GAMOPETAL.*:~II 



121 



is much prized as a wtoumchic and ytiniiilaiit. The 

 active principles of the rhizome have heen determined; 

 they are certain glucosides, Avhich luive been also found 

 in some of the otlier members of this family. 



Common Cextaurv {Erythnm Centaitriiim). — Gluco- 



.sideswith properties similar 

 to those found in Yellow 

 Gentian have been ex- 



tracted from the Common 

 Centaury, the latter being 

 occasionally substituted for 

 the Yellow Gentian. The 

 points of recognition are 

 tlie following: — 



1. The stem is erect, 

 s<piare, and branched, 

 terminatino; above m 



tufts of rose-coloured 

 flowers. 

 2. The leaA-es are oblong, 

 with strong parallel 



ribs (tig. 75). 

 H, Tlie flowers expand 

 only in fine Avoather. 



The bitterness of this 



plant is due to a substance 



¥ii£. 75. 



ConiJiiuii Centaury {Enjthia't 

 Centaurium) 



fl, Single Ilower. b, Piatil. 



called erythro - centaitrin; 



so 



great is the bitterness of the root that the old 



It 



cfvows 1-eadily m 



herbalists called it earth- g'alL 



rockeries, and prefei^ light soil, propagation l)eing usu- 



As mav 



be 



ally effected hy seeds sown m spring 

 supposed, the Centaniy is a omit stand-by to tbe her- 

 bali.sts, and is in deuuind by tlicm in very large quan- 

 tities. 



