Cnestis
(from kneo, to scratch; in allusion to the capsules being covered on the outside with stinging hairs). ORD. Connaraceae. Ornamental stove evergreen shrubs or small trees, with axillary, racemose, rarely paniculate inflorescence, and impari-pinnate leaves. All are natives of tropical and Southern Africa, Madagascar, and the island of the Indian Archipelago. They require a compost of loam and peat, both of which should be fibry, with the addition of a small quantity of sand. Cuttings of ripe young shoots will root in sand, if placed in bottom heat, and covered with a bell glass. About ten species are known to science; perhaps not one is now in cultivation in this country.