ON ROOM PLANTS. 



769 



is no denying its decorative qualities. The exact antithesis of 

 this is, however, to be found in the leathery Phormiuiu tenax^ 

 and its equally 

 desirable and 

 more effective 

 variegated forms. 

 It has long, 

 sword - shaped 

 leaves, and is 

 popularly known 

 as the New 

 Zealand Flax. 



Where a very 

 graceful plant is 

 required, Ophi- 

 opogoii Jaburan 

 variegata (Fig. 

 510) may be 

 strongly recom- 

 mended. The 

 foliage is narrow, 

 but neatly varie- 

 gated, and very 

 tough. In sum- 

 mer this plant 

 should be well 

 syringed over- 

 head with rain- 

 watei. A com- 

 paratively little- 

 known plant. 

 This is not 

 entirely 

 foliage, 

 this is 

 its chief attrac- 

 tion. 



Pretty window 



and table plants are several species of Araucaria, a genus of 

 Conifers to which the formidable-looking Monkey Puzzle belongs. 

 A. excelsa (Fig. 511) is very pretty in a young state, the • 

 neat habit and tender green combining to make it very attractive. 

 It is evergreen. A fitting companion for this last-named for 

 •a dinner-table is the graceful variegated Reed {Carex japonica 

 variegata)^ its grass-like foliage and pretty habit entitling it to 

 ■consideration. 



Uncommon and very serviceable plants are several species of 

 Dasylirion. Correctly speaking these liliaceous plants should 



3 D 



grown 

 for its 

 although 



Fig. 509. — ^lARANTA ilAJOR. 



