340 



INSECT FERTILIZATION OF AN AROID PLANT. 



By Henry G. Hubbard. 



Ill the deuse foie.sts of the West Indian islands a very characteristic 

 feature of the luxuriant vegetation is afforded by the abundance of 

 aroid plants. The giants of the family, Anthuriuni, Monstera, and 

 their allies, are everywhere present, ascending the tree-trunks, or 

 climbing along the outstretched brandies and sending down their cord- 

 like roots in a tangle of lianas; others less arboreal overhanging the 



Fig. 33. — Infloiescence of Philodendron sp. : a, exterior of spathe, showing fungus spot; b, section 

 of spathe, .showinir spadix oiie-lialf natural size; c, Macrostola iw<ea eulargfd — front leg and antenna 

 do. — more enlarged. (From diagrammatic drawing by the author.) 



rocky ledges and spreading over the path their huge caladium like leaves 

 to intercept any ray of sunlight that may chance to penetrate the arbo- 

 real shield overhead. Among the varied forms, one of the largest is 

 a species of Philodendron. This plant is nearly terrestrial, growing 

 among rocks or upon fallen tree trunks. It is an indifferent climber 

 and its root-stalk, although six or eight inches in diameter, does not, 



