198 SELECT PLANTS READILY ELIGIBLE 



crystallinum (J. Hooker), should be encouraged in its growtli 

 at the very edge of tides or sand-shores, where with Cakile 

 maritima, Mesembrianthemum australe, and M. aequilaterale, 

 it will form one of the most effectual first impediments to the 

 influx of sea-sand. 



Rhamnus catharticus, Linne. 



The Buckthorn. Middle and South Europe, North Africa, 

 Middle Asia. It can be utilised as a hedge-plant. The 

 berries are of medicinal value, as indicated by the specific 

 name. The foliage and bark can be employed for the pre- 

 paration of a green dye. 



Rhamnus chlorophorus, Lindley. 



China. From the bark a superior green pigment is prepared. 

 K. utilis, from the same country, serves for the like purpose. 

 This kind of dye is particularly used for silk, and known as 

 Lokao. 



Rhamnus Graecus, Renter. 



Greece. From this shrub, and to no less extent from the 

 allied E,. prunifolius (Sibth.), are the green dye-berries 

 collected in Greece, according to Dr. Heldreich. These 

 shrubs grow on stony mountains up to 2500 feet. 



Rhamnus infectorius, Linne. 



On the Mediterranean Sea and in the countries near to it. 

 The berry-like fruits of this shrub are known in commerce as 

 Graines d' Avignon and Graines de Perse, and produce a 

 valuable green dye. Other species seem to supply a similar 

 dye-material, for instance R. saxatilis (L.), R. amygdalinus 

 (Desf.), R. oleoides (L.), R. tinctorius (W. and K.) 



Rhapis flabelliformis, Linn6 fil. 



China and Japan. This exceedingly slender Palm attains 

 only a height of a few feet. The stems can be used for 

 various small implements. It is one of the best plants for 

 table decoration. 



Rhaponticum acaule, Candolle. 



On the Mediterranean Sea. A perennial herb. The root is 

 edible. 



Rheum australe, Don.'^ (E. Umodi, Wall.; B. Wehhianum, 

 Royle.) 



Himalayan regions up to 16,000 feet. From this species at 

 least a portion of the medicinal Rhubarb is obtained; most 

 likely several species furnish Rhubarb-root, and its quality 

 depends probably much on the climatic region and the geo- 

 logic formation, in which the plant grows. Should we wish 

 to cultivate any species here for superior medicinal roots, 

 then clearly localities in our higher and drier alpine tracts 



