The root bark of Aphelandra aurantiaca is considered by the 
Tikuna Indians of the Trapecio Amazonico to have strong 
properties when administered in a warm decoction to allev- 
late progressive deafness due to old age. The decoction is 
dropped into the ears. 
Aphelandra pilosa Leonard in Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 31 
(1951) 209. 
CoLomBIA: Comisaria del Vaupes, Rio Guainia. ** Flowers scarlet’. Novem- 
ber 17, 1952. R.E. Schultes, R.E.D. Baker et 1. Cabrera 18455. 
A cold poultice of the crushed leaves of Aphelandra pilosa is 
applied by the Kuripako Indians of the Rio Guainia to relieve 
swellings of the throat, due probably to chronic inflamation of 
the amygdalae. 
Fittonia argyroneura £. Coemans in Fl. des Serres 15 (1865) 
103. 
EcuaApbor: Napo, Rio Aguarico, Dureno. **Primary forest’’. December 21, 
1965. H. Pinkley 15. 
According to the collector, this small plant, which the Kofan 
Indians call minakoro - sé - hé - pa, is made into a tea which is 
used to rinse out the mouth to relieve toothache. 
Fittonia Verschaffeltii (e77.) &. Coemans in Fl. des Serres 15 
(1865) 186). 
CoLomBIA: Comisaria del Putumayo, Rio Sucumbios, Quebrada Conejo, 
April 2-5, 1942. R.E. Schultes 3480. 
The Kofan Indians, who call this herb mee-nd-ku-ru, state 
that it is used medicinally to alleviate a condition probably 
allied to chronic nephritis. A tea of the leaves is drunk three or 
four times a day when there is difficulty or pain in urination, 
usually in elderly members of the tribe. The decoction is also 
taken for sore throat and as a febrifuge. 
Justicia Blackei Leonard in Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. 31 (1951) 
SO8. 
CoLOMBIA: Comisaria del Amazonas, Trapecio Amazonico, Rio Loreto- 
268 
