jEChmea. 73 



iEcHMEA. 



/£. discolor. — This, although an old inhabitant of our 

 stoves, is not by any means so generally grown as it deserves ; 

 the leaves ate broad, recurved and smooth at the edges, the 

 upper side being deep green, whilst the reverse side is stained 

 with a vinous purple ; the panicle, which appears about 

 August, is branched, and deep coral red ; the flowers, which 

 are destitute of bracts, are of the same brilliant colour, and 

 tipped with blue and black, thus presenting a great re- 

 semblance to the seeds of Abnis precatorius. It continues 

 a long time in perfection, and should be in every collection. 



yS. distichantha. — This species has long glaucous linear- 

 oblong leaves, tapering to a sharp point, and distinctly armed 

 with reddish brown spines. The flower spike is densely 

 clothed with bright 'red bracts, from which the blooms pro- 

 trude, the sepals are rose colour, and the petals are bright 

 purple. It is a very handsome plant, and should be grown 

 in every collection of these plants. Native of Brazil. 



^. fulgens. — A beautiful species, producing its brilliant 

 scarlet bracts and blue flowers in great abundance during 

 August and September. Native of Cayenne. 



yE. glorrlerata. — A handsome and distinct plant, with fine, 

 large, dull green leaves, about one and a half feet long, broad 

 and rounded at the point ; the margins armed with short, 

 ■ wide-set, black spines. The scape is erect, stout, and from 

 eight to ten inches high, bearing a profusion of bright blood- 

 red coloured bracts, studded with deep blue flowers. A 

 very effective plant, and well deserving cultivation. Native 

 of Brazil. 



y£. Maria HegvruB. — This is without doubt the finest 

 Bromeliad yet introduced to cultivation. It is robust in habit, 

 the leaves are arranged in a vase-like manner, measuring from 



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