in Extra-Tropical Countries. 407 



Withania somnifera, Dunal. 



Countries around the Mediterranean Sea, thence to South- Asia and 

 South-Africa. A half-shrub. The root, according to Professor 

 McOwan, acts much like that of Podophyllum medicinally. 



Xanthorrhiza apiifolia, L'Heritier. 



Eastern North-America. A perennial, almost shrubby plant, of 

 medicinal value. The root produces a yellow pigment, similar to 

 that of Hydrastis Canadensis. Both also contain berberin. 



Xanthorrhcea Tatei, F. v. Mueller. 



Kangaroo-Island. One of the largest of the so-called "Grass- 

 trees," and one of the best for furnishing the fragrant resin 

 of this genus of plants, it being in demand for particular sorts 

 of varnishes, for the manufacture of sealing-wax, for picric acid, 

 which it yields in large percentage, for coloring walls as an 

 admixture to lime and for some other technologic purposes. 

 Approximate London-price now 8 for the ton, according to Mr. 

 Will. Somerville. Resin is also commercially exported from X. 

 australis (R. Brown) of Tasmania and Victoria, from X. resinosa 

 (Persoon) of N. S. Wales and Queensland, from X. quadrangulata 

 (F. v. M.) of South- Australia, from X. Preissii (Endiicher) of West- 

 Australia and from X. hastilis of New South Wales. Mechanical 

 redissemination should be effected, wherever the plants largely become 

 sacrificed for obtaining the resin. For technologic and geographic 

 notes on various Xanthorrhreas see also Zeitschrift des oesterreich. 

 Apotheker-Vereins xxiii., 293-295 (1885). 



Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Schott. 



West-Indies. The tubers are largely cultivated there, and used 

 as an esculent like those of Colocasia. The plant may be as hardy 

 as the latter. 



Xanthoxylon piperitum, De Candolle. 



Used as a condiment in China and Japan. Fruit-capsules re- 

 markably fragrant. 



Ximenia Americana, Linne". 



Tropical-Asia, Africa and America, passing the tropics however 

 in Queensland, and gaining also an indigenous position in Florida. 

 This bush may therefore accommodate itself to cooler climes in 

 localities free from frost. The fruits are edible, resembling yellow 

 plums in appearance; their taste is agreeable. The wood is scented. 

 In Mexico Called "Alvarillo del campo." Mr. P. O'Shanesy recom- 

 mended this shrub for hedges. 



Xylia dolabriformis, Bentham. 



The "Pyengadu" of India, extending to China and the 

 Philippine-Islands, ascending mountains to 3,000 feet. An Acacia- 

 like tree, attaining a height of about 120 feet, the stem often clear up 



2 D 



