Chamissoa
(commemorative of the naturalist, Louis Charles Albert von Chamisso, born at Boncourt in Champagne, in 1781; died at Berlin in 1838). ORD. Amarantaceae. A genus containing some six or eight species, from tropical and sub-tropical South America. Some of the species now referred here were formerly placed under Achyranthes, a genus of about a dozen species, of merely botanical interest. Chamissoas thrive well in loam and leaf mould. They may be readily increased by seeds; or by cuttings, inserted in sand, in bottom heat. The only species worth mentioning here is the following: C. altissima (tallest). fl. whitish, in branched terminal and axillary panicles. l. stalked, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, hairy beneath. A tall herbaceous greenhouse or stove perennial.
CHAMOMILE, or CAMOMILE (Anthemis nobilis). A perennial herbaceous plant, at one time--and still to a considerable extent--in repute as a medicinal agent. It has both tonic and febrifugal properties, and thrives on any light rich soil, if fairly dry. The plants may be raised from seed, but the quickest way of propagation is by dividing the roots in spring, and replanting in small patches, about 9in. apart. They must be watered when dry, until established, and kept clear of weeds. The flowers, which alone are used, should be picked as soon as fully expanded, in fine, sunny weather, placed thinly in a shady place to dry, and turned over occasionally. As the blossoming season lasts for some time, several pickings may be made. There are two varieties--the Single and the Double-flowered. The latter produces the greater bulk of flowers, and is, consequently, most cultivated. The flowers of the Single variety are, however, of the best medicinal quality.