Imantophyllum miniatum is a remarkably robust growing, free flowering greenhouse plant, belonging to the natural order Amaryllidaceae; and is a native of Natal, whence it was introduced in 1854.

It may be described as being an amaryllis like plant, having ligulate acute distichous bright green leaves, from one to two feet in length, and producing its flowers in large umbels on an erect scape about 2 feet in length. Each umbel contains from twelve to eighteen flowers, which are individually about two inches across. In color they are of a deep orange crimson, gradually changing towards the center to a deep buff. Its period of blooming is throughout the spring months.

When well grown it is certainly a striking and very ornamental greenhouse plant, and one or more specimens should be found in every collection. Moreover, it is an excellent plant for cultivation in the window garden.

The Imantophyllum is a plant that can be easily grown, and does best in a compost of two-thirds turfy loam, one-third well decayed manure, and a fair sprinkling of bone dust. In potting, use porous or soft baked pots, and let them be well drained, and proportionate to the size of the plant; for although the Imantophyllum requires an abundant supply of water, yet it soon suffers if the soil becomes sour, or water is permitted to stand around its roots. It does best when grown in a light sunny situation, and a temperature of from 500 to 550. For the summer season the plants should be set out about the middle of May, in a deep, well-enriched border, in a partially shaded situation, where they should be well watered during seasons of drought, or whenever necessary. About the first of September they should be carefully taken up and potted, using care not to injure their thick fleshy roots.

Or the plants can be repotted in May, and then plunged in the open air in a partially shaded situation, but if this is done, great care must be exercised to keep them properly supplied with water. I prefer planting them out, for not only do they require less care, but the plants are much benefited by the change, although at the same time I strongly insist on their being taken up and potted early, so that they can become well rooted before cold weather sets in.

Propagation is effected by a careful division of the plant, and this operation should be performed in May, while repotting them or planting them out for the summer.

The specific name was derived from "imas," a leather thong, and "phyllon," a leaf, in allusion to the shape and substance of the foliage.

Queens, N. Y.