844 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



is well worth growing. P. microcarpa is a quite distinct stemless 

 species, producing very small fruits ; the lanceolate leaves some- 

 times reach 24ft,, and are provided with a great number of pinnae. 



PiNANGA. — These plants are practically closely allied to the 

 old Seaforthia tribe, but now form a quite distinct genus. They 

 are seldom met with in collections. The species produce long 

 and slender stems with a fine and elegant effect ; the leaves 

 are terminal, unequally cut or pinnatisect, or sometimes simply 

 bifid at the apex. The plants can be used with success in their 

 young state for table decoration. They thrive under stove 

 treatment in a compost of loam, peat, and sand in equal 

 quantities. A generous supply of water is also required. 

 Propagated by seeds. P. maculata is an elegant species, but 

 unfortunately rather rare in cultivation ; it has a smooth slender 

 stem, with pinnate leaves and broad and sessile pinnae of a shiny 

 green, their surface being sometimes spotted with olive -green 

 macules. P. patula is a beautiful compact plant with an erect 

 and smooth stem somewhat swollen at the base ; the leaves, 

 which are unequally pinnate and sheathing at the base, vary 

 from 4ft. to 5ft. in length. P. Veitchii is one of the best 

 species of the genus, highly decorative, but rather rare in 

 cultivation ; the leaves are oblong and truncate, deeply two- 

 lobed at the apex, mottled green on the upper surface, and a 

 rich claret colour below. Many others could be mentioned, but 

 the above are the best species. 



Plectocomia. — A genus composed of stove plants of climbing 

 habits and possessing a certain resemblance to Calamus. All the 

 species are extremely decorative in their young state, and do not 

 present any cultural difficulties. They require a compost of equal 

 parts loam and peat, and are successfully propagated by suckers, 

 which are easily obtained. The leaves are large and pinnate, 

 and produce at their extremities long tails provided with a sharp 

 set of stout spines. P. assamica is a handsome species, producing 

 splendid arched leaves rather broad and deeply bifid in their 

 early state ; the upper surface is dark green, whilst the under 

 part is covered with a fine powdery white, which gives to the 

 species quite a characteristic appearance. P. elongata is a very tall 

 climbing species, producing a stout stem at the base ; the young 

 leaves are broad, deeply bifid, and of a deep green, and when 

 fully developed often attain 20ft. in length ; the petioles are pro- 

 tected with long and sharp spines. P. himalayana forms a quite 

 distinct variety, extremely elegant in its young state, producing 

 some ample leaves with alternate, linear-lanceolate pinnules ; the 

 margins are shortly toothed, and the pinnule-bearing part of the 

 petioles is protected by stout prickles. 



Pritchardia. — A genus composed of handsome, unarmed, stove 

 Palms, with large and terminal leaves and narrow segments, bifid 



