ANTHOSPERMUM, the AMBER-TREE: A genus of the dioecia order, belonging to the polygamia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 47th order, Stellatae. The essential characters are: The calyx of the hermaphrodite flower is divided into four parts; there is no corolla; the stamens are four, and the pistilli two; the germin is beneath the flower. Male and female on the same or separate plants.
Species. Of this genus Linnæus mentions three; the Æthiopica, ciliari, and herbacea; but the first is most generally known in the gardens of the curious. Its beauty consists in its small evergreen leaves, which grow as close as heath. These being bruised between the fingers, emit a very fragrant odour; whence the name amber-tree.
Cultures. This plant is easily propagated by cuttings during any of the summer-months, in a border of light earth; where they will take root in six weeks time, provided they are watered or shaded as the season may require; or if they are planted in pots plunged in a moderate hot-bed, they will take root the sooner, and there will be a greater certainty of their growing. They must be frequently renewed by cuttings, as the old plants are very subject to decay, and seldom last above three or four years.