280 TAPIOCA TEA. 



TAPIOCA. Jatropha Manlhot, Linn. 



N.O. Euphorbiacea. 



5yn. Manihot, Mandioc, Tapioca Meal, Brazilian 

 Arrowroot, Cassava Starch, Manihot utilissima, Pohl, 

 Janipha Manihot, Kunth. 



Part used Rootstarch. 



Action Nutritive, demulcent. It makes an excellent 

 article of diet for infants and invalids, and may be 

 sweetened or used in combination with fruits, preserves, 

 wines, or spices. 



Distinctive character Tapioca, like sago, is often 

 prepared from potato starch. Under the microscope, 

 the genuine is easily distinguished, especially in the 

 form of meal, by the truncate muller-shaped starch 

 grains, with a central hilum. 



TEA. Camellia Thea, Link. 



N.O. Camelliacea. 



Syn. Thea Chinensis, Sims ; Camellia theifeva, Griff. 

 Part used Leaves. 



Action Stimulant, astringent. Tea is perhaps the 

 most important article in the domestic economy, where 

 the freshly-made infusion forms the beverage at one o* 

 more meals during the day. Its general effect is stimu- 

 lating, and it also acts as a nerve sedative and frequently 

 relieves headache. Occasionally it causes unpleasant 

 nervous and digestive disturbances. 



Distinctive character Indian and Ceylon tea often 

 produce nervous symptoms in those unaccustomed to 

 their use. China tea rarely produces such an effect. 

 This is probably due to the method of manufacture. 

 The latter is often blended with the Indian. China tea 

 is often flavoured artificially by placing bags of dried 

 scented flowers amongst it, Jasminum, Chleranthus, &c. 



