\ sored as oom 
\ 
20 GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY 
slender trunk is covered with a waxy substance that is used in making 
candles, and forms an important article of commerce. 
Chamaedorea, is a genus of palms distributed from Mexico to Panama, 
and represented here by 10 species, all bearing showily colored fruit. 
Chamerops humilis is a low-growing fan-leaved palm that is note- 
worthy as being the only palm that is a native of Europe. 
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (Areca lutescens), or GOLDEN FEATHER 
Pam, is a popular palm from Madagascar, much sold by florists. 
Here is sends up numbers of shoots from the roots, forming clumps. 
There are 4 or 5 large clumps growing here. 
Cocos plumosa, or PLUME Coconut, a native of Brazil, is one of the 
loveliest palms in the collection. It is the chief avenue palm of its 
genus, and is widely planted in California, Florida, and other warm 
countries. The name is from the shape of the leaves, which resembles 
that of an ostrich plume. 
Cocos coronata has reached the roof of the Conservatory. The seed 
was planted 13 years ago. 
Cocos sp., an unidentified species, shows the characteristic growth of 
certain members of the genus. The trunk of the tree curves, and 
nothing will compel it to grow straight. The collection. of coconut 
palms includes representatives of 8 other species. 
Daemonorops palembanicus, a slender palm from Sumatra, sends up 
canes that reach a height of 120 feet in its native jungle. The canes 
bear spiny tendrils 3 to 6 feet in length. The young leaves are a most 
brilliant henna in color. 
Dictyosperma, a genus of palms much sold as house palms, in the 
juvenile state, is represented here by 2 species. 
Dombeya Wallichii, or CHristMas Rose, belongs to the Sterculiaceae. 
The tree bears, at Christmas time, great clusters of pink flowers that 
look like pink snowballs. Other species are in the Economic House. 
Dracaena draco, or DRAGON'’s BLoop TREE, belongs to the Liliaceae, 
or Lily family. A tree of this species growing in Teneriffe was long 
supposed to be the oldest vegetable organism in the world. A red 
resinous substance, called Dragon's Blood, collects at the base of the 
leaves. After the leaves fall, this substance hardens and may be 
scraped off. It is used for varnishing and staining wood, etc. Other 
species of dracaena are to be found in the Warm House. 
Euterpe edulis, or PARA Patm, or Assat PALM, reaches a height of 90 
feet in its native country, Brazil. The palm is a most useful one. The 
trunks are used for rafters and poles. The terminal bud, or “cabbage,” 
is eaten as a vegetable. The fruits, when kneaded in warm water, 
produce a creamy product known as assai, which is eaten in the tropics 
on starchy foods. A beverage is also made from the fruit. 
Ficus. For discussion, see Economic House. The specimens shown 
here represent a number of species, the most important of which are 
probably the following: 
