138 OENAMBNTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



throwing out its whip-like spiny spikes of flower when, 

 only one or two feet in height. Native of the Indian. 

 Archipelago. 



Caltpteogtse. 



A Small genus of Palms nearly allied to Geonoma, and- 

 which require the same treatment as that recommended, 

 for those plants. 



C. GhiesbregMii. — This is an elegant dwarf-growing 

 Palm, and one which should be in every collection. It- 

 is a species which apparently never makes much stem. 

 The leaves are about five feet in length, pinnate, and 

 beautifully arched ; pinnse mostly opposite, but sometimes 

 alternate, bright shining green above, paler below. It 

 forms a splendid crown of pendent leaves, from amongst 

 which rise its erect lance-like flower spikes. Native of 

 Chiapas. 



C. spidgera. — Stems stout ; leaves irregularly pinnate,, 

 from two to three feet long, and one- foot broad, deeply 

 bifid at apex, and rich bright green in colour ; petioles- 

 short, sheathing at the base, flat on the upper side, rounded, 

 below. It ■ is a very elegant plant, well deserviag general- 

 cultivation. Native of New Grenada. 



Canna. 



The plants comprising this genus will be familiar to 

 most of our readers by the popular name of Indian Shot, 

 which name they have received from the hardness of their- 

 round black seeds. They belong to the order MarantaceoB,. 

 and many of them are remarkable for the beatity of their 

 flowers, but it is chiefly for the charming contrast their 

 leaves afford in the open air during summer that we have 

 introduced them here ; and so robust has their constitution. 



