Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 2).djvu/647

laciniata. Length of frond 1-2 feet, breadth 2-3 inches. — Grev.

This weed is known in Sind as " Las " or " Lash," (mucilage) evidently from its containing a quantity of gelatinous matter. It is gathered just before the monsoon. Medicinally it is pre- scribed by native hakeems as a demucent in bad cases of scrofula, in conjunction with emulsion of almonds. As an article of diet it is said to be used in many places in the south of England and the Western Isles. (Murray.)

Hab. Manora rocks.

Frond plane, compressed, linear, dichotomous, entire at the margin, coriaceous, 2-3 feet long. Root a flat, hard, disk. Air vessels in pairs, large. Receptacles in pairs often forked, terminating the branches, mostly elliptical, turgid.

The medicinal uses of this weed in Sind, or in any other part of India, are not known. The mucus of the saponaceous vesicles is said to be very effectual in removing glandular swellings ; and a tincture of the vesicles to be of use as an embrocation in rheumatism. The calcined powder of the plant is said to have the same medicinal virtues, answering also as a dentifrice. If is, besides, valued in the manufacture of kelp and iodine. This fucus is said to be the basis of the popular " Anti-fat." (Murray.)

Hab. Manora rocks.

Bushy ; frond entire, linear dichotomous, without vesicles, ribbed. Receptacles in pairs, linear, elliptic.

Medicinally this weed is considered deobstruent ; and has, also like F. vesiculosus, been found efficacious in scrofulous swellings, and also bronchocele. (Murray.)

Gillur ka patta. Sind and Punjab.