818 SOME POISONOUS PLANTS IN N.O. SOLANACEiE, iii., 



Solandra longiflora. 



This plant was first described by Tussac in the Flora Antill- 

 arum, 1818 (ii., 49, t.l 2). The name is synonymous with S. Icfrns 

 of Hooker, which is described and figured in the Bot. Mas 1848 

 (t.4345). Although the material for the first investigation was 

 collected under the name of S. Icevis Hook., the latter is now 

 replaced by longiffora, since this has priority by thirty years. 



S. longiflora is a beautiful evergreen shrub, grown in many 

 gardens for its magnificent trumpet-flowers. It was originally 

 introduced from the West Indies. 



The material for this investigation consisted of the autumn 

 prunings from a number of shrubs cultivated in the Botanic 

 Gardens of Sydney; and the author takes this opportunity to 

 express his appreciation of the kindness of the Director, Mr. J. 

 H. Maiden, F.R.S., in providing the material in the quantity 

 required, and in confirming the species. 



Experimental. 



Extraction of the alkaloid. — The air-dried leaves were o-round 

 to a fine powder, and exhausted with 70% alcohol by successive 

 extractions during four weeks The sixth extract contained a 

 trace only of alkaloid These alcoholic solutions, measurino' 

 about 40 litres, were distilled under diminished pressure, at a 

 temperature not exceeding 40°C., till the residue was of the 

 consistency of a thick syrup, and was free from alcohol. This 

 dark brown mass was dissolved in hot water slightly acidulated, 

 and filtered. 



The fluid thus obtained was still dark brown in colour, quite 

 opaque, and contained chlorophyll and fatty oils. All attempts 

 to remove these by shaking out with petroleum spirit or ether 

 were in vain, on account of the formation of emulsions. The 

 aqueous extract was decolourised by agitation with a solution of 

 gelatin, which was then removed by precipitation with alcohol. 

 This yielded a clear yellow fluid from which the colour could not 

 be removed with ether. The solution was next treated with 

 basic lead acetate, and after filtering from the precipitate which 

 formed, and taking out the lead, the alkaloids were separated by 



