246 MONOPERIGYNEZ. 
ORDER XVI. 
PALMZ.—PALMS. 
Caaracters.—In general large trees, with a cylindrical 
stem, generally unbranched, sometimes shrubby. Stem 
circular scales, formed by the persistent bases of the leaves. 
Leaves in a cluster at the top of the stem or stype, large, per- 
sistent at the base, and often pinnate; sheathing, and plaite 
in the bud. Inflorescence a terminal spadix, covered before’ 
expansion by a coriaceous or even woody spatha. Spadices 
sometimes in clusters. Flowers occasionally hermaphrodite, 
oftener diwcious or polygamous. Perianth of 6 divisions, 
3 internal and 3 external, like calyx and corolla, persistent. 
Stamens 6, seldom 3: opposite to, and at the-base of, the 
segments of the perianth. Ovary superior, 1 or 3-celled, 
3-lobed, each cell I-seeded, ovule erect. Pericarp a berry 
or fibrous drupe, containing a bony nut ; albumen at first 
tender, afterwards horny ; embryo small, cylindrical, and s!- 
-tuated horizontally in a lateral depression of the albumen. : 
 Exampres.—This is a well-known family, of a most ele- 
gant and majestic appearance. The Date Palm (Phenir 
_ dactylifera), and the Cocoa-nut tree (Cocos nucifera), are the 
best known examples. The latter is about 60 feet in height, 
and has at the top upwards of 50 leaves, from 8 to 12 feet 
long, and nuts as large as a man’s head. The Palms are 
found almost solely within the tropics, and most frequently 
in South America, India, and Africa. According to Von 
