in Extra-Tropical Countries. 39 



grasses are among the most lovely for minor decorative purposes or 

 designs, and this may also be said of the Australian plumous Stipa 

 elegantissima (La Billardiere) and S. Tuckeri (F. v. M.). 



Aristolochia Indica, Linn. 



Tropical Asia, North-Eastern Australia and Polynesia. A peren- 

 nial climber; the leaves famed as an alexipharmic. Can only be 

 grown in places free from frost. 



Aristolochia recurvilabra, Hance. 



The green " Putchuck" of China. A medicinal plant, largely ob- 

 tained at Ningpo. The present value of its export is from 20,000 

 to 30,000 annually. 



Aristolochia serpentaria, Linn<$. 



The " Snake-root" of North- America. The root of this trailing 

 herb is valuable in medicine; it contains a peculiar volatile oil. 

 Several other Aristolochiae deserve culture for medicinal purposes, 

 for instance, Aristolochia ovalifolia (the Guaco) and A. auguicida, 

 from the mountains of Central America. 



Aristotelia Macqui, L'Eteritier. 



Chili. The berries of this shrub, though small, have the pleasant 

 taste of bilberries, and are largely consumed in Chili (Philippi). The 

 plant would thrive in mild forest-valleys. 



Arnica montana, Linn<$. 



Colder parts of Europe and Western Asia. This pretty herb is 

 perennial and of medicinal value. It is particularly eligible for sub- 

 alpine regions. Hardy in Norway to lat. 62 47' (Schuebeler). The 

 active principles are arnicin, a volatile oil, caproic and caprylic acids. 



Arracacha xanthorrhiza, Bancroft. 



Mountain-regions of Central America. A perennial umbelliferous 

 herb. The root is nutritious and palatable. There are yellow, 

 purple and pale varieties, which are kept up by division of the roots. 



Artemisia Abrotanum, Lhm<$. 



Countries at the Mediterranean Sea. A very odorous shrub, 

 known as " Southern Wood." The foliage used in domestic medicine, 

 also as condiment. The plant is easily grown from cuttings. 



Artemisia Absinthium, Linn^. 



Europe, North- and Middle-Asia and North-Africa. The " Worm- 

 wood/' A perennial herb, valuable as a tonic and anthelmintliic. 

 Should be avoided where bees are kept (Muenter). Recommended 

 for cultivation as a preventative of various insect-plagues, even the 

 Phylloxera. Several other species of Artemisia deserve cultivation 

 for medicinal purposes. Active principles: Absinthin, an oily sub- 

 stance indurating to a crystalline mass; also a volatile oil peculiar to 

 the species. 



