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Imantophyllum (From imas imantos a leather)

(from imas, imantos, a leather thong, and phyllon, a leaf; alluding to the shape and substance of the foliage). ORD. Amaryllideae. This genus is now included under Clivia; but, as the plants described below are so well known in gardens under the name here given, the genus Imantophyllum is retained. The species are exceedingly ornamental plants for greenhouse decoration in spring and summer. They may be propagated from seed; but, as the production of seed has such a weakening effect on the plants ripening it, this method is not generally practised. The usual mode is to propagate by divisions or offsets, secured when repotting the old plants. Unless very small, they should be inserted at first in 5in. pots, so that they can remain for a year without further disturbance. The roots are large and fleshy, and become so thickly matted together in established plants that it is difficult to separate them. Imantophyllums succeed best in soil composed chiefly of fibry loam, with some leaf mould and charcoal added. A little crushed bone or bone dust is sometimes intermixed, with good results, as the plants seldom need repotting when once established. They may be grown to flower in pots ranging from 5in. to 10in. in diameter, according to the strength of the different plants. Syringing and any amount of water may be applied in summer, when new growth is being made; and a temperature of 50deg. to 60deg., with air in spring and summer, will be sufficient. In winter, less water should be given, and a season of rest allowed, by keeping the plants quite cool. Good drainage must be insured when potting; and an annual top-dressing of rich soil, applied to old plants, in spring, will be preferable to disturbing their roots. Imantophyllums keep in flower a long time in a cool greenhouse. I. Aitoni (Aiton's). A synonym of Clivia nobilis.

I. cyrtanthiflorum (Cyrtanthus-flowered). fl. clear rich salmon or light flame-coloured, large, with a light centre; perianth cupshaped, pendulous; corymbs broad. Winter and spring. l. dark green. A supposed hybrid between A. miniatum and Clivia nobilis. 83. (F. d. S. 1877.) I. Gardeni (Garden's).* fl. reddish-orange or yellow; perianth 2in. to 3in. long, curved downwards; scape as long as the leaves, with an umbel of ten to fourteen flowers. Winter. l. narrow, 1ft. to 2ft. long, distichous, arching, deep green. Natal and Transvaal, 1862. (B. M. 4895, under name of Clivia Gardenii.) I. miniatum (brick-coloured).* fl. fine deep orange, lower part deep buff, anthers and style bright yellow; perianth about 2in. long, somewhat vase-shaped; umbel large, ten to twenty-flowered. Spring and summer. l. ligulate, acute, distichous, 1ft. to 2ft. long, broadly sheathed at the base, deep green. h. 1ft. to 2ft. Natal, 1854. (B. M. 4783.) I. m. splendens is a fine form, with much brighter and deeper coloured flowers than the type. There are several hybrids, which are very attractive.