388 ' LEGUMINOS^ USED FOR TEXTILE PURPOSES 



soaked in water for a few hours, and then dried. The bark is removed 

 and the fibre used for making strong cords and ropes (Northern 

 Australia). 



Several indigenous species are found in tropical Africa : Psoralen 

 ■plicata, P. obtusifoUa, P. andongensis. It is possible that these species 

 have the same properties as that quoted. 



Psoralea patens (Shrub).— This species of Psoralea is found 

 throughout .\irstralia, but not in Tasmania. According to Bancroft 

 and Bailey, this plant reaches a height of 2 metres in Western 

 Queensland and yields a strong, tough fibre. 



Sesbania aculeata (Shrub).— In the "Treasury of Botany" we find 

 that this plant is cultivated in India for the sake of its fibre, which, 

 though somewhat coarse, is very strong and very durable in water 

 It is used for manufacturing nets and ropes unaffected by water. 

 This species is found in Australia, Tropical Africa, and the West 

 Indies. 



Sesbania cannabina (Shrub).— Cultivated in Asia for the sake of 

 its fibre. 



Sesbania aegyptiaca (Shrub).— The bark is used for making coarse 

 rope. 



Spatolobus Roxburghii (Shrub).— A coarse fibre is extracted from 

 this plant in India. 



C>ESALPINIE>E. 



Bauhinia tomentosa (Shrub).— This plant, which is a native of 

 Tropical Africa, has been introduced into India, where the bark is 

 used for manufacturing ropes. 



Bauhinia reticulata (Shrub).— The bark produces very stout fibre. 

 A native of Tropical Africa. 



Bauhinia macrostachya (Shrub).— The bark of this species and that 

 of Bauhinia Vahlii is used for making gun fuses. 



Bauhinia racemosa (Shrub). — A climbing shrub, the fibres of which 



are used to make ropes; these latter, however, have little durability 

 in water. 



Bauhinia scandens (Shrub). — In India this plant furnishes a textile 

 substance, known as Malos or Afta, which is used for manufacturing 

 cords, nets, &c. 



Bauhinia Vahlii (Shrub). — The fibre obtained from the bark is used 

 to manufacture extremely tough rope. It is one of the most useful 

 varieties in India. 



Bauhinia variegata (Tree).— The bark produces a fibre of good 

 cjuality. 



