Hechtia
(named after J. H. G. Hecht, a Prussian Counsellor, who died in 1837). ORD. Bromeliaceae. A genus containing about six species of pretty greenhouse herbs. Flowers small, disposed in a compound spike. Leaves long, spiny, crowded, recurved, subulate, linear. For culture, see Tillandsia. H. argentea (silvery).* fl. white, small, in globose clusters. l. in a dense rosette, sharply recurved, rigid, 1 1/2ft. to 2ft. long. General habit of H. Ghiesbreghtii, but very distinct by reason of the dense silvery coating of both leaf surfaces. Mexico.
H. cordylinoides (Cordyline-like). fl. numerous, small, in a much-branched panicle. l. lanceolate, recurved, remotely and strongly saw-toothed. Mexico, 1881. Habit tufted. (B. M. 6554.) H. Ghiesbreghtii (Ghiesbreght's). fl. whitish, insignificant, small, clustered on tall slender scapes. l. rosulate, recurved, spiny, very ornamental, purple and green, silvery below. Mexico, 1863. (B. M. 5842.)