NO. 7 A NEW PALM FROM COCOS ISLAND COOK IO, 



layer of fibers much more irregular than in Plectis, some rather broad 

 and flat, the inner layer also somewhat less regular, the lining mem- 

 brane very thin, closely adhering around the seed, with the finer fibers 

 impressing the surface of the testa. In Plectis the raphe is broader 

 and longer, extending to near the embryo, and the fibers are free from 

 the testa, leaving the surface clean and only faintly impressed with 

 fine parallel lines. 



Seedlings like those of Plectis, but more slender and delicate ; first 

 expanded leaf with 6 separate segments, the rachis 1.2 cm. long, unit- 

 ing the middle segments for 8 mm. ; second leaf and at least three 

 others with only 4 segments, 2 on each side ; sometimes remain- 

 ing adherent on one or both sides ; the segments somewhat more 

 slender and grasslike than those of Plectis. Segments of first leaf 

 6.5 cm. by 3.5 mm., widest below the middle, tapering gradually ; mid- 

 vein and submarginal veins distinct, with 3-4 venules between ; mar- 

 gins distinctly thickened. 



Seedling internodes very short, only 1 to 2 mm., with 2 or 3 roots 

 emerging from each joint, either from the leaf-scars or from the inter- 

 vening surface ; roots 1-2 mm. in diameter, attaining 15-30 cm., taper- 

 ing gradually, branching irregularly, often with fine ramifications near 

 the base ; roots very stiff and wiry, often injured at the sockets, so 

 that transplanting may be difficult, as indicated by the survival of only 

 two of those brought home by Dr. Schmitt. These individuals were 

 among the smallest obtained. 



Sheaths and petioles of seedling leaves very long, no doubt an 

 advantage in reaching more light ; second bladeless sheath 4 cm., 

 sheath of first expanded leaf 5 cm., increasing to 15 cm. on the next 

 4 or 5 leaves, the filiform petioles as long as or longer than the 

 sheaths, and the segments nearly as long, so that a height of half a 

 meter is reached before the trunk is a centimeter long or a centimeter 

 thick. Much longer petioles, probably a meter or more, are shown in 

 the photograph of young palms or offshoots growing in the forest 

 (pi. 3), in striking contrast with the very short petioles at the adult 

 stage. Compared with the seedling leaves of Plectis, the sheaths are 

 longer and the petioles relatively shorter, in agreement with the pro- 

 portions of the adult palms. The rim of the sheath, opposite the inser- 

 tion of the petiole, even on the lower leaves, is not transverse, but has 

 an upward projection or antiligule 1-2 cm. long, indicating that this 

 structure is a general feature of the palm. 



The seeds began to germinate in a few weeks, and by the middle of 

 April 1939, many of the seedlings had expanded the first 2 leaves, 



