FATSIAS 245 
FATSIAS 
Natural Order ARALIACEH. Genus Fatsia 
Fartsta (the J apanese name). A small genus comprising only three 
species of shrubs with large, handsome, palmately-lobed leaves, and small 
greenish flowers arranged in umbels. Petals five, stamens five, stigmas 
five. The flowers are very similar to those of the Order UMBELLIFERA. 
The species are confined to North-West America, J. apan, and Formosa. 
The Fatsias are of recent introduction to British 
gardens, F. horrida, from North-West America, making its 
appearance only in 1829 and F. papyrifera in 1852. The last named 
is rather tender in this country, and used chiefly in what is called sub- 
tropical gardening, but in its native country it has something more than 
horticultural value. It is the plant from which the Rice-paper is made. 
It is said to attain its full size in less than a year, when the stems are 
cut down and left to soak in running water for several days to loosen 
the bark. Then the cylindrical mass of pith is removed, cut into lengths, 
and revolved against the edge of a sharp knife, which cuts it into a thin 
even sheet. ; 
FATSIA HORRIDA (rugged, in allusion to its spines and 
prickles). Stems 6 to 12 feet high, armed with yellow 
spines. Leaves palmately-lobed, the general outline being heart-shaped ; 
prickly. Flowers in terminal panicles of umbels; August. 
F. saponica (Japanese). Stem erect, 3 to 5 feet. Leaves large and 
leathery ; digitately lobed. Flowers small, in umbellate panicles; July 
and August. There is a var. variegata with white margins and blotches; 
var. reticulata has golden-yellow veins, and var. variegata-awrea has 
markings of a rich yellow hue. Also known as Aralia Sieboldii. 
F. PAPYRIFERA (paper-bearing). Rice-paper Plant. Stem erect, 
branching above, 6 to 8 feet high. Leaves large, five- or seven-lobed. 
Flowers in drooping panicles; July and August. Young plant downy, 
afterwards smooth. 
Fatsias are chiefly grown in pots for greenhouse or 
indoor decoration; sometimes turned out in the beds in 
summer, ‘They succeed best in a compost of which sandy loam forms 
the base, and to which is added peat, leaf-mould, and sand. They require 
plenty of water, but free drainage must be provided. Propagation is 
effected by cuttings either of the root or stem, pieces about two inches 
long being inserted in pots of sandy soil and placed in bottom heat, when 
Il.—21 ' 
History. 
Species. 
Culture. 
