428 LEGUMINOSZ. 
shining, consisting of from three to six oval joints connected 
by a slender isthmus, the incurved form of the pedicels presses 
them so much against the rachis that the form is with difficulty 
observed ; seed kidney-shaped, 1-12th of an inch long, dull 
yellow. The medicinal properties attributed to this plant — 
also appear to be entirely fanciful. 
DESMODIUM GANGETICUM, ve. 
Fig.— Wight Ic., t. 271. , 
Hab.—The Himalayas to Pegu and Ceylon. 
Vernacular.—Sarivan (Hind.), Sélvan (Guz.), Daye, Sal- 
parni (Mar.). | 
Histor y, Uses, &c.—This plant is of interest as being 
an ingredient of the Dasamula Kvatha so often mentioned in 
Sanskrit works; it is considered to be febrifuge and anti-catar- 
rhal. In the Dasamula it is placed among the five minor plants 
(see Tribulus terrestris), a decoction of these is directed to be 
used in catarrhal fever, cough and other diseases supposed to be 
caused by deranged phlegm. The five major plants are pre~ 
scribed in fever and other diseases supposed to be caused by 
deranged air. The ten together are used in remittent fever, 
puerperal fever, inflammatory affections within the chest, affec- 
tions of the brain, and many other diseases supposed to be — 
caused by derangement of all the humours. (For further in- 
formation upon these points, consult Chakradatta.) The San- 
skrit name is Shélaparni, * having leaves like the Shal” (Shorea 
robusta). In the Nighantas the root is described as alterative 
and tonic, and a remedy for vomiting, fever, asthma and 
dysentery. ‘ 
Description.—Stems sub-erect, reaching 3 to 4 feet high, 
woody, slightly angular, clothed with short grey down upwards, 
leaflet oblong, usually 3 to 6 inches long, not more than 4 to¢ 
inch broad, rounded at the base, narrowed gradually toan acute 
; point; thinly clothed beneath with adpressed gray hairs, nos 
fh Se A CMT et eee Se a ee eo a ee a es 
. 
