594 



MEDICINAL PLANTS OF CEYLON 



Mikania scandens (Compositae). This annual herbaceous climber, 

 introduced from Malay and now commonly naturalised in the low-country of 

 Ceylon, yields a quantity of green fodder which is relished by cattle at all 

 times, especially in the dry season when food is scarce. 



Opuntia Dillenii. Prickly-pear. (Cactaccae). This and other species 

 of Opuntia, which have become a serious pest in certain countries, notably in 

 Queensland, are often turned into a palatable food for stock in times of scarcity. 

 It is best when boiled or crushed and used with ensilage or other fodder, and in 

 this way is said to have a fattening effect on cattle. A spineless form, raised by 

 the late MR. BURBANK in California, is highly spoken of by some. 



Prosopis juliflora. Mesquit-tree ; Cashaw, or Algaroba Bean. A 

 leguminous tree of tropical America, the leaves, shoots, and pods of which are 

 used to feed cattle. In dry weather the pods are said to be as nutritious as 

 corn. 



Prosopis pubescens is the " Screw mesquit," a tree of similar value 

 to the above, found in Texas and Mexico. 



PRINCIPAL PLANTS USED IN NATIVE MEDICINE 

 IN CEYLON. 



.S.=Sinhalese ; 2'.=Tamil. 



