PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 55 



THE NATIVE AND INTRODUCED MEDICINAL AND POISONOUS 

 PLANTS OF CALIFORNIA. 



1. Abies concolor Lindl. White fir. Coniferce. 



This tree is common throughout the State. Yields balsam. A decoc- 

 tion of the terminal branches is much used as a diuretic and in the 

 treatment of malaria. (Calif. Geo. Survey. Bot. 2 : 118.) (U. S. Disp.) 



Numerous other species and varieties are common and have similar 

 uses. 



2. Abroma angusta Lam. Wollut comul. Sterculiacece (Byttner- 

 iacece.) 



A handsome evergreen greenhouse tree from India, East Indies, Asia 

 and Australia. The sticky white secretion from the fleshy root bark is 

 said to be of great value in dysmenorrhoea, having properties similar to 

 those of cotton-root bark. Fiber used for cordage. 



A. fatuosa L. is also cultivated. (American Journ. Med. Sci., July, 

 1873.) 



3. Abronia fragrans Esch. Fragrant abronia. Nyctaginacece. 



A small herbaceous plant said to range from the Columbia River 

 southward. Found in Southern California, Utah and New Mexico. 

 Flowers very fragrant, and would, no doubt, prove useful in the manu- 

 facture of perfumery and sachet powders. (U. S. Geo. Survey. 

 Wheeler's Report, Bot. 6 : 49.) 



4. Abronia latifolia Esch. Yellow sand verbena. Nyctaginacece. 

 Common along the seashore from Vancouver Island to Monterey 



(Calif.). Flowers fragrant, like those of A. fragrans. Roots are eaten 

 by the Indians. 



5. Abrus precatorius L. Wild licorice. Crab's eye vine. Prayer 

 beads. Jequirity. Leguminosce. 



A greenhouse climber, native of India, which has been introduced 

 into Africa, West Indies, South America and other countries. In the 

 West Indies the roots are used like licorice. Seeds are very poisonous; 

 used in Brazil as standards of weight. Used also in the treatment of 

 conjunctivitis and keratitis. Seeds said to be eaten in Egypt; how 

 prepared is not stated. Old-time criminal poisoning agent. Seeds are 

 dangerous playthings for children. (Proc. A. Ph. A. 32; 182-184, 

 1884.) 



