161 
Aroids. 
This very large Order, and exclusive of Caladiums which have 
already been mentioned, includes a great number of very orna- 
mental garden plants with bold, effective, often variegated, leaves, 
and in few cases striking flowers, though as a rule the flowers are 
inconspicuous. . All the plants known locally as “kladi,” and a 
good many others, belong to this Order. The most desirable 
genera for pot culture are Anthurium, Alocasia, Philodendron, 
Curmeria, Dieffenbachia, Pliyllotsenium, Aglaonema, and Ari- 
stema, of which there are numerous species. Hardly any plants 
are more effective than Anthuriums, among which the best are 
A. Warocquenum, A. crystallinum, A. regale, A. Andreanum and 
A. Ferrierense. The first three are grown for their fine foliage 
and the others for their flowers, which are striking and last a 
long time in condition. Of Dieffenbachias there are many spe- 
cies, the host of which are D. Bausei, D. brasiliensis, D. eburnea 
ancl D. Jenmani When these get tall and unsightly they 
should be “ringed” in the manner described for Dracaenas. 
Arisaemas are mostly of botanical interest, but there is one, A. 
fimbriata, the Cobra-head worthy of a glance in any collection , 
and it is moreover a local plant. Aglaonema costatum is ano- 
ther local plant from Pulau Langkawi with mottled leaves and 
a pretty dwarf habit. Most of these Aroids have thick fleshy 
roots and require open free soil. Lumps of charcoal and chopped 
moss with plenty of leaf-mould suits them all. None of them 
require much sun, and when once fairly established they require 
plenty of water. 
Plant Sheds. 
A plant shed of some sort is to be found in most gardens of any 
size and although not absolutely necessary where there are trees 
or other suitable shad}^ places for foliage plants, ferns, &c., is 
always, if properly managed, a pleasing addition. The cost of 
a suitable structure may be much or little according to the size 
and material used. Where expense is no particular object light 
T or angle iron is undoubtedly a much better material than wood, 
being neater and more durable, but so far as the cultivation of 
plants are concerned a few poles and chicks can be arranged so 
as to serve the purpose as well as the most expensive material. 
The two forms of sheds most general are the simple span roof 
and the octagonal and both are well adapted for the purpose. 
It is necessary whatever form, the building may take, that some 
portion should be at tapped in order that there may be a place in 
which to put such plants as will not stand heavy rain and this 
must be done with as little obstruction of light as possible and 
with the prevention of drip. This end is most easily obtained 
by attapping a width of two or three feet of the lower portion of 
the roof and covering the upper with chicks or split Nibong. 
Light and rain will thus be admitted from the centre, while the 
side beds will be protected from both rain and drip. Whenever 
practicable it should be quite close to the dwelling, and if possible 
