Desmoncus
(from desmos, a band, and ogkos, a hook; the ribs of the leaves ending in recurved hook-like points). ORD. Palmae. Very ornamental stove Palms. Flowers appearing in the axils of the leaves, on a branched spike. Leaves pinnate, prickly. Stem long, slender, ascending. The few species in cultivation, when in a young state, make rather handsome plants for table decoration; when too large for this purpose, a pillar or rafter of the stove should be devoted to them, where their peculiar leaves will be displayed to advantage, and in such a position afford a pleasing shade. For culture, see Calamus.
D. granatensis (New Grenadan).* l., petioles terete and spine-less, except at the top, where they bear a few setae, and where are also seated a pair of lanceolate divergent pinnae, nearly 2in. broad, and of a lively green colour. Columbia, 1875.
D. major (greater). l., segments about twenty pairs, linear, acuminate; rachis prickly, covered with a blackish, deciduous tomentum; spathe covered with brown prickles. Stem reed-like, climbing, prickly. Trinidad. D. minor (less)* may be likened to a miniature D. major. All its parts are considerably smaller. West Indies.