382 SOME REPUTED MEDICINAL PLANTS OP NEW SOUTH WALES, 



39. GuiLANDiNA BoNDUCELLA, Linn. (CcEsalpinia Bonducella, 



Fleming, in Muell. Gens., p. 42), N.O. Leguminosfe, B.Fl, 

 ii., 276. 



I have never heard of any portion of this plant entering into 

 Australian medicine, but as it is largely used in different parts of 

 Asia some reference to it may be convenient. 



The seeds are called " Molucca beans," and " Nicker or Bonduc- 

 nuts." 



The kernels of the nuts are very bitter, and are said by the 

 native doctors of India to be powerfully tonic. They are given in 

 cases of intermittent fevers, mixed with spices in the form of 

 powder. Pounded and mixed with castor-oil they are applied 

 externally in hydrocele. At Amboyna the seeds are considered 

 anthelmintic, and the root tonic in dyspepsia. In Cochin-China 

 the leaves are reckoned deobstruent and emmenagogue, and the 

 root astringent. The oil from the former is used in convulsions, 

 palsy, and similar complaints. (Drury). 



They are frequently thrown up by the Gulf Stream on the 

 shores of Scotland. 



40. Hardenbergia MONOPHYLLA, Bcnth., {KenTiedya ')nono2)hylla, 

 Vent, in Muell. Gens., p. 41), N.O. Leguminosae, B.Fl., ii., 

 246. 



Commonly, but wrongly, called " Native Sarsaparilla." 



The roots of this plant are sometimes used by bushmen and 

 others as a .substitute for the true Sarsaparilla (Smilax), but its 

 virtues are purely imaginary. Itis alsoa common thing in the spring 

 in the streets of Sydney to see persons with large bundles of leaves 

 on their shoulders, doubtless under the impression that they have 

 the leaves of Smilax glycyphylla. 



This plant is found in all the colonies except Western Australia. 



