237 
Fiji by Dr. Berthold Seemann, and introduced into cultivation, in 
Eurcpean gardens, by Mr. John Veitch. A figure is given in 
Nicholson’s Dictionary of Gardening, vol. IV., 139. The seeds 
are described in Seemann's Flora Vitiensts, p. 21. “ The kernel 
is ovoid ellipsoid, tapering into a rather blunt point, 30-35 mm. long 
and 2 cm. in diameter, and attached, from the base to the apex, to 
a f the ra i i 
of delicate white vascular bundles. At the base these are placed 
parallel to each other, but towards the point overlying each other. 
The albumen, surrounde d by a purple-coloured skin, is hard, 
white, even, and encloses a straight embr 
“This palm,’ inda See mann, “ is found all over Viti, and there 
is reason to believe that it is also found in the Tongan group 
told; Sawa, signifying red in Tonganese — having no meaning 
in Fijian), doubtless in allusion to the fruit, which merges from 
bright orange into red. e spadix, on which the minute 
moncecious green flowers are inserted, is much branche d, and the 
branches form large bunches, which, when loaded with ripe fruit, 
are rather weighty. “As many as eight of these bunches are often 
seen on a tree ai one time in various stages of development. 
The fruit is about the size of a walnut. At first green, it gradually 
changes into bright orange, and ultimately merges into red at the 
base. The kernel has a slight astringent taste, and is eaten by 
the natives, especially by the: y oungsters.” 
It l be observed that there is no mention here of the kernels 
becoming hard, or ivory-like, or of their use except in the young 
and soft state. It seems possible, however, that in the hard and 
dried condition of those shown at the Colonial and Indian 
Exhibition, they may be used for making buttons and other 
small articles similar to those prepared from the common ivory 
nuts of South America. 
CURATOR, BOTANIC STATION, FIJI, TO ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. 
: Suva, Fiji, 30/9/96. 
SIR, 
e the honour M _ Soo wiege the receipt | of yours 
asking in for nation on the ivory nut exhibited by the Mango 
Island Company at the Colonial and Indian Exhibition of E 
The nut is believed here to be that of the native ** Niu Saw 
alm which grows to a great height, and is named by Svein 
(Veitchia Joannis). But, of course, native names are not to be 
relied on, and he might have received the name of Niu Sawa for 
some other palm, although his M € fairly weil to 
the seeds of one I am sending In the meantime, I will 
prepare segama of the flowers se a leaf, ii if you should 
want them, they will be ready for you. I have cleaned two of the 
seeds, and send you some dozen or so for planting. You will see 
that those cleaned are almost identical with the one you sent, 
_except, of course, the two cleaned are fresher, and not quite 
so hard. 
Yours most obediently, 
D. YEOWARD, 
Curato 
r, 
