DOLICHOS BIFLORUS IO9 



plants, which is used b}- the natives, after treatment with 

 lime, to dye stuffs. 



There are numerous species of Desmodium, and several 

 are natives of Mauritius and the Mascarenes : D. ccespitosum, 

 D. viaiiritianum, D. Scalpe, D. oxybracteum, D. triflorum, 

 D. heterophyUum, &c. The most widely distributed is 

 D. cicspitosum, which grows throughout the islands of 

 Africa, its common name being " clover." Both Bojer, in 

 his " Hortus Matirilianus," and Baker, in his " Flora of 

 Mauritius," give twenty-two species of Desmodium. Un- 

 fortunately, it is not cultivated in any way, although it might 

 be very useful on waste land. It resists drought well and 

 could be used as fodder after the sugar season. It is to be 

 hoped that much greater use will be made of the resources 

 offered by our colonial plants. 



DOLICHOS BIFLORUS. 



Dolichos biflorus is an Indian plant, yielding a food 

 seed which is cheaper than gram or oats. Its Indian name 

 is "kulthi," and its nutritive value is greater than that of 

 ordinary gram. 



Consignments have been made to Mauritius, but have 

 not been repeated, the sale having been difficult, no doubt 

 on account of unfamiliarity \vith this seed. 



It is also cultivated as a forage crop, and Robertson 

 relates that, in two months, during a very hot period, with 

 a minimum of rain, he produced from i to 2 tons of fodder. 

 Its easy growth affords a good recommendation, the more 

 so as it thrives in all seasons and needs but little rain for 

 its germination and early growth. 



It is but little cultivated in the low provinces of India. 

 Sowing is carried out in October or November if a seed 

 harvest is required, but, when needed for fodder after a 

 couple of months' growth, it is sown in June, August, and 

 November, three times in succession. 



