35 



C. Danica valuable as an antiscorbutic ; hence deserving 

 naturalization. It contains a peculiar volatile oil. 



Coffea Arabica, L. 



Mountains of South-west Abyssinia. The Coffee-plant. 

 This shrub or small tree has been admitted into this list 

 not without great hesitation, merely not to be passed. The 

 cultivation within Victorian boundary can only with any 

 prospect of success be tried in the warmest and simul- 

 taneously moistest regions, such as East Gipps Land, frost 

 being detrimental to the Coffee-plant. In Ceylon the Coffee 

 regions are between 1000 and 5000 feet above the ocean, 

 but Dr. Thwaites observes that the plant succeeds best at 

 an elevation from 3000 to 4500 feet, in places where there 

 is a rainfall of about 100 inches a year. The temperature 

 there rises hardly ever above 80 P., and almost never sinks 

 below 45 P. Coffee requires moist weather whilst it 

 ripens its fruit, and a season of drier weather to form its 

 wood. For further particulars see the papers of the Planters' 

 Association of Kandy. Chemical principles : Coffein, a 

 peculiar tannic acid and Quina acid. 



Colchicum auctumnale, L- 



Middle and South Europe, West Asia. The Meadow Safron. 

 The seeds and roots of this pretty bulbous-tuberous herb 

 are important for medicinal use. The plant has heen intro- 

 duced by the writer with a view of being cultivated on moist 

 meadows in our ranges. Active principle : Colchicin. 



Colocasia antiquorum, Schott. 



Prom Egypt through South Asia to the South Sea Islands, 

 apparently also indigenous in the warmer parts of East 

 Australia. The Taro. The stem-like tuberous starchy roots 

 lose their acridity by the process of boiling, roasting or 

 baking. The plant proved hardy in the Botanic Garden of 

 Melbourne. The tops of the tubers are replanted for a new 

 crop. Taro requires a rich moist soil and would grow well 

 on banks of rivers. Por scenic culture it is a very 

 decorative plant. Colocasia esculenta is a variety of this 

 species. 



