io8 



DESMODIUM TORTUOSUM 



Its mineral composition is as follows :- 



There are a number of other varieties of Desmodium, 

 which are to be found growing wild in tropical coun- 

 tries. The majority are natives of India, with the exception 

 of D. uinbeUatum, which was discovered in Madagascar in 

 1801. 



All who have had occasion to visit the Colonies have 

 been struck by the fine vegetation of these papilionaceous 

 Leguminosas, herbaceous and undershrub-like in character. 

 They are forage crops, of great value as food for cattle. 

 In the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and America is 

 found a variety of special interest, D. trifloruni. This is 

 a perennial herb, of tufted growth and with abundant foliage, 

 which may be used in place of clover in countries too hot 

 for this latter; the analysis we have already given. The 

 botanist, Roxburgh, has already drawn the attention of 

 agriculturists to this species, which forms fine natural 

 prairies in India and is particularly relished by cattle. 

 According to Colonel Drury, it thrives in all soils. 



In North America use is made of a number of species 

 of Desmodium, such as D. canadense, D. acuminatum, and 

 D. nudiflorum. The first species is said to have been dis- 

 covered in Canada in 1640. 



According to Lanessan, a Desmodium of undetermined 

 species exists in New Caledonia, the flowers of which contain 

 a blue colouring matter analogous to that of the indigo 



