COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 205 
the hurricanes, is not subject to the dry seasons, and appears to possess all the 
requirements for the successful growth of this spice. The geological and climatic 
conditions are, however, very different from those of Porto Rico, and while it is 
too early, perhaps, to say that the nutmeg can not be profitably cultivated in any 
part of that island, it is safe to say that the probabilities of success are slight and 
that extensive planting would be inadvisable until a careful investigation of amy 
proposed locality has been made, 
According to several published works the nutmeg is a common tree in Porto 
Rico, but these references are to be understood as applying to a species of Nec- 
tandra, the seeds of which are in common use and sold in the markets as ‘* nuez 
moscado,”’ or nutmeg, which the general public firmly believe them to be, The 
seeds may be distinguished at once from the genuine article by their smaller size 
and more slender shape and from the fact that the two halves readily fall apart. 
Nymphaea. See Castalia. 
Ochra. See Abelmoschius escnlentus. 
Ochroma lagopus. GuANO, CoRKWooD. . Piuatre XLVI. 
Family Bombacaceae; a tree rising to the height of 60 or 70 feet (18 to 21 
meters) and sometimes 6 feet in circumference. The wood is soft on account of 
the rapid growth of the tree, and is used for corks by fishermen, etc. The fiber 
enveloping the seeds is used to make pillows and mattresses, and may be made into 
garments. Reported from Manati. In Jamaica called *‘down tree.” (Stahl, 
2: 100.) 
A wild tree, rather abundant, 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) high, 1 foot (30 cen- 
timeters) or more in diameter. The wood is white, stained with red, luminous in 
aspect, sometimes silky. It is very porous, and the lightest of all woods, lighter 
even than true cork, the specific gravity of which is 0.240, while the latter is 0.120; 
fibrous and very difficult to work, because of the fibers that impede the action of 
the tools. In Trinidad and other places it forms an article of commerce with 
fishermen, who use it in place of true cork on their nets. The Indians use it to 
make their canoes buoyant. Called corcho.”” (Grosourdy, 2: 376.) 
Ochroma is said to be shipped in quantities to Cuba. The bark and roots have 
medicinal properties. The fiber is chestnut-colored, It is said to keep free from 
insects. Sold at 20 cents per pound. 
Ocimum americanum. ALBAHACA CIMARRONA, 
An indigenous annual of the mint family. (Stahl, 6: 190.) 
Ocimum basilicum. Basin. ALBAHACA. 
An herbaceous annual or biennial, cultivated in gardens, 40 centimeters high, 
said to grow spontaneously in Jamaica, where it is called by its English name. 
“basil.” (Stahl. 6: 188.) 
Ocimum micranthum. ALBAHACA CIMARRONA. 
An erect woody biennial, 50 centimeters high, found in cultivated fields near 
forests. (Stahl, 6: 189.) 
Ocotea moschata. 
Family Lauraceae; reported from Adjuntas. 
Ogiera ruderalis. See Hleutheranthera ovata, 
Ojo de buey. See Muenna wrens. 
Okra. See Abelmoschus esculentius. 
Oldenlandia corymbosa. YERBA OLDENLANDIA. 
A slender rubiaceous herb; a weed in cane fields. (Stahl, 5:53.) 
Oldenlandia glomerata. GRACTIOSA. 
Anherbaceous annual, 25 centimeters high. (Stahl, 5:52,as Hedyotts glomerata, ) 
Oldenlandia herbacea. See Oldenlandia corymbosa, 
