85 

 Niemeyera prunifolia, F. v. Mueller. 



The Australian Cainito. An evergreen tree, sparingly dis- 

 persed from the North of New South Wales through the 

 coast forests of Queensland. The fruit is of plum-like 

 appearance and edible. Culture is likely to improve its 

 quality. 



Ocimum Basilicum, L. 



The Basil. "Warmer parts of Asia and Africa. An annual 

 herb, valuable for condiments and perfumery. Several 

 varieties exist, differing considerably in their scent. A 

 crystalline substance is also obtained from this and similar 

 species. 0. canum, Sims, is closely allied. 



Ocimum gratissimum, L. 



Eecorded from India, the South Sea Islands and Brazil, as 

 indigenous. Somewhat shrubby. This is also a scent-plant 

 like the following, and is one of the best of the genus. 

 O. viride, Willd., from tropical Africa seems a variety. 



Ocimum suave, Willd. 



East Africa. A shrubby species. 

 Ocimum sanctum, L. 



Arabia, India, tropical Australia. A perennial herb. The 

 odor of the variety occurring in North Australia reminds 

 of Anis ; the smell of the variety growing in East Australia 

 resembles cloves. 0. tenuiflorum, L., seems to be another 

 variety. Probably other species, as well cis- as trans- 

 Atlantic, can be used like Basil. 



Olea Europsea, L.* 



The Olive-tree. Prom South-western Asia ; naturalized 

 in the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. A tree not 

 of great height, but of many centuries' duration and of 

 unabating fecundity. The well-known Olive Oil is obtained 

 from the fruit. Certain varieties of the fruit, preserved in 

 vinegar or salt liquid before perfectly ripe, are also much 

 used for the table. For this purpose the fruit is generally 

 macerated previously in water containing potash and lime. 

 The gum-resin of the Olive-tree contains the crystalline 

 Olivil. The oil of the drupaceous fruit is a most important 



