212 THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



laciniate, in 5 parts. Corolla, 5 petals, inserted on the divisions 

 of the calyx, fleshy, orbicular, with an orbicular appendix at 

 the base, coucave and differing from the corolla in color. 

 Stamens 8, inserted on the base of the calyx ; filaments unequal 

 in length, each bearing 2 anthers. Four filaments lacking 

 anthers. Ovary with stalk longer than the flower, curved 

 downward. Styles 3, bifid. Stigmas simple. Seed vessels 3, 

 united, hairy, 3-angled, each bearing 1 red globose seed with a 

 wrinkled surface. 



Habitat. — Common in all parts of the islands and well 

 known to the natives. The name by which it is best known in 

 Manila is " golondrina." 



Euphorbia neriifolia, L. (E. ligularia, Koxb.; 

 E. pentagona, Blanco.) 



Nom. Vulg. — Sorosoro, Sorog-sorog, Bait, Tag., Pam.; 

 Karambauaya, Hoc; Lengua de perro, Sp.-Fil. 



Uses. — The principal medicinal use of this plant in the 

 Philippines is the introduction of the hot juice of its fleshy 

 leaves into the external auditory canal in cases of otorrhoea or 

 of simple earache, whatever its cause. 



The root is regarded in India as an antidote for snake bite 

 and, indeed, the plant is sacred to Munsa, the snake divinity. 

 During the months of July and August in some parts of India 

 the natives make offerings of rice, milk and sugar to this sacred 

 tree every Tuesday and Thursday, praying for protection from 

 the bites of serpents. 



The leaves contain an abundance of milky juice, acrid and 

 very active, used in the treatment of several skin diseases. 

 Like the species E. pilulifera it possesses antiasthmatic proper- 

 ties ; Dr. S. C. Amcobury reports 6 cases treated with satisfac- 

 tory results. Owing to the acrid quality of the juice great 

 care should be maintained both in its internal and external use. 

 The Sanscrit authors regard it as purgative and usually admin- 



