5 x 4 
PALMAE 
The flr. has usually the formula P 3 + 3, A 3 + 3, G 3 or (3). 
The perianth has both whorls alike and varies in texture. The cpls. 
when united may form a i-loc. or 3-loc. ovary, with 3 or sometimes r, 
anatropous ovules (rarely semi-anatropous, or orthotropous). The pol- 
lination-methods of the Palms want investigation ; some, e.g . Cocos, 
are wind-pollinated, others are doubtless entomophilous. 
The fruit is a berry or drupe ; in the latter case the endocarp 
is usually united to the seed. The fruit in Lepidocaryinae is covered 
with dry woody scales. The seed has a large endosperm ; in date, 
vegetable ivory, &c., it is very hard, the non-nitrogenous storage- 
material taking the form of cellulose, which is deposited upon the 
cell w'alls. In germination the cotyledon lengthens and pushes out 
the radicle, and then the plumule grows out of the sheathing cotyledon 
(see Nat. PJi .). 
Economically, the P. are very important, furnishing many of the 
necessaries of life in the tropics, &c. Many have edible fruit or seed, 
e.g. date (Phoenix) and coco-nut (Cocos) ; the stems contain much 
starch as reserve food, especially in those sp. which save up for a great 
terminal infl., e.g. Metroxylon (sago), Caryota, &c. ; the rush of sap 
to the infl., especially in the cases just mentioned, is great; and by 
tapping the stem great quantities of sugar-containing fluid may be 
Diagrams of Raphia (after Eichler). Above, the arrangement of the last branches 
of infl. a , b , two of the sterile sheathing bracts, above them bracts with branches in 
their axils, a little out of the median line. Below, arrangement of the flowers on 
branches of upper figure : bracts 2-ranked ; each flr. has a a-keeled bracteole v. 
