68o 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING 



white spots, which are pleasingly shaded with light green, while 



the midribs are of a bright salmon-red tint. It is propagated 

 from half-ripened shoots in bottom-heat under a bell-glass, and 

 may be grown in equal parts fibrous peat and loam with a free 

 admixture of silver-sand, in a moist, shady position. 



Peperomia. — The cultivated 

 species of this widely-dis- 

 tributed family, principally 

 from Tropical America, do 

 not seem to be so much in 

 favour as formerly. Some of 

 the sorts are, however, very 

 pretty and easily grown. They 

 have thick, fleshy leaves, which 

 in some cases are striped, 

 spotted, veined, or marbled 

 with purple and silver on 

 different shades of green. 

 Fibrous peat, with a little loam 

 and sand, suits them, and they 

 require well-drained pots and 

 a moist, shady position. P. 

 arifolia a7'g)-?'ea, P. ?naculosa^ 

 P. inetalUca^ P. prostrafa, and 

 P. Saujidersii {P. Verschaffeltii) 

 (Fig. 444) are all pretty and 

 free growing. 



Phrynium variegatum 

 (Fig. 445). — An elegant plant 

 closely allied to Ma7'a?ita ; 

 it may be propagated and treated in the manner recom- 

 mended for tiiat genus. It requires a shady position to develop 

 its handsome variegations. The bright pale green leaves, with 

 diverse creamy-white variegation, are borne on erect footstalks 

 about I ft. high, and its dwarf, compact habit renders the plant 

 a desirable acquisition in every collection. It is, without doubt, 

 one of the handsomest and most useful foliage plants ever 

 introduced, being invaluable for exhibition and all decorative 

 work. 



Phyllanthus roseo-pictu-M is a shrub of easy culture and 

 good habit, with rich and varied variegation, consisting of bronzy- 

 green, delicate pink, creamy-white, and crimson in different shades. 

 Nicely grown plants are useful for grouping, and cut sprigs are 

 invaluable for vases and bouquets. It is propagated by cuttings, 

 and thrives in peat, loam, and sand in an intermediate house. 

 P. Chaut7'ieri. from Cochin China, is another elegant shrub of 

 symmetrical habit, with glossy green leaves which have the aspect 



Fig. 444. — Peperomia Saundersii. 



