24 



QUARTERMASTER CORPS 



the leaves very firmly the result is usually little or no stinging, 

 the stinging hairs being crushed. A light touch, however, 

 usually results in an immediate burning sensation. Some 

 species are much more irritating than others. 



FiGtTRE 106. — Tree nettle (Laportea) . 



e. Cowhage {Mucuna pruriens; M. biplicata; M. cyano- 

 sperma) . — These vines occur in thickets and secondary for- 

 ests, usually not in the high forest. The flowers are greenish- 



128 



