Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 165 



Eriochloa polystachya, Kimth. 



In tropical and sub-tropical regions around the globe. Perennial. 

 Endures moderate cold in South- Queensland, and affords fodder all 

 the year round [Bailey]. It resists drought, and is fattening and 

 much relished by stock [Dr. Curl]. Answers particularly well for 

 a hot and arid clime [H. S. Hills]. E. punctata (Hamilton) and 

 E. annulata (Kunth) are varieties. 



Eruca sativa, Lamarck. 



From Southern Europe to Central Asia, ascending the Himalayas 

 to 10,000 feet. An annual herb, not unimportant as an oil-plant ; 

 much cultivated in some parts of Siberia for its seed [Dr. A. 

 Regel], Also grown to a considerable extent in the Punjab for 

 fodder [Dr. G. Watt]. 



Ervum liens, Linne.* (Lens esculenta, Moench ; Lathyrus Lens, Petermann.) 

 The Lentil. South-Europe, South- Western Asia. Reared up to 

 an elevation of 11,500 feet in India. Under culture in Hungary 

 prior to historic ages. Annual, affording in its seeds a palatable 

 and very nutritious food. The variety microspermum is especially 

 praised by Dr. Heldreich. A calcareous soil is essential for the 

 prolific growth of this plant. The leafy stalks, after the removal 

 of the seeds, remain a good stable-fodder. The variety called the 

 Winter-Lentil is more prolific than the Summer-Lentil. Valuable 

 as honey-yielding for bees. Seeds will retain their vitality for 

 about four years [Yilmorin]. The " Revalenta Arabica " consists 

 mainly of lentil -flour. 



Erynsium maritimum, Linne. 



Europe, North- Africa, South- Western Asia. This perennial herb 

 deserves dissemnation on sandy oceanic shores. Root of medicinal 

 value. Young shoots serve as a substitute for asparagus [Dr. 

 Rosenthal] so those of E. campestre (Linne), a plant of similar 

 geographic range. 



Eryngium pandanifolium, Chamisso. 



South-Brazil, Paraguay, Misiones and Chaco. This or an allied 

 species, called " Caraguata," with bromeliaceous habit, yields there 

 textile fibre, which is long and silky [Kew Report. 1877, p. 37 ; 

 Gard. Chron., 1882, p. 431, E. H. Egerton]. 



Erythroxylon Coca, Lamarck.* 



Peru and Eastern Bolivia. This shrub is famed for the extra- 

 ordinary stimulating property of its leaves, which pass under the 

 names of Spadic and Coca. They contain two alkaloids, cocainand 

 hygrin ; also a peculiar tannic acid. The cocain has become of 

 great importance in medicine, as a topical anaesthetic, particularly 

 in ophthalmic surgery. In the native country of the plant its 

 leaves have for ages been in use for chewing, to stave off hunger, 

 thirst, sleep and fatigue [Capt. G. Harrison] ; also for allaying 

 local pain. The} are also chewed by the Peruvians for the purpose 

 of increasing the endurance of fatigue during long pedestrian 



