MESEMBRYAN'THEMUM COCCIN'EUM. 
SCARLET-FLOWERED FIG MARIGOLD. 
Class. 
ICOSANDRIA. 
Order. 
DI-PENTAGYNIA. 
Natural Order. 
MESEMBRYACE.E 
Native of 
Height. 
Flowers in 
Duration 
Introduced 
G. G. Hope 
1 foot. 
May to Sep. 
Perennial 
in 1696. 
No. 964 
The Greek words mesembria, mid-day; and an- 
THEMON, flower, are united in this generic name to 
mark a peculiarity which exists with most of the 
plants belonging to this showy genus. Many of 
them are literally mid-day flowers ; the Mesembry- 
anthemum coccinium is a brilliant flowerer, but it 
refuses to expand its beauty in the shade; on the 
contrar}^ whilst under the direct influence of sun- 
shine, it would seem to spre.id its rays in rivahy of 
the very sun itself. 
Several species of Mesembiyanthemum are well 
suited for turning into the open borders in May, 
where they will produce a profusion of flowers till 
destroyed by frost. This species is equal to any 
for such purpose ; and, as it is also an admirable 
plant for window culture, it is doubly desirable. 
The management of it is of the simplest sort. 
During winter it will scarcely require any water; 
and as to temperature, it is merely requisite to pro- 
tect it from being frozen. In summer it should 
be liberally watered, and have a rich soil. Cut- 
tings of it strike root very readily at any season of 
the year. 
