ON PALMS, CYCADS, AND BAMBOOS. 



813 



green on the surface and white below. A. Warscewiczii differs 

 from the preceding species in its large stems and long petioles 

 (sometimes 3ft.) protected by a mass of white fibres ; the leaves 

 are very wide, and are divided into segments of a dark grey 

 above and whitish below. 



Areca. — Some of the species of this very valuable genus 

 have been classified under other generic names as Acantho- 

 phcenix, Euterpe, Hyophorbe, Kentia, &c. However, the 

 remaining ones are very ornamental stove Palms, widely dis- 

 tributed in tropical regions. Arecas are distinguished by their 

 branching spadix as well as by the double spathe covering 

 the flowers, which are 

 unisexual on the same 

 spike ; the female flowers 

 possess six small stamens 

 and the male ones a six- 

 cleft perianth. The plants 

 require a light sandy soil 

 in their young state ; when 

 fully developed a heavier 

 compost must be used. 

 The only way to propagate 

 them is by seeds. Their 

 qualities are well known, 

 and they are extremely 

 useful for room decora- 

 tion. A. Catechu is a very 

 handsome and decorative 

 stove species. In its young 

 state it forms a very useful 

 sort for indoor decoration. 

 The leaves are pinnate, 

 vary in length from 3ft. to 

 6 ft, and have leaflets 

 which often reach i8in. ; 

 the petioles are mostly 

 broadly sheathed at the base. This species possesses some 

 valuable economical properties, furnishing the Betel Nut, so 

 largely used in India. A. glandiformis (Fig. 547) is a showy 

 stove Palm of "rather bold aspect, and extremely decorative in 

 its early state ; its leaves are pinnatisect, varying in length 

 from 8ft. to 12ft. when fully developed. This species often 

 reaches 30ft high or more. 



Astrocaryum. — This genus includes some very' attractive 

 heat-loving plants which mostly attain a great height. It is to 

 a certain extent allied to Cocos, producing generally prickly 

 stems with pinnate leaves of a fine green colour on the upper 



Fig. 547. — Areca glandiformis. 



