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Lasia, N.O. Aroidece :—A monotypic genus of robust, marsh- 

 loving plant requiring similar treatment to many Aroids. 



L. heterophylla: — Leaves very variable, hastate when young, when 

 older long and broad, borne on very prickly petioles. 



This is not a particularly handsome plant. It succeeds admirably 

 when planted in partial or dense shade. Propagation by seed and 

 division of rootstock. SYN. L. aculeata, L. spinosa, Dracontium 

 spinosum. It is a native of the Malay Peninsula. 



Montrichardia. N.O. Aroidece (Aracece): — A genus comprising 

 three or four species of Aquatic or marsh plants, natives of tropical 

 America. Propagation by seeds or by division of the rootstock. They 

 require no special mention here as all are of easy culture. 



M. aculeata: — A noble tropical Aroid which grows to a height of 

 8 to 10 feet. The stem is of robust habit of growth, annulate and 

 spmulose. Leaves large, often more than a foot long, hastate to the 

 middle, bright green above with pale yellow midrib and nerves. The 

 spathe is about 8 inches long, yellow green externally, inside red and 

 yellow being borne on a very stout, short peduncle. Propagation by seed 

 and division of rootstock. This plant succeeds admirably if treated 

 as semi-aquatic or marsh plant and delights in partial or even dense 

 shade. Native of Brazil. 



Nelunibium, N. O. Nymphaeaceae (Sacred or Water Bean) ; — This 

 is a genus of beautiful and useful aquatic plants and is probably 

 better known under the name of "Sacred Lotus ". 



The leaves and flowers ;ire bo' ne on long stalks, and in the case 

 of the leaves, a pleasing effect is seen as the wind stirs them, exposing 

 their metallic undersurfaces. The flowers are exceedingly handsome 

 being rosy, red or white in colour. The fruit resembles an enlarged 

 funnel-shaped pepper-box and contain many seeds. 



Not the least important property of these plants is their many 

 medicinal uses. The yellowish-white fibre extracted from the stalks 

 (which are used as a vegetable) finds favour with Hindu doctors as a 

 febrifuge. The filaments (anther stalks) have astringent and cooling 

 properties, the seeds are considered medicinal and used to check 

 vomiting, and are also eaten by the natives as an article of food either 

 raw, roasted, or boiled, while the large leaves are used as cool bed- 

 sheets in cases of fever accompanied by much heat and burning of 

 the skin. The root is employed as a paste in ringworm etc., or as an 

 article of food. 



Nelumbiums do not require a great depth of water, neither do 

 they thrive when deeply planted, but they prefer a rich compost and 

 are greatly benefited by occasional mulchings of cow manure. In 

 planting these plants care should be taken not to injure the rhizome 



