158 SELECT PLANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



Hibiscus cannabinus, Linne. (H. radiatus, Cavanilles.) 



Tropical Asia, Africa and Australia. An annual showy herb. 

 The stem yields a hemp-like fibre. Stems up to 12 feet high with- 

 out ramification if closely sown. Rich soil on the Nile has yielded 

 over 3,000 Ibs. of clear fibre from one acre. The bearing strength 

 is often found to be more than that of the Sun fibre. The leaves 

 serve as sorrel spinage. Several other Hibisci can be utilised in 

 the same manner. Good fibre is also obtained from Sida rhombi- 

 folia, L. 



Hibiscus esculentus, Linne". 



West India and Central America. A tall herb. The mucilaginous 

 seed capsules are known as Ochro, Bandakai, or Gobbo, and used 

 as culinary vegetables. The summers of Victoria bring them to 

 maturity. The Ochro can be preserved by being dried either in 

 the sun or by artificial heat after previous slicing. The leaves of 

 this and allied species can be used as pot-herbs. 



Hibiscus Ludwigii, Ecklon and Zeyher. 



South Africa. A tall, shrubby, and highly ornamental species, 

 desirable also as yielding a fibre of great strength and toughness. 



Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Linne. 



Tropical Asia and Africa. A showy annual plant, occasionally of 

 more than one year's duration, admitting of its culture in the 

 warmer temperate regions ; it is however cut down by frost. It 

 yields the Kosella fibre. The acidulous calyces furnish a delicious 

 sorrell and rosella jellies, particularly relished in hot climes. H. 

 punctatus (Dalz. and Gibs.) is mentioned as an annual fibre plant, 

 occurring in Sindh and Mooltan. 



Hierochloa redolens, K. Brown. 



South-Eastern Australia, almost confined to the Alps ; in Tasmania 

 and New Zealand also found in the lowlands, occurring likewise in 

 the Antartic Islands and the southern extremity of America. A 

 tall, perennial, nutritious grass, with the odour of Anthoxanthum. 

 It is worthy of dissemination on moist pasture land. H. borealis 

 of the colder regions of the northern hemisphere accompanies in 

 the south H. redolens, but is a smaller grass. These grasses are 

 particularly valuable for their fragrance as constituents of hay, the 

 odorous principle, as in Anthoxanthum, Melilotus and Asperula, 

 being cumarin. Hierochloas are particularly appropriate for cold, 

 wet, moory grounds. 



