IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 



37 



Arundo Sellowiana, Schultes. (Arundo dioica, Sprengel non Lou- 

 reiro. Gynerium argenteum, Nees.) 



The Pampas-Grass of Uruguay, Paraguay and the La Plata States. 

 A grand autumnal-flowering reed, with gorgeous feathery panicles. 

 As an industrial plant it deserves here a place, because paper can 

 be prepared from its leaves. 



Asparagus acutifolius, Linne. 



In all the countries around the Mediterranean Sea, also in. the 

 Canary Islands. Although a shrubby Asparagus, yet the root- 

 shoots, according to Dr. Heldreich, are collected in Greece, and are 

 tender and of excellent taste, though somewhat thinner than those 

 of the ordinary herbaceous species. The shrub grows on stony rises, 

 and the shoots are obtained without cultivation. A. aphyllus L., 

 and A. horridus L., according to Dr. Reinhold, are utilised in the 

 same manner, and all may probably yield an improved produce by 

 regular and careful culture. 



ty 



Asparagus albus, Linne. / 



. Countries around the Mediterranean Sea/^&d 

 Serves for garden-hedges. 



Asparagus laricinus, Burchell. 



South Africa. Dr. Pappe observes of this 

 with some other kinds of that country it prod 

 lent tenderness and aromatic taste. 



Asparagus officinalis, Linne 



Europe, North Africa, North Asia. The well-known Asparagus 

 plant, which, if naturalised on our coast, would aid in binding the 

 sand. The foliage contains inosit-sugar ; the shoots yield asparagin. 

 Sea-weeds are a good additional material for forcing asparagus. 



Asperula odorata, Linne. 



The Woodruff. Europe, North Africa, West and North Asia. 

 A perennial herb with highly fragrant flowers ; it deserves naturali- 

 sation in forests, containing much cumarin in its flowers, and serving 

 in Germany for preparing the " maitrank." 



Aspidosperma Quebracho, Grisebach. 



Argentina. Shrub or tree, even tall, with a wood fit for xylo- 

 graphy. The bitter bark is tannic and febrifugal (Lorentz.) 

 The leaves of Duvana trees in Argentina are, according to 

 the same authority, much valued for currying. The bark is 

 almost as rich as that of Acacia Cebil. The leaves contain even 



