Alpinia. monandria monogynia. 73 



" The shrub 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 iis 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, in 

 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. 



" I do not hear of any varieties in the species, ami 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. 1 am assured, by 

 all, that the seeds of the Cardomnm will never produce 

 plants, and that it is only to be propagated as already stated, 

 or by cuttings." 



10. A. punicea. R. 



Leaves lanceolate. Spikes radical, compact, imbricated. 

 Lip entire, sub-parabolic ; base spurless. 



A stately species, a native of Sumatra, from thence sent by 

 the late Dr. C. Campbell, to the Botanic garden near Cal- 

 ctttta, where it blossoms in March and April. 



Roots hard and bifarious. Suckers numerous, running 

 far under the surface of the earth. Stems numerous, erect, 

 or oblique, smooth, swelled near the base ; general height 



