326 OENAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS. 



V. varians splendens. — A handsome form, with the basal 

 lobes of the leaves much enlarged ; the ground colour and 

 margins are deep green, the secondary veins are also green, 

 the remaining surface is prettily mottled with rose. 



Veeschaffeltia. 



A noble genus of Palms, in a young state somewhat 

 resembling PhcenicopJwrium, although abundantly distinct. 

 Not the least striking difference, is the fact of its forming 

 a stem very rapidly, which is supported upon an inverted 

 cone of adventitious spiny roots, after the manner of the 

 American genus Iriartea. The^e plants should be treated 

 in precisely the same manner as that recommended for 

 Phoenicophorium, at page 283, to which we refer our 

 readers for cultural information. They are increased by 

 seeds only. 



V. melanoclicKtes. — This is the most recently discovered 

 species of this genus, and since it has been named, it has 

 put on quite another appearance, which in all probability- 

 will cause it to be removed iuto another group or receive 

 another generic title. In a young state the leaves are 

 entire, bifid at the apex, and deep bright green in colour. 

 As the plant obtains size, however, the leaves prove ta 

 be pinnate, or divided into irregular sessile lobes. The 

 stem is stout, cylindrical ; the petioles reddish, and, as 

 well as the stem, clothed with long sharp spines. Native 

 of the Seychelles Islands. 



V. splendida. — A majestic and extremely ornamental 

 Palm. The stem is somewhat slender, elevated upon an 

 inverted cone of spiny roots. The petioles are sheathing 

 at the base, and clasping the stem, both being profusely" 

 armed with reddish black spines. The footstalk of the 

 leaf is about six inches in length, and destitute of spines,. 



