KEW GARDEN MUSEUM. 111 
ever, according to Roxburgh, only the fleshy aril which envelopes the 
seed that is eaten. 
Durion or Durian Fruits of Ceylon ; from Cullenia excelsa, Wight ;— 
Durio Zeylanicus, Gard». (G. H. K. Thwaites, Esq.) Fruit not eat- 
able. Monkeys are very fond of it. 
Capsule of Durio Ozleyanus. East Indies. (W. Griffith, Esq) 
Capsules of Durio Ootan. Malacca. (Dr. Lemann.) 
Fruit of Matisia cordata, H. B. K. New Granada. (Mr. Purdie.) 
Cultivated in Peru and New Granada on account of its fruit, which, 
according to Humboldt, is edible, and possesses a flavour like Apricots. 
Hand-plant, flowers in liquid, Cheirostemon platanoides, H.B. E, 
from the Hort. Soc. of London. A sacred plant among the ancient 
Mexicans; considered so probably in consequence of the resemblance 
of the stigma of the flower to the human hand. At the time of Hum- 
boldt’s visit to Mexico, only one tree was known, and that in a state 
of eultivation near the capital; now it is detected in its native woods. 
Capsules of Neesia altissima, Bl. (Dr. Lemann and Dr. De Vriese.) 
Fibrous bark of Hoheria populnea, A. Cunn. New Zealand. (Rev. | 
W. Colenso.) The bark, like that of Mallows, affords a demulcent 
drink used in medicine, and a cordage, whence the native name (Hou- 
heria), to bind or tie. > 
New- Zealand Cotton, fibre of Plagianthus urticinus, A. Cunn. New _ 
Zealand. (Major Richmond.) : 
Ord. SrERCULIACE.. STERCULIA FAMILY. 
In many respects nearly allied to the two preceding and to the two 
following Families: all possessing the same properties, viz. abounding 
in fibre and mucilage. 
Kola or Cola Nuts. Sterculia acuminata, Beauv. West coast of 
Africa; cultivated also in the West Indies, whither it was introduced 
by the slave-vessels, and even in Bahia. (J. Wetherell, Esq.) The 
nuts or seeds have a pleasant, bitter taste, and are much eaten and es- 
teemed by the Negroes as a promoter of digestion: they also prevent 
sleep, and are used by the native watchmen to keep themselves —— 
Powdered Ko/a is applied to wounds or cuts. ; 
Kulheim; fibrous bark of a Sterculia. Sikkim Himalaya. n3 
Hooker. Used for making cordage, ete. : 
Oadal; fibrous bark of Sterculia villosa, Roxb. ‘Eastern Bengal, 
