80 CUCURBITACEZL. 
forwarded to Dr. Barry, Acting-Chemical Analyser, in connee- 
tion with a case of abortion. 
Description.—Root tuberous, ovoid; the tubers had th 
odour of cucumbers, and examined under the microscope, | 
central portion was seen to consist of starch cells, between th 
- portion and the epidermal layer irregular masses of a resin0' 
substance were observed; leaves 1—2 inch broad, 5-angult 
or slightly 5-lobed, middle lobe not elongated, glabrous ¢ 
slightly pubescent, often punctulate on both surfaces, dentate 
petiole ;—14 in. Male raceme 1—2 in., with usually on 
_two to four flowers ; calyx-lobes lanceolate ; petals } in., whit 
filaments two, one 2-fid, one 3-fid, so each with one anthe 
cell; filaments inserted near the top of the calyx tube, anthe 
completely exsert. Female peduncle 3—2 in., one floweret 
ebracteate (the male peduncle has a minute bract). Fruit $— 
by 7 in. Seeds §—+ in., few, shortly obovoid, smooth, shin 
(71. of Brit. India.) The fruit has eight prominent 
tai is covered with silky hairs ; while still green, it dehi 
into four parts, and discharges its seeds, which are obov 
dark brown, slightly warty, as large as a small peppere 
and with a prominent hilum. 
Chemical composition.—A bitter glucoside was isolated 
water. It was almost insoluble in ether, and was precipit 
from its aqueous solution by tannin and alkaloidal reag 
With strong sulphuric acid it turned bright red and the 20 
gradually changed to purple, which remained for several ho 
_ A yellow acid resin of very acrid properties was presen! 
the tincture, together with a saccharine principle. 
A tuber weighing 2 grams was incinerated, the ash amo’ 
ed to 6 per cent. 
LUFFA ACUTANGULA, Roxb. Var. am 
Fig.— Bot. Mag. 1638. : 3 
‘Hab.—Throughout India, The fruit and vine. 
Vernacular.—Karela-toria, Karvi-turai (Hind.), Kadu 
Kadu- dorka (Mar.), Ghosha-lata, Tito-torai (Beng.), re 
