MUSA. 255 



^nd beautifully arched ; pinnoa broad, sessile at the base^ 

 lapering upwards to an acuminate point, from six to twelve 

 inches in length, and of a light green colour. A most 

 heautiftil and useful plant, very suitable for small houses. 

 Native of Santa Fe de Bogota. 



M. fragrcms. — An elegant plant, with a reed-like stem, 

 seldom exceeding two or three feet in height. The leaves 

 are bluntly ovate in outline, pinnatisect, and from one to 

 two feet in length ; pinnse lanceolate, narrow, acute, and 

 dark green ; whole plant destitute of spines. Native of 

 Peru. 



MuSA. 



This genus contains many highly ornamental species and 

 varieties, some of which produce those delicious fruits the 

 Banana and the Plantain. They appear to be indigenous 

 in all tropical countries, and so much are they esteemed 

 that great attention is bestowed upon the raising of 

 superior fruit-bearing varieties. Thus in Jamaica, Trini- 

 dad, and many other tropical islands, an immense number 

 of varieties are cultivated under local names. The fruits 

 are eaten in a raw state, as well as stewed and fried ; in 

 ■either way they are exceedingly delicate and nutritious. 

 Many of the finest flavom-ed varieties are tall-growing 

 plants, and can only be accommodated by those possessing 

 large stoves, but the dwarf-growing Chinese species, M. 

 Oav&nMshii (M. sinensis as it is sometimes. called) can be 

 easily accommodated, as it seldom exceeds five or six feet 

 in height. These plants all require rich soil, and at the 

 time of fruiting should have a little stimulant applied if (as 

 is frequently the case) the root space is limited, and sus- 

 tenance deficient. The soil should be made up of about 

 two parts rich loam and two parts decomposed manure 



