12 



Holcus lanatus, L. Order Gramineje. 



A handsome but almost worthless grass, native of Europe, 

 Siberia and North Africa ; it has only lately been introduced 

 into Natal ; only one species of the genus is noted in Harvey's 

 Genera; in the Flora Capensis lately published two species 

 are enumerated, but Natal is not credited with either of them ; 

 one specimen only of this grass is in the Colonial Herbarium, 

 which was sent by Mr. Woodhouse of the Dargle for deter- 

 mination. It is said that cattle and horses are not fond of it. 



Hypericum lanceolatum, L. Order Hypericine^. 



A shrub bearing conspicuous yellow flowers ; it is a native 

 of Madagascar, and so far as known to us has in Natal only 

 been found on the banks of the River Illovo in the vicinity of 

 Richmond ; it has possibly escaped from some garden. 



Lantana Camara, L. Order Verbenaceje. 



A rambling prickly undershrub which is found in most 

 tropical countries, but is really a native of tropical America. 

 To Natal it was probably introduced from Mauritius in the 

 early days of the colony, and has now spread all over the coast 

 districts. In India and Ceylon it is very common and quickly 

 takes possession of any abandoned and uncultivated land, but 

 it has one advantage and that is that when well grown if the 

 land be required it can be burnt off with the greatest ease. 

 In Natal it has been attacked by a minute insect which soon 

 destroys the plant upon which it is found. 



Leucas martinicensis, R. Br. Order Labiate. 



This is a plant which is not uncommon in tropical and 

 subtropical countries; it has long been known in Natal, usually 

 in neglected fields and as a weed of cultivation, but does not 

 appear to spread very rapidly. In some parts of the Trans- 

 vaal it is abundant and appears to be difficult to get rid of ; in 

 Natal it only occurs as an ordinary weed. 



LlTHOSPERMUM ARVENSE, L. Order BORAGINE^J. 



This plant, originally a native of Europe and Eastern 

 countries, has become naturalised in many other places. In 

 Natal it was collected by Gerrard (the specimen is in the Natal 

 Government Herbarium) but it does not appear to have spread 

 rapidly, certainly we have never met with it. In Transvaal it 

 is known as " Nagel Bosch," and Mr. Burtt Davy says of it : 

 " A common weed in grain fields, especially on light sandy dry 

 soils, and sometimes causing much damage to grain crops. In 

 Ohio it is said to be an exasperating pest, especially in wheat 

 fields, where little opportunity is afforded to destroy it without 

 cjestroving the crop." 



