Phcenix. dtoecia hexandria. 789 



5. V.pabidosa. /?. 



Sub-aiboreoiis!. Leaflets soUtnry, ensiform, flaccid, bifari- 

 ous. Embryo in the base of the seed. 



Sans. liintnla. 



Ben(j. Hintal. 



A native of the lower parts of the Delta of the Ganges call- 

 ed the Siuulerbunds, where it forms a considerable portion of 

 those impenetrable woods >vhich completely cover that ex- 

 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 iosv pairs 

 short and spinous, the rest flaccid, sword-shaped, smooth, 

 with acute filiform points, the longest of them from twelve to 

 eiohteen inches. Spathe simple as in the P. sylvestris and 

 Jarinifera. Spadix ramons ; feranc/ies numerous, generally 

 undivided, and spreading in every direction. So far the male 

 and female plants agree. Male 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. Filaments 

 six, short. Female flowers on a distinct plant. Calyx as 

 in the male. Corol. Tiie three petals distinct, roundish, con- 

 cave. JVeciary six small scales surrounding the base of the 

 germs. Germs three ; styles recurved, (although as in P. syl- 

 vestris and farmtfera 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. Jarinifera^ but in this species the embryo is lodged near 

 the base of the seed. 



The trunks of the smaller trees serve for walking sticks, 

 and the natives have an idea that snakes get out of the way 



