80 DICTIONARY OF POPULAR NAMES CALUIMBA 



Calumba, False {Cosciniiim fenestratum), a climbing shrub of 

 the Moon-seed family (Menispermacese), a native of Ceylon; the 

 stem varies from 1 to 4 inches in diameter, is very porous, and 

 of a yellowish colour. Some years ago a large quantity was 

 imported into London, cut in slices, and sold as Calumba root; 

 but its hard and woody texture makes it readily distinguishable 

 from the true Calumba root. A yellow dye is extracted from it. 



Calumba Root {Jatcorliiza Calumha), a climbing shrub of 

 the Moon-seed family (Menispermacese), native of the East Coast 

 of Africa. In Mozambique its roots form a considerable article 

 of trade. They may be compared to parsnips, but are very 

 much larger, more cylindrical, and grow in clusters, slanting to 

 the ground. They are cut in slices, dried and strung, and are of 

 a yellowish colour. In this state they form the Calumba root 

 of commerce, much prized for its medicinal qualities. It was 

 first known in this country by specimens having been received 

 from Colombo in Ceylon (hence its name), but which had been 

 originally received there from Mozambique. 



Camel Thorn {Alhagi camelorum), a shrub of the Bean 

 family (Leguminosse). {See Manna.) 



Camel Tree {Acacia giraffcc), a thorny tree of the Bean 

 family (Leguminosce), native of South Africa ; its spreading 

 branches are always a uniform distance from the ground, con- 

 sequent upon all within reach being eaten by the giraffes. 



Camellia {Camellia japonica). — This well-known shrub 

 belongs to the Tea family (Ternstroemiaceae), and is a native of 

 China and Japan, introduced before 1740 by Lord James Petre, 

 a celebrated introducer of new plants. The first introduced was 

 the single red, which was soon followed by the double red, double 

 white, anemone flowered or Warratah, double striped and others. 

 During the first half of the present century many fine new 

 varieties have been raised, and camellias became amongst the 

 most important trade plants, both in this country and on the 

 Continent. 



C. Sasanqua is a small -leaved species attaining a height 

 of 12 to 15 feet, with small single white flowers. It is often 



