Chamaecladon
(from chamai, dwarf, and kladon, a branch; in allusion to the habit of the species). ORD. Aroideae (Araceae). A genus comprising about twelve species of stove herbs, inhabiting tropical Asia and the Malayan Archipelago. Flowers monoecious, all perfect; spathe small, sub-cylindrical, convolute below, gaping above, persistent; spadix inappendiculate, included, stipitate, sub-cylindrical, the male inflorescence much longer than the female. Leaves elliptic-ovate, varying to lanceolate, rarely cordate at base, the nerves nearly reaching the margins; petioles elongated, long-sheathing. Caudex short or almost wanting. Only one species is known in gardens. For culture, see Schismato-glottis, on p. 332, Vol. III. C. metallicum (metallic-lustred). fl., spathe fuscous-purple, 1in. long, mucronate; peduncle purplish, slender, 1in. to 1 1/2in. long. l. 3 1/2in. to 5in. long, 2 1/2in. to 3 1/2in. broad, elliptic, sub-acute, shortly mucronate, rounded or slightly cordate at base, metallic-green above, purplish beneath; veins five to eight on either side the midrib, curved, ascending; petioles 2 1/2in. to 3in. long, nearly 1/4in. thick, channelled, purplish. h. about 7in. Borneo, 1884. (I. H. 1884, 539.)