810. I. prolifera, R. Br.—Common Water-rush, which in great
abundance covers all the streams and moist parts of the Island.—
Hab. Australia, &c.
811. I. sp. ?—A small rush-like Grass, growing in the Island,
and previously gathered by Drs. Burchell, Hooker, and others, but
not identified.
Kyllingia, Linn.
812. K. monocephala, Linn.—A one-headed Grass, growing
wild and abundantly in damp fields, in ravines, streams of water, &c.,
being more especially confined to the high land. I t grows to a
height of eight or nine inches, and is easily recognised by its peculiar
perfume and taste, not unlike those of castor-oil.—Hab. E. Indies.
Mariscus, Yahl.
813. M. umbellatus, Yahl.—Small star-flowered Grass; very
common and wild about the roadsides and edges of streams all
over the high land.—Hab. E. Indies.
Trichelostylis, Less.
814. T. sp. ?—A small grass, growing commonly about the
neighbourhood of Thompson’s Hill. M.
119. G r am in a c e .® (Grass Family).
Ehrharta, Linn.
815. E. panicea, Sm.—A Grass, which grows wild and is common
along roadside banks, on the high land near Terrace Knoll, &c.—
Hab. Cape of Good Hope.
Coix, Linn.
816. C. Laehryma, Linn.—Job’s Tears; wild and common in
the ravines on the low land in James’s Valley, Lemon Valley, &c.
M. Alt. ‘4 to 1'2. The seeds are gathered, strung together, and
otherwise worked into necklaces, mats, baskets, &c. Bot. Mag. 2479.
—Hab. E. Indies.
Zea, Linn.
817. Z. mays, Linn.—Indian Corn; cultivated commonly on
farms and in gardens. M. Alt. 3’8 to 2. The corn is ground into
meal, but not extensively used, the imported rice being preferred as
food.—Hab. America.
Alopecurus, Linn.
818. A. paniculatus, Boxb. — Eox-tail Grass; mentioned by
Roxburgh as growing in the Island. M.
Phalaris, Linn.
819. P. minor, Retz. — A corn-like Grass, very similar to
Canary Grass; grows wild and is common about hayfields, &c., on
the high land.
820. P. canariensis, Linn.—Canary-seed grass; grows in and
about gardens, and those places where most probably the seed has
fallen from bird-cages. Rather rare.—-Hab. Mediterranean region.
Paspalum, Linn.
821. P. scrobiculatum, Linn.—Cow Grass; one of the most
abundant grasses on the high land, where it is very troublesome in
overrunning the hay lands. Being coarse and unfit for pasture
or hay, it is used for thatching ricks, &c.—Hab. E. Indies.
Eriochloa, Kunth.
822. E. annulata, Kth.—A Grass somewhat resembling Cow
Grass in its seed, but growing in quite a different locality—viz., on
the low land, Ladder Hill Road, &c. C.—Hab. E. Indies.
Stenotaphrum, Trin.
823. S. americanum, Schrank.-—Commonly called Mat Grass;
grows wild abundantly all over the upper lands. I t is generally
used for lawns, croquet grounds, and borders to flower beds. I t
makes a bright but rather coarse green turf.—Hab. S. America, &c.
Panicum, Linn.
824. P. sp. ?—A small Grass, not unlike Guinea Grass, growing
generally over the Island, amongst the furze bushes, &c., on the
high land, Terrace Knoll Grass Road, &c. M.