Maximiliana
(named after Maximilian I., King of Bavaria). ORD. Palmoe. A small genus (three species) of elegant stove Palms, inhabiting the Amazons and Maranon, and the island of St. Kitts and Trinidad. Flower-spikes each inclosed in a thick woody spathe, which tapers to a long point, deeply furrowed, splitting open at last down one side. Leaves very large, pinnate, borne at the summit of the trunks; leaflets narrow, arranged in clusters along the stalks. Trunks slender, smooth. This genus is closely allied to Cocos (which see for culture).
M. caribea (Caribbean). l. large; segments pale green, reduplicate, obliquely inserted at the double base, densely veiny with transverse veins. This species is similar in habit to M. Martiana, but the leaf segments are broader, and a little tapering towards the eroded point. St. Kitts. M. Martiana (Martius'). l. pinnate; leaflets linear, acuminate, pendent, dark green, about 2ft. long. Caudex erect, cylindrical, unarmed. South America, 1825. A handsome decorative plant when in a young state. SYN. M. regia. M. regia (royal). A synonym of M. Martiana.