230 VEGETABLES AXD FOOD PRODUCTS 



nests are formed by species of swifts (Collocalia) inhabiting caves, 

 and their nutritive value is derived from the dried salivary secre- 

 tion of the birds. Young, white nests are the most highly prized, 

 and these are sold at very fanciful prices, varying from about 35 

 per thousand, k 'the best quality commanding their weight in silver." 

 The annual import to Canton alone is said to be about 9,000,000 

 nests. Edible birds' nests have until recently been exported from 

 Ceylon, being collected, under Government licence, from caves 

 chiefly in the Southern Province. 



Hibiscus esculentus. (Malvaceae). Okra or Ochro ; Gobba, 

 or Gumbo; Lady's Fingers; "Bandakka" S; "Bandak-kai" T. An 

 erect annual of the "Shoe-flower" family, 2 to 3 ft. high, bearing 

 large leaves and erect horn-like pods. The latter grow from 5 to 

 8 in. long, and when tender are an agreeable vegetable ; when 

 boiled, they are of a mucilaginous consistency and are used for 

 thickening soups, or in salads. This popular vegetable is grown 

 throughout the tropics, and occurs in numerous varieties. The 

 plant is not suited to high elevations in Ceylon, except in sheltered 

 valleys. Sow seed at the commencement ot the rains, thinly in 

 rows about 3 ft. apart, subsequently thinning out the plants to 

 distances of 12 or 14 inches ; or sow in a bed, and afterwards 

 transplant the seedlings into rows in well-prepared soil, allowing 

 the dwarf kinds to be about 15 in. apart, and the larger kinds 

 18 to 20 inches. The plant does best in rich or heavily manured 

 soil. The pods are best for use while they are soft and tender, 

 before the seeds are half -grown. 



Ipomoea aquatica. (Convolvulaceae). "Kan-kun" S. A small 

 semi-aquatic creeper, with tender arrow-shaped leaves, often culti- 

 vated in native gardens. The leaves and young stems are common- 

 ly used for vegetable curries. Thrives best in a shallow trench 

 where moisture can be retained. Propagated easily by cuttings. 



Ipomoea Bona-nox. (Convolvulaceae). Moon Flower ; "Alan- 

 ga" 5. "Alangai" T. A perennial climber, the fleshy calyces of 

 which are often used as a vegetable for curries, soups, etc. It is 

 sometimes cultivated, chiefly by Tamils, in small native gardens. 

 Easily propagated by cuttings or seed. Will thrive up to 3,000 

 feet. 



Moringa pterygosperma. (Moringie). Horse-radish Tree; 

 Drumsticks; "Murunga" S; u Murunga-kai" T, A short slender 

 tree with small tri-pinnate leaves, found cultivated in gardens 

 throughout Ceylon, India, etc. The roots are used as a substitute 



