the poisonous properties of the seeds of several species, 
all reports from widely separated localities, calls attention 
once again to the need for phytochemical studies guided 
by ethnobotanical observations. 
Duroia hirsuta (P. et E.) K. Schumann in Martius 
KF]. Bras. 6, pt. 6 (1889) 367. 
Cotompia: Departamento del Cauca, Puerto Limon, bosques en el 
lado caucano del Rio Caqueta’ Alt. 300 m. “‘Small tree. Bark, tied 
on arm, forms blisters, Soliman.’’ February 28-29, 1942. R.E. Schultes 
3320,—Comisaria del Putumayo, Rio Sucumbios, Conejo and vicinity. 
** Kofan = sha-ka-ker-nd-se’? April 2-5, 1942.—Comisaria del Ama- 
zonas, Rio Caucaya, between Puerto Jaramillo and Rio Putumayo. 
May 16, 1942. R.E, Schultes 3712.—Comisaria del Vaupés, Rio Apa- 
poris, near confluence of Ajajuand Macaya. Soliman. *‘January 1944. 
G. Gutiérrez et R.E. Schultes 612.—Intendencia del Meta, Sabanas 
de San Juan de Arama, margen izquierda del Rio Giejar, alrededores 
de aterrizaje Los Micos.’’ Alt. about 500 m. “‘Arbolito de 3 m. de 
alto. Comun en bosque.’’ December 5-20, 1950. J.M. Idrobo et R.E. 
Schultes 594, 
The type collection of Duroia hirsuta was made in 
Villavicencio, Colombia. Idrobo et Schultes 594, conse- 
quently, from near the town of Villavicencio, may be 
considered topotypical. 
Amongst many Indians of the Colombian Amazon 
and Putumayo—especially the Kofiin, Siona, Witoto 
and ‘Tikuna—the caustic bark of this small tree is em- 
ployed to make bluish black markings on arms and legs. 
Strips of the freshly removed, pliable bark are tied onto 
the arm or leg with the inner surface of the bark touch- 
ing the skin. After several hours or half a day, it is re- 
moved. Blisters and a localized red swelling result in 
another two to three hours. When this condition dis- 
appears, a dark band persists and lasts for several weeks, 
even occasionally for several months. There have appar- 
ently been no chemical analyses directed towards a dis- 
covery of the caustic principle in Duroia hirsuta. 
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