FIG. 66. ALSTRöMERIA AURANTIACA, showing Habit and Flower.
A. aurantiaca (golden).* fl. orange; two upper perianth segments lanceolate, streaked with red; arranged in a five to six stalked umbel, bearing ten to fifteen blooms. Summer and autumn. l. numerous, linear-elliptical, obtuse, glaucous, twisted and turned back at the base, about 4½in. long. h. 3ft. to 4ft. Chili, 1831. A variable but very showy species, quite hardy. See Fig. 66.
A. caryophyllæa (clove-like scent).* fl. scarlet; very fragrant, perianth two-lipped; peduncles longer than the involucre. February and March. l. spathulate-oblong. Stem erect. h. 8in. to 12in. Brazil, 1776. This stove species requires perfect rest in winter. SYN. A. Ligtu.
FIG. 67. FLOWER OF ALSTRöMERIA PELEGRINA.
A. chilensis (Chilian).* fl. blood-red or pink, large, the two upper interior petals longer and narrower, variegated with yellow lines; in pairs on a five to six stalked umbel. Summer and autumn. l. scattered, obovate, spathulate; upper ones lanceolate, twisted at the base, minutely fringed on the edges, glaucescent. h. 2ft. to 3ft. Chili, 1849. Hardy. There are many varieties of this species, varying in colour from a rosy white to a deep orange or red.
A. densiflora (thickly-flowered).* fl., perianth scarlet, dotted with black spots inside towards the base; umbels many-flowered, dense; pedicels pubescent, rarely bracteated. l. alternate, ovate, shortly acuminate, pubescent underneath. Stem climbing, glabrous. Peru, 1865. Tender species.
A. Flos Martini (St. Martin's flower). Synonymous with A. pulchra.
A. Hookeri (Hooker's). Synonymous with A. Simsii.
A. Ligtu (Ligtu). Synonymous with A. caryophyllæa.
A. Pelegrina (the native name).* fl. white, or pale yellow, striped with rose, and yellow spot on each segment; pedicels one-flowered, on a six or more stalked umbel. Summer. l. lanceolate, twisted at the base. h. 1ft. Chili, 1754. Rather tender. See Fig. 67.
A. p. alba (white).* Lily of the Incas. fl. white. Perhaps this is the most chaste of all the Alströmerias, and more tender than many others; it should have a specially warm spot, or the protection of glass. 1877.
A. peruviana (Peruvian). Synonymous with A. versicolor.
A. psittacina (parrot-like).* fl. bright crimson at the base, greenish upwards, spotted with purple; upper perianth segments slightly hooded, hence the specific name; umbels many-flowered; peduncles angular. September. l. oblong-lanceolate, acute, twisted at the base. Stem erect, spotted. h. 6ft. Mexico, 1829. Hardy.
A. p. Erembaulti (Erembault's). fl. white, spotted with purple. August. h. 2ft. 1833. A beautiful but rather tender hybrid.
A. pulchella (pretty). Synonymous with A. Simsii.
A. pulchra (fair).* St. Martin's Flower. fl. in umbels of from four to eight in each; the lower perianth segments purplish outside, and edges of a sulphur-white; the upper part of the upper segments of a fine yellow, dotted with deep red spots, the lower part of a flesh colour; pedicels twisted. l. linear lanceolate. Stem erect. h. 1ft. Chili, 1822. A beautiful species, but one requiring protection. SYNS. A. Flos Martini, A. tricolor.
A. rosea (rosy). A synonym of A. Simsii.
A. Simsii (Sims's).* fl. brilliant yellow, with red streaks, very showy; umbels many-flowered; peduncles two-flowered. June. l. spathulate, ciliated. Stem weak. h. 3ft. Chili, 1822. Tender species. SYNS. A. Hookeri, A. pulchella, A. rosea.
A. tricolor (three-coloured). A synonym of A. pulchra.
FIG. 68. ALSTRöMERIA VERSICOLOR, showing Habit and Flower.
A. versicolor (various coloured).* fl. yellow, with purple marks; lowest segment the broadest; umbel of usually three shortly-stalked blooms, very floriferous. Late summer. l. linear-lanceolate, sessile, scattered. h. 2ft. to 4ft. Peru, 1831. This is a very robust species, with several beautiful varieties, which are both easily obtained and very cheap. SYN. A. peruviana. See Fig. 68.
A. v. niveo-marginata (snowy-margined).* fl. rose, crimson and white, with green tips and black spots. l. lanceolate, stalked, white-edged. 1875. A charming but scarce variety.
ALTERNANTHERA (in allusion to the anthers being alternately barren). ORD. Amaranthaceæ. Well known ornamental-leaved half-hardy plants, with inconspicuous flowers in axillary heads. Some of the undermentioned species and varieties belong, technically speaking, to Telanthera, in which genus the five stamens are inseparate below, and alternate with as many sterile filaments. They are so universally known in gardening under the present generic name, that we have here included them for convenience' sake. Where Alternantheras are used in large quantities (and if they are to be used effectively, a considerable number must be provided), their economical propagation becomes a matter of importance. A good colour can only be secured by growing them in some house or pit in the full light and warmth of the sun; for, unless so grown, green or badly coloured plants will be the result. The best and quickest way of producing this class of plants in large quantities, is to make up a special hotbed for them about the end of March or beginning of April. If a pit be used, it should be filled up within 6in. of the glass with leaves and manure, or any other material that will produce a steady bottom heat of 80deg. or 85deg., and will last for three weeks or so at that point; which, at this season, will be an easy matter. When the heat has become regular and steady, about 4in. or 5in. of light, rich, sandy soil should be placed all over the surface, adding, at the same time, a sprinkling of silver sand on the top, and pressing it moderately firm with a flat board. The cuttings may now be prepared and dibbled in, 1in. apart each way. If kept close, moist, and shaded from bright sunshine, in a few days they will be forming roots, and so soon as that takes place the shading should be discontinued, and the ventilation gradually increased until they are finally hardened off and planted out. If carefully lifted, and placed in trays or baskets, with a rhubarb leaf over them, they may be taken any distance, and planted without flagging; with this advantage—that the plants being in good colour, the beds are effective at once. April is early enough to commence striking them, and these will be fit to plant out by the middle of June. The several species quoted in various dictionaries hitherto are unknown in English gardens.