Anthericum
(from anthos, a flower, and kerkos, a hedge; in reference to the tall flower stems). SYN. Phalangium. ORD. Liliaceae. A large genus, belonging to the capsular group of the order, and inhabiting, for the most part, the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers white, racemose or panicled, scapose; perianth segments either spreading from near the base or campanulately united; stamens short, with naked or bearded filaments. Leaves radical, filiform or linear. The hardy varieties are now extensively grown, and are among the most ornamental of border plants. They thrive best in rich light soil, and are excellent subjects for pot culture; for which purpose use a compost of fibrous loam, leaf mould, or well-decayed manure, and coarse sand. The pots should be about 12in. across, well drained, and the plants potted just previous to, or so soon as, growth commences. During activity, plenty of water is needed, until the plants have finished flowering, when the quantity may be lessened; but never allow them to get dry. Propagated by division of the roots or seeds, sowing the latter, as early as possible after they are ripe, in a cold frame. A. graminifolium (grass-leaved). A garden name of A. ramosum.
A. Hookeri (Hooker's). See Chrysobactron Hookeri.
A. Liliago (Liliago).* St. Bernard's Lily. fl. pure white, 1in. to 1 1/2in. across; perianth segments spreading; style curved. May to August. l. tufted, narrow, channelled, 12in. to 18in. high. South Europe, 1596. A very free flowering species, of which there is a major variety in gardens. SYNS. Phalangium and Watsonia Liliago.
A. Liliastrum (Liliaster).* St. Bruno's Lily. fl. much larger than the last, 2in. long, and as much across, fragrant, of a transparent whiteness, with a delicate green spot on the point of each segment, campanulate, arranged in loose spikes. Early summer. l. long, narrow, six or eight to each plant, about 1ft. to 2ft. long, h. 1ft. to 2ft. South Europe, 1629. SYNS. Czackia Liliastrum and Paradisia Liliastrum (this is the correct name).
A. l. major (greater). fl. about 1in.larger than the type. h. about 6ft. A very desirable border plant.
A. ramosum (branched).* fl. white, rather smaller than those of A. Liliago; perianth segments narrow and spreading; style straight; flower stems much branched. June. l. long, narrow, channelled, grass-like. h. 2ft. South Europe, 1570. A rapid grower. SYN. A. graminifolium (of gardens).
A. serotinum (late-flowering). See Lloydia.
A. variegatum (variegated). l. keeled, grass-like, striped and margined with white. South Africa, 1875. Half hardy. The proper name of this plant is Chlorophytum elatum variegatum. SYNS. A. Williamsii and Phalangium argenteo-lineare.
A. Williamsii (Williams'). Synonymous with A. variegatum.