Palms. 35 



Metroxylon sagus The Sago Palm. This species is 

 occasionally seen in the gardens of Cairo. It has 

 pinnate leaves and erect petioles, but its somewhat 

 slow growth prevents it from being a popular garden 

 palm. 



Phoenix canariensis. Of the many ornamental 

 varieties of this genus, the above-named species is, 

 perhaps, the best in the gardens here. Its handsome 

 head, formed of a thick growth of pinnate, arched 

 leaves, makes it a very desirable specimen plant. 

 Some very good specimens grow in the ordinary 

 garden soil of Alexandria. 



P. leonensis. A thick-stemmed variety, having an 

 immense head of small pinnate leaves with thick 

 petioles, which radiate out in a reflex form like a 

 huge Cycas, making it a striking and excellent shady 

 specimen. A very fine palm of this variety can be 

 seen in the garden of Mr. Cicolani, at Cairo. The 

 plant is somewhat rare. 



P. rupicola. An Indian variety ; is also a desirable 

 acquisition on account of its elegant growth and grace- 

 ful drooping leaves. Other varieties, suitable either 

 for pot culture or the open ground, are P. acaulis, 

 P. reclinata, P. spinosa, P. sylvestris, P. zeylanica. 



Rhapis flabelliformis The Ratten Palm. A dwarf 

 fan-shaped palm, native of Eastern Asia. The leaves, 

 which are deeply cut into segments, grow on long 

 thin stems, forming a dense clump and imparting a 

 tropical effect, which renders the palm valuable for 

 planting, either singly, or in groups of three, on large 

 lawns. The plant is fairly hardy, and will stand a 

 certain amount of wind. It can be propagated by 

 offsets. 



Sabal Blackburniana The Bermuda Fan-Palm. 

 A large, handsome species, growing to the height of 

 2oft. to soft, and having clusters of round and black 

 seeds. The leaves are characteristic, as showing the 

 intermediate stage between the fan-leaved and the 



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