ON PALMS, CYCADS, AND BAMBOOS. 



823 



species on account of its valuable decorative properties; it has a 

 slender stem, with pinnate leaves ; the pinnae, which reach ift. 

 in length by 2in. or 3in. in breadth, are sessile at the base, 

 acuminate at the apex, and of a shiny green colour. 



ChamtErops. — -This small genus is only represented in cultivation 

 by a few typical species, which are eminently decorative and 

 thrive extremely well in greenhouses. The genus can be 

 termed European, considering it reaches the sunny coasts 

 of the Riviera, and the species can be successfully utilised 

 for sub-tropical decoration. They are chiefly compact in 

 growth, with fan-shaped leaves ; the petioles, which are clothed 



Fig. 552. — Cham^rops humilis elegans. 



with prickles, are inclosed amongst layers of coarse fibrous 

 matter; the flowers vary, being sometimes perfect, and at other 

 times having separate sexes. Chamgerops require a rich soil, 

 composed chiefly of fibrous loam with a small portion of vegetable 

 mould and sand. Drainage must also be well attended to, as 

 they require a liberal supply of water during their growth. They 

 are often propagated by suckers, which are thrown up in large 

 quantities, or by seeds. 



C. humilis is a valuable and highly decorative European 

 species, very largely grown. It presents a very attractive sight 

 as an isolated plant in sub-tropical gardens. The stem, which is 

 straight, is covered with rough fibres, and also by the base ot 



