PALMALbl8. 



463 



Orders Nipacese and Phytelephasiese, both of the tropics. In 

 tliB latter, PliyteUphas miicrocarpa, of Central Anaerica, is remarkable 

 for tlie ivory-liliH endosperm in its large seeds ; hence its name of 

 Ivory Nut. 



Order Palmacese.— The Palm Family. Trees, shrubs, or woody 

 climbers ; natives almost exclusively of the torrid zone, or the adjacent 



Figs. 353-6.— Illustrations of Palmace^. 



Fig. 3B6 Fig. 355. 



Fig. 353. — Fruit of Cocoa-mit. a, exocarp ; &, endocarp ; c, testa ; d^ endosperm ; 

 «, embryo ; /, milk cavity. 

 Fig. 3.54.— Cocoa-nut seen from l>elow. 

 Fig. 355.— Vertical section of a Date, showing seed inside. 

 Fig! 35B. - Seed of Date in cross-section, showing embryo. 



hotter portions of the temperate zones, being rarely found beyond 40° 

 North and 85° >outli latitude. The arborescent species are among the 

 most striking and majestic of plants; their long cylindrical stems fre- 

 quently rise to the height of thirty metres (100 feet), bearing at their 

 summits spreading crowns of large leaves, and drooping clusters of fruit. 

 Tlie whole number of known species is not far from one thousand. 

 'I'Ue economic value of the Palms is very great ; in fact it majr be quea- 



