Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 363 



Peireskia aculeata, Miller. 



The Barbadoes-Gooseberry. West-Indies. A tall shrub, adapted 

 for hedges in localities free of frost. The cochineal-insect can be 

 reared on this plant also. The berries are edible ; the leaves available 

 for salad. The flowers frequented by bees. Several other species 

 exist in tropical America, among which P. Bleo, Humb., is particu- 

 larly handsome ; but they may not all be sufficiently hardy for 

 utilitarian purposes in an extra-tropical clime. 



Peireskia portulacifolia, Haworth. 



West-Indies. This attains the size of a fair tree. 



Pelargonium odoratissimum, Alton.* 



South-Africa. A perennial trailing herb, from the leaves of which 

 a fragrant oil can be distilled. Pelargonium-oil is extensively pro- 

 duced in Algeria as a cheap substitute for attar of roses. There the 

 rate of annual production of the " essence of geranium " is about 

 12,000 Ibs. One ton weight of fresh leaves will yield about 2 Ibs. 

 volatile oil [Piesse]. The same remark applies to the shrubby P. 

 radula (Alton) and P. capitatum (Aiton). The Kaffirs assert that 

 these plants keep off snakes. Easily multiplied from cuttings. Water 

 in which the leaves have been simply steeped without heat may serve 

 for flavoring beverages and dishes. On this occasion may be pleaded 

 also for the hundreds of distinct kinds of Pelargonium, many seemingly 

 doomed to utter annihilation in South- Africa, unless indeed some states- 

 man there by legislation will see these lovely plants protected at least 

 on a few pristine spots within permanently reserved small areas, for the 

 joy also of future generations ; so also the hundreds of charming species 

 of Erica, only there to be found, claim immunity for erer against herds 

 and flocks ; and thus likewise might, under enlightened foresight, yet 

 timely be saved and sheltered the numerous and gay Polygaleae, poda- 

 lyrious Leguminosas, Phylicse, Crassulaa, Mesembrianthema, Pro- 

 teacese, Gnidia and the incomparable Irideas and Liliaceas of the 

 South- African Flora, so far, at least, as not to be swept away alto- 

 gether from the face of the globe. 



Pelargonium peltatum, Aiton. 



South- Africa. A climber, grateful to culture in mild climes ; 

 flowering yearly through about nine months ; well adapted for 

 bowers, for large garden-edgings, and for covering fences and minor 

 unsightly buildings, also bare branches of shrubs and small trees. 



Peltophorum Linnaei, Bentham. (Ccesalplma Brasiliensis, Linne.) 



West-India. A small tree. Provides the orange-coloured Brasiletto- 

 wood. This species likes dry calcareous soil [Grisebach]. Endures 

 the climate of Carolina. 



