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species, such as M. nobilis, M. Allouya, M. ramosissima, are 
also cultivated for a similar starch of their tubers. 
Matricaria Chamomilla, L- 
The annual Chamomile. Europe, North and Middle Asia. A 
highly useful herb in medicine. In many parts of the Euro- 
pean continent it is much more extensively used than the 
ordinary perennial Chamomile. The infusion of the flowers 
has rather a pleasant taste without strong bitterness. The 
flowers serve as a tonic and especially as a sudorific, and 
possess a peculiar volatile oil. MarnMim vulgare, L,, is 
not prominently mentioned, as it is already rather copiously 
naturalized. 
Medicago sativa, L.* 
Orient ; now spread through Middle and South Europe and 
Middle Asia. The purple Medick, Alfalfa or Lrrcerne. A 
perennial fodder-herb of great importance, and already 
largely utilized in our colony, perhaps descended from the 
English Medicago falcata, which also deserves naturalization. 
Lucerne keeps here green and fresh in the hottest season 
of the year, even in dry and comparatively barren ground, 
but developes itself for field-culture with the greatest vigour- 
on river banks, particularly in soil rich in lime. Its deeply 
penetrating roots render the plant particularly fit for fixing 
fenced embankments or hindering the washing away of soil 
subject to occasional inundations. 
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. Elowers white. Odorous 
principle: Cumarin. 
Melilotus officinalis, Eesrouss. 
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 
employed. 
