386 SOME REPUTED MEDICINAL PLANTS OP NEW SOUTH WALES, 



females in irregularities of the menses, with most satisfactory- 

 results. Either infusion or decoction is used. It should, however, 

 be borne in mind that these two species are much more acrid than 

 the European species of Mentha commonly used for a similar 

 purpose, and therefore greater care should be exercised in their 

 use. 



Both herbs are strewn about floors and beds for the purpose of 

 keeping away insects, and they are very efficient in driving away 

 fleas and bugs. 



Found in all the colonies except Western Australia and 

 Queensland. 



52, Mesembryanthemum jEQuilaterale, Haw., N.O. Ficoidese, 

 B.Fl., iii., 324. 



" Pig's face" (owing to the fanciful shape of the fruits), "Beru- 

 dur" of the aboriginals of the Lachlan River. 



Many species, and especially M. acinaciforme, Linn., from which 

 this species scarcely difiers, are used in South Africa. There 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 salivation, and aphthae, or in the form of a lotion 

 in burns and scalds. (Bailey in Syn. Qd. Flora). 



This plant is found near the coast in all the colonies. 



53, MucuNA GiGANTEA, DC, N.O. Leguminosse, B.Fl., ii., 254. 



Used in India in rheumatic complaints. The bark for this 

 purpose is pulverised, mixed with dry ginger, and rubbed over the 

 parts afi'ected. (Rheede). 



This plant extends from this colony to northern Australia. 



54, Myriogtne MiNUTA, Less. (including Centipeda orbicularis, 



Lour, and C. CimningJiami, F.v.M., recorded by Baron 

 Mueller in his " Census," p. 84, as distinct species. See 

 also Muell. Fragm., viii., 143). N.O. Compositse, B.Fl., iii., 

 553. 



