Mealy-Tree
Names. It is called also the way-faring tree; and by Mr. Parkinson, from the pliability of the twigs and branches, the pliant mealy tree. Description. This tree hath (from a small body, rising to the height of a hedge-tree, or bush, covered with a dark-greyish bark) sundry small short but very tough and pliant branches, of a finger's thickness, whose bark is smooth and whitish, whereon grow broad leaves, like elm-leaves, but long and hoary, rough, thick and white like meal, and a little hairy, set by couples, and finely dented about the edges; at the ends of the branches stand large tufts of white flowers, which turn into large bunches of round and flat seed, like that of the lentil but larger; green when they are first formed, and for a considerable time afterwards, but black when they are ripe. The branches thereof are so tough and strong, that they serve for bands to tie bundles, or any other thing; or to make fast gates leading into fields, for which purposes they are better adapted than withy, or any thing of that nature.
Place. It groweth as a hedge-bush, and is often cut and plashed by country people to spread on the edges is very frequently found in Kent, and in many other parts of this kingdom.
Time. It flowereth about the end of May, and the fruit is ripe in September. Government and virtues. It is a plant of Saturn. The leaves thereof have a harsh binding quality, and are good to strengthen and fasten loose teeth. The decoction of the leaves thereof, and of olive-leaves together, in vinegar and water, is exceeding good to wash the mouth and throat when swelled by sharp humours falling into them; rostores the uvula or palate of the mouth to its right place, when fallen down; it also stays the rheums that fall upon the jaws. The kernels of the fruit hereof' taken before they are ripe, dried and made into powder, and drunk in any liquid, stop looseness of the belly, and all sorts of fluxes. Of the roots being steeped under ground, then boiled, and beaten a long time afterwards bird-lime is made to catch small birds. The leaves, boiled in lye, keep the hair from falling off the head, and change the colour into black.