Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Kino

KINO, a kind of gum, which exudes from certain trees, and is dried without artificial heat. There are four varieties imported into the United States, viz., the East Indian or Malabar kino from Pterocarpus marsupium; Bengal or Butea kino from Butea frondosa; African or Gambia kino from P. erinaceus; and Australian, Botany Bay, or Eucalyptus kino from Eucalyptus rostrata. It consists of dark red angular fragments, rarely larger than a pea. In its general behavior kino closely resembles catechu, and yields by similar treatment the same products. It is administered in medicine as an astringent. Also the insipissated juice of various plants.