Excoecaria
parvifolia.Guttapercha
tree Family: Euphorbiaceae PART USED: Bark.[1] ACTIONS GROUP: Analgesic
The Aborigines of Australia rubbed a heated infusion of the mashed bark into all
parts of the body for pains and sickness.[2] ORIGIN: Coast and hinterland of the Gulf of Carpentaria, and
westward into the Northern Territory of Australia. DESCRIPTION: A small tree with alternate, narrow oblong and blunt-tipped
leaves, 12-25 mm long and tapering into a short petiole. Flower spikes are in
leaf forks and are 15-25 mm long. The fruit is a capsule. When wounded or cut,
the tree exudes a corrosive milky sap which causes temporary blindness. References
[1] Australian Medicinal Plants
- E.V. Lassak & T. McCarthy. Publisher- Reed New Holland, Australia 1983.
ISBN 1876334703.
[2] Roth, W. E. Superstition, Magic and Medicine, North Queensland Ethnography
Bulletin No. 5; Government Printer, Brisbane, 1903
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from
the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant
medicinally.
