N. 0. AP0CYNACE.E. 770 



after separation of the chloroform, the liquid was rendered alkaline with 

 ammonia, and agitated first with chloroform, ether, and finally with araylic 

 alcohol. The three extracts exhibited fluorescence when dissolved in alcohol, 

 but the appearance was most marked in that obtained by chloroform acting 

 on the acid solution. The chloroform extract deposited a yellowish granular 

 mass on standing, which was non-crystalline; in taste the extract was extremely 

 bitter : it afforded marked indication of the presence of an alkaloid, but was 

 not wholly soluble in diluted Sulphuric acid. The ether-chloroform extract 

 was non-crystalline, it was also bitter, but the bitter taste Was associated 

 with some astringency ; it was wholly soluble in dilute sulphuric acid, and 

 afforded marked indications of the presence of an alkaloid. 



The amylic alcohol extract was of a dark colour, and wholly soluble in 

 dilute sulphuric acid and very bitter : it also gave marked alkaloidal reactions. 

 With sulphuric acid, none of the extracts afforded crystalline salts. 



The aqueous extract had a bitter taste; it reduced an alkaline copper 

 solution on boiling : with f errocyanide of potassium and acetic acid a faint 

 turbidity was produced. The residue insoluble in water contained a large 

 amount of starch. 



At present we do not offer any opinion as to whether the alkaloidal 

 principles we have referred to in the various extracts are identical or not. 

 We are also at present unable to state whether these alkaloids are new or 

 merely principles which have already been described as occuring in other 

 plants of the same natural order. An analysis of the root of ophioxylan 

 Serpentinum by W. Bettink has been published in Haaxman's Tijdschrift, 

 (Jan. 1888), where no alkaloid is reported to have been found, but a crystalline 

 body related to juglone. W T e feel convinced that the drug examined by 

 Bettink was not authenticated. Prof. Eykman has recorded the discovery of 

 an alkaloid in an Indian Species of Ophioxylon and later, still vl890), M. 

 Geishoff has found an alkaloid giving a veratrine reaction with Frohde's 

 reagent, thus substantiating our analysis. It is probable that as the root 

 resembles Plumbago root, Prof. Bettink's ophioxylin was only plumbagin. 



[Pharmacographia Indica, Vol. II, p. 415—417.] 



749. Gerbera odollam, Gcertn. h.f.b.i., in. 638 ; 

 Roxb. 232. 



Vern. : — Dabur ; Dhakur (B.) ; Sukanu (M.) ; Kada mal ; 

 Katarali ; Kadaralai ; Kadu (Tam.) ; Odallam (Mal.). 



Habitat : — Salt swamps, or on the Coast of India, common 

 in the South Concan. 



A moderate-sized, evergreen tree or large shrub, wholly glab- 

 rous. Wood grey, very soft, spongy. Branchlets whorled, very 

 stout, marked with leaf-scars, twigs thick, shining. Leaves large, 

 alternate, rather closely placed at end of year's growth, 5-12in., 



