BY F. M. BAILEY, F.L.S. 3 



the flower are also stated to be astringent. The rootstock and 

 seed are used as food in China, India, and also in Australia. 



Argemone mexicana, Tournefort. A plant of the Poppy family, 

 with thistle-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, now naturalised 

 in many parts of Queensland, is according to Dr. Lindley's 

 "■ Flora Mediea," called by the Spaniards " Figo del inferno," on 

 account of the powerful narcotic effects of its seeds, which are 

 stronger than opium. An emulsion prepared from them acts as 

 an anodyne and afterwards as a j^urgative. This effect is denied 

 by some, by others it is stated that the oil obtained from the seeds 

 is used in Nevis as a substitute for castor oil. In India the juice 

 of the plant is used in chronic ophthalmia, and in primary syphilitic 

 sores. The infusion is said to be diuretic, and to give relief in 

 strangury from blisters. 



A tropical weed of the Caper family, Polanisia viscosa, DC, 

 common in Northern Queensland, where H. W. Stone, Esq., 

 states it is used by the natives to relieve headache. It is used in 

 Cochin China as a counter irritant in the same way as sinapisms 

 in Europe, and also as a vesicant. In the United States the roots 

 are said to be used as vermifuge. The plant is covered with 

 viscid hairs, leaves of from three to seven leaflets, flowers yellow, 

 in terminal racemes, capsule long linear, containing numerous 

 wrinkled seeds. 



suffruticosum, Griug., a plant of the order Violacece, from 

 one to two feet in height, having alternate, linear leaves, bearing 

 axillary filiform peduncles with a single small flower, all the 

 petals of which are minute except the lowest, which is often 

 lengthened to near half-an inch ; seeds beautifully marked with 

 longitudinal striae. This species is common throughout Queensland 

 also in Tropical Africa and Asia. In India the roots are used 

 medicinally in diseases of the urinary organs, the leaves as an 

 external application. Doubtless the other six species found in 

 Australia would be equally efficacious. 



