364 



CASSELL'S POPULAR GAEDENING. 



like, a fan. They are divided into narrow segments 

 about half-way down, and are of a uniform deep 

 green. It forms a large umbrella-like head, and is a 

 very effective ornament. North of China. 



C. Jiicmilis (the European Fan Palm), — Attains a 

 height of twenty to thirty feet, but it frequently pro- 



There are several recognised varieties of this 

 species, amongst which may be noticed C. arborci<ci:ni> 

 and C. macrocarpa. It is found in gi'eat abundance 

 in Southern Europe and Northern Africa. 



C. Palmetto (correctly, Sabal Tafmetto) is very or- 

 namental, but slow in giowth ; leaves fan-shaped, 



Chamoerops humilis. 



duces numerous suckers from the base, which pre- 

 vent it from attaining such proportions, and is then 

 by no means so ornamental. The petioles are long, 

 and armed at the edges with sharp spines. Leaves 

 fan-like, divided into narrow segments for about a 

 third of their length, and glaucous on both surfaces. 



In the South of Europe the leaves of this species 

 are extensively used for hat, broom, and basket 

 making, and are very durable. The Arabs in 

 Northern Africa also employ them for covering their 

 tents, &c. 



divided into numerous long narrow segments of a 

 glaucous hue. Southern States of America. 



Cheirostemon. — This genus of Stcrcidinds con- 

 tains but one species, which in its native country 

 attains a height of eighty to a hundred feet. It is 

 popularly called the Hand-plant in this country, but 

 at the present time is very rare in cultivation. The 

 onl}^ plant known to exist for some time was a very 

 ancient specimen found growing at Toluco, near the 

 city of Mexico. By the Mexicans it was held in 



