FORESTRY OF IVEST AFRICA. 283 



Hibiscus furcatus, Roxb. — Annual or perennial. 

 The bark yields an abundance of strong white fibre. 

 — ' Useful Plants of India,' H. Drury. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Mozambique District. 



" Ochro " {Hibiscus escuientus, L.). — A tall herb 

 which affords a strong fibre suited for the manufacture 

 of ropes, gunny-bags, paper, &c. The fruits known 

 as " Ochro " or " Bendi-kai " are very mucilaginous, 

 and used in thickening soups, &c. ; the young fruits are 

 pickled like capers. Seeds emollient and demulcent. 

 Leaves used for poultices. — ' Useful Plants of India,' 

 H. Drury. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land. 



Hibiscus Abeltnoschus, L. — ^A shrubby plant, from 

 which a strong fibre is produced. Seeds highly 

 scented, cordial and stomachic, and sometimes used 

 as a substitute for animal musk in perfumery. When 

 bruised or reduced to powder and steeped in rum 

 they are considered very efficacious in snake bites. 

 The plant abounds in mucilage. — ' Useful Plants of 

 India,' H. Drury. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea 

 Mozambique District. 



" Tabaco " {Hibiscus quinquelobus, Don ; Paritium 

 sterculicsfolium, Guill. et Perr.).- — Small tree. Wood 

 used for cabinet-work. Casamance, 'Catalogue des 



