ANTHURIUM. 57 



green in colour, and coriaceous in texture. The peduncles 

 or flower stems spring from among the bases of the leaf 

 stalks, and are bright red in colour, terminated by a brilliant 

 and intense scarlet ovate-oblong spathe, about three inches 

 in length, and nearly two inches in breadth ; the spadix 

 is orange-coloured. The beautiful contrast afforded by the 

 deep green leaves and bright scarlet spathe must be seen 

 fo be thoroughly appreciated. It is a splendid exhibition 

 plant, and on account of its leathery texture it will stand 

 uninjured in a cool house during summer, and will continue 

 in beauty for a period of four months at least. It is a plant 

 of easy culture, requiring good drainage, and to be potted 

 in rough fibrous peat and sphagnum moss. While growing, 

 it luxuriates in a high temperature and a moist atmosphere, 

 and requires a good supply of water at the roots, but during 

 the time it is in bloom less water should be given, especially 

 if it be placed in a cool house. This gem, which is a native 

 of Costa Rica, should find a place in every plant collection. 



A. Scherzerianum Dixonii. — This is a variety of the pre- 

 ceding, which has originated in our stoves from cultivation, 

 but we are totally unaware how or by what means it has come 

 about. It would almost appear to prove a tendency on the 

 part of the plant to produce double flowers, for the peculiarity 

 of the variety is, that, in addition to the large spathe of the 

 species, a second but smaller one is developed opposite it, 

 which has the efi'eet of increasing the amount of colour on a 

 specimen. 



A. Scherzerianum giganteum. — This is a gigantic form of 

 the normal state. The leaves and flowers being much larger 

 and of a most brilliant scarlet colour, it leaves nothing to be 

 desired as a decorative and exhibition plant, and should be in 

 every collection, the long-keeping qualities of the flowers 

 rendering it a very useful plant, 



D 3 



