THE BOTANY OF CHRISTMAS ISLAND. 165 



Ochrosia acheringoe Sumatra and Banka. 



Convolvulus parviflorus Africa, India, Ceylon and Australia. 



Ruellia ringens E. Africa, India, Malay Peninsula. 



Balanophora insularis Pulau Aur. 



Acalypha wightiana Malay Peninsula. 



Detulrocalla carinatifolia Pulau Aur. 



Ischcemum foliosum New Caledonia. 



Fimbrisiylis cymosa Australia. 



It is probable however that several of these will be found 

 to occur in Java. 



Cultivated Plants on Christmas Island. 



I made a note of all the plants I saw cultivated on 

 Christmas Island, especially nothing those useful as fruit or 

 vegetables. The importance of these to the coolies working 

 on the Island as well as to the Europeans need not be dilated 

 on. 



The fruit trees included ; 



Pomegranate (more valuable perhaps for its anthelmintic 

 roots). Custard-apple, Bullock's Heart, Sapodilla,Pumelo, Orange 

 and Limes, Papaya, Pineapple (Mauritius pines only), Tama- 

 rind, Coconut, Lime-berry and Bananas. All fruit well here, 

 and there was a good supply of most of them. The limes and 

 orange trees were however much attacked by scale insects. 

 Directions for cleaning them were given to the Manager. 

 Mangosteens had been planted and I heard also that Durians 

 had been introduced. A few dying mangosteen seedlings were 

 all I saw. Soil and climate is not suitable for these. Of other 

 fruit trees were single specimens of Janibu Bol, Jack and 

 Mango, none of which had fruited. Coconuts grow and fruit 

 well in the Cove and appear sufficient in number to supply all 

 local needs. 



Vegetables. The Chinese have one or two gardens for 

 vegetable cultivation in which grow Dolichos Lablab (Karas 

 bean) Kachang Prut Ayam, Luffas, Waxgourd, Bottlegourd, 

 Peria, Chives, Chinese lettuce, Kangkong, Bayam, Sweet. 



R, A. Soc, No. 45, 1S05 



