THE SACRED LILY OF INDIA 
More widely known as Snake Palm, Devil’s Tongue 
or Leopard Palm, this member of the Arum family, like 
the Calla, is wrongly called a lily. The proper name is 
contraversial, being given by some authorities as Amor- 
phophallus Riveri, while others claim that Hydrosme 
Riveri is proper. It probably originated in either Java 
or Sumatra. Long before the birth of Christ, the Lily 
was established as a sacred flower by the Hindus. 
Derek Rotetetoneteneteh 
GUT U ROE 
It requires five years to grow blooming-size bulbs. 
About Christmas or later, after the bulb has been allowed 
to rest about two months in a cool dry place (not freez- 
ing) it should be brought into a warm ‘room and placed 
on the floor. It needs no soil or water and, once it starts 
to grow, it grows at the rate of 2-6 inches per day and 
often reaches a height of 5-ft. The flower has an outer 
appearance like a huge Calla though dark-red in color. 
When in full bloom the flower gives off a disagreeable 
odor at the first sign of which it must be disposed of, 
either by cutting and destroying the spike or by placing 
it in a cooler room. By blooming the bulbs in April they 
may be enjoyed longer after they fully open for they 
may then be placed out of doors so long as they are 
_ protected from frost. The bulb must be permitted to 
rest and also to bloom, if it is of blooming size, before 
it is planted. 
The bulbs will do well in an soil, but fertile, light, 
well-drained soil is preferred. They should be planted, 
after all danger of frost is past, about 2% times the 
depth of the bulb. The new bulb forms on the top of 
the old one and the roots form on the top of the bulb. 
New bulblets form on the tips of long fingers emanating 
from the old bulb and reaching toward the surface. For 
this reason, mulching is preferable to cultivating. 
The foliage, which grows in the summer, is umbrella- 
shaped and 1-4 feet tall depending on the age of the 
bulb. An old plant surrounded by circels of medium and 
small bulbs makes a very attractive mound. 
After the tops frost in temperate climates, the bulbs 
should be lifted and stored for two months in a cool 
dry place. Always remember that both plant and bulbs 
are easily frosted. 
No bulbs available until November 1, 1945, at which 
time prices will be mailed to all who are interested. 
