46 



makes a pretty contrast with lighter woods. In some localities boards 

 2 to 3 feet may be got. The bark yields an excellent fibre much used 

 for cordage." (Harrison.) 



" On the limestone at altitude of 2.000 feet and upwards a tall, stout 

 tree, diameter up to three feet, height 80 feet, Much sought after for 

 furniture and interior woodwork on account of its curious striped 

 grain; also gives good shingles. Bark yields a fibre." (Hooper.) 



HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS, Linn. 



OCHRA. 



Found in all tropical countries. 



A large annual herb, flowers pale-yellow with a red base, fruit cylin- 

 drical, 3-6 inches long. [Malvaceae.) 



The whole plant abounds in a viscid mucilage, and the unripe fruit 

 is official in the Indian Pharmacopoeia. In the form of a decoction, the 

 fruit may be used in catarrhal affection, gonorrhoea, dysuria, &c. " The 

 inhalation of the vapour of the hot decoction has been found very 

 serviceable in allaying cough, hoarseness, irritation of the glottis, and 

 other affections of the throat and fauces." (Waring ) 



The principle use of ochra fruit is as a vegetable and to thicken soups, &c. 



Seeds yield an oil similar to olive oil. 



Stem a fibre of excellent quality is obtained, and a patent has taken 

 out in France for making paper from it, called band a paper. 



HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA, Linn. 

 Red Sorrel. 

 Cultivated in tropics. An annual herb, with yellow corolla, and red 

 stem, branches, &c. (Malvacece.) 

 Root Gentle, laxative. 

 Stem yields fibre, which is fine and silky. 



Flower Outer envelopes made into preserves, tarts, and an infu- 

 sion is a refreshing beverage, called Sorrel-drink. (" Rozelle" of India.) 



HIBISCUS TILIACEUS, Linn. 

 Sea-side Mahoe. 

 Native of tropics. A tree, 10 to 20 feet high, with roundish leaves 

 and large yellow flowers. {Malvaceae.) 



Bark affords a strong fibre. Dampier often refitted the rigging of 

 his ships with rope made from this bark. 



HOG GUM. See Symphonia globulifera. 



HOOP TREE. See Melia sempervirens. 



HORSE EYE BEAN. See Mucuna urens. 



HORSE RADISH TREE. See Moringa pterygosperma. 



HORSE WEED. See Erigeron canadense. 



