N. 0. SCITAMINEiE. 1247 



pinkish-white, lateral oblong, upper longer ovate concave. 

 Starainode obtuse, as long as the corolla segments. Lip derlexed, 

 orbircular, yellow, obscurely 3-lobed. Stigma obscurely 2-lobed. 



Uses : — The rhizomes are used medicinally, being regarded 

 as tonic and carminative. Thwaites says this drug is used by 

 the Singhalese. Dymock states that " the properties of this 

 drug are very similar to those of turmeric, but its flavour being 

 strongly camphoraceous is not so agreeable. It is used medi- 

 cinally in combination with other drugs as an external applica- 

 tion to bruises, sprains, &c. In the Concan, it is applied to pro- 

 mote the eruption in exanthemateous fevers ; it is seldom used 

 alone, but is combined with astringents when applied to 

 bruises, and with bitters and aromatics to promote eruptions.'* 

 Ainslie says the Muhammadans suppose it to be a valuable medi- 

 cine in certain cases of snake-bites, administered in small doses, 

 and in conjunction with golden-coloured orpiment, kust (Costus 

 arabicus) and ajuan. 



" Used externally in scabies and the eruption of small-pox." 

 (Surg.-Maj. H.D.Cook.) " Rubbed into a paste with benzoin 

 it is a common domestic application to the forehead for 

 headache." (Surg.-Maj. John North.) 



1233. 0. Zedoaria, Rose, h.f.b.i., vi. 210. Roxb. 



7. 



Sans. : — Karchura, Sati. 



Vern. : — Kachura (H.) ; Shori ; Kachura (B.) ; Kichchilik- 

 kizhanghu, pulan-kizhanga (Tarn.) ; Kich-chili-gaddala, kacho- 

 ram (Tel.) ; Kach-cholam, kach-churi-kizhauna, pula-kizhauna 

 (Mai.); Kachora (Kan.). 



Habitat: — Eastern Himalaya, wild; cultivated throughout 

 India. 



Rootstock large, ovoid, tubers many, some lin. diam., 

 sessile, cylindric, and many, oblong, terminating into fibres. 

 Leaves l-2ft., oblong acuminate, narrowed to the base. Petiole 

 longer than the blade. Spikes vernal, ift. by 3in. broad. 

 Flowering bracts lfin., ovate green, often tinged slightly with 

 red ; bracts of the coma many, spreading, bright red. Flowers 

 pale-yellow, rather shorter than the bracts. Calyx whitish, 



