204  RUBIACE A. 
albuminous matter was most ‘abundant in the expanded parts 
of the plant. | 
The fruits were specially examined for alkaloids, but with — 
negative results; they were much more bitter and acrid than 
the leaves, and would not be acceptable as an article of diet. 
Notice has recently been taken of an article called “ Musseenda E 
coffee” found in the isle of Réunion; but an investigation of — 
the subject proved that the fruits and seeds were those of 
 Gertnera vaginata, a loganiaccous plant, and that chemically ~ 
they were destitute of an alkaloid... (Kew Bulletin, December 
- 1889). 
RANDIA DUMETORUM, Lam. 
Fig.—Lam. Til. t. 156, f.4; Wight Te. t..580 ; Fowb. Cor. Pl, 
622865 | 
-Hab.— Throughout India. The fruit. 
Vernacular.— Mainphal, Mindhla, Pinda (Hind.), Mindha 
- (Guz.), Gela, Gelaphal, Peralu (Mar.), Menphal (Beng.), Meee 
kallén-kai (Tam.), Mangfre-bongére (Can.). 
History, Uses, &c.—Mainphal is described by Sans 
krit writers under the name of Madana as pungent and dry, 
and beneficial in leprosy and phlegmatic swellings, the best © 
safest of emetics; one ripe fruit is said to be a sufficient dose 5 
emesis is generally promoted by a drink containing bitters 
and aromatics. It is indispensable at the marriage ceremonies - 
of the Taisya caste, being tied upon the wrists of both bride 
and bridegroom along with the fruit of Helicteres Isora. The 
Mahometan physicians of India have adopted it as a substi- 
tute for the Jouz-el-kai of tho Arabs ; they describe it as aa 
emetic which expels bile and phlegm, at the same time acting 
as an aperient; it should be administered in combination with 
aromatics and honey. Ainslie says :—*‘ The Vytians consider it 
‘amongst their best emetics, and prescribe it in the quantity of 
about one pagoda weight. It is given commonly in the i of 
powder, the whole nut, seeds ineluded, being powdered.” A? 
‘infusion of the bark ‘of the root is nninstore, to nauscate : 
