See Botany Index. There are two species of this genus, the pareira and caraiba, both natives of the warmest parts of America. The root of the second, applied externally, is said to be an antidote against the bites of venomous serpents. The plant being infused in water, quickly fills the liquor with a mucilaginous substance, which is as thick as jelly; CITAMPE-jelly; whence the name of freezing-wyth, by which this genus of plants has been distinguished by the Brazilians.