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Niemeyera prunifolia, F- v. Mueller; 
The Australian Cainito. An evergreen tree, sparingly dis- 
persed from the North of New South AVales through the 
coast forests of Queensland. The fruit is of plum-like 
appearance and edible. Culture is likely to improve its 
quality. 
Ocimum Basilicum, L. 
The Basil. Warmer parts of Asia and Africa. An annual 
herb, valuable for condiments and perfumery. Several 
varieties exist, differing considerably in their scent. A 
crystalline substance is also obtained from this and similar 
species. O. canum, Sims, is closely allied. 
Ocimum gratissimum, L. 
Eecorded from India, the South Sea Islands and Brazil, as 
indigenous. Somewhat shrubby. This is also a scent-plant 
like the following, and is one of the best of the genus. 
0. viride, Willd., from tropical Africa seems a variety. 
Ocimum suave, Willd. 
East Africa. A shrubby species. 
Ocimum sanctum, E. 
Arabia, India, tropical Australia. A perennial herb. The 
odor of the variety occurring in North Australia reminds 
of Anis ; the smell of the variety growing in East Australia 
resembles cloves. 0. tenuiflorum, L., seems to be another 
variety. Probably other species, as well cis- as trans- 
Atlantic, can be used like Basil. ^ 
Olea Europsea, E.* 
The Olive-tree. Erom South-western Asia ; naturalized 
in the countries around the Mediterranean Sea. A tree not 
of great height, but of many centuries’ duration and of 
unabating fecundity. The well-known Olive Oil is obtained 
from the fruit. Certain varieties of the fruit, preserved in 
vinegar or salt liquid before perfectly ripe, are also much 
used for the table. Eor this purpose the fruit is generally 
macerated previously in water containing potash and lime. 
The gum-resin of the Olive-tree contains the crystalline 
Olivll. The oil of the drupaceous fruit is a most important 
