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matter. Propagation can be effected by seeds, which should be planted 

 an inch and a-half deep. Layers root readily, and plants may also be 

 obtained from ripened cuttings of the current season's growth, which will 

 strike in sand if protected from sun and wind. 



MONSTERA. 



HISTORY AND USES. 



The fruit known under this somewhat curious name is the product of 

 Monstera deliciosa, an evergreen climbing plant with handsome foliage, 

 belonging to the order Aroideae (Aracese of some botanists), or the Arum 

 family. The meaning of the generic name is unknown, but the specific 

 one (deliciosa) is in allusion to the rich and grateful flavour of the fruit. 

 The plant is a native of Mexico, Guatamala, and other parts of tropical 

 America, and in its natural habitat attaches itself to trees by strong aerial 

 roots. Formerly the plant was known as 

 P/tilodendron pertusum, the generic name 

 being derived from Philo (to love) and 

 dendron (a tree), in allusion to its climbing 

 habit. The plant has also passed under 

 the name of Torn elia fra grans. The leaves 

 are large and thick, borne upon long foot 

 stalks, and much divided on the margins, 

 as will be seen by the illustration. They 

 are also curiously perforated with irregular 

 holes. The flowers are large, yellowish 

 at first, enclosed in spathe which afterwards 

 opens partially, and eventually drops off, 

 leaving the fruit, which has somewhat the 

 appearance of a Pine-Apple, though longer 

 and more slender. The fleshy fruit has a 

 rich luscious flavour, and is highly appre- 

 ciated in its native regions. The fruits 

 mature in succession, and remain in season 

 for three or four months. Maturity is not 

 indicated by any change of colour, as is 

 the case with most other fruits, but may 

 be known by a fragrant odour and by 

 the covering scales at the base beginning 

 to drop off Ripeness commences at the 

 base, and proceeds gradually after the fruit 

 is cut Unless it is thoroughly ripe the 

 fruit will lack perfection, and probably 

 fail to give satisfaction. Very often 



persons eating this fruit are troubled by a slight tickling sensation in the 

 throat, which is caused by minute sugar crystals, but the sensation is but 

 momentary, and causes no trouble. 



Fruit of Monstera. 



