GENTIANACES. 621 
orincymes. Calyx and corolla persistent, with an equal number 
of lobes. Stamens alternate to the lobes of the corolla, and 
equal to them in number. Ovary superior, 1-celled, with 2 
parietal placentas placed anterior and posterior, sometimes 
meeting in the centre and forming a 2-celled ovary; style 1; 
stigmas 2. Seeds small, numerous, with a minute embryo in 
the axis of fleshy albumen. 
Division of the Order and Illustrative Genera.—The order may 
be divided into two sub-orders as follows :— 
Sub-order 1. GENTIANE%.—Leaves opposite, corolla imbricate- 
twisted. Illustrative Genera:—Gentiana, Linn. ; Chlora, Linn. 
Sub-order2. MrnyantHe&.—Leaves alternate, corolla indupli- 
cate. Illustr. Genera :—Menyanthes, Towrn.; Villarsia, Vent. 
Distribution and Numbers.—They are found in nearly all 
parts of the world, inhabiting both the coldest and hottest 
regions. There are upwards of 500 species. 
Properties and Uses.—A bitter principle almost universally 
pervades the plants of this order ; hence many of them are tonic, 
stomachic, and febrifugal. 
Erythrea Centaurium, the common Centaury, is an indigenous plant 
possessing similar properties to Gentian. It was till lately official in our 
pharmacopeeias. Other species have similar properties. 
Exacum,—Various species, as FE, bicolor, E. pedunculatum, and others, 
natives of the East Indies, possess the tonic and stomachic properties of 
Gentian, and may be substituted for it. 
Frasera carolinensis.—The root of this plant, which is a native of the 
United States, is commonly known as American Calumba. It has much 
less bitterness than Gentian root ; and hence, though similar in properties, 
it is less powerful. It has been sold for Calumba in France, and is some- 
times termed false Calumba. 
Gentiana lutea.—This plant is a native of the mountains of central and 
southern Europe. Its root is our official Gentian, so well known for its 
bitter tonic properties. The roots of other species of Gentian are frequently 
found mixed with it in commerce, as those of G. purpurea, G. punctata, 
and G. pannonica; but this admixture is of little consequence, as they all 
possess similar properties. Powdered gentian is sometimes used to vive 
flavour, &c., to cattle foods. From Gentian root, the Swiss and Tyrolese 
prepare a spirit which is much prized by them as a stomachic. The root of 
G. Catesbzxi, a native of the United States, has similar properties to, though 
less powerful than, those of G. lutea. 
Menyanthes trifoliata, Buck-bean, Bog-bean, or Marsh Trefoil.—The 
leaves and rhizome are tonic and astringent, and in large doses cathartic and 
emetic. The plant has been employed in Lapland, and some parts of Germany, 
as a substitute for hops. It was till lately official in our pharmacopeeias. ~ 
Ophelia (Agathotes) Chirata, the Chiretta or Chirayta. —The dried plant 
possesses great bitterness. Chiretta is used by the natives of India ay 
Gentian is employed in Europe. It is also in use asa tonic, &c., in this 
country, and is official in the British Pharmacopceia. Other species, natives 
of the East Indies, have similar properties, but are less valuable. One of these, 
namely, O. angustifolia, is now often substituted in this country for the 
genuine drug, as was first noticed by the author. : 
Sabbatia angular’s. American Centaury.—The dried herb is employed in 
the United States on account of its tonic and febrifugal properties. ~ 
