M. anicarum | METROXYLON. 191 
elevation, in damp and swampy places in a “bush” composed principally of 
Hibiscus tiliaceus, arborescent Ferns, Pandanus, etc. (Ledermann No. 13409 in Berlin 
Herbarium). 
PLatE 111.—Metroxylon amicarum VAR. commune Becc.—Ledermann's specimen 
No. 13409 in the Herbarium at Berlin. Intermediate portion of a leaf, branch of the 
spadix bearing spikes having lost almost all their flowers; detached spike with 
some of the flowers on; fruit, seen from above, and seed, cut vertically through 
the embryo, also belonging to No. 13409. 
£e 
In plate 113 are represented three other fruits, one of which is seen from the 
base, one from above and one laterally ; one seed is cut vertically. All are from 
Ledermann's specimens. 
In analytical plate V, figs. 1—7 represent the analyses of the flowers of Metroxy- 
lon amicarum commune. See the description of that plate. 
Tb. METROXYLON AMICARUM var. MAJUS Decc. 
 DrscniPTION.—À detached leaflet is lanceolate-ensiform, 1°27 m. long, 10. em. broad 
at its middle, is very gradually acuminate above to a regular subulate point, and 
has, completely smooth margins and nerves. The spadices are larger than in variety 
commune, have the spathes more coriaceous and more elongate, and the spikes also 
considerably larger than in that variety, 14—16 cm. long, and when covered with full 
grown flower buds 3°5 em. in diameter but exclusive of the flowers 2 cm. The 
flowers are also nearly one-third larger than those of the other variety, measuring 
19 mm. in length and 5—6 mm. across; the anthers are 6 mm. long, so that, in 
proportion to the size of the flowers, are smaller than in variety commune. Two 
fruits (which, apparently, are those of the plant with large flowers and broad 
leaflets described above) are exceptionally large, 13 cm. high. 12 cm. in diameter 
and therefore slightly higher than broad, are obsoletely 6-costulate along the sides, 
narrow a little in their lower part and are slightly gibbous at the base; their 
upper part is rounded, but distinctly umbilicate at the apex which terminates in 
a small conical central beak; the pericarp is 5—6 mm. thick at the sides, slightly 
more above and at the base; the scales chestnut-brown are darker than in the fruits 
of the variety commune, and are disposed in 28 series; the largest scales are 2'5 
cm. broad. One entire fruit weighs 390 grammes. and another 370. The nut is 
globose, 9 cm. in diameter, and weighs 260 grammes; itis slightly asymmetrical on 
the side of the chalaza, and ppposite to it has a rather circular hollow, in which 
is placed the embryo. 
i 
HaBITrAT.—The description above is based upon specimens gathered by Dr. Kersting’s 
collector, Mr. Gibbon (No. 1189 in the Berlin Hama) at Polonier in Panape and 
probably are from a cultivated plant. 
Native name “Oj” (“ Osch” in German Coe The fruits were in the 
collection of Dr. Kersting, and Dr. Ledermann informs me that they were chosen 
from amongst some thousands, and represent the extreme size they may attain. 
