LIEN WHA. 73 



There is a plantain-tree frequently seen grow- 

 ing* in the gardens, which is called Faa, tsieu, 

 or red flowering plantain, by the Chinese. 

 The anthers appear fertile, but it is said not to 

 produce fruit ; the flower proceeds from the 

 centre of the upper part of the stem, growing 

 erect, the scapes being of a crimson colour, fre- 

 quently tipped with yellow : this plant has a 

 very ornamental appearance in the gardens. I 

 remarked also, in several of the plants, that 

 many of the scapes become partially changed to 

 floral leaflets, and the others remain in their ori- 

 ginal state. 



The roots, or rather the creeping stem of the 

 Lien, wha, of the Chinese, {JVelumbium spe- 

 ciosum,) are seen carried about for sale in the 

 streets of Macao and Canton, as well as in large 

 quantities in the bazaars. Although highly 

 esteemed by the Chinese, I do not admire it as 

 an esculent vegetable, being of a soft, pappy, and 

 tasteless flavour ; the only gratification derived 

 from it is found in the growth of the jalant and 

 elegance of its blossom. According to Dr. Abel, 



Spaniards Triste de Corazon, or Sorrow of the Heart ; when 

 dried and kept in that state for any length of time, and 

 afterwards placed in water, (even after several years have 

 elapsed,) its foliage expands, and reassumes a partial ver- 

 dant appearance. 



