STEVIA. 



STEVIA. 



The name Stevia was given this genus of plants 



in honor of Peter James Esteve, M.D., professor of 

 Botany at Valencia. They are principally natives 

 of Mexico, from whence they were first brought in 

 1798, and are extensively cultivated by florists for 

 their white feathery-like sprays of flowers, admir- 

 ably adapted for mingling with bright colors. The 

 Stevia has foliage similar to the Eupatorium, but a 

 more delicate an 1 feathery flower. 



SOIL, GENERAL TREATMENT AND VARIETIES. 



A rich garden soil or sandy loam containing some 

 leaf-mold, suits the Stevia. 



Give it plenty of water and a low temperature. 



The plant is easily increased from seeds, divis- 

 ions or cuttings, 



Seeds started in spring, or cuttings rooted in 

 early summer, may be potted, plunged in the earth 

 and the buds pinched off until November, and make 

 fine early winter-blooming plants. They should 

 have as low a temperature as possible without freez- 

 ing them in November. In the spring cut the plant 

 well back and repot in fresh soil ; if intended for 

 another winter, the pots may be plunged and buds 

 pinched back as before. 



Stevia com fa eta, snowy white, blooming earlier and continuing 

 longer in bloom than any other ; best from November to January. 

 S. serrate, white, flowering during January and February. 

 .9. serrata, var., leaves variegated with creamy white. 



