Leguminosae. 109 
handsomest flowering trees. It has been introduced into many tropi- 
cal countries, and has been in these islands since about 1855, when 
it was introduced probably by Dr. Hillebrand. It has been planted 
in avenues of late and will soon make a fine showing. Its spring and 
summer attire of beautiful green graceful foliage and large scarlet 
blossoms, makes up for its bareness during the winter, when the 
tree is really ungainly. 
The wood of the Poinciana regia is white to light yellowish in 
color, loose-grained, and takes a fine polish. 
The tree yields a yellowish or reddish brown gum containing 
oxalate of lime. When placed in water this gum does not dissolve 
but forms an opalescent mucilage. 
Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Lw. 
Pride of Barbados. 
Plate XLVI. 
The Pride of Barbados is a small, erect, somewhat spiny bush, 
or occasionally a small tree reaching a height of from four to twenty 
feet, but rarely more. Its flowers are borne in terminal racemes, and 
are either yellow or red and yellow. It is a native of tropical Ameri- 
ca, but has been in cultivation in nearly all tropical countries and 
has even become naturalized in these islands. It is usually planted 
as a hedge or scattered bushes. It can be seen nearly all over town 
in various gardens and especially at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki. It 
deserves to be cultivated, but has been rather neglected in Hono- 
lulu where it has sprung up of its own accord in waste places. Its 
showy flowers make it quite attractive, especially as it remains in 
flower all the year round. 
The leaves as well as the flowers and seeds have been employed 
medicinally ; the former are said to be purgative. 
In India the shrub is sacred to the God Shiva. The natives of 
India make ink from the charred wood. 
Caesalpinia coriaria Willd. 
American Sumach or Divi-divi. 
Plate XLVI I. 
The Divi-divi is a small tree with finely bi-pinnate foliage of a 
dark green color. The leaflets number sixteen to twenty-four pairs, 
are oblong linear and blunt. The flowers are white and arranged 
