-25- 
This plant was reported to be used as an insecticide and as n 
medicine by the natives of Mexico, who gathered it in the wild state 
and sold it at the local markets for a few centavos a bundle.—Roark 
( 332 , p. 24), 
This plant has been used in Mexico since time immemorial for 
killing cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and other insects. 
In the campaign against the Mexican fruitfly in 1900, extracts of the 
plant were found effective against that insect and many trees were 
spreyed with it. In recent tests a spray containing 3.3 gnu of dried 
leaves of a good sample per 100 cc. was toxic to fruitflies. Some 
samples, however, were nontoxic or only slightly toxic to the flies.— 
Plummer ( 306 ) . 
Comments by reviewer .— This plant is apparently the only one in 
the family Apocynaceae that is worth while as an insecticide. 
HOLORRHENA ANTIDYSENTERICA Wall. 
Green vegetable matter decaying in water sometimes pollutes the 
water and thus helps to control mosquitoes. In running water, apparently 
not every plant is suitable. One of the best so far found in India is 
the above species, which contains several alkaloids.— Racket and co- 
workers ( 175 , p. 1028) • 
NERIUM INTO CUM Mill. Synonym: N. odoruro Soland. Sweet oleander. 
Kaner. 
Water extracts, maoerated juices, and dusts of kaner leaves were 
tested in India against citrus psyllas, aphids, luoerne weevil grubs, 
and adult beetles ( Aulacophora abdominalis ). The extract of its 
roots appeared to be more poisonous than that of the leaves* In 
these preliminary tests this material was less effective than tobacco.— 
Chopra (97, pp. 106, 109) • 
This plant is widely distributed in India* A 5-percent alcoholic 
extract of the leaves caused the following mortalities of caterpillars: 
80 percent of Prodenia litura (F*), Baproctls fraterna (Moore), and 
Perlcallia r ioin i (F.)i and 70 percent of Crocldolomla binotalis 
t el 1 • —Putt arudr'i ah and Subramaniam (312 ). 
NEPJUM OLEANDER L. Common oleander. 
The bark was frequently used for the destruction of rat6 and 
insects.— Greshoff (170 , p. 105). 
The powder from the leaves and stems and a decoction from this 
powder had no effect on aphids ( Macrosiphum sp.). — Mclndoo and Sievers 
(259, p. 23). 
