PAPER FIBRE PLANTS. 



137 



The stem bears at its summit an umbel or tuft of reflexed, filamentous, 

 leaf-like branches upon which the inflorescence is developed. 



This plant has been styled the Bulrush of the Nile. In addition to 

 its use as a paper, it has been utilised for making cordage, boats, and mats. 



Fig. 92 shows three stems bearing the umbellate filamentous tuft of 

 branches in an actively growing state in the Water Lily House at the 

 Royal Gardens, Kew. 



Poker Plant Fibres (Tritoma Uvaria, Liliacea3). A native of the 

 Cape of Good Hope. It is cultivated in England as an ornamental plant, 

 but abroad it is also sought after for the sake of its fibre. 



Fig. 92. Papyrus plant. 



The leaves of the plant are softened under pressure in hot water, after 

 which the fibres are easily separated. Another species, T. recurvata, is 

 also utilised for its fibre as a paper-pulp producing plant. 



Fig. 93 is an illustration of a group of Tritomas flowering in the 

 Royal Gardens, Kew, August 1898. The illustration shows the leaves 

 and flowering stalks in contradistinction one to another. 



Porcupine Grass (Festuca or Triodia irritans, Graminese). A common 

 Fescue grass which grows abundantly in the waste tracts of Australia. 

 It has been used for paper-making. 



Prairie Grass (Spartina cynosuroides, Gramineae). This grass is a 

 native of North America. The leaves have a tough texture, and are long, 



