418 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



140. (Fig. 138.) METHYSTICUM. Methysticum. 

 Fl. ex. 60. 



Ava, ava Kava, Kava Kava. 



The roots of Piper methysticum Foarster, Piperacese. 



Light brown to very light brown. 



Somewhat fragrant. 



Pungent, bitter, somewhat astringent. 



Parenchyma cells typical, medium sized, filled with rather large 

 compound starch granules, having distinct hili. Scalariform, retic- 

 ulate and porous ducts. Brownish sclerenchymatous, porous, bast 

 fibers; nearly colorless bast fibers. Sclerenchymatous, very porous, 

 tracheids. Typical brownish, thick-walled porous sclerenchyma fibers 

 Epidermal cells polygonal, walls porous, containing crystalline sub- 

 stances. Elongated parenchymatous cells with deep brown resinous 

 matter. 



