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BULLETIN 465, IT. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



PROPAGATION. 



Although the banana waterlily is native to only a small portion of 

 the United States, it can be successfully grown over practically the 

 whole country. The plant has long been familiar in cultivation and 

 is sold by most dealers in ornamental aquatics. The waterlily expert 

 of one of the largest firms in the United States reports that Castalia 

 mexican-a is perfectly hardy as far north as New York City when 

 covered with a foot of water, and he believes that if covered with 2 

 feet of water it would be harclv at Boston. 



Fig. 35. — Range of banana waterlily. 



The banana waterlily needs an abundance of sunlight, water from 

 1 to 3 feet deep, 1 and a mud bottom. It is not injured by a trace 

 of salt, as is shown by its growing in lakes very near the coast. The 

 rootstocks may be planted by weighting them with stones and drop- 

 ping where desired. Having great vitality, they may be shipped with 

 only moderate precautions to prevent them from drying, and may be 

 transplanted at almost any time of the year. 



1 When established it will spread to places where the water is even 5 feet deep. 



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