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Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 33, 2 November 1929, Page 7

.Standing “like Ruth amid the alien corn” there arc several rather uncommon exotics in the fine botanical garden of natives that Mr. T. L. Lancaster is getting together in the grounds of the University College (states _ the “Auckland Star”). There is a Chinese eandlenut, which promises to be an Important plant commercially. The nut yields an oil with exceptional drying properties, after the style of Japan oil used by painters as a drier. There is an unsatisfied demand for this oil. Another eandlenut, although it does not grow in New Zealand, comes under our llora, as it hails from the Kermatlecs. Polynesians string the oily nuts on a string or dry rush, and so make a very good imitation of a candle. Perhaps the most interesting strangers are several cuttings of the Paraguay tea plant, from which, in South America, the drink “mate” is made. In that part of the world it is drunk much as we drink tea, nnd is said to be much more refreshing arid sustaining.