Select Plants fo r Industrial Culture and
fermentation and distillation of this sap, and also from the yonng
spikes. Each plant furnishes the juice for about 8 lbs. of date-sugar
annually, but in some instances much more. About 50,000 tons of
sugar a year are produced in Bengal alone from this aud some other
palms. The leaves are used for mats. The tree lives in drier regions
than other Indian palms. Mr. Fr. Turner fertilized this species with
the pollen of P . dactylifera ; the result was a much finer fruit.
Dr. Trimeu distinguishes the closely allied wild Ceylon-species as
P. Zeilanica.
P h oe n ix s p in o s a , Thonning.
Tropical Africa, ascending mountain-tracts, thus perhaps hardy in
milder extra-tropic regions. Sir Jo h n Kirk found, th a t the green
bunches, if immersed in water for half a day, suddenly assume a
scarlet hue, when the astringent pulp becomes edible. Near P.
reclinata.
P h o rm iu m t e n a x , J. R. and G. Forster.*
The^ Flax-Lily of New Zealand, where it grows as far south as
46 30 , and up to an elevation of 4,000 feet, occurring also in the
Chatham-Iriands and Norfolk-Island, though not on Lord Howe’s
Island ; it is also found in the Auckland Islands, nearly 51° south
[SchurJ. Height to 15 feet [D. Crombiej. I t flowered in several
places iu England in exposed positions, and was not affected by
severe frost [Masters], I t perfected seeds even in the most northern
of the Orkney-Islaiicis [T ra ill] and will bear unhurt a temperature of
15 F .; the tops of the leaves become injured at 9 “ F. [Gorlie]. I t
is desirable, th a t this valuable plant should be brought universally
under^ culture, particularly on any inferior spare-ground, along rail-
way-liues or on sea-beaches or rocky declivities, where it may be
left to itself unprotected, as no grazing animal will touch it ; yielding
for ever returns ; thriving also well in shade. Can be even grown
on ground pervaded by the off-flow of soap-factories. I t is evident,
th a t the natural growth will soon be inadequate to the demand for
the plant. I t is adapted for staying bush-fires, when planted iu
hedgerows. Important also as a honey-plant. Merely torn into
shreds, the leaves serve at once in gardens and vineyards as cordage,
and for this purpose, irrespective of its showy aspect, the Phormium
has been disttibuted from the Botanic Garden of Melbourne
during many years ' by the writer. From the divided roots any
plantation can^ gradually be increased, or this can be done more
extensively still by sowing the seeds. In all likelihood the plant
would thrive and become naturalised iu Kerguelen’s Laud, the
Falkland-Islands, the Faroe- and Shetland-Islands and many continental
places of both hemispheres far into cold latitudes. Among
varieties three are better characterized than the rest : the Tehore-,
the Swamp-, and the Hill-variety. The first and the last mentioned
produce a fibre fine and soft, yet strong, and the plant attains
a height of only abont 5 feet, whereas the Swamp-variety grows
to double th a t height, producing a larger yield of a coarser fibre,
which is chiefly used for rope- or paper-making. One of the most
dwarf varieties is P . Colensoi (J . Hooker), a lax variety is P.
Hookeri (Gunn). As might be expected, the richer the soil, the
more vigorous the growth of the plant. Flooding now and then
with fresh or brackish water is beneficial, but the plant will not
live, if this be permanent. In swampy ground trenches should be
dug, to divert the surplus of humidity. Fibre free from gum-resin,
properly dressed, withstands moisture as well as the best Manilla-
rope. Carefully prepared, the fibre can be spun into various textile
durable fabrics, either by itself or mixed with cotton, wool or flax.
Elegant articles are woven from it by the ^Maories. In Cctober, 1872,
the sale of Phormium-fibre in London was 11,500 bales, ranging in
price from £19 to £31. In 1888 the value of Phormium-fibre
exported from New Zealand amounted to £90,000. The tow ean be
converted into paper, distinguished for its strength and whiteness.
The London price of Phormium-fibre for this purpose is from £10 to
£20 per ton. Messrs. Christy, Cross aud Bevan employ a freezing
process in separating all kinds of fibres from stalks or foliage, and this
method proved particularly advantageous in treating Phormium. ^ A
strong decoction of the root and leaf-basis used in surgery for dressing
wounds with a view of producing ready aud healthy granulation [F.
A. Monkton]. For further details on the utilisation of tliis plant, the
elaborate report of the New Zealand Commission for Phormium should
he consulted, also Sir James Hector’s special publication.
P K o tin ia e r io b o t r y a , J- Hooker.* {P. Japmica, Franchet and Savatier ;
Eriohotrya Japónica, Lindley.)
The “ Loquat.” China and Japan. This heautiful evergreen
shrub or small tree, remarkable for its refreshing fruit, is easily
raised from seed; or superior varieties can, according to G. W.
Johnson, be grafted net only on its own stock, but also on the Whitethorn,
or better still on the Quince. I t is also a grand bush for
scenic ornamental effects, and lifts well. Growth of celerity, but
needs to be well sustained by humidity to bear copiously. In Southern
Australia flowering during midwinter ; the flowers are intensely
fragrant, and do not suffer from a few degrees of frost ; hence this
plant is of particular horticnltural importance, to contribute amply
to garden-fragrance in winter-time. About Trieste the Loquat is
the earliest fruit of the season [Baron von Thuemen], bearing also
copiously there. In Greece tlie fruits ripen already during May.
Hemsley mentions this plant among the shrubs and trees, hardy in
England, where however it seldom matures its fruits. Seeds must be
sown soon after they are ripe. They contain much hydrocyanic acid
and are therefore only fit for medicinal use. Most important as a
honey-plant, flowering so early [Prof. Savastano]. P . villosa, D.C.,
also yields edible native fruit to the Japanese. Bore profusely in
Wicklow [G. Donaldson].