70 MOXANDHIA MONOGYNIA. Alptnia, 



base of the tilameut is a small acute hornlet, as in most of the plants 

 of this genus, and in several of the other genera of our other Indian 

 Scitaminece. — Filament short, erect. Anther double, emarginate. — 

 Germ beneath, oval, smooth. Style slender. Stigma funnel-shaped. 

 — Nee t aria I sca\es of Kbnig, subulate, almost half the length of the 

 tube of the corol. — Capsule oval, somewhat three-sided, size of a 

 small nutmeg ; three-celled, three-valved Seeds many, angular. 



Obs. The following account of this interesting plant has lately 

 been transmitted to me by Captain Dickson, the commanding offi- 

 cer of the district of fVi/naad where the Cardomum is cultivated, viz. 



" The Cardomum shrub is found in great abundance among the 

 western mountains of IVynaad, and is called by the natives of Mala- 

 bar Ailum chedi/ (the Ailuni sftrnb). I cannot obtain any satisfactory 

 derivation of the true import of the word Ailum,* unless, as is alleg- 

 ed, it implies in the Sanskrit language, celebrity, and eminence. 



" The shrub is said to be produced as follows. Before the com- 

 mencement of the periodical rains, in June, the cultivators of the 

 Cardomum ascend the coldest, and most shady sides of a woody 

 mountain; a tree of uncommon size and weight is then sought after, 

 the adjacent spot is cleared of weeds, and the tree felled close at its 

 root. The earth shaken, and loosened by the force of the fallen tree 

 shoots forth young Cardomum plants in about a month's time. I have 

 repeatedly enquired of the natives the means by which the Cardomum 

 plants are first produced, and have invariably been told as already stat- 

 ed. They attribute no other effects to the falling tree, which may 

 be selected from any species, than such as are derived from its weight 

 and strength, added to the shade and shelter which its branches af- 

 ford to the young plants. I have heard it by some asserted that the 

 Cardomum like the famed Phoenix, would emerge from the ashes of 

 any large forest tree; but these stories were uttered only by the ig- 

 norant, and are too absurd to require comment. 



" The shrub continues to grow in this manner until after the early 

 rains of the fourth year, in February, when it has reached its ut- 



* It is undoubtedly corrupted from ^T^, the Suogskrit aame of the plaot. Ed. 



