250 OEXAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. ' 



green, the mid-rib white, and having in addition a white- 

 band on each side ; the under side is of a greyish green 

 colour throughout ; a handsome plant, of dwarf compact 

 habiti. Native of the Amazon Yalley, South America. 



M. vittata. — A species which is seldom encouraged suffi- 

 ciently in our gardens, and consequently does not exhibit 

 its beauties to the fullest extent ; when well grown the 

 plant attains the height of three feet or more. The leaves 

 are about nine inches long, ovate-acuminate in shape, and 

 very light green in colour, with narrow transverse bars 

 of white on each side the mid-rib ; it should be in every 

 collection. Native of Tropical America. 



M, Wallisii. — This species is somewhat rare ; it is very 



distinct, and will form a pleasing contrast to the other 



members of this genus. The leaves are moderate-sized, 



and of a peculiar and pleasing light green, beautifully 



. relieved with a ray of rich dark green. Native of Peru. 



M. Warscetvicsii. — A noble-growing plant, attaining a 

 height of three feet or more. The leaves are two feet 

 long, and about eight inches wide, deep velvety green in 

 colour, relieved by a feathery stripe of yellowish green on 

 either side the mid-rib, and which extends from the base to 

 point. It is well deserving general cultivation. Native of ' 

 Central America. 



M. zebrina. — This is an old inhabitant of our stoves, but. 

 it is a noble-growing plant, producing leaves from two to 

 three feet long, and from six to eight inches or more wide ;. 

 they are a beautiful velvety light green on the upper side, 

 barred with greenish purple, the under side being of a 

 uniform dilll purple. It is also known as Calathea zebrina. 

 Native of Brazil. 



