578 CORNACEX. 
Distribution and Nwmbers.—These plants are universally 
distributed, being found in tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, 
and the coldest regions. Illustrative Genera :—-Panax, Linn. ; 
Hedera, Linn. The order includes about 300 species. 
Properties and Uses.—It must be regarded as a somewhat 
remarkable fact that, nearly allied as the Araliacez are to the 
Umbelliferze, they never possess to any degree the poisonous 
properties which are frequently found in plants of that order. 
The Araliaceze are generally stimulant, aromatic, diaphoretic, 
and somewhat tonic. 
Aralia—A. nudicau/is is a native of North America, where its roots are 
used popularly as an alterative and stimulant diaphoretic in rheumatic affee- 
tions; they are commonly known under the name of False, Wild, or American 
Sarsaparilla, and are sometimes forwarded to this country. Under the 
name of Rabbit roots they have been also used as a remedy in syphilis by 
the Crees, in North America. The bark of A. spin: sa, called Angelica or 
Toothache T-ee in North America, is used as a stimulant diaphoretic.—A. 
racemosa, A. spinosa, and A. hispida yield aromatic gum-resins.—A. edulis 
is used in China as a diaphoretic. Its young shoots and roots are also eaten 
as a vegetable in China and Japan. 
Cunnera scabra is remarkable for its enormous leaves, which are some-. 
times as much as eight feet in diameter ; the fleshy petioles resemble those 
of the Rhubarbs in appearance, and are eaten. Its roots are astringent. 
This geuus is p’aced by Bentham and Hooker under Haloragacex. 
Hedera Helix, the Ivy, is reputed to be diaphoretic, and its berries are 
emetic and purgative. It contains a peculiar acid called hederic acid, which 
is supposed to be a glucoside. 
Helwingia.—This genus, which contains but one species, H. ruscifolia, 
has been sometimes made a distinct order called Helwingiacee. The leaves 
are used in Japan as a vegetable. 
Panax.—P. Ginseng.—TVhe root of this plant, which is a native of Nor- 
thern Asia, constitutes Ginseng, which is so highly prized by the Chinese as 
a stimulant and aphrodisiac, that they will sometimes give for it its weight 
in gold. The name Ginseng signifies ‘ Wonder of the World.’—P. quinque- 
Solium is a native of North America. Its root is known under the name of 
American Ginseng. It has similar properties to the preceding.—P. Pseudo- 
Ginseng, a native of India, also appears to have analogous properties.— 
P. fruticosum, P. cochleatum, and P. Anisum have aromatic properties. 
Tetrapanax ( Aralia) papyriferum.—From the pith of this plant, a native 
of the island of Formosa, the rice paper, which is used by the Chinese for 
making artificial flowers, &c., is prepared. 
Order 3. CoRNACES, the Dogwood Order.—Character.— 
Shrubs, trees, or rarely herbs. Leaves simple, opposite or very 
rarely alternate, exstipulate. Flowers perfect or rarely uni- 
sexual, arranged in heads, or in a corymbose, or umbellate 
manner, with or without an involucre. Culyx superior, 4-lobed. 
Petals 4, broad at the base, inserted at the top of the calyx- 
tube ; xstivation valvate. Stamens 4, inserted with the petals 
and alternate to them. Ovary inferior, surmounted by a disk, 
usually 2-celled ; ovule pendulous, solitary, anatropous ; style 
and stigma simple. Fruit drupaceous, crowned with the 
remains of the calyx. Seed pendulous; embryo in the axis of 
fleshy albumen. 
