PHYTELEPHAS, 289 



Phttelephas. 



In general appearance these plants resemble the Palms, 

 with which they are now classed, although they were 

 formerly considered to be distinct from that order. The 

 species here given is commonly known as the Ivory-nnfc 

 Palm, and it is from the fruits of this plant that the vege- 

 table ivory toys, and various other articles now so common 

 in our shops, are made, and as these are so exceedingly 

 cheap, vast numbers must be annually imported. The, sub- 

 stance yielded by the fruits of P. macrocarjpa is whiter than 

 animal ivory, and becomes quite as hard, and it has become 

 an article of great importance to the turner and carver for 

 the construction of small ornaments. This plant is said 

 to grow iu vast groves, excluding almost every other tree, 

 and even low herbs are said not to grow beneath its shade. 

 It appears never to attain any great height, but forms a 

 creeping decumbent stem ; nevertheless it forms a beau- 

 tiful ornament to our stoves, and in favourable summers 

 we have seen this plant thriving beautifully in the open 

 air, where it presents a grand appearance. The soil best 

 adapted for it is one half rich loam, the remaining portion 

 peat and river sand, in equal parts. It enjoys a liberal 

 supply of water, and therefore must be drained well,' so 

 that none may become stagnant about it. 



P, macrooarpa. — The large-fruited Ivory-nut plant. In 

 its native country this plant is said to trail along the 

 ground for some ten or twenty feet, seldom rising above 

 six feet from the ground. Under cultivation it is many 

 years before it commences to trail, but it forms a beautiful 

 and graceful plant, with large, erect, and beautifully arched, 

 pinnate, rich dark green fronds ; the pinnae are very long, 

 and altogether it is a magnificent and highly ornamental 



