About
Note: Do not rely on this information. It is very old.
Tonka Bean
Tonka Bean, corrupted into TONQUIN BEAN, the seed of the leguminous Dipterix (Coumarouna) odorata, a large tree native to Cayenne. Both fruit and seed resemble those of the almond, but the seed is longer, black, and polished. It contains a crystalline aromatic substance, coumarin (C9H6O2), which has the scent of new-mown hay. It is used to scent snuff and in tho manufacture of sachets and perfumes, for which purpose it is imported from Para, Angostura, and Surinam.