742 



THE SUBDIVISIONS OF THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 



Palms is indigenous to Europe; Ceroxylon andicola is found in the Andes growing 

 at a height of 270 metres. Fossil remains are found in the formations of the 

 secondary and tertiary formations. The number of living species is about 1100. 

 Aroideca. — Perennial i^lants with tubers, rhizomes, and climbing stems which 



Fig. 421.— Avoids. 



^ Arum maculatum. 2 gpadix of ^. maatZatimi, the spathe removed. 3 Fruiting spike of same. < Inflorescence of Colocasia 

 antiquorum. 5 Basal portion of this inflorescence with part of spathe removed. 6 Ovary of Colocasia antiquorum. 7 The 

 same in longitudinal section, s Columnar androecium of same. ^ Ariopsis peltata. 2, 5^ 9 nat. size; 1, 3, < reduced ; 

 6, 7. 8 enlarged. 



generally bear large foliage-leaves. The flowers are borne on unbranched, fleshy 

 spadices which are inclosed in large, expanded spathes (c/. figs. 421 ^'*'^'^): they 

 are unisexual or hermaphrodite. The parts are inserted in whorls of 2 or 3; the 

 perianth-members being inconspicuous and often absent. The androecium is very 

 various. In Colocasia antiquorum (fig. 421 *) it consists of a whorl of stamens 



