SEA OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 373 



fruits fall into the sea, and are wafted by the currents and 

 thrown on emerging coral reefs, where they vegetate and attain 

 a considerable size. They have a singular appearance, seeming 

 to rise out of the ocean. In India P. odoratissimus grows on the 

 banks of canals in Travancore, and is useful as a sand-binding 

 plant, and also for forming hedges ; its fruit is of a red colour, 

 and very attractive. An oil called Keora Oil is made from its 

 flowers. 



This species receives its name odoratissimus from the frag- 

 rance emitted by the male flowers, presenting a great contrast 

 to those oi P.f(Btidus, also a native of India; which smell like 

 rotten onions and carrion. The most important economic part 

 of these plants is the leaves, which are made into mats, baskets, 

 hats, etc., and in Fiji they are prepared and made into orna- 

 mental dresses. The thick, aerial, rope-like roots consist of 

 tough, spongy fibre, which, cut into lengths and beaten out at one 

 end, form brushes. They are also used as a substitute for corks. 



Scrub Shrub (Commidendron rugosum), a shrub of the Com- 

 posite family (Compositse), native of St. Helena, where it is 

 also called Gum Shrub; and another species, C. spurium, is 

 known as the Little Bastard Gum Tree, and Cabbage Tree. 

 They are scrub-like shrubs, having alternate obovate or cuneate 

 leaves and flowers in close heads. These plants represent part of 

 the original endemic flora still remaining in St. Helena, the bulk 

 of which since the introduction of goats has become extinct. 



Sea Holly (^Eryngium maritimum), a strong-growing peren- 

 nial of the Carrot family (Umbelliferse), found on the sandy 

 shores of this country. It has stiff stems, bearing spiny leaves 

 and spiny compact umbels of blue flowers ; the whole plant has 

 a bluish-white appearance. The roots are thick and fleshy, and 

 on account of their peculiar flavour are preserved in sugar, and 

 sold by the confectioners as candied Eryngo. When boiled and 

 roasted they resemble chestnuts, and are palatable and said to 

 be nutritious. 



Sea Purslane. {See Orache.) 



Sea Thrift. {See Lavender, Sea.) 



