The field notes, specimens and a considerable series of illustrations for publications of the Department of Agriculture were secured during two visits to Puerto Rico, the first in November and December, 1899, the second in June and July, 1901. The photographs are the work of Mr. G. N. Collins.
Key to the Families
Leaves fan-shaped; branches of inflorescence subtended by spathes.
Family Sabalaceae, p. [529].
Leaves feather-shaped; spathes few, not subtending the branches of the inflorescence.
Leaf-divisions v-shaped in section, concave above; trunk rough with leaf-bases or prominent diamond shaped scars.
Family Phoenicaceae, p. [528].
Leaf-divisions inverted v-shaped in section, convex above; trunk smooth or the leaf-scars ring-like and not prominent.
Leaf-bases long-sheathing, green and fleshy, finally split down the side opposite the midrib permitting the leaf to fall; fruits with fleshy, fibrous or woody endocarps.
Family Arecaceae, p. [546].