574 



SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



at the base {fig. 481). Stamens 1—5, inserted upon the corolla 

 {figs. 480 and 481). Ovary inferior {figs. 480, 481, and 949), 

 •with 1 fertile cell, and usually 2 abortive or empty ones. Fruit 

 dry and in dehiscent, frequently pappose {fig. 452). Seed {fig. 

 949) solitary, pendulous, exalbuminous ; radicle superior. 



Distribution, ^c. — Chiefly natives of the temperate parts of 

 Europe, Asia, and America ; they are rare in Africa. Examples : 

 — Nardostachys, Valerianella, Centranthus, Valeriana. There 

 are 12 genera, and 185 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 

 agreeable by Europeans. 



Nardostachys Jataviansi is the true Spikenard of the ancients. It is much 

 esteemed in India both as a perfume, and as a remedial agent in epilepsy and 

 hysteria. It is the Nard of the Hebrews, and the Nardo.s of the Greeks. The 

 root is supposed to be the Sumbul of the shops (see Sumbul, p. 562). 



Valerianella olitoria. — The young leaves are occasionally used as a salad, 

 both on the continent and in England. In France they are known under the 

 name o^ mdche, and in England by that of Lamb's Lettuce. 



Valeriana officinalis.— The root of this plant is the otficinal Valerian of the 

 British Pharmacopoeias. It is much employed as a nervous excitant and 

 antispasmodic. The roots of V, Dioscoridis, Phu. celtica, sitchensis, and other 

 species, have similar properties. V. sitchensis is most esteemed in Russia. 



Natural Order 127. Dipsacacej!:. — The Teazel Order. — 

 Herbs or undershrubs. Leaves opposite, or verticillate, ex- 

 stipulate. Flowers in dense heads (capitula) {fig. 405), sur- 



Fig. 949. 



Fig. 950. 



Fig. 951. 



Fia- 940. Vertical section of the ovary of the Red Valerian (Ccntrnnthtis ruber). 



ra. Calyx. <v.. Corolla, sty. Style, or. Ovule Fig. ti.V). fruit of Scn- 



l,it)ga iiuriiurin, siirinounted by the pappose calyx Fig. 951. One of the 



centrol fl(.ret8 of the capitulum of Scabiosu purpurea, with tlie ovary, &c,, 

 cut Tertically. 



