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Literary
February 9, 1877
The Somerset Press
Somerset, Perry County, Ohio
What is this article about?
A descriptive essay on the life-plant (leaf of life), a resilient Jamaican species that sprouts roots and grows new leaves even when cut, hung, deprived of light and moisture, or pressed in a herbarium, requiring extreme measures like hot iron to kill.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
The Leaf of Life.
There is a certain curious member of the plant family, very common in Jamaica, we are told, called the life-plant, or leaf of life, because it is almost impossible to kill the leaves. You may cut one off and hang it up by a thread, where any ordinary leaf would be discouraged and dry up. It will send out long, white, thread-like roots, and set about growing new leaves. You may cut off half a leaf and throw it into a tight box, where it can get neither light nor moisture (necessaries of life to other plants), the spirited little leaf puts out its delicate roots all the same. Even pressed, and packed away in a Botanist's herbarium - the very driest and dullest place you ever did see - it will keep up its work, throw out roots and new leaves, and actually grow out of its covers. It is said that Botanists who want to dry this pertinacious vegetable are obliged to kill it with a hot iron or with boiling water.
There is a certain curious member of the plant family, very common in Jamaica, we are told, called the life-plant, or leaf of life, because it is almost impossible to kill the leaves. You may cut one off and hang it up by a thread, where any ordinary leaf would be discouraged and dry up. It will send out long, white, thread-like roots, and set about growing new leaves. You may cut off half a leaf and throw it into a tight box, where it can get neither light nor moisture (necessaries of life to other plants), the spirited little leaf puts out its delicate roots all the same. Even pressed, and packed away in a Botanist's herbarium - the very driest and dullest place you ever did see - it will keep up its work, throw out roots and new leaves, and actually grow out of its covers. It is said that Botanists who want to dry this pertinacious vegetable are obliged to kill it with a hot iron or with boiling water.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Nature
What keywords are associated?
Life Plant
Leaf Of Life
Jamaica
Botany
Resilience
Roots
Growth
Literary Details
Title
The Leaf Of Life.
Key Lines
You May Cut Off Half A Leaf And Throw It Into A Tight Box, Where It Can Get Neither Light Nor Moisture (Necessaries Of Life To Other Plants), The Spirited Little Leaf Puts Out Its Delicate Roots All The Same.
Even Pressed, And Packed Away In A Botanist's Herbarium The Very Driest And Dullest Place You Ever Did See It Will Keep Up Its Work, Throw Out Roots And New Leaves, And Actually Grow Out Of Its Covers.