polvstAchyA . Yellow . H. Tr. A. SwitzerL. Willdenown . Yellow . H. Tr. A. Europe .. maciilAtA . . . Yellow . 5, H. Tr. A. England. marginatA . . . Yellow . 7. H. Tr. A. S. Eur. . . 1816 marinA .... Yellow . 7, H. Her. P. S. Eur. . . 1596 media .... Yellow . 6,  . Yellow . 7. H. Tr. A. SwitzerL . 1816 mollissImA . . . Yellow . 7» H. Tr. A Spain . . 1818 mOrCx .... Yellow . 7i H. Tr. A. . 1802 muricAtA . . . Yellow . 6, H. Tr. A England. muricoleptls . . Yellow . 7, H. Tr. A. Europe . . 1820 nigra .... YeUow . 7, H. Tr. A. S. Eur. . . 1789 obscOrA .... Yellow . 7, H. Tr. A S. France . 1734 orbiculAris . . . YeUow . 7. H. Tr. A. S. Eur. . . 1688 pentacyclA . . . Yellow . 7, H. Tr. A S France . 1820 pr%cdx .... Yellow . 7, H. Tr. A. Provence . 1820 procumbens . . Yellow . 6. H. De. Tr. S. Eur. . . 1818 prnstratA . . . YeUow . 6, H. De. Tr. Hungary . 1793 pubescens . . . YeUow . 7> H. Tr. A MontpeL . 1819 rectA .... YeUow . 7» H. A Barbary . 1810 rigidhlA .... YeUow . 7. H. Tr. A. S. France . 1730 rugOsA, 6 . . . YeUow . 7, H. Tr. A. S. Eur. . . 1680 rupestrls . . . Yellow . 6, H. Tr. A. Tauria . . 1820 sativA .... Violet . 6, H. Her. P. England versIcbWr . . Yel. blue 6, H. Her. P. Britain ,. scuteUaU . . . YeUow . 7. H. Tr. A. S. Eur. . .1562 sibirIcA. 7 . . . YeUow . 6, H. Tr. A Siberia . . 1817 aphserocArpA . . YeUow . 7. H. Tr. A. Italy . .1818 spinulosA . . . YeUow . 7, H. Tr. A. S. France . 1820 striAtA, 8 . . . YeUow . 7. H. AS. France . 1820 suffruUcdoA . . Vio. yel. . 6, H. Her. P. Pyrenees . 1820 TenoreAnA. . .Yellow . 7- H. Tr. A. Italy . .1820 tentaculatA . . YeUow . 6, H. Tr. A. S. Eur. . . 1800 terebellum . . . Yellow . 7, H. Tr. A. S. Eur. . . 1798 tornatA . . . .Yellow . 7, H. A. S. Eur. . . 1658 tribuloides . . . YeUow . 7. H. A. S. Eur. . . 1730 tuberculAtA . . YeUow . 7, H. A. S. Eur. . . 1658 turbinata . . . YeUow . 7, H. A. S. Eur. . . 1680 Medick, see 3IedicagS. Medinilla, Gaudichaud. The meaning is not ex- plained. Linn. 10, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Melastomacex. This very elegant shrub may be referred to Mela- stoma for culture and propagation. erythrophyllA . . Rose . . 8, S. Ev. S. Khooseea . 1837 Medi.ar, see MSspllfts. Meduli-a, the pith of a plant. Mkdusa’s-hkad, see Euphorbia Capfit MedOsce, Megacarp.®a, Decandolle. From megas, great, and karpos, a fruit ; in allusion to the large pods. Linn. 15, Nat. Or. Cruciferve. This plant grows best in light sandy soil, and may readily be increased by seeds. Synonyme: \. Biscutella megacar pa. laciniAtA, 1 . . YeUow . 6, H. Her. P. Siberia . . 1818 MegacunTOm, Lindley. From megas, large, and kline, a bed ; in allusion to the broad, sword-shaped bed, or rachis of the flowers. Linn. 20, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Orchidacece. This is a most singular genus of plants, the flowers being produced on a rachis, which is upwards of nine inches long. The lip of M. falcatum moves up and down with great rapidity, much in the same way as the head of the Chinese images of mandarins. F or culture and propagation, see Stanhopea. fUcAtum .... YeL red . 3, S. Epi. S. Leone . 1824 mAximiim . . . YeL grn. . 7, S. Epi. S. Leone . 1836 oxyptAnim . . . Green . . S. Epi. S. Leone. MEGASTTACHf A, Beauvois. From megas, large, and stachys, a spike ; in allusion to the flower-spike. Linn. 3, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Graminea. Rather pretty plants, chiefly annuals. They grow in any kind of soil, and are increased by seeds, amabllis .... Ape'.al . . 7, Gra-vs. E. Ind. . . 1802 brizoldes .... A petal . . 6, Grass. C. G. H. . .1818 ciliArls .... Apetal . . 7. Grass. Jamaica . . 1776 elongAtA .... Apetal . . 7, Grass. E. Ind. . . 1812 Eragrustls . . . Apetal . .  pilchelU .... Apetal . . 7, Gn.aa. Tauria . . 1819 rupestrls .... Apetal . . 6, Grass. £. Ind. . . 1820 specUbllls . . . Apetal . . 6, Grass. N. Amer. . 1820 Melaleuca, Linn. From melas, black, and leukos, white; because the trunk is black and the branches white. Linn. 18, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Slyrtacea. This is a very desirable genus of greenhouse or con- servatory plants, on account of the neatness of their foliage, and their splendid flowers. They thrive best in an equal mixture of loam, peat, and sand ; and cuttings, if not too ripe, will root readily planted in sand, under a glass. M. Leucadendron and Cajuputi yield the volatile oil of Cajevuli, well known as a powerful sudorific, and a useful external application in chronic rheumatism. Synonymes: 1. M. parvijlora. 2. M. imbricata. 3. M. canescens, M. tomeniosa, 4. ilf. Cajuputi. 5. M. epacridea. 6. M. discolor. acerdsA .... Purple . 6, G. Ev. S. N. Hull. armillArla . . . Green . . 6. G. Ev. S. N. S. VV. . 1788 calycInA . . . Purple . 7, G. Ev. S. N. Amer. . 1803 cuticuiarls ... G. Ev. S. N. HolL decussAiA, 1 . . Lilac . . 8, G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1803 densA .... Purple . G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1803 diosmaefAlIA . . Reddish . 6, G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1794 dumdsA .... G. Ev. S. N. HolL. ericiftllA . . . Green . . 8, G. Ev. S. N. S. W. . 1788 eriocAphAlA . . G. Ev. S. N. HoU. . 1824 erubescAns . . . Yellow . 6, G. Ev. S. N. HolL euphorbioldes . . 0. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1824 fimbriAtA ... G. Ev. a N. HolL . 1817 FrasAxI .... Pa. rose . G. Ev. S. N. a W. . 1829 fulggns .... Scarlet . 8, G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1803 genistifAlIA . . Reddish . G. Ev. a N. S. W. . 1793 cpbbditA, 2 . . . G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1820 globifArA ... G. Ev. 8. N. HolL . 1803 grandls .... G. Ev. S. N. HolL. Hugein .... G. Ev. S. Swan R. . 1832 InpericifdlU . . Scarlet . 7, G. Ev. S. N. S. W. . 1792 incAnA, 3 . . . Yellow . 7, G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1817 lanceolAtA ... . 7, G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1817 LeucadendrAn . . White. . S. Ev. T. E. Ind. . . 1796 UnarifOlIA . . . Cream . 7. G. Ev. 8. N. S. W. . 1793 t 200 ] MEL MEL MEL mTndr, 4 . . . White . . S. Ev. S. E. Ind. . . 1800 nodosa .... Pa. yel. . 6, G. Ev. S. N. S. W. . 1790 . . .Red' . . 8,G.Ev. S.N.H0II. . 803 venduUna ... G. Ev. &. N. Holl. . 1820 ~nt^na . ! . G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1820 pulchella . . . Purple . 7. G. Ev. S. N. Holl. . 1803 rotundifOUa . . . 7, G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1816 scabra .... Puiple . 5, G. Ev. S. N. Holl. . 1803 squamsa . . . Lilac . . 6, G. Ev. S. V. D. L. . 1805 squarrdsa . . . White . . G. Ev. S. N. S. W. . 1794 striata .... Purple . 6, G. Ev. S. N. Holl. . 1803 stypbeloides, 5 . White . . 6, G. Ev. S. N. S. W. . 1793 ta^fdlia . . . G. Ev. S. N. Holl.. tetrasona ... G. Ev. S. N. Holl. . 1820 thesefonnis . . G. Ev. S. N. Holl. . 1824 thymifdlta, 6 . . Purple . 8, G. Ev. S. N. S. W. . 1792 thymoidas . . . Purple . G. Ev. S. N. Holl. . 1803 trinervia ... G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1816 uncinata . . . Purple . 7» G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1803 Tirrati-i .... G. Ev. S. N. HolL . 1818 viridifldra ... Green . . G. Ev. T. N. S. W. . 1777 Mklampodium, Linn. From melas, black, and pous, a foot ; in .allusion to the seeds. Linn. 19, Or. 4, Nat. Or. Composite. Uninteresting plants; they require to be sown and treated as other tender annuals. Synonxjmes : 1. M. ovalifolium, Wedelia minor, Alcina ovalifolia, Dyssodium divaricatum — americdnum, hlspidum, hftmile, longifdllum, palu~ dosam 1. Mklampykum, Linn. From melas, black, and pyros, wheat. Linn. 14, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Scrophulariacece. Annual weeds, which require to be sown in the open ground — arvense, cristdtum, nemorOsdm, pra- tensS, sylvaticum. Melanantheka, Richard. From melas, black, and anthera, an anther; alluding to the colour of the anthers. Linn. 19, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Composite. Uninteresting plants, growing in any common soil, and increased by divisions and seeds. Synonymes ; 1. Calea aspera. 2. Bidens nivea — deltoided 1, has- tuta 2, h. pandurutd. Melanconium, Link. From melas, black, and konis, dust; in allusion to the black dusty appearance of the species. Linn. 24, Or. 9, Nat. Or. Fungi. These are very minute plants, found on dead branches of trees — conglomerdtum, ovdtOm. MELANOCAuinN, black-stemmed. Melanorkh^ea, Wallich. From melas, black, and rheo, to flow; when wounded it yields a black juice. Linn. 23, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Anacardiacece. This splendid tree attains the height of a hundred feet; it grows in peat and loam, and cuttings of the ripened wood root freely in sand, under a glass, in heat. The varnish of Martaban is obtained from this tree ; it is known in that country by the name of Theet-see, or Kheu, and is extremely dangerous, as the skin, if rubbed with it, inflames, and becomes covered with pimples, which are difficult to heal, usttatissima . . Red . . S. Ev. T. E. Ind. . . 1829 Melanoskiunum, Hnff'mansegg. From melas, black, and selinon, parsley. Linn. 5, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Urn- belliferas. This plant grows in any common soil, and is increased by divisions. Synonyme: 1. Seli- num decipiens decipiens . . . tVhite . . 6, H. Her. P. Madeira . 1785 Melakoxylon, black- wooded. Melananthon, dark-flowered. MelanthiDm, Linn. From melas, black, and anthos, a flower ; in allusion to the dusky colour of the flowers. Linn. 6, Or. 3, Nat. Or. Melanthacex. The plants of this genus deserve a place in every col- lection; for culture and propagation, see Massonia. Synonyme: 1. Tutipa Breyniana. capensS .... Yellow . 5, G. Bl. P. C. G. H. . 1768 ciliitum ... Pa. yei. . 6, G. Bl. P. C. G. H. . 1810 (rramineum . . White . . 5, G. Bl. P. Madagore . 1823 jiinceura . . . Pink . . 9, G. BL P. C. G. H. . 1788 phalangioides . . White. . 6, G. Bl. P. Carolina . 1810 Tecundiim . . . White. . 9, G. Bl. P. C. G H. . 1812 siblricum ... G. Bl. P. Siberia . . 1823 uniflorum, 1 . . WhL yel. . 6, G. BL P. C. G. H. . 1787 Melasph.«rula, Ker. From melas, black, and sphaira, a globule ; dark colour of the bulbs. Linn. 3, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Iridacex. These handsome plants re- quire to be treated similar to the Ixias. Synonyme : 1 . M. graminea. gramXneS . . . Green . . 6, G. BL P. C. G. H. . 1787 intermedia, 1 . . Yel. gm. . 6, G. Bl. P. C. G. H. . 1787 iridifdixa . . . Grn. yel. . 6, G. BL P. C. G. H. . 1787 parvifldrd . . . Yellow . 6, G. BL P. C. 0. H.. t 201 ] Melastoma, Bumnann. From melas, blaak, and stoma, the mouth; the black berries of some of the species are commonly eaten by children, whose mouths they stain black. Linn. 10, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Melastomaceae. These plants are very' showy when in flower, especially M. elongata ; indeed, this plant can hardly be excelled for beauty ; in its native habitat its flowers are large, and vary from blue to purple and white. Loam, peat, and sand, mixed, suit till the species best ; and cuttings of the young wood root readily planted in pots filled with peat, and placed under a glass, in heat. Sy- nonymes: 1. Osbeckia grandiflora. 2. M. malabaih- afTinis .... S. Ev. S. E. Ind. . . 1810 Afzeliana . . . Red . . S. Ev. S. S. Leone . 1824 aspera .... Purple . 6, S Ev. S. E. Ind. . . 1815 BanksH. . . .White. . 9, S. Ev. S. N. HolL .1824 Candida. . . . Purple . S. Ev. S. China . . 1822 corymbdaS . . . Purple . 6, S. Ev. S. S. Leone . 1792 cymosa .... Purple . 6,  1 . . . Purple . 5, S. Tu. P. S. Leone . 1823 macrocarpa, 2 . . Purple . 6, G. Ev. S. China . . 1793 malabathrlca . . Purple . 6, S. Ev. S. E. Ind. . . 1793 sangulnsa . . . Purple . 9, S. Ev. S. China . . 1818 Melastoma, see PlerSmd. Meleagris, freckled, speckled. MklhanIa, Forskahl. From Mount Melhan, in Arabia Felix, where the original species was first found. Linw. 16, Or. 2, Nat. Or. S/ercf//?acc<c. Or- namental trees, growing about twenty feet high. They thrive best in a mixture of sandy loam, and cuttings root readily in the same kind of soil, under a glass, in heat. BurcheUn . . .White. . G. Ev. T. G. G. H. .1818 Erythrdxylon . . White . . 7. S. Ev. T. St. Helena . 1772 Melanoxyldn . . White. . 7» S. Ev. T. St. Helena . 1800 Melia, Linn. The Greek name of the manna ash; resemblance in the leaves. Linn. 14, Or. 10, Nat. Or. Meliaceae. Fine trees, thriving well in a mix- ture of loam, peat, and sand ; and large cuttings of the ripened wood, w'ith the leaves not shortened, will root in sand, under a glass ; those of the stove species in heat. The root of M. Azedarach is bitter, and is used as an anthelmintic in North America. The fruit of M. Azadirachta is oily', acrid, and bitter, as is also the bark. australis . . . Lilac . . G. Ev. T. N. Holl. . 1810 AzadirachtA . . White . . 7> S. Ev. T. E. Ind. . . 1759 Azedarach . . . Blue . . 7, G. De. T. Syria . . 1656 composita . . . Wht. red . 7, S. Ev. T. E. Ind. . . 1810 excelsa .... White. . 7, G. Ev. T. E. Ind. . . 1819 guineensii . . . Wht. red . 7> S. Ev. T. Guinea . . 1,824 robusta .... Wht. red . 7, G. Ev. T. E. Ind. . . 1820 sempervirens . . Brown . S. Ev. T. Jamaica . 1656 supcrba .... Wht red . S. Ev. T. E. Ind. . . 1810 Melianthus, Linn. From mel, honey, and anthos, a flower; the flowers are full of honey. Linn. 4, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Zygophyllacex. Ornamental shrubs, thriving in any light rich soil ; and cuttings root freely under a glass. comoshs . . . Yellow . G. Ev. S. C. G. H. . 1820 major .... Brown . 6, H. Ev. S. C. G. H. . 1688 mlnOr .... Brown . 6, G. Ev. S. C. G. H. . 1696 MklTca, Linra. From me?, honey ; the Italian name of the great millet. Linn. 3, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Gra- minsae. Some species of this genus are w'orth growing ; they are all of the simplest culture, altlssima . . . Apetal . . 7, Grass. Siberia . . 1770 ciliata . . Apetal . . 7, Grass. Europe . . 1771 nutans . . Apetal . . 6, Grass. Britain .. uniflOra . . . Apetal . . 5, Grass. Britain. Bauhinl, gldbrd, pyramiddlis, specidsd, sylvdtlcd. Melic-orass, see Melted. MeiJchrus, R. Brown. From melichros, honey- coloured ; alluding to the colour of the glands of the flowers. Linn. 5, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Epacridacem. These are very pretty shrubs; for culture and propagation, see Epacris. mSdIus .... Scarlet . 5, G. Ev. S. N. S. W. . 1824 rotatus .... Scarlet . 6, G. Ev. S. N. HoU. . 1824 MelicOcca, Jussieu. From mel, honey, and coccos, a berry ; the fruit is very sweet. Linn. 8, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Sapindacece. These plants are cultivated to a great extent in the West Indies for their eat- able fruits. They grow well in a light loamy soil ; and cuttings of the ripened wood will root in sand, 2 D MEL ' MEL MEL MEN under a glass in heat. Synonytne : 1. Scytalia trijuga. bijuga .... Yellow . S. Er. T. Antilles . 1778 olivaefonnla . . Yellow . S. Ev. T. N. Granada 1824 paniculata ... S. Ev. T. St. Domin. . 1820 trijuga, 1 . . . S. Ev. T. Ceylon . . 1820 Meucopb, Forster. From met, honey, and hope, a division ; in allusion to the honey glands at the base of the ovaries. Linn. 8, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Rutacete. An ornamental shruo, growing freely in loam and peat ; and cuttings of the young wood root in sand, under a glass. ternata .... White . . G. Ev. S. N. ZeaL . 1822 Mklilot, see MelilOlus. Melilotus, Tourn^ort. From meZ, honey, and lotus; honey lotus. The plants are similar to the Lotus, and are the favourite haunt of bees. Linn. 14, Or. 10, Nat. Or. Leguminosa:. Very few of these plants are worth cultivating except in general collections. M- arborea is readily increttsed by cuttings. The seed of the other kinds only requires to he sown in the open border in spring. Synonymes : 1. M. alba. 2. M. plicata. 3. Trifolium Kochianum. 4 M. vul- garis. 5. Trifolium Melilotus officinalis. 6. M. rugulosa. 7. M. mauritanica. altissima, 1 . . White . 7, H. " B. France . .1816 arbdrea .... White . 7, H. Ev. S. Turkey . . 1826 officinalis, 5 . . Yellow . 8, H. A. Britain .. pallida .... Pa. yel. . 8, H. B. Volhinia . 1816 segetalls . . . Yellow . 7, H. A. Spain . . 1820 Buaveolens . . . YeUow . 7, H. Her. P. Daliuria . 1824 arvgnsis, Baumltti, BesseriSnd 2, dentati, grdcilis, Indlca, italicd, Kochidnd 3, leucdntha 4, linearis^ macrorhizi, melanospgmui,messanensls, neapolitand , palQstris, parviJlOrd 6, Petitpierrednd, polOnicd, rotundifblid, ruthlnicd, sulcata 7, tafiricd. Melissa, Bentham. From melissa, a bee; the bees obtain a great quantity of honey from the Balm. Linn. 14, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Labiatce. These plants will grow in common garden soil, and are readily increased by dividing the roots. Synonymes: 1. M. altistima, M. cord\folia. 2. Horminum pyrenai- cum. cretica .... Wht. pur. 6, H. Her. P. Candia . . 1596 officinalis . . . White . . 7, H. Her. P. S. Eur. . . 1573 variegata . . White . . 6, H. Her. P. Gardens villOsa, 1 . . yVhite . . 8, H. Her. P. Italy . .1573 polyanthOs. . . White. . 7, H. Her. P. . 1820 pyrenaica, 2 . . Wht. pur. 7. H. Her. P. PjTcnees . 1800 Mblitta, Linn. From melitta, a.hee ; a name syno- nymous with Melissa. Linn. 14, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Labiatce. These are showy plant# when in flower, and are, on that account, well fitted for ornament- ing flower-borders and shrubberies. They are in- creased by dividing the roots in spring or autumn. Synonyme : 1. M. grandijlora. Meli^sophyllum' . Flesh . . 5, H. Her. P. England alpina . . . Flesh . . 5, H. Her. P. Svvitzerl.. grandiflora, 1 . Wht yeL 5, H. Her. P. England Melliferous, honey -bearing. Mblocactus, C. Bauhin. From melos, a melon, and cactus ; in allusion to the appearance of the plants. Linn. 12, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Cactncece. This is a genus of grotesque-looking plants. They are well worthy of a place in every collection of plants, and require precisely the same treatment as the Mummillarias. Synonymes: 1. Cactus Melocactus. 2. C. macracun- tha. 3. M. Besleri 4. Echinocactus polyacaniha. 6. E. Sellowii. amoenus . . . Li. scar. . S. Ev. S. . 1835 communis, 1 . . Red . . 7, S. Ev. S. W. Ind. . 1688 viridis ... S. Et. S. . 1836 depress&s . . . Scarlet . S. Ev. S. Pernambuco excavSttis ... S. Ev. S. . 1834 Grengein ... S. Ev. S. St Thos. Is. 1836 macracanthS, 2 . Wht. red . S. Ev. S. S. Amer. . 1820 maerSntha . . . Wht red . S. Ev. S. S. Amer. . 1820 meonacanthus . S. Ev. S. Jamaica . 1835 octagonhs ... S. Ev. S. Mexico. . 1834 placentiformis, 3 . Red . . S. Ev. S. Brazil .. polyacSutha, 4 . S. Ey. S. Brazil .. pyramidAlIs . . Red . . S. Ev. S. Curacoa . 1824 spinis-rubris . S. Ev. S. SalmiSnus .... S. Ev. S. . 1835 Sellowu, 5 . . . S. Ev. S. Brazil, .. Mklocanna, Kcempfer. From melon, an apple, and kanna, a reed. Linn. 6, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Graminece. This species is nearly allied to Bambusa ; it is readily increased by suckers. Synonyme : 1. Bam- busa baccifera. bambusoldes, 1 . . Apetal . . 7> Grass. E. Ind. . .1818 Mblochia, Linn. Altered from JfeZoc/iicA, the Arabic name of Corchorus olitorius, which is used in the East as a salad-plant. Linn. 16, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Sterculiaceae. Plants of little beauty. Any light rich soil suits them ; and cuttings root freely in the same kind of .soil, under a glass, in heat. parviflorS . . . Purple . 7, S. Ev. S. Caraccas . 1820 parvifOlia . . . White. . 6, S. Ev. S. Trinidad . 1819 pyramidatd . . Flesh . . 5, S. Ev. S. Brazil . . 1768 tomentosa . . . Purple . 5, S. Ev. S. W. Ind. . 1768 Melodinus, Forster. From melon, an apple, and dineo, to turn round. Linn. 5, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Apocynacece. Ornamental plants, well worth cul- tivation for the sake of their showy flowers. They grow well in a mixture of loam and peat ; and cut- tings w'ill root in sand, under a glass, in heat, monogynus . . White . 7. S. Ev. Tw. E. Ind. . . 1820 scandens . . . MGiite . 7» S. Ev. Tw. N. Caled. . 1775 Melon, see Cucumis M?l6. Melon-pumpkin, see CucUrbUd MelopSpS. Melon-thistle, see Melocnc/us- Melon-turk’s-cap, see MelocSctds comments. Meloseira, Agardh. From melon, a melon, and seira, a chain; shape of the filaments. Linn. 24, Or. 7, Nat. Or. Algce. Very minute species, found in salt marshes, rivulets, &c. — disclgSrd, lineutd, nummuloldls. Melothria, Linn. From melothron of Theophrastus ; supposed to be Bryony. Linn. 21, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Cucurbitacere. A mere weed ; it grows in any rich soil, and is increased by seeds. Synonyme : 1. Tri- chosanihes feetidissima — feetida 1, pendula. Membranaceous, or mesuiranous, having the texture of a membrane. MEMBCifiiiN, Linn. From memecylon of Dioscorides; the Greek name of the fruit of the Arbutiu. Linn. 8, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Memecylacece. The soil best adapted to the growth of these plants is a mixture of peat, loam, and sand ; and cutting? of the young wood root freely in sand, under a glass, in heat. capitellAtum . . • 7» S. Ev. S. E. Ind. . . 1796 edule .... Purple . S. Ev. T. Ceylon . . 1820 Mrniocus, Desfontaines. From mene, the moon, and okkos, the eye ; supposed to refer to the shape of the seeds. Linn 15, Nat. Or. Cruciferce. A pretty little annual, well fitted for ornamenting rock- work. The seed may be sown where it is to remain. Synonyme: \. Alyssum linifolius. linifollua, 1 . . Wliite . . 6, H. A. Caucasus . 1819 MeniscTum, Schreber. From meniskos, a crescent; alluding to the shape of the fructification. Linn. 24, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Polypodiacece. This is a very elegant genus of ferns. They thrive well in loam and peat, and are increased by dividing the roots, or by seeds. Synonymes: 1. Hemionitis prolifera. 2. Poly podium reticulatum. 3. Asplenium sorbifulium. prollferum, 1 . . Brown . 5, S. Her. P. E. Ind. . . 1820 reliculatucD, 2 . Brown . 5, S. Her. P. Martinique 1793 sorbifolium, 3 . . Brown . S. Her. P. Brazil . . 1823 Menispermum, Linn. From mene, the moon, and sperma, a seed ; the fruit is kidney or half-moon- shaped ; whence the English name. Moon-seed. Linn. 22, Or. 10, Nat. Or. Menispermaceoe. This genus is chiefly composed of hardy plants, well adapted for covering arbours or trellis-w'ork. They grow in any common soil, and may be increased by dividing the roots, or by cuttings planted early in spring in a sheltered situation, or by seeds. Syno- nymes: 1. M. virginicum. 2. Cissampelos smilacina. canadense . . . Gm. yeL . 6, H. De. Tw. N. Amer. . 1691 lobatum, 1 . . Grn. yeL . 6, H. De. Tw. N. Amer. . 1732 daurtcum . . . Wht. yeL . 6, H. De. Tw. Daurra . 1810 Lvonu .... Purple . 6, H. De. Tw. N. Amer. . 1823 planiffillum . . Yellow . & Ev. Tw. E. Ind. . 1828 smilacinum, 2 . . Grn. yel. . H. Ev. Tw. Carolina . 1776 MenonvIllea, Decandolle. In honour of M. Thiery de Menonville, an enterprising French naturalist. Linn. 15, Nat. Or. Cruciferce. Rather a pretty hardy plant, growing freely in light loamy soil, and is increased by seeds. filifdlia .... Grsh. wht 8, H. A. Chile . . 1836 Menstruum, a liquor used as a dissolvent. 1 202 1 MEN MEN MER MES Mentha, Linn. The poets celebrate Minthe, a daughter of Cocytus, as being turned into mint by Proserpine in a fit of jealousy. Linn. 14, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Labiat/e. The Mint is a well-known genus of useful herbs, with the culture and propa- gation of which every one is familiar. Synonymes : 1. M. pyramidalis. 2. M. crispa. 3. M. hirsuta, M. nepetoides. 4. M. paludosa, M. palustris. 5. JJf. rivalis. 6. M. agrestis. 7. M. pnecox. 8. M. gentilis. 9. M. Badensis. 10. M. rubra. 11. M. acutifoHa, M. saliva. 12. M. austriaca. 13. M. bo- realis. 14. M. odorafa. 15. M. gracilis. 16. M. macrostachya, M. rugosa. 17- M. capensis. 18. M. hirta. 19. M. undulata. 20. M. canescens. 21. M. nemorosa, M. Niliaca. 22. M. gratissima. 23. 31. brevispicata, 31. laevigata. 24. 31. crispata. aquatica, 1 . . Pur. red . 8, H. Her. P. Britain .. crispa, 2 . . Purple . 7, H. Her. P. Siberia . .1640 hirsuta, 3 . . Purple . 8, H. Her. P. Britain .. suhspicata, 4 . Purple . 8, H. Her. P. Britain .. ar van sis, 5 . . . Purplish . 8, H. Her. P. Britain'.. agrestis, 6 . . Purple . 6, H. Her. P. Britain .. glabra, 7 • • Purple . 6, H. Her. P. Britain .. gfrAcilis, 8 . . Purple . 7, H. Her. P. Britain . , nitida, 9 . . Purple . 7, H. Her. P. Britain .. rubra, 10 . . Purple . 9, H. Her. P. Britain .. sativa, 11 . . Purple . 7, H. Her. P. England. vulgaris, 12 . Purple . 7, H. Her. P. Germany. auricuiaria. . .Purple . 7, H.-Her. P. E. Ind. . .1796 balsamCa . . . Purple . 7» H. Her. P. Italy . . 1804 blaiida . . . .White. . 9, H. Her. P. Nepal . .1824 canadensis . . . Purple . 8, H. Her. P. N. Amer. . 1800 glabiata, 13 . Purple . 7. H. Her. P. N. Amer. . 1800 citrata, 14 . . . Red pur. . 7, H. Her. P. Britain .. coccinea . . . Scarlet . 7, H. Her. P. E. Ind. . . 1823 dentata .... Purple . 7» H. Her. P. Germany . 1816 divaricata . . . Purple . 7, H. Her. P. Spain . . 1824 glabrata . . . Purple . 7> H. Her. P. Egypt . . 1802 incana .... Purple . 7. H. Her. P. Greece . . 1790 lavandiilacgS . . Purple . 7, H. Her. P. Spain . .1823 piperita .... Purple . 8, H. Her. P. England pratensis, 15 . . Purple . ^ H. Her. P. England. pubescens . . . Purple . 7j H* Her. P. Pulegium . . . Pa. pur. . 8, H. Her. P. Britain .. Requiem . . . Lilac . . 8, H. Her. P. Corsica . . 1829 rotundifdlia, 16 . Whitish . 8, H. Her. P. Britain .. salicina, 17 . . H. H jr. P. C. G. H.. suavis, 18 . . . Red . . 7, H. Her. P. S. France. sylvestris . . . Purplish . 7, H. Her. P. Britain .. crispa, 19 . . Purple . 7, H. Her. P. . 1816 mollissima, 20 . Purple . 7> H. Her, P. Spain . . 1800 nemorosa, 21 . Purple . 7, H, Her. P. vulgaris, 22 . Purple . 7, H. Her. P. Germany . 1799 tgniiis .... Purple . 7, H. Her. P. N. Amer.. villosa .... Purple . 9, H. Her. P. Britain .. viridis 23 . . . Purple . 8. H. Her. P. Britain .. crispn, 24 . . Purple . 7. H. Her. P. . 1807 Mentzelia, Linn. In honour of C. Mentzel, a bota- nical author of Brandenburg. Linn. 12, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Loasacex. These curious plants grow freely in a mixture of sandy loam and peat ; and cuttings root freely in sand, under a glass, in heat. *sp#r4 .... Yellow . 7. F. A. America . 1733 hispida .... Yellow . -4,8. Her. P. Peru . . 1831 oligospermS • • Yellow . 5, G. Her. P. Louisiana . 1812 stipitata . . .Yellow . 10,H. Her. P. Mexico. . 1835 MenyXnthes, Linn, From men, a month, and anthos, a flower; alluding to the duration of the flowers. Linn- b, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Gentianacere. Plants of the simplest culture. 31. trifoliata is bitter, tonic, and febrifugal. Synonyms : 1. 31. americana. trifoliata . . .'White. . 7, H. Aq. P. Britain .. americana, 1 . Pa. red . 7» H. Aq. P. N. Amer. . 1818 Menziesia, Smith. In honour of Archibald Menzies, F.L.S., &c., surgeon and naturalist to the expedi- tion under Vancouver ; he collected many specimens of plants on the North-west coast of America, New Holland, Van Diemen’s Land, &c. Linn. 8, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Ericaceae. A very ornamental genus of plants; for culture and propagation, see Azalea. Synonyme: 1. Erica Daboeci. ferrugjnaa . . . Brown . 6, H. De. S. N. Amer. . 1811 globularis . . . Brown . 5, H. De. S. N. Amer. . 1806 polifOlia, 1 . . . Purple . 7, H. Ev. S. Ireland .. atro-purptirga . Drk. pur. . H. Ev. J5. florg-albd . . ^Vhite . . 6, H. Ev. S. Ireland .. latifdlia . . . Purple . 7, H. Ev. S. longifdlia . . Purple . 7i H. Ev. S. ngna .... Purple . 7, H. Ev. S. Ireland .. pallida ... Purple . 7t H. Ev. S. Britain .. Menziesia, see PhylldddcS. 1 203 ] MERCcKfALis, Linn. After Mercury, who is said to have first discovered the plant. Linn. 22, Or. 8, Nat. Or. Euphorbiaceae. Weeds of the simplest culture. The juice of 31. perennis is emetic, while the seed is purgative, and highly dangerous — amhigiid, dnn&d, elliptica, perSnnis, tomentOsd Merendera, Ramond. A name given to Colchicum by the Spaniards, and applied to this genus because of its affinity. Linn. 6, Or. 3, Nat. Or. Melanthaceae. This species thrives well in a light loamy soil, and is readily increased by seeds, or offsets from the bulbs. Synonymes : 1. Bulbocodium trigynum, Col- chicum caucasicum. caucasica, 1 . . Purple . 8, H. Bl. P. Caucasus . 1823 Meriania. In honour of Maria Sybylla INIerian, authoress of a work on insects. Linn. 10, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Melastomacex. This is a genus of very beautiful stove plants, which grow freely in sandy peat mixed with a little loam ; and cuttings of the half-ripened wood root freely in sand, under a glass, in heat. leucanthS . . . 'Wliite . . S. Ev. S. Jamaica . 1825 purpurei . . . Purple . S. Ev. S. Jamaica . 1825 MerIsma, Fries. From merismos, a division ; because . of the branched habit. Linn. 24, Or. 9, Nat. Or. Fungi. These plants are found in woods and damp places — cristdtd, foetida- anthocSphala , tuberOsli. MertensIa, Willdenorv. In honour of F. C. Mertens, professor of medicine at Bremen. Linn. 23, Or. 1, Nat. Or. Urticaceae. All the species of this genus are highly esteemed by the lovers of border plants for the btilliant colour of their blossoms. 31. mari- tima and parvijlora require to be grown in pots, in very sandy peat. The other species will grow in common garden soil, though they succeed much better when kept in a peat border ; increased by divisions. Synonymes: 1. Pulmonaria dahurica. 2. P. denticulata. 3. P. lanceolata. 4. P. maritima. 5. P. paniculata. 6. P. parvijlora. 7- P, virginica. 8. P. sibirica. dahurica, 1 . . Blue . . 5, H. Her P. Dahuria . 1812 denticulata, 2 . . Blue . . 6, H. Her. P. N. Amer. . 1800 marginatS, 3 . . Blue . . 6, H. Her. P. Louisiana . 1813 maritima, 4 . . Blue . . 7, H. Her. P. Britain .. paniculata, 5 . . Blue . . 6, H. Her. P. Hud.’s Bay 1778 parvitiora, 6 . . Blue . . 7, H. Her. P. Canada . .1827 pulmonarioidea, 7 Blue . . 4, H. Her. P. N. Amer. . 1699 sibirica, 8 . . . Blue . . 6, H. Her. P. Siberia . . 1801 MerOlius, Haller. From meta, a pillar ; because of the resemblance in the original fungus metulius. Linn. 24, Or. 9, Nat. Or. Fungi. This is one of the most important of parasitical fungi, being what is called the dry rot, so well known as the pest of wooden constructions — aurantidcds, Idchrymdns-ob- liqutis, tremellOsus. Mksembryanthemum, Linn. From mesembria, mid- day, and anthemon, a flower. Linn. 12, Or. 2, Nat. Or. Ficoideae. This beautiful and well-known genus of succulents is very easily cultivated. If they are intended to remain in pots, a light sandy loam will suit them best ; but if they are planted out in a dry hot border, they will flower more pro- fusely. Many of the kinds are very beautiful objects for the flower-garden; for this purpose, cuttings should be struck in the autumn, and allowed to remain in the store-pots all winter. A dry pit or frame, where frost is excluded, is sufficient for their protection in winter. Cuttings of the most succulent kinds should be allowed to dry a little after planting before water is given, after which they root readily. 31. edule is the Hottentot-fig, the leaves of which are eaten. M. nodijlorum is used in making Maroquin leather. Synonymes: 1. 3A. stellatum. 2. 31. Candollei. 3. M. purpureo croeeum. 4. 31. dimidiatum. 5. 31. parviflorum. 6. 31. magnipunctatum.7. 31. micran- thum. 8. 31. canescens. 9. 31. hirsutum. 10. 31. hispidum. abbreviatum . . G. Ev. Tr. N. HolL . 1825 acinaeiformS . . Pink . . G. Ev. Tr. C. G. H. . 1714 Ibngum . . . Pink . . 8, G. Ev. Tr. C. G. H.. acuminStum . . White . 8, G. Ev. S. C. G. H. . 1820 acutangulum . . W’hite . G. Ev. S. C. G. H. • 1821 acutum. . . . Red . . 7, G. Her. P. C. G. H. .1793 adscendens . . . Yellow . 9, G. Her. P. C. G. H. . 1805 aduncum . . . Pink . . 2, G. Ev. S. C. G. H. . 1795 aequilater&ld . . Pink . . 6, G. Ev. Tr. N. Holl. . 1791 agninum . . . Yellow . 6, G. Her. P. C. G. H. . 1824 MES MES MES MES erectiusculum . Yellow 5, G. Her. P. C. G. H. 1824 digitiformS 0. Her, P. G O. H. . 1775 minus • . Yellow 5, G. Her. P. C. G. H. 1824 dilatatum .. . White. 7, 0. Er. S. G G. H. . 1820 AitonI .. . Pink. 8, G. B. C. G. H. 1774 diminutum. . Red .. 4, G. Her. P. G G. H. . 1789 albicauld. . White 8, G. Ee. S. G G. H. 1824 cauliculatum •Red .. 4, G. Her. P. C. G. H. . 1789 filbldum. . Yellow 7, G. Her, P. C. G. H. 1714 dirersifblium. . Pa. yel.. 6, G. Her. P, C. G. H. . 1726 albinotum. .Yellow 9, G. Her. P. C. G. H. 1823 atro-rirens. . Pa. yel.. 8, G. Her. P. G G. H. nlbipunctatum . Yellow 9, G. Her. P. G G. H. 1823 brerifoliiim. . Pa. vel.. 8, G. Her. P. C. G. H. alotdes .. . Yellow G. Her. P. G G. H. 1819 glaucum .. . Pa. yel.. 8, G. Her. P. G G. H. '. 1726 alsinifolmm 6, G. A. N. HoU. 1827 laete-rirfins. . Pa. yel.. 8, G. Her. P. G G. H. aDatOmIcum . White 9, G. Ev. S. G G. H. 1803 dolabrifdrmA. . Yellow. 6, G. Er. S. C. G. H. .* 1/05 fragile. . White 11, G. Ev. s. G G. H. 1803 dublum . .. . Pa. yel.. 8, G. Her. P. G G. H, . 1800 . Pink , 6, G. Er. s. G G. H. 1811 echinalum. . Yellow. 8, G. Ev. S. C G. H. . 1774 pallldfim . Pa. pink 6, G. Er. s. G G. H. 1819 album .. . White. 8, G. Er. S. C. G. H. . 1774 augustum. . Yellow 7, G. Her. p. G G. H. . 1790 edulA . .. . Pink .. 7, G. Ev. Tr. C. G. H. . 1690 neterophyllu m . Yellow 7, G. Her. p. G G. H. 1790 elongatum .. . Pa, yel.. 6, G. Tu. P. G G. H. . 1793 pallidam . Yellow 7. G. Her. p. G G. H. 1790 fusiform^ . Pa. yeL. 5. G. Tu. P. C. G. H. . 1793 apet^lum. . Apetal 7, G. A G G. H. 1774 mlnhs .. . Pa. yeL. 5, G. Tu. P. G G. H. . 1793 Ssperum G. Er. s. G G. H. 1818 emarginatum. . Pink .. 7, G. Er. S. G G. H. . 1732 coeriilescena G. Er. s. G G. H. 1820 ermiuum .. . YeUow. 5, G. Her. P. G G. H, . 1824 attenuatum . White 7. G. Er. Tr. G G. H. 1821 expansum .. . Pa. veL. 7, G. Er. S, C. G. H. . 1705 aurantium. . Orange 7, G. Er. S. G G. H. 1793 falcatum .. . Pink .. 7, G. Er. S. G G. H. . 1727 aureum , Yellow 6, G. Er. s. G G. H. 1760 falciform^ .. . Pink .. 7, G. Er. S. C. G. H. . 1805 aiistraU . Yellow 7, G. Ev-. Tr. N.ZeaL 1773 fastigiatum. . White. 8, G. Er. S. C. G. H. . 1794 barbatum. . Pink. 7. G. Er. Tr. G G. H. 1705 reflexum . White. 8, G. Er. S. G G. H. . 1792 bellidifldram . Red wht. 7. G. Her. P. G G. H. 1717 fellnum .. . Yellow. 9, G. Her. P. C. G. H. . 1730 subulatum . Red .. 7. G. Her. P. G G. H. 1717 fibuliformd .. G. Her. P. G G. H. . 1795 viride . Red. 7, G. Her. P. C. G. H. 1717 ficiforme .. 7, G. Her. P. C. G. H. . 1819 bibracteStum . YeUow 7, G. Er. S. G G. H. 1803 filicaulA .. ! Pink . ! 9, G. Er. S. G G. H. . 1800 bicdloriim. . Orange 7. G. Er. S. C. G. H. 1732 filamentusum. Pink .. 6, G. Er. Tr. G G. H. . 1732 minus . Orange 7. G. Er. S. G G. H. ftssum . .. G. Her. P. G G. H. • 1776 p&tulum . Orange 7, G. Er. S. G G. H. fiarum . .. . Yellow. 8. G. Er. S. G G. H. . 1820 bidentatum . Yellow 8, G. Er. S. G G. H. 1818 flexile . .. . Pink .. 8, G. Ev. S. G G. H. . 1820 majua . Yellow 8, G. Er. s. G G. H. 1818 flexifdllam . Pink .. 10, G. Er. S. GG. H. . 1820 Kfidum .. . Yellow 11, G. Her. p. G G. H. 1795 l£te-rirens. Pink .. 10, G. Er. S. C. G. H. . 1818 bigibberatum . YeUow 8, G. Er. s. G G. H. 1820 . White. 7, G. Er. S. G G. H. . 1795 blaadum . ^Vhite 6, G. Er. s. G G. H. 1810 floribundum. . Pink .. 7, G. Ev. Tr. C. G. H, . 1704 brachiatum . Yellow 7, G. Er. s. G G. H, 1774 foliosum .. . Pink .. 9, 0. Er. S. G G. H. . 1802 bracteatum . Yellow 8, G. Er. s. G G. H. 1774 forficatum .. . Pink .. 9, G. Er. S. C. G. H. . 1758 brevicaulS. . Pa. yel. 8, G. Er. s. G G. H. 1820 . Crimson. 8, G. Ev. S. G G. H. . 1820 breTifOlium . Pa. yel. 8, G. Er. s. C. G. H. 1777 fragrins .. . Yellow. G. Her. P. C. G. H. bulbo-sdin. . Pink .. 8, G. Er. s. G G. H. 1820 fulrum . .. . Ftilrous. 7, G. Er. S. C. G. H. ! 1820 caducum. . Pink. 7, G. A G G. H. 1774 furfureum .. . Blush. G. Ev. Tr. C. G. H. . 1830 calamiformd . White 8, G. Er. s. G G H. 1717 geminitiim . Pink .. G. Ev. Tr. C. G. H. . 1792 calendulac6um . Yellow 8, G. A. C. G. H. 1819 genic II liflbrum . White. 8, G. A. G G. H, . 1737 calycinum. . White 7, G. Er, Tr. C. G. H. 1819 giblidsum .. Red .. 2, G. Her. P. C. G. H. . 1780 canaliculatum . Pink .. 8, G. Er. S. C. G. H. 1794 glaciale .. . White. 6, H. Tr. A. Greece candena .. . White. 6, G. Er. Tr. G G. H. 1820 gladiatum . • Pink .. 6, G. Ev. S. G G. H. ! 1792 viridlus. . White. 9, G. Er. Tr. glaucescens . Pink .. 7, G. Er. Tr. G G. H. . 1804 caninum . Yellow. 9, G. Her. P. G G. H. . 1717 glaiicinflm .. . Pink .. 7, G. Er. S. G G. H. cAnum .. . Yellow. G. Her. P. C. 0. H. 1795 cra«8um . , . Pink .. 7, G. Er. S. C, G. H. capital um. . Pa. yel.. 8, G. Her. P. G G. H. 1717 glaucum .. Orange. 6, G. Er. S. C. G. H. ! 1696 ramigarum . Pa. yel.. 8, G. Her. P. G G. H. . 1816 glomerfitum . Pink .. 7, G. Ev. S. G G. H. . 1732 carlnSns G. Her. P. G 0. H. . 1818 gricUe, 1 .. . Red .. 9, G. Er. S. G G. H. , 1794 caule.Hcans. '. Pink .. 6, G. Er. S. G G. H. . 1731 g^aclllhs . Red .. 9, G. Ev. S. C. G. H. ciliatum . White. G. A. C. 0. H. . 1774 grandifldrum. . Yellow , 7, G. Her. P. C, G. H. ! 1824 clandestlnum . White. 6, G. Er. S. G G. H. . 1822 granifurme. Yellow. 9, G. Ev. S. C. G. H. . 1727 elavellatum . Pink .. 6, G. Er. Tr. N. HolL . 1803 granulicaiile. G. Ev. S. G G. H. . 1820 aggregaium . Piuk .. 6, G. Er. Tr. N. Holl. 1803 grOssum . Pa. yel.. 9, G. Er. S. C. G. H. . 1774 onlnus. . Pink .. G- Er. Tr. N. HoU. . 1810 HawOrthn .. . Brown. 3, G. Er. S. G G. H. 