This is a group of easily-cultivated and handsome shrubs. They are of rather free and vigorous habit, and consequently better adapted for furnishing large greenhouses and conservatories than small ones. Sandy loam and fibrous peat, the former predominating, is an agreeable compost to them. A temperature of 40° to 45° in winter suits them best. They belong to the order Leguininosae, and are natives of New Holland.

Callistachys Lanceolata

This sort grows to the height of 3 or 4 feet. The leaves are opposite, usually in threes, acutely lanceolate, and fringed with fine silky hairs. The flowers are yellow in terminal spikes, and open in summer from May or June till August.

Callistachys Ovata

This is of closer growth than the last, but equally vigorous. The leaves are ovate, broader at the point than the base, produced in opposite threes, and silky on the under side. The flowers are yellow in terminal clusters, opening about the same season as the last.

Callistachys Longifolia

This is one of the largest growing and most vigorous of the group. It has long lanceolate leaves, and terminal spikes of yellow and purple flowers, which appear in summer.

Callistachys Retusa

This sort is dwarf, and rather diffuse in growth. The leaves are obovate, the points very blunt, and terminating in a fine spinelike point. The flowers are reddish, in terminal spikes, and appear in the summer months.

Callistachys Linearis

This grows with nearly as much vigour as longifolia. The leaves are linear, distinctly netted. The flowers are yellow, in loose terminal spikes, and open in the autumn months. W. S.