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 periods. The number of living species is about 1100. 



Aroidece. Perennial plants with tubers, rhizomes, and climbing stems which 



Fig. 421. Aroids. 



1 Arum maculatum. 2 Spadix of A. maculatum, the spathe removed. 8 Fruiting spike of same. * Inflorescence of Colocasia 

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

 same in longitudinal section. 8 Columnar andrcccium of same. * Ariopsis peltata. 2 , 5 , 9 nat. size; 1 , 3 , * reduced; 

 6 , 7, enlarged. 



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

 spadices which are inclosed in large, expanded spathes (cf. figs. 42 1 1 ' 4 ' 5 ' 9 ); they 

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

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

 various. In Colocasia antiquorum (fig. 421 8 ) it consists of a whorl of stamens 



