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FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 
f The upper portion of a branching stem of Phylica 
ericoides. Fig. 1, a flower head detached; 2, a single 
section through the same. 
VINES 
Natural Order Ampelide^. Genus Vitis 
Vitis (the old Latin name for the Grape-Vine). A genus comprising 
about two hundred and thirty species of climbing deciduous shrubs, 
including the well-known Grape-Vine. They have simple or compound 
leaves, and tendrils opposite the leaves. The flowers are small and 
greenish, in panicles, also set opposite to leaves. Their structure is some¬ 
what singular, though in general characters not differing greatly from 
those of Phylica. The calyx is five-lobed, the five petals distinct at the 
base but cohering at the tops, forming a cap over the stamens. As the 
stamens increase in size they push off the petals instead of separating 
them, and they fall away still united. Occasionally the attachment of 
the petals to the disc is so strong that they do not fall, and as a result 
the ovules are not fertilised. The grape may grow, but it will be without 
seeds. The species are natives chiefly of Tropical and Temperate Asia, 
and North America. We cannot here deal with the grape-bearing species 
and varieties, but must be content with reference to three species grown 
merely for ornament, and usually known as Ampelopsis. 
Species Vitis aconitifolia (Aconite-leaved). A slender and 
elegant climber with reddish branches and handsome leaves 
much resembling those of Monkshood ( Aconitum ). They are palmately 
cut into five lobes, which are in turn lobed in a pinnate manner. It is a 
native of China, and was introduced about thirty years ago. There are 
several varieties. 
V. inconstans (very variable). Veitch’s Ampelopsis. Ivy-like in 
the closeness of its attachment to walls. Leaves small, variable in shape, 
divided into three triangular lobes, which are toothed. A native of China 
and Japan, introduced 1868. Better known a s Ampelopsis Veitchii. 
V. qtjinquefolia (five-leaved). Virginian Creeper. A very fast¬ 
growing climber, with palmate leaves, of three or five stalked and toothed 
leaflets. The small flowers are greenish purple. A native of North 
America, introduced 1629. 
cultivation. The species mentioned are very desirable for covering 
new walls, porches, or other structures, which they render 
