THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



spadix, or flower-spike, which is surrounded by a greenish-coloured 

 spathe. Height about i^lt. 



Phragmites communis (Common Reed) is a very graceful 

 plant of vigorous habit, and the largest of the British grasses. 



Fig. 593. — Menyanthes trifoliata. 



Its large, handsome panicles are of a dull purplish colour. 

 Height 6 ft. to 10ft. 



Pontederia cordata (Pickerel Weed) (Fig. 594). — An elegant 

 erect-growing plant, with heart-shaped leaves on long petioles. The 

 flower-spikes, which are freely produced, bear numerous small 

 pretty blue flowers, closely set together. This should be included 

 in all collections of choice Aquatics. Height about 2ft. 



Ranunculus Lingua (Great Spearwort). — A vigorous-growing 

 British plant with bright yellow flowers. Height about 3ft. 



Richardia africana (Calla athiopicd), the Lily of the Nile, or 

 Arum Lily, readily adapts itself to aquatic culture, and forms a 

 very effective feature in the margin of a pond. A sunny, 



