39 



It is remarkable that in cases of poisoning- from Funq'iy 

 violent diarrhoea is present along with vomiting-, whereas 

 in the present case obstinate constipation prevailed. 



Most probably, all plants belonginp: to this genus partake 

 of this poisonous property, which, in the case mentioned 

 above, was not dissipated by boiling. 



H^iMANTHUS. Lin. 



(^Amaryllidece,) 

 VI. — 1. HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. LIN. SYST. 



85. H(Emanthus coccineus. Lin. Root a laro"e tuni- 

 cated bulb. Radical leaves 2, lying flat on the ground, 

 broad, thick, coriaceous, tongue-shaped or ovate, 

 entire, smooth. Sca.pe flat, erect, coloured, bearing 

 a densely-flowered umbel. Involucre 4-leaved, blood- 

 red ; its segments ovate. Fruit a red berry. 



The bulb of this beautiful plant is used on account of 

 its diuretic effects. It is cut into slices, digested in 

 vinegar, and with the addition of honey, boiled down to 

 the consistence of an oxymel, which is given as an expec- 

 torant and as a diuretic in asthma and dropsy. The fresh 

 leaves are used externally as an antiseptic in foul flabby 

 ulcers and in anthrax, and are known by the name of 

 Veldschoenhldren. 



GETHYLLIS. Lin. 



{AmaryllidecB.) 



VI. — 1. HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. LIN. SYST. 



86. Gethyllis spiralis. Lin. Bulb ovate, scaly. 

 Leaves fascicled, upright, linear, channelled, glabrous, 

 spirally twisted, appearing after the flower has decayed. 

 Flower solitary, salver-shaped, white, spotted beneath 

 with confluent purple dots ; its tube very long, stalk- 

 like, partly under ground. Fruit cylindrical, scented. 



The elongated, club-shaped^ orange-coloured fruit of this 

 plant has a peculiar fragrance, and still preserves its old 

 Hottentot name of Kukumakranka. Infused in spirits, the 

 liquor partakes of its pleasing scent, and is employed in 

 colic and flatulencv. 



