FIG MARIGOLDS 243 
1690. Two others—M. coccinewm and M. glawewm—were introduced 
about 1696, and M. erystallinum, the familiar Ice-plant, was first brought 
to public notice in 1725. M. echinatum and M. tricolorum appeared fifty 
years later, and M. violacewm and M. cymbifolium in 1820 and 1822 
respectively. Many less familiar forms came in between, and there has 
been a steady procession of new forms all through this century. J. edule 
is grown for its pleasant fruit. The leaves of M. pugioniforme are said 
to be a good substitute for Spinach, and those of M. tortuosum to be 
chewed as a narcotic by the Hottentots. M. cystallinwm is burnt in 
great quantities for the use of the glassmaker. A peculiarity of the 
seed-vessels must be noted. These shrivel up and imprison the seed, 
but on the approach of the rain that fits the ground for their germination, 
the vessel becomes plump and turgid. The seeds are thereby pressed out. 
MESEMBRYANTHEMUM COCCINEUM (scarlet). Stems 
shrubby, erect, 1} foot high. Leaves three-sided, blunt, 
somewhat glaucous. Flowers solitary, spreading, scarlet; May to 
September. 
M. CRYSTALLINUM (crystalline). Ice-plant. Stems trailing, spread- 
ing. Plant covered with glittering points as though frosted. Leaves 
egg-shaped, alternate, clasping the stem. Flowers white, in the axils, 
almost stalkless ; May to August. 
‘M. CYMBIFOLIUM (boat-leaved). Stem shrubby, 1 foot high. Leaves 
thick, keeled, upper surface concave, opposite. Flowers yellow. 
Plate 120C. 
M. ECHINATUM (hedgehog-like). Stem shrubby,- erect, branched, 
3 to 6 inches high. Leaves swollen, oval-oblong, covered with little 
spiny points. Flowers yellow, not very striking; August. Plate 120B. 
M. EDULE (edible). Hottentot Fig. Stem prostrate, shrubby ; 
branches angled. Leaves three-sided, slightly channelled, keel toothed. 
Flowers large, solitary, at end of shoots, yellow ; July. 
M. TRICOLORUM (three-coloured). | Stems _ prostrate, distantly 
branched. Leaves slender, cylindrical, pointed. Flowers large and 
bright, on long stalks, straw-coloured, crimson near the centre; April. 
M. VIOLACEUM (violet). Stems shrubby, erect, 1 to 2 feet high ; 
branches with a violet tinge. Leaves almost round, obscurely three- 
sided, glaucous, studded with rough dots. Flowers varying from flesh- 
colour to violet ; June to October. Plate 120A. 
These plants like a rather poor soil; yellow loam to 
which has been added plenty of sand and old mortar with 
well-rotted manure will serve admirably. Few of them are sufficiently 
hardy to be grown without greenhouse protection; but all those 
Principal Species. 
Cultivation. 
