COCCULUS PALMATUS. ORD. VEIL. Sarmentacex. . 23 
extremity. ‘The pistils are three, free, of which two are generally abortive, 
ovate, acuminate, glanduloso-pilose, and containing one ovule. The style is 
very short, and the stigma has several spreading points. The frwit is drupa- 
ceous, or berried, about the size of a hazel nut, densely clothed with long 
spreading hairs, which, at their extremity, are tipped with a black gland. 
The seed is subreniform, clothed with a thin black shell, transversely striated.* 
Figure (a) the pistils, (6) a female flower, (c) a stamen and petal, (d) a male 
flower, (e) a seed. 
Calumba root is the staple export of the icicures from Mosambique ; 
and, from the quantity exported, it is not a little remarkable that its place 
of growth should have so long remained unknown, or doubtful to the rest of 
Europe. The roots are dug up in March, but the offsets only are taken. 
Soon after they are dug up, they are cut into slices, strung on cords, and 
hung up to dry in the shade; when they are sufliciently dry, they break 
short, and are then deemed good; but when they are soft, and of a dark co- 
lour, their quality is considered bad, and not marketable. ‘The dried root 
is brought to this country, packed in bags or cases. It is in transverse sections, 
- generally about one third of an inch in thickness and from one to two 
inches in diameter.t | 
“The late Sir Walter Farquhar was very anxious to introduce into Eng- 
land the calumba-root in a living state ; and for that purpose, he desired his 
son, Sir Robert Farquhar, Governor of Mauritius, Bourbon, and their de- 
pendencies, to procure the plant from its native soil in Africa, and forward 
it to London. Sir Robert lost no time, after assuming his government at 
the conquest of the French Islands, in applying to the Governor of Mosam- 
bique for growing plants ; and was repeatedly assured that these should be 
sent to him at the proper season. The promises, however, were never ful- 
filled ; although renewed by the several succeeding officials of the Portu- 
guese possessions on the East coast of Africa, ever since the year 1811. 
Dr. Wallich also took much pains for effecting the same object, and sent to 
Governor or the —— made at Calcutta of a male plant of the 
* The above Ff is ‘transcribed from that Pees by Dr. Hooker in the 
Botanical Magazine for March 1830. 
+ We are told that the root of white pias tinged with the tincture of calumba, has 
been not unfrequently substituted for this roo 
