358 USEFUL PLANTS OF GUAM. 
leaves abruptly bipinnate; leaflets sessile, close, membranous, oblique-oblong; sta- 
mens much exserted; petals broadly spreading, on long claws; pod thin, flat, smooth, 
6 to 8-seeded. 
Universally cultivated in the Tropics; its native country not clearly known. In 
Guam it is common in gardens and growing along fences. It remains in bloom all 
the year. The leaves are said to be purgative and have been used as a substitute for 
senna. In the West Indies a decoction of the leaves and flowers is used as a remedy 
in fevers. The wood makes excellent charcoal. In India ink is made from the 
charred wood. 
REFERENCES: 
Poinciana pulchervima L. Sp. PL 1: 380. 1758, 
Caesalpinia pulcherrima Swartz, Obs. 166. 1791. 
Poisonous plants. 
Among the plants containing poisonous principles may be mentioned the following: 
Abrus abrus.—Kolales halom-tano; seeds. 
Annona muricata.—Laguani; root a fish poison, leaves anthelmintic. 
Annona reticulata.—Anonas; leaves anthelmintic. 
Annona squamosa.—Atis; seeds, leaves, and unripe fruit kill insects, 
Areca cathecu.—Betel nut; active principle of nut anthelp intie. 
Asclepias curassavica.—Asuncion; juice anthelmintic. 
Barringtonia racemosa.—Langisat; seeds a fish intoxicant,. 
Cacara erosa.—Ilikama; seeds stupefy fish. 
Crinum asiaticum.—Piga-palayi; Juice used in the East Indies as antidote for 
snake and arrow poisons, and after eating poisonous fishes. 
Cycas circinalis.—Fadan; fresh seeds poisonous. 
Erythrina indica.—Gabgab; juice of leaves anthelmintic. 
Herpetica alata.— Acapulco; leaves and flowers used as a remedy for ringworm. 
Jatropha curcas.—Tubatuba; seeds poisonous. 
Lens phaseoloides.—Gogo; in Ceylon crushed leaves used for stupefying fish. 
Leucaena glauca.—Tangantangan; when eaten by animals causes hair to fall out. 
Manihot manihot.—Mandiuka; fresh root contains prussic acid. 
Melia azedarach.—Paraiso; anthelmintic and insecticide. 
Pancratium littorale.—Lirio; juice of bulb poisonous. 
Pangium edule.—Rauél; seeds poisonous when fresh. 
Polanisia icosandra. Same as Cleome viscosa. 
Polanisia viscosa. Same as Cleoime viscosa. 
Polianthes tuberosa. TUBEROSE. 
Family Amary]lidaceae. 
LocaL NAMeEs.—Azucena, Amiga de noche (Guam); Nardo 
(Mexico). 
Cultivated in pots and in the gardens of many of the natives. 
REFERENCES: 
Polianthes tuberosa L. Sp. Pl. 1: 316. 3. 
Polygonaceae. BucKWHEAT FAMILY. 
This family is represented in Guam by the following species and by Antigonon 
Amiga de noche 
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leptopus. 
Polygonum sp. 
A species of Polygonum called ‘‘mamaka’’ by the natives grows along the banks 
of streams and in marshy places. It is possibly P. barbatwm 1. 
Polypodium adnascens. Same as Cyclophorus adnascens. 
Polypodium irioides. Same as Microsorium irioides. See Ferns. 
Polypodium punctatum. Same as Microsorium irioides. See Ferns. 
Polyporus. See fungi. 
Pomegranate. See Punica granatum 
