L1CHENES. 1397 



laciniata. Length of frond 1-2 feet, breadth 2-3 inches. — Grev. 

 This weed is known in Sind as " Las " or " Lash," (mucilage) 

 evidently from its containing a quantity of gelatinous matter. 

 It is gathered just before the monsoon. Medicinally it is pre- 

 scribed by native hakeems as a demucent in bad cases of 

 scrofula, in conjunction with emulsion of almonds. As an 

 article of diet it is said to be used in many places in the south 

 of England and the Western Isles. (Murray.) 



1377. Fucus vesiculosus, Linn., Eng. Bot. 1066. 

 Bladdery Sea-wrack. 



Hab. Manora rocks. 



Frond plane, compressed, linear, dichotomous, entire at the 

 margin, coriaceous, 2-3 feet long. Root a flat, hard, disk. Air 

 vessels in pairs, large. Receptacles in pairs often forked, 

 terminating the branches, mostly elliptical, turgid. 



The medicinal uses of this weed in Sind, or in any other 

 part of India, are not known. The mucus of the saponaceous 

 vesicles is said to be very effectual in removing glandular 

 swellings ; and a tinciure of the vesicles to be of use as an 

 embrocation in rheumatism. The calcined powder of the plant 

 is said to have the same medicinal virtues, answering also as a 

 dentifrice. If is, besides, valued in the manufacture of kelp and 

 iodine. This fucus is said to be the basis of the popular 

 " Anti-fat." (Murray.) 



1378. F. distichus, Linn., Eng. Bot. t. 12. 102. 

 Distichous Fucus or Sea-wrack. 



Hab. Manora rocks. 



Bushy ; frond entire, linear dichotomous, without vesicles, 

 ribbed. Receptacles in pairs, linear, elliptic. 



Medicinally this weed is considered deobstruent ; and has, 

 also like F. vesiculosus, been found efficacious in scrofulous 

 swellings, and also bronchocele. (Murray.) 



1379. Laminaria saccharina, Lam., Sweet Tangle. 

 Gillur ka patta. Sind and Punjab. 



