838 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



are armed at their edges with numerous spines ; the leaves 

 are large, spreading, and deeply divided into narrow segments 

 of a dark green colour. Z. Jenkinsiana is a handsome sort for 

 the greenhouse, seldom exceeding loft. in height. The petioles 

 vary from 2ft. to 9ft. in length, are rather keeled below, and 

 fiat on the upper side, the edges being protected by stout, 

 sharp spines. The leaves are fan-shaped, varying from 2ft. to 

 4ft. across, and the margin is divided into bread segments of a 

 rich deep green colour. L. rotwidifolia is a pretty and useful 

 stove species, extremely ornamental in its young state. The stem 

 sometimes reaches 40ft. or 50ft. in height ; the petioles vary 

 from 6ft. to 7ft. in length, and are protected by sharp spiny 

 teeth ; the leaves are nearly round (Fig. 559), and vary from 3ft. 

 to 5ft. in diameter. 



LoDOiCEA. — This very distinct monotypic genus is represented 

 by an interesting stove species (Z. sechellarum), somewhat rare in 

 cultivation and known as Coco de Mer and Double Cocoanut ; 

 it reaches a height of from 50ft. to looft., and it has a somewhat 

 cylindrical stem, or trunk, sometimes ift. in diameter, which 

 supports a beautiful crowa of large fan-shaped leaves, some 20ft. 

 long, and from 5ft. to 6ft. wide. The chief requirements for its 

 successful cultivation are a rich compost of mostly loam, leaf- 

 mould, and sand, good drainage, and an abundant supply of heat 

 and moisture. The seeds are some of the biggest known, and 

 they sometimes weigh about 4olb. ; they require a very strong 

 heat for germination. This Palm seems to do fairly well when 

 the pot is partly plunged into water at a temperature varying 

 between Sodeg. and 85deg., as it is grown in the Royal Gardens, 

 Kew. 



Maximiliana. — This small genus is very similar to Cocos, to 

 which it seems to be closely allied, and contains some of the 

 noblest Palms known. The stems, or trunks, are slender and 

 smooth ; the flower-spikes are branched and covered with a 

 woody spathe ; the leaves are large and pinnate, with narrow 

 segments. All the species are beautiful, but only two or three 

 are cultivated. They require exactly the same treatment as Cocos. 

 M. Martiana {M. regia) is a decorative plant in its early state, 

 and may be utilised both for the stove and for house decoration. 

 The caudex is erect and unarmed ; the leaves are pinnate, and 

 reach, when fully developed, from 30ft. to 40ft. in length ; the 

 pinnae are often 2ft. long, but are rather narrow, pendent, and of 

 a deep green colour. M. caribea, another species in cultivation, 

 is very similar to the above. 



Nephrosperma. — This monotypic genus is represented by an 

 extremely elegant and distinct stove species which has been for 

 many years classified under Oncosperma. It is a very useful 

 plant in its young state for all kinds of indoor decoration ; it 



