Zanthoxrylee.] es, THE HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINS. 157 
50. ZANTHOXYLE. 
The removal of Zanthoxylum from Terebinthacee, rendered necessary that of some 
other genera, which were placed with and closely allied to it. These form the family or 
tribe of Zanthoxylee, which are chiefly found within the tropics of Asia and America, 
with only a few species in Africa. But as we have species of Zanthoxylum, which now 
includes Fagara, extending northwards into the temperate zone, so do we have species 
of the same genus in China and Japan, and extending in India to Simla in 31° of 
N. latitude, where Z. hostile, differing little from Z. alatum, is found. Other species run 
southwards along the Himalayas to Nepal and Silhet, and then to the Malayan and 
Indian Peninsulas, whence we may trace them to the African islands on the east of that 
continent, as well as to the Cape of Good Hope and New Holland. The other genera, 
of which species are found in India, are Zoddalia and Brucea, the latter about Silhet ; 
but species of the former in the Indian Peninsula, and as far northwards as Nepal, 
whence Dr.Wallich has figured his 7. floribunda (PI. As. Rar. t. 232), nearly allied to 
T. aculeata (Scopolia, Roxb.) which is found in the Deyra Doon and lower hills, Ailanthus 
excelsa, belonging to a genus nearly allied to this family, is found at Delhi, along the 
Jumna, as well as on the Coromandel coast. The other species of this genus are found 
in China and the Moluccas. Among Dr.Wallich’s unpublished drawings, are two 
species.of Tetradium, T.cymosum, T. 883, and T. fravinifolium, T. 884, 7 from 
the Silhet forests. 
The affinity of this order to Zerebinthacee is evident from the genera composing it 
having formerly been placed there; and both are allied to Awrantiacee. These the 
Zanthorylee especially resemble, in different parts of their substance being overspread, 
as remarked by M. Ad. de Jussieu, with vesicles of essential oil, which cover the leaves 
with transparent dots, and the rind of the fruit with opaque areole. To the presence 
of this essential oil is owing the aromatic pungency for which so many of this tribe are 
remarkable, and to this being frequently combined with a bitter principle, called 
Xanthopicrine (Fée), is owing their being employed as tonics as well as stimulants. 
Thus, in North America, as well as in Brazil, species are prescribed as stimulants, and 
in Japan the capsules of Z. piperitum are employed as a substitute for pepper. So, 
in India, Z. Budrunga, Rhetsa, alatum, and hostile, are used, wherever they are indige- 
nous, for the warm spicy pepper-like pungency of their capsules, a property which 
is participated in by their bark, and other parts. The capsules and seeds of Z. hostile, 
called tej-bul by the natives, are employed in Northern India for intoxicating fish, and 
chewed as a remedy for tooth-ache: they are also given as the Faghureh of Avicenna, . 
as Z. piperitum and Avicenne are in China and Japan, and are considered an antidote 
against all poisons. I have no doubt that in many cases they would be of considerable use 
asa stimulantremedy. Thestems and branches are cut as walking-sticks, and compared 
by General Hardwicke to the herculean clubs afforded by an American species of this 
genus. Species of Péelea and Brucea are possessed of bitter properties. From the 
green 
