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Physostigma Venenosum

A strong leguminous plant, the seeds of which are highly poisonous, and are employed by the natives of Old Calabar as an ordeal. Persons suspected of witchcraft or other crimes are compelled to eat th...

Economic Plants In The Collection Of The U. S. Department Of Agriculture November 11, 2026 1 min read 3,056 views

A strong leguminous plant, the seeds of

which are highly poisonous, and are employed by the natives of Old

Calabar as an ordeal. Persons suspected of witchcraft or other

crimes are compelled to eat them until they vomit or die, the

former being regarded as proof of innocence, and the latter of

guilt. Recently the seeds have been found to act powerfully in

diseases of the eye.



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