FIG. 107. ANTHOXANTHUM ODORATUM.
A. odoratum (sweet). fl. panicle spiked, oblong, dense, becoming dullish yellow. l. short, pale green. h. 1ft. The pleasant smell of new-made Hay is chiefly owing to this plant, which in drying emits an odour similar to that of Asperula odorata. See Fig. 107.
ANTHURIUM (from anthos, a flower, and oura, a tail; referring to the inflorescence). ORD. Aroideæ. Flowers densely disposed on a cylindrical spadix, at the base of which is a large bract-like spathe, that ultimately bends backwards. Leaves of various shapes. This very large genus of handsome stove and greenhouse plants is remarkable both for the peculiar inflorescence and often noble leaves, and is distinguished in structure from all the European members of the order in the flowers being hermaphrodite. Fibry peat, loam, sphagnum, broken crocks, or charcoal, and silver sand, form the most suitable compost. In preparing the peat, it should be broken up into small lumps, and then have most of the earthy matter knocked out of it by giving it a few raps with a stick, or by shaking it about in a sieve. To this, after so treated, add about one-fourth its bulk of sphagnum, and about half its bulk of fibrous loam, and just a sprinkling of fresh broken crocks, or small pieces of charcoal and sharp silver sand. In placing them in the pots—which must be well drained—carefully spread out the roots and work the mixture among them, keeping the plant well up, so that when finished it stands clear above the rim of the pot at least 2in. or 3in., and forms a kind of mound or hillock. They must then be kept freely syringed or watered, and placed in a moist atmosphere, where they can enjoy a temperature ranging between 60deg. and 70deg., or a few degrees lower for the less tender species. Raising plants from seed requires patience. About a year elapses from the time the flowers are fertilised—which should be done artificially—before the seed ripens, and often another to get up plants. Sow as soon as ripe in shallow, well-drained pans or pots, filled with the potting mixture, and cover slightly, and place in a close, moist propagating case, where a temperature of from 75deg. to 85deg. is maintained, or they may be covered with bell glasses. The principal thing is to keep the air about them constantly humid, and the material in which they are sown in a uniformly moist condition; if this is done, the young seedlings will make their appearance in due course. When these are of sufficient size to handle, they should be pricked off in the same sort of compost, and be kept close and moist till they get a start, after which gradually inure them to more air. January is the best month of the year wherein to propagate these plants by divisions. This is done by carefully turning them out of their pots and shaking out what soil they have amongst their roots, which must be tenderly dealt with, so as not to bruise or injure them. This done, they may then be pulled apart, and as many plants made as there are separate crowns, or the mass may be simply halved or quartered, according to the stock required. Treat now as recommended above for potting. They are all moisture-loving plants, and must have a copious supply of water at all times, although, of course, much less during the winter than spring and summer months. There is no season of the year when they can be handled for any purpose with less risk or check than January. A moderate moist stove heat is advisable for them generally. The species enumerated are selected from nearly 150, and will be found to be a very representative collection. See also Spathiphyllum.
A. acaule (stemless).* fl., spadix blue in a young state, borne on long footstalks, sweetly scented. Spring. l. broad, oblong, acuminate, 1ft. to 3ft. in length, erect, arranged in a rosulate manner, dark shining green on the upper surface, somewhat paler beneath. West Indies, 1853. A noble species.
FIG. 108. ANTHURIUM ANDREANUM.
A. Andreanum (André's).* fl., spadix about 3in. long, yellowish, with a broad central band of white; spathe open, cordate-ovate, orange red, leathery, 3in. to 4in. across, and 6in. to 9in. long; surface irregularly corrugated. l. ovate-lanceolate, deeply cordate, green. Columbia, 1876. A very beautiful species. See Fig. 108.
A. Bakeri (Baker's).* fl., spathe small, green, reflexed; the spadix, wherein lies the plant's principal beauty, exhibits a lovely combination of pink and bright scarlet; the fleshy rachis being pink, and the pea-sized fruits bright scarlet. July. l. linear, leathery, green, with stout midribs. Costa Rica, 1872.
A. cordifolium (cordate-leaved).* l. 3ft. long and 20in. broad, heart-shaped, deep shining green on the upper surface, and paler below. h. 4ft. New Grenada. One of the best, and may be grown in a greenhouse or even in a sheltered spot of the sub-tropical garden during July and August. A. Browni, although quite distinct, comes close to this species.
A. coriaceum (leathery).* l. very thick, leathery, ovate, about 2ft. long; petioles stout, about the same length. Brazil. An admirable sub-tropical species.
FIG. 109. ANTHURIUM CRYSTALLINUM.