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AQUATIC PLANTS. 



When we consider the large and varied Flora of these parts it is 

 surprising to find how few true aquatic plants we possess, endemic or 

 introduced. True, we have many plants of a water-loving nature 

 (Colocasia Antiquorum, L.) but among these we find only roughly 

 representatives of about 20 genera, which can be truly called Aquatics. 



Even in other parts of the World, the culture of Aquatics has 

 been sadly neglected in the past, why, it is difficult to say, as they 

 are all of easy culture and most of them of easy propagation, while a 

 •collection of such plants adds charms to any Garden. However, 

 during the last few years, not a few gentlemen interested in flori- 

 culture, have made a speciality of this class of plants thereby increasing 

 their popularity. Much, however, yet remains to be done. 



As a general rule it may be taken that Aquatic Plants do not re- 

 qmre a great depth of water, though Nyniphaeas (true Aquatics) will 

 thrive exceedingly well when in a depth of 6 or 8 feet provided they are 

 planted in a good strong soil. One thing however, must be borne in 

 mind, that is that such plants prefer to grow in moving water. 



It is difficult to give a concise definition of an Aquatic Plant, but 

 perhaps this inability to thrive in stagnant water might be considered 

 distinctive of nearly all true Aquatic Plants. 



In many gardens concrete tanks are built in which Aquatic 

 Plants are intended to be grown, but unless there is a proper circula- 

 tion of water it turns out a miserable failure and and causes endless 

 worry, both plants and water having to be continually renewed. Such 

 a one we have in the Gardens and it cannot be said to have ever been 

 -at all satisfactory, in fact it is quite the reverse. 



If it Were necessary to use such a tank, the inlet should be at one 

 side with the overflow either at the other end or in the centre, the top 

 of the overflow pipe being covered with a raised piece of wire mesh. 



In this part of the world, however, it is not advisible to add to 

 the existing number of mosquito-breeding grounds, so I shall confine 

 my further remarks to the utilization of already existing water- 

 courses. 



As is the case with Ferns, Aroids and Climbers, Aquatics require 

 care in the selection of suitable situations. Many require strong 

 sunshine (Nympheas), others partial shade /'^/V/j^rA/zW, while others 

 thrive luxuriantly in dense shade (Lasia), no hard and fast rule can 

 ■be followed, only the amount of sunlight is the most important factor. 



I have endeavoured in the list given, to mention the most suitable 

 •situation for each. 



Papyrus, N.O. Cyperacece. A small genus of sedges, mostly 

 natives of tropical and warm regions, now included under Cyperus. 



