EPIPHYLLUMS 239 
turning them outside during the summer is not a good one unless they 
have shelter from rain; otherwise the stems are likely to be too sappy 
to stand our winters. 
Description of A plant of Cereus flagelliformis reduced to about two- 
Fiate1l7. thirds of the natural size. Fig. 1, section of a flower. 
PHyLLocactus (Greek, phyllon, a leaf, and Cactus) is a genus 
of about a dozen species, natives of Tropical America: shrubby 
epiphytes, generally clinging by means of their roots to the trunks of 
gigantic forest trees, and remarkable for their flat blade-like stems, 
the absence of true leaves, and for the large size and rich colours 
of their beautiful flowers. . They share with Epiphyllum the favour of 
cultivators in this country who do not care for Cacti generally. Many 
hybrids have been raised from them, and there are several hundreds of 
named varieties known. All are easily grown in light soil in a sunny 
position in a warm greenhouse, and often a success in room windows. 
They are easily multiplied by means of cuttings inserted in small pots 
in sandy soil or from seeds sown in spring. 
The Frontispiece to Volume IIL represents Phyllocactus phyl- 
lanthoides, 
EPIPHYLLUMS 
Natural Order Cacrem. Genus Epiphyllum 
EprpHyiium (Greek epi, upon, and phyllon, a leaf: the branches 
resembling leaves and the flowers growing therefrom). A genus of 
three or four species, with small, flattened, fleshy branches of trailing or 
drooping habit, and large showy flowers. Natives of Brazil. Epiphyllum 
truncatum was introduced from Brazil in the year 1818 ; the forms most 
generally cultivated are of this species ; they need greenhouse treatment. 
EPIPHYLLUM TRUNCATUM (maimed). Stem jointed, 
compressed, the branches ending abruptly, as though eut 
off Flowers showy, red or rosy, nearly 3 inches long, from the ends of 
the branches ; stamens white. There are a number of garden varieties, 
the differences, however, being mere shades of colour. It grows 
naturally on the trunks of trees, a fact explaining its drooping habit. 
#. russellianwm has smaller, narrower branchlets. E. makoyanum and 
EL. Gaertneri, both recent introductions, have stouter branchlets and 
larger flowers, and are preferable to the above. There are. numerous 
named varieties of Z. truncatum in cultivation, 
Species, 
