FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 361 



Colocynth (jOitridlus Colocynthis, Schrad.). — Peren- 

 nial herb. The Colocynth is well known on account 

 of its purgative properties, and comes into the market 

 under the names of Turkey or Peeled Colocynth, and 

 Mogador or Unpeeled Colocynth. The Turkey form 

 is chiefly imported from Spain and Syria in a peeled 

 state, but is sometimes imported simply dried, without 

 having been peeled. The Mogador variety is larger 

 than the Turkey, to which it is inferior in quality, and 

 usually comes into the market in an unpeeled state. 

 The seeds are used as food in some parts of Africa, 

 more especially in the Sahara, where the Tibboos free 

 them from the bitter pulp by treading upon them 

 inclosed in strong bags ; the testa is afterwards 

 separated from the kernel by rubbing the seeds and 

 by winnowing ; after which the kernels are heated to 

 boiling, then washed with cold water, dried and 

 powdered, and eaten with dried dates, or used in 

 other ways as food. The seeds are also said to yield 

 a clear limpid oil. — ' Medicinal Plants,' Bentley and 

 Trimen, No. 1 14, &c. 



Distribution : Cape Verd Islands, Nile Land. 



Pompion or Pumpkin {Qictirbita Pepo, Duch.). — • 

 Annual. Cultivated in all warm and temperate parts 

 of the globe. The young unripe fruits are universally 

 eaten by the natives in India in stews, curries, &c. 

 They are also used in some parts of England by the 

 poorer classes as a vegetable. A sample of Pumpkin 



