436 



MANUAL OF POISONOUS PLANTS 



Fig. 211a. Flowers of Soapwort or Bouncing Betty {Saponaria officinalis). Calyx, Corolla, 

 Stamens and Pistil. (C. M. King). 



are cultivated for ornamental purposes. Of these we may mention the hardy 

 pink (Dianthus barbatus) and carnation {D. Caryophyllus). The spurrey (Sper- 

 gula arvensis) is occasionally cultivated as a forage plant in Europe and some- 

 times in this country, but is a weed of grain fields in Europe. A few species 

 like Saponaria officinalis and the catchfly are medicinal. A red dye is obtained 

 from a species of Coccus found on Scleranthus perennis. The leaves of Parony- 

 chia argentea are used as a substitute for tea. The stitchwort (Alsine cra^s- 

 ifolia) of Europe and some parts of the United States is poisonous to horses. 

 The European sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia) common eastward in sandy 

 waste places is said to cause salivation in horses. Several species of the family 

 like Saponaria officinalis, Gypsophila Stntthiuin of Spain, Agrostemma, Lychnis, 

 and Herniaria contain saponin. 



Genera of Caryophyllaceae 



Sepals united into a tube or cup. 



Calyx ovoid or sub-cylindrical, 5 angled ; not prominently nerved . . 5. Saponaria. 

 Calyx S-toothed, prominently nerved. 



Styles 3 2. Silene. 



Styles 5 or 4, alternate with petals 3. Lychnis. 



Styles 5 or 4, opposite petals, silky plants 4. Agrostemma. 



Styles 2 1 . Gypsophila. 



Sepals distinct 6. Stellaria. 



1. Gypsophila L. Gypsophyl 



Glabrous and glaucous herbs ; leaves narrow ; flowers small, in paniculate, 

 axillary clusters ; calyx cylindrical, 5-toothed, 5-ncrved without bractlcts ; petals 

 5 claws, narrow; stamens 10; styles 2. About 50 species native to Europe; 2 

 species introduced to North America. 



Gypsophila pauiculata h. Tall Gypsophyl 



A glabrous or pubescent perennial, from a simple fusiform root; leaves 

 lanceolate, narrowed at the base; flowers in panicled cymes; calyx campanulate; 



