CELASTRUS, the STAFF-TREE; a genus of the
monogynia order, belonging to the pentandria class
of plants. There are five species, all natives of warm
climates. In Senegal the negroes use the powder of
the root as a specific against gonorrhœas, which it is
said to cure in eight, or sometimes in three days. An
infusion of the bark of a species of staff-tree, which
grows in the isle of France, is said to possess the
same virtues.