214 



FOEEST TREES. 



LVII. VERBENACE^. 



448 Lantana indica, Eoxb. Kan. Kadn jola gida. 



An indigenous shrub sparsely found in waste 

 tracts., The purple berries are densely packed on 

 short spikes, and hence the resemblance, on a small 

 scale to jola, maH-a cholvm, or what is more gener- 

 ally termed Indian corn. Village children are said 

 to eat this fruit. Flowers white, pink or pale pur- 

 ple, with a yellowish throat. 



449 Lantana camara, Linn. Kan. Nata liu gida. 

 Fig— Bot. Plates Lal-Barjh Collection. 

 neferences.— Diet, of Econ. Prod, of Ind. 



This introduced shrub has run wild in Coorg, 

 South Wynaad, Hunsur, and various parts of the 

 country. When properly looked after, it quickly 

 forms an excellent hedge, and is extensively employed 

 for the purpose at Bangalore and elsewhere. 

 In waste tracts, it resuscitates the land and performs 

 the dual function of joioneer and nurse to a more 

 directly profitable class of vegetation. In the latter 

 "^ capacity, it has been found to promote the growth 

 of sandalwood and other useful trees. The species 

 should therefore be looked upon as a reclaimant of 

 waste land, and its growth, except as a well-kept 

 fence, should be ' strictly confined to such tracts as 

 are now devoid of vegetation. This becomes 

 practicable when we know that it grows in the 

 poorest soils, is exceptionally hardy during periods 

 of drought, and always difficult to cradicatk Func- 

 tionally, it may be associated with the prickly pear, 

 and such hardy species as are intended by nature to 

 occupy the outposts of vegetation. There are many 

 varieties of the American Lantana, the flowers of 

 which vary in colour from pure white to various 

 shades pf orange, red, and purple. The latter are very 

 attractive during the rainy months. It has been 

 asserted that snakes are harboured by the species 



