110 WINDOW AND PARLOR GARDENING 
The species most suitable for a house is Ph. rupicola; it has 
long and finely pinnate leaves, and is the most graceful one of 
the genus. Ph. tennis and Ph. canariensis are common and 
ornamental kinds. 
Ptychosperma resemble Kentias and Arecas in many re- 
spects. The two species commonly grown, Pt. Cunninghamii 
and Pt. Alexandre, are of about equal value. 
Verschaffeltia splendida is a palm of a very striking appear- 
ance. The leaves are broad, scarcely pinnate in young speci- 
mens, and of a fine reddish color. ‘The stem is slender and 
very spiny, and is supported on strong woody roots. This 
species requires a fibrous and somewhat peaty soil, and plenty of 
heat and atmospheric moisture. It is best suited to the South. 
The Royal Palm (Oreodoxa regia) and the Wax-palm (Ce- 
roxylon), as also the Fish-tail palm (Caryota), are other beau- 
tiful pinnately leaved species. 
Fan-palms are so named because their foliage resembles a 
fan in outline. The best are: 
The European Fan-palm, Chamerops humilis, a fine spe- 
cies, with silvery-gray leaves. It forms elegant spreading speci- 
mens. The tall-growing form, Ch. exelsa, is also very orna- 
mental. They enjoy rich, well-drained soil and plenty of 
moisture during the hot season. 
The Chinese Fan-palm, Livistona Chinensis, is the most 
popular palm grown. It is of a compact and robust habit, and 
a rapid grower. | There are several other species of this genus, 
very beautiful, but as yet little known. 
Licuala grandis is a newly introduced, very ornamental 
palm, with almost orbicular leaves of deep-green color. It is 
smaller and more compact than the Livistona, and quite differ- 
ent in appearance, but very beautiful. 
