190 AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS. 
The roots of this plant are sometimes used by bushmen as a 
substitute for the true sarsaparilla (Smlax), but its virtues are 
purely imaginary. It is also a common thing, in the Spring, in the 
streets of Sydney, to see persons with large bundles of the leaves 
on their shoulders, doubtless under the impression that they have 
the leaves of Smzlax glycyphylla. 
All the colonies except Western Australia. 
7St Herpestis Monnieria, 7.2B.e/.K., (Syn., Bramia indica, 
Lam.) ; N.O., Scrophularinee, B.Fl., iv., 491. Bramia 
indica in Muell. Cens., p. 97. 
This small creeping plant is common to the tropical portions 
of both hemispheres. It is regarded by the Hindoos as a power- 
ful diuretic and aperient, and the juice of the leaves, conjoined 
with petroleum, is used in India as a local application in rheuma- 
tism. “ Whatever benefit is derived from this formula is doubtless 
due to the petroleum.” (Pharm. of India.) 
New South Wales and Northern Australia. 
76. Hibiscus diversfolius, Zacg., (Syn., A. ficulneus, Diss., non 
Linn.) ; N.O., Malvacez, B.FI., i., 213. 
“Cooreenyan” of the aboriginals of the Cloncurry River (North 
Queensland). 
The native physicians of Fiji use the juice of the leaves to 
procure abortion. (Seemann.) 
New South Wales and Queensland. 
77. Hydrocotyle asiatica, Zinvn., (Syn. H. repanda, Pers.; H. 
cordifolia, Hook. f.) ; N.O., Umbelliferze, B.FI., iii., 346. 
In anesthetic leprosy good results have followed the use of 
this herb, but it possesses no claim to the character of a specific 
attributed to it by some. It has been found more useful in 
secondary or constitutional syphilis, especially in those cases 
where the skin and subjacent cellular tissue are principally 
affected. In non-specific ulcerations, and in skin diseases, it is 
of value, both as an internal and as a local remedy. (Pharm. of 
India.) 
All the colonies. 
