12 SELECT PLANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



can likewise be obtained from the Nepalese Aconitum ferox, 

 and probably from several other species of the genus. 



Acorus Calamus, Linne. 



The Sweet Flag. Europe, Middle and North Asia, North 

 America. A perennial pond or lake plant. The somewhat 

 aromatic root is used as a stomachic, and also in the preparation 

 of confectionery, in the distillation of gin and liqueurs, and in 

 the brewing of some kinds of beer. The flavour of the root 

 depends mainly on a peculiar volatile oil. 



Acrocomia mexicana, Karwinski. 



Mexico; also in the cooler regions up to 3,000 feet. (Middle 

 temperature, 17* Celsius; Drude.) A prickly palm, 20 feet 

 high, acccmpanied by very slender Chamsedora- Palms in the 

 shade of Oak-forests. 



Actaea spicata, Linne. 



The Baneberry. On forest mountains, mainly in limestone soil 

 of Europe, North Asia, and North America. A perennial medi- 

 cinal herb. Its virtue depends on peculiar acrid and bitter as 

 well as tonic principles. In North America this species, and 

 likewise A. alba, are also praised as efficacious antidotes against 

 ophidian poisons. 



Adenostemum nitidum, Persoon. 



South Chili, where this stately tree passes by the appellations 

 Queule, Nuble, and Aracua. Wood durable and beautifully 

 veined. Fruit edible. 



Adesmia balsamica, Bertero. 



The Jarilla of Chili. A small shrub, remarkable for exuding 

 a fragrant balsam of some technic value. 



JEgiceras majus, Gaertner. 



South Asia, Polynesia, North and East Australia. This spuri- 

 ous mangrove tree extends far south in New South Wales. 

 It may be employed for staying the off -flow of mud by the 

 tide, and for thus consolidating shores subject to inundation 

 by sea-floods. 



^Bschynomene aspera, Linne. 



The Solah of tropical Asia. A large perennial erect or floating 

 swamp-plant. Introduced from the Botanic Gardens of Mel- 

 bourne into the tropical parts of Australia. The pith hats are 



