SASSY BARK SAUNDERS, RED. 249 



SASSY BARK. Erytbrophleum Ciulneense, G. Don. 



N.O. Leguminoscc. 

 Syn. Mancona Bark, Casca Bark. 



Part used Bark. 



Action Narcotic, astringent, laxative. Has been 

 found efficient in diarrhoea, dysentery, passive haemor- 

 rhages, &c. The infusion is made from ^ ounce of bark 

 in a pint of boiling water and taken in doses of a table- 

 spoonful as required. Used by the natives of West 

 Africa as an ordeal in witchcraft, &c. As it possesses 

 toxic properties, should be used with caution. 



Distinctive character In flat or slightly curved 

 pieces about 2 inches broad and inch thick, but vary- 

 ing in length, externally warty, and sometimes with a 

 grey epidermis, furrowed longitudinally, internally red- 

 brown, hard ; the inner surface nearly smooth, some- 

 times with black stains. Fracture coarsely granular, 

 with numerous pale groups of stone cells. Taste, astrin- 

 gent, bitter, and acrid. Inodorous. Very poisonous. 

 Should not be used except under a medical man's 

 direction. 



SAUNDERS, RED. Pterocarpus santalinus, Linn. 



N.O. Leguminosa. 



Syn. Ruby wood, Red Sandal wood, Santalum rubrum, 

 Lignum rubrum. 



Part used Wood. 



Action Tonic, astringent. Hardly ever used for 

 its medicinal properties. As a colouring agent it forms 

 part of the official Comp. Tincture of Lavender. 



Distinctive character Imported in billets, but 

 usually met with in commerce in the form of raspings 

 of a deep purplish red tint, which do not colour water 

 when soaked in it. Nearly tasteless. Odour, none. 



