Naturalisation in Extra- Tropical Countries. 377 



Phymaspermum parvifolium, Bentham. (Adenachcena parvifolia, De 

 Candolle. ) 



South- Africa. A dwarf, somewhat shrubby plant, fit to be natu- 

 ralised on mere sandy ground. Praised by Professor MacOwan as 

 equal in value to Pentzia virgata for sheep-pastures* 



Physalis Alkekengi, Linne. 



The Strawberry-Tomato or Winter-Cherry. Middle and South- 

 Europe, North- Africa, Middle Asia, extending to Japan ; said to 

 have come originally from Persia. Ripening in Norway to lat. 63 

 26' [Schuebeler] . A perennial herb. The berry, which is red and 

 of a not unpleasant taste, has some medicinal value. The leaves 

 contain a bitter principle physalin. 



Physalis angulata, Linn6. 



In many tropical countries, extending as a native plant to the 

 northern parts of the United States and to Japan. An annual herb. 

 The berries yellowish, edible. P. minima, L. (P. parviflora, R. Br.), 

 is closely allied, and extends into tropical Australia. 



Physalis Peruviana, Linn.* 



Temperate and tropical America, widely naturalised in many 

 countries of the warmer zones. With double inaptness called the 

 Cape-Gooseberry. A perennial herb ; but for producing its fruit 

 well it requires early renovation. The acidulous berries can be used 

 as well for table-fruit as for preserves. The dried fruit acts as a 

 substitute for yeast. Doubtless several other kinds of Physalis can 

 be utilised in the same manner. In colder countries the P. Peruviana 

 becomes annual. Seeds will keep for eight years [Vilmorin] . 



Physalis pubescens, Linn<$. 



Warmer regions of North- and South- America. Though annual, 

 worth cultivation on account of its acidulous fruits, called the Goose- 

 berry-Tomato or inaptly Barbadoes-Gooseberry, under which name 

 also the very similar P. Barbadensis (Jacquin) is comprised. 



Physorrhynchos Brahuicus, Hooker. 



Persia, Scinde, Afghanistan, Punjab. A perennial herb, fond of 

 somewhat saline soil. On careful cultivation it may form a new sort 

 of kitchen-vegetable, as Dr. J. E. Stocks found the leaves, when 

 boiled, a fair substitute for cabbage. 



Phytolacca Americana, Lhm. 



Warmer parts of North- and South- America. This tall perennial 

 herb has received a place in this work, as it is in its native country 

 a medicinal plant. It has recently also come into use by its leaves 

 being smoked as a domestic remedy in asthma [Dr. J. L. Cobb], 

 The berries serve for dyes. 



