176 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM. 
of the same species. The following account of the continental North 
American species, though far from satisfactory, will make possible 
at least an approximate determination of collections. 
The plants of this genus are of some economic importance, and 
there are many references to them in the literature relating to Mexi- 
can botany. Unfortunately, their nomenclature is in such confusion 
that no confidence may be placed in the specific names under which 
the properties of the plants have been discussed. This, however, is 
a matter of little importance, since it is probable that most of the 
species have approximately the same properties. The Mexican plants 
are generally referred to in literature as Erythrina corallodendron 
or £’. coralloides. The application of the latter name is uncertain, 
and £. corallodendron probably does not occur in Mexico. 
The vernacular names given below under the species have been 
verified from herbarium specimens. The following names are used 
in Mexico for the species, probably without discrimination as to 
specific limits: “Colorin” (Jalisco, Valley of Mexico, Puebla), 
“zgumpantle” (Veracruz, Distrito Federal), “peonia” (Jalisco), 
“purénchequa” (Michoacén, Tarascan), “ pureque” (Michoacan), 
“tzompantli” (Valley of Mexico), “tzinacanquéhuitl” (Nahuatl), 
“zompantle” (Valley of Mexico), “ chacmol-ché” (Yucatén, Maya), 
“coralina” (Baja California), “chilacoyote” (seeds, Baja Cali- 
fornia), “chocolén,” “iquimite,” “pito” (Veracruz), “patol” 
(seeds), “ pichoco.” 
The species of Hrythrina are often planted for hedges, partly be- 
cause of their usually well-armed branches and partly on account of 
their showy red flowers. It is stated that the Aztecs used the plants 
extensively in this way, just as the people of modern Mexico employ 
them. Branches of the trees or shrubs broken off and placed in the 
ground root readily. The wood is very soft and light, and is used 
for the same purposes as cork. The bark furnishes a yellow dye for 
cloth, etc. The succulent flowers are eaten, either raw or cooked, at 
Cuernavaca and elsewhere. The handsome seeds have been used by 
the Mexicans of both pre-Conquest and modern times as articles of 
ornament. 
Various medicinal properties are attributed to the Mexican Ery- 
thrinas. The roots are said to be sudorific; a decoction of the flowers 
is sometimes used for chest affections; and the bark is reputed to have 
purgative and diuretic action. The juice of the stems is reported to 
have been used as a remedy for scorpion stings. The bark and seeds 
are said to contain a powerful alkaloid, to which the name erythrine 
has been given. This alkaloid has a marked effect upon the nervous 
system, causing paralysis of the motor nerves. If taken internally 
in sufficient quantities the seeds produce death. They have been used 
