Nephrosperma
(from nephros, a kidney, and sperma, a seed; referring to the shape of the seed). ORD. Palmae. A monotypic genus, the species being a very elegant, armed, stove Palm, thriving in a compost of turfy loam, leaf mould, and sand. Care should be taken not to overpot, for when grown with but limited root room, and plentifully supplied with water, the plants are very useful for decorative purposes in a young state.
N. Van Houtteanum (Van Houtte's).* fl. large. l. pinnate, gracefully arched, divided into rather broad and long pendulous, acuminate, unequal segments; petioles rather short. h. 20ft. to 35ft. Seychelles, &c., 1868. SYNS. Area nobilis and Oncosperma Van Houtteanum.