472 



DOMESTIC BOTANr. 



Litchi {Nephelium Litclii). A small tree, with winged, 

 smooth leaves, extensively cultivated for its fruit in China, 

 .where it is supposed to be a native. It has become indi- 

 genous in most warm countries of the East, being common 

 in India, Ceylon, and Mauritius. There are several varieties. 

 The fruit is nearly of the size, and not unlike the Horse 

 Chestnut, but soft and thin, of a red colour, containing a 

 nut-like seed, lying in pulp. They are eaten either in a fresh 

 or dried state, and are imported into this country. 



Longan (^Nephelium Longan). This is a tree like the 

 last, native of Southern China. Its fruit is small, and has a 

 smooth skin, of a yellowish-brown colour, is quite round, 

 and of a sweet, subacid flavour. The Litchi has fruited 

 freely and abundantly at Kew, and has produced fruit of a 

 good flavour. 



Akee {Blighia sapida). A tree, native of Western Africa, 

 from which place it has been introduced to the West Indies 

 and Tropical America. In Jamaica a tree attained a con- 

 siderable height, and a diameter of 2 feet. It has large, 

 broad-winged leaves, somewhat rough, and a three-sided 

 fruit of a reddish colour, tinged with yellow, containing 

 three black seeds embedded in a whitish pulp, which is acid 

 and agreeable. 



Snake Seed {Ophiocaryon paradoxum). A large tree, 

 native of British Guiana, having fruit about the size of a 

 walnut containing a single seed, the embryo of which is of 

 dark colour, and, being coiled up, resembles a snake. It is of 

 no medicinal use, but is considered a curiosity, and is to be 

 seen in the Museum at Kew. 



Sneeze Wood {Ptcaroxylon utile). A small tree, native of 

 the Cape of Good Hope. The wood is hard and durable, 

 takes a fine polish, and is used for many purposes. It is 

 called Sneeze Wood from the "dust" causing the sawyer to 

 sneeze. 



Melicocca Ujuga. A tree, native of Guiana, introduced 

 into the West Indies. In Jamaica it attains the height of 

 from 40 to 50 feet, and is 4 or 5 feet in circumference. It 



