188 OENAMENTAl FOLIAGE PLANTS. t 



Dion. 



A singular genus of Gyoadacece, which as far as we 

 are aware contains but one species. It should be potted 

 in good loam and river sand. When in a growing state, 

 the warmth of an ordinary stove is of considerable assist- 

 ance, but at any other time it stands quite well in the 

 greenhouse or conservatory. We know of no method to 

 increase this plant but by seeds, which are very large, and 

 when pounded into flour are eaten in Mexico. The name 

 is sometimes written Dioon, 



B. edule. — Respecting this plant in its native habitat, we 

 have very little information, and we have seen no large 

 stems, the largest being but a few feet high, and about 

 three feet in circumference. The pinnate leaves are from 

 three to six feet in length, and six or seven inches in 

 breadth in the broadest part, gradually tapering towards 

 the base, and there clothed with short white woolly hairs. 

 The texture of the leaves is very firm, resembling metal in 

 harshness, while the colour is a glaucous green. It is a 

 noble plant, well deserving a place in a collection of 

 ornamental-leaved plants. Native of Mexico. 



DiONiBA. 



This genus belongs to the order Broseraccee, or Sundews, 

 and contains only one species, which is a plant of humble 

 growth, but exceedingly interesting, being in fact one of 

 the curiosities of nature. Dionma inhabits swampy 

 grounds in North Caroliaa, and perhaps other States iu 

 the American Union, and the best method of imitating 

 its natural soil is to pot in a mixture of peat and live 

 sphagnum moss, afterwards placing the pot in a pan of 



