Australia
A very handsome species, with a comparatively dwarf habit; it is valuable decorative plant.
A. Catechu (Catechu). l. pinnate, from 3ft. to 6ft. long; leaflets 12in. to 24in. in length, and about 2in. broad, light green; petioles broadly sheathed at the base. h. 30ft. India, 1690. One of the best and oldest species in cultivation, very effective, in a young state, for dinner table decoration. It produces the Betel nut, of which enormous quantities are used in India. A. concinna (neat). l. pinnatisect, sub-glabrous; segments sickle-shaped, much acuminated. Stem green, 8ft. to 12ft. high, 1in. to 2in. in diameter. Ceylon. The Cingalese chew the albumen of the seeds with their Betel. A. gigantea (gigantic). A synonym of Pinanga ternatensis. A. glandiformis (gland-formed). l. pinnatisect, 9ft. to 12ft. long when fully grown. h. 30ft. Moluccas. A handsome stove palm, of bold aspect, and very suitable, when young, for decorative purposes.
A. Normanbyi (Normanby's). A synonym of Ptychosperma Normanbyi. A. triandra (three-stamened). l. pinnate, like those of A. Catechu in size, &c. h. 20ft. India, introduced to Britain about 1810.