i^6 



AIZOACEAE 



The roots of M. acutipetah/m and M. Mtt//o///\ called 

 u khadi n by the natives of the Transvaal, are occasionally 

 added to their kaffir beer. The latter species is looked 

 upon as poisonous and has been found to contain a large 

 amount of oxalates, corresponding to 3 of oxalic acid, 

 but no alkaloid. 



Fig. 89. Mesembrianthemum sf>inosum L. 1/2 nat. size. 



In eastern Cape Colony M. stellatum, called 

 " koerrimoer" or "kirimoer" is employed for a similar 

 purpose, apparently as a flavouring agent, corresponding 

 to our hops ; nowadays hops (imported) are often added 

 to such beer. 



M. micra?ithu7ti (ashon) is burnt, and from the ash 

 a lye (loog) is obtained for steeping the grapes when 

 preparing raisins (Worcester district) or for soap making. 

 Consequently also the plant is sometimes called loog. 



