8 



SELECT PLANTS READILY ELIGIBLE 



our warmest forest-valleys ; so furthermore many of the 

 trees of this order, from which gutta-percha is obtained 

 (species of Isonandra, Sideroxylon, Ceratophorus, Cacosman- 

 thus, Bassia, Mimusops and Imbricaria), may prove hardy in 

 our sheltered woodlands, as they seem to need rather an 

 equable humid mild clime than the heat of the torrid zone. 



Aconitum Napellus, Linne. 



The Monk's Hood. In the colder, especially mountainous 

 parts of Europe and Northern Asia. A powerful medicinal 

 plant of perennial growth, but sometimes only of biennial 

 duration, variable in its forms.* It was first introduced into 

 Australia, together with a number of other Aconits, by the 

 writer of this communication. All the species possess more 

 or less modified medicinal qualities, as well in their herb as in 

 their root ; but so dangerously powerful are they, that the 

 plants can only be administered by the exercise of legitimate 

 medical practice. Napellus-root, according to Dr. Wittstein, 

 contains three alkaloids ; Aconitin, Napellin and Narcotin. 

 The foliage contains also a highly acrid, volatile principle, 

 perhaps chemically not unlike that of many other Hanun- 

 culacese. Aconitin, one of the most potent of any of the 

 medicinal substances in existence, can likewise be obtained 

 from the ISTepalese Aconitum ferox, and probably from several 

 other species of the genus. 



Acorus Calamus, Linn^. 



The Sweet Flag. Europe, Middle and North Asia, North 

 America. A perennial pond or lake plant. The somewhat 

 aromatic root is used as a stomachic, and also in the pre- 

 paration of confectionery, in the distillation of gin and 

 liqueurs, and in the brewing of some kinds of beer. The 

 flavour of the root depends mainly on a peculiar volatile oil. 



Actaea spicata, Linne. 



The Baneberry. On forest-mountains, mainly in limestone 

 soil of Europe, North Asia and North America. A 

 perennial medicinal herb. Its virtue depends on peculiar 

 acrid and bitter, as well as tonic principles. In North 

 America, this species, and likewise A. alba, are also praised 

 as efiicacious antidotes against ophidian poisons. 



Adenostemum nitidum, Persoon. 



South Chili, where this stately tree passes by the appel- 

 lations : Queule, Nuble and Aracua. Wood durable and 

 beautifully veined. Fruit edible. 



Adesmia balsamica, Bertero. 



The Jarilla of Chili. A small shrub, remarkable for exuding 

 a fragrant balsam of some technic value. 



