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226. b. Quercus gilba, Bl., Jap. Ichiigashi, Ichii ; an
evergreen tree of the oder Amentaceae, growing principally in
warm regions, attaining a height of 20-30 fts. The acorn is like
that of Quercus acuta, Th. or Q. glauca, but is edible being less
bitter.
227. Euriale ferox, Salisb., Jap. Onibasu ; an annual
aquatic herb of the order Nymphaeaceae, growing in ponds and
marshes, with broad round leaves floating on the water. It is
green on the upper part and purple underneath, with thorns on
both sides. In summer it bears flowers above the water surface,
opening during the day and fading in the evening. After the
flowers fade, the thorny balls grow to a size of 3-4 inches. They
contain several round seeds about of the size of a finger. The
seeds are collected for their edible kernels, which are dried and
preserved and used to make starch. Its young
are also edible.
stalks and roots
228. Nelumbo nucifera, Gaertn., Jap. Hasu-no-mi;
the seeds of this plant are produced about 30 in number in a
carpel. They are oblong and oval, being about of the size of a
finger. The kernels are eaten fresh when they are green. The
shell is black and hard when ripe, and has a white kernel inside.
The kernel is dried and preserved by taking away the embryo
which is bitter. It is used for cookery, and made into starch.
229. Trapa bispinosa, Roxb., Jap. Hishi-no-mi; an
annual aquatic herb of the order Onagracea?, growing in ponds and
marshes. Its leaves float on the water surface, and it blooms 4
petaled white flowers, being succeeded by 2-4 horned fruits, which
are of different sizes and are used in the same way as the lotus.
230. Citrus nobilis, Mandarin orange, Jap. Mikan ; an
evergreen tree of the order Aurantiacea? cultivated in warm
regions, being about 10 fts. high. It blooms early in summer, and
its fruits ripen iu winter. The fruit-skin is of an orange colour,
and incloses a juicy pulpy carpel. There are several varieties
according to the climate in which they are cultivated. The dis~