Rockport Texas - The History, Legends & Lore 1st Printing | Page 55

YAUPON HOLLY (sp. Ilex vomitoria) Yaupon Holly leaves contain a strong dose of caffein, and though native indians where known to drink it as a tea, in no way is it suggested that one should ever drink such a brew. Just taking into consideration that the species is called ‘Vomitoria’ should be a good enough reason in itself. LORE: Early Europeans (1830’s) in WHITE PRICKLY POPPY (sp. Argemone albiflora) our area made Walking Sticks from Yaupon Holly Wood. One of the many beautiful Spring Flowers that help decorate Aransas County. This plant is considered toxic and is known to cause edema and congestive heart failure. LORE: Native Americans crushed the seeds to make salves (external use only) for sores, burns and boils. MORE LORE: Prickly Poppy Seed Oil was used as a fine lubricant alternative during WWII. What it replaced was Sperm Oil - an oil that is drained from skull cavities of Sperm Whales. 54