450 Palmacee. 
an indefinite number of stamens. The ovary is superior and 
composed of 1 to 3 more or less combined I- or rarely 2-seeded 
carpels. Fruit drupaceous or nucamentaceous, and often 
clothed with fibres or imbricated scales. Seeds albuminous, 
a 
b> 
i) 
Eee 
az, 
Fig. 222, Phoenix dactylifera. 
often large. The Date Palm mentioned alive is best known 
to us through its dried fleshy fruits, the edible part being the 
pericarp or seed-vessel. Another fruit produced by a member 
of this family, and even more familiar than the Date, is the 
Cocoa-nut, the product of Cocus nucifera. Here the part 
eaten is the albumen and milk of the seed. The following are 
some of the best for withstanding the winds and other adverse 
influences which our climate displays even in Summer. 1. 
Species with fan-shaped leaves: Schal Paulmétto, S. wmbra- 
