A. alpina (alpine).* fl. blue, varying to white; petals ten to twelve, linear at the base, but dilated at the apex; peduncles one-flowered, longer than the leaves. May. l. biternate; leaflets ovate-lanceolate, acuminated, serrate. Mountainous parts of Europe, 1792. The white-flowered variety, named alba, is in cultivation. SYNS. A. austriaca and A. sibirica. See Fig. 189.
A. americana (American).* fl. large, purplish-blue; petals acute; peduncles one-flowered. May. l. whorled, in fours, leaflets stalked, cordate, lanceolate, acuminated, entire or somewhat lobed, or serrated. North America, 1797. SYN. Clematis verticillaris.
A. austriaca (Austrian). Synonymous with A. alpina.
A. macropetala (large-petaled).* fl. blue. Manchuria, 1870.
A. sibirica (Siberian). Synonymous with A. alpina.
ATRIPLEX (from a, not, and traphein, to nourish). Orach. ORD. Chenopodiaceæ. A genus of, for the most part, uninteresting weeds, of very variable form and habit, and having the calyx, which encloses the fruit, enlarging after flowering. For culture, see Orach.
A. hortensis (garden). An annual species from Tartary, of no value as an ornamental plant, but considered a very desirable substitute for spinach. The leaves must be gathered for use when young. The variety A. h. atro-sanguinea is a very pretty form, having handsome crimson leaves, and growing to a height of about 4ft. It is well worth growing with such plants as Amaranthus, &c.
ATROPA (name of mythological origin). Belladonna; Dwale. ORD. Solanaceæ. A small genus, having a campanulate regular corolla, and a leafy persistent calyx. The berries of this native herbaceous perennial are exceedingly poisonous. The plant is of no horticultural value.
FIG. 190. FLOWER OF ATROPA BELLADONNA.
A. Belladonna. fl. green and purple, solitary, pedunculate, drooping. Summer. Berries about the size of a small cherry. l. ovate, acuminate, 4in. to 8in. long h. 2ft. to 4ft. Britain. See Fig. 190.
ATTALEA (from attalus, magnificent; referring to the beauty of the genus). ORD. Palmaceæ. A genus of handsome stove palm trees, distinguished from other genera in having the pinnæ arranged vertically, and not horizontally. The leaves spring up almost perpendicularly at the base, but in the upper part arch over. The pinnæ stand at right angles to the rachis—which is very narrow in proportion to its thickness—and while those of the lower side of the arch hang straight down, those of the upper side point straight up. They thrive well in a mixture of peat and loam in equal quantities, and enjoy a copious supply of water. Summer temperature, 65deg. to 80deg.; winter, 55deg. to 60deg. All the species are robust trees; but, although several have been introduced, few appear to be generally grown.
A. amygdalina (Almond-fruited).* l. pinnate, 3ft. to 6ft. long; pinnæ 12in. to 18in. long, and about 1in. broad; terminal lobe broad and bifid, rich dark green. Stem slender. New Grenada. One of the best. SYN. A. nucifera.
A. Cohune (Cohune).* l. erect, ultimately spreading, pinnate, furnished with from three to four dozen dark green pinnæ, sometimes 18in. in length; petioles rounded, and dark brown below, flat and green upon the upper side. Plant unarmed. h. 50ft. or more in its native habitat. Honduras.
A. compta (decked). h. 22ft. Brazil, 1820.
A. excelsa (tall).* h. 70ft. Brazil, 1826.
A. funifera (rope-bearing). The Piassaba Palm. l. vivid deep green, very ornamental, and of economic value in Brazil. 1824. The sheathing bases of the leafstalks separate into a coarse black fringe, which is collected and exported to Europe, being used in the manufacture of brooms, brushes, &c.
A. nucifera (nut-bearing). A synonym of A. amygdalina.
A. speciosa (showy).* h. 70ft. Brazil, 1825.
A. spectabilis (remarkable). h. 70ft. Brazil, 1824.
ATTENUATED. Tapering gradually to a point.