SPIGELIACEiE. 149 



II 



Medical Botany." In marshy meadows, and on banks of streams 

 and ponds ; May. 



The leaves are bitter and used for rheumatism ; in Sweden, the 

 plant is a substitute for hops. Only one species in the genus, a 

 native of Europe and America. 



Sabbatia. Adanson. 5. 1. 



Named after L. Sabbati, a botanist of Italy of some distinction ; 

 a North American genus of about 10 species, of which 4 have 

 been introduced into England ; 2 are found in this State. 



^. chloroides, Ph., and S. stellaris^ Ph. Both found in the 

 eastern part of the State, but are not of much importance except 

 for their beauty ; the former being one of our most beautiful wild 

 flowers. They have been found very difficult to cultivate. 



HOUSTONIA. L. 4. 1. 



Named after Dr. William Houston ; a genus confined to the 

 United States, except one fine species in Mexico. Of the 8 

 known species, 2 belong to Massachusetts. 



H. ccerulea. L. Venus' Pride. The small delicate plant with 

 fine bluish flowers, which spreads among the grass in meadows 

 and low grounds in great abundance. On the alluvial meadows of 

 the Housatonic River, are acres in succession of this flower ; 

 blossoms in May. 



H. longifolia. Willd. Long-leafed. A taller, larger plant, 

 with purplish flowers ; hills and mountains ; June. Stem 6-12 

 inches high, branched, leaves an inch long. 



ORDER 198. SPIGELIACEiE. Wormseed Tribe. 



Removed from the preceding order by Dr. Martius, and con- 

 tinued by others ; embraces American plants, chiefly of South 

 America. 



