SCROPHULARIACE^. 121 



petiole so as to be lyrate-pinnatifid; the lower ones frequently cordate 

 at the base, obtuse. Elowers in rather dense axillary corymbose 

 cymes arranged in an elongate lax panicle. Lower bracts leaf-like ; 

 upper ones small, linear. Pedicels stout, with a few gland-tipped 

 hairs, not more than twice as long as the calyx at the time of 

 flowering. Divisions of the calyx orbicular, with broad scarious 

 margins. Corolla three times as long as the calyx, not contracted 

 at the throat. Abortive stamen orbicular or reniform-orbicular, 

 spathulate, entire or faintly emarginate, Caj^sule globose-conical, 

 gradually acuminated. Plant glabrous or puberulent. 



By the sides of ditches, ponds, and streams, and other damp 

 places. Very common in the South of England ; more rare in the 

 North, where it extends to Northumberland and Lancashire. 



England, Ireland. Perennial. Summer and Autumn. 



Rootstock not much thickened nor nodose, producing one or 

 more stems. Stem stout, 18 inches to 5 feet high, with a narrow 

 wing at each of the four angles, generally unbranched, with 

 axillary fascicles of a few leaves, which sometimes grow out into 

 branches. Leaves 2 to 12 inches long, much exceeding their petioles, 

 with the principal veins impressed ; glabrous, or puberulent with 

 very short hairs. Cymes opposite, dichotomous with the 

 branches racemose and slightly elongating in fruit. Corolla ^ inch 

 long, dark maroon (rarely yellow), with the base of the tube 

 greenish ; the upper lip large and bifid, much exceeding the three 

 lower lobes, which are nearly equal. Staminode inserted at the 

 base of the upper lip, roundish- or reniform-spathulate, generally 

 entire, but sometimes truncate or even emarginate at the apex. 

 Capsules about the size of peppercorns, tapering to a sharp point, 

 on pedicels not more than twice their own length. Plant deep- 

 green, the principal veins of the leaves very conspicuous below, 

 the ultimate ones slightly apparent. 



Common Water Betony. 



French, Scrophulaire Aquaiiq^ie. German, Wass&r Braunwurz. 



The Scrophularice are commonly known by the name of Brownworts and Figworts. 

 The former name is said to arise from the brown colour of the stems and flowers ; but 

 Dr. Prior thinks more probably from its growing so abundantly about the Brunnen or 

 public fountains of German towns and villages. All the figworts are described as 

 being foetid and acrid to such an extent as to be refused by cattle ; but cows are some- 

 times seen browsing on the tender shoots of the Water Figwort even when better pasture 

 is at hand. In old pharmacy the leaves of the "Water Betony had a i-eputation as a 

 cosmetic, and it is said that " if the face be washed with the juice thereof, it taketh 

 away the rednesse and deformity of it." 



VOL. VI. R 



