Gambier
GAMBIR (gam'ber), or PALE CATECHU, an important article of commerce, used to a small extent medicinally as an astringent but very largely in tanning and dyeing. It is an earthy-looking, light-brown substance, often in small cubes or in compact masses. It possesses no odor, but has a bitter, astringent taste, subsequently becoming sweetish. It is prepared from the young leaves of the Uncaria Gambir, a native of the countries bordering the Straits of Malacca. As the plant, which grows to 8 or 10 feet, constantly produces young leaves, the manufacture is carried on throughout the year.