IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 153 



Hydrastis Canadensis, Linne. 



North America. The Yellow Poccoon. A perennial herb, 

 utilised in medicine. The root contains two alkaloids, ber- 

 berin and hydrastin. The root tinges brilliantly yellow, 

 admitting of its use along with indigo for rich green colours. 



Hymen aea Courbaril, Linne. 



Tropical and Southern sub-tropical America. A tree of colossal 

 size and remarkable longevity. Timber hard, extremely pon- 

 derous, close-grained, used for select wheel-work, trenails, 

 beams, and planks in various machinery. A fragrant amber- 

 like resin, known as West India Copal, exudes from the stem. 

 The Mexican trade name of the resin is Coapinole. The beans 

 of the pod are lodged in a mealy pulp of honey-like taste, 

 which can be used for food. The possibility of the adapt- 

 ability of this remarkable tree to the warmer temperate zone 

 needs to be ascertained. 



Hymenanthera Banksii, F. v. Mueller. 



South-East Australia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island. A tall 

 spiny shrub, well adapted for close hedges, where rapid growth 

 is not required. It stands clipping well. Mowers profusely 

 fragrant. 



Hyoscyamus niger, Linne. 



The Henbane. Europe, North Africa, extra-tropical Asia. An 

 important medicinal herb of one or two years' duration. It 

 contains a peculiar alkaloid hyoscyamin. 



Hyospathe pubigera, Grisebach. 



Trinidad, on the summits of the highest mountains. The stem 

 of this Palm attains only to 12 feet. Valuable among the 

 dwarf palms, now so much sought for table and window deco- 

 ration. 



Hyphsene Argun, Martius. 



Nubia to 21 north latitude. Probably hardy in the warmer 

 temperate zone. 



Hyphaene coriacea, Gaertner. 



Equatorial Eastern Africa. The dichotomous Palm of the 

 sea-coast regions. It attains a height of 80 feet. 



Hyphaene crinita, Gaertner. (R. Thebaica, Martius.) 



Abyssinia, Nubia, Arabia, and Egypt, as far as 31 north 



