FIG. 164. ASPHODELUS VILLARSII, showing Habit and Flower.
A. Villarsii (Villars'). fl. white; raceme dense, elongated; bracts dark brown. Stem simple or rarely branched. h. 1ft. to 2ft. Eastern France. See Fig. 164.
ASPIDISTRA (from aspidiseon, a little round shield; in reference to the form of the flower). SYN. Porpax (of Salisbury). Including Plectogyne. ORD. Liliaceæ. Hardy, or nearly hardy, evergreen, foliage plants. Flowers insignificant, produced close to the ground, remarkable for the curious mushroom-like stigma, by which this genus is characterised. They thrive in almost any ordinary garden soil, but are best grown in rich loam, leaf soil, and sand; plenty of moisture being allowed. Propagated by suckers.
A. elatior (taller).* l. oblong, large, on long petioles, leathery; plant stemless. h. 1½ft. to 2ft. Japan, 1835. This very easily cultivated and quite hardy foliage plant is much grown for window gardening and other decorative purposes, for which it is well suited.
A. e. variegata (variegated).* A fine variety with alternately-striped green and white leaves.
FIG. 165. ASPIDISTRA LURIDA.
A. lurida (lurid). fl. purple. July. l. oblong-lanceolate, on long petioles. h. 1ft. to 1½ft. China, 1822. A very graceful species, with long evergreen leaves. It is an effective plant for the outdoor garden during summer, and is nearly, if not quite, hardy. See Fig. 165.
A. punctata (dotted). l. lanceolate, on long stalks. h. 1ft. China. This is very closely allied to A. elatior, but of inferior value.
ASPIDIUM (from aspidion, a little buckler; in allusion to the form of the involucre). Shield Fern. ORD. Filices. Including Cyclodium, Cyclopeltis, Cyrtomium, Phanerophlebia, and Polystichum. Stove, greenhouse, or hardy ferns. Sori sub-globose, dorsal or terminal on the veinlets; involucre orbicular, fixed by the centre. They thrive in a compost of sandy peat with a little loam. Several species are admirably adapted for the indoor fernery. The hardy species are best grown in the shade; a little sandstone should be incorporated with the soil. For general culture, see Ferns.
FIG. 166. ASPIDIUM ACULEATUM.