided into about a dozen 

 ridges, which are undulated or broken up into irregular 

 tubercles, crowned with tufts of brown, bristle-like spines, \ inch 

 long. Flowers large, the tube being 4 inches long, and trumpet- 

 shaped, petals arranged in overlapping whorls and forming a cup 

 2 inches across, the lowest whorl turning downwards ; colour brilliant 

 red, the stamens white, and the stigma yellow. Three or four flowers 

 are often expanded together on the same stem, springing from the 

 side. Mexico ; introduced about 1 840. There are several distinct 

 forms of this species, having flowers either red, yellow and white, 01 

 white. They may all be grown in a sunny greenhouse or window, 

 as they only require protection from frost, if placed out of doors 

 in summer, and under glass in winter, they make better growth 



