224 OBNAMENTAl FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



cordate, about eighteen inch.es in length, and twelve inches^ 

 in breadth, the upper surface dark green, superbly polished, 

 and paler below. Native of Central America. 



Htophoebe. 



The Palms comprising this genus are all massive and' 

 elegant objects, well deserving cultivation, even in the 

 most limited collection of ornamental-leaved stove plants. 

 They are frequently grown under the name of Areca, from, 

 which, however, they differ considerably. They attain a 

 medium height, and bear aloft a crown of graceful pinnate 

 leaves. The flowers are usually unisexual, but produced 

 on distinct trees, though more rarely they are both found" 

 upon the same spike. The flower spike, which is simply 

 branched, is produced below the oldest leaves, and has a 

 single spathe at its base. Fruits one-seeded. Pot these 

 plants in loam and peat in about equal parts, with some 

 sand added. They like a liberal supply of water, and 

 therefore should be drained well. 



H. amaricaulis, — A noble and massive species, even in a 

 young state. The stem is very stout and much swollen at 

 the base ; trunk and petioles very stout, deep maroon, 

 glaucous, with an orange liae extending along the outer- 

 edges of the mid-rib ; leaves pinnate, erect when young, 

 ultimately spreading from four to six feet in length ; pinnae 

 stout, broad, and closely set together, about two inches in. 

 breadth, tapering to a fine point, and rich full green on 

 both sides ; whole plant quite smooth. This plant is 

 also known in collections as Areca speciosa. Native of the 

 Mauritius. 



S. indica. — This is at present an extremely rare plant in 

 cultivation, but its elegant appearance will cause it to> 

 become a general favourite. The stem is slender, quite. 



