PETALOlDEiB. 677 



Lilium — The bulbs of some species, as those of L. tenuifolium, kamtschati' 

 cum, and spectabile, are commonly eaten in Siberia. 



Phormium tenax. — This plant is a native of New Zealand The fibre ob- 

 tained from its leaves possesses great strength, and is commonly known under 

 the name of New Zealand Flax. It is much used for twine and cordage, and 

 occasionally for linen, &c. Its root has been recommended as a substitute for 

 Sarsaparilla. 



Sameviera zeylanica and other species, produce very strong and tough 

 fibres, which are known under the names of African Hemp or Bowstring 

 Hemp. 



Yucca gloriosa and other species which are commonly known under the 

 name of Adam's Needle, yield fibres, but these are but little used. 



Aloe.— The species of this genus have succulent leaves (Fig. 104-3). The 

 purgative drug Aloes is the inspissated juice of the parallel brownish-green 

 vessels found beneath the epidermis of the leaves. Several commercial 

 varieties are known, ',but the origin of some is not accurately determined. Aloe 

 vulgaris or barbadensis yields the kind called Barbadoe« .\loes. A.socotrina 

 and purpurascens, probably yield both Socotrine and Hepatic Aloes, for, as 

 shown by the late Dr. Pereira, the difference between these two kinds maybe 

 readily accounted for by difference of preparation in the two respectively. 

 Thus, when the juice of the Socotrine Aloes plant is inspissated by artificial 

 heat, the product resembles Socotrine Aloes ; but when solidified without the 

 aid of artificial heat, it resembles commercial Hepatic Aloes. Cape Aloes is 

 yielded by ^. spicata and other species ; Indian Aloes, by A. indica and others. 

 Other commercial varieties of Aloes are known as Horse or Caballine Aloes, 

 Mocha Aloes, and Cura(;oa Aloes. Their source is not accurately known. 

 Aloes is used in small doses as a tonic, and in larger doses as a purgative and 

 emmenagogue. 



Allium. — The bulbs, &c., of several species of this genus are well known 

 dietetical articles, and are extensively used as condiments under the names of 

 Onion, Garlic, Leek &c. Garlic and Onion are sometimes emplojed in 

 medicine, thus externally applied, they are rubefacient, &c., and internally 

 administered, they are stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, and somewhat an- 

 thelmintic. All the species contain an acrid volatile oil, containing sulphur 

 as one of its ingredients. Soine species when cultivated in warm dry regions 

 lose much of their acridity and powerful taste, as the Portugal, Spanish, and 

 Egyptian Onions. A. sativum is the Common Garlic; A. Cspa, the Onion ; 

 A. Porrum, the Leek ; A. Schoenoprasum, the Chive ; A. Scorodoprasum, the 

 Rocamiiole ; A, asculonicum, the Shallot. 



Cajnassia esculenta has edible bulbs, which are used by the North American 

 Indians under the name of QuamasA. They are also known as , Biscuit- 

 roots. 



Urginea Sciila or Scilla maritima. — The bulb of this species is our officinal 

 Squill. It is a valuable medicine; in small doses acting as an expectorant 

 and diuretic, and in larger doses it is emetic and cathartic. In excessive 

 doses it is a narcotico-acrid poison. Some other species seem to possess 

 analogous properties. Two active principles have been obtained from the 

 Squill by M. Mandet — one which produces expectorant and diuretic pro- 

 perties, and not poisonous ; the other, an irritating poison|; the former, is 

 called scillitine, the latter skuleine. 



Xanthorrhcca. — The species of this genus are commonly known in New 

 South Wales, where they are natives, as the Grass-trees. The tops of these 

 plants afford fodder for cattle, and their young leaves and buds are eaten as a 

 vegetable. From X. arboiea, Hastile, and others, two resins are obtained; 

 one of which is known as Yellow resin of New Holland or Botany Bay resin, 

 the other, as the Red resin of New Holland or Black-boy gum. The latter 

 appears to be the produce of X. Haatile. Both resins exude spontaneously 

 from the trunks of the trees. They both possess a fragrant balsamic odour. 

 They have been recommended for use in the preparation of pastilles, and 

 medicinally in those cases where tolu and other balsams are employed. 



Asparagus officinalis. Asparagus. — The young succulent shoots called 

 turius, when boiled, are highly esteemed as an article of food. These, and the 

 roots, and flowering stems, are sometimes employed as diuretics. Asparagus 

 is also popularly employed as a lithic. The roasted seeds have been used 

 as a substitute for coffee. 



Draccena Draco, the Dragon Tree of Teneriffe {Jig. 186), yields a red resin 

 resembling Dragon's Blood, but it is not known in commerce. (See Calamus 

 XX 3 



