252 Convolvulus panduratus. 
in fascicles; calix smooth, awnless, corolla subulate-campanulate, 
white, with the tube purplish-red at the base, both externally and 
within. The peduncles and petioles have a common origin, and 
are arranged in pairs. The flower-buds are of a purplish-red hue 
at first, and when further advanced, are straw-colour. The plant 
flowers from June to August. It will be found every where in 
sandy fields, and by fences, from Canada to Florida. 
MEDICAL PROPERTIES. 
The root of this plant, in larger doses than jalap, i is mildly ca- 
thartic. Its operation is somewhat like that of rhubarb. But it 
has not obtained a place in the American dispensatories, for its 
cathartic property; and, it must be confessed, it is doubtful whe- 
ther it possesses this virtue to any such extent, or in any such pe- 
culiar manner, as to entitle it to particular notice on this account. 
It is for its reputed power as an antilithic, that I have introduced it 
here. The plant has certainly acquired no inconsiderable repute, 
as a remedy for calculous affections. A decoction is said to have 
been used with great success, by a physician of New Jersey,* who 
* Dr. Harris—see Barton’s Collections. — 
