,r\/*> - National Science Foundation

43. ERYTHROXYLACEAE
1. Erythroxytum monogynum Roxb., PI. Corom. 1: 61. pi 88. 179S. (Fig* 189).
Erytkroxyhn indicum Beddome—Sethia indica DC.
Engl. Bastard Sandal; Tarn. Dasadaram, Devadaram, Devadari, Kadavulardaram,
Kattusandanam, Kurardurumam, Sammanati, Sem, Sembilichan, Seramanalli, Semmanam,
Simpulicham, Tevadaram, Tevadari, Tevadaru.
A small, much branched tree with a thick, very rough, dark brown bark; leaves simple,
alternate, stipulate, 3.7—6.2 cm long, 1.5—2 5 cm broad, oval-obovate, tapering to base,
very obtuse at apex, dull, not shining, paler beneath, veins reticulate, combined stipules
triangular, persistent; flowers regular, bisexual, greenish white, 6 mm long, on slender
pedicels, axillary, generally in fascicles of 1—4; sepals 5, triangular, acute, glabrous,
slightly connate below; petals 5, distinct, imbricate, spreading, longer than sepals with a large,
double, erect"scale on the inner surface; stamens 10, filaments connate into a tube; ovary superior,
3-locular with one ovule in each loculus, styles 3, connate for nearly its whole length, stigmas
capitate; fruit a drupe 1 cm long, oblong, apiculate, somewhat trigonous, smooth, bright scarlet,
surrounded at base by persistent sepals and stamens.
Flowers in March and August.
Illustrations. Roxburgh, PI. Corom. 1: pi 88. 1795; Beddome, Flor. Sylvat. pi 81*
1868- 73; Kirtikar and Basu, Indian Med. Plants, pi 166. 1933.
Distribution. Occurs in the warm, hilly parts of western India and very common in the
dry country in Ceylon. Jaffna, Mihintale, Kirinde, etc.
India. Calcutta: Wallich.6848C. Pen. Ind. Orient: Coirabatore, Herb. Wight 288, Kew
Distribution 1866—67. Ceylon. Thwaites CP. 1168. Northern Prov., Elephant Pass, Simpson
9260, March 1932.
Composition. The leaves contain small quantities of alkaloids. The wood yields
a creosote-like volatile oil containing « pinene, diterpene, diterpene alcohol and a trace of
sesquiterpene.
Uses. An infusion of the wood and bark is considered a stomachic, diaphoretic and a
stimulant diuretic. It is also useful in some slight cases of dysdepsia, fever and dropsy. The
leaves are used as an anthelmintic.
The resinous tar obtained from distillation of wood is used as a wood preservative for
fishing boats.
187