3i8 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 



are said to pierce the bodies of the worms, causing 

 them to writhe, and so they become detached from the 

 intestines. The administration is 'usually followed by 

 a brisk purgative. An infusion of the roots is said 

 to be used in some parts of India as a remedy in 

 cholera, and in that country the young pods are 

 cooked and eaten. — 'Medicinal Plants,' Bentley and 

 Trimen, vol. ii., No. 78; ' Pharmacopceia of India,' 

 Dr. Waring, p. 73, &c. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Mozambique District. 



Canavalia ensiformis, DC. {C. gladiata, DC). — 

 Perennial. Cultivated in India for its esculent pods, 

 extensively used by Europeans, as by the natives. The 

 white-seeded variety is considered to be the most 

 wholesome. In Jamaica, this plant is called "Over- 

 look " by the negroes, who it is said have a supersti- 

 tious idea that it fulfils the duties of a watchman, 

 and from some dreaded power ascribed to it protects 

 property from plunder, and for this reason it is planted 

 along their provision grounds. — 'Useful Plants of India,' 

 H. Drury ; ' Treasury of Botany,' Lindley and Moore. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land, Lower 

 Guinea. 



Canavalia obtusifolid, DC. — Biennial. Said to be 

 useful for binding sands on the sea-shore. — 'Useful 

 Plants of India,' H. Drury, p. 105, &c. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, Mo- 

 zambique" District. 



