Phyllocactus Ackcrmanni, Haworth, Synopsis Succulentarum, 1819. Cereus Ackermanni, Lindley, Bot. Register, t. 1331.

The species of the genus phyllocactus, which, all things considered, is undoubtedly the most important genus among cacti to the florist, naturally fall into two series : the first series is characterized by red or deep pink flowers, which persist for more than a day, and the second by flowers which are white or whitish inside and are usually sweet-scented, and some of which are ephemeral. In the red-flowered section, Phyllocactus Ackermanni is undoubtedly the most valuable species. The flowers are a bright shining crimson, and measure from six to eight inches across. The outer sepals are small and bract-like and more or less scattered, a character which distinguishes this species from Phyllocactus phyl-lanthoides. It is one of the freest bloomers of the genus. The species is particularly interesting from the fact that it has been a parent of many interesting and valuable hybrids. It has been hybridized even with Cereus speciossissimus, and probably with other cereuses. Hybrids between it and Phyllocactus crenatus are well known.

In fact, Phyllocactus Ackermanni itself was at one time supposed to be a hybrid, but the evidence now appears to be clear that it was taken to Europe from Mexico early in the century by George Ackermann, for whom it is named.

The other important garden phyllocacti are as follows:

A. Flowers red:

Phyllocactus Phyllanthoides

This is one of the best known species, and one of the freest bloomers. The flowers are about half the size of those of Phyllocactus Ackermanni, and the outer sepals are long and spreading. The color is usually disposed in irregular streaks of bright rose and white.

Phyllocactus Biformis

This is the disocactus or disisocac-tus of Lindley. It is at once distinguished from all other species by its flowers being terminal on the branches, and by the very few sepals and petals. The flowers ars rosy pink, small and short-lived. The plant is erect, rarely reaching 3 feet. It is regarded as intermediate between phyllocactus and epiphyllum. In an ornamental way it is probably the least valuable of the genus. B. - Flowers whitish-centered, ranging from Yellow To Orange Or Pink On Outside ; Usually Fragrant.

Phyllocactus Anguliger

A singular species, characterized by large and blunt saw-like teeth or lobes on the branches. The flowers are from three to five inches across, white inside and light orange outside.

Phyllocactus Latifrons

This is the largest plant of the genus, and one of the very best for cultivation. It sometimes attains a height of ten feet. The flowers are about six inches in diameter, creamy-white inside and reddish outside. This is now one of the most popular species.

The late Patrick Barry, of Rochester, N. Y.

Phyllocactus Hookeri

This is a small-flowered but free-blooming old species. It possesses a most agreeable odor. The petals are white.

Phyllocactus Phyllanthus

This has been in cultivation longer than any other phyllocactus, and it is desirable because of its associations. Its intrinsic merits are not great, however. The flower is creamy-white, long-tubed, fragrant; it opens at night and perishes the next morning.

Phyllocactus Crenatus

This is one of the very best of the genus. The flowers are six to eight inches in diameter, with pure white petals and brownish inner sepals. The flowers open during the day and persist for several days. Many hybrids have been produced between this and the red-flowered kinds, particularly with Phyllocactus Ackermanni,, giving many soft intermediate tints, adding to the attractiveness of this desirable genus. L. H. B.