the host, begin to draw nourishment from the cambium layer. Directly it is affected, it loses its attachment to the soil, and the portion below the lowest haustorium then dries and drops off. Henceforth the parasite goes on flourishing entirely at the expense of the host".
Uses : — The seeds are regarded as carminative, and for this purpose are boiled and placed over the stomach. They are also applied as an anodyne. A cold infusion is given as a depurative. They constitute part of the Kasûs or purgative medicine sold in the Punjab (Stewart).
The native doctors of Sind and the Punjab regard the seeds of this plant as alterative, used along with Sarsaparilla to purify the blood! The natives having observed that the plant severs its connection with the earth, and not having discovered the existence of parasitic roots, viewing the attaching suckers most probably as accidental, have a proverb that he who finds the roots of this plant will become possessed of boundless wealth and of the power of invisibility (Murray). It is probable that the seeds of Cassytha filiformis, Linn., are sold and used indiscriminately with those of this plant under the vernacular name of Âkâs bel.
The stems of C. reflexa, are mentioned in the Bombay Gazeteer as specially useful in bilious disorders.
It is purgative and used externally against itch and internally in protracted fevers, retention of wind, and induration of the liver. It is also said to produce thirst {Punjab Products).
N. 0. SOLANACEÆ.
853. Solanum nigrum, Linn, h.f.b.l, iv. 229.
Syn. : — S. rubrum, Miller ; Roxb. 100 S. incertum, DunaL
Sans. : — Kâkamâchi, Kâkamâtas Dhvânksha-mâchi, Jaghana-phala, Kinkivi.
Vern. : — Makoi (H.) ; Kâkamâchi, Tepâri, Gurkâmâi (B.); Kambei ; Kakmach ; Mako (Pb.) ; Sankir (Kangra) ; Munna-takali-pullum (Tam.); Kânchipundu (Tel.); Kâmuni ; Ghâti (Bomb). Kânchi, Ganike (Kan).
