Kentia
(named in honour of Lieut.-Col. Kent). ORD. Palmae. A genus comprising six species of ornamental stove palms, natives of New Guinea and the Moluccas, allied to Areca. Flowers on branched spikes. Leaves terminal, equally pinnatisect; segments sub-opposite, linear-lanceolate, acuminate or bidentate. Perhaps only a couple of species now retained in the genus are in cultivation, and these thrive in a compost of loam and peat, in equal proportions, to which may be added a little silver sand. They require plenty of pot room, and copious supplies of water throughout the summer, both at the roots and overhead. When attacked by Red Spider or Thrips, the plants must be sponged with soapy water. Propagated by imported seeds, which quickly germinate in a light sandy soil, if placed on a hotbed.
K. Baueri. See Rhopalostylis Baueri.
K. Belmoreana. See Howea Belmoreana.
K. Canterburyana. See Hedyscepe Canterburyana.
K. costata (ribbed). l. regularly pinnatisect, with very numerous linear-lanceolate acuminate segments, in old plants about 10ft. long and 3ft. wide. Stems 80ft. to 90ft. high. Spadix branched, with erect, fastigiate branches. Aru, &c.
K. Forsteriana. See Howea Forsteriana.
K. gracilis (of Lindley). See Kentiopsis divaricata. K. Joannis. See Veitchia Joannis.
K. Lindeni. See Kentiopsis macrocarpa.
K. Macarthurii. See Ptychosperma Macarthurii.
K. robusta. See Cyphosperma Viellardii.
K. sapida. See Rhopalostylis sapida.
K. Storckii. See Veitchia Storckii.
K. Viellardii. See Cyphosperma Viellardii.
K. Wendlandiana. See Hydriastele Wendlandiana.