48 FLOWERS AND GARDENS OF MADEIRA 



ending task to attempt to enumerate them all, 

 but the curious trunk and roots of all that remains 

 of a formerly grand specimen of a Bella Sombra, 

 or Phytolacca dioica, attract the attention of all 

 new-comers. From the uncouth root have sprung 

 numerous fresh branches, but they can never make 

 a fine tree like their original parent. As a foliage 

 plant Monstera deliciosa, a native of Mexico, makes 

 a fine group where it can be allowed sufficient 

 space to throw out its long aerial roots, by which 

 it will firmly attach itself to a wall or bank. It 

 must have been these strange roots which gained 

 for it the first part of its name, as its deeply 

 perforated dark green leathery leaves are no 

 monsters, and I imagine it owes the second part 

 to its fruit, which I have seen described as being 

 " succulent, with a luscious pine-apple flavour." 



There is a very fine specimen of Bombaoc, or 

 silk cotton tree, which has a peculiar growth, 

 and in June is covered with fluffy white blossoms. 



At again a lower level on yet another terrace 

 is a little sunk garden, which seems to provide 

 a never-ending wealth of colour and blossom. 

 Between its box-edged beds run narrow walks, 

 paved with flag-stones, a welcome relief to the 

 usual paving with little round cobble-stones, and 



