Mackaya
(named after Dr. J. F. Mackay, author of the "Flora Hibernica"). ORD. Acanthaceae. A monotypic genus, now included, by Bentham and Hooker, under Asytasia. M. bella is a beautiful greenhouse plant, which grows very freely, but requires special treatment to induce it to flower profusely. A knowledge of its habit and mode of flowering is of material assistance, if not indispensable, for attaining success in its cultivation. Essential points are the encouragement of a free growth throughout the summer, in an airy, light structure, and the allowance of a season of rest in winter, during which time no water should be applied to the roots, or overhead. The plant is nearly, or quite, deciduous, and the racemes of flowers are produced from the points of nearly all well-ripened shoots. Cuttings root readily, during summer, in any close frame; and young plants, thus obtained, should be grown on as rapidly as possible until the approach of winter. An occasional pinching will encourage a bushy habit, and cause new shoots to proceed from the base of the plant. Plenty of water, and frequent syringings, should be applied in the growing season, and a position afforded, in a house or frame, where plenty of light and air may be admitted. Under such treatment, compact little plants, in 5in. pots, may be obtained by November. These should be kept quite dry until April, when they may be cut back and started in preparation for flowering the following year. When new growth begins, the plants should be transferred into 8in. pots, using a somewhat rough, rich soil, composed of about two parts loam to one of dried cow-manure. Another potting into 10in. sizes may be given in due course, and plants grown in them 3ft. high, by autumn. Dry off as before, and encourage the flowers to expand gradually, in spring, in a temperature of about 60deg., and, when they commence opening, the plants should be transferred to a greenhouse which is some 10deg. cooler. It is important that the wood be thoroughly ripened, and all the points preserved until flowering is past, when similar treatment may be again given, if desired for the next year. It is, however, advisable to propagate and prepare a few new ones each season, to preserve a stock of healthy young plants. Brown Scale is frequently very troublesome; it must be removed from the stems or leaves by sponging with rather strong soft-soap water or some other insecticide. M. bella (handsome).* fl. pale lilac, nearly 2in. long, campanulate, with two of the four stamens barren; throat ornamented with most delicately-pencilled, reticulated, purple veins; racemes many-flowered, 4in. to 6in. long. May. l. ovate-oblong, sinuately toothed. Branches virgate. h. 6ft. Natal, 1869. (B. M. 5797.)