Nertera
(from nerteros, lowly; referring to the habit of the species). SYNS. Cunina, Erythrodanum, Leptostigma, Nerteria. ORD. Rubiaceae. A genus comprising about half-a-dozen species of very small, slender, creeping herbs, indigenous to the mountains of Java, the Philippine and Sandwich Islands, the Andes of South America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Antarctic lands. Flowers axillary, inconspicuous, sessile. Berry red, ovoid or globose, two-stoned. Leaves small, opposite, sessile or petiolate, ovate or ovate-lanceolate. N. depressa, commonly known under the absurd name of Flowering or Fruiting Duckweed, the only species introduced, is a charming hardy, alpine, perennial rock plant, which forms a dense carpet, close on the ground, of creeping stems and tiny leaves, and is exceedingly attractive when covered with orange-red or crimson berries. It may be increased from seeds, but is more frequently propagated by division of the root; any small pieces will grow freely, especially if placed in a little warmth. The plants thrive in a sandy loam, to which the addition of some leaf soil is recommended. They prefer shade to bright sunshine, in summer, and if grown in the open, should be protected with a bell glass in winter. N. depressa is also well adapted for culture in pots or shallow pans. The plants, when inserted in early spring, should be placed in a little warmth until established, when a cool, airy position will be more suitable for the production of flowers, and, subsequently, berries. When the latter are set, the pots are sometimes utilised for plunging in carpet-bedding designs, where they prove most interesting and effective. The plants require plentiful supplies of water at the roots.
N. depressa. (depressed).* Bead Plant. fl. greenish, inconspicuous, minute. fr. bright orange, globose, the size of small peas, produced in great profusion. l. small, ovate, almost fleshy. Stems smooth, creeping, rooting, thickly clothed with leaves. Antarctic Mountains, 1868. (B. M. 5799.)