136 calyciflorjE. 



1. Luffa acutangula. East- Indian- Okra. 



Stem tortile, leaves cordate subquinque-lobate 

 acutely toothed, cirrhi undivided or 2-3-cleft, fruit 

 clavate 10-angular crowned at the apex with the 

 calyx, rind hard, seeds plane oblongo-rotundate 

 black and shining when ripe. 



II A B. Cultivated. On fences. 



FL. Throughout the year. 



It is probable that this plant was brought here by the 

 Coolie emigrants, as it is of very recent introduction. It 

 is a native of the East Indies, where it is much esteemed 

 as a pot-herb. It is very generally cultivated in the 

 Isles of France and of Bourbon. 



2. Luffa iEgyptiaca. The Strainer Vine. 



Stem hirsute anguloso-sulcated, leaves cordate 

 subrotund lobed with the lobes angular excised 

 at the base with the margin incumbent, cirrhi 

 simple, fruit obovato-clavate 10-angled crow T ned 

 with the divisions of the calyx. 



Cucumis iEgvpticus reticulatus, Moris. Hist. I. 35. f. 

 1. t. 7.— Momordica luffa, Willd. Spec. IV. 603.— Luffa 

 iEgyptiaca, DC. Prod. 303. 



HAB. Fences. 



FL. Throughout the year. 



The specimens of the fruit that I have met with resem- 

 ble in shape and size the common cucumber, being how- 

 ever somewhat thicker. The attachment of the fruit to 

 the vine continues after the fruit has become ripe, and the 

 pulp has decayed, so that only the reticulated fibres are 

 left, preserving the form or frame-work, and representing 

 as it were the skeleton of the fruit. In this state, it is adapt- 

 ed and has been applied to the purpose of straining lime- 

 juice for the manufacturing of Punch. Hence it* has re- 

 ceived the familiar designation of the Strainer-Vine. 

 Those who resort to this expedient, however, must be 

 more curious than particular, as the process by this me- 

 thod would be very imperfectly performed. 



The pulp, though insipid, is said to constitute an article 



