134 



The guaicuru (plegorhiaa guaicuru, gen. 

 nov. ) grows in the northern provinces. The root 

 is rough and of a red coIouTj and is used as a 

 specific for all kinds of wounds ; it puts forth a 

 great number of leaves resembling those of the 

 myrtle, in the centre of which rises a stem of 

 about six inches in height, divided at the top 

 into many branches covered with leaves less than 

 the radical, and very small bell-shaped flowers 

 arranged in an umbellate order. Pernettv, in 

 his Voyage to the Malouine Islands, observes, 

 that this plant, particularly the root, is one of 

 the most powerful vegetable astringents known, 

 and is likewise very excellent for the cure of 

 ulcers and scrophulous complaints, and of great 

 service in the dysentery properties ascertained 

 by the daily experience of the Chilians. 



In the province of Quillota is a species of the 

 acacia, or mimosa, called by the Spaniards ja- 

 rilla, which affords a balsam of great elhcacy in 

 healii.'g wou:)ds. This balsam exudes from the 

 branches and the leaves, and renders them viscous 

 io the touch ; it exhales a very agreeable odour 

 vrhith is perceptible at a great distance. The 

 jarilla grows to about five feet ; the leaves are 

 winged and notched at the edges ; the flowers 

 are yelioAv and divided into five petals, and 



emit a strong smell sometliing like that of honey, and are so 

 replete with balsiiin tiiat they appear to be covered with it. 

 Trazier's f^oya/^e, vol. '. 



