It belongs properly to the herbiferous species, and grows with uncommon rapidity.

It reaches its full growth the first year: in the second it bears fruit, and then dies.

It is produced from shoots, which generally spring up near the parent tree.
Through one mountain stream, which chafed along the ravine over a stony bed, and in some places was exceedingly rapid, and, in consequence of the rain that had lately fallen, was frequently more than three feet deep, we had to wade sixty-two times.

My guide caught hold of me by the hand whenever we passed a dangerous spot, and dragged me, often half swimming, after him.

The water constantly reached above my hips, and all idea of getting dry again was totally out of the question.