.3 



FIG MARIGOLD. 



This is the common name for various species of Mesembryanthemiim 

 which yield succulent fruits somewhat similar in appearance to small 

 Figs. They are succulent or fleshy leaved plants belonging to a natural 

 order, of which they are the type, known as Mesembryaceae or Ficoidse: 

 The species known are very numerous, the great majority being natives of 

 South Africa. What is known as the Hottentot Fig is obtained frorrrtwo 

 distinct species, viz., M. acinaciforme and J/. edide, A somewhat similar 

 fruit is obtained from M. cequihtterale, which is indigenous to Australia 

 and the west coast of America, as also from other species. The fruit has 

 a sweetish pulp that is grateful to the palate. The leaves of these species 

 .may Vie used as a vegetable when boiled, and are eaten by sheep and 

 other stock. The Hottentot Figs will thrive in the dry interior districts 

 of Australia, and are worthy of attention for their fruit in some localities, 

 and also as vegetable and fodder plants. The indigenous species named 

 { J/, cequilaterale) thrives well in salt land of all descriptions, and is a 

 valuable plant for binding sea coast and other sandy soils. Propagation 

 is readily effected by seed which is freely produced, or pieces of the stems, 

 planted as cuttings, can be rooted without difficulty. 



FIVE CORNER. 



This is the common name of an Australian plant, an evevgreen 

 shrub of IOAV growth, belonging to the order Epacridacese, and knowm- 

 botanically as Stt/phelia viruliflora , The fruit is very small, oval in 

 shape, and contains a comparatively large seed which has a thin 

 covering of gelatinous flesh that has a sweet and pleasant taste. The 

 common name has originated owing to the calyx, or husk, having five 

 angles. Though the fruit is of comparatively small value compared 

 with others, yet it is very popular with chilclren in localities where it 

 18 indigenous, and is to some extent collected for sale in Sydney and 

 its suburbs. The plant is indigenous to the coast regions of New 

 South Wales, and is generally found in sandy and peaty soils. 



The plant is not worth cultivation for its fruit as other kinds are 

 vastly superior, but being a neat shrub of compact growth, it deserves 

 attention for ornamental purposes, and its light green flowers contrast 

 well Avith others. Propagation may be effected by seed, layers, or 

 .cuttings of the young shoots, which will strike in sand under a glass. 



GAULTHIERIA. 



HISTORY AND USBS. 



This is a genus of ornamental evergreen shrubs belonging to the natural 

 order Ericacere. They are chiefly natives of cool region* in North 

 Western America, and two of the species yield fruit that is largely used 

 by the inhabitants of the countries where they grow naturally. 



