212 MALVACEZ.. 
Chemical composition.—Popp has examined the fresh cap- 
sules, He states that they abound in pectin, starch and 
mucilage. When dried they afforded from 2—2°4 per cent. of 
nitrogen, and an ash rich in salts of lime, potash, and magnesia. 
The ripe seeds gave 2°4—2°5 per cent. of nitrogen; their ash 
24 per cent. of phosphoric acid. (Archiv. der Pharmacie, 
CXCV., 1871, 142.) 
Commerce.—No part of the plant is an article of commerce 
in India, but the seeds are kept in the shops for sale to 
gardeners, &c. 
(“HIBISCUS SUBDARIFFA, Linn. 
Fig.—Cav. Diss. vi, t. 198, f. 1. Red Sorrell, Rozelle 
(Eng.), Oseille de Guinée, Ketmie acide (Pr.). 
Hab.—Cultivated in the tropics. 
Vernacular.—Patwa(Hind.), Lél-ambérf (Mar.), Civappukay- 
curai (Tam.), Pundisoppu (Can.),  ~ 
Description.—This plant is cultivated in several parts 
of India. The fleshy red calyx is used as a fruit, and whet 
dried as an acid article of diet like tamarinds. A jelly not 
nnlike red currant is also made from it. In bilious con 
ditions a diet drink is made by boiling it with water and 
adding a little salt, pepper, asafcetida and molasses; the 
French make an astringent syrup with it. The seeds are al 
excellent food for cattle, and the stems yield tow; the leaves — 
are emollient. The cultivation is attended with very little 
expense, the seed being sown at the commencement of the 
rainy reason and the crop ripening atits close. In this plant 
and in H. cannabinus we have the emollient and demulcent 
properties of the Malvacez. combined with a large amount of 
acidity which stimulates and at the same time neutralizes the ~ 
bilions excretion. 
Chemical composition.—The dried calices yielded to analysis 
—Water 8°29, watery extract 65°96, cellulose 7-68, insoluble 
