2^4 



PETALOlDEi© 



I. Asparagus 



I. A. officinalis (Common Aparagus). — The only British species, 

 occurring sparingly on several parts of the sea-coast, especially near 

 the Lizard Point, Cornwall ; it differs only in size from the culti- 

 vated plant. — Fl. July, August. Perennial.- 



AsPARAGUS Officinalis 

 {Common Asparagus) 



Ruscus Aculeatus 

 (Butcher's Broom) 



2. Ruscus {Butcher's Broom) 



I. R. aculeatus (Butcher's Broom, Knee Holly). — The only 

 British species, and the only British shrub, of Endogenous growth. 

 A low shrub, 3-4 feet high, with erect green stems, which are 

 branched and plentifully furnished with very rigid leaves, terminat- 

 ing each in a sharp spine. The flowers are minute, greenish white, 

 and grow singly from the centres of the leaves ; the berries are 

 two or three times as large as Holly berries, round, and of a brilliant 

 scarlet colour. Waste and bushy places ; not uncommon, especi- 

 ally in the south of England. — Fl. April, May. Shrub. 



3. CoNVALLARiA (Lily of the Valley) 



I. C. majalis (Lily of the Valley). — Leaves all from the root ; 

 flowers drooping in a long, one-sided cluster. A common and 

 universally admired garden plant, equally prized for its globular, 

 pure white flowers, and for its delicious perfume. Berries scarlet. 

 Woods, in a light soil ; not common. — Fl. May. Perennial. 



