DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE. 



321 



Ureria lobata. Cjesae Weed. 



Exogen. Malvacecv. A small shrub. 



Common and native names. — Caesar weed (Fla.) ; Cadillo, (Venez.) ; Guaxima, or 



TJaixyma (Braz. ) ; Bun-ochra (Intl.) ; Paita-appele (Ceyl.) ; Alc-iri (Yofiibaland). 



This species is almost cosmopolitan, as it is found in both temperate and tropical 



countries in many parts of the world. It is a very common species in many portions 



Ftg. 101.— The Caspar weed, Urena lobata. 



of the United States, but has been particularly remarked as a liber plant in Florida, 

 where uninformed persons have taken it for ramie. It occurs in South America, 

 India, Africa, and other tropical countries. (See fig. 101.) 



Bast Fiber. — Resembles many of the mallow fibers, both as to color and strength, 



and would make a good jute substitute, though the stalks are short and small. The 



museum contains many specimens of this fiber, several from Brazil and Venezuela. 



Dr. Ernst describes the fiber as a meter in length, very fine and white, very strong, 



12247— No. 9 21 



