32 
MADAGASCAR 
wherever there is flowing- water, the banks are fringed 
with mighty broad-leaved arums [Artmi co/ocasia). In 
shallow waters is seen the lace tree, peculiar to Madagascar 
[Ouviraitdra fenesti^alis), with its long pointed dark-green 
leaves, pierced like lattice-work and looking like lace. 
Travellers’ Tree (Ravenala madagascariensis), after Sibree. 
Only a league behind Tamatave we may meet with 
an expanse of water covered with the reddish forked 
spadices of this remarkable plant. In the small plantations 
and in clearings is seen the nux-vomica tree, of African 
origin [^Brehmia spinosa) which is hung in autumn with fruit 
of the size of apples. Near to this, but not in great frequency. 
