BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 15 



In this same tribe is also found the rather coarse herb 

 Trichodesma zeylanica, E. Br., an Indian plant common in many- 

 parts of Queensland. In India this with other species, is 

 considered diuretic, and one of the cures for the bites of snakes. 

 Baron Mueller recommends the plant as a fodder herb, saying 

 that the dromedaries of Mr. Giles' Exploring Party were found 

 to be particularly partial to it. 



In the beautiful order of Bindweeds, Convolvulacece, we find 

 some of our indigenous species are still favourably spoken of as 

 Medicinal plants in other parts of the globe where they are also 

 met with. The roots of the order usually abound in an acrid, 

 milky juice, which is purgative, as for instance, the common 

 purge Jalap, and the stimulating cathartic Scammony. This 

 purgative property is said to depend upon a peculiar resin, but 

 with some this purgative resin is replaced by sugar or starch, 

 and the roots then become valuable articles of food, as in the 

 sweet potato. The first species to notice is Ipomcea paniculata, 

 E. Br., a large smooth twining plant with palmately divided 

 leaves, and showy purplish flowers ; found on most tropical coasts. 

 The thick fleshy roots of this species are said by Baron Mueller, 

 ''Select Plants," to be edible and deserving of cultivation as a 

 food plant. But in other works the roots are said to be cathartic 

 and used as such in many places where the plant grows. The 

 Queensland habitat is from Pockingham Bay to Cape York. In 

 another of our native plants of this genus Ipomcea hederacea, Jacq. 

 the purgative qualities are in the seeds. The seeds are sold in 

 the apothecaries' shops of India under the name of ''Kala dana" 

 (Black Seed), and are said to be a quick and effectual cathartic. 

 The seeds are roasted like coffee, powdered, and administered in 

 doses of from 30 to 40 grains, in any convenient vehicle. This 

 plant, which is one of the most beautiful of the genus, is met 

 with in the tropics everywhere. The leaves are usually three- 

 lobed, and the flower a most delicate light blue ; large plants 

 may be seen in some of the gardens about Brisbane. 



