again, as it gives a distinct appearance to the Orchid-house or stove, where in 
mid-winter it produces such an abundance of flowers. We are indebted to the 
kindness of F. G. Tautz, Esq., Studley House, Shepherd’s Bush, for our plate, 
m whose well-known collection this plant flowered last season, at which time our 
drawing was taken. 
Ansellia Africana is a noble evergreen plant, producing erect stem-like pseudo- 
bulbs, which grow from three to four or more feet high; the foliage is light 
green, and strongly ribbed, the ribs being specially prominent on the underside; 
and when grown it presents a bold, Palm-like appearance. The panicle is produced 
from the apex of the stem, it is drooping, much branched, oftentimes bearing 
as many as a hundred flowers, which have a grand and striking appearance. The 
sepals and petals are yellow, transversely blotched and spotted all over with dark 
brown; the lip yellow. It blooms during the autumn and winter, and continues 
in perfection for about two months. 
This plant is easily grown into a large specimen, but it requires ample pot 
room, as it is free in rooting, as well as being strong and robust in growth. 
The material we have found to suit it best is rough peat and good leaf-mould, in 
about equal parts, to which should be added some sharp sand, and the plant should 
be slightly elevated above the rim of the pot, the latter being well and thoroughly 
drained. The plant, as found growing by Mr. Ansell, was near the base of Palm 
trees, revelling in fibre and leaf-mould, its roots forming large tangled masses at 
the base of the stems. During its season of growth and its time of flowering it 
requires a large amount of moisture, and in our houses sufficient moisture is 
necessary at all seasons to keep its stem-like bulbs from shrivelling, for should 
this occur, it will lose its foliage, and this detracts greatly from its appearance. The 
plant does not require to be disturbed frequently, and the best time to re-pot it is 
in the spring, just as it begins to show signs of new growth, and at this season 
it will require careful watering, but after the growth has attained to about a foot 
in height, the plant will have fully occupied its new quarters, and water may be — 
given more freely. We find it thrive at the warmest end of the Cattleya 
house, and equally as well in the East India house, or even in an ordinary stove 
with other tropical plants; it requires but little shade, yet care must be taken to 
prevent its foliage from getting scorched. : 
Scale sometimes attacks this plant, but this should be carefully eradicated, as 
no plant can long remain in a healthy condition, unless kept free from insects. 
This plant is propagated by division, and in doing this one or two old bulbs 
should be taken off with a leading growth, and the best time to perform the 
operation is just before growth commences; the piece or pieces divided from the 
old plant should be placed in small pots until they become established, after which 
they may be subjected to the treatment given above for the original plants. 
