330 
Nardostachys Jatamansi, Gaud. 
Mountains of Bengal and ISTepaul. A perennial herb, 
fanions already at ancient tunes as a medicinal plant. The 
root contains an ethereal oil and bitter principle. This drug 
is often also obtained from N. grandiflora, Cand. 
Nelumbo lutea, Caspary.* {Nelumliwm luteum, Willd.) 
In North America, north to 11° ; also in Jamaica. This 
magnifleent perennial water-plant carries with it the type of 
Nelumbo nucifera, but seems more hardy and thus better 
adapted for our latitudes, the Pythagorean Beau not descend- 
ing in Australia naturally beyond the 23°, although also this 
species may perhaps live in the warmer parts of our Colony. 
The tuberous roots of both species resemble the Sweet 
Potato and are starchy ; the seeds are of particularly 
pleasant taste. To us the plants would be of great value 
as ornamental aquatics. The leaves of N. lutea are from 
1 foot to 2 feet in diameter. The flowers measure one-half 
to one foot across. The capsular fruit contains from 20 to 
40 nut-like seeds. The plant in congenial spots dis- 
places nearly all other water vegetation by the vigor of its 
growth. 
NGlunibo Hticif6r£l, Glaertner.* {Nelunihiwn speciosuin, jyilld.) 
The Pythagorean Bean. Egypt ; at the Caspian and Aral 
Seas (46° N.) ; Persia ; through India, where in Cashmere it 
occurs at an elevation of 5000 feet ; China ; J apan ; Amur 
(46° N.); tropical Australia as far south as 23°. The occur- 
rence of this grand plant at the Ima, at Pekin and at 
Astrachan proves sufficiently, that we can naturalize it in 
Victoria. The Nelumbo requires deep water with a muddy 
bottom. The large white or rosy flowers are very fragrant. 
The seeds retain their vitality for several years. According 
to the ancient Egyptian method they are placed in balls of 
muddy clay and chaff and then sunk into the water. 
Nephelium Litchi, Cambess. 
South China, Cochin-China and Philippine Islands. An 
evergreen tree, producing the Litchi-fruit. The pulpy 
arillus is of extremely pleasant taste, though not large. 
