Peréskias. About four species, and those that are of a shrubby nature producing leaves; P. aculeàta bears a fruit called "Barbadoes-gooseberry." The flowers are very small and simple, spines about half an inch long, leaves fleshy and elliptical.
The whole of the plants in the family of Cacteæ require very little water, and delight in a dry warm situation. They do not agree with frequent repotting; once in two or three years to young plants, and in five or six to those that are established, with the exception of the large, free flowering species, which should be repotted once in two years.
Coffèa Arábica. It produces the celebrated coffee, and is a plant universally known in our collections, and of easy culture. The leaves are opposite, oblong, wavy and shining, the flowers white, of a grateful odour, but of short duration. There is a plant known as C. occidentalis, which is now Tetramèrium odoratíssimum. It requires a great heat to grow well, therefore should be kept in the warmest part of the Hot-house. The flowers are white, in panicles, and larger than the common jasmine, and is very sweet-scented; leaves oblong, lanceolate, accuminate.
Callicárpas. About twelve species, and are generally admitted into collections, though of no particular interest or beauty, except in the bright purple berries they produce, which is rarely. The foliage is of a rugose, hoary appearance.
Carolíneas. About six species of tender plants, with large digitate leaves, and of handsome growth. The flowers have numerous filaments, and are large and singular. C. insígnis has the largest and compactest blossoms; C. àlba is the only one of the genus that has white flowers, all the others being red; C. prínceps and C. robústa are noble looking species, and are much esteemed. They require a good heat, with which they will grow freely.
Caryòtas. A genus of palms. C. ùrens is an admired species, produces flowers in long pendulous spikes, which are succeeded by strings of succulent globular berries. In its native state it produces a sweet liquor in large quantities, and no stronger than water.
Coccolòbas, Sea-side grape. This genus is admired for its beautiful large foliage, which is oblong ovate, and cordate ovate; C. pubéscens and C. latifòlia are the finest species. They bear berries in clusters like the grape, but never come to perfection in artificial cultivation.
Cùphea Melvílla, is the only species of the genus that is particularly deserving of a situation, has lanceolate scabrous leaves, narrowed at each end, flowers tubular in a terminale whorl, colour scarlet and green. The plant must be well drained. It will flower from May to September.