MALVACEE. 907 
_and the uses to which they are applied by the Hindus. The 
author of the Bengal Dispensatory, after a trial of the roots of 
Sida carpinifolia, was unable to satisfy himself as to its 
febrifuge action, but it was found to promote perspiration, to 
increase the appetite, and to act as a useful bitter tonic. In 
_. Goa the Portuguese value it asa diuretic, especially 3 in rheumatic 
affections ; they also use it.as a demulcent- in gonorrhea. In 
Pudukota the plant of S. humilis, Willd., is ground with onions 
and administered for gonorrhoea, Its Tamil nameis Pelambaci. 
S. rhombifolia is called in Australia “‘ Queensland Hemp,” and 
in N.-S. Wales “ Lucerne,’? as cows are very fond of it. 
It is also called “Jelly-leaf’? on account of its mucilaginous 
_ nature. In the various species of Sida we have demulcent 
_ and emollient properties combined with bitterness. 
= 
Description.—The roots of the different species of Sida 
: are about 3 of an inch in diameter at the stock, woody, and = 
_ fibrous. The bark is of a light yellowish brown colour; unless 
_ the leaves are attached they cannot be distinguished with any 
certainty. In Western India, S. carpinifolia and 8. cordifolia 
- are most used. The first has smooth lanceolate, serrated 
~ leaves; the second cordate, tomentose leaves. 
ichebbien! composition.—The root of S. ea -pinifolia strikes a 
_ blue colour with salts of iron, does not precipitate gelatine, 
yields to boiling water’ 23. and to alcohol 19 per cent.; it 
_ Contains asparagin. 
Commerce.—None af the roots are aeieinen of commerce. os - 
. 
ABUTILON INDICUM, 4G. Don. 
Fig, -— Wight Ic., t=. 12. Country Mallow (Eng.). 
Hab.—tropical India, Ceylon. ‘The bark, leaves, and 
Vernacular.—Kanghi (Hind.), Petéri, Madmi, var | ” 
torum, Chakra-bhenda (Mar.), Tubocuty (Goa.), Tutti 
apita, Dabali (Guz). The eel foe fe oa 
. 
