Of the pith of the neterge very strong spears or pikes are made. This
tree is remarkable for the width and height of its trunk. Its leaves,
which are like oblong thorns, point towards the ground. For fruit, it
bears pods or bags, which are about a span long, and have a balsamic
odour. The pith of this tree equals iron in hardness, and is of a violet
colour, which however changes to black, after the spears made of this
wood have been rubbed some time by the hand.