Angsoka or Kembang Merak (peacock flower) in the writings of William Marsden (d. 1836)

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William Marsden is an English orientalist. He had stayed in Sumatra for several years, and after returning to England in 1779, he began writing The History of Sumatra, and was first published in 1783. The book became a stunning masterpiece of the 18th century. In the book, he wrote a part about Fruits, Flowers, shrubs and Medicinal Herbs. And in the 3rd edition of the book, it also contains a description of Angsoka. He said (Marsden, 1811: 105):

"The angsuka, or bunga jarum-jarum (pavetta indica), obtained from Rumphius (Georg Eberhard Rumphius, Botanist; d. 1702-- @keuudeip), on account of the glowing red colour of its long calices, the name of flamma sylvarum peregrina. The bunga marak (poinciana pulcherrima) is a most splendid flower, the colours being a mixture of yellow and scarlet, and its form being supposed to resemble the crest of the peacock, from whence its Malayan name, which Rumphius translated."

In fact, besides the beauty of the flowers, Angsoka, or peacock flower, evidently, had many uses for medication. All parts of this plant can be used to cure various diseases. Traditional sources mentioned that the flowers paste can relieve pain by applying; the leaves can be made herb to smooth menstruation, heal canker sores and fever; the seeds are crushed and the powder is brewed with water and drink to relieve shortness of breath and asthma.

The villagers in my country knows the Angsoka efficacy hereditary. They are planted in the house is not just for decoration, but also consider the various uses for medications. I think, a very valuable description given by William Marsden on the knowledge of indigenous people on a variety plants are statements (Marsden, 1811: 108):

"The natives themselves have a degree of botanical knowledge that surprises Europeans. They are in general, and at a very early age, acquainted not only with the names, but the properties of every shrub and herb amongst that exuberant variety with which the island is clothed. They distinguish the sexes of many plants and trees, and divide several of the genera into as many species as our professors."

I see, Marsden absolutely right in his statement.

Sources:

1. William Marsden, The History of Sumatra (The 3th Edition), London:1811.
2. http://www.tanobat.com/kembang-merak-ciri-ciri-tanaman-serta-khasiat-dan-manfaatnya.html
3. https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kembang_merak

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