186 
Original Communications. 
ART. XLL— ON THE IONIDIUM MARCUCCI. 
By R. Eglesfeld Griffith, M, D. 
Some of the natural orders of plants are remarkable for 
the identity of the medical properties of all the individuals 
composing them; this is strongly exemplified in the Vjolace-e, 
all of which are more or less emetic, particularly in those spe- 
cies found in tropical climates. 
The genus lonidium may be considered as the type of the 
order in this respect: the roots of all the species being eme- 
tic or emeto-purgative in an eminent degree, as has already 
been adverted to in a former volume, (Journ. Philad. ColL 
Pharm. iii. 192.) These roots, although in general use, and 
high estimation in their native countries, have not attracted 
much attention elsewhere, though many of them are fully 
equal to Ipecacuanha, as remedial agents, and some are en- 
dowed with properties of a high order. 
This would appear to be the case with the subject of the 
present notice, the lonidium Marcucci, Bancroft, for specimens 
of which as well as the following information respecting its 
therapeutic properties, we are indebted to Dr. Mutter. 
Ionidiun Marcucci. Suffruticose, procumbent, branching; 
branches with two lines of pubescence; leaves alternate, 
Ovate, cuneate at base, serrate, serratures glandular at tip; 
stipules ovate lanceolate, rather longer than the petioles ; se- 
pals ovate, acute ; lateral petals falcate, upper petal widely 
obcordate, lower twice the length of the calyx : peduncles, 
marked with a pubescent line, longer than the leaves ; cap- 
sule sphero-trigonal ; seeds ovate globose, with a concave 
truncation at tip, shining brown. 
This species of lonidium is a native of Quito and was im- 
ported into Maracaibo, by Mr. Marcucci. His attention was 
attracted to it by observing that it was employed by the in- 
dians near Bogota, for the cure of cutaneous affections. They 
termed it Cuichunchullo. Specimens of it were transmitted 
to Dr. Bancroft, of Jamaica, who drew up the above specific 
description, and dedicated the species to Mr. Martucci. 
