10 



and used, under the significant name of Stekelthee, appa- 

 rently with good effect in asthma and hydrothorax. It is 

 commonly given as a diuretic, in the form of decoction. 



VASCOA. D. C. 



{Leguminosce.) 

 XVII. — 6. DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA. LIN. SYST. 



22. Vascoa amphxicaulis. D. C, A glabrous under- 

 shrub. Stern erect, branchy. Leaves simple, amplexi- 

 caul, suborbicular, cordate at base, reticulated, quite 

 entire, blunt ; those of the stem alternate ; the floral 

 ones opposite, coloured. Flowers in the upper axils, 

 glabrous, solitary, without bracts, shortly pedicellate, 

 yellow. 



The roots of this pretty bush taste like liquorice, whence 

 its name of Zoeihout-boschje. They are used in the form 

 of decoction, as a demulcent in catarrh and phthisis, and 

 are a good substitute for the liquorice itself This useful 

 plant inhabits the mountains of Worcester and Tulbagh. 



23. Vascoa perfoliata. D, C A small shrub. Stem 

 glabrous, erect. Leaves amplexicaul, cordate, sub- 

 orbicular, entire, bluntly mucronate, rigid, netted. 

 Flowers yellow. 



A strong decoction of the leaves of this species acts as 

 a powerful diuretic, and is of great service in the various 

 forms of dropsy. It grows on the mountains of Hottentot's 

 Holland. 



MELILOTUS. TouRN. 

 (^Leguminosce,^ 



XVII. — 6. DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA. LIN. SYST. 



24. Melilotus parviflorus. Desf. Stem erect, branchy. 

 Leaves trifoliate, upper ones oblong, toothed ; lower 

 ones obovate, entire. Flowers laxely racemose, small, 

 yellow ; stipules linear ; legumes ovate, wrinkled, one- 

 seeded. 



This herb {Melilot^ Steenklaver), a native also of the north 

 of Africa, diffuses the same sweet, fragrant scent which 

 we observe in the Melilotus officinalis of Europe. In its 

 medical effects it is discutient and emolHent, and used 

 externally in the form of fomentation, poultice, and plaster, 

 in indurations, glandular tumours, etc. Its powder is one 



