194 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 



which soon concretes into a resin, no way different from the 

 gum elemi of the shops. 



Dr Browne, and after him Linnjeus, has mistaken the 

 bark of the roots for the simarouba ; of which hereafter. 



(This turpentine tree delights in sandy situations. The 

 leaves are of a light green colour, and grow in pairs ; the 

 blossoms branched, small, white, and brittle. The berries 

 are brown, of the size of a hazel nut. When bruised, are 

 very gummy, and smell like turpentine.) 



19. Camocladia pubescens. — Yellow Mastic. 



This is a fine tall timber tree, frequent in woodlands. The 

 wood is yellow, hard, and takes a fine polish. 



The whole of this genus is warm or peppery. The bark 

 of the yellow mastic has an extraordinary taste, somewhat 

 like ardent spirits, but more permanent, as, on chewing the 

 smallest bit, one cannot get the taste out of the mouth for 

 some hours. 



The bark retains its pungency when dried, and, perhaps, 

 may be found an useful medicine in lethargic and paralytic 

 diseases, where stimulants are indicated. 



20. Canella alba. — Wild Cinnamon. 



This is a common tree in Jamaica, and grows to a great 

 heio-ht. The leaves are oval, smooth, and shining : the flow- 

 ers are small, red, and fragrant ; they stand in form of an 

 umbel, and are succeeded by black succulent berries, of the 

 size of black currants. When ripe, they are sweet and aro- 

 matic : when gathered green, and dried, they are like black 

 pepper, but hotter. 



The bark is the canella of the shops. It enters into va- 

 rious officinal compositions, and is a warm, cordial, and aro- 

 matic medicine, 



