EUPHORBIACEA. 675 
mercial kind of rubber known as Maranham is also probably obtained from 
one or more species of Hevea. 
Hippomane Mancinella is the famous Manchineel tree. The juice is a 
virulent poison. It would seem probable that the poisonous principle of 
this plant is volatile, as it has been asserted that some persons have died 
from simply sleeping under it. Seemann states, that if sea-water be applied 
to the eyes when affected by the poison, it allays the inflammation in an 
effectual manner. 
Jatropha.—The seeds of J. purgans (Curcas purgans), and those of J. 
multifidus (Curcas multifidus), are called Physic Nuts. They yield by 
pressure fixed oils, and both the seeds and oils are drastic cathartics. The 
seeds of J. multifidus under the name of Purguira or Purquira nuts, are 
largely exported from the Cape de Verd Islands. They are almost all sent 
to Marseilles to be used in the manufacture of soap. The oil may also 
be used for burning, &c.; it is known as Purguira Oil, and in English 
commerce as Pulza Oi! or Seed Oil. The oil of J. purgans is commonly 
distinguished as Oil of Wild Castor Seeds or Jatropha Oil, and is well 
adapted for burning. It is said to be employed for adulterating East 
Indian Croton oil. A decoction of the leaves is used by the natives of the 
Cape de Verd Islands to excite a secretion of milk. The seeds of J. gossy- 
pifolia, Bastard French Physic Nut, also possess purgative properties. 
Mallotus philippinensis ( Rotilera tinctoria).—The fruit of this plant is 
covered by a red powder which consists of small glands and stellate hairs. 
It is designated in-the Indian bazaars, Kamala. Kamala is much employed 
in India as an anthelmintic, and externally in certain cutaneous diseases. 
The Arabs also use it in leprosy, &c. Kamala is official in the british 
Pharmacopeeia, and is said to be especially useful for the expulsion of tenia. 
But in this country its employment has not been attended with any great 
success. Kamala has also been used externally in this country in herpetic 
ringworm. Other kinds of Kamala have also been described possessing 
similar properties, and which are also probably derived from species of 
Mailotus. (See also Flemingia, page 533.) 
Manihot utilissima (Jatropha Manihot), Bitter Cassava.—Cussava Meal, 
which is largely employed in making the Cassava Bread or Cues, in com- 
mon use by the inhabitants of tropical America as food, is obtained by 
grating the washed roots, and then subjecting the pulp to pressure and drying 
it over a fire. The roots and expressed juice are virulent poisons, owing 
chiefly to the presence of hydrocyanic acid; but their poisonous nature is 
destroyed by washing and the application of heat. Cassava Starch, Tapioca 
Meal or Brazilian Arrowroot, and Tapioca, are also prepared from the 
roots of Manihot utilissima: thus the fecula, which is deposited. from the 
washed pulp after the juice has been expressed, when dried, constitutes 
Cassava Starch; and Tapioca is prepared by submitting Cassava Starch 
while moist to heat on hot plates. Tapioca is largely employed as a 
dietetical substance in this country and elsewhere. The sauce called Cussa- 
reep in the West Indies, &c , is the juice concentrated by heat and flavoured 
* with aromatics.— Manihot Aipi, Sweet Cassava, has none of the poisonous 
properties of the preceding plant. It is now generally considered as a variety 
of Manihot utilissima. The root is a common article of food in the West 
Indies and some parts of South America. It is as mealy as a potato when 
. boiled. Cassava meal and bread, as well as Cassava starch and Tapioca, are 
also prepared from the roots of this plant, which are distinguished as Sweet 
Cassava roots.—M. Glaziovii is the source of Ceara India-rubber. 
Oldfieldia africana is the source of the valuable timber known as African 
Oak or African Teak. 
Omphalea triandra.—The juice is sometimes employed in Guiana as a 
substitute for black ink. The seed from which the embryo has been ex- 
tracted is said to be edible. 
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