Mayna sp. 
The Kofans of Ecuador treat toothache by rinsing the mouth 
with an infusion made by boiling the bark of this small tree in 
water. The plant is called rsahave-kwa-sehe ‘-pa by these Indians 
(H. V. Pinkley 567, cited in Pinkley: loc. cit.). 
Ryania angustifolia (Turcz.) Monachino in Lloydia 12 (1949) 21. 
CoLomBIA: Comisaria del Vaupés, Rio Vaupés, Mitt and vicinity. “Small tree 
in secondary growth. Flowers white. Leaves and twigs: alkaloid doubtful. Bark: 
alkaloid negative.” September 27-October 20, 1966. R. E. Schultes, R. F. 
Raffauf et D. Soejarto 24175. 
The root is considered to be poisonous by the Kubeo Indians. 
It is dried, powdered and used to rid clothing and hammocks of 
lice. 
One species, Ryania dentata, has been reported as an 
ingredient of an arrow poison in Colombia (Mezey, K.: Rev. 
Acad. Col. Cienc. Exact. Fis. Nat. 7 (1947) 319). Several species 
of Ryania have been reported to have insecticidal principles 
(Hegnauer: loc. cit. 4 (1966) 166). 
BEGONIACEAE 
Begonia sp. 
An infusion of the crushed leaves is employed amongst the 
K ofan Indians of Ecuador as a wash for “sore eyes.” In the Kofan 
language, the plant is called avina-chu-sehe '-pa (H. V. Pinkley 
17, 214 and 44], cited in Pinkley: loc. cit.). 
THYMELIACEAE 
Schoenobiblus peruvianus Standley in Field Mus. Publ. Bot. 6 
(1936) 169. 
CoLoMBIA: Comisaria del Putumayo, Rio Guamués, Santa Rosa. September 
6, 1966. H. V. Pinkley 436. Comisaria del Putumayo, Rio San Miguel, Santa 
Rosa. November 30, 1966. Pinkley 565. 
The names of this shrub amongst the Kofans are andeki and 
shi-ra-chu-se-he ‘-pa; in Spanish, it is known as kegar. 
28 
