DICHOEISANDBA. 



183 



western. This genus abounds in tlie forests of the South 

 American Continent, forming in many instances dense, 

 almost impenetrable masses, and oftentimes proving a 

 source of considerable hindrance and annoyance to the 

 traveller; the species are, however, well deserving culti- 

 vation, as they are very handsome in a young state, and 

 well adapted for table decoration. When they become 

 too large for this purpose, a pillar or rafter of the stove 

 should be devoted to them, where their peculiar cirrhate 

 leaves will be displayed to advantage, and in such a 

 position will afford a pleasing shade. The flower spike is 

 branched, and produces both male and female flowers on 

 the same branches, the male occupying the upper and the 

 female the lower portion of each. The fruits are small 

 and one-seeded. 



B. mexicanus. — This forms an elegant climbing plant, 

 well adapted for a rafter or pillar, while in a young state 

 it is peculiarly suited to table decoration. Stem slender ; 

 leaves pinnate, eighteen to twenty-four inches in length ; 

 pinnaa six; inches long, and about two and a half broad, 

 the upper one? changed into spines, which are straight, 

 but stand at an acute angle, so that they hold anything 

 that comes near them, or that they are blown against. 

 The pinn» are dark green, and the sheathing base of the 

 petiole, as well as the rachis, is armed with long black 

 spines. Native of Chiapas. 



DiCHOEISANDEA. 



A genus of Gommelinacece, containing many species with 

 very beautiful flowers ; these, however, we must omit in 

 this place, for although the species given below have very 

 ornamental flowers, yet the beauty of tlieir leaves has 

 obtained for them a place in this volume. Vichorisandras 



