194 SELECT PLANTS FOR INDUSTRIAL CULTURE 



Mesembrianthemum acinaciformej Linne. 



The Hottentot Fig of South Africa. Under the same vernacular 

 name is also comprised the distinct M. edule, L. Both., together 

 with the Australian M. sequilaterale, Haworth, which extends also 

 widely along the American west coast, and should be transferred 

 into any of the most inhospitable desert regions, as they afford in 

 the inner part of their fruit a really palatable and copious food. 



Mesembrianthemum capitatum, Haworth. 



South Africa. This perennial species, from the readiness and quick- 

 ness of its growth, and from the abundance of its seeds and their 

 easy dispersion, is one of the best for staying any rolling sea-sand 

 (Dickinson). M. pugioniforme (Linne) and many other species 

 serve the same purpose. 



Mesembrianthemum crystallinum, Linne. 



South Africa. Eecently recommended as a spinage plant. Can be 

 grown on bare sand, which it helps to cover. 



Metrosideros tomentosa, A. Cunningham. 



North Island of New Zealand. Could be grown for timber on 

 rocky -sea-shores. Height to 80 feet, trunk stout, but comparatively 

 short. The timber, according to Mr. Kirk, deserves attention, as 

 one of the most durable for the frame-work in ship-building, for 

 jetties, docks, sills. Other species with dense wood, occurring in 

 New Zealand, are M. lucida (Menzies) and M. robusta (A. Cunn.), 

 all ornamental trees with crimson flowers. 



Michelia excelsa, Blume. 



In the Himalayas and other Indian mountains, up to 7, 000 feet. It 

 grows to a large size, supplying boards of 3 feet in width, and is 

 one of the best timber-trees there. M. lanuginosa (Wallich) 

 ascends there also to temperate regions with M. Kisopa (Hamilton), 

 M. Cathcartii (Hooker and Thomson), M. Champaca (Linne), M. 

 punduana (H. and Th.), and M. Nilagirica (Zeaker), all being tall 

 trees. 



Microseris Forsteri, J. Hooker. 



The Native Scorzonera of extra-tropical Australia and New Zea- 

 land. A perennial herb deserving attention, as likely its root would 

 enlarge and improve through culture. On the summits of snowy 

 mountains the plant develops itself most luxuriantly. The Aus- 

 tralian aborigines use the root for food. The plant would prove 

 hardy in Middle Europe. 



