OF ORNAMENTAL EXOTIC PLANTS. 
203 
formerly to be considered as a hothouse plant, but though it is a native of Jamaica, it is only found growing in 
mountainous places, and therefore does not require so much heat as might naturally be expected. It is now found 
that the best method of managing it is the following, which is quoted from the “ Botanical Kegister.” “ The stems 
die off after flowering, and the roots must then be kept perfectly dry throughout the winter and spring before the 
plant begins to grow. When it shows signs of growth, it should be repotted and divided if necessary, and then put 
in a situation near the light and freely watered. It is best to start it in a gentle heat, such as in a warm green- 
house, or cucumber-frame, to enable it to form its stems and flower-buds, and then it may be brought out to flower 
in the conservatory or the sitting room. It will grow in any rich free soil, and may be propagated by cuttings, or by 
the numerous imbricated buds which it forms both underground and on the stem.” 
2.— ACHIMENES LONGIFLORA Bentli. THE LONG-FLOWERED ACHIMENES. 
Engravings. — Bot. Mag., t. 3980; Bot. Reg. for 1842, t. 19; 
Paxton’s Mag. of Bot., vol. ix., p. 151 ; and onx fig. 3, in PI. 41. 
Specific Character. — Leaves in whorls of three or four, ovate- 
ohlong, grossly serrated. Stem hairy. Pedicels one-flowered, shorter than 
the calyx. Segments of the calyx lanceolate, erect, four times shorter 
than the tube of the corolla. Limb of the corolla broad, spreading. 
Description, &c. — This species is a native of Guatemala, whence its tuberous roots were sent home by 
Mr. Hartweg in 1841. It requires the same kind of culture as A. coccinea, but it is hardier, and after the flowering 
season has passed and the stems have died down, the roots require no other care than keeping them perfectly dry 
and free from frost during winter. The plant begins to flower in August, and it continues flowering for three or 
four months. 
3.— ACHIMENES PATENS Bentli. THE SPREADING ACHIMENES. 
Engravings. — Paxton’s Mag. of Bot., vol. xiii., p. 197 ; Journal cels longer than the calyx, which is pubescent. Tube of the corolla 
of the Horticultural Society, vol. i., t. 7 ; and oxixfig. 4, in PI. 41. saccate, longer than the limb ; spur conical. 
Specific Character. — Leaves opposite, somewhat serrated. Pedi- 
Description, &c. — This very beautiful species was found by Mr. Hartweg in Mexico in December 1845. He 
had seen it in flower previously and marked the spot where it grew, but as in the meantime the stems had withered, 
and there was not a leaf to be seen, he had great difflculty in finding the roots. It requires the same treatment as 
A. coccinea, but it flowers somewhat earlier. 
OTHER SPECIES OF ACHIMENES. 
A. ROSEA Lindl. 
This beautiful little plant was introduced at the same time as A. longiflora, but it presents a very striking 
contrast to that species from the very small size and brilliant scarlet of its flowers. It requires the same treatment 
as the other species. 
A. PEDUNCULATA Benth. 
This species has splendid scarlet blossoms, streaked in the centre of the mouth with dark brown. It is a native 
of Guatemala, whence it was introduced by Mr. Hartweg in 1843. It begins to flower in August, and continues 
till November, but the stems do not die down like those of the other species, and it requires a moist warm 
atmosphere during winter. Curious little bulb-like tubers are formed on the upper part of the peduncles, along with 
minute leaves, and the tubers being red, they produce a very singular appearance. 
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