FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 389 



used in India as a diuretic. — ' Economic Products of 

 India,' Watt, part v., No. 1174. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands. 



CONVOLVULACE^. 



Ipomaa digitata, L. — Large scandent perennial. 

 This plant is greatly cultivated in India on account 

 of its large red flowers. The great tuberous roots are 

 much used in native medicine, being regarded as 

 tonic, alterative, aphrodisiac, demulcent, and lacta- 

 gogue. The powdered root-stock is given with wine, 

 for the purpose of increasing the secretion of milk. — 

 ' Economic Products of India," Watt, part v.. No. 658. 



Distribution : Cultivated at Cape Palmas. 



Ipomcea hederacea, Jacq. — {Pliarbitis Nil, Chois.). — 

 Annual. The seeds of this plant are sold in the 

 Indian bazaars under the name of " Kala-dana " as 

 an effectual and safe cathartic, for which purpose it is 

 equal to jalap, and is superior to it in portability and 

 flavour. A resin called pharbitism is obtained from 

 these seeds, and is said to be a safe and effective 

 purgative. — ' Useful Plants of India,' Drury, p. 337. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea. 



Moon Flower {Ipomcea bona-nox, L.). — Scandent 

 -herb. In India the seeds are eaten when young. 

 The dried capsules and seeds, as also the flowers, 

 leaves and roots, are used as remedies for snake-bite. 



