150 BIXINET). 
~ 
‘Straining to remove seeds and evaporating to a suitable — 
‘The seeds simply dried with the pigment on them are called 2 
being of a bright blue colour ; diluted with water it yields 9 
Hab.—Awerica. Cultivated in India. ae 
Vernacular.—Sendri, Kesri, Kesar-bondi (Mar.), N utkaner 4 
(Beng.). a 
History, Uses, &c.—Bixa is the name given to this — 
shrub by the American Indians; the Brazilian name is : 
Urucuara, or the Urucu plant, Urucu being the Brazilian name — 
for the pigment. There are two varieties, one with pink flowers — 
and greenish-yellow frait. 
The plant does not-thrive without plenty of sun. 
The pigment is prepared by macerating the seeds in water, 
consistence ; the mass is then made into roll or flag Annatio — 
Urucu em gros, “Urucu is used by the American Indians 
as a dye and for colouring food. A hot infusion of the leaves 
is considered to be a remedy for jaundice. (U.S. A. Consul’s — 
p- on Annatto.) Annatto is also used by Caribs to dye — 
poke 
their bodies; and in Europe to colour butter, cheese and 2 
Varnish. The use of annatto in dyeing cloth is now limited, 
aurin, an aniline dye, being used for the produetion of orange 
7 ours. . . 
The pulp surrounding the seeds is astringent and slightly 
purgative. (Rozb.) The seeds and root are cordial, astringent 
and febrifuge. (Rumph.) The plant thrives in India and 
is cultivated in many parts of the country. It is the Galuga 
of Rumphins (IE. 28), who notices its use in Amboyna as @ 
paint and dye. © 
Chemical composition.—The colouring matter contained im 
the seeds may be obtained in the form of minute red leaflets 
(Bixin C?® H** O°) insoluble in water, slightly soluble 2» 
alcohol, but easily dissolved by ether. - - | 
. Bixin dissolves in concentrated sulphuric acid, the solutio® x 
ee 
n precipitate, — 
aN ce ia or le 
