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Iresine (From eiros wool referring)

(from eiros, wool; referring to the woolly aspect of the branches). ORD. Amarantaceae. A genus of about eighteen species of erect herbs or sub-shrubs, natives of tropical and sub-tropical America. Flowers white or greenish, inconspicuous, with three bracts. Leaves opposite, petiolate, very ornamental in the cultivated sorts. Iresines are indispensable plants in all bedding-out arrangements, on account of their beautifully-coloured foliage. They are easily propagated in spring for this purpose, by inserting in a close pit or propagating frame. The best plan for securing and preserving healthy stock plants is, to insert a quantity of cuttings in 5in. pots in August, and place them in any close frame. They soon root, and the plants thus obtained should be kept rather dry throughout the winter, and in a temperature of about 55deg. An increase of heat and moisture, about March, will cause the production of strong cuttings. Iresines are rather tender; consequently, they should not be planted out before the beginning of June, except in warm localities where there is no danger from late spring frosts. A warm season is best for bringing the foliage to perfection, particularly that of I. Herbstii. I. Lindenii is one of the most distinct sorts, and an invaluable bedding plant.

Greenfly and Red Spider are troublesome insects, especially in winter and spring, when the plants are indoors. The former may be destroyed by fumigation; and frequent syringings will greatly tend to prevent Red Spider from becoming established.

I. Herbstii (Herbst's).* l. opposite, somewhat cordate, deeply two-lobed at the apex, and concave; upper surface dark maroon; midrib and primary veins broadly margined with carmine; under side deep crimson. Stem and branches bright carmine, almost transparent. h. 12in. to 18in. South Brazil, 1864. SYN. Achyranthes Verschaffeltii. (B. M. 5499.) I. H. acuminata (acuminated). A handsome form, with sharply acuminated leaves. (F. M. 441.) I. H. aureo-reticulata (golden-netted).* This variety has deep vinous-red stems, leafstalks, and principal veins; the surface of the leaves being green, blotched with gold. (F. M. 333.) I. Lindenii (Linden's).* l. narrow, oblong-lanceolate, rich deep blood-red, with a central band of amaranth. Ecuador, 1868. A very handsome and compact-growing plant.