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ECONOMIC PLANT'S.

AN INDEX

TO

ECONOMIC PRODUCTS

01

THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM

IN

JAMAICA

i OMPILEDBY

WILLIAM FAWCETT, B.Sc, F.L.S.,

Director of Public Gardens and Plantations, Jamaica.

JAMAICA :

GOYERNMENT PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT, 79 DUKE STREET, KINGSTON,

1891

s

c 2.

PREFAO E.

This Index of Products has been prepared as an indication of the
various uses to which plants growing in Jamaica may be put. It has
been written somewhat hurriedly in order to have it for reference
during the Exhibition.

The arrangement is in alphabetical order of the scientific names
with cross references from the common names. After the botanical
name comes the common name ; then its habitat, followed by a very
short description of the plant.

The parts of the plants which are of economic use are arranged in
the following order, — root, stem, leaves, flowers, fruit.

Reference has been made, when necessary, to the Bulletin of the
Botanical Department. Several works have been consulted, of which
the chief are Watt's Dictionary of Economic Pr )ducts of India, Vols.
' I. and II., A to C ; Bentley and Tiimen's Medicinal Plants; Macfa-
dyen's Flora of Jamaica, Vols. I. anil II ; Kew Bulletin. The last
mentioned publication should be in the hands of all who are in any
way interested in tropical agriculture.

W. F.

rsi

134649

ABRUS PRECATORIUS, Linn.
Wild Liquorice, Crab's Eyes.

Native of India. Naturalised in West Indies.

A twining plant, belonging to the Pea Family (Leguminosce), with
rose-coloured flowers and scarlet seed with black eye.

Root has been used as a substitute for liquorice.

Leaves. — Fresh leaves, steeped in warm castor oil, (relieves local
pain.

Seeds. — " Used internally in affections of the nervous system and
externally in skin diseases, ulcers, affections of the hair/' (butt.) One
to 3 grains boiled with milk is a tonic; unboiled, purgative and emetic.
Decorticated and finely ground, cause purulent ophthalmia, due to a
substance abrin which is poisonous to the blood, but not in the
stomach.

Used by goldsmiths in India as weights ; the Arab name girat is
said to be the origin of the weight carat.

Used ornamentally for necklaces, etc. The specific word precato-
rim points to their use for rosaries.

ACACIA CATECHU, Willd.
Catechu, Cutch.

Native of India and Burma.

A tree; leaves compound; flowers small, clustered in spikes, white
or pale yellow ; pod flat, 5 or 6 inches long. (Leguminosce.)

This tree yields a gum, which is a good substitute for gum arabic.

" Catechu" is the resinous extract, obtained by boiling down a de-
coction of chips of the heartwood.

A solution of Catechu is, by the action of lime or alum, changed
into a dull red colour, which constitutes a fairly good dye.

It is not a good tan, as it colours the skin.

Medicinally, Catechu is a powerful astringent. " It may be em-
ployed to restrain immoderate discharges in all cases unattended with
inflammatory action.

It is given in diarrhoea and leucorrhcea, and combined with the bal-
sam of copaiba, in the chronic stage of gonorrhoea. It forms an ex-
cellent tooth-powder." (Macfadyen.)

Cutch consists of the crystals deposited on twigs placed iu a boiling
decoction from the chopped wood. It is chewed by the Hindoos in
combination with betel-nut, betel leaf, and lime.

Wood : a sapwood yellowish white ; heartwood, dark or light red,
extremely hard. The wood seasons well, takes a fine polish, and is
extremely durable. It is not attacked by white ants or toredo. It

s used in India for oil and sugar cane crushers, agricultural imple-
ments, bows, spear and sword handles, and wheelwrights' work. A
cubic foot weighs about 701bs." (Watt.)

ACHRAS SAPOTA, Linn.
Naseberry, Sapodilla.
West Indies. Tree with dark green shining leaves and brown fruit.
(Sapotacece.)
Wood durable.
Fruit, when ripe and fresh, is sweet, and of a good flavour.

ACROCOMIA SCLEROOARPA, Mart,
Groo-groo Palm.

A native of the W. Indies, and tropical S. America. A palm, 30 to
45 feet high, prickly stem ; leaves pinnate ; spathe covered with black
prickles; fruit yellow, fleshy, 1 \ inch diem. (Palmce.)

Yields a fibre "of remarkable softness and fineness." (Cross.) See
Bulletin No. 17.

Fruit. — Oil used for external application to ease pain.

ADENANTHERA PAVONINA, Linn.
Circassian Seeds.

Native of India. A tree belonging to the Pea Family (Leguminosce)
with compound leaves, and bright scarlet seeds.

Leaves. A decoction is used for chronic rheumatism and gout ; as
an astringent and tonic in atonic diarrhoea and dysentery.

Wood. The red heart- wood is used in India as a substitute for red
sandal wood. It is hard, closer grained, durable and strong, and is
used for house-building and c binet-making.

Powdered and mixed with water, it relieves prickly heat, ;ind head-
aches.

Seeds. Powdered, and rubbed with water, applied for boils, prickly
heat, also for headaches,

Powdered and beaten up with borax, forms a good cement.

As ornaments for necklaces, &c, and also as weights.

ADRUE. See Cyperus articulatus.

AGAVE MORRISII, Bak.
Coratoe, May Pole.

Native of Jamaica. An agave with green leaves, wriih prickles, and
orange-coloured flowers. (Amaryllidece.)

Leaves vield a fibre, which is not of much value, as it is slightly
curled. The juice is diuretic ; forms a soapy lather with salt water.
"Leaf roasted — cataplasms — maturating . . . Juice, boiled to a thick
consistence, spread on leather, as a plaster, to he used in gout."
(Dancer.)

Pole — section, used as razor strop

AGAVE RIGIDA, Mill., var. SISALANA, Perr.

Sisal Hemp.

Native of Centnl America, naturalized in Florida.

An agave with glaucous leaves, with or without piickles (Amary*
llidece.)

Dry, rocky soil suits this plant best. Information on Sisal Hemp
will be found in Bulletin No. 15.

Retting is not required for the agaves. Sisal Hemp resists th»
action of wet, and is therefore useful for cables, rigging- cordage, &o.

AKEE. See Cupania edulis.
ALBIZZIA LEBBEK, Benth.
Siris Tree, Woman's Tongue.

Native of tropics in old world Naturalised. A tree with com-
pound deciduous leaves, and long light-coloured pods. It belongs t«
the Pea-Family (Leguminosce.)

Rout. — Bark strengthens gums when spongy and ulcerated.

Bark applied to injuries to the eve, and used in tanning. The gum
is used to adulterate gum-arabic in calico printing, and in the pre-
paration of gold nnd silver leaf cloths.

Wood : weight 40 to 60ibs. per cubic foot. It seasons, works, and
polishes well, and it is fairly durable. (Watt). Used for furniture,
boats, sugar-cane crushers, oil mills, picture frames, etc.

Leaves said to be useful in ophthalmia. In India, given to camels
as fodder.

Flowers used in India as a cooling medicine, and externally for
boils, eruptions, etc.

Seeds are astringent, and the oil extracted from them is thought
useful in leprosy. The powdered seeds have been administered in
scrofulous enlargement of glands.

ALEURITES MOLUCCANA, Willd.
Indian Walnut, Candle Nut.

Tropics. A tree, with simple, often 3-lobed leaves. (EuphorbiacecB.)

Root affords a brown dye.

Bark yields a gum, also found on fruit.

Seeds. Kernels taste like walnuts.

Nuts strung on strip of bamboo burn like a candle.

A fixed oil is obtained either by boiling bruised seeds or by expres-
sion, superior to linseed oil, as a drying oil tor paint, and for other
purposes connected with the arts.

Used as mordant for vegetable dyes.

Cake used after expression, as fodder for cattle, and also as manures.

Acts as a mild purgative, its action being unattended with either
nausea, colic, or other ill effects. It approaches castor oil, and ha*
been found quite as certain in its action, with the advantage of pot-
sessing a nutty flavour; dose \ to 1 oz. (Pharm. of India.)

8

ALLAMANDA CATHARTICA, Linn.

Allamanda.

Tropical America. A climber, with, opposite leaves and large yellow
flowers. (Apocynacece.)

Leaves considered a valuable cathartic in moderate doses.

ALLIGATOR APPLE. See Anona Paltjstris.

i

ALLIGATOR WOOD. See Guarea Swartzii.

ALLIUM CEPA, Linn.

Onion : Wild in Turkestan. Cultivated everywhere. (Liliacece.)
Bulb used as food, and medicinally.

ALLSPICE. See Pimenta officinalis.

ALOE VERA, Linn.

Aloes.

Northern Africa. Cultivated in tropics. A plant with thick suc-
culent leaves and yellow flowers. (Liliacece.)

Root supposed to be efficacious in colic.

Leaves contain a bitter juice, which drains from the cut end, and
dries slowly in the sun.

Juice fresh is said to be "cathartic, cooling and useful in fevers,
spleen, and liver disease, enlarged lymphatic glands, and as an external
applicant in certain eye diseases." (Watt.) Pulp useful for boils, as an
emmenagogue, and in veterinary medicine.

Juice inspissated is the Aloes of commerce. The best form of the
drug is Socotra Aloes derived from Aloe Perryi and others. In
small doses, stomachic and tonic ; in larger doses, purgative, and use-
ful in atonic dyspepsia, jaundice, etc.

The leaves yield a fibre.

AMYRIS RALSAMIFERA, Linn.

Mm m\i.n Tor( ii Wood, Rose Wood.

Native of Jamaica, Cuba, Venezuela, and N. Granada. A small tree,
6 to 15 feet high, pinnate leaves, and white flowers. The branches,
when bruised, emit a strong smell. ( Bur 8er (teem.)

Wood. — Capital posts for going in the earth; they readily split up
into strips and arc used by the peasantry for torches. (Harrison.)

AMYRIS, sp.

Rose Wood

" A hard close-grained wood with aromatic smell, grows to two
Of three feel in diameter, might be used in the manufacture of small
articles, Like the far famed sandal wood." (Harrison.)

9

ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE, Linn.

Cashed.

West Indies and South America. A tree, 30 to 40 feet, with simple
leaves, and small flowers. The fruit consists of a nut on the apex of
a pear-shaped body formed of the enlarged top of the stalk.

AVood, red, moderately hard, close grained. Weight 38 lbs. per
cubic foot.

Bark may be used for tanaing.

Juice from bark, astringent, used as a flux for soldering metals, and
as an indelible marking-ink.

Gum from bark, only slightly soluble in water, obnoxious to insects.

Kernels are commonly roasted, which improves their flavour.
They yield by expression a light-yollow, bland, nutritious oil, superior
to olive oil.

The shell of the nut yields by maceration in spirit an oil, called
Cardole, which is black, acrid and vesicating, — used as an anaesthetic
in leprosy, as a blister in warts, corns, and ulcers, as a local stimulant
in psoriasis.

The ripe fleshy stalk is used as a fruit.

ANAGALLIS ARVENSIS, Linn.
Poor Man's Weather Glass.

Mountains in tropics. A small herb, with opposite, simple leaves,
and blue flowers. (Primulacew.)

The plant is used in cerebral affections, leprosy, hydrophobia, dropsy,
epilepsy, and mania. (Watt.)

ANAMIRTA COCCULUS, W. and A.

Cocculus Indicus of Pharmacy.

India and Malay Is. A climbing shrub. (Mntispermacece.)
Seeds yield by expression an oily substance, used in the form of an
ointment as an insecticide to destroy pediculi, &c, and in some obsti-
nate forms of chronic skin diseases.

They are intensely bitter, which causes them to be sometimes used
as a substitute for hops in the manufacture of beer ; this bitter prin-
ciple is poisonous.

ANANAS SATIVA, Linn.
Pine Apple.

Tropical America. An almost stemless plant with spiny leaves.
The flowers are arranged many together into a dense head, the whole
developing into a single fruit. (Bromeliacecs.)

Leaves yield fibre, strong yet fine.

Fresh juice is an anthelmintic.

Fruit used fresh, stewed, or preserved.

Juice is said to " allay gastric irritability in fever." (Watt.) It is
diuretic, diaphoretic, and refrigerant, antiscorbutic, and useful in
jaundice.

10

ANDIRA INERMIS, Kth.
Bastard Cabbage Batik Tree.

(> Very durable as posts. The trunk is general!}' straight, and reaches
a diameter of 12 inches ; the smaller ones are much used for rafters."
(Harrison )

" Plentiful up the valleys, notably those of the Rio Grande and
Plantain Garden River. It is a small straight growing tree, wood
used as posts, and, where large enough to be sawn, as rooting timber. "'
(Hooper.)

ANDROPOGON CITRATUS, D. C.
Fever Grass. Lemon Grass.

India and Malay Islands. A coarse grass with lemon-scented
leaves. (Graminece.)

Leaves yield lemon grass oil, value at Is. 4d. per ounce. It is used
in manufactute of Eau de Cologne, and soaps

In the Indian Pharmacopoeia, the oil is officinal, and is considered
"stimulant, carminative, anti-spasmodic, and diaphoretic; locally ap-
plied it is a rubefacient. It is recommended to be administered in
flatulent and spasmodic affections of the bowels and in gastric irrita-
bility. In cholera it has been spoken of as a remedy of great value."
Infusion of the leaves is also used. (Watt.)

ANDROPOGON MURICATUS, Retz.

Khus-Khus Grass.

India. A grass with aromatic-scented leaves and roots. (Graminece.)
Roots contain a resinous substance with an odour like mvrrh, and a
volatile oil, used as a perfume.

They are made into mats, fans, baskets.

An infusion is given as a gentle stimulant diaphoretic

ANNATTO. See Bixa Orellana.

ANON A CHEKIMOLIA, Mill.
Cherimoya.

Ecuador to Peru, and hills in Jamaica. A tree with inconspicuous
flowers, and large, smooth, green fruit. (Anonacece.)

Flowers " are put into snuff, as a substitute for the Tonquin beau,
for the purpose of giving a grateful flavour." (Macfadyen.)

Fruit, being somewhat acid, is very agreeable.

ANONA MURICATA, Linn.

Sour Sop.

West Indies. A small tree with large, green fruit covered with
soft prickles. (Anonacece.)

Root — decoct ion, antidote against iish-poison. (Dancer.)
Fruit — diuretic.

11

ANONA RETICULATA, Linn.
Custard Apple.

Tropical America. A small tree. (Anonacece.)

Wood weighs 401bs. per cubic foot.

Bark is an astringent, and ionic ; of young twigs, yields fibre.

Leaves and young twigs used for tanning. The leaves also yield a
kind of indigo.

Fruit unripe yields a black dye Ripe, it is said to be anti-dysen-
teric and vermifuge. As a fruit, it is not much relished, being too
luscious.

ANONA SQUAMOSA, Linn.
Sweet Sop.

Tropical America A small tree. (Anonacew.)

Root a drastic purgative, administered in acute dysentery, spinal
diseases.

Leaves, immature fruits, and seeds contain a principle fatal to in-
sects. The leaves are often rubbed on floors, etc., in houses to get rid
of insects.

Leaves are applied for extraction of guinea worm, to unhealthy
ulcers — an anthelmintic.

Fruit, unripe, dry, powdered, and mixed with flour, used to destroy
vermin.

Ripe fruit, agreeable, good for digestion.

Wood is soft, close-graiued. W« i^ht 461bs per cubic foot.

ANONA PALUSTRIS, Linn,
Alligator Apple, Cork Wood.
W. Indies and tropical S. America. A small tree growing in
marshes. (Anonoccce.)

Wood is very light, used as floats for fishing nets, and as stoppers
for mouths of vessels of calabash.

ARACHIS HYPOGrJEA, Linn.

Pindar, Earth Nut, Ground Nut.

Brazil. A prostrate annual herb, belonging to the Pea Family
(Leguminosce), with pinnate leaves and yellow flowers. When the pod
begins to form, the stalk curves over and buries the pod in the ground
where it ripens. More than 100,000 acres are devoted to the cultiva-
tion of this plant in India and immense tracts in W. Africa. It re-
quires a dry, sandy soil.

Seeds afford on expression an oil, which resembles olive-oil, and is
used as a substitute for it, both medicinally and for alimentary pur-
poses.

After the expression of oil, the residue may be made into meal which
is richer than peas, and even lintels, in flesh-forming constituents, and
contains more fat and phosphoric acid. (Muter.) The cake is also re-
commended for cattle feeding.

In the United States, the nuts are puunded up in a mortar, and are
laid to make an agreeable chocolate.

12

Roasted in the shell, the nuts can be used at dessert.

Leaves and branches are excellent fodder, and the hay increases the
milk of cows.

ARECA CATECHU, Linn.
Areca Nut, Betel Palm.

Tropical Asia. An elegant palm, with slender stems, attaining a
height of 80 feet, with a crown of pinnate leaves.

Nuts, young, — astringent, useful in diarrhoea and urinary disorders.
The dried nuts, chewed, produces stimulant and exhilarting effects on
the system. Powdered seeds are anthelmintic for dogs.

Spathe may be used for paper-making ; also for bags, caps, &c.

Wood used for furniture, &c. Weight 57 lbs per cubic foot.

ARGEMONE MEXICANA, Linn.
Mexican Poppy.

Tropical America and W. Indies. A prickly annual herb, with
yellow juice, and yellow flowers, belonging to the Poppy Family.
(Papaveracce.)

Juice said to be useful for dropsy, jaundice, and cutaneous affec-
tions ; diuretic ; healing to ulcers.

Seeds have narcotic properties. They yield on expression an oil,
used as an aperient anodyne, and hypnotic. " In stomach complaints,
the usual dose is 30 drops on a lump of sugar." (Watt.)

ARISTOLOCHIA ODORATISSIMA, Linn.

CoiSTRAYERVA.

Native of Jamaica, Central America, and Venezuela. A twining
plant, leaves heart-shaped, 4 or 5 inches long ; flower curved, tubular,
inflated, with an expanded and broad lip. (Aristolochiacece.)

Root — Infusion or decoction, diuretic, purgative, stomachic, em-
menagogue. Used also as a medicine for horses.

ARRACACIA XANTHORHIZA, Bancr.

Arracacha.
Mountains of Tropical America. Cultivated at Hill Garden, Cin-
chona, Jamaica.

A perennial herb, belonging to the Carrot Family (Umbelliferce),
with tuberous root-stocks.

Tubers are used for food. The flavour has been compared to a com-
bination of parsnip and potato.

ARROWROOT. See Maranta Arundinacea.

ARROWROOT, SPANISH. See Canna edulis.

ARTOCARPUS INCISA, Linn til.

Bread Fruit.
Mast Indies and Polynesia. A tree with milky saj>. and large fruit.
(TJrticacece*)

13

ARTOCARPUS INTEORIFOL1A, Linn. fil.

Jack Fruh.

East Indies and Polynesia. A tree, with milky sap, and large fruit.
( Urticacece.)

Bark yields gum, used as a cement and bird-lime ; and also a fibre.

Juice applied externally to glandular swellings to promote suppura-
tion.

Wood yields on boiling a yellow dye Timber used for carpentry,
cabinet-work, etc. ic Yellow, hard, takes an excellent polish, is beauti-
fully marked, ami is one of the handsomest furniture woods "' (Warden |
Weight 40 lb 8. per cubic foot

ASCLK1MAS CURA>SAVICA, Linn.
Red II i \i>, Wild Ipe( \< i \mi \.

Native of W. Indies, Central and tropical S, America. An erect,
perennial herb with orange and crimson-coloured flowers, and laro-e
seed vessels ; seeds with long white silky hair. (Aselepiadece.)

Root possesses emetic and cathartic properties ; it is purgative, and
subsequently astringent ; remedy in piles and gonorrhoea.

Leaves —juiqe anthelmintic; useful in arresting hoemorrhages, and
in obstinate gonorrhoea ; sudorific.

Flowers — juice, a styptic.

AVERRIIOA BILIMBI, Linn.
Bilimbi Trek.

Cultivated in E. Indies. A small tree, writh reddish purple flowers,
cylindrical fruit with 5 rounded lobes. (GeraniacecB.)

Flowers made into preserves.

Fruit used in curry, and preserved in sugar.

Juice, made into a syrup as cooling drink in fevers ; and used ex-
ternally in cutaneous diseases.

Juice also used to take iron moulds from clothes, and ink and other
stains from furniture.

AVERRHOA CARAMBOLA, Linn.
Cab a m bola, Ca ram ba.

Cultivated in E. Indies. A small tree, with yellowish-purple
flowers, fruit acutely 5-angled. (GeraniacecB.)

Root, leaves^ and fruit, used as cooling medicine.

Fruit — unripe, astringent, and used as an acid in dyeing, probably
acting as a mordant.

Ripe — antiscorbutic.

Juice removes iron-moulds from linen. Made into curries, pickles,
and preserves.

Wood light-red, hard, close-grained. Weight 401bs. per cubic foot,

14

B AMBUS A VULGARIS, Wendl.
Bamboo.

Native of East Indies. A gigantic grass, with woody stems, 20 to
50 feet high. (Graminece.)

The fibre of the Bamboo is an excellent paper material. In China,
it is the principal, if not the only, material for paper-making. The
Chinese use the native bamboo, which they split into lengths of 3 or
4 feet, and place in a layer in a tank. This is covered with lime, and
alternate layers of bamboo and lime, are so placed, until the tank is
full. Water is run in to cover the whole, and left for 3 or 4 months,
when the bamboo has become rotten. The soft bamboo is pounded in
a mortar into a pulp, mixed with water, and then poured on square,
sieve-like moulds. The sheets are allowed to dry on the mould, then
placed against a hot wall, and finally exposed to the sun. Mr. Rout-
ledge advocated the use of young snoots, but one difficulty is that cut-
ting them weakens the stock ; in fact, if all the young shoots are cut
for three successive years, the stock dies. At Lacovia, bamboo is
crushed, and exported in short lengths as packing for cylinders.

The young snoots, freed from the sheaths, are used in India in cur-
ries, pickles, and preserves. The very young shoots are not unlike
asparagus,

" It would occupy a volume even to enumerate by name all the uses
to which the mature bamboo stems are put. Suffice it to say that to
the inhabitants of the regions where the bamboo luxuriates, it affords
all the materials required for the erection and furnishing of the ordi-
nary dwelling-house." (Watt.)

Mr. A. R. Wallace, in "Tropical Nature," details some of ''the
endless purposes to which the bamboo is applied in the countries of
which it is a native, its chief characteristic being that in a few minutes
it can be put to uses which, if ordinary wood were used, would require
hours or even days of labour. There is also a regularity and a finish
about it which is found in hardly any other woody plant, and its
smooth and symmetrically linged surface gives an appearance of fit-
ness and beauty to its varied applications."

BANANA. See Musa paradisiaca, yar. sajpientum.
BARBADOS PRIDE. See C^esalpinia pulcherrima.

BAUHINIA VARIEGATA, Linn.

Native of India and Burma. Naturalised in Jamaica. A small tree,
leaves 2-lobed ; 4 inches diam. ; flowers rosy-white, one petal with a
purple blotch at base, \\ to 2 inches ; pod flat, 3 to 5 inohea long.
(LeguminoscB.)

Root — decoction given in dyspepsia and flatulency.

Bark, used in dyeing and tanning. It is, medicinally, alterative,
tonic, and astringent; a vermifuge; useful in scrofula, leprosy, akin
diseases, and ulcers.

15

Gum — brown-oolouicd, a small proportion soluble in water.

Wood, hard and serviceable, but small size.

Buds, "dried, used as a remedy for piles and dysentery. They are
considered by the natives (of India) as cool and astringent, and are
useful in diarrhoea and worms." (Baden Powell.)

11 Flowers given with sugar, as a gentle laxative ; and the bark,
flowers, or root, triturated in rice-water, as a cataplasm to promote
suppuration." (Watt.)

BAYBERRY. See Pimenta acris

HE AN. See Phaseolus.

BETEL PALM. See Areca Catechu.

BILLMBI TREE. See Averrhoa Bilimbi.

BIRCH. WEST INDIAN. See Bursbra gummifer*.

BISSY. See Cola acuminata.

B1TTEK ASH. See Picrjsna excelsa.

BITTER BUSH. See Eupatorium nervosum.

BITTER DAN. S imaruba glauca.

BITTER WOOD. See Pick.ena excelsa, & Simaruba glauca.

B1XA ORELLANA, Linn.
Annatto.

Native of W Indies and Tropical America. A low tree, 10 feet
high, with large rosy-coloured flowers : seed-vessels spiny, and seeds
covered with a coloured pulp. (Bixi)icce.)

Seeds are exported f rora Jamaica in large quantities, and the colour-
ing matter (annatto) removed in Englun I. In Cayenne, and Guade-
loupe, the annatto is made up into cakes for export. Mr. J. J. Bowrey,
Island Chemist in Jamaica, has invented a method of obtaining a
superior kind of Annatto in powder. See Bulletin VII., 4. In Europe,
this colouring matter is used for cheese, butter, soaps, &c.

Seeds in medicine, are cordial, astringent, and febrifuge.

Bark yield a fibre.

Wood soft ; the friction of two pieces is used to produce fire.

BLACKBERRY. See Rubus alpinus and R. jamaicknsis.

BLOOD WOOD. See Laplacea Hjematoxylon.

BLUE GUM. See Eucalyptus Globulus..

BOCAGEA LAURIFOLIA, B. & H.

White Lancewood.
Native of Jamaica, Cuba, Porto Rico. A tree of moderate height
with small white flowers, and leaves pointed at both ends. (Anonacece.)

16

Stem, straight, light, and tough. " Lance wood Spars" are exported
for use by eoachbuilders. Probably it would prove remunerative to
pay some attention to planting and encouraging the growth of lance-
wood.

BOCAGEA VIRGATA, B. & H.
Black Lancewood. '

Native of Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti. Similar to White Lancewood, but
the leaves are ovate ; used for the same purposes.

" Grows straight to 20 or 30 feet in height, and 8 to 11 inches at
the butt, possesses great elasticity ; much used in carriage building,
for which purpose it is exported." (Harrison.)

i( On the coast ranges, especially on the south side. A tall slim
tree, with a diameter of eight inches. The timber is very elastic, and
on that account it is exported for conversion into carriage shafts ;
Jamaica spars fetching higher prices in the home market than similar
produce from other sources. Exports past 20 years, 204,000, valued
at £31,275." (Hooper.)

BOCCONIA FRUTESCENS, Linn.
Celandine, Parrot Weed, John Crow Bush.

Native of W. Indies and tropical America. An erect shrubby plant,
with large oak-like leaves, and bunches of petal-less flowers. (Papa-
nrace.)

Root "scraped and beat up into a pulp, is an excellent application
to foul ulcers. The juice of the root has been employed in cases of
chronic ophthalmia, to remove warts and fungous flesh, as an applica-
tion for tetters and ring-worm/' (Macfadyen.)

Leaves — the juice is used for ophthalmia. They are also used for
rubbing on floors of houses, as they get rid of insects.

B(EIIMERIA NIYEA, Hook & Arn.
China Grass, Ramie.

Native of Southern Asia.

The plant belongs, to the nettle tribe (Urticaccc ), and grows best in
rich, fertile soil, with plenty of water.

The fibre, obtained from the young shoots, is one of the strongest
and most beautiful. " It is glossy, tough and lasting, combining to
some extent the appearance of silk with the strength of flax." (Muel-
ler.) No machine or process has yet been devised by which the fibre
may be extracted easily and cheaply. The fibre is contained in the
bark which surround a hard woody core. It is easy enough to strip
off the bark in " ribbons," but a resinous substance becomes hard, and
complicates the process of extraction. "In 1871 a reward of £5,000
was offered by the Indian Government for a good extracting machine
for this fibre ; but although several competitors came forward, the
prize was awarded :o no one." (Watt.) There were trial competitions
carried on at the Paris Exhibition, but with no satisfactory result.

17

BOTTLE GOURD. See Lagenaria vulgaris.

BOX WOOD. See Vitex umbrosa.

BREAD FRUIT. See Artocarptjs incisa.

BREAD NUT. See Brosimum Alicastrum.

BRAZILETTO. See Pbltophorum Linnjsi.

BROAD LEAF. See Terminalia latifolia.

BROMELIA PINGUIN, Linn.

Ping r ix.

Native of W. Indies and tropical America. A plant belonging to
the same family as the Pine- Apple (Bromeliacem), but the fruits re-
main separate on the stalk.

Leaves yield a fibre at a percentage of 2 '7, which is too small to be
profitable. (Morris.) See Bulletin XVII. 10.

BROOM "WEED. See Sida carpinifolia, and S. rhombi folia.

BROSIMUM ALICASTRUM, Sw.

Breads ut.

Native of Jamaica and Central America. A high tree; leaves sim-
ple, 3 —6 inches long ; flowers minute, crowded on receptacles. ( Urti-
cacece.)

Wood. — " This is an excellent timber tree and grows abundantly in
the interior, generally straight, with a diameter of about 18 inches ; it
makes capital boards, takes a high polish and makes a beautiful flooring.

Nuts. — The tree bears abundant nuts, which are readily eaten by
stock of all kinds. Horses and cattle arc also very fond of the leaves."
— ( Harrison.)

" On the interior slopes of the northern coast range, and notably on
the levels of the hills in St. Catherine, Clarendon and Manchester
above the railway line. A tall erect tree, up to 80 feet, with a diameter
of two feet. The hear (-wood, especially in the roots, has a rich brown
colour, which, with its very durable qualities, makes it prized for floor-
ings and ornamental work of all kinds. It yields a bountiful supply of
nuts, which form a valuable fodder, as also do the leaves." (Hooper.)

BRYA EBENUS, DC.

West Indian Ebony, Coccus Wood.

Native of Jamaica und Cuba. A small tree 15-20 feet high, with
drooping branches, small leaves, clustered yellow flovvers and two-
jointed pod. (Leguminosce.)

" Found in quantity at the base of the Clarendon Hills and elsewhere
near the south coast. A small tree with rugged grey bark, rarely
found with diameter of over eight inches. Has a hard deep-coloured
heartwood, close-grained, and on this account has been exported.
Generally known in commerce as Coccus wood." (Hooper.)

B

18

BRYOPHYLLUM CALYCINUM, Salisb.

Leaf oe Life.
Native of Asia. A succulent herb, leaves producing new plants from
the indentations; flowers reddish yellow. (Crassulacece.)
Leaves applied to contused wounds, boils, ulcers, &c.

BUCIDA BUCERAS, Linn.

Wild Olive, Olive Bark Tree.

Native of W. Indies and Panama. A tree, 20 to 30 feet high ;
leaves rounded, at the end of branches ; flowers without petals ; berry
small, J inch, crowned with the persistent calyx. (Combretacece.)

Wood : used by cabinet-makers.

Bark: used "in tanning of sole-leather." (Sloane.)

BUCIDA CAPITATA, Vahl.

Yellow Sanders, Wild Olive, Negresse.

Native of Jamaica, Cuba, Guiana, and Brazil. A tree, 30 to 60 feet
high ; leaves roundish, crowded at ends of twigs ; flowers without
petals ; fruit of size and shape of olive.

Woor : " chiefly found to perfection in the interior where it grows
straight and 3 or 4 feet in diameter. It saws freely and makes a
beautiful board, taking a high polish. The wood is of a light yellow
colour with satin graining, and is highly prized in cabinet work, where
it sets off dark woods.'' (Harrison.)

" Chiefly in the interior of the central districts. A large tree with
diameter up to three feet, largely used in cabinet work on account of
its light colour and satiny grain." (Hooper.)

Bark " has an aromatic astringent and bitter taste, and a decoction
of it, we are informed, has been employed as a remedy for the com-
plicated diseases, resembling constitutional syphilis, to which the
African race is subject." (Macfadyen.)

BUCIDA SP.

Grey Mountain Sanders.

Native of Jamaica.

Wood. — " This is a very good timber, saws readily, makes a fine
board, darker in colour than the yellow sanders and not so satin-like
in appearance, but takes fine polish, grows to about three feet in
diameter." (Harrison.)

BULLET TREE. See Dipholis Montana.
BULLET TREE, MAHOGANY. See Sapota sideroxyton
BULLY TREE. See Dipholis Montana.

BURSERA GUMMIFERA, Linn.

West Indian Birch.
Native of W Indies, Bahamas, and tropical America. A high tree ;
eaves pinnate, flowers very small, appearing before the leaves.

19

Wood. — " A tree of the coast and the coast ranges. A smooth
barked, erect, deciduous tree, from its clean stem and its habit of
branching only at the top, adapted for live telegraph posts. As a
timber used in coopering." (Hooper.)

All parts of the tree produce a gum, capable of being substituted for
gum-mastic as a transparent varnish. It might be given in form of
pills, as a substitute for copaiba, in diseased discharges from the mu-
cous membranes. (Macfadyen.)

BUTTER WEED. See Erigeron canadense.

BUTTON WOOD. See Conocarpus erecta.

BYRSONIMA CORIACEA, Dc.

Lotus-Berry Tree.

Native of W. Indies. A tree 20 to 30 feet high; leaves simple,
flowers golden- yellow ; fruit, yellow, size of a small cherry.
Fruit edible.

BYSSY. See Cola acuminata.

CABBAGE BARK TREE, BASTARD. See Andira inermis.

CACAO. See Theobroma Cacao.

C^ISALPINIA BONDUCELLA, Fleming.

Grey Nicker Seed, Bonduc.

Cosmopolitan in the tropics. A woody climber, belonging to the
Pea Family (Leguminosce) ; leaves twice-pinnate with hooked prickles
by which the plant climbs ; flowers yellow ; pod dry, orange-brown
covered with spines ; seeds lead-coloured.

Root — bark, and also the

Seeds considered tonic, antipyretic and antiperiodic.

Seeds used for necklaces, etc,

O^SALPINIA BONDUC, Roxb.
Yellow Nicker Seeds.

W~est Indies, East Indies, Polynesia, Malay Isles. A plant like the
preceding, but of larger size, less hairy, and with yellow seeds.
Seeds used for necklaces, etc.

OESALPINIA CORIARIA, Willd,

Diyi-divi.
Native of W. Indies and tropical America. A small crooked tree ;
leaves twice-pinnate ; flowers fragrant, white ; pod flat, incurved. This
tree is worth cultivating, it grows in hottest and driest places.
Wood of little value.

Pods rich in tannin. Exported to a very small extent. If seeds
not removed, the oil they contain induces fermentation ; this might be

b2

20

obviated, and charges for freight, lessened by reducing the pods to a
powder, or preparing an extract from fresh pods. England imports
about 4,000 tons a year, and 12,0ri0 tons of sumach, but the latter is
being replaced by the cheaper divi-divi. [Watt.)

Von Mueller recommends it for cultivation in salt-marshes.

" Powder of the pods astringent, anti-periodic, tonic. Dose one to
two drachms as an antiperiodic.'1 {Ward in Watt.)

CiESALPINIA PULCHERRIMA, Sw
Barbados Pride.

Tropics. A prickly shrub, 5 to 10 feet high, leaves compound;
flowers very showy, red or yellow, with very long stamens. (Lcgu-
minoxm.)

Wood, charred, yields an ink.

Leaves and Floavers : Infusion — a powerful emmenagogue.

Leaves — A purgative, used as a substitute for senna.

Seeds, powdered also medicinal.

CAJANUS INDICUS, Spreng.

No Eye Pea (small form), Congo Pea (large form).

Tropics. A shrub G to 12 feet high ; leaves compound, with 3 leaf-
lets ; flowers yellow ; pod, compressed, constricted between seeds
(Leguminosce.)

Leaves, lender, chewed in cases of aptbaD and spongy gums. Mixed
in a paste with the pulse, and applied warm, checks the secretion of
milk.

Seeds, esteemed as food, hut apt to prove irritant and laxative, pro-
perties which may be minimised by freeing from husk. {Church.)

CALABASH. See Crescentia Cujete.

OALOPHYLLUM OALABA, Jacq.

San i \-M mua.

Native of "W Indies and tropical America. A lofty tree; leaves
simple feather-veined* w*tn delicate veins ; flowers small, white, fra-
grant :' berry 1 inch diatLeter" (0"<*>r«.)

Wood "'This wood is verT abundant and on that account much

used for building, although it is no? *>nside.re<* ;l durable wood; shin^
gles of an inferior class lit from thxs wood- The growth in

humid localities is about 1 feel in diameter at *he ht?{t l havc seen
trees L50 feel high and as straight as a ship's mast. ' IMarmon.)

" Especially in : >uth of Trelawi v. but generallv at aii altitude
of from 2,000 to 3,000 i'< Tall straighl >wth up to 100 feet and

more, with a diameter of thr< fields a second-class timber and

splits into shingles inferioi ral other kinds. It is an impoftjmt

forest tree S op r.)

21

CALOTROPIS PROCERA, R. P,r.

French Cotton.

Native of tropical Africa. N. India, and Persia. Naturalised in
West Indies and Central America.

A shrub. 5 to 10 feet high; leaves largo, opposite, pale glaucous
green ; flowers pink, shaded and dotted with purple; pod-like fruit;
seeds numerous, each with a tui't of white silken hairs at one end.

Bark of root, known in India as "Mudar," — alterative, tonic, dia-
phoretic, and in large doses emetic. I beneficial in obstinate cutaneous
diseases, syphilitic affections, dysentery, diarrhoea, and chronic rheu-
matism.

Stem yields fibre. Sap yields a kind of gutta-percha, but unfortu-
nately it is a good conductor of electricity, and therefore unsuited for
manufacture of cabl Bark yields a rich white basf fibre.

Seeds — Hairs used in fancy work.

CAMELLIA THEIFERA, Griff.

Tea.

Native of Assam. A shrub, with large, dark-green leaves, and
white flowers. {Termtrcemidi • ce.

Leaves are picked when opening from the bud, and cured, the dif-
ference in the ^ize of the leaves and methods of curing, determining
the different kinds of tea.

CANDLE NUT. Aleurites moluci \\\.

CANDLE WOOD, YELL »\V. See Cassi v bmargih vi \.

CANELLA ALBA, Murray.

Wild Cinnamon, White Canella.

Native of W. I , Bahamas, Florida.

A tree, 30 or 40 feet high, with simple leaves ; flowers small, of a
pale violet colour, and sweet aromatic smell. (Ca/tellacece.)

Bark — An aromatic stimulant and slight tonic. Useful in dyspep-
sia, gout, rheumatism, syphilis, scurvy.

Used also as a eondiment.

The principal constituent is a volatile oil.

CANELLA, RED. See Cinnamodendroh corticatum.
CANELLA, WHITE. See Canella alba.

CANNA EDULIS, Ker.

Spanish Arrow Root. Tous les Mois.

Native of tropical S. America and Trinidad.

An herbaceous perennial, with a creeping root-stock ;. flowering
stems 6 to 8 feet high ; leaves very large ; flowers red.

22

Root-stocks grated into a pulp. The pulp is washed, the liquid
strained, and allowed to settle. The water is decanted, and the starch
dried. The grains of starch are much larger than any other starch.
They look somewhat flattened, and are oblong in form.

Tous les Mois is nutritious and wholesome.

It is a demulcent in urinary and bowel complaints,

CANNABIS SATIYA, Linn.
Hemp.

Native of Asia. The Hemp plant is an annual growing to a height
of 4 to 10 feet. It belongs to the Nettle family. (Urticacece.)

It is possessed of narcotic properties, and in India the dried plant is
smoked under the name of Gunjah, and pounded in water to make a
drink under the name of Bhang.

A resin exudes from the plant, and is known as Churras. In small
quantities it produces excitement^ and in increasing and continued doses,
delirium, catalepsy and insanity.

The fruit (commonly known as hemp-seed) contains a single oily
seed, which yields on compression the well known hemp-oil.

The bark contains the fibre which makes the plant so valuable. Good
well drained, dampish soil is required for its cultivation. Russia and
Poland produce very large quantities, but the Italian is considered su-
perior. To produce the best fibre the seed is sown close, which prevents
branching.

CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS, Linn.
Cayenne Pepper.

Native of W. Indies and Tropical America. A shrub, with red or
yellow, conical berry, \ to 1 inch long. (Solanacece.)

Fruit : " The great part of the so-called Cayenne Pepper is made
from it, but the name is given also to the product of other peppers/'
(DeCandolle.) Used in pickles, curiies, &c.

"Used as medicine in typhus and intermittent fevers and in dropsy ;
they are regarded as stomachic and rubefacient." (Watt, i

CARAMBA AND CARAMBOLA. See Averrhoa Carambola.

CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM, Linn.

Heart Pea.

Tropics. A climbing annual plant, with tendrils; leaves compound,
twice ternate; flowers small white ; seed vessel inflated, globular, 1
inch long. (Sapindacece.)

Root: "An emetic, laxative, stomachic, and rubefacient. It also
possesses diaphoretic, diuretic, and tonic properties. " (Watt.) "The de-
coction is mucilaginous and somewhat nauseous, and has the reputation
of being lithontriptic." (Macfadyei!

23

Leaves : In the East Indies the young shoots and leaves are cooked
as a vegetable They are administered in pulmonic complaints, and
mixed with castor oil, are internally employed in rheumatism and lum-
bago. They are also applied externally.

Seeds : " Bruised in water and applied externally, they relieve the
pain in gout, and are useful in chronic affections of the joints ; and
mixed with sugar they may be given for cough." (Macfadyen.)

CARICA PAPAYA, Linn.

Pa paw.

Native of W. Indies and Central America. Naturalised throughout
tropics. A small tree, with milky juice, generally branchless ; leaves
large, lobed ; flowers small ; fruit yellow, size of a small melon. (Pas-
sifloracece.)

Fruit: Juice of unripe fruit possesses anthelmintic properties, ex-
pelling lumbrici. It is useful in dyspepsia as a vegetable substitute
for pepsine. Juice also applied in psoriasis and skin affections of like
character ; in ring worm. The unripe fruit is cooked as a vegetable
and the ripe fruit as dessert has the same effect, and acts as a mild
chologogue and purgative ; hence its use for piles, enlarged liver and
spleen. {Watt.) The active principle, papaine, has been separated in
the form of a dry white powder by Mr. J. J. Bowrey, Island Chemist
in Jamaica. Papaine is extensively used in France and Germanv. See
Bulletin, No. 9.

The digestive property of the juice and of the fresh leaves is made
use of to render meat tender, and facilitate the process of cooking.

CARYOPHYLLUS AROMATICUS, Linn.

Clove.

Native of Moluccas. Cultivated in Jamaica. A small tree, of which
the unopened flower- buds form the cloves of commerce. (Myrtaccce.)

Flowers : Buds and stalks abound in an essential oil. Cloves are
aromatic, stimulant, and carminative ; used in atonic dyspepsia and in
gastric irritabilitv.

CARYOTA URENS, Linn.

Wine Palm. Kittul Fibre Palm.

Native of East Indies. Cultivated in Botanic Gardens, Jamaica. A
beautiful palm with smooth ringed stem. (Palmce.)

Leaves " give the Kittul Fibre, which is very strong and is'made
into ropes, brushes, brooms, baskets, and other articles ; the fibre from
the sheathing leaf-stalk is made into ropes and fishing-lines" (Gamble),
and is said to be suitable for paper manufacture.

u This tree is highly valuable to the natives of the countries whore
it grows in plenty. It yields them, during the hot season, an immense
quantity of toddy or palm wine. I have been informed that the best
trees will yield at the rate of 100 pints in the 24 hours. The sap in
some cases continues to flow for (about a month. When fresh, kthe

24

toddy is a pleasant drink, but it soon ferments, and when distilled be-
comes arrack, the gin of India. The sugar called jaggery is obtained
by boiling the toddy. The pith or farinaceous part of the trunk of old
trees is said to be equal to the best sago ; the natives make it into bread,
and boil it into thick gruel." (Roxburgh.)

Wood, strong and durable, used for agricultural purposes, water con-
duits, and buckets.

CASHAW. See Prosopis juliflora.

CASHEW. See Anacardium occidentale.

CASSAVA. See Manihot utilissima.

CASSTA ALATA, Linn.
Ring-Worm Shrub.

Tropics. A shrub, 6 to 10 feet high ; leaves compound, flowers
large, showy, yellow ; pods 4-winged, 5 inches long. (Leguminosce.)

Leaves, bruised, and mixed with an equal weight of simple oint-
ment, is described as being almost a specific for ring-worm, but it is
still more efficacious, if the bruised leaves are rubbed in with lime-
juice. Taken internally, they act as an aperient.

" Flowers and young Leaves beat into a pulp make an excellent
poultice for the superficial sores which follow some varieties of impe-
tigo and rupia." (Macfayden.)

CASSIA EMARG1NATA, Linn.
Yellow Candle Wood.

n alive of W. Indies.

A shrubby tree, 10-15 feet high ; with pinnate leaves, yellow flowers,
and straight pod. (Lcguminosw.)

Wood — " This is a dyewood. for which purpose some has been ex-
ported. It is hard but does not grow large enough to saw for tim-
ber." (Harrison.)

CASSIA FISTULA, Linn.
Purginc; Cassia.

Native of E. Indies, China, Malay Isles.

A handsome tree, with pinnate leaves, large yellow flowers, several
together on long pendulous stalks, and pods 1-2 feet long, cylindrical,
with many seeds immersed in a dark-coloured pulp. (Leguminoscv.)

Pods are exported. The pulp is a mild laxative, and is chiefly used
ae an ingredient of the preparation — Confection of Senna.

CASSIA OCCI DEN TALIS, Linn.
Wild Coffi
Tropics. A shrub, 3 (>;■ } )'• < I high ; leaves compound ; flowers yellow,
1 inch i«'Jig; pod nearly cylindrical, X; to 4 inches long. (Leguminosce.)

25

Root — Diureti

Leaves — Decoction, taken internally and applied externally, in cure
of itch and other cutaneous diseases, also of mange.

Seeds used fur ring- worm. Roasted they are a good substitute for
coffee.

CASTOR OIL. See Ricinus communis.

CASUARINA EQUISETIFOLIA, Foist.
Casuarina, Beefwood of Australia.
Native of Australia and E. Indies. Cultivated in Jamaica. A large
tree with leafless, drooping branchlets. ( Camari nac ece )

Bark, astringent, useful in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery.
Wood, hard and heavy. Casuarina seems to coppice well, and is an
important tree for fuel. (^Gamble.) Valued for steam-engines, ovens,
&c.

CATALPA LONGFSSIMA. Sims.

York ood, Mast Wood, 1 nch Oak.

Native of -Jamaica, Haiti, St. Thomas. A large, handsome tree ;
leaves simple, opposite ; flowers delicate rosy-white ; pod pendulous,
narrow, 2 feet long. (Big noma cece.)

Wood. One of ihe most useful and best timbers in the island.

"This wooi giows abundantly on the south side; it is sawn up into
boards and scantlings ; it is very durable and not too hard for general
purposes; it grows to abotit in diameter." (Harrison, i

" Along the coast, notably in the south and southeast: rarely found
above l,0o0 feet elevation. A fine w-.-ll-grown tree, with diameter up
to 4 feet and height of 80 feet. It is easily sawn and is used for general
purposes in the form of boards and planks ' | Hooper )

Pods have been used for plaiting hats, Sic.

CATECHU. See Acacia Catechu.

CAYENNE PEPPER. See Capsicum frutescens.

CEDAR, BASTARD. See Guazuma tomentosa.

CEDAR, BERMUDA. See Juniperus barbadensis.

CEDAR, JUNIPER. See Juniperus barbadensis.

CEDAR, WEST INDIAN. See Cedrela odorata.

CEDRELA ODORATA, Linn.

Cedar, West Indian Cedar.

Native of West Indies, and Central A merica.

A high tree ; leaves pinnate ; flowers pale-yellow with a peculiar
odour ; seed-vessel opening by 5 valves from the top ; seeds flat,
winged. (Meiiacece.)

26

Wood : " This is a well known wood, it cuts freely, is not hard, very
durable, and is perhaps more extensively used for general building
purposes, away from the coast, than any other kind of indigenous
wood. A great many shingles are made of ce lar. In the interior it
otow8 to 4 and even 6 feet in diameter and 70 to SO feet high."
(Harrison).

Bark : gum, resembling gum arabic, obtained by making incisions.

" Generally over the island, especially at altitudes varying from 1,000
to 4,000 feet. Only slightly gregarious. Chiefly dotted over open
pastures and along watercourses. Grows up to a large size ; six feet
in diameter in the open, rarely over half that diameter at high eleva-
tions, where, in sheltered narrow vales, it has tall straight stems. It
is a light handsome wood, in most general request for furniture, roofing
shingles, interior of houses, cigar boxes and ornamental work. Ex-
ported to Europe and else where. " (Hoopev )

CEIBA, See Eriodendron Anfractuosum.

CELANDINE. See Bocconia frutescens.

CERASEE. See Momordka Balsamina.
CHEW STICK. See Gouania domingensis.

CHERIMOYA. See Anona citerimolia.

CHINA GRASS. See Bckhmeria nivea.

CHOCHO. See Sechium edule.

CHOCOLATE TREE. See Theorroma cacao.

CHRYSOBALANUS ICACO. Linn.

Cocoa Plum.

Native of W. Indies, Bahamas, and Tropical America and Africa.

A shrubby tree, 12 feet high ; leaves roundish : flowers white; fruit,
brownish-purple, size of a plum. (Rosacea.)

Roots and Leaves : " An astringent bath, recommended in leucor-
7-hcoa and blennorhcea, is prepared from the leaves and roots."

Fruit " considered astringent and to be useful in bowel complaints.

Prepared with sugar, it forms a favourite conserve with the Spanish
colonists, and large quantities are annually exported from Cuba.

The kernels yield a fixed oil, and an emulsion made with them, is
said to be useful in dysentery." (Macfadyen.)

CHRYSOPHYLLUM CAINITO, Linn.
Star Apple.
Native of W. Indies and tropical America. A tree with leaves of a
o-olden hue beneath ; flowers purplish white ; fruit size of an apple
green or purple. (Sapotaceee.)

Fruit edible. Unripe — the juice with orange juice — astringent.

27

CINCHONA OFFICINALIS, Linn.

Cinchona, Crown Bark.

Native of the Andes of tropical S. America. A tree, often only a
shrub, with opposite, simple leaves, rose-coloured, sweet-scented flowers,
and small, winged seeds. (Rubiaeece.)

Bark of root and stem contains four principal alkaloids, — quinine,
quinidine, cinchonine, and cinchonidine. There are also acids and
other substances.

" The Cinchona barks possess powerful antiperiodic, tonic, antiseptic,
and astringent properties. The three tirst qualities are especially due
to their alkaloids ; and the latter to cincho-tannic acid and cinchona-
red. The essential difference, therefore, between the action of the
alkaloids and their salts, and of Cinchona barks, rests in the astrin-
gency of the latter. The alkaloids cannot therefore, in all cases, be
>ubstituted for the barks, for it is a well-ascertained fact, that there are
cases which can be successfully treated by the preparation of the barks,
when the salts of the alkaloids have failed to afford relief. This differ-
ence of effect is doubtless due in some instances to the astringent pro-
perties of the barks ; but also in others, to causes not yet explained.
Again, although the barks are applicable in all cases when the alkaloids
have been found useful, they are apt when administered in large doses,
to produce severe irritation of the stomach and bowels, and thus to
cause nausea, or even vomiting and purging ; they are also liable to
cause constipation by their astringency. Hence, as antiperiodics, and
in other cases, where large doses of the preparations of the barks are
required to produce the desired effects, the salts of quinia, or of the
other alkaloids, are, as a general rule, much better adapted for use. As
tonics, the barks in small doses, are extensively employed in cases of
debility, more especially if this be caused or accompanied by profuse
discharges, as colliquative sweating or diarrhoea, or by other mucous or
purulent discharges, as leucorrhcea, abscesses, &c. Garrod says that,
'as a tonic, in cases of great debility with weak heart, bark is more
agreeable and beneficial than quinine' ; and also, that ' the astringent
property of bark renders it better fitted tor the treatment of relaxed
conditions of the habit than quinine.' The preparations of the bark
are also most useful after surgical operations when the strength has
been greatly reduced ; and in all cases of physical exhaustion, as in con-
valescence after either acute or lingering chronic diseases, unless there
be much irritability of the stomach or bowels, or bowels, or inflamma-
tion, or febrile symptoms, when their use is contra-indicated." (Bentley
& Trimen.)

Mr. J. J. Bowrey, Island Chemist, has made preparations from the
bark grown in the island, both in the form of a dry powder, and a liquid.
These preparations, while combining all the properties of the bark,
obviate the necessity of the large doses.

Other species are C. Calisaya, Wedd., and its variety Ledgeriana, C.
siu-cimbra, Pav. (Red or Druggists' Bark), and a hybrid of C. officinalis
and ('. succirubra.

28

CINNAMODENDRON CORTICOSUM, Miers.
Red Canella, Mountain Cinnamon.
Native of Jamaica. A tree with lance-shaped leaves, and small
scarlet flowers. Belongs to the same order as Canella. (Canellacece.)
Bark used formerly as a substitute for Winter's Bark, considered
stimulant, tonic, aromatic, and antiscorbutic.

CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM, Breyn.

Cinnamon.

Native of E. Indies, cultivated. A tree ; leaves simple, opposite,
with 3 to 5 strong nerves; flowers small. (Laurinece.)

The plants are pruned to prevent trees being formed, four or five
shoots are allowed. When the shoot turns brown in 18 months or 2
years, the bark is stripped off, and dried for the cinnamon of commerce.

Leaves yield " clove oil."

Bark : Cinnamon is chiefly used as a spice.

Medicinally, it is aromatic, stimulant, carminative, and somewhat
astringent.

Volatile oil possesses same properties without astringency Used
also locally in paralysis of tongue, neuralgic headache, &c. ; also in
perfumer \ .

The bark yields this oil by distillation to extent of \ and 1 per cent.

CINNAMON. See Oinnamomum zeylanioum.

CINNAMON, Mountain. See Cinnamodendron corticosum.

CINNAMON, Wild. See Canella alba, & Pimenta acrts.

CIRCASSIAN SEEDS. See Adenanthera pavonina.

CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA, Linn.

Velvet Leak.

W. Indies, Central America, and extending through the tropics.

A woody climbing plant with rounded leaves, and minute, inconspi-
cuous flowers. (Menispermaceoe.)

This plant was at one time supposed to be the source ot Pareira Brava,
and though it is not of equal value, it coniains the same bitter principle.

Root " has the character of being diuretic and alterative. It is pre-
scribed in dropsy, dysury, urinary calculus, jaundice, gout and cutaneous
diseases. The infusion is recommended to be drunk freely during the
irritable stage of gonorrhea.' " (Alaefad yen.)

Leaves beat up into a pulp, applied to sores.

CISSUS SICYOIDES, Linn.
West India n Bryony.
Native of \Y. [ndies and tropical America.

A shrubby climber, with tendrils; leaves simple; flowers small,
greenish-yellow .; berries black. (Ampelidece.)

29

" It is used as an application io sores, and as a substitute for adhesive
plaster.

Leaves leave a pungent taste. When bruised in water, they make
a lather like soap." (Macfadyen.)

CITHAREXYLUM SURRECTUM, Gr.

Fiddle Wood.

Native of Jamaica and Antigua. A tree: leaves simple; flowers
white, fragrant; berry black. (Verbenacece.)

C. quadrangulare, Jacq. is verv like this tree, and is also known as
Fiddle Wood.

Wood : " A most useful timber in building, close grained and very
tough, used for mill rollers and frames, carriage wheels, &c." (Harrison.)

CITRON. See Citrus medica.
CITRUS AURANTIUM, Linn.

>>\\ Ell < >BANGE.

Native of Northern India. A Bmall tree; leaves with a winged
stalk ; flowers, white, fragrant ; fruit with sweet jnic (Rutaceoe.)

Leaves and young shoots yield by distillation a volatile oil, used in
preparation < f Eau de Cologne, and other perfami The oil from the
Bitter Orange is of greater value.

Flowers, distilled with water, yield Orange Flower Water and Oil
of Neroli. The u water" is a slight nervous stimulant and is often
prepared by infusing the flowers. The water is chiefly used, however,
as a flavouring agent

Oil of Neroli used in preparation of Eau de Cologne, perfumery, and
liqueurs:.

Fruit, immature, as they drop from the tree, about the size of a
cherry, yield the same oil. They aie used to flavour Curagoa, ecc.

The ripe orange is highly valued as a fruit.

It is a refrigerant in fever and inrlammatorv complaints.

The Peel has aromatie stimulant properties, and is slightly tome,
but the Bitter Orange is preferred.

An essential oil is premared from the peel, known as Essence de
Portugal.

CITRUS AURANTIUM, var. BERGAMIA, W. & A.

West India Lime.

Native of Northern India. A smaller tree, with smaller leaves,
flowers and fruit, those in the Orange. (Rutacece.)

Fkuit yields a juice, which like that from the lemon is refrigerant
and antiscorbutic, the latter property being due, according to Garrod,
not to the citric acid, but to the potash saits contained in the juice.
The juice is also given to counteract the effect of narcotic poisons.

Oil of Bergamot, used in perfumery, is prepared by placing the
"full" fruit in a special machine, which ruptures the oil vessels in the rind.

The juice of the fruit is used with soup, &e., and the rind is preserved.

so

CITRUS AURANTIUM, var. BIGARADIA, Hook, fil.
Bitter Orange, Seville Orange, Bigarade Orange.

Native of Northern India. A small tree, the wing of the leaf-stalk
broader than that in the Sweet Orange ; fruit with bitter rind and
pulp. [Rutaccce.)

Orange Flower Water, Oil of Neroli, peel of fruit, oil from peel
(called Essence de Bigarade), are all prepared from the Bitter Orange
rather than from the Sweet Orange, Citrus Anrantium. which see.

Rind used for Marmalade.

CITRUS MEDIOA, Linn.
Citron.

Native of Northern India. A small tree ; leaves with a short stalk
and not winged ; flowers pinkish, with purplish buds ; fruit with trans-
verse and longitudinal furrows, very thick, hard rind, pulp scanty with
acid juice. (Rutaccce.)

Leaves and Flowers yield fragrant oils.

Fruit — Rind yields an essential oil — Essence of Cedrat, used for
perfumery.

Rind of fruit is candied, and used for dessert and in confectionery.

CITRUS JVIEDICA, var. LIMONUM, Hook. fil.

Lemon.

Native of Northern India. A small tree ; leaves with a stalk which
is lot winged or only slightly so ; flowers tinged with purplish-pink,
with a fragrance distinct from that of Orange : fruit with smooth rind
and acid pulp. (Rutaccce.)

Fruit — Outer riDd is an aromatic stomachic.

Oil or essence of lemon (Essence de Citron) is obtained from the
rind. It is a stimulant and carminative, and is used in perfumery and
confectionery.

Juice used to prepare citric acid.

The juice is used in scurvy, and to counteract narcotic poisoning.

CLEMATIS MOICA, Linn.
Traveller's Jo^.

Native of W. Indies and tropical America. This native Clematis is
a climber, with ternate leaves, greenish-white flowers, and the numer-
ous seed-vessels terminating in a long feathery tail. (Ranunculacea.)

Root — " A decoction in sea- water, mixed with wine, is said to act as
a powerful purge in hydropic cases." (Macfadyen.)

Stems — Used as withes for tying.

Leaves — Bruised into pulp, act as a rubefacient, and even vesicate.

Leaves and Flowebs — An infusion of these bruised used as lotion
to remove spots from akin.

3i

CLEOME PENTAPHYLLA, Linn.
Bastard Mustard.

Found in all warm countries. An annual herb, with whitish flowers,
and leaves with about 5 segments. (Cappjaridece.)

" The juice, either plain, or mixed with sweet oil, is a certain remedy
for the ear-ache. It ought to be warmed previous to being used. A
preparation may be made by beating up the young branches of the
plant, with sweet oil, in a mortar.' ' (Macfadyen.)

CLETHRA TINIFOLIA, Sw.

Soap wood.

Native of W. Indies, and tropical America. A tree ; leaves simple ;
hairy on the under surface ; flowers white. (Ericacece.)

" At the highest levels of the Blue Mountains. A small but useful
timber." (Hooper.)

CLITORIA TERN AT E A, Linn.
Pea Flower.

Tropics. A twining plant ; leaves compound ; flowers large, purple
or white ; pod flat. (Leguminosoe,)

Root —Powerful cathartic.

Seeds, powdered more useful— purgative and aperient. Said to be
a safe medicine, especially for children.

CLOVE. See Carvophyllus aromatk us.

CLOVE, WILD. See Pimenta a« ris.

CLUB M< >SS. See Lycopodium clavatum.

COCA. See Erythroxylon Coca.

COCCOLOBA UVIFERA, Jacq.

Seaside Grape.

Native of W. Indies and tropical America.

A tree, with roundish cordate leaves; flowers without petals, and
hanging buocbes of dark-blue berries. (Poh/gonacece.)

Wood : A crooked tree, wood hard and takes a fine polish, used for
fancy work. (Harrison.)

" On the coast line inside Mangrove In Jamaica this species remains
small, whereas elsewhere it grows into a large tree, notably in Hon-
duras. The wood is hard and takes a polish." (Hooper.)

Fruit : So very astringent that caution has to be exercised in its use.

COCCULUS INDICUS. See Anamirta Cocculus.

COCCUS WOOD. See Brya ebenus.

COCO. See Colocasia antiuuorum.

COCOA. See Theobroma Cacao.

32
COCOA-PLUM. See Chrysobalanus Icaco.
COCO-NUT PALM. See Cocos nucifera.
COCHINEAL CACTUS. SeeOpuNTiA coccinellifera.

COCOS NUCIFERA, Linn.

Coco- Nut Palm.

Tropics. A palm with pinnate leaves. (Palmce.)

" Tocldy" is obtained from the flower spathe just before it opens by
slicing oft" the top, and collecting the sap in a vessel. It has a pleasant,
sweetish taste, and in large doses is aperient. Fermented it is intoxi-
cating. It can also be boiled down into a course sugar called ''jaggery,"
which is refined, or fermented and distilled into spirits.

The young Coco-nut contains a sweet refreshing water and jelly.

The nut is generally harvested before it is perfectly mature. If the
outer skin dries on the tree the fibre of the husk becomes coarse and
dark in colour ; if too young, it is weak.

Coconut milk is made from gratings of the kernel. The shell is
carved and used for many purposes.

The dried kernel is known as " kopra," and is used for the prepara-
tion of oil by expression or boiling. The solid fat is employed in mak-
ing candles, and the oil for cooking, for lamps, as a substitute for cod-
liver oil, &c. The cake which is left, or " poonac," is a good food for
cattle and is also used as a manure.

The husk of the fruit yields Coir-Fibre. " Coir is remarkable for its
durability, and is used for the manufacture of various textile fabrics,
brushes, cordage for the rigging of ships, nets, matting, stuffing of
cushions, pads and mattresses, scrubbing brushes, fishing net, &c. The
tender leaves are used for platting mats, boxes, and other fancy articles.
The mature leaves are plaited into matting, and also used as materials
for fences, sails, buckets, books, fans, torches, and fuel The ash yields
an abundance of potash. The midribs of the leaflets are made use of as
brooms, brushes, and skewers. The stalk of the spadix itself is in every
day use as a ehuuam brush to whitewash houses with. The reticulated
web of the base of the leaf forms a coaise kind of cloth. The cottony
hairs are used as a styptic. The soft parts within the stem of the Coco-
nut are cut out and pounded in a mortar; the resulting pulp is washed
in water, and the farina is collected, and used as a substitute for sago.

Aged and unfruitful trees are cut down, and the wood is turned to a
variety of useful puiposes; is is hard, handsome, and durable, known
under the name of Porcupine Wood : it is used for veneering. The hard
stem is converted into drums, gutters, water-pipes, small boats, frames,
furniture, rafters for houses, spear-shafts, shingles, walking-sticks,
ladies' woik boxes, &c. The root stem takes a high polish so as to re-
semble agate. A cubic loot weights 70 pounds and the wood is supposed
to last ijb years." (Dr. John Shoitt.)

A dye can be extracted from every part of the plant, producing a
dirty-brown colour. (jJum is said t<, be yielded in Tahiti.

33

COFFEA ARABICA, Linn.
Coffee.

Native of tropical Africa. A large shrub, with opposite leaves,
white flowers, and scarlet berries. (Rubiacece.)

Berries contain caffein ; roasted, they develop also a brown bitter
principle and a volatile oil. Coffee is an agreeable, stimulating, sooth-
ing, and refreshing beverage. See Bulletins, Nos. 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 14.

Liberian Coffee ( C. liberica, Hiem) has a larger berry with a hard,
fibrous pulp. It does not appear to be so liable to disease as common
coffee, and endures tropical heat better.

COGWOOD. See Zizyphus Chloroxylon.

COIX LACHRYMA, Linn.
Job's Tears.
Native of India. Cultivated in gardens in Jamaica. A tall grass.
(GraminecB.)

Grain used by some hill tribes in India as food, but chiefly used for
ornamental purposes.

COLA ACUMINATA, R. Br.
Bissy, Kola, Cola.

Native of tropical "W. Africa. A tree of moderate height, leaves ;
simple, 6 or 8 inches long ; flowers with a pale-yellow calyx, but with-
out petals ; seeds large.

Seeds used like chocolate. They are said to be of great dietetic
value, and also to be useful in dyspepsia and nervous diseases. "It
has been said that the beverage made with Cola paste is ten times
more nutritious than chocolate made with cocoa. The reputation of
this substance in sustaining the system against fatigue is such that it
is meeting with consideration from the military authorities of the
world as an article to be given to soldiers during active service.'*,
(Watt.) Seeds have been sold lately in London at 2s. and even 3s. per lb»

COLOCASIA AXTIQUORUM, Schott.
Coco, Eddoes.

Native of East Indies. An arum-like plant, with large heart-shaped
leaves, and tuberous root- stocks. (Aroidece.)

Leaves — " Juice expressed from the leaf stalks of the black species
is used with salt as an absorbant in cases of inflamed glands and buboes.
The juice of the tuber is used in cases of alopecia. Internally, it acts,
as a laxative, and is used in cases of piles and congestion of the portal,
system, also as an antidote to the stings of wasps and other insects . . m\
Have seen remarkable instances of its styptic properties ; if applied to
fresh and clear wounds, it enables the tissues to unite by first intuition,
within a few hours." (Watt.) Young leaves may be eaten like spinach.

Roots. — Tubers often weigh several pounds, and form a nutritious,
food when well cooked.

c

34

c

COMOCLADIA INTFGRIFOLIA. Jacq.

Maiden Plum.

Native of Jamaica. A small tree, 10 to 30 feet high ; leaves pinnate,
at the top of the stem or branchlet ; flowers very small, purple„
( Anacardiacece.)

Wood. — A very hard wood, does not grow large enough for sawing,
but makes an almost everlasting post for which purpose it is much
nsed. (Harrison.)

" Found in most places, except at high elevations. A small tree, in
hedges used for posts, which grow when planted. The timber is said
to be very hard." (Hooper.)

Wood is also said to aflord a red dye. The juice of the whole plant
Is an indelible marking ink.

CONGO PEA. See C.u vm;s indicts..

CONOCARPUS ERECTA, Linn.
Button Wood.

Native of W. Indies, and tropical America ; also found in west tro-
pical Africa. A small tree, with alternate, simple leaves ; flowers
without petals, clustered in heads. ( Gombretacece.)

Wood — Not large, used for piles, and stands well in salt water.
(Harrison.)

" Along the coast, notably St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland. Growing
to no great dimensions, but very useful for posts, being lasting both in
and out of the ground." (Hooper.)

CORATOE. See Agave Mokrisii.

CORDIA GERASCANTHOIDES, H. B. K.

Spanish Elm.

Native of Jamaica, Cuba and Mexico.

A tree, 20-30 feet high, a foot in diameter at the base; with single
leaves, and white flowers covering the tree. {Boraginece.)

" This tree makes a good post to go in the ground, and is much
used by the peasantry in the erection of their houses. Hoops and staves
are also made from it." (Harrison.)

" At the base of the hills in Clarendon, St. Thomas-in-the East,
Portland and elsewhere. No specimens of any size to be found now.
It is useful in underground work and coopering." (Hooper.)

CORN. See Zea Mays.

CORK WOOD. See Anona paltjstris and Ochroma Lagoi-us.

COTTON. tSee Gossypium Barbadense.1

COTTON, FRENCH See Caiotropis procera.

35

COWHAGrE See Mucuna prlriens.

CO WITCH. See Mucuna pruriens.

CRABS EYES. See Abrus precatorii>.

CRESCENTIA CUJETE, Linn.

Calabash.

Native of W. Indies and tropical America. A tree ; leaves narrow,
4-8 inches Long; flowers 2 to 3 inches long, variegated in colour ; fruit
pulpy with a hard shell.

Wood i< tough, light and elastic, but as it is of a crooked growth, it
is only i >r small work, such as the felloes of wheels and in carriage

building generally, cattle yok - and a variety of small articles.

The shell o\ the fruit makes excellent drinking cups, vessels for
carrying water, dish covers, &c.

Fki it. — Expressed juice of the pulp — purgative ; aho a demulcent
and peel oral.

CROTALARIA JUNCEA, Linn.
Si nn Hem i', Bombay Hemp.

Native of [ndia, Malay Islands, and Australia. An annual shrubby
plant, belougingtothe Pea Family, (Leguminosoe,) of erect habit, growing
sometimes as high as In feet, with bright yellow flowers. It is natu-
ralised in Jamaica, but is not anything like as common as Crotalaria
retusa, which is cultivated for fibre in Madras.

The soil must be rich and friable. To obtain stems without branches
for fibre, the seed is sown close. The plant is sometimes grown for
fodder, especially for milch cows, and then seed is sown at greater in-
tervals. The plants are ready for harvesting in 4 or 5 months. If a
soft fibre is wanted, the plants are pulled in flower ; if a strong fibre
is desired the plants are left until the seeds are almost ripe. Retting
is necessary and takes 3 days. The stems are then bent so as to break
the wood, and they are beaten on the surface of the water, until the
fibre comes away. It is hung up to dry, and finally combed out. The
fibre is used for cordage, coarse cloth, and the waste fibre for paper.

CUCUMBER, WILD. See Cucumis anguria.

CUCUMIS ANGURIA, Linn.
Wild Cucumber.
Native of West Indies and tropical America.

A climbing plant, with tendrils; leaves five-lobed ; flowers yellow,
small; fruit spiny. (Cucurbitaccce.)

Fruit. — A wholesome vegetable, also used in pickles.

CUPANIA EDULIS, Camb.

Akee.

Native of tropical West Africa. Naturalized in Jamaica, A tree ;
c 2

36

leaves pinnate ; flowers white ; fruit red, splitting on the tree, display-
ing the black seeds half enclosed with a white covering. (Sapindacece.)
Seeds. — The white covering is a wholesome vegetable.

CUSTARD APPLE. See Anona reticulata.

OUTCH. See Acacia Catechu,

CYPERUS ARTICULATUS, Linn.
Adrue.
Tropics. A sedge, with a small leaf ; stem cylindrical, 2 to 4 feet
high; root-stock knobbed, (Cyperacece.)

Root-Stock. " Aromatic and stimulant, may be used in the place
of Virginia Snake-root, — infusion good in vomitings, fluxes, &c.,s

CYPERUS ROTUNDUS, Linn.

Nut Grass.

Tropics, and warmer temperate countries. A sedge, with flat leaves ;
stem 3-cornered, about 1 foot high ; rootstock bearing tubers. A
troublesome weed in gardens.

Tubers yield an essential oil, used in perfumery. The natives of
India use the dried and pounded tubers as a perfume.

Used medicinally as a diaphoretic and astringent. Stimulant and
diuretic properties are also attributed to them. They are further
described as vermifuge. In native practice in India, they are held in
great esteem as a cure for disorders of the stomach and irritation of the
bowels. The bulbous roots are scraped and pounded with green ginger
and in this form mixed with honey they are given in cases of dysen-
tery in doses of about a scruple. Ic was well known to the Greeks and
Romans, and is mentioned by Homer. (Watt.)

DATE PLUM. See Diospyros tetrasperma.

DATURA STRAMONIUM, Linn.
Thorn Apple. Stramonium.

Found in temperate and warm climates.

A weedy annual, 3 feet high, with large leaves, indented and irre-
gular; flowers white, funnel-shaped; fruit leathery, set with spines.
{Solanacece.)

Datura Tatula, Linn., with purple stems and flowers, is only con-
sidered a variety by Hooker.

Leaves and Seeds have the same properties, though the seeds are
more active. Action seems to be the same as belladonna.

Properties, anodyne and antispasmodic. Useful in neuralgic and
rheumatic affections, in gastrodynia, spasmodic asthma. In overdoses
it is a powerful poison. Used as ointment, fomentation, &c, to allay
pain in tumours, rheumatism, &c.

37

DIOSPYROS TETRASPERMA, Sw.
Pigeon Wood. Date Plum.
Native of Jamaica, Cuba and Panama. A shrub, leaves simple/
flowers yellowish ; berry ^ inch diam. (Ebenacece.)

Wood. — " This is a very good timber wood, lasts in the ground well,
it is used for posts, scantling, &c. Wild pigeons feed on the berry,
hence the name." (Harrison.)

" Found on the southern coast ranges and in the valleys. Of "o
great size. Gives a good timber." (Hooper.)

DIPHOLIS MONTANA. Gr.
Bullet or Bully Tree.

Native of Jamaica and Cuba. A tree ; leaves simple, arch-veini ;
flowers small ; berry about \ inch. (Sapotacece.)

Wood — " This is an excellent building timber and is much used
sawn into boards, planks and scantlings. It is very durable and very
lasting ; shingles are made from it. It is found all over the Island,
and grows 3 to 4 feet in diamet r." (Harrison )

D. montana Gr., is the Mountain Bully Tree; I), nigra, Gr., is the
Black or Red or Bastard Bully Tree; D. salicifolia, A. DC, is the
White Bully Tree, also called Galimeta Wood, or Pigeon Wood.

" General over the Island below 3,500 feet. These together form
an important class of timbers, and the trees, though vulgarly classed
as bullet or bully trees, are not all belonging to one species. Thev
give hard, heavy and close-grained timbers, used largely in general
construction, some being valuable from being impervious to rot, either
under water or above ground ; others, notably the white bullet, are split
into shingles. These bullet trees demand further study." (Hooper.)

DIVI-DIVI. See Gesalpima coriaria.

DOG WOOD. See Piscidia erythrina.

DOLICHOS TUBEROSUS, Lam.
Yam Bean.

Native of tropical Asia. A twining plant ; leaves compound ; flowers
white : pod straight, compressed, with reddish hairs ; seeds red ; root
formed of a number of fibres, several feet long, bearing tubers.

Roots " afford a plentiful supply of wholesome food. The produce
of 3 plants is usually a bushel. The tubers may either be boiled plain,
in which state they are a very good substitute for yams or other roots
in common use ; or they may be submitted to a process similar to ar-
row-root, and a starch obtained. The starch is of a pure white, and is
equal in every respect to arrow-root. To the taste it is very palata-
ble, is easily digested, and is employed for custards and puddings.
Even the trash, left after obtaining the starch, and which in the pre-
paration of arrow-root is lost, may, when thoroughly dried, be formed
into a palatable and wholesome flour. A very excellent flour may also

38

be obtained by slicing the tubers, drying them in the sun, and then
reducing to a powder. This plant is deserving of being more gene-
rally cultivated than it has been. It can be planted at any season of
the year, and the roots are fit for digging in the course of 4 or 5
months ; the return is infinitely greater than that from arrow-root, and
the proportion of starch also is more abundant." (Macfadyen.)

The young pods may be used like French Beans, but the ripe beans
are poisonous.

DOWN TREE. See Ochroma Lagoptjs.

DUTCHMAN'S LAUDANUM. See Passiflora Murucuja.

EARTH NUT See Arachis hypogjea.

EBONY, WEST INDIAN. See Brya ebenus.

EDDOES. See Colocasia antiquortjm.
ELM. SPANISH. See Cordia gerascanthoides.

ERIGERON CANADENSIS, Linn.
Horse Weed, Butter Weed.

Native of America and W. Indies. An annual herb, 2-4 feet high,
of agreeable, aromatic odour, with minute flowers of very pale violet-
white colour, in numerous small heads. (Compositce.)

The plant should be collected, for medicinal use, while in flower.
The leaves and flowers are most active. Its properties are imparted
both to alcohol and water, but they are injured by boiling in conse-
quence of the loss of volatile oil.

A tonic, astringent, and diuretic. Useful in diarrhoea, dysentery,
and dropsical complaints.

" The oil was first introduced into notice by the Eclectic Physicians,
who had found it useful in diarrhoea and various haemorrhages. More
recent trials seem to indicate that it is a remedy of more especial value
in uterine haemorrhage. The dose is from 5 to 10 drops every two
hours. It has also been recommended in doses of ten drops in gonor-
rhoea. It is also emploj-ed by the eclectic practitioners when dissolved
in alcohol, in the proportion of one drachm of the oil to from one to
two ounces of alcohol, as an application to inflamed and enlarged ton-
sils, in inflammation and ulceration of the throat generally, and also
in other local inflammations. It is said to be a most valuable remedy
in such cases." (Bentley and Trimen.)

ERIODENDRON ANERACTUOSUM, DC.
Silk-cotton Tree, Ceiba.
Native of W. Indies and tropical S. America. A very high tree;
leaves compound, palmate; flowers rose coloured l\ inch long; seeds
many, enveloped in wool. [Malvaceae,)

39

" Dotted here and there over the island up to 3,000 feet. A very
large spreading tree, growing in the open, with peculiar twisted far-
extending buttresses. The girth of the cotton tree is up to 30 feet,
the timber soft and useless, except for cheap canoes, which last one
season." (Hooper.)

" The large stems of this tree are hollowed out to form canoes. The
wood is soft and subject to the attack of insects ; but if steeped in
3trong lime water, it will last for several years, even when made into
boards or shingles, and in situations exposed to the influence of the
weather.

The wool has been employed in stuffing mattresses ; and is said to
tnswer the purpose equally well as feathers." Macfadyen.)

ERYNGIUM F.ETIDUM, Linn.
Fit- weed.

Native of W. Indies and tropical America. A fetid herb, about a
foot high ; flowers small, white, collected in spiny heads ; leaves
spiny.

This plant has the character of being aphrodisiac, alexipharmic, and
emmenagogue, and of being serviceable in colic, hysteria, and spasmodic
diseases in general. It may be used in the form of infusion or decoc-
tion, or the root may be given in powder. It has received its common
name from its efficacy in nervous diseases. Macfadyen).

ERYTHROXYLUM AREOLATDM, Linn.

Redwood.

Native of Jamaica, Venezuela and New Granada. A shrubby tree,
10-16 feet high; leaves marked as in E. Coca with lines parallel with
the midrab, 1^-2 inches long ; flowers appearing before the leaves,
white and fragrant ; berries numerous, bright scarlet. (Linacece.)

Leaves contain only a small amount of Cocaine.

Wood. — " This timber grows to medium size, saws readily, not too
hard for general purposes, is used for furniture and flooring." (Harrison.)

ERYTHROXYLON COCA, Lam.

Coca Shrub.

Native of the Andes. Cultivated in Jamaica. A shrub with pale
yellow flowers, and red berries. The leaves are unmistakable from
the two curved lines on the under surface, one on either side of the
midrib. {Linacece.)

Leaves dried, form the coca of commerce. The chief constituents
of coca are a crystalline alkaloid, called cocaine, and a volatile odorifer-
ous alkaloid, hygrim. See Bulletins, 15, 16.

ESPARTO, See Stipa tenacissima.

40

EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS, Labill.
Blue Gum

Native of Australia and Tasmania. Established at Cinchona, Jamaica,

A tree of very rapid growth, and in Australia, attaining sometimes
1he extraordinary height of over 300 feet. Leaves on young shoots
are opposite, ovate, of a very pale greenish-blue colour ; on old
branches the leaves are not opposite, they are sabre-shaped, with the
stalk twisted so that they hang vertically. (Myrtaceae.)

Leaves contain numerous oil-glands, from which a volatile oil is
obtained by distillation.

It is to this oil that the fibrifugal properties of the plant are due.
The alcholic tincture is the best form in which to administer. It has
been successfully used in ague, periodic fever, palustral cachexia, ail-
ments of an atonic or anaemic character, as a stimulant and antispos-
modic, and in bronchitis. The leaves are used to dress wounds.

" It can scarcely be doubted that this tree does produces a most
beneficial effect by destroying the fever- producing miasm of marshy
districts." (Bentley and Trimen.)

This species is not suited to low elevations in Jamaica, but experi-
ments are being made to find species that will stand the climate,
and at the same time act beneficially in malarious districts.

EUPATORIUM NERVOSUM, Sw.
Bitter Bush.
Native of Jamaica ^d Haiti. A perennial herb, 4 or 5 feet high;
leaves opposite, ovate^L to 3 inches long, dotted beneath with minute
glands ; flowers whitish. (Co?npositae.)

An infusion of the leaves and tops, gathered after flowering has
commenced, is " regarded as efficacious in cholera, and also in typhus
and typhoid fevers, and in small-pox ; it is also reputed to be a good
cholagogue." (Bentley & Trimen.)

EUPHORBIA PILULIFERA, Linn.

Tropics. An annual weed ; leaves simple, pointed, ^ to 1 inch long ;
flowers minute; seeds 4-cornered. (Eupltorbiacece.)

The whole plant is useful " in cases of asthma and bronchitis, to
relieve spasm, and promote free expectoration.'5 (Dr. Henderson.)

FEVER GRASS. See Andropogon citratus.

FIDDLE WOOD. Vitex umbrosa.

FORSTERONIA FLORIBUNDA, G. Don.

Milk Withe.
Native of Jamaica. A climbing shrub, leaves simple, 2 to 3 inches
long ; flowers small, whitish ; seeds nearly \ inch long with brownish
hairs. (Apocynece.)

Stem yields caoutchouc, valued at ,3s-. 2d. per lb. See Bulletins
x, and xxi.

41

FEVILLEA CORDIFOLIA, Sw.
Antidote Cacoon.

A climbing plant, with tendrils ; leaves roundish, 3-4 inches ; flowers
small, orange colour ; fruit, size of an apple of a russet colour, hard,
full of large, flat, round seeds. ( Cucurbit acece.)

Seeds abound in oil ; a good torch can be made by stringing them
on a thin stick. Oil " has been manufactured into candles."

" The Spanish physicians, we are told, employ the seeds with success
in the form of an emulsion, for intermittent fever, and as a counter-
poison. The Buccaneers esteemed it so highly, that they never ven-
tured on an expedition without taking with them a supply of this
fruit." (Macfadyen.)

FIDDLE WOOD. See Citharexvlum.

FIT WEED. See Eryngium Fcetidum.

FLAX, NEW ZEALAND. See Phormium tenax.

FRENCH COTTON. See Calotropis procera.

FRENCH OAK. See CatAlpa longissima.

FURCRCEA CUBENSIS, Haw.
Silk Grass

Native of West Indies and tropical America.

A plant like an Agave, with spiny leaves, white flowers and ven
short siem. (AmaryllidecB.)

Leaves yield a fibre, which may supply a small part of the Sisal
Hemp of Yucatan.

FURC1UEA GIGANTEA, Vent.
Mauritius Hemp.

Native of Central America. This plant is very much like the one
known as Silk Grass, but it is larger and has a distinct stem.

It probably yields some of the fibre exported from Yucatan as Sisal
Hemp, but it is not the true plant, and the price of the fibre is not as
high. It was introduced many years ago into Mauritius, where it ra-
pidly spread. When a demand arose for fibre there wras an immense
quantity in Mauritius ready at hand, and there was no expense in-
curred in planting.

FUSTIC. See Maclura tinctoria.

GENIP. See Melicocca bijuga.

GINGER. See Zingiber officinale.

42

GOSSYPIUM BARB A DENSE, Linn.

Cotton.

Native probably of W. Indies and tropical America. The mummy
cloths of Peru are cotton, of Egypt linen.

A small shrub, with lobed leaves, yellow flowers, and seeds covered
with long, white hairs. (Malvacce.)

Bark of root used as an emmenagogue, also in dysmenorrhea.

Seeds yield oil, which is used for various purposes, and sometimes
as a substitute for olive oil.

The cake, left after the expression, is given to cattle.

A decoction of the seeds is a remedy in intermittents.

Hairs from the seeds constitute commercial cotton, one of the most
important fibrous materials.

Cotton consists of nearly pure cellulose, which has the same chemical
formula as starch. By the action of nitric and sulphuric acids, it ia
converted into the explosive substance Gun Ootton, known in the Phar-
macopoeia as Pyroxylin. This dissolved in a mixture of ether and rec-
tified spirit, gives Collodion. Flexible Collodion is made by adding a
small quantity of Canada Balsam and Castor oil to collodion. Collo-
dion is used to apply to wounds, skin diseases, &e. ; the ether evapo-
rates, leaving a thin film.

GROUND NUT. See Arachis hypogjsa.

GOUANIA DOMINGENSIS. Linn.
Chew Stick.

Native of West Indies and tropical South America.

A shrubby climber, with tendrils ; leaves simple ; flowers small,
yellowish, in clusters; seed-vessel 3-winged. Rhamnecs.)

This is a very agreeable bitter. It is used as a substitute for hops
in ginger beer, and cool drinks.

The infusion has been employed in gonorrhoea and dropsy, and as a
light grateful bitter, in cases of debility, to restore the tone of the
stomach.

In powder, it forms an excellent dentifrice ; its aromatic bitter pro-
ducing a healthy state of the gums, and the mucilage it contains work-
ing up by the brush into a kind of soap-like froth. A tincture also is
prepared from it, diluted with water, as a wash or gargle, in cases of
salivation or disease of the gums. Chew-stick is also a substitute for
the tooth-brush itself. A piece of a branch, about as thick as the little
linger, is softened by chewing, and then rubbed against the teeth. In
Miis manner a tooth-brush, and, with it, a powder are obtained, equal,
if not superior, to any in use in Europe. (Macfadyen.)

GOURD, BOTTLE. See Lagknama vulgaris.

'iRANADILLA. See Passifloka ouadrangi laris.

43
GRAPE, SEASIDE. See Coccoloba uvifera.

GRAPE VINE. See Yitis mmi era.

GRAPE, WILD. See Vitis caribcea.

GR E E N" B E A RT. See Sloa nea jamaicensis.

GUAIACUM OFFICINALE, Linn.
Lignum Yit.e.

Native of West Indies, Venezuela. Colombia. A small tree ; leaves
compound, leaflets opposite in 2 or 3 pairs : flowers of a bright pale
blue, covering the tree ; berries brownish-yellow. (Zygophyllacece)

Wood : — hard, tmigh, dense, and durable. 1'sed for pulleys, blocks,
pestles, rulers, skittle ball-. <!

"On the alluvial deposits near the coast. A tree up to two feet six
inches in diameter (Mitel.' 1 1 town, Vere), though randy exceeding one
foot and a half, with a height of 15 feet. A hard, close-grained wood,
exported to Europe for the manufacture of small articles. Since It

580 tons have been exported, valued at £12,820." (Hooper.)

The heart wood is of a dark greenish-brown colour, owing to the de-

dtion of guiacum resin ; the sap wood is pale-yellow.

The wood is official in the Pharmacopoeias, and owes its medicinal
properties to the presence of the resin, which is also official. "Guiacum
resin possesses stimulant, diaphoretic, and alterative properties like the
wood ; but its action is much stronger. By some practitioners it is
also regarded as an emmenagogue. It is a useful remedy in chronic
forms of rheumatism ; also in syphilitic and gouty affections, scrofula,
^kin diseases ; and in dysmenorrhea, and other uterine affections, cv^c.''
(Bent ley & Trimen.)

GUANGO. See Pithecolobium Saman.

GUAREA SWARTZII, D. C.

Alligator Wood, Musk Wood.

Native of Jamaica and Guadeloupe.

A low tree; leaves pinnate , flowers small, white. [MeliacecB.)
" Common on Blue Mountains. Used for shingles." (Hooper.)
" All parts of the tree especially the bark, have a strong smell of
musk, resembling that of the Alligator. There cannot be a doubt, that
many parts of this tree are possessed of medical properties. The pow-
dered bark is a good emetic. The seeds are bitter, and have a warm
musky taste." (Macfadyen.)

GUAVA. See Psidium Guava.

GUAVA, MOUNTAIN. See Psidium Montanum.

44

GUAZUMA TOMENTOSA, H. B. K.
Bastard Cedar.

Native of West Indies and tropical America,

A tree 15 to 50 feet high ; leaves, simple, in two rows on the twigs ;
flowers small, yellow ; nut purplish-black.

Wood ; light and splits readily.

" Found in the open foreBt in the vicinity of high roads and habita-
tions. This is a valuable tree, mainly from its yielding foliage and fruit
which are readily eaten by stock of all kinds. It is of a spreading habit,
rarely taller that 20 feet, with a diameter at the base of three feet ; it
yields a good timber, but it is rarely cut until it ceases to bear fruit."
(Hooper.)

Bark : "an infusion has been employed medicinally, and given inter-
nally as a remedy for coco-bay, elephantiasis, and other obstinate cuta-
neous diseases. " (Macfadyen.)

HAEMATOXYLON CAMPECHIANUM, Linn.

Logwood.

Native of tropical America. A tree, with pinnate leaves, small yellow
flowers, and small pointed pods. (Leguminosae.)

Wood. — The heart-wood is red-coloured, and this alone is exported,
the whitish sapwood being chipped off. The root is also exported. The
wood is employed to produce violet and blue colours, shades of grey,
and more especially blacks, giving to the latter a velvety lustre. "On
the coast, but especially on the east, south-east and south. In Claren-
don and St. Elizabeth it has spread inland up to 2,000 feet altitude.
Introduced from British Honduras in 1715, though it is believed an
entrepot trade in it had been carried on previously, shipments from
Honduras being landed and re- shipped from Jamaica. It generally
acquires in from 10 to 20 years a diameter of 9 inches to a foot, with
a stem branching upwards at a height of six feet from the ground.
There are large trees in the Clarendon Hills.

A clump of large trees exists on Goshen Common measuring up to 24
feet in girth. The yearly export varies from 22,000 to 114,900 tons.
As a dye wood it is inferior to both Honduras and Campeachy wood,
judging from the market prices, which are in the proportion of five,
seven, and nine, the last being given for Campeachy wood. Of re-
cent exports a large proportion is comprised of the roots of previous
cuttings, removed because the logwood does not coppice.'1 (Hooper.)

•' Logwood is a mild astringent. It has been found useful in chronic
diarrhcea and dysentery, in some forms of atonic dyspepsia, and especi-
ally in the diarrhoea of infants. As an injection the decoction of log-
wood has been found of service in leucorrhoea : and in the form of an
ointment prepared from the extract of logwood, it is said to be useful
in cancer and hospital gangrene." (Bentley & Trimen.)

Logwood makes a strong and durable fence, but must be kept well
pruned.

45
HEART PEA. See Cardiospermum Halicacabum.

HELICTERES JAMAICENSIS, Jacq.
Jamaica Screw Tree.
Native of West Indies and Central America.

A shrub or low tree, 4 to 15 feet high, with simple leaves, white
flowers, and fruit shaped like a twisted cone. (Malvacece.)

" A decoction or infusion of the leaves and fruit may be used as a
substitute for a similar preparation of marsh mallow, and given as a
drink in fevers, consumption, cough, &c." (Macfadyen.)

HEMP. See Cannabis sativa,
HEMP, BOMBAY. See Crotalaria juncea.

HEMP, MANILA. See Musa textilis.

HEMP, SUNN. See Crotalaria juncea.

HEMP, MAURITIUS. See Furcrcba gigantea.

HIBISCUS ABELMOSCHUS, Linn.
Musk Ochra.

Found in all tropical countries. A somewhat shrubby plant, flowers
sulphur- yellow with crimson base, seeds with a musky smell. (Malvacece.)

Seeds sometimes used as a substitute for musk in perfumery; and
in nervous and spasmodic diseases.

HIBISCUS CLYPEATUS, Linn.

Congo Mahoe.

Native of Jamaica. A shrub, 6 to 12 feet high, with reddish-yellow
flowers. (Malvacece.)

Bark — fibre used for cord and whip-lashes.

HIBISCUS ELATUS, Sw.
Blue or Mountain Mahoe, Cuba Bark.

Native of "West Indies. A tree, 50 or 60 feet, with roundish leaves,
large flowers of a purplish-saffron colour. (Malvacece.)

Bark — fibres make good ropes. The lace-like inner bark was at
one time known as Cuba bark from its being used as the material for
tying round bundles of Havanna cigars.

Wood, valuable to cabinet-makers ; best variety has the appearance
of dark-green variegated marble.

Leaves and young shoots, mucilaginous ; infusion used in dysentery.

" This wood is much used in building, it makes a very pretty floor-
ing and pretty furniture, picture frames, &c. When fully ripe, it is
of a dark blackiah-green colour, with darker or lighter bands, and

46

makes a pretty contrast with lighter woods. In some localities boards
2 to 3 feet may be got. The bark yields an excellent fibre much used
for cordage." (Harrison.)

" On the limestone at altitude of 2.000 feet and upwards a tall, stout
tree, diameter up to three feet, height 80 feet, Much sought after for
furniture and interior woodwork on account of its curious striped
grain; also gives good shingles. Bark yields a fibre." (Hooper.)

HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS, Linn.

OCHRA.

Found in all tropical countries.

A large annual herb, flowers pale-yellow with a red base, fruit cylin-
drical, 3-6 inches long. [Malvaceae.)

The whole plant abounds in a viscid mucilage, and the unripe fruit
is official in the Indian Pharmacopoeia. In the form of a decoction, the
fruit may be used in catarrhal affection, gonorrhoea, dysuria, &c. " The
inhalation of the vapour of the hot decoction has been found very
serviceable in allaying cough, hoarseness, irritation of the glottis, and
other affections of the throat and fauces." (Waring )

The principle use of ochra fruit is as a vegetable and to thicken soups, &c.

Seeds yield an oil similar to olive oil.

Stem — a fibre of excellent quality is obtained, and a patent has taken
out in France for making paper from it, called band a paper.

HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA, Linn.
Red Sorrel.
Cultivated in tropics. An annual herb, with yellow corolla, and red
stem, branches, &c. (Malvacece.)
Root — Gentle, laxative.
Stem yields fibre, which is fine and silky.

Flower — Outer envelopes made into preserves, tarts, and an infu-
sion is a refreshing beverage, called Sorrel-drink. (" Rozelle" of India.)

HIBISCUS TILIACEUS, Linn.
Sea-side Mahoe.
Native of tropics. A tree, 10 to 20 feet high, with roundish leaves
and large yellow flowers. {Malvaceae.)

Bark affords a strong fibre. Dampier often refitted the rigging of
his ships with rope made from this bark.

HOG GUM. See Symphonia globulifera.

HOOP TREE. See Melia sempervirens.

HORSE EYE BEAN. See Mucuna urens.

HORSE RADISH TREE. See Moringa pterygosperma.

HORSE WEED. See Erigeron canadense.

47

HYMEN-ffiA COUEBARIL, Linn.
Locust Trek.

Native of West Indies and tropical America. A lofty spreading tree ;
leaves compound with two leaflets ; flowers white ; pod with about
three seeds enclosed in a niealy substance. (Leguminosce.)

Roots- — "A fine transparent resin of a yellowish or red colour exudes
between the principal roots. It is the Gum Animi of the shops. It
requires highly rectified spirits of wine to dissolve it, and makes the
finest varnish that is known, superior even to the Chinese lacca. It
burns readily, emitting a grateful and fragrant smell, and has been
employed by way of fumigation in attacks of spasmodic asthma, and
other embarrassments of respiration. In solution, it is given inter-
nal!) in doses of a teaspoonful, as a substitute for Gum Gruiacum, for
rheumatic and pseudo-syphilitic complaints, and employed externally
as an embrocation. From this resin an oil may be distilled." (Mac-
fadyen.)

Wood, takes a fine polish, adopted for making cogs of wheels in ma-
chinery. (Macfadyen.)

" Hard and heavy, very durable, saws easily, used in general build-
ing." (Harrison.)

*4 Near the coast, Liguanea Plain, up the valley of the Black River,
and elsewhere. A large tree, with thick fleshy pod which smells of-
fensively when opened, attains in the open a diameter of four feet and
height of 25 feet (Mona carriage drive), elsewhere much taller. Wood
described as hard and heavy in house building. In other West In-
dian islands much prized for furniture and cabinet work/' (Hooper.)

Bark — Decoction of inner bark, vermifuge.

Pod — Mealy substance sweet and pleasant, eaten by Indians.

INDIGOFERA TINCTORIA, Linn.

[ndigo.

Native of Asia and Africa. A small shrub, belonging to the Pea
Family (Leguminosce), with pinnate leaves, small pinkish flowers, and
pod 1 to 1^ inch long. This plant is the one so largely cultivated in
the East Indies, but another species, Indigofera Anil, Linn. (Wild
Indigo) also yields the dye ; it is a native of the W. Indies and tropi-
cal America, and it is readily distinguished from the other species by
the pod which is only \ inch long and much curved.

" For preparing indigo, the plants are cut down, just before flower-
ing, placed in troughs, and after being pressed closely together they
are covered with water. Fermentation takes place, and is allowed to
continue from 12 to 15 hours, when the body of the liquid acquires a
sherry colour, and the surface becomes covered with a blue film. It
is then decanted, and the colouring principle dissolved by the water,
absorbing oxygen from the air, becomes insoluble, and is gradually
precipitated as a deep blue granular powder. This precipitation is
facilitated by brisk agitation of the liquid, or by the addition of lime-
water, or an alkaline solution. The supernatant liquor is then drawn

48.

off, and the sedimentary matter after being heated is thrown upon a
calico filter, where it is washed. The indigo is then removed from the
filter, pressed, and cut into cubical cakes, dried and sent into the
market.

Indigo has been used as a remedial agent in epilepsy, and also in
infantile convulsions, chorea, hysteria, and amenorrhoea." (Bentley
and Trimen.)

IPECACUANHA, WILD OR BASTARD, See Asclepias Curassa-

VICA.

IPOMGEA HEDERACEA, Jacq.
Kaladana.

Tropical and sub-tropical regions of both hemispheres. An annual
herbaceous twining plant; leaves simple, alternate, cordate, 3-lobed ;
flowers usually bright pale blue, but sometimes purplish, pink, or
white. (Convolvulacece.)

Seeds. An effectual, quickly operating, safe cathartic. Dose of the
powdered seeds is from 30 to 50 grains.

IPOMCEA PURGA, Hayne.
Jalap.

Native of country round Jalapa in West Mexico, about 6,000 feet
elevation. Introduced, and now naturalised at Cinchona, Jamaica.

An herbaceous perennial twiner; leaves alternate, cordate, corolla
salvor-shaped, purplish-pink ; roots tuberous. (Convolvulacece.)

Routs, dried, form commercial jalap. A certain, powerful, and
speedy drastic purgative. Valuable in habitual constipation, and in
febrile and inflammatory affections. A hydragogue in dropsies ; a
derivative purgative in head affections.

IRON SHRUB. See Sauvagesia erecta.

IRON WOOD. See Laplacea haematoxylon.

JACK FRUIT. See Artocarpus integrifolia.

JALAP. See Ipomcea purga.

JOB'S TEARS. See Coix lachryma.

JOHN CROW BUSH. See Bocconia frutescens.

JUNIPERUS BARBADENSIS, Linn.

Juniper Cedar, Bermuda Cedar.

Native of West Indies, Bahamas, Bermuda. A large tree, with
small needle-leaves. ( Conifer ae.)

49

Wood. " This wood usually grows at a considerable elevation. It is one
of the fir family and not abundant ; it grows tolerably straight with
many side branches, to a diameter of about 12 to 16 inches It is on<
of the most beautiful of our ornamental woods. Furniture, ceilings,
door pannelings &c, made of this wood are unsurpassed for beauty.
The wood has a pleasing odour." (Harrison, J

" Distributed over a clearly denned area of the Blue Mountains,
above 4,000 feet and under 6.000 feet. It is rarely found larger than
one and a half feet diameter in girth, with a height of 40 feet. It is
now a rare tree, having been cut wherever accessible. Gives a hand-
some light wood, with beautiful graining, used for furniture and
interior ornamental house works. Steps have been taken to grow it
at lower elevations, and the young trees seem healthy and grow quickly.
Later on they are apt to get stag-headed and twisted, but their plant-
ing deserves encouragement." Hooper.

KALADANA. See Ipomcea hederacea.

KITTTJL FIBRE PALM. See Caryota urens.

KOLA. See Cola acuminata.

KHUS-KHUS GRASS. See Andropogon muricatus.

LACE BARK. See Lagetta lintearia.

LAGENARIA VULGARIS, Sw.

Bottle Gourd.

Native of Jamaica. A climbing plant, with tendrils ; leaves round-
ish ; fruit of various shapes and sizes, some 6 feet long. (Qupurbitaceoe. |
Leaves. — Decoction said to be purgative.
Fruit. — Shell used for holding water, &c

LAGETTA LINTEARIA, Lam.
Lace Bark Tree.
Native of Jamaica. A tree, 25 to 30 feet high; leaves broad-ovate,
3 to 5 inches long; flowers white. (Thymeleacece.)

Bark. — '•' The bark produces a beautiful fibre, very strong and well
suited for the most delicate textile purposes : when carefully drawn out
or stretched by the hands a pentagonal and hexagonal mesh is formed
in every respect like lace, and many ornamental things are made
from it." (Harrison.)

LAGUNCTTLARIA RACEMOSA, Gr.
White Mangrove.
Native of West Indies, tropical America and west Africa.
A small tree ; leaves simple, opposite, flowers white ; nut \ inch £
seed germinating in nut. (Combretacece.)

Bark used for tanning, useful to combine with the active divi-divi,

D

50

LANCE WOOD. See Bocagea laurifolia and B. virgata.

LAPLACEA ELEMATOXYLON, Camb.
Blood Wood, Iron Wood.

Native of Jamaica. A tree, leaves simple ; flowers large, white ;
seeds with a long wing at the top. (Ternstrcemiaeece.)

Wood.—" This is a very hard close grained wood of a deep red
color, it is not used in building on account of its hardness. I think it
would be a very useful wood for small articles, such as ornaments,
knobs, buttons, &c, and is just the kind wood of wood now being en-
quired after by manufacturers. An excellent dye is extracted from it."
(Harrison.)

"In the Blue Mountains at over 5,000 feet a very handsome, heavy,
fine grained timber with much the same qualities as boxwood. Yields
a dye from the rich red heart- wood." (Hooper.)

LAUDANUM, DUTCHMAN'S. See Passiflora murucuja.

LEAF OF LIFE. See Bryophyllum calycindm.

LEMON. See Citrus medica, var. limonum.

LEMON GRASS. See Andropogon citratus.

LEMON, WATER. See Passiflora laurifglia.

LILAC. WEST INDIAN. See Melia sempervirens.

LIME. See Citrus aurantium, var. bergamia.

LIQUORICE, WILD. See Abrus precatorius.

LOCUST TREE. See Hymen^a Courbariu
LOGWOOD. See H^matoxylon campechianum.

LOTUS BERRY. See Byrsoxima coriacea.

LUCUMA MAMMOSA, Gr.

Mammee Sapota.

Native of West Indies and tropical America.
| A tree ; leaves simple, 6 to 8 inches long ; flowers white ; berry
about 6 inches long.

"Generally distributed, but nowhere very common. A small stout
tree, with a diameter up to 2 feet and height of 30 feet, gives a first-
class timber and adapted to many uses, pspecially house construction,
both exterior and interior, furniture, &e., fi e specimens in Serge
laland House, Blue Mountain Valley." (Hooper.)

51

LUFFA ACUTANGULA, Rash.

Strainer Vine, Luffa.

Tropics. A climbing plant, with tendrils; leaves 5-lobed; flowers
jellow ; fruit size of a cucumber, drying up so as to leave nothing but
a dense framework of fibres with the flat black seeds. (Cucurbitacece.)

Fruit, deprived of the rind, used for rubbing the flesh in the bath,
and for making ornaments.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM, Linn.
Club-Moss, Stagshorn Moss.

Native of temperate and colder regions of the whole world, and high
elevations in the tropics. It grows in Jamaica above 4,500 ft.

This plant is a near relation of Selaginella, the two genera belonging
to the order Lycopodiacece. It is not one of the true mosses, though
related to them.

The minute spores are of economic value.

Lycopodium, in medicine, is used as a dusting powder to excoriated
surfaces. In pharmacy, it is used for enveloping pills.

It is chiefly used by the pyrotechnist, and for producing artificial
lightning at theatres. Thrown into flame, it produces an instantaneous
flash.

The principal constituent is a fixed oil, to the extent of 47 per cent.
It remains liquid at 5° F.

MACARY BITTER. See Picramnia antidesma.

MACLURA TINCTORIA, Don.
Fustic.

Native of Jamaica, and tropical South America.

A tree with simple leaves, and minute flowers. (Urticacece.)

Wood exported as a dyewood.

" A very tough close-grained and heavy wood of a burnt sienna
colour, used for felloes of wheels." (Harrison.)

" On the coast, but on higher grounds generally than the logwood.
A large tree with a diameter ranging up to 3 feet and a height of 40
feet. It yields a yellow brown timber, tough and close grained, used
in carriage building, but largely exported as a dyewood. Average
export for past 19 years 2,750 tons, the largest in one year 4,800 tons."
(Hooper.)

MA HOE, BLUE. See Hibiscus elatus.

MAHOE, CONGO. See Hibiscus clypeatus.

MAHOE, MOMNTAIN. See Hibiscus elatus.

MAHOE, SEA-SIDE. See Hibiscus tiliaceus.

MAHOGANY. See Swietenia mahagonl,
d2

52
MAIDEN PLUM. See Comocladia integrifolia.

MAIZE. See Zea Mays.

MAJOE BITTER. See Picramnia antidesma,

MAMMEA AMERICANA, Linn.

Mammee.

Native of West Indies and tropical America.

A spreading tree, 40 to 60 feet high ; leaves simple, opposite ; flowers
laro-e, white, fragrant ; fruit larger than an orange, russet-brown,

(Guttiferce.)

Wood " remarkably durable, well adapted for house building, posts
and piles ; stands damp. It is beautifully grained and used for fancy

work." (Harrison,)

Bark. Gum applied to extract jiggers ; " dissolved in lime-juice, it
destroys maggots in sores at a single dressing ; and an infusion of the
bark is astringent, and is useful to strengthen the recent cicatrices of

sores."

Flowers. " A liqueur has been obtained by distillation from the
flowers infused in spirits of wine, known in Martinique by the name
of " Creme cles Creoles" (Macfadyen.)

Fruit of a sweetish, somewhat aromatic taste, and of a peculiar
odour.

MAMMEE SAPOTA. See Lucuma mammosa.

MANDIOC. See Manihot utilissima.

MANGIFERA INDICA. Linn.
Mango.

Native of the East Indies.

A tree ; leaves, simple ; flowers small.

Wood : "Distributed over the cleared hills on the metamorphic soils ;
planted in hedge rows and around habitations. Introduced in
eighteenth century from the East Indies, and now growing sponta-
neously in the interior of the island up to 4,000 feet ; diameter up to
four feet, height thirty feet. As a timber it has only a few special
uses." (Hooper.)

MANGO. See Mangifera indica.

MANGROVE, RED. See Rhizophora mangle.

MANGROVE, WHITE, See Laguncularia racemosa.

53

MANIHOT UTILTSSIMA, PohL

Cassava, Manioc, Mandioc.

Native probably of Brazil.

A half- shrubby perennial, with very large yellowish roots filled with
a milky juice, generally poisonous ; leaves large, very deeply divided
into 3 to 7 segments ; fruit with six narrow, thick wings. {Euphor-
hiacece.)

There are a number of varieties, according to colour of stem and
division of leaves. There is also one with a non-poisonous juice in the
root. But the plant generally known as " Sweet Cassava," is with-
out wings on the fruit, and has a reddish root. (Manihot Aij)if Vohl.)

Bitter Cassava Root abounds in a milky poisonous juice, and does
not become soft by boiling or roasting.

Sweet Cassava Root has a non-poisonous juice, has tough portions
in the centre, but becomes quite soft by boiling, and is eaten like
potatoes.

Cassava Meal is prepared from both kinds. The root is grated, by
which the cells, containing the juice and starch-grains, are broken
up. The grated material is placed under pressure, sometimes with
water pouring through it. The pressure squeezes out all the juice;
while a certain proportion of the starch- grains passes over with the
liquor. The substance left under pressure consists chiefly of the cell-
walls broken up, but also of some starch grains. This is Cassava Meal
which is dried on hot plates, and made into Cassava cakes. The liquor
which passes away under pressure, being the pure juice only, or the
juice mixed with water, is allowed to stand for some time, when the
starch settles to the bottom, and the liquor is poured off. The starch-
grains, as seen under the microscope, are mullar- shaped. This is Cas-
sava starch proper, as distinguised from Cassava meal.

Tapioca is prepared by heating moistened cassava starch on hot
plates. This process alters the grains, which swell up, many bursting,
and then they agglomerate in small irregular masses.

Cassareep is the juice of the bitter cassava root, concentrated by
heat, which also dissipates the volatile poisonous principle. The same
is further flavoured with aromatics. Boiled with peppers and fish or
meat, it forms the "West Indian " pepper-pot."

MANILA HEMP. See Musa textilis.

MANIOC. See Manihot utilssima.

MELICOCCA BIJUGA, Linn.
Genip.

Native of Trinidad and tropical South America.

A large tree, 40 to 50 feet high ; leaves pinnate ; flowers very nu-
merous, small, fragrant ; fruit green, size of a pigeon's egg, (Sapin-
dacece.)

54

Fruit. — Pulp edible, of a sweet sub-acid slightly astringent taste,,
Huts in the Caraccas, are roasted and eaten, like chestnuts,

MILK WITHE. See Forsteronia floribunda
MILKWORT. See Polygala paniculata.

MOMORDICA BALSAMINA, Linn.

Cerasee.

Tropics. A climbing plant with tendrils ; leaves deeply lobed ;
flowers yellow ; fruit bright orange, bursting, showing the seeds with
scarlet covering. (Cucurbit acece.)

"A decoction of the root is said to act as a de-obstruent, and to
promote the secretions of the liver and kidneys.

The leaves are a favourite potherb in India, and have the reputa-
tion of promoting the lochial discharge when scanty."

Fruit used in East to cure wounds. It is cut open, infused in sweet
oil, which is then exposed to sun for a few days, and put up for future
use. Dropped on cotton, it is a good vulnerary. The pulp is purga-
tive, and an infusion with addition of carbonate of soda removes dis-
colourations of the skin. (Macfadyen.)

Momordica Charantia, Linn., is very much like the above, and is
also known as Cerasee. The fruit is saffron-coloured or red, and the
bract is below the middle of the flower-stalk, and quite entire. It is
supposed to possess the same medicinal virtues ; it is one of the ingre-
dients of " pepper-pot".

MORINGA PTERYGOSPERMA, Gaertn.

Horse Radish Tree.

Tropical Asia and Africa.

A tree, 12 to 20 feet high ; leaves thrice-pinnate ; flowers whitish ;
pod nearly a foot long, three-cornered ; seeds three-winged. (Morin-
gecB.)

Root is a substitute for horse-radish. It vesicates, and may be ap-
plied pounded as a rubefacient.

Wood affords a blue dye.

Seeds yield an oil.

MORONOBEA COCCINEA. See Symphonia globulifera.

MARANTA ARUNDINACEA, Linn.

Arrowroot.

Native of West Indies and Central America. An herbaceous peren-
nial, with a creeping rootstock ; flowering-stem 5 or 6 feet high ;
leaves with long sheathing stalks, generally enveloping the stem :
flowers yellowish- white. (Zingiber acece.)

Root-stocks, when about a year old, are beaten up in a mortar to a
dulp. The pulp is well washed in water, and the fibrous portion*

55

thrown away. The milky -looking liquid is strained, and then allowed
to stand. The starch settles, and when the water has been drained off,
it is dried in the sun. The starch-grains are convex, more or less
elliptical.

Arrowroot is very nutritious, and easily digested.

It is a valuable demulcent in bowel complaints and diseases of the
urinary organs.

MAST WOOD. See Catalpa longissima.

MAURITIUS HEMP. See Ftjrcrcea gigantea.

MAY POLE. See Agave Morrisii.

MEXICAN POPPY. See Argemone mexicana.

MELIA SEMPERVIRENS, Sw.
Hoop Tree, West Indian Lilac.

Tropics. A shrub or low tree ; leaves twice-pinnate ; flowers showy,
blue mixed with purple and white ; berry yellow. (Meliacece.)

Root : bark — a powerful anthelmintic.

Stem ; bark bitter and astringent.

Fruit: "pulp mixed with lard, forms an ointment for Tenia. It
also yields a valuable bitter fixed oil, which is administered internally
for worms, and employed externally to foul ulcers, and as a liniment
in rheumatic and neuralgic affections." (Macfadyen.)

Dried berries — anthelmintic.

MUCUNA PRURIENS, DC.

Cowitch, Cowhage.

Cosmopolitan in the tropics. A twining plant, belonging to the
Pea Family (Legumino&ce) ; leaves compound with 3 leaflets; flowers
of a dark purple tinged pale yellowish-green, hanging in clusters on
long pendulous stalks ; pod, covered with a thick felt of pale-reddish
stinging hairs, which turn brownish when dry. The word cowitch is
a corruption of the Hindustani name cowhage.

Root — infusion used by natives in India as a remedy in cholera.

A decoction of root is said to be diuretic.

Pods — young and tender, are cooked and eaten in India.

A vinous tincture of the pods was formerly used for dropsy.

Hairs from the pod furm a mechanical anthelmintic. Administered
in the form of an electuary with honey or treacle, they are used for
jhe expulsion of the soft-bodied intestinal worms.

MUCUNA URENS, DC.

Yellow-flowered Cowitch, Horse-eye Bean.
Native of West Indies and tropical South America.

56

A plant like the Purple-flowered Cowitch, but the pod is marked by
transverse ribs, and is partially covered with stinging hairs.

Seeds, known asj Horse-eye Beans, are used for ornamental pur-
poses.

MUSA PARADISIAC A, Linn.
Plantain.

Tropics. The stem is green, the bracts purple inside ; fruit requires
cooking.

Stem formed of the leaf-stalks contains a fibre which might prove
valuable as paper-stock. See Bulletin, xvn., 12, 13.

Fruit an excellent vegetable, also yields plantain meal.

•MUSA PARADASIACA, Linn., var. SAPIENTUM.

Banana.

Tropics. The stem is purple-spotted, and the bracts green inside.

&

Stem yields fibre as in plantain.

Fruit eaten uncooked, dried, made up into puddings, &c. ; also
yields a meal.

MUSA TEXTILIS, Luis Nee.

Manila Hemp, Quilot Manila.

| 'Native of Philippine Islands. This plant, the Abaca of the Phillip-
pines, is very much like the Banana and Plantain, but the fruit is not
edible. It is in cultivation in Castleton Botanic Gardens.

" The Abaca is cut when about one year and a half old, just before
its flowering or fructification is likely to appear, as afterwards the
fibres are said to be weaker. If cut earlier, the fibres arc said to be
shorter and finer. It is cut near its roots, and the leaves cut off just
below their expansion. It is then slit open longitudinally, and the
central peduncle separated from the sheathing layers of fibres, which
are in fact the petioles of the leaves. Of these layers the outer are
harder and stronger, and form the kind of fibre called bandala which
is employed in the fabrication of cordage. The inner layers consist of
finer fibres and yield what is called Ivpis and used for weaving the
nipis and other more delicate fibres ; while the intermediate layers are
converted into what is called tupoz, of which are made web-cloths and
gauzes, four yards long, of different degrees of fineness. These are
universally used as clothing ; some being so fine that a garment may
be enclosed in the hollow of the hand." (Royle.)

MUSK OKRA. See Hibiscus Abelmoschus.

MUSK WOOD. See Guarea Swartzii.

MUSTARD, BASTARD. See Cleome pentaphylla.

57

MYRISTICA FRAGRANS, Houtt.
Nutmeg.

Native of Eastern Moluccas.

A tree, 20 to 40 feet high, with simple alternate leaves : small pale
yellow flowers, male and female on separate trees ; fruit fleshy, yel-
low, bursting into two valves, and showing the dark-brown shell of
the seed covered with the scarlet mace ; the shell is brittle and con-
tains the nutmeg. MyristicaeecB)

Seed — the Kernel or "nutmeg" and the " mace" are principally used
for flavouring.

In medicine, nutmeg possesses aromatic, stimulant, and carminative
properties ; but in large doses it is narcotic.

Volatile oil of nutmeg obtained by distillation, may be used for same
purposes as nut-megs.

Expressed oil applied in chronic rheumatism, paralysis, and sprains.

NASEBERRY. See Achras Sapota.
NASEBERRY BULLET TREE. See Sapota Sideroxylon.

NECTANDRA EXALTATA, Or.

Timber Sweet Wood.

Native of Jamaica and Dominica.

A high tree ; leaves simple, 3 to 4 inches long ; flowers whitish ,
berry with a cupule half as Jong as itself. (Lam-incce)

Wood. <: Common up to a height of 3,000 feet above the sea. A
tree with a diameter up to two feet and height of 40 feet. It is used
in coarse carpentry and coopering, but has few qualities to recommend
it." (Hooper.)

NECTANDRA LEUCANTHA, Nees.

Timber Sweet Wood, White Sweet Wood, Long-leaved Sweet

Wood, Shingle Wood.

Native of West Indies and tropical South America.

A tree ; leaves simple, 4 to 9 inches long; flower whitish ; berry dark
blue, (Laurineoe,)

Wood. " This tree grows straight to about 2 or 3 feet in diameter.
It splits and saws freely and makes very good boards, but not very
lasting. Shingles and staves are frequently made from it, as also from
the common sweet wood." (Harrison.)

NEGRESSEE. See Buctda capitata.

NEW ZEALAND FLAX. See Phormium tenax.

NICKER SEEDS. See Cjesalpixia Boducella, and C. Bonduc.

58

NICOTIANA TABACUM, Linn.
Tobacco.

Native of some part of Central or South America. An annual plant,
with large leaves covered with viscid hairs and some glands, and dull,
pink flowers. ( Solanacece.)

Leaves cured form tobacco.

As a medicine, tobacco owes its value to its powerfully sedative and
antispasmodic properties.

NO EYE PEA. See Cajanus indicus.

NUT GRASS. See Cyperus rotundus..

NUTMEG. See Myristica fragrans.

OAK, FRENCH. See Catalpa longissima.

OCHRA. See Hibiscus esculentus.

OCHRA, MUSK. See Hibiscus Abelmoschus.

OCHROMA LAGOPUS, Sw.
Down Tree, Cork Wood.

Native of West Indies, and tropical America. A tree, 20 to 40 feet
high, leaves simple, flowers large pale-reddish or yellowish-white;
seeds enveloped in wool.

Bark used for making ropes.

Wood soft, only fit for use as a substitute for cork.

Seeds — The down used for stuffing pillows, &c. Possibly it might
be made into cloth, &c.

OIL PLANT. See Ricinus communis.

OLIVE BARK TREE. See Bucida Buceras.

OLIVE, WILD. See Bucida Buceras, and B. capitata.

ONIONS. See Allium uepa.

OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA, Mill.
Cochineal cactus.

Native of Jamaica and Mexico.

A cactus, u' feet and more in height, or, generally without spines :
Howers crimson. (Qacteiv.)

On this plant, and on 0. Tuna, the cochineal insect lives from which
carmine is prepared. The insect does not thrive in Jamaica.

59

OPUNTIA TUNA, Mill.
Prickly pear.

Native of West Indies, and tropical America.

A cactus 3 or 4 feet high, spines 4 or 5 in a cluster, yellowish
flowers yellow of 3 or 4 inches diam.

" The plant roasted is applied as a poultice to indolent swellings
and foul sores.

The young joints are sometimes employed as a substitute for ochras
to thicken soup.

The fruit is insipid, but is said to possess astringent properties. It
is principally employed to give a crimson colour to liqueurs, and to
the fruits used in confectionery." (Macfayden.)

Plants used for hedges.

On it, and on 0. coccinellifera, the coccus insect lives, which yields
the cochineal dye.

ORANGE. See Citrus Aurantium.

ORYZA SATIVA, Linn.

Rice.

Native of India and China. An annual grass. (Graminece.)
Seeds (Rice) contain a larger proportion of starch (85 to 90 per
cent.) than other cereals, much less nitrogenous substances (7 per cent.),
and less of fatty matters (0.8 per cent.), and inorganice consti-
tuents. Rice is therefore less nutritive, and yet it is more largely
used as food than any other grain.

PAPAW. See Carica Papaya.

PARROT WEED. See Bocconia frutbscbns.

PASSIFLORA EDULIS, Sims.

Mountain Sweet Cup.

Native of Andes. Naturalised in Blue mountains.
A passion- flower with lobed leaves and whitish flowers ; fruit egg-
shaped, purplish, with hard shell. (Possifloracece)
Fruit — edible pulp.

PASSIFLORA LAURIFOLIA, Linn.

Water-Lemon, Pomme d'Or.

Native of West Indies and tropical America.

A passion-flower ; leaves oval, entire ; flowers white with red blotches
crown violet with white streaks ; fruit egg-shaped, of an orange-yellow
colour, and soft rind. (Pas&ifloracece.)

Fruit — edible pulp.

60

PASSIFLORA MALIFORMIS, Linn.

Sweet Cup.

Native of West Indies and tropical America.

A passion-flower ; leaves ovate, entire ; flowers variegated ; fruit glo-
bular, green with yellow tint, very hard shell. (Passifioraceve.)
Fruit — edible pulp.

PASSIFLORA MURUCUJA, Linn.
Dutchman's Laudanum.

Native of Jamaica, Cuba, Hayti.

A passion-flower ; leaves 2-lobed ; flowers crimson, crown entire;
fruit size of an olive, of a fleshy colour. {Passifloracece.)

" The flowers are said to possess narcotic properties, and a syrup
made with them, and also a tincture, have been employed as substi-
tutes for the syrup of poppies and for laudanum." (Macfadyen.)

PASSIFLORA QUADRANGULARIS, Linn.

GRANADILLA.

Native of West Indies and tropical America.

A passion-flower with four- winged stem ; leaves ovate-roundish ;
flowers large, petals rosy, crown violet ; fruit five inches long, greenish-
yellow, with soft thick rind. (Passifloracece.)

Root, large and fleshy, edible like yam.

Furit, pulp edible, rind edible when cooked.

PAULLINIA CURASSAVICA, Jacq.
Supple Jack.

Native of Jamaica and New Granada.

A climbing shrub, a few feet high ; leaves compound, ternate ; flowers
small, white, in clusters ; seed-vessel, \ inc^ long, red ; seeds, black,
half-enclosed in a brownish-white covering.

Branches used as riding switches.

Seeds " possess the property of intoxicating fish." (Macfadyen.)

PEA FLOWER, Sec Clitoria Ternatea.

PELTOPHORUM LINN^EI, Benth.

Braziletto.

Native of Jamaica.

A low tree ; leaves twice-pinnate ; small, yellow flowers ; pod, flat,
i inches long. (Leg-uminosir.)

Wood. — "This wood is much used for spokes of wheels and in car-
riage building generally ; being of a bright red colour and taking a
high polish. It is also much used for ornamental cabinet work."
(Harrison.)

" In most parts of the Island, notably in the district of Vere, Claren-
don. Trees up to 2J feet in diameter; tall, straight growth; gives a

61

handsome ornamental timber, useful in carriage building and cabinet
work. This has been exported in small quantities." (Hooper.)

" It is full of resin, and gives, on infusion, a fine full tincture."
(Macfadyen.)

PHASEOLUS LUNATUS, Linn.
Sugar Bean, Broad Bean, Hibbert Bean, Lima Bean.

Native of West Indies and tropical America. A twining plant ; leaves
compound with one to three leaflets; flowers usually greenish-white ;
pod scimitar-shaped, compressed ; seeds purple or white. (Legumi-
nosce.)

Beans — of an excellent quality.

PHASEOLUS VULGARIS, Linn.
Kidney Bean, Hibbert Pea, Haricot Bean, French Bean.

Native of tropical Asia. A twining plant ; leaves compound, with
1 to 3 leaflets ; flowers usually white ; pod straightish ; seeds variable
in colour. (Leguminosce.)

Beans — edible. " The Kidney Bean is nearly twice as nutritious as
wheat." Mueller.)

PHOKM1UM TENAX, Forst.
New Zealand Flax.

Native of New Zealand, Norfolk Is., Chatham Is., and Auckland Is.
The Flax Lily of New Zealand has long narrow leaves, 3 to 6 feet long.
The branched flower-spike rises from 6 to 16 feet, and the flowers are
of an orange colour. (Liliaceoe.)

It is under cultivation in the Hill Garden, Cinchona, where it
flowered in 1889. Erperiments are now being made as to its adapta-
bility for the plains. It grows on inferior ground, but thrives best on
rich soil.

"A strong decoction of the root and leaf-bases is used in surgery
for dressing wounds with a view of producing ready and healthy granu-
lation."— (F. A. Monckton.)

The leaves give a very large percentage of fibre, viz., 15.20 percent.,
compared with the 3 to 5 per cent, in the Agaves. The gummy matter,
however, requires that the fibre should be treated with some such sub-
stance as sulphite of soda in order to make it of superior quality. The
fibre is naturally white, soft, and of a silky lustre. It is used for
making ropes, and the refuse is an excellent paper material.

PICR.ENA EXCELS A, Lindl.

Bitter Ash, Bitter Wood, Jamaica Quassia.

Native of West Indies. A tree up to 60 feet, in diameter up to 2
feet ; with pinnate leaves, small flowers of a pale yellowish- green, and
black berries. (Simarabacece.)

62

Wood is the Quassia of commerce in form of chips. It is a pure
tonic and stomachic. " It is a valuable remedy in atonic dyspepsia, in
debility, and in convalescence after acute diseases. It has also been
administered with success as an anti-periodic in fevers; and as an
enema to destroy thread-worms in children As it contains no tannic
acid it is frequently given in combination with chalybeates." (Bentley
& Trimen.)

" Bitter-cups" are made from the wood.

An infusion used to preserve animal matters from decay ; and paper
dipped in an infusion sweetened with sugar, is used to destroy flies.

Quassia used by brewers as a substitute for hops.

PICRAMNIA ANTIDESMA, Sw.
Majoe Bitter, Macary Bitter.
Native of West Indies, and tropical America.

A shrub about 8 feet high ; leaves pinnate ; flowers very small,
whitish-green ; berries, first scarlet, then black in hanging bunches.
{Rutaeece.)

Bakk — a bitter ; " an alterative in constitutional affections, con-
nected witk syphilis and yaws, and as a tonic in debility of the diges-
tive organs, and in intermittent fever." (Macf'adyen.)

PIGEON WOOD. See Diospyros tetrasperma.

PIMENTA ACRIS, Wight.
Wild Cinnamon, Wild Clove, Bayberry.

Native of West Indies and Venezuela. A tree 30 to 40 feet high ; leaves
simple, opposite, 2to3J inches long, covered with minute dots beneath ;
flowers small, whitish with a tinge of red ; berry blackish. (Myrtacece.)

Leaves yield " oil of bay," which is one of the ingredients of Bay-
rum. This preparation is official in the United States Pharmacopoeia,
and is said to be the spirit prepared by distilling rum with the leaves.
Three-fourths of the Bay-rum used in the States is not imported, but
made up from the oil distilled from the leaves. The tree is cultivated
in India for the sake of its aromatic leaves and berries. (Hooker.)

Bay-rum is a refreshing perfume in nervous affections, and to sprinke
in sick rooms. It is also used for perfumery.

PIMENTA OFFICINALIS, Lindl.
Pimento, Allspice.
Native of West Indies and tropical America. A tree, 30 feet high,
with a very smooth, light grey bark ; leaves simple, opposite, 4-6 inches
long, with minute dots beneath; flowers small, white. (Myrtacece )
Stems. — Young, are made into walking-sticks and umbrella handles.
" A valuable close-grained wood, Male trees chiefly cut down, the
others yielding the well-known Jamaica allspice. Diameter of the tree
up to one foot." (Hooper.)

63

Berries, collected of full size, though unripe, and dried in sun for
export. They yield, by distillation with water, a volatile oil, which is
aromatic, carminative, and stimulant, promoting digestion.

Pimento is used as a spice, and the ripe berries in the preparation of
a liqueur — " Pimento Dram." The oil is used also for perfumery.

Leaves can be used for tanning.

PINDAR. See Arachis hypog^ea.
PINE APPLE. See Ananas sativa.

PISCIDIA ERYTHRINA, Linn.
Dogwood.

Native of West Indies, and tropical America. A tree, 15 to 30 feet
high ; with pinnate leaves ; flowers whitish with a purplish tinge ; pod
with longitudinal wings. (Leguminosce.)

Bark of the root used medicinally. It is an intense narcotic, and
relieves toothache, when placed in the hollow of carious teeth. The
tincture is often used in the United States instead of opium,

Bark of the stem, used to intoxicate fish, by pounding it up, and
throwing it into the deep part of the stream. A decoction of the bark
cures the mange in dogs. (Barham )

Wood — " A very useful wood, tough and elastic, much used for
felloes of wheels and for cart and carriage frames and other work re-
quiring a tough wood." (Harrison.)

" Found with the Yoke wood, and stretches up to a greater altitude.
A small tree growing to a diameter of two feet and a height of 40 feet.
A valuable wood, tough and elastic, used in cart building for bodies
and wheels. The root bark used in the United States as a narcotic/'
(Hooper.)

PITHECOLOBIUM FILICIFOLIUM, Benth.

Wild Tamarind.

Native of West Indies and Central America.

A lofty tree; leaves twice-pinnate; flowers whitish in long-stalked
heads ; pod twisted scarlet, blood-colored within, with black seeds.
(Leguminosce.)

Wood. — " An excellent timber wood, much used in building, found
all over the Island, grows straight up to 3 feet in diameter, saws freely,
not too hard for general work, takes a fine polish and makes pretty
flooring and ceiling." (Harrison.)

" Generally distributed over the Island, except on the high levels of
the Blue Mountains. Occasionally this species attains considerable
size, up to 12 feet in girth (Good Intent, Manchester) and b'O feet
of stem, but in general it scarcely exceeds a diameter of three feet. It
is in general use for floorings and ornamental work." (Hooper.)

64
PITHECOLOBIUM SAMAN, Benth.

GUANGO.

Native of tiopical America. Naturalised in Jamaica.

A large spreading tree, often 6 feet in diameter, with compound
leaves, reddish flowers, and long pods. (Leguminosce.)

Wood hard and ornamental, but it is cross-grained and difficult to
saw.

Pons are a very fattening fodder. The trees form a good shade in
pastures.

" Found on the coast, but growing to perfection on the alluvial
plains of St. Catherine and Clarendon, and in the Plantain Garden
Valley. A large spreading tree, with a short stem and a diameter up
to five feet at the base. Grown in pastures and yields a very sweet
pod eagerly eaten by horses and stock. Introduced with cattle from
the mainland.'' (Hooper.)

PLANTAIN. See Musa paradisiaca.

PLUM, DATE. See Diosptros tetrasperma.

PLUM, MAIDEN. See Comocladia integrifolia.

PODOCARPUS CORIACEUS, Rich.

Yacca.

Native of West Indies. A tree 50 feet high ; leaves lanceolate, with
acute tip. (Conifer 02.)

Wood. u This is one of our most prized ornamental woods and
much used in furniture and cabinet work. The most flowery speci-
mens grow on the Blue Mountains, where it is crooked and cross-
grained. In other elevated parts of the island it is straight and yields
capital building and furniture wood, but not so well adapted for orna-
mental purposes as that grown on the Blue Mountains. Its largest
growth is about 18 inches in diameter." (Harrison.)

" Blue Mountains, elevations above 4,800 feet to the summit. Up to
two feet in diameter in favourable localities, with stem of 40 feet. It
is well distributed over the limited area it occupies. All accessible
large trees have been cut. The timber gives beautifully-marked
planks, used in cabinet work, also in the interior of finishing of dwel-
ling-houses." (Hooper.)

PODOCARPUS PURDIEANUS Hook.

Yacca.

Native of Jamaica and Cuba.

A large tree, 120 feet high ; leaves narrow, with blunt tip. (Ooni»
ferce.)

65

Wood : " The Central range on Mount Diabolo. Also reported to
be in St. Ann's and Manchester. I have not seen identified specimens
of this timber. It is reported of different graining to the last named,
straighter and probably larger than its congener. Not much timber
available." (Hooper.)

POISON WOOD. See Rhus metopium.

POLYGALA PANICULATA, Linn.

MlLKROOT.

Native of W. Indies, Central and S. America. An annual herb,
with small leaves and purplish or white flowers. (Polygalece.)
Properties — sudorific and diuretic, — either as decoction or infusion.

POMEGRANATE. See Punica graxatum.

POMME D'OR. See Passiilora laurifolia.

POOR MAN'S WEATHER GLASS. See Axagallis aryexsis.

POPPY, MEXICAN. See Argemoxe mexicany.

PORTULACA OLERACEA, Linn.
Common Purslaxe.

Temperate and tropic zones. An annual weed, with fleshy leaves,
and yellow flowers. Portulacece.J

" As a vegetable it has the reputation of being cooling, antiscorbutic,
diuretic, &c, and peculiarly adapted for warm weather." (Macfadyen.)

PORTULACA PILOSA, Linn.
Purple-flowered Purslane.

Native of West Indies and tropical America. An annual weed wivh
fleshy leaves, and purple flowers. (Portulacece.J

a The leaves are intensely bitter to the taste, and have been used as
a diuretic and stomachic, as well as an emmanagogue." (Macfadyen.)

PRICKLY PEAR. See Opuxtia Tuna.

PRICKLY YELLOW. See Zanthoxylum clava-Herc ulis.

PROSOPIS JULIFLORA, DC.

C A SHAW.

Native of Jamaica and tropical America.

A tree, 30-40 feet high, spiny ; leaves twice-pinnate ; flowers yel-
lowish, delicately fragrant ; pod with sweetish pulp.

Stem : — a gum like gum arabic, obtained in considerable quan.4
tities by wounding stem and large branches.

E

66

" A very hard wood, splits readily, makes everlasting shingles ;
It is the most abundant wood on the plains of the south side and is the
ohief firewood. It is much used for fencing and the sleepers of the
original line of the Jamaica Railway are of this wood. The branches
"being very crooked they are well adapted for the knees of boats and
Bhip building generally." (Harrison.) It is excellent for fuel.

Stock of every kind feed on pods, leaves, and shoots. In dry
breather the pods are said to be as nutritious as corn, but after rains,
horses often die, apparently, from the germination of the seed in the
stomach ; remedies, — alkaline solution to absorb carbonic acid, and saline
purgatives. (Macfadyen.)

" Found in the alluvial deposits along the south coast. A small tree
up to 20 feet in height, with a diameter of from 8 to 12 inches. Is a
very desirable strong timber, the uses to which it can be put being
only limited by the small size it attains. It makes good posts for
telegraph work, sleepers for railway lines and knees in boats and
ships/' (Hooper.)

PRUNE TREE. See Prunus occidentalis.

PRUNUS OCCIDENTALIS, Sw.
Prune Tree.

Native of West Indies, Guatemala, and Panama.

A high tree, with simple leaves, 4 to 6 inches long ; flowers yellow-
ish-white ; fruit like a plum, but very little flesh. (Rosacece.)

Wood, " of a red colour, resembling cedar, and is very hard and
durable ; from its taking a fine polish, it makes a beautiful flooring for
houses." (Macfadyen.) " A hard and durable wood, attains a size of
irom 2 to 3 feet in diameter, lasts well in water, is therefore good for
piles ; it is considered an excellent timber for building. (Harrison.")
" Found in the higher level of the hills. Up to three feet in diameter.
Yields a good building timber, and lasts under water." (Hooper.)

" It is from the kernels that the celebrated liqueur, the 'Noyau of
Martinique, is prepared. They yield a flavour much superior to that
of the peach, being rith, oily, and nutty, combined with that of prussic
acid." (Macfadyen.)

Bark, " has an astringent taste, with a strong flavour of prussic
acid, and is used in manufacturing an inferior description of Noyau,
known by the name of Prune-dram." (Macfadyen.)

PSIDIAM GUAVA, Radd.

GUAVA.

Native of West Indies and tropical America.
A low tree ; leaves simple ; flowers white, large. (Myrtacew.)
Bark can be used for tanning. A decoction of bark, young leaves,
and fruit, — astringent, useful in diarrhwa and dysentery.
Fruit — Stewed, and made into jelly.

n'7

PSIDIUM MONTANUM. Sw.

Mountain Guava.

Native of Jamaica.

A loft v tree, sometimes 100 feet in height . oark very smooth, ash-
coloured ; and leaves simple, 3 ino lies long; flowers large, white,—
with the odour of bitter almonds ; berry sour, size of a cherry. (My-
rtacece.)

Wood " is highly esteemed, affording a timber of the hardest descrip-
tion, with the grain beautifully variegated." (Macfadyen.)

" A hard white wood, grows straight to about 2 feet in diameter,
not much used in building, peihaps on account of its hardness and
cross grain, and because when used us posts, it rots quickly in the
earth." (Harrison.)

" At elevations from 3,000 to 6,000 feet, not a very common timber
tree and useful only for gun-stocks and such articles as require hard
tough wood, grows up to two feet in diameter."' Hooper.)

PUNICA GRANATUM, Linn.
Pomegranate.

Native of Persia, Cabul, N. W. India.

A bush or small tree, with simple leaves, crimson flowers, and red-
dish-yellow fruit. (LythracecB.)

Bark of root — a vermifuge ; also used in chronic diarrhoea, and
dysentery.

Flowers, called " Balaustine flowers," possess astringent proper-
ties.

Fruit used as a dessert fruit, and may be eaten u as a slightly as-
tringent and refreshing refrigerant in some febrile affections, especially
those of the bilious type."

Rind of fruit — astringent, and may be used externally and inter-
nally ; highly esteemed in India for diarrhoea and chronic dysentery.,
usually combined with opium.

PURSLANE. See Porttjlaca.

PURSLANE, SEA-SIDE. See Sesuvium porttjlacastrum.

QUASSIA, JAMAICA. See Picr^hna excelsa.

QUILOT. See Musa textilis.

RAMIE. See Bcehmeria nivea.

RAMOON. See Trophis Americana,
e 2

68

RAPHIA RUFFIA, Mart.

Raffia — Fibre Palm.
Native of^Madagascar.

The Raphia palm grows in brackish swamps The trunk is not
large, but the pinnate leaves are often 50 feet in length.
There are young palms in the Castleton Botanic Gardens.
Fibre yielded by the decaying spathes of the leaves.

RED HEAD. See Asclepias curassavica.

REDWOOD. See Erythroxylum areolatum.

RHIZOPHORA MANGLE, Linn.

Red Mangrove.

Native of West Indies, tropical America and West Africa. A

tree, 20 to 40 high, forming thickets along swampy shores by sending

down roots from their branches and from the seeds while still in the

fruit. (Rhizophorece.)

Wood "makes a good post, and lasts well as piles." (Harrison.)
Bark used for tanning, especially sole leather.

RHUS METOPIUM, Linn.
Jamaica Sumach, Poison Wood.

Native of Jamaica and Cuba. A tree, 15 to 40 feet high ; leaves
compound, with three leaflets, or only one ; flowers small ; berry
scarlet. (Anacardiacece.)

" Common on limestone hills. Affords a good timber of light
colour and texture." (Hooper.)

RICE. See Orv/a sativA.

RICINUS COMMUNIS, Linn.
Castor oil. Oil plant.

Native probably of Africa ; found throughout the tropics.

A bush or small tree; leaves cut into 7 to 11 segments; flowers
monoecious on a long stalk, male flowers with numerous stamens,
female with carmine style ; fruit spiny splitting into six valves.
( Enphorbiacece. )

Seeds yield the oil.

The method of preparing it in the West Indies by boiling, skim-
ming off and straining the oil, produces an inferior article. " All the
oil now consumed in England, India, and the United States, is obtained
by expression. All processes in which a high temperature is employed
are considered objectionable from increasing the acridity of the oil. In
India, in order to extract the oil, the seeds are at first gently crushed
between rollers, and after the seed-coats or husks, and unsound seeds
have been removed by hand-picking, the clean kernels are submitted

69

to pressure in an hydraulic press ; and the oil Jthus obtained is first
heated with water until the water boils, by which the albuminous
matters are separated as a scum ; and the oil is then finally strained
through flannel.'- (Bentley and Trimen.) I^^NBPVI

Besides its general use as a purgative, it is recommended by Dr.
Johnson as an eliminant in malignant cholera. *|&^-^££

Leaves, in the form of decoction or poultice, are used as ja^lacta-
gogue.

ROSE WOOD. See Amyris balsamifera.

RUBUS ALPINUS. Macf.

Jamaica Alpine Blackberry.

Native of Jamaica.

A bramble, with 3 leaflets to caoh leaf, not hairy ; branches with a
purplish tinge. (Rosacea.)
Fruit, small.

RUBUS JAMAICENSIS, Sw.

Jamaica Blackberry.

Native of Jamaica.

A bramble, with 3-5 leaflets to each leaf, covered with silky hairs
beneath. ( 'Rosacea?.)

Fruit, palatable. " Infused in spirit with the bruised kernels of the
Prune Tree, and sweetened with sugar, a liqueur is obtained, not
inferior to, and not to be distinguished from, the Copenhagen Cherry
Brandy." (Macfadyen.)

SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM, Linn.

Sugar Cane.

Native of India and China. A large perennial grass, with a thick
root-stock, and numerous stems. ( Graminece.)

Preparation of Raw Sugar : — " The ripe canes are cut down to the
ground, stripped of their leaves, and subjected to pressure between two
rollers, or in some other suitable way. The cane juice thus obtained, is
clarified by the combined use of lime and heat. The heat coagulates
any albumen which may be present ; and the lime neutralises the free
acid, and combines with a peculiar albuminous body not coagulable by
heat or acids, and forms with it a coagulum, the separation of which is
promoted by the heat. Part of it rises to the top as a scum, and the
remainder subsides. The clarified juice is then drawn off into the boiler,
evaporated and skimmed. When it has acquired a proper tenacity and
granular aspect, it is emptied into a coder and allowed to crystallize or
grain. The concrete sugar is then placed in casks perforated with holes
in the bottom ; and the sugar is left to drain for 3 or 4 weeks. It is
then packed in hogsheads, forming raw or muscovado sugar. Thedrain-
ings or uncrystallized portion of sugar constitute molasses.

70

Sugar is nutritious, but in consequence of not containing nitrogen, it
is not capable in itself of supporting life. It is a powerful antiseptic,
and is largely used for preserving meat and fruit." (Bentley & Tri-
men.) Molasses is capable of fermentation, and then by distillation
yields rum.

SANDERS, GREY MOUNTAIN. See Bucida sp.

SANDERS, YELLOW. See Bucida capitata.

SANTA MARIA. See Oalophyllum Calaba.

SAPINDUS SAPONARIA, Linn.
Soap Berry.

Native of Jamaica and Venezuela. A tree, 15 to 30 feet high : leaves
pinnate, with leaf-stalk broadly winged between the leaflets; flowers
small, white ; berry size of a cherry ; seed black.

Seeds. The fleshy covering, and in a less degree the root, make a
lather in water, and serve all the purposes of soap, but are apt to injure
the cloth. The seeds were formerly imported into England for waist-
coat buttons ; and are often strung as beads, &c.

They appear to be possessed of medicinal properties. Bruised and
thrown into water, they kill fish. Given to fowl, they are said to be a
preventive against " fowl- yaws." " A tincture, prepared by infusing
the bruised berries in spirits, is often used as an embrocation in rheu-
matism ;" and is also said to be of great value in chlorosis. (Mac-
fadyen.)

SAPODILLA. See Achras Sapota.
SAPOTA, MAMMEE. See Lucuma mammosa.

SAPOTA SIDEROXYLON, Gr.

Naseberry Bullet-tree.

Native of Jamaica.

A tall tree, like the naseberry, but leaves twice as large and fruit
only \ inch in diameter. ( Sapotacece.)

Wood : " This tree grows much straighter and taller than the bullet-
tree, and is considered a better timber. It is very heavy and wears
well under water. It grows to 3 or 4 feet in diameter." (Harrison.)
" Generally in the central and west-central parts of the island. A large
tree, up to four feet diameter and 60 feet of stem, but occasionally
larger (at Peru, St. Elizabeth, six feet diameter, grown isolated in a
pasture). A good wood for general purposes, but very heavy." (Hooper.)

SARSAPARILLA. See Smilax officinalis.

71

SAUVAGESIA ERECTA, Linn.
Iron Shrub.

Native of West Indies, Central and S. America.

An annual herb, 6 to 9 inches high, with small white flowers.

'• It is very mucilaginous, and the infusion has been used in
Brazil for complaints of the eye, in Peru for dysentery, and, in some
of the West Indian Islands for irritability of the bladder." (Macfad-
yen.)

SCREW TREE, JAMAICA. See Helicteres jamaicensis.

SECHIUM EDULE, Sw.

Chocho.

Cultivated in the West Indies.

A climbing plant, with tendrils ; roots large and ^fleshy ; leaves
large, simple ; flowers yellow ; fruit 4 or 5 inches long.

Root can be used like the yam.

Fruit — a most wholesome vegetable. It is also made into tarts
with addition of lime.

SESUVIUM PORTULACASTRUM, Linn.

Sea-side Purslane.

Tropics. A perennial weed, with fleshy leaves ; flowers with no
petals, but the sepals are coloured purple within. (Ficoidece.)
Pickled, it is like samphire.
A decoction is useful as a gargle.
An alkali might be obtained from it.

SIDA CARPINIFOLIA, Linn.
Broom Weed.

Tropics. A somewhat shrubby plant, about a foot high, with simple
leaves and shortly-stalked yellow flowers. (Malvaceae*)

Branches tied together, used as a broom.

" The leaves and tender shoots are made use of as a substitute for
soap. Rubbed up with water, they form a lather, which may be em-
ployed in shaving, when the skin is in an irritable state, not admitting
of the use of soap." (Macfadyen.)

SIDA RHOMBIFOLIA, Linn.
Broom Weed.

Tropics. A somewhat shrubby plant, from one to three feet high,
with simple leaves, and pale yellow flowers with stalks nearly an inch
long. (Malvaceae.)

Branches used as a broom,

A good fibre can be extracted from the stems.

72
SILK COTTON TREE. See Eriodendron Anfractuosum.

SILK GRASS. See Furcrosa.

SIMARUBA GLAUCA, D.C.
Bitter Wood, Bitter Dan.

Native of West Indies, and Florida.

A tree about 20 feet high, with pinnate leaves, small yellow flowers,
and purple berries. (Simarubacece.)

Bark of root is a tonic, used in dysentery, after fever has abated, in
diarrhoea, and dyspepsia.

SISAL HEMF. Seb Agave bigida.

SLOANEA JAMAICENSIS.

Greenheart.

Native of Jamaica.

A tree 60 to 100 feet high, leaves simple ; flowers without petals, seed
enveloped in scarlet pulp.

" In the interior limestone hills of Manchester and St. Elizabeth. A
tall tree, with diameter rarely exceeding 18 inches. A heavy timber,
with dense deep-coloured heart-wood known as an ebony." (Hooper.)

SMILAX OFFICINALIS, Kunth.
Sarsaparilla.

Native of tropical America. A large perennial climber, with large
rootstock ; which gives off numerous roots 6 to 8 feet long ; leaves a foot
long, cordate ; flowers small and inconspicuous.

Roots are the official part of the plant. Sarsaparilla is alterative,
tonic, diaphoretic, and diuretic. Employed in syphilitic affections, in
chronic forms of rheumatism, gout, scrofulous affections, and skin
diseases.

" Jamaica Sarsaparilla" is alone official in the pharmacopoeias of
Britain and India. The name, however, does not mean that it is grown
in Jamaica, but only that it was exported from Central America byway
of Jamaica. The plant is cultivated to a small extent in the parish of
St. Elizabeth.

SOAP BERRY. See Sapindus Saponaria.

SOAP WOOD. Sep: Clethra tinifolia.

SORREL, RED. See Hibiscus Sabdariffa.

SOUR; SOP. See Anona muricata.

SPANISH ELM. See Cordia gerascanthoides.

73

SPIGELIA ANTHELMIA, Linn.

Worm Grass.

Native of W. Indies and tropical S. America.

An annual herb, with opposite simple leaves, and small purplish
flowers. Loganiacece.)

The root, and whole plant,— anthelmintic ; particularly efficacious
against Lumbrici (Round Worms).

STAG'S HORN MOSS. See Lycopodium clavatum.

STIPA TENACISSIMA, Linn.

Esparto Grass.

Native of the shores of the Mediterranean. A rush-like grass,
growing in sandy districts. (Graminea.)

The plant has been used from remote times for making baskets,
hats, ropes, &c, and of late years an immense trade has sprung up in
consequence of its utilisation as paper stock.

STRAINER VINE. See Luffa acutangula.

STRAMONIUM. See Datura Stramonium.

SUGAR CANE. See Saccharum officinaRUm.

SUMACH, JAMAICA. See Rhus Mbtopium.

SUPPLE JACK. See Paullinia curassavica.

SURINAM POISON. See Tephrosia toxicaria.

SWEET WOOD, TIMBER. See Nectandra exaltata, and N.

leucantha.

SWEET WOOD, WHITE. See Nectandra leucantha.

SWEET CUP. See Passi flora edulis, and P. maliformis.

SWEET SOP. See Anona squamosa.

SWIETENIA MAHAGONI, Linn.

Mahogany.

Native of Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas, and Central America.

A lofty graceful tree ; leaves pinnate ; flowers small, greenish-
yellow ; seed-vessel opening by 5 valves from the base ; and seeds flat ;
winged. (Meliacece.)

Wood. " A well known and very durable wood, much used in
general building and for furniture and ornamental work. Some of the

74

Jamaica mahogany is very fine. In the interior of the Island trees
of considerable size are found." (Harrison.)

Bark astringent ; used for diarrhoea by boiling an ounce of bruised
bark in two pints of water down to one half. Bark of boughs, a gcod
bitter, and febrifuge.

ie Descending with the limestone to the sea coast on the shores of
Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth. Elsewhere, further inland, at various
elevations. Rare in the eastern districts. In the case of isolated trees
up to 21 feet girth, with a spreading habit f(Colbeck's, St. Catherine),
but rarely exceeds four feet in diameter, and then only where preserved
near dwelling-houses. In limestone forest, generally a small tree up
to four feet growth, and 30 feet in height. Everywhere fruits in
abundance. Timber employed in ornamental house and cabinet work.
In the great houses of estates there are many specimens of beams and
rafters of mahogany, very old and in good condition ; but at the pre-
sent time it is very seldom employed, only those trees being cut which
are found on waste pastures and in forest near cultivation, and they
rarely give than 10-inch planks. At no time has mahogany been
largely exported froux Jamaica, and recent trial shipments have been
made at a loss. As a timber, the present stock is undoubtedly inferior
to the Honduras (British and Spanish) varieties, having neither the
ornamental grain and toughness of the one, nor the splendid dimen-
sions acquired by the latter. With age it becomes of a good colour
and is always a handsome wood. Formerly the wood from Jamaica
was specially reputed for its mottled grain." (Hooper.)

SYMPHONIA GLOBULIFERA, Linn. fil.

Hog Gum.

Native of West Indies and tropical S. America.

A lofty tree, 90-100 feet high; leaves simple; flowers scarlet. {Out-
tiferw.) (Generally known by the scientific name Moronobea coccinea.)

" In the interior hills. A lofty tree. Its resinous juice used in
medicine, its timber in interior housework." (Hooper.)

TAMARIND. See Tamarindus indica.

TAMARIND, WILD. See Pithecolobium filicifolium.

TAMARINDUS INDICA, Linn.
Tamarind.

Cosmopolitan in the tropics.

A large tree, with pinnate leaves ; flowers small, white or pale yel-
low with red veins ; pod filled with pulp.

" Common on open plains. The heart-wood gives a handsome fur-
niture timber. It grows to a large size on Goshen Common (St. Eliza-
beth)." (Hooper.)

75

Fruit is prepared in the West Indies by removing the shell, placing
alternate layers of fruit and sugar in a jar, and then pouring boiling
syrup over them. In the East Indies, the shell is removed, and the
fruit simply pressed together into a mass.

Tamarind pulp is laxative and refrigerant, and is also used to pre-
pare a gargle for sore throat.

TEA. See Camellia theifera.

TEPHROSIA TOXICARIA, Pers.

Surinam Poison.

Native af Trinidad, and tropical America.

A shrubby plant, 4 to 5 feet high; leaves pinnate ; flowers white
with a purplish tinge ; pod 2 inches long. (Ltgumiiiosce.)

Branches and leaves pounded, and thrown into river pools, stupefy
fl^sh. It is suggested that it might be used as a substitute for Digi-
talis.

TERMINALIA LATIFOLIA, Sw.
Broad Leaf.

Native of Jamaica. A tree, 80 to 100 feet high; with alternate
simple leaves, 6 to 12 inches long; flowers without petals; fruit 1^ to
2 inches. (Combrctacece.)

Wood : te This tree grows to considerable size ; it is not thought
much of for building purposes, but as it splits readily, shingles and
staves are often made from it." (Harrison.)

" Throughout the island. Very general on the limestone, and less
represented at low elevations. Trees up to three feet diameter and 80
feet high, used in coopering and for shingles, but not prized for other
uses." (Hooper.)

THEOBROMA CACAO, Linn.
Cacao. Cocoa or Chocolate Tree.

Native of tropical America.

A small tree, with large, simple leaves , small pale-pink flowers,
hanging in clusters from the branches and trunk ; large pendulous
fruit, full of seeds. (Sterculiacece.)

Seeds used for the preparation of Cocoa and Chocolate.

THORN APPLE. See Datura Stramonium.

TOBACCO. See Nicotiana Tabacum.

TORCH WOOD, MOUNTAIN. See Amyris balsamifera.

TOUS LES MOIS. See Canna edulis.
TRAVELLER'S JOY. See Clematis dioica.

76

TROPHIS AMERICANA, Linn.
Ramoon.

Native of Jamaica and Cuba.

A low tree ; with milky juice ; leaves simple, 8 to 4 inches long ;
flowers minute, several arranged together in spikes. (Urticacdce.)

" Found along with, and on both sides of the zone occupied by, the
breadnut. A similar growth to, but a smaller tree than the breadnut.
Chiefly useful for the nutritious fodder it yields for cattle and horses.''*
(Hooper.)

VANILLA PLANIFOLIA, Andr.
Vanilla.
Native of W. Indies, and tropical America. A climbing orchid, with
pale yellowish green flowers, and a long 2-valved pod. (Orchidece.)

Pods — forming Vanilla, gathered before they are quite ripe, and
dried.

Vanilla used in perfumery, and for flavoring chocolate, liqueurs, &c.

VELVET LEAF. See Cissampelos Pareira.

VITEX UMBROSA, Sw.

Box Wood, Fiddle Wood.

Native of Jamaica and Cuba.

A large tree ; leaves compound, with 3 to 5 leaflets ; flowers small
with 2-lipped corolla, and yellow berries. (Verbenacece.)

Wood. " Used for boards and framing purposes, is not a large tree
but works up easily." (Harrison.)

VITIS CARIB^A, DC.
Wild Grape, Water Withe.

Native of West Indies and tropical America.

A woody climber, with tendrils ; leaves simple, with reddish- white
down beneath ; grapes small, purple. (Ampelidece.)

The plant is known as " water-withe" from the circumstance that,
in the early part of the year, the stem and large branches yield, when
divided, about a pint of clear transparent fluid like water, which may
be drunk.

Fruit small, of the size of a currant, and has a rough acerb tiaste,
recommending it for tarts. (Macfadyen.)

VITIS VINIFERA, Linn.

Grape Vine.
Native of South Europe and western Asia.
A shrubby plant climbing by means of tendrils. (Ampelidem.)
Fruit. Grapes are wholesome fruit, and the "grape cure" is re-
commended in Europe as a remedy in pulmonary diseases, etc. They
are refrigerant, diuretic, and laxative.

77
WALNUT, INDIAN. See Aleurites molucana.

WATER LEMON. See Passiflora laurifolia.

WATER WITHE. See Vitis caribjsa.

WINE PALM. See Caryota urens.

WORM GRASS. See Spigelia anthelmia.

XIMEN1A AMERICANA, Linn.
Mountain Plum.

Tropics. A tree ; leaves simple; flowers white, in clusters; fruit
yellow, size of a plum.

Fruit. — Pulp, of a pleasant sub-acid taste, with a slight ^stringency.

YAM BEAN. See Dolichos tuberosum

YACOA. See Podocarpus coriaceus, & P. Purdieanus.

YELLOW SANDERS. See Bucida capitata.

YOKE WOOD. See Catalpa longissima.

ZANTKOXYLUM CLAVA-HERCULIS, Linn.

Prickly Yellow.

Native of West Indies. A tree, 20-50 feet high, with pinnate
leaves; flowers small, clustered in bunches. (Rutacece.)

Wood. — "This wood is of a light yellow colour, saws readily straight,
grows to 40 or 50 feet in height and 2 feet diameter at the butt, not
considered durable for outside work." (Harrison.)

Bark. — Considered a powerful stimulant and sudorific, diuretic,
and febrifuge. Used in rheumatism, paralysis of tongue, and as a
febrifuge.

Bark of Root, dried and powdered, is applied to sores. Infusion
said to be antispasmodic.

" Throughout the island, especially common in the eastern districts
up to 3,000 feet. A tall tree ; with very cylindrical trunk, diameter
up to three feet. The young growth cut for walking sticks on ac-
count of its rugged spines, which burst up through the bark. As a
timber it is of a light yellow colour, and not considered durable when
exposed in exterior work. Other species of this genus abounds, but
do not attain any size." (Hooper.)

78

ZEA MAYS, Linn.
Great Corn. Maize. Indian Corn.

Native of America.

An annual grass, 4-10 feet high, with large leaves ; flowers uni-
sexual. (Graminece.)

Analysis of Maize yields in 100 parts, 54*37 starch, 8*83 nitrogenous
substance, 450 fat, 270 gum and sugar, 15'77 cellulose, 1216 water,
and 167 ash. It contains less nitrogenous substance than wheat, and
is therefore less nutritious, but it contains more fat than any other
cereal.

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE, Rose.
Ginger.

Native of tropical Asia.

A perennial herb, with a root-stock consisting of many roundish
joints ; leafy stems 3 or 4 feet high ; leaves narrow, pointed with long
sheathing stalks; flowering-stems 6 to 12 inches high ; flowers small,
yellow and purple, in a cone-like head. ( Zingiber acem.)

Root-Stock dried forms the ginger of commerce.

Ginger is used as a condiment, and the young shoots are preserved
in syrup.

Medicinally, ginger possesses stimulant, aromatic, and carminative
properties ; and is of value in atonic dyspepsia. When chewed it acts
as a sialagogue, and is employed in relaxed conditions of the uvula and
tonsils. As a rubefacient, it relieves headache and toothache.

ZIZYPHUS CHLOROXYLON, Oliv.

CoGWOOD.

Native of Jamaica.

A tree ; ] eaves simple, alternate, 3-nerved.

Wood. " A very hard and tough wood, twisted grain ; is used for
mill framings, cogwheels, &c." (Harrison.)

"Throughout the interior hills, notably St. Ann's. Grows to a
large size, but most of the available timber has been destroyed, only
small trees being found at present. The wood is dark, close-grained
and heavy; used for coffee-mills and water-mills/' (Hooper.)

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