TOUCHARDIA WOOL TREE. 



67 



blowing. In wet weather the capsules close up and conceal both hairs 

 and seed once more in their interior." 



Weed, Mallow-leaved (Triumfetta semitrilola, Tiliaceae). The 

 inner fibrous bark of this plant has been used for cordage purposes. 

 The plant is a native of the West Indies. The bark is of a toughish 

 nature, and has been used for making ropes in the inland parts of the 

 West Indies. This plant has been called the Bur Weed, but the name 

 bur weed ought preferably to be 

 confined to the genus Xanthium 

 (Compositse). 



Wild Rhea or Ban Rhea (Ville- 

 brunea integrifolia, Urticaceae). 

 This plant yields a fibre of bast 

 structure which vies in strength and 

 lustre with the China grass. It is 

 grown in India, but so far has not 

 become a favourite plant in cultiva- 

 tion. 



Wood Date Palm (Phoenix 

 sywestris, Palmaceae). A native of 

 the East Indies, from which a good 

 many articles have been made, such 

 as cordage, ropes, work-boxes, cigar- 

 cases, etc. Examples of these can 

 be seen in the Economic Museum of 

 the Royal Gardens, Kew. 



Wool Tree or Cork Tree 

 (Ochroma Lagopus, Sterculiacese). 

 This plant is a native of Jamaica, 

 where it grows into a large tree 

 remarkable for ks numerous branches 

 and large leaves. 



London says: "The capsules contain a very soft rufous down in 

 which the seeds are involved, and which down is said to be used in the 

 manufacture of English beaver hats." 



Fig. 40 is the ripe capsule covered with the wool-like fibres, and fig. 

 41 shows the pear-shaped seeds, which are of rather a darker colour than 

 the wool fibres. 



Some of this wool-like vegetable fibre was recently offered to a well- 

 known Lancashire cotton manufacturer for his opinion. At his request 

 I examined the fibres microscopically, and gave as my opinion that they 

 would not serve for spinning into a yarn. My opinion was confirmed by 



Fig. 40. Capsule of the "Wool tree 

 (Ochroma Lagopus). 



