386 FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 



by whom it is eaten. — ' Treasury of Botany,' Lindley 

 and Moore. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea. 



Mudar of India, Ashoor or Oshoor of the Arabs 

 {Calotropis procera, R. Br.). — Shrub six to ten feet 

 high. The economic uses of this species, together 

 with the Calotropis gigantea of India, are probably 

 similar in every respect. The silky hairs from the 

 apex of the seeds of the latter species are used in 

 India for stuffing pillows, and may be used as a 

 paper material. The fibre produced from the stems 

 is called Bowstring Hemp, and is very strong and 

 valuable. The root-bark of C. procera is used in 

 European pharmacy as a substitute for ipecacuanha, 

 both as an emetic and in the treatment of leprosy. 

 The fresh juice is used in rheumatism and chest 

 diseases as a rubefacient, and the leaves are given as 

 a cure for guinea worm. In the Peshawur Valley the 

 juice from the plant is employed in the preparation 

 of catgut, &c. — ' Economic Products of India,' Watt, 

 part iii.. No. 60 ; ' Useful Plants of India,' Drury, &c. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape de Verd Islands. 



Pergularia sanguinolenta, Lindl. — Twining shrub. 

 This plant yields a kind of dragon's-blood, with 

 which the Dragon's Blood of commerce is adulterated. 

 — ' Treasury of Botany,' Lindley and Moore. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea. 



