Petals white or very pale pink, with pink claws, gynophore and stamens purplish.
The inter nodes of the floral axis (gynophore) between the whorl of petals, stamens and ovary are remarkably developed in this plant (Trimen).
Parts used : — The seeds, leaves and root.
Uses : —Sir W. Jones observes that its sensible qualities seem to promise great antispasmodic virtues, it having a smell much resembling assafœtida, but comparatively delicate. According to Dr. Wight (Illust. i, p. 34), the bruised leaves are rubefacient and vesicant, producing a very copious exudation, affording in many cases the relief obtained from a blister without its inconveniences. The expressed juice is a popular remedy, in high repute as a local application in otalgia, both amongst the natives of India and the settlers in the West Indies, where the plant is also indigenous. Dr. J. Shortt states that the seeds are used as a substitute for mustard, and yield a good (fixed?) oil. (Ph.Ind.).
The seeds are anthelmintic and rubefacient, and are employed internally for the expulsion of round worms, and, externally as a counter-irritant. The juice of the leaves is used in otalgia. The leaves are applied externally to boils to prevent the formation of pus. A decoction of the root is said to be a mild febrifuge.
The seeds yield to ether about 25 per cent, of a thick greenish, drying oil, having an acid value of 6.4; saponification value, 194.6, and iodine value, 119. 5. [D. Hooper, Ann. Rept. Indian Museum, Industrial section 1908-9].
88. Mœrua arenaria, H. ƒ. and T. h.f.b.i. i. 171.
Vern. : — Pumichakarei (Tarn.); Puta-tiga (Tel.); Vika (Guzerati).
Habitat: — Western Himalaya. Dryer parts of the N. W. Provinces. Southern and Central India; Ceylon.
A large woody climber, or straggling shrub, with divaricate branches; bark smooth, pale. Leaves 1-2 in. oval or
