MICHIGAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 185 



be one of the most interesting plants for the study of the orif^ln and nature 

 of the biennial habit of many plants. For a time considerable dilliculty was 

 experienced in growing henbane in this country, but at present it is recognized 

 that if the plants are subjected to severe cold, as 20° F., they will germinate 

 readily. Indeed, in certain parts of the West, as in Oregon, the plant has 

 become well established. It is also reported to be well established in Mackinac 

 Island, in the Straits of Mackinac, between the two peninsulas of Michigan 

 and on the adjacent mainland on either side. 



25. Ilyoscijamns nigcr L. var. paUUlus. Wald. and Kit. This is a plant 

 resembling the annual henbane, but producing yellow flowers. 



26. Inula Helenium L. (Elecampane). This is a perennial herb natur- 

 alized in Europe and growing in many places in the northern United States, 

 sometimes occurring as far west as Missouri. It has considerable interest in 

 medicine and is i;ecognized in the National Formulary. 



27. LemsUcum officinale (L.) Koch. (Lovage). This is a branching 

 perennial herb, producing small greenish-yellow flowers, which are followed 

 by the strongly aromatic fruits. The parts used in medicine are the roots 

 and fruits. The plant contains an interesting coloring principle, which may 

 be used to identify limestone water. If the water is pure or neutral, the 

 principle gives it a crimson color, but if it is alkaline a blue color appears. 



28. Martynia Louisiana Mill. (Unicorn plant). This is a low plant, 

 with heart-shaped leaves and beautiful white or purplish spotted flowers. 

 The fruit is terminated by a two-horned beak, causing some species growing 

 in Mexico to be known by the name of Devil's claw, in allusion to the clinging 

 hooked fruits. 



29. Matricaria Chamomilla L. (German Chamomile). There are two 

 genera of the compo.sitae which furnish plants commonly known as chamomile. 

 One of these is the genus Anthemis, which furnishes tlie garden or English 

 chamomile. There is another plant of this genus, Anthemis Gotida-, L. which 

 is very common and linown as May weed, or Dog fennel. This latter j>lant 

 looks lii.e a daisy, and flowers throughout the Summer. A plant resembling 

 this is the Matricaria Chamomilla, but this is very sparingly naturalized. The 

 German chamomile, which is official, comes to us from Germany and is usually 

 collected from wild plants. It is well worth cultivation, as it has been com- 

 manding a price of 50 cents a pound. The flowers only are used in medicine, 

 although all parts of the plant are valuable. It is chiefly used as a mild tonic, 

 but is also useful as an anthelmintic. 



MO. Xepcta Cataria L. (Catnip). This European plant is not infre- 

 quently found as a common weed near dwellings, having been introduced 

 through its cultivation. It is used to some extent in medicine, and is still 

 I'ecogni^ed in the National Formulary. The name Catnip is given to it because 

 of the fondness which cats show for it either in the fresh or dried condition. 

 The leaves and flowering tops are used in medicine. 



