Phenix. DIOECIA HEXANDRIA, ‘ 789 
>» 
8. P. paludosa, R. 
Sub-arboreous. Leaflets poh ensiform, face bifari- 
ous. E’mbryo in the base of the seed. 
Sans, Hintala, 
Beng. Hintal. 
- A native of the lower parts of the Delta of the Ganges call- 
_-ed the Sunderbunds, where it forms a considerable portion of 
those impenetrable woods which ener | cover that: “<a 
tensive tract of country. | 
Trunk straight, as thick as a man’s leg, and from six to six- 
teen feet high, Leaves pinnate, oblong, from three to six feet 
long, with the base extended into a multitude of tough 
fibres that embrace the stem and interior leaves, Leaflets so- 
litary, opposite and alternate, bifarious, the lower few pairs 
short-and spinous, the rest flaccid, sword-shaped, smooth, 
with acute filiform points, the longest of them from twelve to 
eighteen inches. Spathe simple as in the P. sylvestris and 
farinifera. Spadix ramous; branches numerous, generally — 
undivided, and spreading in every direction. So far the male 
and female plants agree. Ma Le FLowers. Calyx cup- 
| shaped, less regularly three-toothed, than in the above-men- 
tioned two species. Corol. The three petals unite at the base 
into a firm receptacle which supports the stamens. Filantents 
six, short, FEMALE FLOWERS on a distinct plant, Calyx as 
in the male, Corol. The three petals distinct, roundish, con- 
cave, .Nectary six small scales surrounding the base of the 
germs. Germs three ; styles recurved, (although as in P, syd- 
. vestris and Serinifera there are always three perfect germs, _ 
yet never more than’ one of them comes to maturity.) Berry 
the size of a field bean, oval, smooth, of a deep shining black, 
when ripe the pulp is a dirty looking, soft, greenish black 
substance, of an intolerable taste. Seed cartilaginous, as in 
P. farinifera, but in this species the ian fae is lodged near 
the base of the seed. 
The trunks of the cai fer trees serve for walking wtts 
and the 1 natives have an idea that snakes get out of the way 
