On the upper part of the leaf-stalk of Maranta there is an articulation, and at this point the leaves rise and fall at stated periods in its daily life. This gives the genus a particular interest to the student of natural history, in addition to the singular beauty of the leaf blades themselves. At the grand exhibition of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in September, the Marantas were the most admired of all the new plants. The illustration is of M. nitens, a new one introduced by Mr. Bull, of London, who says it is an elegant and small-growing plant, imported from Brazil. The leaves are green with a bright glossy surface, marked on each side of the midrib with a series of oblong acute bars, alternating with numerous lines of a dark green on the palish bright green ground. The plant is distinct and of a pleasing character.

Maranta nitens.