Latterly, when better impressions succeeded, and our walks were unrestrained by limits or attendants, the rains not only checked, but generally disappointed my researches, by presenting the subject flowerless, (or in an unfit state for preservation,) and consequently not admitting their classification, as is too evident in the following list of such plants as are used as medicines by the Ashantees.
1. Cutturasuh. (*Chrysanthellum procumbens. Persoon. syn. 2. p. 471, Verbesina mutica Willd.) A small plant, a decoction of which is purgative, before boiling it should be bruised.
2. Adumba, (a species of Ficus.) The bark and fruit are pounded with Mallaguetta pepper and a small plant called awhinteywhinting, boiled in fish soup: two doses in the third month of gestation are said to cause abortion.
3. Koofoobah (Gloriosa superba. Linn.) is bruised with Mallaguetta pepper (lesser cardamom seeds) and applied to the ancle or foot when sprained.
4. Tandoorue (perhaps a Cupania or Trichilia.) The bark is pounded and boiled with Mallaguetta pepper; used for pain in the belly, and acts as a purgative.
5. Bissey. (Sterculia acuminata. Palis. de Beauvois, Flore d’Oware 1. p. 41. tab. 24.) The fruit is constantly chewed by the Ashantees, especially on a journey; it is said to prevent hunger and strengthen the stomach and bowels; has a slight bitter aromatic astringent taste, and causes an increase of the saliva while chewed.
6. Attueh. (Blighia sapida. Hort. Kew. ed. 2. vol. 3, p. 350. Akeesia africana Tussac Flor. des Antilles 66.) A decoction of the bark is said to be anti-venereal. The fruit is eaten.
7. Ricinus Communis Linn. Castor oil nut tree, 30 feet high here, and not a bush as on the coast: not used as medicine by the natives.
* I am indebted to Mr. Brown’s knowledge for the names and references in the parentheses.
The list continues to no. 37 on pp. 372–374, which are not transcribed here.