PAK^^ II. NERTERA—NIEREMBERGIA. 259 



NERTERA iyE,YBM%%h^— Fruiting Duckweed. 



The flowers of this diminutive plant are very inconspicuous, 

 but when in fruit, it is best compared to a small Duckweed 

 growing on firm earth, and bearing numbers of little oranges ! 

 They not only occur on the surface of the tufts, but by pushing 

 the fingers between the small dense leaves the bright berries are 

 found in profusion hidden among them. It is quite distinct 

 in aspect from any other plant in cultivation, and, though no 

 more ornamental in flower than a Duckweed, deserves culture 

 for the pretty fruit. Should be associated with the dwarfest 

 alpines on open parts of the rockwork, in firm, free, and moist 

 soil. A native of New Zealand and the Andes of South America. 

 Easily increased by division. 



NIEREICBER&IA RIVXJLARIS.— »^a/«^ TV. 



Of quite a different type to the other members of its family seen 

 in our gardens, the stems and foliage of this trail along the 

 ground as dwarfly as those of the New Holland Violet, while 

 from amongst them spring erect, open, cup-like flowers of a 

 creamy-white tint, just barely pushed above the foliage. Some- 

 times the blossoms are faintly tinged with rose, are usually 

 nearly two inches across, with yellow centres, and continue 

 blooming during the summer and autumn months. Their dis- 

 tant effect, suggesting Snowdrops at first, is very pleasing, and 

 they are no less pretty when you come near and stand over 

 them. It is said to abound by the side of the Plate River, but 

 only within high-tide mark, its flowers rising so high among the 

 very dwarf grass that the plant is discerned from a great dis- 

 tance. No collection of rock or herbaceous plants can be 

 complete without it, while the tasteful flower-gardener may well 

 use it in his smaller designs. Why not add it to the charms 

 df our best form of spring garden — those parts of a country 

 place planted with beautiful spring bulbs, flowers hardy enough 

 to take care of themselves, and lovely as things in a really 

 wild state, peeping througii the young grass in spring or early 

 summer, without the usual gardenesque accompaniments of 

 naked muddy earth and prim surroundings ? Rooting much at 

 the base, it is easily increased by division. 



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