Phytelephas
(from phyton, a plant, and elephas, ivory; referring to the seed, which, under the name of Ivory Nut, is largely imported and used by turners in forming small, ivory-like toys, buttons, &c.). SYN. Elephantusia. ORD. Palmae. A genus comprising three or more species of low, unarmed palms, with a robust and erect or prostrate and rooting caudex; they are natives of Peru and New Grenada. Plant dioecious; male flowers with petals 2in. to 3in. long; spadices borne on scaly peduncles, males pendulous, females erect; spathes two, complete, elongated, thick, coriaceous or woody. Fruit consisting of a collection of four to six drupes, forming large clusters, the drupes covered outside with hard, woody protuberances. Leaves terminal, elongated, pinnatisect; segments numerous, the upper ones opposite, the lower ones alternate or fascicled, linear-lanceolate, acuminate; margins recurved at base. A compost of two parts rich loam, and one each of peat and river sand, is most suitable. The plants enjoy a liberal supply of water, and perfect drainage is essential.
P. macrocarpa (large-fruited).* Ivory Nut Palm; Negro's Head. fr. a drupe containing from six to nine seeds--the Vegetable Ivory of commerce. l. 15ft. to 20ft. long, erect, beautifully arched, pinnate, rich dark green; pinnae very long. Caudex or trunk creeping, rooting. h. about 6ft. New Grenada, 1846. (B. M. 4913, 4914.) P. microcarpa (small-fruited). l. 20ft. to 24ft. long, lanceolate, with about 100 pinnae, the inferior being alternate and the upper opposite, linear, the largest 3in. long, 2in. wide, three-nerved. Peru, &c. Plant stemless.
