13 



Lolium temulentum, L. Order Gramine^;. 



This is the common " Darnel," originally a native of Europe 

 and North Asia. This grass has been introduced into many- 

 countries, including S. Africa. In Natal it was collected by 

 the late Rev. J. Buchanan many years ago, and specimens of it 

 have been sent to the Herbarium for identification. As to the 

 poisonous properties of this grass there appears to be no doubt 

 whatever ; the seeds have dangerous narcotic properties, and 

 are said to be most virulent in wet seasons. It has most prob- 

 ably been introduced into Natal mixed with seeds of other 

 agricultural grasses, and it would seem to be more common in 

 Cape Colony than in Natal. 



Lygodium voldbile, Sw. Order Filices. 



This fern is a native of South America and West Indies, 

 but has been found growing luxuriantly in a small wood on 

 the coast lands of Zululand, and specimens of it have been sent 

 to the Herbarium for identification ; those who have visited 

 the place say it is undoubtedly wild ; how it may have got there 

 it is difficult even to conjecture, it is certainly an alien. 



Melia azederach, L. Order MELUCEiE. 



This is the tree known all over South Africa as the 

 Syringa ; originally a native of the Himalayas, it has now 

 become naturalised in most tropical and sub-tropical countries. 

 It is only in South Africa that is is known as Syringa, in other 

 countries it is known as the " Bead Tree " or " Holy Tree," 

 its seeds having been used for making rosaries ; it is also known 

 as " Pride of China." All parts of the tree are bitter and pur- 

 gative, in large doses poisonous, but the bark appears to be 

 the most virulent. From the seeds a fixed oil is obtained 

 which has been used for burning and for other purposes. The 

 wood is said to be durable and good, but it is seldom used in 

 Natal except as firewood. 



Mentha viridis, L. Order Labiate. 



The " Spearmint " of Britain, also found in Europe and 

 North Africa. It has been collected by the writer twice, in 

 each case in the upper districts and many miles apart. In 

 Europe it is well-known, its leaves are used for culinary pur- 

 poses. It is probably an escape from cultivation. 



Milla borbonica, Baker. Order Liliace^:. 



A bulbous plant bearing small white flowers, formerly 

 known as Allium fragrans. It is a native of Mauritius and 

 Bourbon, and from thence has found its way to Natal. In its 

 native country it is found in great profusion in cultivated 



