Prate 1949. 
HETEROPSIS JENMANI, Oliv. 
ArowEs. Tribe Porson (Engl.). 
H. Jenmani, Oliv. (sp. nov.) ; foliis oblongo-oblanceolatis acuminatis 
costa subtus prominula, petiolo brevi canaliculato basi caulem plus 
minus amplectente, pedunculis axillaribus spatha brevioribus teretibus 
3-5-annulatis, spatha convoluta ellipsoidea breviter abrupte rostrata, 
spadice breviter stipitato subclavato obtuso. 
Has. British Guiana, ‘ called Sarabanaroo by the Indians,’ 
G. S. Jenman (No. 5000). 
Folia 6-8 poll. longa, 2-23 poll. lata; petiolus 3-5 lin. longus. 
Spatha 2}-2# poll. longa, clausa 14-13 poll. diam. Spadiz 2 poll. 
longus, stipite }2 poll. longo. 
Of this species Mr. Jenman writes :—‘ The plant grows up the 
stems of trees, from which it sends down long aerial roots, which, 
split into thin strips, form the most useful tying material the Indians 
employ. The construction of their houses is all done with it, used, 
as it has been from time immemorial by them, instead of nails or 
bolts. They also make whips, which they call ‘“‘ Maewarrie,” and use 
games,— ; 
whips have been adopted by Government for use in prisons in Dap 
H. oblongifolia, Kth., is the most nearly allied species to H. Jenmam 
I have seen, but in this species the ellipsoidal spadix is only 
$—} of an inch in length on a peduncle of about the same; the leaves 
also do not show the tendency to an oblanceolate contour so evidently 
as in H. Jenmani.—D. Outver. 
Fig. 1. Flower, detached. 2. Stamen, front and back. 3. Vertical section of 
ovary. Enlarged. 
