283 
C. Danica valuable as an antiscorbutic ; hence deserving 
naturalization. It contains a peculiar volatile oil. 
CofFea Arabica, L. 
Mountains of South-west Abyssinia. The Coffee-plant. 
This shrub or small tree has been admitted into this list 
not without great hesitation, merely not to be passed. The 
cultivation within Victorian boundary can only with any 
prospect of success be tried in the warmest and simul- 
taneously moistest regions, such as East Gipps Land, frost 
being detrimental to the Coffee-plant. In Ceylon the Coffee 
regions are between 1000 and 5000 feet above the ocean, 
but Dr. Thwaites observes that the plant succeeds best at 
an elevation from 3000 to 4500 feet, in places where there 
is a rainfall of about 100 inches a year. The temperature 
there rises hardly ever above 80° E., and almost never sinks 
below 45° E. Coffee requires moist weather whilst it 
ripens its fruit, and a season of drier weather to form its 
wood. Eor further particulars see the papers of the Planters’ 
Association of Kandy. Chemical principles : Coffein, a 
peculiar tannic acid and Quina acid. 
Colchicum auctumnale, L. 
Middle and South Europe, West Asia. The Meadow Safron. 
The seeds and roots of this pretty bulbous-tuberous herb 
are important for medicinal use. The plant has been intro- 
duced by the writer with a view of being cultivated on moist 
meadows in our ranges. Active principle : Colchicin. 
Colocasia antiquorum, Schott. 
Erom Egypt through South Asia to the South Sea Islands, 
apparently also indigenous in the warmer parts of East 
Australia. The Taro. The stem-like tuberous starchy roots 
lose their acridity by the process of boiling, roasting or 
baking. The plant proved hardy in the Botanic Garden of 
Melbourne. The tops of the tubers are replanted for a new 
crop. Taro requires a rich moist soil and would grow well 
on banks of rivers. Eor scenic culture it is a very 
decorative plant. Colocasia esculenta is a variety of this 
species. 
