Atraphaxis
(the old Greek name given by Dioscorides, &c., to Orache). Including Tragopyron. ORD. Polygonaceae. A genus embracing about seventeen closely-allied species of hardy, rigid, much-branched shrubs, natives of Central and Western Asia. Flowers often fascicled at the nodes, hermaphrodite, four or five-parted, the two outer segments often smaller; stamens six to eight, rarely nine. Leaves alternate or fascicled at the nodes, narrow or rather small. The species here described are interesting plants. They should be grown in well-drained heath or sandy soil. Very little pruning will be required. Propagation may be effected by cuttings, or by layers. A. buxifolius (Box-leaved). fl. white, nodding, produced in long racemes. July. fr. red. l. obovate, obtuse, tipped with a short mucro, light green, about 1in. in diameter, the lateral margins undulated, deciduous. h. 2ft. Siberia, 1800. SYNS. Polygonum crispulum (B. M. 1065), Tragopyron buxifolium. A. spinosa (spiny). fl. white, tinged pink. August. l. glaucous, 1/2in. long or less, ovate, acute, sub-evergreen, on short petioles. Branches ascending, horizontal or deflexed. h. 2ft. to 3ft. Levant, 1732. (W. D. B. 119.)