Plectocomia
(from plektos, plaited, and kome, leaves; probably from the leaves being used in plaiting). ORD. Palmae. A genus comprising about half-a-dozen species of stove, climbing palms, allied to Calamus, armed with recurved prickles; they are natives of the mountains of India and the Malayan Archipelago. Flower-spikes axillary, divided into numerous, very long, tail-like branches, clothed with two opposite rows of overlapping spathes, each of which incloses a short spike of flowers. Fruit covered with overlapping scales, which are rough and fringed at the edges, giving the fruit a prickly appearance, one-seeded. Leaves large, pinnate, furnished with long, whip-like tails, beset on the under side with excessively strong, compound spines, shaped something like a mole's foot, with the claws directed downwards. The species, the best-known of which are described below, are very handsome plants, and are of easy culture. A compost of rich loam and peat, in about equal parts, is suitable. Propagated freely by suckers. P. assamica (Assamese). fl., spathes 2 1/2in. to 3in. long; spadix large, the branches 2 1/2ft. long. l. gracefully arched, broad and deeply bifid when young, ultimately pinnate; upper surface deep green, the under side a beautiful powdery-white. h. 80ft. Assam, 1841. An elegant plant. (B. M. 5105.) P. elongata (elongated). fl., spadix axillary; peduncle covered with imbricate, sheathing spathes. l. with the flagelli about 20ft. long; pinnules distant, arched downwards, linear-lanceolate, tapering to both ends, very acuminate, the longest 3ft. in length, 2in. to 3in. broad, coriaceous. Stem, in the lower part, almost as thick as the leg. India, 1869. A gigantic, climbing species.
P. himalayana (Himalayan). fl., spathes almost stem-clasping, conduplicate; branches of the spadix about 2ft. long, covered with rusty tomentum. l. ample; pinnules alternate, linear-lanceolate, very acuminate, 1 1/2ft. long, 1 3/4in. broad, the margins shortly toothed; pinniferous part of the petioles armed with stout, hooked prickles. Himalayas, 1878. A distinct and graceful palm.