370 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 



Tolmgah or Brimstone Tree of Sierra Leone {Mo- 

 riiida citrifolia, L.). — Tree sometimes of immense size. 

 Bitter and astringent, used at Nupe in dysentery and 

 fevers. The wood is used in Upper Guinea for 

 flooring, as it is said to be excellent, and also to resist 

 the attacks of insects ; in India it is used for native 

 slippers. From the root-bark a scarlet dye is pro- 

 cured, used for dyeing handkerchiefs, turbans, &c. 

 The fruit and leaves are used in medicine. — ' Flora of 

 Tropical Africa,' Oliver, vol. iii., p. 192 ; ' Useful 

 Plants of India,' Drury. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Lower Guinea, North 

 Central. 



Galium Aparine, L. — Annual. Known in England 

 under the name of Cleavers, and in Scotland as Grip- 

 grass. The plant has astringent properties, and is a 

 rural remedy for colds, in infusion. It is also said 

 to be useful in scorbutic affections. In France the 

 crushed herb is used as a poultice to sores and 

 blisters. — 'Useful Plants of Great Britain,' Sowerby, 



P- 137- 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Nile Land. 



DlPSACE^. 



Scabiosa succisa, L. — Herbaceous perennial plant. 

 Used on the Continent as a yellow and green dye. 

 The root is very astringent, and has been suggested 

 as a tanning material. It is called Devil's bit in 



