CALABAR OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 77 



a large tree of the Star Apple family (Sapotaceas). The fruit is 

 about 3 inclies long, similar to the SappodiUa Plum, but the 

 pulp is softer, and superior in point of flavour. 



Oajeput Oil {Melaleuca vunor), a moderate-sized tree of the 

 Myrtle family (Myrtaceae), native of the islands of the Indian 

 Archipelago, and Eastern and l^Torthern Australia. It is called 

 the White Tree on account of the colour of its bark, which is 

 white and in layers, like thm paper. It is used by the natives 

 for many domestic purposes. The leaves of the tree, which are 

 smooth and myrtle-like, by fermentation and distillation yield a 

 green oil known as Cajeput. It is highly valued in medicine 

 as a carminative, stimulant, sudorific, and antispasmodic ; also 

 externally in chronic rheumatism, and is much used as a cure for 

 cholera. A species of Melaleiicay with white papery bark 

 (probably if. minor), is described by Drummond as growing 

 in "West Australia. 



Calaba Tree, a name in the West Indies for Calo^hyllum 

 Calala, a tree of the Gamboge family (Guttifer?©), native of the 

 West Indies and Brazil, a stout tree attaining a height of from 50 

 to 60 feet, with opposite, long, elliptical leaves, generally notched 

 at the apex, and beariag short racemes of sweet-scented flowers. 

 The fruit is drupe-like, containing a siagle seed, which yields an 

 oil fit for lamps. In Brazil the wood is called Santa Maria 

 Wood. Some years ago it was imported for shipbuilding, but 

 has since been discarded. 



Calabar Bean {Physoshgma venenosum), a trifoliate leaved 

 climber of the Bean family (Leguminosse), having a woody 

 stem 2 inches in diameter, attaining a great length. The pods 

 are about 6 or 7 inches long, and contain several seeds of a 

 kidney shape, about an inch in length, of a dark chocolate brown 

 colour, approaching black. They are highly poisonous. The 

 plant is a native of Old Calabar, and is there used by the natives 

 as an ordeal, and is generally known as the Ordeal Bean of Old 

 Calabar. In 1864 a quantity of these beans was imported into 

 Liverpool, and not finding a market, they were thrown away on 

 a rubbish heap. Some of them were afterwards found by some 



