THE SWEET CALAMUS, OR CALAMUS AROMATICUS OF THE ANCIENTS. 235 
produced in great profusion, and endure a long time. It requires only the most 
common treatment of hardy perennials. “ Mag. Bot.,” v. x., t. 30. 
Phlox Coldryana, Mr. Coldry's Phlox . — The flowers of this garden hybrid are 
of a deep crimson-purple, and very showy. The plant grows two feet or more high, 
and should be planted in a rich loamy soil. “ Mag. Bot.,” v. vii., t. 197. 
THE SWEET CALAMUS, OR CALAMUS AROMATICUS OF 
THE ANCIENTS. 
Calamus is a name given by Linnaeus to a genus of plants, commonly known as 
reed-palms, on account of their resemblance in habit to many of the arborescent 
grasses. They grow very lofty, but are so exceedingly slender, that an ordinary 
observer would be more likely to consider them tall reeds, rather than members of 
so noble a family as the Palms. The inflorescence, however, is that of a true Palm. 
Amongst the more remarkable species of this genus, may be mentioned the 
Cable Palm or Cable Cane [Calamus rudentum), which has been known to grow to 
the extraordinary length of 500 feet, and even its most common growth is from 300 
to 400 feet. The smallest stems are twisted into ropes and cables ; and others 
when split, are wove into baskets, whilst some are made into hoops for casks, and 
used for various other similar purposes. The stronger ones are chiefly manufactured 
into walking-sticks, and made into slender supports for furniture. In the Molucca 
Islands, Cochin-China, and various parts of the East Indies, this species grows in 
abundance. 
The Zalacca Reed, [Calamus Zalacca, or Zalacca edulis .) — This species bears 
a very pleasant eating nut, and on that account is much cultivated in Java and the 
neighbouring islands. The fruit is about the size of one of our small walnuts, and 
the kernels are said to be very sweet and good. 
The Rattan Cane, [Calamus rotang, and Calamus Scipionum ). — The slender 
stems of these two species of Palm have been long brought to this country under the 
above name, and have been prized for walking-sticks and various other domestic 
purposes. 
The Dragon’s Blood Palms, [Calamus Draco, and Calamus Zalacca ). — Both 
yield the well-known drug called Dragon’s Blood, which is their inspissated juice. 
Although all the above species of Calamus possess properties of considerable 
importance to mankind, and must therefore be included amongst the more valuable 
of Nature’s productions ; yet it is evident that none of the above can be considered 
the plant which was known to the ancients by the name of Calamus, as all are quite 
destitute of fragrance, whereas the KaXaixos [calamos) of Dioscorides possessed so fine 
a perfume, as to be classed amongst the chief spices and odoriferous productions of 
that day, and was also one of the ingredients in the formation of the fragrant oil used 
by the Jews in their tabernacle and temple worship. See Exodus, c. xxx., v. 23. 
On account of this odoriferous property, rendering it a valuable article of commerce 
