APHELANDEA. 97 



Aphelandea, 



This genus contains many species whicli produce flowers 

 of surpassing beauty, but some few, of which, we here 

 include the best, are remarkable for their ornamental 

 foliage. They are mostly plants of free growth, but 

 require great attention to form them into handsome 

 bushy plants, as their natural tendency is to grow erect, 

 without making lateral growths. The soil best adapted 

 for their culture, is a mixture composed of two parts light 

 loam, one part peat, and one part sand ; the pots should 

 be well drained as they enjoy a liberal supply of water 

 during the growing season, at which time the tempera- 

 ture should range between 65° and 75°. Apheland/ras enjoy 

 frequent syringing, and need carefial attention to keep 

 them free of insects ; they are easily increased in the 

 spring, from cuttings of the lateral growths or well-ripened 

 wood. 



A. fascinator. — This is a superb species, and, unlike most 

 of the variegated-leaved plants, produces a splendid inflo- 

 rescence in addition to its leafage ; the leaves are rich dark 

 green, beautifully banded with silvery white, whilst the 

 under side is of a uniform purplish violet ; the spikes 

 of bloom are very large, bright vermilion in colour. Native 

 of New Grenada. 



A, Leopoldii. — A very handsome plant, producing op. 

 posite leaves, which are somewhat obovate-oblong in 

 shape, and acuminate. The ground colour on the upper 

 surface is dark rich green, the mid-rib and primary veins 

 being pure white, while the under surface is of a uniform 

 pale green. Native of Brazil. 



A. BoezUi. — This is probably the finest species of this 

 genus yet introduced to our gardens; its flowers are 



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