368 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1889. 



16. H. semitriloba, Berter. (S7vai/ts.) 

 Indigenous. 



17. Tnespesia populnea, Corr. 

 Sea-side Mahoe. Cork-tree. 



18. Malvaviscus arboreus, Cos. 



Var. Sagrceanns, Rich. A shrub. 



19. Sphaeraclea abutiloides, Endl. (Catesby.) 

 N. Providence. 



This order is essentially tropical. Many of its members are 

 cultivated in gardens for their flowers. The swollen calyx of 

 Hibiscus Sabdariffa makes an excellent preserve, somewhat like 

 cranberry, and used similarly. The unripe fruit of Abelmoschvs 

 is a well-known vegetable, valuable for its mucilaginous properties ; 

 it is said to be diuretic and useful in pulmonary diseases ; its seeds 

 are cordial and stomachic, and is said to improve the flavor of 

 coffee. It is also used for scenting pomatum, etc. Most of the 

 members of this order are mucilaginous and have demulcent and 

 emollient properties ; none are deleterious. The stems of species of 

 Sida and Abutilon furnish very tenacious fibre, also Thespesia, whose 

 unripe fruits are used in dyeing, and whose wood is fit for timber. 



Order XVI. STERCULIACEAE. 



1. Melochia pyramidata, L. (A r ic/io/s.) 

 Indigenous. A common weed. 



v » v 



2. M. tomentosa, L. (///a/wars.) 



3. Waltheria Americana, L. 



All tropical countries. This order has similar properties to the 

 preceding one. Waltheria is used as a febrifuge in S. America. 



Order XVII. TILIACEAE. 



1. Triumfetta althaeoides, Lam. 

 Bur-weed. Indigenous. 



2. T. semitriloba, L. 



Bur-bark. Indigenous to all tropical countries. 



3. Corchorus olitorius, L. 



Jew's Mallow, Jute. Introduced from East Indies. Common in 

 Syria where the young sprouts are eaten as a vegetable, like Aspar- 

 agus. It is said to be a favorite with the Jews, hence its name. 

 (Smith Diet. Econ. PI.) 



