174 SELECT PLANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



Lathyrus Cicera, Linne. 



Countries at or near the Mediterranean Sea, also Canary Islands. 

 An annual, similar in its use to L. sativus, furnishing a tender 

 palatable fodder, on sandy soil. L. Clymenum. L., from the same 

 regions, serves similar purposes. 



Lathyrus macrorrhizus, Wimmer. (Orobus tuberosus, Linne.) 



Europe, West Asia. This herb would establish gradually pas- 

 turage in sterile forest regions, and could with some allied species 

 be disseminated in Alpine regions. 



Lathyrus pratensis, Linne. 



Europe, North and Middle Asia. The Meadow Pea. A good 

 perennial pasture-herb. It can also be utilised for forest pastures, 

 like L. silvestris. The yield is considerable, and the herbage, 

 though bitter, is relished by sheep. The plant spreads easily, 

 particularly on fresh ground. L. tuberosus (L.) can likewise be 

 utilised as a fodder-herb ; its tubers are edible, but very small. 



Lathyrus sativus, Linne. 



Middle and South Europe. The Jarosse. An annual forage-herb ; 

 the pods also available for culinary purposes. Superior, according 

 to Langethal's observations, to vetches in quality of fodder and 

 seed, but inferior in yield, content with a lighter soil, hence often 

 chosen for first sowing on sand-lands. Lime in the soil increases 

 the return. Can only be used with great caution, as its frequent 

 or continuous use induces, like L. Cicera, paralysis, not only to 

 man but also to horses, cattle and birds. Probably other species 

 of Lythyrus could advantageously be introduced. 



Laurelia aromatica, Poiret. 



Southern Chili. A colossal tree, in Valdivia the principal one 

 used for flooring. Wood never bored by insects, and well able to 

 stand exposure to the open air, far superior to that of L. serrata, 

 the You van or Huahuoa, which tree predominates over L. 

 aromatica, in the far south of Chili (Dr. Philippi). 



Laurus nobilis, Linne. 



Asia Minor. The Warrior's Laurel of the ancients. The leaves 

 are in much request for various condiments, and the peculiar aroma 

 of these Bay leaves cannot be replaced by any others, except those 

 of Lindera Benzoin. 



Lavandula angustifolia, Ehrhart. (L. vera, Candolle.) 



Countries around and near the Mediterranean Sea. The Lavender 

 Plant, of somewhat shrubby growth, from which by distillation the 

 best oil of lavender is prepared. It lives on dry soil, but is less 

 hardy than the following. 



