APHELEXIS (from apheles, simple, and exis, habit). ORD. Compositae. A genus of elegant dwarf evergreen greenhouse shrubs. Flower-heads large, solitary, or small and two or more together. Leaves small. These plants are valuable for exhibition purposes, on account of their bright colours, and the length of time they last in perfection; they are included among what are familiarly known as "everlastings." The most suitable soil is a compost of two parts of good fibrous peat and one of leaf mould, with a liberal supply of silver sand, and a few pieces of charcoal added to it. Repot the plants firmly in February, and allow thorough drainage. Cuttings can be made in spring or summer; small half-ripened side shoots are best; and these will root in sandy soil, under a bell glass, in a cool greenhouse. APHELEXIS ericoides(Heath-like).* fl.-heads white. April. l. very small, three-cornered, imbricated, appressed; branches numerous, very fine, filiform. h. 1ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1796. APHELEXIS fasciculata (fascicled). fl.-heads purplish, solitary, terminal; peduncies scaly. March. l. acerose linear, roundish, downy above; lower spreading; upper appressed. h. 2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1779. There are two or three forms of this species, varying in the colour of the flowers. APHELEXIS humilis(humble, or dwarf).* fl.-heads pink, solitary, terminal, opening only in sunshine; peduncles scaly. April. l. subulate, erect, imbricate. Branches numerous, slender, covered with white tomentum. h. 2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1810. A handsome greenhouse plant, with much-branched stems, terminated by the flower-head. SYNS. APHELEXIS macrantha and Helipterum humile. APHELEXIS h. grandiflora (large-flowered).* fl.-heads rosy-purple, produced in great abundance. Habit rather dwarf, and free branching. Very highly esteemed. APHELEXIS h. purpurea (purple).* fl. dark purple, very abundant. l. silvery white and shining. A vigorous grower, and perhaps the best for exhibition purposes. It is known in gardens as APHELEXIS macrantha purpurea; also under the name of APHELEXIS spectabilis. APHELEXIS h. rosea (rose-coloured).* fl.-heads delicate rose, very profuse. Habit very compact and free-branching. A very showy and desirable variety, known in gardens as APHELEXIS macrantha rosea. APHELEXIS macrantha (large-flowered). Synonymous with APHELEXIS humilis. APHELEXIS sesamoides (Sesamum-like). fl.-heads purple and white, sessile, solitary, terminal. April. l. acerose linear, keeled, smooth, appressed. h. 2ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1739.