Sansevierias readily adapt themselves to tropical g’ardens 
Decorative Subjects 
The proper use of this class of plants is probably as little understood as that of the Tuber¬ 
ous and Bulbous type, and because of their prominent characteristics and the fact that they are 
used rather as specimen subjects occupying prominent positions, it becomes all the more necessary 
that special care and thought should be exercised in planning for their positions in the landscape 
scheme. While they can frequently be used for grouping, they are not as a rule adapted to mass 
plantings of themselves; they are most effective when used in connection with mass plantings of 
other green-foliaged types of shrubbery. Frequently continuous masses of ordinary foliage tend 
to become more or less monotonous and lacking in that tropical definition that it is so important 
to secure in the Florida and southern garden, and the use of such plants as Agaves, Pandanus, 
Yuccas, etc., planted at the ends of long groups along their undulating lines, will serve to offset 
this and bring out expression as no other classes 
AECHMEA [1] Mariae-Reginae. Tropical. Costa 
Rica. A broad-leaved air plant with thin light 
green leaves that sends up a spike of brilliant 
scarlet flowers, the petals of which are blue 
tipped in the late summer and early fall. 
A. barlye. The biggest of the Aechmeas making a 
very attractive subject to attach to trees in formal 
gardens, the blooms being fiery red. 
AGAVE [2] americana variegata. Striped Century 
Plant. Mexico. The heavy dark green leaves 
striped with yellow on the edges, ending in a 
heavy thorn, make this a valuable addition to 
the tropical garden or in the background of the 
cactus garden. Will grow in poor sandy soil in 
the full sun. 
A. neglecta. Blue Century Plant. Mexico. A hand¬ 
some decorative subject with recurving blue- 
green leaves that is somewhat more hardy than 
others of the species. 
A. sisalana. Sisal Hemp. Yucatan. The leaves of this 
sort are very erect and sword-like, making it a 
useful subject for formal gardens. Where it is 
of subjects can. 
native it is grown principally as a source of high 
grade fiber. 
AGLAONEMA [3] simplex. Chinese Evergreen. 
Tropical. Grown for its attractive foliage it will 
stand the most adverse conditions, even growing 
in water and poorly lighted places. Characterized 
by an oblong leaf with thick midrib. 
A. commutatum. Leaves to 6 inches long and 2 
inches across, deep green, marked on veins with 
pale green. 
ALTERNANTHERA [4] Tropical. Tropical Amer¬ 
ica. As this is a dwarf, compact, vari-colored 
plant it is splendid for low borders or bedding 
work. The bright colors of the foliage, some red 
and green, some cream and green, are held well 
even in the semi-shade; but shearing keeps them 
well colored as well as more compact. 
ANTHURIUM [5], Tropical. This subject requires 
special culture; instructions will be sent with 
plants. Wonderful plants for interior decoration. 
Some of them grown for their magnificent flow¬ 
ers, others for wonderful foliage. 
47 
