56 
PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 
6. Acacia species. Acacias. Leguminosce. 
Numerous species and varieties have been introduced from Australia 
and elsewhere. No attempt has thus far been made to classify them 
accurately. Some assert that perhaps one hundred and more species 
and varieties are found in the State. 
The gum (gum arabic) bearing acacias are thorny or prickly shrubs 
adapted to dry, sandy soils. The Australian gum or wattle gum is 
obtained from A. pycanthe Benth., A. decurrens Willd., A. homalo- 
phylla Cun., and perhaps other species. The bark, leaves and unripe 
fruit of some species are very rich in tannin and have been used in 
tanning. Some yield excellent timber. 
It is to be hoped that some one will perform the great task of prop- 
erly identifying the species and varieties of Acacias found in the State. 
(U. S. Disp.) (Bailey. Cycl. Am. Hort. 5.) 
7. Acacia catechu Willd. Gum acacia. Cutch. Leguminosce. 
Yields the familiar gum acacia, catechu or cutch of the pharmacists. 
Cultivated in the southern part of the State ; not commercially, how- 
ever. 
8. Acacia farnesiana. Acacia. Leguminosce. 
A native of India cultivated in the southern part of the State. The 
very fragrant flowers yield a very delicious perfume on distillation. 
Extensively cultivated for perfumery purposes in Southern France. 
Worthy of careful consideration for culture purposes. 
9. Acacia gregii Gray. Acacia. Leguminosce. 
Yields shellac in Arizona. Larrea mexicana Moric, also yields shellac. 
Both species occur in the State. 
10. Acacia pycanthe Benth. Wattle gum. Leguminosce. 
The bark is much used medicinally in Australia. The infusion is 
given in infantile diarrhoea and catarrhal ophthalmia. The tincture, 
mixed with glycerine, is useful for sore nipples, discharging ears and 
chapped lips. A bark: wash is useful in sore throat, as a gargle. The 
gum is given internally to cure piles, and in veterinary practice is 
applied to raw shoulders. Action, no doubt, due to the tannin present. 
Other useful species of Acacia are A. varek G. et P. and A. adansonii, 
which yield gum Senegal. A. ferruginea and A. leucophaea Willd. 
yield an intoxicating liquor. Whether these and some other species 
occur in the State is not definitely known. They would, no doubt, 
thrive well. 
11. Acer macrophyllum Pursh. Large-leaved maple. Aceracece. 
Common ornamental tree in northern part of State. Medicinal prop- 
erties doubtful and use uncertain. 
