PRIMULACEA, 607 
Distribution and Nuwmbers.—Chiefly found growing on the 
sea-shore and in salt marshes in various parts of the globe, but 
by far the greater number inhabit temperate regions. Tlustra- 
tive Genera:—Armeria, Willd.; Plumbago, Towrn. There are 
about 250 species. 
Properties and Uses—Of little importance, but acridity and 
astringency appear to be the most remarkable properties of the 
plants of this order. 
Armeria vulgaris, Common Thrift—The dried flowers are commonly 
reputed to be diuretic. 
Plumbago.—The roots of several species are acrid and vesicant when 
fresh, as those of P. ewropxa, Toothwort, P. zeylanica, P. scandens, and 
P. rosea.—P. toxicaria is used as a poison in Mozambique. 
Statice caroliniana is called Marsh Rosemary in the United States, where 
its root is official and is much emploved as an active astringent. The root 
of S. latifolia has similar astringent properties to S. caroliniana, and has 
been used in Russia and Spain as a tanning agent. The roots of S. 
mucronata are said by Holmes to constitute the drug known in Morocco as 
Tafrifa, which is supposed to possess nervine properties. The roots, termed 
‘Baycuru’ and ‘ Giaycuru,’ and described by Symes and Holmes, are very 
astringent, and appear to be derived from species of Statice; the latter, 
according to Holmes, from S., brasiliensis. 
Order 2, PrimuLace®, the Primrose Order.—Character. 
Herbs. Leaves (fig. 394) cauline, and then simple, opposite, 
Fic. 997. Fie. 998. 
Fig. 997. Flower of the Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis). 
pet c. Calyx. p. Petals. s. Stamens. Fig. 998. Vertical 
Samy section of the flower of the same. pl. Free central 
placenta. s. Style and capitate stigma.— Fig. 999. 
Vertical section of the seed of Primula elatior. t. In- 
teguments. p. Albumen. e, Embryo. h. Hilum. 
whorled, or rarely alternate, exstipulate; or radical. Flowers 
regular, perfect (figs. 481 and 997). Calyx generally 5-cleft (fig. 
458), or rarely 4—9-cleft, persistent, inferior (fig. 998) or semi- 
superior in Samolus. Corolla (figs. 481, p, and 997, p) usually 
5- or rarely 4—9-cleft, very rarely absent, or rarely of distinct 
petals. Stamens (fig. 997, 8) equal in number to the segments 
of the corolla or separate petals, and opposite to them, or in 
