SCENTED FLOWERS. 159 



blossom only lasting one day. The root is used 

 as a medicine by the Kafirs. 



Several varieties of acacia grow in profusion, 

 many with bright yellow or cream-coloured fluffy 

 balls. 



Another (Dichrostachys nutans) has graceful 

 mauve and yellow pendent blossoms hanging in 

 rows under the branches, and bright scarlet or 

 black seeds. 



An elegant species of Kafir boom (Erythrina 

 Humei ?) often grows amongst a tangle of acacias, 

 its gorgeous spiky heads of deep crimson flowers 

 contrasting splendidly with the fluffy cream- 

 coloured balls. 



Another acacia ( Ccesalpinia Bonducella], grow- 

 ing as a large tree, is entirely covered with 

 thorns, large and small, on stem and leaf and 

 seed-pod, catching one's clothing and net in 

 every direction, and the more aggravating be- 

 cause the bloom and the gum exuding from the 

 bark are most attractive to butterflies ; there 

 they sit securely feasting, opening and shutting 

 their wings in the sun, and it is hopeless to even 



