GRAMINJSJS. 557 



pungent taste, and which is used for the same purposes as the 

 decoction and to promote the action of the liver. 



Irving states that K. monocephala is used at Ajmere as an 

 antidote like zedoary, and Roxburgh notices its use as an anti- 

 dote in Bengal. 



These plants have the odour, and apparently all the qualities, 

 of Cyperus rotundus. 



Description. — The roots are creeping, those of K. triceps 

 bear tubers. The culms are erect and triangular, leafy at the 

 base. The leaves membranaceous, flat towards the apex, ciliated 

 with minute bristles on the margin and keel. The flower-heads 

 of K, monocephala are solitary, globose, dense and white; whilst 

 those of JT. triceps consist of from 3 to 6 spikes, one of which is 

 much larger than the rest. The involucres are 3 to 4 leaved, 

 unequal, the longest leaf as long as the culm. 



GEAMINEiE. 



ANDROPOGON SCHCENANTHUS, Linn. 



^ig.— Boyle, III., t. 97; Trin. Sp. Gr. in., t. 327. Rusa 

 ass. Ginger grass {Sng.), Schaenantlie des Indes {Fr.). 



Hab. — Indian Peninsula, Western Ghauts, extending spar- 

 ely to the coast. The essential oil. 

 Vernacular. 



gandh (Hind., Gnz 



dhis. Gandhbel, Mir 



Sugandhirohisha, Rohishe-gavat {Mar.), Parimalada-ganjani 

 iOan.), Sakanar d -pillu ( Tam. ) . 



History, Uses, &C.— This grass i^ the Bhustrina or 

 Bhutrina " earth grass " of the Raja Nirghanta, and is also 

 taown as Rohisha in Sanskrit. Among the synonyms which 

 it bears, we may mention Gandha-kh^da and Gandha-trina 

 "odorous grass," Su-rasa "well flavoured," and Su-gandha 

 haying aa agreeable odour." It is described as aromatic 

 *ad stimulant and useful in bilious and phlegmatic affections. 



(I 



(a 



