390 SOME REPUTED MEDICINAL PLANTS OF NEW SOUTH WALES, 



59. PoLANisiA viscosA, D.C. {Cleome viscosa, Linn, in Muell. 



Cens., p. 4), N.O. Capparidese, B.Fl., i, 90. 



This plant is used by the aboriginals to relieve headache. (Mr. 

 H. W. Stone, quoted by Mr. F. M. Bailey). It is also used in 

 Cochin-China as a counter-irritant, in the same way as sinapisms 

 in Europe, and also as a vesicant, and in the United States the 

 roots are said to be used as a vermifuge. In India the leaves 

 boiled in ghee (clarified butter) are applied to recent wounds, and 

 the juice to ulcers. The seeds are occasionally given in fevers 

 and diarrhoea. (Ainslie, Lindley). 



This plant is found in all the colonies except Victoria and Tas- 

 mania. 



60. PoRTULACA OLERACEA, Linn., N.O. Portulacacese, B.Fl., i., 



169. 



The common " Pig-weed " or " Purslane " of England. 



This plant is a native of most warm parts of the world. It has 

 been cultivated from very ancient times, and possesses antiscorbutic 

 properties. The young shoots are sometimes putin salads, and the 

 older ones are used as a potherb, or for pickling. 



Found in all the colonies except Tasmania. 



61. Pteris aquilina, Linn. var. esculenta (P. esculenta, 



Forst.), N.O. Filices, B.Fl. vii., 731. 



" Brake Fern " or " Bracken." 



The European plant is astringent, bitter and anthelmintic, and 

 the rhizome has been used as a substitute for hops. 



The Australian variety is found in all the colonies, 



62. Rhizophora mucronata, Lam., N.O. Phizophoreae, B.Fl., 



ii., 493. 



A " Mangrove." 



The bark has been tried medicinally in cases of hsematuria, but 

 with what result I have been unable to learn. 



