254 AMBAREE, OR HEMP-LIKE HIBISCUS. 
probably remain to be enumerated and reported on by subse- 
quent observers; and, therefore, colonists in tropical countries 
may search among these for fibre-yielding plants with con- 
siderable certainty of finding many possessed of very valuable 
properties. 
The family of Malvaceze or Mallow-worts is extremely 
numerous in species, which abound chiefly in tropical parts of 
the world in the form of trees and shrubs, though species, as 
the Mallow and Marsh Mallow, do extend to temperate climates. 
The known fibre-yielding plants belong to the genera Malva, 
Hibiscus, Sida, Althea, Lavatera, Urena, &c.; besides Gossypium, 
the genus yielding Cotton. Of these we shall find many 
employed in different countries for yielding fibre for cordage 
and for other purposes. 
AmBarezE, or Hemp-tike Hipiscus (Hibiscus cannabinus, 
Malvacee). 
Ambaree in Western India; Palungoo, Madras; Pooley Numajee, Coimbatore ; Gong- 
kura of the Telingas; Maesta paut of the Bengalese; Sunnee at Saharunpore; 
Wilaitee (or foreign) Sunn at Muttra; Deckanee Hemp of Bombay. 
From the variety of synonyms which we have given of this 
plant, it is evident that it must be generally known all over 
India; but from its having several distinct names of its own 
on the west, we should infer that it was a native of that side 
of India, or of the southern part of the Peninsula, as on the 
Bengal side its names are modifications of those of some of 
the other fibres. In Bombay, besides ambaree, its fibre is 
sometimes called Deckanee Hemp, to distinguish it from the 
taag or Conkunee Hemp (Crotalaria juncea). But it is very 
generally cultivated by the natives, though not in large 
quantities. 
This plant, found as yet only in a state of cultivation, is a herbaceous 
annual of about three months’ duration. The stem is straight and simple, 
of from three to seven feet in Beient, with here and there a few inoffensive 
prickles, otherwise smooth. The leaves are spreading, alternate, with long, 
slightly prickly footstalks; all are smooth, with their margins serrated; but 
the lower leaves are heart-shaped ; those about the middle of the plant three-, 
four-, or five-lobed, with lanceolate acute lobes; while the leaves at the top 
are simply linear-lanceolate. Stipules awl-shaped. The flowers are solitary, 
with short peduncles in the axils of the leaves; very large; of a pale sulphur 
