Four cassia fistula pods or beans, Barbados, 1880-1930

Made:
1880-1930 in Barbados
Three cassia fistula pods or beans from Barbados, West Indies

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Three cassia fistula pods or beans from Barbados, West Indies
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Four cassia fistula pods or beans from Barbados, West Indies, 1880-1930

Cassia fistula pods or beans have laxative properties. The pulp of the pod is used in medical preparations. To obtain the pulp the pod is bruised by hitting it with a heavy object and then covered with boiling water.

The pods grow on the Cassia fistula or ‘Golden Shower’ tree, named for its bright yellow flowers. The tree is probably native to India but has been cultivated all over the world.

Details

Category:
Materia Medica & Pharmacology
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A674802
Materials:
bean
Measurements:
overall: 40 mm x 660 mm x 170 mm, .41kg
type:
cassia fistula