158 ANNALS OF THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN, CALCUTTA. Metroxylon. 
IDENTIFICATION OF THE METROXYLON MENTIONED IN THE '* HERBARIUM AMBOINENSE.” 
In regard to the identification of the forms of Sago palm described by Rum- 
phius, it is necessary to bear in mind that we must not attribute an absolute value 
to the indigenous names by which in Rumph's work the different varieties are dis- 
tinguished, as not only may these names vary -from one locality to another, but also 
according to the person giving the information. Nevertheless I think the identifica- 
tion of Sagus genuina with M. Rumphi ; of Sagus levis with M. leve; and of 
Sagus duri rottang with M. Rumphi, var. micracanthum, is assured. 
Sagus sylvestris is to all appearance a simple variety of M. Rumphi, less altered 
by culture than the latter. | ; 
The identification of Sagus longispina (M. longispinum Mart.) to which Rumph 
applies the native name * Lapia Macanaru, and which is said to produce a fruit as 
big as a hen’s egg, is not certain, because a form with the name of " Sagu Maca- 
naro," was sent to me with small fruits, similar to those of M. Rumphi var. micra- 
canthum; nevertheless, I consider Sagus longispina as only a variety of M. Pumphi, 
producing fruits larger than usual, but got much larger than those represented in my 
plate 105. ; 
RUMPH'S VARIETIES OF SAGUS. 
1. Sagus genuina—Native name “ Lapia Tuni” = Metroxylon Rumphii.* 
7 
» Silvestris—Native names“ Lapia Ihur" and “Ihul” = Jf Rumphit 
var. sylvestre.T 
3. »  longispina—Native names “ Lapia Macanaru," ‘“Macanalo” or *'Macala- 
num " — M. Rumphii var. longispinum Bece. (M. longispinum Mart.)f 
4. a levis—Native name—“ Lapia molat” = M. Sagus.$ | 
5. 4 duri rottang—Native name—* Lapia Luli—uwe” = M. Rumphii var 
micracanthum. || 
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. 
The more common and better known species of Sago Palms, Metroxylon Rumphii 
and M. Sagus, and their numerous varieties, are littoral plants, growing in low-lying 
and swampy places, and planted for the sake of the large amount of starch obtainable 
from their trunks. The above-mentioned species, easily reproduced by off-shoots, are 
spread out and more or less intensely cultivated from the Malay Peninsula to the 
Philippines, in the Malay Islands, in the Moluccas, in New-Guinea and in the Aru 
Islands, wherever suitable conditions of soil for their development exist, as they afford 
one of the most important articles of food to many native populations. The place of 
origin, however, of the two above-mentioned species is most probably to be looked for 
in the Moluccas, and especially in Ceram, where, besides the usual forms of Metroxylon 
with numerous varieties, common especially on its western and southern shores, there 
grows in abundance, at its eastern end, a distinct, and hitherto undescribed species 
(M. squarrosum). . 
ir " 
© With the name of “Sagu Tuni” I have received fruits of M. Rumphii VAR. micracanthum. 
T The fruits received with the name of ‘‘Sagu Ihor" really agree with Rumph's plant. 
i With the name of “ Sagu Makanaru " I have received the sub-variety Makanaro of M. Rumphii var. micracanthum, 
$ The fruits received with the name of ^ Sagu Malat" or " Molat" agree with those of Rumph's Sagus levis.. 
only are a little smaller. È 
ll Received with the name of “ Sagu Tuni.” 
