Alternanthera
(in allusion to the anthers being alternately barren). ORD. Amarantaceae. Well-known ornamental-leaved half-hardy plants, with inconspicuous flowers in axillary heads. Some of the under-mentioned 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.
A. amabilis (lovely).* l. elliptic, acuminate, greenish in some stages, with the principal ribs stained with red, but under free growth becoming almost entirely suffused with rose colour, mixed with orange, the midribs continuing to be of a deep red hue. Brazil, 1868.
A. a. amoena (charming).* l. small, spathulate, orange red and purple in colour, which is shaded with deep green and bronze. Brazil, 1865. A most elegant little plant, with a spreading habit.
A. a. tricolor (three-coloured).* l. broadly ovate, glabrous, dark green at the edge, and have a centre of vivid rose, traversed by purple veins, an irregular band of orange yellow intervening between the centre and margin. Brazil, 1862.
A. Bettzichiana (Bettzich's). l. olive and red. Brazil, 1862.
A. B. spathulata (spathulate-leaved). l. spathulate, but more elongated than the others; the principal colours are reddish pink and light brown; these are shaded with bronze and green. Brazil, 1865. A rather tall species.
A. ficoidea (fig-like).* l. variegated with green, rose, and red. India, 1865.
A. paronychioides (Paronychia-like).* l. narrow spathulate, ground colour deep orange red, beautifully shaded with olive green. Dense and compact grower, forming a little clump about 4in. high.
A. p. magnifica (magnificent).* A very fine variety, with a much higher colour than the type.
A. p. major (greater).* l. bronze, with rich orange tips; very effective.
A. p. m. aurea (greater-golden).* l. bright golden yellow, which colour they retain all through the season.
A. versicolor (various-colour).* l. medium sized, ovate, bright rosy pink and crimson, shaded with bronzy green, branching freely, and making a compact and handsome plant. Brazil, 1865.