Alpinia.. MONANDRIA MONOGYNIAS 73 
~The stirub continues to grow in this manner until after- 
the early rains of the fourth year, in February, when it has 
reached its utmost height, which varies from six to nine feet ;_ 
four or five tendrils are now seen’to spring from its stem 
near the root, and afterwards the fruit is produced, which is 
gathered the following November; and requires no other 
preparation, than drying in the sun, The fruit is annually 
collected in this way, until the seventh year, when it is usual 
to cut it down, and from the trunk other sprouts arise, ia 
course of the next monsoon; which grow, flourish, and are 
cultivated as before. The husk with tHe seed I have called 
the fruit, as it corresponds with the native name. The seeds 
are termed the rice, and the tendrils the threads of the plant. 
“Ido not hear of any varieties in the species, and now 
enclose you a specimen of some just given to me by the 
person who farms the collection, and accounted of an inferior 
growth. It may not be unnecessary to mention, that this 
commodity yields to Government from 25 to 30,000 rupees 
per annum. The inhabitants use it as a general condiment 
to their food, and it is likewise held in sacred estimation for 
the purposes of sacrifice. It is constantly chewed with betle, 
and some medicinal properties are ascribed to it when used 
in decoction for complaints of the bowels. I am assured, by 
all, that the seeds of the Cardomum will never produce 
plants, and that it is only to be propagated as already stated, ie 
or i pees & : 
40. A, punicea. R. | rae 
Leaves lanceolate. Spikes radical, compact, grep 
Lip entire, sub-parabolic ; base spurless. ‘sg 
A stately species, a native of Sumatra, frst . 
the late Dr. C. Campbell, to od Botanic cullen See : 
or ctor sdk. willl: near the base; general heights ae 
