CALTCTFLORJE. 523 



Orobiis tuberosus.— The roots are occasionally eaten in the Highlands of 

 Scotland, and in Holland. 



Physostigma venenosum. Calabar Bean.— The seeds of this plant have been 

 known for some years under the name of the Ordeal-beans of Old Calabar, 

 from their nse in that country for trial by ordeal. They are verj- poisonous, 

 acting as a powerful sedative of the spinal nervous system. Calabar beans 

 have been introduced into the British Pharmacopoeia, and in the form 

 of an extract, or some other suitable preparation, have been extensively em- 

 ployed as a local appUcation to the eye to cause contraction of the pupil. 

 The seeds, &c., have also been administered internally in tetanus, chorea, 

 and some other nervous affections. 



Pongnmia glabra. — The seeds yield an oil by expression, which is a favourite 

 application in India in rheumatism, and several cutaneous diseases. 



Psoralen glandulosa.—The leaves are used in Chili as a substitute for 

 Paraguay tea. 



Pterocarpiis.—P. Marsupium is the source of our officinal Kino. It is 

 known under the names of East Indian, Amboyna. or Malabar Kino, or in 

 the shops as Gum Kino. It is a valuable and powerful astringent. P. eri- 

 nacetis, a native of "West Africa, yields a similar astringent substance called 

 African Kino. East Indian Kino is that commonly met with in this country. 

 Some other species appear to yield similar products. Red Sandal or Med 

 Sander's Wood is obtained from P. sontalinus. It is used in medicine as a 

 colom-ing agent, and also by the dyer for the production of red and scarlet 

 dyes. It contains a peculiar colouring matter of a resinous nature called 

 Santfilin. P. dalbergioides is said to yield the Andaman Red Wood. It is a 

 valuable timber tree, and is also useful as a dyeing material. The bark of 

 P.Jktvus is used in China for dyeing yellow. P. Draco is one of the plants 

 from which the Dragon's Blood of commerce is obtained. This is sometimes, 

 but improperly, called Gum Dragon. The true Giam Dragon of the shops 

 is yielded by a species of Astragalus. (See Astragalus.) 



Robin ia Pseud-acacia is the North American Locust tree. It is frequently 

 cultivated in Britain, on account of its flowers and its hard and durable wood. 



Sarothamnus. — S. scoparius is the common Broom ; the seeds and tops in 

 small doses are diuretic and laxative, and in large doses purgative and 

 emetic. Sarothamnus junceus, the Spanish Broom, has similar properties. 



Soja hispida. — The seeds of this plant are used in India, &c., in the pre- 

 paration of the sauce called Soy. It is imported from thence in large quan- 

 tities. 



Sophora japonica. — The dried flower-buds are extensively used in China, 

 for dj'cing yellow. They are known under the name of Wai-fa. 



Tephrosia ApoUinea and T. toxicaria are used in Africa for the preparation 

 of a blue dye resembling indigo. Several siDCcies of Tephrosia, particularly 

 T. toxicaria. are used as fish poisons. They stupefy the fish, which are then 

 readily taken by the hand. It has been thought by some, that T. toxicaria 

 would act on the human system like Digitalis, and hence might be used as a 

 substitute for it in those parts of the world where that is not a native. 

 The leaflets of T. ApoUinea are sometimes employed in Egypt to adulterate 

 Alexandrian Senna. They may be readily distinguished fx-om Senna leaflets 

 by their silky or silvery appearance, and by being equal-sided at the base. 



Trifjonella Fosnum Gnecum. — The seeds of this plant are used in veteri- 

 nary medicine under the name of F(enugreek, 



Triptolomcea. — The tnie Rose-Avood of cabinet-makers, which is imported 

 from Brazil, has been generaDy regarded as the produce of one or more 

 species of this genus, but this is now said to be derived from a species of 

 Dalbergia, &c. (See Dalbergia.) 



Voandzea. — The seeds of this plant resemble those of the Arachis hypogcea 

 in being edible. They are boiled and eaten as peas. Their native name in 

 Sm-inam is Gobbe. 



Sub-Order 2, CiBALPDrtE^. — The plants of this sub-order are principally 

 remarkable for their purgative properties. Many important dye-woods and 

 several tanning substances are also obtained from plants belonging to it. 

 The fruits of some again are edible, and none possess any evident poisonous 

 properties. The more important plants are the following :— 



