638 



MANUAL OF POISONOUS PLANTS 



Indies, of the same family, is a handsome ornamental shrub, the seeds of which 

 contain a narcotic principle; Henna {Lawsonia inermis) yields a yellow dye 

 which is used in Egypt and Arabia as a cosmetic for the hands. 



Tannin occurs in the root of Lythrum Salicaria. Cuphea viscosa of Mexico 

 contains a substance similar in action to Digitalis. The fresh leaves of Am- 

 mannia baccifera of India contain a vesicating substance. 



The family Lecythidaceae contains the well known Brazil or Para nut 

 {Bertholletia excelsa, and B. nobilis), the Sapucaya-nut from the monkey-pot 

 tree {Lecythis allaria) and other species. 



Narcotic and poisonous principles occur in the fruit of Planchonia valida, 

 native to the Molucca Islands, and in the seeds of some species of Lecythis. 

 The roots and fruits of Chinese and Japanese species of Barringtoma are used 

 as fish poisons. The family Punicaceae contains the pomegranate {Punica 

 granatum) from the orient, cultivated in green houses in the North and out of 

 doors in California and the South for its acid fruit, which is about the size of a 

 small apple. The bark is used as a vermifuge and is an active irritant, its 

 medicinal properties being due to a number of alkaloids present, of which four 



m^M, 



Fig. 359. Clove Tree (.Eugenia caryophyllata) . 

 native of the Molucca Isles. (After Faguet.) 



Fig. 360. Brazil Nut 

 (Berthollettia excelsa). 

 (W. S. Dudgeon.) 



have been isolated. The Mangrove (Rhizophora Mangle) belongs to the family 

 Rhisophoraceae. Its wood is used in boat building. The Indian Almond {Ter- 

 minalia Catappa) through its bark and leaves furnishes a black dye. The family 



