i 9 4 



Commercial Gardening 



RHAPIS. Both R. humilis and R. flabelliformis, both natives of China, 

 are useful Palms for decorative purposes, although they do not figure 

 largely as market plants, except occasionally as small specimens. They 

 are easily grown in a greenhouse temperature, and will stand a long 

 time under adverse conditions. 



SEAFORTHIA ELEGANS. A very graceful and useful Australian Palm, 

 now known more correctly as Archontophoenix Cunninghami. The arch- 

 ing leaves remind one of the Howeas (Kentias), but are not so glossy or so 

 deep in colour. Associated with this species is Archontophcenix (or Ptycho- 

 sperma) Alexandra?, which is similar in appearance, but may be distinguished 



Fig. 293. Linospadix Petrickiana 



by the blue-green under surface of the leaves. The trade in these species 

 has declined considerably since the introduction of the Howeas (Kentias). 

 Other Palms met with in botanical and private collections and sparingly 

 stocked by some nurserymen are the following: Acanthophcenix (Areca) 

 crinita and A. rubra, from Mauritius and Bourbon; very charming in 

 a young state, and requiring abundance of heat and moisture. Brahea 

 edulis, from Mexico; Calamus ciliaris, from Tropical Asia; Caryota, 

 various species; Chamcedorea, several species; Chamcerops humilis, the 

 only Palm indigenous to Europe, and quite hardy in the mildest parts 

 of the British Islands. C. Fortunei (or Trachy carpus excelsa) is a hardier 

 plant, popularly known as the " Chusan Palm ". Dcemonorops, several 

 species, ornamental in appearance when young, and having spiny stems. 

 Euterpe edulis and E. oleracea are the Cabbage Palms of South America, 

 and have pinnate gracefully arching leaves, and are highly ornamental 

 in the young state, but will not stand very much rough usage. Hyophorbe 

 (Areca) Verschaffelli is a stove Palm, ornamental in appearance owing to 

 its deep-green gracefully arching leaves with yellowish nerves. Lino- 

 spadix Micholitzi and L. Petrickiana (fig. 293) are two graceful Palms of 



