97-2 
the bud, or in some cases induplicate, commonly deeper cleft or completely split 
down between two of the lobes (this cleft is generally upon the lower face of the 
corolla when the bud is young, but becomes superior, by a twisting of the pedicel, 
during its maturation). S/amens 5, epigynous, as many as the lobes of the corolla 
and alternate with them, usually both monadelphous and syngenesious ; filaments 
generally free from the corolla, but not invariably so; anthers 2-celled, introrsely 
dehiscent, firmly united around the top of the style. Ovary wholly inferior, or 
sometimes half free, 2-celled, with the placentae projecting from the axis (some- 
times 1-celled with 2 parietal placenta) ; ovw/es anatropous; style filiform, entire : 
stigma commonly 2-lobed, and girt with a ring of more or less rigid hairs, at first 
included, then exserted.* yu¢¢ capsular and loculicidal, or baccate and indehiscent; 
seeds indefinitely numerous ; embryo small er narrow, straight and axial; albumen 
copious, fleshy. ; 
Many species of this order are acrid, narcotic poisons, only a few being, so 
far, used in medicine, among which the West Indian Rebenta Cavallos (Hippobro- 
ma longifolia, Don.) is noted for its poisonous properties. If taken internally it 
speedily brings on hypercatharsis, while the juice, if touching the mucous mem- 
brane, quickly causes acute inflammation; and 7xfa Fenillaet, Don., is said to 
__ bring on nausea in one simply smelling of its flowers. The three species described 
in this work are, however, all that are much used. 
History and Habitat.—The Cardinal Flower is indigenous to North America, 
from New Brunswick to Saskatchewan, southward east of the Mississippi to 
: Florida, and southwest to the borders of Texas. It rears its magnificent spike of 
_ gorgeous flowers along the muddy banks of streams, during the early autumn 
months. It was introduced into Great Britain from Virginia, on account of its 
beauty, in 1629. 
Sheepf mentions the use of the root of this species, by the Cherokee Indians, 
for syphilis; and Dr. Barton speaks of their successful use of it as an anthelmin- 
tic By some early physicians it was considered fully equal to Spigelia Marilandica, 
in this direction. This species is, however, seldom used now, Z. zx/flata taking its 
place entirely. It is considered, however, to possess marked anthelmintic, nervine, 
and antispasmodic properties, 
: PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh plant, gathered when 
coming into blossom, is treated as in the next species. The resulting tincture has 
a clear yellowish-brown color by transmitted light; a sweetish, herbaceous odor 
and taste; and an acid reaction, 
CHEMICAL, CONSTITUENTS.—No special examination of this plant having 
been made, we can do no better at present than to refer to the chemistry of L. 
inflata, page 99-3. 
oo 
* See pp. 98-98-2. 
