Found 2 items, similar to Physostigma venenosum.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: Physostigma venenosum Physostigma venenosum n : tropical African woody vine yielding calabar beans [syn: calabar-bean vine ]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Physostigma venenosum Physostigmine \Phy`so*stig"mine\, n. (Chem.) An alkaloid found in the Calabar bean (the seed of Physostigma venenosum), and extracted as a white, tasteless, substance, amorphous or crystalline; -- formerly called eserine, with which it was regarded as identical. [1913 Webster] Calabar \Cal"a*bar\, n. A district on the west coast of Africa. [1913 Webster] Calabar bean, The of a climbing legumious plant (Physostigma venenosum), a native of tropical Africa. It is highly poisonous. It is used to produce contraction of the pupil of the eye; also in tetanus, neuralgia, and rheumatic diseases; -- called also ordeal bean, being used by the negroes in trials for witchcraft. [1913 Webster] Eserine \Es"er*ine\ (?; 104), n. [From native name of the Calabar bean: cf. F. ['e]s['e]rine.] (Chem.) An alkaloid found in the Calabar bean, and the seed of Physostigma venenosum; physostigmine. It is used in ophthalmic surgery for its effect in contracting the pupil. [1913 Webster]