201 



Most of these new canes appear at the margin of the clump, so 

 that its diameter increases from year to year. Others come up 

 just within the margin, but so dense is the clump that it could 

 not be observed whether there are any new central canes or not. 

 At each node there is a large brown leathery sheath, more or less 

 triangular in shape, so that a portion of the stem is exposed, 

 although the sheaths are more or less overlapping. At the apex 

 each sheath bears a dull brown ascending or divaricate leaf 

 rudiment, which soon falls off. As the plant becomes older, a 

 zone of adventitious roots is formed just above the base of each 

 sheath. Shortly after the sheath breaks loose at the base and 



Fig. 22. Inflorescence of Nicolaia sp. 



ultimately falls off. It gives the impression of being pushed off 

 by this zone of roots, as indeed it may be. 



The sprouts of other species look much the same, differing 

 naturally in proportions and size. When offered for sale in the 

 market, the sheaths are neatly removed, exposing a conical tip. 

 At the hotels these sprouts appear cut up in strips and stewed. 



The leaves do not begin to unfold until the stem has reached 

 full size. If it chances to be taller than other stems of the same 

 clump, it makes a conspicuous sight with its leafless erect branches. 

 The final appearance of the basal part of the thicket depends on 



