MUSACEAE — THE BANANA FAMILY 
The Banana Family (which includes the Musas and Heliconias) because 
of their large leaves, gives the feeling of the tropics more than any other group 
of plants. They all like rich conditions and plenty of water. 
Although a great many of the plants in this family are very large growers, 
the ones listed here are dwarf in habit (except M. sumatrana) and consequently 
adapted for house and conservatory use. The foliage of Heliconia aureo- 
striata, H. Edwardus Rex, H. metallica and Musa sumatrana are wonderful for 
tropical flower arrangements as are the flowers of H. psitticorum and Musa 
velutina. 
HELICONIA aureo-striata—Leaves beautifully variegated with gold stripes. 
Heliconia Edwardus Rex—Leaves rich dark red. An outstanding plant. 
Heliconia metallica—A small growing Heliconia with lovely foliage, dark 
velvety green above with silver midrib, purple beneath. 
Heliconia psitticorum—A real dwarf, mature at three feet, suckers freely and 
soon makes a nice pot of growth. Each stem flowers as it matures with a 
bright orange and red flower. 
MUSA velutina—A dwarf banana with upright pink flowers and velvety pink 
fruits. Matures at about 3 feet. 
Musa sumatrana—Large growing plant with green leaves beautifully varie- 
gated with maroon, deep maroon underneath. A beautiful foliage banana 
for large greenhouses or subtropical gardens. 
PALMACEAE — THE PALM FAMILY 
Chameodorea erumpens—tThis grows tall and slender with many bamboo-like 
stems. One of the finest palms for the house. 
Neanthe bella—A real miniature feather-leaf palm. Very durable and easy to 
grow. 
Licuala grandis—tThis is about the only real fan-leaf palm that is suitable for 
a house plant as it stays small for many years. 
PIPERACEAE — THE PEPPER FAMILY 
PEPEROMIA 
There are more small plants in this genus than larger ones. The larger 
growing types are not particularly fussy as to the soil requirements, but, like 
the smaller ones, grow more luxuriously in a rich, loose, well drained medium. 
Although most grow as epiphytes under very humid conditions, in cultivation 
they adapt themselves nicely to the dry air of a house and as long as they 
are not overwatered, make very interesting foliage pot plants. 
Peperomia clusifolia—Heavy dark green leaves edged with dark maroon. 
Peperomia fosteriana—sStiff trailing plant with striped leaves somewhat like 
the watermelon peperomia but much smaller and pointed. 
Peperomia galioides—(P. minima, P. rubella)—-A miniature, bushy plant 
densely covered with tiny green leaves red on underside, red stems. 
Peperomia glabella variegata—This small leaf plant is so variegated that it 
is almost white. 
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