6-18 SYSTEMATIC BOTANY. 



{estivation. Stamens 6 — 12, arising from the top of the ovary, 

 and either attached to the style {fig. 1015) or distinct; anthers 

 extrorse. Omr?/ inferior {fig. 1014), 3 — 6-celled; style simple; 

 stigmas radiating {fig. 1016), and corresponding in number to 

 the cells of the ovary. Fruit capsular or succulont, 3 — 6-celled. 

 Seeds numerous, albuminous {fig. 1016); embryo very minute 

 (/^. 1016). 



Distribution, ^r. — Sparingly distributed in several parts of 

 the world, but very common in tropical South America. Ex- 

 amples of the Genera: — Asarum, Aristolochia. There are about 

 130 species. 



Properties and Uses. — Birthworts contain a bitter principle 

 and volatile oil ; they possess, generally, tonic, stimulant, and 

 acrid properties. Many of the species are regarded in various 

 parts of the world as useful in curing the ejBfects of snake-bites. 



Aristolochia, Birthwort.— Several species have been employed for centuries 

 in medicine, principally on account of their supposed emmenagogne pro- 

 perties, and hence the name of Birthwort which is applied to the genus. 

 The roots of A. longa,A. rotuvda, A.Clemaiitis, <tc.,haTe been thus employed. 

 They all possess stimulant and tonic properties. The powdei-ed root of A. 

 longa was one of the ingredients in the once celebrated Duke of PortJand's 

 poirderfor govt. Several of the species have been reputed specifics for snake- 

 bites, but without any satisfactory proof. A . anguicida is supposed by Lindley 

 to be the celebrated Gunco of the Columbians. The juice of its root, as well 

 as that of many other species, is said so to stupify snakes that they may be 

 handled and played with. The rhizome and rootlets of A. Set'pentaria, 

 Vii'ginian Snake-root, are officinal under the name of Serpentary root. 

 Serpentary was originally introduced into this country and elsewhere as an 

 antidote to snake-bites, but it has no efficacy in such oases. It is, how- 

 ever, a valuable stimulant, tonic, and diaphoretic, and is especially useful 

 in fevere of a low or typhoid character. A. indica is in high repute in India 

 as a stimulant, tonic, and emmenagogue. A. bracteata is regarded in India 

 as an anthelmintic. 



Asarum. — A. europceum, Asarabacca, possesses acrid properties. It has 

 been employed in medicine as an emetic, and as an errhine in headache 

 and ophthalmia. Its powder is supposed to constitute the chief ingredient 

 in cephalic snuff. A. canadense, Canada Snake-root or Wild Ginger, has 

 aromatic properties. The I'hizome is used in the United States as a tonic, 

 diaphoretic, and aromatic stimulant. 



Bragatitia.— The juice of the leaves of B. Wallichii is regarded as an 

 antidote in snake-bites, more especially in that of the cobra. B. tomentosa 

 is itsed by the Japanese as an emmenagogue. 



Natural Order 224. Santaxace^. — The Sandal-wood Order. — 

 Character. — Herbs, shrubs, or trees. Leaves entire, alternate. 

 Flowers usually perfect. Calyx superior, 4 — 5-eleft, valvate in 

 aestivation. Stamens perigynous, equal in number to, and oppo- 

 site the segments of, the calyx. Oy«ry 1 -celled, inferior ; ovides 

 1 — 4, usually suspended ; placenta free-central. Fruit inde- 

 hiscent, 1-seeded. Seed with a quantity of fleshy albumen; 

 embryo straight, minute ; radicle superior. 



Distribution, S^c. — Natives of various parts of the world. The 

 species found in North America and Europe are inconspicuous 

 herbs ; those of India, Australia, &c., are trees or shrubs. 

 The genus Thesium is partially parasitic on the roots of other 



