200 SELECT PLANTS OK INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



Niemeyera prunifera, F. von Mueller. (Lucuma pvunifera, 



Bentham.) 



The Australian Cainito. An evergreen tree, sparingly dis- 

 persed from the north of New South Wales through the 

 coast forests of Queensland. The fruit is of a plum-like 

 appearance and edihle. Culture is likely to improve its 

 quality. 



Nuphar multisepalum, Engelmann. 



Western North America. This Water Lily produces nutritious 

 seeds, which taste like Broom Corn and are used locally for 

 food, hut are more particularly valuable for waterfowl. Vari- 

 ous species of Nymphcea might be utilised in the same manner, 

 irrespective of their value as decorative lake or pond plants. 



Nyctanthes arbortristis, Linne. 



India, up to Assam. This arborescent shrub may be grown 

 in any moist regions free of frost, for the exquisite fragrance 

 of its flowers, from which essence of jasmin can be obtained. 



Nyssa aquatica, Linne. 



North America. The Tupelo. This large deciduous tree can 

 be reared in pools and deep swamps, and is thus well adapted 

 for aquatic scenery. The spongy roots of this species serve 

 as a substitute for cork and the floats of nets. 



Nyssa multiflora, Wangenheim. 



Eastern States of North America, where it is called the Forest 

 Tupelo or Black Gum Tree (Dr. Asa Gray) ; also called Sour 

 Gum Tree. Attains a height of 50 feet. Suited for forest 

 soil; has horizontal branches and a "light, flat spray, like 

 the Beech." Can be propagated from cuttings. The wood 

 is very hard, but light and almost unwedgeable; it serves 

 for hubs of wheels, pumps, sideboards of carts, trays, bowls, 

 dippers, mortars, wooden shoes, hatters' blocks, and various 

 turners' work. The foliage turns bright crimson in autumn. 

 The fruits are pleasantly acidulous like those of N. capitata 

 (Walter) and of some other species, and often used for pre- 

 serves. 



Nyssa uniflora, Walter. 



Eastern States of North America. The Swamp Tupelo. 

 Wood soft, that of the roots very light and spongy, thus 

 used for corks (Dr. Asa Gray). Attains a height of 8 feet. 

 The mucilaginous fruits are edible. 



