- 13 - 



line, so as to form a circular band. The apex of the sheath (with the ligula) 

 is commonly ciliated at the edge, densely in C. Mangga and C. Zedoaria 

 and sparsely (nearly glabrous) in C. Heyneana. The characteristic differences 

 are only ,to the seen in young fresh leaves. They are seldom of any use 

 for the determination of dried materials. 



3. The size of the leaf and the length of the petiole are very relative. In the 

 lateral species and also in some others (C. purpiirascens) the oldest leaves are 

 sessile and, since in herbarium material often only a few leaves are to be found, 

 this gives occasion to incorrect definitions (see C. aeruginosa). The petiole 

 increases regularly as the plants become older. It is of no use to mention the 

 dimensions of the leaves as commonly is done in the diagnoses unless the length 

 and width at least of one of the oldest and of the youngest leaves, is given. 



4. Some species may be recognized by the absolute size of the leaves 

 (see the definitions). So Curcuma domestica has the smallest leaves among 

 the Eucurcuma-spec'ies known to me, rarely surpassing 400 mm. mostly 

 smaller. 



C. xanihorhiza has the largest leaves; blade to 120Ô mm. long, the 

 whole plant to two meters. In C. Z^Joor/a and C. oera^/nosa the leaf reaches 

 at the utmost 1 meter in length. 



Regarding the relative length and breadth of the leaves it is a constant 

 rule that the fi-rst appearing leaves of a plant are broader and with a broader 

 base than the later formed. Especially about the end of the rainy season 

 the leaves become considerably narrower. Also the last leaf under the peduncle 

 is much narrower and longer. The difference of the breadth in old and 

 young plants which is accompanied by diffence in breadth and acumination 

 of the base is very important especially in the Paracurcuma-specles and 

 leads to dimorphism. 1 have made use of this average proportion in the 

 description of the species, and indicated it by P. (Proportion). Some species 

 can be determined by this. 



5. Pubescence. 



Pubescent leaves as occur in some asiatic species: C. aromatica, 

 C. latifolia, C. cordi/olia have not yet been found in Javan plants. But in 

 most of the species the sheath is very finely pubescent or puberulous 

 while the petiole and midrib are glabrous. Only in C. sumatrana Miq. the 

 pubescence coniinues along the back of the petiole and base of the midrib. 

 Practically the blade is glabrous except the filiform caudate point which 

 is always more or less ciliate as are also the edges of the leaf top. When 

 however the upper surface of the blade is scrutinized with a very keen 

 lens, magnifying 12 — 16 X> linear, there are always visible very short hairs 

 dipersed on the parenchym in the foremorst part of the leaf sometimes 

 very scarce, sometimes, as in C. aurantiaca, tolerably numerous and appressed 

 to the parenchym, forming rows alongside of the veins. 



