682 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



white, and in others studded with a multitude of pearly and 

 silvery spots, whilst some produce pretty rose or purple flowers. 

 In addition to the species, which are principally natives of 

 India, there are several garden varieties possessing great 

 attractions. They are increased by seed or cuttings, and require 

 a hot, moist atmosphere, with partial shade, and a sandy, peaty 

 soil. 6". margai'itacea^ introduced in 1854, continues to be a 

 great favourite, and its several varieties are decidedly handsome 

 little plants. 



SPHiEROGYNE LATiFOLiA IS a noblc plant from South America. 

 It produces very large and handsome leaves, and requires the 



the same treatment as 

 Cy alio phy Hum. It 

 should be grown with 

 a single stem, and 

 should receive no check 

 until growth is com- 

 pleted. 



S T R O B I L A NTHES 



Dyerianus. — A pretty 

 foliage plant, having 

 ovate acuminate leaves, 

 with dark green veins, 

 the spaces being filled 

 up with a beautiful, 

 bright, glossy, metallic, 

 rosy-lilac tint, w^hile the 

 under surface is of a 

 deep claret colour. It 

 is a handsome plant 

 when in true character, 

 and to produce this it 

 should be grown in a 

 moist, partially-shaded 

 position. It propagates 

 readily from cuttings of young shoots, and thrives in sandy 

 peat. 



TiLLANDSiA. — There are some handsome species of this 

 interesting genus worthy of notice as foliage plants, such as 

 T. musaica^ T. splendens {T. zebrina)^ T. fessellata, and T. vittata. 

 They succeed under the treatment recommended for ^^ichmeas. 



Tradescantia zebrixa (Zebri?ia pendiila). — This old and well- 

 known plant of decumbent habit, having green leaves striped 

 with silvery-white, is a native of jMexico. It is useful for 

 clothing spaces under stages and for edging, thriving where few 

 other plants will grow, also as a basket-plant. Cuttings planted 

 in any light, rich soil soon spread and flourish. To make a 



Fig. 446. — Saxchezia nobilis variegata. 



