104 FICOIDEA. 
ing M. Spergula, and adds that the plant is administered for q 
ache. He considers that it is justly held in estimation by t 
native practitioners. In Pudukota the juice of M. Spergu 
is applied to itch and other skin diseases, and that of M. hir 
(Sirooseroopadi, J’am.,) is administered internally to weak ¢ 
dren. The latter plant is stated by Watt to be prescribed 
the Punjab and Sind for diarrhoea under the names of Poprang 
Gandi-buti and Kottruk. 
Description,—W. stricta: Glabrous, stems much branched, 
leafy, often a foot high in rich wet soil, sometimes only a few 
inches where the situation is unfavourable Leaves 3? to 13 i1 
whorled or opposite, from lanceolate acute to obovate obtuse, 
elliptic or round. Stamens 3 to 5, filaments dilated. ES ‘| 
3, Short, linear. Capsule as long as the sepals, globose, man 
seeded, the walls thin. Seeds dark chestnut-coloured; emb 
curled into three-quarters of a complete circle. (FU. Br. I; 
M. Spergula: Glabrous or nearly so, branching, diffuse, le 
Leaves } to 1 in., usually whorled, spathulate lanceolate 
elliptic; petiole 0 to} in. Pedicels } to } in. Sepals 3 to 
in., oblong, margins often membranaceous. Stamens 5 to 1 
Stigmas 3, minute. Capsule ellipsoid, a little shorter than tl 
sepals. Seeds many, covered with raised tubercular poles f 
and appendaged by a minute short subulate bristle, and s 
times by a second, yet more minute bristle. (Fl. By. Ind.) 
Chemical composition.—The bitter principle of M. stricta 
soluble in ether, alcohol and water, and is precipitated from 
the aqueous solution ky tannin, but not by neutral lead acetate. 
It solution does not respond to alkaloidal tests, and it is | 
