On the hedge plants of India, and the conditions which adapt them for special purposes and particular localities / by Hugh F.C. Cleghorn.

Date:
[1850?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the hedge plants of India, and the conditions which adapt them for special purposes and particular localities / by Hugh F.C. Cleghorn. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    Euphorbia nivulia, Buch. E. neriifolia, Hort. Beng. Ela Calli, Hort. Malab. ii. t. 43. Sij, Hind. Ela Calli, Can. A poor-looking tree, grows abundantly in the rocky parts of the Deccan, and forms a common hedge, delighting in the arid districts. Habitat ubique in Indise sepibus.—Buch. It has a whitish dead appearance, resembling a bundle of dry sticks, and unless for a short period during the rains, when it puts forth a few leaves, rather takes from than adds to the appearance of the landscape (Graham). The branches being as thick as the stem, their accumulated weight often breaks it, and the plant falls to the ground. Ccesalpinia sepiaria, Box. Mysore Thorn. Hyder ka Jar, Hind., i. e. Hyder's Plant. A showy scandent shrub, armed with short strong recurved prickles. This plant is invested with historical interest, Hyder Ally having employed it much as a protecting hedge around Ins strongholds. The fences are handsome, and almost impenetrable. The village fortifications in the Mysore territories have in a great measure fallen to pieces; but the remaining mud walls are still encircled by stout hedges of this and Pterolobium lacerans, as are also the dwellings of the Pariahs who are not permitted to build within the village walls. It is generally used as a fence in the Baghyat lands of the Deccan. Indigenous in the subalpme districts, - and has been domesticated at Madras and in Bengal, where it is now nearly as common as in Mysore. Hyder's plant, possesses the advantages of beauty and durability, is easily raised from seed in rows wherever the fence is to be established, and seems to grow vigorously both above and below the Ghauts in almost every climate. The hedge requires little care beyond shortening the side branches by occasional pruning. The base is generally substantial, so as effectually to resist the pressure ot cattle and to prevent the ingress of destructive vermin. Ccesalpinia Sappan, L. Sappan Wood. Patanga-mara, Can. An armed climbing shrub planted in garden or other fences j it is easily reared from seeds in almost any soil, if the plants are watered during the dry weather. After ten or twelve years the wood of the plant becomes valuable for its red dye, and is exported extensively from the western coast*. * Mud. Top. Report, i. p. 495.
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