258 OENAMENTAL rOLIAGE PLANTS. 



somewliat rare and magnificent plant, but from its size 

 only suitable for those possessing ample room and a large 

 collection. Native of the East Indies. 



M. zebrina. — This is a very distinct plant, seldom ex- 

 ceeding ten feet in height, and well deserving a place in 

 stoves where a large collection of ornamental plants are 

 grown. The stem is slender ; leaves oblong, dark green, 

 with broad blotches of bronzy red and purple irregularly 

 scattered over them, giving the plant a very picturesque 

 appearance. Native of the East Indies. 



Nepenthes. 



This singular and highly ornamental genus is, it would 

 seem, the only one at present known in the order to which 

 it gives its name, and the affinities of which do not seem 

 to be thoroughly understood. " Piteher Plants," as the 

 Nepentlies are popularly called, are highly interesting and 

 curious, never failing to elicit admiration. They seem 

 to be entirely confined to the Old World, and find their 

 homes chiefly in the islands of the Indian Archipelago, 

 where they usually grow at considerable elevations, the 

 mountain of Kina Balou in Borneo appearing to be their 

 head-quarters, for many extraordinary forms of this genus 

 are known to exist there, and which, although known to 

 science, have yet never been brought to this country in a 

 living state. In addition to those in the islands of the 

 Indian Archipelago, two species are also known to exist 

 in Madagascar, while the Philippine Islands produce one 

 or two species, which, however, are not peculiar to them. 

 One species which grows plentifully in Java is to be found 

 in New Caledonia, and one species is said to be found grow- 

 ing on the Khasia Hills, at an elevation of 3,000 feet, and 

 marks the northern limit of the genus. 



