maturity, and that maturity brought an increase in the 
toxicity of the poison. A dark-red fruit indicated almost 
inevitable death. To accomodate this factor, the victim’s 
relatives had the right to request the replacement of the 
dark fruit with a lighter one. 
There is little written about the effects of the poison, 
for the accused was usually attacked and killed when he 
showed signs of succumbing. It is thought, however, 
that soon after ingestion, nausea appeared and was fol- 
lowed by a partial paralysis which soon developed into 
an exaggeration of the reflexes. Convulsions, weakness, 
and a halting of the heart and respiration then brought 
a swift death. 
Menabea venenata Baill. 
Similar in usage, but overshadowed by its powerful 
ally, was Ksopo, Menabea venenata Baill. of the Asclepia- 
daceae. This plant grows exclusively in the arid regions 
of the west and northwest parts of the island, where it was 
used as an ordeal poison by the Sakalave tribe. Accord- 
ing to the area, it was known by the additional vernacular 
names kissoumpo, kisoumpa, psokoy, tanghin de menabé, 
tanghin femelle, and rarely, kimanga. 
The chemical nature of this plant’s active principle has 
not been conclusively determined, but it is known to be 
a powerful cardiac glycoside. 
The poison was administered by having the accused 
chew the plant’s root or drink a decoction of it in water. 
Its physiological effects were rapid. Soon after inges- 
tion, the victim experienced violent and persistent vomit- 
ing. During this time, the participant gradually lost 
consciousness. The heart would accelerate wildly several 
times, but would then slow down and remain passively 
irregular. At about this point, slight convulsions and 
contractions of the muscles of the anterior members 
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