186 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF .JAMAICA. 



The roots of these are whiter, less pungent, and softer than 

 ginger, and arc often made into sweetmeats. 



4. Amyris balsamifkra. — Rose Wood. 



This is found on gravelly hills, and rises to a considerable 

 height. The trunks are remarkable for having large protu- 

 berances on them. 



The leaves are laurel-shaped. The small blue flowers are 

 on a branched spike. The berries are small and black. 



Rose wood is an excellent timber : it is replete with a fra- 

 grant balsam or oil, and retains its flavour and solidity, though 

 exposed to the weather many years. 



Perhaps, by subjecting this wood to distillation, a perfume, 

 equal to the Oleum Rhodii, may be obtained. 



5. Anacardium occidentals. — Cashew Tree. 



This beautiful and shady tree grows to twenty or twenty- 

 five feet high. It blossoms early in the spring, and continues 

 to flower for several months. The flowers grow on a branched 

 spike : they are small, red, and fragrant. 



It is somewhat singular that the nut or seed is first produ- 

 ced. It is of a kidney shape, and soon comes to its natural 

 size ; which, so soon as it does, the cashew-apple fills up in a 

 few days, being attached to the cashew-nut. 



Cashew-apples are red or white ; when ripe they are soft, 

 and their taste is agreeably rough and sweet. Stewed in sy- 

 rup, they may be kept many months ; and when eaten with 

 milk, are highly restorative. When the apple is roasted 

 gently and pressed, the juice, with that of lemons or limes, 

 is made into punch. 



Betwixt the external covering and the kernel there is a thick 

 brown caustic oil. This is by some used to take off freckles ; 

 but it inflames so much, that the remedy is worse than the 

 disease. It appears to be also volatile in its effects ; for, if 

 cashew-nuts arc roasted in a close place, the operator's face 



