AKEE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 7 



makers. Allied to tlie preceding is A. malaharicus, a tree 

 common in the forests of Cochin and Travancore. It yields a 

 resinous exudation, called Mutty Pal, which is used as incense. 



Air Plants, a common name applied to plants growing on 

 trees, chiefly applied to many species of Avoids, Bromeliads, 

 and Orchids. 



Ajowan, a name in India for the seeds of Carum (PtycJiotis) 

 ajowan. An annual plant of the Carrot family (Umbelliferoe), 

 with erect forking stem and few leaves, the lower ones being 

 cut into narrow segments. Its flowers are produced in small 

 umbels, consisting of only a few rays. It is cultivated in 

 Bengal for its seeds (fruit), which are small like caraways, and 

 remarkable for their strong smell of thyme, and are common in 

 the Indian bazaars. They are used both for culinary and 

 medical purposes, and have lately come into special notice in 

 this country and in Germany for the manufacture of Thymol, 

 enormous quantities of which are now made and used as an 

 antiseptic. 



Aka, a New Zealand name for Metrosideros scandens, a climb- 

 ing epiphyte of the Myrtle family (Myrtace^e). It completely 

 envelops the tree on which it grows, which ultimately dies, and 

 the wood decays. The epiphyte remaining forms a hollow case. 



Akee, the native name for the fruit of Blighia sapida, a tree 

 of the Soapberry family (Sapindaceae), native of Western tropical 

 Africa, early introduced into the West Indies, and now spread 

 into other tropical countries. It is common in Jamaica, and 

 forms a handsome tree 30 feet in height, having large, broad- 

 winged leaves, somewhat rough. Flowers produced in racemes 

 from the axis of the leaves. The fruit is a three-sided valved 

 capsule of a reddish colour, about three inches in length, con- 

 taining a yellowish pulpy aril, in which are embedded three 

 black seeds. In its raw state it is considered poisonous, but 

 cooking makes it wholesome. During the season large 

 quantities are brought to Kingston market (Jamaica). It is 

 liked by both Europeans and natives. It was introduced to 

 this country in 1793, and has fruited in the hothouses at Kew. 



