FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. 391 



the Spaniards. From the latter country tubers are 

 occasionally exported to England. — 'Dictionary of 

 Economic Products,' Smith, p. 399. 



Distribution : Cultivated in Tropical Africa. 



Evolvulus alsinoides, L. — Perennial. According to 

 Mr. Barter the plant is fragrant, and is burnt to 

 perfume houses. Confluence. — Kew Museum. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea. 



SOLANACE^E. 



Tomato or Love Apple (Lycopersicum esculmtum, 

 Mill.). — Annual. The fruits, known as tomatoes, are 

 largely eaten, either raw, or cooked in various ways. 

 In a green state they form an excellent pickle. Used 

 as an article of diet they are considered beneficial 

 in affections of the liver, indigestion, diarrhoea, and 

 other complaints. — ' Treasury of Botany,' Lindley and 

 Moore. 



Distribution : Upper Guinea, Cape Verd Islands. 



Solarium nigrum, L. — Herbaceous or shrubby plant. 

 This species possesses slight narcotic properties, 

 on which account the Bohemians place the leaves in 

 the cradles of infants to promote sleep ; they are also 

 used for poultices, as a soothing agent. In Bourbon 

 and Mauritius these leaves are eaten as a substitute 

 for spinach. In India the berries are considered 

 tonic, diuretic, and useful in anasarca and heart- 



