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Codiaeum (From Codebo Malayan name)

(from Codebo, Malayan name for one species). SYNS. Croton and Phyllaurea. ORD. Euphorbiaceae. A genus of stove evergreen shrubs. Male flowers: calyx membranous, three to six (often five) parted, reflexed, imbricate; petals five, scale formed, shorter than the calyx, and alternating with as many glands; stamens numerous. Female flowers: calyx five-cleft; petals absent. Ovarium girded by five hypogynous scales at base, three-celled, a single ovule in each cell. Among ornamental-foliaged plants, few, if any, are more useful or beautiful than the different varieties of this genus, several of which, besides having magnificently-coloured leaves, are very remarkable on account of their singular form. Excepting Dracaenas, no similar class of plants are more easily cultivated than Codiaeums; and, as they are available for use all the year round, no stove, however small, should be without, at least, one or two varieties. When required for table decoration, they should be grown with single stems. The best way to obtain these is to take off the tops of any strong leading shoots, and form them into cuttings. They may be struck by placing singly in small pots, and covering with bell glasses, in strong, moist heat, where they will soon emit roots, without losing any of the leaves attached at the time they were inserted. When fairly struck, they should receive a little air, by tilting the glass, gradually affording more till they bear full exposure. The most useful sizes for table decoration are from 1ft. to 18in. high; and, as using the plants for this purpose often causes them to lose their lower leaves by the time they reach such a height, the tops may be again taken off and put in as cuttings. They must be grown in a very moist atmosphere, and be well attended to by watering and syringing, or red spider is sure to appear. This pest and thrips are the two worst enemies to contend with in growing Codiaeums, and no pains should be spared to rid the plants of them so soon as they are seen, as they quickly commit irreparable damage. The most effective remedy for thrips is to dip the heads of the plants in strong tobacco water, which destroys the insects, and also their eggs. For spider, there is nothing so effectual as hand-washing, with a soft sponge and soap water. Insects increase most rapidly when the air of the house becomes too dry, or the plants suffer from want of water at the roots. Besides being of so much value for table decoration, and the embellishment of rooms generally, Codiaeums are equally serviceable for furnishing conservatories and other cool houses during the summer and autumn months-a time when such fine-foliaged plants may be employed with good effect. When used in this way, they must be gradually hardened before venturing to place them out of stove heat, as they are very susceptible to cold, and sudden changes cause their leaves to fall off. The soil best suited is fibry loam, with the addition of a good sprinkling of sand, to keep it open and porous. In this, with due attention to their requirements as to water, &c., they will grow very freely Plants required for large specimens, either for decoration or exhibition purposes, should be encouraged to make plenty of side branches, pinching the end of the leading shoot, if they do not start freely without; but, generally, they require very little assistance, as their natural growth is bushy and regular. In order to bring out to the fullest extent the rich markings of the leaves, it will be necessary to subject the plants to plenty of light, by placing on pans, or inverted pots, so as to raise them above others they may be growing amongst. One great advantage in growing Codiaeums is that they can be confined to small pots, and kept to a limited size, if desired, for a great length of time. The temperature most suitable for winter is one ranging from 60deg. to 70deg., according to the state of the weather. All the undermentioned have probably originated from two or three species, and they are now generally classed by catalogue compilers under the erroneous generic term of Croton, from which genus the present one is not only distinct, but it belongs to a different section of Euphorbiaceae. The majority of the innumerable forms cultivated in gardens may be referred to C. pictum. Scarcely more than three or four species exist, and about these all the Codiaeums may be grouped as seedling forms or sports. C. albicans (whitish).* l. broad-lanceolate, 12in. to 15in., long, 2in. to 3in. broad; ground-colour dark shining green, beautifully variegated with ivory-white; under side slightly tinted with crimson. A dense-growing variety. C. angustifolium (narrow-leaved). A synonym of C. angustissimum. C. angustissimum (narrowest).* l. drooping, linear, 12in. to 18in. long, 1/8in. to 1/4in. broad, channelled, bluntish at the apex, tapering at the base; upper surface dark shining green; margins and midrib golden-yellow; under surface similar, but paler, Polynesia. SYN. C. angustifolium. C. aucubaefolium (Aucuba-leaved).* l. dark shining green above with yellow or somewhat crimson blotches; 6in. to 8in. long, 2in. to 2 1/2in. wide, three to four times longer than the stalk, oblong-acuminate, tapering at the base; midrib and veins green, or slightly tinged with pink. Polynesia, 1868. C. Baron Franck Seilliere.* l. very close together, thick and leathery, from 10in. to 15in. long, and from 2 1/2in. to 3 1/4in. broad, graceful, curved at the tip, of a brilliant green, light pink underneath when adult; the large nerves are of a pale yellow, but soon become ivory-white, as does also the petiole. Stem robust, green. Plant extremely vigorous. In the young specimens, the costa, besides being large, is very frequently irregular; but in adults, it is invariably straight; the lateral nerves are of a very beautiful white, and the contrast of colours produces a very striking effect. (R. H. 1880, p. 193.) C. Burtonii (Burton's). l. lanceolate, 12in. to 15in. long, about 3in. wide at the broadest part, close set and arching, dark shining green, banded and marbled with rich golden-yellow.

C. chelsoni (Chelsea).* l. narrow, drooping, sometimes plain, sometimes twisted spirally; in this latter state, the variegation shows up most distinctly, being of a bright salmon-orange tint, shaded with crimson. New Guinea, 1879.

C. chrysophyllum (golden-leaved). l. small, yellowish. Polynesia, 1875. C. Cooperi (Cooper's). l. with yellow veins and blotches, ultimately changing to red. Polynesia, 1874.

C. cornutum (horned).* l. eight to ten times longer than the stalks, about 1in. wide, oblong, obtuse, irregularly lobed; lobes oblong lanceolate, acute or obtuse, rounded at the base, sinuous at the margin; upper surface dark shining green, irregularly mottled with yellow; midrib deep golden yellow, excurrent near the apex into a thread-like process, 1/2in. long. Polynesia, 1870.

C. Crown Prince.* l. lanceolate, acuminate, 12in. to 15in. long, 2in. wide, bright shining green; midrib and primary veins bright golden-yellow. An erect-growing sort, sometimes having leaves beautifully marbled over the entire surface.

C. Disraeli (Disraeli's).* l. about 1ft. in length, marked on a green ground-colour with golden ribs and veins, broadish at the base, and throwing out two side lobes of moderate development, the middle lobe, which is contracted in the lower portion and broader upwards, being much longer than the others, thus becoming more or less distinctly halbert-shaped. Polynesia, 1875.

C. Dodgsonae (Mrs. Dodgson's).* l. linear-lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, 1/2in. to 3/4in. broad, sometimes becoming spiral; bright green, with a very rich gold stripe centre; margins the same colour. Habit very graceful. C. Earl of Derby.* l. suffused with bright red, trilobed; stems, petioles, and midribs of a very bright yellow.

C. eburneum (ivory-white). l. elliptical-lanceolate, slightly recurved, 6in. long, 1 1/2in. in breadth, deep green, with a broad central band, from 1/4in. to 1/2in. wide, of a clear ivory or creamy white, the white running out half way to the margin in acute projections at the bases of the principal veins. C. elegans (elegant).* l. 6in. long, 1/2in. wide, ten to twelve times longer than the stalk, linear-lanceolate, rather obtuse at the apex; upper surface dark green, midrib crimson or yellowish, margins slightly pink; lower surface dull green, mottled with purple. India, 1861. SYN. C. parvifolium. C. Evansianum (Evans's).* l. bright olive-green, trilobed; midribs and veins golden-yellow; the interspaces spotted with the same colour; with age, the green deepens and changes to a bright bronzy-crimson, and the midribs, veins, and spots become a rich orange-scarlet. Polynesia, 1879. C. fucatum (painted). l. obovate-elliptic, sometimes blotched in the lower half with broad irregular patches of yellow on one or both sides of the midrib, sometimes having only a yellow midrib and yellow reticulations; petioles rose-coloured. Polynesia.

C. gloriosum (glorious).* l. long, narrow, drooping; ground-colour green, variegation creamy-yellow, very variable in character. In some, there is a creamy-yellow midrib, with a band on each side; in others, the midrib is bright green; the markings are of the spotted style, with here and there large blotches of creamy-yellow, and in other parts clouded markings, of smaller confluent blotches and spots. Sometimes these conditions are reversed, and there are longish patches on which the ground-colour is creamy, relieved by a few clouded green markings. New Hebrides, 1878.

C. Goldiei (Goldie's).* l. broad, panduriform, and trilobed, 8in. to 10in. long, 3in. broad at the widest part, dark olive-green; midrib, primary veins, and margin deep golden-yellow.

C. grande (grand). l. deep green; midrib and some scattered spots yellow. Polynesia.

C. Hanburyanum (Hanbury's). l. 15in. long, 2 1/2in. broad, olive-green, finely marked with rich golden-yellow and rosy-crimson.

C. Hawkeri (Hawker's).* l. broadly lanceolate, about 6in. long, mostly, with the petioles, light creamy-yellow; margins bright green. Polynesia, 1879. C. Henryanum (Henry's). l. oblong-ovate, acuminate, 9in. long 3in. broad, dark green, suffused and mottled with golden-yellow; in some cases, the leaf s distinctly banded.

C. Hilleanum (Hill's).* l. 6 1/2in. long, 2 1/2in. wide, six or seven times longer than the stalk, oblong sub-spathulate, acuminate, tapering at the base; margins sinuous; upper surface shining purplish-green, midrib and secondary veins bright crimson; lower surface dull purple, veins crimson. Polynesia, 1868.

C. Hookerianum (Hooker's).* l. broadly ovate-lanceolate, abruptly tapering or rounded at the base; upper surface beautiful dark shining green, broken at the base with a broad blotch of golden-yellow, and with irregular projections of the same colour running from the midrib towards the margin; midribs, young stems, and petioles golden-yellow. Erromango, 1869.

C. illustris (brilliant). l. green, richly maculated with golden. yellow, the central bar yellow, and the variegation irregularly distributed, so that sometimes the points are almost wholly golden; mostly three-lobed, on purplish petioles, the base being oblong, succeeded by two lateral alternate lobes, which, as well as the apex, appear to be twisted or curved, so as to acquire a sort of forked appearance. An extremely distinct and attractive plant. for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.

C. imperator (commanding).* l. 12in. to 18in. long, 3in. wide at the broadest part, arching, pale green, much suffused and mottled with creamy-white; petiole, midrib, and margin distinctly marked with a deep tint of the same colour.

C. imperiale (imperial). l. twisted, with yellow margins and blotches, changing to crimson. New Hebrides, 1875.

C. insigne (remarkable).* l. linear-oblong, deep green; midrib and veins beautiful golden-yellow; margins rosy-crimson. In the older leaves, the markings run in from the edge, and become suffused over the central bar, so that the colours become nearly equally balanced, in which state the foliage is very handsome.

C. interruptum (interrupted). l. linear-lanceolate, tapering at the base, acute or obtuse at the apex, sometimes twisted spirally below the middle, sinuous at the margin; upper surface dark purplish-green, midrib crimson; under surface purplish, midrib crimson. Polynesia, 1868. C. irregulare (irregular).* l. oblong, tapering at the extreme base, dilated above, again contracted below the middle, acute at the apex; upper surface dark shining green above, with a few golden blotches, midrib golden-yellow, margin sinuous; lower surface dull green, midrib pale yellow. Polynesia, 1868. C. Jamesii (James's).* l. ovate, 5in. to 8in. long, 3in. wide, dark sage-green, marbled with creamy-white and various shades of green and yellow. Very distinct, of dwarf free-branching habit.

C. Johannis (John's).* l. linear-lanceolate, acute, tapering at the base; upper surface slightly channelled, shining green, centre and margins orange-yellow; under surface similar, but paler. Polynesia, 1871. C. lacteum (milk-white). l. oblong, spathulate, bluntly acuminate, tapering at the base; margins sinuous, whitish; upper surface dark shining green, midrib and secondary veins milky or yellowish-white; under surface dull green. Polynesia.

C. lancifolium (lance-leaved). l. narrow-lanceolate, 9in. to 15in. long, 1 1/2in. broad at the widest part, dark green; midrib, margin, and primary veins pale yellow, eventually becoming reticulated with bright rosy-pink. Distinct, erect-growing.

C. limbatum (bordered). l. spotted and margined with yellow. India, 1873. C. Macfarlanei (Macfarlane's). l. linear-lanceolate, pendulous, arching, 9in. to 12in. long, 1in. broad, dark fiery crimson when mature; young leaves rich yellow, irregularly blotched with dark green.

C. maculatum (spotted). l. lanceolate, sub-acuminate, tapering at the base, 10in. to 12in. long; upper surface dark shining green, irregularly speckled with yellow, midrib, secondary veins, and margins golden-yellow; under surface similar, but paler.

C. m. Katonii (Katon's). l. bright green, with round yellow spots. Polynesia, 1878.

C. majesticum (majestic).* l. rather narrow, 12in. to 18in. long, deep green, ribbed with yellow when young, the green changing with age into a deep olive, and the yellow becoming crimson. Polynesia, 1876. This plant has a very elegant drooping habit.

C. maximum (largest). l. oblong, acute, rounded at the base, 10in. to 12in. long; margins sinuous, yellow; upper surface bright shining green, with a few yellow blotches, midrib and secondary veins golden; lower surface dull greenish-yellow. Polynesia, 1868.

C. medium variegatum (middle variegated).* l. oblong, obtuse, acuminate, tapering at the base, 3 1/2in. to 4 1/2in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. wide; margins golden, sinuous; upper surface dark shining green, midrib and secondary veins golden-yellow; under surface dull pale green. India. This species is commonly grown in gardens under the name of C. variegatum. C. Mrs. Dorman.* l. linear-lanceolate, arching, smooth and regular, 12in. to 15in. long, 1/2in. broad, with a conspicuous irregular rich orange-scarlet stripe in the centre; margins green.

C. multicolor (many-coloured). l. of somewhat irregular form, with a shape not very unlike C. irregulare; in a young state light green, with yellow tracings, but in a matured state dark green, blotched with yellow, deep orange, and crimson; midrib red; secondary veins yellowish. Polynesia, 1871. C. mutabile (variable). A synonym of C. princeps.

C. Nevilliae (Lady Dorothy Nevill's).* l. oblong-lanceolate, olive-green when young, barred and marked with yellow; when mature, the yellow changes to a crimson, shaded with orange, the green becomes darker, and is suffused with a metallic hue. Polynesia, 1880. for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons.

C. parvifolium (small-leaved). A synonym of C. elegans. C. pictum (painted). l. oblong, acuminate, 6in. to 9in. long; ground-colour rich crimson, irregularly blotched and spotted with bright green and black. India. (B. M. 3051.) C. Pilgrimii (Pilgrim's).* l. ovate, acuminate, 6in. to 9in. long, 3in. broad, pale green, with deep golden markings, heavily suffused with rich pink. C. Prince of Wales. l. pendulous, arching, slightly twisted, almost entirely pale yellow, margined and mottled with bright carmine; edges beautifully undulated; midrib and petiole bright magenta.

C. princeps (princely).* l. broad linear, at first green, with a yellow costa, yellow margins, and a few scattered yellow blotches on the blade; when mature, these colours are entirely changed, the green portions into a dark bronzy hue, and all the yellow markings, including the midrib, into the richest rosy-crimson. New Hebrides, 1878. SYN. C. mutabile.

C. Queen Victoria.* l. oblong-lanceolate, 9in. to 12in. long, 2in. broad, rich golden-yellow, finely mottled with green; midrib and primary veins rich magenta, changing with age to a vivid crimson; margin unevenly banded with carmine, often extending as far as the midrib. Of free-branching habit and medium growth.

C. recurvifolium (recurved-leaved). A very fine and distinct broad-leaved variety, of dense habit, and with recurved foliage far superior to the well-known C. volutum. The midribs and veins, which are crimson, bordered with yellow, are much sunk, giving the upper surface of the leaves a rigid and waved appearance. The variegation is well marked, and the contrast of the different tints to the deep olive-green ground colour is very pleasing. for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons.

C. spirale (spiral).* l. spiral, 9in. to 12in. long, and about 1in. wide, pendulous; in a young state, deep green, striped up the centre with a broad band of golden-yellow; when mature, deep bronzy-green, with a deep crimson midrib. South Sea Islands, 1873.

C. Stewartii (Stewart's). l. obovate, rounded at the base, shortly stalked, dark olive-green, irregularly banded and margined with rich orange; midrib and petioles bright magenta. New Guinea, 1880.

C. superbiens (superb).* l. oblong, acute, rounded at the base; colouring exceedingly rich and unique; in the least-coloured condition, they are green, with clouded yellowish markings; as these mature, the green deepens, the yellow brightens, and the coppery-red veining and margin are brought out; subsequently, the green becomes blackish-bronze, while all the pale portions become coppery, the veins and costa being crimson. New Guinea, 1878. C. tricolor (three-coloured).* l. oblong-spathulate, very acute, gradually tapering from the upper third to the base; margin sinuous; upper surface dark shining green, central portion and midrib golden-yellow, secondary veins uncoloured; lower surface dull reddish-green. Polynesia, 1868. C. trilobum (three-lobed). l. three-lobed, blotched with yellow. Polynesia, 1875.

C. triumphans (triumphant).* l. oblong, deep green, with a golden line on each side the midrib; primary veins also golden, running into a network of the same colour towards the point; costa rich bright crimson; when fully matured, the leaves become rich greenish-bronze, and the costa an intense rosy-crimson. New Hebrides, 1878.

C. t. Harwoodianum (Harwood's). l. deep green, with a golden line on each side the midrib; principal veins also golden, running into a network of the same colour towards the point; costa rich bright crimson, forming a pretty contrast with the colour on either side. A fine variety from the New Hebrides. When fully matured, the leaves become rich greenish-bronze, and the costa an intense rosy-crimson, very bright and effective. for which we are indebted to Mr. Bull.

C. undulatum (undulated).* l. oblong, acuminate, 8in. to 9in. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. wide, tapering at the base, crisped or undulate at the margins; upper surface of a rich claret-colour, with crimson blotches, midrib purplish; lower surface claret-coloured, with crimson blotches, and green secondary veins. Polynesia.

C. Veitchii (Veitch's).* l. oblong-lanceolate, rounded at the base, about 12in. long; margins pink; upper surface dark shining green, midrib and secondary veins bright pink; lower surface claret-coloured. Polynesia, 1868. C. volutum (rolled-leaved). l. with golden venation, rolled in at the tip. Polynesia, 1874.

C. Warrenii (Warren's).* l. spiral, linear-lanceolate, 25in. to 30in. long by 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, pendent, arching, dark green, irregularly mottled, and suffused with orange-yellow and carmine, which, in the old leaves, changes to crimson. Polynesia, 1880. Said to be the most graceful and best of the narrow-leaved section.

C. Weismanni (Weismann's).* l. linear-lanceolate, 10in. to 11in. long, tapering at the base, very acute at the apex; margins sinuous; upper surface dark shining green, with a few small golden blotches, midrib and margins golden-yellow; under surface similar, but paler green. Polynesia, 1868. C. Williamsii (Williams's).* l. obovate-oblong, 12in. to 15in. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; edges finely undulated; when young, irregularly banded with yellow, and midrib and primary veins of a bright magenta colour; as they become more mature, this magenta changes to a rich violet-crimson; under surface rich crimson. One of the handsomest.

C. Wilsonii (Wilson's). l. linear-lanceolate, 18in. to 20in. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad, pendent, arching, bright green, irregularly suffused with rich yellow. New Guinea, 1880.

C. Youngii (Young's).* l. 10in. to 20in. long, and nearly 1in. wide; upper surface dark green, irregularly blotched and spotted with pale yellow and rosy-red; under surface of a uniform dark red. Polynesia, 1873.