126 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



and two feet in diameter ; tlie leaves are nearly circular, 

 and plaited like a partially open fan, and have about 

 seventy ribs, which radiate from a common centre. As 

 young plants (which are the only specimens of this genus 

 existing in this country), this is exceedingly handsome, 

 but they are very rare and very slow in growth. The 

 sap produces a very intoxicating toddy, from which sugar 

 of superior quality is made, and largely imported into 

 this country, whilst its leaves are used for hats, baskets, 

 and mats, umbrellas, fans, bags, and also in the manu- 

 facture of a very nice kind of matting for floors, as well 

 as for thatching, &o., &c. It is found principally near 

 the sea, on low-lying sandy tracts, widely distributed 

 throughout Asia. 



Bbahea. 



A small genus of low-growing Palms with fan-shaped 

 leaves, and having perfect flowers. The species we here 

 describe is admirably adapted for the decoration of the 

 greenhouse or the sub-tropical garden during the sum- 

 mer months. It should be potted in equal parts of peat 

 and loam, to which should be added a good portion of 

 sand ; drain the pots well, and supply them liberally with 

 water. 



B. ckblds. — The stem of this plant is somewhat stout, 

 but it takes a very long time to develope; the petioles 

 are clothed with a woolly tomentum, armed at the edges 

 with small close-set spines, and enveloped at the base 

 in a network of brown fibres. The leaves are nearly 

 circular, plaited, and of a bright shining green colour. 

 It is a splendid greenhouse Palm, somewhat rare in cul- 

 tivation. Native of Mexico. 



