71. Xanthorrhoea.—Gum Acaroides. Botany Bay Resin. Grass-Tree Resin.

71. XANTHORRHOEA.—GUM ACAROIDES. BOTANY BAY RESIN. GRASS-TREE RESIN. A spontaneous resinous exudation from the stems of different shrubby Australian plants of the genus Xanthorrhoea. The yellow variety, from X. hastilis R. Brown, resembles gamboge in appearance; externally reddish yellow, internally a lighter yellow; odor agreeably balsamic, especially when heated, when it emits a tolu-like odor; taste balsamic, somewhat acrid. The red variety, from X. australis R. Brown, resembles dragon's blood in appearance, being externally deep brown-red; internally bright red; fracture glossy.

CONSTITUENTS.—Resin, benzoic and cinnamic acids, and a trace of volatile oil.

ACTION AND USES.—Resembles storax and tolu in medical properties. Dose: 8 to 30gr. (0.5 to 2 Gm.). Chiefly used as a substitute for shellac, and for making colored varnishes.


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