626 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



supposed to possess stimulant and narcotic'properties, and to be a preservative 

 against dysentery. (See Areca.) 



Cubeha. — The dried unripe fruits of Cnbebn officinalis constitute our offi- 

 cinal Cubebs. According to Blume, those of C. canina also form a portion of 

 the Cubebs of commerce. They are the produce of Java and the adjoining is- 

 lands. Cubebs are extensively employed in affections of the urino-genital 

 organs, upon which they have a specific effect. In the East they are used as a 

 stomachic. Their properties depend principally upon the presence of a volatile 

 oil. They are frequently distinguished by the name of Tail Pepper, from the 

 dried fruits having always a short stalk attached to them. The dried Jinripe 

 fruits of Cubeba Clusii, African Cubebs or Black Pepper of Western Africa, are 

 employed by the negroes of Sierra Leone, &c. as a condiment, and also as a 

 medicinal agent. Their effects in genito-urinary affections do not appear to 

 resemble those of the oflScinal Cubebs. Accordfng to Stenhouse they contain 

 Piperine, and not the peculiar alkaloid of Cubebs, which has been termed 

 Cubebine. 



Fiper nigrum. Black Pepper. — The dried unripe fruits of this plant 

 constitute the Black Pepper of the shops. White Pepper is the same fruit 

 in a ripened state divested of its external pulpy covering. The former is 

 the more acrid and pungent, as these properties are lost to some extent in 

 the process of ripening. Both kinds are extensively employed as condiments, 

 and medicinally as stimulants and correctives. They are also thought to be 

 febrifugal. They contain an acrid resin and a volatile oil, to which their acrid, 

 pungent, aromatic, and stimulant properties are principally d\ie ; and Piperine, 

 which is thoufiht to possess febrifugal properties. Piper trioicum and some 

 other species also produce good pepper. 



Artanthe elongata, M.itico. — The dried leaves of this p'ant constitute our 

 Matico. Matico has been recommended as a topical application for ar- 

 resting haemorrhage from wounds, &c. It has been also Employed inter- 

 nally as a styptic, but its effects, if any, thus administered, are very feeble. Its 

 action appears to be strictly mechanical, like lint, felt. Sec. In Peru Matico is 

 employed for the same affections as Cubebs. It should be noticed that the 

 name Matico is applied by the inhabitants of Quito, &c. to Eupatorium glutt- 

 nosuni (see Eupatorium). Other plants are also similarly designated in South 

 America. The dried fruits of A. adunca, &c. are used in America as pepper. 

 The spikes of fruit of A. crocata are used for dyeing yellow. 



Natural Order 191. CnLORANTHACEiE. — The Chloranthus 

 Order. — Herbs or undershrubs with jointed stems tumid at 

 the nodes. Leaves simple, opposite, sheathing, with small 

 interpetiolar stipules. Flowers spiked, achlamydeous, with scaly- 

 bracts, perfect or unisexual. Stamen 1, or more and united. 

 Ovary 1-celled, Avith a solitary pendulous ovule. Fruit dru- 

 paceous. Seed pendulous, Avith a minute embryo (not enclosed 

 in a distinct sac), at the apex of flesliy albumen, and an inferior 

 radicle. 



Distribution, ^c. — Natives of tropical regions. Examples : — 

 Hcdyosmum, Chloranthus. There are 3 genera, and 15 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Aromatic stimulant properties are the 

 principal characteristics of the plants of this order. 



Chloranthun The roots of C. officinalis and brachi/stacht/s have been em- 

 ployed in Java as stimulants in malignant fevers, &c., and for their anti- 

 spasmodic effects. The leaves of C. inconspicuus are used in China to per- 

 fume tea. (See TAeo.) 



Natural Order 192. S.\URURACE.a:. — The Saururus Order. — 

 Marshy herbs. Leaves entire, alternate, stipulate. Flowers 

 spiked, achlainydcous, perfect. Stamens 3 — 6, hypogynous, 

 persistent. Ovaries 3 — 4, more or less distinct, or united. 



