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. 



