Lythraceae. lbl 
one among the Mohammedan population of the world, dating back 
to the earliest times, as is shown by ancient mummies. The seeds 
yield a little known oil, while the flowers are used in perfumery and 
embalming. The ancient Egyptians used the flowers to perfume the 
oils and ointments used in embalming. 
Medicinally the Henna has been employed from the remotest 
times. The Egyptians used it as an astringent ; Persian writers des- 
cribe the leaves as a valuable external application in headaches. If 
applied to the hair and nails they have the reputation of promoting 
healthy growth. 
The only chemical substance of medicinal value known to be 
contained in Henna is an astringent principle which has been termed 
H ennotannic Acid. 
Only very few Henna shrubs can be found in Honolulu as it is 
not cultivated or much known by the people of these Islands. A 
handsome Henna plant can be seen in the Government Nursery 
grounds on King Street. It is well adapted for hedge planting and 
would be worthy of cultivation. 
Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. 
Plate LXVI. 
Lagerstroemia speciosa is a medium to large-sized tree reaching 
often a height of sixty feet, but flowers when a mere shrub six feet 
in height. The leaves are leathery, oblong, and obtuse or shortly 
pointed. The large flowering panicle is terminal, and up to a foot 
and a half in length. The flowers are lilac-purple and of exquisite 
beauty. The capsules are obovoid or ellipsoidal and contain many 
seeds, which are winged at the apex. 
This large deciduous tree is a native of Eastern Bengal, Assam 
and Burmah, ranging as far as Australia. 
Owing to its large panicles of beautiful lilac flowers it is now 
cultivated in many tropical countries, but curiously enough only 
sparingly in Honolulu. The finest specimen may be found in Dr. 
W. Hillebrand's garden on Nuuanu Avenue, where it flowers during 
the fall, producing afterward an abundance of capsules. 
The wood is light red in color, and is one of the most valuable 
timbers of India and Burmah, where it is valued next to Teak. It 
is used in the construction of ships, boats and canoes, and also for 
building purposes. It is very durable under water but decays under 
ground. The root is astringent, while the seeds are narcotic and 
the leaves are said to be purgative. 
