‖ Datisca Bot.
(dəˈtɪskə)
[mod.L. (Linnæus gives no source).]
The name of a genus of monochlamydeous exogens (family Datiscaceæ); D. cannabina, the Cretan or Bastard Hemp-plant, is indigenous to Nepaul and the Levant; its leaves contain a colouring matter known as datisca-yellow, used in dyeing silk, etc. Hence daˈtiscin, a glucoside, C21H22O12, allied to salicin, obtained from the leaves and root of Datisca. daˈtiscetin, C15H10O6, a crystalline product of the decomposition of datiscin.
| 1863–72 Watts Dict. Chem. II. 306 The leaves contain a peculiar colouring matter, datisca-yellow. Ibid. 307 Pure datiscin forms colourless silky needles..By boiling with strong potash-ley, it is decomposed with formation of datiscetin. |