The vinàl, a tolerably large tree, is clothed with leaves like those of
the olive, but broader. It bears sweet pods, of which a beverage is
prepared. The tree is covered with very sharp and strong thorns, a span
in length, and so virulent, that whoever is pricked by them finds it a
matter both of pain and danger. But the same tree also affords a
medicine; for the juice expressed from its leaves, after they have been
pounded, is said to cure complaints in the eyes, especially when they
are afflicted with noxious humours.