14 Select Plants for Industrial Culture 



so furthermore many of the trees of this order, from which gutta- 

 percha is obtained (species of Dichopsis, Isonandra, Sideroxylon, 

 Cacosmanthus, Illipe, Mimusops, Imbricaria and Payeuia) might prove 

 hardy in sheltered woodlands, as they seem to need rather an equable 

 humid and mild climate, than the heat of the torrid zone. 



Aconitum Napellus, Linn4. 



The " Monk's Hood." In the colder parts of Europe and Asia, 

 extending to the Himalayas and also to arctic America, especially in 

 mountainous regions. A powerful medicinal plant of perennial growth, 

 but sometimes only of biennial duration, variable in its forms. It 

 was first introduced into Australia, together with a number of other 

 Aconites, by the writer. All the species possess more or less modi- 

 fied medicinal qualities, as well in their herbage as in their roots; but 

 so dangerously powerful are they, that the plants should never be ad- 

 ministered except as prescribed by a qualified physician. Napellus- 

 root contains three alkaloids: aconitin, napellin and narcotin. The 

 foliage contains also a highly acrid volatile principle, perhaps chemi- 

 cally not unlike that of many other Ranunculaceae. Aconitin, one of 

 the most potent poisons in existence, can likewise be obtained from 

 the highly powerful Nepalese and Himalayan Aconitum ferox 

 (Wallich) and probably from several other species of the genus. 



Acorus Calamus, Linn. 



The " Sweet Flag." Europe, Middle and Northern Asia, North- 

 America. In Norway indigenous to 61 N., cultivated up to 63 26' 

 (Schuebeler). A perennial pond- or marsh-plant. The aromatic 

 root is used as a stomachic and also in the preparation of confec- 

 tionery, in the distillation of gin and liqueurs, and in the brewing of 

 some kinds of beer. The flavor of the root depends mainly on a 

 peculiar volatile oil. 



Acrocomia Mexicana, Karwinski. 



Mexico, in the cooler regions up to 3,000 feet, with a mean -tempera- 

 ture of 65 F. (Drude). A prickly palm, reaching 20 feet in height, 

 accompanied by very splendid Chamsedora-Palms in the shade of oak- 

 forests. A. Totai (Martius) of Argentina yields sweet fruit. 



Actsea spicata, Linn. 



The " Baneberry." On wooded mountains, mainly on limestone- 

 soil in Europe, Northern Asia and North- America. A perennial 

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

 well as tonic principles. In North- America this species and likewise 

 A. alba (Bigelow) are also praised as efficacious antidotes against 

 ophidian poisons. 



Adenostemum nitidum, Persoon. 



Southern Chili, where this stately tree passes by the appellations 

 " Queule, Nuble and Aracua." Wood durable and beautifully 

 veined. Fruit edible. 



