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ACHYRANTHES. 



ACHYRANTHES. 



The name achyranthes from achuron* chaff, and 

 anthos, a flower, is in allusion to the chaffy nature 

 of the floral leaves. . They are cultivated solely for 

 the beauty of their foliage, being otherwise unin- 

 teresting. But their rich crimson or claret-colored 

 leaves mingling or contrasting with other plants, 

 render them so desirable that no collection should 

 be without an Achyranthes Lindenii with its 

 rich claret foliage, almost equal to flowers, espe- 

 cially in hanging baskets or windows where the sun 

 shines through the leaves. 



SOIL, WATERING AND GENERAL TREATMENT. 



They grow well in common garden soil, need a 

 good supply of water, with good drainage, and 

 require very little care, thriving in the living room 

 temperature of from 50 to 75 degrees. 



They root easily in water, and may be kept 

 growing in vases all winter if given fresh water 

 once a week. A few of their branches mingled 

 with Tradescantia, and cuttings of Centaurea, (Dusty 

 Miller), make a collection of rare beauty for grow- 

 ing in a vase of water. 



They may be set into the earth through the sum- 

 mer, as they endure the heat admirably, keeping 

 their bright hues till frost appears, when they 

 should be potted for the window garden. 



If troubled with the aphis, as they are very likely 



