106 THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



dient of many dishes. The fresh flowers possess anti-dysen- 

 teric virtues for which purpose they are given internally in 

 infusion of 10-20 grams of the flowers to one-half liter of water. 

 The decoction of the root bark is a common remedy for liver 

 troubles along the coast of Malabar according to Rheede. 



Botanical Description. — A tree 20° high, with leaves 

 alternate, peltate, slightly cordate, orbicular, the apex divided 

 into two large lobules with a stylet between them, glabrous 

 above, somewhat downy beneath ; 2 large, flat glandules are 

 situated at the base. Petioles short. Flowers cymose. Pe- 

 duncle long. Calyx inferior, funnelform, with 4-5 sepals as 

 long as the corolla. Corolla, 5 petals. Stamens 10, 5 alter- 

 nate ones longer than the others. Stigma thick, peltate, 2 lo- 

 bules. Pod 1° long, with linear stalk, containing many seeds 

 separated by filamentous isthmuses. 



Habitat. — Common everywhere. Blooms in November. 



LEGUMINOSJE. 



Mimosa Division. 



Entada scandens, Benth. (E. Purscetha, DC. and Blanco.) 



Nom. Vulg. — Gogo, Tag. ; Bayogo, Balogo, Gohog bakay, 

 Vis. and Pam. ; Gilla Nuts, Indo-Eng. 



Uses. — The use made of the mashed bark of this tree is well 

 known throughout the Philippines. Cut in strips and beaten 

 thoroughly between stones it is sold under the name of " gogo "; 

 it is macerated in water, to which it imparts a reddish color, 

 and forms a substitute for soap. The Filipinos use this prepa- 

 ration for bathing, especially the hair, for which purpose there 

 is no more useful or simple preparation. It cures pityriasis, 

 and renders the hair very soft, without drying it too much as 

 is usually the case with soap. The natives use it in treating 

 the itch, washing the affected parts with the maceration and at 

 the same time briskly rubbing them with the bark ; in this way 



