Acis
(named after Acis, shepherd of Sicily, son of Fannus and the nymph Simaethis). ORD. Amaryllideae. A genus of very pretty dwarf bulbous plants, suitable for the rockery, in sunny sheltered situations. This genus was formerly included under Leucoium, from which it is distinguished by its dwarf slender habit, filiform style, and membranous capsule. All are delicate little plants, with narrow-linear leaves and bell-shaped flowers. They require a free, open, rich soil, and should remain and blossom undisturbed for years; divide the clumps every three or four years, and renew the soil. A. autumnalis (autumn-flowering).* fl., perianth white, delicate pink at the base, preceding the leaves; two to three on a stem. Autumn. l. few in number, very slender, sheathing the stems at the base. h. 4in. to 6in. Portugal, 1629. A charming species, and the only one at all common.
A. grandiflorus (large-flowered).* fl., perianth white, larger than those of the last. August. h. 6in. Numidia, 1820. Somewhat rare in cultivation. A. roseus (rose-coloured).* fl., perianth rose red, not more than 1/4in. long; scape one to three-flowered. August. l. narrow, blunt, linear. H. 3in. Corsica, 1820. Very rare.
A. tingitanum (Tangiers). Of recent introduction; has a many-flowered umbel, and very long leaves.
A. trichophyllus (hair-leaved).* fl., perianth white, about 1/2in. long; segments loosely nerved, with a faint flush of red at the base. January. h. 6in. Spain, 1820.