ANDROMEDA, a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the decandria class of plants. For this genus there is no English name.
Species. 1. The polifolia is a low plant, growing naturally in bogs in the northern countries. It is difficult preserved in gardens; and, being a plant of no great beauty, is seldom cultivated. 2. The mariana, a native of North America. It is a low shrub, sending out many woody stalks from the root, which are garnished with oval leaves placed alternately; the flowers are collected in small bunches, are of an herbaceous colour, and shaped like those of the strawberry-tree. They
appear in June and July. 3. The paniculata † is a native of Virginia and Carolina, growing in moist places. The plants usually arrive at the height of ten feet, with thin leaves set alternately, and having their edges finely serrated. The flowers are tubulous, small, and of a greenish white, closely set horizontally on one side of the slender stalks. These flowers are succeeded by berries, which open when ripe; and divide into five sections, enclosing many small seeds. 5. The arborea is a native of the same countries, where it is called the forrel-tree. It grows to the height of 20 feet, with a trunk usually five or six inches thick. The branches are slender, thick set with leaves like those of the pear-tree. From the ends of the branches proceed many slender stalks, on one side of which hang many small white flowers like those of the strawberry-tree. 5. The caniculata, is a native of Siberia, and likewise of North America. It grows on mossy land, and is therefore very difficult to keep in gardens. The leaves are shaped like those of the box-tree, and are of the same consistency, having several small punctures on them. The flowers grow in short spikes from the extremity of the branches. They are produced single between two leaves, are of a white colour, and a cylindrical or pitcher-like shape.
Culture. All the sorts, except the fourth, are very hardy plants, which delight in moist ground. They increase by their creeping roots, which put up suckers at a distance. These may be taken off with roots; and transplanted where they are to remain, for they cannot bear to be often removed. The fourth sort requires to be sheltered from frost in winter, but in the summer should be frequently watered. It is difficult to keep in gardens, as it grows naturally in boggy places, and requires a greater heat than that of this climate. It may be propagated by seeds, which should be procured from America.