ABUTILON INDICUM 43 



Uses. — The root is emollient and bitter. The decoction is 

 used as a lotion for ulcers, and internally as a sudorific and 

 tonic-astringent. The physicians of India prescribe the pow- 

 dered root with milk for fevers and for nervous and urinary 

 diseases. The leaves are used locally in ophthalmia. 



The juice of the root is employed as a wash for all kinds of 

 sores and ulcers and the juice of the entire plant is given for 

 spermatorrhoea. After experimenting with the root, the com- 

 pilers of the Bengal Dispensatory announced their uncertainty 

 as to whether or not it possessed antipyretic properties ; how- 

 ever, they pronounce it diaphoretic, an exciter of the appetite 

 and an excellent bitter tonic. In Goa the Portuguese consider 

 it diuretic and use it especially in rheumatic affections. 



The root of S. carpinifolia gives a blue color with the salts 

 of iron. It does not precipitate gelatin and contains asparagin. 



Botanical Description. — A plant 2-4° high with woody, 

 branching stem, leaves alternate, oblong, pointed, serrate, un- 

 der surface neither hoary nor tomentose as in some other species 

 of Sida. Petioles very short, curved near the leaf, 2 stipules 

 near the base. Flowers axillary, solitary. Calyx simple, in 5 

 parts. Corolla, 5 petals notched obliquely. Stamens nu- 

 merous, inserted on the end of a column. Anthers globose. 

 Styles 5, mingled Avith the stamens. Stigmas globose. Cells 

 of the same number as the styles, verticillate, with solitary 

 seeds. 



Habitat. — Common in Luzon, Panay, Mindanao, Paragua, 

 Cebu and Balabac. 



Abutilon Indicum, Don. (Sida Indica, L.) 



Nom. Yulg. — Kuakuakohan, Gilig-giligan, Tag.; Tabig, 

 Mails, Dulupag, Pilis, Vis.; Malvas de Castilla, Sp.-Fil. 



Uses. — The trunk bark is slightly bitter, and in decoction 

 is used as a diuretic. An infusion of the leaves and flowers is 

 used as an emollient in place of mallows. The infusion of the 



