in Extra-Tropical Countries. 321 



Rhamnus Grsecus, Renter. 



Greece. From this shrub, and to no less extent from the allied R. 

 prunifolius (Sibthorp) are derived the green dye-berries collected in 

 Greece, according to Dr. Heldreich. These shrubs grow on stony 

 mountains up to 2,500 feet. 



Rhamnus infectorius, Linne". 



On the Mediterranean Sea and in the countries near to it. Hardy 

 still at Christiania. The berry-like fruits of this shrub are known in 

 commerce as Graines d' Avignon and Graines de Perse, and produce a 

 valuable green dye. Other species seem to supply a similar dye- 

 material; for instance, R. saxatilis, L., R. amygdalinus, Desf., R* 

 oleoides, L., R. tinctorious, W. & K., all from the Mediterranean 

 regions and near them. 



Rhapidophyllum Hystrix, Wendland and Drude. (Chamcerops Hystrix, 

 Fraser. ) 



The Blue Palmetto of Florida and Carolina. A hardy dwarf Fan- 

 palm. 



Rhapis nabelliformis, Linne* fil. 



China and Japan. This exceedingly slender palm attains a 

 height of only a few feet. The stems can be used for various small 

 implements. It is one of the best plants for table-decorations. It 

 bears the climate of the South of France to 43 32' N. lat 

 (Naudin). 



Rhaponticum acaule, De Candolle. 



On the Mediterranean Sea. A perennial herb. The root is edible. 



Rheum australe, D. Don.* (#. Emodi, Wallich; P. Webbianum, Royle.) 



Himalayan regions up to 16,000 feet. From this species at least a 

 portion of the medicinal Rhubarb is obtained, its quality depending 

 much on the climatic region and the geological formation, in which the 

 plant grows. Should we wish to cultivate any species here for 

 superior medicinal roots, localities in our higher and drier alpine tracts 

 should clearly be chosen for the purpose. Hayrie regards the presence 

 of much yellowish pigment in the seed-shell as indicating a good 

 medicinal rhubarb-plant. As much as 5 Ibs. of the dried drug are 

 obtainable from a single plant several years old. An important 

 orange-red crystalline substance, ernodin, allied to chrysophanic acid, 

 occurs in genuine rhubarb. Medicinal rhubarb-root is now also 

 grown in England. 



Rheum officinale, Baillon.* 



Western China and Eastern Thibet on the high table-land. 

 Height of stem sometimes to 10 feet; circumference of foliage reaching 

 30 feet; blade of leaf 2 feet long and broad (Balfour). It furnishes 

 most of the true Turkey-Rhubarb, not merely from the root but also 

 from the woody stem. Suited for mountainous regions. Recommended 

 also as a scenic plant by Regel. Hardy at Christiania. 



