128 SELECT PLANTS KEADILY ELIGIBLE 



Melianthus major, Liim6. 



South Africa. The leaves of this stately plant are very 

 efficacious as antiseptics, also in cases of scald head, ringworm 

 and various other cutaneous diseases (Dr. Pappe). Its 

 effect of promoting granulation is veiy remarkable (Dr. A. 

 Brown). 



Melica clliata, Linne. 



Europe and Middle Asia. A perennial fodder-grass, par- 

 ticularly desirable for sheep. Best for dry gypsy or 

 calcareous ground. 



Melica nutans, Linne. 



The Pearl-grass. Europe and North and Middle Asia, 

 enduring an alpine clime, and living also in the shade of 

 forests. It produces suckers, and affords good herbage in 

 woody regions, so also M. uniflora. Several other species 

 are on record from various parts of the globe, among which 

 M. mutica, of North America, seems to deserve special 

 attention. 



Melicocca bljuga, Linne. 



Central America, on mountains. So many sapindaceous 

 trees of the Cupania series have been shown by my own 

 experiments to be hardy here, that now also this important 

 member of the series could be admitted into this list. The 

 pulp of the fruit is of grape taste; the seeds can be used 

 like sweet chestnuts. 



Melilotus alba, Desrouss. 



The Cabul or Bockhara Clover. Middle and Southern 

 Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia. A biennial herb. On 

 account of its fragrance it is of value for admixture to hay. 

 It is also a good bee-plant. Flowers white. Odorous prin- 

 ciple: Cumarin. 



Melilotus coerulea, Lamarck. 



South Europe and North Africa. An annual very odorous 

 fodder -herb. It forms an ingredient of the green Swiss 

 cheese, which owes its flavour and colour chiefly to this plant. 



Melilotus officinalis, Desrouss.^ 



Europe and Middle Asia. Also biennial, or lasting through 

 several years if prevented from flowering. Contains also 

 Cumarin. An allied species is M. macrorrhiza, Pers. Both 

 serve purposes similar to those for which M. alba is em- 

 ployed. Grown on the coast it becomes less odorous. 



Melissa officinalis, Linne. 



The Balm-herb. South Europe and Middle Asia. A peren- 

 nial herb, valuable for its scent, which depends on a peculiar 

 volatile oil. It is also valuable as a bee-plant. 



