The tree called holy wood is very broad, but not very lofty. It has
little and almost round leaves, two of which proceed from single stalks,
and are indented at the top. It bears yellow flowers, which grow either
single or two together, at the extremity or in the middle of the boughs.
The wood is exceedingly hard, and will last almost for ever, even under
water. The pith is of a lead colour. The rosin which exudes from this
tree is bitter, aromatic, and said to possess equal medicinal properties
with the wood: it, as well as the gum, is reduced to a powder which the
Paraguayrians drink in cold water, as a cure for dysentery. For what
disorders, and in what manner this salutary wood is to be used, it is
not my province to explain. This tree does not grow in the South of
Paraguay, but in the North, where the Abipones and Mocobios dwell; it is
also found in some parts of upper Tucuman.