PLANT NAMES AND THEIR MEANINGS — XIV 



SCROPHULARIACEAE 



By WiivLARD N. Clute;. 



n^HE Scrophulariaceae comprises some 2500 different species 

 ■"" very widely distributed over the earth but most abundant 

 in the Temperate zones. Many species have a close superficial 

 resemblance to the mints (Labiatae) since they possess square 

 stems, opposite leaves and two-lipped flowers but the flowers 

 are much larger, though generally lacking fragrance, and they 

 are more commonly borne at the top of the stem in panicles 

 and thyrses though Gray says that none have a truly terminal 

 inflorescence. The most trustworthy character for separating 

 this group from the mints is found in the fruit. In the Scro- 

 phulariaceae this is a many-seeded two-celled pod ; in the 

 Labiatae the fruit breaks up into four nutlets. The group 

 derives its name from the genus Scrophularia which is said to 

 be so named because used for the cure of scrofula. The plants 

 of this genus have long been known as figworts, and by an ex- 

 tension of the name the members of the entire family are so 

 called. The plants in no way resemble figs, however, and the 

 true fig does not belong to this family. The origin of the name 

 may be found in the notes on figwort. By some the family is 

 called the Rhinanthaceae for the genus RhinantJms. 



As in the mints, a large number of the Scrophulariaceae 

 have reputed or real medicinal properties. After Scrophularia 

 whose derivation as we have just seen refers to its reputation 

 in the treatment of scrofula we may mention the gtnnsGratiola 

 derived from gratia, grace, in allusion to its usefulness in me- 

 dicine. Euphrasia named for one of the Graces meani delight 



