246 OENAMENTAL fOLIAGB PLANTS. 



with transverse bands of a deeper green ; the mid-rib 

 is pink, and in addition to this, two irregular bands of 

 white traverse the leaves from base to point, midway 

 between the margin and costa ; the under side is of a 

 , uniform deep purple. Native of Ecuador. 



M. LegrelUana. — Another dwarf-growing and pretty- 

 species. The ground colour of the leaf is very dark 

 green, which is relieved by a feathery band of white, ex- 

 tending the whole length between the mid-rib and margin. 

 Native of South America. 



M. Lmdeniana. — A very handsome free-growing kind,, 

 with leaves from six to twelve inches long ; they are- 

 oblong in shape, and deep green in colour, with blotches 

 of yellowish green on each side of the mid-rib ; the under 

 side is purplish rose, through which the markings of the- 

 upper side are visible, producing a charming effect. Nativ& 

 of Peru. 



M. Malcoyana. — Known also in gardens under the nam& 

 of M, oUvaris, but whichever name be accepted, it is at 

 once a dwarf and extremely beautiful species. The petioles, 

 are slender, and purplish red in colour ; blade of leaf some 

 six or eight inches long, and upwards of four inches broad ; 

 they are oblong and somewhat unequal sided, the outer 

 margin is deep green, the central portion is semi-trans- 

 parent, and beautifully blotched with creamy-yellow and 

 whibe ; in addition to this, the central portion of the leaf 

 is ornamented between the transverse veins, with oblong 

 blotches of deep green, rendering it very beautiful and 

 entirely distinct from any other variety. Native of 

 Tropical America. 



M, micans. — This is a lovely little species, certainly the 

 smallest in the genus, as it does not grow more than about 

 six inches high. It has oblong-acuminate leaves, two op 



