ON ROOM PLANTS. 



769 



is no denying its decorative qualities. The exact antithesis of 



this is, however, to be found in the leathery Phormium tenax, 



and its equally 



desirable and 



more effective 



variegated forms. 



It has long, 



sword shaped 



leaves, and is 



popularly known 



as the New 



Zealand Flax. 



Where a very 

 graceful plant is 

 required, Ophi- 

 opogon Jaburan 

 variegata (Fig. 

 510) may be 

 strongly recom- 

 mended. The 

 foliage is narrow, 

 but neatly varie- 

 gated, and. very 

 tough. In sum- 

 mer this plant 

 should be well 

 syringed over- 

 head with rain- 

 water. A com- 

 paratively little- 

 known plant. 

 This is not 

 grown entirely 

 for its foliage, 

 although this is 

 its chief attrac- 

 tion. 



Pretty window 

 and table plants are several species of Araucaria, a genus of 

 Conifers to which the formidable-looking Monkey Puzzle belongs. 

 A. excelsa (Fig. 511) is very pretty in a young state, the 

 neat habit and tender green combining to make' it very attractive. 

 It is evergreen. A fitting companion for this last-named for 

 a dinner-table is the graceful variegated Reed (Carex japonica 

 variegata), its grass-like foliage and pretty habit entitling it to 

 consideration. 



Uncommon and very serviceable plants are several species of 

 Dasylirion. Correctly speaking these liliaceous plants should 



3 D 



Fig. 509. — Maranta major. 



