BOTANICAL INDEX 
97 
joined itself to the standard. We prefer putting in two grafts (side by side, in the 
same slit), one to grow to the right and the other to the left, as it gives the specimens 
a more symmetrical and graceful appearance. The grafts will probably not grow 
more than 4 or 5 inches above the summit of the stock, but will form a perfect circle 
of spreading and gracefully drooping branches, giving it an umbrella-like appear- 
ance. Perhaps the Pereskia makes the handsomest stock for grafting upon, but 
from its small size it is more difficult to keep the grafts in place until firmly rooted, 
consequently we prefer as a stock Cereus triangularis, C. Perurianus , or some other 
tall growing and more fleshy variety, at least it is much more certain of success with 
amateurs. 
As perhaps many of our readers may not be familiar with the special plant under 
consideration, we give at the head of this article an excellent illustration of Epiphyl- 
lum truncatum grafted upon Pereskia aculeata, which we procured from Olra Bros., 
New York, anil as we fear our description may not be complete in itself, we will 
add brief extracts from the already published scientific descriptions. First, “the 
name is derived from two Greek words, epi, upon, and phillon, a leaf, in allusion to 
the flower growing from the ends of the flat leaf-like brandies.” — (Bot. Die.) There 
is a certain mysterious strangeness associated with the very name of Cactus, and as 
we enter more fully into their study their very nature seems almost an enigma. 
Here we have a plant composed exclusively of short, flat, leaf-like joints, growing 
out from each other and resembling leaves joined by their ends, ranging from one 
and a half to three inches in length by about half an inch wide; each joint is smooth, 
glossy green, thin, flat, margins more or less notched, and pointed witha minute, soft, 
spine, and with a few small, weak, hair-like spines in the apex of the notches, but 
no true spines or prickles upon the plant. Along the center of each segment and 
running the entire length of the plant is a tough, woody, midrid which with age 
becomes cylindrical in the lower joints and assumes a solid stem-like form. They 
are “all natives of Brazil, particularly on the Organ mountains, but are seldom 
found at a greater elevation than 4,500 feet. They are generally found growing 
upon the trunks of trees” (Treas. of Botany), hence they seem to be particularly de- 
signed for grafting to reach perfection. When A. ET. Haworth, a celebrated English 
succulent botanist first founded this genus, he included in it many species ^ince 
removed to other genera, and all the species now known as Phyllocactus as well as 
the only three true species of Epiphyllum now recognized as valid. The flowers of 
the true Epiphyllum are produced singly from a deep notch, at the end of the last 
joint, usually during winter, are about two or three inches long, of a curious oblique 
form, with from 0 to 10 reflexed (in E, truncatum), or straight and spreading (in E. 
Pussellianum) , sepals and petals which are of a pink, orange, crimson or with a vio- 
let shade of color are so very similar that they can scarcely be separated, though the 
innermost have their bases united into a tube. The stamens are numerous, white 
(in E. truncatum ) or pink (in E. Pussellianum) , and arranged in two series. The fruit 
is a small, very smooth berry, sometimes having angular ribs.” — (Treas. of Botany.) 
Although there are but three true species, there are in addition four natural va- 
rieties which almost claim rank as species, and the skillful hybridizer has produced 
innumerable new garden hybrids so that a complete nurseryman’s list would enu- 
merate hundreds of varieties, all of which are among the choicest winter-blooming 
house or conservatory plants, and should be more frequently seen under cultivation, 
particularly as their culture is so easy and simple. Only common garden soil with 
a plenty of sand is actually required for them, but a more scientific and systematic 
compost is composed of “sandy loam mixed with brickdust and lime rubbish and a 
little peat, or well-rotted cow manure and a perfect drainage.” — (Paxton’s Bot. Die.) 
Very little water is required, but we find that they thrive best with a little more 
water than any other variety of cactus, especially when in bloom. They also thrive 
best if kept growing the year round and sheltered from the direct scorching rays of 
a summer’s sun, especially under glass. As we have given ample directions for 
grafting we will only say, cuttings root readily if taken at the natural joints, and 
allowed to dry a day or two before planting, which can be done into small pots con- 
taining a compost of equal parts of loam and sand and given a warm growing loca- 
tion. 
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