in Extra-Tropical Countries. 43 



Asparagus acutifolius, Linn& 



In all the countries around the Mediterranean Sea, also in the Canary- 

 Islands. Although a shrubby Asparagus, yet the root-shoots, accord- 

 ing to Dr. Heldreich, are collected in Greece, and are tender and of 

 excellent taste, though somewhat thinner than those of the ordinary 

 herbaceous species ; in Istria and Dalmatia they are consumed as 

 a favorite salad. The shrub grows on stony rises, and the shoots are 

 obtained without cultivation. A. aphyllus, L. and A. horridus, L., 

 according to Dr. Reinhold, are utilized in the same manner, and all 

 may probably yield an improved product by regular and careful 

 culture. 



Asparagus albus, Linn(*. 



Countries around the Mediterranean Sea, also in the Canary-Islands. 

 Serves for garden-hedges. 



Asparagus laricinus, Burchell. 



South- Africa. Dr. Pappe observes of this shrubby species, that 

 with some other kinds of that country it produces shoots of excellent 

 tenderness and aromatic taste. 



Asparagus officinalis, Linn. 



Europe, North- Africa, North-Asia. The well-known Asparagus- 

 plant, which, if naturalized on any coast, would aid in binding the 

 sand. Hardy in Norway to lat. 64 12' (Schuebeler). The foliage 

 contains inosit-sugar ; the shoots yield asparagin. Sea-weeds are a 

 good additional material. for forcing asparagus. 



Asperula odorata, Brunfels. 



The " Woodruff." Europe, Western and Northern Asia, Northern 

 Africa, there as in Southern Europe only on mountains, always a 

 forest-plant. Indigenous in Norway to lat. 66 59' (Schuebeler). 

 A perennial herb with highly fragrant flowers ; it deserves natural- 

 ization in forests ; it contains much cumarin in its flowers, and 

 serves in Germany for preparing the " Maitrank." 



Aspidosperma Quebracho, Grisebach. 



Argentina. Shrub or tree, even tall, with wood fit for xylography. 

 The bitter bark is astringent and febrifugal (Lorentz), being almost 

 as rich in tannin as that of Acacia Cebil. The leaves even contain 

 27^ per cent.; both have the advantage of producing an almost color- 

 less leather (Sievert). F. Jean states, that even the Quebracho-wood 

 contains 14 to 16 per cent, of tannic and 2 to 3 per cent, of gallic 

 acid. 



Astartea fascicularis, De Candolle. 



South-Western Australia. A tall shrub or small tree, with a 

 predilection for swampy ground, rather remarkable for quick growth, 

 and evidently destined to take its place in antimalarian plantations . 

 The foliage is locally used for tea. 



