158 PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



The Coahilla Indians eat the green fruits after roasting in a live coal 

 fire. The raw, ripe fruits are somewhat astringent. 



862. Yucca whipplei Torr. Spanish bayonet. Liliacece. 

 Flowering heads and stalks are roasted and eaten by the Coahilla 



Indians. 



863. Zamia integrifolia. Cooutie root. Cycadacece. 



The tuberous roots are rich in starch and constitute a valued article 

 of diet. 



864. Zauschneria californica Prest. Onagracece. 



Used as a wash for cuts, sores, etc., especially for horses. The dried 

 and powdered leaves are dusted over w r ounds and sores. 



865. Zea mays L. Indian corn. Graminece. 



Various field varieties of Indian corn are extensively cultivated in 

 certain portions of the State, particularly sweet corn and popcorn. The 

 only part used medicinally is the corn silk (greatly elongated styles and 

 the stigmas) which has diuretic properties. Corn smut is a fungus 

 which attacks the grain and which has properties similar to those of 

 ergot. 



866. Zingiber officinalis Rose. Ginger. Scitamineace. 



This well-known spice plant may be grown commercially in the 

 southern portions of the State. So far no one has made the attempt. 



867. Zygadenus species. Liliacece. 



Most members of this group are poisonous. They are widely dis- 

 tributed throughout the State, and annually cause considerable loss to 

 cattlemen. The poisonous constituents require further study. 



868. Zygadenus elegans Pursh. Alkali grass. Liliaccce. 



Very poisonous. The children of Indians frequently eat of the roots 

 with fatal results. 



869. Zygadenus venenosus Wats. Hogs potato. Death camas. 

 Liliacece. 



Found in the coast ranges from Monterey to British Columbia. All 

 parts of the plant are poisonous, the bulbs in particular, but hogs have 

 been observed to eat bulbs greedily and without apparent ill effects. 

 Many heads of cattle are poisoned annually due to this plant. It acts 

 as a powerful cerebral excitant. A poultice is applied externally to cure 

 boils and rheumatism, and to alleviate the pain of bruises and sprains. 



