ARCTOTIS

(from arktos, a bear, and ous, an ear; in reference to the shaggy fruit). O RD. Compos itæ. Mostly half-hardy herbaceous perennials. Involucral bracts numerous, imbricated, scariose on the margin; receptacle pitted, studded with bristles between the florets; achenes grooved, crowned with a pappus of membranous scales. The species of this genus are of easy culture in a compost of loam and leaf soil. Propagated by cuttings at any time of the year; these should be pricked in pots of very sandy soil, and placed in gentle warmth; they must be kept uncovered and moderately dry, or they will rot. The Arctotis are very handsome plants in sunny, dry positions outside during the summer months, but they must be protected during winter. A. a caulis (stemle ).* fl.-heads yellow and red. Summer. l. hoary on each side, ternate, lyrate. Stem very short, decumbent. h. 4in. Cape of Good Hope, 1759. Very rarely met with.