Grass Family.
Zea Mays, L.
Nom. Vulg.—Maíz, Sp.; Maize, Corn, Eng.
Uses.—Corn is an extensive article of diet in the Philippines, but has the reputation of being indigestible. This is true when it is eaten in the grain, but in the form of meal it is easily digested and highly nutritious. The tassels have been used in the Philippines from time immemorial in decoction as a diuretic, for which property they received notice in the Medical World of Paris about the year 1876. The entire plant is diuretic and the natives give the decoction of the stalk for various diseases of the bladder and kidneys. An extract of the tassels has been put on the market, but it is better to administer a decoction made from 20 grams of tassel to 1 liter of water to be taken at will during the day. Rademaker and Fischer give the following chemical composition:
| Fixed oil | 5.25 |
| Resin, crystalline matter and chlorophyl | 3.25 |
| Maizenic acid | 2.25 |
| Sugar and gum | 19.50 |
| Albuminoids | 3.50 |
| Salts and extracts | 5.50 |
| Cellulose | 37.00 |
| Water | 20.00 |
The fixed oil is bright yellow, saponifiable by potash, soluble in chloroform and ether, insoluble in alcohol, solidifies at 10°.
Habitat.—Very common in all parts of the islands.
Andropogon Schoenanthes, L.
Nom. Vulg.—Salay, Tag̃lad, Tag.; Paja de Meca, Sp.-Fil.; Baliyoko, Vis.; Geranium Grass, Eng.
Uses.—The Filipino women use the leaves to perfume their gogo hair-wash. The decoction of the leaves is used internally as a diuretic (10 grams to a liter of water) and also to bathe pregnant women. The roots also are diuretic.