THE BURNING BUSH.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 257, 9 March 1917, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE BURNING BUSH.

One of the most remarkable plant* in the world is certainly the .so-called Burning Bush (Dictamnus fraxinella) J his species is native to \\\*tern Asia, though nowadays commonly to be found in gardens in temj>erate regions. A great many people w ho grow the plant are quite unaware of it, strange habite. As a matter of fact the Dictamnug secrotes a fragrant essential oil in great a >undance. This is produced in espeeial.v large quantities by tho flower stems, in warm weather volatilising so that the air surrounding the plant is impregnated. !• urther, this vapour is highly inflammable, and if a naked «ame is brought near to the plant the tunies at once take fire with a mo* singular result. The wliolo plant is siirrounded with crackling shooting flames, noddish m colour, and having a highly aromatic odour behind them. Hie urning Bush is not injured in any way » tho fire, for the flames do not actually uome in contact with tho plant itself. r

Several conditions are needful if the experiment with the Burning Bush <3 ty Ihi a Miccess. Thus it is essential that the ;iir should be rorv dry and warm, alx, that there should be' practieallv no wind. The effects are secim-d on.v just after the opening of the tinners are just reaching perfection th(\, c conditions cannot always I* relied upon. A plan has recently been devued |> y means of which the inflammal>.e nature of tho vapours given out hy 11! 0 may be shown with startling effect.

A strong plant of the Burning Bush 'i ' ' n a f 5Ol - At the time when the flowers re ju»t reaching perfection i< placed in a g!a-s.s jar or a shade. I his is closely covered for some hour., before tho time of the experiment.. On removing the cover \ liflht is held over the plant, when there in a grMt out-burst of flame. So great is the rush of tire that it is wise to keep one's face away from the top of the jar: a nasty burn is not by any mean* out of the question. After an interval of an hour or so with the jar or case rlosod i,p the experiment may l»e related with similar results. In connection with ttie Diteamims, it I, rather remarkable that the speciw is common where tlw incident of Mows and the Burning Bti.,h is said to have cr":uri-e I.