mote granulation.* It is common in the Cape Flats, and 

 other parts of the colony, and deserves a trial in cases of 

 plica polonica. 



DIOSMA. Lin. 



(Diosmece.) 



y. — 1. PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. LIN. SYST. 



17. Diosma (Barosma) crenata. D, C. A glabrous 

 branchy shrub. Branches round, purplish, the upper 

 and smaller ones angular. Leaves stalked, smooth, 

 oblongo-ovate, blunt, dotted beneath, and notched 

 with transparent, resinous glands on their margin. 

 Flowers peduncled, solitary, axillary ; petals white, 

 oblong, subsessile. 



The Bucchu leaves have, as is well known, become an 

 article of export lately. Their principal medical effects 

 are owing to their possessing a considerable quantity of an 

 aromatic volatile oil, and to a particular very tenacious 

 principle, called Diosmin, as also to a semi-resinous sub- 

 stance. They have a peculiar smell, and a slightly astrin- 

 gent, bitter, taste. When used in the form of infusion, 

 they promote perspiration. Hence their utility in chronic 

 rheumatism, gout, and other diseases, caused by the sudden 

 suppression of cutaneous action. They have been pre- 

 scribed also in cholera morbus, and are very beneficial in 

 diseases of the bladder, especially in chronic inflammation 

 of the mucous membrane of that organ (catarrh of the 



* I am indebted to my triend, Dr. A. Brown, for the following prac- 

 tical remarks on the medical properties of this plant:—" For many years 

 past, I have found the Melianthus major very serviceable in necrosis and 

 foul ulcers, and its effect in promoting granulation is very remarkable. 

 After cleaning the sores with the decoction, some of the boiled leaves 

 are applied to the parts, and found to answer well. I have not only used 

 it with decided benefit, but in many cases where the materia medica has 

 failed me, or the degree of healing was not satisfactory, it has almost 

 invariably succeeded. In carcinoma I have seen it applied with effect 

 in cleaning the ulcers, and rendering their otherwise highly disagreeable 

 odour less offensive. In indolent leprous sores it can also vie with the 

 other applications that we use in that intractable disease. I have tried 

 it in tinea capitis with great effect, but in other affections of the skin 

 it has as yet failed to satisfy me decidedly whether it did good or not. 

 In cases where tinctura myrrhae is recommended, I have found it a better 

 remedy. In fact, I may say that in my practice it is almost daily 

 used." 



