134 
INDIAN MEDICINAL. PUNTS. 
It is a powerful sternutatory, and is soluble in water. The solution froths 
when agitated, like soap. When acted on by alkalies, saponine is converted 
into saponic acid. The detergent properties of the plant appear to depend 
on this substance (Sowerby’s English Botany). 
The Indian species does not seem to have been as yet chemically 
analysed. 
117. Polycarpcea corymbosa, Lam. H.F.B.I., 
i. 245. 
Vern . : — In Porebunder, it is called the small-leaved 
Okhar&d. 
Habitat : — Throughout India, Ceylon, Burma. Found on 
Burda Mt., in Porebunder State («T. Indraji). 
An erect or decumbent annual or perennial herb. Stems 
6-12 in., erect or ascending, much dichotonously branched ; 
branches very numerous, wings diffuse, 4-10 in. long, spreading 
from the centre, hoary, tomentose or glabrescent. Leaves 
numerous, narrow, linear or subulate, pseudo-verticillate <,in 
opposite clusters), g-1 in., acuminate, acute or obtuse, much 
exceeding the stipules. Stipules lanceolate or subulate, 
scarious. Flowers crowded in conspicuous terminal dichotomous 
silvery cymes, | in. Sepals somewhat unequal, 5, free with 
scarious white margins, shining white or coloured, narrowly 
lanceolate, j 0 in , very acute, keeled on the back, glabrous or 
pilose, much exceeding the petals and capsule. Petals 5, 
truncate, white, much shorter than the sepals. Style 1, tip 
3-toothed. Capsule much shorter than the calyx opening by 3 
valves. Seeds numerous, rough, pale-brown, small. 
Use : — In Pudukota, used both externally and internally 
as a remedy for the bites of venomous reptiles (Pharmaco- 
graphia Indica, Vol. 1, 158). In Porebunder it is similarly 
used as pounded leaves for bites from animals. Its pounded 
leaves are also used with molasses in the form of a pill in 
jaundice by the villagers of Porbunder. 
The pounded leaves are also used over boils and in 
riammatory swellings, as poultice, warmed or eold (J. Indraji.). 
