98 NAT. ORDER. — CONVOLVCLACilB. 



are on the upper surface of a deep green, and on the under of a 

 lighter shade. As the flowers, which are peduncled, large and white, 

 approach the summit of the stem, they separate further; several are 

 usually in a fascicle ; their buds pass from a purplish hue, tinctured 

 with red to a straw-like color ; the three in7ie7- sepals, which are the 

 largest, are commonly tipped with an abrupt subulate point ; the 

 tube of the corolla is beautified with the purple color. It flowers 

 from June to August. 



Medical Properties and Uses. In taste this plant is bitter, 

 slightly astringent, and, like many others of the same genus, some- 

 what cathartic. These qualities, which assimilate it in eflfect to 

 rhubarb, and provide for it a ready and needed sphere, are drawing 

 towards it extensive notice from medical practitioners. The very 

 peculiarity of its virtues has tended to retard its acknowledgment. 

 In calculous aflfections it holds claim as a remedy. By its means 

 calculous granulfe has been administered with facility. In addition 

 to this it may be considered as possessed of diuretic qualities, a sup- 

 position which will probably be confirmed by further trial. Its root 

 has not unfrequently been sold for mechoacanna, according to a wri- 

 ter in the Materia Medica, and who observed its collection and sale 

 to this end. Other properties are rendered not improbable by the 

 fact that with empix'ics whose private interest it is to hide their mode 

 of practice, this plant has been in constant requisition. 



