Several specimens collected in eastern Peru (Martin 
et Lau-Cam 1286 and 1290) reported a vernacular name 
amaraguna which presumably refers to the bitter prin- 
ciples in this plant. Another name employed for this 
species in eastern Peru is una de tigre. A Peruvian col- 
lection (Mewia 4153), referable to Chelonanthus chelo- 
noides (.) Gilg, records that the plant is ‘‘used as a 
remedy for worm-infested wounds in cattle’’. 
Lisianthus nigrescens Chamisso et Schlechtendahl 
in Linnaea 9 (1831) 888. 
Mexico: Estado de Oaxaca, Distrito de Choapam, Santiago Zaca- 
tepec. R.E. Schultes 514.—Between Choapam and San Juan Comal- 
tepec. June 3, 1939. Schultes 573.—Tonanguilla. June 4, 1939. 
Schultes 591.—Estado de Oaxaca, Distrito de Choapam, San Juan 
Lalana. May 6, 19389. R.E. Schultes et B.P. Reko 772.—Between 
Latani and Choapam. May 13, 1939. Schultes et Reko S89. 
This striking, almost black-flowered herb occurs widely 
in northeastern Oaxaca, where it enjoys a variety of folk 
uses. Amongst the western Chinantees, a decoction of 
the roots is employed to relieve indigestion and _ heart- 
burn and as a febrifugal tonic. The neighbouring Maza- 
tecs apparently utilize the plant medicinally only ‘‘contra 
el aire’. The Mie Indians of Zacatepec apply a poultice 
of the leaves in the treatment of fungal infections of the 
skin of the feet, ankles and hands and value a decoction 
of the root asa bitter and febrifuge. Amongst the Zapo- 
tecs of Villa Alta and vicinity, the black, sticky flowers 
of this species are prepared in a wash employed to remove 
pinolillos (ticks) from the body, a use that is the basis of 
the Zapotec names le-zia and o-zia (‘‘remedy against 
ticks”’). 
Lisianthus nigrescens has apparently not hitherto been 
reported as auseful plant, although other species, known 
to possess the bitter properties characteristic of the 
Gentianaceae, find medicinal employment in various 
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