HIBISCUS SABD ARIFFA— ' LYCOPERSICUM ESCULENTUM. 



HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA, Linn.* 



Roselle ; patwa, lal ambari (Hind.) ; mesta (Beng.) 



Natural order Malvacece. A small erect glabrous shrub, cultivated in various parts of India 

 for its fleshy, usually bright red edible calyx. 



This species is mentioned in the Agra Gazetteer as a food-plant, but it thrives 

 better in Bengal, where the winter cold is less severe. It is sown in April and May, 

 and the plants are put in the ground 3-4 feet apart. By November or December the 

 fleshy calyx is ready for gathering. Firminger says that the most delicious puddings 

 and tarts can be made of it as well as a jelly, which forms an excellent substitute for 

 that of the red currant. A refreshing drink can also be prepared from it. 



It is generally regarded as possessing valuable antiscorbutic properties, either fresh 

 or dried. The leaves and seeds are demulcent. 



LYCOPERSICUM ESCULENTUM, MUD 



Tomato, or Love-apple ; vilayati baigan. 



Natural order Solanacece. 



Native country Peru. As an escape from cultivation it is frequently found appa- 

 rently wild. This vegetable is coming more into favour with natives as an article of 

 food on account of its acid taste. There are several varieties, differing both as to size 

 and shape. In the plains the seed is sown in the autumn, and the fruit is ready for 

 use during the winter months. Excellent tomatos are grown on the hills, where the 

 climate appears to be more suitable for the cultivation of the plant. Mr. Gollan says 

 that by sowing in July and again in September or October, fruit may be had in season 

 in the plains from October to July. During the winter months the crop requires pro- 

 tection from frost. 



* References :— H. Hr. Intl., I., 340 ; Watt, Diet. Econom. Trod., IV., 243 ; Atkinson, Econom. Prod., N.-W. 

 l'rov., V., 14 ; Half. Cycl., II., 45 ; Firminger, Manual of Gardening (4th Ed.), 209 ; Fharmacogr. Ind., I., 212. 



t Fl. Br. Ind., IV., 237 ; Roxb., Fl. Ind. (Clarke's Ed.), 190 ; Watt, Diet. Econom. Trod., V., 100 ; DC, L'Orig. PI. 

 Cult., 231. Solatium Lyi opcrn'tcum, Linn. ; Stewart, l'unj. PI., 159. 



