136 



POISONOUS PLANTS 



some toxic property, the nature of which has not 



been determined, which stupefies fish ; and has, 



therefore, been used for this purpose to catch 



them. 



As children so frequently put all kinds of seeds 



in their mouths, this plant should be avoided in 



that respect. 



Fig WORT {Scrophularia, Fig. 34). — We have 



four species wild, but only 

 two common {S. nodosa 

 and S. aquaticd). They 

 have a disagreeable odour 

 and a bitter taste. They 

 were formerly credited as 

 very valuable in the cure 

 of scrofula. Hence arose 

 the name of the genus 

 and family as well. 



6'. nodosay found in 

 shady and moist places, 

 has a quadrangular stem, 

 smooth and toothed 

 leaves, small purplish 

 flowers in a large terminal 



" panicle," ^ and a capsular fruit. The rootstock is 



horizontal and tuberous. 



The plant acts as an emetic and purgative with 



^ This is a technical term for any loose mass of flowers on 

 the same central stem. 



Fig. 34. Scrophularia nodosa; 

 Figwort. 



