ACHANIA. 



29 



It is a native of Mexico, South America and the 

 West Indies ; was introduced to house cultivation 

 in 1 710. The Achania Malvaviscus is a shrubby 

 plant, bearing at every season — for it is never out 

 of bloom — scarlet blossoms which are succeeded by 

 an ornamental white fruit. The foliage, flower and 

 berries combine to make it desirable for house cul- 

 ture, though it seems to have been overlooked in 

 the great variety of plants our florists offer us of 

 later years. It is allied to the Hibiscus. 



SOIL, WATER, GENERAL TREATMENT AND VARIETIES. 



Two parts loam and one of leaf-mold, with a 

 slight admixture of sand is a suitable soil. 



Water regularly, but only when the surface of 

 the soil indicates the necessity. 



Cuttings, root readily in sand protected by 

 glass. They should be taken off as near the stem 

 of the plant as possible, not being so apt to root 

 when severed at the middle of the shoot, and 

 none of the leaves should be removed or shortened 

 above the sand. 



The plant should be taken in hand when young 

 and trimmed to a symmetrical shrub. Grown in 

 the form of a pyramid or cone, it best show T s the 

 flower and fruit to advantage. It should receive all 

 the sunlight possible, and be frequently turned 

 that all sides may be equally vigorous. 



It is not subject to the attacks of insects. 



A. Malvaviscus Arbor eus leaves green, heart-shaped and sharply- 

 pointed. Auxiliary scarlet flowers, very beautiful. 



