MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. -** 237 



80. Spigelia anthelminthica — Worm-Grass. 



Worm-grass grows wild in some parts of Jamaica, but is 

 commonly planted in gardens. It grows sometimes to two 

 feet in height. Dr Browne gives a very just figure of this 

 plant. 



The flowers are small and white ; the capsules are round, 

 and contain a great quantity of small seeds. 



Worm-grass has long been in repute as a vermifuge, and 

 is in daily use as such in Jamaica. Its action is similar to 

 that of the Spigelia marilandica. Most vegetable anthelminthics 

 have less or more of a narcotic effect ; and this genus, in a 

 full dose, brightens the coats of the eyes, and distends their 

 vessels : it also occasions sleep, and hence is useful in worm 

 fever. After its use for some days, a dose of castor oil is gene- 

 rally ordered. Let me here again be permitted to repeat the 

 uncertainty of the signs of worms, especially in fever, and to 

 caution the public against depending on anthelminthics alone in 

 their cure. The Jesuit's bark should be given in all doubtful 

 cases, or where worm medicines fail in their effects. 



81. Swietenia Mahagoni. — The Mahogany Tree of Jamaica. 



This tree grows to a most majestic size and height. It is of 

 slow growth, and great hardness. The wood is well known 

 in Britain. 



Mahogany was formerly very plentiful in Jamaica, but is 

 now only in the high hills, and difficult of access. 



The trunk is generally straight ; the bark rough, scaly, and 

 brown ; that on the boughs and twigs is grey and smoother. 

 The bark of the boughs and twigs, when dried, is very like 

 the Peruvian bark in colour, as well as in taste, but has more 

 bitterness, and none of its virtues. 



Mahogany bark, infused in wine or spirits, makes an ele- 

 gant tincture, which resembles the tincture of the best Jesuit's 



