« COROLLIFLOK^. 579 



arms somewhat obtuse, and equally pubescent {fig. 476). 

 Examples: — Cichorium, Scorzonera, Tragopogon, Lactuca, 

 Taraxacum, Hieracium. 



Distribution, ^c — Universally distributed ; but the TubuU- 

 florcE are most abundant in hot climates, and the Liguliflorce in 

 cold. The Labiatiflorce are almost confined to the extra-tropical 

 parts of South America. In the Northern parts of the world the 

 plants of this order are universally herbaceous; but in South 

 America and some other parts of the southern hemisphere, they 

 sometimes become shrubby, or even occasionally arborescent. 

 There are about 9500 species, according to M. Lasegue, who re- 

 marks " that they have steadily continued to constitute about ^ 

 of all described plants, in proportion as our knowledge of species 

 has adA-anced. Thus Linnaeus had 785 Composites out of 8500 

 species; in 1809 the proportion was 2800 to 27,000; De 

 Candolle described 8523 in the year 1838, which was again a 

 tenth; and now (1845), that the estimate of species has risen 

 to 95,000, Composite plants amount to 9500." According to 

 Lindley, there are about 1080 genera, and 9000(?) species. 



Properties and Uses. — The properties of the Compositoe are 

 variable. A bitter principle pervades the greater number of the 

 species in a more or less evident degree, by which they are 

 rendered tonic. Some are laxative and anthelmintic. Many 

 contain a volatile oil, which communicates aromatic, carminative, 

 and diaphoretic properties. Others are acrid stimulants, and 

 the Ligulijlorce commonly abound in a bitter- tasted milky juice, 

 which is sometimes narcotic. 



Si\b-Order 1. Tubuliflor^. — The plants of this sub-order are chiefly re- 

 markable for their bitter, tonic, and aromatic properties ; these are due to the 

 presence of a hitter principle, and a volatile oil. Some are esculent vegetables. 



Vernonia anthehninlica. — The fruit of this plant is used in the East 

 Indies as an anthelmintic. 



Eupatorium glulinosuyn. — According to Hartweg, the leaves of this plant 

 constitute the substance called Matico, which is employed as a styptic. The 

 matico used in this country is, however, derived Iroi'n Artanthe elongate, a 

 plant of the Nat Ord. Piperacese. E. ayapana ax\A E. perfoliaturn ha\e been 

 employed as antidotes to the bites of venomous reptiles. 



Mikania Guaco and opifera have been much used as antidotes to the bites 

 of venomous serpents in South America. 



Tussilago Farfara, Coltsfoot This plant is employed as a popular remedy 



in chronic coughs and other pulmonary complaints. 



Inula Heknium, Elecampane, is an aromatic tonic, expectorant, and 

 diaphoretic. It has been employed in chronic catarrh, and in dyspepsia. 



Guizotia oleifera, {Verbesina sativa) of Lessing, is extensively cultivated 

 in India for its seeds, which are known in commerce under the name of Niger 

 Seeds. These yield a very thin oil. useful in painting and for other purjwses. 

 It is known in India as Rn'm-til, Kala-til, Noog, &c. 



Helianthus tuberusus. — The tubers are much eaten under the name of 

 Jerusalem Artichokes. The dried fruits have been used as a substitute for 

 coffee. H. annuus is the common i^un flower. The pith contains nitrate of 

 potash, and is therefore sometimes used in the preparation of moras ia 

 Europe. The fruits have been lately employed as an ingredient in a kind of 

 soap called Sunflower Soap. 



Anthetnis nobilis. Chamomile or Camomile. — Tins plant is extensively cul- 

 tivated for the sake of its flowers, which are much employed for th^ir sti- 

 P P 2 



