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Lasia, N.O. Aroidea.—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, Dracontwm 
spinosum. It is a native of the Malay Peninsula. 
Montrichardia. N.O. Aroidem (Aracew ):— A genus comprising 
three or four species of Aquatic or marsh plants, natives ol tropica 
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 io feet The stem is of robust habit of growth, annulate and 
sptnulose. Leaves large, often more than a foot long, hastate to the 
middle bright green above with pale yellow midrib and nerves. 1 he 
spathe is "tout 8 inches long, yellow green externally, inside red and 
yellow being borne on a very stout, short peduncle. Pr°pagatton 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. 
Nelumbhm, 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 are borne 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 
"a e used as a vegetable) finds favour with Hindu doctors as a 
febrifuge. The filaments (anther stalks) have astringent and cooling 
nroperties 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 
