46 THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



let spot in the axil. Calyx double ; the outer sepals 8-9 in 

 number, awl-shaped ; the inner ones are larger and separate 

 unequally when the flower expands. Both sets are deciduous. 

 Corolla very large, yellow. Stamens very numerous, inserted 

 around a column. One pistil. Five stigmas. Ovary very 

 large, downy, ovoid, 5-angled, with 5 compartments, each con- 

 taining many kidney-shaped seeds with numerous grooves con- 

 centric at the hilnm. 



Habitat. — Common in all parts of the islands. 



Hibiscus tiliaceus, L. 



Nom. Vulg. — Balibago, Tag., Pam.; Malabago, Vis. 



Uses. — An infusion of the leaves is used as a wash for ulcers 

 and indolent sores. The flowers boiled in milk are used to re- 

 lieve the pain of earache (Blanco), the warm milk being dropped 

 into the external canal. The powdered bark in dose of 3 grams 

 is emetic (?) (Blanco). 



Botanical Description. — A small tree 6-12° high with 

 leaves 4-6' long, alternate, 7-nerved, cleft at the base, abruptly 

 acute, scalloped, pubescent. Petioles long. Flowers axillary, 

 in panicles of very small flowerets. Calyx double, the outer 

 portion divided into 8-9 teeth, the inner into 5 longer parts. 

 Stamens numerous, inserted about a column. Style 1. Stigmas 

 5. Ovary of 5 cells, each containing 2 seeds. 



Habitat. — Abounds in all parts of the islands. 



Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis, L. 



Nom. Vulg. — Takuragan, Aroganan, Kayaga, Tapulaga, 

 Gumamila, Tag., Vis., Pam.; Rose of China, Eng. 



Uses. — The flowers are emollient and are widely used by the 

 Filipinos as a domestic remedy ; they are bruised and applied 

 to boils, tumors and all sorts of inflammations. The decoction 

 is much used internally in bronchial catarrh for its sudorific 

 effect. 



