PALM/E 581 



which encloses the plumule. The other end of the cotyledon 

 remains in the seed, forming a sucker to absorb the endo- 

 sperm; a narrow neck connects it with the sheath portion, 

 from which the first green leaf soon protrudes. 



AROIDE^E. 



Benth. et Hook. Gen. PL iii. 955. 



Fruit and Seed. The ovaries are superior and numerous 

 on each inflorescence, globose, ovoid, oblong or flask-shaped, 

 one- to many-celled, and arranged spirally on a fleshy axis or 

 spadix, or in parallel and longitudinal rows in the case of 

 Spathicarpa and Spathantheum. The ovules are solitary or 

 several in each cell, basal, parietal, axile or inserted on the 

 edges of half-intruded septa, or pendulous from the apex of 

 the cell and orthotropous, anatropous, or half-anatropous, 

 rarely campylotropous or amphitropous. The fruit is baccate 

 or membranous, indehiscent or dehiscing tardily. The seeds 

 are small or large with a variable testa and a copious, fleshy, 

 rarely farinaceous endosperm, or may be scanty and sometimes 

 absent. The embryo is elongated, rarely small, and horseshoe- 

 shaped where endosperm is absent. 



Seedling. In Anthurium margaritaceum the cotyledon is 

 subterranean, with an extremely short petiole or none at all, 

 and remains in the seed till it decays. The primary root is 

 soon superseded by strong adventitious roots from the stem 

 at the base of the leaves. The hypocotyl is undeveloped ; and 

 the first internode of the stem is 5 mm. long, but subterranean. 

 The first three leaves are ovate-elliptic and trinerved. 



Anthurium margaritaceum, Baker. 



Seeds small, 2 mm. long by 1-25 mm. wide. 



Primary root soon superseded by long and fleshy adventitious 

 roots. 



Cotyledon subterranean, remaining in the seed till it decays. 



Stem exceedingly short, inconspicuous, pale green or colourless, 

 glabrous, extending 5 mm. below ground. 



