NAT. ORDER. 

 RanunculacecB. 



P^ONIA RUSSI. CRIMSON PEONY. 



Class XIII. PoLYANDRiA. Order I. Monandria. 



Gen. Char. Calyx five cleft, unequal. Petals five to ten. Sta- 



mcns indefiuate. Z>is/>; fleshy, 

 Spe. Char. Floicers large, and of a crimson color. 



The 700^ of this beautiful exotic plant is long, creeping, sending 

 out numerous fine fibre.s, and of a cream color externally, and whitish 

 within ; the stem, is upright, round, stiff, with from two to four 

 branches of leaflets, and is terminated with a beautiful large blood, 

 or crimson-red blossom ; the stamens are numerous, and of a yellow 

 color ; the leaves are long lanceolate, of a dark green on the upper 

 surface, almost grey on the under, and placed several upon the same 

 foot stalk ; the seeds are rather globose, and shining ; the whole 

 plant, especially when in blossom, produces a very disagreeable 

 smell. 



Medical Properties and Uses. This species of poppy is sometimes 

 gathered in connection with the other varieties for medical purposes, 

 but as its properties are so essentially different, and even sometimes 

 proving dangerous, it should be avoided. The root is acrid, bitter, 

 and fetid, and its qualities are reported to be narcotic and dangerous. 

 The seeds possess the same qualities, and are somewhat emetic. 



Vol. iv. —135. 



