230 MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. 



leaves are broad, smooth, and shining. The fruit is similar 

 to the long pepper of the shops, but smaller. 



The common people in Jamaica season their messes with 

 the black pepper. 



To preserve both, the fruit may be slightly scalded when 

 green, then dried, and wrapped in paper. Perhaps hereafter 

 they may be deemed worthy of attention. 



(The Piper amalago must be gathered before it is quite 

 ripe, and dried in the sun like pimento. 



The blossoms of the Piper inaequale are disposed on a 

 spike of two inches, beset with small and almost imperceptible 

 florets, of a duskish white hue. The fruit is of the size, and 

 every way like, the long pepper brought from the East Indies. 

 When green it is very hot, but loses its pungency on drying. 

 We have not the method of curing it properly ; for, when 

 dried ever so often, it again grows moist.) 



75. PoRTLANDIA GRANDIFLORA. 



Dr Browne has described this plant, and given a good 

 figure of it. It has frequently flowered in the King's garden 

 at Kew, and in Dr Pitcajrn's at Islington. 



The external bark is remarkably rough, furrowed, and 

 thick : it has no taste. The inner bark is very thin, and of a 

 dark brown colour. Its taste is bitter and astringent, and its 

 virtues are the same as those of the Jesuit's bark. Infused 

 in spirits, or wine, with a little orange peel, it makes an ex- 

 cellent stomachic tincture. 



76. Ricinus communis. — Palma Chrlsfi. — Castor-oil Nt/t 

 Tree. 



This tree is of speedy growth, as in one year it arrives at 

 its full height, which seldom exceeds twenty feet. The trunk 

 is subligneous ; the pith is large ; the leaves broad and pal- 



