The Clove Bark-Tree.
Cassia caryophylata.
A TALL and beautiful tree, native of the West Indies. The trunk is covered with a thick brown bark, that of the branches is paler and thinner. The arms spread abroad, and are not very regularly disposed; the leaves are oblong, broad, and sharp pointed; they are like those of the bay-tree, but twice as big, and of a deep green colour. The flowers are small and blue; they are pointed with streaks of orange colour, and are of a fragrant smell; the fruit is roundish; we use the bark, which is taken from the larger and smaller branches, but that from the smaller is best. It is of a fragrant smell, and of a mixed taste of cinnamon and cloves; the cinnamon flavour is first perceived, but after that the taste of cloves is predominant, and is so very strong, that it seems to burn the mouth. It is excellent against the colic; and it warms and strengthens the stomach, and assists digestion: it is also a cordial, and in small doses joined with other medicines promotes sweat. It is not much used fairly in practice, but many tricks are played with it by the chymists, to imitate or adulterate the several productions of cloves and cinnamon, for it is cheaper than either.
