Guilandina

Guilandina, a genus of shrubs of the natural order Leguminosæ, sub-order Cæsalpineæ. G. bonduc and G. bonducella are the best-known species. Both are natives of the warm parts of the East Indies, Arabia, Africa, and South America. Egyptian mothers string the seeds of both species and hang them round the necks of their children, to guard them from evil influences and sorcery. The latter species is also called Nicker Tree and Small Bonduc. Being about the size and shape of marbles, the seeds are often used as such by boys. The shell is remarkable for its flinty hardness. The kernel is very bitter. Ground to powder and mixed with black pepper, it is administered in India in ague; mixed also with castor-oil it is applied externally in hydrocele. The roots in Amboyna are considered to be a good tonic. The seeds are often thrown ashore on the coasts of Scotland and Ireland, and are sometimes called Molucca Beans.