0352 



NOMENCLATURE. Nerium is derived from a Greek word meaning wet, because it 

 grows naturally on the banks of streams [Translator's note: Nereus was a god of the sea]. 

 Oleander comes from olea, olive tree, because its leaf is stiff like that of the olive tree 

 and it's largely similar in shape. German, giftrosenbaum. English, common rosebay. 

 Italian, rosalauro, mazza di S. Giuseppe. Arabic, tiflae. 



USES. The common oleander has served as an ornamental in large parterres for a 

 long time. It often shares with the orange tree the distinction of being displayed in the 

 public gardens of Paris and its surroundings. The other, more delicate, species is 

 beginning to be more widespread; its lovely bouquets of soft pink flowers have attracted 

 the attention of connoisseurs. In a few years it probably will be as familiar as the first 

 one. 



CULTIVATION. These two species and their varieties need to be kept in a 

 conservatory during the winter in the north of France. They're raised in containers in 

 earth that's substantial and compact. In summer they're placed in the warmest possible 

 exposure and watered frequently. In winter, dampness is the death of them; it gets the 

 new shoots moldy and kills them. Oleanders don't need frequent changes of their boxes or 

 containers. If they're given fresh soil or too much of it, they put out a lot of branches and 

 fewer flowers. The first species grows few roots; it can stay in the same box for six years. 

 Oleanders are propagated from shoots or by layers that take root easily. In the south the 

 seeds of the common oleander ripen and they can be used for propagation. 



KEY TO PLATE. 



501. Large-flowered oleander. 



502. Common oleander. 1. Open corolla and stamens. 2. Complete fruit. 



