PONGAMIA GLABRA 95 



superior, often almost, and at times entirely, free. Anthers 

 versatile. Ovary pedunculate, with 2 ovules. Style curved. 

 Stigma terminal. Pod orbicular, smooth or spiny, usually con- 

 taining one seed, encircled by a broad, rigid wing, the point 

 curved downward. 



HABITAT. In the mountains of Luzon, Panay and Min- 

 doro. Blooms in March. 



Pongamia glabra, Vent. (Robinia mitis, L.; Gadelupa 

 maculatctj Blanco.) 



NOM. VTiLQ.Balikbalik, Tag.; Bwtog, Vis. 



USES. The oil expressed from the seeds is used in India 

 for lighting purposes, and in addition is of notable therapeutic 

 value. It is an excellent local remedy for the itch, for herpes 

 and especially for pityriasis versicolor, used alone or emulsified 

 with lemon juice. In stubborn cases Dymock recommends the 

 addition of oil of hydrocarpus, camphor and powdered sul- 

 phur. Dr. Gibson states that he knows of no plant in the 

 vegetable kingdom possessing more notable curative properties 

 in itch, herpes and other cutaneous diseases than the plant 

 under consideration. It is also used as an embrocation in 

 articular rheumatism. 



The powdered leaves mixed with common salt and pepper 

 are given internally with a little milk, as a remedy for leprosy. 



The juice of the root makes a useful wash for gangrenous 

 ulcers and a good injection for fistula. 



BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION. A tree, 18 high, with leaves 

 opposite, odd-pinnate, Leaflets in 3 pairs, ovate, lanceolate, 

 entire, glabrous and membranaceous. Flowers slightly spotted, 

 racemose. Calyx bell-shaped, with 5 scarcely visible tooth- 

 lets. Corolla papilionaceous, petals equal, clawed. Standard 

 with 2 callosities athwart the base. Stamens 10, diadelphous. 

 Pod with one seed, which is flat, smooth, veined, bright red. 



HABITAT. Luzon and Panay. Blooms in October. 



