m EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 229 



Pitch Pine by the colonists ; native name, Tanekaha. This 

 tree attains a height o£ 70 feet, with a straight stem of 

 3 feet in diameter, and furnishes a pale close-grained 

 timber, strong, heavy, and remarkably durable, according to 

 Professor Kirk, greatly valued for mine-props, struts, caps, 

 sleepers, water-tanks, bridge planks and piles, and spars ; the 

 Maories employ the Ijark for dyeing red and black. 



Phyllostachys bambusoides, Siebold. 



Himalaya, China, and Japan. A dwarf species, but hardy, 

 and the yellowish canes available for excellent walking-sticks 

 (Griffith). 



phyllostachys nigra, Munro.* '{Bamhusa nigra, Loddiges.) 



China and Japan. Up to 25 feet high. The stems nearly 

 solid and becoming black. Has withstood severe frost in 

 the south of France and at Vienna. Known to have grown 

 16 feet in six weeks. Bamboo chairs and walking-sticks often 

 made of this species. A Japan species of this bambusaceous 

 genus proved hardy in Scotland. 



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. A perennial herb. The 

 berry, which is red and of a not unpleasant taste, has some 

 medicinal value. The leaves contain a bitter principle — phy- 

 salin. 



Physalis angulata, Linne. 



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

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

 herb. Yellowish ; the berries edible. P. minima, L. (P. par- 

 viflora, R. Br.), appears to be a variety and extends also 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 as a table fruit as for preserves. 

 Doubtless several other kinds of Physalis can be utilised in the 

 same manner. In colder countries the P. Peruviana becomes 

 annual. 



