16 



spatulate, blunt, acuminate, (ofteif^ farinaceously glau- 

 cous, with a red border. Flowers paniculate, nodding. 

 This succulent shrub is common in mountainous parts. 

 The leaves are thick, and from their shape called Varkens- 

 ooren (pig's ears). The fresh juice is of service in epilepsy, 

 and has been prescribed by me in the case of a young man, 

 subject to this frightful disease. Not only were the symptoms 

 evidently diminished, but subsequent attacks were less violent. 

 The leaves form an excellent application to hard corns. On 

 removal of the epidermis of the upper side of the leaf, it is 

 left on the part for 8 or 10 hours, when it will be found that 

 the juicy portion of the leaf is gone, and the corn feels soft, 

 and may be removed with ease. It should be remarked 

 here, that Crassula arborescens. Willd., has the same pro- 

 perties. 



MESEMBRYANTHEMUM. Lin. 



{FicoidecB.) 



XII. — 2. ICOSANDRIA PENTAGYNIA. LIN. SYST. 



37. Mesembryanthemum edule. Lin. SufFruticose ; 

 succulent. Stem erect. Branches two-edged, pros- 

 trate, spreading. Leaves opposite, connate, scimitar- 

 shaped, three-edged, fleshy, serrulate at their edge, 

 perfectly smooth. Flowers solitary, terminal, large, 

 yellow or purple. Fruit eatable. 



Few South- African plants are so much in domestic use than 

 this species and Mesemhryanthemum acinaciforme. Lin., 

 both of which are common in the sandy tracts of the colony. 

 They are astringent and sourish in taste, on account of the 

 acidulated alkaline salt with which they seem to be im- 

 pregnated. The expressed juice of the succulent leaves, 

 taken internally, checks dysentery, and acts as a mild 

 diuretic ; while it is also for its antiseptic property, used 

 as an excellent gargle in malignant sore throat, violent sali- 

 vation and aphthae, or in the form of a lotion in burns and 

 scalds. At the Cape these plants are called Hottentots 

 vygen (Hottentot-figs). 



38. Mesemhryanthemum crystallinum. Lin. Root 

 annual. Stem herbaceous, angular, procumbent, 

 fleshy, covered all over with large pustules. Leaves 

 broad, amplexicaul, waved at the margin, ovate, 

 entire. Flowers axillary, nearly sessile, small white. 



The Iceplant contains a good deal of malic acid and 

 lime. The expressed juice of the herb, when fresh and 



