NEW AND BARE STOVE PLANTS. 
19 
SPH/EROGYNE CINNAMOMEA. 
An ornamental plant introduced from Costa Rica, the aspect of which is really noble, for the leaves 
are about a foot and a*half long, by nine inches broad. Its cultivation is easy, and it succeeds admirably 
in a stove. The specific name is derived from the cinnamon-like character and colour of its stem, which 
makes a pleasing contrast to the massive light green foliage. 
This plant can be recommended as a First-class novelty, well adapted for exhibiting as a foliage 
plant. 
It has received vanous Certificates of Merit for its ornamental character. 
Price 5s. and 7s. 6d. each. 
THE MUSTARD TREE OF SCRIPTURE. 
“SALVADORA PERSICA.” 
About a plant so historically associated it is not surprising there should be a considerable degree of 
interest ; and this interest has been intensified, within the last few years, by scientific men determining, 
with something like accuracy, that Salvadora Pcrsica was the plant parabolically referred to in Scripture 
nearly nineteen centuries ago. 
The difficulty in identifying this plant as the Mustard Tree of Scripture has arisen from many 
causes, one of which has been, that it is not what is now commonly understood as the mustard plant 
Sinapis (Linnaeus) — indeed, reference could hardly have been made in the parable to the latter, because 
it is not perennial, nor does it grow into a large tree where fowls of the air can lodge in its branches. 
The ancients could not class plants botauically, and did not group them from their external resem- 
blance, but from their possessing similar properties, whether medicinal or chemical ; and so the Salvadora 
Persica was called Chardal in Hebrew, Khardal in Arabic, which signifies Mustard throughout the 
East, the seed of this plant being usually employed in Palestine for the ordinary purposes of mustard. 
This Khardal {Salvadora) is found in Arabia, Syria, Persia, India, along the banks of the Jordan, is 
abundant in the neighbourhood of the Lake of Tiberias and the Dead Sea, as also near Damascus, and 
is recognised in Syria as the Mustard Tree of Scripture j is known as Kharjal in Northern India, and is 
the Chardal Tree alluded to by Talmudical writers ; all of which have been veiy ably traced and 
explained by the late Dr. J. Forbes Royle, in a pamphlet published by him ; previous to which, no less 
authority than the late Dr. Lindley, in his Flora Medica^ mentions Salvadora Persica as the supposed 
Mustard Tree of Scripture. 
Altliough in its native habitat it becomes a tree, yet it can be easily cultivated as a small shrubby 
plant ; and though when compared with other plants it may lack beauty, still there is connected with it 
such an important historical association, that it makes it a plant of the highest and deepest interest. 
The foliage of the Salvadora is neat and comparatively small, much resembling that of the Myrtle; the 
flowera are dispersed in clusters on the tops of the shoots, and are like those of the Vine. 
Price 7$. (Jrf. and 10s. each. 
TERMINALIA ELEGANS. 
This exquisite foliage plant has been introduced from Madagascar ; it is one that ranks foremost 
in the oinamental section — the leaves are lanceolate, trifoliated, and elegantly reticulated, glossy, with 
bright red mid-rib, and richly netted with dark veins on a bright green ground. 
To convey a familiar notion of this plant, it may be said to be somewhat like Pavefta borbonica, but 
with trifoliate leaves, which add materially to its beauty. 
It has received First Class Certificates from the Royal Horticultural and Royal Botanic Societies, as 
also a First Prize at the Crystal Palace Flower Show. 
Price 5 guineas each, 
TRADESCANTIA REPENS. 
A pretty trailing plant, exti*emely useful for vases, hanging baskets, Ac. ; in habit it is similar to the 
old Tradescantia zebrina^ but the foliage is of a bright green. 
Price 3s. Gc2. each. 
TRADESCANTIA REPENS VITTATA. 
A similar plant to the preceding, but with the foliage iiTegularly striped with white; in many 
instances the entire half of the leaf is white, which makes a prett}" contrast wdth the other bright 
green portion. 
It has received a Certificate of Merit from the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural 
Society. 
Price hs. each. 
