218 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



Pear, tlie fruits being somewliat pear-shaped, russet brown 

 ia colour, and after being pickled are said to be eaten in 

 tbe same way as Mangoes. The leaves are between three 

 and four feet long, and about nine inches broad, of a rich 

 dark green. The flowers are not handsome, but verj- 

 sweet, and are peculiar in being produced on short pe- 

 duncles from the old stem, far below any of the leaves. It 

 is a native of Jamaica, and various other places throughout 

 the Spanish Main. 



G. zamorends. — Another noble-growing plant of recent 

 introduction. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate in shape and 

 from one to two feet long : from what we have seen of this- 

 plant, it bids fair to attain first rank as a striking ornamental 

 foliage plant. Native of Loxa, South America. 



GiTILIEIMA. 



The only species of this genus known is a cultivatect 

 plant, and its origin is a mystery. It is largely culti- 

 vated by the Venezuelians, Brazilians, and Peruvians, and 

 is abundant in and about the Indian villages, but it has 

 never been discovered in a wild state. The stems are tall 

 and slender, densely armed with long black spines. As a 

 genus it appears to be very nearly allied to Bactris. The 

 flower spike is branched, and the flowers, although uni- 

 sexual, are produced upon the same branch. The fruits are- 

 produced in large pendulous bunches, ovate, about the size- 

 of a peach, and one-seeded ; a variety, however, exists 

 which is destitute of any seeds ; when ripe the fruits are 

 richly coloured yellow and red, and have somewhat the 

 flavour of a chestnut when cooked. These plants should be 

 potted in loam and vegetable mould, in equal parts ; the pots 

 must be well drained, and a liberal supply of water given. 

 Multiplication is efiected both by suckers and seeds. 



