CHAP. 59.—MALOBATHRUM.
Syria produces the malobathrum [Note] also, a tree which bears a
folded leaf, with just the colour of a leaf when dried. From
this plant an oil is extracted for unguents. Egypt produces it
in still greater abundance; but that which is the most esteemed
of all comes from India, where it is said to grow in the marshes
like the lentil. It has a more powerful odour than saffron,
and has a black, rough appearance, with a sort of brackish
taste. The white is the least approved of all, and it very soon
turns musty when old. In taste it ought to be similar to
nard, when placed under the tongue. When made luke-warm
in wine, the odour which it emits is superior to any other.
The prices at which this drug ranges are something quite
marvellous, being from one denarius to four hundred per pound;
as for the leaf, it generally sells at sixty denarii per pound.