Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 2).djvu/238

988 the plant is officinal at Lahore, being depurative and febrifuge (Stewart). Mahomedan physicians consider it tonic and astringent, useful in paralysis and amenorrhœa, and that a plaster of the leaves promotes the healing of wounds. An ointenent is recommended for swelling of the womb, and a vinegar in skin diseases. Cochin-China, the plant is considered useful in vervous complaints and as a deobstruent in dropsy (Dymock).

The root is believed to be a remedy for scrofula and snake-bite. At one time it was worn in Europe as a charm against evil, and for good luck. In Tuscany it is said to be still employed as a poultice for liver complaints, and taken internally for the same disease and for dropsy.

Vern. :— Ghivala (Cutch) ; Búndún (Kol.) ; Dom koto-koi (Santal) ; Bogodi, gogdi (Karwar) ; Boropatri (Uriya) ; Sakrela (Mal.) ; Gœhlo (Nepal) ; Sunga (Lepcha) ; Khoja (Ass.) ; Makanchi (Garo) ; Ghiwala, dera, shiwali (Kumaun) ; Bormala (Beng.).

Habitat : — N. India, in the lower hills, from Kumaon to Assam, common in the Sikkim Terai ; Rajmahal, E. Peninsulafrom the Khasia Terai and Manipur to Singapore.

A moderate-sized tree, attaining 40 ft. Branches petioles, underside of leaves and inflorescence densely grey tomentose, with short soft stellate hairs Bark brownish, rough ; wood light, brownish white, moderately hard, even-grained. Leaves ovate or elongate-elliptic, acuminate, glabrous above ; blade 6-12 in. Petiole 1-2½ in. long ; secondary nerves 8-12 in. Flowers lilac or pale- purple with an unpleasant smell (Brandis). Cymes large, spreading. Peduncle 1-2 in. long. Calyx 1/20in., puberulous. Corolla 1/6in., long, Berry 1/10in. join, diam., purple, ultimately black.

Uses : — The bark is aromatic and bitter, and is applied in decoction in cutaneous diseases. It is considered tonic and carminative (Watt, ii 26).

Syn. : — C. Wallichiana, Walp.