Crinum
(from Krinon, the Greek name for Lily). ORD. Amaryllideae. A large genus of very handsome bulbous plants. Perianth funnel-shaped, half six-cleft, with a long, slender tube, and a six-parted limb of nearly equal segments, which are erect, spreading, or reflexed.
PROPAGATION may be effected by seed, or by offsets. The former are of considerable size, and should be sown singly, as soon as ripe, in 3in. or 4in. pots, the roots, when formed, being so large and succulent. Sow in sandy loam and leaf mould, place in a temperature of from 70deg. to 80deg., and keep rather dry until the plants appear, when more moisture should be applied. As most of the species are partially or entirely evergreen, young plants may be grown on all the season, without much drying off. With plenty of heat and moisture, rapid growth is insured when once they are well started, some soon attaining sizes large enough for flowering. Some species produce offsets pretty freely, while others are very shy in this respect. Where they can be obtained, a great saving of time is effected, as large plants are formed much quicker than by seed. They should be removed when rather small, on account of injury to the roots, and as many roots as possible must be preserved. The young plants should be potted separately, and grown on as recommended for seedlings. Crinums require copious supplies of water at all times when in growth; even young specimens will bear much more than the majority of other bulbs. Being distributed over rather a wide area of tropical and sub-tropical countries, they are of different degrees of hardiness. Some require a high temperature, and a moist position in the stove; others succeed in a greenhouse; and a few are sufficiently hardy to thrive in a sheltered position outside, with protection in winter.
CULTIVATION. The stove and greenhouse species cultivated indoors require large pots or tubs in most cases, as the roots are numerous and fleshy. Those of from 1ft. to 2ft. in diameter will be necessary for flowering bulbs; and, if a suitable compost be used and ample drainage provided, the plants may be shifted into these from much smaller pots without any fear of injury being entertained. It will not be necessary to repot Crinums annually when they reach such a size, if plenty of water is supplied, and a top-dressing of good soil be given when growth commences, in spring. This is also the best season for potting any that require it. Turfy loam, with some fibry peat and charcoal, all broken and used as lumpy as possible, form a good and lasting compost. After potting or top-dressing in spring, Crinums should be started into growth by being placed in stove heat, or in a somewhat cooler, but at the same time close, temperature, according to the requirements of individual species. Frequent syringings should be given, and some liquid manure may occasionally be applied to established plants. The flowers are all very beautiful, and are produced at various times throughout the summer, but more particularly towards the autumn. After flowering, water should be partially withheld for the winter or resting period, and the plants fully exposed to the sun. Crinums are seldom much injured by sunshine, but a slight shading is preferable in summer, when some of the leaves are young and tender. Outdoor Culture. A rich soil, in a sheltered south border, with plenty of drainage provided, is requisite for success with Crinums in the open air. Deep planting is recommended if they are to remain all the winter, in order that the bulbs may be out of the reach of frost. They should be of a good size before planting out. The best season is the end of May, as time is then afforded for the plants to flower and the roots to become established before winter. They must be kept clean, and watered when necessary. On the appearance of frost, the necks of the bulbs should be protected with haybands or fern; and when the leaves die away, the whole may be covered with cocoa-nut fibre. Where safety cannot thus be insured, on account of locality, it is best to lift and store the bulbs for the winter in a cool house or shed, and plant out again the following May. A stake must be placed to the flower-scape, when it appears, to prevent injury from rough wind. C. Moorei is one of the most beautiful species for greenhouse or outdoor cultivation, and is, moreover, almost certain to flower annually after the bulbs are strong enough. C. asiaticum, C. capense, and C. Macowani, amongst others, will also succeed in suitable positions outside.
C. amabile (lovely).* fl. twenty to thirty in an umbel, very fragrant; perianth tube bright red, cylindrical, 3in. to 4in. long; segments same length, spreading or revolute; scape 2ft. to 3ft. long, ancipitous. Summer. l. 3ft. to 4ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad, lorate, tapering gradually to a point. Bulb small; neck about 1ft. long. Sumatra, 1810. Stove. (B. M. 1604.)
C. americanum (American). fl. three to six in an umbel, very fragrant; perianth tube 4in. to 5in. long; segments lanceolate, 3in. to 4in. long, white on the back; peduncle 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long. Summer. l. six to ten, arcuate, lorate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad. Bulb ovoid; neck short. South United States, 1752. Stove. (B. M. 1034.)
C. amoenum (pleasing). fl. six to twelve in an umbel; perianth tube greenish, 3in. to 5in. long; segments spreading, lanceolate, 2in. to 3in. long, pure white; scape 1ft. to 2ft. long. Summer. l. rosulate, linear, sub-erect, 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 1in. to 2in. broad. Bulb globose, 2in. to 3in. in diameter. India, 1807. Stove.
C. angustifolium (narrow-leaved). fl. five to six in an umbel; perianth tube 3in. to 4in. long; segments lanceolate, 2 1/2in. long, and 1/2in. broad at the middle; scape about 1ft. long. Summer. l. linear, 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 1in. to 1 1/2in. broad. Bulb sub-globose; neck very short. North Australia, 1824. Greenhouse. SYN. C. arenarium. (B. M. 2355.) There are two or three forms of this species.
C. aquaticum (aquatic). A synonym of C. campanulatum.
C. arenarium (sand-loving). A synonym of C. angustifolium.
C. asiaticum (Asiatic).* Asiatic Poison Bulb. fl. about twenty in an umbel; perianth tube slender, cylindrical, 3in. to 4in. long, tinged with green; segments white, linear, 2 1/2in. to 3in. long; peduncle ancipitous, 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long. Bulb 4in. to 5in. in diameter; neck 6in. to 9in. long. Tropical Asia, 1732. Greenhouse. (B. M. 1073.) C. anomalum, C. declinatum (B. M. 2231), C. plicatum (B. M. 2908), C. procerum (B. M. 2684), and C. sinicum, are mere forms of this species.
C. augustum (august). fl. twelve to twenty in an umbel; perianth 3in. to 4in. long, tinged with red; scape lateral, 2ft. to 3ft. long, compressed. April. l. twenty to thirty, lorate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad. Bulb ovoid, nearly 1ft. high and 6in. in diameter. Mauritius, 1818. Stove. One of the most effective species of the genus. (B. M. 2397.)
C. australe (Southern). A synonym of C. pedunculatum.
C. Balfourii (Balfour's).* fl. ten to twelve in an umbel, very fragrant; perianth tube greenish, 2in. long; segments pure white, oblanceolate, 2in. long, 1/2in. broad at the middle; peduncle axillary, compressed, 1 1/2ft. long. October. l. ten to twelve, lorate, spreading, about 1ft. long. Bulb 3in. in diameter; neck short Socotra, 1880. Stove. (B. M. 6570.) C. brachynema (short-filamented). fl. fifteen to twenty in an umbel; perianth tube green, 1 1/2in. to 1 3/4in. long; limb pure white, 2in. long, with oblanceolate obtuse segments; scape 1ft. long, little compressed. May. l. lorate, developed after the flowers, 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 3in. to 3 1/2in. broad. Blub ovoid, 2 1/2in. to 3in. in diameter. Bombay Presidency, 1840. Stove. (B. M. 5937.)
C. bracteatum (bracteate). fl. ten to twenty in an umbel, slightly fragrant; perianth tube tinged with green, 2 1/2in. to 3in. long, segments linear, about as long as the tube; scape about 1ft. long, much compressed. July. l. six to eight, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad. Bulb ovoid; neck short. Seychelles and Maurituius, 1810. Stove. (B. R. 179.)
C. caffrum (Caffre). A synonym of C. campanulatum.
C. campanulatum (bell-shaped). fl. five to six in an umbel; tube 1 1/2in. to 2in. long; limb campanulate, 1 1/2in. to 2in. long; segments bright red-purple, oblong, obtuse; peduncles slender, 1ft. long. l. linear, 3ft. to 4ft. long, 1/2in. to 1in. broad. Bulb ovoid. Cape Colony. Stove. SYNS. C. aquaticum and C. caffrum. (B. M. 2352.)
C. canaliculatum (channelled). A synonym of C. pedunculatum.
C. capense (Cape Colony).* fl. six to twelve in an umbel; perianth tube 3in. to 4in. long; limb about as long as the tube; segments oblong-acute, flushed with red on the back; scape about 1ft. long. Summer. l. about twelve, outer ones spreading, lorate, acuminate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 2in. to 3in. broad, glaucous; inner ones narrower. Bulb 3in. to 4in. in diameter. Cape of Good Hope, 1752. (Figured under the name of Amaryllis longifolia in B. M. 661.) Of this very fine hardy perennial, there are numerous varieties and hybrids. C. Careyanum (Carey's).* fl. four to six in an umbel; perianth tube 3in. to 4in. long; limb horizontal, 3in. to 4in. long, with oblong-lanceolate segments, tinged with red towards the centre; scape 1ft. long, little compressed. Autumn. l. eight to ten, lorate, 1ft. to 2ft. long, 2in. to 3in. broad. Bulb globose, 3in. to 4in. in diameter; neck short. Mauritius and Seychelles, 1821. Greenhouse. (B. M. 2466.)
C. cruentum (bloody-flowered).* fl. five to seven in an umbel, sub-sessile; tube straight, 7in. to 8in. long; perianth-segments 3in. long, linear, bright red; scape green, ancipitous, 2ft. long, 1/2in. thick, low down. Summer. l. lorate, 3ft. to 4ft. long, 2in. to 4in. broad. Bulbs large. Mexico, 1810. Stove. (B. R. 171.) C. Loddigesianum is believed to be identical with this species.
C. defixum (bent down). fl. six to sixteen in an umbel; perianth tube greenish or red-tinted, 2 1/2in. to 3in. long; segments linear; scape 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long. October. l. six to eight, linear, 2ft. to 3ft. long, about 1in. broad. Bulb 2in. to 3in. in diameter. India, 1810. Stove. (B. M. 2208.) C. ensifolium (B.M. 2301) is probably a variety of this.
C. erubescens (erubescent). fl. four to eight in an umbel; perianth tube 5in. to 6in. long; segments half as long, linear lanceolate, tinted claret-purple on the outside; scape 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long. Summer. l. numerous, lorate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 2in. to 2 1/2in. broad. Bulb ovoid; neck short. Tropical America, 1780. Stove. (B. M. 1232.) Several varieties of this species have been described.
C. Forbesianum (Forbes's). fl. thirty to forty in an umbel, slightly scented; perianth tube 3in. long; limb funnel-shaped, 4in. to 4 1/2in. long; segments oblanceolate-oblong, white, reddish outside; peduncle hardly 1ft. long, stout. October. l. ten to twelve to a rosette, lorate, 3ft. to 4ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad; margin fimbriated. Bulb ovoid, 6in. to 8in. in diameter. Delagoa Bay, 1824. Stove. (B. M. 6545.) C. giganteum (gigantic).* fl. about six in an umbel, with a strong vanilla-like fragrance; perianth tube 4in. to 6in. long; limb campanulate, 3in. to 4in. long, pure white; segments oblong-obtuse, much imbricated; peduncle 2ft. to 3ft. long, compressed. Summer. l. lorate, 2ft. to 3ft. lon, 3in. to 4in. broad. Bulb 5in. to 6in. in diameter. West Tropical Africa, 1792. Stove. (A. B. R. 169.)
C. Herbertianum (Herbert's). A synonym of C. zeylanicum.
C. Kirkii (Kirk's).* fl. twelve to fifteen in an umbel; perianth tube greenish, 4in. long; limb horizantal, 5in. long; segments acuminate, above 1in. broad, furnished with a bright red stripe down the back; peduncles sometimes more than one to a bulb, 1ft. to 1 1/2ft. long, ancipitous. September. l. lorate, acuminate, 3 1/4ft. to 4ft. long, 4in. to 4 1/2in. broad; margin crisped, white, distinctly ciliated. Bulb globose, 6in. to 8in. in diameter. Zanzibar, 1879. Stove. (B. M. 6512.)
C. latifolium (broad-leaved). fl. ten to twenty in an umbel; perianth tube greenish, 3in. to 4in. long; limb horizontal, about as long as the tube; segments oblong-lanceolate, faintly tinged with red in the centre on both sides, reflexing at tip; peduncles 1ft. to 2ft. long. Summer. l. numerous, lorate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 3in. 4in. broad. Bulb sub-globose. India, 1806. Stove. (B. R. 1297.) C. insigne (B. R. 579), C. moluccanum (B. M. 2292), and C. speciosum (B. M. 2217), are considered by Mr. Baker to be mere varieties of this species.
C. longiflorum (long-flowered). fl. six to eight in an umbel; perianth tube 3in. to 4in. long; limb funnel-shaped, as long as the tube; segments oblong, flushed with pink in the centre; peduncle 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long. Summer. l. lorate, 4ft. to 5ft. long, 2in. broad. Bulb ovoid, 3in. to 4in. in diameter. Cape of Good Hope, 1816. Greenhouse, or nearly hardy. (B. R. 303.) C. longifolium (long-leaved). fl. six to twelve in an umbel; perianth tube greenish, 3in. to 4in. long; segments lanceolate, ascending, white, nearly as long as the tube; scape lateral, about 1ft. long. l. six to eight linear, 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad. Bulb ovoid, 4in. to 5in. in diameter. India. Green-house. (B. R. 1297.) C. elegans (B. M. 2592) is a form of this species.
C. Macowani (MacOwan's).* fl. ten to fifteen in an umbel; perianth tube greenish, 3in. to 4in. long; segments oblong, acute, as long as the tube, 1in. to 1 3/4in. broad, white, with a purplish tinge; peduncles sometimes more than one, 2ft. to 3ft. long. November. l. twelve to fifteen, rosulate, spreading, lorate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad. Bulb 9in. to 10in. in diameter. Natal, 1874. Greenhouse, or nearly hardy. (B. M. 6381.)
C. Makoyanum (Makoy's). A synonym of C.Moorei.
C. Moorei (Moore's).* fl. six to ten in an umbel; perianth tube greenish, 3in. to 4in. long; limb funnel-shaped, as long as the tube; segments oblong-acute, faintly flushed with red; peduncles 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long. Spring or autumn. l. twelve to fifteen, spreading,lorate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad. Bulb ovoid, 6in. in diameter. Natal, 1874. Greenhouse. SYNS. C. ornatum and C. Makoyanum. (B. M. 6113.)
C. ornatum (ornamented). A synonym of C. Moorei.
C. pedunculatum (pedunculate). fl. twenty to thirty in an umbel; perianth tube greenish, 2 1/2in. to 3in. long; segments linear, spreading horizontally; scape ancipitous, 2ft. to 3ft. long. Summer. l. twenty, lorate, 3ft. to 4ft. long, 4in. to 5in. broad. Bulb about 4in. in diameter. Eastern Australia, 1790. Greenhouse. SYNS. C. australe and C. canaliculatum. (B. R. 52.) C. podophllum (foot-leaved). fl. two in an umbel; tube greenish, 5in. to 6in. long; limb sub-erect, 3in. long; segments oblong-spathulate, acute, less than 1in. broad, white; scape compressed, 8in. to 9in. long. November. l. five to six, lanceolate, 1ft. long, 1 1/2in. to 2in. broad at the middle. Bulb sub-globose. Old Calabar, 1879. Stove. (B. M. 6483.)
C. purpurascens (purplish).* fl. five to nine in an umbel; perianth tube 5in. to 6in. long; segments lanceolate, 2 1/2in. to 3in. long, spreading, tinted claret-red on the outside; scape hardly 1ft. long, sub-terete. Summer. l. about twenty, linear, 1 1/2ft. to 3ft. long, 1in. broad, undulated. Bulb ovoid, about 2in. in diameter. Fernando Po and Old Calabar, 1826. Stove. (B.M. 6525.)
C. scabrum (rough). fl. six to eight in an umbel, very fragrant; tube greenish, 4in. to 5in. long; limb funnel-shaped; segments oblong-acute, 1in. broad, bright red down the back; scape compressed, 1ft. to 2ft. long. May. l. lorate, 3ft. to 5ft. long, 2in. to 2 1/2in. broad. Bulb large. Probably Africa, 1810. Stove. (B. M. 2180.) C. submersum (B. M. 2463) is a form of this species.
C. zeylanicum (Cingalese).* fl. ten to twenty in an umbel, very fragrant; perianth tube green, or red-tinted, about 3in. to 4in. long; limb horizontal, about the same length; segments 1in. broad, with a broad band of red down the back; scape 2ft. to 3ft. long. Early spring. l. six to ten, lorate, 2ft. to 3ft. long, 3in. to 4in. broad. Bulb globose, 6in. in diameter. Tropical Asia and Africa, 1771. Stove. SYN. C. Herbertianum. (B. M. 1171; and B. M. 1253, under name of Amaryllis ornata.)