Commidendron rugosim, D.C.—The indigenous plant called ** Scrub-
wood” is a native of the low, outer zone of the Island, where,
adjacent to the sea, it grows on the rocky land in the hot scorching
atmosphere peculiar to those parts, as a straggling bush, about three
or four feet in height. I t still is plentiful in some parts, such as The
Bam, Stone Top, Longrange, &c., even growing jSa the summit of
the rocky pile called Lot; and, although almost confined to the eastern
and south-eastern outskirts of the Island, is nevertheless found in
small quantities inland at High Knoll. Appears to blossom all the
year round.— P l a t e 37. Hr. Hooker states, in the leones Plantarum,
p. 45, from Burch. MSS., that',it is also very rare in Ascension. In
the same work it is also figured, 1057. ■
- 359. *A, gtunmiferus, Hk. f.;— Commidendron spurium, H.O.
■—This native plant, called “ The Little Bastard ■ Gum wood,”
is very rare indeed, though still to be ' found growing to ~ a
shrubby tree, eight or nine feet it-, height, on the high central ridge
at High Peak, and near the old Picquei Hon* W « t Lodge.
Flowers in January and February. Alt. 5;4. P late 38. Also Hk.
I'con. Plant. 1056.*
Commidendron, D.C.
360. *C. yobustum, D.C. \— Qonyza gummi/era, Boxb.—This
highly interesting indigenous tree, known as th e native “ Gum
Wood,” was probably once the most abundant plant in the Island,
and covered much of the lower zone of the land at th a t period when
verdure clothed those parts which now show only sterility and barrenness.
The introduction of goats has, perhaps, done more to „exterminate
this tree than the rest of the native plants, because it grew
on those parts they chiefly occupied ; and it is now fast disappearing,
neither its unique foliage nor its insular characteristics being sufficient
-to induce the islanders to care for its. preservation- I t grows to a
height of twenty feet, its crooked, rugged, black, lichen-covered stem
being surmounted by a flat, umbrella-shaped mass of pale-blue foliage.
Formerly, previous to the introduction of exotic plants, it supplied
the chief fuel to the inhabitants, who also obtained a drink from its
* In the leones Plantarum Dr. Hooker includes these three species under Aster, but in
Benthara and Hooker’s Genera Plantarum they are referred back to Commidendron.
A.Melliss,ad. J.N .Btch.hth. Vincent Brooks Bay & Sonjmp
ASTER BUR CHI L L I I