Angrecum.
Angrecum. Angrecum fragans Thouars.—This is an orchidaceous plant, indigenous to the Isle of Reunion and to Mauritius, where the leaves have been long used, under the name of faham, for the same purposes as tea leaves. For description, see P. J. 1881, 913. They have a somewhat pungent aromatic taste, and a strong and highly agreeable odor, scenting the whole apartment with a delicious perfume. Given in infusion, they appear to have an effect on the system somewhat similar to that of Chinese tea, and they have been introduced into Paris as a rival of that popular beverage. The drink is made by putting the leaves and stalks, in the proportion of fifteen grains (1 Gm.) to a teacupful, into cold water, boiling for about ten minutes, and then pouring into a closed vessel, and sweetening it when used. (A. J. P., 1866, 441.)
