56 PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



6. Acacia species. Acacias. Leguminosce. 



Numerous species and varieties have been introduced from Australia 

 and elsewhere. No attempt has thus far been made to classify them 

 accurately. Some assert that perhaps one hundred and more species 

 and varieties are found in the State. 



The gum (gum arabic) bearing acacias are thorny or prickly shrubs 

 adapted to dry, sandy soils. The Australian gum or wattle gum is 

 obtained from A. pycanthe Benth., A. decurrens Willd., A. homalo- 

 phylla Gun., and perhaps other species. The bark, leaves and unripe 

 fruit of some species are very rich in tannin and have been used in 

 tanning. Some yield excellent timber. 



It is to be hoped that some one will perform the great task of prop- 

 erly identifying the species and varieties of Acacias found in the State. 

 (U. S. Disp.) (Bailey. Cycl. Am. Hort. 5.) 



7. Acacia catechu "Willd. Gum acacia. Cutch. Leguminosce. 

 Yields the familiar gum acacia, catechu or cutch of the pharmacists. 



Cultivated in the southern part of the State; not commercially, how- 

 ever. 



8. Acacia farnesiana. Acacia. Leguminosce. 



A native of India cultivated in the southern part of the State. The 

 very fragrant flowers yield a very delicious perfume on distillation. 

 Extensively cultivated for perfumery purposes in Southern France. 

 Worthy of careful consideration for culture purposes. 



9. Acacia gregii Gray. Acacia. Leguminosce. 



Yields shellac in Arizona. Larrea mexicana Moric, also yields shellac. 

 Both species occur in the State. 



10. Acacia pycanthe Benth. Wattle gum. Leguminosce. 



The bark is much used medicinally in Australia. The infusion is 

 given in infantile diarrhoea and catarrhal ophthalmia. The tincture, 

 mixed with glycerine, is useful for sore nipples, discharging ears and 

 chapped lips. A bark wash is useful in sore throat, as a gargle. The 

 gum is given internally to cure piles, and in veterinary practice is 

 applied to raw shoulders. Action, no doubt, due to the tannin present. 



Other useful species of Acacia are A. varek G. et P. and A. adansonii, 

 which yield gum Senegal. A. femiginea and A. leucophaea Willd. 

 yield an intoxicating liquor. Whether these and some other species 

 occur in the State is not definitely known. They would, no doubt, 

 thrive well. 



11. Acer macrophyllum Pursh. Large-leaved maple. Aceracece. 

 Common ornamental tree in northern part of State. Medicinal prop- 

 erties doubtful and use uncertain. 



