237. Piscidia.—Jamaica Dogwood.

Botanical name: 

237. PISCIDIA.—JAMAICA DOGWOOD. The bark of Piscid'ia erythri'na Jacquin. Habitat: West Indies. Quills or curved pieces about 4 mm (1/6 in.) thick; externally of a dark, yellowish-gray color, ridged longitudinally. Odor opium-like when broken. Taste bitter, acrid, producing a burning sensation in the mouth. Used as a mild soporific for children and aged persons, and for those not able to bear a strong narcotic like opium. Dose: 15 to 45 gr. (1 to 3 Gm.).


A Manual of Organic Materia Medica and Pharmacognosy, 1917, was written by Lucius E. Sayre, B.S. Ph. M.