The violet-colored Conoclinum, or, as it is often called, Hebeclinum ianthinum, is a very showy stove or warm greenhouse plant belonging to the Natural Order Compositae.

It is a native of St. Catharines, Brazil, and may be described as being a plant of shrubby habit, growing from two to six feet in height, having erect, round, woody stems, and opposite, oblong, ovate, deep green leaves. The flowers, which are of a violet color, are produced in crowded terminal corymbs in great profusion during the late winter and early spring months. It is a plant that can be found in but a few collections at the present day, owing to the fact that it is of little value for cut flower work, but nevertheless when full grown it is an excellent show or exhibition plant, and it will be found to be of great value for the decoration of the warm greenhouse or conservatory during the late winter and early spring months.

It is a plant that can be easily cultivated, and one that will be found perfectly free from all insect pests. It does best when grown in a compost of two thirds well decayed sods, one-third well decomposed manure, intermixed with a fair sprinkling of bone dust. The plant should be given a light sunny situation, a ternperature of from 55° to 60°, and, during its season of growth, a liberal supply of water both overhead and at the roots. When the plants show signs of flowering give copious supplies of liquid manure two or three times a week. As the Conoclinum is a plant of robust growth it should be given a liberal allowance of room for its roots, but care must be taken in this respect, as the plant will not thrive if the soil becomes sour or water is permitted to stand around its roots.

About the middle of May the plants should be planted out in a deep, well enriched border, and as soon as dry, hot weather sets in a mulch of coarse, littery manure should be given, and whenever necessary, thoroughly watered. About the first of September the plants should be carefully taken up and potted, and on the approach of cold weather brought inside. Propagation is effected by cuttings of the half ripened wood placed in sand and given gentle bottom heat, and if the young plants are liberally cared for by being repotted as often as necessary, nice specimens can soon be obtained.