590 DIPSACEA. 
1 fertile cell, and usually 2 abortive or empty ones. Frwit dry 
and indehiscent, frequently pappose (fig. 467). Seed solitary, 
suspended, exalbuminous ; radicle superior. 
Distribution and Nwmbers.—Chiefly na- 
tives of the temperate parts of Europe, 
Asia, and America; they are rare in Africa. 
Tilustratiwwe Genera: — Centranthus, DOC. ; 
Valeriana, Linn. There are about 190 
species. 
Properties and Uses.— They are chiefly 
remarkable for the presence of a strong- 
scented volatile oil, which renders them 
stimulant, antispasmodic, and tonic. Some 
are highly esteemed in the East as perfumes, 
but they are not generally considered agree- 
able by Europeans. 
Fie. 980. 
Nardostachys Jatamansi is commonly regarded 
as the Nardus indicus, the true Spikenard of the 
Fig, 980. Vertical ancients. It is the Nard of the Hebrews, and the 
Sats Ae bab Nardos of the Greeks. It is much esteemed in India 
ovary, &c., of both as a perfume and as a remedial agent in epilepsy 
theRedValerian and hysteria. In some districts, as Leh, its chief use 
(Centranthus 7u- is for incense. 
ber). ca. Calyx. Valerianella olitoria--The young leaves are occa- 
co. Corolla. st¥- sionally used as a salad both on the Continent and 
Syed a2 ene in England. In France they are known under the 
name of Mache, and in England by that of Lamb’s Lettuce. 
Valeriana.—The rhizome and rootlets of V. officinalis form the official 
Valerian of the British Pharmacopeia. Valerian is much employed as a 
neryine tonic, stimulant, and antispasmodic. The roots of V. Dioscoridis, 
V. Phu, V. celtica, V. Hardwickii, V. sitchensis, and other species, have 
similar properties. V. sitchensis is most esteemed in Russia. 
Order 2. DresacE®, the Teazel Order.—Character.—Herbs 
or undershrubs. Leaves opposite or verticillate, exstipulate. 
Flowers in dense heads (capitula) (jig. 428), surrounded by an 
involucre. Calyx (fig. 982) superior, with a membranous or 
pappose limb, and surrounded by an involucel. Corolla (fig. 
982) tubular, epigynous, monopetalous, the limb 4—5-lobed, 
generally irregular (figs. 428 and 982), and with an imbricate 
zestivation. Stamens 4, epipetalous (fig. 982); anthers distinct. 
Ovary inferior (fig. 982), 1-celled; ovule solitary (fig. 982), 
pendulous ; style and stigma simple. Frwit dry, indehiscent, 
and surmounted by the pappose calyx (figs. 468 and 981). 
Seed with fleshy albumen ; embryo straight ;eradicle superior. 
Distribution and Numbers.—Chiefly natives of the South of 
Europe, and of North and South Africa. A few species are 
found in this country. Illustrative Genera :—Dipsacus, Tourn. ; 
Scabiosa, Linn. There are about 170 species. 
Properties and Uses,—Some are reputed to possess astringent 
and febrifugal properties, but as remedial agents they are alto- 
