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1922
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uFFICIflL GUIDE
TO THE
BCfraNIC G3RDENS,
DOMINICa.
(ILLUSTRATED.)
With an Index of the Principal Plants.
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Price : One Slxillixig.
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(lXsXKcX^
OFFICIAL GUIDE
TO THE
BOTANIC GARDENS,
DOMINICA.
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PLAN
OF THE
BOTANICAL GARDEN ^
DOMINIC A *
ONE INCH EQUALS FOUR CHAINS OR 88 YARDS
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OFFICIAL GUIDE TO THE BOTANIC
GARDENS, DOMINICA.
INTRODUCTION.
History.
The first steps towards the establishment of a Botanic
Garden proper in Dominica were taken near the close of 1889,
and in January, 1891 the present site was purchased by the
Government. Previous to this time a small nursery had
been maintained in the grounds of Government House.
The first Curator in Dominica was Mr. Charles Murray,
of the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, who was appointed in
September, 1889. He was transferred to Grenada in the
following year, and succeeded by Mr. Henry F. Green in
August, 1890. To Mr. Green fell the work of beginning the
laying out of the grounds of the present garden. Mr. Green
resigned in February, 1892, and was succeeded by the present
Curator, "Sir. Joseph Jones, of the Royal Gardens, Kew, who
took up his duties in March, 1892.
Objects of the Garden.
At the time the Garden was originally established,
careful consideration was given to the purpose which it
should serve, as will be seen from the following passages by
Dr. (now Sir Daniel) Morris in the Kew Bulletin for 1891 :
" Great stress has been laid on the objects in view in
establishing this Botanical Station at Dominica. Its
function has been defined as strictly of an experimental and
economic character ; ornamental plants are to be grown in
moderate quantities for rendering the grounds attractive and
interesting, but chief attention will, it is hoped, be devoted to
plants of an economic or industrial character, and especially
those likely to be in demand for establishing new plantations
in Dominica. A list of such plants is given elsewhere. Again
the more the cultural operations of every kind are carried on
as object-lessons for the instruction of the people, th3 better
will the station fulfil its mission as an important factor in
developing the resources of the island. The site is a most
suitable one for a station, and it should prove in time one of
the most interesting and attractive gardens in the whole of
the West Indies."
Situation and Extent.
The Garden lies immediately behind the town of Roseau,
within ten minutes walk of the landing stage in the harbour.
It is picturesquely situated in a hollow, under the precipitous
Morne Bruce, on the top of which are old military buildings
formerly occupied by the Agricultural School, an institution
maintained for a period of eleven years, 1900 to 1911, by the
Imperial Department of Agriculture. The buildings are no
longer used for the purposes of the school, the work of training
agricultural pupils being now carried on at the Botanic
Gardens under the supervision of the Botanic Gardens staff.
The area occupied by the Garden is some 44 acres. The
land was originally a portion of the Bath Estate, and at the
time of purchase was mainly under cane cultivation. The
greater portion is of a gently undulating character, but the
Garden includes the precipitous side of the Morne, the lower
slopes only of which are suited for cultivation. The ground
is very stony, and when taken over, a great part of the surface
was covered with numerous long banks and heaps of stones
which had been thrown aside during cane cultivation.
Immediately under the Morne is a hollow sheltered
from all winds except th : south-west where the deepest soil
in the garden is located. This portion was selected for, and is
now occupied by, a series of experiment plots. In the
hurricane season, (August to October), damage has sometimes
occurred in this portion from the strong south-westerly winds,
which at times sweep along the hollow. A certain measure
of protection is now given by a collection of trees and bamboos
planted near to the southern boundary. The remainder of
the Garden is well protected on all sides except to the north,
but the boundary row of trees now affords a certain amount
of protection from winds from this quarter. The most
sheltered portion is along the lower slopes of the hill, and for
this reason man}' of the valuable economic plants are placed
along the lower hill path.
The Garden has an abundant water-supply from the
Roseau reservoir, the mains of which to the town run through
the middle of the Garden, and from which supplies for the
nurseries are obtained.
Additions of Government land adjoining the Garden,
and at Morne Bruce and in the Valley beyond, have been
made from time to time for the purpose of citrus and rubber
nurseries and experiment plots. The area of land worked by
the Department is now close upon 80 acres.
Climate and Rainfall.
The climate is equable and moist. The average
temperature for Roseau is about 79 degrees Fah., the average
maximum being 84 degrees and the average minimum
75 degrees. February and March are the coolest months.
The average yearly rainfall, from 1893 to 1920 was 77*58
inches ; the maximum, occurring in 1915 (100 01 inches) ;
and the minimum in 1900 (53T5). Taking the mean for
twenty-seven years, April is the driest month and July the
wettest. The early months of the year are, as a rule dry,
the greatest amount of rain occurring in June, July, and
August, whilst November and December are also usually
fairly wet months.
While the early months of the year are the driest, coolest,
and on the whole, best for tourists, the Garden at that time
looks worst owing to lack of rain.
General Features of the Vegetation.
The general appearance of the vegetation of Dominica
may be taken as typical of that of a tropical country in which
conditions are sufficiently moist to permit of the luxuriant
growth of trees. The greater part of the island, even to the
summits of the highest mountains (about 4.700 feet) is
covered with virgin forests. In striking contrast with the
forests of temperate climates, they are evergreen. Certain
trees may shed part or even all their leaves in the dry season,
but they are the exception rather than the rule, and do not
impair to any great extent the evergreen character of the
forest as a whole. The leaves of many of the trees are thick
and leathery, fitting them to withstand the shortage of water
in the dry season. In the lowlands, and in exposed situations
the air is, comparatively speaking, dry ; but in sheltered
valleys, and along river courses, where the atmosphere is
constantly saturated, the vegetation becomes still more
luxuriant, the more tender shade and damp-loving tropical
plants such as begonias, selaginellas and ferns, find congenial
conditions, and we also see, well developed, one class of plants
so characteristic of damp, tropical forests the epiphytes.
These are plants which find a lodgment on other trees, where
they cling to the bark for mechanical support only, and
depend for their existence on the rain which reaches them,
and the nourishment they are able to extract from accumula-
tions of humus and debris of various kinds, which collects
about them. A conspicuous epiphytic flora, made up of
mosses, lichens and algae, is also found in such conditions
upon living leaves.
Although a little outside the scope of this guide-book, it
may be of interest to point out that a ride from Roseau to the
Waterfalls, for example, will give the visitor an excellent idea
of how dependent the epiphytes and the more delicate tropical
terrestrial plants are on the presence of an abundance of
moisture in the air.
ITINERARY.*
Entrance Gates.
The Garden has three gates, situated approximately to
the North, East, and South-west.
The northern gate is on the right hand side of the main
road from town up to the valley of the Roseau River. It is
the easiest gate to find from the town, and is in this Guide
called the Main Gate.
" In following the itinerary as described, assistance will be
derived by referring to the plan published with this Guide.
The east gate is comparatively little used, opening as it
does on to one of the country roads, the Emsall Road. It is
spoken of later as the Emsall Gate.
The third gate, the south-western, is situated close to the
cemetery, and lies behind the Cathedral. Although a little
nearer to the town than the Main Gate, it is perhaps not
quite so much used. From its proximity to the town it is
here referred to as the Roseau Gate.
In the following itinerary it has been thought advisable
to give first a description of the route from the Main Gate to
the Curator's Office, and then to digress and describe the
road from the Roseau Gate to the same place. Subsequently
one common path is followed.
Visitors therefore who enter by the Main' Gate can use
the book as it stands. Those who enter by the Roseau Gate
should begin at page 16.
Main Gate to Curator's Office.
The Main Gate, as already stated, is situated on the
right hand side of the principal road from town up the Roseau
Valley, some short distance before the bridge over the river.
It may be found by going up Market Street, at the end of
which the palms of the Garden will be seen, and the gate
itself soon reached.
The lime estate on the left hand side of the road is the
Bath Estate, where the limes used in the manufacture of
Rose's Cordial are grown.
In addition to being the gate most directly accessible,
this entrance gives the visitor the pleasantest first impression
of the Garden. In front, and on either side as he enters, are
well kept lawns, studded with trees. A green grassy drive
runs up the gentle slope between two rows of Cabbage palms.
A picturesque background to all is furnished by the wooded
precipitous heights of Morne Bruce, and the more distant
mountains over the Roseau Valley to the left.
On the gate posts is the handsome climber Bougainvillaea
" Mrs. Butt," other varieties of Bougainvillaea will be seen
later. This plant is of interest inasmuch as it is not the
flowers themselves that give it its showy appearance, but, as
in the Poinsettias and some other plants, the leaves or bracts
below the flowers. On either side of the gateway is a
specimen of one of the handsomest of palms, Scheelea excelsa,
closely allied to, and difficult to distinguish from, the Attaleas,
in which genus it was formerly included.
Immediately behind the stone boundary wall on the left
is a row of Acanthophoenix rubra, a handsome palm from
Mauritius and Bourbon, and running parallel with it are a
number of trees of Eucalyptus patentinervis, the Bastard
Mahogany of Australia, a species recommended for park and
street cultivation, on account of its leaves exhaling a pleasant
odour. Near by is a fine group of Palms made up of twelve
species.
Just inside the gate, and flanking the turfed road on
either side, will be found : Berry a Ammonilla, a native of
Ceylon, the Philippines, and Tropical Australia, noted for its
timber, known as Trincomalee wood, and for the showy
display made during the flowering and seeding period ;
Phoenix rupicola, an ornamental palm of the Himalayas
region ; and the gigantic fan-leaved Talipot Palm of Ceylon,
Corypha umbraculifera.
Proceeding up the turfed road, the visitor passes between
the rows of Cabbage palms, Oreodoxa oleracea, a native to the
West Indies, and largely grown for ornamental purposes in the
shape of avenues. Behind the Cabbage palms, on the left
hand side, are several trees of the whitewood of Antigua,
Terminalia Buceras, a very rapid growing tree furnishing a
strong useful wood for general building purposes ; also
specimens of the Purging Cassia, Cassia Fistula, which bears
clusters of handsome yellow flowers, and pods containing a
sweet pulp which is used in the preparation of " confection of
senna." The pods are exported on a small scale from
Dominica. When young the pods are green, but woody and
almost black when ripe. Apart from its economic value this
tree is largely grown for ornamental purpose-.
Along the boundary of the strip of lawn to the right wili
be found, in the following order: the " Yoruba Indigo
Lonchocarpus cyanescens ; a fine specimen of Swietenia
macrophylla, the source of Honduras mahogany; Lonchocarpits
sericeus, native to Tropical America ; Spathodea campanutata,
a showy flowered tree of Western Tropical Africa ; Premna
odorata with agreeably scented leaves ; Pterocarpus Rohrii ;
a fine specimen of Galba Calophylium Calaba, a native
tree, known under the name of Santa Maria in Jamaica, of
value for its timber, and also on account of its quick growth
for wind belts ; and the Candle berry tree Aleurites triloba,
a native of Moluccas. In its native country the kernels of the
fruit, when dried and stuck on a reed are used as a substitute
for candles. The seeds taste like walnuts, and when pressed
they yield a valuable oil. The root affords a brown dye.
Just before reaching the summit of the slight rise to the
main drive, two avenues of palms, four rows deep, run right
and left. The avenue to the left leads to the main lawn
where cricket matches are played occasionally by permission
of the authorities. The palms forming the avenues consist of
miscellaneous species, some planted singly, and others in
small groups of half a dozen of a single species. The
collection of palms in the neighbourhood numbers over thirty
species, many of which are of great interest, including :
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, the bamboo palm from Madagascar;
Areca Aliciae, an elegant palm from Tropical Australia ;
Latania Commersoni ; and Hyophorbe amaricaulis, natives of
Mauritius ; Washingtonia filifera, a palm of South California ;
the handsome Ptychor aphis augusta of the Nicobar Islands ;
Phoenix canariensis ; and Thrinax parviflora, a native of the
West Indies.
Proceeding along the road, two specimens of Alstonia
scholaris, one on either side, will attract attention. This tree
has a wide distribution throughout the tropics of the East,
and yields a rubber, which, however, is difficult to prepare.
The bark, known as " Dita Bark," is a valuable tonic.
The road here divides, running round a circle in the
centre of which is a plant of one of the most graceful of the figs,
Ficus Benjamina. This tree, though capable of spreading
indefinitely, is restricted to the circle in which it stands, the
diameter of the spread of the branches being about ICO feet.
3
Bearing to the right, several important economic and
ornamental plants will be found along the edge of the lawn
opposite the circle. The Yokewood or French Oak, Catalpa
longissima, of Jamaica, Hayti, and St. Thomas, is worthy of
special attention ; it thrives well in the Gardens, and from an
ornamental point of view serves a useful purpose in carrying
and displaying to advantage Bougainvilleas, and other
climbing plants of a similar habit. Catalpa longissima is
easily recognised by its graceful habit, small lilac flowers,
and long, almost thread-like pods. In Jamaica its wood is
commonly used for boards and planks, and it is regarded as
one of the best timber trees in that island. It is now
naturalised in Dominica. Near by is a bed of a small native
tree, Calliandra tergemina, known as Bois Ravine. This tree
thrives best in dry situations, is very showy when in flower,
and when properly treated is particularly useful as an
ornamental hedge. Another valuable timber tree to be seen
here is the Crabwood, Carapa guianensis, a native of Tropical
America, and now introduced into several of the West Indian
Islands. The seeds yield the intensely bitter Crab oil, also
known as Andiroba oil, which is of value for warding off
insect attacks.
Close by is the Flamboyante, Poinciana regia, introduced
into the West Indies from Madagascar, and in great favour as
an ornamental tree ; its trusses of brilliant red flowers make a
splendid show about June.
The turfed avenue at this point joins with the main drive,
on the right hand side of which will be noticed a specimen of
the Panama Candle tree, Parmentiera cerifera, so named from
the resemblance of its fruits to the old fashioned dip candles.
Almost opposite this tree is a clump of spiny palm, Bactris
major.
On either side of the road is a clump of the dwarf Bamboo
of China and Japan, Banibusa nana. A fine specimen of
Cassia emarginata, a tree with handsome foliage and
conspicuous flowers, is growing near the clump of bamboo on
the right ; a few yards away stands a tree of Cassia grandis,
which, during the dry season, produces a wealth of flowers
resembling apple blossom. At this point an avenue of
mixed Caryota palms connects with the main carriage road.
The species are : Caryota mitis, Caryota blancoi, and Caryota
urens. The latter is a well-known palm of India and Ceylon*
From its flower spikes a large quantity of juice called toddy or
palm wine is obtained, and this when boiled yields palm
sugar. A sago is prepared from the pithy part of the trunk.
The fibre obtained from the leaf-stalks, called Kittul fibre,
possesses great strength. Caryota palms on reaching
maturity throw out a spike of flowers from the top of the tree,
and after this has done flowering another comes out below it,
and so on from each axil, until the palm is exhausted
and dies.
On the lawn to the left, lying between the Caryota avenue
and the circle, are two tall specimens of the Palmyra palm,
Borassiis flabelliformis, widely distributed throughout the
tropical parts of Asia. The parts of this plant are applied to
numerous uses by the Hindoos. A Tamil poem enumerates
801 uses, and does not exhaust the list. The sap or toddy
obtained by tapping the flower spikes yields palm sugar.
The young seedlings are cultivated in India and consumed as
an article of food. Close by is Phytdcphas macrocarpa, the
Ivory palm which produces the vegetable ivory of commerce.
Its native habitat is the banks of rivers in Central America.
The fruits are borne in large globular heads. The seeds when
ripe are very hard and are used for making knobs, coat
buttons, chess-men, toys, etc. Some distance from the road
are two clumps of bamboos : the graceful Thyrsostachys
siamensis, and the Spiny Bamboo, Bambusa spinosa.
Immediately behind the fountain is a small specimen of
the remarkable Bussu palm, Manicaria saccifera, native to
parts of Central and South America, particularly the latter
region where it inhabits the tidal swamps of the lower Amazon
River. The leaves which are used by the natives for thatching
purposes, and frequently measure as much as 30 feet in length,
and 4 to 5 feet in width, differ from those of most other
palms in that they remain entire : occasionally however, when
old, they split irregularly. Close to this palm is a grass-like
plant known as the Giant reed, Arundo Donax, native to the
Mediterranean region, and largely cultivated in the Southern
States of America and elsewhere as an ornamental plant.
10
On the right-hand side of the main drive is a specimen of
Cestrum diurnum, a small tree greatly valued for its fine
display of sweet-scented white flowers ; and further on a
native tree known as Acoma St. Christ ophe, Sideroxylon
floribundum, valued on account of its timber. Looking to
the right across the lawn, which stretches in front of the
Convent, a fine group of palms will be observed ; and near by
them a single specimen of Sapium sebiferum, which yields a
tallow largely collected in China. The fruits, which contain
the seeds enveloped in fat, are steamed, beaten, and sifted.
The coarse tallow thus obtained is used by the Chinese for
making candles. Large quantities of the tallow are imported
into England for use in the manufacture of soap and candles.
Beyond the bed of palms, and in front of the Convent are
specimens of Podocarpns sp.\ Denis dalbergeoides ; Sappan
wood, Caesalpinia sappan, which furnishes a red dye-wood ;
Terminalia Arjuna ; Mimusops Elengi, from the seeds of
which an oil is expressed the bark yielding a tonic and
febrifuge ; and Tecoma spectabilis, the latter being one of the
well-known Poui tree of Trinidad, which for a few days in
the dry season is a showy mass of bright yellow flowers.
Proceeding along the course of the carriage road, the
following interesting plants will be found on the right : Ixora
macrothyrsa ; and Baikaea insignis, a tree of West Tropical
Africa probably the finest flowering tree in the Garden.
The flowers are 10 inches across when fully expanded, and are
remarkable as being the largest produced by any member of
the Leguminoseae. The petals are snow white, except the
lower petal or lip, which is lemon-yellow in colour. Also the
Bead tree, Elaeocarpus Ganitrus, of India, where the hard
stones of the fruit are commonly used for stringing into
rosaries, or for making necklaces, bracelets, buttons, heads of
pins, and similar articles.
Conspicuous amongst the plants here is a fine group of
one of the Screw Pines, Pandanus utilis. The curious habit
of this set of plants with their characteristic spirally arranged
leaves and prop roots is well known. This particular species
is a native of Madagascar, and is largely planted in Mauritius
where its leaves are used for making sugar-bags. The dry
i ives are used for making hats in Dominica.
11
Further on is a bed of Dracaena Sanderiana ; a fine
specimen of Dalbergia lanceolaria ; and at the corner of the
plot of land which juts into the Garden is Terminalia Catappa,
an East Indian plant now naturalised in the West Indies.
This tree is valued for its timber ; and the seeds, though
destitute of flavour, are eaten as almonds. Climbing over
this tree is a fine specimen of Bougainvillaea spectabilis.
On the small lawn to the right, behind the trees just
mentioned, is a collection of trees and shrubs, and a small
rockery containing a few species of Agave, Aloe, Furcraea,
Sansevieria, Opuntia, Cereus, and other succulent plants.
The interesting trees and shrubs on ihe lawn here are:
Napoleona Mievsii, which produces striking flowers ;
Hardwickia pinnata, and Dalbergia Sisso, two large handsome
timber trees of India. The hard wood of the latter is used
for boat building, gun-carriages, wheelwrights work, etc.
The former yields a resin. Also note Ajzelia madagascariensis,
a particularly beautiful tree when making new growth, the
young leaves being of a bright crimson colour ; Copaifera
officinalis, native of Tropical America, the source of " Balsam
of Copaiba," an aloe-resin obtained from this and other
species of Copaifera by making incisicns in the trunks ;
Limonia acidissima, a spiny shrub native of the East Indies ;
and the Ordeal Xut, Cerbera Tanghin, of Madagascar, so
called on account of its poisonous fruits being at one time
employed to deride cases of suspected crime.
Other plants growing here are : Allamanda violacea ;
Gmelina Hystvix ; Clerodendron Eastainm ; Bougainvillaea
fatuosa ; and Russeha juncea, a showy dwarf plant of Mexico.
Along the wall a row of palms, Chrysalidocarpus hitescens
screens off this part of the Garden from the Public road.
Return now to the carriage drive near the group of
Pandanus utilis, already mentioned, wher : will be found on
the left-hand side, a small tree of Bois Tan, Byrsomma spicata,
a native of D minica. The wood of this tree is tough, and
light, and is made into beams, afters, posts, oars, etc. ; the
bark is us d for tanning. Apart from its alue as a source of
timber and t nnin, this tree, during the fk we ing and fruiting
season, makes a showy display, and merits a place amomst
other trees of a decorative kind.
12
Immediately behind stands Melaleuca linarifolia, a native
of Australia, whose graceful feathery foliage and creamy white
flowers mike this tree a striking object of beauty for a lawn.
Next, running parallel with the Caryota Avenue, and in line
with the last named tree of Australia, is a specimen of a
Brazilian palm, Astrocaryum Ayri. A little further on is the
Marking Nut Tree, Semecarpus Anacardium, of India and
Malaya, etc. The juice of the nut mixed with a little quick-
lime and water is used for marking linen ; undiluted it acts as
a blister. The bark is used in dyeing.
Continuing along the carriage drive will be found the
" Cannon Ball Tree," Couroupita guianensis, with its curious
flowers and subsequent large woody fruits borne on the main
stem ; Norantea guianensis, which during the early months of
the year makes a striking show with its long spikes of flowers
with brilliant scarlet bracts ; Buteafrondosa, a showy flowered
tree which yields Bengal Kino a resin obtained by wounding
the bark of medicinal value as an astringent ; the Balata
tree of Dominica, Bumelia retusa, the timber of which is used
for all kinds of mill work, and also for house work : this tree is
sometimes referred to as the Bullet tree on account of the
shape of its edible fruit. The tall erect tree close by is
Sterculia alata, a native of India ; immediately behind is a
small group of palms of Thrinax Morrisii.
From this stretch of road a good view is obtainable of the
hill-side beyond the experiment grounds. The lower slopes
are cultivated in cacao, rubber, mangoes, etc., whilst the
upper, almost precipitous, portion is covered with wild,
mainly native, vegetation.
Some allusion may be made at this point to the more
interesting of the native trees which flourish on the steep
hili-side. Among them are the Coubaril, or Locust tree,
Hymenaea Courbaril, whose valuable timber, known locally
as native Mahogany, is used for making all kinds of furniture ;
Savonette, Lonchocarpus violaceus, a fine flowering tree which
yields a hardwood used for various purposes ; the Lowland
Gomier, Bur sera gummifera, whose branches when cut and
placed in the ground grow readily and form live posts for
fencing ; and the White Cedar or Poirier, Tab. buia leucoxylon,
Cannon Ball Tree (Couroupita yuianensis). {See page 12.)
13
a useful timber employed for inside and outside work, for
shipbuilding, and for piles and jetties, as it lasts well in
sea-water.
Other interesting trees are Laurier Cypre, Cordia
Gerascanthus, a fairly quick growing timber tree, the wood of
which is used for a variety of purposes including furniture
making ; Bois Cotlette, Citharexylon quadrangular e, which
yields a useful timber ; Bois Chandelle, Amyris balsamifera,
a small tree used for posts and for making flambeaux ; and
Bois D'Orme, Guazuma ulmifolia.
Thevetia nerifolia, with glossy foliage and yellow flowers,
which yields the " lucky seeds " so much in request for wearing
as charms in the West Indies, is a plant of interest growing on
the dry cliffs. Also Bois Vinette, Erythroxylon ovatum, a
relation of the well-known Cocaine shrub, Erythroxylon Coca.
The leaves of Bois Vinette contain only a small percentage of
alkaloids compared with the amount yielded by the official
plant E. Coca.
The Horse Tamarind, Leucaena glauca, a small tree
largely grown in the Eastern tropics as a shade tree for coffee
and other cultivations, for supplying mulch, and also for
firewood, is to be found on this slope. In the West Indies
owing to its persistence in and around cultivations, and the
great difficulty and expense in exterminating it, this tree is
generally regarded as an unmitigated pest.
Interspersed throughout this area are the common
wayside flowering plant, Tecoma stans, which bears an
abundance of yellow flowers; and Acacia riparia, a showy
plant in the dry season, with its creamy white flowers.
Amongst the unidentified plants are several kinds of
Mapou, Cordia spp., and Acoma Blanc, a fine tree, and
probably an undescribed species.
Growing over and amongst the trees are numerous
creepers, the most showy of which is Bignonia Unguis-cati.
This creeper covers some of the large trees and makes a good
display at the commencement of the wet season with its
masses of large yellow flowers. The Baba-ou-le or Cap-la-hou,
Dioscorea alata, is another climber much in evidence.
Although an introduced yam a useful food plant it is now
14
found in a wild state throughout the Island. After this little
digression the visitor should continue along the main drive.
The main drive here runs parallel with a hedge of Negro
Peach, Sarcocephalus esculentus, which screens off a piece of
private land jutting into the Garden. Before the hedge of
Negro Peach was planted, this piece of land, sold previous to
the Government obtaining the site for the present Garden,
marred considerably the grounds at this point.
Opposite this hedge and next to the tree of Sterculia alata
already mentioned, is a tree of Jacaranda mimosaefolia, which
bears a profusion of blue bell-shaped flowers on the young
shoots, as well as on the older branches. A little further on is
Peltophorum Linnaei, native of Jamaica, from which the
orange-coloured dye-wood, known as Brazilleto wood is
obtained ; and the Malayan and Australian Cedrela Toona,
the wood of which is largely used in Australia for all kinds of
furniture and ornamental work.
A striking object close to the corner, on the opposite side
of the road, is the Assam Rubber tree, Ficus elastica, with its
large shiny leathery leaves and bright-red bud sheaths. In
localities which suit this tree, it reaches 100 feet or more in
height, and throws down from its branches thread-like roots,
which on reaching the ground thicken enormously, finally
perhaps, equalling, or even exceeding the main trunk in
diameter. This tree is familiar to most visitors as the India-
Rubber tree so commonly grown as a decorative plant in
England and elsewhere. N< xt is a fine tree of Ficus altissima
from Tropical Asia, and behind on the lawn is Ficus Vogelii,
a native of West Africa. These trees, along with other latex
yielding trees, are not at the present time tapped to the same
extent as formerly, the World's chief supply of rubber now
being the Para, obtained from Hevea brasiliensis, a tree native
of Brazil, and cultivated on a large scale in the Middle East.
Over in the corner, behind the rubber trees, will be found :
Dolichandrone platycalyx, a tree native of East Africa, with
handsome yellow flowers ; and Myroxylon sonsonatense, a
relation of the tree yielding Balsam of Tolu, Myroxylon
Toluifera. Behind these trees is a hedge of Duranta Plumieri,
extending almost to the drive, where, at the corner, there is a
specimen of Sterculia sp.
15
A specimen of Barringtonia speciosa, a native of tropical
Asia, stands near the corner en the opposite side of the
road. This is usually one of the first plants to obtain a footing
on newly formed coral islands, its fruit being well adapted to
sea transport.
On the lawn behind the last named, and extending in
front of the row of picket fencing, backed by a hedge of Aralia
Giiilfoylei, are several specimens of Catalpa longissima, which
act as supports for Beaumontia grandiflora, a vigorous growing
climber from the East Indies, remarkable for its large hand-
some white flowers ; Callichlamys riparia, native of British
Guiana, which bears annually large yellow flowers streaked
with crimson ; Cryptostegia grandiflora, a climbing shrub with
showy pink flowers ; Entada polystachya, an interesting native
climber, and the well-known Purple Wreath, of the West
Indies, Petrea volubilis. Near by may be seen a specimen of
native Simaruba, Simaruba amara, which furnishes a bitter
wood from which cups are made for holding water to produce
a tonic draught, and also a root bark which is a bitter tonic ;
Hirtclla triandra, a small native forest tree known locally as
" Icacque," the timber of which is used for inside and outside
work ; and Berry a Ammonilla, a native of the tropics of the
Old World.
Between the Catalpa trees and the path is Artabotrys
odoratissimus, a climber from the East with very sweet-
scented yellow flowers. The hooked flower stalks by which
it climbs are interesting and well worth attention. Other
plants to be noted are Cocos plumosa, a Brazilian palm ;
Pandanus luzonensis ; Pandanus graminifolius ; Quisqualis
indica ; and the Baobab tree, Adansonia digitata, native of
Tropical Africa, which attains to an enormous size in its
native habitat. Its leaves, bark, and fruits are put to many
uses by the natives of that region. Also Chloroxylon
Swietenia, an East Indian tree, the source of the well-known
Satin wood of commerce, used largely for the backs of hair-
brushes and for inlaying. It may be observed here, that the
lawns on either side of the carriage road, from the Roseau
Gate to Emsall Gate, are dotted with numerous beds of
ornamental and flowering plants, among which may be noted
several varieties of Crotons, various species of Acalypha,
16
Bougainvillea, Allamanda, Hibiscus, * Aralia, and Ixora, as
well as beds of Euphorbia sp., Galpkimia brasiliensis, Duranta
Plumieri, and the chaste, sweet-scented double-flowered
variety of Gardenia florida, and other interesting plants
which are effective in appearance when grouped together.
It is now proposed, for the convenience of visitors
entering by the Roseau Gate, to enumerate the plants in the
order they would be met with in passing from" that gate to our
present position, the main route will then be followed from
this point as continued on page 19.
The Roseau Gate.
The Roseau Gate is situated in the angle where the
Gardens adjoin the Cemetery. The road outside, which
skirts the Cemetery wall, leads to the road ascending the
Morne.
The gate posts support two handsome climbers : the
brick red Bougainvillea, Bougainvillaea later ita ; and the
" Rangoon " creeper, Quisqualis indica, the flowers of which
are sweet-scented and of an orange-red colour. Immediately
to the left is a good specimen of one of the Myrobalans,
Terminalia belerica, a native of the East Indies, whence its
woody fruits are exported in large quantities to be used in
tanning processes.
The hedge row to the left was formerly composed of
Cabbage palms and West Indian Cedar, Cedrela odorata, but
the latter, with the exception of two fine specimens still
remaining, were completely destroyed in the hurricane of
1916. The wood of this tree is light, durable, handsome and
fragrant, and moreover is not attacked by insects. It is
largely used for furniture, interior work, cigar boxes, etc.
In place of the West Indian Cedar knocked out in the hurricane
plants of the Bermuda or pencil cedar, Juniper us bermudiana,
largely grown for the sake of its ornamental appearance, and
for its timber used for making cedar pencils, are now planted
alternately with the Cabbage palms. Single specimens
displaying to advantage the graceful habit of the Pencil Cedar
tree, and others planted in a group, will be observed on the
17
lawn in the vicinity. Along the boundary wall is a hedge of
Bois Ravine, Calliandra Tergemina, a small native tree of
decorative value, particularly as an ornamental hedge.
Further along the drive will be found the Yokewood tree,
Catalpa longissima. The climbing plant growing on its trunk
is the beautiful crimson Bougainvillea, variety Mrs. Butt.
Next is to be seen Dillenia indica, native of Ceylon, and
Tropical Asia generally. The hard tough wood of this tree is
used for making gun-stocks ; the juicy fruit is eatable, but
very acid. It is used by the natives in India in curries and
for making jelly. Further on will be found P and anus
Sanderiana ; and Kigelia pinnata, an African tree remarkable
for its long stalked panicles of flowers, which hang down from
the older branches, and for its large fruits often 2 feet in
length, and from 5 to 8 inches broad. It is commonly known
by the name of Sausage tree. The fruits are of no economic
value. On the right, near the gate, is Phoenix humilis, var.
Roebelini. Continuing along the fence will be found :
Brownea coccinea, which bears dense heads of scarlet flowers ;
Livistona olivaeformis, native to Java, which closely resembles
Livistona chinensis, of China and Japan, a palm growing
near by. On the iron fence is a plant of the Barbados Goose-
berry, Pereskia aculeata, a native of the West Indies, where
its fruits are used for making preserves. The ornamental
grass behind the fence is Thysanoloena agrostis. Note also
Pinus bahaniensis, a handsome conifer of the Bahamas ;
and a large tree of Terminalia sp., on the trunk of which is
growing Dendrobium calceolaria, and the well-known Vanda
teres. At the foot of this tree is a Stapelia, a member of a
large genus of South African plants. The flowers possess a
repulsive odour. Behind is the Gru Gru palm, Acrocomia
sclerocarpa, a native of the West Indies ; and a row of the
graceful bamboo, Thyrsosiachys siamensis. In this corner is
a small collection of various species of Agaves. Further on
is a small West Indian tree Comocladia ilicifolia, and a
stemless palm, Phoenix acaulis.
A path which leads to the economic plots here connects
with the carriage road. On either side is a specimen of
Arenga Engleri. A little further on is Encephalartos
Hildebrantii, a member of the Cvcadaceae. The interior of
18
the trunk of this plant contains a spongy farinaceous pith,
made use of by the Kaffirs as food, hence the name Kaffir
Bread is applied to it. Near by are two specimens of
Latania Loddigesii ; a tree of the White Mulbeny, Morus alba,
a plant useful in connection with the raising of silkworms ;
and a specimen of Eucalyptus creba, the narrow-leafed iron
bark tree of New South Wales, the timber of which is used
for railway sleepers, for wagons, piles and fence posts.
Proceeding along the road, a native tree, Swartzia
grandi 'flora will be seen on the right. This is remarkable on
account of its single-petalled yellow flowers. Next is
Capparis ferruginea, a native of the West Indies and behind
this a large tree of Sterculia foetida, over which the giant
climber Anodendron paniculatum, is growing. Continuing
along the border will be found the following trees and shrubs :
Nerium Oleander ; Bauhinia picta ; Bauhinia tomentosa ;
Bauhinia Petersiana ; Saraca indica ; Brunfelsia americana ;
Jatropha multifida ; Calliandra haematocephala ; Thunbergia
erecta ; Ixora coccinea, and its variety lutea. The hedge
behind the picket fencing is formed partly of Acalypka
Wilkesiana, a ruddy foliage plant known as Burning Bush ;
and partly of Bixa Or el I ana, the Roucou tree of Dominica.
The Annatto of commerce, a dye used for silks, and for
colouring butter and cheese, is prepared from the red-
coloured pulp which covers the seeds of the last named plant.
Formerly this dye was used in Dominica by the Caribs to
paint their bodies.
Growing immediately behind the hedge of " Burning
Bush " are clumps of Alpinia nut an*, the stems of which may
become of importance as a source of material for paper-making.
Also a young plant Mauritia flexuosa, the Moriche palm,
common on swampj^ lands along the great rivers of Tropical
America.
Much of the soil of the lawn on the left is very poor, and
only such plants thrive on it as are adapted to such conditions.
Several of those to be seen here are plants characteristic of
dry or even desert regions ; for example, the large columnar
Cactus : Cereus peruvianas ; next to which is Cents
Napoleonis ; and a little further away a round bed containing
several specimens of the well-known Turks Head Cactus
19
Cactus Melocactus, a native to the West Indies. (In
Dominica this plant is confined to the precipitous parts of the
Leeward Coast particularly near the village of Colihaut,
where it is very plentiful.) Note also the succulent Euphorbias
closely resembling the true Cacti in habit, though belonging to
a widely separated family of plants ; and the striking Agave
Franzosmii, a native of Mexico. Representatives of the
handsome Bahamas pine, Pinus bahamensis ; the long-leaved
pine, P. longifolia ; and P. sinensis, may here be observed ;
as well as specimens of Cupressus glabra, a particularly fine
conifer, which appears to flourish under tropical conditions ;
Araucaria Bidwillii and Araucaria brasiliensis. The
habitats of the two trees last mentioned are widely separated :
the former being a native of Australia, where the large seeds,
contained in the cones attaining to the size of a man's head,
are eaten as food by the aborigines ; and the latter a native of
Brazil, where it forms large forests. A group of plants which
have existed from very distant geological times, namely, the
Cycads, are represented here by Cycas Seemanii, and Zamia sp.
The latter yields a starch, and is a native of San Domingo,
where it covers large areas of land.
These plants, which so strikingly resemble tree ferns in
their mode of growth, belong to the Gymnosperms, a group
which includes also the Pines and Cypresses.
To complete the enumeration of the more important
plants on this lawn mention must be made of the West African
fruit tree, Ckrysophyllum Milleni growing near the edge of
the drive ; and a bed of the white Hibiscus, H. Waimeae.
The striking Pandanus on the lawn is P. pacificus.
Opposite the Assam Rubber tree is a path which we will
now follow. On the right-hand of the path is an extremely
fine specimen of the graceful African Locust tree, Parkia
africana, and immediately behind it is the Negro Peach,
Sarcocephalus esculent us, and its Asiatic ally, Sarcocephalus
cordatus. Growing on the trunk of the latter is Piper longum,
a plant much cultivated in India for the sake of its flower-
stalks, which are collected when green and unripe, and when
dried are known as Indian long pepper. This product is
largely used by the natives of India as a spice, and in medicine.
On the left-hand side of the path is a tall specimen of the
20
Bloodwood tree, Eucalyptus corymbosa, of New South Wales,
which yields a valuable timber. On the opposite side is a
handsome evergreen tree, Elaeodendron glaucum, a native
of India.
Here is a little path leading to the Curator's office,
Garden laboratory, Agricultural pupils' class room, the
nursery sheds, potting and packing nouses, etc. A visitors
book is kept at the office, and visitors should apply to the
Curator for any information about economic plants. The
nurseries are not open to the public, but may be seen by
permission of the officer-in-charge. In them many thousands
of seedlings of cacao, coffee, nutmegs, mangoes, etc. are raised
annually, and distributed to planters at cost prices. Large
nurseries for the raising of plants of limes, oranges, grape-fruits,
and other plants which do not require shade in their early
stages of growth, cover an area of several acres, and are
situated near to the Roseau River, about a quarter of a mile
from the office, and at Morne Bruce, a plateau on the hill
immediately behind the Gardens. Full information on the
subject is given at page 51..
The work which is carried on in the nurseries is not
conspicuous to the visitor, although it occupies the greater
portion of the time of the skilled labour of the Garden.
Nevertheless, it is most valuable work, which has produced
in the past and will produce in the future, marked improve-
ments in the quality of the crops of Dominica.
Several noteworthy plants are to be found in the short
space between the office and the point at which the road
branches. On the left is a fine tree of Cinnamomum
Camphora, a native of China and Japan, now cultivated on a
large scale in Formosa, from the wood of which the well-known
camphor of commerce is obtained by distilling. It should
here be mentioned that this particular tree is one of the oil-
bearing type, although of the same species as that which
yields the solid camphor of commerce. This important
difference existing within the tree affords no outward
indication to enable an observer to distinguish one from the
other. The only means of discovering the true camphor
21
yielding tree is to make a distillation of leaves and twigs. In
order to obtain reliable stock for planting, the true camphor
bearing tree must be selected from, for propagating purposes.
Note also Pachira aquatica ; and a specimen of the well-
known Star Apple, Chrysophyllum Cainito, a tree with leaves
of a golden hue beneath, the fruit of which is esteemed in the
West Indies.
The border on the right, mainly composed of ornamental
shrubs, contains a tree of Streblus asper, the chopped wood of
which mixed with tobacco and rolled in Cordia leaf, forms the
cigarette of Burmah. There is also in this border a specimen
of Randia mac id at a a striking object of beauty when in
flower. The way now divides into four paths. The path
straight in front runs through the experiment plots of cacao,
citrus and nutmegs. At the corner of the cacao plot on the
right-hand side growing over a large bush of the Japanese
Cinnamon, Cinnamoimun brevi folium, is the black pepper
plant, Piper nigrum. The dried unripe fruits of this plant
form the black pepper of commerce. They are picked as
soon as the lower berries of the spike turn from green to red,
and are then dried in the sun. To obtain white pepper the
outer covering must be removed before drying, the berries
being allowed to turn red before picking, when the outer
fleshy part becomes pulpy, and can be easily removed. Turn
now to the right, and take the path which runs parallel to the
nursery sheds.
Following this path several interesting plants of economic
value will be found. On the right-hand side, growing over
the fence, observe three handsome climbers : Congea
tomentosa with its sprays of minute white flowers and large
bracts of a delicate carmine colour ; Combretum laxum, a free
flowering plant bearing masses of bright scarlet flowers ; and
Strophanthus Preusii with attractive flowers of peculiar
structure. A small tree of Strophanthus Jackianus, will be
found close by. In front of the fence is a large clump of
Alpinia Galanga, one of the ginger tribe ; and the well-known
Granadilla, Passiflora quadrangular is of the West Indies.
The tall plant here is Pleomele ugandensis, and differs some-
what in its habit of growth from its relation, Pleomele fragrans,
standing a little further away. Between these two specimens
22
is " Bon Reha," Villebrunea integri folia, a small tree native
of India and Malaya, from which ropes, mats, etc. are made.
Note here a specimen of the Anchovy Pear, Grias caul if lor a,
native of the West Indies. Growing over the nursery sheds
are the South American Odontadenia speciosa, a handsome
climber which makes a splendid show when in flower ; and
the Garlic Shrub, Bignonia alliacea, so named because the
leaves when bruised emit a powerful odour resembling that of
garlic. The latter is used in some parts of the West Indies as
a substitute for the true garlic, Allium sativum. Here also
are the Japanese Cinnamon, Cinnamomiim brevifolium ;
Saraca caulijlora, a flowering tree ; Clibadium Vargesii, a
native shrub, the leaves of which, when bruised, are used for
stupifying fish in rivers ; and the Papaw, Carica Papaya,
which yields a fruit highly esteemed in the tropics : the juice
of the unripe fruits yields Papain, now much in request in
medicine as a digestive. In front of the last named plant is a
tree of Brownea sp. which bears flowers nearly three times the
si2e of B. coccinea, noted elsewhere. Further on is the Bael
fruit, Aegle Marmelos, a reputed remedy for dysentery and
diarrhoea ; and the true ginger, Zingiber officinale , the clean
and dried rhizomes of which form the ginger of commerce.
Plants of the wild ginger, known as the Ginger Lily, Hedychium
coronarium, will be found close by after turning the corner to
the right. At one time this plant was under consideration as
a source of material for paper-making. Note also the Coca
plant, Erythroxylon Coca, from which is obtained the drug
cocaine. At the corner is the Sapodilla, Achras sapota, a
well-known fruit tree of the West Indies. The undergrowth
in this corner consists of species of Sansevieria.
Along the short path on the right are arranged severa^
other tropical fruit trees. Proceeding up to the path, note on
the right-hand side the Mammee Apple, Mammea americana,
the flesh of which, when made into a preserve, strongly
resembles Apricot jam ; the Loquat, Eriobotrya japonica ;
the Bread fruit, Artocarpus incisa, a native of the South Sea
Islands, whose large green compound fruit is eaten as a
vegetable, either roasted or boiled. Close to the 1 readfruit
are its congeners, Artocarpus Lakooch.;, ; roducing an
irregularly shaped orange-red fruit, the pulp of which is acid
23
and of a peculiar flavour ; and the Jack Fruit, Artocarpu
integrifolia, a tree cultivated in Southern India for the sake of
its large fruit and numerous seeds. The timber of the Jack
is largely used in India for making furniture. Note also the
Guava Berry, Eugenia lineata, native of the Virgin Islands,
whose small fruits are used in the preparation of liqueur : and
the well-known Golden Apple, Spondias borbonica. Inter-
planted with the above are plants of the Manila Hemp, Musa
textilis, distinguished from the common plantain or banana by
its rather narrower leaves and its hard, woody, and non edible
fruit. It yields the best of all the white cordage fibres.
For its successful cultivation it requires a rich soil, and an
abundant r infall well distribute 1 throughout the year.
Bordering the opposite side of the path is a tree of Lignum
Vitae, Giiaiacnm officinale, which yields a resin used in
medicine and produces an extremely hard and tough wood,
much used for pulleys, pestles and mortars. Next is the
Governor plum, Flacoitrtia Ramontchi, and further in the
Bilimbi, Averrhoa Bilimbi, and its ally, the Carambola,
Averrhoa Carambola. Both of these species yield acid fruits
used for making jams, and for pickling. Here also will be
found nine plants of the Chicle Gum tree of British Honduras
Achras spp. and Rheedia editlis, the fruits of which have a
pleasant acid taste. Note also " Mountain Pride " Spathelia
simplex, of Jamaica ; the Horse Radish tree, Moringa
pterygosperma, the roots of which are used as a substitute for
horse radish, the seeds yielding a valuable oil known as " Oil
of Ben " ; and Erythrina senegalensis, sl handsome flowering
tree, related to the Mortels which are much used in the West
Indies as shade trees for cacao and other crops.
The hedge on the cemetery boundary is made up of
Congea tomentosa, and " Corallita," Antigonon leptopiis. In
front of this hedge is a row of Papaws. On returning along
the path there may be seen the Indian Mulberry, Morinda
citrifolia, whose roots yield a red dye ; the Baiata tree,
Mimusops globosa, of British Guiana ; and a showy Indian
tree, Cochlospermum Gossypium, the source of Kuteera gum.
At this point we enter the lower Garden path. To the
right the way leads to the upper slopes of the Garden by a
zig-zag path which rises to an elevation of about 120 feet,
24
then continues for a considerable distance on the level and
descends to connect with the lower Garden path near to the
Emsall Gate. The distance from the present position to
where it again connects with the lower path is half a mile.
By following the hill path, good views of the Gardens can be
obtained, but a greater number of interesting plants will be
seen by following the lower walk, which also leads to the
Emsall Gate, and is a shorter route.
Before proceeding along the lower path, a number of
interesting trees may be seen by turning to the right in the
direction of the hill path for the short distance that it
continues on the level. On the right are Posoqueria latifolia,
a small tree bearing white, sweet-scented flowers ; the
Champac, Michelia Champaca, an Indian tree, venerated by
the Hindoos, which bears fragrant orange-coloured flowers ;
Ficus Parcelli with its large leaves curiously mottled with
white ; and the red silk cotton tree, Bombax malabaricum,
a striking object when in flower. Further in is Eugenia
caryophyllata, whose dried unopened flower-buds form the
cloves of commerce. Their usefulness as a spice and in
medicine is well known.
On the left is a fine tree of Bois dTnde, Pimenta acris, a
native tree, from the leaves of which is distilled bay oil,
largely used in the manufacture of bay rum ; also a fine
specimen of Eucalyptus tcrcticomis, the Red Gum tree of
Australia. Some 150 species of Eucalyptus are known,
manv being of great value. The one growing so well here is
utilized in Australia for wheelwrights' work. Other kinds
will be met with later. The large Camphor tree on the right
is another of the oil bearing type. Three young plants of the
same species yielding the camphor of commerce will be roted
on the opposite side of the walk. Extending up the slope,
ehind the Eucalyptus tree, are several Flamboyant trees
Poinciana regia. Across the cultivated hollow will be seen a
collection of rubber yielding trees, consisting of the Para
rubber, Hevea brasiliensis, now so largefy planted in the East ;
the Mexican rubber, Castillo^ elastica ; and the Lagos rubber,
Funtumia elastica ; also specimens of F. africana and
/ . latifolia, both of which yield inferior rubbers.
25
Returning to the signpost, the lower Garden path should
now be followed. During its entire distance it follows the
windings of the base of the Morne. It passes through a good
deal of cacao cultivation, but no reference is made in this
section of these notes to the various economic cultivations in
the Garden. Only the interesting plants which border either
side of the route will be noticed. For information respecting
the various cultivations, the visitor is referred to page 45
where explanatory notes are given on the various economic
plants under cultivation.
Observe on the corner near the signpost a large specimen
of Yucca aloifolia, a very handsome plant when in flower
also various Bromeliads growing at the base of this plant,
including : Aechmea fulgens; Bromelia pinguin ; and
Pitcairnia coccinea.
On proceeding along the lower Garden path for a short
distance, it may be observed that the slopes of the hill are
planted with Guinea grass, Panicum maximum, probably the
best fodder grass of the tropics. On the lower slopes, inter-
mixed with the Guinea grass, are three members of the
Anonaceae, namely, Custard-apple, Anona reticulata, Sugar-
apple, A. squamosa and Sour-sop, A. muricata ; also tne
Surinam Cherry, Eugenia Micheli ; Hog-plum, Spondias
lutea ; and a small collection of various Guavas, Psidium sp.
Planted on the upper slopes is the Roble tree of Trinidad,
Platymiscium platystachyum, a handsome flowering tree.
Also the following native trees :
Pain D'Epices, Lucuma midtiflora, one of the largest trees
of the forest. The wood is used for mill work, rollers, etc.
The yellow fruit, which is edible, possesses a spicy flavour
hence its name. In former days the fruit was collected in the
forest and brought to market for sale.
Bouis, Chrysophyllum glabrum, a large tree which yields
a durable wood, and bears edible fruits of a dark purple
colour. These are known locally by the name of Star plum.
Bois Diable, Licania hypoleuca, the wood of which is
very hard but does not last under moist conditions. It is
much used for fire-wood and for making charcoal.
26
Tendre Acailloux, Piptadenia peregrina, a small tree
with rough bark ; the wood is used for cabinet work.
Surprise is sometimes expressed by visiting botanists at
the comparative fewness of native plants in the Botanic
Gardens. A perusal of these pages, however, will show that
a considerable number of local specimens are grown. That
many others of great interest are not grown is largely due to
unsuitable climatic conditions, and not to lack of interest in
this very important matter. Dominica, though a small island,
varies greatly in climate and rainfall. Trees growing under
perpetually damp conditions with an annual rainfall of 200
inches and upwards, will fail in many cases to grow in a
comparatively dry locality like the Botanic Gardens, where
the average annual rainfall is 78 inches, and where there is a
pronounced dry period each year of about three months
duration. It is probably due to these conditions that such
fine specimens as Bois Pain, Talauma Plumieri ; a remarkably
fine flowering tree, Bois Bambarra, Diospyros Ebenaster an
interesting species the pulp of whose fruits are used to kill
fish and a number of others have failed after repeated
attempts to exist in the gardens.
To the left of the path is the Malay Apple, Eugenia
malaccensis, a very handsome tree when in flower. The fruit,
though edible, is not of much account.
Rounding the corner on the right-hand side near to the
foot path are: Crescentia cucurbitinu, a relation of the Calabash
tree, Crescentia Cujete, and the " Bread and Cheese ' tree,
Vithecolobium ungiiis-cati, native of the West Indies. The
latter is generally employed as a hedge, and rarely allowed to
reach the dimensions of a small tree. Further along on this
slope is a collection of mangoes including Peach, Malda, Julie,
Fifine Gabrielle, Lorieau, Savanna and Cambodiana, all of
which are grafted. Also Cambodiana and Java seedlings.
Next to the mangoes are two rows of young plants of Quebracho
Colorado, Quebrachia Lorentzii, a large forest tree of Argentina,
the wood of which is hard and durable and yields a valuable
extract for tanning. The bark is used in medicine.
27
Several trees of great interest are growing in the small
ravine close by. These include the Souari or Butter-nut of
British Guiana, Caryocar nucifemm, which yields a nut
possessing a fine flavour ; Tonka Bean, Dipteryx odorata,
whose fragrant pods are used in perfumery ; and the Bread-
nut of Dominica, Artocarpus incisa, var. seminifera ; the
latter not to be confused with the Bread-nut tree of Jamaica
and West Africa, which will be referred to later. Also trees
of the Avocado pear, Per sea gratissima, a fruit much esteemed
in the West Indies, and now largely grown in the Southern
States of America. A clump of native Balisier, Heliconia
Bihai, is growing at the end of the ravine. At this point
specimens of the Bois Flot or Corkwood, Ochroma Lagopus,.
may be seen growing on the slopes about the upper garden
path. This tree yields a wood of remarkable lightness.
Resuming the main path, a group of Divi-Divi,
Caesalpinia coriaria, growing on the bank to the right, should
be noticed. The small pods contain a considerable percentage
of tannin, and were formerly an article of export. Near by is
the West Indian Calabash tree, Crescentia Cujete, the fruit of
which is used for a variety of purposes, the hard woody shell
being made to serve as basins, cups, water-bottles, etc. ; the
pulp is used as a medicine, acting as a purgative and
considered to be beneficial in diseases of the chest. There is
also grouped here several Nicaraguan shade trees, Gliricidia
maculata, one of the best of shade trees for cacao cultivation.
In Nicaragua, where the tree is a native it is preferred to all
other shade-giving trees for this purpose. In Dominica the
tree is planted as a nurse plant for young lime trees, and for
mulching purposes. When in flower this tree is a striking
object of great beauty.
Taking the left-hand side of the path commencing near
the entrance to the ravine, note the Marmalade plum, Lucuma
mammosa, a native of the West Indies and Tropical America,
where it is cultivated for the sake of its fruit which is used for
making a kind of marmalade ; Akee, Blighia sapida, native of
Guinea, but now common in the West Indies and South America,
where its bright red-coloured fruits are occasionally eaten ;
Anona Buchanani, a species closely allied to the Sour-sop,
Anona muricata; and the famous Mangosteen tree of the East,.
28
Garcinia mangostana. This specimen first fruited in 1908,
sixteen years after it was received from the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew. The Mangosteen is one of the most delicious
fruits of the tropics.
On the opposite side observe a large tree of Stercidia
carthaginensis, a native of America, from Mexico to Brazil.
The seeds which are about the size of pigeon's eggs, are, like
those of many other species, commonly eaten as nuts by the
inhabitants of that region. A little further along growing
quite close to the path is Euphorbia splendens, a showy dwarf
plant of Madagascar.
On passing the end of the straight path on the left, which
leads to the Curator's office through the experiment plots,
observe the Shea Butter tree, Butyrospermum Parkii, whose
seeds yield a fat which is used as butter by the natives of
West Africa. Shea butter is used to a certain extent in the
manufacture of margarine, and for other purposes. Next is
the Madagascar Voa-Vanga, Vangueria edulis, an edible fruit ;
and further on a tree of the Durian, Durio zibethinus, a fruit
remarkable on account of its fine flavour and powerful odour.
It is largely cultivated by the natives of the Malay Archipelago
for the sake of its fruit, which during the season, forms the
greater part of their food. Behind the Durian are several
plants of Cinnamomiun zeylanicutn, the bark of which forms
the cinnamon of commerce. Further in may be seen
examples of the Tea plant, Camellia Thea var. viridis ;
and the Kaki or Date plum, Diospyros Kaki, a Japanese fruit
tree. Continuing, note Myroxylon toluifera, the source of
Balsam of Tolu, used in medicine as an expectorant and
stimulant ; the fine flowering trees, Cordia Sebestena and
Monodora tenuifolia ; at the foot of the latter is the shrubby
Ardisia Oliver i, remarkable for the beauty of its flowers.
Further in are two interesting specimens of Theobroma
T. bicolor, the Tiger Cacao, and T. pentagona, the Alligator
Cacao ; both are natives of Nicaragua : the latter species
yields cacao beans of considerable value. On the right arc
several plants of Malabar Cardamoms, Elettaria Cardamomum.
29
At this point the path divides. The main route continues
by the path along the base of the hill in order to make the
circuit of the Gardens, but it is now intended to note the
interesting plants along the lower path until it joins the
Mahogany Avenue, afterwards returning to the present
position to resume the main route.
Following the lower path note on the right the Topee
Tambou of Dominica, Calathea allouvia, whose tubers possess
a pleasant nutty flavour, and are used as food. Next will
be found Baikiaea Eminii, a handsome flowering tree from
Uganda closely resembling B. insignis, already noted ; Cola
Afzeli, a tree allied to the species yielding the Cola nuts of
commerce ; the slender-stemmed Cedron, Simaba C ear on,
the seed of which is held in high repute by the natives of
Tropical America as a remedy for snake bite ; and the Garlic
Pear, Crataeva gynandra, the bark of whose roots is used as a
blister. Near by is the Cayenne Guava.
Growing in front of the Tangerines on the left-hand side
near the edge of the walk will be found : Jaboticaba, Myrciaria
cauli flora, a favourite fruit teee of the Brazilians ; Lansium
domesticum, a moderate-sized tree producing clusters of edible
berries much relished in Malaya where the tree is a native ;
Nephelium Longanum, a native of Southern China, and much
cultivated in that region for the sake of its fruits which closely
resemble those of the Litchi, Nephelium Litchi, an allied
species ; and Poiitaria suavis, native of Uruguay, which bears
a pear-shaped fruit having an extremely agreeable taste, and
possessing a finer scent than a ripe pine-apple. These fruit
trees are under experimental cultivation, and it is hoped tot
establish them in this island particularly the first and
last named kinds.
Continuing, note a good specimen of the Loquat,
Eriobotrya japonica, and a fine tree of the Moreton Bay
Chestnut, Castanospermum auslrale, native of Queensland,
whose seeds when roasted resemble the common chestnut in
flavour.
The Date Palm, Phoenix dactylifera, of which several
specimens are here growing, succeeds fairly well under the
climatic conditions of these Gardens, and large bunches of
fruit of medium quality are produced annually. At the time
30
the dates approach maturity, the weather is usually very wet,
which necessitates the cutting of the clusters of fruit and
their removal indoors in order that the ripening process may
be completed under dry conditions.
Opposite the date palms is a plot of cacao which crop it
is intended shall eventually be removed in order that this
piece of ground may be devoted entirely to important exotic
trees of economic or ornamental value. Some of these already
interplanted here with the cacao include : Jaboticaba
Mvrciaria cauliflora ; Poutaria snavis two fruit trees noted
already elsewhere along this path the Rambutan, Nephelium
lappaceum, a large handsome spreading tree of Malaya,
bearing a profusion of orange-yellow fruits, the pulpy parts of
which have a pleasant acidulous taste ; and the Queensland
Nut, Macadamia term 'folia, a moderate-sized tree bearing nuts
of agreeable . flavour ; also Croton Tiglium a small Euphor-
biaceous tree, native of India, from the seed of which Croton
oil, a powerful purgative, is obtained ; Taraktogenos Kurzii,
a forest tree of Burma, Assam, etc., the source of Chaulmoogra
oil used medicinally as a cure for leprosy and other cutaneous
complaints ; the East Australian Flame tree, Brachychiton
acerifolium, an evergreen shade tree with magnificent trusses
of crimson flowers ; and Cassia Sieberiana a. handsome
flowering tree of Northern Nigeria. There are also growing
here the Otaheite Gooseberry, Cicca disticha and young plants
of the Mahwa tree of India, Bassia latifolia, whose fleshy
sweet-tasting flowers are used as an article of food, and also
yield by distillation an ardent spirit. The fruits are eaten
raw or cooked, and from the seeds an oil is obtained which is
used for cooking, as well as for soap-making.
Proceeding along the row of date palms to the point
where the four paths meet, a number of interesting plants can
be seen. Here is the Litchi, Nephelium Litchi, a fruit tree of
Southern China ; immediately opposite, a fine specimen of the
Durian, a tree which has been already noted in these pages.
Bordering the path leading up to the stone steps, on the
right hand side, note ; Garcinia oblongifolia ; Pernambuco
Jaborandi, Pilocarpus pennatifolius, which yields an alkaloid,
" pilocarpine," of value in medicine ; Pilocarpus racemosus,
native of Montserrat ; and Pilocarpus sp. from Brazil,
31
thought to be P. microphyllus, the " Jaborandy " or " Arruda
Brava." Here also will be found specimens of the Monkey
Cacao, Theobroma angustifolia, of Nicaragua ; the Mandarin,
Citrus nobilis var. major ; the Sweet Lime, Citrus medica
var. Limetta ; Portugal orange, Citrus Aurantium, var.
lusitanica, and the common orange, Citrus Aurantium
both the sweet and sour varieties. There is also here a
variegated form of orange, Citrus Aurautium var. variegata,
a very ornamental tree.
On returning to the main path note at the corner on the
right-hand side a tree of Terminaiia sericea ; and close by
a specimen of the Malay apple, Eugenia caidiflora, in front
of which is a hedge of the West Indian Cherry, Malpighia
glabra. Opposite is the Bunya-Bunya Pine, Araucaria
Bidwillii. Next to this fine specimen is a small collection of
Garcinias, namely G. Morella, the source of Ceylon Gamboge,
a gum resin used in medicine and the arts ; G. indica, whose
seed yields Kokum butter used in India in the preparation
of ointments ; G. Buchanani, and G. Xanthochymus, which
yield an inferior Gamboge. Also notice a plant of the sugar-
cane, Saccharum officinarum.
On the right hand observe the Wood Apple, Feronia
elephantum, an Indian tree; a fine specimen of Balsam of
Copaiba, Copaifera officinalis ; Oroxylon indicum, the bark of
which yields a bitter tonic ; and Sophora tomentosa. Behind
these trees note Camoensia maxima, a handsome climber of
Tropical Africa with large white and yellow flowers which are
sweet-scented ; Syncarpia laurifolia, a gum tree of East
Africa ; Canarium commune, a native of the Moluccas, which
yields the resin Elemi.
The picket fencing on the left is utilized for the support of
a number of fine flowering creepers. Representatives of the
genera Bignonia, Anemopaegma, Antigonon, Porana, Ipomoea,
Camoensia, and Faradaya may be seen here.
Immediately behind the fencing is a row of coco-nut
palms, Cocos nucifera, probably the most useful tree of the
tropics. In the East every part stem, leaves, flowering
spathe, and fruit is of value. Many of the domestic uses to
which the products of the coco-nut palm is put in the East
are unknown in the Western Trooics. In the West Indian
32
islands the palm is chiefly grown for the sake of its fruit
from which is obtained the two most valuable products in a
commercial sense, these being the dried kernel or copra, from
which oil is expressed, (now an important source of vegetable
butter), and the fibre obtained from the husk, known as coir,
and much used for matting, brush-making and ropes.
The road now comes to the south end of the Mahogany
Avenue, a point which the visitor will pass later, on making
the complete round of the Gardens.
On returning to the main path observe at the corner on
the left-hand side a specimen of the Bread-nut tree, Brosimum
Alicastrum, native of Jamaica, where the plentiful supply of
nuts produced by the trees in that island form a valuable
food for horses and cattle, as also do the leaves. This tree
also yields a valuable timber. Further on are specimens of
Feijoa Sellowiana, a Brazilian fruit tree closely allied to the
guava ; Wormia Burbidgei, a fine flowering tree from North
Borneo ; the Wampi tree of China, Clausena Wampi ; and
Fagraea zeylanica, a flowering shrub of Ceylon.
Behind the two last named trees note Casimiroa edulis,
and Diospyros Ebenaster, both natives of Mexico, where their
fruits are highly esteemed. On the corner is the Gum Kino
tree of India, Pterocarpus Marsupium, and climbing over it
is the Kaffir orange, Strychnos spinosa. It is now proposed
to return to the foot of the walk near the Bread-nut tree and
note the plants on the right-hand side, leading up to our
present position.
The agaves on the corner are the spiny and spineless
varieties of the valuable fibre plant, Agave sisalana : the
spiny kind is cultivated in Yucatan ; the spineless variety in
the Bahamas. Immediately behind these plants are specimens
of Brexia madagascariensis and of Parkinsonia aculeata.
The strong growing creeper on the pollarded tree is
Anamirta cocculus, the source of Cocculus Indicus, used
chiefly in the preparation of ointments in medicine, and in the
adulteration of beer. Continuing, note Tkunbergia grandi-
flora, a creeper with blue flowers ; Yucca gloriosa ; and a
plant of Clavija ornata.
33
The huge massive climber ascending the trunk of the tall
palm, Dictyosperma album, is Strophanthus gratus, a very
showy plant when in flower. At the base of this climbing
plant is a fine clump of a tall-growing species of Costus, with
large, white flowers : the green shoots it will be observed,
have a peculiar spiral habit of growth.
Note here the entrance to a gully in which a number of
interesting plants thrive. These will now be referred to
before proceeding along the main path. The large palm
growing on the left-hand side of the entrance is Arenga
saccharifera, the sugar-palm of the Malay Archipelago,
valuable to the natives of that region on account of its many
uses. The stalks of the flowers yield large quantities of sap
from which, on slight fermentation, toddy or palm wine is
obtained. On evaporation the sap yields a quality of excellent
sugar. If the tree is cut down before flowering, the starch
contained in the central part of the stem may be made into a
wholesome meal somewhat like sago. A huge specimen of
Bougainvillaea glabra wil] be observed climbing over a Catalpa
tree on the right of the entrance. Some distance off are
clumps of Carludovica palmaia and C. jamaicensis, members
of the Cyclanthaceae. The young leaves of this plant furnish
the material for making Panama hats. Further along is a
climbing Aroid, Monster a deliciosa, a Mexican plant which
bears a fine flavoured succulent fruit. Higher up the gully
are several specimens of the " Bastard Cabbage Bark " tree,
Andira inermis, a native of the West Indies, used as an
anthelmintic ; and the Butter tree of West Africa, Pentadesma
bufy racea.
A small collection of palms, numbering about twenty
genera, is grown in and about this corner ; the more important
species are ; Verschaffeltia splendida, Stevensonia grandifolia,
Licaala grandis, Pinanga Kuhlii, Thrinax SLorrisii,
Ptychoraphis augusta, Martinezia caryotaefolia, Elaeis
guineensis, Hyophorbe Verschaffeltii, Dictyosperma album,
Acanthophoenix Alexandrae, Areca glandiformis, Washing-
tonia sonorae, and Euterpe edulis.
Continuing on the path at the base of the hill, note on
the right Mangifera sylvatica, an Indian tree ; the Jujube,
Zizyphus Jujuba, which is widely cultivated in the East for
34
the sake of its fruit ; and another species of Zizyphus, the specific
name ot which is not known. Further along will be noticed
the Jamaica Allspice, Pimento, officinalis, largely used as a
spice and in medicine for its aromatic and stimulant
properties ; and two species of Manihot, namely : M.
glaziovii, (Ceara Rubber), and M. dichotoma, (Jequie Manicoba),
both of which yield rubber and are suitable for cultivation in
dry climates. Behind the plants mentioned is a collection of
the best varieties of grafted mangoes, Mangifera indica, an
Indian tree now widely cultivated throughout the Tropics
for the sake of its delicious fruit. The varieties growing here
are : Julie, D'or, Divine, Amelie, Gordon, Peters, Bhadoorea,
Pairi, Haden, Mulgoba and Alphonse. Higher up the slope
above the mangoes are plots of Para, Mexican and African
rubbers ; also specimens of Congo or Sierra Leone Rubber,
Landolphia owariensis. Other plants growing on this slope,
taking the specimens nearest the foot path are : Vitex
divaricata, a native timber tree, over which is growing
Strophanthus dichotomus ; the well-known Brazil nut,
Bertholetia excelsa ; a white flowered variety of " Savonette,"
Lonchocarpus violaceus, and Schinus terebinthif alius. Also
Lysidice rhodostegia, a large showy tree native of Southern
China ; the Java plum, Eugenia Jambolana ; and the Cashew,
Anacardium occidentale, remarkable for its kidney-shaped
fruit, which is placed on the end of a fleshy stalk. The tree
yields a gum, and the kernel of the fruit, after being roasted,
is highly esteemed as a nut. It is essential that the kernel
should be roasted before eating as the outer greyish covering
contains a quantity of black, extremely acrid, caustic oil,
which causes ver}' severe burning of the lips and tongue, and
is poisonous. The heating process destroys the poisonous and
caustic properties, and renders the nut wholesome and
agreeable.
On the upper part of the slope, behind the trees just
mentioned, will be found: Albizzia moluccana, used as a
shade tree for cacao in Ceylon ; Peltophorum africanum, a
fine object when in flower ; Haematoxylon campechianum,
a small spreading tree of Central America now naturalized
in Dominica the heart wood of which is the well-known
logwood of commerce and yields the best deep red and black
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35
dyes ; Albizzia Lebbek, discourteously called Woman's Tongue
in many parts of the West Indies, owing to the continuous
noise made by the rattling of its dry thin pods. The heart
wood of this tree is very dark and heavy and is known in
Barbados as Ebony.
On the left-hand side of the walk note : the Jamoon
Eugenia paniculata ; Pseudospondias macrocarpa; Anacardiuni
excelsum ; and the Macassar oil tree, Schleichera trijnga, a
large tree native of India and Ceylon. This tree yields a good
quality timber, and is frequented by the lac-insect . Considerable
quantities of Stick-lac, from which part of the shellac and
lac-dye of commerce is prepared, are collected in India and
Ceylon from its young branches. Note also Mimusops
hexandra, & moderate sized tree of India and Ceylon, whose
bark yields tannin ; and Pois-doux, Inga laurina, a
leguminous tree used in the West Indies as a shade tree and
for planting in wind belts. Immediately opposite the stone
work steps is the Carib Wood of Dominica, Sabinea carinalis
a small tree used for posts. It is one of the finest flowering
plants of the Island. On the left, note Filicium decipiens, a
Ceylon tree with elegant fern-like leaves, which yields a
strong wood valuable for building ; and Terminal i a edulis,
a recently introduced tree, native to the Philippines.
From this point to where the main route connects with the
hill path, the slopes on the right are planted with a collection
of native and exotic trees. Among these note, bordering the
path, the Dattock, Deiarium senegalense, a West African fruit
tree ; and Antidesma Bunias, whose bark affords a fibre
from which ropes are made. The fruits are edible and the
leaves are used as a remedy against snake bites and for other
medicinal purposes. Further on note the Genip, Melicocca
bijuga, whose small green fruits are well known ; Cassia
multijiiga, a small tree bearing masses of yellow flowers, and a
tree of a variety of Pimenta acris, known locally as Bois
dlnde citronelle. The oil obtained from this variety is of
very inferior quality and is known to spoil the superior
product when its leaves are by mistake collected and distilled
with those yielding the genuine Bay oil. Also the Coco plum
36
Chrvsobalanus Icaco ; and the Tamarind, Tamarindus
indie a, the pulp of whose pods, preserved in sugar, is exported
from the West Indies.
Growing on the upper slopes are Sapium aucuparium, a
rubber tree of British Guiana ; the Bead tree, Adenanthera
pavonina ; Anacardium surinamensis ; Trachylobium
vernicosum, the source qf Zanzibar copal, Enter olobiitm
cyclocarpiim, with handsome feathery foliage and curious
circular twisted pods ; and the Sandbox tree Hitra crepitans,
the seeds of which yield a purgative oil. When mature and
dry the valves of the fruit separate with much violence. The
seed cases are sometimes filled with lead and used as paper
weights. Note also two specimens of the Silk Cotton or
Kapok tree, Eriodendron anfraetuosum. These two trees,
though of the same species, are representatives of the two
types producing fibre, the colour of which may be either white
or brown according as to whether the type belongs to the
Eastern or the Western Tropics. The colour of the fibre of the
former is white, and is superior to that of the latter which is
brown. The fibre is known as Kapok and is largely used for
stuffing pillows, mattresses, etc.
The largest supply of the superior article comes from
Java. In the West Indies the brown fibre is used locally for
the purpose mentioned above.
The hill path which connects at this point leads to the
upper garden path, and also to Morne Bruce, a plateau 300
feet above the level of the Gardens, on which are situated the
lime nurseries, various experiment plots, and the collection of
Eucalypts.
Bordering the lower portion of the hill path are clumps of
different kinds of bamboos, amongst which is the common
bamboo, Bambusa vulgaris ; the Male Bamboo, Dendrocalamus
strictus ; the handsome Cephalostachyum pergracile, from the
Himalayas ; and Thyrsostachys siamensis. The innumerable
uses to which the bamboo can be put have often been written
about at considerable length. It may be sufficient to mention
here that the common bamboo supplies the many thousands
of pots used annually in the nurseries, and that in the dry
season its leaves afford valuable fodder. The early stages in
the growth of a new shoot are very interesting, and may be
Cohune Palm {Attaha cohune), at the Emsall Gate. {See page 38.)
37
seen during the wet season. Interplanted with the bamboos
are several specimens of Spathodea campamdata which make
a fine display during the flowering season.
Proceeding on the main route, note on the right specimens
of Thevetia nerifolia, a plant with glossy foliage and yellow
flowers, which yields the " lucky seeds " so much in request
for wearing as charms in the West Indies. The milky juice of
this plant is poisonous. On the left is Mimusops Schimperi,
a native of Abyssinia, said to be the Persea of ancient writers ;
Khaya senegalensis , the source of African mahogany ; and
the Potato tree, Solarium macranthum, which bears large
white and blue flowers. This plant is remarkable in being
one of the few of the Potato family, to which order of plants
it belongs, that take the form of a tree. Next are specimens of
Amherstia nobilis, a very handsome flowering tree of Burma,
and considered by some to be the finest of the flowering trees
of the tropics. The flowers are of a salmon and yellow colour
and are arranged on long pinkish coloured stems which hang
down from the branches among the dark green foliage. The
young shoots have a similar drooping habit, and during the
growing period are an object of great beauty, the young leaves
being of a brownish hue, and prettily marked with dark brown
blotches.
Passing the north end of the Mahogany Avenue, made up
of trees of Swietenia Mahagoni, and of Swietenia macrophylla,
observe the two species, the former being the mahogany
commonly grown in the West Indian Islands, and the latter
the source of Honduras mahogany, and a rare plant in these
islands at the present time. On the right is a small palmetum
consisting of over thirty specimens. Conspicuous amongst
them are the Cohune palm, Attalea cohune ; Bentinckia
nicobarica ; Licuala elegans ; various species of Sabal,
Ptychoraphis, Cocos, Hyophorbe, and others. It is not
necessary in a Guide Book to enumerate all the palms grown
in the Gardens, but it may be stated that over 100 species
representing fifty- two genera are grown, and that the collection
is being increased each year. The large trees growing on the
slopes behind the palms are Tectona grandis, the Teak tree of
India and Burma, which yields a valuable timber of great
durability ; a local tree known as Resinier Grande Feuille,
38
Coccoloba latifolia, one of the handsomest and most durable
woods of this island ; and Eucalyptus tesselaris, the Moreton
Bay Ash, valued in Australia on account of its timber.
The path now joins the main carriage road at the Emsall
Gate. The two palms flanking the entrance, though very
much alike in general appearance, belong to distinct genera,
the one on the right being Scheelea excelsa and the other on the
left the Cohune Palm, Attalea cohune, of British Honduras.
From the seeds of the latter an oil is expressed, which has a
pleasant nutty flavour. Now that special machinery has been
invented to deal with the hard shell of its fruit a difficulty
which had to be overcome before the oil could be extracted on
a commercial scale it is likely that the oil will find a ready
use in the manufacture of margarine, for which purpose it is
said to be verv suitable.
Opposite the gate, and separated from the Garden by the
public road, is a section over 2 acres in extent of the
nursery grounds, which is utilized for raising budded citrus
plants, Limes, Sugar cane, Coffee, Rubber, Onion seedlings, etc.
If one stands near the Emsall Gate and looks along the carriage
road, the interesting plants on the left are Daniel Ha thurifera,
the Bungo tree of Sierra Leone, which yields a fragrant
resin ; the Mabola fruit of India, Diospyros discolor ; the
Silky Oak of Australia, Grevillca robusta, a member of the
Proteaceae, valued for its beautifully marked wood ; and
Gmelina arborea, a large timber tree of India, at the base of
which is growing its ally the scandent Gmelina hystrix.
Climbing over one of the mahogany trees is the Pelican
flower, Aristolochia gigas, var. Stiirtevantii, remarkable for its
large, peculiarly formed flowers, whose structure enables
them to entrap the unwary insects attracted by the foetid
odour which they emit for this purpose. Further in is a
specimen of Lagerstroemia parviflura.
Growing on the lawn on the right-hand side of the drive
note, commencing at the gate : the Bull's Horn Acacia,
Acacia sphaerocephala, native of Mexico ; the soap-berry tree
of Dominica, Sapindus inaequalis ; Triplaris surinamensis ;
Labramia Bogeri ; the Indian Beech, Pongamia glabra ; the
silver foliaged Juniperus pachvphloea ; Traveller's tree,
Ravcnala madagascariensis ; Portlandia grandiflora, a West
... :-.
39
Indian flowering shrub ; and Ixora odor at a, a flowering
shrub of Madagascar bearing sweet-scented white and pink
flowers.
To the right lies the Main Lawn of over 2 acres in extent.
Passing along the path in front of the border, observe the
large spreading Saman trees, Pithecolobium Saman, a
Venezuelan species, which are planted on three sides of the
Main Lawn. This is one of the finest shade trees of the
tropics. The sweet pods of this tree are largely eaten by
horses and stock.
Growing upon some of the trunks of the Saman are
climbing palms of the genera Calamus, and Desmoncus ; a
native monstera, a Philodendron with large perforated leaves ;
Omphalea triandra ; the " Hunterman's Nut," Omphalia
megacarpa ; and a small collection of native and exotic orchids.
The border facing the main lawn is closely planted with
trees, palms, and shrubs. Conspicuous amongst the former
are Jacaranda coerulea, a tree with fern-like foliage and blue
flowers ; the Santol tree, Sandoricum indicum, valued for the
ornamental appearance of its orange-coloured fruits and the
soft, white aril covering the seeds, which is edible ; Givotia
rott/eriformis, the wood of which is exceedingly light, very
soft, evenly grained, and much used in India for making toys ;
and Heritiera macrophylla, whose leaves are of a silvery hue
underneath., which gives rise to the name " Looking-glass tree '
c mmonly applied to it. Other trees growing in this
border are Rhynchosia Wallichia ; Noronhia emarginata ;
Beilschmeidia Roxburghiana ; Cassia nodosa ; Albizzia
lopliantha ; and Uapaca Kirkii. Specimens of Murraya
exotica, and. Steripkoma paradoxa, two handsome flowering
trees, will be found also in this border.
Palms are here represented by Elaeis guineensis, the oil
palm of West Africa, the fruits of which yield the palm oil
of commerce, now used in enormous quantities in the
manufacture of candles, in soap making, and for other
purposes ; and also the Carnauba or Wax palm of Brazil,
Copernicia cerifera, a tree of great economic interest. The
young leaves are coated with wax, which is detached by
40
soaking them. It is then melted arid formed into cakes,
which are used in the manufacture of candles. The trunk
yields a wood of great hardness, and the leaves are used for
thatching, and for hat-making.
Amongst the shrubby plants are two species of Carissa :
C. Carandas, and C. grandiflora, both of which bear white
fragrant flowers, and edible fruits. The former is a native of
India, and bears dark purple fruits ; the fruits of the latter
a South African species are red. Both make good hedge
plants.
Other shrubby plants growing in this border are :
Thunbergia erecta ; Leea sp. a handsome plant with orange-
coloured berries ; various Crotons, Cordylines. Calliandras,
Ixoras, and other plants such as : Ravenala guyanensis ;
and Muehlenbeckia platyclada, the last named a curious bushy
plant with flattened green stems, which serve as leaves, and
bear numerous white flowers. This plant is a native of the
Solomon Islands.
On reaching the corner at the end of this border will be
found Ixora amboinica, and Ixora parviflora, both of which
bear white, sweet-scented flowers ; Oweinia cepiodora ; Spiraea
Reevsiana ; and a species of Polyalthia ; also, Martinezia
corallina, a handsome dwarf palm native to Martinique ; and
Quebrachia Lorentzii, a tree already noted in this book.
On turning the corner and proceeding alon^ the path, a
row of mahogany trees interplanted with Casuarinas will be
noticed. There are specimens of Casuirina equisetifolia, a
leafless tree with jointed pendulous twigs, native to the
Pacific Islands. It yields a wood of extreme hardness. On
the lawn to the right observe several palms including three
spe cies of Corypha :C. elata, C.gebanga, and C. umbraculifera ;
and Arenga Wightii. Observe also Deguelia micro p/iylla, an
attractive tree with purplish flowers, used in Java on coffee
plantations for the purpose of giving shade, and of supplying
mulch ; Hcrnandia sonora, the juice of the leaves of which is
a powerful depilatory, destroying hair wherever applied,
without pain ; and Celtis austral is, a native to South Europe,
North Africa and South Asia. This tree affords a hard and
dense wood well suited for turner's and carver's work. The
berri< s are edible.
41
Rounding the corner by the pavilion observe two specimens
of the Frangipani, Plumieria alba, bearing white flowers ;
also Bauhinia variegata, and Bauhinia purpurea, both of
which are handsome flowering trees. Other trees near the
corner are : the Jamaica Dogwood, Piscidea Erythrina,
which affords a tough wood used for many purposes the root
bark being an intense narcotic ; the Red Silk Cotton tree,
Bombax malabaricum, mentioned elsewhere in this guide ;
and the Paradise nut of British Guiana, Lecythis Zabucajo.
The seed of this tree, known also as Sapucaia nuts, are
commonly sold in fruit shops, and are considered superior in
flavour to, and more easily digested than the Brazil
nut to which they are closely allied. Further along is a
fine Indian bamboo, Melocanna bambusoides. The tree
growing behind this specimen is Kydia calycina, valued for its
mucilaginous bark, which is said to be used in the northern
provinces of India to clarify sugar ; a strong fibre is also
prepared from the bark. Continuing along the path under
the shade of the Saman tree note Peltophorum ferrugineutn,
a handsome quick-growing tree of Ceylon and Malaya. The
flowers, which are sweet-scented and of a brownish-yellow
colour, are borne in large erect panicles, and appear at
irregular intervals, sometimes twice a year.
Pithecolobium Berterianum, a tall specimen growing
behind the last named, affords a light shade, and is valued
as an ornamental tree. Proceeding further observe on the
lawn to the right, after passing the avenue of Acanthophoenix
rubra, (already noted in these pages), a fine specimen of
Myrospcnnum frutescens, a showy flowering tree of South
America ; and further in, behind this tree, a bed of the Betel
Nut palm, Areca Catechu, the seeds of which are commonly
used throughout Ceylon, India and Malaya as a masticatory.
In preparing the latter other ingredients are added, small
portions of the mixture being taken and wrapped separately
in leaves of the Betel Vine, Piper Betle, when it is then in a
convenient form to use.
On reaching the corner take the path to the left. On
the right will be found a bed of Randia Mussaenda, a shrubby
plant bearing white flowers ; and Acanthorhiza aculeata, a
spiny palm of South America.
42
At this point there is an avenue of palms, formed of
Priichardia pacifica, a palm of Fiji, alternated with Euterpe
edulis, a native of Tropical America. Flanking the entrance
on either side are clumps of a low-growing palm of Southern
China, Rhapis flabelliformis.
Proceeding up the avenue the plants on the left are :
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens ; Cassia siamea, a fine flowering
tree; Laportea longifolia; Pandanus Baptistii; and Excoecana
Agallocha, a small tree native of India, with extremely acrid
milky juice. Also a bed of Holmskioldia sanguinea, a
shrub of Northern India, with orange-red flowers ; a huge
plant of the Talipot palm of Ceylon, Corypha unibracidifera ;
and immediately behind the last named a tree of Cananga
odorata, which yields the perfume Ylang-ylang. Near the
main drive note the Kei apple, Aberia caffra, native of the
Cape and Natal. The fruits of this shrub are used in preserves
when ripe, and the shrub itself, being armed with spines,
forms a very useful hedge. A plant of Bougainvillaea
spectabilis, var. laterita, with handsome brick-red bracts, is
here growing over a Catalpa tree.
The plants of interest to be seen on the right-hand side
of the avenue are Brunfelsia americana, a shrubby plant with
pale yellow flowers ; Shorea Tulura, a timber tree of India ;
and specimens of Euphorbia and Hibiscus.
By crossing the carriage road an avenue formed of palms
of Raphia vinifera is reached. This is the Wine palm of West
Africa. It also yields a fibr> used for brush making, which
is known as Piassava Fibre or African Bass. The tree is put
to many uses in its native country. An attractive feature
about most of the palms in the Gardens is the natural ferneries
that have become established on the trunks from spores
carried by the wind and other agencies. This palm appears to
offer the most suitable conditions for fern life, as, being of a
low-growing habit, it gives the requisite amount of shade
and maintains the humidity of the surrounding atmosphere
so essential to the well-being of this class of plants. Other
Raphia palms growing in the vicinity are : R. pedunculate a
very handsome species from Madagascar, situated on the
right-hand side of the avenue near a large Talipot palm ;
A" taedigera, the Jupati palm of Brazil, used for many purposes
i
-
'
43 ,
by the natives of that region. The latter will be met with
later. Tabebuia pentaphylla, one of the finest flowering trees
in the Garden, will be observed on the right at the entrance to
this avenue. Further in, and bordering the carriage drive, is
the native Coconier, Ormosia dasycarpa, a tree which yields
a useful wood for all kinds of house construction work.
Shingles made from this timber are said to be equal in
durability to Wallaba. The seeds are hard, round, and of a
bright scarlet colour with a jet black spot at one end. They
are much in request for making necklaces.
A number of noteworthy plants are grown on the opposite
lawn to the left of the avenue, amongst which is the velvet
Tamarind of West Africa, Dialium guineense, whose small pods
are covered with black velvet-like down. The pulp which
surrounds the seeds has an agreeable acid taste. Next is
Colvillea racemosa, a very showy flowering tree from
Madagascar ; and further in are beds of Ptychosperma
Macarthurii, an Australian palm of bushy habit ; Excoecaria
discolor, the under surface of whose leaves is of a dark red
colour ; and Kleinliovea hospita, a handsome Malayan tree
bearing coral pink flowers. On the lower portion of the lawn
are three specimens of the Coco-de-mer, or double Coco-nut,
Lodoicea sechellarum, only native to the Seychelles. This
rare palm is now being established in several West Indian
Botanic Gardens. The rate of growth is slow, one leaf only
being produced each year: The palm in its native habitat
does not flower until about thirty years old ; the fruits,
which weigh from 40 to 50 lb., take ten years to ripen. The
hard shell of the nut, which is often carved and ornamented,
is highly prized. Prior to the discovery of the Seychelles in
the year 1743, the fruits had been picked up by mariners, and
fabulous stories were told respecting their origin. Next is a
small collection of African rubber-yielding plants, Landolphias,
and plants of Strychnos, which may be seen climbing
over the mahogany trees.
From this point onwards the path is bordered by a hedge
of Burning Bush, Acalypha Wilkesiana. The tall palm
growing just where the hedge commences is Raphia taedigera,
previously mentioned. The Bauhinia growing close by is
44
B. Galpini, a handsome South African species with bright red
flowers. Behind the hedge the land is occupied by a large
collection of grafted mangoes, Mangifera iniic'a, which includes
such varieties as Alphonse, Daramia, Pairi, Kheershapottee,
Bhadoorea, Langra, Julie, Divine, Bombay, Ceylon No. 1
and others.
Proceeding a short distance along the path a border will
be met with on the left-hand side planted with various plants
of ornamental and economic value, notably : the double pink
Hibiscus ; Rondeletia speciosa ; Brownea Kewense ; PavJta
caffra ; small masses of the interesting China grass, Bozhmeria
nivea ; and the Ramie or Rhea, Boehmeria tenaciss : ma. The
latter are fibre plants, both yielding a fibre of great strength
an fineness, but, up to the present, the difficulty of extracting
it from the inner bark has not been satisfactorily overcome.
Other interesting plants in this border are the wild Lime
of India, Atalantia monopyhlla, which furnishes a heavy close-
grained wood suitable for cabinet work ; Clerodendron
Bakeri ; and specimens of the Queen of Flowers, Lagerstroemia
Flos-reginae, a large deciduous tree of India and Burma. The
latter yields a valuable timber used in shipbuilding and all
kinds of construction work. It is grown in the West Indies
on account of the beauty of its regal purple flowers. Further
along will be found the Sandal Wood, Santalum album, whose
fragrant wood is much used in India for carving, for ornamental
purposes, and for burning incense ; and the well-known
Pomegranate, Punica granatum. The dried rind of the fruit
is of value as a remedy for dysentery, and, like the bark,
is used for tanning ; the root is an excellent vermifuge.
Immediately behind these trees is a collection of Mexican
varieties of the Avocado pear, Persea gratissima var.
drimy folia.
The building on the right is a Cacao drying house, used
for drying cacao. During sunny weather the sliding trays
are drawn out into the open, but in dull or wet weather the
trays are pushed under cover and drying is effected by means
of flues heated from a furnace at one end, whilst at the
opposite end a fan is kept going to keep the heat in circulation.
Large quantities of cacao, as well as nutmegs and kola nuts,
Looking .South along the Avenue of Palms Pritchardia
imcifica (alternated with Euterpe edulis). {See page 42.)
45
pass through this house in the course of a year. Growing
behind the cacao house is Tecoma serratifolia, a tree of great
beauty during the flowering period, when it bears a wealth of
bright yellow flowers.
On arriving at the end of the path note on the left
Flacourtia sepiaria, a bushy shrub valued as a hedge plant
on account of its spiny nature, and for its berries which have
a pleasant sub-acid flavour when ripe.
The Curator's office is now reached and the walk around
the Gardens is completed.
Manurial Experiments with Cacao.
The area under cacao cultivation in the Botanic Gardens
is estimated at 1\ acres, of which over 4 acres, divided in ten
plots, are devoted to manurial experiments. Five of the plots
have been carried on for twenty years, and the others for
fifteen years. The crop results have been carefully recorded
over these periods, and tabulated for publication in the Annual
Reports on the Agricultural Department. Very valuable
information has been obtained from these experiments which
has proved of great interest to planters engaged in cacao
growing in this island and in other countries.
These plots have clearly demonstrated the prime need of
the use of complete fertilizers in orchard cultivation, and the
necessity of maintaining the humus content of the soil by the
application of pen manures and mulches. By these means
the fertility of the soil is kept up and the production of good
crops over long periods is made possible.
The old series of experiments were brought to an end on
June 30, 1922, and the new series, details of which are given
below, were then commenced. In the new experiments, the ten
plots fall naturally into four sections as regards soil and
situation, therefore the plots within the various groups are
comparable with each other. The first seven plots are on
level land ; the three others are situated on a hillside.
The new experiments, as proposed, should be of greater
interest to planters than the old ones ; but in this respect it
should always be remembered that new series are the outcome
of the work done, and the experience gained during the
continuance of the first series of manurial plots.
46
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47
Experiment Plots.
Plot No. 1. An area over 1 J acres in extent of established
cacao trees (Theobroma Cacao), native of Central America,
divided into five manurial plots. These have been maintained
for twenty years (see Annual Reports on the Botanic Gardens),
and they have afforded valuable indications in regard to the
manurial treatment of cacao in the island.
The three varieties of Theobroma Cacao are known
respectively, by the name of Criollo, Forastero, and Calabacillo,
and there are sub- varieties existing between the main types.
The Criollo variety yields the best produce, but it is delicate,
and cannot be successfully grown on a large scale under the
climatic conditions of Dominica. Consequently the hardy
Forastero, and still more hardy Calabacillo, are chiefly grown.
The pods when ripe are cut off the trees, and placed in
heaps. Women then break the pods and extract the beans,
which are put in boxes to undergo fermentation for a period
of six or seven days, care being taken to turn the beans daily.
After this process is finished, the beans are spread out on trays,
and danced upon or rubbed by hand, to remove the pulp,
previous to their being dried for export.
Cacao is produced on a considerable scale in Dominica,
the exports for 1919 having been 7,387 cwt., valued at 37,293.
Plot No. 2. This contains fifty-two grafted plants of a
selected variety of Forastero cacao. The plot is interesting as
being one of the first field experiments with grafted cacao
plants.
Plot No. 3. This contains a small collection of citrus
plants budded on sour orange stocks. Here may be seen the
Shaddock and Pomelo, Citrus decumana, and the well-known
Grapefruit a variety of this species. Also the Portugal
orange, Citrus Aurantium, var. lusitanica ; the Sweet lime,
Citrus medica, var. Limetta ; and two kinds of the Lemon,
Citrus medica, var. Limonum. \0{
The various species of citrus now so widely cultivated in
the Tropics are all of Eastern origin, and were originally
introduced into the West Indies by the Spaniards.
48
Plot No. 4. On this plot are growing twenty-five trees
of Cola acuminata, a tree of West Africa, one of the species
which yield the Kola nuts of commerce. These nuts are
said to be used in Tropical Africa in the same manner as betel
nuts in Asia. They are chiefly valued in Africa for satisfying
the craving of hunger, and for enabling those who eat them
to endure prolonged labour without fatigue. There is a
large internal trade in the nuts in that country.
Plot No. 5. Here may be seen twenty trees of the Para
rubber, (Hevea brasiliensis) , native to the forests of the valley
of the Amazon, and now extensively cultivated in the Middle
East. This species yields the best rubber. The enormous
demand which exists for rubber, and the many uses to which
it is put are well known.
Plot No. 6. This is devoted to Spineless lime plants, a
variety of the common Spiny lime, (Citrus medica, var. acida).
The common lime was introduced into the West Indies by the
Spaniards. It is now extensively cultivated in Dominica.
The fruit when ripe falls to the ground, and is then collected
and placed in heaps for conveyance to the mill for crushing.
The juice is exported raw for making cordials, and, when
concentrated about 10 : 1, in order to reduce bulk, for making
citric acid. This process of concentration unless carefully
carried out is very wasteful, and, in order to overcome this
preventable loss, the manufacture of calcium citrate, which
represents a great advance over concentrated juice, was
commenced in 1906. Recently a factory has been erected by
the well-known firm of L. Rose <x Co., Ltd. for the local
production of the finished product, citric acid. Otto of limes
is prepared from the rind of the fruit by the ecuelling process,
and essential oil of limes by distillation of the juice before it is
concentrated or used in the manufacture of citrate of lime.
There is also a considerable trade in shipping green limes to
New York, Canada, and Great Britain, and a small business in
pickling limes in salt-water for export to Boston, U.S.A.
The value of the lime products exported from Dominica during
1919 amounted to /196.401.
Plots Nos. 7 and 8. Both of these are manurial experiment
plots of cacao (Theobroma Cacao).
49
Plot No. 9. The following varieties of the common
Orange, (Citrus Aurantium), are growing in this plot:
Washington Navel, Bahia Navel, Jaffa, Florida and Hybrid ;
also the Jamaica and Old Bahama varieties of the grapefruit
(Citrus decumana, var.).
Plot No. 10. Growing upon the hedges of Physic Nut,
(Jatropha Curcas), are the Mexican vanilla ( Vanilla
planifolia), and the Vanillon, ( Vanilla Pompona). The
fragrant fruits of both species are well known, and largely
used to flavour chocolates, creams, liqueurs, etc.
Here is also a small collection of the Indian oil grasses,
namely, Ginger Grass (Cymbopogon Shoenanthus) , Citronella
grass, (Cymbopogon Nardus), Lemon grass, (Cymbopogon
citrahis), and Vetiver, ( Vetiveria Zizanioides). The oils
obtained from the leaves of the Cymbopogons, and from the
roots of the Vetiver are largely used in perfumery, and for
scenting soaps.
Plots Nos. 1 1 and 12. These are devoted to the cultivation
of the Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), a native of the Moluccas.
The fruit, a flesh} 7 drupe, of a yellow colour, has the
appearance of the European apricot. The fleshy exterior,
which is used for making jam, splits open when ripe, disclosing
the seed or nutmeg surrounded by the scarlet aril. The
latter, known as mace when cured for market, is of a yellow
colour. Nutmegs are largely used as a spice. An oil is
obtained from the nuts by distillation, and nutmeg butter by
pressure. Both substances are used for scenting soaps.
Plot No. 13. On this plot are plants of hybrid cacao
obtained by crossing Alligator cacao, (Theobroma pentagona),
and Forastero cacao (Theobroma Cacao).
Here are also plants of Congo coffee, (Coffea robusta), a
free growing prolific species from West Africa, which thrives
with considerable vigour at low elevations. The white
flowers of the coffee tree are produced in dense clusters in the
axils of the leaves, and give the trees a fine appearance during
the short time they remain open. They are succeeded by
numerous fruits, each of which contains two seeds known as
coffee beans. The fruits when ripe are picked from the tree,
and passed through a pulping machine in order to remove the
50
outer covering. The seeds are then washed, and undergo a
cold fermentation for twenty-four hours in order to get rid of
the mucilage which surrounds them. After drying, the
parchment-like husk and silver skin enclosing the seeds are
removed by machine processes. The coffee beans are then
ready for market.
Growing on this plot are a few plants of the Kola nut,
(Cola vera), from West Africa, a species which is said to
produce finer nuts than those yielded by Cola acuminata.
Plot No. 14. Selected varieties of West Indian Avocado
Pears, (Per sea gratissima), and the Mexican varieties Fuerte
and Puebla, and others, are under experimental cultivation
on this ground.
Plot No. 15. Growing here are three species of cacao,
namely, Forastero cacao, (Theobroma Cacao), Alligator cacao,
( Theobroma pentagona ) , and Tiger cacao, ( Theobroma
bicolor) . All the species named are natives of Central America :
the two first named yield excellent cacao. The seeds of Tiger
cacao are not of value commercially.
Plot No. 16. On this area are trees of the well-known
Tangerine orange, (Citrus nobilis), and a few selected kinds of
the Grapefruit, (Citrus decumana var.).
Plot No. 17.--This small plot consists of the Bush coffee,
(Coffca stenophylla) , Liberian Coffee, (Coffea libcrica), and
Abeokuta coffee, (Coffca liberica, var. Abcokuta). The
berries of the first named are dark purple in colour when ripe.
Both species, as well as the variety, are hardy and prolific, and
though not producing the highest class of coffee, they are
suitable, for cultivation at low elevations. Coffca arabica
and its varieties, which produce the best coffee, thrive only at
a >nsiderable elevations.
Plot No. 18. A fairly large area under economic plants
of great interest, interplanted with grafted Forastero cacao.
Plot No. 19. A similar area, with the common seedling
orango interplanted with seedling cacao.
51
Nurseries.
The plants raised in the nurseries consist chiefly of limes,
cacao, Para rubber, vanilla, coffee, nutmegs, the best varieties
of grafted mangoes, and budded citrus, as well as timber and
other useful trees.
The raising of plants for distribution at cheap rates forms
a very important part of the work of the Gardens, and one
which demands a good deal of the time of the staff.
The maintenance of Government nurseries is of very
considerable assistance to planters, the latter being relieved of
the work of raising and caring for seedling plants during their
early stages. In the case of new settlers it enables the first
cleared areas to be planted at much earlier periods than would
otherwise be possible, thus effecting a gain in time which is
often of the utmost importance to the planter.
The demand for plants continues on a large scale, and
involves the upkeep of a nursery area of over 5 acres in
extent.
It is doubtful if the nurseries can be extended further,
and it is hoped that private enterprise will step in and continue
the work started under Government auspices. In the present
stage of agricultural development, a well organized nursery
is a necessity to the planters of the Island.
Much work has been accomplished in the Government
nurseries in applying the methods of budding and grafting to
tropical economic plants not hitherto propagated by these
means. It has been shown that the important cacao plant,
which, until a few years ago, was exclusively propagated by
seed, can now be increased by either grafting or budding, and
these methods are now practised in the propagation of other
fruits such as avocados, mangoes, and all kinds of citrus
By these means it is possible to fix and increase any variety of
these plants which observation has shown to be possessed of
some special and desirable quality.
52
In order to show the extent of the nursery work, a table
the yearly distribul
ion of pl<
ints for fi
iteen years,
19-20 is given belo\
v :
1905- 6
65,731
1906- 7
83,000
1907- 8
53,855
1908- 9
67,596
1909-10
79,009
1910-11
69,295
1911-12
76,363
1912-13
75,146
1913-14
58,198
1914-15
67,042
1915-16
65,700
1916-17
53,640
1917-18
45,518
1918-19
32,609
1919-20
55,837
The average annual sale of plants during the above period
is 63,000. In addition there is also a considerable distribution
annually of seeds of rubber, coffee, green dressings, fodder
grasses, shade trees, papaws, vegetables, and of bud-wood of
the best varieties of citrus.
Morne Bruce Lands.
The Morne Bruce lands may be reached by either taking
the public road leading up the hill past the Cemetery, near the
Roseau gate, or by following the path known as Jacks walk.
This path takes a zig-zag course up the precipitous Morne
Bruce cliff, and commences at the foot of the hill near the
Emsall Gate.
By following Jacks walk, which is the most direct route,
the visitor remains on Government land throughout the tour
of the Agricultural Department, which extends beyond the
Morne Bruce lands to the Valley where the Lime Experiment
Station is situated. The Lime Experiment Station will be
referred to later.
53
In following this route the opportunity is afforded the
visitor for inspecting at close range some of the native trees
previously mentioned in these pages. In addition to the
native trees and shrubs, several specimens of Bamboos will
be observed.
The overhanging branches of the bamboos, and the
various other trees and shrubs, afford a certain amount of
shade, and make conditions for walking up the steep slope
more pleasant than would be the case if the path were exposed
to the sun. It may be observed that the bamboos serve a
double purpose in that they provide shade, and, planted as
they are on the lower edge of the walk, help to bind the soil
and prevent the path from slipping away during the wet
seasons. Less than half way up the walk a path branching
off to the right will be noticed. This is the upper garden path
which passes behind the various cacao plots and leads to the
Curator's office.
From this point, taking the path leading up the hill, the
top of the Morne Bruce cliff is reached in less than 5 minutes.
Having reached the top after a strenuous climb, a few minutes
will be well spent on the seat, from which a good view of the
Gardens and surrounding country can be obtained. The
large palm growing on the site of the old ruined Fort is
Corypha umbrae nl if era, the Talipot palm of Ceylon.
Planted along the edge of the cliff are several trees of the
Flamboyante, Poinciana regia, interplanted with Cassia
Fistula, both of which make a fine show in the flowering
season. The latter is known locally as " Cass." The
medicinal value of the pods has been referred to elsewhere.
Several vernacular names have been given to this tree in India
and Ceylon where it is a native : Indian Laburnum being the
most appropriate to English ears owing to the resemblance of
its yellow flowers to those of the well-known Laburnum of
cooler regions.
Proceeding for some distance along the path a lime
nursery of some 2 acres in extent will be noted on the left.
Close by is a collection of Australian Gum trees, Eucalyptus
spp. established some years ago from seeds imported from
Australia. Prior to the hurricanes of 1915 and 1916 the
collection comprised some seventy-two species, but many of
54
these were destroyed as a result of these tropical disturbances,
and the number of species now remaining does not exceed
fifty. These Eucalypts have been kept under observation
with a view to finding quick growing trees suitable for fuel
purposes, and adapted to local climatic conditions. Several
of the species appear to thrive here in spite of the heavy rainfall
and exposure to wind. Unfortunately thev do not produce
seed freely or regularly, therefore, to maintain a supply of
nursery plants, it would be necessary to import seed at
regular intervals.
The path now leads under the shade of a row of Saman
trees interplanted with which are specimens of a handsome
palm, Phoenix reclinata to the corner, where it joins with
the public road which is the other route from Roseau.
Take the turning to the left and proceed as far as the
avenue planted with date and coconut palms. It will be
observed that the trunks of the former, like those of many
other palms of similar habit, make fine natural ferneries.
The plot of land on the left is about 2 acres in extent
and contains batches of various plants, including : Paradise
nut, Lecythis Zabucajo ; Para Rubber, Hevea brasiliensis ;
Central American Rubber, Castilloa elastica ; Camphor ;
Spineless Limes ; and the Mexican Apple, Casimiroa edulis.
The fruits of the latter somewhat resemble an English apple in
size and appearance, and have a very pleasant flavour.
Though the fruit itself is edible, the seeds, which are used in
medicine in Mexico, are poisonous.
After leaving the avenue of date and coco-nut palms
follow the road leading through the pasture. The four long
buildings here situated are old military barracks. In the
earfy days of the Agricultural Department these buildings
were used as an Agricultural School ; as many as twenty-five
pupils being then under training. Pedigree animals were kept
for stud purposes, and part of the boys training consisted in
the care of these, as well as bee-keeping, vegetable gardening,
and general agricultural routine work. From this point
onwards there is little to note until the Lime Experiment
Station is reached some 300 yards further along the road.
55
Lime Experiment Station.
Originally, the land now occupied by the Experiment
Station was nothing better than a waste piece of ground,
which, though owned by the Government, became generally
known as the " free lands " where the poorer people of Roseau
were at liberty to make gardens. The continuous cropping of
this piece of land, without any return being made in the shape
of manure, eventually resulted in an impoverished condition
of the soil, and gradually the ground was abandoned and
allowed to go to bush. Certain parts which had been planted
in limes by the boys of the Reformatory School at the Morne
in the year 1893 shared the same fate. This condition
continued until 1913, the year the Agricultural Department
took over what is now the Experiment Station. With these
few facts concerning the original condition of the land, the
visitor will be able to appreciate the extent of the improvement
which has resulted from proper care and attention having
been given in regard to manurial treatment and general
cultivation.
The area of the Lime Experiment Station is approximately
65 acres about half of which is under cultivation, the remainder
being bush land of doubtful agricultural value. Of the land
under cultivation, 22 acres are planted in limes ; 9 acres in
coco-nuts ; one acre in grape fruits and oranges ; and about
H acres are devoted to mulch plots ; Shea Butter,
Butyrospermwn Purkii ; and Camphor. Camphor has also
been planted in wind-breaks which may be seen at the lower
end of the valley.
The Experiment Station, as far as limes are concerned,,
commences on the corner at the foot of the road leading from
Morne Bruce to the valley. The plot of coco-nuts close by is
situated on the eastern boundary. By turning to the right
and following the public road to Roseau, the various lime
plots may be seen on either side.
On the corner will be found a plot of the true Camphor
bearing trees. Several experimental distillations have been
made from the leaves and twigs taken from these specimens.
Another batch of camphor trees will be observed on the
opposite side of the road behind No. 1 Lime plot.
56
The wind-break running parallel with plot 1 is planted
with Poix Doux, Inga lamina, a tree largely used in the Island
to give protection to cacao and lime cultivations from the
wind. Another of the same kind of wind-break is planted at
the back of the lime plots on the right, commencing just
behind the camphor plot and extending for some distance
along the slope.
As all the principal plots bear a board showing the
manurial treatment given to each, a description of the
experiments may serve as a sufficient guide to enable the
visitor to follow the line of work which is here undertaken in
the interests of planters.
The principal manurial experiments now being conducted
in this valley were commenced in 1917, and take the place of
those started in 1913 which were considerably disorganized
as a result of the damage wrought by the hurricanes of 1915
and 1916.
The present experiments are conducted in 3 series known
as original, duplicate and triplicate series, each of which
consists of five plots. Each plot is approximately |-acre in
extent and contains twenty-four trees which are planted at
20 x 20 ft. apart. The trees planted in 1913 which were
included in the original experiments came through the
hurricanes undamaged and now form series 1 and 2. Series
3 consists of old trees planted in 1893. The object in
including old trees in the experiments is to ascertain to what
degree old trees are able to respond to the application of
fertilizers.
The following treatment given to the 5 plots in series 1 is
repeated in series 2 and 3.
Plot 1 Complete manure,
do. 2 Control,
do. 3 Mulch.
do. 4 Nitrogen and Phosphates,
do. 5 Nitrogen and Potash.
By repeating the same treatment three times a comparison
of the results obtained from each series allows of a more
accurate conclusion being drawn as to the true value of the
manures employed.
All the plots in the 3 series, with the exception of two
which are lower down on the right, will be found on the left-
hand side of the road. On the right-hand side of the road are
four plots of lime trees which receive a complete manure.
Two of these plots consist of the ordinary spiny type and one
of the spineless variety, both kinds being budded on the sour
orange stock. The spineless variety was discovered many
years ago on the Shawford Estate, and following its discovery
was planted on several other estates throughout the Island.
In spite of the advantage it possesses over the spiny type in
being unarmed with spines, it is a less prolific bearer, and for
this reason has not been extensively planted. The fruit of
the spineless variety though small, possesses a very thin rind,
an abundance of clear juice, and contains fewer seeds than the
ordinary kind ; but these good points do not appear to out-
weigh its shy -bearing qualities.
At the end of these plots stands the old military cemetery,
in front of which several trees of Shea Butter, Butvrospermum
Parkii, are growing. The Shea Butter tree has been mentioned
elsewhere in this guide. It is a slow growing tree and is a
native of Africa. Continuing along the road other lime plots
under manurial experiments will be found lower down the
valley. These experiments, like those already noted, are
conducted in 3 series. Each series consists of three lacre
plots. The following treatment given to series 1, is repeated
in series 2 and 3.
The plots are numbered 16 to 24.
Plot 16, 500 lb. Mixed Fertilizer.
Series 1 Plot 17, Control (no manure).
Plot 18, 1,000 lb. Mixed Fertilizer.
In addition to the fertilizers, each plot, with the exception
of the controls, receives an application of mulch at the rate of
2i tons per acre.
Mulch, consisting of the leaves and succulent twigs of
various leguminous plants, as well as cut grass, bush, cane-
tops, or any other vegetable material, forms an essen ial and
valuable addition to tropical soils. Mulch not only gives the
soil the necessary protection from the strong rays of the sun,
58
it also improves its physical character ; adding as it does to
the humus content of the soil, and thereby increasing the
power of the soil to retain moisture and manurial constituents.
Most of the mulch material is grown on plots of land
near the lime cultivation. A fairly large piece of ground
used for this purpose will be noticed near plot 22. The tall
trees growing on this land are specimens of the Honduras
Mahogany, Swietenia macrophylla.
At the foot of this slope are several specimens of the oil
palm, Elaeis guineensis, of West Tropical Africa. The fruits
of this palm yield the valuable oils of commerce known
respectively as Palm oil and Palm Kernel oil. The former
obtained from the outer fleshy fibrous layer of the fruit, is
used chiefly in the manufacture of soaps and candles ; while
the latter, obtained from the kernel, is used for making
margarine, and for other purposes.
In addition to the lime cultivation under manurial
experiments, other areas planted elsewhere with this crop will
be observed. These areas, several of which are suitable as
experiment plots will serve in future experiments as occasion
may demand. In the meantime such cultivation is a source
of financial support to the Department, the whole crop being
sold to Messrs. L. Rose & Co., Ltd., of the Bath Estate.
An outstanding feature of most of the plots is the system
of drainage. The contour drains on the steep slopes are of
special interest. For the information of visitors who may not
know of the value and utility of contour drains in parts of the
tropics where heavy rains are experienced, it will be as well
to mention that the chief purpose for which such drains are
made is to prevent the rush of water down the slopes, and so
preserve the loose surface soil and manurial constituents from
being carried away. In the absence of contour drains, much
of this material is eventually washed down during successive
heavy showers on to the lower part of the slope, and into the
valleys and ravines where it is lost to the cultivation. On
steep slopes where the precaution in supplying contour drains
is neglected, there soon appears a striking difference between
the colour of the leaves of the plants at the top, and the leaves
59
of those at the foot of the slope : the plants at the top
exhibiting a yellow and sickly appearance, whilst those at the
bottom are usually of a dark green and healthy appearance.
The collection of grape fruit trees on the left hand side of
the road comprise the following varieties : Walters grape fruit,
Silver Cluster, Duncan, Marsh's seedless, Jamaica and Triumph.
Behind these are a few choice varieties of orange trees,
such as : Pineapple, Ruby blood orange, Boon's Early, King
mandarin and Satsuma mandarin. These were planted for
the selection of the best kinds and for the supply of bud wood
for budding purposes.
It only remains to be stated that development work in
connexion with limes and other plants is being steadily
continued. By the time this is completed, it is hoped a
factory will be erected for dealing with what will be a large
crop of limes in order that experiment and research work in
the manufacture of lime products may be undertaken by the
staff of the Department. Such investigations are important
and necessary, and are the natural outcome of cultural and
manurial experiments in the field.
To show the way to improvements and to increase the
efficiency of the lime industry as a whole, is the main aim of
the Experiment Station. It is the only way of meeting
successfully the keen competition which is now beginning to
face the lime planter of Dominica.
INDEX,
Page.
A.
Abeokuta Coffee ( Coffea liberica var. Abeokuta) .
50
Aberia caffra
42
Acacia riparia
.
13
sphaerocephala
. . . .
38
Acalypha Wilkesiana
. .
18,43
Acanthophoenix Alexandrae
. . . . .
33
rubra (palm)
6,41
Acanthorhiza aculeata
41
Achras Spp. . .
. .
23
sapota
. .
22
Acoma (Sideroxylon floribundum)
10
Acrocomia sclerocarpa
. .
17
Adansonia digitata . .
. .
15
Adenanthera pavonina
. . . . .
36
Aechmea fulgens
25
Aegle Marmelos
.
22
African Mahogany ( Khaya senegalensis)
37
Afzelia madagascariensis
. . . .
11
Agave Franzosinii
. . .
19
rigida var. Sisalana
. .
32
Agaves
11
Akee (Blighia sapida)
27
Albizzia Lebbek
35
lophantha . .
. . m
39
Moluccana . .
.
34
Aleurites triloba (Candle berry tree)
7
Allamanda violacea . .
11
Alligator Cacao ( Theobvoma
pentagona)
. . 28, 49, 50
Allspice Tree (Pimenta officinalis)
34
Aloes
>
11
Alpinia Galanga
21
nutans
18
Alstonia scholaris
7
Amherstia nobilis
*
37
Amyris balsamifera . .
13
Anacardium excelsum
. . * *
35
occidentale
. .
34
surinamensis
36
Anamirta cocculus
32
Anchovy Pear ( Grias cauliflova)
22
Andira inermis
.
33
Annatto (Bixa orellana)
. -
18
Anodendron paniculatum
. .
18
Anona Buchanani
27
muricata
25,27
recticulata
25
squamosa
25
Antidesma Bunias
35
Antigonon leptopus . .
23
11.
A. {Concluded.)
Aralia Guilfoylei
Araucaria Bidwilli
brasiliensis
Ardisia Oliveri
Areca Aliciae (palm)
catechu
glandif orrnis
Arenga Engleri
saccharifera
Aristolochia gigas
Artabotrys odoratissimus
Artocarpus incisa, var. seminifera
integrifolia
Lakoocha
Assam Rubber Tree ( Ficus elastica)
Astrocaryum Ayri
Atalantia monophylla
Attalea cohune
Averrhoa Bilimbi
Carambola
Avocado Pear (Persea gratissima)
Arundo donax (Giant reed)
B.
Baba-ou-lc ( Dioscorea alata)
Bactris major (palm)
Baikiea Eminii
insignis
Balata (Mimusops globosa)
Balisier ( Hcliconia Bihai)
Balsam of Copaiba {Copaiba balsamifera)
Tolu (Myroxylon Toluifera)
Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris)
( Th \ whys siamensis)
dwarf {Bambusa nana)
spiny {Bambusa spinosa)
Bambusa nana (Dwarf bamboo)
spinosa (spiny bamboo)
Baobab tree ( Adansonia digitata)
Barringtonia spcci'
Basser palm [Manicaria saccifera)
Bassia latifoi
Bastard Cabbage Bark Tree (Audita inermis)
Bauhini.i Galpii
Petersiana
picta
purpurea . .
torn*
v. baa
Bay tr menta arris)
Bead Tree ( A ra pavonina)
(/ irpus Ganitrus)
BeaumoTi indiflora
Beilschmeidia Roxburghiana ..
Page.
15
19, 31
19
28
7
41
33
17
33
38
15
22, 27
23
22
14
12
44
37, 38
23
23
27, 44
9
13
8
29
10
23
27
31
14, 28
36
9
8
9
8
9
15
15
9
30
33
44
18
18
41
18
41
24
36
10
15
39
111.
B. {Concluded.)
Ben, oil of (Moringa pterygosperma)
Bentinckia nicobarica
Berrya Ammonilla
Bertholetia excelsa . .
Betel Nut ( Areca Catechu)
Vine {Piper Betle)
Bignonia alliacea
unguis-cati
Bilimbi ( Averrhoa Bilimbi)
Bixa Orellana
Blighia sapida
Boehmeria tenacissima
Bois Bambarra [Diospyros Ebenaster) . .
Chandelle ( Amyris balsamifera) . .
Cotlette {Cilherexylon quadrangulare)
Diable {Licania hypoleuca)
d'lnde {Pimenta acris) . .
D'Orme {Guazuma ulimfolia)
Flot (Ochro)na lagopus)
Pain {Talaunia plumieri)
ravine {Calliandra tergemina)
Vinette {Erythroxylon ovatum)
Bombax Malabaricum
Borassus flabelliformis (Palmyra palm)
Bougainvillaea glabra
laterita
spectabilis
var. laterita
vars
fatuosa
Brachychiton acerifolium
Brasil Nut {Bertholetia excelsa)
Bread-and-Cheese tree {Pithecolobium ungius-cati)
Fruit ( Artocarpus incisa)
Nut {Artocarpus incisa var. seminifera)
{Brosimum Alicastrum)
Brexia madagascariensis
Bromelia pinguin
Brosimum Alicastrum
Brownea coccinea . . . .
Kewense
Sp.
Brunfelsia americana
Bull's Horn Acacia ( Acacia sphaeroaephala)
Bumelia retusa
Bungo Tree {Daniella thurifera)
Bursera gummifera
Bush Coffee ( Coffea stenophylla)
Butea frondosa
Butter Nut ( Caryocar nuciferum)
Tree {Pentadesma butyvacea)
Butyrospermum Parkii
Byrsonima spicata
Page.
6,
24,
23
37
15
34
41
41
22
13
23
18
27
44
26
13
13
25
24,35
13
27
26
8
13
41
9
33
16
11
42
5
11
30
34
26
22
27
32
32
25
32
22
44
22
18, 42
38
12
38
12
50
12
27
33
28, 55, 57
11
17,
IV.
Page.
C.
Cacao, experiments with . . . . . . . . 46
Caconier ( Ormosia dasycarpa) . . . . . . 43
Caesalpinia coriaria . . . . . . . . . . 27
sappan (Sappan wood) . . . . . . 10
Calabash ( Crescentia Cujete) . . . . . . . . 26
Calathea allouvia . . . . . . . . . . 29
Calliandra haematocephala . . . . . . . . 18
Calliandra tergemina (Bois Ravine) .. .. .. 8, 17
Callichlamys riparia . . . . . . . . . . 15
Calophyllum Calaba (Galba) . . . . . . . . 7
Camellia Thea . . . . . . . . . . 28
Camoensia maxima . . . . . . . . . . 31
Camphor (Cinnamomum Camphora) .. .. .. 20
(officinarum) . . . . . . . . 55
Cananga odorata . . . . . . . . . . 42
Canarium commune . . . . ... . . . . 31
Candle berry tree ( Aleurites triloba) . . . . . . 7
tree, Panama (Parmentiera cerifera) . . . . 8
Cap-la-hou ( Dioscorea alata) .. .. .. .. 13
Capparis ferruginea . . . . . . . . . . 18
Carambola ( Avrrrhoa Carambola) .. .. .. 23
Carapa guianensis (Crab wood) . . . . . . 8
Carcinia Buchanani . . . . . . . . . . 31
Cardamoms {Elataria cardamomum) .. .. .. 28
Carib Wood (Sabinea carinalis) . . . . . . 35
Carica Papaya . . . . . . . . . . 22
Carissa Carandas . . . . . . . . . . 40
grandiflora . . . . . . . . . . 40
Carludovica jamaicensis . . . . . . . . 33
palmata . . . . . . . . 33
Carnauba Palm (Copcrnicia cerifera) . . . . . . 39
Caryocar nuciferum . . . . . . . . 27
Caryota . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Blancoi (palm) . . . . . . . . 9
mitis (palm) . . . . . . . . . . 9
urens (palm) . . . . . . . . . . 9
Corypha umbraculifera (palm) . . . . . . 6
Cashew ( Anacardium occidentale) . . . . . . 34
Casimiroa edulis
Cass ( Cassia fistula)
Cassia emaginata
Fistula
grandis
multijuga
nodosa
siamea
Sieberiana
32
53
8
6, 53
8
35
39
24
30
Castanospermum australe .. .. .. .. 29
Castilloa elastica . . . . . . . . . . 24
Casuarina equisetifolia . . . . . . . . 40
Catalpa longissima (French oak) .. .. 8, 15, 17
Ceara Rubber (Manikot glaziovii) .. .. .. 34
Cedar. Wesl Indian ( Ce dre la odor ata) .. .. .. 16
Page.
C. (Continued.)
Cedrela odorata
16
Toona
14
Cedron (Simaba cedron)
29
Celtis australis
40
Cephylostachyum pergracile
36
Cebrea Tanghin (Ordeal Nut)
11
Cereus
11
Cestrum diurnum
10
Champac (Michelia Champac)
24
Chaulmoogra oil
30
Cherry, Surinam (Eugenia Micheli)
25
West Indian (Malgighia glabra)
31
Chicle Gum ( Achras spp.)
23
Chloroxylon Swietenia
15
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (palm)
. 7,11,42
Chrysobalanus Icaco
36
Chrysophyllum cainito
21
Cicca disticha
30
Cinnamomum brevifolium
21
Camphora
20
officinarum
55
Zeylanicum
28
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum brevifolium) ..
21
Citharexylon quadrangulare
13
Citronella Grass (Cynibopogon Xardus)
49
Citrus Aurantium var. lusitanica
31,47
decumana
49
medica var. acida
48
Limetta
31,47
Limonum
47
nobilis var. major
31
Clausena Wampi
32
Clavija ornata
32
Clerodendron Bakeri
44
Eastatum
11
Clibadium Vargesii
22
Climate and Rainfall
3
Clove Tree (Eugenia caryophyllata)
24
Coca (Erythroxylon Coca)
22
Coccoloba latifolia
38
Cocculus Indicus
32
Cochlospermum Gossypium
23
Coco-de-mer (Lodoicea sechellarum)
43
Coco Plum ( Chrysobalanus Icaco)
35
Coconut ( Cocos nucifera)
31
Cocos plumosa
15
Coffee ( Coffea arabica)
50
Congo ( Coffea robusta)
49
Coffea liberica
50
robusta
49
stenophylla
50
Cohune Palm ( Attalea cohune)
37, 38
Cola Afzeli . .
29
vera
50
VI.
Page.
C- (Concluded.)
Oolvillea racemosa . . . . . . . . . . 43
Combretum laxum .. .. .. .. .. 21
Comocladia ilicifolia . . . . . . . . . . 17
Congea tomentosa .. .. .. .. .. 21,23
Copaiba balsamifera . . . . . . . . . . 31
Copaifera officinalis . . . . . . . - . . 11
Corallita ( Antigonon leptopus) . . . . . . . . 23
Cordia Gerascanthus . . . . . . . . 13
Sebestena . . . . . . . . . . 28
Corypha elata . . . . . . . . . . 40
gebanga . . . . . . . . . . 40
umbraculifera . . . . . . . . 40, 42, 53
Couroupita guianensis (Cannon ball tree) . . . . 12
Crabwood ( Carapa guianensis) . . . . . . 8
Crataeva gynandra . . . . . . . . . . 29
Crescentia cucurbitina . . . . . . . . 26
Cujete . . . . . . . . . . 26, 27
Croton discolor . . . . . . . . . . 43
tiglium . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cryptostegia grandiflora . . . . . . . . 15
Crysophyllum glabrum . . . . . . . . 25
Milleni . . . . . . . . 19
Cupressus glabra . . . . . . . . . . 19
Custard Apple ( A nona reticulata) . . . . . . 25
Cycas Seemanii . . . . . . . . . . 19
Cymbopogon citratus . . . . . . . . 49
Nardus . . . . . . . . 49
Schoenanthus . . . . . . . . 49
D.
Dalbergia lanclolaria. . . . . . . . . . 11
Sisso . . . . . . . . . . 11
Daniella thurifera . . . . . . . . . . 38
Datarium senegalense . . . . . . . . 35
Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) . . . . . . 29
Dattock (Datarium senegalense) .. .. .. 35
Dendrocalamus strictus . . . . . . . 36
Derris dalbergeoides . . . . . . . . 10
I Galium guineense . . . . . . . . . 43
Dictyosperma album . . . . . . . . 33
Dillenia indica .. .. .. .. 17
Dioscorea alata . . . . . . . . . . 13
Diospyms discolor . . . . . . . . . . 38
Ebenaster . . . . . . . . 26, 32
Kaki . . . . . . . . . . 28
Divi Divi (Caesalpinia coriaria) . . . . 27
Dogwood (Piscidea Erythrina) .. .. . 41
1 >i lichandrone platycalyx . . . . . . . . 14
Dracaena Sanderiana .. .. .. .. 11
I >m anta Plumiei i . . . . . . 14,16
Duriao (Durio Zibethinus) .. .. .. .. 28,30
Durio zibethinus .. .. .. .. 28
Vll.
E.
Page.
Elaeis guineensis
. 33, 39, 58
Elaeocarpus Ganitrus (Bead tree)
10
Elaeodendron glaucum
20
Elemi (Canarium commvne)
31
Elettaria Cardamomum
28
Emsall Gate
24
Encephalartos Hildebrantii
17
Entada polystachya
15
Enterolobium cyclocarpum
36
Entrance Gates
4
Eriobotrya japonica
22, 29
Erythrina senegalensis
23
Erythroxylon Coca . .
13, 22
ovatum
13
Eucalyptus collection
53
corymbosa
20
creba
18
patentinervis
6
tereticornis
24
tesselaris
38
Eugenia caryophyllata
24
eauliflora
31
Jambolana . .
34
lineata
23
malacensis . .
26
Micheli
25
paniculata
35
Euphorbia splendens
28
Euterpe edulis
33, 42
Excoecaria Agallocha
42
Experiment Plots, Cacro
45
F.
Fagraea Zeylanica . . . . . . . . . . 32
Feijoa Sellowiana
32
Feronia Elephantum. .
31
Ficus altissima
14
Benjamina
7
elastica
14
Parcelli
24
Vogelii
14
Filicium decipiens
35
Flacourtia Ramontchi
23
sepiaria
45
Flamboyante (Poinciana regia)
. 8, 24, 53
Frangipani (Plumieria alba) . .
41
French oak (Catalpa longissima)
8
Fruit Beal ( Aegle Marmelos) . .
22
Funtumia africana . .
24
elastica
24
latifolia
24
Furcraea
11
Vlll.
G.
Page
Galba {Calophyllum Calaba)
Galphimia brasiliensis
Gamboge ( Garcinia Morella)
Garcinia Indica
Mangostana
Morella
oblongifolia
Xanthochymus
Gardenia florida
Garlic Pear ( Crataeva gynandra)
Genip {Melicocca bijuga)
Ginger ( Zingiber officinalis)
Grass (Cymbopogon Schoenanthus)
Lily ( Hedychiam coronarium)
Givotia rottleriformis
Gliricidia maculata
Gmelina arborea
Hystrix
Golden Apple (Spondias Borbonica)
Gooseberry, West Indian {Pereskia aculeata)
Governor Plum (Flacourtia Ramontchi)
Granadilla (Passiflora quadrangular is)
Grape-fruit {Citrus decnmana var.)
collection of varieties
Grevillea robusta
Grias cauliflora
Guaiacum officinale
Guava (Psidium sp.)
Berry {Eugenia lineata)
Guazuma ulmifolia
Guinea Grass {Panicum maximum)
H.
Hardwickia pinnata . .
Hedychium coronarium
Heliconia Bihai
Heritiera macrophylla
Hernandia sonora
Hibiscus Waimcae
Hirtella triandra
History of the Gardens
Holmskioldia sanguinea
Horse Tamarind or Wild Tamarind {Leucaena glauca)
Hunterman's Nut ( Omphalca megacarpa)
Hymenea Courbaril (West Indian Locust)
Hyophorbe amaricaulis
Verschaffeltii
11,
7
16
31
31
28
31
30
31
16
29
35
22
49
22
39
27
38
38
23
17
23
21
49
59
38
22
23
25
23
13
25
11
22
27
39
40
19
15
1
42
13
39
12
s
33
I.
Indian Beech {Pongamia glabra)
[nga laurina
Itinerary
Ivory palm {Phytclephas macrocarpa)
38
35. 56
4
9
IX.
Page.
I. [Concluded.)
-xora Amboinica
40
coccinea
18
lutea
18
macrothyrsa . .
10
parviflora
40
J.
Jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus)
31
pennatifolius
30
Jaboticaba (Mycaria cauliflora)
29, 30
Jacaranda cerulea
39
mimosaefolia
14
Jamoon (Eugenia paniculata) . .
35
Jatropha Curcas
49
multifida
18
Java Plum (Eugenia Jambolana)
34
Jequie Manicoba (Manihot dichotoma) .
34
Jujube (Zizyphas Jujuba)
33
Juniperus Bermudiana
16
pachyphloea
38
Jupati Palm (Raphia taedigera)
! '.. 42
K.
Kaffir Orange (Strychnos spinosa) . . . . . . 32
Kaki Plum (Diospyros Kaki) . .
28
Kapok (Eriodendron anfractuosum)
36
Kei Apple ( Aberia caffra)
42
Khaya senegalensis
37
Kigelia pinnata
17
Kleinhovea hospita
43
Kokum Butter (Garcinia Indica)
31
Kola Nut (Cola vera)
50
Kuteera Gum
23
Kydia calycina
41
L.
Labramia Bogeri
Ladoicea sechellarum
43
Lagerstroemia flos-reginae
44
parviflora
38
Lansium domesticum
29
Laportea longifolia
42
Laurier Cypre ( Cordia Gerascanthus) .
13
Lecythis Zabucajo
54
Leea sp.
40
Lemon (Citrus medica var. Limonum) .
47
Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
49
Leucaena glauca
13
Liberian Coffee (Coffea liberica)
50
Licania hypoleuca
25
Licuala elegans
37
grandis
33
Lignum Vitae ( Guaiacum officinale)
23
X.
L. (Concluded.)
Lime Experiment Station
Spineless (Citrus medica var. acida)
Limonia acidissima . .
Litchi ( Nephelium Litchi)
Livistona chinensis . .
olivaeformis
Logwood ( Haematoxylon campechianum)
Lonchocarpus cyanescens
violaceus
Loquat ( Eriobotrya japonica) . .
Lucuma mammosa . .
multiflora
Lysidice rhodostegia
M.
Mabola (Diospyros discolor)
Macadamia ternifolia
Macassar Oil Tree (Schleichera trijuga) . .
Mahogany, Honduras (Swietenia macyophylla)
(Swietenia Mahagoni)
Mahwa Tree ( Bassia latifolia)
Main Gate to Curator's Office
Malay Apple ( Eugenia cauliflora)
malaccensis
Male Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) . .
Malpighia glabra
Mammea americana
Mammee Apple (Mammea americana)
Mandarin ( Citrus nobilis)
Mangifera indica
sylvatica
Mango (Mangifera indica)
Mangosteen (Garcinia numgostana)
Manicaria saccifera (Bussu palm)
Manihot dichotoma . .
glaziovii
Manila Hemp (Musa textilis) . .
Manur$l Experiments with Cacao
Plots, Limes
Marking nut tree (Semccarpus Anacardium)
Marmalade Plum (Lucuma mammosa) ..
Martinezia Caryotaefolia
corallina
Mauritia flcxuosa
Melaleuca sp.
M-locactus communis
Melocanna bambusoides
Michelia Champaca
Mimusops Elengi
globosa
hexandra
Schimperi
Monkey Cai .10 ( Theobroma angusiifolia)
Monodora tcnuifolia . .
Page.
55
48
11
29, 30
17
17
34
6
12, 34
22, 29
27
25
34
38
30
35
6, 58
37
30
5
31
26
36
31
22
22
31
34, 44
33
34,44
27
9
34
34
23
45
56
12
27
33
40
18
12
19
41
24
10
23
35
37
31
28
XI.
M. (Concluded.)
Monstera
Monstera delicosa
Moreton Bay Ash (Eucalyptus tesselaris)
Chestnut (Castanospermum australe)
Moriche Palm (Mauritia flexuosa)
Morinda citrifolia
Moringa pterygosperma
Morne Bruce
Morus alba
Muehlenbeckia platyclada
Mulberry (Morus alba)
Indian (Morinda citrifolia) . .
Murray a exotica
Musa textilis
Myricaria cauliflora. .
Myristica fragrans
Myrobolans (Terminalia belerica)
M y rospermum frutescens
Myroxylon sonsonatense
Toluifera
N.
Napoleona Miersii
Negro Peach (Sarcocephalus esculentus)
Nephehum lappaceum
Litchi
Longanum
Nerium Oleander
Norantea guianensis
Noronia emarginata
Nurseries
also work of
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) ..
Objects of the Gardens
Ochroma Lagopus
Odontadenia speciosa
Office
and Laboratory
Oil Palm ( Elaeis guineensis) . .
Oleander ( Nerium Oleander) . .
Omphalea megacarpa
triandra
Opuntia
Ordeal nut ( Cerbrea Tanghin) . .
Oreodoxa oleracea (Cabbage palm)
Ormosia dasycarpa
Oroxylon indicum
Otaheite Gooseberry (Sicca disticha)
Owenia cepiodora \~-
Page.
. #
39
. .
33
. .
38
strale)
29
18
23
, i %
23
36, 52
18
40
18
23
39
23
29, 30
49
16
41
14
. .
14, 28
11
14
30
29, 30
29
18
12
39
20
51
49
i
27
22
45
20
39, 58
18
39
39
11
11
6
43
31
30
40
Xll.
Page.
Pachira aquatica
21
Pain d'Epices
25
Palmyra palm {Borassus flabelliformis)
9
Panama hats
33
Pandanus Baptistii . .
42
graminifolius
15
luzonensis
15
pacificus . .
19
Sanderiana
17
utilis (Screw pine)
10, 11
Panicum maximum
25
Papaw ( Carica papaya)
22
Paradise Nut ( Lecythis Zabucajo)
41, 54
Parkia africana
19
Parkinsonia aculeata
32
Parmentiera cerifeva (Candle tree, Panama)
8
Passiflora quadrangularis
21
Pelican Flower ( Aristolochia gigas)
38
Peltophorum africanum
34
ferrugineum
41
Linnaei
14
Pencil Cedar (Juniperus Bermitdiana) . .
16
Pentadesma butyracea
33
Pereskia aculeata
17
Persea gratissima
27, 44
Petrea volubilis
15
Phoenix acaulis
17
canadensis . .
7
dactylifera . .
29
humilis var. Roebelini
17
reclinata
54
rupicola (palm)
6
Physic Nut ( Jatropha Curcas)
49
Phytelephas macrocarpa (Ivory palm) . .
9
Piassava Fibre ( Raphia vinifera)
42
Pilocarpus microphyllus
31
sp.
30
pennatifolius
30
racemosus
30
Pimenta acris
24, 35
officinalis
34
Pinanga Kunlii
33
Pinus Bahamensis
17
longifolia
19
sinensis
19
Piper Bctle
41
longum
19
Pepper {Piper longum)
19
Piptadenia peregrina
26
Piscidea Erythrina . .
41
Pitcairnia coccinea . .
25
Pithecolobium Berterianum
41
Sam an
39
unguis-cati
-26
Xlll.
P. (Concluded.)
Plants distributed, number annually
Platymiscium platystachyum . .
Pleomele fragrans
ugandensis
Plumieria alba
Podocarpus sp.
Poinciana regia (Flamboyante)
Pois-doux ( Inga laurina)
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Pomelo (Citrus decumana)
Pongamia glabra
Portugal Orange (Citrus Aurantium
Posoqueria latifolia
Potato Tree (Solanum macranthitm)
Poutaria suavis
Premna odorata
Pritchardia pacifica
Pseudospondias macrocarpa . .
Psidium Guava
Pterocarpus Marsupium
-Rohrii
Ptychoraphis augusta
Ptychosperma Macarthuri
Purple Wreath (Petrea volubilis)
var
lusitanica)
Page.
52
25
21
21
41
10
8, 24, 53
35, 56
44
47
38
31, 47
24
37
29, 30
7
42
35
25
32
7
7, 33
43
15
0.
Quebrachia Lorentzii
Queen of Flowers (Lager stroemia Flos-reginae)
Queensland Nut (Macadamia ternifolia)
Quisqualis indica
26,40
44
30
15, 16
R.
Rainfall and Climate
3
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)
30
Ramie (Boehmeria tenacissima)
44
Randia maculata
21
Mussaenda
41
Raphia pedunculata . .
42
taedigera
42, 43
vinifera
42
Raphis f labellif ormis
42
Ravenala Guianensis
40
Madagascariensis
38
Reed, Giant (Arundo donax)
9
Resinier Grande Feuille ( Coccoloba latifolia)
37
Rheedia edulis
23
Rhyncosia Wallichia
39
Roble Tree (Platymiscium platystachyum)
25
Rondeletia speciosa
44
Roseau Gate
16
XIV.
R. {Concluded.)
Roucou (Bixa orellana)
Rubber, Lagos ( Funtumia elastica)
Mexican ( Castilloa elastica)
Para ( Hevea brasiliensis)
Rubbers, Para, Mexican and African
Russelia juncea
Page.
18
24
24
24
34
11
S.
Sabinea carinalis
Saman Tree (Pithecolobium Saman)
Sandbox Tree ( Hura crepitans)
Sandal Wood (Santalum album)
Sandoricum indicum
Sansevieria
Sapindus inaequalis
Sapium aucuparium . .
sebiferum
Sapodilla ( A chras sapota)
Sappan wood (Caesalpina sappan)
Saraca cauliflora
indica
Sarcocephalus cordatus
esculentus
Satin Wood (Chloroxylon Swietenia)
Saussage tree ( Kigelia pinnata)
Savonette (Lonchocarpits violaccus)
Scheelea excelsa
Schinus terebinthifolius
Schleichera trijuga
Screw pine (Pandanus utilis) . .
Semecarpus Anacardium (Marking nut tree)
Shaddock (Citrus decunnoiu)
Shea Butter Tree (Butyrospcrmum Parkii)
Shellac, or Stick-Lac. .
Shorea Talura
Sideroxylon floribundum (Acoma)
Sierra Leone Rubber (Landolphia owariensis)
Silk Cotton, Red (Bomb a v Malabaricum)
Tree (Eriodendron cuifractuosum)
Silky Oak (Grcvillea robusta) . .
Simaba Cedron
Simaruba amara
Sisal Hemp
Situation and extent of Gardens
Soapberry Tree (Sapindus inaequalis)
Solan um macranthum
Sophora tomentosa
Souari Nut (Caryocar nuciferum)
Sour Sop ( Anona muricata)
Spathelia simplex
Spathodea i ampanulata
Spiraea Eta vsiana
Spondia - Borbonica
11,
14,
35
39
36
44
39
22
38
36
10
22
10
22
18
19
19
15
17
34
6, 38
34
35
10
12
47
28, 55, 57
35
42
10
34
41
36
38
29
15
32
2
38
37
31
27
25
23
7, 37
40
23
XV.
S. ( Concluded. )
Stapelia sp.
Star Apple . .
Plum ( Crysophyllum glabrum)
Sterculia alata
carthaginensis
foetida
Steriphoma paradoxa
Stevensonia grandifolia
Streblus asper
Strophanthus dichotomus
gratus
Jackianus
Preusii
Strychnos spinosa
Sugar Apple ( Anona squammosa)
Cane (Saccharum officinarum)
-Palm ( Arenga saccharifera)
Swartzia grandiflora
Sweet Lime ( Citrus medica var. Limetta)
Swietenia Macrophylla (Honduras mahogany)
Mahagoni
Syncarpia laurifolia
Page.
17
21
25
12
28
18
39
.
33
21
.
34
. .
.
33
21
.
21
.
32
.
25
. .
.
31
.
33
.
18
. .
1 .
31
,47
. .
.
6
58
.
37
.
31
T.
Tabebuia leucoxylon . .
pentaphylla
Talauma Plumieri
Talipot Palm ( Corypha umbraculifera) . .
Tamarind ( Tamarindus indica)
Tea ( Camellia Thea)
Teak Tree ( Tectona grandis)
Tecoma serratifolia . .
spectabilis
'S Lcins
Tectona grandis
Tendre Acailloux (Piptadenia peregrina)
Terminalia Arjuna . .
belerica . .
Buceras (West Indian White wood)
Catappa
edulis
sericea
Theobroma bicolor . .
pentagona
Thevetia nerifolia
Thrinax Morrisii
parviflora (palm)
Thunbergia erecta
grandiflora
Thyrsostachys siamensis (bamboo)
Tiger Cacao ( Theobroma bicolor)
Topee Tambou ( Calathea allouvia)
. ,
43
26
. .
53
36
. .
28
*
37
45
10
.
13
.
37
26
10
. .
16
*
6
11
35
31
.
28,
50
28, 49,
50
*
*13,
37
a
33
7
18,
40
32
.
9, 17,
36
. .
28,
50
29
XVI.
T. (Concluded.)
Trachylobium verrueosum
Traveller's Tree (Ravenala madagascariensis)
Trinax Morrisii
Triplaris surinamensis
Turks Cap Cactus (Melocactus communis)
Page.
36
38
12
38
18
U.
Uapaca Kirkii
39
V.
Vangueria edulis
28
Vanilla planifolia
49
pompona
49
( Vanilla planifolia)
49
Vegetation, general features of the
. 3
Verschaffeltia splendida
33
Vetiver ( Vetiveria Zizanioides)
49
Villebrunea integrifolia
22
Vitex divaricata
34
Voa-Vanga ( Vangueria edulis)
28
W.
Wampi (Clausena Wampi)
32
Washingtonia filifera (palm) . .
7
sonorae
33
Wine Palm (Raphia vinifera)
42
Woman's Tongue ( Albizzia Lebbek)
35
Wood Apple (Fcronia Elephant urn)
31
Wormia Burdidgei . .
32
Y.
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata)
40
Yokewood (Catalpa longissima)
17
Yucca aloifolia
--
sdoriosa
z
Zamia sp. . .
Zingiber officinalis
Zizyphus Jujuba
19
22
33
